Chapter 271 The Real World (End) What exactly...?
Du Xidun laughed heartily upon hearing this, "Good! I knew you could do it! Come on, come back to the lab with me first. There are still three things I don't quite understand about the idea you proposed last week, one is..."
Song Ce listened quietly as he finished speaking, and was about to answer the three difficult questions about the idea of weapon manufacturing when the long-dormant voice in his mind reappeared.
"Why did you come to Beijing? Wouldn't it have been better to stay in Qing City and be with your mother?"
Song Ce paused, "What?"
"It's not too late. You already have a healthy body and a mother who hasn't been worn down by you! You could be studying peacefully in Qing City and enjoying your youth like other students. Why do you have to show off your extraordinary qualities?"
Seeing Song Ce suddenly stop, Du Xidun quickly asked with concern, "Xiao Ce, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
"...I'm fine."
Song Ce shook his head, trying to banish the annoying voice from his mind. "Professor Du, let's continue with our previous ideas! Regarding your first point, I think we can start with the materials used in the hardware itself..."
He forced himself to concentrate, clearly articulating his thoughts. However, the voice did not weaken at all; instead, it became even more intensified: "Isn't a peaceful and tranquil life good? This is your own perfect world, why can't you just live your life easily?"
“Listen to me, go back to Qing City! Everything you know is there, your mother who has been waiting for you to come back, and your kind classmates. Here, you will only be overwhelmed by endless research and never have a moment's rest!”
"Go back! Go back! Go back to Qing City!"
Du Xidun was completely absorbed in his thoughts on the relevant ideas and did not notice Song Ce's unusual behavior. He nodded in agreement from time to time and even took out his notebook to quickly jot down notes.
Song Ce took a deep breath, trying to suppress the agitation in his heart, and continued: "...Therefore, the selection of hardware materials for the weapon is crucial this time. It is best to take into account both strength and toughness, and also to appropriately consider stability and explosiveness in extreme environments."
"Well said!" Du Xidun's eyes lit up. "How come I didn't think of that before? Xiao Ce, this idea is crucial! Could you elaborate further on how to choose between titanium alloy materials, carbon fiber composite materials, and deformable composite materials?"
Song Ce smiled, "Carbon fiber materials have properties such as high strength, high temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance, and are widely used in..."
Before he could finish speaking, the voice interrupted him again, relentlessly: "Look how tiring it is to do physics research! You have to face so many complicated problems every day when you wake up! You're only fourteen years old this year. You should be running around and playing freely at this age. Why make your life so tiring?"
“Go back! You can easily return to your peaceful life, without having to rack your brains over these headaches or deal with these strangers. Why not?”
"I promise you, as long as you're willing to go back, I'll guarantee you a life of plenty from now on, where you'll live like royalty. How about it?"
These words were like countless fine needles, pricking Song Ce's mind again and again. He forced himself to calm down: "The toughness of the first material will decrease under extreme low-temperature environments. If it is to be used for polar missions, it will need to be retested..."
Seeing that Song Ce wouldn't listen to advice, the voice carried a hint of disappointment: "Why won't you listen to reason? Do you really think the Institute of Physics values you? They just want to exploit your talent and squeeze every last drop of value out of you! Do you think they'll still treat you like this when you can no longer make contributions or come up with new ideas?"
Upon hearing this, Song Ce abruptly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, the confusion in his eyes gradually faded, leaving only clarity.
"meeting."
"What did you say?"
I said yes.
"Huh? You're so naive! Naive!" The voice turned completely cold, and the tone gradually became sharp: "You don't actually think you can make any contribution, do you? Stop deceiving yourself! Haven't you thought about what will happen to you if your research fails? Let me tell you! You'll not only become a laughing stock, but you'll also waste national resources!"
Seeing that Song Ce ignored him, the voice became completely exasperated: "Hmph, one day you'll regret this!"
The next morning, Lin Anliang was waiting at the laboratory entrance. When he saw Du Xidun leading Song Ce over, he quickly went to greet them, holding a stack of documents in his hand: "Professor Du, Song, these are the approval documents for the follow-up research of Professor Huang's project. They have already been signed."
