Me, The Sovereign of the World? [Modern Evolution]

"Jho Laden fell in love with Chen Linping."

"Astronauts discovered the debris of the Tesla car in orbit, sent by Ella Mask."

"The plane that was hijacked flew in a zigzag pattern over Ohio."

"And even shooting stars blessed the blind children at an orphanage in the city..."

As the clock struck eleven fifty-nine, the alarm rang punctually. Zoe Carter, currently engaged in a workout with the dumbbells she had purchased that very morning, paused to turn off her phone's alarm.

Feeling her strength returning rapidly, Zoe, who hadn’t yet broken a sweat, settled down before her computer. She picked up the old phone she had recently reassembled, removed its network modules, and began recording her workout.

[ Fourth Record: January 20, 2024 ]

After a preliminary investigation into the causes of my body’s changes, I returned to conduct systematic fitness training and preliminary exercise attempts.

Today's training regimen: Warm-up (dynamic stretching), core stability training (sit-ups, push-ups, planks), upper body training (dumbbell bench press, dumbbell rows), lower body training (squats), flexibility training (yoga, static stretching).

Upon completing the workout and regaining my strength, I conducted a standard push-up test. My current maximum stands at 1800, indicating some progress. I tentatively attribute this to either continuous positive changes in my body or improved training efficiency.

[ Conclusion: ]

1. From now on, I shall change the workout completion time to midnight and summarize the records once, without the need for multiple entries on the same day.
2. The workout process must be more standardized; I suggest incorporating aerobic exercises in the morning and evening.

Just as the record indicated, after an inconclusive preliminary investigation, Zoe had returned home to study professional exercise techniques. Compared to the bustling atmosphere of a gym, she preferred the quiet solitude at home. Crowded places unnerved her, despite the fact that, in reality, few would pay her any attention.

Yet, caution reigned supreme in her mind. With the support of her now considerably sharper intellect, her skyrocketing learning ability enabled her to master more scientifically specialized exercise methods with remarkable speed.

Such scientifically grounded approaches could help her explore the changes in her body and better utilize her existing physique. Consequently, Zoe had designated her workout hours from ten o’clock to midnight each night.

After returning from her shift in the security room that afternoon, she immersed herself in fitness knowledge until ten o’clock, then began her preliminary exercise attempts.

During this process, Zoe had noticed subtle bodily changes: enhanced flexibility, improved muscle coordination, and a remarkable increase in strength.

Last night, while experimenting with her newfound abilities, she attempted standard push-ups. Her previous limit had been 1680; now, it stood at an impressive 1800.

Zoe was uncertain whether this improvement stemmed from ongoing positive changes within her body or the heightened efficiency of her training regimen following those changes. Regardless, the transformation was striking. For the time being, she resolved not to delve deeper into the specifics. Until she could identify the source of her rapid recovery of physical strength, she preferred not to push herself too hard. Testing her limits once a day was bold enough.

With that thought in mind, Zoe tidied up. After a quick wash, she settled cross-legged on her bed.

A gentle breeze whispered through the window.

The somewhat lonely scent of the night felt strangely different. At this moment, Zoe's mood softened.

Upon careful reflection, life appeared particularly fulfilling after her body had changed. It felt as if she had accomplished a great deal. Yet, in reality, it was still only the early morning of January 21st. She had first noticed the changes in her body on the afternoon of January 19th, hardly a day and a half ago.

Pondering her newfound physical prowess and the potential limits of her body, a thought flickered through her mind:

"Perhaps, there’s no need to rush?"

After several days of exploration and research, it became increasingly clear that there was nothing fundamentally wrong with her. She wasn’t on the brink of death; at least, she was living healthily and happily now, with no sign of abnormality.

Indeed, her current state was unprecedentedly positive. Other than maintaining a necessary vigilance towards her bodily changes, there was little cause for worry or anxiety.

Moreover, there was nothing urgently propelling her forward. No pressing troubles that demanded resolution. She recognized that her previous urgent explorations were largely driven by insecurity. However, now, the anxiety provoked by external threats seemed somewhat alleviated, thanks to her newfound strength and the mysterious limits of her body.

Though not completely dispelled, the tension had certainly lessened.

Zoe gazed out of the window at the sky, which resembled a vast, boundless canvas, with stars glimmering like diamonds embedded in the deep black night.

Such a rare starry sky hadn’t been witnessed for many years. It prompted a sense of quietude.

In a meditative state, Zoe retrieved her neatly stored old phone, opened the memo app, and started a new page:

[ Short-term Plan: ]

1. Morning run.
2. Morning leisure and entertainment.
3. Afternoon exploration of personal changes and verification of a series of related hypotheses.
4. Evening intensive exercise (followed by testing to reach physical limits).
5. Record changes and summarize for the day.
6. Exercise olfaction after recording and summarizing.
7. To be added.

In comparison to the phased plan drafted during her first recording, this short-term plan was formulated based on her growing understanding of her bodily changes. It was a framework she intended to adhere to for the foreseeable future.

Most of the elements from her initial plan had been condensed into this clearer outline.

In contrast to the previous two days spent discovering changes without much direction, she now had a well-defined schedule. With no need for meals and seemingly no requirement for sleep, this plan was remarkably straightforward.

Most importantly, this short-term plan, as Zoe noted to herself, was not overly rigid. It did not specify exact timings for tasks and allowed for ample room for rest and recreation. The seventh item, marked for future additions, offered flexibility to incorporate new plans as needed.

Once she completed her notes, Zoe closed the old phone and secured it back in the safe. Looking out at the star-studded sky, she understood that, according to her short-term plan, her immediate task was to deepen her sense of smell through rigorous exercise.

Although her olfactory senses were exceptionally acute, she needed to familiarize herself with a variety of scents and diligently train to distinguish complex odors.

Of course, the prerequisite for all of this was simple: tonight, she intended to avoid sleeplessness.

After all, Zoe, having experienced only one night of wakefulness, could not confirm whether she truly no longer needed sleep.