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A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex Chapter 96 - Deep into the Abyss (part 24)
- Faster, Mr Takahashi! - I'm trying! And drop that honorific. You can call me Yuusha, I am not that conservative! Just as I step the other foot out of the corridor, the side walls slam towards each other, completely blocking a twenty-metre-long pathway and shutting down cameras 7 - 16 and 5 - 7. The roaring collision sound and the squeaking noises of the mechanical components send our bodies trembling. The box is intact, and after catching our breath, we have some time to carefully look at it. Unlike the first box which is encoded, there are no visible locking mechanisms on this one. There are no padlocks or holes to put any key in. If not for the rattling noises when we try to shake the box, none would ever distinguish between this work of art and a plain, decorative cuboid. And apparently, with the equipment available in the portable subspace, no amount of sheer force can break open this box. - Maric, you can lead the way. I think this box can
A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex Chapter 97 - Deep into the Abyss (part 25)
Unable to do anything, we hold onto anything attached to the walls to keep a standing posture. After another five minutes of pure nausea and trembling, the second restructuring is over. It takes us another few seconds to be completely stable on the floor. I open the room's door to see what changes have occurred. The corridor does not seem shorter or longer, but not seeing any scratch marks on the ground implies that the blocks of rooms and corridors have been switched. - Yuusha, I have noted down the location of the trigger Mirai stepped on. Camera 34 - 22. I have some hypotheses to test out, so let's start with finding this trigger first. The building is huge, but it does not take long for us to find a room with access to the camera system. As usual, Maric handles the footage analysis, and I try to obtain more clues from the surroundings. Along the way, I would occasionally meet with corridor blocks with scratches and gunshots, stacked between completely spotless
A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex Chapter 98 - Deep into the Abyss (part 26)
And so, the three of us stand in front of the trigger in front of the camera 34 - 22. - This currently has no basis, but we both trust that there must be a pattern of shuffling whenever somebody steps on this trigger. This may take a while, but it is better than nothing since we are at a dead end. So, if everyone is ready... - Yes, I am. - Same. - Well then, I would step on this. This is redundant, but please hold onto something during the restructuring. Maric places her left foot on the button and slowly leans forward to apply pressure. As we discreetly stare at her leg doing the job, a faint but very defined click finally reverberates throughout the silent corridor after the trigger button is on the same level as the ground. The segregation walls collapse as soon as Maric lifts her foot, making a series of continuous slamming noises like a domino effect. In the small T-shaped, two-by-two metres compartment of camera 34 - 22, we lie fla
A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex Chapter 99 - Deep into the Abyss (part 27)
The centre of the building is a cubical entity consisting of four static blocks and four spaces to fit in another four compartments. Each static block contains sensors that would detect whether the correct compartment out of the staggering six thousand compartments fits into the space, visually represented by the entire compartment shining. Theoretically, if you consider each camera code a two-dimensional vector, you only need two linearly independent vectors to span the entire two-dimensional space. In particular, two triggers should be enough to create every possible permutation, albeit taking some time. However... - Two triggers are not enough. 80 and 125 are factors of 6000, but their lowest common multiple is not 6000. If this pattern continues, we will need a third trigger, particularly one that would group the compartments in groups of a multiple of 3. Mirai immediately spots the last link of the game. The camera permutation is not strictly a two-dimensional s
A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex Chapter 100 - Deep into the Abyss (part 28, final)
- Cannons on your left! Charging until launch! Try to neutralise them! - Roger! Claws underneath, our retaliation rockets are locked on them! - EMP! Where is EMP? - You two! I am swarmed by exploding spider mechs down here. Do something! The last three hours are the most daunting. Protruding from the six surfaces of the cuboidal room are six nodes containing the key to unlocking the box. Maric is unable to fight for a prolonged period, so she is tasked with solving the nodes, while Mirai and I help her fight off the traps to buy her time. Everything in the portable subspace and my backpack is pushed to the limit. I have consumed the tenth photon shotgun ammunition tube to neutralise countless waves of mechs and traps. With the correct settings, each shot is a multitude of photons with various frequencies that jam electronic devices on impact. I manoeuvre around the emerging obstacles to gather the endlessly spawning autonomous bots and d
A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex Interlude 5 - Mileva
To leave everything behind. For the greater cause. Ever since then, the words echoed in her head, like an enclosed chamber with a perfect reflection. The words were stuck there, and it made her unable to think properly. What did they mean? - What is on your mind, darling? - Nothing. Just weird, personal stuff. After getting close to a science major graduate from the University of New South Wales, the two decided to come together and live under the same roof. They had a lovely child, and their road ahead was paved with rose petals. Of course, no happiness is eternal. On that fateful day, she heard the words. _____________________________________ - Huh, Egypt? Of all places? - Come on, you are a sociology bachelor. Why so sceptical? Just consider it a cultural appreciation trip. Her group of colleagues were planning to visit another country during their precious holidays. Unlike everyone, who seemed to be very ecstatic about the tr
