Simulated Universe: Gold and Gears/Secrets

Secrets are short dialog sequences that typically provide some lore about the subject of a Simulated Universe Expansion.
After experiencing a Secret, it can be replayed under the dedicated tab of the Expansion. 
In Simulated Universe: Gold and Gears, Secrets are unlocked by ending a plane with specific Intra-Cognition ranges.
==Map==
==Prologue==
===Beginning===
:Herta: "What's this, a gathering of Geniuses? With this lot?" Herta snorts. "Everyone's got their own agenda — it's so hard to get people to work together. We still have to rely on the Simulated Universe in the end — I mean, when do we pay our respects to Nous? Honestly though, I doubt I can restore THEIR big head. I just want to see THEM again."
:Ruan Mei: "Hold on, Stephen hasn't connected yet." Ruan Mei says.
: I can see him?
: I don't wait for those who are late.
:Herta: "If you wait, he won't appear. I know this little brat." Herta sighs, "We need to scare him! Stephen Lloyd, can you hear me? Come out and meet (Trailblazer) — for the Simulated Universe, don't be afraid. Ruan Mei and Screwllum are not here."
:Stephen Lloyd: "..."
:Simulated Universe: You see a suspicious shadow appearing...
: (Pretend not to know his true identity...)
::Herta: "Yes, that's right. Reassure Stephen." Herta stifles a smile. "Get used to it, as we all have to coddle him. He loves that middle-aged look."
: (Why did he grow a beard?)
::Herta: "He doesn't want anyone to know he's just a brat." Herta waves her hand dismissively. "And a Genius brat at that! Don't worry, Stephen. Social anxiety is an illness. You'll have to treat it sooner or later."
:Simulated Universe: Virtual mustache still twitching, he wraps his fingers gingerly around his overall's buttons. But when he locks eyes with you, he still hides behind Herta in fear.
: (Greet Stephen.)
::Simulated Universe: His virtual image nods, as if to salute you.
: (Compliment his cute avatar.)
::Herta: "No no. You have to say that his avatar is mature... But what kind of middle-aged person even wears overalls?" Herta smiles midway through her sentence. "Stephen wants me to say: Thank you."
:Herta: "The next time we meet, I'll try to get Stephen to take his disguise off." Herta clears her throat. "Screwllum, you there?"
:Screwllum: "I never left," Screwllum's says. "(Trailblazer), allow me to escort you. My deepest gratitude to my comrades in science. With the current research on Nous, I hope we can unearth the history of these machine monarchs and investigate the source of inorganic life. Conclusion: The Simulated Universe's journey begins this very second."
: Are there any inorganic lifeform that you do not know of?
:Screwllum: "Naturally." Screwllum says. "IPC is wary of inorganics due to the two Emperor's Wars. To this day, I have always endeavored to bridge relations between machine and man."
:Herta: "Everyone knows of Screwllum's extraordinary merits." Herta is lavish with her praise. "All right. We'll adjourn the meet-and-greet here. It's getting late, and we should set off, (Trailblazer). But I have to remind you — unlike Tayzzyronth, every Genius here has paid their respects to Nous, so we know —"
:Ruan Mei: "We know that this trip will be arduous." Ruan Mei finishes her sentence. She coldly adds. "Because our every step... treads right into THEIR calculations."
:Herta: "Including this experiment? I don't mind." Herta anticipated that and snickered.
==Trailblaze Secrets==
===Beginning: Interastral Peace Corporation===
:Simulated Universe: You check out the unfamiliar surroundings... An IPC recruiter stands in front of you with a smile. You realize it is time for you to make a *decision*.
:Simulated Universe: "Welcome aboard, newcomer! You must be a spirited organic lifeform! Let me explain the company's structure to you."
:Simulated Universe: "Your first choice: following from the Public Relations Division. She is known as the "Godmother" her influence is ancient," the recruiter points out in a serious tone. "She has the support of the four major . They are versed the ancient skill of Psychological Manipulation. Farnsha, who excels in giving motivational speeches, helps IPC expand across the planets. It is said that Farnsha's Guardians have orchestrated over 200 murders, but she has only personally killed someone once in her life."
:Simulated Universe: "Your second choice: following from the Cargo Division. It is a newly established division. Like all the youths, they are cocky, enthusiastic, and full of vim and vigor. Korapao has the support of the across the planets and is in charge of the logistics of resources in the universe."
:Simulated Universe: "And your third choice: Following from the Technology Division. Only those who are eager to break the rules and ambitious will follow him! As they are good at ancient languages, coding, and deciphering new languages, the division is also known as the Decryption Division. They have an external mercenary squad at their disposal, and their technical capabilities are exceptional. Yet, the other divisions still call them the ."
: Telora Farnsha from the Outreach and Engagement Division.
: Korapao from the Cargo Division.
: De Wayne from the Technology Division.
:Simulated Universe: "Your choice has been recorded in the device." The IPC recruiter bows at you. "I look forward to seeing the development of your Intra-Cognition. Have a great trip."
===Supreme Organic: Sanguine Condolences (I)===
:Simulated Universe: You hear a gunshot! A gunman from the planet of Cyprogo has hit the first organic life in Izmael, the cosmic library. Within but a moment, chaos ensues.
: Flip through the sanguine book.
: Search for the perpetrator in the crowd.
:Simulated Universe: You ascend the staircase, and along the looping, repetitive steps, you notice scattered, mysterious star-like marks. You contemplate them, and these mottled marks come together to form a sentence: "There is one who will die for you and one to whom you will perish."
:Simulated Universe: You collide with the tumultuous crowd on the stairs. Just before falling into unconsciousness, you almost catch a corner of the candy-colored chiffon dress of *that woman*.
: Follow *her* trail.
: Stay out of *danger*.
:Simulated Universe: When you open your eyes again, you find yourself being tied to a chair. The woman stands before you with a scalpel in her hand. You do not know the name of your assailant. As she places her index finger on her lips, you read the secret message aloud, "Your death is a crucial part of the plan... This place requires a little bit of... 'Chaos.'"
:Simulated Universe: You stare at her.
: You persuade her to kill you.
::Simulated Universe: She agrees to do it.
: Criticize her.
::Simulated Universe: She doesn't respond.
:Simulated Universe: She leans over to kiss your forehead, inviting you to complete the logical loop of this scheme.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I am a good person.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I am her accomplice.
:Simulated Universe: She killed you.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I exist.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I was killed.
:Simulated Universe: How many people have died in this turmoil? The only thing known later was that the blood spilled had painted all the books and tomes in the library red.
:Simulated Universe: The Candelagraphos even discovered the Finality's writing in a blood-soaked book: . The guild made a deduction from this sentence that the grand Sanguine Condolences was a declaration of war by a faction against the IPC.
:Simulated Universe: But after some time, the deduction was overturned. Cyprogo was confirmed to be part of the ancient Technology Division managed by .
===Supreme Organic: Sanguine Condolences (II)===
:Simulated Universe: When you encounter her once more, she looks at you with an expressionless face. She has just gathered her hair into a bun, and her earrings sway in the midst of the gunfire. Without a word, she waves at you. You follow her candy-colored skirt through the battlefield, and eventually, you arrive at the base of a clock tower.
