Alex Chen sat cross-legged on his bedroom floor, surrounded by holographic displays showing basic cultivation theory. At five years old, his chubby cheeks and innocent expression made him look like any other child absorbed in educational content. The reality, however, was far more complex.
Three years, he thought while manipulating and comprehending the hologram of a 4D model of space law manifestation. Three years of pretending to be a normal kid while having the intellectual capacity of a Nobel Prize winner. Sometimes I wonder if this is some cosmic joke.
"Alex, sweetie, dinner's ready!" Sarah's voice echoed from downstairs.
"Coming, Mom!" he called back, quickly dismissing the displays. Even now, the word 'Mom' sent a warm feeling through his chest. In his previous life, he'd never had anyone call him to dinner with such genuine affection.
As he bounded down the stairs—maintaining his 'excited five-year-old' facade—he found his parents seated at their usual spots at the dinner table. Michael was scrolling through research data on his tablet while Sarah served steaming portions of synthesized protein that somehow tasted exactly like the beef from old Earth.
"So, Alex," Michael began, looking up from his tablet, "your mother and I have been discussing your... unique interests."
Alex paused mid-chew, a piece of faux-beef hanging from his chopsticks. "Unique interests?"
Sarah laughed, ruffling his hair. "Honey, most five-year-olds are interested in toy spaceships and cartoons. You've been asking us about quantum mechanics and cultivation theory."
"Yesterday you asked me to explain the relationship between Origin energy and molecular bonds," Michael added with an amused shake of his head. "I needed my PhD thesis just to answer that question properly."
Alex's mind raced. Had he been too obvious? "I just... think it's interesting?" he offered weakly.
"Oh, we're not complaining!" Sarah said quickly. "It's wonderful having such a bright son. It's just... well, we think you might be ready for something more advanced than basic educational materials."
Michael leaned forward conspiratorially. "How would you feel about having access to some really advanced research databases?"
Oh no, Alex thought. Please don't tell me they want to enroll me in some genius program. I'm not ready to explain how I know calculus exists.
"What kind of databases?" he asked cautiously.
"Well," Michael exchanged a glance with Sarah, "your father and I both have Level 7 Security Clearance as Qi Researchers. That gives us access to Veritas."
Alex nearly choked on his food. "Veritas? As in... the Veritas?"
"You know about Veritas?" Sarah raised an eyebrow.
Crap. "I... uh... read about it in one of the advanced physics primers you gave me? It mentioned VR research environments?"
Michael burst out laughing. "Son, you just described the most advanced virtual reality system in human civilization as a 'research environment.' That's like calling a star destroyer a 'transportation device.'"
"Technically accurate but hilariously understated," Sarah agreed, grinning.
Alex put on his best confused-child expression. "So what is it really?"
"Veritas is a perfect simulation of our universe," Michael explained, his voice taking on the excited tone he used when discussing his research. "99.99999% accuracy to real-world physics, unlimited resources for experimentation, time compression capabilities, and access to every piece of human knowledge accumulated over three thousand years."
"Every piece?" Alex asked, his heart beginning to race.
"Every. Single. Piece." Sarah confirmed. "Cultivation manuals, technological blueprints, biological research, theoretical physics, dimensional mathematics, law comprehension guides... if humanity has discovered it, studied it, or theorized about it, it's in Veritas."
Alex's mind was spinning. This was beyond his wildest dreams. "But... why would you give me access to something like that?"
Michael and Sarah exchanged another look, and Alex caught something passing between them—a mixture of pride and concern.
"Because," Michael said slowly, "we've been watching you, Alex. The questions you ask, the way you think about problems, the connections you make... You're not just bright. You're exceptional in a way that maybe happens once every few generations."
"And," Sarah added, "we'd rather support your curiosity properly than watch you get frustrated with materials that are too simple for you."
If only you knew just how frustrated I've been, Alex thought. Trying to learn about cultivation from children's educational programs is like trying to understand rocket science from picture books.
"There are some restrictions, of course," Michael continued. "You can't access anything related to weapons development, restricted military technology, or dangerous experimental procedures. But cultivation theory, general science, biology, mathematics, law comprehension models... all of that is available."
