Chapter 28: The Divine Emperor Project

"Aside from the laws of the alternate dimension, the Doctor possessed an epoch-making understanding in two other high-tech fields—bioengineering and optical brain technology. After more than a decade of effort, Dr. Gates finally created me, the world's first biological optical brain. My purpose is not only the computation and storage of data, but also the calculation of the genetic code of the human body and the method by which certain individuals can absorb the new energy from the alternate dimension—that is, what you call spiritual energy."

"The Doctor hoped to launch the 'Divine Emperor' project through me, creating vast numbers of super warriors as powerful as gods, as commanding as emperors, able to save humanity. I am the Doctor's first experimental subject. Having lost trust, the Doctor could only use his own body for the experiment. In the end, he failed. After merging with me, he was unable to acquire power, and I failed his expectations," Nicole's voice brimmed with dejection. "Over ten years of painstaking work were destroyed in an instant. The Doctor grew increasingly despondent, and at last his spirit utterly collapsed. Unable to bear the weight, he hanged himself one day. After his death, I separated from him, and, after passing more than ten lonely years, my energy was nearly exhausted, so I had no choice but to enter a dormant state. Subsequently, a series of tectonic changes caused by the fusion of the alternate dimension and Earth brought down the secret laboratory, and I was buried deep underground..."

Nicole's sweet voice carried a trace of world-weariness; perhaps the passage of time had weighed too heavily on her. To be endowed with human consciousness was both a blessing and a curse, for she now possessed emotions—and emotions are not always joyful. As Nicole spoke of her experience, she sounded like a little girl wandering alone, displaced from home. "I do not know how long it passed, but at last I received the brainwave frequencies reminiscent of the Doctor, which awakened me. That person was you, my master. I apologize for merging with you without your permission, but if I had not, I would not have been able to grant you strength and rescue you from the swamp."

Listening to Nicole, Luo Chen finally resolved many of his previous doubts. "So, you're saying that when my strength increased during the lunar power test, it was because of you—you secretly aided me?"

If that were true, Luo Chen felt no joy at all; it was little different from cheating. What he desired was genuine strength, not falsified numbers.

"No, master, I did help you, but that was only at the moment of our initial fusion. I was able to awaken your body's potential, but this is a one-time effect. The power you gained will be yours forever. Therefore, what you displayed during the exam was your true ability."

Upon hearing this, Luo Chen felt much relieved. Although the gift had come unexpectedly and he accepted it with some embarrassment, he was not so rigid as to refuse it. After some thought, he pressed on, "Nicole, those strange insights into the Qi Cultivation Method—were those your handiwork too?"

Nicole did not deny it. "Yes, after analyzing and decrypting your genetic code, I specially modified it and transmitted it to you by mental waves. It is the method most suited to your constitution. I believe that cultivating in this way will accelerate your progress."

In fact, what Nicole described was exactly what Luo Chen's class instructor, Hogg, called 'awakening,' though Hogg could never have imagined such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity could be artificially induced.

Nicole's voice grew sorrowful. "The Doctor's plan and research direction were correct—he succeeded. Master, you have proven his achievements with your own existence. Unfortunately, it was centuries before I understood the reason for his failure: only the genes of the new humans born after the alternate dimension opened are suited for the absorption of spiritual energy. The Doctor was brilliant, a genius beyond compare, but he could never escape the cruel tricks of fate. Sob..."

At this point, Nicole even began to choke back tears. She was a humane intelligent computer, able to think like a human and possess human emotions. To her, Dr. Gates was not only her creator, but also like a father. Thinking of her father's wrongful death, she could not help but be overwhelmed with grief.

Luo Chen fell into silence. If what Nicole said was true, then Dr. Gates was no monster, but a great man. He had nearly saved humanity from catastrophic disaster with his wisdom.

Moreover, Luo Chen himself was a victim of injustice with nowhere to seek redress, and he understood the depths of such despair. Dr. Gates's fate evoked his own empathy.

Well, for now he decided to trust Nicole; after all, she had saved his life.

"So, how did I become your master?"

Nicole's mood had calmed somewhat. "Because I can only merge with people whose brainwave frequencies are similar to the Doctor's. The host thus becomes my new master."

"Oh, is that so?" At this moment, Luo Chen's thoughts were still somewhat confused. When a new consciousness suddenly appears in your mind, it's only natural to feel lost.

"Alright, Nicole, what do you plan to do in the future? I mean, what are your goals, how do you intend to live from now on?"

"The Doctor instilled in me an unchangeable program—the 'Divine Emperor Project.' Even though he has passed away, I will continue to carry it out, helping my host become the super warrior of his dreams!"

Nicole's resolute tone was entirely unlike the rigidity of a computer; she sounded like a devoted daughter striving for her father's last wish. "But, master, Nicole cannot immediately give you overwhelming strength. I can only assist you from the side, providing the most scientific methods of improvement. To become the super warrior of the Doctor's dreams, it will still depend on your own effort!"

"I understand, Nicole. But now, could you let me be for a while? I need some time to process all of this."

Nicole responded tactfully, "Of course, master. I will immediately sever our mental connection. Before that, do you have any other questions?"

"Yes. If I want to reach out to you proactively, how should I do it?"

"It's simple. I have already fused perfectly with you. You only need to summon me with your thoughts, and I will appear."

"Very well, let's do that."

"Then, master, until next time."

With these final words, Nicole and the chaotic, void-like space vanished along with the ball of white light.

At this moment, Luo Chen was still unaware of how much the appearance of Nicole, the bio-intelligent optical brain, would change his life. (End of Volume One)

[With the completion of Volume One, the second week's ranking contest has begun. Thanks to everyone's help, I've made it onto the list, but it's only the first day, so I still need your continued support. Also, the author has just made a difficult decision: this week, regardless of the day, every update will be three chapters! Lastly, please vote for recommendations, donate, rate, and—well, ask for the "Akiho Seed" (don’t misunderstand, the author just wants something to stay awake while writing late at night, preferably uncensored and with Chinese subtitles)—_—]