Chapter 5

Alex woke up with the sound of the water dripping and the smell of blood and roasted meat. He rubbed his eyes several times before trying to open them completely. As he opened his eyes and they began to focus everything became clear, really clear. He looked down at his hands and he could see everything so clear and so sharp. It seemed that his vision had been impaired and he was finally wearing some much-needed glasses. His vision was amazing. He looked a little closer at his hands and he could even see his own fingerprints on the tips of his fingers.

“Upgrades complete. Would you like to see the impact of the upgrades and their resulting abilities?”

“Yes please show me.”

Visual Acuity increased 300%

Night vision unlocked

Thermal vision unlocked

Artificial intelligence visual link available

Auditory sensitivity increased 250%

Olfactory sensitivity increased 175%

“Not bad, Alice. I am highly impressed. I'm just not exactly sure what all of this means."

"Well to put it simply you have the senses of a mid-level animal. You see at night like a feline. Your daytime vision is that of a hawk. Your sense of smell and hearing is like that of a canine."

"That is amazing! What does the A.I. visual link do?”

“I can now transfer information directly to your eyes. For example, I can send you information on the direction of your current home, potential dangers, and highlight weak points on the enemy based on anatomical data you have collected.”

“That’s good well hopefully now we won’t be surprised by any more of those green freaks. I also need to spend some time training daily. Even though it may not change my stats I do need to work out to get used to how my body moves and how to use my weapon as well as how my new senses affect me.”

“That would be wise. I will continue to produce nanites as it took 600 to upgrade your senses.”

“How many do I left?”

“Currently you have 950 nanites remaining.”

“Good How many do you think it will take to upgrade my sword?”

“I would say 4000 nanites.”

“Hmm… that is a bit disappointing but I guess it is not too bad. How long will it take to produce that many nanites?”

“It can be done in 2 days if you can find another food source like the rabbit that you killed.”

“Well, I guess that is where I will be heading after doing some training. Which I would like your help with.”

“How shall I assist you Spartan?”

“Well, first I can see that you are able to take in information from my senses and process it much faster than I would be able to.”

“That is correct, Spartan.”

“What I want to know is what would it be like if you took all of that information in and allowed my mind to process it faster? Right now it seems that your circuitry is in my head but not really part of it. I want you to be part of my consciousness so that I can use your processing power to its fullest.”

“Running calculations….. In my database that has been done on numerous occasions with positive results. It will not be painful like our initial pairing but it will be disorienting for a while until you get a handle on all of the information that I process. It will seem like the world slows down to you as you will take much more information in a second than you currently do in a minute.”

“Hmm…. That would be a bit strange but I think I should be able to get a handle on it with some training.”

“Also with the integration, you will be able to access more of your brain’s function. Currently, you use about 14% of your brain which is rather high for someone of your species. With our connection, it will boost to about 25%. Your senses will improve even more. Your sense of balance, dexterity, and kinesthetic senses will all increase. Your memory will become photographic as well.”

“All are good bonuses, what about combat?”

“Well having things slow down during combat coupled with your ability to process and react increasing will definitely increase your chances of survival. What you will need to do is increase your body’s ability to act on your improved cognitive abilities.”

“That sounds good. Physical training never hurt anyone. I will start training and you begin the syncing process.”

“As you wish Spartan.”

Alex got up from his fur blanket and began doing some jumping jackets to warm up my body. There was a buzzing sound in his head which he could only assume was Alice beginning the sync process. He continued the jumping jacks until his body was covered in a sheen of sweat then started with his military calisthenics routine. Alex started with 100 pushups followed by 100 sit-ups and squats. The workout was not terrible so he decided to increase the difficulty after he finished the first round. He tried single-armed pushups, leg lifts, and one-legged squats. He could not get through more than 20 one-armed pushups on either arm and I barely made it through 10 one-legged squats but these were all much more than he could do before he came here. Alex took a short break before starting the routine again. Each round he was able to do less. By the time he got to the 5th round his body was completely exhausted.

