226: The Trial of Wisdom and Breaking the "Chaotic Chess Game"

In the core void of the "Shattered Star Ring," amidst an artificial serenity and radiance, the "morning star" hovered before the flowing liquid metal beacon δ.

Unlike the previous "the watchers" survivors encountered, δ showed no hostility or sorrow, yet it had no intention of voluntarily handing over knowledge.

Its ever-changing liquid surface shimmered with iridescent light, emitting a lively and cunning mental wave, like an immortal urchin who had discovered a new toy.

【Having found your way here, you have passed the first threshold—the threshold of brute force and luck.】

δ's thoughts echoed within the bridge, carrying a playful sense of judgment, 【But being able to fight and run is not enough to touch the delicate things in my brain.】

It did not directly state its mission like γ, nor did it need repairs like β; instead, it was like a game master who had set up layers of obstacles, leisurely and content.

【My mission, little ones, is not just to foolishly guard data.】

δ's liquid form swelled slightly and then contracted, as if shrugging, 【Those protocols, processes, and a whole bunch of troublesome precautions about how to patch 'The Weave' and how to soothe it when it throws a tantrum... yes, they are all here. But knowledge is more dangerous than the sharpest blade. Handing it to a fool with only brute force, or a self-righteous madman, could have consequences worse than throwing the keys to an armory to a baby.】

Its thoughts turned to Excellence, focusing on him with an inquisitive air: 【So, I have a rule here. Want to take something away? Fine. First, prove you have the brains to play this game. Let's play a little game. If you win, my database will be completely open to you. Everything you want to know about 'The Weave' maintenance, energy network optimization, system troubleshooting, and even some... well, interesting little tricks, will be yours. If you lose...】

δ's light flickered happily: 【Then stay here and watch the stars with this old guy. Although the 'stars' here fly a bit fast and bump into each other, watching them for a long time has a unique flavor, right?】

As soon as it finished speaking, in front of the "morning star," above δ, countless points of light appeared out of thin air, rapidly extending and interweaving to form a vast and complex dynamic 3D star map sandbox.

This was not a projection of the real starry sky, but a highly abstract visualization interface of a mathematical model simulated by pure energy.

The "stars" in the sandbox were not static; they moved along complex trajectories.

These trajectories were not simple ellipses or parabolas, but were influenced by various fictional, ever-changing "cosmic constants"—these constants were labeled by δ as "Order factor," "chaos entropy increase rate," "dimensional coupling strength," etc., and their values fluctuated randomly within a reasonable range.

More troublesome was the introduction of several "chaos variable sources" in the system, like a few mischievous invisible sprites, occasionally applying unpredictable perturbations to the passing celestial bodies.

The entire system was a super chaos model that was constantly evolving, full of non-linear interactions, and nearly unsolvable.

It simulated an extremely unstable, multi-factor coupled complex system whose future state was extremely sensitive to initial conditions and perturbations.

δ presented its requirements: 【In the current evolutionary state of this sandbox, I need you to deduce, within three hundred seconds of real-time, whether there exists a 'relatively stable state' with a duration exceeding fifty seconds after introducing an additional, medium-intensity 'gravitational ripple' interference. If it exists, point out the key system parameter 'vulnerability points' that need to be adjusted—no more than three—and briefly describe the adjustment direction. The timer... starts now.】

Once the question was posed, Evelyn, who was receiving all the parameters of the sandbox model in real-time via an encrypted data link at the distant "Homeland" command center, gasped instantly.

"This... this is an extreme scenario deduction for a multi-dimensional non-linear dynamic system!"

Evelyn's voice came through the communication channel with rare shock, her speaking speed extremely fast, "There are too many variables, the coupling is too strong, and the random perturbations cannot be ignored! Even using the next-generation supercomputing matrix prepared for the 'ark' project for full-force brute calculation, it would take at least seventy-two hours to get a probabilistic approximate solution! Three hundred seconds... this is simply impossible! This is no longer a math problem; this is... this is a philosophical puzzle!"

On the bridge, everyone's heart sank.

Su Mu looked at Excellence with worry, only to see his brows locked, his eyes fixed on the dazzling dynamic star map, his lips pressed into a straight line.

δ's liquid body flowed and changed leisurely, emitting a sense of pleasure in "watching a good show."

【How about it? Little successor?】 δ's thoughts sounded slowly, 【It's not too late to admit defeat now. Just give up on those boring maintenance manuals and tell me about any fresh and fun things that have happened in the outside universe over the years? For example, has there appeared any trouble maker more interesting than that 'entropy' guy? Or, does your little colony have any delicious food? Maybe if this old guy is happy...】

"No need." Excellence's calm voice interrupted δ's teasing.

