The voice of Wei Shu resounded within the control chamber. Upon mentioning the phrase “Deep Sea,” the individual in charge adopted a significantly graver expression, as recent emergency dispatches indicated that the escape of A-009 was a consequence of operational failure within the Deep Sea system. Wei Shu, however, harbored doubts regarding this assessment. The “Deep Sea,” an extensive network blanketing and unifying the entirety of the East Continent, had been functioning with unparalleled precision and fluidity for over two decades. In that span, it had flawlessly managed millions of incidents without a single recorded error. At this juncture, he found it more plausible to attribute the situation to a staff member’s misreporting, a recurring event that invariably stemmed from human error. The expansive screen flickered, transitioning to a loading interface adorned with successive waves of oceanic imagery. The progress indicator in the lower right quadrant sported a distinctly vintage aesthetic, presenting a digitized, indistinct depiction of a young girl, composed of mosaic fragments, perpetually running on sandy terrain at the bottom of the screen. Wei Shu tapped his fingers rhythmically, his wait extending. Ultimately, the room illuminated, and a clear, melodic voice permeated the control center. “Deep Sea connection established… Serial number V349708069527, it is a pleasure to serve you.”
...
...
The ambient illumination waned.
A jostle swayed the train.
This light rail system, akin to a serpent, coursed towards the fractured edge of the darkened expanse. Within this serpentine structure was Gu Shen, his vision fixed upon the eyes of the imposing lady. These eyes, suffused with a scarlet luminescence and distinctly unnatural, possessed a serpentine, narrow quality reminiscent of drawn swords. The lady’s voice echoed through the vacant carriage. “Yes… you have indeed touched upon it.”
Gu Shen’s response came swiftly, his forehead beaded with cold sweat, his voice betraying a tremor, yet his mind was sharper than ever in that precise moment. One hand rested upon the Ruler, the other clenched a sharpened blade. The lady, draped in a voluminous gown, paused, a hint of disappointment coloring her demeanor. After a momentary stillness, she resumed her polite interrogation, “So… what is the reason for this?”
Within the subdued luminescence of the Blazing Light, Gu Shen intently scrutinized the ancient, blood-stained newspaper situated near the lady’s knees, striving to decipher its contents. However, the inadequate light rendered clarity impossible. Gu Shen emitted a quiet chuckle, “Madam… pray, forgive my frankness, but not all things can be perfectly represented. Yet, as we delve into broader conceptualizations, the scope of our understanding expands beyond initial imaginings. Between the values of 3 and 4 lies an infinite expanse.”
A subtle fluctuation appeared within the ruby glow of the tall lady’s serpentine irises. Her lips parted, an enigmatic smile seeming to form. Witnessing this expression sent a shiver down Gu Shen’s spine. He maintained a prudent distance, advancing cautiously, the palpable pressure on his heart undiminished. He harbored no doubt that a single misspoken word, or even a misplaced punctuation mark, could precipitate the lady’s swift, decisive action. Consequently, he remained reticent, silently navigating closer to her. The newspaper represented his sole potential avenue for insight into her nature, and acquiring a clearer view of it might prove beneficial. Yet, the lady simply voiced two soft words: “Continue.”
“…π is an infinite, non-repeating constant, signifying its inherent endless precision. However, upon a finite ruler, no single point can accurately demarcate π.” As Gu Shen articulated these words, he concurrently sought to maintain equilibrium with his interlocutor, bending low within the confined space to gaze upwards at the towering woman. This assertion appeared to displease her; the smile vanished instantly from her lips, her gaze hardening into an icy, serpentine stare. She grasped a bone-picking knife, and an unnerving gust of wind swept through the light rail, chilling him to the core. It was at this opportune moment that Gu Shen observed the newspaper, fluttering in the wind, its characters emblazoned in crimson blood – a series of complex mathematical symbols and intricate proof formulas. They bore a striking sense of familiarity. He recalled having encountered them previously. His mind raced, desperately seeking connections. Gu Shen remembered the initial encounter with the woman, engrossed in perusing the very same newspaper. A profound realization began to surface. “Even so, I maintain an unwavering conviction that between the numbers 3 and 4, π can indeed be apprehended.”
