I remove my VR helmet, frustration evident in my features as I process the disconcerting turn of events. Aileen and Suho are both targeted and now we find ourselves one champion short. The situation is far from ideal, but it's too early to succumb to pessimism. Perhaps, in this peculiar 'time slip,' Suho is still navigating an alternate reality, persevering against unforeseen challenges. With a determined mindset, I stand up and make my way to the Control Room, seeking solace in the busyness that awaits.
Upon entering, I find Kim Hosup engrossed in his duties, diligently clicking away and operating drones to infiltrate the Hero Association's concealed physical archives. The urgency of the situation fuels his efforts. Tomer, on the other hand, is engrossed in sending various emails to my Djinn ships, aiding them in locating the potential site of the joint research. A fleeting thought crosses my mind regarding the Hero Association's Tower, but I dismiss it. My backdoor access to the Tower has revealed no signs of clandestine research within its walls.
The task at hand is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. The elusive location of the research site remains shrouded in mystery, and the limited options for discovery prompt a sense of frustration. If only I had the luxury of metaphorically burning the haystack to reveal the hidden truth.
I contemplate the idea of launching a direct assault on the Hero Association, tempted by the notion of resorting to terrorism to achieve our goals. The allure of forceful methods lingers as an option, seemingly the path of least resistance. While Rachel is likely to voice reservations, Nayun appears more open to the idea. Rachel's stance may shift should the group collectively decide to pursue such an aggressive approach.
However, a practical limitation hinders the execution of such a plan. My ability, capable of teleporting Tomer and Hosup anywhere, falls short when it comes to Nayun, Rachel, or Suho. The constraints arise from what I have deduced as the 'Weight of Existence'—a concept tied to physical weight, magic power capacity, and potentially the weight of the soul. In essence, the stronger the Narrative Power of an individual, the less likely I can transport them using .
Another option presents itself in the form of Warp Gates. Having achieved an 82% Synchronization Rate with my AI, I am eligible to utilize Warp Gate Technology. However, the feasibility of constructing the necessary gates poses a challenge, both in terms of resources and the intricate logistics involved.
For now, I decide to withhold any plan for aggression until Nayun and Rachel return.
Seated before my computer, I dive into research, delving into the names of individuals linked to the covert thesis—Analysis of the Time Curve Phenomena and its Effects on History. Memories of the document Aileen bestowed upon me guide my inquiry. The list of proponents unfolds, revealing a cadre primarily composed of esteemed physicists, engineers, and historians, each adorned with prestigious doctorates. The realization hits me like a wave—I find myself up against an all-star team, a collective expertise that surpasses my own.
A sense of humility washes over me as I confront the stark reality that researching the origins of towers, dungeons, and monsters alone is a formidable task beyond my current capabilities. The initial belief in my solitary prowess begins to crumble in the face of this intellectual powerhouse.
Reflecting on my past year, I acknowledge the inflation of my ego, a consequence of my growing capabilities. Arrogance has seeped in, and the realization that I've become too conceited settles uncomfortably. To reset my perspective, I decide to visit the Little Blue Tower, a place that has been neglected in recent times, save for the instance when I escorted Sven here, masked by my alternate identity.
Equipped with bundles of paper, ballpoints, and a laptop fueled by my magic power, I step into the Time Dilation Chamber on the tower's first floor. The familiar emptiness within the tower greets me, unaltered from my last visit. Settling into a lotus position, I engage in the Great Sage's Breathing Method, aiming to enhance my intelligence stat. Determined, I commit to remaining in this place until I uncover something significant that can contribute to our cause.
The current state of my magical power feels distressingly feeble, barely sufficient to wield, tapped out from my recent Perfect Nerve Synchronization. It's a frustrating realization. Progress seems to have plateaued, leaving me stagnant for some time now. The gradual enhancement of my strength over the years has paradoxically hindered my development. While I appreciate and revel in the strides I've made, the absence of continual growth creates a peculiar sense of withdrawal, akin to missing something addictive. The craving for that sensation of constant improvement gnaws at me, and its absence feels like an ache I can't alleviate.
