It is almost 9:00 AM.
The bumping incident happened early this morning, so today must be their wedding day, David thinks, recalling the bride's angry face.
Varun has already left for his new job, and Ajith has gone to his morning class. David is alone in the room after freshening up.
There are two things I need to do today: one is gaining access to that supercomputer, and the other is shopping. But if I go shopping alone without Ajith, he will be angry. So, that can wait. I should contact the Professor first.
As he walks to the bus stop, a question pops into his mind—something he forgot to ask earlier.
NEAA, why is your name 'Natural Energy Assimilation Assistant'? What is the 'Natural Energy' part referring to?
"Do you want to read History: Volume One, where it is explained in detail?" NEAA asks.
David had almost forgotten about the first book he stole from the library. He always intended to read it once he could translate it.
No, just explain it to me in short.
"Understood. Here is a summary of the Old Human Era timeline regarding lifespan research."
NEAA's voice shifts slightly, becoming more lecture-like.
"In the early days of the Human Era, every major scientific research project was focused on immortality. Within the first 1,000 years of the Era of Science, human life expectancy rose from 70 years to 120 years.
"Then came the period of Rapid Gene Modification. This boosted life expectancy by another 200 years, but at a heavy cost: reproduction rates plummeted. The population dwindled, and very few children were born during this time.
"The next period was Planetary Exploration. Humans learned to colonize nearby planets, even those with harsh conditions. This led to rapid advancements in transportation and the colonization of neighboring stars. But the obsession with immortality remained.
"Discovery of alien races led to Intergalactic Wars. We found genes in new alien species—some lived for thousands of years. Human life expectancy increased by leaps and bounds using this alien DNA. Humans were classified based on their lifespan. But eventually, the wars stopped. Humans were not the victors. The Njamboran Race discovered 'Planet Killer' weapons, leading to their victory.
"Millions of years passed. Humans became slaves. During this dark age, evolution diverged, creating many human sub-species. Eventually, a rebellion led to the liberation of slaves, and scientific research restarted.
"However, scientists hit a wall. The limitation of life expectancy was due to the physical mass of the human body. To become truly immortal, a biological being would have to grow endlessly, like a plant.
"After the liberation, research shifted from Mass to Energy. Nano-robots were invented to store energy inside the human body. Bio-nano-engineering allowed normal humans to live up to 300 years without losing the ability to reproduce. But there was a fatal flaw: death was often caused by a spontaneous explosion due to excess energy storage. Humans became walking disasters."
David gulps. Walking disasters?
"The Human Race became dominant for the next million years," NEAA continues. "But evolution stalled. Finally, the solution was found: Energy Assimilation. Instead of just storing energy, the body had to become a conduit for natural energy. This led to another war, as energy became a rare resource; entire stars were drained. Planet Killers became common playthings in the hands of all sides..."
Okay, stop! That is too much information to process at once. David interrupts. NEAA, just come to the point. Are you the type of nanobot that makes me explode after 300 years?
David is genuinely worried now. He doesn't want to be a walking bomb.
"No. After many years of research, humans and their allied forces developed safe Energy Assimilation methods. I am an Assistant designed for that specific method. I was created to help human children get accustomed to the assimilation process safely."
So, what was the highest lifespan of humans during the peak of the Old Human Era? David asks, feeling a buzz of excitement. How long can I live?
"Classified."
Are you really going to play that card now?
"I am joking," NEAA replies flatly. "Before the Fage Race uprising and dominance, humans were known to live for thirty to forty thousand years."
David stops walking.
What! Forty thousand years? We don't even have that much recorded history right now!
You mean... you can help me live for thousands of years?
"Yes."
What about others? Can you make others live long too?
"I am a single unit. I can only support one Host."
The excitement dampens instantly. The realization hits David hard: If I live for 40,000 years, I will be living alone. Everyone I know will die in the blink of an eye.
Maybe there are other NEAAs on Earth, he thinks, trying to stay optimistic. I just have to find the other books.
'NEAA, call Professor Ali.'
"Calling Professor Sadhique Ali."
The call connects quickly.
"David? Is that you? How are you?" The Professor sounds cheerful.
"I am fine, sir. How are you?"
"I am fine. Tell me, David, when will you be coming to my house? I really want to hear about the ideas you mentioned."
'Time to manipulate', David thinks.
"Are you free today, sir? Do you have university classes?"
"Yes, I have some work at the university. Maybe you can come on the weekend? We can talk from morning to evening. Ha ha, how about that?"
" actually, I am free today, and I would love to join you at the university. I really want to sit in and listen to your lecture, if it's not a problem."
David knows that asking a professor to listen to his class is the ultimate flattery.
"Oh! Good, good," the Professor agrees immediately. "Come to the Meteorology Department, Lab B, before 10:30."
"I will be there."
David hangs up and boards the bus. As he settles into a seat, NEAA speaks up again.
"David, I have completely synchronized with the Book of Things."
'I thought you already did that?'
"The initial synchronization was data transfer. The new upgrade brings functional integration. I can now use your right hand—with your permission—for mechanical tasks."
'What kind of tasks?'
"This module allows for real-time error correction, advanced manufacturing, precision aiming, and technical drawing. I can perform physical functions that exceed standard human limits."
'Are you saying my right hand is a robot now?'
"Half right. It is a biological hand with enhanced neuro-muscular control."
David flexes his right hand. 'It looks normal, and the sensation is the same. But I feel a little strange on my palm'
As soon as David reaches the university gate, he sees Wajad waiting for him.
"Wajad bro! How are you?"
David goes in for a bear hug. Wajad, clearly uncomfortable with public displays of affection, tries to back away. But David is quick; he catches Wajad in a tight embrace before letting go.
David notices that almost all the onlookers are girls. Their eyes are glued to Wajad.
He really is the famous 'Cold Golden Boy' of Hyderabad University.
"Which one is your girlfriend?"
Wajad didn't reply, he has come on a bike to pick him up. As David hops on the back, he taps Wajad's shoulder.
"Wajad, do you play any sports? Cricket, volleyball, basketball?"
"Yes, I play volleyball. Why?"
"I used to play volleyball during my graduation days. If we get a chance, we should play a match together."
"Sure," Wajad replies curtly.
"I am a very good player."
Within minutes, they reach the science block.
"That is Lab B," Wajad points. "Dad will come at 10:30."
"Okay, thank you, Wajad. Don't forget to call me for a match. I am a very good player."
David grins as he walks away, then turns back one last time.
"Also, tell your sister I said 'Hi'!"
Wajad stiffens, but David is already walking away.
'Even though I know I shouldn't... who can resist teasing a brother about his beautiful sister? Right, NEAA?'
"My protocol does not possess beauty standards," NEAA replies mechanically.