CHAPTER-6

The mobile that was placed on the table abruptly shook slightly and gradually increased in intensity. It changed from a solid structure to a semi-solid substance and wriggled, then it changed into a ball-shaped and rolled over towards Alex.

It reached his leg and crawled on his leg and reached for his palm. Alex looked on fascinated at these Nanites. He willed for it to change back to mobile, it changed instantly into the mobile. He then willed it to change into many different shapes of square, triangle and other basic shapes.

He then tried changing them to a watch, it changed but it looked like a miniaturized version of mobile. He was confused about this and checked the information and found out that these Nanites can only transform themselves into things absorbed by them or the schematics stored inside their data banks.

But due to the damage done throughout the millions of years, all the data was lost except for their operational data and their origin material conversion schematics. So, they cannot transform into anything that is not absorbed by them. As the earth's technology is backward to share data into these Nanites, this option can be eliminated and he can only have them absorb stuff and have the Nanites increase their data banks.

Alex then made the mobile change colors. It changed into many different colors. He finally left it in white as it was the color of the mobile he is using.

It was then that he remembered about his injuries and how he got healed. He was curious about how he was healed, and even now, he seemed to be full of energy, like there's an endless energy source inside him.

Now that he thinks about it, it is peculiar how he seemed to be full of energy after going through so much pain and near-death experience. The Nanites responded to him, explaining the situation.

<<Commander, from the data we got after we merged with yourself ultimately. It seems to have made some changes in your gene chain. It's like we are one, and the energy being collected now is getting transferred to your body, same as how all Nanites share energy among them. Your body is absorbing the energy too as many molecular Nanites inside your body became one with your genes>>

Alex was absolutely shocked this time and asked in a flustered tone, "so, you mean that I am becoming the same as you?"

<<No Commander, we are one or you are in control of Nanites. This transformation will make your genes mutate and you can or maybe become a new species>>

Alex fell into contemplation as he digested the information and the importance of those words. He may change to another new species altogether; in fact, he is already different from humans. Since he merged with Nanites, he is no longer a human as he is evolving into something unknown.

A few moments later Alex opened his eyes and muttered, "So what if i change into something not human. The human bodies are weak and easily damaged, and with these Nanites, nothing is unreachable or impossible for me to get". His eyes burned with fiery ambition as he pictured himself conquering the sea of stars and spreading his legend all over the universe.

Growl...

At that time his stomach rumbled protesting for food. He smiled wryly and muttered, "It seems I still need to eat food; I thought I don't need food to maintain my body, it seems I still have a long way to go into evolution."

He sat down on the chair, pulled the plate near, and ate lunch in silence while contemplating the future path.

After half an hour he finished eating lunch. He then proceeded to get appropriately dressed as he was still in the bathrobe. He wore a T-shirt and shorts as it was summer and it was hotter than usual. He lay down on the bed and played while the nanites as they charged.

He then proceeded to get to know the conversation rate and energy needs of Nanites to plan for the future suitably. "Can you show the information about the material conversion and energy consumption required" asked Alex.

<<No data found>>

<<Material composition of the mobile device is too low>>

<<No known data of either energy conversion or material conversion is found>>

"As I thought, all the data is gone" muttered Alex under his breath. Now he has to find out how much metal does it takes to expand Nanites. He then asked, "How much energy do you currently have?"

<<After charging for 2 hours, the energy is at 5%>>

<<Suggesting Commander to find a better source of energy>>

<<As the Nanites expand, the energy required will grow larger>>

<<Suggesting Commander to find a new source of materials and expand Nanites>>

Hmmm...

Alex nodded his head and said, "I got it. Don't worry, we have some steel and iron plates stored in the basement. First let me get an idea of the conversion rate, as far as energy is concerned. There are countless free sources of energy lying around all over the place. We can use them until we have a stable base of operation. Maybe we can have our own nuclear-power plant then."

Alex chuckled at the idea of owning a nuclear plant to power Nanites.

He then spoke to Nanites, "I have decided to name you 'Animus meus'. As you gave me a new life and are now a part of me and my soul".

Alex didn't expect any response from Animus as they were not programmed to have intelligent conversations with the bonder. Even though Animus is now one with Alex, it still has to adhere to its basic building principles. This meant it's just a programmed Nanite that will function with the bonder's commands or their Commander.

He got up from the bed and walked towards the door and spoke.

"Animus, this will be the first step towards our greatness or destruction."

"No matter what adversary that may come, I won't back down and crush through them. My goal is the sea of stars and no one will stop me from getting them."

He then proceeded to open the door and went for the basement.

...

Autho's note: Animus meus is the name given to Nanites that are inside his body as they are the main control. Mc will address all nanites as nanites except when speaking to main control. He will call it Animus.