He stood with his hands on his knees as sweat poured off him. My breathing was rough and ragged but as he rested it slowed down and regained its normal rhythm. My heart rate decreased slowly as he began to stand up straight.

That was one heck of a workout. Even back in my military days, this would have been difficult for me to accomplish if I could have done it at all. This improved physique is amazing.

“Alice your technology is far beyond that of what people from my world could create. Where were you created?”

“I am a basic Artificial Intelligence from a world 765 light-years from your homeworld, earth. I am, what would be called, a basic unit. My capabilities are limited compared to the more advanced models but I do have a large database of information from all across the worlds that the people of the world that I was created on have encountered.”

“So you are from an advanced world. Well, that doesn’t seem very far-fetched considering everything else that has happened to me over the last couple of days. If given the right materials can you help me build some futuristic tech from your world?”

“Error…. I am sorry Spartan. It appears that I cannot access my information on advanced technology. It seems that my database is restricted to technology that is present in your world.”

“Well, that certainly sucks! Alice, since you have a large database can you help me to find some edible plants that I can eat to help me stabilize my diet? I mean I love eating different kinds of meat but I would assume that is not the best thing for my stomach.”

“Yes, there are numerous plant species in my database. As we move through the forest I will help you locate possible food sources.”

“Well, now that we have a plan I want to go back to that waterfall and hunt another one of those rabbits.”

“That would be a good idea. It wasn’t as dangerous as many of the other animals that you have discovered here and it is an excellent source of energy to power the creation of your nanites. It will also be easier to track and hunt now with your improved senses. Also, it will be an opportunity for you to see your upgraded senses and neural link in action.”

“Sounds great! Let’s go.”

Alex fastened his sword to my back using the rope and wrapped the rest of it around his body before he took off towards the waterfall. As he traveled, Alice pointed out several mushrooms and leafy plants that were edible. Alice created a simple interface that allowed him to interact with the information within his field of vision as more of the blue screens.

[Green mushroom: Bitter taste but can be used as a source of nourishment when other forms of sustenance are not available.]

[Honey flower: Nectar from this plant is a sweet treat for anyone who drinks it. Be wary as its taste attracts numerous insects.]

[Blue moon dandelion: Petals from this can be used to help to add flavor to foods.]

After a relatively uneventful trip, Alex made it back to the waterfall. He began scanning for enemies. With his new enhanced senses, he was able to pick up a faint musky smell on the other side of the river. He couldn’t tell exactly what the odor was so he continued scanning. As he looked towards the river bank he could see numerous footprints. Alice was able to outline each of them and compare them to her database.

“Spartan there are several different animals that water themselves here. I have detected and analyzed prints for animals. The current possible animals would be a rabbit, a rat, a wolf, a deer, a bear, and some sort of large cat. Judging on the proportions and numbers the cat seems to be the largest but as you are right now all of them would be dangerous to you. I also noticed some humanoid-looking footprints. Some appear to be adult-sized, larger than adult-sized and some child-sized prints. Based on probability the child-sized ones belong to the goblins that you encountered.”

“Thanks, for the update now let’s try and track some of the smaller animals but let’s be careful as smaller animals usually are more numerous and I would hate to have to fight several of those rabbits at the same time.”

“Understood. Based on the depth the smallest animal would be the rat. I will illuminate its trail for you to help guide you in tracking it.”

In his vision, small footprints turned a pale blue and he saw that they led back into the forest.

"That is amazing Alice! This will make tracking them so much easier."

"There are many more things that will be possible as we continue your journey."

Alex slowly followed the tracks through the trees. The pale blue footprints stood out very well against the background of the forest. He did his best to be aware of his surroundings. There were several times when he thought he heard something or saw something move amongst the dense foliage. His body was full of tension from being on high alert for so long. Soon, he was rewarded for his patience and efforts. He saw what appeared to be a cave where the footprints ended.

“Hmmm…. I can’t see in the dark so going in that cave would definitely put me at a disadvantage. I need to watch this place for a little while and see if I can catch one or two when they exit or before they enter.”

