SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: You are reading [Threshold Walker: The Silver Circuit]
"The Clarity Protocol was designed to stabilize threshold integration, not control it. That distinction becomes critically important above sixty percent." — Dr. Ha Ji-Ah, Network Medical Archives
Jin stood at the center of the testing chamber, arms extended, silver geometry flowing across his exposed skin. The modified Clarity compound in his system pulsed in sync with his heartbeat, visible through translucent patches where his skin had changed.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [INTEGRATION LEVEL: 60.2%]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [CLARITY STABILIZATION: ACTIVE]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [REALITY ANCHORING: FLUCTUATING]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [LOCALIZED FIELD STRENGTH: 62%]
"Hold the perimeter steady," Dr. Ha instructed through the intercom. "Visualize the boundary as a perfect circle."
Jin nodded, focusing on the shimmering field of energy that extended three meters in every direction around him. The air within the field appeared slightly distorted, like looking through ultra-clear water.
"Try extending it another half meter," came Jin-Ah's voice.
Jin pushed outward with his mind, feeling the mathematical equations that defined the boundary of his reality field. The circle expanded slightly before wavering, causing instruments along the walls to briefly warp.
"Too much," Jin said, his voice carrying those new harmonic overtones that had emerged since crossing the sixty percent threshold. "The field destabilizes if I try to cover too large an area."
Dr. Ha made notes on her tablet as she observed from behind the safety glass. "That's consistent with threshold physics. More area means thinner field integrity."
Jin released the field, letting it collapse back into his body. Silver energy briefly coursed across his skin before settling into the now-permanent circuit patterns visible beneath his flesh. He took a deep breath, steadying himself against the wall.
"Are you alright?" Jin-Ah asked, concern evident in her voice.
"I'm fine," Jin replied, though the slight tremor in his hands suggested otherwise. "How much time do we have?"
Yoon-Seok looked up from his monitoring station. "Division patrols have increased in this district. We're still masked by the dampening field, but Team Sigma has been spotted within three kilometers. I'd give us ten hours at most before we need to move locations."
Jin nodded, determination hardening his features. "Then we need to accelerate the training. I need to be able to control this ability enough to help mother."
Jin-Ah pinned another equation to the digital display, stepping back to examine the complex mathematical model they had constructed. The screen stretched across an entire wall of the conference room, displaying a multi-dimensional representation of threshold frequencies.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [FREQUENCY ANALYSIS: 87.6% MATCH]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [TARGET FREQUENCY IDENTIFIED]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [RESONANCE MAPPING IN PROGRESS]
"That's the frequency where mother's consciousness is trapped," she explained, pointing to a specific node in the mathematical web. "According to Jin's perceptions and the medical readings from Serene Meadows."
Professor Park studied the equations with a furrowed brow. "It's in a surprisingly stable state. Most consciousness fragments degrade quickly in threshold space."
"The anchor bond," Dr. Ha said, tapping her stylus against her palm. "Dr. Seo designed it specifically to preserve her consciousness intact."
Jin-Ah nodded. "But we still don't know how to bring her back. Even if Jin can connect to her consciousness through his genetic resonance, we need a way to reintegrate her consciousness with her physical form."
Hana looked up from her tablet. "What about using Jin's Reality Anchoring ability? If he can stabilize a field of reality around her frequency..."
"Theoretically possible," Professor Park said, "but incredibly dangerous. He'd have to extend his consciousness fully into the threshold while maintaining enough control in physical reality to anchor her. The strain could be lethal."
"There has to be another way," Jin-Ah insisted. She highlighted another section of the equation. "What if we used a modified Clarity treatment on her physical form while Jin establishes the connection? The resonance between them might create a pathway."
Dr. Ha's eyes widened. "Synchronized treatment protocols. That... could work." She began typing rapidly. "We'd need to calibrate the Clarity compound specifically to both Jin's current integration level and Min-Young's dormant threshold signature."
"And we'd need to gain access to her at Serene Meadows," Yoon-Seok pointed out grimly. "A facility that I guarantee is now under heavy Division surveillance."
"There's another problem," Professor Park added. "This frequency—it's not just where Min-Young's consciousness is trapped. It's also adjacent to several unstable threshold regions. If something goes wrong during the connection..."
