Interlude: What Came Before
“We have placed Enhanced on such a high pedestal. Expect them to solve all our problems that we have created for ourselves. However, we often overlook the toll it takes on their mental well-being as they shoulder the weight of humanity's redemption.”
-Dr. Cassandra Montgo
-PhD in Psychology
-Mirage Institute Faculty Member
Mara
Anger and disappointment race through my veins as I dash inside my room. I hurriedly shut the door and lean against it, looking for comfort in its coldness. Some of my frustration melts away as I stare at a library floating in outer space. All thanks to my GAI Paranoia, her amazing holoprojection on full display.
As I wander through the seemingly never-ending corridors of the library, I can't help but scold myself internally for losing control when I see her. I suddenly see an ancient book; it's cover is adorned with a beautiful illustration of Sakura and me playing together as young girls under an old oak. She used to be my closest friend, and we were practically twins in every way, from our fashion choices to our parents being involved in politics. There were countless similarities that I can't even be bothered to think about now.
I've had dyslexia for as long as I can remember, and if it weren't for my eye implant, I would have faced countless struggles. My parents made me promise to keep it a secret, and I never told anyone except Sakura during a playful moment on my 8th birthday.
Back then, it was considered a good idea for politicians to distance themselves from technology. Little did I know, Sakura was a spy for her family, and her friendship with me was merely a means for her to dig up information—just like the information I had just gifted her. Without wasting a moment, she rushed home and spilled everything to her parents.
My parents, being the role models they are, didn't even wait an hour before disowning me upon hearing a rumor about my eye implant from a somewhat credible source. They kicked me out with nothing but the clothes on my back and a fistful of credits.
I keep turning the pages of memories until an unwanted tear falls down my cheek. Turning the pages brings back memories of my childhood. I see my father reading me stories before bed and my mother showing me how to cook. I feel a wave of sadness and nostalgia wash over me. I regret my friendship with Sakura, my naïve confidence in her, and my belief in her innocence. Though such memories are ingrained in my psyche and will never leave, I wish I could delete them and cast them into the endless void of space.
With unwavering resolve, I wipe away my tears, straighten my back, and hurl the book with all my might. My increased strength pays off when I see it rocket into the air for hundreds of feet before vanishing into the darkness.
Paranoia materializes next to me, her holographic form shimmering like a mirage. “Do you want to talk about it, Mara?” she asks gently.
“No,” I answer curtly. “I need a distraction. Let’s get started with the training simulations.”
“As you wish, Mara,” Paranoia replies with a nod. “Would you prefer to start with combat training?”
“Yes, something simple to begin with,” I say as I prepare myself for a workout, pulling my hair back into a firm ponytail. “No medieval castles or spaceships for the moment.”
“Very well, as you wish, your Highness.” Paranoia replies with a cute pout before disappearing.
The library around me flickers and fades, replaced by an intricate holographic model of a deserted city at twilight. The attention to detail Paranoia has put into the simulation is meticulous; neon signs cast an array of colors onto the damp asphalt, and the occasional paper drifts lazily in the breeze. Despite the desolation, the city feels alive, and it sends a thrill racing through me.
I spot a young guy appearing in front of me, clad in shiny metal armor. He's got this interesting fauld made up of multiple layers of metal sheets that go down to his knees, and his lower legs are shielded by greaves adorned with skull-shaped metal ornaments on the outer sides. In his hand, he wields a remarkably long and slender copper blade with barbs, its grip wrapped in a rather ordinary deerskin of a golden hue.
There is the soft whisper of Paranoia saying, “Entering Combat Mode.”
I feel the hum of machines resonate along my skin, and there's a heavy sensation on my shoulders as the hum slowly dies. I glance downwards and notice that I'm clad in a stylish combat suit, jet black in color, with accents of vibrant cyan. It fits snugly against my body, allowing me complete freedom of movement.
There is a sudden pop, and all of a sudden, I am gripping two shiny black daggers in each hand. The hum of machinery fades away as I adjust to my new attire and weapons. My heart pounded in my chest, pumping my blood and making me feel alive. With a savage smile, I charge towards my opponent.
─── °:. *₊ ° . ° .･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☾ .* :☆ﾟ. °:. *₊ ° . ° .───
Zhekah, 3rd Emperor Of Prowek, Nearby galaxy
The five other emperors and I listen as a shivering demon gives us the final report for the day. I do not pay much attention to her as all my focus is on one of my heads, which is underwater, as I practice the speech I am about to give to my brethren. I am unable to finish practicing the speech with glorious visions of myself as I roam the tiny planets of those pitiful humans after defeating them in battle. It will be so good to control a part of another galaxy.
The thought of humans cowering before the might of a hydra brings a smile to my face. The council will have no choice but to give me a large chunk of that galaxy due to my plan to conquer humans without angering the other galaxies towards us.
When the demon finally hurries away after what feels like hours, I raise myself to my full height before beginning in a booming voice:
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with a heavy heart that I address the weariness that has befallen our young soldiers and our treasury in this ongoing battle against humans. Regrettably, our attempts to establish a foothold in their galaxy and construct a rift tunnel have been unsuccessful time after time due to their spaceships. As a result, we find ourselves without any means to unleash our full might upon them. We are left with no alternative but to dispatch small legions of force, relying solely on the hope that the humans will commit a grave error.
Rejoice, for they have made a grave error, not only militarily but also politically. They are inducting a small planet named Earth by the pitiful humans inhabiting it into their collective as a provisional member in six months for a total of 10 years.
Many of you will be wondering what that means. Fear not, for the concept is quite straightforward: Earth will have the opportunity to establish trade agreements with the collective, while the collective will refrain from providing any personal or military assistance.
My plan is simple: we will dispatch a substantial number of genetically modified creatures to their planet. These creatures will be a mutated variation of the existing species found there, and they will be under the control of a designated lord. Once we have gained firm control over the planet, the Lord will construct a rift tunnel.
We cannot send too large a group of monsters, or the collective may detect it. So these creatures must possess the ability to reproduce rapidly. By dispersing them in environments similar to those of their non-mutated counterparts, we can reduce the chance of discovery further. Once the population of these creatures reaches a critical threshold, the overseeing Lord will guide them towards the most densely populated and sensitive areas of settlement."
I have scarcely finished my speech when Ragnor, the first emperor, roars his approval. With him being a dragon, his vote could be counted on for my aggressive plan.
As the discussion about my plan with the other emperors begins, I am surprised to see that only the Demoness is against my plan. Even the Sphinx, who I thought would be the biggest hurdle for my plan, has already given her unwavering support for it.
When the votes come in, everyone agrees, except for the Demoness. She's worried that it would give me too much power over the council. And she's not entirely wrong; it would give me a significant amount of power.