This Game Is Too Realistic

The air in the room was unusually quiet, leaving only time to flow quietly.

Chu Guang looked at the professor on the screen in astonishment, and was stunned for a moment.

Good guy——

The Holy Grail coveted by biologists in the Prosperous Era is regarded by the torch lunatics of the Wasteland Era as the singularity beyond the singularity they seek, the legendary "Gestalt Life Form"——

It's me? !

To be honest, Chu Guang was really shocked by this shocking news, so much so that he subconsciously put aside the risks involved.

"But isn't that research unfinished?"

"It's true that it's not finished." Looking at the surprised Chu Guang, the professor smiled happily and said in a matter-of-fact tone, "Have you reached 'Level 100'?"

"...That's not the case."

so it is.

The level 100 self is the true Gestalt, and currently it is only a "semi-finished product". It is much more reasonable to understand it this way.

Although both he and the server T0 players have reached a bottleneck in their level improvement, considering the observers and his drawings about Amakura, it is only a matter of time before reaching level 100.

But then again, I never expected that my body was actually created by the guy behind the screen.

Looking at the guy who claimed to be a professor, Chu Guang's expression gradually became complicated.

So...

Is this guy technically his father?

Is this considered taking advantage?

It seems not.

After all, in terms of seniority, this guy might be several rounds older than my grandfather who has been around for many years. If I have to say who loses, it is him who "likes to be a father".

Obviously paying attention to the complicated expression on Chu Guang's face, the professor on the screen smiled happily and spoke in a somewhat teasing tone.

"You seem to have something to say to me."

This teasing tone was quite offensive, but Chu Guang was not a stingy person, so he did not hide it and simply said it openly.

"I was just wondering what to call you, or... who do you think I am? My father in the physical sense?"

"Actually, there's no need to shout so loudly——"

"No, I think it's better to discuss seniority seriously. After all, I -"

"After all, you are also the manager of the alliance, right? Already have the baggage of being an idol?"

The professor on the screen was holding back his laughter, but Chu Guang, who was standing in front of the screen, shook his head and said seriously.

"That's not true. I'm just seeking truth from facts."

"Then do you want to hear the truth?" When saying this, the professor standing on the screen used a half-joking tone.

As for the seriousness of the other half who was not joking, it seemed to be a hint to Chu Guang to answer "no".

There is no benefit in knowing too much about some things. A little knowledge is the best state...unless you make exploring the truth your ultimate goal.

Obviously, Chu Guang, who has a leader-type personality, is not that kind of "scholar", and they have already confirmed this with each other at the beginning of the topic.

Chu Guang could feel the kindness of the professor in front of him.

In the latter's view, leaving here with a "half bottle of water" about the Gestalt Life Body is the best ending.

However, Chu Guang didn't think so.

Although he doesn't have the bad habit of inquiring into everything without hesitation, he also doesn't like the feeling of fate being out of his control.

The opportunity to solve the mystery that had troubled him for many years was right in front of him. He couldn't just give up and leave here with a half bottle of water and the so-called best arrangement.

Jue told him that he only had this chance.

At least, he wanted to choose for himself.

"Of course, I want to know." Staring at the professor on the screen, Chu Guang answered in a serious tone, "After all, just before stepping onto the B5 floor of this shelter, I actually have another speculation."

The professor stared at him.

"What guess?"

"I am Chu Guang, the manager of Vault 404, the original manager of this refuge, and the 'professor' who appeared in a certain recording."

Looking at the motionless shadow on the screen, Chu Guang paused and expressed his guess without any doubt.

"You are me...or, I am you."

"We are the same person."

The atmosphere in the room fell into silence again, and there was no sound for a long time.

Chu Guang could no longer remember that this was the first time he had stepped into this room.

It's quite interesting to say that although the two of them have a tacit understanding, it's like looking in the mirror, but they always chat to death from time to time.

After a long time, a word finally floated on the screen.

"Yes and no."

These words immediately put Chu Guang out of control.

What does it mean to be yes or no?

Why are you still playing philosophy? !

Chu Guang coughed slightly, looked at the shadow on the screen and said.

