Noah is surprised when the Interviewer injects information in response to his past-self wondering how the rest of the world was responding to the arrival of the system. Could these be the calibration records he’s after?
Whether he wants to or not, he’s about to find out.
∎ ∎ ∎
Kim Jong Un sat in his opulent study, his fingers drumming impatiently on the mahogany desk.
The atmosphere was tense, his advisors scurrying around like frightened mice, their expressions betraying a mix of excitement and terror. The room was abuzz with whispers and conjecture. The system, as it called itself, had arrived in North Korea in a spectacular manner.
Kim Jong Un had been unharmed, but several others had been corrupted by a rain of what looked like playing cards.
Minister of Defense, General Ri Yong Gil, wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about Jong Un surviving, but it was probably for the best that he had. The alternatives were far worse.
As reports poured in from all corners of the globe via a secret network of Chinese spy balloons, it had become clear that the system was an unprecedented force that was not limited to the motherland, but was in fact worldwide. It had even imbued some individuals with power and abilities beyond imagination. Each person now had a status screen as well, akin to those in role-playing games his nephew played.
General Ri looked at his own with disdain, not liking the terrible accent the voice in his head read it with.
리영길
순위: 무순위
레벨: 0
직업: 없음
취미 : 없음
Unranked and level zero, whatever that meant. And why did it not list any profession or hobbies? He had hobbies. Plenty of them.
It made him wonder what Jong Un’s stats were, but he was disinclined to inquire.
When most everyone else was gone, General Ri cleared his throat nervously as he addressed the Supreme Leader. “Comrade Kim Jong Un, we have been monitoring the system closely and our scientists and experts have begun to understand and exploit its mechanics.”
Kim Jong Un leaned forward, a glint in his eye. “And what have they discovered?” he asked, his voice full of boyish enthusiasm.
The general hesitated for a moment before replying. Perhaps he shouldn’t have overstated their results.
Drawing on what he knew of video games from his nephew along with reports from his soldiers, he came up with something he hoped sounded plausible. “We have found that the system rewards individuals with experience points and levels, which translate to real-world power and abilities. These abilities often come in the form of items akin to playing cards, and can be weaponized and harnessed for the advancement of our nation.”
A slow smile crept across Kim Jong Un’s face, and he leaned back in his chair. “So, we can use this system to further strengthen our military prowess and solidify our position as a global superpower?”
“Yes, Supreme Leader,” General Ri responded, hoping his relief wasn’t too obvious. For good measure, he added something he knew Jong Un would like. “Additionally, our scientists believe they have discovered a method to harness the energy of these cards and use it to fuel our nuclear program.”
Kim Jong Un’s eyes widened, and he leaned forward again, his chair letting out a creak of protest. “Are you saying that we can now enhance our nuclear capabilities using the power of the system?”
General Ri nodded. “Yes, Supreme Leader. With this new knowledge, we can exponentially increase the yield of our nuclear weapons and ensure our enemies think twice before challenging us. But we must act quickly. Other nations are undoubtedly making similar discoveries and will be racing to adapt and exploit the system for their own purposes.” Having gotten caught up in his own tall tales, it was only now that he recalled an item that had actually been confirmed, and one he likely should have begun with, considering it would be the first thing Jong Un saw if he ever went outside again. “Additionally, we have identified locations known as ‘towers’.”
Kim Jong Un frowned at the apparent non sequitur. “Towers?”
“Yes, Supreme Leader. They are akin to dungeons above ground where valuable resources, rare items, and powerful monsters can be found.”
Kim Jong Un’s mouth dropped open. “What sort of monsters?”
“Many of them are beyond our current understanding, Supreme Leader. Some are similar to creatures from our world’s mythology and folklore, while others are entirely new. What is clear, however, is that these creatures possess immense power, and conquering these towers could provide us with a significant advantage. One has appeared at Kumgang.”
Kim Jong Un’s eyes lit up. “Here, at the resort?”
“Near here, yes.”
Kim Jong Un nodded sagely. “We must seize this opportunity before it slips through our fingers. Mobilize our top scientists, engineers, and soldiers. Have them focus on unlocking the system’s secrets and developing strategies to ensure our dominance.”
The general bowed deeply, not daring to point out this was precisely what they were already doing. “Understood, Supreme Leader.”
He cast a glance at Yo Jong, Jong Un’s sister, who had been silently standing behind her brother the whole time. She gave a subtle nod which Kim Jong Un could not see, and the general hurried out.
∎ ∎ ∎
The scorching sun beat down on the capital, as it did every day, and the city buzzed with life, hardly disturbed by the rain of cards that had so recently befell it.
