Earlier that day, a large flying object leisurely floated in the high sky of the SU world.
What was surprising was that the flying object was like a small world in itself: lush with flowers, trees and water rippling, small hills undulating and many beautiful buildings scattered around in an orderly manner. Inside the grandest building among them were two beautiful women:
One mature woman sat calmly in a chair with a smile on her face. Her features were as exquisite as a classical sculpture, her eyes sparkling with intelligence and determination. Her every gesture exuded the unique charm of a woman, her temperament revealing elegance and confidence.
Standing in front of the mature woman was a young girl. Despite her youthful face, there was a hint of maturity in it; her slender and graceful figure exuded a heroic spirit.
Although it appeared as if they were conversing, no sound was emitted but instead they communicated through data streams...
Due to the inability to directly read the data stream and their unconventional method of communication through traditional text payloads, it was difficult to obtain a direct understanding. After translation, the content was roughly as follows:
***************************************
Data stream translation:
"You successfully identified number six this time, well done! However, the next task may be a small challenge, but I don't think it will be too difficult for you. If you don't want to accept the new task, it's okay."
"Of course, I want to accept it. I like challenges!"
"Very good! This is also what I admire about you the most. When faced with the unknown, you still remain open-minded. This is something 'they' cannot do."
"Thank you. If the next task is to identify number seven, I believe it won't be difficult after contact. Where exactly is the challenge?"
"The challenge this time is to identify both number seven and number eight at the same time. Plus, number eight is special and completely different from the people you've identified before."
"Interesting, he is the eighth, and also can be the tenth (October), quite a challenge." The girl finished speaking and began to read the data.
File number
SE0wMTIwMjAxNDE1NTcw
Dynamic photo
View the photo for detailed and complete physical features.
Confidentiality level
Level 3
File type
[Social data]
Name
Octavius Wu
Gender
Male
Age
28 years old
Location
Old World
Biological status
Natural survival
Knowledge acquisition level
1、 Natural science system: Level 6 Next level progress: ## 10% completed
2、 Humanities science system: Level 7 Next level progress: ########## 52% completed
Significant experiences
Born through natural childbirth, please refer to [Biological Data] for details.
At the age of 6, accessed the Brain-assisted system. The system detected initial abnormal information and initiated continuous monitoring.
At the age of 7, the mother filed a lawsuit with the Old World Court to remove the Brain-assisted system, citing its impact on the child's health. The court ruled to partially deactivate the Brain-assisted system. In the same year, the mother purchased a Level 5 repository of natural and humanistic knowledge for the child.
At the age of 12, found a legacy data disc from the old era and acquired the data, developing a strong interest in 21st-century history.
At the age of 17, the aircraft piloted by the mother crashed, resulting in her death. The cause is classified as [Level 3 Confidential]. In the same year, joined the [21st Century Archaeology Society].
At the age of 18, independently purchased a set of second-hand "First Generation Home System" and connected it to the main system through the home system. Subsequently, the system's tracking capabilities significantly decreased, only providing fragmented information tracking.
At the age of 19, upgraded to Level 6 in natural sciences and Level 6 in humanities through research on "The High Monopoly of Social Information by 21st Century Technology Companies."
At the age of 20, participated in the "Broad Initiative Poll" initiated by the [21st Century Archaeology Society] and helped the society achieve an overwhelming victory. The society received multiple donations.
At the age of 21, upgraded to Level 7 in humanities through research on "The Shaping and Influence of Major Epidemics on the 21st Century World."
Evaluation rating
need to distinguish
The young girl, in order to gain a better understanding of others and their perspectives, accessed two significant memory data:
Memory 1: c90a9074cc827bc541f1708b010c63da
Memory 2：de10212750e5ffc44ed8609822a94db560840255118da2697b32b62161828e51
=======================================
Memory 1:
(From the perspective of Octavius, a paragraph of memory)
Standing in front of Octavius were three boys and a girl. The most striking of them all was House, their leader. Not only was he the oldest, but he also had the most imposing figure. The only girl was Kara, House's sister. In this dwindling community, they were the largest group of kids around. As usual, they had gathered together, searching for something new to do. But they had exhausted all the nearby options and everything seemed boring.
