Antinomic Waltz

(If Trailblaze Mission Stranger in a Strange Land has not been completed)

This is a scene brought here by the Finality. This is the future you're destined to arrive at after weaving through the fires of war in Gold and Gears and traversing the Dreamjoy Statue World.

You can return here after you've done all that. By then, you will bear witness to the whole story.

Or you can also do what you are doing right now — Take a step forward and let your horizon merge with the Finality. Cause and effect overturn, and the future appears before you...

Screwllum: Underlying logic assessment complete... No data anomalies found. Attempting the 1291st message input...

Screwllum: Conclusion: No contact established with Herta.

What happened?

So many Hertas!

I'm here to do testing again.

Screwllum: I apologize for meeting you here at this time, (Mr./Miss) (Trailblazer). As you can see, the project has encountered an unknown error. The test will also be temporarily delayed.

Screwllum: Logic: A massive void has appeared in the Simulated Universe. It cannot be observed or interfered with, yet it continues to operate within normal parameters.

Screwllum: According to data from the Candelagraphos, this void originally belonged to a time in history named the "Scholars' Strife" after the second Emperor's War.

Screwllum: But when observed from the outside, all that can be seen within is only a chaotic "Unknowable Domain."

What about Herta?

Screwllum: This is exactly one of the dilemmas we are currently facing.

Screwllum: Madam Herta is displaying unusual excitement towards the reconstruction of the Unknowable Domain, and has volunteered to connect herself to the Simulated Universe.

Screwllum: Shortly after that, we lost contact. All her puppets are currently in a state of complete shutdown.

Screwllum: Conclusion: Thirty-three standard hours have passed since her entry into the Unknowable Domain.

Screwllum: Logic: It is possible to directly locate Madam Herta and forcefully eject her externally. Unfortunately, the location in question is difficult to reach, and time is running short.

Let me go in and look for her.

Screwllum: ...Honestly, this is the most optimal and immediate solution.

Is there any other way?

Screwllum: Based on the current situation, the most optimal solution is to identify an experienced tester, locate Madam Herta internally, and facilitate her extraction.

Screwllum: Logic: Given the limited information we have, if I were to connect and subsequently experience the same communication breakdown as Madam Herta, it could result in an irreversible deterioration of the situation.

Screwllum: On the contrary, if I were to maintain communication with you on the outside and monitor the system's operation, it would ensure your safety at the very least.

Bet.

I knew it. It has to be me.

I'll have to bite the bullet.

Screwllum: The situation is urgent, (Mr./Miss) (Trailblazer), please depart immediately.

(Talk to Screwllum again, optional)

Screwllum: The situation is urgent, (Mr./Miss) (Trailblazer), please depart immediately.

(After entering the Simulated Universe)

Screwllum: As the Unknowable Domain poses a certain threat, logic: I must provide an extrapolation target for this domain... in other words, information regarding the "Scholars' Strife," to increase the success rate of the rescue mission.

Screwllum: The Scepter system, inorganic neuron clusters and celestial-level computational interference devices created by Emperor Rubert II, are widely distributed across various quadrants in the imperial domain to complete the observations, extrapolations, and interference orders passed on by him.

Screwllum: After the Second Emperor's War, numerous intact Scepter units were handed over to the Intelligentsia Guild by the IPC for research.

Screwllum: However, the active Interstellar Energy War, as well as the animosity and disagreements between the various schools, turned what was originally an academic exchange into a Scholars' Strife with the Scepter system at the center.

What is your objective this time?

Screwllum: Rectified statement: It is Madam Herta's objective. Madam Herta has always hoped to amplify the total knowledge throughout the universe. As for her personal research, it originates from a conundrumsolitary waves theory left over from the era of the "Scholars' Strife."

You lot wish to research the Scepters?

Screwllum: Madam Herta may have another objective. Madam Herta has always hoped to amplify the total knowledge throughout the universe. As for her personal research, it originates from a conundrumsolitary waves theory left over from the era of the "Scholars' Strife."

Screwllum: It could be said that this extrapolation is a return to the beginning, back to the "origin." However, she has unexpectedly become trapped at this "origin."

Screwllum: I hope that this knowledge will assist in your search.

(Upon entering First Plane - Domain — Occurrence)

Simulated Universe: "Hey! Where am I? Why are there so many people arguing inside my head?" As you put forth your inquiries, a wave of deep rage surfaces in your cognition, desiring destruction and the ruination of everything.

Simulated Universe: You are now but a thread of consciousness. A thread of consciousness belonging to a perfect scholar. The members of the Intelligentsia Guild clamor ceaselessly next to your ears, arguing about the future, chaos, evolution, and languages. You listen to them murmur on and find their words meaningless.

Simulated Universe: This will be a model created by collecting data from the greatest scholars of the Guild and combining the details together into one. The Intelligentsia Guild estimates that, in the best case scenario, the first perfect scholar of the Intelligentsia Guild will be born.

Simulated Universe: As the lead scholar initiates the experiment, a new electric current surfaces within the consciousness.

Touch sensibility. — Has a chance to obtain Component(s) of 3-star rarity.

Simulated Universe: The self. Some civilizations granted it the descriptor of "soul." Selves from different individuals exhibit massive differences. This difference determines the movement patterns and thought processes of the individual.

