Chapter 19 - Fickle

It was already 10 days since the meeting in the principal's office. Since then, no trouble comes knocking on his door so Faust enjoyed a peaceful life. He also finished the entire isle of computer programming books in the library so he turned his focus on computer engineering.

The package that he asked from Sebastian last time already arrived. At this time, he was in the computer room tinkering on his work. The place was messy and there are scattered pieces of wire and circuit boards here and there. He now had dark circles on his eyes and disheveled hair.

"Fuck, I never thought that it would be this troublesome building this manually from the scratch. Good thing I already have a processor. Sigh!" Faust complained.

Then Angel suddenly appeared leaning on the door frame of the room.

"Boss, it was already evening. You haven't slept for two days. You even skipped your daily training and I'm hungry right now. Tsk! I miss Adobo."

"Just go order some food outside, I'm halfway finishing this crap." Faust said not bothering to look at her.

"At least go to sleep, did I mention you stink too?" Angel mocked while covering her nose.

"What? I smell fine."

Faust was offended then he smelled himself, "Hmm..Blergh! Shit! I do smell like a rotten egg milkshake."

Unable to stand his own odor, he let go of what he was doing and ran towards the bathroom for a shower.

After he had a shower, he suddenly felt tired and his dizzyness became stronger. He quickly went up to his room and locked himself up before sleeping. After he slept for a whole day, he woke up in the evening, fresh and full of energy.

He saw Angel eating pizza in the living room watching TV.

"Skipping classes now are we?" She remarked.

"I wasn't worried, my quizzes are all in ace." Faust said in defense.

Angel just shrugged and she continue eating her pizza.

"When are you going to restart your training? You seem pretty worked up with your little project lately."

"Yeah, it seems that way. I just realized that I'm just a little excited to put the knowledge I acquired into practice so when I started it, I'm reluctant to stop midway. I remembered that although it's necessary, it wasn't on top of my list."

"So.. that means?"

"Yeah, I'll start again tomorrow morning."

"Suit yourself. Just don't forget my breakfast."

"Why do I feel like there's something wrong in my position as an employer."

"It's all in your mind."

"By the way, have you already bought the other parts?"

"Yeah, it's all in the other room."

Faust suddenly noticed that he gained some weight in this ten days. He was close to all-bones body type before but now, there's thirty percent more mass in his arms.

'I guess I really need to keep up with my training."

Thinking of this, he started to organize his everyday schedule. He grabbed a pen and paper before writing what was in his mind.

He listed that very morning, he would do his routine work out. Then he will go to school, spend one hour library after class, go home and return to his project from 9:00 pm to 12:00 am before going to sleep.'

He posted the schedule on the fridge using a ref magnet and informed Angel to remind him according to this schedule.

Angel just nodded in reply picking up another slice of pizza.

--

Texas, Umbrella Corporation Headquarters

John was sitting on his desk as Chairman and CEO of the company. He was looking at a bald middle-aged man sitting accross him.

"You know, ever since we hired you Stefan, our company's profits increased by five percent." John said smilingly.

"It was all the company's efforts, Chairman." Stefan said humbly.

"Well, keep up the good work. You deserve this promotion. Go celebrate with your colleagues tonight, it's on me." John said generously.

"I shall take my leave then, Chairman. Good night, sir." Stefan said bowing slightly towards John.

After coming out of John's office, he nodded to the secretary for a greeting then proceeded to the elevator.

When the elevator came close and making sure he was alone, he dialed a number on his mobile phone. The call went through and Stefan started to speak in a low voice.

"The mission was accomplished smoothly, I'm getting closer to our goal."

The voice on the other line responded, "Very well, proceed with the plan according to the schedule. Once we get what we need, you know what to do."

"Yes, I will be able to gain Valentine's trust soon. Hail Hydra!"

Tut tut tut..

After the call ended, he came out of the company while looking at the top floor of the building.

--

"Haaaaa haaa ha.. I can now keep up with you. Do you think we can enroll to a boxing gym now?" Faust inquired

Angel scoffed, "Nope, you're not ready yet. You can keep up with me because I'm slowing down for you. Nevertheless, you have a good progress."

"Thanks! Hoooo... I can't believe I can now run in laps without getting close to dying like last time."

"Is it because of your appetite?"

"I think so too.. I think my body is now getting the energy it needed for me to last longer. But this theory isn't proven yet so I won't treat it as fact."

"You know, you are sounding more like a scientist now."