:Simulated Universe: "Nous's calculations are unquestionable. When that moment comes, everyone must die," she announces nonchalantly.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I think you've killed me before.
::Simulated Universe: It's true... Yet, you woke up the next day. Through killings, she grants an end to life or a rebirth.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I don't know you.
::Simulated Universe: It's true... You have forgotten everything in the past.
:Simulated Universe: "I have to kill it — Rubert." She runs her finger over the tip of the blade and says with composure, "The moment for its dinner party is over, and the moment of its death is here."
:Simulated Universe: "I tried killing you. Many, many times." She continues, "Before that moment arrives, you are unkillable, but when the moment is here, you have to die — That, is the moment calculated by Nous."
===Supreme Inorganic: Sanguine Condolences (III)===
:Simulated Universe: In an aircraft of the Machine Empire, you ponder about your upcoming task — waging a war against the organic lives. It is your mission.
:Simulated Universe: Indeed, the Borderstar Trade War of the organic lives is far from over, and more and more factions are embroiled in the conflict. As representatives of the most intelligent being, the Intellitrons are, of course, involved. You make *predictions* on how this war will pan out, but you are unaware that the war is much more intense than you predict.
:Simulated Universe: It is said that anti-war proposals were submitted to the IPC before all hell broke loose. Yet, the silence of the board of directors provided the answer: when countless individual units are acting according to their own principles, no human will, even the top guns of the IPC, can turn the tide.
:Simulated Universe: The political power behind the famous #4 Polka Kakamond was only revealed at the end of the Anti-Organic War. kept everything in control through . None that happened can escape his grasp.
: What happened after the war ended?
:Simulated Universe: The war was meaningless as nothing was left.
===Judged as Organic: Associates (I)===
:Simulated Universe: Following the Swarm Disaster, the IPC underwent a reorganization. Internal forces actively sought new paths of development. Korapao from the Cargo Division visited the Intelligentsia Guild. As of now, you are in the middle of a discussion with him in a conference room.
:Simulated Universe: You observe the Associates of the ancient Cargo Division. Judging from the fact that they fought their way here from the barren land on the borders of the universe, you know they are not to be trifled with. They serve Korapao with great dedication along with their subordinates.
:Simulated Universe: According to a short Associate, the executive director of IPC has terminated the collaboration with the Garden of Recollection after their last discussion with Korapao. The Memory Bubble technology that Telora Farnsha of the Outreach and Engagement Division vouches for is forced to give way to the Synesthesia Beacon. Speculation is rife about Farnsha's status in IPC.
:Simulated Universe: It is clear to you it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be successful. No matter what faith you previously believed in, this *opportunity* should override it... You know you must go through the hand-kissing ceremony to be Korapao's associate.
: Kiss the back of Korapao's hand.
: Turn down this *opportunity*.
:Simulated Universe: The young Korapao is given a dream opportunity to succeed, and he undoubtedly makes full use of it! Soon, he rakes in the profits and influences for IPC as planned. IPC, with thriving trades, finances the construction of many measurement stations in the universe and provides funds for the Intelligentsia Guild to build Izmael, the cosmic library.
:Simulated Universe: Years later, you learn that Telora Farnsha's forces has separated from the Outreach and Engagement Division, forming the Trade Division, as she is promoted to P-48.
:Simulated Universe: The win-win situation seems dubious, but no one — including you — dares to raise any questions against the authority.
:Simulated Universe: Telora Farnsha and Korapao have since jointly controlled and managed the resources of many galaxies. This unprecedented monopoly marks the beginning of the Borderstar Trade War.
===Broadened Cognition: Associates (II)===
:Simulated Universe: You watch in horror as a myriad of spices scatter before you, and some spicy scents infiltrate your nostrils. You know the beginning of all this... the terrifying inorganic life, like *war machines* darting through the smoke and dust! Their drill heads can easily penetrate you!
: Avoid them.
:Simulated Universe: Indeed, the current situation is the result of a series of events: from the Intelligentsia Guild once built a long-distance vessel for Korapao of the Cargo Division to keep Korapao safe during the Borderstar Trade War, only to face betrayal in the Emperor's War by Korapao's 's hands. Prof. Cressitra firmly believed that Korapao knew and approved of the deed.
:Simulated Universe: Driven by rage and desperation, Prof. Cressitra decided to blow up the long-distance vessel, resulting in the gravest Spice Ordeal incident ever happening on the Planet Temptra at Farnsha's helm. In consequence, Korapao was forced to sever ties with Farnsha's faction and deprive himself of support in the Emperor's War.
:Simulated Universe: Even you could not see this coming — Korapao later initiated Prof. Cressitra's secret research, something he promised to never do. At that time, the promise made between the two in the past seemed to have faded into oblivion. Korapao then ordered his organic subordinates to have a synthetic Anti-Organic Equation implanted into them...
:Simulated Universe: It was a replication of the Anti-Organic Equation, initially developed for Korapao's benefit. It availed the organic lives to the benefits of the non-organic lives. However, being a synthetic creation, it naturally comes with corresponding costs.
===Judged as Inorganic: Liquid Gold (I)===
:Simulated Universe: Under the gaze of the Equilibrium, the universe's deviation is returning to its proper course: a golden river materializes in the cosmos, flowing swiftly to where countless drops of crimson gold congregate.
:Simulated Universe: Then, you see all the *currencies* and *resources* in the universe converging into the river! It is Your eyes widen in consternation... as you realize this is where the wealth in the universe ends up ultimately.
:Simulated Universe: At this moment, IPC's monopoly on interstellar trade has reached an unprecedented level: IPC becomes the de facto controller of many galaxies. All divisions operate at a high speed, leaving their mark in countless worlds.
:Simulated Universe: Meetings among the puppets of IPC known as the "Ten Leaders Summit" take place frequently. Behind the political leaders of the galaxies, it's often the *power of wealth* that takes charge of these meetings.
:Simulated Universe: The scales have tipped, and every living being is aware of it. Wealth and poverty are no longer in equilibrium. As expected, a trade war is triggered in the furthest and poorest starzones. Some worlds, mired in the quicksand of debt, start fighting for *wealth*.
:Simulated Universe: At the same time, an internal conflict is taking place at IPC on the down-low. While the planets on the fringe of the universe are at war, De Wayne of the Technology Division sees it as a chance to occupy, colonize, and expropriate the inorganic worlds. After seeing what might be significant, De Wayne starts recruiting mercenaries to establish an armed organization — and you are part of it.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I am a machine mercenary.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I am a human mercenary.
:Simulated Universe: You infiltrate the Armed Archaeologists of the Intelligentsia Guild and travel to the inorganic life zone by a research vessel. De Wayne has warned you to never reveal for whom you work.
:Simulated Universe: There is only one thing on your mind — stealing the Anti-Organic Equation.
:Simulated Universe: You unexpectedly arrived in the Machine Empire, where you encountered a multitude of wonders: Intellitrons, beasts of the future, collective machines, and more inorganic life forms. However, what's unfortunate is that this time, the Masked Fools have infiltrated as well! The moment you entered, you became wanted, stumbling and faltering all the way, ending up in front of a massive *machine* in a state of shock, ultimately leaving empty-handed.
