Nexuscape Integration eXpansion (NIX) Polytechnic, Central Park, Manhattan, USA. October 31 2203, 10:27 A.M.
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Sasha's eyes darted across the email displayed on her tablet, devouring every word with a mix of anticipation and eagerness. Her stomach churned with excitement as she absorbed the message, her determination to grasp every vital detail evident.
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As she strolled through the open expanse of the park, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. Halloween night was drawing near, and the West End NIX Polytechnic was abuzz with activity, preparing for the upcoming fair. The park itself seemed to hum with a peculiar energy, as if it too sensed the impending festivities.
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"Congratulations, Sasha Everhart, on becoming an official recruit of Nexuscape Integration eXpansion (NIX) Polytechnic!
Your Cosmos Magnitude has been registered as Mesosphere, signifying your exceptional potential.
For detailed information on Cosmos Magnitude Register (CMR), please refer to the article below."
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The Cosmos Magnitude Register (CMR): is a comprehensive system utilized to categorize extraterrestrial objects, entities, and phenomena. Inspired by Earth's atmosphere, the CMR ranks are determined by factors such as incomprehensibility and the ability to induce madness. The Nexuscape Integration Expansion (NIX) employs atmospheric assessments to assign CMR rankings, descending from the Exosphere to the Troposphere. Recruits typically begin their Nexuscape Training Academy journey at the Troposphere level.
The CMR system encompasses the following ranks:
I. Exosphere: This rank is exclusively reserved for anomalies within the Nexuscape that defy containment, pose an imminent breach threat, or present similar scenarios. Extraterrestrials and Terrestrials assigned to the Exosphere rank represent the pinnacle of maddening phenomena and are often associated with apocalyptic or reality-shattering perils. These entities possess immeasurable destructive potential, making encounters with them exceedingly rare. A mere glimpse of these otherworldly beings can plunge individuals into catatonic states, erase their memories, or even result in death. They epitomize insanity and incomprehensibility, surpassing mortal comprehension on a cosmic scale. As of 2203, only seven registered extraterrestrials and four terrestrials hold the Exosphere rank.
II. Thermosphere: Terrestrials ranked within the Thermosphere are specifically deployed by the Nexuscape to contain or eliminate other Extraterrestrials. Their missions involve significantly higher levels of danger, confidentiality, and compensation compared to those assigned to lower ranks. Encounters with Thermosphere Extraterrestrials have immediate and irreversible effects on the human psyche, inducing psychosis, delirium, or catatonia, thus shattering one's perception of reality and identity. Sanity hangs by a thread, and memories may be irrevocably altered. Attempting to comprehend these phenomena can result in confusion and disorientation. The existence of Thermosphere entities is highly classified, known only to a select few personnel outside of the Administrator.
III. Mesosphere: Reaching the Mesosphere rank is an exceptional achievement for a terrestrial, signifying above-average capabilities. Recruits with a Mesosphere rank are considered to possess genius-level intellect. Extraterrestrials at this level induce acute psychological distress and hallucinations. They introduce discomfort and unease, resulting in the loss of sanity and a distorted world-view. Confronted with profoundly unnatural or non-Euclidean realities that strain comprehension, one's grasp on sanity becomes tenuous. Distinguishing between illusion and truth grows increasingly challenging. Lasting mental and emotional trauma is likely without proper psychological conditioning. Understanding these entities becomes arduous, and a sense of the unknown emerges. Effective containment often requires extensive and intricate procedures due to limited understanding or lack of technology.
IV. Stratosphere: Terrestrials ranked within the Stratosphere fall within the average range, while Extraterrestrials in this rank necessitate more resources for complete containment. Encounters with these entities evoke fear, paranoia, and discomfort. They have the potential to induce short-term anxiety, nightmares, and unsettle one's perception of reality. Sanity begins to feel shaken as disturbing events, revelations, or encounters challenge rational thought. Lingering discomfort or psychological scars may result. While things deviate slightly from the ordinary, they can still be understood to some extent. This is often due to insufficient understanding or inherent unpredictability of the Extraterrestrials in this rank.
