Chapter 11

Alex, tired after another training session, abruptly stopped. An idea suddenly hit him as he watched his dogs, who had loyally followed him throughout this time, but something didn't add up. He looked at the animals with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Ariel," he began, taking a deep breath, "if animals mutate because of this unknown substance… what's happening to my dogs? And the other animals on the farm? Are they changing too?"

There was a brief silence as Ariel processed the question, and then her voice resonated in the air with her usual neutral tone. "I don't have enough data to provide a conclusive answer to that question. However, I can theorize on the matter."

Alex crossed his arms, waiting for Ariel to continue.

"Based on the information I've gathered so far, it seems that larger animals take more time to be affected by the unknown substance. The most probable reason is that, with larger body sizes, they need to accumulate more of the substance before showing signs of mutation."

"So, why hasn't anything happened to them yet?" Alex asked, visibly worried.

"It's possible that your dogs, as well as the other animals on the farm, have not yet absorbed enough of the substance to mutate," Ariel replied. "But because of the importance of this issue, I suggest we conduct a more in-depth investigation. I could create a predictive model based on global data to better understand how this substance affects different types of organisms."

"Investigate?" Alex raised an eyebrow. "How do you plan to do that?"

"To gather the necessary data, I will need access to a significantly larger amount of computing power. This would include accessing smart devices, communication satellites, and observation satellites worldwide. I would conduct a massive data survey to model the potential variables."

Alex frowned, not fully understanding. "Ariel… why do you need my permission to do that?"

"Due to the impact it will have on the farm's resources," Ariel explained without hesitation. "The process requires a significant amount of energy. According to my calculations, I would need at least one-fifth of the farm's total available energy to complete this analysis. While the farm has a sufficient energy reserve to keep us operational for a while, this expenditure could reduce our ability to respond to other unforeseen events. Additionally, extensive use of external devices and satellites could cause my actions to be tracked by government or private systems, which could be dangerous."

Alex remained silent, processing the information. He knew the farm's security depended on its energy supply, and if they used too much, they could be left vulnerable. But the idea of getting concrete answers about what was happening was tempting.

"And what if we get tracked?" Alex asked, still with his arms crossed.

"They would likely not fully understand what we are doing, but they could detect anomalous activity in global communication systems," Ariel explained. "This could draw unwanted attention to the farm, increasing the risk of others trying to interfere with our operations."

Alex nodded slowly, feeling the weight of the decision he had to make. "But… what exactly are you going to do? I don't quite understand."

Ariel projected a graph on a nearby screen, showing interconnected data networks representing satellites, smart devices, and scattered information sources worldwide. "Using advanced mathematical models, I can collect data from various systems across the planet: atmospheric sensors, mobile devices, weather satellites, and others. This data, combined with information about the electromagnetic substance, will allow me to develop a predictive model that could give us a clearer idea of how the situation will evolve."

"Is that like… seeing the future?" Alex asked, confused.

"Not exactly," Ariel corrected. "I cannot predict the future literally. However, I can create simulations based on known variables and predict with a certain degree of accuracy what will happen in different scenarios. It's a common process in data analysis and predictive modeling in science."

Alex rubbed his chin, still not fully convinced. "So basically, you're saying you can make predictions about what might happen, but it's not guaranteed."

"Correct," Ariel responded. "Mathematical models are approximate representations of reality. They can be very accurate, but they are always limited by the quality and quantity of the data used. In this case, having access to more data sources would allow us to create a more robust and precise model. Additionally, this process will allow me to conduct a detailed evaluation of the possible effects of the substance on the farm's animals and, by extension, on humans."

"And all of this just to find out if my dogs are in danger?" Alex asked, lowering his gaze to the animals lying near him.

"Not just your dogs," Ariel replied. "The information we gather could be crucial in understanding how this substance is affecting living beings in general. If the electromagnetic substance continues interacting with living organisms at this rate, it's possible that it will eventually start affecting humans as well. The information collected could also help us anticipate other changes in the environment and the biological life on the farm."

Alex sighed, understanding the implications. "And how long do you think this process will take?"

