Standing on the [Void].
Joshua gazed up at the [STAR].
Each twinkling light was a gateway to a world filled with boundless possibilities and ancient secrets, and a reminder of the dangers you possibly encounter.
He knew that the path of an immortal was fraught with peril and temptation. For now, he needed to focus on healing and finding a new way to cultivate without relying on the Immortal cultivation.
His mind raced with thoughts of creating a new system that would allow him to harness the power of the [VOID] without endangering his soul.
He needed to learn the true essence of the power of the Immortal arts and the martial arts. Why can this world practice it but not the world of Terra? He had to know before he start making his own cultivation art.
For now, he can't go to the Immortal World to research, but his clones can.
With a thought, he instructed Nexus to prepare the 'Noble Knights'. As for him he opened a [PORTAL] and went to Terra to recover.
---
It has been two long months since the incident with the breakthrough.
Joshua had retreated to Terra, his body broken and soul bruised.
The human world, though mundane, offered him a chance to heal without the constant pressure of an unknown entity tying to kill him.
During that time in Terra, Joshua took solace in the familiar surroundings of his penthouse, allowing his body to mend at its own pace.
The pain was a constant reminder of his brush with the malevolent force, but it was a pain that fueled his resolve to find a new path.
He spent his days poring over cultivation texts and scrolls, the words of long-forgotten pathfinders or pioneers whispering secrets of power and creation.
His mind buzzed with ideas as he studied how they came up with the principles of cultivation. But it as he continue to read, he notices that they only talk about Qi to Foundation level and never the next rank.
It seems someone or something had tampered with the progress of the Immortal World's cultivation knowledge, deliberately leaving a gaping hole where the secrets of the higher realms should have been. This revelation troubled him deeply. If the path to true power was obscured, then how could he ensure that this might not happen to me.
Joshua sigh, it would take a long time for him to make progress on his new cultivation arts. He would be stuck at the peak foundation level for years to come.
Since he can't quickly change it, he had to focus on something he could change, 'Blood Knights' and [Bio Chip].
Joshua knew that his 'Blood Knights' were his most reliable asset, and if they were to face the unknown, they had to be as prepared as possible.
He devoted hours to the design of the [Bio Chip], the tiny device that held the essence of his power and the key to the 'Blood Knights' transformation. His mind raced with possibilities, each iteration more ingenious than the last.
The concept of the [Bloodline Seed] grew clearer in his thoughts from the iterations of [Bio Chip], a synthesis of the salamander's Bloodline inheritance and the ability to bond with his soul the [VOID].
This new function would allow a 'Blood Knight' to pass on their knowledge and experience to their successor upon death, ensuring that the legacy of each warrior lived on, growing stronger with each generation.
He also made new improvements on the template of the 'Blood Knight'. The eyesight of the knights was re-engineered to surpass human limits. By altering the eye shape and pupil size, he increased their visual acuity by fivefold. The ability to shift focus rapidly was a game-changer on the battlefield. Night vision was an added bonus, a gift from the genes of the creatures of the dark.
Joshua didn't stop at the eyes. He augmented the nervous system with nanoparticle super conducting materials unto the dendrites, turning their bodies into superconductors of sensation and movement. The speed at which their nerves transmitted signals was unprecedented, making their reflexes lightning-quick.
He also incorporated metal alloy into the skeletons of the 'Blood Knights', reinforcing their bones and granting them unparalleled strength and durability. This new enhancement made them almost indestructible, allowing them to withstand blows that would crush a regular human.
Joshua's eyes lit up with excitement as he saw the potential in his creation.
"Nexus," he instructed, "integrate the new 'Bloodline Seed' into the 'Blood Knights' and 'Noble Knights' for the upgrade process. This will be a game-changer for our forces."
[Sir, you and the 'Noble Knights' would need only take 3 days for all the augmentation you made, while the 'Blood Knights' would take at least 3 months]
[Overall, the process of making 'Noble Knights' to the current modifications takes up to 1.5 years to grow to its max potential. Each year you could make at least 50 'Noble Knights']
The process of creating the clones needed his own genes and not one of his previous clone's genes. That is the reason for the slow accumulation of 'Noble Knights'.