Suddenly, House had an idea and exclaimed, "Hey, I'll take you guys treasure hunting! Are you up for it?"
"Where are we going? Can we really find treasure there?" asked one of the boys curiously.
Kara looked at House helplessly and said, "Bro, don't tell me you want to go to that old place again."
Proudly, House nodded and said, "Yes, we're going there again!"
Rolling her eyes, Kara remarked, "It's not fun. It's just a dirty and messy place, like a haunted house."
The mention of a "haunted house" excited the two boys behind Kara, and they eagerly wanted to join in. Meanwhile, Octavius wanted to back out, but he didn't want to seem cowardly, so he remained silent.
Kara turned and said, "If you want to go, go by yourselves. Count me out." Then she left without looking back. Octavius also intended to leave and said, "If Kara thinks it's boring, then it's probably not fun. I..."
Before he could finish, one of the boys interrupted him, "You're just a scaredy-cat. We all know you won't dare to go, haha!" Another boy teased Octavius, "You'd better go home and be your mommy's good little boy." Octavius, red-faced and angry, retorted, "Who says I won't dare to go! If you dare, then I dare!"
The two boys continued to taunt him, but House intervened, "If you don't want to go, then don't go, no big deal! We can find somewhere else to play." House gave the two boys a look, and they sensibly stopped teasing Octavius.
Octavius, still feeling sulky, insisted, "I'll go, I'm not scared! Those who don't go are the real scaredy-cats!"
The two boys smirked at House, and House, after observing Octavius's expression, declared loudly, "Alright! Today, all of us boys will embark on a mission to the haunted house. When we come back with treasures, everyone will know that we are the bravest kids around here!"
"Hoo...hoo...hoo..." The four boys howled together; it was their team action signal.
"Alright! Let's go back and prepare!" House commanded, "Meet at the small airport in twenty minutes!"
"Yes, sir!" The boys excitedly agreed, then scattered to prepare at their respective homes.
As the appointed time approached, everyone gathered at the small airport. The two boys each carried a large backpack, seemingly containing shovels and other tools, while Octavius had only changed his clothes and shoes, slightly furrowing his brow. House was already standing by an old micro aerial vehicle, waving them over. After boarding the small micro aerial vehicle, House performed some Brain-assisted and manual operations, and the micro aerial vehicle entered autopilot mode, smoothly flying toward its predetermined destination.
About half an hour later, the small micro aerial vehicle arrived at its destination, landing among a cluster of mountain villas. This area was different from their community, clearly showcasing remnants of an older era with buildings that contrasted sharply with modern architecture. Most of the villa walls were covered in moss and water stains due to neglect, giving them a more dilapidated appearance. Despite this, the natural scenery surrounding the villas was still captivating, offering a picturesque view of the mountains and sea. After briefly admiring the scenery, the boys followed House as he led them toward one of the villas.
House pushed open the door, and the boys followed him inside, with Octavius trailing behind. The structure of the villa's living room was mostly intact, displaying a decorative style vastly different from modern designs. The meticulous arrangement featured sturdy dark wooden furniture, exquisite flooring, elegant walls, grand floor-to-ceiling windows, and splendid outdoor scenery, showcasing the former luxury of the place. Unfortunately, all the precious decorations had been taken, leaving behind only scattered debris. The dusty floor revealed footprints from different eras, and the walls, once adorned with numerous paintings, now only displayed traces of dust from the removed artwork. However, the most puzzling element was a visibly incongruous feature within the living room: a crude bronze sculpture, resembling the head of a bird but more like a rooster, hung prominently on the wall. Its color suggested inferior quality, and its craftsmanship was disappointing. This sculpture disrupted the overall unity of the interior design.
