Chapter 35

Creators

Yet another failure. I have been trying to create a spell to destroy souls and spirits, but since I am missing a great deal of information, things are not going my way.

I know I have all the necessary words strewn among the create artificial soul, create artificial spirit and oath spells, but without a clear understanding, what I do amount to stringing random words while hoping they will combine into a valid sentence.

The notes are not much help either, all my predecessors ever did was look into the applications and without ever trying to understand the core of the spells. 13055th? Her case was a bit special; she went further than anyone else, dancing all around the taboo without ever crossing it.

So far, I have tested hundreds of combinations, but this barely amounts to a drop in a vast ocean of possibilities.

I have already lost track of how many days I have spent working on this, but at this rate, I feel like my head is going to explode before I make progress. 

I take the creator’s log, I doubt I will find information relevant to my current situation, but all the better, what I need is a nice change of pace.

<><><>

It is a strange feeling, I am reading a foreign language, and yet I get it… for the most part. Some foreign concepts such as ethic still sound murky, but I would say I am getting about eleven twelfth of the words, which is far more reliable than my half-baked empathy/auto-translation skill.

I do not think the translation spell is entirely to blame though, ethic as previously cited, appears in many entries but its meaning seems to vary a lot depending on the author. Still, this is an interesting concept, one I intend to define and institute as soon as I get back.

Another word that comes a lot, but makes no sense in any context is ‘the board’. People complain a lot about it - almost one out of three entry - but I fail to see why there is so much to say about a flat piece of wood, or how it relates to any of their decision... unless it is something religious, like an augur.

I must say that reading through all those entries dampened my expectations about the creators by a lot. All-powerful as they were, they sound like normal people with their own strengths and weaknesses... mostly weaknesses.

After skipping through a lot of content – complaints! So many complaints! Did they really need to write them down? All of them? – I find a promising entry titled:

Artificial souls

As you know, our previous experiment proved there exists a form of energy natural to all of this world’s creatures. One that sometimes persists even after death.

Well, I am delighted to announce to you that we've created some artificial souls and spirits and that we even managed to modify their function to a degree. It won't be long before we can alter them to suit our purpose.

Despite what you may have heard, S0 and S1 are neither Frankenstein’s abomination nor weapons, these are simply tools: the first step toward an understanding of the nature of life.

Comments about S0 and S1 come back a lot, but more than half of them give the feel of someone trying to cover their mistakes.

Copy: S0, S1, and S2 disposal: Request of authorization: destruction of dangerous specimens

I won’t deny that those specimens taught us a lot, but it is high time we get rid of them. You are all aware of the destruction wrought by the escaped specimens, but this is not my main concern. What really worries me is the idea of this knowledge falling into the wrong hands.

Here we can control them and confine them to a degree, but... We have all seen zombie movies. It doesn’t even begin to describe the destructive potential of the specimens.

I recommend the immediate destruction of the specimens and documentation. It is only a matter before some idiot brings the idea of weaponization and we all know who'd be using them and how incompetent they are!

Copy to board: specimen S2.

Thank you for accepting my demands, the failed experiments will be stored in a special room at the bottom of site alpha. It is good to see that you too, unlike my colleagues, understand how much there is to learn from studying simple entities defined only by a primal urge.

A special room at the bottom? I had a feeling, but those light balls really are S2. Regretfully there is no sign of the method used to dispose of S0 and S1.

Most entries afterward are complaints, demands, small notes and reports, but nothing substantial… until suddenly they speak of modifying existing species with artificial souls, then it quickly escalates to the creation of not one, but five new species at once.

Copy: Repurposing of AH5.

I will admit that none of our artificial humanoids possess all of the desired traits, but there is a redeeming quality to AH5 in the form of their strong connection to mana. Still, as intelligent and willing as they appear and despite easily passing the Turing test, they show even less initiative and liveliness that most intermediaries A.I.

Nevertheless, they are very obedient and show uncharacteristic curiosity toward our work. With our numbers dwindling by the day, I think we'd gain from using them as assistants and caretakers for our facilities.

Despite all this, I do not recommend that we continue raising new species. It takes more time and resources that we currently have. In the time we have left, we should focus on altering existing species like we did in the past.

Apathetic and with a strong connection to mana? It sounds like us.

Copy: Ans: Repurposing of AH5.

As proposed, the AH5 specimens will be repurposed as caretakers for site alpha. I have hope that with proper education, future generations will develop better traits.

P.S: Please do not forget to report any dangerous or suspicious behaviors.

Copy: AH5 progress

The specimens have taken the initiative of their own. I do not know who gave them access to this knowledge, but they have created artificial servitors of their own.

The children, as they call them, are at best half-baked imitation of our work, but they are nevertheless on the level of low tier A.I in abilities. More interestingly, the constructs show a remarkable amount of devotion toward their creators, something we have yet to instill into our own creations.

It might not go anywhere, but I’d like to require the allocation of some resources to their program, along with increased monitoring and reduced intervention as to not influence future development.

Copy: RE: RE: AH5 modifications: Why?

