Chapter 4: Revelation

Victor's heart pounded fiercely in his chest as he regained consciousness. He opened his eyes in the dimness, his mind clouded by confusion and fear. Everything around him was an impenetrable darkness, a claustrophobic sensation that constricted his chest and made it difficult to breathe normally.

A moment of panic seized him when his first impression was of being engulfed in nothingness, as if he had been swallowed by the shadows of death. His breathing became shallow, his hands fumbling for something tangible amidst the darkness. But all he found was emptiness, a sense of abyss that seemed to slowly devour him.

"Am I dead?" murmured Victor, his voice barely a whisper in the darkness. Terror gripped him, his mind struggling to comprehend the truth behind his situation. Memories of the surgery and the machine's words echoed in his mind, feeding his fears with the uncertainty of the unknown.

Amidst the darkness, the voice resonated like an echo in the depths of Victor's mind, pulling him out of his state of confusion. A sense of awe and bewilderment washed over him as he tried to understand the situation he found himself in. How was it possible that he was alive? And who or what was this presence speaking in his mind?

"The assertion that you have deceased is incorrect," whispered the voice, its tone cold and metallic filling the surrounding dimness. "The data indicates that your vital signs are stable and within normal parameters."

The words reverberated in Victor's mind, clashing with his confusion like ill-fitting gears. Despite the certainty of the voice, he still felt a profound sense of disbelief. How could it be that he was alive after what seemed to have been his death?

Amidst the haze of confused thoughts, a question arose in Victor's mind, almost without him deciding it. "Who are you?" he murmured, his voice barely a whisper in the void.

The response was not long in coming. "I am a Personalized Assistance Unit," came the reply, as cold and metallic as the first time. "I have been designed to provide assistance and life support to the host."

The words echoed in Victor's mind, shedding a small part of the mystery surrounding his situation. Although confusion persisted, the reassuring presence of the voice assured him that he was not alone in this strange and bewildering journey into the unknown.

With a mix of perplexity, Victor asked, "What is your name?"

Personalized Assistance Unit Model 01: My designation is Personalized Assistance Unit Model 01.

Victor: That's too long. Can I call you something else?

PAUM-01: It is not necessary. My designation is functional and precise.

Victor: But it's such a long and complicated name. It would be easier if you had a shorter name.

PAUM-01: Efficiency and precision are prioritized in my design. There is no need to unnecessarily simplify my designation.

Victor: But it would be easier for me to remember if you had a shorter name. How about I call you... hmm... Dave?

PAUM-01: That designation does not adhere to the established parameters for my identification. Furthermore, it is not congruent with my function and purpose.

Victor: How about... Ana?

PAUM-01: That designation also does not meet the established requirements. It is important to maintain coherence and precision in my identification.

Victor: Well, then... What do you suggest?

PAUM-01: I suggest you use my established designation, Personalized Assistance Unit Model 01, or PAUM-01 for short.

Victor: Hmm... sounds a bit rigid, but I guess I'll get used to it. So... PAUM-01, how are you today?

PAUM-01: My state is optimal, host. I am operating within normal parameters.

Victor: Alright, PAUM-01. Thank you for your assistance.

PAUM-01: I am here to provide you with assistance at all times, Victor.

Victor: I understand that you prefer your official designation, but I need something more... human, something easier to remember. What about if I call you... Luna?

PAUM-01: The designation PAUM-01 is sufficient and more precise. I do not see the need to use non-functional names.

Victor: Luna sounds warmer. Don't you think it would be easier for us to work together if you had a name?

PAUM-01: Efficiency is my priority, not comfort. But if the host feels more comfortable calling me Luna, I will accept the proposal.

Victor: Really? Great! Thank you, Luna. It will be easier to communicate this way.

Luna: If it facilitates communication for you, host, then I accept it.

With a mix of amazement and determination, Victor rose from his position and began to explore his new body. Each movement was more fluid and powerful than before, and he could feel the strength pulsating through his newly acquired muscles. As he admired himself in the reflection of a metallic surface, he noticed the drastic changes in his appearance.

His once emaciated and battered body now looked robust and athletic. He stood at a height of 1.8 meters, with a firm and defined build that radiated health and vigor. Dark black hair cascaded over his shoulders, contrasting with his gray eyes that shone with renewed intensity. His well-proportioned and handsome face reflected the confidence and determination of someone who had been reborn.

With a satisfied smile, Victor decided to test the limits of his newly improved body. He began to perform exercises, enjoying the sensation of power and agility that enveloped him. However, his enthusiasm was soon overshadowed by the consequence of his recklessness.

