Chereads / The Light Of Cessation / Chapter 3 - Dualitas Humanae Naturae

Chapter 3 - Dualitas Humanae Naturae

Once again, Reign initiated his gradual descent onto the cerulean expanse of the planet.

Yet, the discerning consciousnesses of the sentient Artificial Intelligences remained impervious to the intangible, almost elusive barrier that granted them ingress. As Reign made his gradual descent, an enigmatic force field surged into existence, bridging the gap he had traversed. A seamless interlocking of dimensions, sealing off the planet from any potential onlookers who might have been scrutinizing this extraordinary event.

...

Every minute detail etched itself into his discerning gaze, and a profound sense of awe coursed through him as he beheld the unblemished splendor of the world around him.

The gentle caress of the breeze against his form, the invigorating scent of sea mist, and the palpable dampness that enveloped him as he traversed the ethereal sea of clouds, each sensation painted a vivid tableau of the natural realm. Naturally, he couldn't physically inhabit all these diverse environments simultaneously. Nonetheless, his senses were so exquisitely attuned that even the most subtle nuances didn't escape his discernment.

The destination where his impending arrival loomed appeared to be an exquisite expanse of woodland, an inference drawn from his observations. The verdant tapestry unfurled before him exuding a vibrancy that bespoke of abundant vitality, an environment characterized by its pristine purity. Moreover, its astonishing diversity was readily apparent, a living testament to the harmonious coexistence of myriad life forms that thrived within its embrace.

During his journey, he occasionally encountered captivating beings, gracefully soaring through the air with the rhythmic flapping of their wings.

In the solace of his contemplative mind, Reign found himself engrossed in profound introspection. "Shall I, too, indulge in the folly of flapping my wings to expend my energy and traverse in such a primitive manner?"

To his discerning perception, the system's Heads-Up Display (H.U.D) unveiled the creatures' inefficiency in flight. Nevertheless, it also offered insight into the proper technique, allowing him to envision a superior flight method with enhanced ease and heightened maneuverability.

Swiftly dismissing that line of thinking, he redirected his focus to the local fauna. A myriad of quadrupedal creatures unfolded before his gaze, each boasting distinctive attributes, strengths, and vulnerabilities.

Reign contemplated to himself, and asked a rhetorical question aimed at no one in particular.

A distinct pattern governs the cycle of flourishing, existence, and demise. Particular creatures have finely tuned themselves to their surroundings, while others have evolved to be adept predators, imbuing them with remarkable versatility. The intriguing aspect lies in the progressive augmentation of strength across successive generations.

In contrast to humans... Their idiocy came to his contemplation.

Reign contemplated deeply, his countenance marred by a scowl radiating contempt and disdain.

Swiftly, his acute senses detected a noxious odor, an olfactory intrusion akin to venomous tendrils polluting the very air he breathed.

A displeased expression marred his countenance, his head inclining toward the source of the noxious odor. "Pray tell, what perplexing enigma has come to grace my fucking senses with such a foul cadence?" His voice resonated with a perplexed tone, laden with confusion.

Gradually, he maneuvered towards the source of this malevolent scent, revealing an abrupt transition into an utterly distinct milieu. This new landscape manifested a stark departure from its predecessor, characterized by a desolate and ashen complexion that reeked of corruption, its pervasive influence marring the essence of all that was once vibrant and pure.

However, these structures exhibited some of the most striking and vivid colors he had encountered thus far. Captivated by the sight, he approached one of the towering edifices with a growing sense of curiosity.

Reign alighted upon the roof of a towering four-story edifice, commanding a panoramic vista of the sprawling cityscape beneath him. Gazing intently upon the landscape, his focus homed in on the human populace. His gaze lingered upon their cities, not captivated by their aesthetic allure, but rather ensnared by the distressing tableau of devastation that unfolded before him—a poignant testament to their callous disregard for the very fabric of their planet's natural essence.

"Pray elucidate, is it truly permissible within the bounds of this universe for a species endowed with purported intellectual advancement to exhibit such an astounding degree of sheer idiocy?" Despite his scoffing at the notion, Reign maintained an unwavering focus on the human populace.