The [Bio Chip], [Bondservant] and [Bloodline Seed] can only be created by 'Nexus' or obtained from dead hosts of the chips.
[While the 'Blood Knights' grew from normal people to the current version of 'Blood knights' takes 5 years to mature]
[Sir, I suggest you can take 'Blood knights' that have already taken 2 years of modification into battles as they strength is enough to currently take enemies down]
"How long does the second formation of the 'Bloodline Seed' take?" Joshua asked.
[2 years, sir]
"Hmmm."
Joshua agreed to send his 'Blood Knights' to battle even if they were not fully grown. He believes his soldiers need battle to grow with their ever-changing power.
To make the last two augments possible, Joshua had turned his attention to the creation of a new sustenance for the 'Blood Knights'.
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Drawing upon his knowledge of the Bioengineering and the power of the [VOID], he had conceived a novel lifeform that would fuel their enhanced physiques and bolster their unique abilities. This new food source was a fascinating amalgamation of plant and animal, a testament to the limitless potential of genetic engineering.
The 'FTS', or Food Type Supply, grew in the underground Base, stretching out like a metallic fungal carpet across the floors and up the walls. It was an eerie sight to behold, the vibrant hues of greens, blues, and purples pulsing gently, with the help of LED casting a soft light across the chamber.
The 'FTS' was a marvel of efficiency, requiring only a substrate of metals, water, and sunlight to thrive, making it the perfect food source for his growing super soldiers.
Joshua watched as the automated harvesters moved through the chamber, meticulously plucking the edible growths from the 'FTS'. Each piece was carefully inspected by the Nexus for any signs of contamination or defects before being sent to the processing unit.
The 'FTS' was meticulously cut and prepared by automated machines, each piece carefully measured and packaged for consumption. The process was a delicate dance of blades and robotic arms, ensuring that every morsel was perfect for the 'Blood Knights'.
The room was filled with the faint scent of ozone and metallic tang, a reminder of the power contained within the alien growth.
The knights gathered in the dining hall, their expressions a mix of excitement and trepidation as they were served the first batch of the processed FTS. It was unlike anything they had ever seen or smelled, a vibrant purple paste that seemed to pulse with life.
The room was silent as the first few brave souls took a cautious bite. Their eyes widened in amazement as a burst of energy surged through them, filling every cell of their bodies with vitality. The taste was ordinary and even bland to the untrained palate.
The FTS is only consumable by the 'Blood Knights', the genetically enhanced warriors who were the result of Joshua's tireless research and experimentation. Even though the 'Blood Knights' can eat normal food, their bodies crave the sustenance that only the FTS can provide, a need born from their unique physiology.
Looking how much he had done during his recovery made him happy.
However, the smile on his face was short-lived as the cold hand of reality slapped him.
His finances were dwindling.
The construction of the school, the hospital, and the maintenance of his ever-growing army of 'Blood Knights' were costly. He needed a way to replenish his coffers without compromising his vision or the welfare of his people.
Joshua's mind raced, sifting through his knowledge of the modern world. He knew that technology was a cornerstone of human society, something people craved and were willing to pay a hefty price for.
An idea began to take shape.
"Nexus, I need you to help me set up a company," he announced, his voice firm and decisive.
"We're going to produce and sell advanced technology, the kind that no one else has. We'll use the funds to support our projects and keep the village running."
Nexus's holographic form nodded.
[Understood, Sir. I will begin the necessary procedures for establishing the company immediately. What will be the focus of the technology we produce?]
A slightly better phones, computers with a few extra features, these were all ideas that had been done before. To truly captivate the public, they needed something revolutionary.
That's when the concept of a personal AI emerged from the depths of his thoughts, a feature so unique and indispensable that it would make their products irresistible.
Of course he will only offer a stage one AI for the public. Nexus had made three stages for AI's but the stage two and three could lead to unexpected consequences, especially the stage three AI that had no limitations.
Stage one is a smart AI who can answer with a preprogrammed answer, staged two is an AI that could think but with no emotions and with limitations, stage three is a free AI that has no limitation and capable of emotions.
Joshua knew that the stage two and three AI was too risky for public consumption, so he focused on the stage one AI. He and Nexus worked tirelessly to refine the technology, making it user-friendly and accessible.