I disagree with your decision. Putting more restrictions on the caretakers goes against the very spirit of inquiry and what our project stands for.

As far as I can tell, this is the final entry related to my species, there are no more references to the caretakers and AH5 after this one.

From my point of view, theses entries tell the story of a great divide between the creators. This alone might even be the reason why this log was left behind in the first place: as a way to tell us, their creation, the story of our origins.

Copy: to all: Bloody dragons now?

Tell XXXX to stop messing around. The alteration of wyvern into dragons was already stupid beyond belief, but he just went and outdid himself… And for what? To make a stupidly powerful pet? This creature of his makes a feral cat with a toothache look tame in comparison and it's bloody immune to conventional weapons.

Can someone please talk to the higher-ups? Have him sent back to H.Q? You know, before he and his damn pets blow the whole damn world to smithereens.

Copy: to all: Tr: 'Losses'

Twenty-two dimensional bag lost in two weeks and counting. Don’t tell me about accidents, because the bastards all lost the corresponding manuals at the same time!

Also, can someone pray tell me why my demand for implementing kill switches keep being rejected? What has become of our ‘No interference policy' from two months ago?

Copy: to all: Project termination

The project is being terminated. All traces must be removed with the exception of site Alpha that has since then become home to the caretakers. This will be the one and only exception.

I repeat, the one and only exception.

Thank you for your contribution, we hope to see you all in future projects.

To XXXX: the caretakers are to be the only exception.

To XXXX: Kill your bloody dragons!

It could not be clearer that creators all had different agendas and personalities, albeit mostly troublesome ones.

It was very informative, and a nice break… but none of this helps me with my S2 problem and for each answer, I have got, I have more questions.

Why hide this journal in that room, specifically? Why did they not destroy S2 before leaving? Why did they lose equipment on purpose? Why did they leave? Why did they put restraints on our development? Why did they not remove them?

I have an inkling of an answer to some, but for the others, I draw a blank.

I go to the storage room to make a copy of this log for the Queen. I take a crystal about twenty times as big. I could copy the entire spell and be done with it, but I have already learned not to trust the creators, not after the nasty trap they left down there…

And then it strikes me, the translation spell is the second part of the puzzle! The content was only there to make it seem like a harmless journal.

Will the universal translation spell really work on the words of power?

It has to, otherwise, there would be no point leaving it behind.

But what if it really is a harmless journal?

That would make no sense, not after the puzzle, not after everything I have learned. There has to be a purpose… or else it would all be mere coincidences.

Finding the right words take some time, but there are only a few dozen, and they have to be linked to the reading or displaying part, it is the only way they can work.

I try each sequence of words, until what is before me stop being gibberish. This is it! The moment of truth. I turn to my unfinished spell on it and… YES! I am reading them! I know the Words of powers!

I realize there is a difference between knowing and understanding, but I do not need to go that far to destroy those awful parasites!

And a few hours later, I step outside, a child’s body under my arm. I have embedded a trap within just in case, but I believe we have seen the last of them. I nod gravely to the knight. “They are no more!”

Their relief upon hearing the news is almost palpable. The Queen told me there were things worth dying for and this was one such case. I still have regrets. I could have handled it better, but the knowledge I bring with me will benefit the Queendom for millennia to come.

As the knight prepare for departure, I reflexively catch a passing insect, its soul’s program is simple but one part, in particular, stands out: 'Multiply on earth and increase upon it'.

It is almost frightening how much sense it makes.

<><><>

I am brought directly to the throne room without any of the usual formalities. The knowledge I bring is not for all ears, but coming unannounced in the middle of the day, I could hardly hope for a private meeting.

“There you are dear; we were getting worried”

The knight general gives me an understanding look as if to ask if he can continue with his report.

“Please, go on.”

“What is left of the Kingdom’s troops has joined with the rebels. As we speak, they are marching toward the capital. Reports indicate their logistic is a mess, it is almost certain they’ll starve long before leaving the province, or soon after, assuming they get themselves organized.”

“Why attack us when they know they stand no chance.”

“Fanatics know no reasons, and whatever competent leader they might have had in the past perished in your attack against the capital. Honestly, I almost feel sorry for the ones left in charge,” His wide evil smile tells a completely different story. “they cannot not go to war.”

“It is awful!”

The knight general shows an even crueler smile. “Even if there are some reasonable people left among them, this religious police of theirs will keep them quiet. You've struck at their most sacred heart and received the devil’s own help, what else did you expect?”

The Queen speaks softly. “Just when the empire has launched a full invasion? It is as though they wish to hasten their doom. Nevertheless, it is beneficial for us, we have no interest in their land, and it frames both the empire and the kingdom as the aggressors.”

“What of the people?”

The general shrugs his shoulders as he answers dismissively. ‘Yes? What of them?”

No one seems to care, and it is not like it bothers me that much, either. It is sad, but it is something they brought on themselves. “What of your idea of using golem as cavalry? Is it working?

This question is much more to his liking as he answers joyously. “We only have a few prototypes running, but you should see how fearsome they are with their heavy metal chariots. I cannot wait to see them tear through the kingdom’s infantry.”