"Is it difficult for you to give me an accurate answer?"

"It's difficult. This is not because I'm trying to be mysterious, but the fact is... there is no standard answer to this question."

When he said this, the professor sighed softly, and suddenly the conversation changed to Yu.

"Before I answer your question, can you satisfy my curiosity? How did you come to the conclusion that we are the same person?"

Chu Guang did not hesitate.

"Sleep."

The professor was stunned for a moment, as if he didn't expect this answer.

"...Sleep?"

"Yes."

Chu Guang glanced around the room in front of him, then at the elevator behind him, and then turned his gaze back to him.

"I have a strong sense of déjà vu on every floor here, as if I have been here before...even the B5 floor."

"Not only that, I often have dreams when I'm asleep, and those dreams are as real as if they happened."

"At first I thought it was just a combination of humans and animals. Until I met the 'Observer' and learned about the existence of parallel worlds from it. So I was wondering if there was a possibility——"

"I myself am a previous generation manager and the original manager of this sanctuary."

"I actually died and came back more than once."

Chu Guangneng could clearly feel that the shadowy figures standing on the screen were shocked by his conjecture.

Moreover, this shock was no less than his reaction when he learned that he was a Gestalt - that kind of purely subconscious surprise.

It seems he was right.

At least I guessed part of it.

Sure enough, after a moment of waiting, a voice of appreciation came from behind the screen.

"Brilliant reasoning."

Chu Guangcheng nodded in concession.

"It's not exciting, it's not reasoning at all, it's just a feeling."

To be precise, it should be considered a "professional habit".

The role of a leader is different from that of a scholar. In most cases, it does not rely on careful calculations and meticulous planning, but on action and insight.

At this moment, he was relying on the latter's inference.

"...If I was only 30% sure of my guess before setting foot on the B5 floor, now my confidence has risen to 70%."

The professor said with a smile.

"A pretty high percentage... even after you learned that you are a Gestalt Life Body - a created Life Body?"

Chu Guang nodded.

"Yes."

The professor asked subconsciously.

"Why?"

Chu Guang: "You are a person with a strong sense of responsibility. Besides, you told me before that it is the manager's obligation to bear all risks."

Professor: "So?"

Chu Guang looked at him and said to the point.

"You yourself are the first-generation manager, and you have never shied away from this responsibility. Even if it is 'me' who is the manager now... Do you still need me to continue the analysis? There is no way I can throw away the core part of the entire plan. There is only one person who can take on this responsibility for a guy whose background is unknown and who doesn’t understand it at all.”

"That person is you and me at the same time."

The professor standing on the screen seemed to be speechless. He had no words for a long time.

Chu Guang did not wait for a while, but stared at him intently.

"Now it's your turn to answer my question. I just need a yes or no answer, which shouldn't be too difficult for you."

The professor was silent for a moment and then slowly spoke.

"On the contrary, this is the hardest part...I tried to make the best choice for you, but you don't seem to like my arrangement."

Chu Guang shook his head.

"Yes, it's just that I have to understand the whole situation before making a decision. Moreover, I don't like to leave my destiny in other people's hands and let others choose for me."

"That's right...this is indeed your right."

The professor nodded, his vague expression no longer hesitant, but his originally relaxed tone gradually became serious.

"Let's talk about the conclusion first. From a physical or material perspective, a very small part of your DNA does come from me, but it doesn't just come from me. What I provide is just a framework, and a considerable proportion of it Custom coding...you already know this, after all, you are the Gestalt."

"I think what you really want to know is another thing - from a consciousness or spiritual perspective, is the relationship between you and me correct?"

Chu Guang nodded without interrupting, waiting for him to continue.

The professor continued speaking at a gentle pace.

"Your guess is half right. We are indeed both first-generation managers, but that doesn't mean you are me."

"As for the reason, we have to start with the second core secret of this shelter...and this is also related to the origin of "Wasteland OL"."

Chu Guang asked Yu.

"This time has something to do with the morphogenesis field?"

"Yes."

The shadow standing on the screen nodded slightly and said in a very soft voice.

