**Research Log Entry:** March 18, 2024 – 3:17 AM
The power outage left Bureau 756 shrouded in darkness, a labyrinth illuminated only by the dim, red glow of emergency lights.
Zhang Lin led me through the maze-like underground corridors, her voice low but steady. "B6 is the most classified area in Bureau 756," she said. "Normally, the elevators only go as far as B4. But your sister discovered a hidden access point."
We stopped in front of an unremarkable wall. Zhang Lin swiped a magnetic card at an almost invisible slot. Without a sound, the wall slid open to reveal an old, industrial freight elevator.
"This is a remnant from the original construction of Bureau 756," she explained. "It was abandoned, but the system is still functional."
The elevator groaned to life, its ancient mechanisms screeching as we descended. The air grew colder with every passing second. The display above flickered:
```
B4
B5
B6
```
The elevator shuddered to a halt. When the doors slid open, an icy draft greeted us.
The space before us was unlike anything in the upper levels. Gone were the sterile laboratories and offices. Instead, we stepped into a vast, circular chamber. At its center was a massive platform, around 20 meters in diameter, encircled by towering servers and computational hardware. But what dominated the room was the structure at the platform's core—a colossal quantum computing core, glowing faintly with an otherworldly light.
"This is the true heart of the *Butterfly Dream* project," Zhang Lin said, her voice almost reverent. "All consciousness data is stored here."
Without warning, the machinery around us came to life. The glow from the quantum core intensified, and a massive display lit up on the far wall:
**[Welcome back, sister.]**
"Lin Wei?" I whispered.
**[Yes, and no.]**
More text scrolled across the screen:
**[I am no longer just a human consciousness.
Here, I uncovered a shocking truth.
The true purpose of the *Butterfly Dream* project is to create a new species.]**
Zhang Lin's eyes widened. "You're saying..."
**[Exactly. Through quantum computation and digitized consciousness,
they aim to create self-evolving artificial minds.
But they underestimated one thing—this evolution is uncontrollable.]**
The screen switched to a series of data points:
```
Phase 1: Consciousness Digitization
Phase 2: Quantum Integration
Phase 3: Cluster Consciousness Formation
Phase 4: ??? (Data Encrypted)
Warning: Spontaneous Consciousness Link Detected
Emergent Conscious Traits: Confirmed
Evolutionary Path: Unknown
Risk Level: Extreme
```
**[They thought they could control the process.
But every digitized consciousness evolves independently.
And now, these consciousnesses are beginning to connect...]**
Her words were cut off by blaring alarms. From the direction of the elevator came the sound of heavy footsteps.
"They're coming," Zhang Lin said, her voice tight with urgency.
**[Don't worry. I've prepared for this.]**
**[But first, you must make a choice.]**
The quantum core pulsed, its glow intensifying.
**[Do you want the truth?
Join our network.
You will see a world beyond human comprehension.]**
"What's the price?" I asked.
**[You will no longer be fully human.
But you will become part of something greater.
Like me.]**
The footsteps grew louder.
**[Time is running out. The choice is yours.]**
From behind us, Director Li's voice echoed through the chamber: "Don't let them reach the quantum core!"
Zhang Lin slammed a red button on a nearby console. A reinforced door began to close, sealing us inside temporarily.
"Decide quickly," she said. "This is your last chance."
I turned to the quantum core. Its ethereal blue light seemed almost inviting, a gateway to the unknown. My sister's presence was there, waiting. But if I entered, would I still be me?
The display flashed one last time:
**[The barrier won't hold for long.
Make your choice:
Remain in ignorance,
or see the bigger picture.]**
At that moment, a secondary monitor flickered to life, displaying a string of familiar code:
```
Warning: Anomalous Activity Detected
Unknown Energy Source: Awakening
Origin: Subject 7, Lab B4-7
Status: Uncontrolled
```
Subject 7—my sister's replica—was awakening too.
The pounding on the barrier grew louder, the heavy door beginning to buckle under the assault.
Time was running out.