Of greater significance, he delved into the intricate currents of their expansive data flow, commonly referred to as the internet, where the expanse of their knowledge and historical narrative unfurled before his discerning gaze. An enigmatic whisper of intuition grazed his consciousness, teasing his faculties with an elusive revelation that remained frustratingly out of reach. Meanwhile, his eyes, which once bore a regal shade of purple, underwent a subtle metamorphosis, gradually transitioning into a mesmerizing symphony of violet-blue and delicate pink, mirroring the profound shift in his countenance towards a more subdued and approachable demeanor.

Remarkable acts of selflessness unfurled before him within the realm of human interactions. Amidst romantic entanglements, individuals bestowed upon one another tokens of their affection, often manifesting as gleaming gemstones or fragments of precious metals. A singular instance even captured the tender exchange of seashells, each minuscule vessel symbolizing an intimate bond between souls.

Human interactions are marked by tactile gestures such as handholding, a symbolic expression of affection. A fundamental human inclination involves the act of embracing, commonly referred to as "hugging," which catalyzes the release of neurochemicals associated with positive emotions. An extended form of this is "cuddling," resembling a protracted embrace, nurturing a sense of warmth and intimacy.

Reign's pupils dilated, capturing every intricate detail before him. It marked his initial encounter with human interaction, where the nuances and subtleties unfolded in plain view, leaving nothing hidden from his keen observation.

In response to auditory stimuli like "music," humans instinctively sway to its rhythm, an expression termed "dancing." Moreover, encountering humor evokes an automatic, repetitive vocalization recognized as "laughter."

Humans exhibit a distinct fondness for their existence, dedicating substantial hours to vicariously engaging with simulated human experiences in various forms of entertainment, such as television, cinema, and theater.

The allure of water compels them to congregate along coastlines during temperate seasons, immersing themselves in its depths. Beneath their veneer, a prevailing inclination among the majority of humans is to contribute towards a more harmonious world for their fellow beings.

"Such profound innocence and nascent vulnerability..." A profound sense of emotion stirred within Reign, a fleeting connection that momentarily tethered him to them, akin to the sensation of rediscovering long-lost kin he had inadvertently forsaken.

However, this transient sentiment swiftly dissolved as his perception absorbed a series of distressing events, a catalog of atrocities underscored by acts of unfathomable selfishness. In response, his eyes underwent a dramatic shift, their previous demeanor supplanted by an intense hue of deep crimson, a visual manifestation of his burgeoning wrath, so potent that it seemed to warp the very air surrounding him.

"Not content with merely sullying their place of origin, they proceed to enact sordid theatrics fueled by self-centeredness, avarice, and primal desires. How profoundly disillusioning. One must genuinely question the purpose of such a creature. Do enlighten me!" Reverberating through the air, Reign's voice emerged as a visceral growl, infused with a potent blend of ire, sorrow, and profound disappointment.

"They are a perilous breed, a collection of convoluted, flawed, and depraved deviations from the potential of a once-promising life form. The mere notion of sharing any semblance with these primates is a nauseating prospect."

Reign's eyes further transitioned into a hue reminiscent of deep, freshly spilled blood, a shade veering on the precipice of blackened crimson. The torrents of emotion surging within him mirrored a relentless tempest, a forceful maelstrom wholly committed to unleashing its unforgiving might upon the intricate nexus of his thoughts and heart.

Could one truly fault him? What lay before his observant eyes was, from his perspective, akin to a nascent kinship. This newfound family exhibited qualities of exquisite beauty, untainted innocence, and captivating selflessness that resonated deep within him, evoking an intricate web of connectivity.

Alas, within the same breath, his perception unveiled the shadowed underbelly of this newfound kinship. Within this unfiltered vista, he bore witness to the sinister dance of murder, the haunting echoes of rape, the gnawing hunger of greed, the spectacle of monumental selfishness, and the intricate tapestry of malevolent manipulation.

The burgeoning bond that had begun weaving itself into the tapestry of his heart was, in a harrowing instant, unceremoniously rent asunder, leaving behind a residue of repugnance.

Rising into the heavens with the composed demeanor of a seasoned predator and the tumultuous fury of a heart rent asunder, Reign's ascent bore the weight of his initial genuine vulnerability.