V. Troposphere: The Troposphere rank is designated for weak and inexperienced Terrestrials, such as ordinary humans, and Quasar. Extraterrestrials associated with this rank can be easily and safely contained, although they may still pose a threat. They induce a sense of unease but do not have lasting psychological effects. While there may be ominous implications, nothing is explicitly disturbing. These entities or events possess a slight peculiarity but remain comprehensible and within the realm of normalcy. Sanity remains mostly intact, and they cause only mild unease without significant psychological impact. Thorough research conducted by the Nexuscape enables containment without extensive resource allocation or specific triggers.
The CMR system serves as a vital tool for assessing and comprehending the nature and potential dangers posed by extraterrestrial entities. Its classification framework provides a clearer understanding of the escalating levels of psychological impact associated with each rank.
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NIX Symposium.
“The NIX Corporation defines ‘cosmos’ as a captivating force that encompasses extraterrestrial energies and frequencies. It serves as a potent energy source intertwined with negative emotions, and illusion (insanity), acting as a hallucinatory fuel. This enigmatic force enables the manifestation of various extraterrestrial phenomena, including the Quasars, which rely on cosmos to power their constellation.
One intriguing aspect of cosmos is its ability to grant the Voids the power to materialize in our reality. The nature of these alterations depends on the type and frequency of cosmos present. Remarkably, cosmos exhibits a peculiar affinity for the human mind, gravitating towards archetypes found within the collective unconscious. Although the precise nature of this connection remains mysterious, its implications are profound.”
"Um…Excuse me, Lecturer," Sasha interjected, her voice echoing through the darkened room illuminated by mesmerizing projected lights. With curiosity and a hint of trepidation in her eyes, she leaned forward. "I heard something about Quasars having a constellation. What are those?"
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Sasha's question hung in the air as the other first-year recruits eagerly awaited the Lecturer's response. The room was hushed and dimly lit, with the glow of the projected hologram illuminating the scene. With a gentle nod, the Lecturer began to unravel the connection between Quasars and their constellations.
"Constellations are abilities fuelled by cosmos, activated and utilized through two processes: Orbit and Axis. If cosmos is like the Sun, constellations are the planets that utilize the gravitational force from the Sun to produce motion and function. To activate a constellation through orbit, the caster circulates their cosmos energy in a forward direction to channel it into their ability."
"Orbit ("Forward Rotation") refers to the basic, default, or neutral state of activation for a constellation. To activate a constellation through orbit, the caster circulates their cosmos energy in a forward direction to channel it into their ability."
"Axis, on the other hand, produces reality (sanity) by multiplying illusion with illusion. It requires highly sophisticated manipulation of cosmos and is rare to achieve. Illusion isn't suitable for recovery, but reality can heal physical injuries."
"Intriguingly enough, constellations are innate abilities etched deep within the subconscious of Quasars. These extraordinary talents are imprinted within the pineal gland of their brains. Typically, Quasars experience the emergence of their constellation around the age of seven, and over time, these cosmic patterns become further ingrained in their essence."
"The uniqueness of constellations lies in their proprietary nature, constituting a staggering eighty percent of a Quasar's intrinsic skill set. Similar to copyrighted computer programs, these constellations are virtually impervious to replication or mimicry."
"It is noteworthy that the overwhelming majority of Quasars possess only a solitary constellation. However, in exceedingly rare instances, a fortunate few may harbor more than one. Nonetheless, even these fortunate few can accommodate a maximum of three constellations at any given time, as exceeding this limit would, threatening their sanity."
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West End NIX Halloween Festival.
"I don't understand the Quasar's Constellation. Can you explain it to me as if I am dumb?" Sasha blurted out, seeking clarification, and feeling a bit overwhelmed as she helped Eva prepare for the festival. They were currently busy carving pumpkins, with Dani taking charge of the cooking.