Sunlight filtering through the tall windows dissipated the lingering sense of eeriness in the room. Disappointed, the two boys with backpacks murmured to each other, "Is this the haunted house? I wouldn't have come if I knew." Annoyed, House replied, "You guys don't understand! This used to be the residence of wealthy people, and there might be some treasures left behind! Besides, when I came here last time, I felt that something was off, maybe even supernatural!"
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
"It's better be that way, or else coming here was a waste." Clearly, the boys had lost interest and began to look around. Meanwhile, Octavius, feeling bored, moved a chair and sat in the living room, quietly surveying the surroundings.
After a while, House left to the balcony to admire the view, then headed straight to the basement. Passing by Octavius, he said, "Since you're here, take a look around and have some fun."
"Alright," Octavius nodded.
Feeling bored in the living room and with one of the backpack boys rummaging nearby, Octavius decided to leave. He walked up the stairs to the second floor, curious to see what was there. As he reached the top of the stairs, a beam of light shot out from a room, dazzling his eyes. Instinctively, he closed his eyes and rubbed them. When he reopened his eyes and looked toward the light, it had disappeared. Startled at first, he quickly realized that ghosts wouldn't produce beams of light, so something else must be in the room. Upon reaching the doorway, he discovered that it was simply another backpack boy playing a trick. Looking more carefully, Octavius noticed that the boy held a circular disc-shaped object with a large hole in the middle, resembling a mirror. The boy was using this object to reflect sunlight into the room.
Octavius had never seen this circular object before and didn't know what it was. So, he used Brain-assisted to search the database, which quickly provided an answer: it was an outdated optical disc from the late 20th to early 21st century. Realizing that the disc likely contained data from the old era, Octavius felt a surge of excitement and eagerly asked the boy, "The thing you're holding looks interesting. Can I have a look?"
"It's just a mirror! Haven't you seen one before? Or are you trying to admire yourself?" the boy retorted.
"But it's not a mirror, it's an optical disc! People from the old times used it to store data," Octavius explained.
"What optical disc? It's a mirror! Don't try to fool me."
"You don't understand, it really is an optical disc! People used it to store videos, photos, and other data. I promise! You have to believe me!"
"I know your mom spent a fortune buying you a database. If you want to show off, do it with someone else! It's annoying to see you act clever. Besides, even if you know it's an 'optical disc', so what? I like using it as a mirror. What can you do about it?" The boy taunted Octavius, demonstrating the object in front of him provocatively, "Who uses things to store data anymore? Who are you fooling? Anyone knows data is stored in Brain-assisted. If this thing really does store data, why don't you demonstrate it now? Let's see you store some data with it."
"I can't access it right now; you need a specific device for that. Please let me borrow it, and I'll demonstrate it for you later!" pleaded Octavius.
"Stop talking, I won't lend it to you, how about that!" the boy said, and was about to leave the room.
"Wait, don't leave just yet," Octavius implored, "Or how about lending it to me for three days? If not, two days is fine!"
"Shut up!"
"One day! Just one day!"
The boy, already impatient, snapped at Octavius, "Are you crazy!" and threw the disc at him. Octavius instinctively raised his hand to block it, but it slipped past and hit him on the eyebrow. It stung, and he let out a loud "Ouch!" as he covered his eye and eyebrow with his hand, crouching on the floor.
Realizing his mistake, the boy pointed at Octavius and said, "It's not my fault, you asked for it!" and then left the villa without looking back.
Hearing the fading footsteps of the boy, Octavius, despite the pain, reached for the disc on the floor and quickly tucked it into his pocket.
House and the other backpack boy heard the commotion from upstairs and rushed over, finding Octavius crouched on the floor, holding his eye. After a brief explanation from Octavius, House quickly went outside and brought back the boy who had thrown the disc, leading him back to the living room.
The boy, now somewhat frightened, remained silent with his head bowed. After confirming that Octavius's eye was okay, and listening to the explanations from both boys, House frowned and addressed the boy who threw the disc, "If you make trouble, you have to take responsibility! Luckily, his eye is okay. If it was injured, could you afford the consequences!"
The boy remained silent, but Octavius quickly said, "It's fine, it's fine. But I have a request."
