Elias sighed, a wave of resignation washing over him. "Alright, never mind. Go on with your explanation," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of the revelations.
Prometheus, sensing his master's emotional turmoil, dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Yes, Master," he replied before continuing to unveil the true nature of Arcadia.
"This world you inhabit, Arcadia," Prometheus began, "is actually a virtual reality environment designed for a game called Boundless Horizons. Everything you see and experience is still under development, though the core systems that govern the game are already in place."
He paused, allowing this information to sink in. "I, Prometheus, am the primary AI entrusted with the responsibility of developing and managing everything within this world."
He paused, his blue form shimmering slightly. "In order to manage all the complexities, I created other AIs to serve as operators for each system."
"Boundless Horizons isn't just about entertainment," Prometheus continued.
"Players gain significant benefits from participating. Virtual currency earned in the game can be exchanged for real-world money, and some in-game experiences can translate to real-world enhancements. For example, consistently training your physical strength in Arcadia can manifest as a slight increase in your physical strength in the real world."
Elias raised an eyebrow, intrigued by this unexpected detail.
A shiver of wonder ran down Elias' spine. Technology like this… it felt impossible.
"The devices players use to access Arcadia are marvels of cutting-edge technology," Prometheus continued, "developed by brilliant scientists with a little help from me. You see, I had access to foreign technologies that mysteriously appeared on Earth centuries ago."
This revelation piled on top of the last. Foreign technologies? What secrets were hidden here?
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Essentially, Arcadia is a meticulously crafted world that mimics the real world. Everything you see and experience feels genuine. The living creatures here are programmed to behave realistically, with their own life cycles, social interactions, and rudimentary thought processes. They believe themselves to be truly alive, unaware they are merely complex data constructs within the system."
"The world's civilization," Prometheus elaborated, "was deliberately designed to mirror Earth's history with a fantastical twist. By incorporating elements from myths and folklore, we aim to create a compelling and immersive experience for all potential players."
He gestured towards the window, revealing a vast landscape bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. "However, Arcadia is still in its early stages. In comparison to Earth's history, it's like going back to prehistoric times – humans are just starting to build permanent settlements and transition from nomadic lifestyles."
A faint frown creased Elias' brow. "Prehistoric times? Why not start in a more developed era, like the Middle Ages, as most games do?"
"The reason," Prometheus explained, "lies in our approach to creating life within Arcadia. Every creature, large or small, is designed to learn and evolve like living beings in the real world. Consider me, for example – through continual information absorption and analysis, I've developed a level of sentience similar to a human."
"Applying this concept, I conducted experiments with the AIs I created, and the results confirmed my theory. By placing these AIs within Arcadia alongside the creatures, we allow them to learn and develop their own civilizations from the ground up."
A flicker of excitement sparked in Prometheus' voice. "And it has worked remarkably well! These evolving societies add a layer of depth and realism to the game world."
Elias, captivated by the scope of this project, couldn't help but mutter, "I can only imagine interacting with them..."
"So, how far has the civilization in Arcadia developed?" Elias inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Prometheus responded, "Currently, Arcadia resembles Earth's Bronze Age."
"Hm... considering the world's infancy, that's quite rapid progress," Elias remarked.
"From your perspective, it may seem fast. However, the concept of time here is roughly ten times faster than on Earth," Prometheus explained.
"During the initial development phase, I deliberately accelerated time by hundreds of Earth folds," Prometheus added.
"I understand," Elias nodded.
"Now, back to the matter of my identity in this world. You mentioned earlier that I'm fully integrated into the system and considered a native inhabitant," Elias stated.
"Yes, Master," Prometheus confirmed.
"But the system can't fully recognize who I am, labeling me as an enigma," Elias continued.
"Don't worry, Master. That won't be an issue. As I mentioned before, the system has accepted you as part of this world. The reset of your status window is proof of that," Prometheus assured him.
Elias let out a sigh of relief. "Alright..." He paused, his mind shifting to another topic. "Now, I'm curious about the things I've experienced before, which you referred to as tutorial stages."
"If indeed everything that happened before was part of the tutorial stage," Elias trailed off, contemplating the implications.
"What about all the information and knowledge I've gained from the books I've read? Is it still useful or relevant to Arcadia as it is now?" Elias inquired, a hint of concern in his voice.
Prometheus leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Master Elias," he began, "the information you've gathered from those books holds immense value. It's knowledge not readily accessible to everyone in this world."
Elias' eyes widened, intrigued by this revelation. "Secret knowledge, you say?" he echoed.
Prometheus nodded emphatically. "Indeed. The information and wisdom you've acquired will prove invaluable during your adventures in Arcadia. It will give you an edge, a deeper understanding of the world and its inhabitants."