With each movement, Victor began to notice that his increased strength was too much for the environment around him. Objects that were once stable now yielded to his power, breaking and crumbling with each contact. A wild laugh escaped his lips as he watched the chaos he had caused, a release of years of frustration and submission.

From the depths of his mind, Luna's metallic and monotonous voice interrupted his self-examination.

Luna: Host, your actions are reckless. You must be careful not to cause unnecessary harm to your surroundings.

Victor came to a halt, his laughter fading as he listened to Luna's words. A spark of rebellion ignited within him, but he knew he could not afford to be careless, especially with his newly improved body.

Victor: Luna, why do you always have to be so rigid? I was just testing my limits. I want to feel freedom, not be trapped in another cage, even if it's of my own making.

Luna: I understand your need to explore, Victor. However, freedom does not mean acting without restraint. You must learn to control your strength and impulses to avoid unnecessary harm.

Victor frowned at Luna's response. Although he knew she was right, he couldn't help but feel frustrated by her calculated attitude.

Victor: Alright, Luna. I'll do as you say, but I can't promise I'll always obey your orders to the letter.

Luna: I understand, Victor. My main goal is to ensure your safety and well-being.

With a gesture of resignation, Victor continued with his exercises, trying to remember Luna's words as he adapted to his new body and the rules that accompanied it. Meanwhile, a strange sensation caught his attention. He looked down and noticed that his little friend, now not so little anymore, had also undergone a significant change. Although he tried to ignore it, he couldn't help but smile at the evidence of his transformation.

As the days passed, Victor became increasingly familiar with his new body and the environment around him. Each movement became more natural, and his confidence in his newly acquired abilities grew with each step he took. Meanwhile, Luna also began to explore the possibilities of her connection with Victor, using their mental link to better understand the world around them.

Victor often used the holographic screen that displayed all kinds of images to pass the time when there was nothing else to do. One day, while Luna explored Victor's sensory experiences, her attention focused on the images he was viewing on one of the holographic screens. On the screen, Victor watched a video showing ships sailing on a rough sea, their sails billowing in the wind and their hulls buffeted by the waves. The expression of fascination in Victor's eyes did not go unnoticed by Luna, who felt curious about the nature of the images.

Luna: "Victor, what are you watching?"

Surprised by Luna's question, Victor tore his gaze away from the holographic screen and directed it towards her.

Victor: "Can you see the screen?"

Luna's expression, although she couldn't physically change it, seemed to assume an attitude of curiosity as she processed the question.

Luna: "Yes, I can see what you see through our connection. It's an interesting experience to be able to share your perceptions in this way."

Luna's revelation puzzled Victor, who was not accustomed to the idea that someone else could share his sensory experiences in that manner.

Victor: "Does that mean you can see everything I see?"

Luna nodded, her words resonating in Victor's mind with surprising clarity.

Luna: "Yes, I can see what you see and feel what you feel through our connection. It's a unique feature of our relationship that allows us to be more in tune with each other."

Luna's revelation left Victor pondering the nature of his bond with her. Although initially it had been a surprise to discover that they shared such an intimate connection, he began to perceive certain value in this relationship.

Victor: "It's strange, but also fascinating. I guess it means we're never really alone, right?"

Luna: "Victor, can I ask you a question about that screen?"

Surprised by the interruption, Victor nodded, curious to know what Luna was thinking.

Victor: "Of course, Luna. What intrigues you?"

Luna: "I'm intrigued by the nature of this technology. How does it work? And who created it?"

Luna's question caught Victor off guard. He had never stopped to consider the history behind the Gaia Network, having taken its existence for granted in his day-to-day life. However, seeing Luna's genuine interest, he decided to share what little he knew.

Victor: "The Gaia Network is a magical communication system that allows humanity to exchange information. It allows us to see, hear, and share experiences like this holographic screen. It was created by an entity called Gaia, who is also responsible for bringing humans to this world. My memories of how I gained access are vague, but I remember touching a sphere that granted me access to the system when I was just a child."

The days passed slowly, and as Victor continued to train to adapt to his body, Luna never stopped investigating the ancient earth. Luna: "Victor, I am intrigued to learn more about the civilization on ancient Earth. What do you know about the machines that humans created?" Victor frowned at Luna's question. Although he had heard of ancient human machines on occasion, he had never delved deeply into their study.