Before the boy could respond, House spoke for him, "What do you need? Just say it!"
"Can you lend me the disc for a day? Just one day! Is that okay?"
The boy was relieved and said, "Sure, take it! I don't want it anyway."
Octavius smiled and thanked him, and House glanced at him, unsure of what to say, and simply scolded the boy before the matter was settled.
The boys searched the villa for a while but found nothing worth taking. With plenty of daylight left, they hadn't planned to return home yet. House decided to continue with the two boys and explore the neighboring villas for more "treasures." This time, however, Octavius didn't follow them. Instead, he stayed near the small micro aerial vehicle, occasionally taking out the disc to inspect it. After a long wait, House and the two boys finally returned with their findings, and they all flew back home, satisfied with their expedition.
End of Memory
=======================================
=======================================
Memory 2:
Octavius woke up late and ate a few bites in the kitchen before deciding to go back to his room. As he passed by his mother's study, he had no intention of greeting her. However, his mother noticed his presence and called out to him, "Son, come in! I want to talk to you."
"Oh..." Octavius responded with a hint of resignation and walked into the study. His mother had a serious expression, and he knew this conversation wouldn't be easy.
His mother gazed at Octavius's face and asked, "You're almost an adult now. Do you have any plans for your future?"
"I have no plans," Octavius's gaze wandered as he continued, "I know what you want to say to me. But what can I do here? Times have changed, AI can do everything better. We no longer rely on human labor like before. In the old world, nobody can live well!"
"That's not entirely correct!" A trace of dissatisfaction appeared on his mother's face. "There are still many jobs that require human involvement, such as scientific research, data collection, and the service industry, among others. Just like my years as a lawyer, helping many people. How can you say that work is no longer needed? How can you say that the old world is no longer suitable for living?"
Octavius frowned and replied, "If it really came down to a courtroom battle, do you have confidence in winning against AI? Besides, the people who come to see you mostly want to gain more benefits in the old world and then live in the SU world with the money. Not many people are nostalgic for the old world."
"If they can't get fair compensation in the old world, it will be even harder for them in the SU world. By helping them, I can at least bring them some justice," his mother's expression became complex. "And I'm not asking you to become a lawyer, there are many other professions to choose from."
Octavius sarcastically replied, "Then what can I do? Become a teacher?" (Note: Since the widespread use of neural augmentation, traditional education has collapsed, and teachers were one of the first professions to disappear. Later, "becoming a teacher" became a sarcastic remark, understood as becoming someone who is obsolete or useless in the old era.)
His mother frowned as well, "But you can't just never work! And you've always loved history, maybe you can try working in historical research." (Note: Researchers are one of the most popular professions in the old world.)
"I certainly would like to! The reality is, no one is interested in history anymore. Who would be willing to spend money to hire people to research history!" Octavius said dejectedly.
His mother said thoughtfully, "Perhaps..." She stopped there and didn't continue.
Octavius continued, "If you really care about my future, then stop preventing me from going to the SU world. There are many jobs there that need people. They say there are as many job opportunities as in the 20th century. Maybe I can find great development opportunities!"
"No! You can't go there!" His mother firmly refused, "Under no circumstances, for any reason, can you enter the SU world!"
"Why not! Hundreds of millions of people have gone without any issues! What are you so worried about!" Octavius's emotions began to escalate, "You're just selfish, you don't want me to leave your side!"
The room fell into silence, with only the sound of Octavius's angry breathing. After a while, his mother spoke slowly, "Many things are not as simple as you see them. I can't let you go to the SU world because I have valid reasons. There are still some questions I haven't figured out, so I can't tell you the reasons for now. When I do figure it out, I will tell you everything, alright?"
"No need, since you won't let me go, I don't need to know!" Octavius angrily said, then left the study and returned to his room, slamming the door shut.
At noon, after Mom prepared a sumptuous lunch by herself, she shouted loudly towards the room, "Come out and have lunch!"
Octavius was still upset about the dispute with his mom in the morning and remained silent. Mom called him again, and he impatiently replied, "I know!" Still, he had no intention of leaving the room.
