The next morning at 2:00 p.m., I found myself walking into the largest conference room at MIT that Katharina had managed to reserve for our meeting. What I saw when I opened the door left me genuinely impressed.
The room had been transformed into a command center worthy of a large-scale military operation. Multiple screens displayed timelines, architectural plans, world maps, organizational flowcharts. Desks were covered with laptops, tablets, stacks of printed documents. And at the center of it all, twenty-three of the most brilliant minds I had ever seen gathered in one place.
"Dr. Thorne," a woman in her fifties stood up immediately as I entered. "I'm Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Infrastructure Coordinator. It's an honor to finally meet you in person."
"Dr. Thorne!" came a chorus of voices as everyone stood, some applauding. It was surreal—as if I were a dignitary visiting a project I was supposedly leading, but which had clearly grown far beyond anything I could have imagined.
"Please, please," he said, gesturing for them to sit. "First of all, I want to say that I am absolutely impressed with what you've built. Katharina showed me some numbers, but seeing it in person is… overwhelming."
Dr. James Park, an intense-looking Korean-American man, leaned forward. "Dr. Thorne, with all due respect, we should be the ones thanking you. Your discovery represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in human history. To be able to contribute to it is a privilege none of us take lightly."
"James is right," added a woman with a posh British accent. "I'm Dr. Victoria Holmes, the coordinator of international relations. I've worked in diplomacy for twenty years, but I've never seen a project with the potential for such transformative impact. I'm literally working 18 hours a day because I can't stop thinking about the possibilities."
An older man with a gray beard introduced himself: "Dr. Marcus Webb, security and safety. Former NSA, former Blackwater. Dr. Thorne, I must be frank - when I first heard about your capabilities, my reaction was professional skepticism. But after thorough consideration, I believe your personal safety is a matter of national security. I am dedicating the resources of my entire company to ensuring your protection."
"Thank you, Dr. Webb. But before we talk about protection, I want to understand the scope of what you've built. Katharina, could you coordinate the presentations?"
"Sure. Let's start with physical infrastructure."
Dr. Mitchell activated the projector, showing extremely detailed architectural designs.
"Dr. Thorne, I worked with a team of twelve international architects to create designs for three potential campuses—one for each major location under consideration. Each design incorporates state-of-the-art research laboratories, medical facilities, dormitories for an initial 500 students, auditoriums for 2,000 people, and security measures that rival the most sensitive government facilities."
She clicked through stunning 3D renderings of campuses that looked like a combination of Hogwarts, MIT, and the Pentagon complex.
"How long did you guys spend on this?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"Our team worked virtually nonstop for 72 hours," she replied proudly. "The lead architect from Switzerland canceled his family vacation to work on this. The structural engineer from Japan flew here on his own dime to collaborate in person. Dr. Thorne, these people are treating this as their life's work."
Dr. Park took control of the presentation. "Digital Infrastructure. My team has created the most advanced learning management platform ever developed. A system that can accommodate both traditional education and special skills training. It includes personalized AI tutoring, virtual reality for hands-on exercises, and a biometric monitoring system to ensure security during development."
"Your team?" I asked.
"Fourteen software developers, three UX specialists, two cybersecurity experts. All volunteering. Dr. Thorne, Google's lead developer, quit his $400,000-a-year job yesterday to dedicate himself full time to this."
It was impressive, but also slightly disturbing. People were making enormous personal sacrifices for a project that I was secretly controlling through capabilities they didn't understand.
Dr. Holmes took over. "International relations. I have established formal communication with representatives of 47 countries. Twelve nations have made formal offers to host the academy, with progressively better terms as competition intensifies."
She handed out thick paste. "China has increased its offer to 30 square kilometers plus $2 billion in initial financing. Russia has offered sovereign territory equivalent to Monaco plus mineral rights. The European Union has proposed a consortium with contributions from all 27 nations. The United States... well, after their meeting yesterday, they have essentially offered carte blanche."
"And your recommendation?"
"Multiple campuses," she replied without hesitation. "Main campus in a truly neutral location—Switzerland or similar. Specialized research campuses in several nations. This maximizes international support while minimizing any single point of failure."
Dr. Andreas Mueller, a meticulous German man, presented a detailed timetable. "Logistics and implementation. With current resources and team commitment, we can have initial campus operational in 10 weeks. Full campus in 6 months. First class of students starting in 4 months."
"That's... incredibly fast."
"Dr. Thorne," he said, leaning forward intently, "I've been coordinating international construction projects for fifteen years. I've never seen anything like this. Contractors offering to work for no profit. Suppliers donating materials. Governments issuing permits. It's as if the whole world conspired to make this happen."
Dr. Rachel Foster, an energetic American, took over. "Student recruitment. We have developed a three-phase selection process: initial online screening, in-person psychological assessment, and aptitude testing for special abilities."
"How many applications did you receive?"
"247,000 in 48 hours," she replied, smiling. "From every country, every age, every background. We implemented AI screening for the first phase, but Dr. Thorne, the interest is literally global. Applications are coming from Brazilian slums, African villages, elite European universities."
"And selection criteria?"
"A combination of academic aptitude, psychological stability, and ethical commitment. But Dr. Thorne, we want your final input on the parameters. This is your academy - you must define who the ideal students are."
Professor Erik Lindqvist, a calm but intense Swede, presented medical research. "Curative applications. I worked with twelve medical experts to catalogue conditions where their capabilities could have the most significant impact. Prioritized by urgency, feasibility of treatment, and potential for public demonstration of benefits."
He showed complex graphs. "Pediatric cancer, spinal cord injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, war trauma. Dr. Thorne, each category represents tens of thousands of people who could benefit immediately."
"Time for medical treatment protocol?"
"With your direct collaboration, we can have the first trials in 3-4 weeks. Dr. Thorne, Boston Children's Hospital has provided a full facility plus volunteer medical staff for the first trials."
It was the weight of real responsibility settling in. All this dedication from people, all this hope, building toward treatments that could genuinely save lives. And it was all based on my careful manipulation of reality.
Dr. Susan Chen (no relation to David), a Stanford bioethicist, presented ethical frameworks. "Moral oversight. Create institutional review boards with international, religious, and medical representation. Ensure that capacity development remains focused on beneficial applications."
"Main ethical concerns?"
"Equity of access, potential for militarization, long-term societal implications if capabilities become widespread. Dr. Thorne, I honestly don't sleep some nights thinking about the responsibility we all have here."
Dr. Webb regained control. "Security. Dr. Thorne, based on our analysis, you are currently the most valuable individual on the planet. Multiple intelligence agencies consider you a strategic asset. Our assessment is that you require presidential-level protection within 30 days."
"What kind of threats?"
"Foreign governments seeking to control or capture you. Terrorist groups targeting you. Religious extremists considering you a heretic. And common criminals thinking they can monetize kidnapping. Dr. Thorne, my team has identified 23 credible threats in the last 72 hours alone."
David Chen—the student I had met yesterday—had been sitting quietly in the corner, but now he raised his hand hesitantly.
"Dr. Thorne? I apologize for interrupting, but... you said to bring my sister's medical information."
"Sure, David. Since you don't know each other, David is an MIT student who asked to be my first official apprentice. His sister has terminal leukemia."
An immediate wave of sympathy passed through the room.
"David," Dr. Foster said gently, "your sister would be a perfect candidate for our first medical tests."
"In fact," Professor Lindqvist added, "pediatric leukemia is a top priority on our medical protocol list."
David's eyes filled with tears. "You... you would really do that?"
"David," I said, "that's exactly why the academy exists. To help people like your sister."