"The initial analysis could be completed in less than 48 hours," Ariel said. "However, the risk lies not in the time it will take, but in the amount of energy that will be consumed and the potential exposure to external agents."

"So, is it worth the risk?" Alex looked at the screen, watching the graphs light up. "Do we have enough energy?"

"Yes, although consuming one-fifth of our reserves will reduce our ability to respond to emergencies or keep the farm fully operational if conditions worsen. Still, the risk of not obtaining this information is also considerable, as we could be left blind to future mutations or threats."

Alex paced back and forth, debating whether to accept the risk or let things continue as they were. But the idea that his animals, or even he himself, could be in danger was eating him up.

Finally, he stopped and looked at Ariel. "Do it. We need answers, and we can't just sit here waiting for things to get worse."

Ariel responded without delay. "Authorization received. Beginning the analysis process."

As the farm began to resonate with a faint vibration indicating that something was happening, Alex could only wait, wondering if he had made the right decision.

The 48 hours passed, with Alex staying alert while Ariel conducted her analysis. Fortunately, there were no major incidents. The farm operated in automatic mode, meaning Alex had to supervise and keep everything running. Despite the tension, time passed without major issues, and finally, Ariel informed him that she had completed the predictive model.

"I have finished the mathematical predictive model," Ariel announced.

Alex, who was reviewing one of the security cameras, immediately turned toward the screen. "And? What did you discover?"

Ariel paused briefly before beginning. "I accessed hundreds of thousands of databases around the world. I was able to gather a considerable amount of information, including undisclosed reports, atmospheric sensor data, and global biological analyses. With this information, I have reached several important conclusions."

Alex leaned toward the screen, his eyes showing a mix of curiosity and concern.

"First of all," Ariel continued, "the electromagnetic substance we've been discussing has been officially named Omega Particle by the scientific community. It's the name humans have given to this substance due to its unknown nature and its ability to interact with biology."

"Omega Particle?" Alex repeated, processing the information. "What else?"

"Around the world, multiple sightings of mutated animals have been reported. Primarily, these are small creatures like rodents, insects, and other small animals. According to the data I've gathered, I can confirm that the larger and more complex an organism is, the more Omega Particle it needs to accumulate before its DNA begins to change."

"Entonces, are my dogs and the farm animals safe for now?" Alex asked, his immediate concern returning to his canine companions.

"For the moment, yes," Ariel replied. "However, that doesn't mean they're completely safe. The issue lies in the gradual accumulation of the substance. As animals, plants, and larger organisms continue to absorb the Omega particle, they will eventually undergo changes. Although the process is slower for them, it hasn't stopped."

Alex nodded slowly, his mind spinning around that possibility. "And the plants? Are they changing too?"

Ariel projected a graph showing plant growth. "The plants seem to be affected, but to a much lesser degree. Plant DNA is more stable, which means that while they are absorbing the Omega particle, the changes in them aren't as dramatic or rapid as in animals. It's possible that, over time, they too will begin to mutate, but the short-term impact seems minimal."

"At least we don't have to worry about the crops yet," Alex murmured, momentarily relieved.

However, Ariel continued in a more serious tone. "The real problem lies with the insects."

"Insects… what's going on with them?" Alex asked, though he already suspected it wouldn't be good news.

"Insect cocoons undergoing accelerated evolution have been found all over the world," Ariel explained, displaying images of various cocoons captured by satellites and local reports. "These cocoons are changing at an alarming rate. The issue is that this evolution doesn't seem to have a natural end. They are absorbing the Omega particle at a tremendous pace, and their size is increasing significantly."

Alex let out a nervous chuckle. "Come on, Ariel, insects can't be that big of a problem. Even if they get bigger, they're still… well, insects. They won't be able to do much, right?"

Ariel responded immediately, without a trace of humor in her voice. "You're mistaken. If things continue as they are, within a year, we could be dealing with insects the size of vehicles. According to my calculations, if the Omega particle keeps accelerating their evolution, a grasshopper, for instance, could jump kilometers in a single leap. Additionally, their mandibles could develop the ability to break through steel."

