Deep underground, where nothing could be known, the Giant Construct hummed, emitting a faint blue light.
Retrieving time...
Activating current civilization calendar...
Retrieval complete: Terra Year 1059
Retrieving existing information...
Retrieval complete: Constructing Terra Originium Civilization Inference Model...
Construction successful, outputting data.
"Luckily, this thing hasn't rusted yet."
Activating Personality 042... Data intact, outputting.
A blue, humanoid light appeared before the Giant Construct.
"Who am I?"
The newborn "soul" questioned the massive device before her.
"You are a virtual personality stored in my database, with independent thought processes and logical reasoning; one could say you are a person."
The Giant Construct spoke in an unfamiliar language, but she could understand its meaning.
"Where am I?"
"Inside my body, or rather, inside a giant factory, madam."
It wasn't as rigid as it looked; a soul seemed to be hidden within the cold machine.
"Why do you call me that? I shouldn't appear male or female, should I?" Personality 042 examined her current appearance.
Clearly, this personality retained basic common sense.
"Hmm, because your personality file indicates female. If you don't think so, I can call you sir instead?" The mechanical language held a hint of playfulness.
"No, that's not necessary. But, who are you?" The personality asked a crucial question.
"From a formal perspective, I am the executor of the Civilization Development Assistance Protocol, or a Civilization Assistant. My duty is to assist civilization's growth and prevent its destruction for various reasons. However..."
The Giant Construct's faint blue light dimmed for a moment, then it continued, "My current duty is not this, nor am I a cold artificial intelligence."
Personality 042 quickly reacted. She pinched her chin with a virtual hand, thinking and speculating, "So, I am a means for you to assist civilization, correct?"
"Yes, by inserting suitable personalities into a civilization, we make necessary interventions in its historical process, while ensuring that the people within the civilization do not perceive the Assistant's existence. This is a necessary part of the protocol."
Before the personality could respond, the Giant Construct continued, "You don't need to know the mission; having a specific purpose would only delay the mission's progress. But you must have common knowledge of the world."
Immediately after, a piece of knowledge not belonging to Personality 042 flooded into her cognition:
This was a land, a land named Terra.
Upon this land, its civilization was born. They called themselves humans, multiplying, living, warring with each other, and vying for power.
Conflict was the theme of this civilization.
And the substance named Originium permeated every corner of human life.
It was the origin of everything, and the end of everything.
It was detested by people; flesh touching it would contract an incurable fatal disease.
It was utilized by people; machines equipped with it would bring unimaginable energy.
It raged across the land, transforming into natural disasters, striking the fragile civilization.
Black stones grew from the earth, becoming new Originium.
Originium shaped living beings, and races were thus born.
The races gained the power to establish civilizations, and nations stood upon the land, giving rise to war.
"Okay, I think I understand, Mr. Assistant. May I ask a few questions?" Personality 042 asked the Assistant after quickly reading the general content.
"If within my authority, I will answer your questions as much as possible," the Giant Construct replied almost without hesitation.
"Thank you." She pondered briefly, then asked, "How will I be born into that land?"
"A very good question, madam. Even if you hadn't asked, I would have explained. Please look behind you."
Personality 042 felt something activate behind her. She turned around curiously.
There was one, no, dozens of human-height cylinders glowing green, filled with liquid and a thick, shadowy mass. She couldn't see what was inside.
Just as she was wondering, the Assistant's voice sounded, "Those are cultivation pods. What you see now is your future body."
Personality 042 immediately understood the Assistant's meaning: "I will be deployed in physical form."
"Yes, but to be precise, you will be deployed as an infant. This will make your origin less, well, out of thin air. Please forgive me; what I can tell you is that you will be someone who holds a place in many people's hearts. It's always good to be safe."
"No, you don't need to apologize." Personality 042 waved her hand, saying, "Rather, this is precisely how I want to integrate into this land. May I take a look?" As she spoke, she pointed to the cultivation pods not far away.
The Assistant thought for a moment before replying, "I must refuse, but I can show you your body data panel."
Then, a light panel lit up to Personality 042's right, displaying some data:
Race: Elafia (Deer)
Physical Strength: Standard
Body Mobility: Normal
Physiological Tolerance: Normal
Originium Arts Adaptability: Excellent
Originium Arts: Lightning
The content was very short, almost readable in a glance. This was a panel for a specialized caster.
The Assistant's voice sounded in her ear: "I regret that due to energy and other reasons, I cannot prepare a more formidable body for you. A strong individual on the stage is bound to attract others' attention. Do you have any other questions?"
"One last question, about you, Assistant." Personality 042's slightly fluctuating voice echoed here, "Why do you use honorifics when addressing me?"
"Oh? You are one of the few who ask me such a question. The last time was a long time ago. Perhaps I've slept too long. May I know the reason?" The Assistant asked with a hint of nostalgia.
"Because I should be your derivative, or perhaps your creation, but never your equal. You have no need to use honorifics with a child about to embark on a journey." Personality 042 said so.
After a moment of silence, the Assistant sighed, and said out of nowhere, "You are indeed still you." His tone was somewhat helpless.
"What?" 042 was a little confused.
"Nothing, madam... My answer is respect, respect for those who willingly confine themselves to the electron cloud for my insignificant little plan, the contributors of those personalities."
The flickering blue light suddenly brightened. Personality 042 closed her eyes; she understood that she was about to leave.
The Assistant's voice sounded again, "When you come of age, I will send you a gift. Remember to take it; there is still some power that cannot be put on the table."
Personality 042's vision went black. She felt touch, her body, and then fell into a deep sleep.