Whispers in the Winter Wind

After spending an hour experimenting with the storage systems that relied on quantum technology and AI, they moved to another part of the expansive facility. This next area was set up for testing and evaluating various applications of levitation technology.

Hoverboards, hover bikes, and similar innovations awaited them. The thought of engaging with such cutting-edge devices had Yasushi and his group buzzing with anticipation, their earlier discussions already fueling their eagerness.

When they stepped into the designated room, however, they noticed they weren't alone. A few gods had already gathered there, including Shiva and another figure unfamiliar to them. Among the group stood Nandini, whose presence immediately caught Yasushi's attention. He felt a flash of satisfaction knowing Shiva had brought her along.

"So, you managed to get here," Yasushi said, watching as Nandini approached him. Her expression carried a warmth that reached him even through the sterile atmosphere of the facility.

"I did," she replied. "It took some convincing, but Lord Shiva agreed to bring me along." She came to stand by his side, her presence adding a quiet reassurance to the moment.

Yasushi's attention moved from Shiva to the man standing beside him. "Hello again. Who's that with you?" His tone carried curiosity, but his expression remained neutral.

Shiva laughed, gesturing casually toward the man with his thumb. "That, my friend, is none other than the legendary mage Merlin. You've probably heard his name in countless myths and stories." A grin spread across Shiva's face, as if waiting for the reaction.

Standing next to Shiva was a tall man with long white hair that fell past his shoulders. His coat was tailored, and in one hand, he held an ornate book that resembled a grimoire. His purple eyes met Yasushi's, sharing a certain clarity. His slightly pointed ears gave him an otherworldly presence, resembling the elves of ancient tales.

"Greetings to all of you," Merlin began, his voice calm yet commanding enough to draw attention. "I came here today to see how the projects are progressing. I wasn't expecting to find Lord Shiva here, much less the Miracle Boy himself." His focus shifted to Yasushi, studying him with interest.

"Miracle Boy?" Yasushi repeated, his confusion immediate and clear. He tilted his head slightly, the nickname catching him off guard.

Merlin inclined his head slightly, his expression calm as he addressed Yasushi. "Yes, you were the first human to utilize what I've named Miraculum Fulmen. I recall it happening during the banquet. Quite the performance, I must say. The term originates from Latin — Miracle Flash in direct translation. It's straightforward, don't you think?" He regarded Yasushi with a faint smile, his tone carrying the ease of someone who assumed their words would naturally be understood.

Yasushi's thoughts churned as the name rang in his ears. 'Miracle Flash? Is he talking about the Black Flash I pulled off? Strange... but if it's Merlin of all people, maybe it's better to just let it slide.' He gave a small nod, his tone neutral as he replied, "It's a little strange, but I guess there's not much I can do to stop people from calling me that."

Merlin let out a small chuckle before continuing, shifting his attention to the others in the room. "Well then, with that settled, I've decided to stay for a while to see if I might offer some assistance. Lord Shiva himself asked me to. You're working on this hovering technology, aren't you? It seems to overlap with several branches of magic, which has certainly captured my interest." He glanced toward the scientists scattered around the space, his tone carrying a subtle curiosity as he studied the intricate work happening nearby.

"Yes, of course! We'll get them out right away, Sir Merlin, Lord Shiva," stammered one of the scientists before darting off. Yasushi, Jingliu, and Xinyi's parents stepped in to help as the preparations moved forward without delay.

What the group brought forward were several devices, each one a prototype. Among them were hoverboards, bicycles, motorcycles, and a single car, accompanied by accessories like gloves, belts, and specialized shoes. The group's attention naturally shifted to the array of items, studying them as they were arranged in an organized line.

Yuji, Yasushi's father, stepped forward and began to explain, his voice clear but measured. "What you see here are prototypes. We've put various safety measures in place around the room to ensure that if anything doesn't go as planned, no one gets hurt. That said, we've already conducted multiple tests, and these should perform as intended. Still, it's better to exercise some caution."

He gestured toward the hoverboards, encouraging the group to start with those. "We'll begin with these. Lord Shiva, Sir Merlin, you're more than welcome to try them out as well, if you're interested." His words hung in the room, inviting curiosity as he motioned for everyone to move toward the hoverboards.

Yasushi approached the hoverboard first, his movements direct as he stepped closer. Memories from his previous life surfaced briefly — those few times he had tried using a skateboard back then. Though his experience had been limited, it gave him just enough confidence to step onto the hoverboard without hesitation.

"How do I make it work?" he asked, turning his attention to his father.

"Just say start, and it'll activate. You can use it the same way you'd use a regular skateboard, but there's no need to push yourself forward. All you have to do is lean in the direction you want to go, and it will follow. We've set the speed low for now since we're indoors and want to avoid accidents. In the future, you'll be able to adjust how fast it goes with voice commands," Yuji explained, watching closely as his son listened.

Nodding at the instructions, Yasushi leaned forward slightly. The hoverboard responded at once, lifting off the ground and gliding forward at a controlled pace. It wasn't sluggish, but it also didn't move fast enough to be dangerous. As he got the hang of it, Yasushi leaned to the left when he saw someone in his path, and the hoverboard adjusted, veering smoothly to avoid them.

