David's excitement is like that of a child with a new toy. "Wait, there was only one landmass on Earth? Like Pangea?"
"Yes. That single supercontinent also bore the name 'Earth'. But back then, the planet was three times its current size. Science and technology were far advanced; there were jumping stations that could transport you from one star system to another. To see a detailed map of that era, you must load the book History World Map."
"Are all these books here in this library, or could they be somewhere else? I'll go check the library tomorrow. But tell me, NEAA, what else can you do?"
"I can read memory data from your brain. My body is equipped with light, gravity, gyroscopic, and EM sensors—all assimilated from the Google Nexus platform. I can perform all the functions of a phone, but better. If you connect me to a supercomputer, I can access data from all over the world. However, if you can find a Main Framework System from the old civilization, I will be able to unlock even more functions."
"What do you mean by 'Main Framework System'? Are there still remains of that high-tech civilization here on Earth?"
"To locate them on a global scale, we need to find the History World Map book. Currently, I can only scan within a 100-meter radius."
"Okay. Does that mean the dream I had was caused by you?"
"The dream was the result of NEAA syncing with a human brain for the first time without causing damage. There will be no more dreams caused by NEAA."
So, I have to go check the library again tomorrow?
"Yes, David."
Wait, you can read my mind?
"I can only collect data from your neural signals. I cannot transmit data back into your nervous system. This is a precautionary measure to ensure humans are not controlled by NEAA, keeping us strictly as assistive tools."
"Okay. That's good."
After talking with NEAA for some time, David returns to his room, where Ajith is busy studying.
"Hey Ajju, how was your class today? Don't forget to tell me when the mock tests start."
"Yeah, yeah. Where were you until now? Did you eat?"
"Yes, I was hungry, so I ate early. I'll take your history notes tomorrow if you don't have a history class. Is that okay?"
"Where are you going tomorrow? Isn't the library closed due to the fire?"
"Oh, right, I forgot. No worries, I'll go and check if it's open or not."
One convenient feature David discovers is that the watch can now handle his calls. His old phone is useless; the watch manages all incoming and outgoing calls. Even if he is asleep, the watch can answer calls and reply using David's own voice.
The next morning, David takes the bus to the library. As soon as he reaches the stop, the watch vibrates twice—a signal that the scan has detected a book.
He gets off the bus and checks the display on his right wrist. It shows a satellite map of his location, with a red dot blinking inside the library building.
When he approaches the entrance, the gates are locked.
The security guard, seeing David standing near the gate, calls out from his chair, "Who is it? The library will only open in two weeks." He looks uninterested in listening to any excuses.
"Sir, my bag and study materials are inside. I left them there before the fire started. Can I just go in and get them? I really need them to study for my exams, otherwise, I wouldn't bother you."
Mentioning "exams" and "studying" is a magic pass. No one wants to be the reason a student fails, likely thinking of their own children.
"Do you remember where you left them? Do you think they got burnt?" The guard gets up from his chair, his attitude softening as expected. He unlocks the gate.
David and the security guard walk inside. In his mind, David gives instructions to the watch: 'Vibrate once if I'm moving closer to the book, vibrate twice if I'm moving away.'
Following the vibrations, David walks unerringly toward the source. Not far from where he had found History Volume 1, he spots another leather-bound book.
"Found it! Here it is. But I left it on a lower shelf... someone must have moved it up here."
"You got it? Good, let's get out of here quickly." The guard has already pulled out a cigarette, eager to step outside to smoke.
"Did anyone get hurt in the fire that day?" David asks, curious about the cause.
"No, nothing serious. Just minor injuries."
"Did Baskar sir get hurt?"
"Baskar sir burned his hand a little, but otherwise, everyone is fine."
"Did they find out what caused the fire?"
"The investigation team said it was arson—someone set it on fire intentionally. They need to check more CCTV footage to be sure."
"I see. Thank you so much, brother. Since I got the book, can I leave now?"
"Don't run off yet! Write your name and phone number in the register. You can't just enter a building and leave without anyone knowing who you are."
"Sorry, I forgot to sign in."
Only after David writes his name and number in the register does the security guard let him go.
David catches the bus back to his room immediately. As he sits in his seat, he pulls the book out of his bag to inspect it. He noticed today that the fire had started in the exact spot where he had taken the first book. He handles this new one with extreme caution.
The title reads: History Map of the World.
Confirming it is indeed the map book, he quickly puts it back in his bag without opening it.
After lunch, he takes the book to the rooftop. The buildings in the colony are built so close together that one can easily jump from one terrace to another.
Ensuring no one else is around, he speaks to the watch. "Should I press my hand into it like before?"
"Open the first page, then the last page. After that, press your hand on the middle page. Only then will the assistance activate."
"Is that what I did last time to activate you?"
"Yes." David finally understands why no one else has activated NEAA all this time. The activation sequence was a complete accident.