Apocalypse: System of lotteries



Day 19 adrift at sea.

The ship swayed under the force of the ocean's currents. Inside the observation room of the bridge, Ming watched the massive waves with a touch of excitement. For the first time, he realized how insignificant humans were in the vastness of nature.

Three hours later, the sea calmed, and the dawn light once more bathed the deck. Ming patted the heads of his frogs, fed them fish, kissed them, and gave them playful spanks, urging them to venture around. There was little to do every day, and this routine had become the most meaningful.

Lorelei took it upon herself to handle all the cooking. She spent most of her day in the kitchen, finding solace and pleasure there.

[Your frogs energetically flooded the deck, hopping around the ship in a route they were all too familiar with. Da Vinci wondered how his little butterfly was doing. Had it emerged from its cocoon by now, missing him perhaps?]

[Foodie's thoughts wandered to the little Koi fish he hadn't seen for days. It must have gotten thinner. Merlin glanced at Napoleon, suggesting an increase in its resistance to toxins so it could nap here instead of traveling in loops. Napoleon thought it was indeed a splendid idea.]

"..."

Ming sat in the observation room. They had been sailing for several days, and if all went as planned, they would soon return to Base 109.

Day 23 adrift at sea.

*Ding* Title achieved, reward: 48213 gold coins.

*Ding* Broken bowl obtained, one item received.

"Is it night already?"

Ming peered out of the window, musing aloud. To him, these notifications were the only way to discern between day and night.

He immediately inspected the item from the broken bowl. For days, he had been anticipating the diary of Janice or any item related to him.

Inspection:

[A & B's Log]

[10.1 - Today, we began developing and refining Little B, using Little A's logic as a foundation. We aimed to enhance its 'independent thinking capability'...]

[10.9 - Today, Little B's 'eyes' were upgraded, thanks to my salary raise and bonus... She once told me to chase what I love in life. I couldn't agree more...]

[10.21 - Today, B completed the transfer of A's data. In terms of logic, there hasn't been much advancement, which is challenging... A colleague cautioned me today about working solo. Yet, I believe their approach is flawed. I only offered suggestions, seeing no harm in it. After all, honesty is a virtue, just as she said. Everything has its nature and shouldn't be constrained.]

[11.4 - Today, I conducted a comparative test between A and B, presenting them with a controversial online video. Little A concluded, "Compromise brings a better world," while Little B surmised, "Might make right." I am pleased with the test results. Both A and B have shown significant advancements in recognizing dynamic events. In their conclusions, I see truth in both.]

[11.12 - Today, I conducted an in-depth test on Little B. I've noticed that its analytical conclusions often seem somewhat off. I can't pinpoint the issue, but thinking of her smile and encouragement ease my worries.]

[11.29 - Today, I introduced Little B to sociological events, allowing it to analyze them. The conclusions were rather extreme. Still, it indicates that B truly has developed the ability for 'independent thinking.']

[12.18 - Today, I transferred Little B's logic to Little A and had it analyze events once again. Little A's logic is full of kindness and understanding. I am elated. A and B complement each other. If I could merge their logic, perhaps... they'd be perfect.]

[1.21 - Today, I experienced joy in sorrow with her. I intend to introduce the same logic to both A and B and observe if their inherent logic would exhibit even the slightest 'turbulence.' Yes, that's the plan.]

[1.25 - I am preparing to upgrade A and B again today. I am attempting to integrate my personality logic into A and B, each holding half. I am eager to see the transformations that might ensue.]

[2.5 - Today, I continued with yesterday's task.]

[2.6 - Today, I press on.]

[…]

"???"

Ming put away the notes, reflecting. He had always felt that A and B represented two entirely different 'personalities,' and there seemed to be some 'conflict' between them. The reason became clear — Janice had split his own personality in half, bestowing each part to A and B, respectively.

"So that's what happened~"

Ming reflected on all he had experienced. It felt as if two forces acted upon him: one pushing him forward, the other laying obstacles in his path. And the words etched on the fossilized shell echoed: "You're not strong enough, you're still not strong enough..."

Could this possibly be a kind reminder from either A or B?

But Ming couldn't discern whether the reminder came from A or B. Janice's notes didn't specify which personalities she instilled in A and B. Was it sorrow and joy? Evil and good? Calm or fiery? Creation or destruction?

Ming decided not to dwell on it and summoned Euryale. The latter, coiling nearby, noticed Ming's troubled expression, nodded respectfully, and remained silent.

"When did you tell Janice you were a fraud?"

"On February 1st of this year."

"Hmm..."

Ming recalled the notes. After 2.4, Janice's dairy became noticeably brief. It was evident he was deeply heartbroken during that time.

Ah, youthful heroes have always arisen, but even they stumble at the challenges of love.

"Is that Mount Fuji?"

At this, Euryale pointed towards a mountain peak emerging from the ocean. Following the direction, Ming saw a structure that resembled Mount Fuji, but he wasn't sure. The snow that traditionally capped the peak seemed diminished, perhaps partly melted?

The sea had risen up to its middle; surrounding it was an expanse of the ocean. If that was indeed Mount Fuji, then 109 wasn't far.

...

Within the mist.

Alice radiated brilliance, bestowing an invincible aura upon the dozens around her.

Mile raised his sword, pointing at the two tongue-flailing zombies in front of him - one black and one white. "Today, no one will take any of us! Fight!"

The crowd surged forward, surrounding the zombies, and began their assault!

David stood atop a sprawling cliff. T tens of thousands waged war at the Gates of Hell ahead of him. Behind him, the vast expanse of the sea stretched out.

The sea's surface was now a mere 20 meters below the cliff's edge. On the waters, hundreds, if not thousands, of whales and sharks roamed. Atop their backs stood rows of Naga sirens.

On a colossal wave that appeared to roll in place, a golden chariot was drawn by mutated seahorses. In the chariot stood a towering figure clad in gold armor wrapped around him like fish scales. He steadied the chariot with his left hand and held a trident in his right!

David exclaimed in frustration, "Scoundrel, how many days have you pursued us? Aren't you tired? Come ashore and face us! If I step back even once, then I'm a coward!"

"Roar!"

The long-haired man with the trident bellowed in rage, swinging his weapon. A massive wave instantly rose, aiming straight for the cliff's edge.

David retreated, shouting, "I just took three steps back, and I didn't lose!"