Ceasing my meditation, I find no solace in its continuation. The pursuit of progress demands my attention. Opening my laptop, I utilize my AI system to project copies of the Thesis onto my retina. Engaging in a bout of concentrated typing, I work on organizing my thoughts and solidifying my comprehension of the profound implications that arise from this world existing as an nth iteration of the 21st century I once knew. The task at hand demands my intellectual prowess, a divergence from the spiritual, and a plunge into the cerebral.
In the culmination of my efforts, I settle on a title that encapsulates my inquiry— Comparative Analysis of the Time Curve Phenomena and the Bleeding of Time, in Response to the First Iteration. My primary question revolves around the existence of the First Iteration. I aim not only to establish its reality but also to explore the possibility of traversing to it. While the scientists affiliated with the Association and Djinn Scientists limit their focus to proving the authenticity and occurrence of this timeline, I ambitiously extend my pursuit. Venturing into the quest for the First Iteration, I am determined to outpace them in this race. This research, I believe, holds the potential to uncover valuable insights that could contribute significantly to our cause.
Within the confines of the Time Dilation Chamber, connectivity with the Cube AI eludes me. Undeterred, I rely on my own analytical abilities and the assistance of my in-built AI System, with the formidable [Witch King] at my side. This enchanted hat proves to be an invaluable companion, utilizing its [Wisdom] Ability to identify and rectify logical gaps within my evolving Thesis. Immersed in the intricate exploration of temporal mysteries, I employ rigid mathematical formulas to articulate the profound impacts of time on our existence.
The passage of days goes unnoticed within this secluded space, with only the digital clock on my magical laptop serving as a reminder of the external passage of time. Enveloped in the pursuit of answers, I remain committed to this intellectual endeavor, setting a self-imposed limit of at least a month in real-world time before resurfacing from my temporal seclusion.
As I delve deeper into the complexities of time, seeking answers amidst the tangled threads of time, I consult Witch King, the enigmatic presence dwelling within me.
"Witch King, what are your thoughts on this?"
The voice, oddly reminiscent of a young girl, echoes within my mind, delivering insights that often strike a peculiar chord.
"The Time Curve Phenomena and the Bleeding of Time, while seemingly distinct, share a common thread — 'time' and 'timelines' interwoven in their essence. But there's a crucial piece we're overlooking. The Time Curve isn't just a phenomenon; it's a theoretical paradox, a future event existing within the past. Yet, as a 'future' occurrence in the 'past,' it defies existence itself. It's an impossibility, making it paradoxical to label it as a mere phenomenon."
Her explanation captures the paradoxical nature of time, encapsulated in her every word.
As I grapple with the intricacies of temporal conundrums, the realization hits me like a bolt of lightning.
"Yes, that’s a valid model. The timeline we currently exist in is the ‘present,’ and a Time Curve is an event remodeled after this present, which, in fact, has become the ‘past.’ Yet, this was actually happening in the future… The Association and the Djinn Scientists have it all wrong. They are trying to recreate the Time Curve Phenomena when, in fact, it cannot be recreated, no matter how hard they try… They would simply kill themselves and throw themselves to the Fourth Wall."
Relief washes over me momentarily as I uncover what seems to be a dead end, an unintended self-destructive loop in the Association and Djinn Scientists' flawed research. The suicidal pursuit of recreating the Time Curve Phenomena is futile, a realization that momentarily eases the tension in my mind. However, I can't afford to relax just yet. At any moment, they might stumble upon this glaring flaw in their approach. What they truly need is not to recreate the Time Curve Phenomena but to construct a Time Curve Bridge. This would serve as the key to proving that the ‘present’ indeed exists, anchoring us within a specific timeline rather than a mere existence devoid of purpose.
As I delve deeper into my research, I realize that touching upon the enigma of the First Iteration is a daunting task, and it may be prudent to set it aside for the time being. Shifting my focus to the Bleeding of Time, I find that it is an intricate event, a phenomenon triggered when a timeline meets its demise. Through extensive study, I've come to understand that with each person's death, a timeline also meets its end, emphasizing the intertwining nature of individual existence and timelines.