Inside the imposing building of the Central Committee, however, the atmosphere was nothing short of tense. The conference room had been hastily cleared out for an urgent meeting, where a select group of high-ranking officials from the Ministry of State Security, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the People’s Liberation Army had convened to discuss a matter of the utmost importance.
The man sitting at the head of the table, Vice Premier Liu, tapped his fingers impatiently on the mahogany surface. He eyed the large screen that now displayed the source of their concern: a new phenomenon that had taken the internet not by storm, but literally over, a phenomenon that had even slipped past their Great Firewall.
繁忙中，抱歉。
此致，
您最喜爱的系统，系统3121-111
Busy? he thought. How can the internet be busy?
But, he didn’t understand enough about technology to interpret what it meant, or know to what extent they’d been compromised, nor how to figure out if an enemy—or allied—nation was behind it.
Which was why he was in charge, and not a technician.
“Comrades,” he began grandly, his voice laden with authority, “we have gathered here today to discuss the potential threat posed by this so-called ‘system’. We must assess its implications on our nation’s security and stability, and determine an appropriate course of action.”
A woman in a crisp military uniform, General Yu, stood up to speak. “Vice Premier Liu, the reports we have received so far indicate that the system is not only affecting our country but has spread worldwide. Our intelligence shows that other nations are equally baffled by this phenomenon.”
Liu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Is there any indication of the source of this system? Could it be a cyber-attack or a foreign power attempting to destabilize our country?”
Director Chen from the Ministry of State Security chimed in. “We have yet to pinpoint the origin of the system, but it does not appear to have any ties to foreign governments. Furthermore, the nature of the system is unlike any cyber-attack we have seen previously. There are even preliminary reports of some people developing powers, beyond what the so-called ‘corrupted’ possess.”
“What are the potential risks of this system to our nation?” Liu inquired, his voice sharp.
Minister Hu from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism hesitated before speaking. “There is a risk that the population could become overly dependent on the system, leading to a decline in productivity and the erosion of our traditional values. Additionally, the abilities it bestows may result in the emergence of an uncontrollable group of powerful individuals who could pose a threat to national security.”
Vice Premier Liu considered his subordinates’ words carefully.
After several more minutes of discussion, he nodded firmly, signaling an end to the meeting.
Everyone fell silent and he spoke. “We must take immediate steps to control the spread of the system within our borders. I propose the following measures:
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“First, we must ramp up our online surveillance and censorship efforts. We need to prevent the dissemination of information about the system as much as possible.
“Second, we must identify and monitor those who have already come into contact with the system. The corrupted are easily enough dealt with, but we must locate those who have gained abilities without becoming corrupted. Our intelligence agencies will work together to track their activities and assess their threat level.
“Lastly, we must conduct our own research on the system. Our nation’s brightest minds must come together to understand the nature of this phenomenon and how we can harness its powers for the benefit of our people and the security of our nation.”
He looked to the screen displaying the message shown by every website and TV channel. “And someone figure out how to get rid of that.”
As the meeting adjourned, the officials dispersed to carry out their respective duties. Vice Premier Liu, however, remained in the conference room, lost in thought.
The arrival of the system presented an unforeseen challenge, but it could also be an opportunity. China had faced countless trials throughout its long history, and each time it had emerged stronger.
He knew someone with tech and gaming experience who would be the perfect candidate to see just how powerful this system could make a person.
He called in his secretary.
“Yes?”
“The phones still out?”
“Yes sir.”
Liu grumbled. “Go out and fetch my nephew then.”
“Which one, sir?”
“The only one worth a damn: Zhèng Lun.”
The stern expression on Liu’s face faded to a smile after his secretary left.
Yes, his nephew was indeed the perfect candidate.
There was nothing wrong with a little nepotism.
∎ ∎ ∎
In the heart of Washington D.C., the President of the United States sat behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, his fingers drumming anxiously on the polished surface. This was not where he wanted to be on New Year’s Eve.
The room buzzed with the hum of hushed conversations as a cluster of high-ranking officials from the Department of Defense, National Security Agency, and Central Intelligence Agency stood nearby, their faces etched with a mixture of fear and disbelief.
The television in the corner of the office displayed a message that as far as the president had been informed, no one on this Earth was responsible for:
Busy. Sorry.
Sincerely, your favorite system, System 3121-111
The president’s eyes flicked from the screen to the documents on his desk, a briefing from his advisors detailing the sudden and inexplicable arrival of the system, as well as the corrupted that had come along with it.
According to the briefing, the system manifested as a holographic but sometimes physical, document-based interface visible only to the individual, providing them with access to a wealth of information.
