Getting A System In A Modern World

Three weeks had passed since Silas took control of Venezuela's oil fields, and during that time, an impressive transformation unfolded across the facilities.

Silas had overseen every step, ensuring that outdated, rusted equipment was replaced with cutting-edge machinery capable of taking Venezuela's oil production into a new era.

About 30% of the field's equipment had been upgraded, from drilling rigs to transport systems, allowing deeper extraction and more efficient processing.

The results spoke for themselves: production had already resumed, and preliminary reports indicated an upward trajectory. Even the most cautious projections hinted that this was just the beginning.

The nearest refinery, once an aging relic of the past, had been stripped down to its skeleton and rebuilt with state-of-the-art technology, making crude oil processing faster, smoother, and less harmful to the environment.

This aligned with Silas's vision of a modernized, sustainable industry. The refinery now operated at full capacity, fueling neighboring areas and contributing to a stronger national grid. Venezuela's infrastructure was stabilizing, bit by bit, under his leadership.

But Silas knew the oil industry revival was just the foundation. His vision for Venezuela was more ambitious: a robust economy backed by a resilient infrastructure and a population capable of defending itself.

At the heart of this vision was his own family. They were now at the core of a growing powerhouse, a position that carried its own risks. Silas was determined to make sure they could protect themselves, even if he wasn't there to do it.

Luna had returned from the U.S. after completing the crucial mission he'd given her: eradicating every trace of the VR Pods buried under the rubble of the bombed Kurt Technologies building.

His advanced technology couldn't be allowed to fall into the hands of anyone, especially the U.S. government or corporations that would eagerly dissect it for their own gain. With Luna back by his side, he could shift his attention to other pressing matters.

He quickly designated critical tasks to her to keep the operation running smoothly. In the meantime, he focused on his personal projects, each designed to secure his family and further his control.

One of these projects was his own training. Silas's powers were already formidable, but he was determined to push them to their absolute limits.

Evolution through metamorphosis might unlock further abilities, but the armor he envisioned would provide another way to amplify his power.

The suit of armor would not only enhance his control over his abilities but also offer unparalleled protection.

Silas also devised a plan to fortify his family. He'd seen how vulnerable they were in an increasingly dangerous world, and he couldn't stand by and allow them to be at risk.

His goal was to make sure his father, Chris; Kim, and his younger brother, Alex, were capable of defending themselves if the need arose.

He saw it as a way to build their physical resilience, preparing their bodies for the enhancements he planned for them down the road. Also, it was the only way he could go about it according to the data he got from the simulated research world.

Training sessions began with basic conditioning. Chris was in decent shape, but Silas wanted to improve his endurance, agility, and reflexes.

The regimen was intense but rewarding, and Chris gradually adapted, pushing himself to meet Silas's high standards.

Kim, initially a bit hesitant, soon found herself enthusiastic about the training, seeing it as a way for the family to bond. She dedicated herself fully, surprising even Silas with her commitment and drive.

Alex, at only ten years old, was a more delicate case. Silas didn't want to place undue pressure on him, but he also wanted him to feel capable and empowered.

So, he turned their sessions into games, teaching Alex basic self-defense techniques in a way that felt playful rather than intense. Alex took to it eagerly, laughing as he practiced kicks and punches, his confidence growing under Silas's watchful eye.

The training sessions soon became a daily ritual, with Silas teaching them not only physical techniques but also survival strategies.

They rehearsed emergency drills, practiced escape routes, and learned the locations of safe zones around the estate. Silas felt a profound sense of relief with each passing session.

His family was gaining skills, and he felt a growing assurance that they would be able to protect themselves, at least enough to hold out until help arrived.

As Silas trained his family, he simultaneously set his other projects in motion. He'd been conducting research into creating a suit of armor that would enhance his powers while protecting him.

He envisioned it as an extension of his own abilities, a way to amplify his control and precision. After weeks of research and testing, he finally began assembling the prototype, piece by piece, combining materials and elements specifically selected for durability and responsiveness.

But that wasn't the only project he was working on. Silas was also developing enhancement pods for his family.

Unlike his own transformation, which had involved direct ingestion of the serum and intense, agonizing pain, he intended for their enhancement process to be gradual and controlled.

A diluted serum would be administered through specialized pods that he was designing from scratch, allowing the enhancements to take place over several months rather than in an instant. This would minimize pain and allow their bodies time to adapt to the changes gradually.

Through meticulous research and simulated trials, he estimated that the enhancement process would take roughly three to four months to complete within the pods.

The outcome would be a subtle but powerful boost in their physical abilities—enough to protect them but without the level of pain he had endured.

Four months later, the enhancement pods were ready, gleaming in the low light of Silas's private lab.

His suit of armor, too, was finally complete. The sleek, nearly indestructible shell waited for him, its design matching his every specification.

The armor would protect him in battle, strengthen his abilities, and provide extra layers of control for his matter manipulation.

Silas felt a surge of pride and excitement as he looked upon the finished products of months of planning and labor.

He summoned his family to the lab, leading them to where the enhancement pods stood, each fitted with comfortable, custom-designed interiors.

His father, Chris, looked at the pod with curiosity and some trepidation, while Kim's expression showed a mix of excitement and nervousness. Alex's face lit up with curiosity, his youthful fascination overriding any fear.

"These pods," Silas began, his voice steady and reassuring, "will help you become stronger. It's a gradual process—safe, painless. You'll go through a kind of sleep, and when it's over, your bodies will be more resilient. You'll be able to protect yourselves better if anything ever happens."

Chris nodded thoughtfully, reaching out to touch the pod. "You've put a lot of thought into this, Silas. I trust you."

Kim looked from Silas to the pod, a hint of pride in her eyes. "You're doing all this for us," she said quietly. "We're lucky to have you."

Alex bounced on his toes, peeking into the pod curiously. "Will it feel weird?"

Silas smiled. "No, not weird. Just like a deep sleep. When you wake up, you'll feel stronger, healthier."

One by one, they entered the pods, settling into the seats as Silas and Luna began calibrating the systems. He activated the pods, setting the enhancement process in motion.

He watched as each pod filled with a soft, soothing light, the serum slowly being introduced into their systems.

As the pods began to hum softly, Luna appeared at his side, her gaze following his.

[This was a good decision.]

Silas nodded, feeling a profound sense of peace. He knew they were safe, and in a few months, they would emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped for the world they lived in.

With his family in the pods and in that quiet moment, Silas made a silent promise to himself: he would defend everything he'd built, and he would protect his family with everything he had. No matter what obstacles came his way, he was prepared to meet them head-on.

With his suit, his powers, and his family by his side, Silas knew that he could accomplish anything.

Silas turned his attention to his suit. He slipped into the armor, feeling the advanced material contour to his body, fitting him like a second skin.

He moved his arms, testing its flexibility, and felt the power of the suit respond to his own. It was a seamless integration, designed to amplify his abilities while offering protection against even the strongest attacks.

Looking around the room, Silas knew that his plans were coming to fruition. The oil fields were producing, the infrastructure was modernizing, and his family was safe, on their way to a brighter, stronger future.

"Now's it's time for some field tests." Silas said as he walked out of the warehouse.

Outside, he looked up at the blue sky and with a smile, he disappeared from his position.