“Oh, I wondered about that last time? Would it not be easier to put the blade directly on the golem?”

“No, the chariot has its use, but… maybe... we could probably give them some weapons too. Something with a long reach and a large blade to make use of their size and strength… I’m thinking some kinds of scythe…”

“What about those we loaned to the empire, what are they doing with them?”

“There has been no sighting of them since the destruction of the main church. I believe they are using them on their southern front.”

“As they should.” Says her majesty tilting her head. “Remember, the envoy only told us they would use them to reinforce their borders. He never specified which.”

“I have heard some other interesting news.” Says the commander again, visibly enjoying himself. “Remember that southern barbarian leader the cleric was talking about? Well, he declared himself the reincarnation of their prophet and is trying to seize the most sacred sites in the kingdom.”

As the one responsible for this mess, I feel like I should say something, but I have no obligation to feel sorry for enemies who are doing everything in their power to destroy themselves.

<><><>

Finally, alone with her Majesty, I recount my recent experiences, leaving out nothing.

Her answer is quite unexpected. “Those creators worry me, despite all their laws and regulatory agencies, they had almost no control over their own people.”

I, however, see things from the other side. “Honestly, most of our researchers would act the same if it were not for our lack of resources forcing them to work closely together.”

“Don’t you find it worrying?” She mutters something even I cannot make sense of. “I’ll have to increase oversight on the magic department.”

“I agree, I think It will be necessary to create an ethical code and some regulatory agencies to enforce them in the future.”

I quickly switch to another subject as this one makes us both uncomfortable. “There is good news, your majesty. Many of the children we brought back should be reactivable with little efforts and I am confident we will be able to do something about the others because… we now have your mother's knowledge.”

“Does this mean you can make new bodies for my siblings? “

“I think so.”

“And for me?”

I find the idea disturbing, but try to hide my trouble by asking. “It seems plausible, but why?”

“Mine is old and faulty. As it stands, I need to spend one-third of my time in a suspended state just to remain functional.”

I never knew it was this bad, but it explains why she needs a room.

What she says next is even more surprising. “You should look into changing yours too. It has more than its share of problems.”

I doubt getting a new body will suffice… but I probably have the tools to make myself a new soul and repair the damage to my spirit. “You are right, it is worth looking into.” But remembering the ghost-like abominations I quickly add. “But we should proceed with the utmost caution.”

“Be prudent, I do not want to lose you.”

“I will be careful!”

“As though I’d believe you! Prudence has never been a strong point of yours, you need someone to keep a close eye on you.”

That is rude, I am not that reckless! I have only had one or two... at most three brushes with death since I woke up.

“I thought this way for a long time, you need me to look after you.”

It was a very awkward way to propose but… “Yes, I would love that.”

<><><>

A little more than a year has passed and the war has since long degenerated into a multitude of small conflicts. It really seems like whenever the empire destroys a small pocket of resistance another bunch of fanatics comes out from the woodwork.

How they manage to hide such numbers in forests and mountains is beyond me. I mean, humans multiply fast, but not that fast, right?

Well, since the one suffering from the empire and the kingdom, I cannot say I feel too bad about it. As far as I am concerned, they can keep on killing each other forever, as long as the Queendom is at peace.

I got married eight months ago: that was about as long as it took to prepare a ceremony suitable for two gods… one of which also happens to be the head of state.

It was a majestic yet awkward ceremony. Who would have dreamed of the day when a skeleton in armor would marry a puppet?

I am happy, the happier I have ever been and I could not be prouder of my wife: after I used the knowledge from the vault to grant her similar control over mana, she made such rapid progress that I feel like I am the one who as to keep up with her.

Strangely, the only thing we cannot agree on is her new body. I do not like the idea of changing anything about it be she but she insists on making it taller, the same size as mine. I wish I could simply tell her I find her diminutive body ‘cute’, but the words never come out.

<><><>

Finally! After decades of research, we have done it: the first all-purpose soul. With this, not only will I forever be free from the collective, but we will not have to worry about body and spirit compatibility ever again, anybody will be free to get the body they want!

I repair the damage to my spirit and prepare to move into my new body… at long last, we will be able to touch and feel and feel each other's warmth. Sometimes I cannot help but regret the cuteness of her diminutive body, but I have to admit that seeing eye to eye has its perks too.

I am probably the first – and last – amongst my brethren to ever feel the joy of sharing a life with a significant other.

I awaken and try to move my new body. Damn, I am tired, and my whole body feels on fire. Are those muscle pains? I had forgotten what it was like to have flesh. Not as great as I remember, at this rate, even with healing, it will take days before I can move around, and even more before I can face her.

I look into the mirror. The face reflected would be comical, if only it was not mine. Forty years without muscle took its toll, I cannot control my facial muscles… I might have to keep my armor on for a while.

Cute? She calls this cute?! Easy for her to say, she never had muscles in the first place, apart from a few smiles here and there she is still as inexpressive as ever.

I'm glad I went down there and thankful to the creators, not because they made us, but for taking the risk of leaving their knowledge behind. Sometimes, far in the future, once we are ready, I might even go and meet them in person.