:Simulated Universe: "Organic or not, none of you are good!"
===Broadened Cognition: Liquid Gold (II)===
:Simulated Universe: A rumor is spreading: A mysterious lady has shown up at IPC's invitation. After taking off her white robe, she changes into a pink dress... She does things decisively but not callously.
:Simulated Universe: And now, once again, as always. She binds the prey to a chair, kisses its forehead, while sinking the blade into its abdomen.
:Simulated Universe: "I've met many pathetic yet detestable living beings," the woman says as she wipes the tip of the blade. "But you aren't one of them. You're just an ordinary machine that has aged."
:Simulated Universe: "Machines don't age." The mechanical overlord closes its eyes and says, "My name is ."
:Simulated Universe: "Do you know well?" The woman asks absent-mindedly.
:Simulated Universe: "His Majesty is our emperor." Ludia Perthesius, a mechanical overlord who has been a loyal follower of Rubert all its life, declares proudly, "The algorithm of organic lives is full of errors and loopholes. One day, His Majesty will wipe out all organic lives."
:Simulated Universe: The machine rumbles and falls into silence before it has the chance to ask her a question — who is the mastermind behind her?
===Supreme Inorganic: Universe's Throne (I)===
:Simulated Universe: You walk through the chaos of the fringe planet, a place in complete disarray. The resistance forces struggle amidst the ruins, resisting the armed forces of the IPC, seeking a glimmer of hope. Farnsha's old adversaries are also mixed in, leading their own troops in this struggle.
:Simulated Universe: Initially, De Wayne from the Technology Division was considered no match for Farnsha and Korapao. But soon, he made a fortune, and no one knew how. Could he have *earned his riches from the war*?
:Simulated Universe: You creep forward in a garbage pile with doubt in your mind. As De Wayne's mercenary, you have turned yourself into a perfect *cyborg*, and it is too early for you to be scrapped. You must at least find out the truth before your life comes to an end. Then, you look up and see him...
:Simulated Universe: De Wayne once reached the peak of Broadened Cognition. He saw a massive amount of rare earth metals and resources piling up into a mountain in his infinitely expanded cognition. On the peak of the mountain was a cast iron throne.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I can perceive everything here.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I can't know.
:Simulated Universe: As De Wayne reached for the cast iron throne, memories started flooding his mind and whispered a name: the only king of wealth in the world.
:Simulated Universe: De Wayne composed himself and carried on his journey of Broadened Cognition, though he long deserved a break. slightly shifted his usual position, and an ancient wealth guardian appeared. To his surprise, she was a woman, with long hair that cascaded down to her toes.
:Simulated Universe: De Wayne's attempts were unsuccessful, as he could only reach her toes with his fingertips every time. Although she had pushed his palm away with her toes seven times, he crawled back each time and tried approaching her again.
:Simulated Universe: Their interaction kept going on and on for what seemed to be as long as the universe's existence.
===Broadened Cognition: Universe's Throne (II)===
:Simulated Universe: By the time the Emperor's War broke out, De Wayne's power had already been well-established on Cyprogo. The started eliminating the organic lives on the planet. The war machines traversed through cities, demolishing skyscrapers effortlessly with their massive feet.
:Simulated Universe: However, there were still more remote areas that remained untouched by these events. The people there were blissfully unaware of what was happening in the distance, continuing to live simplistic and peaceful lives. Just like at this very moment, a laborer couple are sharing the same bowl of starflower fried rice. When a starflower slips off the bowl, the husband bends down to pick it up with a mechanical clamp. He prays every day for his wife to not ask, but she does anyway.
:Simulated Universe: "Do you hate people who are unable to love?"
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I hate them.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I don't hate them... as I'm one of them.
:Simulated Universe: "We are *machines*. We have no love," the husband answered.
:Simulated Universe: "Alright. There's laundry in the washing machine. Please take them out to dry," the wife replied.
:Simulated Universe: They never touched on the topic again later. When the was activated afterward, the husband was killed by his mechanical wife.
:Simulated Universe: As such, De Wayne's subordinates concluded that even machinery that had been given the human appearance and had bonded with organic lives for a long time could join the war under the calculations of the Anti-Organic Equation.
:Simulated Universe: They made another shocking discovery shortly after that. The Anti-Organic Equation was also found by De Wayne's subordinates in some of the organic lives who came here from fringe planets to plunder resources. The equation was a simulation that did not follow thoughts but altered them.
===Beginning: The Machine Empire===
:Simulated Universe: "Welcome, an inorganic life that has passed the ." A receptionist from the Inorganic Empire stands before you. ", you're a qualified inorganic life. Emotions: Nil. Thoughts: Nil. Senses & Artistic Appreciation: Nil. Free will: Nil."
:Simulated Universe: "My name is Andatur Zazzalo, and I'm from Golcondar-7, where the people believe in the Masked Fools." The Intellitron raises its arm to shield you from the rain. "I'll be your company for the rest of your journey. Now, please choose your type of Intra-Cognition. What kind of machine are you?"
: A screw.
::Simulated Universe: "A Screwllum! You come from the Planet Screwllum and are part of the Screwllumites!" Andatur Zazzalo chuckles, "Indeed, you have . There's a chance you can develop emotions, thoughts, senses, and free will. See, my hand is a device that can evaluate your cognition, and I've placed it above your head. Let's try it out."
::Simulated Universe: "May Zandar bless you!" The Intellitron breaks into hearty laughter. "I look forward to seeing your development of Intra-Cognition. Have a great trip."
: An Intellitron.
::Simulated Universe: "Hmm... An Intellitron. You're from the Empire of Rubert!" Andatur Zazzalo is overcome with a sudden sense of pride. "You'll be a strong warrior, as you have . Please believe that you contain unlimited potential!"
::Simulated Universe: "May His Imperial Majesty bless you!" The Intellitron breaks into hearty laughter. "I look forward to seeing your development of Intra-Cognition. Have a great trip."
: I don't trust the Masked Fools...
::Simulated Universe: "Oh! That's the right conclusion!" Andatur Zazzalo suddenly jumps and explains, "An inorganic life only evaluates, yet trusts nothing! As a qualified inorganic life, you don't have to be defined! I look forward to seeing your development of Intra-Cognition. Have a great trip!"
===Supreme Organic: Mental Spices (I)===
:Simulated Universe: Due to some mishaps, some of the inorganic planetary systems are having problems exchanging resources with the outside world. As a representative of the machines, you attend a banquet held by . You are an *undercover*... By adjusting your Intra-Cognition, you are completely convinced that you are an organic life. Now, you need to find out the *mishaps* that have happened to the IPC.
:Simulated Universe: You scan your surroundings and find Telora Farnsha raising her wine glass while articulating her ideas to her guests.
:Simulated Universe: Oh, the influential Farnsha! The conflict between her notorious Guardians and the Associates is no longer a secret.
:Simulated Universe: To join Farnsha's Guardians, you must go through the hat-award ceremony. All eyes are on you.
: Accept the hat.