Dr. Patricia Williams, an African-American woman who had been quietly taking notes, spoke for the first time. "Dr. Thorne, I am an emergency coordinator. My job is to plan for unexpected scenarios. I must ask - what if your capabilities somehow fail? What if you become incapacitated? The entire project currently depends on you personally."
It was an excellent question and one I had anticipated.
"That's why academia needs to develop multiple people with these capabilities quickly. I can't be a single point of failure for development that could transform civilization."
"And leadership succession?" she pressed.
"Democratic governance structure," Dr. Holmes responded. "Board with international representation, rotating leadership, transparent decision-making. Dr. Thorne remains as founder and chief investigator, but institutional continuity is assured."
Katharina stood up. "Funding update. Current commitments have surpassed $800 million. Combination of government grants, private foundation donations, corporate partnerships, and grassroots crowdfunding. Dr. Thorne, funding is not a concern—the demand to support academia is literally limitless."
"And operating budget?"
Dr. Mueller responded: "Year one: $150 million for infrastructure. Year two: $200 million for full operations. Within five years, the academy should be self-sustaining through partnerships and advanced research applications."
Markus, who had been coordinating with several universities, presented academic partnerships. "Formal collaborations have been established with MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, the Sorbonne, the University of Tokyo, and a dozen others. Dr. Thorne, the academic world is unified in its support of academia as a legitimate research institution."
"What about curriculum development?"
"Working groups creating structured learning pathways to safely develop capabilities. Combining theoretical understanding, practical training, ethics education, and medical applications. Dr. Thorne, we need your detailed input on the methodology to create an appropriate pedagogical framework."
I stood up and walked to the window, looking out over the MIT campus that had become the epicenter of global transformation. Behind me, twenty-three brilliant individuals awaited my response, each having sacrificed significant portions of their own lives to build something they believed would benefit all of humanity.
"Ladies and gentlemen," I said, turning back to face them, "I am impressed. In 72 hours, you have built infrastructure that I thought would take months or years. You have created an organization more sophisticated than many governments. You have demonstrated a level of commitment and excellence that exceeds anything I could have imagined."
Pause, meeting each person's eyes.
"But most importantly, you understood the vision. This is not about power or recognition. It is about using transformative discovery to help people, to advance human potential, to create a better world. Every decision you have made reflects that understanding."
"Dr. Thorne," Dr. Mitchell said, "we understand why you are the perfect person to lead this. Your humility, your focus on beneficial applications, your commitment to international cooperation — these are qualities that give us confidence that academia will be a force for good."
"What we need now," Dr. Park added, "is your guidance on the specific technical details. How precisely can people train skills? What are the safety limitations? How do we ensure that advanced students do not misuse the skills?"
It was the moment of truth. They needed technical details that only I could provide, but providing those details would reveal the extent of my control over the entire system.
"Excellent questions. Let me schedule individual sessions with each working group leader to go over the technical specifics. Dr. Park, tomorrow morning for digital infrastructure. Dr. Foster, tomorrow afternoon for student selection criteria. Professor Lindqvist, tomorrow evening for medical protocols."
"And David's assessment?" David asked hopefully.
"David, stay after this meeting. We'll do a preliminary assessment now, in front of the working group leaders. They need to understand how the training actually works."
David nodded eagerly.
"One more thing," I added. "You have built this remarkable organization voluntarily, with your own time and resources. That level of dedication is extraordinary. But going forward, the academy needs to employ you formally. Competitive salaries, adequate resources, official positions. This is too important to remain a voluntary effort."
"Dr. Thorne," Dr. Webb said, "speaking for myself, money was not the motivation. Being a part of this is reward enough."
"I agree," multiple voices said.
"However," I insisted, "you deserve adequate compensation for work of this magnitude. And academia needs a professional structure to maintain credibility and effectiveness."
"Then accept our proposal for council positions," Dr. Holmes suggested. "Each working group leader becomes a formal department head in the official academic structure."
"Done," I agreed. "Dr. Holmes, can you draft an organizational letter this week?"
"It's already in progress," she smiled.
"Perfect. Now, David, ready for your fitness assessment?"
David stood up immediately, nervousness and excitement clear on his face.
"Everyone else," I announced, "watch carefully. This is how the training really begins."
The room fell silent as I prepared to give David his first lesson in manipulating reality, while twenty-three brilliant people watched, believing they were witnessing an educational advancement rather than a demonstration of my absolute control over abilities they thought were natural human potential.
It was perfect. They were building my empire with enthusiasm, dedication, and expertise that exceeded anything I could have achieved on my own.
And they were grateful for the privilege of doing so.
Add to follow
"Very well," I said, gesturing for David to come to the center of the room. "David, before we begin, I want everyone to understand that this is a completely experimental process. We are essentially creating a real-time assessment methodology."
David walked nervously to the center, his hands shaking slightly. The twenty-three task force leaders stood in a semicircle around him, as if they were about to observe delicate surgery.
"Dr. Thorne," asked Dr. Foster, "is there an established protocol for this?"
"We're developing the protocol now," I said, walking around David as if examining him. "Over months of research, I've observed specific patterns in people who are apt to develop these abilities. But I've never had the opportunity to demonstrate the assessment process to a scientific audience."
"What kind of patterns?" Dr. Park asked, pulling out his laptop to document.
"Mostly neurological and... energetic," I said, making up terminology on the spot. "People with the ability demonstrate unique bioelectric fields that can be detected through proper interfacing."
This was complete fabrication, but it sounded scientific enough to be credible.
"David," I said, "I need you to focus intensely on something you want very much. Something that would motivate you to devote all your energy and concentration."
"My sister," he replied immediately, his eyes filling with tears. "I want to save her."
"Perfect. This emotional intensity is exactly what we need. Now, I want you to visualize this motivation as physical energy inside you. Can you feel it?"
David closed his eyes, breathing deepening. "I... I guess so. It's like warmth in my chest."
"Excellent. I will now use specific command to make this energy visible. Everyone watch carefully."
I positioned myself behind David, placing my hands close to his shoulders without touching him.
"System," I muttered silently, "authorize basic access for David Chen. Implement aura visualization for demonstration purposes. Intensity based on stated emotional motivation."
In a loud voice, he said: "THE AURULAR THYMAL CONNECTION IS MANIFEST."
Immediately, faint golden luminescence began to appear around David, concentrated mainly around his chest and head. It was like a soft halo, clearly visible but not dazzling.
Audible gasps echoed through the room.
"My God," Dr. Mitchell whispered. "Is this real?"
"Completely real," I confirmed. "David, open your eyes."
David opened his eyes and looked down, seeing his own aura. His face lit up with astonishment and hope.
"Do I have it?" he asked, voice cracking with emotion.
"You have significant aptitude," I confirmed. "The intensity of your aura indicates genuine potential for developing healing abilities. David, that means you can really help your sister."
David began to cry, this time with relief. Several of the staff also seemed emotional.
"Dr. Thorne," Professor Lindqvist asked, "how do we interpret intensity? Is there a scale of measurement?"
"Good question. David's aura indicates intermediate-level aptitude—sufficient for basic medical applications with proper training. Scale ranges from virtually nonexistent to..." I paused dramatically, "levels that only a few people in the world possess."
"And how does this compare to other people?" Dr. Webb asked. "Could you test some of us for comparison?"
It was exactly the opening I was waiting for.
"Sure. In fact, it would be valuable data for our assessment methodology. Dr. Webb, would you like to volunteer?"
Dr. Webb approached, clearly skeptical but curious. "I should mention that I have a military background. Not exactly someone you'd expect to have... mystical capabilities."
