After class, Alex lingered in the training center's library, ostensibly studying technique variations while actually analyzing the global HPDT data that Aria fed directly to his neural interface. The patterns were becoming clearer: certain users weren't just enhancing existing abilities—they were developing entirely new categories of psychic capability.
"Aria," he subvocalized, "pull up the anomalous development cases from the past week."
"Displaying now," she replied through his earpiece. "Note the clustering around six distinct enhancement types."
Alex studied the data with growing excitement. Users across human space were independently discovering the same development patterns he'd built into the technique's theoretical framework. But unlike Alex, they were exploring these paths without understanding their potential or dangers.
"Someone on Kepler-442 accidentally teleported three meters during stress training," Alex murmured. "A girl on Ross 128 demonstrated cellular adaptation during physical therapy. These people are stumbling into advanced applications."
"Are you concerned about safety?"
"I'm concerned about missed opportunities. They're touching the edges of something incredible without realizing it."
Alex spent the rest of the afternoon reviewing case studies and theoretical frameworks. By evening, he had made a decision that would change his development trajectory completely.
That Night - Alex's Laboratory
"Aria, I need you to help me design a comprehensive training program," Alex announced as he entered his laboratory. "It's time to stop playing it safe."
"What did you have in mind?"
Alex activated his main holographic display and began pulling up files he hadn't accessed in months—theoretical frameworks based on cultivation novels from his previous life, particularly one called "Psychic Overlord" that had featured a sophisticated system of psychic development paths.
"In my previous life, I read about a cultivation system that divided psychic development into six specialized paths," Alex thought while organizing the data. "At the time, I thought it was interesting fiction. But after analyzing the HPDT results, I'm realizing the author might have been onto something profound."
The display showed six branching diagrams as Alex sketched out his memories of the novel's power system.
"Path One: Space-Time Manipulation. The ability to perceive and influence spatial and temporal relationships through psychic resonance."
"Path Two: Physical Enhancement. Optimizing biological functions and capabilities through psychic energy integration."
"Path Three: Morphing Capabilities. Conscious control over cellular structure and adaptation."
"Path Four: Elemental Control. Environmental manipulation through psychic field resonance."
"Path Five: Neural Interface. Telepathic abilities and mental communication networks."
"Path Six: Psychic Domain. Reality manipulation within a localized psychic field."
Aria processed the information for several seconds. "Alex, these descriptions match the anomalous development patterns you've been observing in HPDT users."
"Exactly! The technique I created is naturally guiding people toward these six development paths, but they don't understand what they're accessing. They're getting fragments of ability without the theoretical framework to develop them properly."
Alex began pacing again, his excitement building. "I've been conservative because I was focused on safety and gradual improvement. But these case studies prove the technique can support much more aggressive development in the right hands."
"And you think your hands are the right ones?"
"I think I'm the only person who understands both the technique's true capabilities and the theoretical framework needed to explore them safely." Alex turned to face Aria's projection.
"I designed HPDT based on this universe's cultivation theories, but I can enhance it using knowledge from my previous life that no one else has access to." Alex thought.
"That sounds incredibly dangerous."
"Everything worthwhile is dangerous. The question is whether the risk is justified by the potential benefits."
Alex spent the next hour outlining his development plan. Instead of continuing with the standard HPDT approach, he would modify the technique using principles from "Psychic Overlord" and begin systematic training in all six paths simultaneously.
"The beauty of psychic development," Alex explained while programming new training protocols, "is that it's not limited by traditional cultivation restrictions. I don't need to wait for awakening or build a foundation through specific energy absorption. I can begin exploring advanced techniques immediately using psychic energy."
"What about energy capacity limitations?"
"That's exactly what I need to overcome. The six-path system includes techniques for expanding psychic capacity and improving efficiency. If I can master even the basics of each path, I'll have capabilities that traditional cultivation considers impossible."
Alex worked late into the night, designing training exercises based on his memories of the novel combined with this universe's advanced understanding of human enhancement. Each path would require different approaches and carry different risks, but the potential rewards were extraordinary.
"Aria, I want you to monitor all biometric data during training and establish automatic safety protocols. If any training exercise appears to be causing permanent damage, shut it down immediately."
"Understood. When do you plan to begin?"
Alex looked at the six development paths displayed around his laboratory and felt a familiar thrill of intellectual challenge. "Tomorrow. I've spent enough time being careful and gradual. It's time to see what's actually possible."
"And if other people notice your rapid development?"
"Then I'll have to be very creative about explanations. But I think the HPDT's reputation for producing exceptional results will provide good cover. People expect advanced users to develop unusual abilities."
As Alex prepared for bed, his mind was already racing through training schedules and development priorities. The six paths stretched ahead of him like roads leading to horizons he couldn't yet imagine. Tomorrow, he would take the first steps toward becoming something that cultivation theory didn't have words for.
The universe was still celebrating his contribution to human advancement, not knowing that the real breakthrough was just beginning. Alex fell asleep planning techniques and training regimens that would make his current achievements look like a warm-up exercise.
In his dreams, he saw glimpses of possibilities that made even his enhanced imagination stagger. Six paths of development, each leading to capabilities that traditional cultivation considered theoretical at best. And in four years, when he could finally add Origin energy to the mix, those possibilities would become reality.
The universe had no idea what was coming. But then again, neither did Alex. The six paths stretched ahead of him like roads leading to horizons he couldn't yet imagine. And he intended to explore every single one.
Outside his window, Neo Singapore hummed with the energy of 200 million people, most of whom were now using his technique to enhance their potential. None of them suspected that the anonymous creator was a thirteen-year-old boy who was quietly preparing to redefine what it meant to be human.
The real experiment was about to begin.
[A/N: If you are into psychic power novels, check out Psychic Overlord. It was an enjoyable read for me. The only problem is that its too short.]