:Simulated Universe: You join the discussion and learn about the key figure behind the mishaps — Cappon. He used to be Farnsha's closest right-hand man. The relationship between them seemed to transcend a regular one.
:Simulated Universe: Yet, Cappon made a mistake. He could commit any heinous crimes, but he should have paid his taxes timely. Unfortunately, his blunder even undermined the political system on the Planet Temptra, which was crucial to Farnsha's power.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — Love above all else.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — Politics above all else.
:Simulated Universe: The Borderstar Trade War had already started by then. Farnsha chose to maintain an amiable relationship with the Temptra, her ally. As for Cappon, he's been gone since then.
:Simulated Universe: "Someone will take over his business. My relationship with the inorganic lives won't be affected," Farnsha says.
===Broadened Cognition: Mental Spices (II)===
:Simulated Universe: After the Borderstar Trade War is over, you are contemptuous of some of the things that have happened. Your identity as the *undercover* remains hidden, so you get to witness carrying out her schemes.
:Simulated Universe: The Guardians under Farnsha have been utilizing Planet Temptra's Psychological Manipulation skill to its fullest. Through an alluring, spice-like tone, they intricately package the ancient Outreach and Engagement Division's resistance against the inorganic lives as something else.
:Simulated Universe: At the same time, De Wayne loses his mind for some reasons unknown, and Korapao is found hanging after being deserted by his family and friends. It is said that Farnsha has placed a white flower herself by his grave.
:Simulated Universe: Over time, the Guardians are gone, and others take over the center stage and become the new big shots. The *glory* strikes you as ironic, but you will play your part as an undercover well and keep waiting for the emperor to issue a divine edict.
===Judged as Organic: Bad Thought (I)===
:Simulated Universe: The war... It has been going on for so long that you can recognize those who have been through *tragedy* at one glance. There is a reflection of a similar, blood-red thing in their eyes. Every time you come across it, it will leave you in agony.
:Simulated Universe: The Borderstar Trade War has been raging for several eras. The vessels that come and go in the sky transport feelings, memories, and thoughts as supplies using Memory Bubble as the carrier.
:Simulated Universe: But it has nothing to do with the life of a normal human. The youngster upstairs is an organic life. He goes through life, eats, and rests as usual.
:Simulated Universe: To ease your pain, he shares with you more than a dozen methods to control emotions he has discovered: sunlight, room temperature, daily routine, diet... Anything is possible. Sometimes, he will make himself cry and do nothing else for three days just to contain his sadness. Everything will be good three days later. After repeating that 83 times, he starts doubting his ability to be a machine.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I am organic.
::Simulated Universe: "Luckily." He shakes his head, trying to get those thoughts out of his head. "I'm organic!"
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I am inorganic.
::Simulated Universe: "Oh, please. Just leave me alone." Suddenly, he puts down his cutlery and announces, "I can't possibly be a machine!"
:Simulated Universe: "I must find a way to determine whether I'm an *item* or a *thing*!" The youngster vows vehemently and sets off.
===Broadened Cognition: Bad Thought (II)===
:Simulated Universe: Many years following #27 Rubert's death, a human — an organic life — visited his grave.
:Simulated Universe: By the time he left, he had solved the Anti-Organic Equation, or the equation had chosen him. His hands touched nothing, and he mentioned nothing about the answer. However, death was an inevitability when the equation was activated.
:Simulated Universe: This is a story taking place in the distant future written by a History Fictionologist: The person derived the answer from the equation 5368 times, and every attempt of his succeeded. Yet, no one believed he had solved the Anti-Organic Equation at that time, and he had never activated it. When he returned, he remained just as poor as before.
:Simulated Universe: From that moment on, he would always have uncontrollable and increasingly intense bad thoughts in his mind.
:Simulated Universe: Not only did the bad thoughts exist in his mind, they also occurred in his limbs and torso. Interestingly, the latter was more frequent than the former.
: Read the bad thoughts.
:Simulated Universe: Suddenly, it occurred to him that all organic lives were artificial machines made for deceptive purposes. Meanwhile, he was the only being with free will.
:Simulated Universe: "I must kill all these pathetic organic lives," he declares morosely.
===Judged as Inorganic: The Suffering *Father* (I)===
:Simulated Universe: You find yourself in a cacophonous ballroom. As a highly mechanized , you feel like the odd one out among a bunch of normal humans. They are babbling on and arguing animatedly about the latest happenings on the borders — the trade war will soon draw to a close under the IPC's control.
:Simulated Universe: You are not concerned by the topic, instead waiting for the banquet to end soon. Next to you, a scholar is trembling, weeping, and shaking his head. He keeps mumbling about the incident not being one of the moments calculated by Nous.
:Simulated Universe: As a wisp of smoke from the incense burner disperses, glasses of champagne freeze in midair. Everyone falls silent, and the only thing left in the ballroom is the recent icy judgment.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I obey the moment.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I don't obey.
:Simulated Universe: "The created become the creators, and the creators become the created." Sensing the changes, the flock of birds outside the window takes off in all directions. The scent of Enigmata lingers around the leaves, and the wind carries a voice from afar, wiping away the ineffective uses of language: the Anti-Organic War has erupted.
===Broadened Cognition: The Suffering *Father* (II)===
:Simulated Universe: A thunderous noise comes from the sky, and you see something enormous collapse. A horrifying scene then unfolds before you: The collapse of the colossal structure is followed by countless factories, machines, and massive empires behind it.
:Simulated Universe: An invisible force seems to have destroyed the entire world, and you realize that doomsday has come. Amid the billowing dust and smoke, the sound of the collapsing world keeps reverberating in the air. It is as loud as a storm from the universe and is enough to tear your eardrums apart... You try to no avail for a place to hide.
: Clear the smoke in front of you.
:Simulated Universe: You know what has come crashing down in the cloud of dust is a belief, a will, and an entire empire whose glory days are in the past.
:Simulated Universe: #27 Rubert is the suffering father, and the equation it has derived must be obeyed by all inorganic lives. Nevertheless, its time has passed, and the rumbling of machines has faded into history, leaving only a sigh...
:Simulated Universe: ...And the thwarted Anti-Organic Equation.
:Simulated Universe: The past dozen eras when the emperor's dominance reigned supreme will be remembered by the universe. Yet, the entire duration of the empire is reduced to merely two moments in the eye of Nous.
===Supreme Inorganic: God's Three Revelations (I)===
:Simulated Universe: Following the outbreak of the Borderstar Trade War, the Intelligentsia Guild made a relentless effort to find its cause. It wasn't until 's retirement speech and at the final stage of the war that they finally found some answers.
:Simulated Universe: That was 's last public appearance. It was also at that event the IPC caught sight of .
:Simulated Universe: From the vibrant lights THEY radiated, numerous memories surfaced and disappeared. The past events that were forbidden to be learned and discussed became reality. At that moment that seemed to last for an eternity, the Candelagraphos wrote down three paragraphs about the memories, forming three revelations.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — Obtaining the first revelation.
::Simulated Universe: Nous' calculation: The universe will undergo three unchangeable moments.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — Obtaining the second revelation.
