NOVEL WEB Chapter 36: Chapter 36
{A/N: Quick note, I tried using Ai to help edit my work. Basically it went through and scanned for bad sentence structure or shit grammar and gave me ways to fix it. Before anyone loses their shit THIS IS NOT AI GENERATED I wrote the entire thing.
If you don't believe me I can even upload the uneddited version I wrote.}
1st POV
Sitting in my lab, I stared at the holographic projection before me. A three-dimensional neural map of the human brain rotated slowly, crimson and purple lines entwined to perfectly map the neural pathways of a human brain. Lazily spinning it, I began reconsidering my plans.
Shrugging, I decided not to worry too much about it and instead see how it plays out, after all I'm giving humanity a chance to improve whether they want it or not.
With a flick of my wrist, the holographic display flew to the side as a new projection appeared, looking over the projection which acts as a physical representation of the connections between each line of in my neural device, I begin tweaking the structure of it to be more adaptable to the human brain.
The device was simple in concept, but what it could do in reality was on a unimaginable level. This device would allow any human to wear it, instant access to whatever information they want. On top of that the device could act as a extension of the human brain, improving the wearers memory retention, calculation speed and anything else imaginable.
No longer would people be limited to interacting with their creations through clunky inefficient keyboards, now they could directly tell the computer what they want. Instant translation between thought and binary.
Humming giddily to myself I wish I could have had this device in my last life, it would have made everything so much easier. Sending out a signal I patiently wait as a robot fetches me one of my lab rats and a completed device. The device which I had chosen to call the BCND mark 1 or for the general public 'The Beyond'.
Hearing a faint tapping sound behind me, I spun in my swivel chair to face the imprisoned rapist, I don't need to use my eyes to see him but I decided it would unnerve him more if I made direct eye contact, after all he's not here to be comfortable.
Approaching the holding cell the Shellwalker holding my test subject lowers his cage to the ground before pushing the man into the larger cell. Picking the cage back up it compacts into a small disc which the Shellwalker attaches to its back before scuttling out of the room.
Casually tapping away at a holographic screen, I draw up a projection displaying all the man's vital signs. Doing a quick read through I grab the BCND off the edge of my workbench where the Shellwalker left it and approach the cage.
Phasing my hand through the transparent cage I place the device on a table within the cell, on the table metallic boxes of different sizes wait in neat lines on either side of the device. Turning around I power walk over to my chair before sitting down and spinning a few times.
Grabbing a roll of liquorice from my inventory I casually flash my razor sharp teeth as I take a bite, chuckling I decide I scared my test subject enough and use my psionics to slide my chair closer to the cell.
"Test subject ND1, pick up the device on the centre of the table and raise it to your temple." – Morgan
Panicking the mans eyes flit around the room before he begins banging on the far wall while yelling.
"I shouldn't be here! I did nothing wrong! I don't deserve to be experimented on by a monster!!" – ND1
Sighing I do a quick spin on my chair while taking another bite of my liquorice, swallowing the sugary treat I speak again to the unruly lab rat with a bored tone.
"Subject ND1 you are here because I caught you disposing of the body of the latest victim to be raped by you. I mean the girl was thirteen, I don't know how the police didn't investigate the school you worked at after the second disappearance." – Morgan
"I'm only human, you wouldn't understand you monster. I have urges, I can't resist them." – ND1
"I don't really care about your excuses; you aren't leaving that chamber till you test my device. It would be able to help you control your impulses as well." – Morgan
Stammering the fat middle aged man's eyes flit around the chamber before reluctantly landing on the small triangle shaped device roughly the size of a twenty cent coin. Stepping forward the man slowly picks up the device as I watch boredly from the side, deciding he's taking too long I use my psionic abilities to quickly raise the device to his temple.
Instantly the device activates and attaches to the mans temple, scratching at the device the man attempts to remove it but can't get through the barrier of condensed air I made to protect the fragile device.
Ignoring the man's sobbing pleas, I begin reviewing the data being sent from the device, after a few seconds of calibrating the device officially boots up and the man freezes. Open mouthed the man looks around in a shocked daze as I make the device project a field of flowers to the man's visual cortex.