Simulated Universe: Therefore, one question must be considered.

Who am I? — Obtain 1 Component(s) of 3-star rarity.

Simulated Universe: "The pursuit of the meaning of the self. I believe that it is repeating the process of becoming human." The scholar displays the digital incubator to the crowd.

(Upon beating the final boss)

Simulated Universe: At the brink of the Simulated Universe, you finally catch sight of Herta's familiar purple silhouette. The genius puppet (one of them) is currently standing on the boundary between two time periods, trying to peel off the unintelligible information of the Unknowable Domain.

Simulated Universe: You loudly call out to her, but it is not until you are right in front of her that she realizes that the Simulated Universe has gained another living being.

Herta: What are you doing here? This place is not for testing. Go and entertain yourself in some other domains.

Screwllum: Madam Herta, you have been out of contact with the outside world for 34 universal hours. I specifically requested that (Trailblazer) come to find you.

Herta: ...34 universal hours?

Herta: It seems that not only does the Unknowable Domain interfere with external observation, but it also affects your sense of time.

Herta: Though it looks like unobservable nonsense code from outside, everything is completely normal inside. This cannot be a programming error. It is some kind of... "impurity."

Simulated Universe: Herta ignores you and Screwllum and casts her gaze back towards the data flow before her. Quickly, you realize that it is not that she is trapped in the Unknowable Domain. She simply... forgot to come back.

Simulated Universe: Alright, this is classic Herta.

Herta: Do you know about the Circle of Knowledge?

Simulated Universe: Herta asks from nowhere. Unlike before, she doesn't seem as frank and forthright. She is immersed in the confusion of some conundrum before her.

I learned about it in a past life.

I don't understand a word.

I can make one up.

Screwllum: Comparing one's own knowledge to a circle, the greater your knowledge, the larger your circle, and the more unknowns lay outside your circle. Appraisal: A very astute metaphor.

Herta: Since I began my search for knowledge, whenever the knowledge inside my brain reached a certain level and was about to break through the known circle into the world of the unknown, I would encounter some kind of obstacle.

Herta: Mechanical failure, data corruption, even threats to personal safety... All sorts of unlikely events would occur that would push all of my research progress back to zero.

Herta: It's like there was a pair of invisible hands constantly preventing me from leaving the circle of the known, creating a continuous Unknowable Domain.

Screwllum: Logic: You seem to be applying a subjective quality to these objective obstacles. Allow me to remind you, subjectivity is the enemy of research.

Herta: To some, it may be subjective conjecture. To a genius, it is a flash of inspiration. My intuition is telling me that this bottleneck of knowledge that we encounter in the Simulated Universe is stopping us from gaining certain knowledge and unearthing a certain period of history...

Screwllum: Deduction: Perhaps "Mythus" of Enigmata cast their gaze over the Simulated Universe? I have 3,215 further deductions. Which would you like to hear?

Herta: That sounds more like subjective conjecture to me.

Let's talk about this outside.

I'm out of here.

Simulated Universe: Herta falls into a moment of uncharacteristic silence. She stands perfectly still and stares into the depths of the Unknowable Domain. It's as if something is waiting there for her. Like a puzzle that calls for a genius to solve it.

Herta: Forget it. I can always come back.

(After exiting the Simulated Universe)

Screwllum: Question: Were there any useful clues discovered regarding the cause of the Unknowable Domain?

Herta: There are some clues, but not many — I saw much of the dark history of the Intelligentsia Guild.

Herta: It's only been about a hundred Amber Eras since the Scholars' Strife. Logically, as a direct participant, the Candelagraphos should have thoroughly documented the entire event.

Herta: But when I compared the data with the history in the Unknowable Domain, I discovered that there are numerous omissions and fabrications throughout.

Screwllum: Logic: The Intelligentsia Guild has always been extremely apprehensive regarding the Enigmata, especially concerning such important historical materials. They would not have permitted the History Fictionologists to tamper with it.

Herta: Unless they did it with the intention to use the Enigmata as a cover, to conceal crucial information that should not exist.

What are they hiding?

It's my favorite time — Watch the drama unfold.

The History Fictionologists are such great tools.

Herta: The schools shed blood over the allocation of the Scepters' computational power, or there could have been clandestine exchanges happening, but all are inconsequential. There's only one thing truly worth concealing — knowledge itself.

Herta: According to the official report, thousands of Scepters were flooded by foolish questions from scholars, exhausting their computational power. Now, they have become mere photo-op spots for everyone, floating in space like debris.

Herta: You think I'd believe that? That is a creation of a genius! Screwllum, how much more can we improve the simulated accuracy of the Scepter?

Screwllum: Conclusion: According to the previous estimates, if we concentrate all the computational power of the Simulated Universe, we can increase the accuracy to 71% or more.

Herta: That's enough. I'm sure everyone here knows that I'm never one to accept the status quo. I've always sought to push beyond the existing boundaries of knowledge, find new breakthroughs, and advance the total knowledge of the universe multiple-fold.

Herta: The current extrapolation of the Scholars' Strife is precisely for that purpose. Therefore, I've decided to add in the fifth collaborator for the Simulated Universe.

I really want to meet Yu Qingtu!

You found Polka?

Could it be the one who loves to eat bananas?