Witch King, my mystical hat companion, chimes in, offering a tentative perspective on the matter. "Nothing conclusive yet, but it is most likely true given our precedent—Kum Seungyeon, who had experienced the Bleeding of Time."
I nod in agreement. "Yeah, it would be beneficial to have more precedents, but that could lead to unfavorable outcomes considering the havoc Kum Seungyeon wreaked. Setting that aside, it should be within our abilities to recreate the Bleeding of Time, at least a tenth of its functions."
Witch King, not as adept at mathematics as Cube AI, offers a fifty-fifty estimate. "I am not as good at math as big sis, Cube… But give or take, I’d say fifty-fifty…"
Amused by the term "big sis" that Witch King uses to refer to Cube AI, I inwardly chuckle. "Yeah, I actually like those odds. I'm feeling pessimistic, honestly. I think I have less than a one percent chance of successfully transposing this knowledge into technology."
Fingers tapping furiously against the keys of my laptop, I forge ahead, sketching out the blueprint for a prototype. It's a potential solution, a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty surrounding Suho's disappearance. This technology, if successful, might bridge the gap between us and Suho, even if he's ensnared within a Time Bubble.
With each line of code and every intricate design element, I outline the framework, envisioning how this mechanism might operate. It's a crude outline, but I aim to refine it, leaving room for Cube to work its magic and enhance the concept further. This is my contribution, my attempt to harness the power of technology to break through the barriers of time that have separated us from Suho.
Glancing at my laptop, I'm confronted by the realization that, within the confines of the Time Chamber, a month has passed in the real world. The recalibrated chamber has worked its temporal magic, compressing time within its walls. It feels like I've dwelled within this space for half a year, a surreal experience that challenges the conventional flow of time.
Oddly, the effects of the Time Chamber seem limited to the biological. While my own perception of time has been altered, my laptop displays real-world time. This remarkable device, endowed with immense computational power, remains unaffected by temporal distortion. I marvel at the technological resilience, recognizing that a regular laptop would have succumbed to overheating under these conditions.
I remove my VR helmet, frustration evident in my features as I process the disconcerting turn of events. Aileen and Suho are both targeted and now we find ourselves one champion short. The situation is far from ideal, but it's too early to succumb to pessimism. Perhaps, in this peculiar 'time slip,' Suho is still navigating an alternate reality, persevering against unforeseen challenges. With a determined mindset, I stand up and make my way to the Control Room, seeking solace in the busyness that awaits.
Upon entering, I find Kim Hosup engrossed in his duties, diligently clicking away and operating drones to infiltrate the Hero Association's concealed physical archives. The urgency of the situation fuels his efforts. Tomer, on the other hand, is engrossed in sending various emails to my Djinn ships, aiding them in locating the potential site of the joint research. A fleeting thought crosses my mind regarding the Hero Association's Tower, but I dismiss it. My backdoor access to the Tower has revealed no signs of clandestine research within its walls.
The task at hand is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. The elusive location of the research site remains shrouded in mystery, and the limited options for discovery prompt a sense of frustration. If only I had the luxury of metaphorically burning the haystack to reveal the hidden truth.
I contemplate the idea of launching a direct assault on the Hero Association, tempted by the notion of resorting to terrorism to achieve our goals. The allure of forceful methods lingers as an option, seemingly the path of least resistance. While Rachel is likely to voice reservations, Nayun appears more open to the idea. Rachel's stance may shift should the group collectively decide to pursue such an aggressive approach.
However, a practical limitation hinders the execution of such a plan. My ability, capable of teleporting Tomer and Hosup anywhere, falls short when it comes to Nayun, Rachel, or Suho. The constraints arise from what I have deduced as the 'Weight of Existence'—a concept tied to physical weight, magic power capacity, and potentially the weight of the soul. In essence, the stronger the Narrative Power of an individual, the less likely I can transport them using .
Another option presents itself in the form of Warp Gates. Having achieved an 82% Synchronization Rate with my AI, I am eligible to utilize Warp Gate Technology. However, the feasibility of constructing the necessary gates poses a challenge, both in terms of resources and the intricate logistics involved.