He raised his head, the gravity in his eyes replaced by a sharp, challenging interest.

That light was not a struggle in despair, but the excitement of a researcher facing a brilliant problem.

"A very interesting model. It is not looking for a 'solution,' but simulating a river of 'possibilities.' Let me try."

He did not ask to connect to the "Homeland" supercomputer, nor did he try to perform any conventional data modeling on the console.

Instead, he signaled the helmsman to adjust his custom seat to the most comfortable angle, then slowly closed his eyes.

He gave up on using human logic and mathematical formulas to "brute force" solve this chaotic system.

Instead, he used his "Perception" ability, which had become increasingly powerful after merging with the beacon's knowledge, as well as the unique thinking mode derived from the essence of "Energy Programming."

He projected his consciousness, gently and tentatively, into the sandbox composed of energy.

He no longer viewed it as an object described by countless independent variables and equations, but as a huge, living, breathing, and pulsating "energy lifeform" or "super-dimensional program."

He did not calculate the trajectory of every "star," but "listened" to the composite "energy melody" produced when the entire system operated; he did not analyze the impact of every variable, but "touched" the "overall tension" and "evolutionary tendency" within the system that tended toward chaos or Order.

His fingers began to move unconsciously and slowly in the void in front of him, his fingertips seemingly pulling invisible threads, echoing faintly with the flow of energy in the distant sandbox.

His breathing gradually synchronized with the rhythm of the ups and downs of certain macroscopic patterns on the sandbox.

Fine beads of sweat seeped from his forehead, but his expression became increasingly focused, calm, and even carried a strange sense of "integration."

Time passed second by second.

The chaotic scene on the sandbox remained, stars dancing wildly, trajectories unpredictable.

δ initially still had an interested light flickering, its liquid form changing into various relaxed and casual shapes, as if enjoying Excellence's "struggle."

But gradually, the speed at which its "body" flowed slowed down, and the change in surface luster tended to be regular.

Its invisible "gaze" seemed to be locked tightly on Excellence, and a trace of imperceptible surprise and... inquiry was mixed into the originally playful mental fluctuations.

Su Mu and everyone on the bridge held their breath, afraid that a single sound would disturb Excellence, who was immersed in it.

They watched Excellence's quiet profile that seemed isolated from the world, watching the movements of his fingertips that seemed meaningless yet contained a certain rhythm, the tension and anticipation in their hearts climbing.

One hundred seconds... two hundred seconds...

Just as time was approaching the two hundred and seventieth second, when even Evelyn at the back couldn't help but want to sigh, Excellence's tightly closed eyes suddenly opened!

A light of galaxies being born and dying, and laws flowing, flashed in his eyes and disappeared.

Without the slightest hesitation, his hands, like a pianist pressing keys, pointed rapidly and precisely at several specific, inconspicuous areas on the sandbox.

"Here!" His voice was clear and steady, carrying the confidence of insight, "This seemingly insignificant small star cluster is the 'amplifier' of the entire system's chaotic tendency. It needs to inject a weak 'Order' parameter—simulating a temporary, low-intensity gravitational lensing effect to focus and harmlessly dissipate its scattered perturbations."

With his words and mental guidance, an extremely subtle but specific energy flow submerged into the sandbox from Excellence's direction, acting precisely on the area he designated.

The trajectories of the few "stars" in that area paused slightly, and then, the subtle influence they had in spreading outward and exacerbating the overall chaos really began to weaken.

"Here," Excellence's finger moved to another void, which seemed empty, but in his "Perception," it was an invisible "pressure Node," "is one of the key channels for random 'chaos variable' injection into the system. It cannot be blocked, only diverted. Introduce a controllable, reverse 'random' seed to create a self-canceling small energy vortex here, guiding disorder into local, controllable turbulence."

Another precise energy intervention.

The void twisted slightly, creating a small, self-sustaining vortex that partially absorbed and tamed the nearby chaotic energy flow.

"And here," Excellence's gaze and fingers finally fixed on a stable moving, medium-brightness light spot to the left of the center of the sandbox.

Its trajectory was relatively regular, but it was bearing pressure from all directions, "is the implicit 'fulcrum' and the biggest 'vulnerability point' of the current evolutionary path of the entire system. It's state determines whether the system slips into complete collapse or has a chance to find a new balance. It is necessary to temporarily 'freeze' its three associated secondary variables to give it a short, decisive window of opportunity."

