Chapter 160 The Levels of Cyborgs
"Business-savvy, indeed," Elbert muttered, his voice laced with a dangerous calm. "And Steven is B-level, you say?" He shook his head, smiling with no humor. "Hiding? I don't think so."
He turned to Jessica, his gaze unwavering. "If the Card Club wants to play, I'll play. And as for Steven… A-level, B-level, it makes no difference. He crosses me, and he faces the consequences."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "As for you, Jessica, I suggest you go back to Mr. Brown and fulfill your filial duty."
"Disappear. Now. Before I change my mind."
A wave of icy fear washed over Jessica. Elbert's casual brutality, the sheer force of his presence, rooted her to the spot.
"Jessica? What's going on?" Lori's voice cut through the tension, her footsteps echoing down the hallway.
Elbert spared her a glance, his expression unreadable before he turned and walked away.
Lori rushed to her sister's side, her brow furrowed with concern. "What did you say to him? Is Dad's condition related to Steven? Did you misjudge Elbert?"
Jessica stared after Elbert, her eyes filled with fear and confusion. "It wasn't Steven," she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper. "He would never… why would he…?" Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision.
Lori watched her, her stomach feeling uneasy. Despite her initial misgivings, a part of her couldn't shake the feeling that Elbert was right. Had she been too quick to judge?
Pushing aside her doubts, she put a comforting arm around Jessica. "It's alright," she murmured. "We'll figure this out."
Once Jessica was calmer, Lori contacted Leonard, sharing her suspicions about Steven and outlining a plan to investigate. With that settled, she hurried toward Whispering Pines, determined to find the mysterious Ann.
Meanwhile, Elbert rode the elevator, his mind abuzz with questions. "Robert, what exactly do these cyborg levels mean?" he asked, his voice tight.
"It's difficult to say for sure," Robert replied, his tone apologetic. "These organizations operate in the shadows, so their data is heavily guarded. But based on what I've gathered, they use a three-tiered system: A, B, and C. Strength is the primary factor."
"A-level cyborgs," Robert continued, "Range from A1 to A10, with punching force from 100 to 1,000 kilograms. B-level goes from 1,000 to 2,000."
He added on, "C-level is shrouded in mystery. Rumor has it they possess abilities beyond human comprehension; whether any truly exist is debatable."
Elbert frowned. "So Steven is incredibly strong, then."
"It's not just about brute strength," Robert cautioned. "Remember those special humans, the ones with unique abilities? Cybernetic augmentation can enhance those abilities, amplify them to terrifying levels."
"Enhanced senses, psychic powers, you name it," he explained. "Human evolution is complex. Genetic mutations can lead to extraordinary possibilities. If Steven is B-level or higher, he's more than just strong. He's dangerous."
Elbert nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "So he might have… surprises up his sleeve."
"Exactly," Robert confirmed. "But remember, Elbert, you're on a different level now. You're evolving beyond the limitations of mere augmentation. You're becoming something… more."
He continued, "Think of it as two parallel lines. You're soaring through the sky, while they're stuck underground. You're a dimensional cut above them."
"But you're still learning, Elbert," he reminded. "You've tapped into new human potentia;, but you haven't mastered it. Your combat awareness, for example; it's just the tip of the iceberg."
"I can adjust your physiology; give you a taste of your true potential. But only for three minutes. Any longer, and your body won't be able to handle the strain."
"Let's start with this," Robert said, as a small ball materialized in Elbert's hand. "We have a lot of ground to cover."
As Robert spoke, a new image flickered to life in Elbert's mind. It was a live feed from a security camera, showing a bedroom. Rex lay asleep in bed, his glasses perched precariously on his nose. Beside him stood a tall figure in a white shirt; Steven.
He simply stood there, watching Rex sleep, his expression unreadable.
Elbert frowned. What was Steven playing at?
Twenty minutes later, Elbert arrived at Summit Ridge, a secluded, luxurious community on the outskirts of Wavehaven. He stood outside a sprawling villa, hidden amongst lush greenery. Through a second-story window, he spotted Steven, still in the same position, his back to the window.
An hour had passed, and Steven hadn't moved.
'What a bizarre, unsettling individual.' Elbert exclaimed inwardly.
"Time to meet this B-level cyborg," He murmured, a steely glint in his eyes. He scaled the wall with effortless grace, slipping through the open window and into the bedroom.
Steven didn't react to his arrival. He remained fixated on Rex, who slept soundly, oblivious to the danger lurking in his own home.
Elbert took a moment to study his opponent. Steven was about thirty, with long, unkempt hair that obscured his eyes. He wore a plain white shirt and dark pants, his expression blank and emotionless. Despite that, he had a menacing aura; a palpable sense of wrongness.
"Elbert," Steven finally spoke up, his voice flat and devoid of inflection. He swiveled his head, smiling unnervingly. "You're here. Should I consider you… family? You joined the Browns after me, after all."
Elbert tilted his head, intrigued despite himself. This Steven was mysterious; a predator disguised as a man.
"You seem to know a lot," Elbert observed, his voice carefully neutral.
"I have eyes everywhere," Steven replied, his smile widening. "And ears. I know you're not like the others. You have potential. Join me, Elbert. We can rid the world of the Browns, starting with those ungrateful daughters. Then, we can build something… extraordinary."
Elbert chuckled coldly. "That sounds tempting, but I'll have to decline. You're unworthy."
"You dare refuse me?" Steven's voice dropped to a menacing growl. His eyes snapped open, burning with a cold fury. "You will regret this!"
An invisible wave of energy erupted from him, radiating outward from his forehead. Elbert felt a moment of dizziness, a strange pressure building inside his skull.
"He's emitting brainwaves," Robert's voice echoed in his mind, mixed with fascination and alarm. "Amplified, focused. Like a weaponized form of hypnosis. No tech, no implants. He's doing it with his mind."
"It's impressive," Robert admitted, "but useless against you. You're immune to such crude manipulations."
Elbert fought off the lingering disorientation, a surge of disappointment welling up inside him. Was that it?
"Elbert," Steven said, his voice taking on a strange, singsong quality. "I command you; raise your fist. Strike yourself. End your pathetic existence."
Elbert met his gaze, his expression unreadable. He waited a beat, then spoke, his voice calm and almost bored. "What if I refuse?"
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