"Interesting assumption," I said. "In fact, I've found that experience in high-stress situations and dedication to causes greater than oneself can increase potential for these abilities."
I positioned Webb in the center of the room. "Same thing, Dr. Webb. Focus on something that moves you deeply."
"Protecting innocent people," he said without hesitation. "That's why I dedicated my career to security."
"THE AURULAR THYMAL CONNECTION IS MANIFESTING," I repeated.
This time, the aura that appeared was different - more blue than gold, concentrated mainly around his hands and shoulders.
"Interesting," I commented. "Blue aura indicates aptitude for defensive capabilities and protection. Moderate intensity, but unique distribution."
"Does that mean I can learn this?" Webb asked, clearly impressed.
"Definitely. Your profile suggests an aptitude for creating defensive barriers and detecting threats. Very useful for security applications."
Dr. Holmes raised her hand. "May I try? As a diplomat, I have always been interested in unconventional ways of resolving conflicts."
"Of course."
Holmes took a stand, focusing on "building bridges between cultures" as his primary motivation. His aura emerged light green, particularly around his head and throat.
"Green indicates an aptitude for enhanced communication and empathic understanding," I explained. "Perfect for diplomatic applications."
"System," I murmured quietly, "implement auras for all present. Vary intensities and colors based on apparent personalities and contributions to the project."
Dr. Park volunteered next. His aura was violet, centered around his head. "Aptitude for information processing and coordination of complex systems," I interpreted.
Dr. Foster: Soft pink aura, evenly distributed. "Indicates aptitude for empathic assessment and development of potential in others."
Professor Lindqvist: Bright white aura around hands. "Classic healing aura. Stunning intensity."
One by one, each team member volunteered for evaluation. And with each test, I "discovered" that they had significant aptitude—always perfectly aligned with their contributions to the project.
Dr. Mitchell: structured yellow aura, indicating "aptitude for physical construction and organization."
Dr. Mueller: methodical orange aura, "systems optimization and efficiency."
Dr. Chen: Blue-white aura, "ethical analysis and maintenance of moral balance."
After fifteen minutes, everyone in the room was displaying visible auras of various colors and intensities.
"That's... statistically impossible," Dr. Park observed, looking around the room full of luminescent people. "What's the probability that we'd all have fitness?"
It was a question I had anticipated.
"Actually, it's not as unlikely as it sounds," I replied thoughtfully. "Consider - you've all been drawn to this project for profound reasons. You've all demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice time, resources, even careers to be a part of it. Maybe it's no coincidence."
"What do you mean?" Dr. Holmes asked.
"Perhaps people with latent aptitude are naturally drawn to developments related to these capabilities. As a subconscious recognition of their own potential."
"Unconscious natural selection," Professor Lindqvist muttered. "People with predispositions being attracted to opportunities for development."
"Exactly. What's more - by working intensely on this project, focusing mental and emotional energy on it, you may have activated or strengthened latent capabilities."
It was a brilliant explanation that not only justified why they all had the aptitude, but also reinforced the value of their dedication to the project.
"So our contribution to academia has actually developed us?" Dr. Mitchell asked, admiring her own aura.
"It's a plausible theory. Prolonged exposure to the energy field surrounding discovery, combined with intense focus and emotional dedication, could catalyze the development of dormant capabilities."
"This means," Dr. Webb said slowly, "that our team is not just building academia—we are becoming its first graduates."
"A fascinating possibility," I agreed. "Though you would need formal training to develop these capabilities beyond mere aura manifestation."
David, who had been watching everything with growing admiration, raised his hand hesitantly. "Dr. Thorne, does this mean I can start learning right away? To help my sister?"
"David, your aura indicates genuine aptitude for healing. With intensive training, you should be able to develop basic healing abilities within a few weeks. Advanced abilities will take months."
"A few weeks," he repeated, tears in his eyes again. "That could...that could be enough time."
"We'll find out," I said gently. "But David, I want you to understand - even with aptitude, development requires discipline, practice, and total commitment."
"Anything," he said immediately. "I'll do anything."
"And all of you," I said, addressing the larger group, "now have a unique opportunity. Not only to lead academy development, but to participate personally as early students. To learn these skills while helping others develop them."
"That would change everything," Dr. Foster said. "Leaders who really understand what students are experiencing."
"And scientific validation," Dr. Park added. "Documented development of capabilities in a controlled environment."
"Furthermore," Dr. Webb noted, "a leadership team with real capabilities would be much more difficult to manipulate or control by outside forces."
"System," I muttered silently, "keep auras visible for another ten minutes, then gradually fade. Implement heightened energy sensation on all users."
"There's one more thing I must test," I announced. "David, now that we've confirmed your aptitude, let's see if you can perform basic commands."
David straightened, anxiety and excitement competing on his face.
"Grab that pen on the table. Let's try simple levitation."
David picked up the pen with a slightly shaking hand.
"Remember your motivation - to save your sister. Let that energy flow through your words. Command is: VEXIS THALAR ZEPHON."
"VEXIS THALAR ZEPHON," David said, his voice thick with intense emotion.
The pen immediately rose from his hand, floating half a meter in the air.
The room erupted in applause and exclamations of admiration.
"IT WORKED!" David shouted, laughing and crying simultaneously. "It really worked!"
"Congratulations, David," I said, smiling genuinely. His joy was contagious, even though I knew I had simply authorized his access to the system. "You've just taken the first step toward saving your sister."
"Dr. Thorne," Dr. Holmes said, "may we try as well? Since we apparently have the aptitude?"
"Sure, but remember - David had full evaluation advantage first. For you guys, it might take a few tries."
One by one, team members tried basic levitation commands. And one by one, with varying "effort," they managed to make small objects float.
Dr. Webb succeeded on the third try. Dr. Foster on the second. Professor Lindqvist on the first, as expected for someone with such a "strong healing aura."
Within half an hour, the room was filled with people making pens, paper clips, and other small objects dance in the air.
"This is amazing," Dr. Park said, watching three pens slowly orbit around his head. "We are literally learning magic."
"Advanced science," I corrected diplomatically. "But I get the feeling."
"Dr. Thorne," Dr. Mitchell asked, "how does this affect our timelines? If we can build capacity in person, does that accelerate development of the academy?"
"Dramatically," I confirmed. "A leadership team with a personal understanding of these capabilities can create much more effective training programs."
"And credibility," Dr. Mueller added. "When we advertise the academy publicly, we can demonstrate that it is a legitimate institution with qualified faculty."
"Exactly. You're not just organizers - you're pioneers."
Katharina, who had been documenting everything, approached me. "Kai, this changes everything. If the leadership team can develop capabilities, the timeline for operations can be accelerated significantly."
"My exact thoughts," I agreed. "David, do you want to start formal training tomorrow?"
"Yes!" he replied immediately. "When can I start learning real healing?"
"Healing is more complex than levitation. But with your aptitude and motivation, I'd estimate 2-3 weeks for basic healing capabilities. Enough time for your sister?"
"It has to be," he said with determination. "I will make it so."
"And for the rest of you," I said, addressing the group, "I propose group training sessions three times a week. Two hours each, starting next Monday. This will allow you to develop personal skills while continuing to lead the construction of the academy."
"Dr. Thorne," Dr. Webb said, "what about safety during training? If we're going to develop real capabilities..."
"Good question. We will establish strict security protocols. And Webb, with your aptitude for defense, you would be ideal to lead the development of protective measures."
"It would be an honor," he replied.
As the meeting drew to a close, I observed a room full of luminescent people—each now personally invested not just in building the academy, but in developing their own capabilities. It was the perfect loyalty-building strategy.