“That would be your best chance, Spartan.”

I began scanning the entrance and my surroundings for any movement then suddenly if felt something pierce my arm.

“AAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”, I screamed out in pain.

As soon as the pain registered, I saw a black snake attached to my arm. It did not let go and my arm.

It must be poisonous because it’s not wrapping me up. I’ve got to get it off now!

I pulled my sword from its sheath. The snake’s body violently thrashed while its fangs dived farther into my flesh sending excruciating pain through my arm. I raised my sword as high as I could before bringing it down at the base of the snake’s head. The sword plunged deep into its flesh almost most separating the head from the rest of its body. It released its hold on my arm and tried to slither away but it could barely move as I finished the job and beheaded it.

“Alice status now!”

“Spartan, you are currently poisoned from the bite of a highly venomous snake. I have already sent the nanites to combat the poison but because of your body’s reaction to fear and pain, the venom has already traveled through most of your arm. I can stop it at your shoulder but your arm is dead.”

“What? What do you mean my arm is dead?”

“The poison from this snake is not a paralytic or neurotoxin it is a necrotic poison. As it spreads it decays whatever it touches causing the thing to die slowly. Get rid of your arm now before the poison spreads to your torso.”

I have to remove my own arm!? What the?! How!?

With grim determination in his eyes, he looked at his sword then looked at his arm. Then he looked between both again. Alex took out a piece of rope and tied it as tight as he could under his armpit. His arm was already numb so he knew the situation was already getting worse. He bit down on the rope and raised his arm.

“Quickly I can save your arm later but right now the decay is working faster than the nanites can cleanse your body. You have to do this now or it may kill you! What are you going to do, lose an arm or die!”

Alex began hyperventilating as he raised his sword. He knew what needed to be done but hacking off your own arm is not something a normal person can do.

I won't let this place kill me. I will survive!!!

He knew the pain was going to be extreme. He bit down as hard as could on the rope until he felt like his teeth would shatter. In a moment of complete silence, he brought his sword down on his own arm right above the elbow. With a large splatter of blood, his arm was removed.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”, I screamed for seemed to be forever.

This was not good because it alerted other animals to his presence. The pain was immense and the bleeding was even worse but he had to get back to the shack and rest. Alex grabbed the dead snake that was about 3 meters long and pulled it over his shoulder as he ran. It wasn’t as heavy as I thought but he had no time to think about such issues. He was badly wounded and in need of serious rest so that he could recover. He rushed back towards the shack with all possible speed.

As he ran he was not paying attention to his surroundings or listening to Alice who was trying to talk to him. The pain was so great all he could do to keep himself conscious was to keep moving forward. This was a big mistake. As he rushed towards the cabin, he hadn’t noticed but he was being followed by something. Alex's vision was becoming hazy and his breathing was getting heavier as the blood loss take effect. As he reached the opening to where his cabin was, he finally noticed. As he turned to see who or what was following him he was met with a loud crash across the side of my head. Alex was knocked off his feet and he felt blood flowing down his face. I crashed into the side of my shack leaving blood that splattered out of my mouth and from my missing arm on the wall. As he looked up I saw a goblin rushing towards me with its mouth wide open. His body was racked with pain but he knew if he didn’t kill this thing it would kill him.

Little bastard thinks he can take me because I'm wounded. Well, I've got news for him. A wounded animal is the most dangerous one. I will make sure this is the last lesson he ever learns.

Alex dragged himself to his feet and pulled out his sword. His body felt heavy almost as if he was being weighed down by something. He shrugged off the snake that was around his shoulders and waited for his opponent to get closer. It began to swing its club when suddenly everything felt like it slowed down.

What the hell….? What is going on? It's like I can see the path of the club. I know where it is going to hit and I know how to avoid it now all I need to do is move and attack. My attack has to finish it so it has to be a vital point.

