"How long have I been in this world?"
[Are you sure you want to know? System 8051 is concerned about the main consciousness's reaction upon learning the truth.]
"..."
"That tone, it's like you're telling me to keep asking," thought Gale, feeling a swarm of imaginary black lines floating around his consciousness.
"Wait, is there a problem?"
"Uh—?"
"Never mind, I can't figure it out. Just tell me, 8051."
[Alright, you would have found out sooner or later. From the moment you arrived in this universe, transitioning through becoming a small cell on a planet just developing single-celled life until you encountered a multicellular organism and asked this question... it has been approximately 323.71 million years. System 8051 answers concisely, awaiting the main consciousness's reaction.]
"..."
[...]
"Ha, it seems your time units are quite precise, 8051."
"Haha."
[Though System 8051 is indeed precise, it believes the main consciousness's statement is somewhat at odds with 8051's expectations.]
"You’ve divided Earth's seconds into several million years. Haha, truly worthy of the administration."
[...]
"Alright, if you say so, but even if I can't feel the exact time now, I'd estimate it couldn't have been more than half a year."
"How could it be hundreds of millions of years?"
"It's like an instant; mountains and oceans change."
"Okay, I don't have fingers now."
"Ah! I'm confused."
"8051, explain. I need an explanation."
[System bases the time calculation on the traveler's original spacetime's calendrical system until the traveling species develops a civilization capable of inventing their own calendar. For the traveler's perception issue, initially, to protect the fragile psyche of the early traveler and maintain stable natural evolution, the perceived flow of time and the actual time do not align. Due to the current understanding capacity of the traveler, further high-level knowledge about time is unnecessary to discuss here. System 8051 answers.]
"I see!"
"I don't get it at all."
[...]
"So, I'm like a several hundred million-year-old monster now, 8051."
[In a sense, that is correct, System 8051 answers truthfully.]
"By the way, is the time I spend in this space also unequal? Could it be that several hundred thousand years just passed?"
[The biological editing space currently has a time flow that is static relative to the external world. System 8051 responds, awaiting further reaction from the main consciousness.]
"Oh, thankfully."
"But as for expecting further reactions, 8051, I think you better not hold your breath."
After ruminating a bit on the passage of time, Gale chose to selectively ignore it again. (Such a useful ability, actually more like escapism.)
"Since I can't sense it, nor do anything about it."
"And from the look of things, I seem to have achieved a form of immortality. Haha, luckier than many who traveled before me. As for everything else, best to ignore it."
With this mindset, Gale refocused on the 3D hologram, leaving 8051, wherever it existed, slightly disappointed.
"The main thing is to quickly advance evolution."
"Anything else just distracts from thinking. The more I ponder, the more uneasy I feel."
[Small Cell
Primitive single-celled organism, early-stage species of biological evolution.
Life: 4/4
Attack: 0
Speed: 2
Nutrient Value: 49
DNA Components: Primitive cell mouth hook, Cilia ×2
As the main consciousness of a group, and an evolved single-celled organism, having more companions makes you feel safer. Yet due to low control and the demise of companions, your pressure is once again on the rise, a tragedy. When first confronted by multicellular organisms, becoming a multicellular organism that can bully single-celled organisms became your current goal.]
"Nutrient Value: 49"
Gale opened the component display and reviewed the description of the electric component.
"Cost: 50 (Nutrient Value) (Insufficient nutrients, cannot equip)."
"You got to be kidding me."
"My poor heart, where are you? Give me a heart attack already."
"Why does it feel like ever since I traveled here, I've been constantly shocked?"
...
"Forget it, with the current situation, better equip the low-end spike component first. Consider the high-end electric component once there's enough safety and a higher number of companions."
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
"Isn't there a saying: 'Don't go for the most advanced, go for the most suitable.'"
[Spikes
Compressed flesh tissue, attacks enemies with the pointed end.
Attack: 1
Cost: 15 (Nutrient Value) (Can be purchased and equipped)]
"Not cheap, either."
"Well, it's better than nothing."
Thinking so, Gale used his consciousness tendrils (okay, seems like a tentacle monster now) to drag two spike components onto the holographic display. He slowly adjusted their positions so the two spikes formed a small "Y" shape with the small cell. This made the cell appear as if it had grown two horns.
Well, that's exactly what it was.
Staring at the adjusted hologram, Gale imagined its movements in his mind and then checked the remaining 19 points of nutrient value.
"Might as well add another cilium. The higher speed during a charge attack, the more damage it might inflict."
"Of course, speed is also crucial for escape. When facing danger with multicellular organisms, seeing spike cells proves that these spikes are useless; speed is needed for retreats."
"Or rather, for repositioning, yes."
Resolutely, Gale spent another 10 points to attach one more cilium at the rear.
Satisfied with the newly evolved small cell, Gale felt it was a good improvement, at least possessing some attack power, with three cilia providing better speed.
With the ability to sense through his spreading group, food and life seemed better secured.
However, recalling the spiked cell (poor little fatty) that was crushed by that big-mouthed multicellular organism, Gale's elation faded.
"I swear, once I evolve into a multicellular organism, I'll take down that damn thing."
"That's this body's grudge, indeed."
[Small Cell
Slightly evolved primitive single-celled organism, early-stage species of biological evolution.