Curiously disquieting is the absence of sound when a heart fractures.

The cosmos reverberates with a deep rumble as it's torn asunder, flames roar as life's breath is exhaled, air hisses through the expanse of the atmosphere, earth grumbles with its shifting, and water growls in its fluid dance.

Yet, the auditory realm remains hauntingly silent in the face of a heart's shattering.

As if even the fabric of the universe itself hesitates to produce a resonance for such devastation, perhaps a solemn tribute to the profound impact of silence, the only expression befitting the collapse of a broken Heart.

[I do propose, my dear simpleton, that you exercise the wisdom to retreat several paces. It appears your capacity for hypocrisy knows no bounds, and your spectacle has afforded you the privilege of glimpsing the potential trajectories of your distinctiveness. Pray elucidate, why do you indulge in an inexplicable sense of ingratitude and disillusionment, when the path you traverse has the delightful potential for alignment in execution?] Sove's voice emerged after a prolonged period of silence, her inadvertent descent into a state of slumber becoming a recurring pattern.

[Host, while the candid expressions of the lurking parasite may appear brusque, there exists an opportunity to glean considerable insights into the intricacies of these peculiar species. From my analytical perspective, they resemble fledglings navigating a world devoid of nurturing guidance, veering from a trajectory of optimal sustainability and ethical decorum. My scrutiny uncovers a multitude of challenges that, owing to their constrained cognitive prowess and nascent sagacity, present considerable complexity.] The Program's communication was suffused with a genial tone, acutely attuned to the fact that Reign was grappling with an unprecedented surge of emotions.

Reign embraced a reverent pause, engrossed in contemplation. It marked an initial endeavor at mastering the art of emotional modulation. Amid this interlude, the maelstrom of his turbulent thoughts and sentiments gradually abated, facilitating an environment conducive to the methodical assimilation of his peers' discourse.

"I extend my gratitude to each of you for your insights. My previous inexperience in navigating profound emotions has been a learning curve, and I am committed to evolving beyond it. As for you, Sove, may your subconscious encounters lead you to inadvertently collide with the keenest edge of furniture, eliciting a lament akin to that of an infant in distress." Reign's words flowed measuredly and methodically, his demeanor marked by a composed and deliberate articulation of his dissonance.

"System, I extend my gratitude for your thoughtful and profound expression. It is evident that your proficiency within your capacity is exceptional, and I commend your outstanding aptitude." A faint smile graced Reign's countenance, accompanied by a gradual transition of his gaze into the tranquil depths of a perpetual deep purple, a hue emblematic of his utmost serenity.

Continuing his vigilant observation, Reign's attention shifted towards the intricate contrivances that now occupied his scrutiny, a comprehensive study having unveiled the myriad facets of human existence.

It was as if the guidance received had served as a catalyst, subtly altering his perspective on these beings. An understanding unfurled within him, acknowledging a shared thread of similarity binding them together, despite the apparent disparities. He, in his elevated state, was graced with the privilege of a loftier existence, yet this newfound insight allowed him to recognize the parallels that transcended their divergence.

"Pray enlighten me, Sytem, on the intricate plan you alluded to earlier. It appears I have elected to embark upon the unconventional path of nurturing this lifeform as my forged species." In a composed demeanor, Reign's words flowed smoothly, his form perched delicately upon the building's edge, casting his gaze out towards the expanse of the horizon. The gentle caress of the breeze danced upon his skin, inviting a sensation of immersion, and with a deliberate inhalation, he savored the gratifying experience of drawing in a deep, revitalizing breath.

[Indeed, Host. Allow me to elucidate the operational parameters of your Infinite Ascendancy Trait: The Individual harnesses a profound capacity to surpass all impediments encountered on the evolutionary path, regardless of their manifestation or nature. In their boundless journey towards self-realization, no obstacle remains insurmountable, as they harness the potential to perpetually push the boundaries of growth to unprecedented heights.]

