Ch- 18 "The Marvel of Statocysts: An Evolutionary Leap"

As I stood before the enigmatic 'Sphere of Restrictions,' its intricate creation eluded my understanding. "What should I do with it?" I pondered, knowing that before embarking on my plan, this enigma must be addressed.

"Honestly, it's good that we have limitations placed on us, considering the destructive nature of humans," I mused.

"As a result of our actions, we humans have directly altered at least 70% of Earth's land, mainly for growing plants and keeping animals," I realized, the weight of our impact on the planet sinking in.

"These activities necessitate deforestation, the degradation of land, loss of biodiversity, and pollution, and they have the biggest impacts on land and freshwater ecosystems," I noted, acknowledging the grave consequences of our actions.

"So, if we consider it from nature's perspective, it's a blessing that we humans have limitations and restrictions," I continued. "As for how much damage humans could have inflicted on nature if they had supernatural abilities, it's simply unfathomable."

***

"Seeing that the 'Sphere of Restrictions' was deeply ingrained into my very being, it means that it wasn't placed on humans recently. It has most probably been present ever since the 'First Evolution,' and we humans have just been spreading it through reproduction to our descendants," I contemplated.

The 'Sphere of Restrictions' seemed more like a deeply ingrained genetic disorder, diverting us from questioning the very nature of our limits and restrictions, I realized.

While contemplating what to do about it, a brilliant idea suddenly popped into my head as I spotted a fly about to enter my room through the window, thanks to my heightened senses and peripheral vision. In an instant, I caught the fly in my left hand.

Buzzzz

The fly began to flap its wings and emit a buzzing noise within my grasp. Realizing it couldn't escape, it started to explore its captor's hand.

While the fly continued to explore my hand, I decided to temporarily extract its nerves, essentially taking away its ability to control its own body.

However, this action wasn't meant for me to integrate with the fly. It was more about preventing it from roaming around and preparing it for whatever purpose I had in mind.

With the fly now motionless, I began the process. First, I integrated a single cell from my body into the 'Sphere of Restrictions,' and then I merged the 'Sphere of Restrictions' with the fly.

Once the integration was complete, I returned the fly's nerves to its rightful owner. After a few seconds, I witnessed the fly once again roaming around my room, seemingly unchanged yet subtly connected to the 'Sphere of Restrictions.'

***

The reason for my actions became evident; I did this to avoid antagonizing the being responsible for placing this restriction on humans in the first place. One could never be too cautious when dealing with such a powerful entity.

The entire ordeal unfolded in less than a second – from my initial sense of reverence for the enigmatic being to the swift integration of the 'Sphere of Restrictions' with the fly. It all transpired in the blink of an eye.

After completing these actions, I finally exhaled a sigh of relief, the weight of the situation slowly lifting from my shoulders.

***

"Now let's just hope that my thinking is spot on and that the 'Being' wouldn't be interested in looking for a slit disturbance during the whole 'Extraction and Integration' process," I thought, fingers crossed.

I waited anxiously for a few minutes, my senses alert for any signs of intrusion. Finally, I heaved another sigh of relief, realizing that my spider senses remained undisturbed.

"That was certainly a nerve-wracking moment, and I can only hope that I won't find myself in that type of situation again," I muttered, the tension slowly dissipating as I contemplated the precarious nature of my actions.

***

"Now, let's continue with the extraction and integration spree," I exclaimed, enthusiasm rekindled at the prospect of acquiring new abilities.

"Statocysts are the next thing on my 'must-have' list. As for what Statocysts are and from which species I should extract them, I'll turn to Google for in-depth information," I resolved, ready to embark on my quest for knowledge and power.

***

A quick Google search provided the information I needed: "Statocysts are a small organ of balance and orientation found in some aquatic invertebrates. They consist of a sensory vesicle or cell containing statoliths."

As I delved into the knowledge, it became clear that these sensory organs were unfamiliar to those of us with human senses.

I continued my research, learning that these majestic gelatinous creatures, like jellies, possess specialized balance receptors known as statocysts, which enable them to maintain their equilibrium.

Additionally, they rely on ocelli, simple photo-receptors, to sense light and dark without forming complex images, a fascinating adaptation of eyeless animals.

These intriguing adaptations, including the statocysts and ocelli, are integral components of the nerve network that allows comb jellies to detect nearby food by sensing changes in the chemical composition of the water.

Because they lack a centralized nervous system, comb jellies depend on these specialized senses to efficiently coordinate the movements of their cilia, aiding them in capturing their prey.

***

Having absorbed this newfound knowledge and recognizing the potential benefits of statocysts for balance and navigating light and darkness, I proceeded to extract and integrate them into my own nerve network.

As the intricate integration process unfolded, I clenched my head in agony, suppressing any potential scream that might have alerted my unsuspecting parents to the extraordinary transformation taking place within me.

***

Some time later, as the pain gradually subsided, I found myself lying on my bed, deep in thought. I couldn't help but wonder why I always intended not to feel pain yet ended up experiencing it.

"Well, whatever," I mused, "at least now, thanks to the statocysts, I'll be able to distinguish directions and navigate between light and darkness without hindrance." I took solace in the fact that something positive had emerged from the ordeal.

"Life is just plain painful, so be optimistic about it and don't let the pain stop you," I recited, reaffirming the guiding motto of my existence.

***