"Then we could lose both Jin and my mother," Jin-Ah finished, her voice quiet but firm. "But we have to try."
Director Choi stood before the hexagonal tank of swirling blue Clarity fluid, watching as technicians made final adjustments to the system.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [DIVISION INTERNAL ALERT]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [CLARITY CHAMBER CALIBRATION: 94%]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [SUBJECT PROFILE: HYEON, J.]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [ESTIMATED INTEGRATION: 60%+]
"The chamber is almost ready, Director," the lead technician reported. "We've modified the standard Clarity formula based on the Hyeon genetic profile from Project Mirror."
"And the extraction protocols?" she asked, not taking her eyes off the swirling patterns in the tank.
"Prepared as ordered. Once the subject is stabilized, we can begin the extraction procedure for the anchor bond resonance data."
Director Choi nodded, satisfaction evident in her slight smile. "Five years of research finally coming to fruition. Dr. Seo thought he could keep his breakthroughs to himself, but he failed to account for how thoroughly we'd study his family."
An analyst approached cautiously, tablet in hand. "Director, Team Sigma reports increased energy dampening in Sector 7. They believe the Network is using masking technology, but they're narrowing down the location."
"How long?"
"Eight hours. Ten at most."
"That will be sufficient." Director Choi turned away from the chamber. "Prepare the medical team. I want them ready for immediate implementation of Protocol Three-Seven upon the subject's arrival."
"Protocol Three-Seven? But ma'am, that's never been tested on integration levels above fifty-five percent. The risk of permanent damage—"
"Is acceptable," Director Choi finished coldly. "We're not merely trying to contain a threshold walker. We're extracting the key to Dr. Seo's anchor bond technology. The subject's long-term viability is secondary to the data."
The technician hesitated, then nodded. "Understood, Director."
As Director Choi left the chamber, she paused to look at a photograph on her desk—a younger version of herself standing beside Dr. Seo at a research facility, both smiling. She slowly turned the frame facedown before continuing to the door.
"Find me the sister, too," she called over her shoulder. "The familial resonance may extend to her as well."
Jin sat cross-legged on the floor of his quarters, eyes closed, silver light pulsing beneath his skin in rhythmic waves. The air around him shimmered with geometric patterns that appeared and dissolved like snowflakes.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [MEDITATION PROTOCOL ACTIVE]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [CONSCIOUSNESS EXTENSION: INITIATED]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [ANCHOR CONNECTION: SEARCHING]
He allowed his awareness to extend beyond his physical form, reaching outward through the mathematical lattice that connected all things across the threshold. Not fully entering Between-Space, but hovering in the liminal region where consciousness could stretch beyond conventional boundaries.
'Mother,' he projected, sending the thought rippling through the silver geometry. 'I'm trying to find you.'
For several minutes, there was nothing but the endless flow of equations and patterns. Then, faintly at first but growing stronger:
'Jin? Is that you again?'
A presence formed in the abstract space—not physical, but distinctly feminine and achingly familiar. Mathematical structures crystallized around the consciousness, protecting it like a mathematical shell.
'Yes,' Jin responded. 'I'm learning to control the connection. Can you hear me clearly?'
'Better than before.' Her presence shifted closer. 'Where am I, Jin? I feel... divided. Part of me knows I'm in a hospital bed, but this part of me has been here for years, watching, waiting.'
'You're caught between realities,' Jin explained. 'Father created an anchor bond with you before he became trapped in Between-Space. Your consciousness is partially in a threshold frequency while your body remains in the physical world.'
A ripple of confusion, then understanding spread through her presence. 'Seo did this? To keep himself tethered?'
'Yes. But we're going to bring you back. I've found a way to locate your frequency, and we're developing a protocol to reunite your consciousness with your physical form.'
Hope flared through the mathematical structures surrounding her presence, causing them to briefly glow brighter. 'You've changed, Jin. You're like your father now, aren't you? I can see the silver in you.'
'I'm... becoming something else,' Jin admitted. 'My integration level is over sixty percent now.'
Concern emanated from her presence. 'That's beyond the safety threshold. Seo's research showed that level causes permanent changes.'
'It's already happened,' Jin confirmed. 'But it's allowing me to find you, to help you.'