For now, I decide to withhold any plan for aggression until Nayun and Rachel return.
Seated before my computer, I dive into research, delving into the names of individuals linked to the covert thesis—Analysis of the Time Curve Phenomena and its Effects on History. Memories of the document Aileen bestowed upon me guide my inquiry. The list of proponents unfolds, revealing a cadre primarily composed of esteemed physicists, engineers, and historians, each adorned with prestigious doctorates. The realization hits me like a wave—I find myself up against an all-star team, a collective expertise that surpasses my own.
A sense of humility washes over me as I confront the stark reality that researching the origins of towers, dungeons, and monsters alone is a formidable task beyond my current capabilities. The initial belief in my solitary prowess begins to crumble in the face of this intellectual powerhouse.
Reflecting on my past year, I acknowledge the inflation of my ego, a consequence of my growing capabilities. Arrogance has seeped in, and the realization that I've become too conceited settles uncomfortably. To reset my perspective, I decide to visit the Little Blue Tower, a place that has been neglected in recent times, save for the instance when I escorted Sven here, masked by my alternate identity.
Equipped with bundles of paper, ballpoints, and a laptop fueled by my magic power, I step into the Time Dilation Chamber on the tower's first floor. The familiar emptiness within the tower greets me, unaltered from my last visit. Settling into a lotus position, I engage in the Great Sage's Breathing Method, aiming to enhance my intelligence stat. Determined, I commit to remaining in this place until I uncover something significant that can contribute to our cause.
The current state of my magical power feels distressingly feeble, barely sufficient to wield, tapped out from my recent Perfect Nerve Synchronization. It's a frustrating realization. Progress seems to have plateaued, leaving me stagnant for some time now. The gradual enhancement of my strength over the years has paradoxically hindered my development. While I appreciate and revel in the strides I've made, the absence of continual growth creates a peculiar sense of withdrawal, akin to missing something addictive. The craving for that sensation of constant improvement gnaws at me, and its absence feels like an ache I can't alleviate.
Ceasing my meditation, I find no solace in its continuation. The pursuit of progress demands my attention. Opening my laptop, I utilize my AI system to project copies of the Thesis onto my retina. Engaging in a bout of concentrated typing, I work on organizing my thoughts and solidifying my comprehension of the profound implications that arise from this world existing as an nth iteration of the 21st century I once knew. The task at hand demands my intellectual prowess, a divergence from the spiritual, and a plunge into the cerebral.
In the culmination of my efforts, I settle on a title that encapsulates my inquiry— Comparative Analysis of the Time Curve Phenomena and the Bleeding of Time, in Response to the First Iteration. My primary question revolves around the existence of the First Iteration. I aim not only to establish its reality but also to explore the possibility of traversing to it. While the scientists affiliated with the Association and Djinn Scientists limit their focus to proving the authenticity and occurrence of this timeline, I ambitiously extend my pursuit. Venturing into the quest for the First Iteration, I am determined to outpace them in this race. This research, I believe, holds the potential to uncover valuable insights that could contribute significantly to our cause.
Within the confines of the Time Dilation Chamber, connectivity with the Cube AI eludes me. Undeterred, I rely on my own analytical abilities and the assistance of my in-built AI System, with the formidable [Witch King] at my side. This enchanted hat proves to be an invaluable companion, utilizing its [Wisdom] Ability to identify and rectify logical gaps within my evolving Thesis. Immersed in the intricate exploration of temporal mysteries, I employ rigid mathematical formulas to articulate the profound impacts of time on our existence.
The passage of days goes unnoticed within this secluded space, with only the digital clock on my magical laptop serving as a reminder of the external passage of time. Enveloped in the pursuit of answers, I remain committed to this intellectual endeavor, setting a self-imposed limit of at least a month in real-world time before resurfacing from my temporal seclusion.
As I delve deeper into the complexities of time, seeking answers amidst the tangled threads of time, I consult Witch King, the enigmatic presence dwelling within me.
"Witch King, what are your thoughts on this?"
