Kai eventually realized something important.
Dr. Elias Mercer did not understand ordinary conversation.
At all.
"What do people normally discuss?" Elias asked.
Kai blinked.
"You don't know?"
"My interactions over the past centuries were primarily with automated systems."
Kai stared in horror.
"You became socially homeschooled by computers."
"Clarify."
"No."
Kai stood and stretched.
"Alright. First lesson."
Elias looked mildly confused.
"Lesson?"
Kai pointed dramatically.
"If we're apparently sharing brain property now, then basic communication skills are mandatory."
"Unnecessary."
"Absolutely necessary."
Kai began pacing.
"Normal people don't say things like 'biological compatibility confirmed' during introductions."
"It was factually accurate."
"That's not the point!"
Elias frowned slightly.
"Human communication appears inefficient."
Kai pointed.
"Correct. But emotionally efficient."
The scientist went silent.
As though genuinely considering the concept.
Kai continued.
"Example. If someone tells you they're struggling emotionally, you don't respond with statistical analysis."
"What should I say instead?"
Kai opened his mouth.
Then paused.
Actually explaining empathy felt weirdly difficult.
"You acknowledge their feelings."
"Why?"
"Because humans like feeling understood."
"Interesting."
Kai narrowed his eyes.
"You're doing the scientist thing again."
"Correct."
Kai sighed.
This was exhausting.
Suddenly, a holographic screen activated nearby.
Mindspace Stability:
Average
Potential Classification:
Standard
Synchronization Compatibility:
Abnormal
Kai stared.
"Average?"
Elias looked over.
"Accurate assessment."
Kai pointed angrily.
"I entered a secret cosmic laboratory hidden inside my consciousness!"
"And your biological talent remains average."
Kai's emotional state suffered catastrophic damage.
"This world is cruel."
The scientist observed him carefully.
"You possess unusual determination despite mediocre metrics."
Kai blinked.
"...Was that a compliment?"
"Yes."
"That sounded dangerously close to emotional support."
Elias appeared mildly uncomfortable.
"I am attempting adaptation."
Kai nodded solemnly.
"Your growth has been acknowledged."
The scientist stared at him.
Then unexpectedly:
"That statement was emotionally supportive."
Kai froze.
"...You're learning too fast."
A new screen suddenly appeared.
INITIAL SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY ESTABLISHED
BEGINNER AUTHORITY GRANTED
Kai stepped closer.
"Authority?"
The laboratory lights shifted.
Then a small section of the room activated fully.
Machines hummed.
A sealed door unlocked.
Elias looked genuinely surprised.
"Remarkable."
"Good remarkable or terrifying remarkable?"
"Uncertain."
Kai groaned.
The scientist approached the newly opened doorway slowly.
Inside rested a smaller chamber.
Training equipment lined the walls.
At the center stood a transparent crystal pillar filled with moving blue light.
The AI spoke again.
"Beginner Training Sector restored."
"Minimal functionality available."
Kai stared.
"So the laboratory is unlocking because of me?"
"Apparently."
Elias looked thoughtful.
"Your Mindspace may be functioning as an external energy source."
Kai crossed his arms proudly.
"Naturally."
"Your confidence remains statistically fascinating."
Kai ignored the insult.
Instead, he walked toward the crystal pillar.
The moment he touched it—
Information flooded his mind.
Mana circulation.
Breathing rhythms.
Neural synchronization patterns.
Kai stumbled backward.
"OW."
Elias immediately activated a scanner.
"Describe symptoms."
"My brain feels educated aggressively."
The scientist nodded.
"Knowledge transfer successful."
Kai stared.
"You people invented weaponized studying."
"Efficient educational systems improve civilization."
Kai looked horrified.
"You are the final boss of students everywhere."
Then suddenly—
The world around him blurred.
Kai felt his consciousness pulling away.
Reality returned violently.
He gasped awake atop the Awakening Platform.
The ceremonial hall erupted with noise.
Teachers surrounded him.
Students whispered everywhere.
Rowan looked panicked.
"YOU WERE UNCONSCIOUS FOR TEN MINUTES!"
Kai sat up slowly.
His head still hurt.
But beneath the pain...
he felt something else.
A strange connection.
Like an enormous machine sleeping somewhere deep inside his mind.
Principal Orson stared at a glowing measurement device.
His expression looked deeply confused.
"Average mana density," the principal muttered.
Another teacher frowned.
"Average stability too."
"Then why did the platform overload?"
Kai froze.
Wait.
The platform what?
All eyes slowly turned toward him.
Kai immediately attempted to look mysterious.
He lowered his voice.
"Some truths transcend understanding."
Silence.
Then smoke suddenly rose from his academy uniform sleeve.
Kai stared.
"...That seems bad."
The awakening platform exploded behind him.