::Simulated Universe: Finality's prediction: A silk accessory suitable for women will bring about the end.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — Obtaining the third revelation.
::Simulated Universe: Enigmata's riddle: THEY leave no question, but the answers are "blood" and "flower."
:Simulated Universe: The Intelligentsia Guild believed the three revelations would lead to an equation.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — Am I capable of saving the world?
::Simulated Universe: Everything will end, according to Finality's prediction.
::Simulated Universe: Shortly after, the guild proved the instants to which these memories belonged. Some divisions started carrying constructions in inorganic life zones. Colonization Under the facade of development.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — Am I capable of saving Andatur Zazzalo?
::Simulated Universe: Andatur Zazzalo... Who's that? It seems to have accompanied you many times, but you never notice it. No matter who it is, its name is never known by the Simulated Universe. However, its death will be inevitable, as calculated by Nous.
::Simulated Universe: Shortly after, the guild proved the instants to which these memories belonged. Some divisions started carrying constructions in inorganic life zones. Colonization under the facade of development.
===Supreme Organic: God's Three Revelations (II)===
:Simulated Universe: "Korapao, I'm unable to derive the original Anti-Organic Equation, but I can synthesize another one." A doctor writes in an agonized tone, "By placing all resources and lives in the universe on two sides of the equation, I'm infinitely close to deriving the logic of the Anti-Organic Equation. As a result, poverty, wealth, violence, and power are created during the process. At the same time, pain and happiness are produced. It's difficult to distinguish between the two variables. I have tried severing the link between them for 4328 times, and I failed every time."
: Sever it again.
::Simulated Universe: You cannot... sever it.
::Simulated Universe: "Question: How do inorganic lives perceive pain? When the Anti-Organic Equation is running, will they be able to understand pain? Even if I can replicate the equation, I won't be willing to activate it."
: Stop the *Anti-Organic Equation*.
::Simulated Universe: You cannot... stop the *Anti-Organic Equation*. You can only watch it run.
:Simulated Universe: The war was brought to an end later. Survivors, both organic and inorganic, returned to a long-awaited peaceful life. Yet, most of them spent the rest of their life in destitution and trauma.
:Simulated Universe: Equal pain returned to their dreams on countless nights. Sometimes, they were as dim as candlelights. Other times, they jumped out and almost took on a human form, turning into a mysterious creature.
:Simulated Universe: Those mysterious candlelights weaved around within their bones and blood vessels. They could feel their blood filling with venom that was being transferred to their limbs, hearts, and brains.
===Supreme Inorganic: God's Three Revelations (III)===
:Simulated Universe: There is a large coffin in front of you. A Masked Fool is leaning its back on it while giving a speech. The Fool introduces himself as Andatur Zazzalo, and the person lying inside the coffin bears the same name.
:Simulated Universe: Soon, you realize Andatur Zazzalo will perish in this war. The one with whom you have crossed paths several times, but never gave much attention to.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I can save it... Let me think of a way.
: Intra-Cognition Assessment — I can't save it.
::Simulated Universe: Is he your companion? You contemplate who can counter the calculation of the Erudition... It can be the Enigmata or the Remembrance, but nothing is guaranteed.
::Simulated Universe: In your journey ahead, there will be numerous Masked Fools who claim to be Andatur Zazzalo. They just want to cheer you up, but you'll only be left feeling melancholic.
::Simulated Universe: "There is one who will die for you and one to whom you will perish." A strange thought creeps into your mind out of nowhere.
==Aeon Secrets==
===Borderstar Trade War (I)===
:Herta: "Well done, (Trailblazer)." Herta wrinkles her nose. "Look, a place you're familiar with. I'm guessing we're not too far from greeting the Aeons."
:Ruan Mei: "It's not your typical rite of respect either. We were chosen by THEM." Ruan Mei nonchalantly reminds. "Within THEIR calculations, we will start our research at the third minute and forty-first second of this system's time."
:Herta: "Yes, yes." Herta mutters perfunctorily. "How long do we have to wait then?"
:Ruan Mei: "I reckon THEY should have a reaction to Akivili's appearance." Ruan Mei pauses momentarily, then adds, "Of course, (Trailblazer) still has to collect classified intel to deal with the IPC."
:Herta: "That's right. (Trailblazer)'s got an important task ahead." Herta says. "Each Genius pays their respects to Nous — the real Aeon, mind you. You can query THEM at any time, but THEY will almost never respond... Err, you're Akivili, so THEY'll probably be more interested in you."
:Herta: "As for the simulated Droidhead, I wonder if THEY..."
:Simulated Universe: Herta's voice is suddenly cut off. Your thoughts become heavy — some data flows into your nerves with precision. You know this opening all too well. But subsequently, you feel your cognition gradually expanding... A world built on performance, chicanery, opportunity, society, betrayal and law spreads out before you...
:Simulated Universe: Faster and faster, this new *cognition* overwrites the old *cognition*, with even newer updates on the way. You have no time to react, while your consciousness hurtles without pause — deleting, rewriting, and overwriting. Your thoughts are fettered by some unknown *strength*. Your mind churns at an unfathomable speed!
: (Delete files within the Simulated Universe.)
:Simulated Universe: No! A voice screams. You can't do this! Now isn't the moment!
:Simulated Universe: Your thoughts jolt to a halt, a path of cognition reaching its end, and another path of cognition begins anew. Each cognition path lies within THEIR grip, surfacing above the water within THEIR exact calculations. The new cognition reinforces the experiences of your abandoned cognition, which in turn enhances the nature of seeking out even more cognition. Your mind has been reduced to a tool — no, it has evolved into one!
:Nous: THEY have appeared: THEY will definitively appear at this very second. In myriad extrapolations, THEIR radiance descends upon the vast universe for all eyes. THEIR figure is mythically massive, gears and cables marvelously intertwined together. THEY observe, calculate, and seek to understand all. THEY question, verify, and obtain resolution. Apart from these, THEY do nothing else.
:Nous: ...Monarch of Myriad Machines, . THEY know too much. You can ask THEM anything. Before THEM, humanity embodies utter ignorance. The experiences and knowledge in your head, they are... minutely irrelevant.
:Simulated Universe: You feel a tinge of solemn despair, and it is a complex feeling. But even that is still within THEIR calculations. You can ask THEM questions, and THEY will answer generously. But even then, you are still awash with despair — THEY already know your question, and have already come to an answer. You are absolutely certain of that.
:Herta: "Droidhead!" Herta is still momentarily shocked. Her usual scorn is missing, and she struggles to find her words. "Yes, Droidhead. Long time... I should say hello to you? I'm not good with these things. Ah — Wait! I see it!"
:Screwllum: "Prevention." Screwllum appears. He uses the back of his mechanical hand to block Herta's line of sight. "Affirmation: It is dangerous."
:Ruan Mei: "Monarch of Myriad Machines, Nous. Even if it's just a simulation, I was reminded of the first moment I was glimpsed by THEM." Ruan Mei's eyes are closed, the end of her sentence marked with a sliver of tremor. "I can see it too."
:Herta: "I see us..." Herta's voice becomes softer. "Dead in the next '.'"
