LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 40: Chapter 40
The day of the move arrived sooner than Alex expected. His apartment was packed, boxes neatly stacked, ready to be loaded into the small moving truck he had rented. The fresh air of the early morning filled his lungs as he took one last look around his old place. It had served him well, but it was time for something new—Lakeside City, with its calming view of the lake, was waiting for him.
As he closed the door behind him, the excitement that had been building over the past few weeks was finally taking over. He wasn't just moving to a new apartment—this was the beginning of a new chapter in his life. A life where he had full control over his time, his work, and his future. He smiled to himself, thinking of the many quiet mornings he'd spend meditating, focusing on his mental strength, and casually trading crypto. His ability to tap into smart mode for brief moments ensured his trades remained profitable without overwhelming him. The rest of his time could be devoted to the real progress—building his mind.
The drive to Lakeside City was smooth, the roads cutting through rolling hills and small clusters of trees. He'd made this trip before, but today felt different. It wasn't just a visit; it was a journey toward something new. The city gradually came into view, the shimmering lake glistening in the distance, framed by modern high-rises and lush greenery. His future home.
As Alex approached the city, a wave of calm settled over him. This was the place where he could truly start living on his own terms. No more daydreaming at the office, no more working overtime just because someone assumed he had extra time to kill. Here, he could shape his own destiny.
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By late afternoon, Alex had moved most of his things into his new apartment. Megan had swung by to help unpack and settle in, and together they worked quickly, setting up the basics. The apartment felt even better than when he had first visited. The lake view was as beautiful as ever, and the quiet atmosphere was exactly what Alex needed for his meditative practices.
As they wrapped up for the day, Megan looked around with satisfaction. "This place really suits you, Alex. I'm glad you found something so perfect."
"Yeah, it feels right," Alex agreed, standing by the window. "I think I'm going to enjoy it here. Thanks for all your help today."
"Anytime," Megan said, heading toward the door. "Just don't become a hermit, okay? You need to socialize every now and then."
Alex laughed. "I'll try to keep that in mind."
After she left, Alex sat down on his couch, taking a moment to breathe and absorb the stillness of his new home. Everything was falling into place. He had his parents' support, a job that gave him freedom, and now a space where he could continue developing himself both mentally and financially.
As evening approached, his thoughts drifted to the election results from a few weeks back. Conversations with his family and friends about the changes in the political landscape had filled many of their recent calls. The new leadership was already affecting businesses, and people were wary of what was to come. The crypto market was particularly volatile, reacting to global trends, and Alex knew he'd have to stay sharp to keep making the right moves.
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Later that night, Alex prepared for his evening meditation. He'd unpacked most of his belongings, and the apartment was beginning to feel like home. Sitting cross-legged in the middle of his living room, he closed his eyes and allowed the peaceful energy of the space to wash over him.
As usual, his thoughts began to settle, his mind clearing with each breath. The past year played through his mind in fragmented flashes—the moment he discovered the shard, the slow, steady progress he had made with his abilities, the farewell party at his old firm, and the look on Jane's face during those last few days. There was something she hadn't said, something hidden behind her smiles. He hadn't given it much thought at the time, distracted by his own plans, but now in his quiet moments, he wondered.
But that was the past. Alex had moved on. His focus was on the future now—on mastering his mental strength, on exploring the possibilities of what higher levels of his ability might unlock. Even now, at level 2, he could feel the difference. His perception of the world had sharpened, his ability to focus without relying on Cognichip had increased, and his mind felt clearer, more powerful.
As his meditation deepened, Alex felt a familiar sense of calm wash over him. Time seemed to slow, and the quiet hum of the city outside became distant, almost nonexistent. He could feel the energy of his thoughts aligning, the inner workings of his mind becoming more refined with each session.
He smiled to himself, thinking about the future. What would level 3 feel like? Would it be just like Cognichip, or would it be something even greater? For a moment, he wondered if he had made the wrong choice all those months ago by choosing to focus on his mental strength and not fully unleashing the shard's original potential.
But as he sat there, feeling the growing power within him, Alex knew he had made the right decision.