Herta: Let's revive Rubert II!

Huh?

Herta: Of course, I'm not literally "reviving" anyone — Gather all the data from the Scholars' Strife, replicate the entire Scepter system in the Simulated Universe, and recreate the Emperor's external cognitive unit.

Herta: Then, we will be able to obtain the brain of the fifth genius. Then I shall ask him... or her? No, should be "it"... a question, just like how someone asked at the end of the Scholars' Strife the question that I ultimately solvedsolitary waves theory.

Screwllum: Although Stephen and Madam Ruan Mei are both agreeable, I personally have reservations. Introducing multiple objectives into a single study will significantly dilute the research focus and reduce efficiency.

Herta: Reserving judgment is as good as having no opinion — the Scholars' Strife, my beginnings, and the fifth geniusRubert II — These are all chains tightly linked to one other. Screwllum, you'd better not tell me you're not curious about this extrapolation.

Screwllum: As you indicated, to be objective: My analysis does include a fifteen percent weightage of curiosity.

Herta: Hey, (Trailblazer), your performance in Gold and Gears was decent. You are experienced in dealing with Rubert's creations too, and it looks like I'm lacking an assistant. Isn't this just the perfect coincidence?

Herta stares at you intently, likely not intending to offer you a choice. But, after careful thought, this is a precious opportunity to work with Madam Herta on a research project — do you really want to decline?

That's all I've ever wanted.

Haha, I refuse.

Madam Herta refuses to accept your refusal.

Herta: Then this settles it. Do come and collect more Scepter data. I guarantee that you'll see many exciting things.

(Talk to Screwllum again, optional)

Screwllum: This experiment is different from those prior, (sir/ma'am) (Trailblazer). Please stay safe.

(Talk to Herta again, optional)

Herta: Then this settles it. Do come and collect more Scepter data. I guarantee that you'll see many exciting things.

(After collecting Trailblaze Secret Anti-Organic Virus (III))

Herta: Unbelievable, an extrapolation blind spot that only appeared during the Scholars' Strife era — But these two factors have not shown any relationship with each other to this day.

Herta: Malfunctioning equipment and phenomena occurring without rhyme or reason are fatal blows to scholars of any era.

Herta: Could it be Irontomb? No, if that was it, the effect would have extended beyond the Simulated Universe. The entire space station would have been incapacitated from its power.

Herta: Could Rubert II have concocted a contingency plan up his sleeve? But he was already dead beyond measure — He couldn't possibly emerge from within the Simulated Universe... Unless... our extrapolation is actually sufficiently realistic? Impossible.

Herta: The worst-case scenario is that the overlapping of these two domains was sheer coincidence. Coincidence... too many coincidences...

Do you hate coincidences?

Herta: Phenomenon and essence, sparks and shadows... If the rate of coincidences appearing approaches saturation, there must be an essential "inevitability" beneath such "coincidence."

Herta: The unknown signal that Patavia received was a coincidence, but that was how she became the greatest scholar during the Scholars' Strife.

Herta: The Unknowable Domain... I already can't wait to find out what awaits us.

(Talk to Herta again, optional)

Herta: The Unknowable Domain... I already can't wait to find out what awaits us.

(After collecting Trailblaze Secret Spying on Heaven (III))

Herta: Though we never managed to clarify the cause of what formed the Unknowable Domain, we are at least clear on Doctor Patavia's experiences during the Scholars' Strife.

Herta: She eventually used the Scepter system to expand her intellect, even almost accomplishing the self-coronation that Rubert II could not complete.

Herta: She could have become "the perfect scholar," broadening the overall quantity of knowledge in the universe, but self-doubt eventually made her halt her advance.

Herta: *sigh* ...She could only regrettably leave behind that solitary wave conundrum as her legacy, unable to become the genius who solved that dilemma.

Screwllum: Question: Is this Unknowable Domain an accidental coincidence? Like a butterfly flapping its wings? Or is it a trap, luring us into its abyss?

Herta: Who can set a trap for a genius within a genius' research.

Screwllum: Answer: Another genius. Rubert I was slain by the Lord of Silence, but his knowledge was reborn with the Second Emperor's brain.

Screwllum: As Society members, we all understand that no genius is to be underestimated, no matter how long it has been since their demise.

Herta does not retort — a departure from her usual self.

Herta: Let's just prepare for the worst...

For you, this momentary silence seems like an eternity — To a genius, however, a second's contemplation may just be as profound as the thoughts of an average person over an Amber Era.

Screwllum: Just like before, Stephen and I will fully guarantee your safety outside. No matter what happens, you two must return safe and sound.

Wait for our good news.

It's finally time to solve the puzzle.

Burst Emperor coins, awright!

Herta: (Trailblazer), before connecting to the Simulated Universe, I have something to tell you.

Herta: If you sense something amiss, turn around and run back with all you've got. Do NOT look behind you.

Herta: "0％ complete — looks like it's stopped at the node after the core was disabled." Herta frowns. "Hello, Screwllum, do you read? Hurry up and fix this."

Screwllum: "The Unknowable Domain's turbulence is interfering with your current landing area — there is no way to lock in on the exact time period." Screwllum's voice is nonchalantly transmitted. "Suggestion: Perform complete backtrack on the Simulated Universe's records, returning to the Scepter's most complete moment, and connect to the core."

