27.07.2024 12:35
Geneva, close to CERN
It didnt take long for Tomas to find a newly-founded startup from the CERN incubator, which was supported by not one but two of the scientists who were present during the LHC experiment.
The information about all the involved scientists was already stale, and the public opinion about them was divided with a straight line. Where some saw them as messiahs, ushering a new era, others saw them as villains responsible for the chaos the world was facing.
In Tomas' opinion, both were true, but also neither.
they were just people who did what they were passionate about and accidentally stumbled upon something they could not contain, once pandora's box was open the evils could not be put back, but in the case of Zyphron they also released hope to the world, unlike pandora in the original Myth.
Playing the eccentric millionaire and scheduling a personal meeting with a promise of strongly considering leading the seed investment round, wasn't hard for Tomas who was already used to that type of dynamics from his years in the business world.
Some people just expected a bit more ball cradling before they pulled out their checkbooks, and Tomas acted that part to perfection.
He learned that lesson while taking care of his own investors. Some just needed a few meetings with the team and a dinner in a fancy restaurant while some required more exotic care.
One of his earliest investors, Oleksei Volkov, an ukrainian billionaire who made his wealth in real estate and became one of the earliest supporters of the ethereum network, had this habit to get piss drunk with people in whom he considered investing. Which, if Tomas opinion was ever asked, was not something Tomas was really reluctant about.
So when Tomas company was asking for investments, he as the founder and CEO, had to travel to Monte Carlo and spend a night of heavy drinking with Oleksei before even considering signing the investment contract.
The night was a blur of clubs, drinks, and Oleksei’s endless stories, each one louder and more outrageous than the last. Tomas played along, half-amused, half-trying to keep up as they made their way through Monte Carlo’s finest spots, eventually staggering back to Oleksei’s yacht.
By the time they reached the deck, Oleksei was swaying dangerously, eyes glazed. Before Tomas could react, Oleksei tipped backward over the railing, crashing into the cold April sea.
Without a second thought, Tomas dove after him. The icy water took his breath away, and he grabbed Oleksei, who was half-laughing, half-panicked. Moments later, the yacht’s crew tossed down a ladder and hauled them both out, dripping and freezing.
The investment afterward became a formality. Their shared background in poverty and down-to-earth mentality made it easy for them to connect over the years, and Oleksei became the mentor and father figure Tomas had craved. To this day, he remained Tomas's closest confidant, though even he had been pushed away over the past few months.
“I'll need to check how the old fart is doing.” Tomas mused “It's been ages”
The construction work in Trebinje was progressing slowly and he found himself somewhat restless just sitting in the vineyard and spending his days socializing with his family and Emir.
He loved his family, but his social batteries were running on fumes and he needed to move away for a bit anyway.
He left Marko in charge, the plans were set, he just needed to make sure that nothing gets screwed up in the meantime, and Marko was the pedantic one…
Tomas felt sorry for anyone who moved or did something not according to the plan. He loved his brother, but he was inflexible and strong headed as they came, and in a position of power he demanded the rules to be followed, which coincidentally was also that which rubbed Tomas the wrong way most of the times and a reason for multiple falling outs they had in their past.
In the past few weeks, Tomas spent a lot of time with Michael, guiding him through history books and Wikipedia articles to get him up to speed on how the world had developed since he was last 'aware.'
By Michael's estimation, it had been over 2,000 years since he had last experienced the world, and the changes since Zyphron’s removal—especially in nature, social structures, scientific advancement, and warfare—were shocking for him to take in.
A hint about what led to Zyphron's removal surfaced in the most unlikely place: the Old Testament.
Sodom and Gomorrah had been scientific, cultural, and social centers of the world Michael remembered. He was relieved to hear that the name 'Lot' had survived, as the real figure had been a staunch defender of humanity's autonomy and one of the era's most prominent guides.
The involvement of the Angels and the biblical account of these cities' destruction spoke volumes to those who understood the true history. Whatever they unleashed was unknown, but it seemed to have burned through the majority of Earth’s Zyphron in moments.
Michael hated how the cities were depicted as centers of sin and became increasingly convinced that the Celestiax's involvement on Earth was still present—if not in action, then through indoctrination.
A lack of direct control over their followers was evident in the widespread religious conflicts, particularly among Abrahamic religions. The predatory philosophies of most 'peaceful' religions still mirrored those used by the Celestiax, employing control through dogma and promoting asceticism and self-sacrifice as the highest virtues. Meanwhile, the leadership enriched and indulged themselves, leading their followers into conflict and suffering. Humans could be incredibly foolish at times, but that had been true throughout history.
Tomas's musings were interrupted when his driver informed him that they were ten minutes away from CERN and would likely arrive ten minutes early for the meeting.
This was quite acceptable for Tomas, as he never liked to keep people waiting
“So we are finally meeting people who can utilize the information you have. How do you want to play this Michael? Im still not certain if they will believe in a word I say”
Tomas asked the empty air
“We could try using the system and show them that you are not imagining things?”