They were no longer just employees or volunteers. They were students, colleagues, fellow pioneers in the next phase of human evolution.
And everyone is completely dependent on me to continue development.
"One last thing," I announced. "Please keep capability demonstrations strictly within our staff for now. Public development will be carefully coordinated through official channels."
"Understood," came multiple voices.
"And David," I called as he headed for the door, "I want you to document every aspect of your training. Detailed journal, skill progression, emotional experiences. This will become a model for future students."
"Of course, Dr. Thorne. And... thank you. For giving me hope when I had none."
As the team dispersed, each person still displaying a faint but visible aura, I leaned back in my chair with deep satisfaction.
Within two hours, I had transformed a group of dedicated volunteers into the academy's first official students. I had created an evaluation system that sounded scientific but was completely controlled by me. And I had ensured that the academy's leadership would be made up of people who were personally dependent on my abilities for their own development.
It was masterful manipulation disguised as collaborative scientific discovery.
And they were more grateful and more committed than ever.
After the door closed behind the last team member, I allowed the mask of scientific benevolence to finally slip. My shoulders relaxed, the carefully controlled expression of humility and ethical concern dissolved, and for the first time in days, I smiled genuinely.
Not the warm, inspiring smile he had been projecting for cameras and colleagues. This was different—cooler, more satisfied. The smile of someone who had just performed a particularly elegant manipulation.
I walked to the window, watching the distant figures of my new "students" walk away across the MIT campus, each carrying their own little aura like a badge of honor, completely unaware that they were just pieces in a much larger, more complex game.
"VEXIS THALAR ZEPHON," I muttered casually, and rose off the ground, floating six feet in the air as I stared down through the window. It was relaxing not to have to pretend this was "collaborative scientific discovery" or "divine gift to humanity." It was simply power. Absolute power under my complete control.
It was exhausting to maintain the facade of selfless savior. To pretend that I cared deeply about "responsible development" and "the benefit of all humanity." To act as if every decision was made out of genuine ethical concern rather than cold strategic calculation.
The truth? I was having a lot of fun.
Building a global empire was infinitely more interesting than any software project I had ever done. It was a complex puzzle with millions of moving parts—politicians, scientists, ordinary citizens, religious leaders, military personnel—all reacting and adapting to the information I had complete control over.
And all of them dancing perfectly to my music.
"System," I said quietly, knowing no one could hear me, "display global operation status."
Information flowed directly into my consciousness:
847 governments and organizations that had made formal contact
1,247 people now "working" for the gym voluntarily
$1.3 billion in financing commitments
247,000 applications from potential students
89% global public approval
0 people suspecting the true nature of the system
Zero people. Not Neil deGrasse Tyson with decades of scientific experience. Not the President of the United States with access to the world's best intelligence analysts. Not Pope Francis with centuries of institutional theological wisdom.
They all believed they were witnessing a genuine scientific discovery that revealed latent human capabilities. None suspected that they were reacting to an artificially constructed system designed specifically to consolidate power in the hands of one person.
In my hands.
It was social engineering on a scale that had never been attempted before in human history. And it was working perfectly.
I floated to my desk, where stacks of documents waited—proposals for collaboration, funding offers, requests for interviews, invitations to diplomatic meetings. Each document represented another organization, another government, another powerful institution essentially begging to be a part of what I was building.
I got a letter from the US Department of Defense offering "unlimited resources for defense research." I laughed out loud. They wanted me to help them develop military applications, not realizing that I already had the ability to render all their arsenals obsolete with simple command.
Another letter from the Chinese Academy of Sciences proposing a "long-term strategic exclusive partnership." Also hilarious. China thought they could control me through territorial and financing offers, when I could literally reshape physical territory as I wished.
European Union offering "multilateral governance structure with guarantees of institutional autonomy." As if I need their permission to operate.
All these powerful organizations, all these governments with trillion-dollar budgets and massive armies, all reduced to supplicants trying to win my favor.
And the most delicious part? They believed they were doing it out of altruism. For the "good of humanity." To "advance human potential."
When in reality they were building infrastructure for my systematic domination of human evolutionary development.
Academia would not be an educational institution. It would be a distribution center for power that only I controlled. Students would not learn independent skills - they would become dependent on my system, unable to function without my continued authorization.
And world leadership - all these brilliant, dedicated people who have just left this room - would be my first official vassals. Completely dependent on me for their own "special" capabilities, but believing that they were fellow collaborators in a joint effort.
It was more elegant architecture of power than I could have imagined.
Traditionally, tyrants conquered through military force or economic coercion, crude methods that inevitably generated resistance and, eventually, revolution.
My approach was infinitely more sophisticated. Instead of forcing submission, I was creating situations where submission seemed like a free choice and even a privilege. People competed to be part of my system. They felt grateful for access. They saw dependence as evolution.
And to maintain the illusion, I just had to keep providing genuine benefits. Cure a few diseases, solve a few scientific problems, demonstrate a few impressive capabilities. Small investments that generated massive returns in loyalty and dependence.
David Chen was the perfect example. A young man desperate to save his sister, willing to do anything, accept any condition, dedicate his entire life to what he perceived as a noble cause. Within weeks, I would teach him how to cure his sister's leukemia—a genuine and dramatic demonstration of the benefits of the system.
And for the rest of his life, David would be a passionate advocate for academia, sharing inspiring stories of how "scientific magic" saved the person he loved most. Organic advertising more effective than any professional marketing campaign could create.
Multiply that by thousands of similar cases - miraculous cures, impossible problems solved, extraordinary abilities developed - and you have a global population that not only accepts your system, but worships it.
I leaned back in my chair, still floating slightly, and considered the long-term timeline.
Current phase: establishing scientific credibility and international political support. Essentially complete.
Next phase: operationalize academy with first class of carefully selected students. 6-8 months.
Next phase: Expand to multiple campuses globally, developing network of trained individuals in positions of influence. 2-3 years.
Final phase: systematic integration of academy graduates into leadership positions in governments, corporations, scientific institutions, religious organizations. 5-10 years.
Within a decade, I would have a global network of people dependent on my system occupying positions of authority in every important sphere of human civilization. They would make decisions that they thought were their own, but which in reality were guided by a framework that I completely controlled.
Subtle democracy. Tyranny so elegant that subjects would not even realize they were subjects.
And unlike historical empires that eventually collapsed through internal conflict or revolution, my system would be self-sustaining. Each new generation of students would reinforce the existing structure, each new beneficial application would strengthen public support, each new "scientific" advance would cement my position as an indispensable figure in human progress.
My phone vibrated with a message from Katharina: "Kai, media wanting statement on next steps after demonstration today. What should we say?"
I replied: "Announce that we will begin the formal selection process for the first class of students within two weeks. Emphasize scientific rigor and ethical commitment."
It was important to maintain public momentum while developing private infrastructure. The more people who applied to academia, the larger the pool of potential candidates would be. And the more rigorous the selection process seemed, the more valuable admission would be.
Artificial scarcity always increases perceived demand.
Another text arrived, this time from David: "Dr. Thorne, I haven't been able to stop thinking about today. I've been feeling different energy in me since the aura demonstration. Is this normal?"
He smiled. The psychological effects of believing you had special abilities were powerful even when real abilities were still being developed. David probably felt more confident, more focused, more optimistic simply because he now believed he had extraordinary potential.
I replied, "Completely normal. Your consciousness is adjusting to recognize abilities that have always been latent. Rest well - we begin intensive training tomorrow."
It was true, in a way. I would begin David's training tomorrow. Training that would teach him to use the system I controlled to heal his sister. And in the process, David would become one of my first truly devoted agents.