A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex Interlude 6 - Pursuit
Humans immerse themselves in illusions, but who dares to break through such sweet dreams and pursue reality? - Wow, look at this artefact, guys. - Let me see, let me see. - So cool! The next day, Maric's group visited the cluster of pyramids in Giza. To avoid the tour buses flocking in and causing an influx of tourists to roam around. Thus, the poor soul who returned to the hotel late after the stand-up comedy show was sleep-deprived, against her gang whose energy and enthusiasm were over the roof. Waking up as soon as six in the morning to have an indulgent breakfast and catch the earliest bus, they reached the foot of the most colossal one, the Great Pyramid of Giza at eight-thirty. They shared money to book a guide for the entire visit, and the man in summer clothing and a hat was already there, waving at them. The pyramid visit was expected to last half an hour. Because there were few people in the tunnels, the occasional breeze that traver
A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex Interlude 7 - Rendezvous
And then, the two hands of the clock of fate met. What happens is bound to happen, and humanity is none the wiser. After being separated from the tomb's lid, the mysterious device's defensive mechanism went off, resulting in vibrations across the entire pyramid. The team immediately fled from the chamber, with Wilhelm leading and Ernst in the back. Gottlob and Arthur kept close to Maric, the only person without any firearm or combat experience. - Mileva, you stick to us at all times. We will handle this. - As if I have another choice. - Watch out! A stone fragment cracked from the ceiling and fell down. Ernst charged forward, pushing both Maric and Arthur forward, right before it hit the ground and shattered. - I told you, stay vigilant! - Sorry, sir. The only things Maric could hear were the chaotic rustling and the humming from the vibrations. Never would she think that a life-and-death situation occurred to her simply due to
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- A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex
Chapter 106 - Project Tomorrow (part 5)
- Quick! Secure all exits of the television studio. Initiate first-level protocol. Focus security around studio 4-A. Hurried footsteps echo through the corridors and halls, as fully-armed police and military personnel impose a lockdown on the studio and check every nook and cranny for any intruders. The studio that hosts the game show is located in a fairly remote region near Cairo. As a national studio that produces most of the programmes in the country, its level of security is on par with a military base. The specific information of measures implemented is obfuscated to the public. Still, with some observation, one would realise that making any move within the studio needs meticulous planning from the most intelligent of humanity. As soon as every staff in the studio is mobilised, the girl starts to move. The trip sensors she installed throughout the studio have simultaneously triggered, capturing a huge movement.__________- The twelfth question is another
- A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex
Chapter 105 - Project Tomorrow (part 4)
- ... and despite being the country with the largest area in the world, boasting up to eleven different time zones, Russia is surprisingly not the country with the most time zones in the world. In fact, it is France that claims the crown as the country with the most time zones in the world, with twelve different time zones ranging from UTC-10:00 to UTC+12:00! This is attributed to the fact that France has many territories worldwide, which also highlights their significant presence worldwide.- Wow, that is a very detailed description, although it may be difficult for the audience to grasp what you are trying to say. But yes, the correct answer to the country with the most time zones is B, France! Let us give another round of applause for the amount of wisdom this fortitudinous man possesses! With Mirai's assistance from somewhere outside the studio, we breeze through the first ten questions ranging in all sorts of topics and requiring countless hours every day look
- A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex
Chapter 104 - Project Tomorrow (part 3)
- Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the thousandth show of the series "Who Wants to Be the Zillionaire?", a weekly trivia game show every Tuesday only available on Al-Hayat TV. I am your host, Ali, and today, to commemorate the thousandth show, the stakes have been raised. There are still fifteen questions, but each question is exponentially harder. In return, once the player clears all fifteen questions, he will win up to... A billion Egyptian pounds, approximately three billion yen or twenty million US dollars. That is ten years' worth of my previous salary or more. For thirty-three years of my life, I have never thought about this, because the odds of reaching the final question are as high as winning a lottery. However, with Mirai's help, getting the winning prize will be a breeze.- Let's welcome our player for today! Due to special circumstances, we will refer to him as T. Mr. T, please come in. The door to the game show arena opens., and I am immediately
- A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex
Chapter 103 - Project Tomorrow (part 2)