Cancelling the image the man returns to reality and looks around the cell startled.
"What did you do to me! What is this device!?" – ND1
"That device is a brain to computer neural interface device, basically it allows you to control computers with your mind." – Morgan
The man froze, clearly scheming. His gaze darted around before settling on me, a wicked grin spreading across his face. I remained unimpressed
"You fool, you've given me the device I need to escape!" – ND1
Raising his hand to the device the man seems to focus hard whilst looking at the electronic door to the cell, checking the simulated digital space I placed the mans device in I notice him slowly trying to change the basic code for the doors lock.
In reality the door to his cell is far more advanced than anything he could ever hope to hack, but I wanted to see how he would fare against the most basic of code. Waiting a few minutes the man collapses to the ground while breathing deeply.
In total the man was able to change a single line of code, I guess I shouldn't have expected more from someone who only got to where he was in life by killing others and stealing their work.
Checking my background programs, I check if I have sufficient data yet, seeing I gathered barely one percent of the needed data I call up another nine test subjects. Kitting out the new subjects I let them work through the puzzle boxes in their cells whilst I do something else.
Hearing the hiss of my air lock from behind me I swivel in my chair as Jean steps into my lab, looking around her eyes glance over my test subjects before settling on me. Rolling my way over towards I use my psionic powers to pull another chair with me.
Taking the offered seat Jean looks conflicted for a second before looking me in the eyes.
"What are you doing Morgan, who are all these people?" – Jean
Rolling around some more I head behind Jean's chair and rest my head on her shoulder.
"These are my test subjects, they're the worst of the worst. Rapists, Fraudsters, Serial killers each of these people have enough crimes to their name to bring back the death penalty. I decided to use them for my more unethical experiments that require either an established brain or soul.
I use clones for experiments that don't effect a persons mind." – Morgan
Nodding her head Jean still looks conflicted, sighing I establish a mental channel between me and Jean. Excepting the mental connection, I send a filtered version of the first subjects crimes.
Gasping fury begins to burn in my girlfriend's mind as she looks at the rapist with killing intent, soothing her mind she calms down before spinning in her chair too look at me.
"Is there nothing you can do to stop people like him?" – Jean
Gesturing to the device on each of their heads I also hover one over to give to Jean.
"I am doing something, this little device here is a able to connect to the human brain and allows them to remotely control computers. As a added bonus I've also programmed it to lower aggressive or violent tendencies.
Humans haven't been monkeys for thousands of years; they shouldn't be controlled by those primal parts of the brain." – Morgan
Nodding Jean gives me a brief hug, leaning out Jean looks me dead in the eyes again.
"Okay Morgan I trust you. In other news I came to get you for the weekly dinner with my parents." – Jean
Checking the time, I'm forced to acknowledge with mild embarrassment that I lost track of time, taking Jean's hand I stand from my swivel chair. Helping Jean up at the same time I open a portal to our side.
Stepping through to the other side I notice Jean's parents sitting at the table discussing something, looking to my right I see the sun setting over the ocean. Giving some basic greetings I leave Jean at the table as I move into the kitchen.
Opening my cupboards I use my telekinesis to gather the ingredients, mixing them together in the air and rapidly cooking it with my pyromancy I quickly whip up a delicious chilli con carne. Cooking up some rice I first dish up the rice, I then top it with the cooked chilli con carne and finish the meal by sprinkling it with some grated cheese and a leaf of parsley.
Splitting my arms into two pairs I hold each of the bowls and step into the dining room, moving up to the table I gently place a bowl in front of each person before taking my seat after returning to human form.
"So how has everyone been?" – Morgan
Starting some casual conversation, I got to catch up with Jean's parents and discuss our weeks. A few hours later I'm guiding Jean's parents out after a nice night. Moving back down to my lab afterwards I check up on my test subjects and the collected data.
After a few hours of work, I had gathered about seventy percent of the needed data to optimise my device, sitting down I watched my test subjects learn how to use the device. Whilst this was going on I personally managed the continually expansion of my machine network.