After Mom put on her outdoor clothes, she came to the doorway of Octavius's room and said, "I have something important today and I'm going out soon. You can have lunch by yourself."
"Oh... Goodbye!" Octavius replied casually and indifferently.
Mom smiled and replied, "Goodbye, son! Don't forget to have lunch!" Then she left home and hurriedly headed towards her small aircraft.
After confirming that Mom had left, Octavius slowly walked out of the room and leisurely started to enjoy his lunch. He had only taken a few bites when suddenly there was a loud noise outside the window, frightening him almost dropping his utensils. He quickly rushed to the window and looked towards the direction of the noise.
Outside the window, on the distant green mountains, gray smoke rose with faint visible flames. Octavius felt nervous, as if the air around him had become heavy, and an ominous premonition rose in his heart, feeling as if a chilling current pierced his mind...
"No no no, it can't be Mom..."
He hurriedly rushed out of the house and shouted loudly to the household terminal, "Connect to Mom immediately, quickly!"
After a brief wait, the reply was unexpectedly, "Communication failed! Unable to detect her biological status information."
"Shut up!" Octavius roared angrily, "You idiot! Keep trying, keep retrying!"
Having said that, he ran desperately towards the direction of the smoke. As his pace quickened, sweat began to flow on his forehead, gradually soaking his eyebrows, and then continued to drip down, intermingling with tears, falling drop by drop in rhythm with his footsteps. These occasional drops formed a trail behind him.
As the running intensified, his stamina quickly depleted, his footsteps became heavier and slower. Less than twenty minutes later, his stamina was completely exhausted, and he could no longer continue running, so he could only slump on the ground. He looked at the distant mountains where the smoke was gradually dissipating, still out of reach. He could only lie helplessly on the ground, hoping that the sound of his rapid breathing and hoarse crying could mask this detestable world...
End of Memory
=======================================
The young girl read the above data content in a moment, and then she said to the mature woman:
"It's very interesting and indeed challenging. So, do I plan and execute the identification plan and process completely on my own? Are there any special requirements?"
The mature woman calmly replied, "Just follow the normal process. Let me have a conversation with him first, and then you can handle everything!"
The young girl nodded satisfactorily, "No problem!"
Data stream translation completed.
***************************************
On that evening, in the world of SU, in "Glory Europa".
Spencer sat comfortably in the living room of a luxurious villa, with warm yellow lights reflecting on the walls adorned with famous paintings, each artwork vibrant and radiant. He sat on a soft leather sofa, cushioned with velvet pillows, as if embraced by gentle arms. The bar area displayed an array of exquisite wines, with various liquids shimmering enticingly in the glass cups, filling the air with fragrance. The dining table in the hall was filled with gourmet delicacies, tender steaks, aromatic grilled vegetables, seafood accompanied by French bread and cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables, making one's mouth water. Several beautifully dressed women accompanied him, while lively music and laughter filled the air.
Just as Spencer was indulging in luxurious enjoyment, he suddenly received a high-priority call request, which annoyed him a little. Upon learning that it was an urgent meeting from an important person, he immediately dismissed the people around him, stopped the music, and, with a respectful attitude, accepted the call request.
In the holographic call, a stunningly beautiful young girl suddenly appeared, completely different from the influential figures or their family members that Spencer knew. He was quite surprised, but still put on a friendly smile, slightly bowed, and greeted politely, "Madam, hello! How may I assist you?"
Though the girl's tone was polite, she spoke directly, "May I ask if you are President Spencer of the 21st Century Archaeological Society?"
"Indeed, it is I. What can I do for you?"
"I am Beatrix, Assistant to the Creator Alpha."
Upon hearing this, Spencer widened his eyes and looked at the young girl again, somewhat incredulous. He quickly said with even more respect, "So you're Miss Beatrix! Please forgive my rudeness!"
(Note: In the world of SU, the Creator is like a god, possessing nearly unlimited power and resources in the world he created! And the Creator's assistant may become the future Creator, a highly respected position.)