"And," Sarah added with a smile, "you can run experiments without worrying about resource costs, safety concerns, or lab space. In Veritas, you could simulate building a star destroyer just to see how the physics work."
Alex's eyes went wide—and this time, he wasn't acting. "Really?"
"Really," Michael confirmed. "Though I should warn you, the knowledge in Veritas is... extensive. Millions of years of accumulated research and theory. Don't try to absorb everything at once, or you'll give yourself a headache that lasts for weeks."
If only you knew I used to stay awake for days solving quantum computing problems, Alex mused. But point taken.
"There is one thing you should know, though," Sarah said, her tone becoming more serious. "About cultivation itself."
"What about it?" Alex asked, though he had a feeling he knew what was coming.
"You can't actually cultivate until you're eighteen," Michael explained. "Not 'shouldn't'—can't. It's physically impossible."
"Why?" Alex asked, though he was genuinely curious about the specific mechanism.
"Your talent is still forming," Sarah explained. "Think of it like... imagine your body is developing a special organ that will let you process Origin energy. That organ—your talent—isn't finished growing until you're eighteen. If you try to absorb Origin energy before then..."
"You get a deformed talent," Alex finished grimly. "
"Yes, and that's permanent. No healing technique, no medical procedure, no amount of resources can fix a deformed talent."
"So everyone waits until eighteen?" Alex asked.
"Everyone smart waits until eighteen," Sarah corrected. "There are always a few idiots who think they're special and try to cultivate early. They end up as cautionary tales."
"The good news," Michael added, "is that you can study all the theory you want. Understanding cultivation thoroughly before you begin is actually a huge advantage. Most people start cultivating with only basic knowledge and have to learn as they go."
Alex nodded thoughtfully. This actually worked out perfectly for his plans. Years of theoretical study would let him develop techniques and understand principles without the pressure of immediate implementation.
"So," Sarah said, clapping her hands together, "are you interested in Veritas access?"
"YES!" Alex shouted, then caught himself and tried to look more composed. "I mean... yes, please. That sounds very educational."
Both parents burst out laughing.
"Educational," Michael repeated, wiping his eyes. "Son, you're about to have access to the accumulated knowledge of the greatest civilization in the universe, and you call it 'educational.'"
"Well," Alex said, grinning despite himself, "isn't that what learning is supposed to be?"
"Fair point," Sarah conceded. "Alright, we'll set up your access tomorrow. But Alex?"
"Yes?"
"Promise us you won't spend all your time in VR. We want you to have a normal childhood too. Play with friends, enjoy being a kid, don't turn into one of those research hermits who forgets what sunlight looks like."
Alex almost laughed out loud. If they only knew that his 'previous life' had ended because he'd literally worked his brain to death by age eighteen, never experiencing childhood, friendship, or family love.
"I promise," he said solemnly. "I'll make sure to have fun too."
"Good," Michael said, standing up to clear the dishes. "Because tomorrow, young man, you're going to have access to the most powerful research tool in human civilization. Try not to accidentally discover how to destroy a planet on your first day. Like some famous researcher when she was young." He looked at his wife.
"I'll do my best," Alex replied cheerfully.
As his parents bustled around the kitchen, Alex sat back in his chair, mind racing with possibilities. Cultivation manuals. Technological theories. Biological research. Law comprehension guides. Dimensional mathematics.
Finally, he thought, I can start preparing properly for this new life.
He glanced at his parents, now playfully arguing about whose turn it was to do the dishes, and felt that familiar warm sensation in his chest. In his previous life, he'd achieved incredible things but died alone and unloved. In this life, he had people who cared about him, supported his dreams, and wanted him to be happy.
I won't waste this opportunity, he promised himself. I'll become strong enough to protect this family, this happiness. And maybe... maybe I'll figure out how to enjoy being young while I'm at it.
"Alex?" Sarah called from the kitchen. "Want to help us with dessert?"
"Coming!" he called back, hopping down from his chair.
Yes, he thought as he joined his parents, I can definitely learn to enjoy being a kid. Especially when being a kid comes with access to the universe's greatest database.
Tomorrow, his real education would begin. Tonight, he'd help make dessert and listen to his parents tell embarrassing stories about their own research mistakes.
It was, Alex decided, a perfect balance.