Checking up on my nearby cauldron I confirm my machines are nearly everywhere throughout New York, smiling I get a message from Tessa. Opening the message, I see the lizard doctor's inviting me to a gala tomorrow.
Accepting the invitation, I decide it will make a good place to launch my new creation, there will be a lot of reporters there and lots of scientists. Liking this idea, I begin finishing up everything I'll need for it.
The next day after incinerating my test subjects, I combine the gathered data with the BCND's software to optimise its learning programs. Gathering my things I teleport back up to my house where Jean was waiting in a absolutely stunning dress.
Walking up to her I kiss her directly on the lips before taking her hand, guiding her out to my car I open the door for her before moving around to the driver's seat. Starting the engine the car purrs with atomic energy as the nuclear powered engine revs up.
Pulling out of my driveway I hit the road into the city, ahead of me the city looms both clean and well managed. Smiling I'm happy with the work of my machines as I drivee through the crowded streets.
Finally, after driving for close to half an hour, I reach the town hall, the place is a large old building made entirely of heavy limestone bricks that have been meticulously cared for over many years. Pulling into the turning circle in front of the building a valet comes down to take my car.
Ignoring him I instead step around to Jean's side of the car and open the door for her, taking her hand as she steps out of the car I wait for her to clear it before placing the vehicle in my inventory.
Seeing the car disappear, the valet's eyes bulged out of his head as he stared at the now-empty space, walking passed him I pat his shoulder before moving further in. At the door I show the guard my invite, which Tessa sent me and am allowed inside.
Stepping through the grand entrance of the New York Town Hall, I took a slow breath, scanning the opulent interior. The ceilings stretched impossibly high, decorated with intricate gold mouldings, while chandeliers bathed the room in soft golden light. The murmur of conversation filled the space, punctuated by the occasional clink of champagne glasses.
Despite the dazzling spectacle, I felt nothing but disdain. The room was packed with the wealthiest, most powerful figures in the country—corporate elites, scientists, and politicians—yet the air was thick with deception. They weren't here to celebrate progress; they were here to trade influence like a currency.
My grip on Jean's hand tightened slightly as I activated a subtle psionic field, bending perception so we could move unnoticed. I had no interest in getting dragged into the usual political manoeuvring.
Then, I spotted her.
Off to the side, Tessa stood surrounded by a small crowd, their body language tense and sharp. She was barely masking her irritation, tail flicking as she humoured the persistent vultures circling her. They wanted something. Probably her Lizard Serum, something that could extend their pitiful lifespans even if slightly.
I tapped Jean's hand lightly, gesturing toward Tessa. "Let's go save our friend before she bites someone."
Parting the crowd, I stepped up behind Tessa and tapped her shoulder. The lizard woman spun instantly, her tail coiling before she relaxed, eyes lighting up.
"Morgan! Good to see you," she said, grinning. "You've been busy lately."
I smirked. "Likewise. Looks like you made some… friends."
Her expression soured. She leaned in, lowering her voice.
"They're not my friends. They just want my research. Greedy old bastards."
Chuckling, I was about to respond—until the energy in the room shifted.
A ripple of whispers spread through the hall, drawing every eye toward the grand entrance.
I followed their gaze and groaned softly.
Tony Stark.
Strutting in like he owned the place; Stark's trademark cocky smirk was nowhere to be seen as he rocked a more casual expression that indicated personal growth. He was dressed in a sleek, custom-tailored suit, his high-tech glasses gleaming as they scanned the room.
Even before he looked my way, I knew he'd already spotted me and I wasn't in the mood for this, I came here to chat with my friends and laugh at the expense of rich idiots. Not to be harassed by an arrogant billionaire who couldn't understand I wouldn't sell him the rights to my technology.
Shifting behind Jean, I upped my psionic field hoping he'd get distracted by someone else. Maybe some starstruck scientist desperate for funding but unfortunately he was focused.
Groaning I decide to just confront him head on and deal with him here.