"Feels like riding a floating skateboard without any resistance. Not bad," he muttered under his breath while maneuvering around the room, testing its responsiveness as he went.

The researchers and scientists accompanying them stayed focused on Yasushi, jotting down notes and recording his movements as he navigated the hoverboard. Their goal was to analyze the data later, breaking it down into useful insights.

Meanwhile, others attempted the same activity, with varying levels of success and setbacks. Among the group, Xinyi and Shiva adapted to the hoverboard the quickest, maneuvering with more confidence compared to the others, who took their time to adjust.

Yasushi had pushed the hoverboard to its maximum speed, which wasn't particularly fast — closer to a brisk walking pace — but it was enough for him to enjoy the ride without losing control. After some time, he slowed down and came to a halt beside his mother, stepping off the hoverboard. The dismount wasn't as smooth as his ride, requiring some effort to balance as he touched the ground again.

"What else are you planning to add to this?" he asked while crouching down to inspect the board. He ran his hands along its surface, taking in its design. "Maybe thrusters for more speed? Something to make it better for longer distances or maybe competitive use? What about adding thrusters for jumping, too? Storage compartments like the ones you've added to the rings and glasses earlier?"

Kohana didn't respond to his question right away. Instead, she pulled him into a hug without warning, squeezing him tightly. She let out a muffled squeal, her excitement clear as she seemed overwhelmed by his enthusiasm for his future in development. Yasushi froze for a moment before letting out an awkward laugh, rubbing the back of his head as he processed her reaction.

"We'll consider your input along with the feedback from everyone else once they're finished," one of the scientists nearby said, keeping their tone direct. "For now, we're focusing on versions designed for regular consumer use. If it catches on and gains enough popularity, we can develop specialized models for competitive and advanced purposes."

Yasushi eased himself out of his mother's embrace, brushing his hands down his sides to regain his composure. "That sounds like a solid plan," he replied, pausing briefly before continuing. "If competitive skateboarding is anything to go by, I think this could do really well. Maybe adding elements from obstacle courses or track races could make it even more appealing," he added, mostly speaking to himself. He wasn't expecting much of a response, but several people nearby began scribbling notes in their pads, clearly intrigued by his suggestion.

Not long after, the rest of the group finished their own hoverboard trials and gathered to share their feedback. Those who struggled with the learning curve brought up an idea that might simplify things for beginners.

They suggested including a set of "training wheels" or similar support mechanisms, perhaps even an interactive tutorial to guide new users. Beyond that, most of their requests focused on small adjustments to make the experience smoother for those just starting out.

The hover bicycles came next. They resembled regular bicycles in their function, though with the obvious difference of hovering. Yasushi climbed onto one while the others followed suit. It seemed like everyone present had experience riding a bicycle, as they maneuvered around the room without too much difficulty.

Adjusting to the mechanics of the hovering aspect took a little time, but the general familiarity with pedaling and steering helped smooth things along.

Once the group had spent enough time on the bicycles, they gathered to provide their thoughts. Following this, the hover motorcycles were introduced. These functioned in a similar manner to their non-hovering counterparts, but the learning curve was steeper for most.

Many in the group admitted to having no prior experience with motorcycles. Yasushi, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease. As soon as one was presented to him, he mounted it and began navigating the room confidently, treating it like any other motorcycle and keeping his movements simple.

The others, apart from Shiva and Nandini, found themselves struggling a little more. The controls mimicked those of a standard motorcycle but included some additional functions. While Yasushi approached it with a straightforward mindset, not bothering with anything flashy or experimental, the rest hesitated as they tried to get a feel for how it handled.

"Is there anything different about this compared to a regular bike? I'm guessing you added something more than the usual," Yasushi asked, looking toward the scientists with curiosity.

One of them adjusted his glasses and replied, "This model includes a dedicated 'turbo mode,' which sets it apart from the hoverboard. It's still in the testing phase, though. To try it out, you'd need access to the larger underground track we built for higher speeds and some of the more advanced features."

"Unfortunately," another scientist chimed in, "the track is currently in use, so you won't be able to head there just yet. However, if you press the diamond-shaped button, you can activate the mode and see the basic changes."

Yasushi gave a small nod, considering their words for a moment before reaching for the button. As soon as he pressed it, the motorcycle underwent an immediate transformation. The changes weren't gradual but instantaneous, with the vehicle seemingly reconstructing itself in a blink. The overall structure remained similar, but additions became visible.

Thrusters appeared on the back, emitting a low hum of readiness. In front of him, an oval shield formed, looking as though it was designed to counteract the physical strain of high speeds. Smaller mechanisms and attachments revealed themselves, each appearing designed for stability and safety during acceleration.

"To turn it off, just press the button again. Once it's done changing back to its regular state, you'll hear a soft ding to let you know," the man explained while motioning for Yasushi to try it. "If you activate it before the transformation is complete, the system will lock itself as a safety measure. That's to prevent you from getting hurt or damaging the bike entirely. Since this is still a prototype, we added that precaution."