- It has been so long since we last talked in person. So, how have you been? - Let's say, my past few years have been a mess. You? - Same on my side. You cannot imagine how difficult it is to live around that woman. - From what I see, she is a very intelligent and awesome person, no? I envy you for having such a partner. - It is because of that so-called intelligence you praise her for, that I do not even understand what is going on in her head. I have a better chance of winning a lottery than guessing her mood. We quarrel almost every day. - However, if you think of it, it is those days that you argue that make you appreciate the days that you two live harmoniously together. Of course, I cannot speak for you, because my marriage is very peaceful back then... - I think I have mentioned this before, but please do not compare our dynamic with a married couple. - You are overthinking, brother. Albert and I
- A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex
Chapter 102 - Project Tomorrow (part 1)
2060, Sahara desert... Project Ashita... After the brief exchange with the Colonel-ranked Intruder named Lamabula, Mirai and I spent countless hours after the construction observation duty hours to devise a plan. After careful consideration, the seeds of Project Ashita are sown. Before introducing the project to the CEA survivors, Mirai initially hesitated, but she ultimately discussed it with Lamabula. Without a doubt, he burst into his signature, explosive laughter and rejoiced the moment Mirai mentioned the scale of the project, and willingly lent a portion of the base's space for the construction of the colossal battleship. So long as he deemed us subpar compared to the Intruders, he would continue lending assistance. However, the dangerous part of this rigged contract is that we do not know until when he would deem us sufficiently dangerous and suddenly cut all support. However, that has never been Mirai's concern, who can fight head-on with Lamabula, and whose distrust a
- A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex
Chapter 101 - The Future that Bet Life to Believe
Counter-Extraterrestrial Association, Egypt branch, 2060, From the outside, it looks like a small stand-up comedy house within the bustling tourist area of Cairo. However, in the basement, its true form is revealed. More than half of the basement area is for equipment and vehicle storage, and in the corner, a hydraulic lift is responsible for carrying them to the first floor. Deeper into the basement is the meeting room. Around the table, Mirai and Wilhelm sit next to each other, on the largest seat designated for high-ranking officials of the CEA or important people. Then, Ernst, Gottlob, Arthur, Maric, and I sit on the remaining seats. At the centre of the table, a hologram depicts the images of the current situation. Under the table, each seat will have a mouse which resembles a ball, so anyone can freely rotate or zoom in on the hologram projection for better observation. - Thank you everyone for being here. Before we start the impromptu meeting, two more people wo
- A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex
Interlude 7 - Rendezvous
And then, the two hands of the clock of fate met. What happens is bound to happen, and humanity is none the wiser. After being separated from the tomb's lid, the mysterious device's defensive mechanism went off, resulting in vibrations across the entire pyramid. The team immediately fled from the chamber, with Wilhelm leading and Ernst in the back. Gottlob and Arthur kept close to Maric, the only person without any firearm or combat experience. - Mileva, you stick to us at all times. We will handle this. - As if I have another choice. - Watch out! A stone fragment cracked from the ceiling and fell down. Ernst charged forward, pushing both Maric and Arthur forward, right before it hit the ground and shattered. - I told you, stay vigilant! - Sorry, sir. The only things Maric could hear were the chaotic rustling and the humming from the vibrations. Never would she think that a life-and-death situation occurred to her simply due to
- A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex
Interlude 6 - Pursuit
Humans immerse themselves in illusions, but who dares to break through such sweet dreams and pursue reality? - Wow, look at this artefact, guys. - Let me see, let me see. - So cool! The next day, Maric's group visited the cluster of pyramids in Giza. To avoid the tour buses flocking in and causing an influx of tourists to roam around. Thus, the poor soul who returned to the hotel late after the stand-up comedy show was sleep-deprived, against her gang whose energy and enthusiasm were over the roof. Waking up as soon as six in the morning to have an indulgent breakfast and catch the earliest bus, they reached the foot of the most colossal one, the Great Pyramid of Giza at eight-thirty. They shared money to book a guide for the entire visit, and the man in summer clothing and a hat was already there, waving at them. The pyramid visit was expected to last half an hour. Because there were few people in the tunnels, the occasional breeze that traver
- A Backpack, a Gun and a Codex
Interlude 5 - Mileva
To leave everything behind. For the greater cause. Ever since then, the words echoed in her head, like an enclosed chamber with a perfect reflection. The words were stuck there, and it made her unable to think properly. What did they mean? - What is on your mind, darling? - Nothing. Just weird, personal stuff. After getting close to a science major graduate from the University of New South Wales, the two decided to come together and live under the same roof. They had a lovely child, and their road ahead was paved with rose petals. Of course, no happiness is eternal. On that fateful day, she heard the words. _____________________________________ - Huh, Egypt? Of all places? - Come on, you are a sociology bachelor. Why so sceptical? Just consider it a cultural appreciation trip. Her group of colleagues were planning to visit another country during their precious holidays. Unlike everyone, who seemed to be very ecstatic about the tr