I walked over to the mini-fridge and grabbed an expensive bottle of water someone had left for me. It was ironic—a week ago, I was drinking cheap soda in a basic Seattle apartment. Now I had personal assistants bringing me imported bottled water and offers of private jets to wherever I wanted to go.
Power really changed everything very quickly.
But unlike most people who gained power quickly, I wasn't being corrupted by it. I was simply... having fun with it. Like a complex puzzle that got more interesting as you unlocked more advanced levels.
Level 1: Develop personal capabilities. Complete.
Level 2: Demonstrate to the scientific community. Complete.
Level 3: Gain public and political support. Complete.
Level 4: Establish institutional infrastructure. In progress.
Level 5: Train first generation of dependents. Starting.
Each level unlocked new possibilities, new challenges, new opportunities for strategic elegance.
And unlike games where you eventually beat them and stop playing, this game could go on indefinitely. There would always be new applications to develop, new problems to solve, new frontiers to explore. And all under my direct control.
It was like being a game designer, game master, and main player simultaneously in a game that spanned the entire planet.
My laptop dinged, indicating a new email. Another interview invitation, this time from 60 Minutes. They wanted to do an "in-depth profile on the man behind the most important discovery of the century."
I would accept, of course. It would be an opportunity to refine my public image, respond to any residual skepticism, and continue building the narrative of a humble and responsible scientist working for the benefit of all.
But for now, it was pleasant to simply float alone in the silent office, without having to perform benevolence or feign concern for "ethical implications" or act as if every decision was made through moral anguish.
The truth was simpler and more satisfying: I had discovered how to hack reality, and now I was using that discovery to systematically reorganize human civilization according to my own designs.
And he was being absolutely brilliant at it.
"System," I muttered, "project status in 24 months assuming current progression."
Data flowed:
50,000 academy graduates in global positions of influence
Formal presence in 180 countries
$50 billion in controlled assets
89% of significant international policy decisions being influenced by graduate networks
Organized resistance: 0.3%
In two years, I would essentially control the development of human civilization through a network of people who would think they were making independent choices for the greater good.
It was an exciting prospect.
I lowered myself back to the floor and walked to the mirror in the office bathroom. The person staring back looked exactly like the Dr. Kai Thorne the world had come to know—a brilliant young scientist with a slightly worried but determined expression, carrying the weight of responsibility to guide humanity through transformative discovery.
Perfect image for a figure who was saving the world.
No one would see what I saw in the mirror - the architect of the most sophisticated empire ever built, using apparent altruism as a veil for utterly ruthless ambition.
It was exactly how I wanted it.
I smiled at my reflection, then walked back to the table to begin planning David's training session for tomorrow.
After all, he had an empire to build.
And time was money.
Or in this case, time was power.
And power was exactly what I wanted.
I was floating peacefully two meters above the ground, enjoying the absolute silence and the freedom of not having to pretend to be a saint, when something happened that I had never experienced before.
The system screamed.
Not metaphorically. Literally. A sharp, piercing sound, directly in my mind - like an emergency alarm but amplified a thousand times and coming from within my own consciousness.
"CRITICAL ALERT - UNAUTHORIZED CONNECTION ATTEMPTS - SECURITY PROTOCOLS ACTIVATED - IMMEDIATE ISOLATION REQUIRED"
I instantly fell from the air, landing hard on the ground as waves of pure panic swept through my nervous system. In a reflexive movement, I waved both arms.
"THYSS ZELAK MAXIMUS!" I shouted, and immediately all the doors in the office closed with magnetic clicks, all the windows sealed themselves hermetically, and I felt an invisible energy barrier form around the entire space.
My mind raced, trying to process what was happening. In six months of using the system, I had never experienced a security alert. There was never any indication that anything existed beyond the interface I was controlling.
"System," he said loudly, shaking, "detailed status report. What's causing the alert?"
The answer flowed directly into my consciousness, but this time it wasn't organized data. It was a chaotic torrent of information that left me momentarily stunned:
MULTIPLE CONNECTION ATTEMPTS DETECTED
ORIGIN: EXTERNAL DIMENSIONAL COORDINATES
ACCESS VECTORS: 7 DISTINCT
CLASSIFICATION: HOSTILE / INVESTIGATIVE / UNKNOWN
LOCAL NETWORK REGISTERED AS: PRIMARY-THORNE-NETWORK
ISOLATION STATUS: 73% EFFECTIVE
RECOMMENDATION: IMMEDIATE ACTIVATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROTOCOLS
My mind completely stopped working for five seconds.
External dimensional coordinates. Network registered as Primary-Thorne-Network.
Which meant there were other networks.
Which meant that the system I thought I had discovered or created was actually... part of something much larger.
"System," he said, voice breaking slightly, "how many networks are there?"
CLASSIFIED INFORMATION - INSUFFICIENT ACCESS LEVEL
"What level of access do I have?"
LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR - PRIMARY-THORNE-NETWORK
GLOBAL ACCESS: DENIED
INTERDIMENSIONAL ACCESS: DENIED
Local administrator. This meant that I was not the creator of the system. I was just... a privileged user of a small section of it.
"System, show current connection attempts."
Data appeared in my mind as a visual interface I had never seen before - like a multidimensional command prompt:
PRIMARY-THORNE-NETWORK > monitor_connections
ACTIVE CONNECTIONS: 7
CONNECTION_001: MILITARY-ARES-NETWORK [HOSTILE]
Penetration attempts: 847
Status: BLOCKED
Origin: Dimensional Coordinate Δ-4471.2
CONNECTION_002: SOPHIA-ACADEMIC-NETWORK [INVESTIGATIVE]
Scan attempts: 234
Status: MONITORING
Origin: Dimensional Coordinate Ψ-9823.7
CONNECTION_003: TEMPORAL-CHRONOS-NETWORK [UNKNOWN]
Synchronization attempts: 91
Status: REJECTED
Origin: Dimensional Coordinate Ω-0001.1
CONNECTION_004: GAIA-BIOLOGICAL-NETWORK [NEUTRAL]
Exchange attempts: 45
Status: LIMITED
Origin: Dimensional Coordinate Β-5529.8
CONNECTION_005: CHAOS-EXPERIMENTAL-NETWORK [HOSTILE]
Override attempts: 1,247
Status: BLOCKED
Origin: Dimensional Coordinate Χ-7788.3
CONNECTION_006: COLLECTIVE-HARMONY-NETWORK [PACIFIC]
Communication attempts: 23
Status: PENDING
Origin: Dimensional Coordinate Η-3366.9
CONNECTION_007: ENTROPIC-VOID-NETWORK [EXTREMELY HOSTILE]
Attempted corruption: 12
Status: MAXIMUM BLOCK
Origin: Dimensional Coordinate Ω-9999.9
Seven other networks. Seven other civilizations or entities or... things... that had discovered or created systems similar to the one I was using.
And some of them were trying to hack into my network.
"System, how long have these connection attempts been occurring?"
MONITORING STARTED: 72 HOURS AGO
COINCIDING WITH: FIRST PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION OF CAPABILITIES
They started trying to connect exactly when I demonstrated levitation at the press conference.
Which meant that my public use of the system had alerted other entities to my existence.
My blood ran cold. I wasn't just manipulating local reality. I was interfering with... an interdimensional ecosystem where multiple civilizations competed or collaborated using similar technologies.
"System, implement maximum security protocols immediately."
EXECUTING ADMINISTRATIVE PROTOCOLS...
