Chapter 204

As Alex walked through the central markets, observing the ebb and flow of life under La Reina's rule, he couldn't ignore the lifelessness in people's eyes. They moved with clockwork efficiency, but their faces betrayed no emotion, no individuality. Conversations were clipped, their content devoid of anything controversial or creative.

It wasn't long before Alex understood why. La Reina's power wasn't just political or military; it was mental. Her mind control reached deep into the psyche of her subjects, shaping their thoughts and actions.

Not everyone in La Corona was equally affected by La Reina's influence. Alex soon discovered a peculiar hierarchy among the people. Those with mental abilities—especially mind control or resistance—occupied an elevated status. These individuals were immune to La Reina's control and were granted privileges that bordered on royalty. They moved freely, unmonitored, their thoughts untouched.

"Her grip relies on the mental weakness of the majority," Eva remarked during one of their many observations. "Those with natural resistance or trained mental strength disrupt her system. Their immunity creates an imbalance she cannot address directly, so she incorporates them into her structure instead."

Alex's lips thinned. "Smart. Instead of fighting them, she elevates them. It's a calculated move to prevent dissent."

But even among these elites, Alex sensed unease. Their privileges came at the cost of complicity. To maintain their freedom, they had to uphold the very system that enslaved the rest.

PowerGen technology was ubiquitous in La Corona, giving the appearance of a modern, advanced society. Homes were equipped with high-tech amenities, and public services ran with remarkable efficiency. Yet, for all the technological marvels, Alex couldn't shake the feeling that it was all a façade. The people here weren't free; they were puppets in a grand performance orchestrated by La Reina.

--

Each day, Alex gathered more data, feeding it into Cognichip. Eva analyzed every pattern, every fluctuation in the population's behavior. Over time, Alex began to piece together the mechanisms behind La Reina's control.

"She's using a form of frequency amplification," Eva explained one evening. "Her system resonates with brainwaves to heighten suggestibility and suppress independent thought. It's why certain individuals remain unaffected—they don't operate on the same frequencies."

Alex leaned back, staring at the ceiling of his rented apartment. "So, her power isn't absolute. It's scalable, dependent on the collective mindset of her people."

"Precisely. If the population's mental strength were to rise, her influence could waver."

The idea simmered in Alex's mind. What if he could teach resistance techniques to the people of La Corona? What if he could introduce a spark of individuality, a glimmer of self-awareness? He wasn't ready to act—not yet—but the thought planted itself firmly in his mind.

---

One evening, Alex found himself in a quiet café, watching the city bathed in red-gold light. The streets below bustled with the same precise efficiency he had come to expect, yet something felt different. Perhaps it was the faint murmur of suppressed dissent, or the brief flashes of humanity he had seen in fleeting moments.

Eva's voice was calm, steady. "Shall I document the societal effects of pervasive mind control?"

"Yes," Alex said, his voice firm. "Document everything. One day, we'll need this."

As the shadows deepened over La Corona, Alex's resolve grew. He would continue his observations, bide his time, and build his knowledge. But one day, La Reina's reach would be tested.