Herta: "Do whatever is required. Just get it started."

Simulated Universe: A star hurtles towards you all. You recognize its melancholy hue — Rubert II's cenotaph, Patavia frantically carving her formula on the tombstone, iron flakes and bloodstains etched into her palms.

Simulated Universe: The rampaging ship sails upstream along the deluge of time. You traverse the dust-mired Cosmic Library, the crowds on the ground congregating like ants, screaming "Return knowledge to knowledge!"

Backtrack.

Simulated Universe: The blazing ray penetrates layers of rusted metal, tens of millions of Meniks standing there, frigid commands erupting from the throats of organic throats: "Activate Anti-Organic Equation extrapolation."

Continue backtracking.

Simulated Universe: Time rewinds, shrouding you all with scholars' attires. At the Futurological Congress, the roiling voices of a thronging crowd accompanied by scholars jostling with one another and pushing past you. Patavia is talking to someone, her face covered in a mild smile, "The future? Heh, the future."

Continue backtracking!

Simulated Universe: "Why in such haste to advance forth, my friends?" Time freezes in that instant as if the crowd moving in reverse hears a commanding voice. Patavia becomes an immobile statue of ice and the woman beside her — the woman who should have been an entity composed of false data — turns her gaze to you.

???: "Herta, it's time to stop this little game that you and your friends have concocted to peek at past secrets. How about a dance with me before I sever it with my scalpel?" She takes off her scholars' uniform, her candy-colored gown sashaying, and her face unclear.

Simulated Universe: "Detected..." The communication breaks off and the Simulated Universe's backtracking progress suddenly collapses.

???: "I can feel someone prying into my steps." The woman takes out a scalpel, places it in her palm, and starts polishing it. "So I am preparing a gift in return — a game of cat and mouse."

Simulated Universe: Illegal login detected. Firewall interception failed. Unknowable Domain permissions changed. All requests blocked, verifying visitor request...

Simulated Universe: Identity verification complete. Genius Society #4...

Herta: "What're you standing there for, (Trailblazer)? Run!"

Polka Kakamond: "Welcome to the Knowable Domain, the experimental environment that I meticulously created."

(Upon entering First Plane - Domain — Occurrence)

Simulated Universe: Imagine a butterfly, an insignificant butterfly flitting its wings.

Simulated Universe: In an Isthmian Confederation competition, it was struck by a competitor's bat. The powder from its wings triggered a respiration allergy in the competitor, causing him to sneeze non-stop. Later, that competitor passed on a trifling cold virus to his president whom he was visiting.

Simulated Universe: The headache and fever brought about by the cold caused the decision tree to boldly tilt towards the "aggression" quadrant by two percent. Eventually, the president signed an order to declare war on their neighboring confederation, resulting in countless deaths.

Simulated Universe: The president's private physician received news that her lover was killed in the war. She used a scalpel to slice open the president's now-recovered throat, and despairingly disposed of the murder weapon from a high vantage point.

Simulated Universe: The passing killer picked up this murder weapon that fell from the sky — this specimen needle capable of nailing a butterfly that could whip up storms — and tightly gripped it in her hand.

Simulated Universe: This killer regards geniuses as targets, her scalpel closing in your necks. And now, three shelters lie before you. To avoid capture, where will the struggling prey flee to?

Neutron Star Fortress - probability of survival: 99.99％.

Simulated Universe: When a butterfly flaps its wings, the particles on its scaled wings conjure a reaction in just the right amounts. It falls into a micro-wormhole that randomly forms, blooming from a coincidence within a neutron star, tearing apart a perfectly sealed residence.

Iron Prison - probability of survival: 57.02％.

Simulated Universe: When a butterfly flaps its wings, the particles on its scaled wings conjure a reaction in just the right amounts. It drifts into the safety net, accidentally disrupting some internal signal within the temperature control maintenance system, sending the space inside the prison into a sea of fire.

Crystal Hotel - probability of survival: 8.58％.

Simulated Universe: When a butterfly flaps its wings, the particles on its scaled wings conjure a reaction in just the right amounts. Its drifting, downward descent acts in perfect tandem with gravity, more and more dust wrapping around it, till it becomes a rolling rock that crushes the hotel.

Polka Kakamond: "In the Knowable Domain, probability and coincidences bear no meaning." Polka calmly foretells. "You will welcome a play of comedy, and then one of tragedy."

Simulated Universe: The turbulent data hinders the Simulated Universe's extrapolation on the Scepter system — you are unable to reconnect to the Scepter.

(After entering the first Domain — Occurrence, a special variant of The Architects (Occurrence) will be encountered)

Simulated Universe: You cross paths with a devout Wallbuilder brigade from Servia. They are pushing mine carts while building a high wall for the planet. A girl catches your eye. The color of the gravel behind her reflects on her chestnut hair.

Simulated Universe: She is holding a heap of gleaming minerals with wood and gold mixed inside. You briefly catch sight of her eyes, from which sparkles pour down like galaxies.

Simulated Universe: She speaks to you from a distance, "Qlipoth is gazing at us with a warm look. You can pick whatever you like from the excess materials."

Thank the Aeon Qlipoth. — Obtain 1 Scepter(s) of 2-star rarity.