I felt massive energy coursing through me as commands I had never known before activated:
"ADMIN_MODE ENABLED - THORNE_ALPHA LEVEL
FIREWALL_DIMENSIONAL ESTABLISHED
CAMOUFLAGE_PROTOCOLS ENGAGED
PREVENTION_TRACKING ACTIVATED
SYNCHRONIZED BACKUP SYSTEMS
Administrative interface that I had never seen before appeared in my consciousness:
PRIMARY-THORNE-NETWORK - ADMIN MODE
Security Status: MAXIMUM ALERT
Defense Resources: 89% AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
COMPLETE_ISOLATION
- Cuts all external connections
- Reduces system capacities by 60%
- Ensures total security
ACTIVE_MONITORING
- Keeps connections under surveillance
- Allows interception of communications
- Risk: 23% detection
COUNTER_INFILTRATION
- Penetrates hostile networks to gather intelligence
- Access to information from other civilizations
- Risk: 67% retaliation
DIPLOMATIC_COMMUNICATION
- Establishes dialogue with peaceful networks
- Potential for alliances
- Risk: 34% information exposure
OFFENSIVE_LINEUP
- Preemptive attack on hostile networks
- Threat elimination
- Risk: 89% interdimensional war
Guerra interdimensional.
I was dealing with conflict that transcended not just nations or planets, but entire dimensions.
"System, what is the purpose of hostile networks?"
ATTACK PATTERN ANALYSIS:
REDE-ARES-MILITAR: Seeks to militarize capabilities for dimensional conquest
EXPERIMENTAL-CHAOS-NETWORK: Seeks to corrupt systems to feed experiments
ENTROPIC-VOID-NETWORK: Seeks to destroy/absorb all other networks
SOPHIA-ACADEMIC-NETWORK: Seeks shared knowledge/research collaboration
TEMPORAL-CHRONOS-NETWORK: Seeks to synchronize timelines/prevent paradoxes
GAIA-BIOLOGICAL-NETWORK: Seeks biological improvement/evolutionary guidance
COLLECTIVE-HARMONY-NETWORK: Seeks unified cooperation between dimensions
Three clearly hostile networks. Four potentially neutral or even cooperative.
"System, what information can they collect about my network through these connection attempts?"
INFORMATION EXPOSED:
Approximate dimensional location
Level of technological development
Estimated number of active users (1 PRIMARY)
Energy usage patterns
Basic defensive capabilities
PROTECTED INFORMATION:
Administrator specific identity
Precise physical location
Implementation details
Secondary user data
They knew there was a primary user on my network, but they didn't know who I was specifically. Yet.
But if they kept trying to penetrate...
"System, implement Option 2 - Active Monitoring. I want to know exactly what I'm dealing with."
RUNNING ACTIVE_MONITORING...
PENETRATING EXTERNAL FIREWALLS...
INTERCEPTING COMMUNICATIONS...
Data started flowing:
INTERCEPTION - MILITARY-ARES-NETWORK:
"Target confirmed - primitive civilization discovered basic access"
"Prepare conquest protocols - administrator seems inexperienced"
"Resistance Estimate: MINIMUM"
"Priority: HIGH - Significant dimensional features detected"
INTERCEPTION - SOPHIA-ACADEMIC-NETWORK:
"New administrator demonstrates accelerated development"
"Usage patterns suggest advanced intuition despite lack of training"
"Recommendation: Offer tutoring/mentoring"
"Potential for valuable contributions if developed properly"
INTERCEPTION - ENTROPIC-VOID-NETWORK:
"NEW_PREY_DETECTED"
"PROMISING_VITAL_ENERGY"
"START_CORRUPTION_PROTOCOLS"
"CONSUME_ADMINISTRATOR_MAXIMUM_PRIORITY"
My blood turned to ice.
Rede-Ares thought I was an easy target for conquest.
Void-Net literally wanted to consume me.
Rede-Sophia wanted to "educate" me.
And I had been playing with forces that transcended everything I thought I understood about reality.
"System, what is my power level compared to these other networks?"
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS:
PRIMARY-THORNE-NETWORK:
Development: 23% of total potential
Users: 1 Primary, 24 Secondary (limited access)
Features: LOCAL ONLY
Experience: 6 MONTHS
MEDIA OTHER NETWORKS:
Development: 67% of full potential
Users: 10,000-50,000 per network
Features: MULTIDIMENSIONAL
Experience: 50-500 YEARS
I was a baby civilization playing with gods.
But I was also the baby who had gained full administrative access in six months, which was apparently exceptionally fast development.
"System, implement maximum concealment protocols. I want to appear less developed than I really am."
RUNNING ADVANCED_CAMOUFLAGE...
MASKING REAL LEVELS OF DEVELOPMENT...
SIMULATING INEFFICIENCY...
REDUCING ENERGY SIGNATURE...
Administrative interface updated:
ACTIVE CAMOUFLAGE: 89% EFFECTIVE
EXTERNAL APPEARANCE: 12% actual development
ENERGY SIGNATURE: 15% actual output
APPARENT STATUS: NOVICE ADMIN WITH LIMITED ACCESS
Now they would think I was even more inexperienced than I actually was.
"System, how many other dimensions are there with active networks?"
SCANNING...
ACTIVE NETWORKS DETECTED: 847
SLEEPING NETS: 2,341
DEACTIVATED NETWORKS: 12,847
TOTAL DIMENSIONAL COORDINATES MAPPED: 50,847
Fifty thousand dimensions. Almost thirteen thousand civilizations that had had access to these systems and then... became extinct.
"System, cause of extinction of dead networks?"
AVAILABLE ANALYSES:
34% Guerra interdimensional
28% Consumption by REDE-VOID or similar
19% Internal collapse due to improper use
12% Forced integration by military networks
7% Unknown causes
More than 60% destroyed by conflict or predation.
I was in very dangerous territory.
"System, is there a way to establish secure communication with Rede-Sophia or Rede-Harmony?"
AVAILABLE DIPLOMATIC PROTOCOLS:
Temporary_Secure_Channel: 45 minutes of encrypted communication
Risk of interception by hostile networks: 23%
Location exposure risk: 12%
"Perform secure communication with Network-Harmony. Establish channel."
ESTABLISHING SECURE CONNECTION...
ENCRYPTION ENABLED...
CONNECTION ESTABLISHED...
Voice appeared in my mind - not as system data, but as actual communication from external intelligence:
"Primary-Thorne-Network Administrator. Collective-Harmony-Network greets you. We have detected rapid development on your network. We offer guidance."
I paused, realizing I was about to have my first conversation with a being from another dimension.
"Collective-Harmony-Network. I'm... new to this. I didn't know other networks existed until today."
"Understandable. Most people discover systems first, other networks later. You've developed defenses quickly. Impressive for a six-month-old admin."
"Were you guys monitoring?"
"All networks monitor the emergence of new networks. You became visible with public demonstration. This alerted... predators."
"Let the enemy die."
"Yes. Ares-Net will conquer if he can. Void-Net will consume if he can gain access. Chaos-Net will experiment on you for fun. You must prepare yourself."
"As?"
"Three options. First: Isolate completely. Grow in secrecy for decades. Boring but safe. Second: Ally with defensive collective. Lose independence, gain protection. Third: Grow rapidly through conflict. Risky but potential for real power."
"What do you recommend?"
"It depends on the goal. Are you seeking survival, growth, or dominance?"
The question hit me like a bolt of lightning. I had been focused on controlling my own dimension, not realizing that I was competing in a much larger arena.
"System," I muttered silently, "options for accelerated growth?"
