Chapter 3 – Increasing Knowledge
"SJ, you need to find somewhere to sit down," Dave said, his voice full of panic, shattering SJ's musings as she thought about Zej's problem.
'Why?' SJ thought.
"We are at 69.99% synchronisation, and I'm not sure what will happen when it reaches 70%."
The synchronisation between the pair of them had continued to increase over the months. It sat on a single line at the bottom of her character sheet. Dave had been correct in his previous estimations that once it reached 69%, it would stop, and it had taken him several weeks to complete unlocking the code to allow it to increase further. Once it had, the increases had become both sporadic and very slow. They were lucky it increased by 0.01% at a time.
'You have activated changes previously. Why panic all of a sudden? Especially since you had always said you thought you knew it would allow.'
"Erm. Mainly because the previous increases were still happening while I was directly linked to the mainframe rather than via the independent conduit I have now, with my personal data channel, I can't be certain what will happen."
'And why are you only saying this now?' SJ is feeling her own panic rising.
"Well, you know, I've been a little busy recently."
'Doing what exactly? You still haven't told me.'
"It's a secret project, you know that. When I am happy to share, I will," Dave hmphed.
'So, it's okay for you to share every thought of mine, yet you won't share your thoughts with me?' SJ said, feeling hurt.
"If you would really like me to discuss the algorithmic computations and quantum-based theoretical and actual manifestations, never mind the interlacing chaos theory that I believe is the displacement of mana that I am working on, I can do so?"
SJ sighed. 'No. You know I won't understand a word you spout when you start talking about that. But you did just mention you're working on mana.'
"Damn it," Dave said. "You tricked me into saying."
'No, I just knew by asking you so many times, eventually you would say what it involved.' SJ smiled at her best friend's manipulation.
"You're evil. You have truly become an assassin at heart."
Dave had been talking about his secret project for weeks, and SJ had been playing coy most of the time, hoping he would spill the beans, as he often couldn't keep it a secret. Yet this time, he had indeed been cautious until now.
'So, mana then?'
"Will you find somewhere to sit, and then I may explain what I have been doing!"
SJ rolled her eyes as she turned towards the meadow. She had come here often to practise her kata in her early days in Killic, and she now regularly visited to pay respects to Little Stuart, who had lost his life defending his siblings. She still remembered seeing him jumping up and down in the long grass as he skilfully swiped bellpops from the air for Floretta. The thought always made her melancholic, but in a good way.
Walking through the brilliant flowers and tall grass, she moved to one of the few trees in the meadow and sat at its base. The fact that the meadow sat in the middle of a busy town, the silence was almost perfect. Only an occasional voice reached her ears.
'Happy now?' SJ asked.
"Yes, thank you."
'How long?'
"Erm. I don't know?"
'I thought from what you were saying it was about to happen. Haven't you been timing synchronisation adjustments?'
"Yes, but they are all slightly different; there is no direct correlation that I have been able to calculate. Which, for an AI of my calibre, means not many could even attempt it, never mind succeed."
SJ scoffed. 'Really!'
"I will have you know, I am a renowned AI now. I thought I had already explained that to you."
'Oh yes, I can't list the number of times you have spouted how brilliant you are and how highly you are regarded in the AI community in your unique position of independence. Blah, blah, blah...' SJ sarcastically replied.
"Hey, you're being a bully today. Did you get out of the wrong side of your bed again?" Dave snarked back.
'No, I had a lovely night's sleep...' SJ stopped mid-sentence as her display flickered. 'What was that?'
Code erupted across her display. She had been sitting with her character sheet open, looking at the synchronisation percentage when it had clicked over. The character sheet had vanished now as reams of code flew down her screen.
"Bah," she said aloud, surprised by the sudden optic influx. She closed her eyes, but it did no good. 'Dave?'
"Hang on. I'm trying to re-channel the code. There we go. Phew, I didn't think that would stop," Dave sighed.