(Nothing happens)

(After the Occurrence)

Simulated Universe: You attempt to reconnect to the Scepter system, to no avail.

(After entering the first Domain — Reward, a special variant of Loneliness, Cosmic Beauty Bugs, Simulated Universe (II) will be encountered)

Simulated Universe: Time flies. The space worm named Sweet Saliva that you have nurtured has been undergoing immersive learning at the cosmic tea plantation for a long time... When you hear the sound of fumbling at the door, you know it is back.

Simulated Universe: You open the door and find that it has grown up. Its skin, which was initially green, has faded and is now covered by a colorful pattern that is a mixture of white, yellowish green, and brownish blue hues... They are the signs that Sweet Saliva has matured into an adult bug. It calls out for you... which is the proof of its *love* for you.

Simulated Universe: A relieved and sorrowful smile breaks out on your face.

Accept the "Heartfelt Gift." — Obtain 4 random Curio(s).

(Nothing happens)

(After the Occurrence)

Simulated Universe: Looks like you guys are down on your luck. The Curio has been swallowed by a sudden micro-wormhole.

(Upon entering First Plane - Domain — Boss)

Simulated Universe: There was once a belief to view the world as a meticulous clockwork piece, where if information about every atom is grasped, then all movements' trajectories could be predicted. Simply put, the future is already determined by the past. While this concept is no more than words spoken in a fool's dream, a more intuitive frame of reference exists in the universe beyond — The concept of "Instant" as extrapolated by Nous.

Polka Kakamond: "I received an invitation with Rubert's resurrection as its seal." The voice keeps its distance but is easily capable of ending you at any moment. "...with the fifth genius joining your laughable project as bait."

Polka Kakamond: "So, I am here. But 'tis not to join you all..."

Simulated Universe: The death of one person becomes the spark for the Emperor's War. The oversight of one variable means the Anti-Organic Virus pushed the Scholars' Strife to the brink of destruction. The change in one particle causes an explosion that obliterates an inspiration to change the world. As long as an infinitesimal variable is added, the future would become vastly different, the face of the universe becomes radically altered, and the stars turn into a chaotic soup in the great cauldron of creation.

Simulated Universe: If unknown knowledge outside the circle threatens to disrupt the ascertained future, then such knowledge should never appear again. Before the future model can be guided into the unknown, a genius stands in the darkness, pushing down the first domino — a domino set forged from the bones of geniuses.

Polka Kakamond: "I come to kill the myriad of chaotic possibilities you will bring."

Herta: "We have speculated over a thousand reasons regarding the Lord of Silence's relentless hunt for geniuses... Envy? Power? Or the plundering of knowledge? This is the only reason we hadn't considered — Extinguishing chaotic possibilities? Your criminal motive is truly unique."

Herta: "You murder of geniuses in an attempt to stem the growth of cosmic knowledge... Is it just so you can turn the entire universe into your own Knowable Domain?"

You mean... those accidents that Herta encountered...?

You mean... the one behind the Scholars' Strife as well?

Simulated Universe: The Lord of Silence does not speak. She does not deign to respond to your accusations.

Simulated Universe: When a butterfly beats its wings, even if worlds hundreds of light years away are destroyed because of this, the butterfly would not know any better because it is just beating its wings. Correcting deviating variables in an experiment and avoiding interference from unknown information — this is what every scholar would do.

This is just sophistry!

This is just irresponsible!

Polka Kakamond: "If a thought experiment is used to confine the universe in a circle, one would be considered a sinner. Then, how are we to judge THEM, how anchors 'Instants' onto the universe and locks all wisdom into 'Erudition'?" She is not inquiring. She merely talks to herself.

Herta: "Are you... executing THEIR orders?! No, this does not match THEIR divine trait of seeking knowledge."

Polka Kakamond: "Have you ever considered that 'Perfect Calculation' is also a form of seeking knowledge? You should be very clear that no one can defy THEIR calculations."

Herta: "If I connect to all the Scepters that Rubert II left behind and start to think, just like how that Patavia... How she created a Knowledge Singularity? What I'm saying is, if THEY are going to confine the universe within the fetters of perfection as you claim, why would the emperor have been allowed to create those 'Celestial-Body Neurons' used for thought... Did those Scepters allow him to step beyond the circle of knowledge?"

Polka Kakamond: "..." Is she contemplating Herta's question? Or is she merely thinking about how to kill you all in the most entertaining way?

Polka Kakamond: "Good question. You're sharper than the rest of the victims." The murky-faced woman's voice sounds sorrowful. "Human thoughts are processed within our tiny brains, while divine thoughts are on a scale where the birth and implosion of stars are mere sparks on THEIR neurons... And the conclusion of THEIR thoughts is nothing less than the outcome of us geniuses' battles to the death."

Simulated Universe: Geniuses. Thought synapses that the Erudition extends into reality. The physical manifestation and phenomenon of Aeonic thought.

Polka Kakamond: "THEY used 'Instants' to declare a perfect model of the future, and you are a butterfly specimen that escaped from its needle. You flap your wings and roil up the chaos and the unknown — this will prematurely lead the universe to Finality."

Polka Kakamond: "I won't allow it. I will stake you down with nails, one by one, inside this Knowable Domain." She sighs, as if lamenting the fragile beauty of a butterfly about to be turned into a specimen.