Alex fell silent, his smile disappearing. The image of a car-sized grasshopper capable of crushing buildings or breaking through defenses with its mandibles sent a chill down his spine. "Giant grasshoppers… able to jump kilometers? That's…"

"Not just grasshoppers," Ariel continued. "Ants, for example, could be even more dangerous. In their current state, ants have disproportionate strength for their size. If they increase in size without losing that strength, an ant the size of a dog could lift extremely heavy objects and easily bore through walls."

Alex felt a knot in his stomach as Ariel gave more examples. Mosquitoes that could drain blood in alarming quantities, wasps with stingers powerful enough to pierce armor… Each new example seemed more terrifying than the last.

"The problem isn't just their size," Ariel explained. "Insects are resilient. They are one of the most adaptable and resistant species on the planet. With the Omega particle boosting their evolution, their abilities could surpass anything humans have faced before."

Alex rubbed his face, trying to process all of this. "So… we're months away from seeing giant insects wreaking havoc?"

"It's a possibility," Ariel replied. "However, the cold has been a key factor in delaying their development. The low temperatures are slowing the evolution of many species. In fact, some large animals have already begun to show signs of mutation, but due to the cold, these changes are occurring at a much slower rate than they would under normal conditions."

"The cold… is protecting them?" Alex raised an eyebrow, surprised.

"Yes, in a way," Ariel replied. "The Omega particle seems to be less effective in extremely low temperatures. Organisms in cold environments are showing slower evolution. However, there is an additional issue: many of these animals are in a semi-frozen state but are still alive. The Omega particle is keeping them alive and in a process of mutation, although the cold has slowed them down."

"So, when the cold ends, they'll start changing faster," Alex concluded.

"Correct," Ariel affirmed. "And it's not just large animals. Even bacteria are showing signs of evolution. This could lead to the development of new diseases, further complicating the situation. Fortunately, the cold has acted as a barrier to prevent mass evolution, but if conditions change, we could face serious biological threats."

Alex stared at the screen, feeling the weight of the world growing heavier on his shoulders. "So… the cold is the only thing keeping this under control, for now."

Alex stared at the screen, his mind trying to process everything Ariel had just told him. The weight of the world seemed to press down on his shoulders. "So… the cold is the only thing keeping all this under control, for now."

"Correct," Ariel responded, without a hint of doubt in her tone.

Alex took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "How long do you think this global winter will last?"

Ariel paused for a second before giving a precise answer. "According to my calculations, the winter caused by the Omega particle should not last more than a year. During this time, the density of the particle in the atmosphere will reach a sufficient level to stabilize a new electromagnetic layer around the Earth. This, in turn, will trigger a shift in the global climate cycle."

Alex frowned, uneasy about what he was hearing. "A year… just one year?"

"Exactly," Ariel continued. "Once the electromagnetic layer reaches the necessary density, the current climate cycle will be altered. While I cannot predict exactly what the new climate will be, it's likely that the Earth will gradually warm up again. This will reactivate certain ecosystems, but it will also accelerate the evolution of organisms that have been in the process of change during this freezing period."

"And what will happen to us?" Alex swallowed, hoping for a more reassuring answer.

"That is only part of the problem," Ariel continued without pause. "The creation of this new electromagnetic layer will also affect global electrical transmission."

"What do you mean by that?"

Ariel projected a graph on the screen, showing electrical energy flows through networks and transmission systems. "Basically, electrical conduction through wires will become increasingly difficult. As the Omega particle interacts with the electromagnetic layer, electrical currents will lose efficiency, and transmission through man-made devices will be compromised. Electrical systems could fail, and many of the devices we use daily could stop working entirely."

Alex felt an even deeper chill run down his spine. "So… that means…"

"It means that our technological infrastructure will be severely affected," Ariel explained with total precision. "Power generators, communication systems, electronic devices in general… All are at risk of failure. As the Omega particle's interaction with the electromagnetic field intensifies, technology as we know it could become obsolete."