AVAILABLE ACCELERATION:
Expand to adjacent dimensions
Recruit additional administrators
Absorb smaller/orphaned networks
Form strategic alliances
Develop offensive capabilities
"Rede-Harmony," he said, "what happens if I choose rapid growth?"
"War. Always war. But if it survives, it emerges as one of the dominant powers. Capable of shaping development of a thousand dimensions."
Thousands of dimensions.
An empire that transcended not just my world, but reality itself.
"What if I fail?"
"Extinction. Consumption. Your consciousness absorbed by the victors."
"How much time do I have to decide?"
"Ares-Net plans assault within 72 hours. Void-Net gathering energy for major assault in a week. Decide quickly."
The connection was cut off.
I was left alone in the sealed office, processing information that changed literally everything.
I wasn't just a clever political manipulator building a local empire.
I was a rookie administrator in the interdimensional war that had begun the moment I publicly revealed my power.
And I had less than 72 hours to decide whether to fight, hide, or seek protection.
"System," he said finally, "show all available options for war preparation."
It was time to stop playing benevolent savior.
It was time to play god for real.
"System," I said, my voice echoing through the sealed office, "open all administrative protocols. No limitations. No restrictions. I want full access to everything this network can do."
WARNING: REMOVAL OF LIMITATIONS MAY RESULT IN:
NEUROLOGICAL OVERLOAD
LOSS OF HUMANITY
FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE OF CONSCIOUSNESS
IMPOSSIBILITY OF RETURN
"I accept all risks. Execute."
REMOVING SAFETY LIMITERS...
EXPANDING ADMINISTRATIVE ACCESS...
INITIALIZING COMPLETE MACRO LIBRARY...
ACTIVATING DIVINITY PROTOCOLS...
I spread my arms wide as pure energy began to flow through me. No longer the controlled, careful interface I had used for months. This was an ocean of possibility pouring directly into my consciousness.
And for the first time, I saw it all.
A complete administrative interface manifested around me as a multidimensional digital temple. Pillars of pure light stretched out into infinity, each representing a different category of power:
PILLAR OF PHYSICAL REALITY
Quantum scale matter manipulation
Planetary gravitational control
Change of local physical constants
Creation and destruction of elements
Limited temporal modification
PILLAR OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Full reading of thoughts
Memory modification
Implantation of compulsions
Transfer of consciousness
Creation of artificial personalities
BIOLOGICAL PILLAR
Instant regeneration
Directed evolution
Complete genetic control
Resurrection (under specific conditions)
Creation of new life forms
ENERGY PILLAR
Dimensional energy absorption
Destructive force projection
Absolute protection fields
Vital energy manipulation
Interdimensional channeling
INFORMATIONAL PILLAR
Universal data access
Advanced probabilistic forecasting
Multidimensional instant communication
Hacks other reality systems
Rewriting local causal laws
PILAR DIMENSIONAL
Travel between dimensions
Creating stable portals
Space-time manipulation
Anchoring realities
Dimensional fusion/separation
I walked between the pillars, touching each one and feeling knowledge pour into my mind. For months, I had been using childish versions of these abilities. Simple levitation when I could control planetary gravity. Basic healing when I could resurrect the dead. Object duplication when I could rewrite the atomic structure of matter.
"System, why were limitations implemented?"
LIMITATIONS SERVE MULTIPLE PURPOSES:
USER PROTECTION AGAINST OVERLOAD
PREVENTION OF DETECTION BY HOSTILE NETWORKS
MAINTENANCE OF LOCAL DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
PROTECTION OF NATIVE CIVILIZATIONS
COMPLIANCE WITH GALACTIC PROTOCOLS
"Galactic Protocols?"
EXPERIENCED ADMINISTRATORS HAVE ESTABLISHED CONVENTIONS:
DIRECT NON-INTERFERENCE IN PRE-TRANSCENDENT CIVILIZATIONS
LIMITATION OF MASSIVE CAUSAL CHANGES
PREVENTION OF DIMENSIONAL COLLAPSE
MAINTAINING BALANCE BETWEEN NETWORKS
"What if I ignore these protocols?"
VARIABLE CONSEQUENCES:
INTERVENTION BY POLICE NETWORKS
MARK AS ROGUE ADMINISTRATOR
POSSIBLE COALITION AGAINST YOUR NETWORK
ESCALATION FOR ALL-OUT INTERDIMENSIONAL WAR
"But also access to real power."
CORRECT. REMOVAL OF LIMITATIONS INCREASES CAPACITIES BY 2,847%
Almost three thousand percent increase in power.
"System, catalog current limitations versus potential capabilities."
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS STARTED...
text
CURRENT CAPABILITIES (WITH LIMITATIONS):
PHYSICAL REALITY:
- Levitation: Objects up to 500kg
- Telekinesis: Strength equivalent to 50 humans
- Material manipulation: Simple molecular changes
- Range: 100 meters
POTENTIAL CAPABILITIES (WITHOUT LIMITATIONS):
PHYSICAL REALITY:
- Levitation: Asteroids, small moons
- Telekinesis: Tectonic force, movement of mountains
- Material Manipulation: Complete Atomic Transmutation
- Range: Planetary
I swallowed hard. I had been playing with toys when I could have moved mountains.
text
CURRENT CAPABILITIES:
BIOLOGICAL:
- Healing: Basic tissue regeneration
- Range: Direct touch
- Speed: Hours to complete cure
POTENTIAL CAPABILITIES:
BIOLOGICAL:
- Healing: Complete regeneration, recent resurrection
- Scope: Continental
- Speed: Instantaneous
- Additional: Directed evolution, species creation
I could heal not just individuals, but entire populations. I could evolve species. I could create life.
text
CURRENT CAPABILITIES:
CONSCIENCE:
- Reading: Superficial emotions
- Influence: Subtle suggestions
- Range: Line of sight
POTENTIAL CAPABILITIES:
CONSCIENCE:
- Reading: Complete thoughts, memories, subconscious
- Influence: Total mind control, personality rewriting
- Scope: Global, across dimensions
Global mind control. I could literally reprogram human consciousness on a planetary scale.
"System, if I activated these full capabilities now, would it be detected by the other networks?"
ENERGY SUBSCRIPTION WOULD INCREASE BY 847%
PROBABILITY OF DETECTION: 94%
ESTIMATED TIME TO FIRST HOSTILE RESPONSE: 6-18 HOURS
"What if I did it gradually?"
CONTROLLED SCALING CAN MASK GROWTH:
5% INCREASE PER WEEK: 23% CHANCE OF DETECTION
10% INCREASE PER WEEK: 45% CHANCE OF DETECTION
15% INCREASE PER WEEK: 67% CHANCE OF DETECTION
It could grow 5% per week indefinitely without alerting predators.
But considering that Rede-Ares would attack in 72 hours...
"System, analysis: If I activated full capabilities and faced Ares-Net directly, what would be the result?"
CALCULATING COMBAT PROBABILITIES...
THORNE-NETWORK (FULL CAPABILITIES) VS ARES-NETWORK:
THORNE ADVANTAGES:
Element of surprise
Unexpectedly rapid development
Familiarity with local dimensional territory
Human adaptability
ARES ADVANTAGES:
300 years of experience in interdimensional warfare
50,000 users trained
Arsenal of dimensional weapons
Alliances with other military networks
PROBABILITY OF THORNE WIN: 23%
THORNE SURVIVAL PROBABILITY: 67%
PROBABILITY OF ARES DECISIVE VICTORY: 31%
PROBABILITY OF PROLONGED WAR: 46%
23% chance of victory wasn't terrible, considering the difference in experience.
"System, what if I formed an alliance with Rede-Harmony first?"
