With a single upload, ANNA had apparently unleashed a torrent of truth upon the entire world. The raw evidence flooded news channels, social media platforms, and online forums, bypassing censorship attempts and reaching a global audience. The heinous crimes, the high-profile names of the perpetrators, and the desperate plight of the innocent children were laid out for all to see.
The impact was immediate and far-reaching. Public outrage surged to a never before seen frenzy, calls for justice rang out, and authorities could no longer turn a blind eye to it all. People began attacking listed criminals on the streets in broad daylight causing further chaos. The exposure of the dark network fueled a collective determination to dismantle it, rescue the victims, and hold the guilty accountable.
Evidence for the plot against Derek and me came to light quickly based on confessions from the survivors of my onslaught. Charges against us were immediately dropped, much to our relief. I reckon the judge had more pressing matters revolving around the ring bust than two teenagers trespassing on the criminal's property.
Nobody actually died that night, but some of them were permanently disabled, never to walk again, which was initially disappointing. I wanted to kill them but the thought of killing someone without control somehow bothered me.
After some time thinking about it, I was glad. The chances of them living any kind of a good life inside the prison were slim, being the type of people they were. I'm sure the other inmates will let them have a very pleasant stay, and if their stay was shortened one way or another, not my problem.
There was only one other topic that stood out, the demon that the criminals said attacked them and rescued the children. Some were saying it was a coverup, not believing anything from the criminals’ mouths. Others were saying it was a team of special ops.
I only cared about one fact. They had no clue who I was.
2 Weeks Later:
^Alex, It's time to wake up.^
“Yawwwwn”
‘Good morning ANNA.’
^Good morning Alex. You’re going shopping today, correct?^
Suddenly energized by the thought. ‘Yup! Hahaha I haven't been this excited in a while!’
Just a few days ago I told my parents I was going to buy a new-to-me truck. They were totally confused about where I would get that kinda money, so I had to lie to them. I told them I had been playing scratch-off tickets and won a bunch of money. It wasn't a big enough lie to cover the actual amount I really had, but enough to justify my going out and buying a new vehicle.
Ma was pretty upset, as she is adamantly against gambling due to her faith, but I promised her I would never do it again. However, Dad's reaction was the complete opposite, saying how lucky I was. Needless to say, based on Ma’s reaction, he might be sleeping on the couch tonight.
I was pretty stoked about the whole thing. I’d never owned my own vehicle before. The one I drove before was more like a moving pile of rust. While it grew on me over the last couple of years, it had no A/C and was a bit on the old side, needing to be severely rebuilt from the ground up. Unfortunately, it was so badly burned there was no way putting up the money for it would be practical or quick enough in time for me to head off to college.
The good news was that I knew exactly where another one was, only slightly newer and in way better condition. I knew all about it, I had been trying to get the owner to knock down the price over the years. It was just a bit too much for a poor kid like myself, at least, I used to be.
The other good news was that I was now a multi-millionaire! ….Sorta.
I couldn't spend most of my new wealth found in that safe. Most of it was in the form of many different-sized gold bars found inside which would undoubtedly be tracked back to me. If I tried to trade them for cash from a reputable dealer, I’d probably have the government at my door in very short order.
I could melt it all down and reform them, but it would still raise too many questions about where someone like me would even get so much of it.
I did think about donating it to the victims and their families, but I still had the same problem of being tracked unless I gave it anonymously. But not knowing who the victims were or how much went to whom, it turned into an endless cycle of problems one way or another.
So, In the end, I just decided to keep it, considering it as a form of good karma. I had about 3 million in gold judging by my Ma’s bathroom scale and depending on markets and where I could even sell it. I also had just over 100 grand in cash plus some small bills.
Regarding the cash itself, it was the only thing I could use somewhat safely. While it still ran some of the same risks as the gold, I should be able to at least spend it in small amounts.
I felt bad for having to lie to my parents about the money thing, but I really needed a new vehicle for college since the old one burned up. ANNA kept insisting on something newer for strategic reasons, but I had been admiring this truck ever since I saw it on the way home from school one day.
Cash in hand and a quick Zoober ride away, I was in front of our distant neighbor's house. Having already called ahead, he was expecting me. He said he would charge up the battery and get it ready to go.
For a whopping 7 grand, I had my new 4x4 pickup. It wasn't much to look at, the paint having faded and peeled over the many years, but I knew there ain't a lick of rust on it. The old man who owned it never drove it much since he bought the darn thing all those years ago. He was on the road all the time from driving 18-wheelers for a living.
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Driving my new ride with a smile ear to ear, I head off into town to the local distribution center to pick up a large package I ordered online.
Backing into the loading dock, I sign a few papers and four large workers begin to load several large boxes strapped to a pallet into the truck bed.
I had made a few purchases that are crucial to my future training…clothes. Well, at least clothes that will hopefully stand up to the abuse from exploring my capabilities.
On the way back home, I began thinking how only two weeks had passed since the school year came to an end. It seemed much longer than that, given all the events that had happened to me, but even still, I surely wasn't twiddling my thumbs and staying inside.