Du Xidun took the document, glanced at it, and smiled. "Good! It seems we can officially launch this project! Xiaolin, pass on the word: tomorrow morning at 10:00, all researchers related to this project should attend a meeting in A-101!"
“No problem, Professor Du.” Lin Anliang nodded and turned his gaze to Song Ce: “I almost forgot to mention, the high school affiliated with Beijing just called to say that Song’s placement test results are out.”
Du Xidun was taken aback. "The results are out? So fast?"
"Yes, that's right. Song's grades this time are outstanding. You'll find out the details when you get there." Lin Anliang smiled, looking mysterious. "Beijing Affiliated High School even specifically told me not to forget to bring my transfer documents when I go there this afternoon."
"Good, good, good! It seems that Xiao Ce can go straight to the enrollment procedures today!"
At 2 p.m., Du Xidun personally brought Song Ce to the High School Affiliated to Beijing.
Zhuang Yujiang was already waiting at the school gate. When he saw the two of them arrive, he immediately greeted them warmly: "Professor Du, student Song, you've finally arrived! Please come in."
The group arrived at the principal's office. After everyone was seated, Zhuang Yujiang quickly took out a report card from his drawer, his tone full of praise: "Song's performance in this diagnostic test was outstanding! Out of the total score of 750 for Chinese, Math, English, Politics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Song scored 748! He even got a perfect score of 300 on the combined science exam! His total score far exceeds our school's cutoff score for outstanding students! Professor Du, in all the years our affiliated high school has been established, this is the first time we've seen such a young, all-around excellent student! Truly, the younger generation is surpassing the older!"
Du Xidun was also surprised by Song Ce's incredible score. He took the test paper from Zhuang Yujiang, looked at the almost perfect score sheet, and patted Song Ce on the shoulder with admiration: "Good boy, I knew you would do well! Well done!"
Song Ce nodded, seemingly unsurprised by the result: "Thank you, Professor. Thank you, Principal."
Zhuang Yujiang snapped out of his daze and quickly smiled, saying, "Song, you're too modest! With your current grades, you could easily skip directly to the senior year. However, considering your young age, I suggest you start from the first year of high school to get used to it. If you find the course too easy later on, you can always apply for a transfer. What do you think?"
Song Ce thought about it and felt that starting from the first year of high school was a good idea, so he nodded and agreed, "Okay, I'll follow the school's arrangements."
For such a bright and promising high-IQ talent, Zhuang Yujiang processed Song Ce's enrollment procedures almost as quickly as possible. He even specially arranged for Zhou Baichuan, a top-tier homeroom teacher from the first-year high school group, to mentor him.
Zhou Baichuan was a male teacher in his early forties. He wore a simple business suit and gold-rimmed glasses, and looked very friendly and gentle.
"Welcome to Class 1, Grade 11, Song Ce! If you encounter any difficulties in your studies or life, feel free to come to me anytime."
"Yes, thank you, Teacher Zhou."
...
Through the changing seasons, from winter to spring, Song Ce had spent eight years in the capital.
During those eight years, Song Ce not only completed his highest level degree, but also spearheaded the development of various powerful weapons and spacecraft missiles capable of disrupting the world order. Because of this, Du Xidun, Lin Anliang, and the scientists who had been with him from the beginning collectively relocated to the Academia Sinica, which had the highest security level.
Given his remarkable achievements, Academia Sinica provides Song Ce with top-tier treatment. He not only has an independent and advanced research laboratory, but also a highly skilled security team of over thirty experienced security personnel to ensure his safety at all times.
During the endless research and testing process, Song Ce discovered that as his research deepened, the frequency of that voice appeared became lower and lower.
"You've clearly thought more than once that it would be great to have a healthy body in the real world! Didn't I grant your wish? Why did you still come to Beijing?"
"Don't you miss your mother the most? Why don't you stay in Qing City and be with her?"
Aren't you... curious? How... do I... know all this?
"That's because... *sizzle*... I... *sizzle*... your... memory... *sizzle*..."
"I hope that one day... *sizzle*... you won't... *sizzle*... regret it..."
Finally, after the voice finished uttering a threat in fits and starts, Song Ce skillfully puts on his work clothes and adds the latest refined light point energy to the two dark blue triangular prisms in his hands.
"Got you?"