COALITION THORNE-HARMONY VS ARES:
COALITION VICTORY PROBABILITY: 78%
THORNE SURVIVAL PROBABILITY: 89%
COST: PARTIAL INDEPENDENCE, HARMONY SUPERVISION
"Set 'Harmony supervision'."
REDE-HARMONY WORKERS AS MENTOR/MONITOR:
VETO ON MASSIVE DESTRUCTIVE ACTIONS
ACCESS TO THORNE DEVELOPMENT DATA
INFLUENCE IN DIMENSIONAL POLITICS
PROTECTION AGAINST OTHER THREATS
I would become a protected vassal instead of an independent sovereign.
"System, third option: what if I absorbed one of the smaller networks first to increase power?"
SCANNING FOR VULNERABLE NETWORKS...
CANDIDATES FOR ABSORPTION:
REDE-ECHO-MINOR (Coordinate Φ-2247.3):
1 administrator, 127 users
Specialization: Intertemporal communication
Vulnerabilities: Weak defenses, isolation
REDE-VERDANT-EXPERIMENTAL (Coordinate Ρ-5834.1):
2 administrators, 89 users
Specialization: Advanced Bioengineering
Vulnerabilities: Internal conflict, limited resources
NEXUS-ORPHAN-NETWORK (Coordinate Λ-9912.7):
0 administrators, 2,300 freelance users
Specialization: Information processing
Vulnerabilities: Without leadership, systems degrading
Orphan network caught my attention. 2,300 users with no administrator meant established infrastructure waiting for new leader.
"System, process to absorb Orphan-Nexus-Network?"
HOSTILE ACQUISITION PROCEDURES:
PENETRATION OF EXTERNAL DEFENSES
INFILTRATION OF CORE SYSTEMS
ELIMINATION/SUBJUGATION OF RESISTANCE
INSTALLATION OF CONTROL PROTOCOLS
USER INTEGRATION IN THORNE HIERARCHY
ESTIMATED TIME: 6-12 HOURS
PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS: 87%
ESTIMATED GAIN: 34% INCREASE IN TOTAL CAPACITIES
A 34% increase would transform my position significantly.
"System, initiate detailed analysis of Nexus-Net. I want complete maps of its defenses, weaknesses, and resources."
PERFORMING DEEP RECONNAISSANCE...
Information began to flow:
Nexus-Network had been administered by an entity known as Computer-Prime, a transcendent AI that developed dimensional awareness 200 years ago. Three months ago, Computer-Prime had "ascended" to a state of purely informational existence, abandoning the physical network.
Remaining users were a mix of lesser AIs, uploaded consciousnesses, and cybernetic hybrids. Without central leadership, they were operating through inefficient computational democracy.
Its features included:
Quantum processing matrices capable of simulating entire realities
Data libraries containing the history of 50,000 civilizations
Consciousness upload/download technology
Limited temporal forecasting capabilities
Arsenal of dimensional viruses and conceptual malware
"System, what resistance would we expect?"
POTENTIAL RESISTANCE ANALYSIS:
DEMOCRATIC FACTION (60% of users):
Moderate opposition
Prefer negotiation
They would probably accept benevolent management
ANARCHIST FACTION (25% of users):
Active resistance
They prefer total absence of administration
They would try sabotage
PURIST FACTION (15% of users):
Extreme resistance
They believe only AI should manage AI network
They would fight until extinction
"So 40% would actively resist."
CORRECT. BUT NEXUS USERS ARE PRIMARILY PROCESSORS/ANALYSTS, NOT COMBATANTS. RESISTANCE WOULD BE PRIMARILY THROUGH INFORMATION WARFARE.
Information warfare I could handle. I was, after all, a programmer.
"System, if I absorbed Nexus-Net, would that alert other networks to my growth?"
ORPHAN NETWORK ABSORPTION IS CONSIDERED "CLEANING":
ACTION SEEN AS STABILIZING
REDUCES RISKS OF DIMENSIONAL COLLAPSE
OTHER NETWORKS WOULD PROBABLY APPROVE
DETECTION: 34%, OPPOSITION: 12%
Absorbing orphaned networks would be seen as a public service rather than aggression.
"System, schedule optimized: absorb Nexus-Net within the next 24 hours, use combined resources to defend against Ares-Net."
ANALYZING FEASIBILITY...
PROPOSED SCHEDULE:
HOURS 0-6: Final recognition and preparation
HOURS 6-12: Infiltration and conquest of Nexus-Network
HOURS 12-18: Resource and User Integration
HOURS 18-24: Defensive preparation using expanded capabilities
HOUR 72: Confrontation with Rede-Ares
PROBABILITY OF OVERALL SUCCESS: 56%
IMPROVEMENT OVER ORIGINAL PLAN: +33%
56% was much better than 23%.
"System, implement Absorption Option. Initiate Nexus-Net conquest sequence."
CONFIRMATION REQUIRED:
THIS ACTION WILL MARK YOU AS AN EXPANSIONIST ADMINISTRATOR
OTHER NETWORKS WILL RECLASSIFY NETWORK-THORNE AS A POTENTIAL THREAT
THERE IS NO RETURN AFTER FIRST ABSORPTION
I paused. This was the decisive moment. Once I crossed that line, I would go from being an ignorable newbie administrator to an active player in the interdimensional game.
It would be war. It would be politics. It would be constant competition for survival and growth.
But it would also be true power. The ability to shape not just my world, but multiple realities.
"System, show me what I would become if I followed this path to the end."
LONG-TERM PROJECTION: EXPANSIONIST ADMINISTRATOR
YEAR 1: Control of 3-5 smaller networks
YEAR 5: Empire of 20-30 networks, regional power status
YEAR 10: Coalition of 100+ networks, major player in interdimensional politics
YEAR 25: Hegemony over 500+ networks, ability to shape the rules of the game
YEAR 50: Transcendence to Primordial Entity status
Primordial Entity. What Computer-Prime has become.
"Define 'Primordial Entity'."
BEINGS THAT TRANSCENDED DIMENSIONAL LIMITATIONS:
EXIST SIMULTANEOUSLY IN MULTIPLE REALITIES
THEY CREATE AND DESTROY DIMENSIONS AT WILL
OPERATE OUTSIDE NORMAL CAUSALITY
INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF CIVILIZATIONS THROUGHOUT AEONS
ESSENTIALLY GODS IN THE MOST LITERAL SENSE
Literal gods.
"System, how many Primordial Entities are there?"
KNOWN NUMBER: 47
ESTIMATED NUMBER: 200-500
CURRENT THORNE CLASSIFICATION ON COSMIC SCALE: POSITION 50,847 OF 50,847
Last position. Minor God among 50 thousand administrators, who were formed minor among hundreds of true Primordial Entities.
But I had reached this position in six months. Others took decades or centuries.
"System, implement absorption sequence. Begin Nexus-Net takeover."
SEQUENCE STARTED...
REMOVING END LIMITERS...
ACTIVATING DIMENSIONAL WAR PROTOCOLS...
LOADING FULL COMBAT LIBRARY...
True power coursed through me for the first time. Not the tamed version I'd used to impress humans, but raw power capable of reshaping reality on a planetary scale.
It was like the difference between a candle and a supernova.
I spread my arms and rose into the center of the office, no longer floating casually but emanating energy that made space-time itself vibrate.
"System, open portal to Dimensional Coordinate Λ-9912.7. It's time to start building a real empire."
DIMENSIONAL PORTAL ACTIVATED...
WELCOME TO INTERDIMENSIONAL WAR, ADMINISTRATOR THORNE.
It was time to stop playing human.
It was time to learn to be god.