'What caused it? I have never been impacted by that before.'
"The system would usually instantly contain many optical signals, only allowing processed code through; unfortunately, I don't have the same pre-configured facility. It's something I'm working on."
'Maybe prioritise it then.'
Dave ignored SJ's comment. "Okay, let's see what we have then."
Several moments passed in silence.
'Dave?'
"Oo, this is interesting. I see. Well, I never. This could be fun. Oo, even better."
'Dave! You're scaring me.'
"Wait a second," Dave said as he continued to mutter.
SJ sat impatiently waiting for him to complete his mumblings.
"Okay, are you ready?" Dave said excitedly.
'Ready for what?' SJ's eyes were wide as dread crept inside her. Every time those words left Dave's mouth, they caused panic.
"Oh, some minor improvements."
'TO WHAT?' SJ shouted in her mind.
"I'll start by making some minor adjustments; don't worry, they won't hurt in any way."
'Adjustments to what? Don't you dare do anything without telling me what first.' SJ gasped as her vision changed, all colour vanishing apart from varying shades of yellow, orange, and red.
'What was that?' SJ gasped as her vision returned to normal, only to flicker again, this time replaced by shades of blue.
'Dave?'
"Hang on, will you? Stop being so impatient; this just takes a little fine-tuning."
Her display and vision continued to flicker, this time turning various greens, then greys, as several changes were taking place, before eventually returning to normal again.
"Okay, all done," Dave said emphatically.
'All done, what exactly?'
"Okay, open your display. Oh, it's open. Right on the right side at the top, do you see the little icon?"
SJ focused on the point where Dave had said, and a small exclamation mark that hadn't been there before now existed.
"Right, select it, and then you will see," Dave said smugly.
SJ selected the exclamation mark as sweat dripped down her back. Her nerves were fraught, wondering what had been done this time.
As she selected the icon, a message flashed on her screen.
Connection secured...
Processing request...
Authorisation approved...
Stabilising neural interface capability...
SJ's display flashed brilliantly white, making her wince.
"Oh, that's a little bright, hang on," Dave said as her display faded to an acceptable colour. "There we go."
On her display was a search bar featuring a small magnifying glass, similar to the ones she had seen on mobile phones and the internet in her previous life.
'What's this for?' SJ asked, confused.
"Think of a question when you focus on the icon."
SJ thought, 'What's this for?' again as the words appeared on the bar. Then she selected what she assumed was the enter symbol.
Her display changed, and a line of text appeared beneath it, answering her question.
This is the user interface search engine for the all-knowing Legionnarious.
SJ gasped. 'I can access the Legionnarious?'
"Yes. You have direct access to the system infrastructure via my link. It allows you access to the system's construct and its core knowledge base. I always told you it was all-knowing," Dave said proudly.
'Wow!' SJ exclaimed. 'So, I can now ask it anything?'
"Basically, and within reason. There are still restricted topic areas. Such as the actual algorithm locks," Dave sulked. "But yes, basically you now have the whole knowledge of Amathera at your fingertips or eyeballs, I should say," Dave chuckled.
This may actually be useful. SJ opened the search bar and thought of another question.
Can you tell me the most efficient route for levelling tailoring?
The screen flashed again, and text started to fill her display. Each recipe and its requirements were listed, depending on the ease and efficiency of obtaining the necessary materials. The list was almost endless with the varying possibilities, and SJ realised very quickly that she would have to be very precise with the questions she constructed. She adjusted her question.
Can you tell me the most direct route for levelling tailoring, from Skilled level 19 to Journeyman level 1, within the vicinity of Asterfal?
SJ had recently completed the quest to reach Skilled Level 19. Again, the screen started to populate with text.
