Adapt, Evolve and Overcome (P.2 FINALE)

~Ezra's Pov~

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"So, fascinating... ECHO, how much more powerful would I become if I got my hands on these creatures?" It didn't take long for me to hack into what was left of their database. Around a day at most, and most of the time was spent learning their language. But, I had pulled it off.

I also learned that these guys were planning another invasion on Earth, with twice as many soldiers compared to last time. It only made me less sympathetic about wiping them all out...

Still, regardless of that fact, it's been another month since I've been on this planet. I became 17 years old approximately 2 weeks ago, not that there was anyone to celebrate it with.

[Based on the information given about them, absorbing their abilities could potentially enhance your mental capabilities significantly... But, I would prefer you find a Viltrumite instead...] 

I just nodded at the fact, especially since they sported an impressive resume, but they were scarce at this point, and that was being generous. According to the reports I found in the database, there are likely less than 100 of them that currently exist to this day in the entire universe, which is insane to think about since the universe has no recorded end...

There were even recorded rumors of the guardians having helped to deal with them given how fast and dangerous they were at repopulating their species and coupled with their ridiculous lifespans as well as their violent tendencies, they had to be put down. In fact, they were begging for it at the rate they were going.

I bet the guardians had given them a chance to stop their tyranny, but seeing their history, they likely didn't take the offer of peace. Still, ECHO was right. Having their abilities in myself would likely make me truly immortal without the sun and not only that, they are one of the only species that contained |Smart Atoms|.

To go a bit in-depth, unlike most atoms, which have fixed properties, |Smart Atoms| have variable properties that can be arranged to produce several useful effects. This might sound like something out of science fiction, but it's real, and it's incredible.

To break it down further, atoms are made up of only 17 fundamental particles: 12 fermions and 5 bosons. Each of these particles can exist in numerous frequencies, velocities, positions, and other states. This is measured by something called Boltzmann Entropy, which essentially counts the number of different states a system can be in and still be considered the same system...

These different states can be used to encode information, which is where things get interesting. However, Smart Atoms have the ability to, at least in a unique sense 'remember' their normal states in relation to their environment. which means they can be encoded to react to changes in their surroundings. For instance, atoms in a muscle can ensure that the molecules behave normally even under extreme forces. Imagine lifting something incredibly heavy without your muscles tearing apart—that's because of Smart Atoms. Or picture atoms in the air being forced to maintain their relative positions, creating an impenetrable wall. These are just a couple of examples of how Smart Atoms can be utilized.

Now, on a molecular scale, Smart Atoms are identical to regular atoms when in normal use. They form conventional molecules that perform standard tasks. This is why a Viltrumite, for example, is biologically indistinguishable from a human under normal conditions. It's only when you look at how their atoms react to extreme situations that you see the difference.

Smart Atoms are highly complex and difficult to control. Even advanced civilizations, with thousands of years of experimentation, usually manage to master only one or two features of Smart Atoms. They might use these atoms to create incredibly strong materials or advanced medical technologies, but fully mastering their potential is a monumental task.

Viltrumites, however, are unique in this manner. They haven't just mastered several useful features of Smart Atoms; Given some rumored studies about their biology, they've managed to integrate these features into their DNA. This means they can duplicate these advanced atomic properties naturally, giving them their strength, durability, and other abilities that make them far superior to most beings in the universe...

In summary, Smart Atoms are just atoms with variable properties that can be encoded to perform extraordinary tasks. While most advanced civilizations struggle to control even a few of these properties, Viltrumites have naturally incorporated multiple features into their DNA, making them incredibly powerful.

'It's almost a testament to how advanced their biology really was and it somewhat explains why they are such formidable beings that needed to be dealt with too.'

[If information regarding the fact they can become stronger with age is true, they might prove very useful for that ability alone...]

'I'm aware... But how would they do that naturally? Physics, as broken as it was in this reality still has its limits. They can't just grow endlessly without something supplementing that growth, and I theorize that it has something to do with those Smart Atoms of theirs... ' I was still wondering what I'd do with my time here as well. I had countless creatures remembered, and where they inhabited to potentially get my hands on. Those abilities were too good to just pass up.

I pondered on this while considering my next steps... I had practically cataloged countless creatures, remembering their habitats and abilities in my mind. Those abilities were too valuable to pass up.

