Neurosyncers, the 5 gods, natural neurosyncer?

I don't know why I survived, Troy admitted, his thoughts pulsing through the telepathic connection.

Jorra tilted his head, his eyes narrowing behind the mask. "You may not realise but surviving the draining? That's impossible. You should be dead, but not only did you survive, you—" He paused as if he was struggling to even grapple with what he was about to say. "The way you're speaking to us, with your mind. That's something else."

Savo, sitting near the edge of the fire, chimed in, half-joking but with an undertone of seriousness. "Maybe you're a neurosyncer. You know, those who can integrate with neurosync tech and use mental energy to ascend to Base 1. It's a pretty common thing for most of humans—well, common in comparison to you or me. Well, from what I've seen online"

Troy glanced at Savo, then back at Jorra. I'm a Neurosyncer? But how could that be, I mean I haven't even integrated with neurosync tech?

Jorra leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "We understand that, but all neurosyncers are able to communicate telepathically like you"

Troy's thoughts raced as he absorbed what Jorra had just said. I'm a neurosyncer? The concept felt foreign, despite the fact that he was currently communicating telepathically with these people. But how could that be? I mean, I haven't even integrated with neurosync tech.

Jorra's eyes remained locked on Troy, a seriousness in his expression. "That's the part we don't fully understand," he replied. "All neurosyncers need tech to sync their minds and enter Base 1. Typically, they're able to communicate telepathically once they reach Realm 2 of base 1—but that requires years of development and mental refinement. What you're doing right now, without tech? It's unheard of."

Troy frowned. So, everyone who isn't considered genetically inferior is a neurosyncer?

"Yes," Jorra confirmed. "In our world, the ability to integrate with neurosync tech is the dividing line between those who can ascend and those who can't. Most humans are capable of syncing, even if their mental energy isn't strong enough for long-term survival in Base 1. They typically enter Base 1 when they sleep, and time there runs 1,000 times slower, meaning three hours of sleep here gives them 3,000 hours in Base 1. They use that time to train, explore, and strengthen their abilities. But even the best neurosyncers can't communicate the way you do unless they've reached Realm 2 of base 1."

Ellis, her scarred face thoughtful, interjected. "If you're telepathically communicating with us right now, and you haven't even integrated with the tech, that suggests you're something beyond the typical neurosyncer."

Troy glanced around the group, feeling a growing sense of unease. He had always been told he was genetically inferior, incapable of doing what others could. Now, everything was being flipped upside down.

But I survived the draining too, he added. How is that possible?

The group exchanged glances. Jorra's tone grew more somber. "That's the real mystery. The mental energy draining is a death sentence. They pull so much from your mind that your brain collapses. There's no coming back from that. None of us were subjected to that particular experiment—our bodies were modified in different ways, but those who undergo mental draining don't survive."

Krag grunted in agreement. "That's why we know you're different. We survived the physical alterations and enhancements, but mental energy draining? You're the first we've seen come back from that."

Savo leaned forward, intrigued. "And you're telling us you don't just come back—you can do something even advanced neurosyncers can't."

Troy didn't have an answer. There was a power inside him he didn't fully understand, something linked to his survival and the telepathic abilities he was now displaying. He just didn't know how it all fit together yet.

Jorra, sensing Troy's uncertainty, shifted the conversation. "What we do know," he said, "is that neurosyncers operate within the framework the five gods set up. They've structured our world around mental energy and ascension. But what you're experiencing doesn't seem to follow the normal rules. It's beyond what we've been taught."

The five gods? Troy asked, trying to focus on something concrete. I've heard of them, but I don't fully understand who they are.

Jorra nodded. "The five gods are the pinnacle of human achievement. They've ascended through the realms of Base 1, and now exist in Base 2. Each god controls a faction, guiding humanity toward strength and survival. Their mastery over neurosynchronization and mental energy has allowed them to gain near-immortality and powers far beyond our understanding."

Nima spoke up. "The gods aren't just leaders—they're protectors. They've saved humanity from countless alien invasions, pushed back against threats from higher realms, and ensured that the strong continue to ascend."

Jorra continued, "The gods also control the towers—the only structures left that allow ascension to Base 2. There used to be hundreds, but now only five remain, each controlled by one of the gods. If someone proves their worth, they're granted access to ascend through these towers, but that's rare."

Troy listened intently. So, the gods control who can ascend?

"Yes," Ellis said, her voice steady. "They decide who's strong enough to make the climb. But only the strongest, those with exceptional mental energy and abilities, are chosen. It's not a path available to just anyone."

Jorra nodded. "The gods built this system to ensure humanity's survival. They understand that power and strength are the only ways to protect us from the dangers that exist in Base 1 and beyond. Without them, we'd be defenseless."

The conversation fell into a thoughtful silence as Troy processed everything. The world he was part of had been shaped by these gods and their control over ascension, and while they were seen as protectors, Troy couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to it.

But for now, he needed to focus on the present.

Jorra stood, signaling for the group to move again. "We should head back to our base. It's safer there, and we can figure out what to do next. If you're some kind of natural neurosyncer, Troy, you might have more potential than any of us. And out here, strength is the only thing that matters."

Troy hesitated, still uncertain about his future, but he nodded. I'll come with you. Let's see where this takes us.

Jorra smiled faintly, and the group began to gather their things, ready to move.