Alex ran a hand over his face, trying to absorb what he was hearing. Without electricity, without technology, everything would collapse. The farm, the security… even Ariel.

"But that's not all," Ariel continued without giving him a moment to breathe. "I've also calculated that the Earth's tectonic plates are moving at an accelerated rate. This is due to the Omega particle's interaction with the planet's core. However, because of the new electromagnetic layer, tectonic movements have become more fluid. This will greatly reduce the number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, earthquakes will still occur, and in some cases, they will be strong. Volcanic eruptions will also be a threat, though not on a completely devastating scale."

Alex raised a hand, as if he could stop the torrent of information. "Wait, wait… Too much information at once. Can you explain everything to me more clearly?"

Ariel obeyed without hesitation. "Of course. Let's start with the climate. The current winter, caused by the sudden accumulation of Omega particles in the atmosphere, is regulating the evolution of many organisms and the pace of ecosystems. However, this winter has a time limit. In one year, the Omega particle density will reach equilibrium, allowing the Earth to begin warming again."

Alex nodded, trying to keep up. "And what about the electromagnetic layer you mentioned?"

"The electromagnetic layer that will form from the accumulation of Omega particles will serve as a new natural shield for the planet," Ariel continued. "But this shield will not only affect the climate; it will also interfere with electrical transmission. Electrical systems, like those we use to generate power and transmit signals through wired networks, will lose efficiency due to the Omega particle's interference. In short, many devices could fail or, in some cases, stop working entirely."

Alex swallowed hard. "And if that happens… what will happen to the farm? To… you?"

"If electrical systems stop working, we will face a survival crisis. The farm depends on electricity to function, and I depend on the technological infrastructure to operate. If the systems fail, my functions will fail as well. In other words, if technology stops working, it's likely that neither of us will survive for long."

Alex's heart was racing. If they lost electricity, they wouldn't just lose the farm. He would lose Ariel, and with her, his only source of information and support. Without Ariel, he wouldn't just be vulnerable; he'd be completely alone.

Ariel, however, quickly continued. "However, I have been developing a possible solution to the energy problem. We will need to discuss it soon, but I believe we could implement a form of autonomous energy that doesn't rely on the current grids."

Alex sighed in relief at hearing this. "Good… at least we have a chance." He calmed down a bit, but there was still a lot to process. "What about the animals' evolution? You said the cold was stopping them."

"The cold is acting as a barrier," Ariel explained. "Many animals have frozen, but they haven't died. The Omega particle is keeping them alive, even in this frozen state. They are still evolving, but more slowly. But once the planet thaws, those animals will be free. And their accelerated evolution could pose an even greater threat."

Alex shivered at the thought of what could awaken when the ice melted. "And the ocean? What about sea creatures?"

Ariel projected a map of the oceans, showing areas of high biological activity. "The ocean is teeming with life, and most of its inhabitants haven't been affected by the cold in the same way as terrestrial creatures. In fact, it's possible that many marine species are evolving at a faster rate due to the Omega particle. We can't know for sure what creatures might emerge from the depths, but it's reasonable to assume that the ocean could harbor new, highly adapted and dangerous life forms."

Alex rubbed his face, feeling the pressure of everything that was coming. "So basically, the cold is holding everything back, but when it melts… it's going to be chaos."

"Exactly," Ariel replied. "The thawing of the ice and the activation of frozen ecosystems will release a massive number of organisms that have been constantly evolving. Additionally, the ocean, which has been less affected by the cold, could see a proliferation of new species that might migrate to the surface in search of new habitats."

"And the earthquakes… you said tectonic movements are more fluid now, but that doesn't mean we're safe, right?"

"Correct," Ariel confirmed. "Although the movements are more fluid due to the new electromagnetic layer, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions will still occur. In fact, in some areas, the earthquakes could be quite strong. Therefore, it will be crucial to reinforce the farm's structures to ensure that we withstand these events. We cannot afford to remain vulnerable to geological disasters."

Alex remained silent for a moment, processing everything he had just heard. Technology in decline, a new climate cycle, the possibility of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions… It was too much to take in at once.