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"I'm not the best at summarizing, and Sasha, you are not dumb," Eva reassured her. Eva rearranged the pumpkins of various sizes and shapes on the table. "Look at these pumpkins," Eva gestured to the dozens of uniquely shaped pumpkins spread across the table. "Each one has its own distinct identity, even in the tiniest details."
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Eva picked up the smallest pumpkin from the bunch and held up a carving knife, using them as props to illustrate her point. "Imagine this pumpkin as an object, and think of this carving knife as the cosmic energy," she explained, gently pressing the knife into the pumpkin to begin carving. She turned to Sasha, her face displaying a puzzled expression before offering a simpler explanation. "The reason the knife can carve the pumpkin is because of my hand. Just like how muscles, nerves, tendons, and bones make up my hand, guiding its movements through my brain, that's what the constellations are to the Quasars."
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Sasha's understanding started to click, and she smiled sheepishly at Eva. "I still don't get it," Eva chuckled. "Well, that makes two of us, because I don't have one," she replied.
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"You don't!?" Sasha exclaimed, surprised by the revelation. "No, I don't," Eva confirmed. "Based on your Psychometric Data, it's impossible for you to be human. You're classified as a Quasar, not a human. So if you truly don't have a constellation, how did you manage to defeat the Voids and rank first in the graduation results?" Sasha asked, curiosity evident in her voice.
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"I can't explain it. I've never been able to harness cosmos energy. It's like I am immune to insanity. Everything I’ve done is through hard work, skills, determination and luck," Eva explained, her eyes fixed on Sasha, hoping for understanding. Sasha tried to comprehend but eventually gave up, but she unexpectedly change the subject instead.
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"Wow! Where did you learn to carve like that? It's beautiful!" Sasha exclaimed, her admiration evident. Eva snapped out of her thoughts, glancing down at the small pumpkin in her hand. It had been transformed into a meticulously carved cat-like totem, adorned with intricate clock patterns. Confusion gripped Eva's mind as she wondered, "I carved this? How? Since when?" Her thoughts were clouded as Sasha examined the pumpkin in awe.
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Eva smiled gratefully and extended the pumpkin towards Sasha, saying, "Here you go. Happy Halloween." Reluctantly, Sasha accepted it, delicately placing it in the pocket of her denim overalls. Excitement gleamed in Sasha's eyes as she announced, "I'm going to help Mom. I'll be right back!" With a spring in her step, she headed towards her mother.
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As Eva continued to glance at her phone, frustration crept into her voice. "Tetsuo, where are you? I can't do this alone!" She typed multiple messages, hoping for a response. However, minutes turned into a half-hour, and still, there was no answer. Eva completed the pumpkin carvings, arranging them neatly in rows, but exhaustion weighed upon her as she let out a tired sigh, wiping the sweat from her brow. She glanced at her phone once more, growing increasingly frustrated, and wondered, "What on earth has Tetsuo been up to?"
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Suddenly, a sense of foreboding washed over Eva. Microscopic particles, shimmering with an otherworldly glow, began to rise from the ground amidst the trimmed grass. Her gaze lifted, and her eyes widened in disbelief as she beheld a colossal tower-like structure hurtling through the clear blue sky, tearing apart the fabric of reality like a distorted virtual simulation.
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Nexuscape Integration eXpansion (NIX) Polytechnic, Central Park, Manhattan, USA. October 31 2203, 9:10 A.M.
NIX Research Sector.
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Tetsuo's eyes, a shade of brown, appeared simultaneously vacant and intensely focused, like lasers honed on a target. His knuckles moved with a swift flicking and swiping motion, as if interacting with an invisible force that only he could perceive. In the air before him, a series of pathways and intricate geometric shapes materialized, bathed in a kaleidoscope of vibrant neon colours. Tetsuo meticulously examined each formation, searching for the one that held the answers he sought. Finally, one arrangement revealed itself, transforming into an intricate keyhole mechanism.
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While Tetsuo concentrated on deciphering the complex mechanism, Lucy stood watchful at the corner of the bright-lit corridor. Her senses heightened, ready to alert Tetsuo of any approaching danger. They were on a mission to infiltrate the office of Bartholomew Buchanan, the Administrator of the Research Sector, they hoped to uncover vital clues, answers, and irrefutable evidence that would ultimately serve to exonerate Felix, their wrongly accused friend.