Faust also realized this, "Yeah, you're right. Why in the hell did I say that?"

Then he muttered, "This is a world where demons, magic and gods exist. Not everything can be treated scientifically. I gotta stop this before it becomes a habit."

"What's that boss? Did you say something?" Angel asked.

"Ah..No! Thanks for the reminder by the way."

Angel shrugged it off and said, "Sure! No problem. What's our breakfast?"

"Is all you think about is food?"

"Your fault for cooking good food." Angel retorted.

"Remind me to update a clause in our employment contract." Faust said jokingly.

Angel just rolled her eyes and sat at the dining table.

"Hurry, Boss! I'm hungry."

"I hope you get fat any time soon." Faust snickered but still cooked their meal.

--

Days gone by, Faust's daily life became a steady pattern of routine as he strictly followed his schedule with a help of Angel reminding him from time to time.

At this time, he already completed the books in computer engineering. He was now starting his 3rd Biology book in the library. He was still attending class just for attendance and during their P.E. class, Faust didn't bother to hide his outstanding performance gaining praise from his teachers. Because of the morning routine, he became more agile as his body started to show some lean muscles. Of course, Billy increased his resentment towards him for having too much limelight and still bidding his time for revenge.

One evening at the computer room in his house, a loud laugh reverberated throughout the estate.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Finally, my super computer has been completed. Goodbye slow loading..BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Faust laughed like a villain in a third rate movie.

"Let's test this big boy, shall we?Hehehehe."

He connected the wires and cables through his own built motherboard. He inserted the core processor from alien technology and plugged in to the power source. He connected the glass monitor as well and fired up the computer. When the light indicator lit up, he jumped in excitement.

"Fuck Yes!!! It worked! Hahahahaha all the effort wasn't wasted."

Angel came in after hearing Faust's shouts to see what's going on and she watched him jumping in joy like a madman.

She came close to the glass monitor and got confused because all she could see was a blank screen with an underscore blinking.

"Boss, all I see is black screen with this tiny little thing flickering on the screen?" Angel was confused why he was so happy.

"Of course, it doesn't have an operating system yet and it can only be operated when you type in a command. But it was easier than building this whole damn thing with my own two hands." Faust explained.

"How does this thing help us?" Angel asked curiosly.

"I'll program an operating system first. After that, I'll build our own Artificial Intelligence who can assist us with a simple command." Faust proudly explained.

"I can't understand any word you're saying but, sure."

"You'll see how amazing this thing is soon. Hehehehehe." Faust laughed evily.

"Don't laugh like that boss, you're freaking me out. Besides, your time's up. It's already past 12 so go to sleep already."

"Damn, just let me celebrate a little will you?"

"Time's up boss, go to your room before I drag you."

"Okay, okay fine.. Geez! What a nagger. Hmph, I swear I'll teach you a lesson someday." He muttered.

Reluctantly, he went towards his room to take a shower.

After freshening up, he tried to sleep. But unfortunately, sleep was elusive tonight. There are many thoughts running in his mind after achieving his first goal. Building a computer is just the start to help him gain power gradually in order to survive. He needed an A.I. to assist him on his study for developing a drug to make him stronger.

'If only this shitty system can be activated, sigh. Come to think of it, I almost forgot I have it. I just don't wanna rely too much on it cause time isn't on my side. The start of the first invasion is slowly approaching and I don't have anything to defend myself.'

Since he can't sleep, he decided to list his priorities for now. He went to his window and opened it showing the city lights in the distance. He climbed up the roof while looking at the night sky.

'At least I still have this.'

He opened his palm showing a modified pager he got from Carol.

'I wonder what planet she's in right now. I hope I can roam the sea of stars one day."

Ring ring

Faust thoughts was interrupted by a call on his mobile phone.

"Who is insane enough to call me in this hour of night. It's so late already."

He fished out the mobile phone on his pocket and saw Darcy's name on the screen.

"I figured much.. Sigh" He mumbled then answered.

"What the heck, Darcy, why are you calling me so late at this hour?" Faust complained.

"Hello, Faust. Sorry I was just excited. Our class is organizing a party for Halloween. You wanna come?"

"Huh? Why do you think I have time to waste in those par--"

"There'll be a lot of girls coming." Darcy interrupted.

"Heh, you underestimate me too much, you think I'm that fickle?" Faust sneered.

"When and where?" He continued.

"Not fickle huh, I'll inform you soon. See you there loverboy." Darcy on the other line smirked.