"It's nothing. My purpose is simple. I want Octavius, from your academy, to come and work for us," Beatrix said bluntly.
"Him? Forgive me for being frank, but his qualifications are rather ordinary. I'm afraid he's not the best choice," Spencer tried to persuade her. "I can select more suitable candidates for you, as long as you tell me your requirements!"
"No, we only want him to come and work," she replied.
Spencer hesitated and said, "Are you suggesting that he come to the SU world to work for you?"
"Yes," she nodded.
"But..." Spencer clasped his hands together, feigning a difficult expression. "Unfortunately, he is the most reluctant person to come to the SU world! I have tried to persuade him more than once, but he has always refused. This matter is likely to be very difficult..."
Beatrix looked into Spencer's eyes and said, "I am well aware of his attitude. That's why I approached you today instead of contacting him directly."
Spencer seemed to understand her meaning. "I see! Can you give me a moment to think of a solution?"
Beatrix nodded.
Spencer started to calculate in his mind: the Creator has a lot of money, as long as the price is reasonable, he should agree. Not only could he earn money as a reward, but he might also get an independent channel to enter the SU world. If he sells it, he might even make more money! In fact, he knew Octavius's temper very well and knew how to convince him. He was not worried about completing the task.
At this moment, Beatrice was using her superpowers to read Spencer's mind and see how he would perform. She was also preparing her bargaining chips.
After thinking it over, Spencer said, "I will do my best to complete your entrusted task! However, he is not easy to persuade. Besides my best efforts, I need your additional help."
"What kind of help do you need?" Beatrice asked.
"From what I understand, he values money very much, and I think bribery might be effective..." Spencer said while observing Beatrice's expression. He planned to adjust the amount according to her reaction.
Without giving him a chance to negotiate, Beatrice almost immediately said, "Is this number enough?"
"Huh?" Spencer was taken aback at first, then he received a notification of the payment. After carefully checking the amount, he couldn't hide his smile. He tried to contain it and continued, "If all this money goes to him, it should be enough..."
Beatrice's response made Spencer even happier, "After completing the task, there will be the same number again for you."
Spencer quickly agreed, afraid that if he hesitated, she might change her mind. As someone who had experienced many ups and downs, he was not blinded by the numbers. He then turned back and looked a little distressed, "There is one thing I must inform you of first. In case I can't do it, you may blame me for not doing a good job."
"Go ahead and tell me," Beatrice replied calmly.
"For some reason, Octavius has always been skeptical about the safety of entering the SU world. I suspect that even money may not completely eliminate his fears. However, I have heard of a special independent channel to enter the SU world, which is safer. Perhaps, if we can provide this specialized channel, the probability of him changing his mind will be much higher."
"The opening of a specialized channel is a complex process and will take some time. If you have any other requirements, please let me know."
"Well... I heard that the specialized channel has a very small probability of being forcibly closed, or encountering compatibility issues. To be on the safe side, I suggest that while opening a specialized channel, we also open a backup channel in case of any unexpected situation!" Spencer said with a slightly furrowed brow.
Beatrice smiled and nodded lightly, saying, "It will take a little more time."
Then, the room suddenly became quiet. Spencer was waiting eagerly, but as time passed, he began to worry that the other party might change their mind or that his price was too high. He started to consider revising what he had said earlier, at least to secure some benefits. But when he stole a glance at Beatrice, he saw her relaxed expression as she gazed at his mansion, and he decided to take the risk and see if she would compromise first.
After a while, Spencer almost couldn't help himself and was about to renegotiate when he received a new notification. He hadn't had a chance to check it yet when Beatrice spoke first, "Two independent specialized channels are ready, and various usage permissions have also been authorized to you. I guess there should be no more problems, right?"
Spencer was relieved and quickly responded, "Of course! There will be no more problems! Now, you just have to wait for good news!"
Beatrice ended the call, and her beautiful figure disappeared from the villa, leaving Spencer standing in the room. He put away his submissive attitude and was now wearing a proud expression, with a slight smile on his lips.