Michael said
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
“What do you mean? Every time I open my status it is unchanged” Tomas said as he thought Status
Personal Information
Attributes
Tasks
Skills / Traits
Name: Tomas Knez
Intelligence: G.A.I.A response unavailable
G.A.I.A response unavailable
The legacy of Prometheus: Formed a symbiotic bond with a Guide
Current Location: Helvetia
Dexterity: G.A.I.A response unavailable
Health Points: 100%
Strength: G.A.I.A response unavailable
Zyphron Capacity: 73
Constitution: G.A.I.A response unavailable
Achievements
G.A.I.A response unavailable
“Other than the legacy of Prometheus, which, as you said, only people with a guide get, it looks identical to all the status screen descriptions I’ve seen on the internet. Can I share my screen without G.A.I.A?”
Tomas asked, hoping to provide Dr. Mikhael Petrov with undeniable proof that would make him more inclined to believe him.
“No, not really. However, what we could do—and this is a function that guides can do autonomously—is issue a Task. I found it irrelevant until now since I can't issue substantial rewards without G.A.I.A support, but it would look something like this.”
At that moment, a light flashed in the corner of Tomas's vision. When he focused on it, a new screen appeared before him.
New Task received: Stop drinking so much and cut down on smoking.
Reward: Extended life expectancy, increased stamina, and reduced smell emissions
Accept Yes / No.
“Ha ha ha, very funny,” he said to Michael, focusing on the act of pressing “No” with vehemence.
“Jokes aside, that could actually work. We just need to focus on the wording of the task and the timing so he doesn’t go out shouting to the world about what he just experienced,” Tomas added cautiously. “Can you just send him the task remotely? If so, why the hell did we have to travel all the way to Geneva?”
“No, Tomas,”
Michael replied, amusement evident in his voice.
“We couldn’t have done it remotely. Even with G.A.I.A, there needs to be at least a visual connection between the guide and the person receiving the task. Hard thinking about the person won’t suffice; this is not one of your books. You’ll need at least two seconds of physical contact with Dr. Petrov so I can communicate directly with his nanites. If G.A.I.A were online, I could’ve done it just by being in the same room or looking at him from a distance.”
Tomas considered the limitation and reasoned,
“That shouldn’t be hard. I can hold a handshake for longer than two seconds—especially with Slavic people, who have a habit of kissing and hugging when they meet and when they say goodbye. Depending on how drunk they are, the kissing and hugging can happen multiple times in one sitting. But in that setting, fistfights are also an option.”
He contemplated for a moment, then said,
“So, no drinking. I’ll stick to the handshake.”
“Let’s figure out the wording of the task. I didn’t even consider the potential reward. People are more inclined to help if there’s something in it for them as well; it doesn’t have to be substantial,”
Tomas said thoughtfully.
“In the past, people went to absurd lengths just to feel special, like getting a unique badge on their profile picture or a mention as a top contributor in our Facebook group. Any idea if there’s anything we could offer him as a reward?”
“What do you think about something like this?”
A second later, Tomas saw another blinking light in his peripheral vision, and again, just as he tried to focus on it, another notification appeared in front of his eyes.
New Task received: Assist Tomas Knez in spreading knowledge regarding the implications Zyphron will bring to the world and help prepare humanity for the worst to come. Maintain the confidentiality of his identity at all costs. Nod twice and focus on "Yes" to accept the task
Warning: There is a high risk of possible involvement from extraterrestrial entities. .
Reward: Minor Achievement - "The Silent Guardian". All rewards and accolades credited to Dr. Mikhael Petrov for discoveries resulting from the received knowledge.
Accept: Yes / No.
“Wow. That actually looks official,”
Tomas said, surprised at the task details.
“I like the part about rewards and accolades; it’s something I don’t have any interest in anyway, and it gets my ass out of the crosshairs of potential enemies. Good job, mate! I almost thought you were useless, but you prove me wrong every day.” He chuckled.
“Very funny, Tomas. If I could just connect to G.A.I.A, you’d see how useless I am,”
Michael replied, his voice tinged with bitterness.
“Don’t take that seriously; I was just joking. You’ve been helping us more than you can imagine with the preparations in Trebinje. We wouldn’t have considered half the dangers without you, so don’t let friendly banter get to you,” Tomas said, trying to defuse the situation.
Michael sighed, somewhat dejected.
“No, I get it, Tomas. It’s not something you can understand. My contribution right now, without G.A.I.A, feels like only 20% of what we could achieve together. From increased attribute growth through rewards to guiding people with a clear task-based system, or even recognizing additional Zyphron resonances in a limited radius around us. I don’t believe for a second that I’m the only remnant from my time. There has to be something we passed along the way to Geneva, and I can’t pinpoint it… It’s just frustrating.”
“I get that Michael, before we met I felt like just wasting time and that my life didnt have a purpose any longer, that I am not doing as much as I could do for the people closest to me, and just living below my potential… If it makes you feel better, I really feel alive since we met and actually feel like having a purpose again. Some things are still hard to shake, but I will make sure that your contribution guides and helps humanity, with or without G.A.I.A”
Tomas said, dropping his usual humor to convey the seriousness of his words.
“Now, let’s meet Dr. Petrov and Dr. Chen and see if we can finally gather some allies, or if we’re just being thrown into the lion’s den,” he added, a determined glint in his eyes.