Chapter 99: A defensive mechanism
Ever since I started staying with Uncle Ethan, days had come and gone. During this duration, I made earnest efforts to connect with my siblings, Seraphina and Sabrina.
But my attempts proved futile as they persistently repelled any form of interaction.
Seraphina, in particular, not only distanced herself but issued a clear warning insisting that I keep my distance.
Well...isn't that just splendid?
Their lack of fondness towards me didn't vex me too much....honestly. I firmly believed that someday, I would be able to mend this fractured relationship.
Amidst it all, I experienced a novel sensation, one that had eluded me for the past six months —happiness.
I had found a semblance of family, or at least something close to it, in Uncle Ethan and Aunt Ava. They felt like my own kin, providing solace and familiarity.
For the first time since I got transmigrated into this world, I felt happy.
There were also some other good things that I have realized about my not so miserable life. For example Nano.
After my injection with Nano machines, my body underwent numerous transformations. But, it was only recently that I witnessed truly remarkable changes.
Clank!—kt! —As I gripped the barbell, a resounding clank echoed through the air.
I effortlessly picked the weight of 280 kilograms with minimal difficulty.
While I was using a deadlift position, it felt unjust to label it as a deadlift.
I could easily perform a bicep curl with this much weight ...
"Hmm..."— I murmured, observing this newfound strength, before gently lowering the weight onto the steel floor.
The sturdy platform of reinforced concrete served as the foundation for Uncle Ethan's garage gym.
Embedded within this very floor was a gem possessing magical properties, allowing it to absorb any noise generated during workouts. It proved to be immensely useful, as even when I forcefully slammed the weight plates, the sound remained minimal.
This garage gym was a labor of love constructed by Uncle Ethan himself.
I slowly loaded more plates to the reinforced steel barbell.
320 kilograms—no issue whatsoever.
done.me
I continued to pile on the weight.
420 kilograms—it took me around twenty percent of my power, but I handled it with relative ease.
520 kilograms—still not even close to pushing myself to the breaking point.
650 kilograms
720 kilograms
800 kilograms—As the number on the barbell steadily increased, a sense of doubt crept into my mind.
"Hey, Nano, you mentioned that I haven't reached the peak of human physical condition yet. Are you sure about that? I've never witnessed.., or even heard of a human lifting 800 kilograms in my entire life."
[Confirmed. You are now on the cusp of achieving the ultimate pinnacle of human physicality. Once reached, you shall possess the capability to lift up to 1400 kilograms of weight.]
I arched an eyebrow quizzically, 'Human peak physical strength is that much? How is it that no one has ever come even close to that?'
.
.
.
Since receiving the Nano injection, my body has undergone a drastic transformation.
The obvious ones were ofcourse, my strength and endurance—they have increased exponentially.
But there's more to it than that.
My recovery rate has accelerated significantly, and even when I do get tired, it's only for brief moments.
It's as if my cells are constantly fueled by an unceasing energy source, reducing fatigue to almost nothing.
There was also a notable improvements in my ability to memorize.
Unlike before, I now possess the remarkable capability to vividly recall information, whether I read, see, or hear it, akin to having a photographic memory.
Also, my vision has undergone substantial enhancement as well. Unlike the past, I can now perceive a vast array of colors with precision. If my previous visual acuity was like an HD resolution of 1080p, it now resembles the astonishingly sharp quality of an 8k HDR display.
In addition, my hearing ability, sense of smell, and all my other senses have experienced significant amplification.
Moreover, even my proprioception has improved to the point where it feels akin to a sixth sense.
But, these changes are not the only ones I've noticed..
Whether it's the influence of Nano or my prolonged use of the battle mode, one thing was clear – my psychological landscape has undergone a substantial transformation.
Previously, I held a deep regard for human lives, valuing empathy as a cornerstone of my existence. But now...
Now I find myself struggling to summon the same level of empathy towards everyone .
A peculiar shift has occurred within me, resulting in the creation of a mental barrier that discerns between good and evil.
If someone registers as evil in my judgment, my mind almost instinctively categorizes them as something 'other' than human.
I find that my empathy now reserves itself primarily for those deemed "good people."
Seeking answers, I turned to Nano and asked, "Why has this happened ?"
[Master, the alteration in your psychological thinking is not due to the Nano machines. It is more likely that extended usage of the battle mode has induced a temporary divergence in your consciousness, allowing your mind and body to separate momentarily which resulted in construction of a defensive wall. The driving force behind this phenomenon lies within the interplay of your conscious and subconscious mind.]
"A defense?...from what exactly?"
[From yourself master. From Noah Grey.]
My heart skipped a beat as I processed the unsettling response. "From me? From Noah Grey? How is that even possible?"
[The protective wall is a construction of your own consciousness to shield you from the potential collapse of your own beliefs under the weight of your actions. It serves as a defensive mechanism, safeguarding your conscience from the harsh judgment you may impose upon yourself.]
Taken aback, I fell into a contemplative silence, absorbing the gravity of Nano's explanation.
After a moment of reflection, I posed another question, "In the past, you mentioned that I should avoid relying too heavily on the battle mode. Did you have an inkling that such reliance could lead to a transformation in my psychological thinking?"
[Affirmative, I foresaw that excessive dependence on the battle mode could potentially alter your psychological thinking and beliefs over time. But, what sets your case apart is the unnatural nature of this transformation. It may change you into a force of greater good or... ]
"Enough"—I stopped Nano before it could utter that word.
"Is there any solution?"
[There is hope for a seamless transition in your psyche as long as you remain aware of what is happening. In fact, it may resolve itself naturally over time. However, if you are concerned, seeking counseling could be a viable option]
"Consult? Can't you just fix it yourself?"
[The complexities of the mind extend beyond mere nerve muscles or chemical imbalances. This matter lies within the realms of consciousness and the subconscious mind. While I possess the capabilities to assist, it would be more beneficial for you to consciously engage in the process of fixing it.]
I sighed in exasperation. "Finding an expert in psychology ?Where do I have time for that? My schedule is packed, especially considering my plans regarding Seraphina Darkthorn."
[You don't have to worry about the time-consuming process. I can assist you in finding the right professional.]
'Right... Nano could do such things'
"Proceed, search for an expert in psychology."
Within moments, an augmented reality field of vision flooded in my retina with various web pages and data, eventually revealing the profile of an elderly gentleman.
"Dr. Oliver Hawthorne?"—The words escaped me.
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