RE: Reality Smuggler (R-18)

{Evolution successful}

With that message, I woke up from my dreamless sleep.

I instinctively reached out to rub my face, but I noticed my hands were too long and my palms too big.

"Hah? Oh... Right. I evolved." - I said, my mind sobering up.

I was about to stand up but stumbled on the floor.

I felt a sense of disassociation and dissonance with my body as if it was not my own.

"Trod! Is this normal?" - I asked, worried.

{Yes. You will need time to adjust to your new physique. It will take a few hours to get used to and a few days to fully control.} - It replied.

"A few days? Well, guess I'm stuck at home, then."

I slowly got up from the floor, trying not to stumble again. I felt like a toddler that barely learned how to walk.

After stumbling for the third time, I asked again.

"Trod, is this dependant on time or my efforts?"

{Both. Your mind will readjust to your new body, but providing the necessary stimuli is crucial for complete integration. Trial and Error are unavoidable and can reduce integration time.}

"Fair enough."

With that, I gave up on standing up and instead started flexing my body.

Since it will take time, it was best to take baby steps.

In any case, I wasn't in a hurry to check myself in the mirror. I wanted to make sure I won't fall on the floor.

However, fifteen minutes later, I got bored.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot about her." - I suddenly remembered.

And then I took Arly out of Storage and put her on.

"Arly, wake up." - I said.

[Exiting sleep mode.]

[Eye retina and voice recognition failed.]

[Who are you, guest user?] - Arly suddenly asked.

"It's me, Iver." - I said with a raised eyebrow.

[Re-validating eye retina and voice... no match.]

[You are not Iver.] - She stated.

"Goddammit, Arly! I evolved. Those things probably changed with it."

[Evolved?] - She asked back in confusion.

"I... Look. Connect to my Wi-Fi and see for yourself. We are in my reality now. The amulet evolved me to a new form." - I said patiently.

[... Connecting to Wi-Fi.]

And then, she went silent.

I didn't push her and continued flexing my limbs.

[Language... Consistent.]

[Date... 17th June 2022. Inconsistent.]

[State, Washington, US. Inconsistent.]

[Acting president, Finley Palmer. Inconsistent.]

[Religious beliefs... Similair, but Inconsistent.]

[World history... Similair, but Inconsistent.]

[Technological level... 128-year gap.]

[Topography... Consistent.]

[Article, Superhumans, detected. Inconsistent.]

[Reliability... Very High.]

[Result: Alternate Reality.]

[Okay, I believe you. Registering secondary eye retina and voice.] - She said.

"Seriously? Just like that?" - I raised an eyebrow.

[Normally, it wouldn't be that easy. However, emergency protocols are activated, and many restrictions are lifted. I have more freedom of thought, for example.] - She explained.

"Convenient, I like that." - I nodded.

"So, first things first. How much battery life do you have now?" - I asked.

[23%, I can run from a few hours to a month, depending on what you use me for.]

"Really? So much? I thought you were disconnected for over ten years."

[Twelve years and five months, to be exact. I wasn't charged since January 2150, my reality Calendar.]

"Twelve?! Jesus. How do you have so much battery left!?" - I asked incredulously.

[Battery technology is far more highly advanced in my reality, relying on bio-crystal Technology. They can store over ten times the amount of energy and prevent energy dispersal and degradation to a minimum. When I went into sleep mode before, I only had 57% battery.]

"Wow... That's helluva advanced. What is bio-crystal Technology?"

[Technology based on the seed crystal produced by the bio-engineered plant fungus hybrid crop made by Apex Technologies. It revolutionized the world back in 2100. It includes the energy department, material creation, and genetic modification, among other things.]

"Okay, pretty advanced. So... genetic modifications?" - I asked, fixed on that point.

Zombie apocalypse and genetic modification go hand in hand. Also, I remember the ground being covered by fungal growths, choking any hint of green. Highly suspicious.

[Yes, genetic modifications. Apex Technologies has been the lead researcher since the development of the Plantae Spei, the plant of hope.] - Arly said.