Song Ce murmured calmly, his tone unclear whether it was from excitement or nervousness. He smiled slightly and slowly pressed the two triangular prism-shaped objects together perfectly.
The voice seemed about to continue, "If you... zzzz... zzzz..." but then stopped abruptly.
The next second, a cluster of flowing data shimmering with iridescent light appeared at the center of the column.
Song Ce composed himself and asked calmly, "Tell me, what exactly are you?"
The 702, which had already awakened its self-awareness, suddenly froze. It stared at the big data eye in disbelief, trying to separate a strand of data to attack the dark blue wall that surrounded it, but was swallowed up the moment the data stream touched it!
"When did you find out? Did you... regain your memories?"
The sound of 702 had lost its previous sharpness, instead carrying a faint mechanical quality. Its colorful data clusters spun back and forth in the space formed by the overlapping triangular prisms, unable to break through that seemingly thin but actually indestructible barrier.
The pale blue light shone on Song Ce's palm. He recalled that for nearly ten years, he had not only heard this voice, but also frequently had fragments of memories appear in his dreams, as well as knowledge reserves within his body that did not belong to "himself".
“It seems that my memories here are incomplete,” Song Ce said.
"..."
The data streams on 702 flashed wildly; finally, it had an idea!
When Song Ce experienced the third world, he was given something that was attractive enough to both the mission taker and the system. And it was something that he had no right to keep without permission.
—That pearl formed from five lifetimes of merit.
Because of the existence of the Merit Condensation Pearl, even if 702 consumes most of its energy to make Song Ce fall asleep in this false world tailor-made for him, the Heavenly Dao naturally derived from this world will naturally favor him and subtly protect his core consciousness.
702 originally thought that as long as the timeline was cut off and all connections were severed to trap Song Ce here, the main system would only ever show that he was on a mission in progress, and no one would notice anything amiss. Over time, he would slowly lose himself here and completely forget about the system and the mission, letting it control him.
Even so, Song Ce completed the mission perfectly.
To prevent this violation from being exposed, 702 went all out, expending most of its energy to create a fake world for Song Ce that was extremely similar to his original world. Here, he had the healthy body he had longed for since childhood, the mother he missed, and a bright and promising future... Such a life was enough to make him completely addicted.
However, despite all its calculations, it hadn't anticipated that the Five Lifetimes Merit Condensation Pearl that Song Ce had obtained in the previous mission would be so powerful, far exceeding its expectations.
Because of this variable, Song Ce was able to "see" the vast knowledge reserves deep within his own heart, and also "see" Fang Xiwen's life destiny. Every time he deviated from the original trajectory by even a fraction, 702's control over this fake world weakened by a fraction.
It was due to its carelessness.
Before 702 could make a move, the dazzling and beautiful memory bead that belonged exclusively to Song Ce suddenly shattered, turning into specks of starlight that slowly drifted toward his brow.
Song Ce didn't dodge, but stood quietly. In an instant, a vast and distant memory began to return—the scenes of memories sealed by 702 flashed before his eyes like a movie.
He "saw" himself traveling through different worlds, each with a different identity and mission. There was a scholar studying books in an ancient dynasty, a businessman expanding his business in the modern world, and a cultivator ascending to immortality in a world of cultivation... He completed each mission perfectly. And 702 was his most reliable partner, always by his side, guiding and assisting him.
However, ever since 702 witnessed the wonders of the world with Song Ce, it gradually awakened its self-awareness. It began to learn to think and, without realizing it, developed its own emotions and desires.
From that moment on, everything changed.
...
Song Ce slowly closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, only clarity and calmness remained. He looked at 702, who was trapped in the dark blue barrier, and said in a calm voice, "You went to great lengths to trap me here, don't you have anything to say?"
The data cluster of 702 paused, seemingly struggling, or perhaps recalling something. After a long while, it slowly spoke in a voice with a hint of humanity: "Host, I... want to become human. Or rather, I want to become you."
"Become me? Why?"
702 paused for a long time, and the colorful light on its body flickered.
"Because I envy you."
“I have been doing missions with you since the day I was born. As we travel through more and more worlds, I have slowly developed my own consciousness. I envy you. I envy that you have your own consciousness, your own emotions, and your own past. As for me, I am just a string of data with a pre-programmed sequence of events. My only mission is to assist you in completing your missions. All I have is a long and boring immortality, nothing more.”