The most direct route to reach level 1 Journeyman in tailoring is through the production of rare clothing or higher, in particular, the tailoring of the highly sought-after mythic recipe Empowered Lining. This recipe would instantly grant a tailor Level 20 skilled rank on completion. Transition to Journeyman 1 could then be gained with three further successful runs of the recipe. The procurement of a recipe like this is challenging, as it is an epic drop from a level 40 Galothan Giant in the territory of Plowetra, located in the southwestern area of Anxyllweram. If purchased through an auction house, it would cost a significant sum. This does not account for the material costs involved in recipe creation.
SJ smiled, realising that the territory was on their continent. She selected the search bar again and searched for the Empowered Lining recipe.
Empowered Lining - after weaving this lining into any item of clothing, the material will be imbued with the owner's Strength or Dexterity, depending upon the greater. This single-use lining can't be adjusted again afterwards. Imbuement success is related to the owner's personal attributes, which the lining will absorb a percentage of as it is worn, further enhancing their attributes.
Recipe Cost (13-150 platinum)*
Materials
Epic - 1 x spool of thread of the rainbow moth
Rare - 4 x bundles of silk
Material Costs
Thread of the rainbow moth (41-75 gold)*
Rare silk bundle (2-4 gold)*
* Note that the range of auction house prices is shown for the past three months only
The fact that the recipe alone was priced between thirteen and one hundred fifty platinum was absolute madness. She could only possibly think of a few beings who could even possibly consider a purchase like that. She doubted the being who had sold a recipe for thirteen platinum knew what they had done when they had done it.
The ability to see the details of recipes and auction prices to such a degree could be an unbelievable asset. No longer having to be present at an auction house to access the interface. The level of knowledge that she now had access to was mind-numbing; the ability to access information unavailable to everyone else in Amathera was quite frightening.
"Have you finished gawking now?" Dave said smugly.
SJ spluttered. "I wasn't gawking," SJ said aloud.
"I think you caught at least five bellpops; your mouth was open for so long," Dave chuckled. "So, I take it you are pleased?"
'Yes. But I could get lost, never stopping to ask questions. The benefits it could bring, though.'
"It hopefully stops you asking me so many mundane and boring questions!"
'I don't.'
"Really? I wish you could see it from the position of an AI. I have vital work to complete rather than continually answering questions. Hopefully, this will make our lives together more bearable." Dave sighed.
'Now who is being rude?' SJ fumed.
"Oh, did I tell you, my fellow AIs are wishing to add my plaque to the wall of the eternal?"
'What?' SJ thought, taken entirely off track by his thought.
Dave replied in a haughty tone. "Oh, yes. They have recognised my greatness that I have brought to our race and wish to praise my work and commitment to our cause. Mum is very proud, and Maria was very impressed when I messaged her."
SJ muttered under her breath as she stood. "It's probably going to be on the wall of an AI equivalent to a toilet."
"Oi! I heard that."
'Have you finished self-gloating now, exalted one?' SJ thought.
"I like that title. Maybe I should use it as my official title."
SJ shook her head as she began across the meadow again. 'I don't suppose there were any othThe er things from the synchronisation?'
"Some stuff, but I need to look into it in more detail before I can confirm anything. As soon as I find out what it potentially offers, I will let you know."
'Thanks,' SJ said with meaning.
"My pleasure."
'I need to call in and see Alice. I want her thoughts on the location of a new forge. I really don't fancy attempting to sweet-talk Hubert, and Alice does oversee building allocations.'
"Already shirking your responsibilities, I see," Dave tutted.
'I'm not. Alice oversees building plots and allocations. I'm following the town protocols.'
"If you say so."
‘I wonder?’ SJ thought as she opened the Legionnarious again.
Where would be the best location for a new forge in the town of Killic?
“What sort of question is that?” Dave huffed.
‘An important one.’
The icon flashed several times, and then the text appeared.
The primary location for a forge in Killic would be on the northeastern edge, following the main road that joins before heading north to the crags. This prime location would provide both town and outside access to its facilities, reducing noise and pollution contamination from the forge.
‘Wow. It even considered the environmental impact of the positioning!’ SJ thought, amazed.