Plus, Smart Atoms, and their variable properties and potential for encoding information so easily, could be the key. These atoms seem to allow Viltrumites to adapt and enhance their physical capabilities in response to environmental changes, allowing them to potentially be immune to it...

For instance, if a Viltrumite's body is subjected to extreme stress or damage, Smart Atoms within their cells might rearrange to fortify and repair tissues more effectively than ordinary atoms could. I could hardly imagine it really; Getting injured fatally, only to realize that next time after recovering, I could heal more effectively, and potentially be stronger than before?

That kind of adaptive trait likely explains their strength, and resilience despite their age... They sounded more like Saiyans from Dragon Ball the more I understood them, but their sheer survivability was off the charts compared to Kryptonians and the Saiyans. No, even compared to most species in the universe.

Luckily enough, I knew of Omni-Man being a Viltrumite. I had some basic knowledge of him, but it was basic at best. If I could get even a sample of his blood. I might even become the next doomsday.

Moreover, the ability to maintain molecular stability under extreme conditions passively likely contributed to their toughness. At least this would explain that their cellular structure can endure and recover from impacts and stresses that would cripple other beings on a cellular level permanently. However, in a sense, ECHO functioned just like them, heck, she might be even better in some aspects.

But, she wasn't my DNA. If she could weaponize their cells and fuse those atoms with mine? Whatever these things did, it felt like they somehow added material to make themselves more potent as time passed...

No, I can't get too anxious... I need to focus on my current tasks.

But how would I go about it? Capturing and studying more of these creatures, experimenting with their biology, and integrating their properties into my own system could be a start. I could build a good enough ship with the technology, and teleport wherever I needed...

For now, I needed to focus on understanding the fundamental principles behind Smart Atoms. Hell, a part of me wouldn't feel comfortable if I didn't decode their secrets. Of course, after I absorbed it.

For now, I need to figure out their teleportation technology, find a way to make it better than it originally was, and then head back to Earth. I was beginning to miss the comforts of my bed and my girlfriend...

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~Amber's Pov, 2 Earth days after~

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"I haven't heard from him in a week now..." I must have flipped around my bed twenty or so times. He did say I should keep a heads-up for when he didn't contact me, but this kind of silence was unnerving. The last time we spoke, he seemed so certain about some plan of his.

I glanced at my phone, hoping for a message or a missed call, but there was nothing. My room felt emptier than usual too, and the ticking clock only made the damn silence worse. Every second that passed without some kind of news felt like an eternity.

"He could be in danger," I muttered to myself, that thought was gnawing at the back of my mind. I tried to push away the worst-case scenarios, but they just kept creeping back. What if something went wrong? What if he needed help?

I sighed deeply, feeling the weight of worry pressing down on me. I knew he was capable, more than capable, actually. I reached for my phone again, considering calling someone for help, but who would I call? And what would I even say?

"Get it together, Amber," I whispered, trying to steady my nerves. "He'll be fine. He always is." But the reassurance felt hollow like I was trying to convince myself of something I didn't truly believe.

The night stretched on, and sleep felt like a distant possibility at this point... My mind just kept replaying our last set of conversations, analyzing every word and every detail. Had he hinted at something I missed? Was there a clue in his tone or choice of words?

Just as I was about to give up and force myself to sleep, my phone buzzed. I grabbed it with a bit of hope and underlying dread... It was a message?

"E-Ezra!?" I quickly unlocked my phone and opened the message. It really was from Ezra.

"Hey, Amber. Sorry for the radio silence. I've been busy, but I'm okay. I promise."

Relief washed over me, but I couldn't help the frustration that followed. "Busy? You've been gone for a week with no word, Ezra!" I typed back furiously. Of course, I would be furious. No response for long periods, and popping up out of absolutely nowhere?

His response came quickly. "I know, and I'm sorry. Things have been a bit... Complicated. But I swear, I'm fine now."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "Just tell me you're coming back soon."

"I am," he replied. "In fact, I'm outside right now... Actually, we need to talk..."

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I froze, the phone slipping slightly in my hand. "Outside? Like, right now?" I typed, my heart pounding.

"Yeah~ I think it's best if we kept this conversation outside too."

I jumped out of bed, my mind racing. What could he possibly need to talk about that couldn't wait until morning? I hurried to the front door. My parents must be thinking I'm crazy for moving this quickly out of nowhere...