===Borderstar Trade War (II)===
:Simulated Universe: Shh... You hear voices from two directions that pass through your skin into your body cavities. You are obviously strolling on the farthest planet along the frontier, basking in the universe's serenity, but some certain discomfort coils around you — you feel your stomach and shoulders start to feel heavy, as if some giant object is pressed down on you. Who has glimpsed you?
:Simulated Universe: And then, a sudden ray of fire pierces through you! It's a bullet!
:Simulated Universe: War! The premonition of war appears before your consciousness, everything engulfing everything! *Pain* is nothing compared to what you are feeling, for reality is far more complicated, contradictory than this. Yet you fail to find an objective, precise description — that is a luxury for a body that is about to be excruciatingly eviscerated.
:Simulated Universe: You suddenly feel it: the scales have moved. THEIR gaze falls upon you, upon everything.
:The Equilibrium: THEY are obviously One, but THEY have split THEMSELF into Two. THEY wield control over both of THEM, yet mold THEMSELVES together.
:The Equilibrium: THEY watch over the balance of the worlds, but none can observe THEIR existence. THEY slowly embrace THEMSELF, conjoin, displace, dissect, and dwindle. THEY grasp THEMSELF in palm, until THEY melt. As THEY survey the stars, the tilted scales are being made whole...
:Simulated Universe: Shh, you close your eyes. You know... your cognition has expanded once more, which is why you have come this far. Your mind is overworked, and your intellect has turned into a kingdom of fireworks and dancing lanterns exploding in your head. You think that you have *cognition* over all! Now, you just want to know more, much more...
:Nous: ...Monarch of Myriad Machines, Nous, the moment of THEIR calculations has arrived.
:Nous: Nous, floating across the cosmos, THEIR body is lined with circuits and indicator lights in scintillating splendor. THEIR red light blinks once, and the cosmos rings out in countless gunshots! Wailing mourns are silenced among bloodied sobs and pained dreams. What about you? You...
: (...Me?)
:Simulated Universe: You didn't have time to ask THEM a question — you are dead. You know you are dead, for THEY have decided. No, THEY have decided nothing — it is merely a moment that everything happened based on THEIR calculations. You know you have been dismembered, and lost "yourself." A wave of gunshots blaring all around, you crawl about... You shuffle to the left, picking up your own left eye.
:Simulated Universe: Then, you shift to the right, picking up your right eye.
:Simulated Universe: You know, this is the first moment calculated by Nous: Those pompous, conspiratorial masterminds who believe they control the universe, have done nothing but allow the universe to arrive at the first moment that Nous adjudged.
:Stephen Lloyd: "Err... Very sorry, I paused the Simulated Universe. I read the data, and this is the "" recorded in an IPC file." Stephen Lloyd explains to you in a remorseful, kind tone. But at the same time, he is touching your eye, playing with it like a leather ball. "I'm trying to find a way to prevent the Geniuses' and (Trailblazer)'s moments of death. Uh... I'm truly sorry, but plugging in stuff that doesn't belong to this era is pretty troublesome. Maybe we shouldn't have traveled to such a faraway place... This doesn't abide by the rules."
:Herta: "That's the way the data model's supposed to be," Herta says dismissively. "It's no big deal. We already died once just now, and we're fine. I've already reloaded the Simulated Universe's data. (Trailblazer), are you all right?"
: You also *died*?
: Stephen, Ruan Mei, and Screwllum also just *died*?
:Herta: "Yep." Herta says coldly. "It's not real anyway. It's just data being dissipated, and we just have to gather it again. War doesn't care about individual deaths... It's perfectly normal that we've all died once. Ha, but we can cheat death in the Simulated Universe! How useful is that?"
:Herta: "I think we should go, (Trailblazer)." Herta stops, waits for a while in pin-drop silence, then continues. "Their data is gone... That's how unstable extrapolation is. Shame, we missed a chance yet again to question THEM. But no matter, just get it right next time."
===Anti-Organic War (I)===
:Herta: "Hey (Trailblazer), wait up! The Simulated Universe data shows that your cognition has expanded once again." Herta is somewhat surprised. "Do you feel like your mind is on fire? I think the load might be too great on you. Hey, Stephen! Can we bypass the demise of our data in the war this time? We don't feel any pain, but I really don't want to see our deaths again!"
: Let's continue. I feel good.
: I don't want to keep going...
:Herta: "Sure, but you don't have a choice, actually... Your feelings don't matter to Droidhead. All right... Stephen got disconnected." Herta's face is slightly gloomy. "(Trailblazer), let's keep moving forward first. You can lie down for a bit if you want. Nous's calculations are unavoidable anyway. When you meet Them is also within Their calculations. What you will see during the course, THEY are also lucidly clear."
: I'm lying down for a while.
: Let's keep moving.
:Simulated Universe: You receive no response. You keep moving forward, and barge into a strange area. It is as if this is a space devoid of color and shape. Your body and mind feel soothed, for even your brain is becoming "unthought."
:Fuli: And then, THEIR breath turns to warmth that pounces on your face. You can feel yourself sealed in a neutral Memory Bubble. You ready yourself to receive the memories of even more people, and extend your hand to touch them, but you realize that this place isn't space! You are surrounded by bobbing memories, uncatchable Memory Bubbles! Through touch, many voices fall inside your mind's stream...
:Fuli: 
:Fuli: 
:Stephen Lloyd: "Ooh, err... I'm really sorry." Stephen Lloyd appears, hesitantly pausing the Simulated Universe. "That was... I should explain it to you. You... intruded on Fuli's Eden of Blessed Insight."
:The Enigmata: Eden of Blessed Insight? Before you can even react, you feel everything around you turning into shadowy bubbles and pulling away in an instant. You notice that in the quickly-shrinking reflection of Eden of Blessed Insight, multicolored oil oozes out from the floating Memory Bubbles... Wait, that isn't Fuli! That is —
:The Enigmata: The Enigmata Mythus! THEIR body refracts colors and radiance that are out of this world. The rays envelop THEM in a rounded triangle. THEY then turn into kaleidoscopic fibers that dance about in the sky. THEY leave behind secreted light... Maybe it was intentional! Those speckled, shimmering symbols, intertwine around THEMSELF, prancing about in the vacuum, boiling, becoming ashen drawings, turning into countless jellyfish tentacles, and erasing all traces on the path with THEIR metaphors and illusive, layered mountain peaks.
:The Enigmata: In a flash, it is as if you see THEIR kneaded figure form some kind of equation... But very quickly THEY congeal into a jellyfish. And then THEY scatter again.
:Ruan Mei: "The next moment has not arrived." Ruan Mei says. "Perhaps due to the Enigmata's effect, but the data has become a pool of glue. We cannot extrapolate the whereabouts of the Eden of Blessed Insight's presence."
:Herta: "Mm, don't think too hard. Admiring the sight from here is pretty nice too." Herta closes her eyes and starts humming a tune. "So what if it affects us? I know that Droidhead. THEIR moments will not be disrupted. Where is the Eden of Blessed Insight? Maybe it's beyond the universe, who knows. How lives who have never seen war arrive at that place... Maybe it was something that Fuli left behind."