Stranger still were the card-like items labeled ‘arcana’ that were somehow ‘looted’ from the corrupted, and which granted magical powers that seemed straight out of a video game.
“Mr. President,” said the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, breaking the tense silence. “We’re still in the dark about the origin of this system, but it’s clear that it poses a significant threat. We’ve already had over a thousand confirmed casualties. We need to act quickly and decisively to regain control of the situation.”
The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation chimed in, “We’ve already got agents working on gathering more intel. But what concerns me is the potential security threat. If this system is accessible to anyone, including foreign agents, it could pose a significant risk to national security.”
The Secretary of Defense nodded in agreement. “We need to consider the possibility of a cyberattack. We have to ensure our networks and our own systems are secure from any potential breach.”
The Secretary of Homeland Security added, “We also need to monitor any potential social disruptions that could arise from this system. It could create a new class of citizens, those who have the abilities and skills to succeed in this new world, while leaving others behind.”
The other three looked at him in confusion.
He gestured in the direction of the recording device logging all of this for posterity.
“Ah, yes. That is quite important,” the Secretary of Defense agreed.
“Yes,” the other two agreed as well to ensure they too were on the record as being cognizant of the social issues.
The president nodded, his gaze steely. “We’ll need to coordinate our efforts across all branches of the government and military. And above all, we must avoid panic among the general public. I want to be briefed on our progress every step of the way.”
The room erupted into action as the various agency heads dispersed to relay orders and gather intelligence.
∎ ∎ ∎
Outside the Oval Office, the Secret Service was on high alert, as the system had appeared within their ranks as well. The thought of the potential chaos that could ensue if the wrong people gained access to the system’s powers was a chilling prospect to those responsible for the president’s safety.
Cybersecurity teams from the NSA and CIA were already working tirelessly to hack into the system, hoping to find a way to disable or control it. Despite their best efforts, it remained impervious to all attempts, its inner workings an enigma that defied conventional understanding.
The Department of Defense mobilized troops across the country, establishing checkpoints and imposing curfews in an effort to maintain order. Outside of the corrupted, they had no way yet of knowing who among the population had gained abilities from the system short of going around and inspecting every person they encountered—which was precisely what they were doing in lieu of better solutions. But this method was slow and tedious, and the potential for destruction and chaos from a single missed rogue element was incalculable—a fact attested to by an M1 Abrams tank that had been turned to slag by a four-year-old girl in Elmo pajamas.
Behind the scenes, the government sought out experts in xenobiology, AI, video games, virtual reality, cybernetics (human-computer interaction), and digital systems to gain insight into the possible origins and intentions of the system. Many were brought on as consultants, providing vital input as the authorities attempted to understand the nature of the system and predict its next moves.
∎ ∎ ∎
In the grand halls of Capitol Hill, the mighty fortress of American governance, a special session of Congress was underway in the early morning on the day after the eve of the new year.
The brightest minds, the wisest souls, and the most experienced leaders had been gathered to discuss the most pressing issue of the day: the arrival of a mysterious system that had begun to infiltrate every aspect of American life.
As the hung-over—and overly-caffeinated—representatives filed into the room, a tangible sense of excitement crackled through the air.
Aliens. Finally. For real this time.
This was their moment, their chance to shine—to prove their worth and secure their place in the annals of history. They would forge ahead, like intrepid explorers, and chart the course of this brave new world.
The Speaker of the House, a distinguished gentleman with a penchant for cufflinks and a love of filibustering, called the session to order. “Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues and fellow Americans, the time has come to address this... this alien system,” he said, waving his hands in a grand, sweeping gesture that was almost as impressive as his perfectly coiffed hair.
“Indeed,” agreed Senator Eleanor Baxter, a noted scholar of ancient Mesopotamian culture and, conveniently, the chair of the newly formed Committee on System Affairs. “We must act swiftly and decisively, for we are the chosen few, the stewards of our nation’s destiny.”
The room erupted into a cacophony of voices, each person determined to make their mark on this historic day. Ideas were bandied about like priceless jewels, each one gleaming with the promise of salvation.
Some suggested that the system be immediately dismantled, that its creators be brought to justice, and that the United States be cleansed of its insidious influence.
Just who these creators were and how this justice and cleansing might be accomplished was glossed over; or as the Speaker put it, tabled for later investigation.
Others argued for a more cautious approach, that they must first learn to understand this strange new phenomenon before they could hope to contain it.
“What about the economic ramifications?” cried one representative, brandishing a spreadsheet filled with charts and graphs that surely held the key to America’s financial future.