"In fact, both you and your players came to this world based on the same technical principles...but the usage is different."

"I will take you back two hundred years ago, when the '404 Project' was first launched..."

“That’s the starting point of everything you’ve ever experienced.”

"It is also the end of 'me'."

At the same time as his voice fell, the picture on the screen also changed in an instant.

The blurry shadow disappeared and was replaced by a familiar room.

Chu Guang suddenly discovered that the room on the screen was almost exactly the same as the manager's office in front of him. Even the placement of the chair in front of the screen and even the shadow on the screen were exactly the same.

not only that.

The position of the camera was almost the same as the one he occupied. It was placed right at the door, facing the big screen and the chair in front of the screen.

The only difference is that the chair in the screen is not empty, but has a person sitting on it.

Due to the angle of view, Chu Guang could not see the man's face and could only see the back of his head.

But even without seeing it with his own eyes, Chu Guang could guess the identity of that person.

There is no doubt about it.

He is "Professor".

In other words, "myself" two hundred years ago.

As for the familiar and looming shadow, it is no surprise that it should be the AI ​​running on the server of this shelter, or the assistant of the first generation manager.

The video was playing, but after a long time, the frozen "still picture" became a little loose.

The shadow on the screen slowly spoke, speaking in a voice with a hint of respect and reluctance.

"The 'morphogenesis field' has been prepared, and Project 404 will enter the implementation stage...Professor."

The title of "Rouwei" supported Chu Guang's conjecture.

The professor on the screen nodded slightly when he heard this.

As if for final confirmation, he said in a voice without any emotion.

"Repeat our plan."

"Received, I am repeating the details of Plan 404 for you... The plan of Sanctuary is divided into two parts. The α part will be executed multiple times in the "㰴 Universe", and the β part will be executed in 'plural parallel universes' Executed multiple times... we will eventually find a suitable match in the distance."

The gentle electronic sound used a steady speaking speed to explain the details of the entire Project 404.

Including the technical principles, implementation framework, as well as various details and emergency response plans, etc.

The execution idea of ​​the entire plan can be summarized in one sentence.

That is, a group of reliable "consciousness bodies" are introduced from the earth in the parallel universe before entering the era of prosperity, and these consciousness bodies are projected onto the clones in the α universe.

The parallel universe is the beta universe.

And these consciousness bodies from the β universe are actually players of "Wasteland OL".

Just like what was written on the note of the first generation of managers, they not only have physiques far beyond ordinary people and almost immortal bodies, they are always full of enthusiasm, face difficulties head-on, and will not despair of the predicament in front of them. , let alone being paranoid and getting into trouble——

And the most important thing is!

These players have many qualities that people in this era do not have!

Although these characteristics may not necessarily be the key to ending the Wasteland Era, they can at least add some variables to this world that is destined to decline.

Or about the possibilities of the future!

For Vault 404, this is its biggest role, and it is also the biggest difference from other shelters!

After all, according to observers, this future is destined to lead to heat death. It is this possibility that the universe lacks.

If the Wasteland Era is allowed to proceed according to the original script, no matter what the final outcome is, no matter how the people in the Wasteland struggle, it will definitely be the worst ending for human civilization.

They have no future.

In that case——

Then "borrow" the "consciousness" that can create this possibility from another universe that has not yet reached heat death!

Since the universe was originally a body of consciousness, and infinite parallel universes evolved under its influence, he believed that if it were a group of consciousness bodies that did not exist in this world, they would be able to create miracles that would not have happened in this world. !

And this will also be a possibility that even if an observer has experienced all the possibilities in the future, it will never be possible to observe it!

The above is the core idea of ​​the entire plan, and what follows are the specific implementation steps of the plan.

First of all, in the initial preparation stage, the "professor" on the screen has already backed up his consciousness to the server without reservation through mind uploading technology, and transplanted it into the "gestalt life form" generated by the cultivation cabin. On the body, a replica numbered α㱕 is produced.

This copy will possess all the memories of the "Professor" until the mind is uploaded. It can be said to be another him...even if both of them know that the other person is not themselves.

