Chapter 119

Months had passed since Alex's last significant advancement, and the quiet routine of training, monitoring reports, and watching the world unravel had almost lulled him into a state of contentment. But today, something felt different. He sat at his desk, mentally preparing for another session, when the subtle hum of energy in his mind began to shift.

It started slowly at first, like the familiar buzz he'd felt at earlier breakthroughs, but then it surged. His mind felt like it was being stretched, pulled taut by an unseen force, as if the walls of his mental capacity were expanding.

Status:

Mental Strength: Level 4

Physical Strength Enhancement: x4

Progress to Level 5: 0%

Alex blinked, momentarily stunned. It had finally happened. His mental strength had crossed the threshold, reaching Level 4. He could feel it immediately—the sharpness, the clarity. Every thought was precise, every memory accessible in perfect detail. It was like his mind had been upgraded, its speed and power multiplied.

He closed his eyes and dipped into Smart Mode, his mental faculties now operating at a level that felt almost superhuman. It wasn't just about recalling information anymore; he could simulate entire events in his mind with perfect clarity. A battlefield between himself and Malik unfolded in his thoughts, every detail rendered in high definition. He watched as Malik summoned metal projectiles, and this time, Alex could follow every movement, every calculation of force and trajectory.

"Unreal," Alex muttered, a small smile forming on his face. "I could take on a mid-tier computer with this kind of processing power if I wanted to."

It was true. His mental capacity had grown so far beyond normal that even Smart Mode, which had once drained him quickly, now felt sustainable for much longer periods. He wasn't just faster at processing information—he was better at it. Every piece of data was stored more efficiently, and accessing it was as easy as breathing.

The simulations continued, and Alex found himself running through dozens of scenarios, trying different strategies to counter Malik's metal manipulation. It wasn't just brute force or power that he needed—he needed to outthink him, to anticipate every move before it even happened.

For a moment, a fleeting thought crossed his mind: Would Cognichip even be necessary anymore?

With his mind at this level, the ability to simulate scenarios, process information faster than ever, and even predict possible outcomes—Cognichip was starting to feel redundant.

He sighed deeply, the weight of that realization settling in. Back when he first made the choice, he had been an ordinary guy, fresh out of college, and Cognichip had seemed like the perfect tool for a life of subtle power. But now? Now his own mental strength was approaching a level where he might not need Cognichip at all. The thought left him feeling oddly nostalgic.

"I picked this ability because I wanted to stay low-key," Alex mused to himself. "And it helped me get here. Helped me grow without drawing too much attention."

He shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Guess I can't complain. Cognichip's been good to me. Without it, who knows where I'd be right now."

Alex turned his focus back to the status screen, studying the upgrades and new capabilities. Even though his mental strength had grown, Cognichip was still faster, still processing everything at a level that he had come to rely on. But now, with his own abilities enhanced, the gap between them was shrinking.

He leaned back in his chair, considering the future. Would there come a day when he no longer needed Cognichip? It was hard to say. For now, it still served its purpose, giving him access to precise information, instant recall, and an edge in his mental training. But Alex was sure of one thing—at this rate of growth, there would be a time when his own mind would surpass the need for external assistance.

With a sigh, Alex closed the status screen. "For now, I'll keep using it. But if I keep growing like this, I'll have to adapt."

He stood up, stretching his limbs. His physical strength had increased too, boosted by the progression of his mental strength. Every muscle in his body felt more attuned, more flexible, and faster. He could push himself farther now, all thanks to the enhancements his mental power brought.

He paused for a moment, reflecting on how much had changed since that night Malik first made headlines. Back then, Alex had barely begun to scratch the surface of his own potential. Now? He was on the verge of something much greater.

"Smart Mode, physical enhancements, simulations... I have options," Alex murmured to himself, feeling a renewed sense of confidence. "But now's not the time to rush. I'll keep training, keep preparing."

Even if Cognichip eventually became obsolete, it had served its purpose.