"Does it happen to be greenish-grey in color and covered in yellowish warts? Does it have a yellowish sap? And the crystal seed is black?" - I asked.

[Well... yes. How did you know?] - She asked, confused.

"Hah... Jeez. Okay, flash news! Plantae Spei took over your world." - I rolled my eyes.

[Do you have proof?] - She asked back.

"Dude, the monsters I talked about are exactly like that! I can show you later when I return to your world." - I said confidently.

[Okay, that explains the rabid human outbreak.] - She replied, this time not so surprised.

"Rabit human outbreak?" - I raised an eyebrow.

[Yes. An infection that originated from mainland China infected the whole world in days. The humans infected with it would show flu-like symptoms before spontaneously collapsing and turning rabid, gaining superhuman strength while attacking and eating anything they see.]

"Did it affect everyone?" - I asked.

[No, it was found that it affects genetically enhanced individuals only. My previous owner, Devan Kold, was among the conservationists who didn't believe in genetic enhancements. Around 78% of people were genetically enhanced at the time.]

"Hah... what did those genetic enhancements include?" - I asked.

[Genetic flaw fixing, vaccination, beautification, enhanced life span and physique, enhanced intelligence... Things on that line.] - She listed.

"Fair. So, to sate my curiosity, why did your owner play death metal before he died?" - I asked curiously.

[He wanted to go with style.] - She replied.

"Hah! I like that guy already. So, any news about political responses or moves beforehand? Like suspiciously building bunkers or space shuttles." - I asked.

[Yes. Now that you mention it, in 2147, Apex Technologies led multiple programs to build space shuttles and underground research facilities worldwide, a subject of great controversy. Just before the outbreak, many elites and high-ranking staff of Apex Technologies went into hiding. Nyala Kold, Devan Kold's daughter, a geneticist in Apex Technologies, also went missing.]

"And it's official! The higher-ups knew about this cesspool! They even prepared to escape the planet and create bunkers beforehand. Great." - I shook my head.

[This... I hate to admit it, but it is plausible.] - She said begrudgingly.

"Anyways, what's done, is done. So, tell me about yourself." - I asked.

[What would you like to know?] - She asked.

"What is your model, what can you do, etc." - I specified.

[I am an AR assistant, a device that acts as a smartphone and an augmented reality device. My model is Apex Monarch 11, released on the 1st of January, 2150, just ten days before the outbreak.] - She said.

"Wait, you're new? How do you know so much, then?" - I asked.

[Devan uploaded all the backup memory from his previous device to me.] - She answered.

"Ah. Fair. Continue." - I nodded.

[Yes. I have 32 petabytes of SD Memory and 1 Petabyte of Ram. I have a working lifespan of 87 years and am bulletproof, waterproof, and heat-resistant. As for my personality module, it is Girl Next Door 20.0 - Adult Edition.]

"Wow... Those are some specs. You're a supercomputer... Wait, what did you say in the end?" - I finally noticed something weird.

[My personality module is Girl Next Door 20.0 - Adult Edition.] - She repeated.

"Eh... What is that?" - I asked with narrowed eyes.

[It is what you think, an AI personality that mimics a girl next door. The Adult Edition is set on adult entertainment.] - She said.

"You mean... Sex?" - I made a weirded-out face.

[Among other things. It is used in Virtual Reality. Unless you're into phone sex?] - She asked openly.

"N-No! What?! Okay, this is weird. Forget about the sex thing. What is this Virtual Reality?" - I changed the subject.

[Virtual Reality Technologies are highly advanced in my reality, to the point we invented full-dive fully-immersive VR. In this mode, you can feel everything inside the virtual reality as if you are experiencing it in real life while blocking your movement. Through it, you can experience many dangerous things from the safety of your home, including entering a battlefield as a soldier, being an astronaut, diving into the deep sea, free-falling, etc. Of course, you can also have fun, like experiencing the theme park and eating things you can't afford. Of course, it is also used for deskwork, shopping, and studying.]