Alex shifted his body slightly out of the path of the goblin’s attack. The club missed him by barely an inch. He could feel the wind from the club passing by on his face. He used the last of his remaining strength to plunge his blade deep into the area between his neck and shoulders just in front of the clavicle. His blade passed through the skin and down into its chest cavity. As soon he pulled his blade out the creature's body fell limp like a puppet with its strings cut. Alex could barely breathe but he managed to grab the snake and open the door to his cabin. Then he walked out and dragged the goblin’s body inside. He tried his best to kick dirt on the blood that was seeping into the ground to keep any predators away before going back inside. Once in the small shack, Alex closed the door and then moved the table in front of it trying to barricade the door. he had no more energy left and fell to the ground in a heap and closed before closing his eyes.

Alex saw a flash of light and then he was in a room that looked like the training center when he was in the military.

“What’s going on? Where am i? How did I get here?”, I yelled out.

Then I heard Alice’s voice.

“Spartan, your body is still in the cabin. We are in your mind. Look at yourself. Didn’t you notice that you are not wounded and you still have your arm?”

Alex looked down and noticed he still had his arm and he was wearing his naval combat uniform.

“What is going here, Alice? Why am I here? What did you do to me?”

“I brought you here to speak with you about the new power that I was able to give you.”

“What new power?”

“Do you not remember me telling you about synching with me and that time seeming to slow down?”

“Yes, I remember you saying something like that.”

“Well, our synch process was completed shortly before you got back to the cabin. So in the emergency situation that occurred where the goblin ambushed you, I activated it. I processed all the information that you were taking in through your enhanced senses allowing your mind to react much faster than normal. Even though time was moving at normal speed, you were processing information 10 times faster than normal so time appeared to slow down to a tenth of what it normally would be.”

“That was amazing! You mean you can allow me to do that regularly?”

“Yes and no. Yes, I can give you that ability in combat but no I cannot do it for extended periods of time. Your mind cannot handle that much information at one time for very long. At most right now you could last 10 seconds before you would receive brain injuries.”

“How can I improve so that I can do better with this?”

“Continue to upgrade your body with nanites. Your brain would be another upgrade so that you can access 35 to 40% of your brain which would allow you to have more control over your physical being as well as increased mental capacity such as memory, analytics, and critical thinking.”

“That sounds great but what about my arm?”

“Your arm can be regrown using the nanites to stimulate the regrowth of bone muscles, tendons, nerves, and skin. It will take a while and a lot of energy. It will also be… uncomfortable.”

“You mean painful.”

“Yes, the snake that bit you, you should eat as much of it as you can. While you sleep I will stabilize your condition and stimulate the marrow in your bones to replace the blood you lost as well as heal the wounds you received. Once you eat the snake we should have enough energy to begin the regrowth of your arm.”

“That is great. What is the estimated time of regrowth?”

“Currently with the number of nanites you have it will take approximately 8 days. If you consume the goblin, I should be able to nearly double the number of nanites and cut your recovery time in half. Also, you gained a level during the fight but you were too consumed with survival to notice. When you awaken I suggest you put your points into vitality and increase your nanite creation ability. This will help you heal faster and reduce the energy consumption for creating nanites further reducing your recovery time.”

“I will. Thank you, Alice. I wouldn’t be able to survive here without you.”

“Rest well Spartan, you are still in grave danger as long as you remain as weak as you are currently.”

The light became even brighter and then I was asleep.

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“What a night! The Spartan once again cheats death. Bitten by a deadly snake he survived by severing his own arm. What a man ladies and gentlemen”, yelled a man with a microphone.

The room was full of people with masks on. There were video screams showing various people in the world created to house the criminals. The people in the room were dressed in the most extravagant of clothing and they were drinking the highest end wines in liquors known to man. These people of the super-elite financial realm were betting on the survival or death of the combatants.

“I’ll bet 10 million dollars the Spartan dies tomorrow!”, a fat man in a white wolf mask yelled.

“I’ll bet 20 million dollars that he lives.

Ushers came over to each of the betters to verify the funds using a handheld device. Other people continued making more and more bets as the night went on. The room was in an uproar as hundreds of millions of dollars were bet on what amounted to be a dead pool.