Her presence seemed to consider this. 'There's something you should know, Jin. I'm not alone in this frequency. There's another presence here, watching. It's been studying me, studying the anchor bond.'
Jin's consciousness sharpened with alarm. 'The same presence I sensed before? Who is it?'
'I don't know,' she replied. 'But it feels... ancient. Patient. Like it's been waiting for something for a very long time.'
Jin was about to respond when a sharp pain lanced through his physical form, breaking the connection. He gasped, eyes flying open as he returned fully to his body.
Jin-Ah stood in the doorway, concern evident on her face. "Your nose is bleeding."
Jin touched his upper lip, fingers coming away stained with silver-tinged blood. "I made contact with her again. She's more coherent this time, more present."
"That's progress," Jin-Ah said, sitting beside him and offering a tissue. "But you can't keep pushing yourself like this. The physical toll—"
"Is necessary," Jin finished. "But there's something else. Mother says there's another presence in that frequency with her. Something that's been watching her, studying the anchor bond."
Jin-Ah's eyes widened. "What do you think it is?"
"I don't know," Jin admitted. "But whatever it is, I think it's the same presence I sensed in Between-Space. And I think it's waiting for us to attempt the rescue."
Dr. Ha carefully measured the modified Clarity compound, adding it drop by drop to the solution in the centrifuge. The liquid glowed faintly blue before shifting to silver as it reacted with the threshold-infused blood sample.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [LABORATORY ANALYSIS]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [COMPOUND RESONANCE: 92.7%]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [STABILITY PROJECTION: ACCEPTABLE]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [RECOMMENDED DOSAGE CALCULATED]
"The customized formula is ready," she announced to Jin and Jin-Ah. "Based on Jin's blood chemistry and the threshold signature readings from your mother, this should create a stable resonance bridge between you."
"How will it work?" Jin asked, studying the silver-blue solution.
"The compound contains elements that resonate with both your specific threshold frequency and the frequency where your mother's consciousness is trapped. When administered simultaneously to both of you, it should create a stable channel for consciousness transfer."
"But we still need to get to her at Serene Meadows," Jin-Ah pointed out.
Yoon-Seok entered the laboratory, his expression grim. "That just got more complicated. I've intercepted Division communications. They've stationed a full security detail at Serene Meadows, specifically around your mother's room."
"They know," Jin realized. "They've figured out the connection."
"Not just that," Yoon-Seok continued. "They're accelerating their search patterns. The dampening field won't hide us much longer. We have maybe six hours before we need to evacuate."
"Then we move tonight," Jin decided. "Serene Meadows has less security during the night shift, and I can use my Reality Anchoring to create a safe corridor."
"It's too risky," Dr. Ha objected. "You haven't fully stabilized the ability yet."
"We don't have a choice," Jin countered. "Division is closing in, and every day my mother remains trapped in that frequency puts her at greater risk of permanent consciousness fragmentation."
Jin-Ah studied her brother's face—the geometric patterns visible in his irises, the silver circuits pulsing beneath his skin. "Jin's right. Division won't stop hunting us, and we can't keep running forever. This might be our only chance."
"What about the presence she mentioned?" Professor Park asked. "If something else is monitoring her consciousness, it could interfere with the rescue attempt."
Jin flexed his fingers, small arcs of silver energy dancing between them. "That's why I need to perfect my Reality Anchoring first. If I can create a stable field around both her consciousness and her physical form, I can protect the transfer from outside interference."
"Six hours of intensive training, then," Dr. Ha said reluctantly. "I'll prepare emergency protocols in case something goes wrong." She turned to Yoon-Seok. "And we'll need a distraction to draw Division away from Serene Meadows."
Jin looked down at his hands, watching the silver circuits pulse beneath his skin. "I never asked for this transformation," he said quietly. "But if it allows me to save my mother, then I accept what I'm becoming."
Jin-Ah placed her hand on his shoulder, noticing how the silver circuits seemed to brighten at her touch. "You're still my brother, Jin. No matter what changes the threshold brings."
He smiled, though it didn't quite reach his silver eyes. "Let's get to work."
The training room had been reconfigured, equipment pushed against the walls to create an open space in the center. Jin stood in the middle, hands at his sides, breathing deeply as he centered himself.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [TRAINING PROTOCOL INITIATED]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [FIELD STABILITY TEST: LEVEL 3]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [PROJECTED DURATION: 4 MINUTES]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [MONITORING: ACTIVE]
"Ready?" Dr. Ha asked from behind the observation window.