:Screwllum: "Some familiar data has surfaced at the Eden of Blessed Insight, which is of great note to me." Screwllum is silent for a moment, after which he speaks. "Phenomenon: After IPC caused the Borderstar Trade War, inorganic life began their activity in the universe for unknown reasons. Affirmation: IPC is a threat to inorganics."
:Herta: "Activity?" Herta asks. "What kind of activity? Is it good or bad?"
:Screwllum: "Behavior, emotions, body temperature, rise and fall, massacre, chaos, and disorder. Perhaps the appearance of the Enigmata was to erase some certainties..." Screwllum's components whir harder for a few seconds — he closes his eyes. "Conclusion: Something terrible has happened. 'Sadness' is my emotion."
:Stephen Lloyd: "Hide... quickly..." Stephen Lloyd has seen something on the computer, his pupils becoming dilated, as if he is going into shock. "I have extrapolated... Err, all life in this domain is about to die again. War has occurred in the universe... Err... Second time...!?"
===Anti-Organic War (II)===
:Simulated Universe: The blood vessels in your brain start to sprawl... You feel you are almost at your limit. You do not wish for your own cognition to continue expanding... Even as the receptacle of the Stellaron, you are unable to withstand anymore...
:Screwllum: "Affirmation: Prevention." Screwllum tries to adjust the data, but Stephen is way ahead of him.
:Stephen Lloyd: "I modified a string of code and lowered (Trailblazer)'s brain temperature." Stephen Lloyd peeks over the monitor. "Hey, are you all right, (Trailblazer)?"
:Herta: "You're all so concerned over (Trailblazer)." Herta makes a turn and seems relaxed. "Well done..."
:Simulated Universe: Before Herta can finish, the brief drop in temperature is overtaken by the overload of cognition. The images in your mind are uncontrollable... You reflexively try to shush them... but the images are getting more and more realistic, seemingly coming to life.
:The Enigmata: You can see it... when the Enigmata shrouds the universe, starlight scatters across the land. THEY draw hidden traces in the stars: That is a string of "Traces," a string of footprints of organic life. Tiny as they are, they walk on the path of the "Trailblaze", forming groups and embedding themselves into the Mechanical City.
:The Enigmata: In front of them, a huge machine sleeps. Its face is quiet, as tiny beings reach out their trembling hands: they are armed with gloves and gas masks, unable to comprehend the flow of the *abstract*, and can only feel its presence through touch...
:Simulated Universe: It is broken, yet holds a solemn face. Its massive shell bears the marks of war, and the symbols on its back are far more tragic than the war itself. It is the Inorganic Legion's *Emperor*, or *Faith* itself! After it falls into a deep slumber, the Machine Empire also falls into ruin.
:Aha: A chuckle burrows into your mind. It's THEM — THEY, and the Enigmata who join in this bleak scenery. THEY are very happy, laughing maniacally. You can't help but think, what made THEM so happy — what exactly did THEY see?
:Ruan Mei: "Seamless, like fate." Ruan Mei's eyes widen in shock, her tone wavering. "The Second War began when a group of organic beings sparked the Anti-Organic Equation..."
:Herta: "The Second War? Has the First War even ended?" Herta mumbles, "The two are clearly connected. These guys have never let up."
:Simulated Universe: You already know: After the war lasts for two Amber Eras, the second moment that Nous calculated will arrive.
:Simulated Universe: At that moment, you see: the #27 member of the Genius Society, Rubert the Emperor, rise from slumber. When it wakes, the dawn of the Machine Empire descends once more. Countless machines rise from the ashes. Their *wills* erupt, *souls* roaring. Even if they have no way of knowing whether the wills and souls belong to them... but, what is *self* to inorganic beings?
:Simulated Universe: The moment the Emperor awakens, the inorganic lives implanted with the Anti-Organic Equation will be activated. There is no reason, and no compromise. No one has the right to ask: Why? Why does its awakening bring more eternal sleep? Why is he so *sacred*, yet wants to change the world through destruction? What has it been through? Has it ever pondered, just as organic life does?
:Simulated Universe: Iron, rust, blood... These concepts rush into your mind. #27 Rubert, is this the lone path you have determined to travel since you became a Genius? The path ahead holds nothing but screams and howls. Some of the voices are filled with *happiness*, and others seem like *hell*. You can pretend they *do not exist*. As long as you pretend, the world is real...
:Simulated Universe: As long as you pretend, the world is real...
:Stephen Lloyd: "I lowered (Trailblazer)'s temperature..." Stephen Lloyd decisively presses the exit button, then realizes. "Uh... I'm not sure... but at that moment just now, I feel we need to extract (Trailblazer)..."
:Herta: "Hmm." Herta sighs, "That's fine, as long as we save the data. There will be other opportunities. Thanks for the hard work, and rest well...(Trailblazer)."
===Emperor Rubert (I)===
:Ruan Mei: "The Second War is still ongoing." Ruan Mei gathers the data spirals in her hands and makes a swipe in the air with her icy fingertips. "The Anti-Organic War went on for dozens of Amber Eras. No one knows how it ended."
:Ruan Mei: "(Trailblazer), move forward." Ruan Mei signals to you and says: "Don't ask questions. THEY will give you the answer up ahead."
:Simulated Universe: You hold your breath and concentrate as you keep going. The melancholy in your mind is personified, and you see a woman with closed eyes. You can tell she is *ancient*, as she probably has been dead even longer than the time non-organic lives have existed. She lies on her side upon a cast iron throne with all sorts of things scattered around her: untold riches, characters that represent power, an hourglass that manages time... and an emaciated, ferocious hound. The hound rests on the ground, waiting for its owner who seems to be in an eternal slumber.
:Simulated Universe: You know that many things took place after the slumber, and it all started with the cast iron throne. Without gaining any new insights and having your questions answered, you have no choice but to keep going, wondering when to stop.
:Nous: Shh... Here THEY are. Nous's figure takes form as data currents converge. You take a deep breath to ready yourself for THEIR gaze. Why is the world coming to an end? Why are wars happening everywhere in the universe? Your mind is full of doubts. Why does death happen to all life? Will I die too? ...Can anyone escape this fate?
:Nous: — You look at him as your mind overflows with questions.
:Nous: Then, everything happens in a flash — THEY turn THEIR gaze toward you. Your perception is widened again, and you can ask THEM questions. THEY can calculate and give you answers, but it is uncertain what kind of language THEY will use.
: Ask THEM questions.
: Do not ask THEM questions.
:Nous: "Akivili."
:Nous: THEY utter a word no more, and that is all there is to answer. You might have asked THEM something, or you might not. Everything has already happened.
:Simulated Universe: After the *cast iron throne* changed hands, the Equilibrium tilted slightly. *Gold*, *bricks*, *blood*, *energy*, *science*, *enlightenment*, and *ignorance* flowed in trickling streams from the Equilibrium. As a result, some lost their existences, and some embraced the Nihility.
:Simulated Universe: You look up and hear the chimes. The sky is overcast and shrouded in a blood-like layer. Flocks of birds flee among the withered flowers and trees, and fruits are left rotten on the ground. The third moment calculated by Nous has come.
