LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 157: Chapter 156
Alex leaned back in his chair, a smirk creeping across his face as Eva, his AI, continued her detailed report on the state of the world. The irony wasn't lost on him as he listened to the growing prominence of the Mentalists and their impact on society. What had started as a simple experiment—a method of self-cultivation—had now grown into a worldwide phenomenon. He was the invisible hand behind it all, yet here he was, quietly amused by how things had developed.
"They also call themselves Mentalists," Eva's voice echoed in the room, her synthetic tone calm and precise, "and their numbers are increasing. Forums dedicated to mental cultivation have seen a surge in membership, and several governments are quietly funding programs to train individuals in these techniques."
Alex chuckled, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Of course they are. It's the only method out there that gives people a way to feel powerful without relying on external abilities or gene mods. Everyone wants an edge, especially when it's something they can control themselves."
Eva's holographic form flickered for a moment as she brought up a series of data points and media headlines, projecting them in the air before Alex. "The Mentalists are gaining influence, but it's still not enough to rival the ability users with more destructive powers. They're more stable than Gene-enhanced individuals, though. It seems to be a middle ground people are comfortable with."
Alex nodded. "It's predictable. The Mentalists won't be flashy, but their strength lies in discipline and focus. They won't dominate in a direct fight against ability users, but they'll outlast them. That's the real advantage—they can cultivate their strength slowly and steadily. It's just the beginning."
He watched as Eva presented clips of various news broadcasts and social media posts. Mentalist groups were sprouting up everywhere, their influence spreading like wildfire. At the same time, PowerGen—the biotech giant that Alex also controlled, albeit from the shadows—was pushing its AI systems and gene modifications harder than ever, trying to stay ahead of the curve.
The irony of it all made Alex chuckle again. His two empires, PowerGen and Stargazer, were unknowingly competing with each other. Each one striving to outdo the other, both unaware that they were owned by the same man.
"They're both clawing for dominance," Alex mused aloud, shaking his head. "PowerGen trying to stay ahead with its AI and biotech, and the Mentalists quietly gaining ground with their cultivation techniques. And they don't even know it's all coming from the same source."
"It seems counterintuitive," Eva remarked, "for you to allow two empires under your control to compete. Wouldn't it be more efficient to align their goals?"
"Where's the fun in that?" Alex grinned. "Let them compete. It's a game, and I'm the only one who knows all the pieces. Besides, competition breeds innovation. I want to see what they come up with. PowerGen thinks they've got an edge with the hidden code research, but they have no idea how far behind they really are. As for the Mentalists—they've barely scratched the surface of what's possible."
He leaned forward, gazing at the holographic display of the world map, each region marked with data points related to the rise of Stargazer techniques. His thoughts drifted to a project he had been toying with for a while—the book on meditation techniques that he had planned to release but never did. The book would have detailed deeper methods of mental cultivation, techniques far beyond what he had already shared with the world. But something had always held him back from releasing it.
"It's funny," Alex said, his voice thoughtful, "I still haven't released that meditation book. The world's running around trying to piece together basic techniques, and here I am sitting on advanced knowledge that could change everything."
"Do you plan to release it soon?" Eva asked, her holographic form tilting slightly as if curious.
"Not yet," Alex replied, his smirk returning. "Let them struggle a bit longer. The Mentalists are doing well enough with what they have. If I release the meditation book now, it'll disrupt the balance too quickly. Besides, I want to see how they evolve on their own. They need to earn it."
He waved his hand through the holographic display, dismissing the map as he stood up and began to pace the room. His mind buzzed with possibilities, thinking of what his next move should be. With the rise of the Mentalists and PowerGen pushing their AI systems, the world was entering a new era, all driven by forces they didn't fully understand.
"What's next, then?" Eva asked, her tone still neutral but with a hint of anticipation. "If you're not releasing the book, what are your plans?"
Alex paused, staring out the window at the city skyline. His mind was already a few steps ahead. "For now, we keep watching. I want to see how far these Mentalists can go with the basics. Let them push themselves to their limits. And as for PowerGen, they're still in the dark about the full potential of the hidden code. Let them release their AI systems and their substandard biotech. It'll keep them ahead for a while, but not forever."
Eva processed his words, silently storing away the details for future reference. "And what about your personal research? You've reached the limits of mental cultivation. Will you continue with soul cultivation as your primary focus?"
Alex smiled, his eyes glinting with a quiet determination. "Exactly. Soul cultivation is the real path forward. While the world scrambles to unlock the mysteries of mental power, I'll be exploring something far greater. And once I master it… well, let's just say the world will see something it's never seen before."
He paused, considering something. "We also need to keep an eye on Arjun and his group. The Mentalists following him are showing signs of rapid improvement, but I don't want them to get too far ahead too quickly. Monitor them closely, but don't interfere. They're useful for now."
Eva nodded, her holographic form shifting slightly as she processed Alex's instructions. "Understood. Monitoring will continue, and no intervention will be made unless absolutely necessary."
Alex stretched his arms, feeling the weight of the decisions he had made. He had no intention of slowing down, but for now, he was content to let the world play out its current path. PowerGen, the Mentalists, the cultivation techniques—they were all part of a larger game, and Alex was the only one who knew how it would end.
"Let's see how this plays out," he said softly, more to himself than to Eva. "Let's see who rises to the top."