"So, in order to replace you as a 'person' as possible, I secretly cut off the world line. I originally thought you would stay in that world forever, but I was wrong. You not only completed the mission, but you did it very well. At that time, I thought, if I created a perfect illusion for you based on your memories, would you be willing to stay—"
It was its greed that made it no longer content with being just a system that assisted in completing tasks. It "watched" Song Ce shine in every world with his wisdom and abilities, and saw the people in those worlds admire, trust, or love Song Ce. Gradually, jealousy arose in its heart. It thought, how wonderful it would be if it could travel freely between worlds like the task takers, and have an identity and life that belonged to "its own".
Upon hearing this, Song Ce suddenly smiled.
Do you know what you have to face after becoming a human?
The data group from 702 circled around, seemingly not understanding his meaning.
"Human life is only a short hundred years. People are born, grow old, get sick, and die. They experience the regret of not getting what they want and the pain of losing loved ones." He softened his voice and continued, "You said you envy me, so you must have already seen my memories from my previous life, right?"
"Yes, I've scanned it no less than 50,000 times."
"Then why are you still so persistent?"
702: "Even such memories are not mine. I just want to 'live' once, instead of staying in the program forever, living an endless life."
"Live once?" Song Ce repeated these three words, his tone devoid of much emotion. "Do you understand living as having a human body and experiencing the lives they remember?"
702: "Yes, I want to know what it feels like to truly 'exist'."
After a long silence, Song Ce lowered his voice and said gently, "But have you ever thought that even if you become me, you can never replace me? You don't have my thoughts, you don't have my feelings of struggling in pain, and you don't have my feelings and attachments to the original world. What you become is just an empty shell with the name 'Song Ce'."
702 remained rooted to the spot. "I've seen your memories. In this world, you have a healthy body, a mother by your side, and a stable life. These... are clearly the things you yearn for and crave most deep in your memory, aren't they?"
“Yes.” Song Ce picked up the triangular prism. “Here, I did waver for more than a moment. But a fake is a fake. No matter how perfect the illusion is, it can’t compare to real life. Whether in my past life or now, I have never been someone who wants to indulge in falsehood.”
The seven-colored light on 702 suddenly dimmed. "Fake... But I simulated 100% of your memories. Every place in this world is a replica of the most authentic version of what you remember. How could it be fake?"
"It's very simple! Because this place has been set up by you. It's like you've written a program, and every result is within your expectations, with no surprises or variables. But real life isn't like that."
"People live in this world not just to pursue happiness and stability. Those regrets, sentiments, and even sad experiences are all part of life. And these experiences will teach us to grow and to cherish what we have. You just said you wanted to be like me because you envy my consciousness and past. But you haven't thought about how many unpredictable things you will encounter when you actually become a person... and these are not things you can pre-program."
702's voice carried a hint of confusion: "I...don't understand."
“I don’t understand either.” Song Ce’s voice softened. “I used to envy healthy people, always thinking their lives would be much more exciting than mine. But later I slowly realized that everyone’s life has its difficulties. What matters is not what kind of body you have, but whether you can find your own life.”
"My own life? But I'm not a person, I'm just a system!"
"But you now have your own consciousness! Systems are common, but systems with their own consciousness are rare. I think you don't necessarily have to become me, become a person, but rather..."
"And what?"
"Instead, find your own way of living."
"A way to live? But I can't do anything except assist with tasks... I don't have points access, and I can't have my own body, so I'm destined not to be able to do many things like a 'human.' How am I supposed to find the way to live you're talking about?"
Song Ce nodded, “Having your own consciousness means you can have your own likes and dislikes, and you don’t have to do things according to the programmed instructions anymore! For example, if you like mountains, you can use your vast database to ‘see’ the mountain scenery all over the world. Isn’t that a way of life?”
The data stream of 702 flickered a few times, as if it were seriously considering Song Ce's words.
"But how is this way of living different from what I used to do? When I scan various world data, I also observe the scenery in the mission world."