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Lucy shuffled through the piles of files, her movements tense with anticipation. She desperately searched for the right document, each rustle of paper adding to the mounting tension.
Meanwhile, Tetsuo sat nearby, his eyes fixated on the contents of another file. The room was quiet, save for the soft sounds of pages being turned. As he read, his brow furrowed in concentration, his eyes darting across the lines of text. Suddenly, a headline caught his attention.
Devastating Incursion Shattered Alpha Centauri Mansion, Unveiling Alleged Rebel Hideout; Upper East Side Residents Left Stunned
“New York, October 4th, 2203 1:26 A.M. – Chaos erupted on the prestigious Fifth Avenue of Manhattan's Upper East Side in the early hours of this morning as the luxurious Alpha Centauri Mansion, believed to be the covert headquarters of a secret rebellion group, fell victim to an audacious attack. The incident has left citizens in shock and law enforcement agencies scrambling for answers.
Eyewitnesses recount a scene of audacity, as a lone masked figure, clad in a hooded robe, launched a surprise assault on the unsuspecting rebels. Gunshots reverberated through the halls as a fierce firefight ensued between the shadowy intruder and the rebel defenders. The assailant swiftly disabled the mansion's state-of-the-art security systems, bypassing biometric scanners and motion sensors. Witnesses described the intruder as more terrifying than a Void, a monster in sheep's clothing, as the battle raged on, leaving the mansion's extravagant interiors scarred and shattered.
As tensions escalated, a powerful explosion rocked the mansion's central chamber, shattering windows and sending shards of glass cascading onto the street below. The blast caused a temporary blackout in the surrounding area, plunging Fifth Avenue into darkness.
Law enforcement agencies responded swiftly to the chaos, but by the time they arrived at the scene, the attacker had vanished into the night, leaving no trace behind.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident, working tirelessly to uncover the identities of the attacker and their motives. Speculations abound that the assault may be connected to a larger conspiracy involving the NIX Corporation and their efforts to suppress any form of dissent.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of this shocking incident, questions linger in the air. Who was the assailant? What secrets did they seek to uncover within the Paradox Movement's hidden sanctuary? And what impact will this attack have on the future of the city? The search for answers continues, as the city braces itself for potential revelations that could reshape the very fabric of society.”
Tetsuo's mind was laced with confusion as he pondered the revelation of the attack. "There was an attack? How come I never heard about this?" he thought, his brow furrowing in disbelief. Determined to gather more information, he turned to his colleague Lucy. "Hey, Lucy. Have you heard anything about an attack on Fifth Avenue?" Tetsuo showed her the article he had stumbled upon, hoping for some answers.
"No, I don't know anything about this," Lucy replied, her voice tinged with surprise. "It seems like NIX did a great job covering up the incident. I believe the article you found might be the only one out there." As Lucy continued her search, her fingers brushed against a file that felt noticeably different from the others. Its worn edges and frayed corners hinted at countless previous encounters. Intrigued, she pulled it out from the chaos of paperwork, revealing a photograph that hadn’t lost its vibrant colours to the passage of time. She gestured for Tetsuo to take a look.
The photograph depicted a serene scene in the park just outside the threshold of NIX Polytechnic. Four figures stood together, all dressed in pristine white lab coats. Among them were three individuals Lucy recognized as NIX Corp Research Sector Administrators: Dr. Arachne Masters, Dr. Paul Krendler, and Dr. Bartholomew Buchanan. Tetsuo pointed at the three figures, his voice filled with curiosity. "Both Masters and Krendler are no longer at NIX Polytechnic, and no one has heard of Buchanan since three weeks ago."
Lucy's eyes scanned the photograph, searching for any clues it might hold. However, there was one person they hadn't identified—a woman. Her brunette locks were neatly tied into a half-bun, with delicate strands framing her face. As Lucy gazed into the woman's dark eyes, an inexplicable sense of foreboding washed over her. She struggled to find words to describe the feeling, but it was undeniably ominous.
