Chapter 213
After countless attempts and focused practice within Cognichip space, breaking through to the Soul Fusion stage in reality had become almost effortless for Alex. The familiar, fiery power of his soul now hummed within him, fused and sharpened. Standing by a calm riverbank, the pulse of his soul core throbbed like a heartbeat in his chest, but he knew this newfound strength was just the beginning.
Cognichip's voice interrupted the momentary stillness.
"Soul Fusion stage stabilized. Progress to Surface Layer will require extended refinement."
Alex didn't flinch. He had expected as much. True mastery was never easy or quick, and he had no illusions about the work ahead. Still, he knew better than to rush. The next phase of his journey would require patience and precision, and for now, he needed to refine his soul further before moving on to the next breakthrough.
Then, another prompt appeared in the virtual space.
"Current soul power level allows for the control of two matrices."
A list of matrix options materialized. Most were focused on manipulating elemental forces, yet Alex's attention was drawn to the water matrix. Although his soul's nature was fiery, he understood that the matrix itself was a tool for directing cosmic energy—a neutral force. The lack of elemental affinity was not a problem; he simply needed to channel the energy in the proper way.
With a steady breath, Alex selected the water matrix. The concept was simple enough: direct the soul power through intricate pathways to shape and manipulate water. But he knew that simplicity in theory didn't always translate to ease in practice.
---
Inside the space of Cognichip, Alex settled into a familiar, empty void, the silence surrounding him like a blank canvas, while he can create any environment he wants, empty void has a way of calming the mind without distractions.
He summoned the water matrix before him, admiring it's beauty and 3D shape of lines and curves, breathing and seeming alive in it's rythm.
Within his mind, he begins to shape his soul's energy into the precise network and patterns required for this delicate task, as usual from the inside out.
At first, nothing happened. His concentration was unwavering, but despite his best efforts, the matrix refused to take shape. The soul energy felt unyielding, slipping through his grasp like water through his fingers. Alex didn't dwell on the failure. He had been here before, struggling through the early stages of learning and refinement. It was all part of the process.
He sighed, letting the energy dissipate for a moment before trying again. With a clearer mind, he refocused, imagining the water matrix as a series of subtle weaves and pulses—a complex, interconnected system of energy, flowing as naturally as the river outside, if he had a formula for the matrix formation, he suspects it would be easier to master new matrix, but not now, cognichip is still doing the analysis.
The first few attempts were failures, with the energy falling apart before it could form any lasting structure. The water matrix felt elusive, and no matter how hard Alex concentrated, he couldn't seem to bring it into being. But this was part of his practice—he didn't need instant success, only steady progress.
Each failure was just one step closer to success.
---
Over the next few days, Alex continued his practice within Cognichip space. With each attempt, the soul energy began to respond more fluidly, taking on a smoother form. Slowly, the matrix started to come together, the energy weaving in precise patterns. But it was still delicate, still requiring immense control to hold the flow steady.
By the time Alex reached the point where he could feel the water matrix beginning to solidify, he wasn't consumed with frustration. Instead, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction before turning his focus back to the task at hand. The matrix wasn't perfect, but it was a start.
His time practicing within Cognichip was nearing its end. The small victories were stacking up, but it was time to move on to something more pressing. The real world awaited him, and there were matters that needed his attention.
---
As Alex prepared to leave Tera Nova, he received another update from Eva, his AI companion, breaking the calm silence that had surrounded his training.
"Alex," Eva's voice was as calm as always, "there have been reports of growing instability in several of the Free States across Southern Africa. Powergen influence is on the rise, leading to tensions with local governance."
Alex listened carefully, his mind already shifting toward the next chapter of his journey.
"Anything in particular I should be aware of?"
"Several of these Free States have shown resistance to Powergen's growing presence," Eva continued. "However, their efforts are fragmented. The different territories are struggling to maintain autonomy from the conglomerate, and there is no unified movement to challenge Powergen's influence."
"Understood," Alex replied, nodding thoughtfully. "Won't it be good if every nation in Africa were to be like Tera Nova" He sighed. "Keep an eye on the situation. Let me know if anything changes."
---
The time had come to leave Tera Nova behind. The tranquil training grounds had served their purpose, but Alex knew he needed to venture beyond the calm isolation. The Free States in Southern Africa called to him, a place where power dynamics were shifting and where his unique skills might make a difference.
He packed up his things and prepared for the journey south. His mind lingered on the water matrix—though still in its early stages, he felt a quiet confidence that mastery would come in time. But now, there were bigger matters to focus on. The challenges in Southern Africa weren't waiting, and neither was the next phase of his growth.
As he walked away from Tera Nova, Alex reflected on his time there. The space had allowed him to hone his skills in peace, but the world outside was full of complexity and intrigue. He felt a pull, a sense that his next steps would take him into a world of shifting alliances and hidden agendas, much like pheonix Dominion, or worse since it's a scattered state.
And so, with the water matrix still in its infancy and the lessons of Tera Nova behind him, Alex set his sights on the Free States.