Prior to the neural interface, augmented and virtual realities could only be experienced through external devices such as AR and VR glasses or lenses, but now, humans could experience it directly through the brain.
They’re all very energetic.
Alice listened quietly to the passionate medical staff members until finally, the elderly psychologist Dr.
Mark took over and introduced the comprehensive rehabilitation plan to her.
Yes, to her, the little girl Alice.
Dr.
Mark could have simply explained everything to Dr.
Smith, and Alice would not find it offensive at all.
But instead, the gentle and refined-looking elder warmly approached Alice and explained the plan to her directly.
Dr.
Mark knew that Alice could not speak, so every now and then, he would pause and wait for the child to nod in confirmation, checking whether Alice understood.
Alice could feel the sincerity and respect emanating from this person.
She could not deny that she appreciated it.
So this is what a psychologist is like.
By the end of the explanation, Alice understood that the team had prepared the plan to be as child-friendly as possible.
Since the patient was a nine-year-old child, they had drawn on their experience working with other children and tailored everything to ensure that Alice would not develop an aversion to the physical training—which could be exhausting even for adults.
They had incorporated many elements that children might find enjoyable, including storytelling, games, exploration, and rewards.
It would be an experience unlike anything any of their previous patients had undergone, but it would definitely be fantastic and out of this world.
Still, if Alice experienced any discomfort or disliked anything, she was free to inform them at any time, and they would do their best to improve the experience.
By the end of the explanation, Dr.
Smith was feeling a little envious, while Alice herself had become curious.
Why did it sound like so much fun?
Back then, whenever she suffered serious injuries and needed time to recuperate and retrain her body, it had always been a difficult period.
It was never fun at all.
Now, Alice could not help looking forward to seeing what kind of surprise awaited her in this rehabilitation plan.
In another area near the lounge was a large room covered with tinted glass, right next to the vast rehabilitation hall.
Inside the large room was a recovery suite complete with facilities tailored specifically to Alice’s needs.
A medical pod with a streamlined design occupied the most conspicuous position, while a large holographic sphere was suspended on an encased pedestal nearby.
There was also a transparent glass display screen next to a neural computer.
In one corner, there was another closed space for changing clothes.
“This is Neural-Link’s neuro-medical pod.” Pointing at the medical pod, the recreational therapist, Ivan, took over the explanation.
“The neural feature was actually designed by the Second Division of the Neural-Link Project a few years ago, and a prototype neuro-medical pod was even developed in parallel with the BCI.”
“However, due to the limitations of the earlier BCI technology, the neural features were removed and the AR project was shelved.
Now that the neural interface has been successfully developed, the neuro-medical pod has been revamped and brought back into use.”
He pressed a control button.
The pod’s smooth lines lit up, and its cover lifted automatically.
A small platform extended from beneath it, connecting seamlessly with the floor so that the wheelchair could roll inside.
Alice observed everything with great curiosity.
She never failed to be amazed by all the different machines humanity had created in the peaceful era.
A pair of small mechanical arms guided the wheelchair onto the platform, then a locking mechanism secured it in place.
The platform steadily rose.
The mechanical arms then extended to either side of Alice before opening outward like a fan.
They gently slid beneath her and lifted her body into a hammock-like support, before carefully lowering her onto the soft silicone cushion inside the pod.
She found herself in a comfortable, slightly reclined position. This chapter is updated first at g.com.
Wide-eyed, Alice marveled at the high-tech interior and noticed several holographic display screens inside.
Dr.
Mark’s voice came from beside her.
“You can think of the pod as your own private bed.
It’s like a turtle’s shell, protecting you while you sleep so that you won’t be disturbed.”
He smiled gently.
“While you sleep, it will help build an entirely new world inside your mind.
And when you wake up, there will be plenty of surprises waiting for you.”
“Rest well for now.
Have a sweet dream, little one.”
The pod’s cover slowly lowered until it was completely closed, which alarmed Alice.
Her small body tensed instinctively.
At the same time, the flexible holographic display rolled out above Alice.
The soft lighting inside gradually dimmed.
Then, one by one, stars began to appear around her through the holographic display.
It felt almost real.
It was as though Alice was lying on a soft bed beneath the open sky, looking up at the starry sky.
Sensing no danger, Alice slowly relaxed.
A cool breeze brushed against her, circulating gently in the pod, while the bed beneath her remained warm.
In the past, she had always felt wary whenever she gazed at the starry sky, constantly on guard against any spatial fissure that might suddenly appear overhead.
But now, Alice felt only peace and tranquility.
Her body slowly sank into the soft silicone cushion.
The material adjusted to her body, molding itself around her in a snug and comfortable fit.
The cushion surrounding her head gradually curved up inwards, forming a helmet-like structure that gently covered her eyes.
There was also a pleasant, clean scent, like freshly washed sheets.
…..
….
Alice did not realize that she had fallen asleep until she heard a faint tinkling sound and slowly stirred awake.
Then, the lighting inside the pod gradually brightened, allowing her eyes to adjust without being exposed to anything too harsh.
She had slept surprisingly well.
This pod was really nice to sleep in.
But how was she supposed to open it?
A window suddenly appeared before her.
[Would the host like to open the neuro-medical pod’s cover?]
Alice paused.
This was the first time the neural interface had directly interacted with her.
Yes.
[Opening the neuro-medical pod’s cover now for the host.]
A soft clicking sound reached her ears as the lock disengaged, and the cover slowly began to lift.
It actually responds!
Usually, it felt cold and mechanical, constantly spouting highly technical jargon that she could not understand.
But this time, it felt more… human.
Alice recalled what the researchers mentioned before, that the neural interface was self-learning and evolving alongside her brain.
Was this the reason why?
Still inwardly confused, Alice’s eyes suddenly met the wide, glowing eyes of a large group of people standing outside the pod.
Alice almost reflexively reached to her waist for a nonexistent weapon but managed to stop herself in time after realizing that these were humans and not a pack of monster wolves.
What the hell were these people trying to do!
Were they all trying to scare someone to death?
She patted her chest while giving them an annoyed look.
If she could talk, she wanted to give them a piece of her mind.
What a pity.
[Would the host like to connect to the neuro-medical pod’s audio system?]
Alice paused, but before she could think any further about what the question meant, the group of people swarmed towards her like wolves catching the scent of fresh meat.
“How is it?
What do you see?”
“Come on up, let’s connect the neural interface to the computer.
This neuro-medical pod’s security settings for minors are too strict.
Why are they even enabled during a pilot test?”
“Hold on.
Quiet down.”
Dr.
Mark helplessly pushed back the excited group of researchers who had shown up earlier in the gym and were now waiting for the patient to wake up.
“You’re going to scare the child with your antics.
She just woke up.
Give her some time to gather her thoughts.”
The recreational therapist, Ivan, also chimed in.
“Also, without the keyword, the program will not activate.
So please calm down and let us do our job.”
The researchers could only retreat, making way for the medical staff to assist Alice and analyze the data from the neuro-medical pod.
It finally dawned on Alice.
So that was why the neural interface had been acting strangely.
While she had been lying inside the pod, the neural interface must have been updated to interact with her in a… more child-friendly manner, just like Dr.
Mark had mentioned earlier.
But they said it won’t activate without a keyword.
Why did it start on its own?
[The activation keyword is assigned specifically for the rehabilitation program update.]
[The neural interface itself is bound directly to the host’s brain.
I am always at your service.]
Alice was surprised once again.
She had only been wondering inwardly and had not expected an answer, yet the neural interface still responded as though it was having a conversation with her.
It felt very strange.
It almost felt as if the neural interface had grown a mind of its own.