But... There he was, Ezra just stood there, he looked different again... His hair, was so much longer than before he went silent, just barely going past his lower back. He was even noticeably taller and bigger than before, again.

What the hell is he going to tell me that explains, these things? He barely looked like the same person I barely recognized only a week ago... At this point, I didn't know whether to hug him or slap him.

"Ezra, you scared the hell out of me!" 

"I know, and I'm really sorry," he said, stepping back a bit. "But there's something important we need to discuss."

I followed him to somewhere farther, my mind swirling with questions. 

I followed him to somewhere farther, my mind swirling with questions. The dim street lights cast shadows across his face. He looked serious. More serious than I'd ever seen him.

"Amber," he began, taking a deep breath, "The past week... well, for me, it was more like months... I've been on another planet."

I blinked, trying to process what he just said. "Another planet? Ezra, are you joking right now?" That's the best excuse he could come up with?

He shook his head. "No, I'm not. I know it sounds insane, but it's true. I've been dealing with some, issues. I have... superpowers. And I have for a long, long time now..."

I stared at him, my mind racing. "Superpowers? Ezra, what are you talking about!?"

He sighed, running a hand through his long hair. "I know it's hard to believe, but it's the truth. While I was gone, It wasn't intentional... I was caught up in this blast that got me sent away... That's why I look so different now and that's why I couldn't communicate with you either."

I felt nothing but absolute confusion, I knew his changes were just stupid excuses, but it did somehow explain why he always looked much different every time I saw him... "Let's say I believe you, why?... Why didn't you tell me sooner? Why did you just disappear?"

"Because I didn't want you to get hurt knowing of me..." he said, his voice filled with regret. "I didn't want to drag you into something like this. I didn't want you to know these things to get you hurt... And leaving you like this, especially for such a long time without explanations. I needed you to know the truth."

I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm, but it was hard... "Okay, so you have superpowers and you've been on an alien planet. W-what does that even mean for us?"

He looked down, his expression pained. "That's the thing, Amber. This life... it's dangerous. The things I have to deal with, the enemies I've made... it's not safe for you. I came back because I needed to see you, to explain everything. But also because... we need to break up."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. "Break up? Ezra, NO! You can't just come back and say shit like that!"

"I have to," he said, his voice much firmer than I was used to. "Look, Amber, I care for you greatly. But I can't put you in danger. The things I've seen, the things I've done... You deserve a normal life, a safer, life."

Tears welled up in my eyes... This person was my first ever love... I couldn't just lose him. "But I don't want a normal life if it means losing you."

He reached out, gently wiping away a tear. "I know. And this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But it's for the best. Please, understand that."

I shook my head, unable to speak. The pain was too much. He pulled me into a hug, and I clung to him, wishing this moment could last forever. But deep down, I knew he was right. This was probably the end of our story...

Even if I wanted to stay and be with him, it wouldn't work. A life like his. I don't think I could take it. 

I felt his hands loosen, and he gave me one last look before disappearing right in front of my eyes...

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~Ezra's Pov~

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[Your heart rate has increased by 25%, your body temperature is elevated, and your muscles are tense, particularly around your jaw and shoulders. Your breathing is shallow and rapid, and your cortisol levels are significantly higher than usual. Additionally, your brain activity shows heightened activity in the amygdala, indicating emotional distress... You seem angry, master... You will find another—]

'How can you be so sure? What if I never love someone again? Love isn't something so easy to come by, and I just threw it away...'

The words echoed in my mind as I flew above the city, trying to clear my head. The lights below blurred together, a sea of colors that matched the turmoil inside me. I landed on a rooftop, to let the cool night air calm me down.

I spent the last month alone prepping myself for this and doing it now hurt more than I cared to admit. Despite how short our little relationship was. That wasn't what made me so upset, it was the fact that I could see she was still willing to try and make it all work. That girl, I'm sure she cared more about me than I ever did her...

I looked up at the stars, remembering the nights Amber and I had spent talking about our dreams, and our future. All of that seemed so distant now, almost like a different life. Could I ever find someone who would make me feel the way she did? Someone who could understand the life I wanted to live?

[I understood, master. But remember, emotions are not a distraction. They are a part of who you are.]

I sighed, knowing ECHO was right. But the pain was still too fresh, the wound too raw. I had to push through it... That's just how life is. I was a fool to think a normal human relationship would work, maybe it could at one point, but not anymore...

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END