In Laksana's heart, an unbounded ambition grew. He understood that the success of this project could position him as a pioneer in mind control technology, as well as an irreplaceable figure in the circles of power. Through this project, he would not only be remembered in the history of science but also in the political history of the country.
However, the greater the government support, the greater the stakes. The government's unwavering backing could easily turn against him if the results of this experiment failed to meet expectations. In the world of power, trust is not eternal, and if this project were to fail, Laksana knew his fate would depend on who was willing to shoulder the greatest loss. Yet, this was a risk he was prepared to take. In his mind, success was the only acceptable outcome.
Laksana then decided to proceed with the experiment to the next stage. He designed a more complex system, involving stronger neural signals that could be directly linked to the central control system held by the government. His goal was to reach "Interlink," the stage where human consciousness could be connected to a central network, allowing every individual to be programmed to follow instructions perfectly.
However, despite the full support from the government, Laksana knew one thing remained crucial: secrecy. To keep the project hidden from the public and prevent information leaks, he began implementing stricter protocols, even creating internal policies known only to a few key people in the committee. Highly advanced security measures were put in place, including devices that could detect any potential leaks to external parties, even to well-meaning scientists.
Soon, the experiments under Laksana's control began to involve more individuals. Students, who had previously become the missing subjects of experiments, were now an integral part of the grand plan. Meanwhile, the government officials involved in the project increasingly supported him, granting access to state facilities and ensuring the smooth progression of each stage of the experiment.
Yet, Laksana began to realize one thing: this experiment would have significant repercussions, not only for the individuals who were its subjects but for society as a whole. When the "Interlink" experiment succeeded, humans would no longer be individuals with free will—they would become part of a system created by invisible hands of power.
Amid this realization, Laksana grew more certain that his goal was not merely to achieve scientific progress, but to control the future of humankind. A world where power did not rest solely in the hands of the government but in the hands of anyone who could control the human mind.
However, as always, great ambition comes with great risk. What began as an effort to heal damaged brains had now turned into an attempt to control the human brain entirely. As Laksana watched the entire network of experiments evolve further, he knew that one wrong step could change everything. And if the system failed—if the experiment lost control—then the entire world would feel it.
Laksana studied the diagram hanging on the wall of his laboratory, a large map depicting the connections between the human brain and the central network he had built. Each point on the map linked the minds of individuals to a collective system that could be monitored and controlled. Perhaps some people out there still lived under the illusion of freedom, but Laksana knew all too well that this freedom was an illusion, carefully orchestrated.
The Cerebrum Shift project had entered a critical phase. Behind the scenes, government, military, and intelligence officials were working closely to ensure the project continued without hindrance. Yet, Laksana felt that something was growing heavier, like a dark shadow waiting at the end of the hall. He knew that the larger the project grew, the greater the likelihood of a mistake—one that could make the entire system collapse and bring about unimaginable disaster.
That morning, a closed-door meeting was held in the central conference room. There, Laksana stood before the members of the National Emergency Strategy Committee, long pillars of government power. The sound of fingers tapping on the table grew louder as the discussion became more heated. Everyone wanted results—faster, more effective, more concrete.
"Professor Laksana," said a senior military official seated at the end of the table, his voice echoing, "this project needs speed. Our world is changing, and we cannot allow ideologies that oppose us to spread. How is the progress with the Interlink stage?"
Laksana stared directly into the eyes of the official. He knew well that speed was what they wanted, but this experiment was not something that could be hurried. Even so, he could not refuse the growing pressure from the government, who had given the green light for the final stage.
"Interlink is almost ready," Laksana replied calmly, "but we must ensure that all security protocols are maintained. I will not take risks. The human mind is not a lifeless object. Time is needed to ensure that every interaction within this system does not cause permanent damage."
The official nodded, though his face clearly showed unease. "We need results, Professor. We cannot keep waiting."
Laksana said no more. He knew what would happen if the project failed, but he also knew he would not back down. Once this project succeeded, he would become an irreplaceable figure, and the government—whoever was in power at that time—would acknowledge that this technology, which he had created, was the foundation of a "controlled" future.
"If everything goes according to plan, we should be able to implement the Interlink stage within a few weeks," Laksana continued. "However, I need an additional team and some resources from outside. The committee must approve this to proceed."
The discussion grew more intense, but behind Laksana's words was something much greater—something unstoppable. It was not just this project he was fighting for, but the power he would wield afterward. He knew that, ultimately, the highest power would be the most valuable thing in this experiment. In a world full of uncertainty, control over the human mind would be an invaluable resource.
When the meeting ended, Laksana left the room with steady steps. In the quiet corridor, the sound of his footsteps echoed off the concrete walls. The laboratories beneath the campus, which had once only contained simple experimental tools, had now become the center for developing technology that could reshape the entire social order.
Over time, this system would spread further, faster, and deeper than most people could comprehend. Laksana knew that every step he took would bring him closer to a point where everything would lose control. But if anyone could control it—control the minds and bodies of humans—it would be him.
With complete power over this experiment, Laksana felt no threat from morality or the consequences of his actions. His ambition to master the technology that could control all of humanity was greater than any fear or regret. Before him lay a new world, a world of his design, and he would ensure that it would be realized without anyone being able to stop him.
Yet, in the darkness, one question lingered in his mind: Is it truly possible to control the human mind without facing self-destruction from within?
As this system comes together, the world that will be formed will no longer be the world we know. Under the control of Laksana and those supporting this project, the future of humankind will be determined by one thing more dangerous than war or power: Minds that are no longer free.