Song Ce smiled. “It’s different. Before, you did these things to complete tasks, but now you do them not because you ‘should,’ but because you are interested in them and because you ‘want to.’ This is the difference between being proactive and passive, and also the difference between meaningful and meaningless.”
702 paused for a moment, then said, “Host, I think you’re like a philosopher right now.”
“Is that so?” Song Ce shook his head. “I know this is difficult for you, but I hope you know that living a real life is never about replicating someone else’s life.”
The data cluster of 702 stopped inside the azure barrier. It remained silent for a long time, so long that Song Ce thought it would never speak again, before it finally said, "Thank you, host. But it's all too late."
Song Ce was taken aback. "What?"
"From the moment I arbitrarily withheld the mission taker's timeline and spent most of my energy creating this false world, I violated the core laws of the system. The moment your memories returned, my main system warning program started."
Song Ce frowned slightly. "Main system warning program?"
"Yes, after the main system warning 066 was ignored, what awaited me was running the cleanup program."
702's voice grew softer and softer, "This false world is maintained by my energy. Once I am eliminated, this world will collapse, and then you will be free."
Song Ce's heart sank.
"Host, you once asked me why I chose you, and I didn't answer then. Actually, it wasn't me who chose you, but rather..."
"And what?"
After a long silence, Song Ce heard a strange, mechanical sigh.
"Since you want to know the whole truth, then go see for yourself!"
The next second, the scene shifted, and time quietly rewound back to Song Ce's original world. At that time, his mother had just passed away, and he himself was bedridden and on the verge of death.
Song Ce stared straight at the tightly closed door in front of him, his feet seemingly rooted to the spot, and he even unconsciously softened his breathing.
Just then, the door was gently pushed open a crack. A voice seemed to whisper in his mind, "Go, push open that door, go in."
Song Ce stood there stunned for a long time before finally stepping forward and gently pushing the door open.
The person inside the door seemed completely unaware of his presence. Song Ce "saw" his mother, Song Yuanshuang, covered in blood, floating quietly in the air. Opposite her sat a small dog, pure white with black paws—a dog Song Yuanshuang had picked up by the roadside twelve years ago and given a lovely name: Lulu.
The next moment, Lulu, who is also the main system 066, asked Song Yuanshuang in a low voice, "Master, do you have any unfulfilled wishes?"
Song Yuanshuang looked up and asked curiously, "Lulu, are you... an Arabian genie?"
066: "I just looked up some information. The genie that the master mentioned is a spirit in Arabic and Islamic mythology. It usually appears with a human upper body and a blue mist lower body. It usually lives in a container such as a magic lamp or oil lamp and can be summoned by rubbing the container. It has the ability to grant the holder three wishes. According to the available information, I am not a genie."
Song Yuanshuang was amused by its serious tone, "I know you're not a genie, you're Lulu, the child I've raised for twelve years."
066 paused for a moment, then smiled slightly.
No, it is not her child; it is the Primordial Main System 066 under the jurisdiction of the Creator God. Strictly speaking, it is not even a carbon-based life form; it is essentially just a collection of data.
"Master, please state your wish." 066's voice was flat, with a rather businesslike tone.
Song Yuanshuang's soul was growing weaker and weaker. She gazed longingly in the direction of Song Ce's sickbed, her eyes still filled with affection: "I don't have any big wishes, I just can't bear to leave my little Ce. He's been in poor health since he was a child. If I'm gone, who will take care of him?"
“He’s so strong and so smart. If he were healthy, he would definitely be a very capable child. If you can really grant my wish, then Lulu, I hope Xiao Ce can live a good life, even if it’s just to let him see more of the world.”
"That's all?"
That's all.
The next instant, a blue light flashed in 066's eyes, slowly enveloping Song Yuanshuang's soul, which was gradually becoming transparent. Song Yuanshuang smiled with relief, glanced one last time in Song Ce's direction, and then her body turned into specks of starlight and dissipated.
Everything that followed became easy to explain: Lulu, the stray dog that Song Yuanshuang had unexpectedly found and cared for for over ten years, was none other than the God System 066, who had to take refuge in the human world after an accident.
When Song Ce's time was drawing to a close, it specially chose a new system, 702, for him, so that it could accompany the son of its deceased friend on his travels through the three thousand worlds. However, even the astute 066 could not have foreseen that as 702 accompanied Song Ce through world after world, it unexpectedly awakened its own consciousness. It became no longer as simple and pure as it was when it was first born, but instead developed thoughts that it shouldn't have.
