An Osho that was aware of his true existence.
Eren stopped eating when he heard Bruce's statement, his mouth hanging open in surprise. The realization sank in that Bruce was no ordinary Osho – no mere NPC, as people of the past would call it. This was consciousness, however natural or artificial it might be.
Bruce smiled slightly as he observed Eren's reaction, then asked with a discerning look, "Eren, how much do you know about Oasis?"
Snapped out of his shock by Bruce's question, Eren took a long breath. Until now, a part of him had still considered Bruce as just an Osho, an artificial construct within the Oasis. But that perception was shattered.
This was something beyond the influence of an ASI-driven ego. This was a realm of consciousness, where the lines between real and artificial blurred.
Bruce's smile deepened as he listened attentively to Eren's explanations. Sensing that Bruce would easily catch any attempt at deceit, Eren chose honesty and revealed everything he knew about Oasis, which, in truth, wasn't much compared to the general populace.
Bruce nodded in acknowledgment after hearing Eren's speech. He pursed his lips and pondered for a moment, considering whether to share something significant with Eren. Then, as if reaching a decision, he tapped his fingers rhythmically on the surface of the table before snapping his fingers.
In an instant, an energy shield enveloped Eren and Bruce, isolating them from their surroundings. The ground beneath them emanated intricate runic lines forming a circular array that supported the energy shield.
Eren's confusion turned into astonishment. He marveled at the extent to which Bruce, a seemingly ordinary Osho, could control the environment within Oasis. And this was Bourgy's Oasis, a realm where the usage of magic and mana was strictly regulated.
Bruce remained seated but leaned forward, locking his gaze with Eren's before he spoke again.
"My creator informed me that I have full autonomy in deciding who can access the experiences and memories within me. But he also emphasized the importance of making individuals aware of the true nature of Oasis, so they can be prepared and make the most of these Easter Eggs. Otherwise, these experiences would be wasted. Do you still wish to proceed?" Bruce asked, his expression stoic.
Eren didn't hesitate to respond. "Whatever it is, just give it to me straight, Sir Bruce. I want to partake in the experiences you can offer me. I am ready to listen."
Bruce chuckled warmly and patted Eren's right arm in a friendly gesture before rising from his seat. He began to walk in circles around the table, his words weaving a tapestry of knowledge about Oasis.
"Eren, the concept of Oasis was born out of humanity's desperate need to find a place where they could feel secure. We may be safe for now, but that security won't last forever."
Eren sat upright, his attention fully focused on Bruce's words. He nodded, indicating his readiness to receive the information he sought.
"You are aware of the divide between the inhabitants of Elysian cities and Bourgy's Oasis, aren't you?" Bruce asked, his voice carrying a note of intrigue.
This was the question that had been lingering in Eren's mind. He never expected that meeting a digital construct, or an Easter egg as Bruce referred to himself, would unveil the secrets behind this division.
"That's because those living in Bourgy's Oasis have been chosen to stay on this planet. They are not meant to traverse the warp gates to other worlds we call Numbered Oases," Bruce revealed, watching Eren's reaction closely.
Eren was stunned, his disbelief evident on his face. He had been caught off guard by this revelation, and his mind raced to comprehend the implications.
Bruce took a deep breath, continuing to pace around the dining table where Eren sat. Finally, he pulled up a nearby chair, positioned it beside Eren, and seated himself, seamlessly performing the movement as if by magic.
"In a way, what you might call Bourgys are fortunate people. They are not meant to fight for humanity or explore the Numbered Oases. They are just here to live their 50 years of relatively peaceful life before the rest of the lifespan gets robbed from them through the use of MCP chips." Bruce explained, his tone tinged with a mixture of solemnity and reflection.
Eren's expressions of disbelief intensified. He looked at Bruce, his eyes brimming with questions waiting to be asked. Amidst the whirlwind of thoughts, one question emerged as the most pressing.
"Sir Bruce, do you mean numbered Oasis work on the lifespan mortals are robbed of after they turn 50?" Eren inquired, seeking clarification on this crucial matter.
Bruce sighed, nodding affirmatively before providing further insight. "That's correct. However, instead of lifespan, it is the life essence of individuals that is extracted by the chip. This process accelerates their aging until their eventual demise."
"They deemed the age of fifty as the ideal balance between enabling Bourgys to enjoy a peaceful existence and extracting their life essence. It ensures the survival of humanity and the birth of a new generation that can perpetuate the cycle," Bruce explained, pausing to gauge Eren's reaction.
Eren gradually absorbed the weight of this newfound knowledge, grappling with the implications it held. As he contemplated the cruelty of the world and the multifaceted range of human emotions, he remembered the truth he had learned during his death-like experience and subsequent encounter with the unknown entity. It served as an anchor, allowing him to maintain a semblance of calm amidst the storm.
In a composed voice, he spoke, "How can a chip extract life essence? Wasn't its purpose solely to enhance our day-to-day experience within Oasis?"
Bruce's gaze softened, and he leaned in closer to Eren, their eyes locked. "There is much more to the chip than meets the eye, Eren. It holds the key to a profound secret that resides within Oasis."