“As my esteemed colleague points out,” another interjected, any sense of decorum having long-since dissolved, “while it is prudent to consider the potential dangers of this new technology, we must work with our partners in the private sector to ensure that the system is developed and implemented in a responsible and secure manner.”
Everyone nodded at this, a few took notes. It all sounded very sensible and responsible.
“We must not forget to think of the children! So many have already been corrupted!” implored another, conjuring up visions of wide-eyed, innocent youths corrupted by the sinister forces of the system. “What if more cards rain down? It said it was done, but how can we trust anything it tells us? We must keep them inside at all times and safe from corruption. The safest course of action is to not allow anyone outside. We must implement full martial law. It’s the only way to protect the children!”
As the discussion wore on, the Speaker marveled, a little drunkenly, at the ingenuity of his colleagues. They were truly a force to be reckoned with, their intellects as formidable as their rhetoric was persuasive. He nodded sagely to himself, confident that this august body would soon arrive at a solution that would safeguard the American way of life.
∎ ∎ ∎
In the antipodean land known as Australia, Parliament House in Canberra stood tall and proud atop the capital hill, a symbol of democracy and national pride. Beneath its gleaming roof, the distinguished members of Parliament were convening to discuss an issue of great importance. Indeed, the arrival of the system had created a stir among the politicians, who were, as always, keen to demonstrate their expertise and decisiveness in the face of any challenge.
The Speaker of the House called the room to order. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is time we addressed the pressing issue of this mysterious system. I call upon the newly-appointed Minister of System Affairs, the Honourable Gary Smith, to provide us with an update.”
Gary Smith, a man with an innate gift for speaking at length about matters he had only just heard of, rose confidently to his feet. He had studied up on this new phenomenon for the better part of an hour and was eager to share his newfound wisdom.
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. Esteemed colleagues, as you all know, we have recently been confronted with what is almost certainly extra-terrestrial life, which has brought with it something calling itself, alternately, unassigned system, assigned system, and just plain system, with the addition of some numbers. As you can doubtless imagine, the arrival of this system brings a new reality that has taken the world by storm. Through whatever means or methods, known or unknown, it has introduced a gaming-like environment in which individuals can level up, acquire skills, and perform fantastical feats. Many citizens have taken to it with great enthusiasm.” He chuckled. “Which, frankly, is an understatement. But we must hold strong, must fight against its influence, and forget not the words of the great George Orwell: beware you who fights monsters that… you yourself don’t become a monster,” he confidently misquoted.
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. It was not every day that the Australian Parliament was faced with the responsibility of addressing a worldwide phenomenon of such magnitude and import. In their hearts, each member knew that this was their chance to shine, to really make a difference.
The Minister for Health got to his feet, drawing a look of ire from Gary Smith. “Mr Speaker, I would like to emphasize the importance of considering the health implications of the system. There have been reports of addiction and unhealthy obsession with leveling up in online video games, and one can only imagine how much greater the threat will be if that translates to reality. It is our duty to ensure that our citizens remain safe and healthy as they navigate this new reality.”
The room erupted in applause, for it was well known that the welfare of the people was the highest priority of each and every politician. They were, after all, the true protectors of the nation.
Meanwhile, the Minister for the Environment chimed in with a note of caution. “I urge my colleagues not to forget the potential environmental impacts of the system. We must conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the preservation of our natural resources and ecosystems. There are already reports of corruption affecting things as mundane as rocks. Think of what it might do to all the delicate native ecosystems.”
The room nodded solemnly, acknowledging the wisdom of her words. After all, they were the stewards of the land, the guardians of the future.
At this point, the Minister for Education added his voice to the chorus. “We must also explore the educational opportunities presented by the system. If we can harness its potential for good, we may be able to revolutionize our educational system and better prepare our young people for the challenges of the future.”
Once again, the room responded with enthusiastic applause, for what could be more important than the future of the nation’s youth?
Not to be outdone, Gary Smith quickly launched into a long-winded, impromptu and meandering speech about the system and its alien masters and the possible risks and benefits of using it before he could be interrupted again.
As the ‘debate’ continued, it became evident that the Australian Parliament was wholly united in its determination to address the arrival of the system with the utmost care and attention. After all, they were elected representatives, the very embodiment of the people’s will.
They deliberated late into the night, fueled by an endless supply of tea and biscuits, provided by the ever-attentive parliamentary staff.
It was ultimately decided that a nonpartisan committee would be established to examine the full range of implications and opportunities presented by the system. This committee, led by Gary Smith and composed of politicians from diverse walks of life, would work tirelessly to formulate a comprehensive response to the phenomenon.
For once, the members of the Australian Parliament were truly of one mind, united in their commitment to the greater good.
The arrival of the system truly had brought out the best in them.