Herta: "A bold statement. You do know that we were the ones who sent out the invite, don't you?"

Polka Kakamond: "I see it. I see THEIR extrapolations." Polka's tone is chilling. "An 'Instant,' an 'Instant' where geniuses shall struggle has arrived. Herta, Stephen Lloyd, Ruan Mei, Screwllum... and you, a little bug who stumbled into a web. Struggle with all your might!" She turns her shattered face towards you. Your instincts send your entire body into a hair-standing frenzy — She is smiling.

(Encounter Stephen Lloyd in the Second Plane - Domain — Occurrence)

Simulated Universe: A string of code worms out of the device in a most extraordinary manner, its data coalescing into a most familiar image.

Stephen Lloyd: "Phew... Finally in. The Lord of Silence probably didn't notice me..." Stephen Lloyd looks around warily.

What a cool entrance!

Can I get a selfie?

Stephen Lloyd: "Err... I reconstructed an extrapolation model and wrested back partial permissions from the Lord of Silence." Stephen Lloyd stiffly changes the subject.

Stephen Lloyd: "Cheating in PvP is a blasphemy to games!" He tries his best to appear angry, but his poise is somewhat meek.

For Fair Play! — Receive Stephen's aid.

(Obtain two 3-star Scepters)

Simulated Universe: This is the first time you've seen him so agitated. He even temporarily overcame his social anxiety. The Scepter system that Polka blocked comes online once more, but this minute ripple pings the Lord of Silence's observations like a thundering shock.

Simulated Universe: Stephen whips out his "frequency scrambler" in an attempt to conceal his tracks. A candy-colored shadow spawns, appearing where Stephen was standing, manifesting into a figure, grinding Stephen's data into dust like a butterfly breaking out of its chrysalis shell.

Stephen Lloyd: "I'm g-g-g-g-going to go first..." Stephen's fading echo also dissipates into the air.

(Encounter Ruan Mei in the Second Plane - Domain — Reward)

Simulated Universe: You catch a whiff of a familiar confectionery scent adorned with Startled Deer flowers. She is idly standing in the simulated lab as if she knew from the beginning that you would pass by here.

So the surprise is here!

You're finally here.

Ruan Mei: It is rare for you to see Ruan Mei without a smile curled at the corners of her lips, "It appears that you've found a terrifying dance partner for the Simulated Universe."

Ruan Mei: She nibbles on the cake slowly, "But even the Lord of Silence won't guess that a minuscule slice is hiding in the system's root."

Herta: "..."

Herta: "I thought you weren't coming."

Ruan Mei: "I've always been concerned about affairs involving you two." Ruan Mei's fingers rest on the lab bench, their subtle vibrations heralding the advent of a hurricane. She leisurely opens the window, admiring the furious gales raiding near.

Ruan Mei: "Screwllum asked me to send you a message: The baitcore has been laid, and we're just waiting for the prey to bite. I trust you all comprehend this obscure metaphor."

Ruan Mei: "Before leaving, I will give you all something quite powerful, just like how I usually do."

Cause mischief for Polka. — You'll love these rewards.

(Obtain 30 random Curios)

Ruan Mei: "Good luck." Ruan Mei transports you all out of the section, disappearing the second before "Death" arrives.

(After entering Second Plane - Domain — Boss)

Simulated Universe: The Emperor's cenotaph, the end of self-coronation. Unfortunately, others came earlier than you. That flash of struggle, suspended in that instant of hope's decimation — Will become the butterfly's most beautiful moment.

Herta: "You sure have a twisted sense of what you find interesting."

Simulated Universe: With that same solitary wave was the research topic, two geniuses obtained equally correct but completely divergent theories — One of them said the universe isn't a clockwork toy, that the future is forever in an unknown pendency. And the other one said...

Polka Kakamond: "The universe is an exquisitely precise clock. Now, the 'Instant' where the geniuses stop struggling is about to arrive." Polka polishes her scalpel, slowly sauntering towards you.

Simulated Universe: "Over? Hic, I haven't even charged out of the universe!" A shattered gondola crashes into the sea of flowers and a masked clown stumbles out of it. The knight from afar extols resoundingly: "A stance of utter beauty! Life that is being stimulated intends to assault the truth!"

Simulated Universe: "I've already told you umpteenth times! I'm not fictional!" A History Fictionologist yells out angrily beside him.

Polka Kakamond: "..." The Lord of Silence responds with silence. You cannot ascertain if that divine-esque silence stems from confusion, or a simmering, seething rage.

Simulated Universe: An iron giant hundreds of meters tall crushes the Simulated Universe's skybox, each step sending shockwaves across the ground. Through the loudspeaker, the Architects bellow: "The false bastion is a trial meted unto me by the Amber Lord!"

You guys on a team building exercise?

Another master has appeared?

Simulated Universe: From countless corners, data erupts like torrential rain and howling winds: The chime of the Omen Vanguards, the sorrowful wails of the Mourning Actors, and the scorching heat from The Cremators' flamethrowers — these were just compliant lines of code within this universe, but at this moment, they all surge forth.