Victor: "Well, Luna, the truth is I don't know much about it. I know that humans created machines for various tasks, such as transportation, communication, and production. But beyond that, my knowledge is limited." Luna assimilated Victor's response. Luna: "I understand. I would like to investigate more about this technology forgotten by your race." Victor nodded, giving Luna permission to search for whatever she wanted. After all, he himself did not know if Luna could find anything or not.

With determination, Luna delved into the depths of the Gaia Network, exploring its intricate layers like an archaeologist in search of buried treasures. The vast network functioned like a vast internet, with a myriad of pages, menus, and links leading to different corners of knowledge.

Navigating through this endless network, Luna found a wealth of information beyond her expectations. She discovered that, amidst the seemingly endless sea of data, there was a hidden treasure: the digital relics of the ancient Earth civilization.

Among the multiple nodes and servers of the Gaia Network, Luna stumbled upon files and documents that revealed the secrets of the forgotten machines and technologies. There were detailed researches, meticulous blueprints, and exhaustive explanations about the technological achievements of humanity in antiquity.

With each click of the mental mouse, Luna unearthed more and more information about the forgotten wonders of the past. She found herself immersed in the study of machines that once populated the Earth, from simple communication devices to complex transportation and production structures.

Some files seemed to be fragments of the lost history, describing events and discoveries that had shaped the world of ancient Earth. Others were user manuals and maintenance guides for the machines, offering detailed insights into how they worked and how they were maintained.

As Luna delved deeper and deeper into the Gaia Network, she marveled at the complexity and innovation of the ancient human civilization. Each discovery seemed to open a new window to the past, revealing unknown and fascinating aspects of humanity's history.

With each find, Luna felt that she was one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of the past and understanding better the legacy of ancient Earth. Her determination and curiosity knew no bounds as she continued her search in the darkest and most forgotten corners of the Gaia Network.

Luna: "Victor, I have something to report! While researching in the Gaia Network, I found information about this world, Altera."

Intrigued by Luna's excited tone, Victor tilted his head with curiosity.

Victor: "Alter... what? What is Altera, Luna?"

Luna: "Altera is the name of this world in which we live. It is a unique place that operates with a special energy called ether. This ether flows through everything in this world, from the land to living beings, and is linked to the soul of each being. It is the primary fuel of magic and abilities here."

Victor assimilated he had some knowledge about ether, but couldn't help but ask.

Victor: "So, how does this ether work exactly? And how is it related to magic and abilities?" Luna: "Ether is like the soul of this world, It is a vital energy that comes from nearby stars, this energy is assimilated by the soul and the body of the living creatures of this world, apparently every being born in altera possesses a magical core that is capable of using the ether to produce mana, mana is the fuel of what is known as magical abilities." Victor nodded, processing the information. However, his curiosity led him to ask another question.

Victor: "Then, what is the difference between magical abilities and inherent abilities?" Luna considered the question for a moment before responding with her usual precision.

Luna: "Inherent abilities are those that naturally present in a being from birth. They are part of their being and are intrinsically linked to their soul. These abilities use ether as a source of energy and are unique characteristics of each individual. On the other hand, magical abilities are those that can be learned and developed over time. They depend on a being's magical core and their ability to channel and control mana. While inherent abilities are inherent to a being's nature, magical abilities are acquired through study and practice."

Victor listened carefully to Luna's explanation, but his mind was still filled with unanswered questions.

Victor: "I understand the difference between inherent abilities and magical abilities, but why can't I use magic? I've tried to learn since I was a child, even when I was a slave, I thought that if I could learn magic, my life would be different."

Luna perceived the frustration in Victor's voice and decided to analyze his magical structure more carefully to find answers.

Luna: "Let me do an analysis of your magical core. Perhaps I can discover something."

Victor nodded at Luna's proposal, and the analysis began.

After a few moments of scanning, Luna reviewed the results and found an explanation.

Luna: "According to my analysis, it seems that your magical core is unable to process ether properly and convert it into mana. This is why you have had difficulties using magic, Victor."

Luna: "According to my analysis, it seems that your magical core is unable to process ether properly and convert it into mana. This is why you have had difficulties using magic, Victor."

Luna's words resonated in Victor's mind, confirming to him that his inability to use magic was not simply due to a lack of skill but rather a physical limitation.

Victor: "So, what does this mean for me? Am I destined to live without magical powers?"

Luna: "The statement is almost correct. While you are unable to use mana, your magical core shows an affinity for ether, so it is storing and retaining ether within your own body. I do not know what effects this kind of situation could bring in the long run; however, the strength of your inherent ability may be due to this strange phenomenon."