Jin nodded, then closed his eyes. Silver energy began to flow across his skin, collecting around his hands and chest before expanding outward in a perfect circle around him. The air within the field took on a crystalline quality, light refracting slightly differently than outside.
"Now hold it steady while we introduce the disruptors," Dr. Ha instructed.
Four small devices activated at equidistant points around the room, each emitting pulses of energy designed to mimic threshold disturbances. Jin's field wavered as the first pulse hit it, rippling like the surface of a pond, but he gritted his teeth and reinforced the boundary.
"Good," Jin-Ah encouraged through the intercom. "Now try moving while maintaining the field."
Jin took a careful step forward, then another. The reality field moved with him, though its edges flickered with each step. By the fourth step, sweat had broken out on his forehead, silver-tinged droplets that evaporated in small geometric bursts as they fell.
"Now the most difficult part," Dr. Ha said. "Try extending your consciousness while maintaining the field."
Jin steadied his breathing, keeping his eyes closed as he allowed part of his awareness to extend beyond his physical form. The strain was immediately evident—his physical body trembled, and the reality field fluctuated dangerously.
"I can't maintain both," he gasped, the field collapsing as his knees buckled.
Hana rushed into the room, supporting him before he could fall. "His core temperature is dropping rapidly," she reported, helping him to a chair.
"This isn't working," Jin-Ah said, entering the training room. "He can't split his focus between Reality Anchoring and consciousness extension. It's too much strain."
"Then we need to modify the approach," Dr. Ha said thoughtfully. "What if we don't try to do both simultaneously? What if Jin establishes the Reality Anchoring field first, then extends his consciousness within that stable environment?"
Jin looked up, understanding dawning in his silver eyes. "Like creating a protected space where the consciousness transfer can occur safely."
"Exactly," Dr. Ha confirmed. "You set the parameters first, then work within them."
Jin nodded slowly, determination returning. "Let me try again."
This time, Jin established the reality field more deliberately, taking time to reinforce each section of the boundary. Once the field had stabilized into a perfect circle, he remained completely still, focusing only on maintaining the field's integrity.
"The field is holding steady," Yoon-Seok noted from the monitoring station. "Integrity at 94% and climbing."
"Now, very carefully, try extending your consciousness," Dr. Ha instructed. "But don't reach beyond the field."
Jin allowed his awareness to expand, but kept it contained within the boundaries of his Reality Anchoring field. Silver geometric patterns appeared in the air around him, visible manifestations of his consciousness extending beyond his physical form while remaining within the protected space.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [FIELD INTEGRITY: 96%]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [CONSCIOUSNESS EXTENSION: STABLE]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [DUAL PROTOCOL SYNCHRONIZATION: ACHIEVED]
"It's working," Jin-Ah whispered, watching as her brother maintained both abilities simultaneously without strain.
Jin opened his eyes, which now glowed with silver light. "I can hold it," he said, his voice calm despite the harmonic overtones. "This is how we'll save her."
The preparation room hummed with activity as the team made final arrangements for the mission. Hana packed medical supplies while Yoon-Seok checked communications equipment. Professor Park and Jin-Ah finalized the mathematical models for the consciousness transfer.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [MISSION PREPARATION: 87% COMPLETE]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [DIVISION PROXIMITY ALERT: 4.8 KM]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [ESTIMATED TIME WINDOW: 3.2 HOURS]
"The plan is straightforward but precise," Dr. Ha explained, pointing to a holographic display of Serene Meadows. "Team One creates a diversion at the east entrance. Team Two, led by Jin and Jin-Ah, enters through the service corridor here. Security will be minimal if our Division intel is accurate."
"What about the medical staff?" Jin asked.
"We've identified two night nurses who have been bribed by Division to report any unusual activity," Yoon-Seok said. "We'll need to time our entry between their rounds."
Jin-Ah studied the molecular structure of the modified Clarity compound displayed on her tablet. "Once we reach mother, I'll administer the compound to her physical form while Jin establishes the Reality Anchoring field."