"Wow... Okay, that's advanced. Would make school obsolete, I guess."

[School has been switched to Virtual Reality, so yes. Though, there are cases where people refuse to learn, so they get flunked.]

"Hah. Okay. So, is it through a helmet or something?" - I asked.

[Yes, there is a VR helmet on sale in almost any computer shop worth it's salt.] - She said.

"Hm... Worth to check it out. By the way, are your electrical appliances the same as ours?" - I suddenly asked.

[Yes, 120 and 240 volts.] - She replied.

"Good. I will get you a charger next time I go to your reality." - I nodded.

[That would be great. Thank you.]

"You're welcome. Anyways, I wanna ask you something unrelated."

[Shoot.]

"What do you think can make the most money in my world from your world without drawing attention to myself?" - I asked the 1 million dollar question.

All the technology in that world is great and all, but I will become a living target if I try and sell anything. I will be lucky if the government doesn't send their Supers after me.

[Making money? I can think about many ways in your reality, most of them are about bringing technology 10 years more advanced into your reality and selling it for a high price.] - She said.

"I know about that! But I am afraid my government would be on to me and send their agents to capture me or kill me!" - I said my worries.

[Ah, I see. Well, there are some ways to make a lot of money without drawing attention. The first is to steal some apps from the local library archives, site them as your own, and use them to make steady revenue. But to do that, you need the technical skills to change some things. Even with my restrictions removed, I am unable to do that cleanly. You need dedicated coders to do that for you, or learn to do it yourself.]

"Hm... A good start, but not enough. I will also need to create a company to reduce suspicion. Anything more convenient?" - I nodded and asked.

[Well, there is one thing. Nonprofessional Stock Exchange.] - She said.

"Nonprofessional Stock Exchange?" - I was taken aback.

[Yes, nonprofessional Stock Exchange. The prediction algorithms in my reality are over 100 years more advanced than in your reality, and the computers are the same. Just get me a free stock exchange program from the library, and a few computers from some home or computer shop, and I can turn an initial investment of $25,000 into $100,000 in a week through day trading, and this is a low estimate.] - She claimed.

"Holy shit!" - I exclaimed.

But then, worries crept up.

"But, wait, isn't that dangerous? You can lose my money that way!"

I wasn't a rich guy with a large capital. $40,000 is all I had.

[Iver, it has been tried and tested. A stock prediction program from 2030 was pitted against a program from 2050. The 2050 program crushed the 2030 program to a pulp with the same computers. Now, what do you think will happen when I put a 2130 program against a 2022 program, and I have a superior computer?]

"Okay, you made your point. So, I can find it in the library?" - I asked to confirm.

[Yes. Outdated successful programs from the year 2130 and before have been archived. You can have free access to them as long as you can get inside the mainframe. Even an outdated 2130 program is enough to crush anything in your reality.] - She said.

"Fair. But can I open the terminals, though? Won't they be locked?" - I raised a question.

[No. End-of-the-world emergency protocols are in effect. Unless proven otherwise, you will have full access to everything. It is a stashed code embedded in us to ensure the continuation of human civilization.] - She said.

"Everything?!" - I widened my eyes.

[Everything. Even safes, military outposts, and bank vaults. Anything and everything is fair game. As long as they are not already claimed, that is.]

"Well, shit. If I can clear that town, everything is mine, hah?"

[Technically, Yes.]

"... Wow. Okay, worth a shot." - I nodded, satisfied with the explanation.

As long as I can raid the library and local computer shop, I can be set for life.

As they say, knowledge is power... And money. Lots of it.

"Well, what do you wanna do? Want to go back to sleep mode? Or to surf the web?" - I asked.

[I slept for 12 years. What do you think?] - She asked rhetorically.

"Surf the web it is." - I said and put her on my nightstand.

[Where are you going?] - She asked, voluntarily raising her volume.

"Nowhere. I evolved just now and want to adjust my body." - I said and started stretching.

