The darkness of the hidden passage was a welcome respite from the flashing red lights and the rising panic. Soo Yeon stumbled forward, her heart pounding a frantic rhythm against her ribs. Professor Yazid's words echoed in her mind – "You are the key. Protect yourself, and the Diamond's secrets."
But what were those secrets? What exactly was the Diamond? As she navigated the labyrinthine passage, a spark of curiosity battled with the gnawing fear.
Memories of hushed conversations between her parents and Professor Kim surfaced. There were mentions of a revolutionary technology, a project codenamed "Neurological Intelligence" or NI for short.
Reaching into her backpack, Soo Yeon pulled out one of Dr. Maryam's research papers she had been studying. Flipping through the pages, her eyes landed on a section titled "The Promise of NI."
The paper described NI as a groundbreaking technology, a bridge between the human brain and artificial intelligence. Developed by Dr. Hetaf, the founder of MNIC, and his son, Professor Yazid, NI aimed to unlock the full potential of the human mind.
The paper went on to explain that traditional AI, while impressive in its capabilities, lacked the adaptability and emotional intelligence that defined the human brain. NI, however, sought to bridge that gap. By interfacing directly with the neural network, NI could enhance cognitive abilities, accelerate learning, and even allow for a form of telepathic communication.
Soo Yeon's breath hitched. Telepathy? Could that explain the strange visions she'd had as a child? Was the Diamond somehow linked to NI, the key to unlocking its full potential?
The paper also mentioned a tragic event in the history of NI. Dr. Hetaf's father, the original pioneer of the project, had been betrayed by a member of his research team, leading to his untimely demise. This betrayal had forced Dr. Hetaf and Professor Yazid to operate in secrecy, seeking government support to continue their work.
Suddenly, the secrecy surrounding the Diamond, the constant fear of pursuit, made a chilling kind of sense. They weren't just protecting a powerful artifact; they were protecting the future of human advancement.
As Soo Yeon reached the end of the passage, a hidden door creaked open, revealing Dr. Maryam's concerned face. Relief washed over Soo Yeon, momentarily pushing aside the whirlwind of questions in her mind.
"Soo Yeon," Dr. Maryam said, ushering her inside. "Thank goodness you're safe. We need to talk."
Inside the safe room, Dr. Maryam explained the situation. An unknown force had infiltrated MNIC, their objective most likely the Diamond within Soo Yeon. Professor Yazid and the others were working to repel them, but it was clear they were outnumbered.
"We need to get you out of here," Dr. Maryam said, her voice grim. "There's a safe house prepared, a place where you'll be hidden until things settle down."
Soo Yeon hesitated. The thought of running away gnawed at her newfound resolve. "But what about the Diamond? What about Professor Yazid and Ahmad?"
Dr. Maryam's eyes softened. "They know what they're doing, Soo Yeon. You are too important. We can't risk losing you."
Soo Yeon thought of the young boy with bright eyes, the other child burdened with the Diamond like her. A fierce protectiveness welled up within her.
"No," she said, her voice firm despite the tremor in her hands. "I won't leave them. I won't be a coward."
Dr. Maryam's lips thinned. Just then, a tremor shook the room, followed by a deafening explosion. The walls groaned, and dust rained down from the ceiling.
"We're running out of time," Dr. Maryam said, her voice tight with urgency.
Soo Yeon knew she had a decision to make. Flee to safety, or stand and fight alongside those who protected her. The memory of her parents, their courage in the face of danger, fueled a fire within her.
Taking a deep breath, Soo Yeon looked at Dr. Maryam, her eyes blazing with newfound determination. "Tell me about Ahmad," she said. "Tell me about the Two Brothers in Africa."
Dr. Maryam's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but seeing the steely resolve in Soo Yeon's eyes, she knew arguing would be futile. Perhaps, Soo Yeon was more than just a girl with a Diamond. Perhaps, she was the key to unlocking its true potential, and the key to MNIC's survival.
YOU ARE READING
The Neurological Intelligence
FantascienzaA journey of an extraordinary genius girl, having a 'Diamond' in her brain which attracted the unknown enemy to have it, caused losing her both parent and harm a lot of her friend. By the help of another Diamond bearer, both of them work together to...
