Leopold's hand hovered over the interface before selecting the Culture tab. The projection shifted again, this time zooming in on the Qiari civilization's creative and symbolic achievements. The glowing map was replaced by a circular display, each quadrant representing a zone—fire, water, and earth—linked by subtle patterns of light. Around the edges, intricate symbols formed and shifted, evolving as the Qiari's culture grew.
Faye floated beside him, her expression both curious and amused.
"Ah, the culture tab. My personal favorite. This is where things get messy in the best possible way."
Leopold raised an eyebrow. "Messy?"
"Culture is unpredictable, Master Leo," Faye explained, adjusting her glasses.
"It's not just about what they create. It's about how those creations shape their identity—and how they clash with others."
Leopold leaned forward, his sharp gaze scanning the tab's sections:
Cultural Metrics:
Artistic Expression: Tracks visual, auditory, and performative arts.
Myths and Beliefs: Chronicles emerging legends and spiritual practices.
Traditions: Monitors customs and rituals tied to zones and elements.
Cultural Unity Index: Measures cohesion across zones.
He selected Artistic Expression, bringing up a display of the Qiari's creations. The fire zone's war chants appeared as glowing waveforms, their rhythmic intensity almost palpable. The water zone's glowing patterns were mapped as fluid, intertwining designs, their bioluminescent colors shifting like living art. In the earth zone, etched stones displayed geometric symbols, their symmetry hinting at a budding language.
"They're so distinct," Leopold murmured, his voice tinged with awe. "Each zone is developing something unique."
Faye nodded, her crimson eyes sparkling.
"And yet, they're all tied to the vision you gave them. The radiant tree? It's not just a unifying symbol—it's a cultural catalyst."
Leopold's gaze shifted to Myths and Beliefs, where the Qiari's interpretations of the vision were recorded:
Fire Zone: The tree is a prize, a source of ultimate power that must be claimed.
Water Zone: The tree is a beacon, a symbol of cooperation and shared strength.
Earth Zone: The tree is balance, its roots and branches representing stability and growth.
"They're projecting their own values onto the tree," Leopold said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"It's not just my creation anymore. It's theirs."
"That's the point, isn't it?" Faye teased.
"You gave them a spark, and now they're turning it into a bonfire."
Satisfied with the cultural progress, Leopold swiped to the Civilization tab. The display transformed into a network of glowing nodes connected by faint lines. Each node represented a Qiari community, and the lines showed their interactions—or lack thereof.
"This tab feels... colder," Leopold said, studying the structured layout. "Less art, more logistics."
"Civilization is where the practical stuff happens," Faye said, hopping onto the desk. "Leadership, governance, infrastructure. It's the backbone of society. Culture is the soul."
Leopold tapped on one of the nodes representing a fire zone tribe. The interface expanded, showing their structure:
Tribal Leadership: Strongest member holds authority.
Resource Allocation: Competitive, with no centralized planning.
Conflict Management: Resolved through combat.
"Predictable," Leopold said, his tone neutral. "Strength defines leadership. It's efficient, but it won't scale."
He moved to the water zone, selecting a node there:
Tribal Leadership: Consensus-driven decisions among elders.
Resource Allocation: Shared based on need.
Conflict Management: Rare, resolved through dialogue.
"They're cooperative," Leopold noted. "But consensus slows them down. It works for now, but what happens when they need to act quickly?"
Finally, he examined the earth zone:
Tribal Leadership: Practical hierarchy based on skill.
Resource Allocation: Balanced, with long-term planning.
Conflict Management: Preventative, with disputes resolved before escalation.
"They're preparing for the future," Leopold said, leaning back. "Careful, deliberate, and adaptable."
Leopold turned his attention to the Cultural Unity Index, a bar graph that fluctuated subtly. It measured the overlap in values, traditions, and beliefs across the zones. Currently, the index hovered at 60%, with spikes in areas related to the radiant tree.
"They're united by the vision," Leopold observed, "but their interpretations keep them divided. That division will deepen as their civilizations grow."
Faye smirked. "And when they meet? Sparks will fly. Or maybe water. Or... rocks? You get the idea."
Leopold closed the tabs, the holographic projections fading into the library's warm glow. He leaned back, his fingers steepled as he contemplated what he'd seen. The Qiari were progressing rapidly, their cultures and civilizations growing in ways he couldn't fully predict. And that unpredictability was exhilarating.
"They're shaping their own paths," he said softly. "All I did was give them the tools."
Faye floated closer, her voice light but sincere. "And that's what makes you a good creator, Master Leo. You're not holding their hands—you're just watching, learning, and letting them surprise you."
Leopold nodded, his sharp gaze steady. "The surprises are the best part."