"Tetsuo, do you know who she is?" Lucy asked, turning her attention to her companion. Tetsuo's eyes, usually filled with determination, now carried a hint of sadness. "I feel like I've seen her somewhere before. This feeling is so familiar, like déjà vu." Tetsuo turned the photograph in his hands and noticed the names written on it: A. Masters, P. Krendler, B. Buchanan. And finally, there was one more name—A.E. Starling.
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Lucy broke the silence, her voice laced with a hint of scepticism. "Are you sure you know what you're doing, Tetsuo?" Her gaze never wavered, scanning the surroundings for any signs of intrusion.
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Confidence radiated from Tetsuo as he replied, his voice steady and assured. "Absolutely. I managed to obtain the blueprint from a man who used to work with my father. He was a brilliant technician, a NIX Recruit Quasar just like us. He capable of solving the most difficult hardware and software problems."
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With unwavering determination, Tetsuo's fingers closed around the keyhole-like mechanism. He began to spin it slowly, delicately, each movement precise and intentional. A soft click resonated through the air, signalling success. In a seamless motion, the door to Buchanan's office swung open, granting them access to their target.
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Wasting no time, Tetsuo and Lucy swiftly entered the office, the door closing behind them with a faint thud.
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The office brimmed with rows of bookshelves that stretched to every corner of the walls. The vintage aesthetic permeated the room, offering an atmosphere of timeless charm. The office's interior stood in stark contrast to the outside world of NIX Polytechnic, a sleek and futuristic marvel. The building's exterior, with its clean lines and neutral hues, appeared devoid of life, lacking the character and vibrancy found within the office's hallowed walls.
As they entered, their attention was drawn to Buchanan's desk. Tetsuo took a seat in the creaky chair, his fingers gliding across the keyboard as he accessed the desktop. Meanwhile, Lucy meticulously scoured the cabinets and drawers, her hands rummaging through the treasure trove of documents.
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Within moments, Tetsuo's sharp eyes captured what they had been searching for. He glanced at Lucy, his voice filled with anticipation, "Lucy, I've found something. Dr. Buchanan had recorded a videos just before his disappearance on the 10th of October." Lucy swiftly made her way to Tetsuo's side, her curiosity piqued. With a click, Tetsuo initiated the playback, and the recorded video sprang to life before their eyes.
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"Hello, this is Dr. Bartholomew Buchanan, and I am recording this video on October 10th, 2203." Wearing his worn-out lab coat, Bartholomew sat in his chair, his exhaustion evident in his tired demeanour and restless fidgeting. He ran his hands over his face, trying to shake off the burden weighing him down.
"To whoever watches this video, I am about to embark on a journey to bring her back," Bartholomew confessed, his voice filled with a mix of determination and unease. The footage briefly glitched, momentarily distorting his image, but the message continued.
"I have this object in my hand, I called it Athena's cube, although I assure you, I did not steal it. It appeared on my office desk, accompanied by a note that read, 'Lead her down to the rabbit hole, Bugs.'" Another glitch disrupted the recording, causing Bartholomew to clutch his head with desperation. He peered into the camera, his tear-streaked face reflecting a newfound glimmer of hope.
"She was always here, hidden from me by my friends," he whispers through trembling lips. "Why did they lied to me? Why did they keep her existence a secret? What are they so afraid of?"
The video glitches once more, likely its final recording. Bartholomew's gaze locks with the camera. "I must do this; there is no alternative," he declares resolutely. "NIX Corporation never truly mended the world; they made a colossal mistake. They were wrong to believe they could control it. Now, the consequences are closing in on them—it is fate. Save yourself, save whomever you can, for it is approaching. No one can stop it, except her."
The video abruptly concluded, leaving the duo in a state of bewilderment and a multitude of unanswered questions. As they grappled with the unexpected twists of events, the office door swung open, and a team of security personnel stormed in, led by none other than Paul Sievernich.
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