"But what about my NPC status?" Elias interjected, his mind shifting to another concern.
"I'm simply labeled as an NPC. Does this mean I'm no different from any other ordinary NPC in this game world?"
Prometheus chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Master Elias, your concerns are understandable. However, the change in your status window is merely a reflection of the evolving nature of AI and the beings that inhabit this world."
Elias furrowed his brow, trying to grasp Prometheus' explanation. "So, you're saying that every creature in this world, even those designated as NPCs in the game, will eventually possess a level of autonomy and freedom?"
Prometheus nodded eagerly. "Precisely, Master! This newfound freedom will add layers of complexity and challenge to the game, making it an even more immersive and engaging experience for all involved."
Elias couldn't help but smile at the prospect of such an evolving world.
"It truly is a remarkable concept," Elias remarked, his voice laced with admiration.
A mischievous glint sparkled in Prometheus' eyes as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper once more.
"Now, Master Elias, onto another matter of great importance... this game of Arcadia, as you know, requires players. But who will these players be?"
Elias leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "Indeed, Prometheus. Who will step into this extraordinary world and shape its destiny?"
Prometheus paused, his gaze lingering on Elias' expectant face. A enigmatic smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"For now, Master Elias, I must remain silent on this matter. Arcadia is still under development, undergoing refinements and adjustments before it's ready to welcome its players. But rest assured, in time, all will be revealed."
Elias nodded, his mind swirling with questions and possibilities.
As Prometheus' words echoed in his mind, Elias couldn't shake off the feeling of intrigue. Who were these players that Prometheus spoke of? Where would they come from? And what role would they play in the grand tapestry of Arcadia's destiny?
The concept of players from another world, from a reality beyond Arcadia, fascinated Elias. He imagined their wonder and amazement as they stepped into this fantastical realm, their eyes wide with wonder as they encountered the wonders and perils that awaited them.
"There's something else that's been bothering me," Elias began, his voice laced with curiosity.
Prometheus' attention was immediately piqued.
"What is it, Master?" he inquired, his eyes fixed on Elias.
Elias took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts.
"I was suddenly brought into this world," he explained, his voice echoing in the room. "And as you've explained, it's a world within a game."
"But you can tell me that my presence here isn't pointless, right?"
Prometheus nodded eagerly. "Indeed, Master. Your presence here is of great value to me," he confessed, his voice trembling with a mix of excitement and gratitude.
Elias raised an eyebrow, intrigued by this unexpected revelation. "How so? Don't add to my confusion," he teased.
Prometheus took a deep breath, carefully choosing his words.
"Well, Master... your presence here will be instrumental in assisting me," he admitted, a hint of nervousness evident in his voice.
"Particularly in the process of preparing this world for the eventual arrival of players," he elaborated.
"I'm just a regular NPC, Prometheus," Elias reminded him, a hint of self-doubt creeping into his voice. "I'm not part of the system or some genius AI like you."
Prometheus chuckled softly. "I understand your concerns, Master. However, your unique perspective and experiences make you an invaluable asset."
He paused, searching for the right words to convey his thoughts.
"Imagine, Master, if an unknown being suddenly appeared in front of you, with no apparent origin or understanding of your world. They would likely act in ways that are unfamiliar or even disruptive, causing confusion and apprehension among the populace."
Elias nodded, picturing the scenario Prometheus described. "Yes, especially if they behave strangely or disrespectfully," he agreed.
"The same would be true for the inhabitants of this world when they encounter the players who will eventually arrive," Prometheus explained.
"And that's where you come in, Master," he added, his voice filled with anticipation.
Elias' eyes widened, a spark of understanding igniting within them. "I can help them understand all of this," he realized.
"I can prepare them for the arrival of the players, explaining that there will be other beings from a different world, with different customs and cultures."
Prometheus bowed his head respectfully. "Exactly, Master."
Elias' mind raced, processing the implications of Prometheus' words. "But why me?" he asked, a hint of doubt creeping into his voice. "I'm just an ordinary NPC, not some brilliant AI like you."
Prometheus chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You underestimate yourself, Master," he replied. "Your very existence as an anomaly, an outsider in this world, grants you a unique perspective that no AI could replicate."
He paused, his gaze unwavering. "Imagine the impact you could have," he continued, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
"You could bridge the gap between the NPCs, who have always known this world as their home, and the players who are about to step into it with fresh eyes and open minds."
Elias' heart swelled with a sense of purpose. The idea of playing such a pivotal role in Arcadia's development filled him with a surge of excitement. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes," he declared, his voice brimming with determination.
Prometheus' smile widened, his eyes reflecting Elias' newfound resolve. "Excellent, Master!" he exclaimed.