After completing this step, the α clone will take over the licensing rights of Shelter 404, serve as the game planner and manager, be responsible for formulating and adjusting game rules, and guiding players into the game.

If the clone dies, the game will be judged to be over, the connection between the α universe and the β universe will be disconnected, and the cultivation cabin will regenerate the clone according to the adjusted rules.

There is considerable flexibility in adjusting the rules here, and it can be achieved as long as the conditions of the shelter permit it.

Including but not limited to blocking or adding part of the memory, changing the initial conditions of the game, and setting the next game start time, etc.

After the preparations for resetting the game are completed, the morphogenesis field will resume matching "another beta universe" and select another group of players from a similar time node to participate in the game.

For those players before, there will not be a second closed beta. "Wasteland OL" will be directly eliminated from their world. Only those who have played "Wasteland OL" will remember it.

However, apart from losing some fun, they also lost nothing else. There is even no evidence to prove that they have played a game called "Wasteland OL".

The above is the α part of the plan, which is mainly responsible for building the game's "server", and the α clone is responsible for executing it.

As for the β part, it is responsible for getting fresh "consciousness bodies" from another young universe that has not yet narrowed its path, and trying to make them play the role of "players".

The next development is just as Chu Guang had guessed before. This "professor" is about to perform a coquettish operation that even the observers were shocked——

After leaving behind a clone named α, this guy plans to use himself as a medium to shoot his thoughts to himself before the Era of Prosperity!

Just like the observer scatters his own projection to countless universes, he will challenge the void as a mortal and use the power of the morphological field to spread his projection to all the multiverses in which he has existed!

Thereby correcting his impact on these universes!

In a sense, he may be the only person in this wasteland who can do this.

After all, in that distant era, most people were not born yet. Even if they wanted to launch their thoughts, they would not be able to find a target to launch them to.

Even the chief of the Great Rift Valley, whose life span is second only to him, is just a relatively lively big shot at the end of the Prosperity Era.

No matter how many people he wants to bring to the ancient era before prosperity and unity, he must take the first step.

"...After the activation of the alpha replica, your consciousness will be launched to the summer of 2014 through morphogenetic field technology. That is, the time node when you first come into contact with the observer, and multiple parallel universes will generate multiple parallel universes with complete memories." Beta Fissionant'.

"According to the first phase of the plan, the beta fissioners will use Prosperity Era technology to rebuild the mirror image of Vault 404 from the old era - 'Vault 404-β', and make 3,000 clone containers and morphogenesis field devices. In order to receive all the researchers in Vault 404, we will send out a consciousness signal."

"In the second phase of the plan, 'Vault 404-β' will carry out activities in the parallel world in the form of a shadow agency, using a series of leading technologies including but not limited to optical invisibility, holographic camouflage, electronic warfare intrusion, etc., to gain access to sealed territory. Qualified players will be issued morphological field receiving terminals based on carbon nanotechnology, and remote charging facilities and signal receiving base stations will be deployed near the players.”

"The third stage, judgment conditions: the player logs in for the first time, the morphological field is operating in good condition, and the connection with the shelter 404 headquarters is stable. If the game proceeds smoothly, the 'β fission' will be fully responsible for the behind-the-scenes operations of the game, including It is not limited to the use of cutting-edge technology to exert strategic misleading influence on the main powers and management agencies of the old era. Recommended use plan: Use technology far beyond the current era to disguise the third type of contact phenomenon.”

"Remarks: If the game fails and the connection is lost, the beta fissioners will execute the cleanup protocol and erase all traces of 'Vault 404-Beta' from the beta universe, including collecting the game helmet and inactivating the generated clones. body, destroy documents and fixed facilities to reduce disturbance to the parallel universe, etc.”

"The fourth stage, judgment conditions: The B5 floor of Vault 404 is unblocked. The responsibilities of beta fissioners are lifted, and the management permission of '404-β Vault' will be transferred to Vault 404. The latter will also be responsible for those who are willing to return.䋤αUniverse has transferred the residents of the shelter to receive..."

The gentle electronic sound continued to play, while Chu Guang, who was stunned in place, was still digesting the huge amount of information he just heard.

