2 A computer inside a man or a man inside a computer?

"AAAAAAH~ Good morning Veritas" I stretched out my arms to shake of the drowsiness. My back was sore from sleeping all night on the hard cold floor, the stiff neck told me that the pain has just begun.

Nevertheless, my mind was sharp.

It felt weird to think that, as if I'm some kind of sunfish protagonist. But this was an objective view. Even my behavior has changed. I didn't hunch my back like I always did, and my nerves were relaxed. This was mainly thanks to my newly acquired combat memories.

Close quarter Combat. The techniques designed to fight enemy soldiers was not as extensive as I thought they would be, but the basics were clear inside my mind. The way I walk was also subconsciously altered to be ready to face surprise attacks at any given time.

Even now, a steady stream of programming skills was entering inside my head.

[Good Morning Andrew]

Took you long enough. Any update on the tasks?

[The renovator agreed to an online meeting between us to finalize the deal and soon begin work. To avoid complications, I suggest using the skin I generated to talk to her]

Eh? Skin? You mean those AI generated videos in the internet?

[I used it as a reference material to make a digital costume for you, depicting an adult version]

Oooooh…so when is the meeting? I asked while sipping on a cup of sugar water, the pancakes I bought last night were already finished.

[That is a very unhealthy diet. And as you requested, I made sure to hasten the renovation and scheduled it. The meeting will begin in 3 minutes]

*Splat*

The delicious sugar water splashed on the floor as I tried to regain my breath.

"AH! That's too sudden. How am I going to do it without a phone or pc?"

[You have me sir. Just close your eyes and you will be inside the virtual space]

"…..Oh"

___________

Harleen Frances adjusted her camera and microphone, feeling a tinge of excitement as she prepared for the online meeting with a potential client named Andrew. She had heard about his renovation project and was skeptical of it.

It was because the work needed to be done on the house would cost his client a lot, making her doubt if he could afford it.

*Ping*

The meeting notification appeared on her screen, signaling that Andrew had joined the virtual meeting room. Harleen Frances clicked on the notification, her heart skipping a beat as she saw Andrew's face appear on the screen.

"Good morning, Andrew. Thank you for connecting with me today." She was flustered seeing his face, but composed herself quickly.

As she observed Andrew's appearance and listened to his words, she couldn't help but notice his charming smile and the passion in his voice.

"Good morning, you must be Harleen Frances. I've been looking forward to this meeting. I must say, the picture in your website fails to show how pretty you are."

Harleen Frances's cheeks flushed slightly as Andrew's compliments reached her ears.

"Thank you for your kind words, Andrew. I'm truly honored. Could you please share more about the apartment you'd like to renovate?"

"I want to transform this apartment into a place that not only looks modern but also feels cozy and welcoming. Safety is a top priority, and I'd love to maximize storage options to optimize the space."

"Your vision aligns perfectly with my design philosophy, Andrew. I can imagine the transformation. We'll work together to ensure safety and functionality are seamlessly integrated."

The talk went on for quite a while, during which, Andrew threw out some more compliments. In the end, they finalized the next steps and exchanged contact information.

___________

"Yeah. Learning business was a good decision." I would've stuttered more than a dozen times during the meeting, if not for this. Business didn't just teach me about sales, but also human behavior and resource management. It was still hard to grasp the entirety of it, but small meetings like these were manageable to a certain extent.

[Was it necessary to flirt with her sir?]

*Cough* She was hot, and it would be a waste to not use the good looks you made for me.

[It was not a fake face but the face you will have once you reach 18]

Huh…so it was the real thing? Not an estimate?

…

…LETS GOOOOO! I'm an Ikemen!

[Would you like to see the data I've gathered last night Andrew?]

Lay it on me buddy!

[Confirmed]

"…. Damn"

A lot of information popped up inside my head in the form of thoughts. From history of this country starting from world war to the present. Death of Howard stark. His son, now a billionaire, managing stark industries.

A green monster called the hulk rampaging across the street. A better version of FBI called S.H.I.E.L.D. Their arch nemesis called HYDRA. A scientist who uploaded himself inside a computer. A cube with cool powers, a boy with cool spider powers.

…. WAIT! GO BACK!

[Is there a problem?]

Of course there is! A scientist uploaded himself inside a computer in the 50's! He may have some knowledge on where you came from and how we merged. Maybe the person who uploaded him is the same guy who brought us here.

[…Do you wish to separate form me sir?]

What? NO! Why would I do that. You're my friend. I just want to uncover the truth.

[Should I get paralyze him then?]

....No, it's too early, we need to prepare. He may also have someone like you Veritas. And who knows how long they've been in this world. Probably went through some major upgrades when it comes to software and hardware.

[Noted. I will draw up some countermeasures and notify you when it is done]

Okay.

[What shall we do today sir?]

Heh…. we'll get some money....

[Should I make a rough plan?]

No. I want to do this myself. I'll decide on the plan; you help me execute it.

[Noted. In the meantime, would you like to practice your combat?]

Is it possible to practice in the virtual space?

[Yes]

Then I'll do it while sleeping. I'll exercise for now.

Thinking so, I changed my clothes to some blue shorts and a tank top before going to the park.

I was uneasy thinking about my new house, which had no proper security. But then again…...the only stuff I have on me is food and clothes, which I can just buy again in case someone steals it.

I ignored the stares I got from the passersby and focused on increasing my stamina. Although I was tall for my age, I was lacking in weight. This skinny 70Ib body of mine is way too vulnerable, especially in a world with superpowers.

"Veritas, play some good music"

[Confirmed. Playing the current most popular song "Baby"]

So while listening to the horrendous sounds made by a supposed teenager, I used the pain to fuel my motivation.