University City, Faculty of Engineering – Underground Laboratory
August 14, 2022 – 3:08 a.m.
The silence in the lab was almost absolute. Rodrigo dozed on a swivel chair, his feet crossed on a clean worktable, illuminated only by the faint projection of the Ark still floating above the black cylinder.
Eidolon activated his voice softly, almost in a whisper:
"Rodrigo… the transfer link to the Ark is complete. You may begin the journey whenever you wish."
Rodrigo opened one eye, then the other. His body felt tense, exhausted… but at the same time restless.
"Everything ready?"
"Everything is ready. The transport protocol will use a quantum corridor synchronized with your neural signature. The transfer will take less than 3.2 seconds. Do you confirm travel?"
Rodrigo stood up and took a deep breath. His backpack was still next to the table, but he no longer needed anything material. Everything he needed… was in his head.
"Let's go."
As soon as he gave the order, a line of blue light descended from the air above him. A faint vibration ran through the lab floor. The space trembled as if reality were silently stretching.
In an instant, Rodrigo was enveloped in a vortex of soft energy. The room faded. And then…
Darkness.
Then, light.
But not just any light. One that seemed to have weight, texture, and shape.
Rodrigo slowly opened his eyes.
He stood on a circular metal platform suspended in the center of a vast silver dome. The sky was an artificial dome that displayed distant galaxies as if visible to the naked eye. A warm breeze surrounded him, though he couldn't feel its source.
"Welcome to the Ark."
Eidolon's voice rang out throughout his surroundings, without echoes, without reverberation. The entire structure responded to his presence.
"This... is incredible..."
In front of him, a walkway extended, floating over a lake of liquid crystal. To the sides, impossible towers of alien technology emerged like giant trees of metal and light.
"We will proceed with the installation of the Human Enhancement Protocol. This enhancement will not change your external appearance, but it will optimize all of your internal systems: neuroplasticity, cell regeneration, bone density, synaptic response, physical endurance, and cognitive perception."
"Will I remain human?"
"Yes. An optimized human. An enhanced version based on Spartan architecture, but without invasive alterations or loss of genetic identity. You will retain your humanity. You will surpass its limits."
Rodrigo nodded calmly. He had dreamed of moments like this. Of having a second chance. Of being not just intelligent, but capable.
"I'm ready."
A secondary platform emerged from the floor, similar to a support pod. It opened like a cocoon and revealed a curved seat, made of a material that seemed both liquid and solid at the same time.
Rodrigo leaned back without hesitation.
The cocoon closed gently, and a blue mist enveloped his body.
"Biological optimization initiation. Estimate: 47 minutes."
Inside the capsule, Rodrigo felt a slight tingling in every nerve. It wasn't pain, but as if every cell were being massaged by microscopic electrical pulses. He felt his bones recalibrate, his vision sharpen, his thoughts clear as if he were seeing everything for the first time.
"Neuroexpansion initiated. Neuronal synapses accelerated to 540% of normal."
He could recall entire books he had only skimmed. They solved equations in his mind like trivia. The Ark maps, the technology schematics… everything organized itself in his memory effortlessly.
"Optimized muscle structure. Bone density increased by 2.6x. Adrenal gland tuned for perfect biochemical balance."
Time became irrelevant.
When the capsule opened again, Rodrigo sat calmly. He breathed. His breathing was perfect. His body didn't hurt. It wasn't heavy.
He looked at his hands. Nothing had changed on the outside. But he knew that on the inside... he wasn't the same.
Eidolon reappeared with a projection in front of him, this time with a subtle avatar: a humanoid figure of blue light, feminine, with neutral features.
"Enhancement completed. Status: Stable. Rodrigo, your new physiology will allow you to operate Forerunner technology safely. You can manipulate power cores, direct interfaces, and transport systems without limitations."
Rodrigo stood up. He looked around. The platform transported him without his asking to an immense balcony overlooking the Ark's inner horizon. It was like looking at a planet contained within a ring: distant mountains, oceans, artificial clouds.
"This isn't just a shelter," he said quietly. "It's an entire world."
"And you are its first inhabitant."
Rodrigo took a deep breath. His body wasn't just stronger. He was at peace. It was clear. He was capable.
And now, for the first time, he had a home.
"Do you wish to build your headquarters here?"
"No. Not yet."
Rodrigo looked down at the platform that had brought him.
"First, I have to get back to Mexico." To UNAM. My empire begins there.
"Understood. Preparing return jump..."
Rodrigo stood on the center circle. The golden ring beneath his feet began to spin, activating the return portal.
But this time, he wouldn't return as the same confused young student he had been a few days ago.
Now, he was the pioneer of a technology that would change history.
And the future was no longer something he waited for. It was something he was building.