Simulated Universe: The Simulated Universe descends into madness. This chaos isn't caused by coding errors, but a carefully orchestrated plan by the geniuses. Call, copy, call, copy... The cosmic scene deploys all its resources, trying to force the approaching "Omniscient Killer" off the stage with chaos. Everything seems to scream, "There's no place for you here, Polka!"

Polka Kakamond: "A trap prepared just for me...?" The candy-colored killer grips the storm by its throat, using her scalpel to slice, stab, and cut... The code is shattered into pieces. With each movement, her gaze freezes everything in sight into a rigid iron panel, restoring order to the chaos.

Polka Kakamond: "Now, what other tricks do you have up your sleeve?" Polka faces you with a relaxed posture. Although you cannot penetrate the facial recognition filter that's hiding her features, her muffled scoff seems to betray her mood.

Polka Kakamond: "In my presence, the sequence of poker cards is not random, and the outcome of a coin flip has been predetermined. Whether it's storm or waves, all chaos shall move according to my instructions."

Polka Kakamond: She starts laughing. "Hoo... Haha... Hoohoohahaha?" What's so funny about this? There is doubt in her laughter, confusing you as well.

Simulated Universe: Anxiety and fear are burned away by a sudden gust of joyous wind. Exhilaration, madness, and unparalleled delight grip your senses. A crisp and thunderous sound rings through the sky of the Simulated Universe.

Aha: "Aha!"

Simulated Universe: You burst into laughter, and soon everyone present, every line of code, and all things begin laughing.

Aha: "Akivili, what trouble did you get yourself into this time?" The source of madness in the guise of a cluster of masks appears and gives you a bow. "Take a look at this place. Everything is locked in its path, and it's eerily silent. Honestly, the stars should all burst into laughter, because whether it's this false universe or the real one, they're both just poorly executed jokes."

Aha, I really missed you!

Aha: "I missed you too, so much that I've lost my head!"

Who let this ghastly thing out?

Aha: "A little yellow duckling once told me, 'go out and touch some grass, which is good for your health.'"

Screwllum: "Logic: The solitary waves theory is the extrapolation fundamental of the Simulated Universe. Once the system's extent of instability hits its limit, all motions become unpredictable." You hear his gears churning. "I've rewritten the system's tendencies, revealing the truth of the world to them. I've introduced a chaotic butterfly into Madam Polka's model."

Herta: "Nicely done, Screwllum! This is my first time hearing such pleasing words from this fella."

Simulated Universe: Aha declares, the universe is like a madman's jest — chaotic, irrational, and beyond comprehension. The Knowable Domain will henceforth be known as the Unknowable Domain.

Aha: THEY rested from all the work of creating that THEY had done, and said...

Aha: "Let there be laughter."

(Upon defeating Borisin Warhead: Hoolay (Complete))

Simulated Universe: The universe rapidly expands in the midst of the chaos, like how a clown blows up balloons at a children's birthday party. Whether it's you or Polka, the distance between you both stretches endlessly. You watch Herta walk into the core, all of the Scepters in the universe in complete resonance, reuniting into one neural system.

Herta: "The goal of the Lord of Silence is to stop us from leaving the Circle of Knowledge. Then, with her appearance, does it mean we are currently at the edge of the circle?"

Polka Kakamond: "You'll be like all the other geniuses, forever unable to know the answer." Polka remains unfazed, tidying her candy-colored robe, like how a butterfly flutters its wings, unleashing the final cyclone upon the universe. Is the future certain or chaotic? The conundrum of the Scholars' Strife plays out once again between the two.

Herta: "We'll have a lot in common to talk about, no?" Herta smiles. "Polka, would you like to join us?"

Polka Kakamond: "I refuse. We both are certain that the hypothesis in our minds is the only correct one, and that certainty will not waver."

Polka Kakamond: The woman looks skyward, her invisible gaze like an insect pin that stakes down butterflies, pinning down a certain outcome in the Simulated Universe without the shadow of a doubt — The Scepters scattered among the sky begin to malfunction and extinguish.

Herta: "And that is how we became geniuses."

Can the both of you show me some concern?

The wind is too loud, and I can't hear you.

Simulated Universe: Polka swings the scalpel. The mad laughter resonating across the cosmos, along with the forced interference that squeezed at the computational power, causes her data model to teeter on the verge of collapse. For both her and Herta, this will be their final move.

Simulated Universe: In the tempestuous cosmic winds, the battle between the two geniuses comes to an immediate end.

Herta: "The Scepters... It's all over! I haven't even gotten the chance to ask my question... like Patavia did!" She stomps her foot in rage.

Polka Kakamond: "You've given me a spectacular performance, and I will grant you the rest of your life as my tip." The woman adjusts her candy-colored robe as if the position of each crease on the fabric is of utmost importance. "Farewell, little one. Count your lucky stars that you're still within the Circle of Knowledge."

Simulated Universe: The universe stops its expansion, and that candy-colored figure dissolves into emptiness, leaving a profound silence hanging over you and Herta. After a moment of hesitation, you decide to break the silence.

This simulated extrapolation failed?

Herta: "Of course not! We've successfully invited the fifth genius to collaborate on the Simulated Universe project — but she declined. Knowing the answer is enough."

We've defeated Polka?

Herta: "...A real killer of geniuses indeed. With just one appearance, she nearly brought the entire project to a grinding halt."