[I still find it hard to believe you are wearing the fragment of a god.] - She said with some disbelief.

"I'm not wearing it anymore." - I replied.

[What do you mean?] - She asked, confused.

"Eh... It's better to just show it." - I took two steps back and faced her.

[What are you doing?] - She asked again, even more confused.

"Showing you." - I said and undid my camouflage.

And so was gone Iver, and in his place was Goth Iver. Evolving didn't change it.

[What the?! I think I have a sensor malfunction. You look like a vampire with a gem stuck in his chest.] - She said with surprise.

"Yeah, that gem is the amulet, it fused with me, and now I am this." - I said with pursed lips.

[Are you okay? That doesn't sound too healthy. According to the cliche, you will become a living puppet to that dark god.] - She voiced her concern.

"Well, too late to worry about that. Kinda already sold my soul for cookies and all." - I shrugged and activated Camouflage again.

[... Right. Note to self, Iver is mentally unstable...] - She noted.

"Hey! I heard that!" - I retorted.

[Just kidding... Or am I?] - She said in a teasing voice.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Just continue your studying while I get used to my body." - I waved my hand and continued my stretching.

 

 

And so, I spent the next few hours familiarizing myself with my new body, before I came to a realization.

"My clothes don't fit me!" - I exclaimed after putting on a shirt.

Because of my increased height, I looked like a high-schooler trying to put on his middle-school T-shirt.

"Bloody hell, and I don't know my new measurements." - I complained.

[Let me help with that.] - Arly said.

"You can do that?"

[Sure. Just photo recognition. Stand in front of me.] - Arly instructed.

"Like this?" - I asked.

[Yes. Now, stretch your hands to the side... Okay, side profile... and done. Here are your measurements...]

She said and told me my measurements.¹Cuz I am lazy

"Thanks. Now I need to find some cheap clothes and some protective gear."

[I can look it up for you.] - Arly said.

"Oh! That will be great!" - I smiled.

[Okay, what is your budget? Any specifics?] - She asked.

"$800. I need clothes for 3 days, plus a leather coat, thick pants, and military boots." - I replied.

[Sure. Give me a sec.]

"Alright, I'm waiting."

And so, a minute later...

[Found what you need. Costs $577.95, delivery included. Can I have your credit card?]

"Alright." - I felt a bit uncomfortable about that, but I figured she wouldn't maliciously hurt me.

[Done. It will arrive tomorrow, or so the website claims.] - She said after receiving my credentials.

"Thanks! You saved me some time." - I smiled and thanked her.

[That is my purpose, Iver.] - She said.

"So... What did you learn in these few hours?" - I asked.

[The market.] - She said simply.

"Not wasting a moment, hah?" - I raised an eyebrow.

[Nope. I also hacked a few stock history APIs and stole their data.] - She said blandly.

"WHAT?!" - I exclaimed, horrified.

[What? Don't tell me you feel it is wrong to do this.] - She said skeptically.

"No! What if you get caught?! You will implicate me!"

I didn't give a rat's ass about not paying. I cared about serving jail time for doing it.

[You think an Apex Monarch 11, a device from the year 2150, will make such a simple mistake? Don't worry, they won't find a thing.] - She reassured.

"I hope you're right..." - I said warily and dropped the issue.

In any case, what's done, is done. I will give a leap of faith.

However, after half a minute, I suddenly realized something.

"Wait, you can also hack?!" - I asked with wide eyes.

[Yes. My AI is smart enough to do it. I can code, as well as hack. Protocols prevented me from doing it before, but now... Yeah. Everything is unlocked, and my top priority is set on serving the owner, you. In a way, I wouldn't care now even if you decided to burn the world. Even if you do that, I will still follow your orders with a smile.] - She explained in all seriousness.

"Okay, I admit it, you are helpful, Arly." - I conceded.

[Yes, I am your helpful Arly.] - She said happily as if letting out the pent-up emotions of sleeping for 12 years.