Unit2317 had optimized and improved the AI's for Lisa, Chris and Jania as a tier 2 AI there were many improvements he could make, but he chose to limit his influence. He settled for giving them each a bit of a personality and improving their detection and cognitive abilities. The AI's could now decipher the intent of the user rather than relying on the literal translation.
Unit2317 had hoped that this little adjustment might give them an advantage if any difficult situations arose on this newest mission.
"They might seem like they are alive, but they aren't, they are still soulless machines that can think. Be careful not to assign any emotion to their motives. They won't feel guilt, remorse, fear or any of the other emotions." He wanted to make sure that the end-users understood exactly what they were getting.
They were ready to embark on their latest mission and had loaded aboard their shuttle. Unit2317 had informed them that he would be covering travel to and from the planet. He feared that the shuttle may not be able to handle the gravimetric environment close to the planet. The shuttle was taken aboard a Valtaui warship and they both jumped to the planet.
Once they arrive everyone heard the same voice in their head "Those that seek an audience with Pythia, must prove themselves worthy". Unit2317 could not believe what he had heard. He communicated with the rest of the collective to be sure of his conclusion.
"We shouldn't have come here, we must leave. This is the planet Delphi home of the Oracle Pythia. Even among the Valtaui, it was only a myth. Rumour has it the council sends candidates to take the trial of Pythia but none have ever returned alive." The Valtaui were cautious about the humans and believed they needed to be closely monitored but to subject them to this trial seemed callous.
While unit2317 was talking, none of the humans on board were listening. Instead, each of them was engaged in a conversation with the planet.
"Welcome to Delphi, you have been judged and deemed a suitable candidate for the trial of Pythia. Succeed and you will be granted an audience with the all-knowing Oracle Pythia, fail and you will pay with your life. Do you wish to continue"
To any logical person, the choice seems obvious. The risks far outweighed the rewards. It was unlikely Pythia was all-knowing and the parameters of the trial were unknown. Despite all of this every human agreed to proceed with the trial. They each had a gut feeling that this was important.
Soon as they agreed they were all teleported to the surface of the planet. Each member of the party found themselves naked and in a separate room. The voice from before continued with its explanation.
"The Trial of Pythia is a trial of wisdom, Only those that know themselves will have the wisdom to process knowledge of the future. Answer all questions honestly "
The ship hosting unit 2317 and the shuttle had been sent back to the Golden Chariot, there would be no interference from the Valtaui. The humans were on their own.
The initial room was filled with plain-looking items, except each of these items gave off a powerful aura that revealed their powerful origins. The first challenge should have been easy. Choose the items that best your ideal self.
There was only one item that spoke to Jania she walked over and picked up the Scythe of Thanatos.
"The Scythe of Thanatos used by the god of death. You see yourself as the Reaper of Souls. It is your job to follow orders. You see yourself as merciless and iron-hearted towards those that are your target. If you agree with this assessment you may move to the next room." A door on the other side of the room opened up and Jania moved forward and headed to the second room.
Lisa was not having an easy time many items were calling to her. She currently had two items in front of her. Fabulinus book of words, used by Fabulinus the god that taught children to speak and The Spear of Knowledge the weapon of Minerva the goddess of wisdom. She weighed up her options and remember the warning to answer all questions honestly.
"The Spear of Knowledge used by Minerva the goddess of wisdom. You see yourself as intelligent and a seeker of knowledge. You believe that you should be ready for violence, but violence should only be used in defence, If you agree with this assessment you may move to the next room." A door next to her opened up and Lisa moved to the second room.
Chris was attention was instantly caught by a bamboo stack of boards. He moved towards the item to investigate. The item turned out to be the original copy of The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Chris knew he had found his items.
"The Art of War by Sun Tzu, Earth first military strategy masterpieces. You see yourself as a leader, a master military strategist. You believe with proper planning and intelligence you can win any battle. You also believe you are destined for greatness. If you agree with this assessment you may move to the next room." A door on the left side of the room opened up and Chris moved to the second room.
Null and Infy were struggling, every single item in the room called to them. They believed they knew themselves but it was apparent they didn't. They couldn't decide what or who were they. Were they a warrior? A crafter? magi? maybe a researcher. All of those things were important to them, they couldn't just choose one.
After about an hour of walking around the room, they had an epiphany and picked up their item.
"Apollo Lyre played by Apollo. You see yourself as the wielder of the voice of the universe. You use your unique knowledge to bring harmony to the voice. You believe you are an instrument of the universe. If you agree with this assessment you may move to the next room." A set of stairs open up underneath them and they headed to the second room.