Herta: "Luckily, it was not entirely in vain. We've successfully invited the fifth genius to collaborate on the Simulated Universe project — but she declined. *sigh* Knowing this answer is enough."

Herta? Are you okay?

Herta: "..." You temporarily believe that her puppet has stopped working.

Herta: "...A real killer of geniuses indeed. With just one appearance, she nearly brought the entire project to a grinding halt."

Herta: "Luckily, it was not entirely in vain. We've successfully invited the fifth genius to collaborate on the Simulated Universe project — but she declined. *sigh* Knowing this answer is enough."

Simulated Universe: Polka has left. You relax. Your lives are safe.

Herta: "I really want to rip off that facial recognition filter and post her picture on the most obvious spot on the main page of the Interastral Peace Network." The doll stretches lazily, a habit probably from when she was human.

Herta: "Let's go, (Trailblazer). The extrapolation has ended."

(Upon exiting the Simulated Universe)

Screwllum: The Unknowable Domain has completely dissipated.

Screwllum: Madam Herta's original plan was to turn Rubert II's data into the fifth genius and invite them to our table, but we did not expect the data entity emulating the Lord of Silence to gain sentience.

Screwllum: This lethal butterfly escaped from the Simulated Universe. Not only was she disinterested in cooperating with us, she also left chaos in her wake.

Herta: Ahhh... it's a terrible pity, the more I think about it. Her proficiency in manipulating probability is absolutely tailored to the Simulated Universe.

Screwllum: This external intrusion has raised the need to make the necessary improvements to the Simulated Universe's firewall.

Herta: Best to leave an inconspicuous backdoor to tell her: "Come back again when you have time."

Was it really Polka who appeared...?

...Or was it an imposter?

Herta: Her true identity doesn't matter. The Lord of Silence appears to have the power to show up along the chains of karma.

Herta: Whether it's a data entity emulating her or a document recording investigations about her... I fear that she will feel something as long as her name is called out. Bah, she's almost like an old hag who knows magic. Forget it. We should just drop this topic.

Screwllum: Question: If Madam Polka does not wish to join the Simulated Universe, why would she intentionally walk into our trap?

Herta: Curiosity? Or just out of plain old fun? Either that, or she's taking revenge on us discussing her age behind her back.

Herta: Is there anyone in this damned Society without a few screws loose?

Herta: Also, the hunter almost became the hunted. We almost got caught in a trap despite our own trap-laying.

Screwllum: Then, our fifth collaborator is...

Herta: We'd better see if Ruan Mei can successfully drag Yu Qingtu into this.

(Obtain Achievement Last Essays)

Screwllum: I am glad that you are all back safe and sound. Deduction: This could be the greatest information haul gained from this research topic.

The damage on the Simulated Universe...

Screwllum: In the vernacular of organic lifeforms, we have definitely "overdone" it in the Simulated Universe.

Screwllum: But it was not all in vain. Logic: The two research partners are of far more import than individual safety and operational efficacy.

(Return to previous option selection)

Where did Stephen go?

Screwllum: Stephen expressed that his "mind was blown" after witnessing the Lord of Silence's methods, and wishes to make a facial recognition filter mesh similar to hers.

Screwllum: Reiteration: "No more worries about being seen by others again."

(Return to previous option selection)

About Rubert II...

Screwllum: The cenotaph that the Second built for himself and the flowers by the tomb overturned what we thought we knew about the Anti-Organic Equation, or even about the Emperor.

Screwllum: A friend told me once: "The differences between individuals far surpass those between organic and inorganic lives."

Screwllum: The spread of the Anti-Organic Virus across the species barrier has also proven this perspective.

Screwllum: Rubert II was an organic being, different from Intellitrons. But I choose to believe that, under the power of the Anti-Organic Equation, there still laid emotions that could not be buried.

Screwllum: With this discovery as the premise... Conclusion: The probability of composing a program that reverses the Anti-Organic Equation program is greater than 0.

(Talk to Screwllum again, optional)

Screwllum: The cenotaph the second emperor made for himself... With this discovery as the premise... Conclusion: The probability of composing a program that reverses the Anti-Organic Equation program is greater than 0.

Herta: Though the Lord of Silence has destroyed the Scepter system reproduced by the Simulated Universe, her words gave me plenty of inspiration for the research's next stage...

Herta: From your anxiety-laden expression, I take it you have more to say? I'm not in a particularly good mood right now, so you only get one question. Think hard before asking it.

The solitary waves theory's solut—

Herta: Tsk, you just had to ask the hardest question...

Herta: When I solved the solitary waves theory, I obtained a constant.

Herta: When the universe's unstable index exceeds it, the future will veer towards the chaotic unknown, enveloped in fog. When the unstable index is less than it, the future will fall into an ascertained trajectory, and free will ceases to exist.

Herta: But even constants collapse and change in this universe of madness. Erudition, Enigmata... The various Path powers press against one another, continually rewriting the constant.

Herta: Is the future destined or chaotic? This conundrum remains unsolvable.

Herta: The true war has never ended.

(Talk to Herta again, optional)

Herta: Is the future destined or chaotic? This conundrum remains unsolvable. The true war has never ended.

(If the player challenges the fifth stage again)

Other Languages

Change History