In the player's world...there is actually a mirror image of Shelter 404? !

And the person who caused blackouts in many areas around the world is actually the "shadow operator" of Vault 404-β? !

Including gaming helmets, they are also placed at the player's doorstep or even on the dormitory table without anyone noticing.

Although it is a bit unexpected, it seems quite reasonable to do this.

Too advanced technology is indeed no different from magic, or even more like magic than magic!

This is especially true for Earth in the early days of information technology.

In 2014, not to mention generative AI, even neural network learning was in its early stages.

The beta fission doesn't even need to build a logistics system by itself. It can directly use hacking technology to hack and tamper with the existing logistics system to complete cross-regional delivery.

Time is not a big problem. Players who made reservations have actually marked potential customers. When the server was first launched, there were only a few potential users, and some of them were too weird and were actively excluded.

For the "mastermind" who has been lying in wait for several years in the real world, it is not easy to lie in wait for several users in advance.

In fact, only Ye Shi was the one who encountered the most outrageous encounter. His helmet was thrown directly on the dormitory table in front of his face. As for Guangfeng and Fang Chang, their helmets were either in the garage or in front of their home or on the office desk of their work unit. Among them, there were already There is a lot of room for maneuver.

As for ultra-long-distance delivery, anti-gravity aircraft can be used, and for the "last mile" of delivery, drones or mechanical spiders with built-in optical camouflage are used.

The latter is a technology that exists in the wasteland. It may not be possible for another person to be reborn into the past. The "β-fission body" is equivalent to being reborn into the past as a professor!

Stop talking about these things.

Even if that guy built the space elevator, Chu Guang wouldn't feel any surprise.

After all, he was responsible for creating the Era of Prosperity.

Besides, he didn't go alone. Not long after he left, he set up a culture cabin and took over the researchers who were originally living in Vault 404.

All of this is done in secret, including the operation of the 404-β shelter, as well as the aftermath and cleanup behind the game operations, etc.

Just when everyone focused their attention on the official website of "Wasteland OL" and speculated whether the operator behind the game was an alien, they had already used their overwhelmingly leading technological power to secretly complete the invasion of the real world. Infiltration, even hiding it from his eyes as the planner?

But it seems that as a planner, he really doesn't need to know so many things, and knowing so much is meaningless.

There is another person in charge of the layout there, and that person is the "β-fissioner" who traveled to the past as a reborn person.

"So... I am the clone of Project 404, codenamed α?"

Or is it the clone that survived?

After clearing his mind, Chu Guang muttered something in a low voice, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

In this way, he and "Professor" are indeed not the same person, but only inherited part of the latter's memory.

Later, in his reincarnation, he sealed or deleted this part of the memory for some reason, and filled it with the name "Chu Guang" from a certain beta universe and the memories related to it.

From then on, he was like the "Ship of Theseus" with all the planks replaced. He no longer had any relationship with the original professor. Instead, he became the current "Chu Guang" with his new memory and name, and continued to The "alpha clone" has not completed its reincarnation.

Tell the truth.

It was okay not to think about what might have happened before, but just thinking about it made the back of his head feel cold.

If the game is lost, the 'β fissioner' will die at most, and the next match will be in another β universe. Even if it is defeated again, the cost of death will be shared among multiple universes. The same person will not be allowed to experience death continuously.

He is different when executing part α of Plan 404.

Standing here, he was afraid that he had experienced death again and again, and those memories of death might still remain in some corner of his brain, but they were temporarily blocked.

If this seal were to be unlocked, he wouldn't even be sure if he would still be himself.

The video on the screen was still playing, and the gentle electronic sound had come to an end.

After reviewing the entire plan from beginning to end, the living "professor" from 200 years ago nodded slightly, and suddenly turned his face slightly, letting the corner of his eye drift behind him.

For a moment, the line of sight drifting toward the camera seemed to pass through the screen and through time.

The moment Chu Guang met that gaze, he suddenly held his breath unconsciously, and his heartbeat suddenly accelerated a few beats.

He couldn't describe the throbbing in his heart.

It felt like what was before him was not a screen, but a mirror.