Gu Shen lifted his head, his voice carrying a slight rasp. “Madam… As for the underlying reason, surely you and I are both privy to it, are we not?”
“Alan Turing.”
The utterance of this name caused the tall lady’s form to visibly tremble. Her eyes widened in astonishment as she fixed her gaze upon Gu Shen. Indeed, Gu Shen had unearthed the crucial “answer.” The lady permitted him to proceed, not seeking the intricacies of the proof but rather a shared aspiration. The dense array of mathematical notations and deductive formulas adorning the newspaper page converged upon a singular, ultimate figure, whom the tall lady revered with fervent devotion. All she longed to hear was this singular name. Alan Turing.
Few realized that the celebrated creator of the Deep Sea Network was also a gifted mathematician.
Within the domain of mathematics, the value of π was readily found to be between 3 and 4.
However, in the realm of physics, π appeared as a theoretical, mythical constant, impossible to measure or quantify on any scale.
As soon as this name was uttered.
The biting wind aboard the monorail suddenly vanished.
The intermittent lights seemed to be snuffed out entirely.
The woman's stern expression eased, and she extended a hand, seemingly to assist Gu Shen; however, a Ruler, the silver measuring rod she had wielded previously, slid from her sleeve.
Gu Shen was momentarily taken aback, instinctively reaching out to grasp the Ruler.
In the blink of an eye—
The connection between the two individuals, mediated by the Ruler, was severed.
The monorail emerged from the tunnel.
A ferocious gust of wind slammed into Gu Shen, accompanied by an abrupt sensation of weightlessness. He was violently thrown about, still clutching the Ruler, and crashed heavily onto the floor.
“Thud!”
A grimace twisted Gu Shen’s face upon hearing a muffled impact, akin to a colossal object striking the roof of the monorail car directly above him. Distinct footprints were left imprinted there—
Flashes of electricity and arcing energy erupted all around.
Concurrently, a shrill, piercing shriek echoed. A long blade sliced diagonally through the metallic body of the car, impaling itself precisely in the shoulder of the tall lady in the evening gown, pinning her to the side of the car like a spike.
Moments later, a second blade penetrated the roof of the car. Its edge spun like a cutting wheel, and a substantial segment of the car's metal ceiling detached as a woman, clad in a long coat and sporting red hair, landed forcefully upon the metal.
Nan Jin descended directly in front of Gu Shen.
Her eyes narrowed as she cast a brief glance back at the young man behind her, who had collapsed while still seated, clutching his attire. She then reported with a measured, calm demeanor.
“Wei Shu…
That unfortunate fellow is still breathing.”
'Unfortunate fellow' – a rather fitting moniker, exceptionally apt indeed…
Gu Shen winced, gripping the railing for support. The prior impact had inflicted considerable pain, leaving him feeling as though his posterior had been fractured into numerous pieces.
Currently, his entire body throbbed with pain and disorientation.
Carefully, he secured the Ruler against his chest, concealing it within the inner lining of his coat.
The Ruler's unexpected coolness sent a jolt of heightened awareness through him.
Meanwhile, the lady in the black evening dress, impaled on the car's exterior, seethed with rage.
She extended a hand towards the long blade protruding from her body, attempting to dislodge it.
“Hiss—”
The instant her fingers made contact with the long blade, it erupted in flames, bathing the entire car in a brilliant, silvery luminescence!
The lady shrieked in extreme agony, compelled to relinquish her hold.
The silver blade blazed with intense light and fire, though the flames began to recede swiftly—
It was evident their efficacy was time-limited.
Yet, at this critical juncture, Nan Jin remained inactive, opting instead to await further developments.
She was anticipating an order from Wei Shu.
A crackling sound of electricity filled the air.
“Relocate the combat zone. Prioritize the rescue of this young man, Gu Shen.”
Wei Shu's voice resonated, each word delivered with chilling detachment:
“Refrain from engaging A-009 aboard the train. This strategy is the optimal recommendation provided by Deep Sea.”