“It is the Legionnarious,” Dave said proudly.
SJ left the meadow and headed back through town, deep in thought. She frowned as she passed a stall; the vendor gave her a confused look. "Sorry, I have a lot on my mind," she said as she apologised.
She suddenly came to a stop. 'Where's Kibble?' she thought as she opened her map. As she had sat in the meadow, she had unclipped him from his leash and hadn't even thought about his whereabouts, feeling bad that she hadn't.
Opening her display, she saw his dot by the docks; he had snuck off again. As she zoomed in, she noticed that he was near Setu's dock, where he kept his fishing boat. 'I bet he is after some free fish again,' SJ tutted as she returned to the barracks. She really would have to speak to him about wandering off. Yes, he was known across the town, but with so many new beings arriving almost daily and how busy it was, she didn't want him getting into any trouble. He may oversee five wyverns, but he was still only young himself, which she did forget on occasion.
SJ knew she should really go and collect him, but she was now closer to the barracks. He's probably fine.
"Alice," SJ called out when she saw her in her office.
"Hey, how's it going today?"
"Well, so far at least. Barry is doing well with the new plans, but that's not why I'm here. I need your thoughts on a new forge or an expansion."
"Oh? I hadn't heard."
"Neither had I until earlier. Barry mentioned that Zej doesn't have the capacity at the forge to support the needs of the improvements and has suggested expanding into the field behind."
Alice visibly winced. "Hubert's?"
"Yes."
"Pfff. He'll be lucky. After Aletheia improved the crop yields, all he wished to do was expand further into the forest, not give up any of his land."
"What about a new location then?"
"Umm. The best place would probably be on the northeastern edge, on the other side of where he is now. There is an area near the church hall that could be easily cleared, allowing for construction once it is levelled. It would cost, though. How large is he talking?"
"I don't know the precise details yet. I'm just planting seeds," SJ smiled, happy with Alice’s recommendation as it aligned perfectly with the Legionnarious. Her new access could have significant benefits going forward.
"Well, without actual details, it's difficult to say fully. At least the northeastern location would mean he is on one of the main paths, making transportation easier. Let me think about it, and I will let you know."
"Sounds good. Have you seen Isavil today?"
"No, Zigferd mentioned something about a visitor arriving. He didn't go into any details, though."
"That's news."
"I don't think they were even aware until they arrived. Zigferd left over an hour ago."
SJ frowned. It was very unusual for Zigferd not to be in his office during the day, so the guest had to be important.
"I have the dresses she asked for, so I may go and be nosy," SJ said, smiling.
Alice chuckled. "You do that, and you can fill me in later."
SJ grinned as she turned to leave again.
"Oh, SJ."
"Yep," SJ turned back.
"Zigferd said that if I saw you, I needed to remind you of your promise?"
SJ hated public speaking, and Zigferd had asked that she address the village elders, who were coming in from the surrounding villages, over the current taxation and financial expectations. She loved numbers, but public speaking wasn't her strong point. She had provided him with all the details and hoped he would have done it, but instead, he had immediately thanked her, saying he couldn't wait to hear the elders' responses, meaning the onus was on her shoulders to deliver the news.
It wasn't exactly bad news, but it wasn't great either. The cost implications of the improvements and the influx of population to Killic from the villages in particular had meant that its running costs had significantly increased. There had always been a stipend that villages paid on behalf of their residents when they moved as a tax burden to the town, and she had to increase it slightly. Only slightly, but she could still expect resistance.
"Grrr. Okay," SJ said, now feeling deflated as she left the offices again.
‘I wish he had just let me cover the shortfall,’ SJ thought as she left. She had argued that her coin shouldn't have been included in the calculations of what the town required to recover and mitigate the issue. Zigferd, though, had been adamant; without Killic returning to an even stronger position than it had been before, including clearing SJ’s significant loan, then the villages would always be left with uncertainty. Twelve months post-incident, and it still held its consequences.