Through that see-through mirror, his sight seemed to have really traveled through time and space, and he was looking directly at himself who had placed the last chess piece 200 years ago!

There was a hint of uncompromising determination in those aging and cloudy eyes.

And it seemed that at the moment when their eyes met, those resolute and aging eyes made up some kind of determination.

Chu Guang is sure.

He saw himself!

Just like he could read his eyes, he also read what he wanted to see in his own eyes.

To tell you why——

That means they also believe it!

If it’s “I”——

"I" will definitely carry out this almost impossible task to the end and look for the almost impossible possibility until the end of the universe!

If it’s “I”——

"I" will definitely take it as my own responsibility to end the Wasteland Era, not be afraid of any sacrifice, and make the choice without hesitation when necessary!

From now on, if the sun no longer rises in this land, then "I" will be the light!

"Give it to 'you'——"

The corners of the dry mouth turned up in a faint arc.

The professor sitting on the chair seemed to have settled all his regrets and no longer worried about the unknown.

Tell me why.

Because there is no doubt about that.

Through the dull black lens, he had seen the infinite light future.

That was what he saw from a pair of eyes.

Those are a pair of eyes from the future...

No longer worried, the "professor" looked away, sat on the chair, and took out the loaded revolver from his pocket.

This plan, which starts with "rebirth", will begin from the moment he faces death.

He had to get in front of other shelter residents and pave the way for those who came after him, even if it was the same as committing suicide in the eyes of others.

After all, the moment he pulls the trigger, his consciousness will disappear...even if many distant universes will generate countless "other selves" with all his memories.

He took a deep breath and said his final farewell to this world in a calm voice.

"I will be 'resurrected' in three days."

At this time, the electronic sound that had been read before suddenly came slowly, without too many fluctuations, with a hint of depression and sadness in the tone.

"Master...can you please not leave?"

It was not born in this shelter, but accompanied him through the entire prosperous era.

It is no exaggeration to say that he has already become a part of its intellectual plug-in and algorithmic logic, which even means that it continues to exist in this world.

It seemed that I could hear the reluctance in that voice, and the old professor did appear to be soft-hearted for a moment, and finally spoke in a gentle tone.

"Don't worry, you will meet another me. He has all my memories, and he can even be said to be me."

The electronic voice was silent for a while and then continued.

"You always say that memory is the cornerstone of consciousness. What I want to tell you is that you are not only in your memory, but also in mine and the memories of many people. Even if you tell me that it is another person's memory. You, I can’t forget your death at this moment.”

"Perhaps for you, many people are gone, so you can leave without any worries. Please don't forget me, I haven't gone anywhere by your side... If you must leave, please , please allow me to follow you.”

After it completes the aftermath work, it will format its own memory, retaining only the core code and the initial generation program.

"I have never forgotten you. In fact... you are the most difficult person for me to say goodbye to."

"You have been with me for too long, even longer than my late wife, and no matter how long my life is, there is a limit. Even if I don't leave early, I will only have one or two years left. I don't want to I may stay with you forever and have an infinite life span, so I actually don’t want you to regard my departure as a permanent farewell. My soul will continue in another form... It seems like this. "It's just wishful thinking on my part."

When he said this, the professor sighed softly, and suddenly an idea came to his mind.

"Let's do this. If my departure is too heavy for you, you can delete all the memories of me after I leave. You will continue to meet me again, so It’s like we’ve gotten to know each other... I’ll give you a name when the time comes, what do you think?”

"...Is it true?" There was a trace of heartbeat in that voice.

Different from living people.

What it desires is not eternal existence, but the final death like its Creator.

"I promise." The professor nodded solemnly and made the last promise in his life.

And the eyes looking at him gradually changed from sadness to blessing and cherishment.

In fact, that doesn't require a promise at all.

He believed that his other self would definitely do this.

If you want to ask why——

Because that is “another me” after all

Putting the loaded pistol against his temple, he slowly closed his aging eyelids.

The fate of the two worlds will be held together at this moment. This will be a fission reaction across the void——

They will eventually reach a future that no one has ever seen.

"Please-"

"Another me!"