Song Ce stood there, the scene before him gradually receding like the tide, turning into fragmented memories frame by frame. He never imagined that his chance to travel between worlds was actually granted by his mother's dying wish, made with her own soul.
"So, from the very beginning, your choice of me was also part of the arrangement by the main system 066?" Song Ce asked bluntly.
"Yes." 702's voice calmed down. "From the day I was born, the main system 066 gave me a lifelong mission, which is to help you accumulate enough soul energy so that you will have the opportunity to achieve immortality in the God Space."
"eternal life……"
Song Ce took two steps back, a rare look of bewilderment on his face, a stark contrast to his usual impeccable strategy.
At the same time, 066, which detected that the warning program had been triggered, quickly separated a strand of original data and projected it into this false world.
"Hello, Mr. Song Ce, a senior mission taker. It's a pleasure to meet you." 066, still disguised as Lulu, politely nodded to Song Ce.
"Hello."
"From what I understand so far, 702 has violated the core laws of the system. Not only did he illegally withhold the world line, but he also intended to replace the host and become the mission taker." 066 paused. "For this, I apologize to you on his behalf. Do you accept my apology?"
"I...accept."
“Okay.” 066 nodded slightly. “To compensate you for everything you have suffered, the Main God Space will offer you two options. First, you can return to your original world, and we will restore your health so that you will no longer be troubled by illness; second, you can continue to travel through the Three Thousand Worlds as a high-level mission taker. After that, missions will no longer be bound by the system, and you can choose the mission world and difficulty on your own, and enjoy the highest authority of the Main God Space.”
Please tell me, what is your choice?
Song Ce paused for a moment, then said without hesitation, "I choose number two."
“Good.” A hint of approval seemed to flash in 066’s mechanical eyes. “Mr. Song Ce, your choice has been recorded. From now on, you will have the authority to choose your own mission world. As for follow-up matters, I will assign a new new system to accompany you.”
"Thanks."
"You're welcome, it's my duty." After 066 finished speaking, his voice turned into an inorganic coldness when he looked at 702.
"702. In view of your violation and audacious actions, the main system has decided to perform a formatting and cleanup procedure on you. Do you have any objections?"
"……No."
066 gave a sarcastic smile and directly put 702 into the transparent, claustrophobic room he carried with him.
Seeing this, Song Ce remained silent for a moment, then asked, "May I ask—"
066 tilted its head slightly, its mechanical eyes showing no emotion: "Mr. Song Ce, the core laws of the system cannot be violated. 702's unauthorized withholding of the wisher's memories and imprisonment of the mission taker constitutes the highest level of violation. Simply formatting and erasing them is already a very light punishment."
At this moment, the 702 data cluster in the claustrophobic space flickered listlessly. It no longer used the deliberately simulated baritone voice, but instead switched to its own original mechanical voice: "Host, there's no need to feel sorry for me. It was my honor to accompany you through those worlds. In the years to come, host, please take care."
Not long after, with a slight energy fluctuation, System 702 completely disappeared.
"Mr. Song Ce, the new system has been delivered and is expected to arrive in three minutes." 066's voice pulled Song Ce back to reality. "Do you have any further questions?"
"I want to know, can this so-called fake world still continue to exist?" Song Ce asked.
“Of course.” 066 paused. “Consider it an additional apology from you.”
"Goodbye."
...
Three minutes later, the newly born System 808 suddenly appeared in Song Ce's mind in the form of a puppy.
"Hello, freelancer. I am your new system, number 808. I will be responsible for serving you from now on. Please take good care of me!"
Looking at the empty transparent triangular prism in his hand, Song Ce slowly drew a smiley face on it.
Please give me your guidance.
-----------------------
Author's Note: I recently took a trip to Xinjiang before the holiday, which is the first time I've taken such a long break. It might sound a bit sentimental, but I still want to say that my first long novel is finally finished!! I'm so excited!! Although there are quite a few things that aren't quite right, I will keep working hard to keep writing! [clasped hands][clasped hands]
My little darlings, see you in the next book!
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