Chapter 107

Weeks had passed since the incident involving Malik, yet the world felt irrevocably changed, it's no longer a rumor or make believe, Malik is real. Alex settled into his routine, adhering closely to his Flowstrike regimen. It had become his sanctuary, a ritual that not only enhanced his flexibility and strength but also fortified his mental resilience. As he moved through each carefully orchestrated sequence, he couldn't help but feel a sense of control—a stark contrast to the chaotic events unfolding outside.

In the quiet moments after his workouts, Alex would turn to his laptop, eager to receive updates from Eva. The ongoing developments in the realm of superpowers intrigued him, especially as they pertained to Malik.

"Eva, what's the latest on Malik?" he asked one morning, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Malik has become quite the figure in New York," Eva reported, her voice steady and informative. "He is not low-key at all. Reports indicate that he frequently showcases his abilities in public, manipulating metal in various settings. Videos of his feats have gone viral, generating significant attention and speculation regarding the extent of his powers."

Alex frowned, the reality of Malik's flaunting behavior gnawing at him. "So, he's reveling in the attention?"

"Indeed. He appears to enjoy the notoriety, often posting updates on social media and engaging with followers who express admiration or curiosity about his abilities," Eva continued. "There has been no indication of other individuals exhibiting superpowers similar to his, but many people seem to be hoping they could awaken their own abilities in the heat of life-or-death situations, as he did."

"Sounds like a recipe for disaster," Alex muttered. "Are people really trying to replicate that kind of experience?"

"Yes, the number of daredevils attempting risky stunts has increased dramatically. Several individuals have been reported seriously injured or killed while trying to emulate Malik's actions, believing they might trigger latent abilities," Eva explained. "This trend appears to be contributing to an uptick in crime rates across multiple regions, as some individuals exploit their newfound confidence in pursuing reckless behavior."

Alex leaned back in his chair, contemplating the broader implications of these developments. While he had anticipated potential changes in society with the emergence of superpowers, he hadn't expected the chaos that would ensue.

"Have there been any governmental responses to the increase in crime and reckless behavior?" he asked, hoping to gauge how authorities were addressing the situation.

"Some cities have begun to implement new regulations and increase law enforcement presence in areas known for such activities," Eva replied. "However, many officials are still scrambling to comprehend the phenomenon of superpowers and how to effectively manage the implications for public safety."

"Unbelievable," Alex said, shaking his head. "People are really willing to risk their lives for a moment of fame or validation."

"Indeed, the desire for power and recognition can drive individuals to extremes," Eva remarked, echoing Alex's sentiment.

As he mulled over the state of the world, Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency to continue his own progress. Taking a look at Cognichip progress bar

/Mental strength level 4, 70%

70%, am almost there, Alex silently mused. With continued dedication to my daily routines, I will surely reach this milestone within the next few weeks or months.

Good. I need that level up. Alex replied, determination settling in his gut "as much as I want to remain under the radar, I also need to prepare myself for whatever might come next. If things escalate with Malik or anyone else, I want to be ready, though it will be better not to come under their radar till I can protect myself."

"Would you like to adjust your training regimen to incorporate more advanced techniques?" Eva inquired.

"Definitely. Let's focus on techniques that enhance my combat abilities, especially considering the potential threats posed by individuals like Malik," Alex said, his mind racing with possibilities. "I need to ensure that my mental strength complements my physical abilities."

"Understood. I will integrate advanced combat simulations and mental fortitude exercises into your training schedule," Eva confirmed.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Alex resumed his workouts, pushing himself harder than ever before. Each movement was a blend of discipline and focus, his mind shifting between the immediate task at hand and the potential threats that lurked beyond. As he trained, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was on the brink of something monumental, both in his own journey and in the broader landscape of a world awakening to superhuman possibilities.

The ongoing narrative of Malik served as a reminder: power, in all its forms, was never without its risks.