After learning a hard lesson that the world wasn't as lovely as I thought it was, I decided to take understanding my abilities seriously, plus I wanted to go off and have some fun. Before I knew it, it was time to head off on my much anticipated road trip. Unfortunately, I ended up shredding a lot of pants and shirts while practicing in the woods, so the new clothes came just in time to try on before I left tomorrow morning.
With my new whip, new clothes, and a newfound determination to ramp up my training, I was ready to hit the open road and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
ANNA and I also discussed our upcoming plans to test the absolute limits of my body. Additionally, ANNA did say that there are some possible solutions to my little problem of going out of control. Apparently changing one of the directives proved to be almost impossible, but there was a loophole.
ANNA could change the “trigger and release” or the “cause and effect” while I was under high-stress situations so I could deal with the problem in a different way. It's just the way that was suggested was a little…much.
‘I really dont see why I have to have sex to solve this issue ANNA.’
^As we discussed earlier Alex, if you experience large amounts of stress, your body is designed to artificially produce large amounts of cortisol, triggering the deviated combat mode form, regardless of your surroundings, which further increases your chances of exposing yourself. Why the designers of the system did this, I am not sure.^
‘So you're telling me, instead of going into that strange combat mode creature type form, I'll just need to have sex, and the goal will be a “release”, is that right?’
^That is correct. The only way around the problem is to change what actually happens to you when you are exposed to stress and what you do in response to satisfy the release requirements. The easiest way to release high levels of dopamine is by orgasm.”
‘That's just stupid. You can't change it to anything else?’
^Technically, the fastest way to release high levels of dopamine is using what your species calls “hard drugs”, but based on my research, I doubt this is a path you want to go down.^
“Very Funny”.
^ Do you recall the satisfied feeling you had when you attacked those men? It is the same concept, except I will tweak what constitutes satisfaction to being a sexual release.^
‘Can I at least choose which option to take in the moment? I dont want to be attacked and then have to rape someone to be released from getting constantly drugged by my own body. Also, I can’t go around fuckin’ a random woman anytime I feel a little stressed out.’
^Perhaps you should find a partner you can trust with your transformation.^
“HAHAHA yeah fuckin right, what am I gonna say? “Hey, I turn into a psycho killer alien unless I fuck something. Wanna help me out?” I would get committed to the psych ward in a heartbeat. Anyways, we’ll talk about it more later during the road trip. We’re almost home.”
Back at the house, Ma gave me some weird looks for bringing in a bunch of boxes up to my room but didn’t say anything since her show was on.
‘Alright! Let's try these on!’
Standing in my mirror, a mini fashion show ensued. Some of the motorcycle clothes I thought would look cool online ended up making me look like a wannabe thug with shoulder pads. I did buy a black leather jacket with armored elbows and a spine protector, imagining myself as a certain robot man from the future, but I almost cringed into a ball of despair when looking at my reflection.
Throwing my aspirations to look like a movie star out the window, I eventually settled on a few Kevlar-lined pants and shirts, but I thought they would be too hot to wear around. ANNA then casually informed me that no matter what I wear, I can't overheat due to the nanites that compose almost all of my body don't produce heat.
So after much trial and error, I now have somewhat normal-looking clothes that hopefully will keep me looking modest in most situations. I shoved them into my bags and sat on the bed, thinking of anything I might have forgotten to pack.
As I sat in my room, a sudden noise interrupted me.
"....Honey! I'm home!" echoed through the house, signaling my father's return from work. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to speak with my parents before I left early tomorrow. I made my way downstairs, my heart pounding with excitement and a hint of nervousness. Approaching my dad, I sat at the kitchen table and showed him all the planning I’d done. He listened attentively as I explained the details and went over the destinations I planned to visit again.
However, my ma's worry was clear as day. She expressed concerns about my safety and well-being during the journey, fearing I would break down somewhere or get lost. Her worries were understandable, as any loving mother would feel when her child embarked on a solo adventure.
I did try to rope Derek into the trip, but I think he was still shook about the encounter with the police. He said he wanted to spend time with his father over the summer and for me to have a good time.
Attempting to relieve her concerns, my dad stepped in, lettering her know that I was now a grown man capable of taking care of myself. He assured her that I had carefully considered the trip, planned my route, and taken necessary precautions. His confidence in me and his persuasive words began to alleviate Ma’s anxiety.
After a moment of contemplation, Ma sighed, a mixture of worry and resignation in her voice, and finally gave her consent. "Okay, but please stay safe honey," she pleaded, her eyes filled with concern. I told her that I would be cautious and promised to keep her updated throughout my journey.
I turned in early to make sure I had a good night’s rest before the long drive.
The next morning, as the sun began to peek over the horizon, I prepared to embark on my adventure. With a sense of excitement, I loaded my belongings into the truck, double-checking that I had everything I needed for the trip.
As I settled into the driver's seat, my Ma stood by the door, a mixture of worry and pride on her face. "Take care, my dear. Call me every day so I know you’re okay" she said softly, her voice filled with love and a touch of apprehension.
I nodded, then said, “I’m only going for two weeks at most, Ma!”. I promised her I’d be careful and that I’d take plenty of pictures for her to scrapbook.
With a final wave, I pulled out of the driveway and onto the open road, the possibilities ahead stretching out like a vast canvas waiting to be painted. As I drove towards the beach, the first stop on my itinerary, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and gratitude for the journey that awaited me.