"Then Jin extends his consciousness to make contact with her trapped consciousness and guides it back through the resonance bridge created by the compound," Professor Park continued. "Theoretically, this should reintegrate her consciousness with her physical form."
"And if it works," Dr. Ha added, "she should regain consciousness almost immediately."
Jin nodded, his expression solemn. "And the extraction plan?"
"Same way out, with a secondary exit option through the north wing if necessary," Yoon-Seok replied. "The van will be waiting here, three minutes from the facility."
"What about this presence mother mentioned?" Jin-Ah asked, voicing the concern they'd all been avoiding. "What if it interferes?"
Jin's silver eyes seemed to look through the walls of the facility, seeing something beyond physical reality. "I don't think it will stop us. It feels more like an observer than an adversary. But if it does interfere..." He flexed his hand, silver energy coalescing around it. "I'll deal with it."
Dr. Ha placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Remember, Jin, your primary objective is to rescue your mother. Don't engage with unknown threshold entities unless absolutely necessary."
"I understand," Jin said, though something in his voice suggested he knew more than he was saying.
Jin-Ah studied her brother carefully. Since crossing the sixty percent threshold, there was a new quality to him—a presence that extended beyond his physical form, as if he existed partially in another reality even while standing in this one.
"Jin," she said quietly, "you're not telling us everything, are you?"
He met her gaze, silver circuits briefly pulsing more brightly beneath his skin. "When I connected with mother's consciousness, I sensed something else. Not just the presence watching her, but... a pattern. A design in how all of this has unfolded."
"What do you mean?" Professor Park asked.
"I think father knew exactly what would happen when he created the anchor bond. I think he designed this entire sequence of events—my transformation, the development of my abilities, even my connection to mother's consciousness."
"To what end?" Dr. Ha asked.
Jin's expression was unreadable. "I don't know yet. But I think tonight we'll find out."
In the equipment room, Jin carefully applied the specialized sensors to his temples and wrists. Each one glowed faintly as it detected his threshold signature, establishing baseline readings for the mission.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [BIOMETRIC SYNC COMPLETE]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [THRESHOLD SIGNATURE RECORDED]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [CLARITY COMPOUND: PREPARED]SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: [MISSION COUNTDOWN: 47 MINUTES]
Jin-Ah entered, carrying a small case containing vials of the silver-blue Clarity compound. "Final check on the solution. Dr. Ha says it's at optimal potency."
"Thank you," Jin said, securing the last sensor. "How are you feeling about tonight?"
Jin-Ah set the case down, her movements betraying her nervousness despite her steady voice. "Scared. Hopeful. I haven't seen mother conscious in years, Jin. Part of me can't believe we might actually bring her back."
"We will," Jin assured her, with a certainty that seemed to come from somewhere beyond himself.
Jin-Ah hesitated, then asked the question that had been troubling her. "Jin, are you scared of what you're becoming?"
The question hung in the air between them. Jin looked down at his hands, watching the silver circuits pulse beneath his skin.
"I was," he admitted finally. "But now I understand it better. The threshold isn't just changing me—it's revealing something that was already there, something in our family's design." He looked up, his silver eyes meeting hers. "And I think you'll start to change too, Jin-Ah. I've seen the equations. You're part of this as much as I am."
She swallowed hard. "I saw them too. The silver lines connecting the variables... just for a moment."
"It's beginning," Jin confirmed. "Father designed the circuit to include both of us, I think. Different roles, different abilities, but connected."
Jin-Ah took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Then we face it together, whatever comes next."
Jin nodded, a small smile flickering across his face. "Always."
A soft alarm chimed from the communication system. Yoon-Seok's voice came through: "Division patrol just passed within two kilometers. Our window is closing faster than anticipated. Everyone to transport in fifteen minutes."
Jin and Jin-Ah exchanged a look of determination. The time for preparation was over. The rescue mission was about to begin.
Author's Note: As Jin masters his new Reality Anchoring ability, the stakes continue to rise with Division closing in and an unknown presence watching from the threshold. Will the rescue attempt succeed, or will the mysterious entity interfere with their plans? And what deeper design might Dr. Seo have encoded into his children's very genetics? Share your theories in the comments!
Next Chapter: "Serene Meadows" – The rescue mission begins as Jin uses his Reality Anchoring to create a path to his mother, while Division Team Sigma closes in from all sides.