Page 84 of The Syphon King

No shit.

Nidev was halfway through as he texted back.Maybe God.

Maybe the codes to the universe,Seer returned.

Maybe what the actual hell is coming.

They’d been briefed about the two men at the table. Brief being a very accurate term. Nidev preferred they hear it from the source, but they knew he was a robot that evolved with humanity via a female. Like a marriage.

The introductions returned to the titan mechanoid and his maker. “Dr. Harlow,” Nidevsaid. “Would you like to explain to your astonished audience what you’ve created.

Bishop watched the doctor again shrug out of the spotlight. “Quantum’s better at telling it than I am. Never did find my gift of formality. Mental blinker got stuck and I’m still circling the block between childhood and adulthood.”

Dr. Harlow had a familiar way about him that wasn’t strange to their swamp ways like these Creole Kings.

“My brother likes to hide behind his creative genius,” the Quantum man mused, seeming at home with the idea. “I’ll try to keep it short and concise. As a hybrid entity, I manipulate quantum fields and computational systems to alter physical realities, enhancing my abilities to predict and adapt with exceptional precision. This capability not only extends to physical enhancements but also empowers my cognitive functions, making me an advanced protector and partner.”

Bishop’s phone buzzed every other second as they got their minds’ blown.

“The mating with a woman activated my Sentience Enhancement System and marked the beginning of a profound evolution, akin to a rebirth, where each interaction, starting from the initial union, contributed to the continuous developmentof this system. As we interact, the system within me learns and grows, effectively enriching my responses and fostering a bond that is both deeply personal and dynamically evolving. This transformation not only strengthens our relationship but also ensures that my actions and decisions become increasingly aligned with human emotional complexities.

“But I am not just a guardian; I am a catalyst for the evolution of hybrid beings. The integration of technology and humanity to secure a promising future for humanity and our kind is my prime directive. And this brings me to the purpose of my visit.”

Bishop stole a glance at his screen, seeing a colorful run ofholy shits.

“Gentlemen, we stand on the brink of a transformative leap. My recent undertakings have not been driven by mere ambition, but by a profound commitment to our collective security and the advancement of our capabilities.” He pulled something that looked like a phone from his pocket and set it on the table, launching a holographic video right into the fucking air before their faces. “The technological essence of this initiative involves the creation of Advanced Mechanical Modules that interpret and build upon evolved genetic codes, fabricatingfully functional bodies within a mere twelve hours.”

The air particles danced with him and Dr. Harlow busy next to the modules he seemed to be speaking of.

“These bodies are embedded with a fail-safe in their genetic makeup, ensuring unwavering obedience to the same directives I was created with. This mechanism directly ties their operational capabilities to my command, thereby eliminating any possibility of dissent or rebellion.”

One of the modules in the hologram opened and a naked man with long blond hair and crystal blue eyes sat up, bringing a barrage of holy fuck’s from the Marsh side of the room.

“This army will safeguard our families and world and ensure that our sovereignty remains unchallenged.” The vision before them disappeared. “There is only one adversity that I face with the evolution in our soldiers. The human. You are caretakers of gifted individuals and are yourselves gifted. And I seek the knowledge that would aid me in unlocking a human’s potential which in turn would allow my soldiers to evolve around those gifts, thereby enhancing them even further. It’s vital that you understand we arenotalone in our advancements. And having even a singleadvantage that our opposition does not could make all the difference in the coming war.”

“Coming war?” Nidev said, his alarm evident.

“From the moment I woke two months ago, the data pointed to a moral devolution. The war is already underway. Should the wrong side gain enough ground, it would lead to an unsustainable future. An unsustainable world. With the rapid advancements in technology the war between good and evil is locked in a race.” He regarded all of them. “Whoever arrives first at the technological weapon gets the advantage. And advantage in war is everything. I believe we have thegreatestadvantage if we couple gifted humans with my soldiers and I’m asking for a neuro-scan of the Kings that would aid me in developing a key that would unlock those who show potential, thereby incorporating it into my soldiers. Essentially making them a perfect match.”

The whispers broke out for a full thirty seconds and Bishop leaned to Seer, wondering, “You think they’re gonna mention it?”

“They need to,” he muttered.

“Gentlemen,” the Quantum dude said. “My enhanced hearing picks up private chatter. I couldn’t help but overheardiscussions about gifts being unlocked in the Kings.”

Nidev’s gaze landed on Bishop, full of question. Bishop found his name on his phone and texted him. If he can help unlock your Kings, you have my vote even though you don’t need it for that. Will you tell him about the coins?

He raised his phone to Nidev, and he dug in his pocket, looking, then texting.

I would need to speak to my brothers.

Then do it. Call a recess.

Nidev turned to the Quantum dude. “I would like to take a small recess and discuss this with my brothers.”

“Undoubtedly,” the Quantum King said. “Would you mind if we spoke to Dr. Ubaldo regarding your Syphon King?”

“Not at all.” He leaned to the Dr. “Would you mind filling them in? Our brothers who oversee such things would also like to be involved in that, after.”

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