LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 160: Chapter 159
The day the new improved techniques were released to the Mentalists, the world felt a quiet tremor of anticipation. Though invisible to most, it rippled across the hidden channels where those in the know had their eyes fixed. It was just another update from the Stargazer Empire, but for the Mentalists, it was the moment they had all been waiting for.
Arjun sat cross-legged in his modest apartment, his breathing steady and focused. His mind had been in turmoil for days, unable to break through the mental block he'd been struggling with for weeks. As a Level 3 Mentalist, he had reached a plateau, feeling three times stronger than an average human, yet still unable to reach the elusive next level.
The notification from the Stargazer dashboard flashed in front of him, and his breath caught in his throat. A new technique, an improvement to the existing cultivation method. His eyes widened as he scrolled through the detailed explanations that addressed the very difficulties he had been experiencing. It was as if someone had been watching him, guiding him through this next step.
"Focus on the breath, align with the body's natural rhythm," the message read. "The combination of martial arts forms and meditative breathing is the key to breaking through your limitations."
Arjun's hands trembled as he read further. The martial arts forms, which had once seemed supplementary, were now described as integral to channeling internal energy more efficiently. The breathing technique—rhythmic, measured—was no longer just a way to center the mind. It was now a method to tap into the rhythm of the body.
His heart raced with excitement. "This is it," he whispered to himself. "This is the breakthrough I've been waiting for."
Without hesitation, he rose from his seat and began to practice the forms. His movements flowed with a new grace, a deeper understanding of how each gesture connected to his mental strength. The air around him seemed to hum, as if the universe itself was aligning with his actions. For the first time, he could feel the rhythm of everything around him—the pulse of energy in the air, the throb of life in his veins.
"This… this is what it means to ascend." Arjun's eyes glinted with determination. He knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but now, with this new method, he felt like he was on the verge of something greater than himself.
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In the sleek, cutting-edge offices of PowerGen, Max paced excitedly across the room. His team had just received the green light from Alex—well, from the mysterious instructions sent via Eva the AI—to release the new line of smart AI technology. The boardroom was filled with chatter, analysts pouring over projected growth figures, engineers beaming with excitement, and Max himself could barely contain his glee.
"This is it!" he declared, slamming a hand on the table. "This tech is going to change the game. We're already ahead in biotech, and now we're going to dominate the AI space. Can you imagine what this means for our future?"
His excitement was palpable, but underneath it lay a quiet unease. Max glanced toward the digital display showing news updates. Every week, new reports surfaced of destructive battles between ability users—people born with extraordinary powers, now growing in numbers. Governments around the world were struggling to maintain control, and despite their efforts, chaos was spreading.
"It's only a matter of time before we find a way to harness cosmic energy through tech," Max said, trying to reassure himself as much as his team. "Once we tap into that energy, technology will surpass any biological enhancements or superpowers."
One of his lead engineers, a young woman named Clara, raised a hand. "But cosmic energy still eludes us, Max. Even our best researchers are nowhere close to understanding how to manipulate it effectively."
Max waved a hand dismissively. "We're close. We just need to refine the process. The AI tech we're releasing today will help. We'll analyze the data, run simulations—trust me, we'll get there."
But deep down, Max knew the truth. No matter how advanced PowerGen became, cosmic energy remained a mystery. The ability users, with their natural connection to that power, were unpredictable and dangerous. And as much as he hated to admit it, he feared they might outpace technology if PowerGen couldn't find a solution soon.
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Across the globe, online forums were abuzz with reactions to the new Mentalist techniques released by the Stargazer Empire.
User: TruthSeeker89: "Has anyone tried the new breathing method? I've been stuck at Level 2 for months, but I swear I felt something shift after practicing for just an hour!"
User: CosmicKnight: "It's insane how accurate the explanation is. The way it talks about using martial arts to align with the rhythm of the body—it's like I can feel the energy flowing differently now."
User: Scientist_Skeptic: "Still not buying it. This whole Mentalist thing is just new-age nonsense. Give me hard science any day."
User: PowerGenius: "Skeptic or not, you can't argue with the results. My cousin hit Level 3 last week and he's been kicking ass ever since. These techniques are legit."
The comments flew by, but there was one recurring theme: The mysterious Stargazer. No one knew who or what the source was, but the influence of the Mentalists was spreading like wildfire. More people wanted in, hungry for the promise of power through self-cultivation.
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In a dimly lit lab, Dr. Carlisle's face was twisted in a mixture of frustration and obsession. His latest batch of gene-enhancing drugs had once again failed, the test subjects showing increased physical strength but severe mental degradation. The monitors blinked with red warning lights as one of the subjects collapsed, a distorted scream escaping their lips before they fell into unconsciousness.
"Damn it!" Carlisle slammed his fist on the counter, eyes wild. "Why can't I make this work?!"
His mind raced, filled with thoughts of failure, but also with visions of power—real power. He had always been fascinated by Alex's name and the rise of the Stargazer Empire, though he pretended to scoff at the Mentalists. In truth, their methods infuriated him. They were gaining power through simple breathing exercises, meditation, and martial arts, while his work—scientific, rigorous, and precise—was faltering.
"Alex," he muttered under his breath, his fingers gripping the edges of the lab table. "The Mentalists… Stargazer… I'll build my own empire, no matter what it takes. I'll surpass all of them. I'll perfect the gene enhancements, and when I do, I'll become a force feared by the world."
He stared at the cracked vial in front of him, the bubbling green liquid inside a reminder of his failures. But his obsession only grew. He would find a way. By hook or by crook, he would find a way to surpass the Mentalists, the ability users, and anyone who stood in his path.
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As the world watched, the tension between technology, superhuman abilities, and gene enhancements continued to build. PowerGen surged forward with its smart AI, promising a future where technology would reign supreme. The Mentalists, under the unseen hand of the Stargazer Empire, grew stronger with every new technique released. And in the shadows, individuals like Dr. Carlisle plotted, driven by their own twisted ambitions.
Alex watched it all unfold from behind the scenes, a puppet master quietly pulling the strings of his two empires, amused by the chaos and competition he had set in motion. His next move, however, was already in the making.