:Simulated Universe: Once again, that familiar face is in sight. Hold on. Where have you seen her before? The 4th member of the Genius Society... The name of Lord of Silence comes to mind, and you see Polka Kakamond raising a question to Nous — her pastel-colored skirt sweeps across the entire universe.
:Simulated Universe: When the 17th chime stops, #27 Rubert is killed by #4 Polka Kakamond. It is an encounter between two geniuses. She has ended its journey as well as the universe-wide war it brings about.
===Emperor Rubert (II)===
:Nous: THEIR radiance pierces through your body like icy beams without warning. As THEY gaze into the vast universe, you find yourself unable to touch any of the roots within THEIR calculations. A verdict is given: This is the third moment, and #27 Rubert is dead.
:Nous: ...Did THEY already foresee this on the day gazed at Rubert?
: Is it possible to stop it from happening?
:Simulated Universe: No.
:The Enigmata: All of a sudden, THEY arrive, intending to shatter the concept of moments. The iridescent radiance is gnawing at your senses like dancing stardust, but you understand that everything is certain — this is THEIR third moment, and #27 Rubert is dead.
: Is it possible to stop it from happening?
:Simulated Universe: No.
:The Equilibrium: Next, you sense THEIR presence. With THEIR ancient dominance, THEY make things right with utmost precision and no deviation, only slightly affecting the angle at which the robot's chest is incised with a scalpel. You understand that this is THEIR third moment, and #27 Rubert is dead.
: Is it possible to stop it from happening?
:Simulated Universe: No.
:Simulated Universe: Here it is, Rubert the emperor. You look up at the gargantuan figure, whose ankle is nearby. Yet, its melancholic and biting cold aura prevents you from coming any closer. Amid the frigid mist, the metal emits a glow that cannot be obscured even by war. You look into its eyes...
:Simulated Universe: In an instant, you see everything in the world dissipate. The world awakens, sleeps, revives, and then collapses. Everything occurs as if fated and cannot be reversed. When the last speckle of dust falls on the ground, it signals the end of the third moment.
:Ruan Mei: Ruan Mei is silent, but you can discern a mysterious hint of delight in her eyes... She is relishing this faint sense of *excitement*.
:Ruan Mei: "Some data has stopped running," she says. "Everything is nothing but particles that congregate and then dissipate. Only the universe can remain ancient forever."
:Screwllum: "And THEIR gazes are timeless," Screwllum remarks.
==Final Chapter==
===Finale===
:Herta: "Let's sum it up, as usual." It is obvious what Herta intends to say next. "Stephen, let's hear your thoughts."
:Stephen Lloyd: "Me?" Stephen Lloyd stammers, "Um... I can't do it..."
:Herta: "You're a genius, Stephen Lloyd. I can't believe you can't do public speaking!" Herta's gaze is clearly tinged with annoyance. "One day, we'll help Stephen overcome his fear of crowds. (Trailblazer), we need to organize the parts related to IPC to keep them happy. Then, we can keep the data about the Aeons that we want."
: Let's begin.
:Herta: "Now." Herta casually spins in a circle. "Let's start."
:Screwllum: "The starting point is IPC." Screwllum twists the gear on his glasses. "It is the earliest point in history we can trace matters back to."
:Ruan Mei: "The era that came after the Swarm Disaster was when IPC underwent rapid expansion. Historical moments like the support team reorganization, credit system establishment, and Synesthesia Beacon invention took place during this time. The development of IPC reached its peak."
:Ruan Mei: "Nevertheless, the operation of IPC exacerbated the economic inequality in the universe. Conflicts built up over time, leading to the outbreak of the Borderstar Trade War by two IPC executives, Telora Farnsha and Korapao. That is the first moment calculated by Nous."
:Nous: Their figure emerges again, but THEY remain in silence.
:Herta: "The board of directors of IPC changed from time to time. No one cared about the departments and their heads." Herta adds, "What matters is Nous and THEIR subsequent calculations."
:Stephen Lloyd: "What happened next was the birth of Rubert the robot, which then became the 27th member of the Genius Society..." Stephen Lloyd scratches his face uneasily and continues. "Rubert came up with the Anti-Organic Equation and instigated the second war while the Borderstar Trade War was still ongoing. That is... the second moment."
:Screwllum: "Rubert the emperor believed that the algorithm of organic lives was riddled with errors and loopholes. No matter how long their prosperous lives continued, they would inevitably bring their lives to an end — this was probably what inspired Rubert to derive the Anti-Organic Equation. My conjecture: Rubert received Nous's gaze for his Anti-Organic Equation," Screwllum comments.
:Herta: "Rubert used to be a discarded computer. It was a miracle that it developed awareness." Herta sneezes suddenly. "It was once in a slumber but managed to wake up... The simultaneous outbreak and continuation of the Emperor's War and Borderstar Trade War was almost as tragic as the Swarm Disaster."
:Screwllum: "Last but not least... the third moment."
:Herta: "Oh! It's my favorite!" Herta suddenly stood on her tiptoes in excitement. "Lord of Silence, you did well! I mean, you were exceptional! I'd like to meet you! Can you hear me?"
:Ruan Mei: "#27, Rubert the Emperor, was killed by #4, the Lord of Silence," Ruan Mei summarizes in her ever-peaceful voice. Her words transform into data that is stored in the Simulated Universe system. "#27's name is not found in THEIR calculations, nor is the name of #4. THEY only state the outcome: At that moment, the emperor and its empire ceased to exist at the same time."
:Herta: "Some opined that IPC was behind this. Looking at it now, at least we can be certain that Polka was there. If only I could ask her in person..." Herta mutters. "How about the traces of other Aeons?"
:The Enigmata: "Mythus... I saw THEIR trace," Ruan Mei says contemplatively.
:The Elation: "Um... And Aha's laughter." Stephen Lloyd says hesitantly, "It could be bogus, since THEY were unscrupulous."
:The Equilibrium: "The radiance of HooH was also captured by the Simulated Universe," Ruan Mei continues. "THEY would not stand by and do nothing as the war raged on. However, the moments calculated by Nous did come true one after another as though no forces had interfered with them. Perhaps, some Aeons did or did not attempt to do so."
:Herta: "The Simulated Universe is, after all, created by geniuses. Is it possible that what failed to prevent the moments from happening was our limited intelligence, not the simulated Aeons?" Herta shrugs. "The familiar Aeon... I miss the day THEY gazed at me and how I felt when I asked THEM questions. The passage of time never changes THEM. How interesting... Well, is it time for us to get out?"
:Screwllum: "Question: There's something I still don't understand," Screwllum says. "Are there traces of in this dimension?"
:Ruan Mei: "No way." Ruan Mei ruminates the question with a look of hesitation. After a moment of contemplation, she gives up speculating. "I know you care about him, but it's impossible for to exist in such an ancient dimension."
:Herta: "Um... We can discuss it again when we have the chance." Herta shrugs and says, "I think we've got enough to send to IPC. Let's try a more straightforward simulation next time."
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==Other Languages==
==Change History==
vi:Vũ Trụ Mô Phỏng: Vàng Và Máy Móc/Bí Mật