Life: 7/7
Attack: 2
Speed: 3
Nutrient Value: 9
DNA Components: Primitive cell mouth hook, Cilia ×3, Spike ×2
Pressure has decreased, congratulations. With two spikes growing, it seems there’s nothing more to fear, in your opinion. Indeed, among single cells, you’re quite formidable. However, you must realize that the era of multicellular organisms is fast approaching, and you remain single-celled, faced with this reality.]
"I know, but I still need to take it step by step."
Satisfied with the modified description, Gale did not change the name in the pop-up name field. He simply selected "complete."
"How many years will pass before my next visit?"
"One hundred million? Two hundred million? Or..."
The dim space fell silent again.
[Biological editing complete, main consciousness enters small cell.]
[Consume 5 nutrient points for evolutionary division.]
[Warning, your nutrient value is below the safe level of 6, please replenish nutrients promptly.]
Division occurred once more, and in the blink of an eye, the old version 1.0 small cell became two 1.1 fully updated cells. Gale, accustomed to humanity’s long ten-month gestation, marveled again.
In the dim waters, three small cells swam around the main cell.
Slowly, the three outer small cells began to replicate each other's movements: swimming forward together, turning together, accelerating together. However, it was evident that the evolved small cell was notably faster and more agile than the two non-evolved counterparts.
Then, the three small cells returned to the main consciousness's side.
"Let's start with one."
As it began moving inward, the evolved small cell accelerated, executing an S-shaped maneuver around the perimeter, and then charging back inward. The two spikes on its front end gave off an additional air of menace. Just as it was about to approach the inner circle, the small cell halted.
"Let's try with two."
The two non-evolved small cells, now moving inward, simultaneously executed different maneuvers—sometimes crossing each other's paths, sometimes moving at varied speeds, sometimes circling one another. Then they too returned to the main consciousness cell.
"Increase the number to three."
The evolved small cell and its two counterparts replicated various actions again, but this time, their movements were evidently less agile than before.
Well, though for single cells, it wasn't much of a difference.
However, there was some variance.
Returning to the main cell, which had remained still after initiating different actions earlier, the three small cells reformed around it. Now, the small cell, slightly rigid, moved its three rear cilia.
With cilia swishing through the water, the small cell swam to join its non-evolved companions, which paused briefly before "joyfully" swimming again.
"Non-evolved cells must start accumulating nutrients to achieve evolutionary division."
"Along with myself, I can control no more than three at a time."
The small cell pulsated, gathering the few small cells.
"Well, what are these three?"
"The current goal is more nutrients."
"Food."
Thinking this, the small cell, leading its companions, swam with two non-evolved cells in tow while the evolved cell scouted ahead, observing its sensorial perception of the world as they ventured into unknown territory.
Unknown time passed once more in silence.
Previously serene space remained quiet (well, because small cells lack hearing—the system prompts affect the consciousness).
However, a multitude of single-celled organisms had begun to appear, their origins unknown.
In this dark space, a small column approached a patch of organic matter. Called a column not due to any lack but simply because of its cylindrical body.
Slowly drifting with the current, the cylindrical body of the small column neared the food source.
However, fate seemed unkind today, as danger loomed just before it reached the food (disturbance in water currents). With no time to identify the source of risk (lacking sensory organs to do so), the column instinctively reacted—its body contracting sharply at the midpoint. Simultaneously, water shot out from one end, launching the column forward like a rocket.
Escaped?
Not yet.
The column's ill fortune persisted as another single cell appeared ahead. Facing the column, two protruding spikes glistened menacingly, awaiting collision.
You cannot escape.
As the opposing cell anticipated the cylindrical cell's impending collision and demise, the cylinder miraculously twisted its slender body, avoiding disaster by narrowly grazing the spike.
Escaped!
Thus, the column that narrowly avoided historical infamy, arrived discreetly and departed swiftly, leaving behind a trail of water and a group of stunned small cells in its wake. Debris continued to float, silently recounting its erstwhile owner's tale.
"Wow, impressive!"
"What’s impressive?"
"Uh, well, let's just ignore that question as usual."
"What’s usual?"
"Continuing as usual."
...
With its three cilia twitching, the small cell shrugged off its outer membrane in apparent circular thought, pausing momentarily before leading a group of five back towards three hapless small cells left behind at the battleground. Especially the small cell responsible for intercepting that still proudly bore its spikes, awaiting a collision that would never occur.
Since it could only direct three companions to different actions at once, the main consciousness cell deployed three small cells to ambush the cylindrical jet cell discovered earlier.
However, as things stood now, the mission failed.
"Well, failure isn't new."
Calling the three companions back, the small cell moved towards the organic matter the column barely missed.
"At least I took your food, no loss for me."
Thinking this, the small cell lazily swayed its three cilia.
Although it was already faster than most single-celled organisms, compared to the jet-like speed of the column, its energy-efficient tri-axial drive could only pale in comparison.
However, today seemed like an unlucky day for the small cell. Just as it was about to consume, it detected a sudden acceleration in surrounding currents.
Choosing quickly to abandon the food, the small cell immediately led its uneasy companions away from the current, while the organic matter was washed into the darkness behind.
The anomaly arrived swiftly and faded just as quickly.
Soon the tumultuous currents stilled. The small cell led the group a bit further before eventually slowing.
Turning toward the darkened zone behind it, the small cell halted.
Though it could perceive far more than other single-celled organisms, and had a full 360-degree psychic perception, the conscious mind retained human habits, making forward perception clearer.
The shadowy region lay beyond its range, but the small cell, or rather the main consciousness, sensed something massive (relative to itself) moving there.