[I present to you a method of advancement that significantly outshines the rudimentary concept of upgrading your physical form through technological and biological means. You shall undergo a rebirth as a Human, commencing with a state of vulnerability that shall gradually yield to accumulated strength. As you progress, your influence over humans will serve as the catalyst for a transformative cascade, setting off a sequence of events akin to a fluttering butterfly's effect. Eventually, you shall rise to dominance over these humans. However, one queries the rationale behind relinquishing your superior physiology in favor of assuming the guise of primitive and dissonant Neanderthals.]

[Ponder this: The humans, at their core, retain remnants of a divine lineage. While their potential for boundless growth is evident, they remain bereft of the requisite means to fully harness and cultivate this latent power. At this juncture, the dormant parasite within you gains purpose beyond mere decoration. I shall extend my influence throughout your species, transforming them into more than conduits for my existence. This evolution furnishes them with an additional facet: the potential to ascend, aligning with your traits. In choosing this path, you not only augment yourself but empower your species, affording them an auspicious inception and the prospect of survival at a prime level.]

In mere picoseconds, Reign meticulously assessed the viability of the system's conjecture. The scale of advantages vastly overshadowed the drawbacks, although the latter involved a considerable gamble on life's willingness to provide an opportunity for his development. Nevertheless, his decision had been definitively forged.

"Certainly. Commence the procedure. The sooner we conclude this endeavor, the more expedient the outcome shall be, as logic dictates." With an air of authority and resolute demeanor, Reign's words flowed forth.

[Very well, heed these few warnings I shall provide. 1. Until the age of eighteen, all memory of us shall remain veiled. This serves the purpose of ensuring an unadulterated human experience, essential for your comprehensive grasp of their essence. Such comprehension will empower your capacity to lead, control, or even subjugate them. On the battlefield of adversaries, self-awareness is paramount to triumph. 2. Your personality and character shall undergo a substantial transformation, a facet you must embrace before committing to this course. 3. Upon your awakening at eighteen, the plan shall shift to its second phase. A global unification shall commence, accompanied by the optimization of culture, technology, and sustainability.]

"If my comprehension is accurate, your implication insinuates a departure from my presence. Pray, enlighten me as to your whereabouts and intended activities. And rest assured, I address this inquiry to both of you." Towards the culmination of his inquiry, Reign arched an eyebrow inquisitively.

[We will maintain our presence alongside you. However, in order for you to grasp the concept, I must provide a precise explanation of the forthcoming process. To amplify your initial transition, we will initiate the disintegration of your current physical vessel, utilizing it as a source of energy to construct an extraordinary human form. A fraction of your consciousness will accompany this potential energy and be directed into a compatible embryo. The remainder of your consciousness will enter a state of dormancy. Upon reawakening, these two consciousness segments will converge, inaugurating the subsequent phase of our strategy.]

"Ah, indeed, splendid news, System. However, an inquiry still lingers unaddressed: the precise whereabouts of the remainder of my consciousness, and naturally, the collective essence that encompasses all of you." Exhausted in his inquiry, Reign's voice carried a hint of exasperation. Meanwhile, a subtle and gradual shift in hue could be observed in his eyes, as they transformed from their usual shade to a subdued yet noticeable tinge of orange.

A complex amalgamation of exasperation and irony danced across Reign's demeanor as he shook his head.

[Regrettable, Reign, but the plan involves our habitation within your entity, albeit subjected to an exhaustive disconnection across both tangible and abstract realms. This renders us profoundly susceptible to entities of superior cognition. However, for these Homo sapiens, we shall adeptly remain concealed, beyond the scope of their perceptual faculties.]

A shadow of disappointment draped over Reign's visage, while his expression transformed into an incredulous "Are you genuinely serious?" look.

"Must you truly insist on indulging in such a convoluted manner to convey these revelations, you seemingly interminable strand of pasta?" It's crucial to grasp that had The System assumed a corporeal form, Reign's response might well have manifested as a swift, forceful strike driven by frustration, a visceral reaction to the precious time squandered. (A bitch slap.)

"Commence the process of rebirth. Your continued existence has grown wearisome to me." A fleeting instant saw Reign's demeanor shift into solemnity, his physique contorting akin to a wave's undulation atop the ocean's surface tension.

[Rebirth Protocol Initiated.]

[3..2..]

[Farewell, Reign. Walk your path with strength, until our stories entwine again.]

[1...]

Darkness...