They named the product "EchoSphere," an Ai assistant that would be integrated to all products of the company Void Tech.
The marketing team went to work, creating ads that highlighted the convenience and efficiency of having an AI personal assistant. They painted a picture of a future where the mundane tasks of everyday life were handled with ease, allowing people to focus on their passions and relationships. The commercials featured happy families, successful businessmen, and contented retirees all using Void Tech products to organize their lives, learn new skills, and stay connected.
As the release date grew closer, the buzz grew louder.
Some were skeptical, whispering that it was all a scam.
How could such a small, unknown company create something so advanced? They had seen similar promises before, and all they had gotten were glorified voice assistants that could barely understand basic commands.
Others were more optimistic, intrigued by the mystery surrounding the creation of EchoSphere. They eagerly awaited the opportunity to test its limits and see if it truly lived up to the hype.
---
"Hey Kyle, did you see the new announcement of the Void Tech phone?" A young man named Cabal, ask his friend sitting close to him.
"What new product?" Said Kyle, as he knew Cabal likes to talk about new phones even though most of the current phone is the same as the last one, just that it had one more camera lens.
"Here let me show you?" He handed him a picture of the new phone.
Kyle did like the sleek designs of the phone but can't recognize he logo.
"Who's product is this from?"
Cabal smiled and said.
"Its a new company call Void Tech, they just release tons of products like phones and computer."
"Hmm, so what new with this phone? Does it have extra battery, does it charge faster and extra lens?" Kyle jokingly said.
Cabal knew Kyle was just being sarcastic.
"It does says it had better battery and charge faster but no extra camera lens. The only thing that stand up different from other products is that they have personal AI install in all of their products."
Kyle froze up and look at Cabal as if he was just messing with him.
"Is this like Siri? Or another chat AI." Kyle ask.
"No, it seems to be an advance AI companion, they advertise that this is a new revolutionary AI different from today's AI we see." Cabal explained to his friend with the same level of doubt.
"Dude, that is either a scam or just a junk product." Kyle reasoned to his friend.
"Yeah but wait until other fools buy it before we judge" Cabal sneered.
"When will it be release?"
"Based on the date, it should be in a week or so?"
---
As the release date grew closer, the excitement grew palpable.
The internet buzzed with speculation and anticipation.
The product launch was met with both skepticism and eager curiosity. Some dubbed it the "miracle of the decade," while others were convinced it was nothing more than a cleverly marketed scam.
The first few days of sales saw a modest turnout.
The naysayers laughed and whispered among themselves, but as more and more users shared their experiences with EchoSphere, the tide began to turn.
Stories of its uncanny ability to anticipate needs and desires, to organize lives with a level of precision that seemed almost human, began to spread.
EchoSphere quickly became the talk of the town, and then the nation.
People couldn't help but be drawn to the idea of a companion that could ease the burdens of everyday life. It wasn't long before the AI found its way into homes, offices, and even the pockets of the most skeptical critics.
The AI's intuitive interface made it incredibly simple to use. With just a few voice commands, EchoSphere could organize schedules, answer questions, and even provide a bit of entertainment. It was like having a personal butler who was always at your beck and call, but with the added benefit of not needing a salary or a day off.
The ball of light that made up EchoSphere's physical form was surprisingly endearing, with chubby little hands that would gesture animatedly while explaining complex concepts.
Users found themselves growing attached to their AI companions, customizing them to reflect their personalities with a variety of skins and accessories.
But while the public was busy marveling over their new digital friends, the whispers of intrigue grew louder in the shadowy corridors of power.
The sudden emergence of such a powerful and sophisticated AI had not gone unnoticed by the government and the corporate elite.
For decades, AI technology had been a playground for the biggest tech giants, each trying to outdo the other with their digital assistants. Yet, EchoSphere had appeared from seemingly nowhere, surpassing them all in a single bound.
Intelligence agencies began to take an interest in the mysterious company behind the AI.
They knew that the brains behind such an invention could be a valuable asset, or a potential threat.
They dug into the backgrounds of the known employees, piecing together a puzzle that grew more complex with each new piece.
They found no trace of the kind of resources or funding that should accompany such a breakthrough.
Now they found the country of Escalar, who have suddenly change regime to have more secrets untold.