As the interface dimmed, Leopold's thoughts turned to the locked External Interactions tab. Whatever lay beyond it, he knew it would challenge everything he'd seen so far. But for now, the Qiari's journey was his focus, and he was eager to see what they would create next.
The warm light of the library flickered slightly as Leopold swiped his hand across the interface. The Culture and Civilization tabs faded away, replaced by the next item on the row: External Interactions. Unlike the previous tabs, this one was shrouded in a soft, grayish hue, its label faintly glowing but unclickable. The word "LOCKED" was etched beneath it, an unmistakable barrier.
Leopold frowned, leaning closer to examine it.
"External Interactions," he murmured. "What exactly does that mean?"
Faye, perched on a nearby stack of books, adjusted her glasses and floated closer. Her crimson eyes sparkled with a mix of intrigue and caution.
"Ah, the infamous External Interactions tab," she said with a knowing smile.
"The gateway to the wider multiverse. But it's not for you—yet."
Leopold straightened, his gaze narrowing. "Gateway? To what, exactly?"
Faye perched on the edge of his desk, her tone shifting to something more serious.
"Other worlds, Master Leo. Other creators like you, each shaping their own civilizations, their own systems. Some are cooperative. Others... not so much."
Leopold's fingers tapped against the desk, his mind racing with possibilities.
"So, it's a way to connect with other World System Users?"
Faye nodded. "Yes, but it's more than just a chatroom for creators. Once that tab unlocks, you'll have access to trade, alliances, and—if you're unlucky—conflict. Some creators might want to share knowledge or resources. Others might see your world as a target."
Leopold's gaze returned to the grayed-out tab; his expression thoughtful.
"And it's locked because of the protection period?"
"Exactly," Faye said, her tone lighter now.
"The system gives you time to build a strong foundation before you're thrown into the deep end. Imagine if someone invaded your world while your Qiari were still figuring out how to make fire. Not exactly fair, right?"
Leopold smirked faintly. "Fairness seems like a luxury in this system."
Faye chuckled. "True, but the system does have its rules. Once you're out of the protection period, you'll be on your own. No safety nets."
As Leopold leaned back, his gaze still fixed on the locked tab, the interface flickered. A small, pulsating icon appeared in the corner, drawing his attention. He tapped it, and a new notification unfolded:
System Alert
Observation Detected
Summary: An external entity has attempted to observe your world. The attempt was blocked due to active protection protocols. No further action is required at this time.
Leopold's brow furrowed as he read the message.
"Observation detected," he repeated. "Someone tried to look into my world?"
Faye's playful demeanor shifted slightly, her crimson eyes narrowing.
"That's unusual. Most creators don't bother with protected worlds—it's a waste of energy. Whoever did this must be very curious about you."
Leopold's gaze sharpened. "Or they're testing the system's defenses."
"Could be," Faye agreed, her tone more serious.
"But don't let it get to you. The protection protocols are solid. No one's getting through unless you invite them in—or unless they're willing to risk a lot to force their way."
Leopold leaned forward, his fingers steepling as he considered the implications.
"Do I get any information about who it was?"
Faye shook her head. "Not while the protection is active. You're locked in here just as much as they're locked out. Once the tab unlocks, though, you might be able to trace it. For now, it's just... a shadow."
Faye floated closer, her playful smirk returning.
"Master Leo, you look like you're about to wage a war. Relax. Whoever it was, they didn't get through, and they won't anytime soon."
Leopold glanced at her, his expression softening slightly.
"It's not about fear, Faye. It's about being prepared. If someone's watching, it means they're curious—or worse, interested."
"And you'll handle it when the time comes," Faye said firmly. "But right now, your world is thriving. The Qiari are creating, growing, and surprising you at every turn. Focus on that. Let the multiverse wait."
Leopold exhaled slowly, nodding. "You're right. They're what matters."
As the notification faded and the interface dimmed, Leopold took one last look at the locked tab. The faint glow of the word "LOCKED" seemed almost taunting, a reminder of the challenges that lay beyond his immediate control. For now, the multiverse was out of reach, but it loomed on the horizon—a promise and a threat.
With a wave of his hand, Leopold dismissed the interface. The library's ambient glow returned, the shelves humming softly as if in reassurance. For now, his focus remained on the Qiari and their journey, but the thought of external forces lingered in the back of his mind.
"Let them watch," Leopold said softly, his tone steady.
"This world is mine. And when the time comes, they'll see just how strong it is."
Faye grinned, her playful demeanor fully restored.
"That's the spirit, Master Leo. Now, how about a break? Even creators need to recharge."
Leopold smirked faintly. "Maybe later. For now, I've got a world to observe."
The library hummed with quiet anticipation as Leopold turned his gaze back to the projections of the Qiari civilization, ready to watch their next steps unfold.