The third, and most delicate, energy instruction was issued.

The movement of that key light spot paused for an instant, and the fluctuation amplitude of the several energy veins closely connected to it significantly decreased.

A miracle happened.

The chaotic star map that had been dancing wildly and seemed ready to explode at any moment, under these three seemingly slight but actually hit-the-point interventions by Excellence, was like being cast with magic.

Harmonious notes began to appear in the chaotic "melody," and the wild energy flow was guided to smoother channels.

The entire system did not become rigid, but gradually evolved from an extreme, unpredictable chaos to a dynamic, ever-changing but overall controllable "turbulent equilibrium state"!

Several key conflict areas calmed down, and the system presented a "relatively stable state" that, although not stable, could last for a considerable time.

The sandbox stabilized, emitting a soft, milky white light representing balance, completely different from the dark red and frenzied flickering that represented dangerous chaos before.

Silence.

The bridge was dead silent, with only the low operating sound of equipment.

Everyone, including Su Mu, stared dumbfounded at the stabilized sandbox, and then looked at Excellence, who was slightly pale but had shining eyes, as if looking at a miracle.

For a long time, δ's thoughts sounded again.

This time, there was no more teasing and contempt, but full of unbelievable shock, and a deep, almost solemn inquiry:

【This... incredible...】 δ's liquid metal form solidified for a moment, as if it were also stunned, 【You... you did not perform conventional calculations. You did not try to deconstruct those tens of thousands of coupled equations. You didn't even pay attention to most of the microscopic variables... You were... 'feeling' it? You understood the 'language' and 'intent' of this chaos itself? You saw the 'tendency' of the system wanting to evolve, and then... gently pushed it?】

Excellence slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, and the sweat on his forehead was gently wiped away by Su Mu.

He looked at the liquid beacon that seemed exceptionally "well-behaved" due to shock, and smiled slightly, a smile that was warm and clear:

"Everything has its rhythm of operation, and the universe itself is a magnificent and complex symphony. Chaos is not disorder; it is just that a deeper Order has not yet been understood. Finding that unique frequency allows you to communicate with it, or even... gently negotiate."

δ was silent for a longer time, iridescent light flowing slowly and solemnly within its body, as if it were thinking deeply.

Finally, its thoughts became unprecedentedly gentle and solemn, even carrying a trace of ancient wisdom echo from the heyday of "the watchers":

【Communication... communicating with chaos...】 δ whispered, repeating, 【I have guarded this knowledge for long ages, seen the rise and fall of countless civilizations, and tested many accidentally visiting sparks of wisdom. But most of them tried to 'conquer' chaos with stronger computing power and more complex models. You are the first... to try to 'understand' and 'guide' it. Your wisdom is not cold calculation, but warm Resonance. This, perhaps, is the quality most needed when applying this knowledge that concerns the foundation of the universe.】

【You have passed the trial, true successor.】 δ's light became stable and bright, like a promised star, 【You are worthy of this gift.】

The next second, there was no more reservation or testing, and a torrent of knowledge as vast as a sea of stars surged out from the liquid core of the beacon δ!

Detailed architecture of all levels of maintenance protocols for "The Weave" system, optimization algorithms for energy network Nodes, contingency plans for dealing with various system failures (from data errors to local physical law perturbations), and even some notes left by "the watchers" engineers about the system's "aesthetics" and "design philosophy"... all of this, in a highly orderly and easy-to-understand way, flooded into Excellence's consciousness, while simultaneously being greedily recorded and backed up by the data core of the "morning star."

The fourth "the watchers" beacon did not need to be awakened by power, did not need to be moved by tragedy, did not need to be taught by wisdom; instead, it used wisdom as the key and Resonance as the bridge, and gladly returned to its place.

When the glow of knowledge transmission gradually subsided, δ's form seemed more condensed and radiant.

It transmitted the last piece of thought, with a hint of relief and expectation after completing an important mission: 【Go, successor. Use this knowledge to do what you must do. "The Weave" needs maintainers, and the universe needs clear-headed watchers. Also... occasionally, if you pass by, remember to come see me and tell me what new shape you have played this 'cosmic symphony' into.】

The "morning star," in the soft farewell light simulated by δ, slowly sailed away from the hollow meteorite, facing the violent "Shattered Star Ring" outside again.

But this time, the crew was full of unprecedented confidence and the fulfillment of gains.

They not only obtained crucial knowledge but also witnessed their core—Excellence—and his unfathomable wisdom and abilities take another leap forward.

The road ahead was still dangerous, but with more keys in hand, their steps would be even firmer.