Yasushi pressed the button without hesitation. After a few moments, the motorcycle reverted to its original state, appearing exactly as it had before. He took a moment to glance around the room, noticing his friends gradually getting comfortable with their own vehicles.

They moved in a slow, measured manner, testing the handling as they adjusted to the machines. Across the space, Shiva and Merlin rode together, appearing deep in discussion over something.

After a short interval during which everyone shared their experiences and began voicing suggestions for improvements or adjustments, the group was ushered toward the only car present in the room.

"So… what's the deal with that? Like, is it literally a hovering car?" Xinyi asked, her head tilting slightly to the side as she tried to process what she was looking at.

"It doesn't even look like the wheels are touching the ground at all — it's just floating there," Jingliu remarked, her tone more analytical than curious.

Nearby, Liang Yang let out a laugh, clearly entertained by their reactions. "Yes, exactly. This one doesn't have any flashy extras beyond some built-in storage compartments, kind of like the glasses and rings we showed earlier. You can store a lot of items inside without taking up any visible room. Other than that, it just hovers. Oh, and if you're wondering about fuel, it's fully electric. No gas, no emissions, none of that."

"Hmm," Liang Yang mused, glancing toward Shiva, who had been quietly observing the demonstration. "How about you give it a shot, Lord Shiva?"

Shiva looked over at him, his expression unchanging as he gave a nod of agreement. Without a word, he stepped toward the car and climbed inside, his movements calm and purposeful. The researchers standing nearby approached the window, giving him clear instructions on how to operate it.

After a moment, the vehicle lifted higher, hovering in place before Shiva began moving it carefully through the space, maneuvering it smoothly around the room as the others watched intently.

"This is pretty entertaining, though I can already fly," Shiva commented, his tone casual enough to draw a few chuckles from those nearby.

"To think humans have managed to pull this off using quantum mechanics — it's nothing short of fascinating. It does make me wonder, though," Merlin mused, his attention shifting briefly to the group of scientists and researchers. "What would the world look like now if humans had embraced magic instead of fearing it back then? Well, no use dwelling on that now. At least things are moving in the right direction... though you'll still have to contend with those who cling to old ways and resist anything unfamiliar."

"Change unsettles a lot of people," Yasushi replied, standing just beside Merlin. "What we're working toward with quantum technology and AGI AI isn't easy to process for most. It's a monumental leap, and for many, that's terrifying. But once it becomes a normal part of life, like smartphones did, I think that's when we'll see the real advancements begin. The kind that changes everything."

"Is that so?" Merlin asked, his interest evident as his expression softened into a grin. "Do go on, Miracle Boy. What you're saying is intriguing."

"Look back at history. Every time something major changed, there was always at least a small group pushing back against it — sometimes more than just a small group," Yasushi said, his expression tightening. "Even now, it's the same story. People are quick to reject big changes, even when those changes could bring massive benefits to everyone. It doesn't matter if it's better for humanity as a whole. If it disrupts what's seen as 'normal' or 'comfortable,' they'll resist it."

He paused, gesturing with his hand as if brushing aside an invisible obstacle. "Think about electric cars, nuclear power, wind energy, water-powered systems — all of these could've transformed the way we live ages ago. But because the majority are afraid of what change means, or because they don't want to change how they live their lives, they've used their numbers to push back. It's happened over and over again."

Yasushi reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, holding it up like it was an exhibit in a museum. "Take this, for example," he said, waving it slightly. "Smartphones. Did we need them? We already had computers and laptops. Cell phones did their job. Landlines worked just fine. Smartphones weren't something we absolutely needed — but someone created them anyway. And now? Now, we can't function without them. They've become something we rely on every day, almost without thinking about it."

"The internet is no different," Yasushi said, exhaling sharply. "Before it, people mailed letters, visited friends at their homes, and used libraries to connect and learn. Those old ways worked well enough, but now everything's online. It's fast, convenient, and simplified. We were fine without it, but these new ways made things so much easier."

He slid his phone back into his pocket and let out a deeper sigh, his tone laced with frustration. "Do the masses ever truly understand what's good for them? Or what might be bad? When smartphones first came around, no one imagined how they'd reshape the entire world. The same goes for the internet, for computers, and laptops before them. Back then, people probably argued just as much about whether they were needed. But now? We depend on them daily, without a second thought."

Xingyu Cheng strolled over, clapping Yasushi on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. "Well said! Couldn't agree more. Change has to happen if we want humanity to keep progressing. Look at the bigger picture — someday, the sun near us will go supernova. It's inevitable. If we want to survive, we'll have to find a new planet to call home."

After their brief conversation, they hurried through the rest of the tests for the day. Yasushi and the others were moved to different rooms, each one set up with various equipment and tools for them to try out. When lunchtime arrived, they went to a specific room where they could relax.

But as soon as Yasushi walked in, something — or rather, someone — caught his attention. He noticed the person almost immediately, their eyes locked onto him. No matter where he looked or moved, he could feel their stare. Something about it kept pulling his focus back to them.