The voice, oddly reminiscent of a young girl, echoes within my mind, delivering insights that often strike a peculiar chord.
"The Time Curve Phenomena and the Bleeding of Time, while seemingly distinct, share a common thread — 'time' and 'timelines' interwoven in their essence. But there's a crucial piece we're overlooking. The Time Curve isn't just a phenomenon; it's a theoretical paradox, a future event existing within the past. Yet, as a 'future' occurrence in the 'past,' it defies existence itself. It's an impossibility, making it paradoxical to label it as a mere phenomenon."
Her explanation captures the paradoxical nature of time, encapsulated in her every word.
As I grapple with the intricacies of temporal conundrums, the realization hits me like a bolt of lightning.
"Yes, that’s a valid model. The timeline we currently exist in is the ‘present,’ and a Time Curve is an event remodeled after this present, which, in fact, has become the ‘past.’ Yet, this was actually happening in the future… The Association and the Djinn Scientists have it all wrong. They are trying to recreate the Time Curve Phenomena when, in fact, it cannot be recreated, no matter how hard they try… They would simply kill themselves and throw themselves to the Fourth Wall."
Relief washes over me momentarily as I uncover what seems to be a dead end, an unintended self-destructive loop in the Association and Djinn Scientists' flawed research. The suicidal pursuit of recreating the Time Curve Phenomena is futile, a realization that momentarily eases the tension in my mind. However, I can't afford to relax just yet. At any moment, they might stumble upon this glaring flaw in their approach. What they truly need is not to recreate the Time Curve Phenomena but to construct a Time Curve Bridge. This would serve as the key to proving that the ‘present’ indeed exists, anchoring us within a specific timeline rather than a mere existence devoid of purpose.
As I delve deeper into my research, I realize that touching upon the enigma of the First Iteration is a daunting task, and it may be prudent to set it aside for the time being. Shifting my focus to the Bleeding of Time, I find that it is an intricate event, a phenomenon triggered when a timeline meets its demise. Through extensive study, I've come to understand that with each person's death, a timeline also meets its end, emphasizing the intertwining nature of individual existence and timelines.
Witch King, my mystical hat companion, chimes in, offering a tentative perspective on the matter. "Nothing conclusive yet, but it is most likely true given our precedent—Kum Seungyeon, who had experienced the Bleeding of Time."
I nod in agreement. "Yeah, it would be beneficial to have more precedents, but that could lead to unfavorable outcomes considering the havoc Kum Seungyeon wreaked. Setting that aside, it should be within our abilities to recreate the Bleeding of Time, at least a tenth of its functions."
Witch King, not as adept at mathematics as Cube AI, offers a fifty-fifty estimate. "I am not as good at math as big sis, Cube… But give or take, I’d say fifty-fifty…"
Amused by the term "big sis" that Witch King uses to refer to Cube AI, I inwardly chuckle. "Yeah, I actually like those odds. I'm feeling pessimistic, honestly. I think I have less than a one percent chance of successfully transposing this knowledge into technology."
Fingers tapping furiously against the keys of my laptop, I forge ahead, sketching out the blueprint for a prototype. It's a potential solution, a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty surrounding Suho's disappearance. This technology, if successful, might bridge the gap between us and Suho, even if he's ensnared within a Time Bubble.
With each line of code and every intricate design element, I outline the framework, envisioning how this mechanism might operate. It's a crude outline, but I aim to refine it, leaving room for Cube to work its magic and enhance the concept further. This is my contribution, my attempt to harness the power of technology to break through the barriers of time that have separated us from Suho.
Glancing at my laptop, I'm confronted by the realization that, within the confines of the Time Chamber, a month has passed in the real world. The recalibrated chamber has worked its temporal magic, compressing time within its walls. It feels like I've dwelled within this space for half a year, a surreal experience that challenges the conventional flow of time.
Oddly, the effects of the Time Chamber seem limited to the biological. While my own perception of time has been altered, my laptop displays real-world time. This remarkable device, endowed with immense computational power, remains unaffected by temporal distortion. I marvel at the technological resilience, recognizing that a regular laptop would have succumbed to overheating under these conditions.
