LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 180: Chapter 179
Alex sat in his study, staring at the quiet glow of his Cognichip interface. His thoughts drifted to the community he had nurtured from behind the scenes—the Stargazers, they called themselves. For years, they had been practicing the old cultivation techniques he'd devised, a blend of martial arts and meditation, aimed at refining both the mind and the body. At its peak, this practice allowed them to flow with the pulse of energy around them, enhancing their physical bodies and giving them the ability to anticipate the actions of ability users. But that was it. There was no deeper connection to the true rhythms of the universe.
But now, things were about to change.
"Cognichip, display the latest analysis of the frequency techniques."
The screen flickered to life, showing lines of data, graphs, and intricate diagrams that explained the inner workings of the technique. Unlike the cultivation method, these frequency techniques didn't just enhance the body—they were designed to connect a practitioner to the very rhythm of their own body's natural energy flows, using that as a foundation to reach beyond, to the rhythm of all things. It was a more subtle, more powerful approach.
"Frequency techniques derived from natural body rhythms. Practitioners will, at level 5, gain the potential to connect with a specific rhythm of naturally occurring phenomena," the Cognichip displayed.
Alex nodded. The idea of rhythmic breathing, perfectly timed to the body's natural cycles, fascinated him. It was like tuning an instrument, but the instrument was the human body, and the music it played was the rhythm of the universe itself. At the highest levels, a practitioner might be able to connect with the rhythms that govern fire, water, wind—any natural phenomenon. Not yet the rhythm of all things, but enough to give them significant power.
"Run simulations for vulnerabilities," Alex ordered, his eyes narrowing. He knew from experience that power, no matter how carefully granted, always had the potential for abuse. If he released these new techniques to the Stargazers, who could say that one day they wouldn't turn against him? PowerGen was already a concern—what if the Stargazers became one too? He needed a fail-safe.
"Running simulations," Cognichip responded. On the screen, models of the frequency techniques appeared, their energy flows pulsing in time with the rhythmic breathing exercises. But Alex wasn't just watching for how the techniques worked—he was looking for weaknesses, places where he could insert a hidden vulnerability that only he would know how to exploit.
"The key is complexity," Alex muttered to himself. "Something subtle, a frequency so intricate no one else could discover it."
As the simulations ran, Alex's mind drifted to the future. The Stargazers had grown under his guidance, though they had no idea who their true benefactor was. For now, they were content practicing the cultivation techniques, pushing their physical limits, and sharpening their senses. But with these new frequency techniques, they would be able to do more than just react—they could control the very phenomena of nature itself. And that made them a potential threat.
"Eva," Alex called out.
"Yes, Alex?" Eva's voice was calm, artificial yet always attentive.
"What's the current status of PowerGen's influence on the Stargazer community?"
"PowerGen has minimal direct influence over the Stargazers. They operate independently. However, some key figures within the Stargazer ranks have begun promoting PowerGen's technological advancements, including suit integration and enhancements," Eva reported.
Alex frowned slightly. He had anticipated that PowerGen would try to infiltrate the Stargazer community, especially with the allure of technological enhancements. But he couldn't allow them to gain too much influence.
"Monitor that closely. I want no direct connections between PowerGen and the Stargazers. This new frequency technique cannot fall into their hands prematurely."
"Understood," Eva replied, her tone neutral.
Alex leaned back, deep in thought. PowerGen wasn't his only concern. While the company remained under his control—thanks to the backdoors he had discreetly embedded in all its technology—there was always the risk that someone could discover his hidden safeguards. And now, with the Stargazers poised to gain even greater power, he needed to be vigilant.
"Cognichip, status of simulations?"
"20% complete. Estimated time to completion: 12 hours."
"Good. Keep running them. I want to ensure that the frequency techniques can be safely distributed without risking future betrayal."
He rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of responsibility settling over him. The idea of betrayal nagged at the back of his mind. He trusted no one, not entirely. People could be loyal now, but what about when they had global influence? When PowerGen covered the world, when the Stargazers mastered the frequencies of nature—what then? Power corrupts. He had seen it before, and he wouldn't let it happen to him.
"I'll make sure that, no matter how powerful they become, I'll always have the ability to shut it all down."
The Cognichip flickered, displaying another line of data: "Improved frequency techniques will allow practitioners to connect to one specific natural rhythm at Level 5 of human brain capacity. Each rhythm offers unique control over natural phenomena but carries inherent unpredictability."
Alex stared at the display, thinking of the possibilities. Fire, water, air—each natural element had its own rhythm, its own pulse. The power to command these forces was unimaginable. But that power, in the wrong hands, could be devastating. That's why he needed the hidden vulnerability—a flaw so intricate, so perfectly woven into the technique, that no one could see it but him.
"Cognichip, how likely is it that a Level 5 practitioner will discover the vulnerability in the frequency technique?"
"Probability remains low. Vulnerability is tied to a highly complex set of frequencies that only you can control. No other known practitioners have the knowledge or tools to detect it."
Alex smiled slightly. "That's what I wanted to hear."
Once the simulations were complete, he would release the frequency techniques to the Stargazers, embedding the vulnerability within the very essence of the method. They would practice the techniques, grow stronger, and when they reached their peak, they would unknowingly be at his mercy.
"Eva, keep me updated on any changes within PowerGen or the Stargazer community. And prepare to distribute the new techniques once Cognichip finishes running the simulations."
"Understood. I will monitor both groups closely and inform you of any developments," Eva responded.
As the room fell quiet, Alex turned his attention back to the simulation running before him. He was playing a dangerous game, but with Cognichip at his side, he held all the cards. The Stargazers would never know what he had done, and PowerGen would remain under his control. He had created this world, and he would make sure it remained in his hands.
"Power corrupts," he thought to himself again, "but only when you don't control it."
And Alex was nothing if not in control.