Chapter Forty: The Abyss of Knowledge

The "morning" light simulation inside the ring gently woke Kane—not with harsh sunlight, but with a gradient glow of blue and gold reminiscent of an Earth dawn. Opening his eyes, he found himself suspended on a force-field bed in the center of his quarters, covered by a "blanket" woven from intelligent light filaments that now automatically receded to become part of the wall.

The other members were waking up one by one. Surprisingly, despite spending only a single cycle within the ring, each of them had undergone subtle changes: Lena's crystalline left hand could now detach tiny particles of light that orbited her like micro-drones; new lines had branched out across Hassan's obsidian totem, forming more intricate patterns; faint glows resembling the symbols of the First Root flickered at the corners of Marcus and Erika's eyes; and the mark on Ada's forehead had grown noticeably deeper, radiating a pearlescent luster.

"Gene expression is accelerating," Erika said, checking the readings on her scanner. "The transformation effect of the Rosary Network is operating at 300% efficiency within the ring's environment. Our bodies are... evolving? Or perhaps unlocking latent potentials that were always there."

"A good omen before the Knowledge Trial," the Harmonizer's voice echoed from the edge of the room. She had changed her attire today—if those flowing ribbons of light could be called attire—giving her a more formal appearance. "The mentor has arrived."

One wall of the quarters parted like water, revealing a figure that instantly made everyone tense—a Seventh-Iteration member.

Yet, unlike Theta-7's cold, mechanical aura, this visitor possessed an appearance closer to humanity, save for an unnatural silver-gray skin and a transparent crystal embedded in his forehead instead of a dark red sphere. His eyes were a gentle blue-green, carrying the serene composure of a scholar.

"Relax, I am not with the Council," he said, his voice tinged with a weary humor. "I am Alta-4, a historian and representative of the Seventh-Iteration exile community within the 'Ring.' I will be guiding your Knowledge Trial today."

"Exiles?" Lena's micro-light particles instinctively formed a defensive array.

"Not all Seventh-Iteration members endorse the Council's pruning policies," Alta-4 walked to the center of the room, touched the air lightly, and summoned a set of holographic notes. "We 'Weavers' faction believe that mutual symbiosis among civilizations is the true path to overcoming the Great Filter. Naturally, that view is unwelcome in the parent civilization."

Kane's quantum vision scanned this unusual mentor. Alta-4's energy signature was fundamentally different from Theta-7's—softer, more open, laden with a melancholic wisdom. Yet the reputation of the Seventh Iteration made complete trust impossible.

"Why are you the one guiding us?" Hassan asked bluntly, his obsidian totem glowing faintly to signal his readiness for defense.

"Three reasons," Alta-4 seemed accustomed to such vigilance, raising three slender fingers. "First, the Knowledge Trial involves extensive history regarding the Seventh Iteration, and I am an expert; second, the exile community wishes to establish friendly relations with Earth; third..." He offered a wry smile, "...to let you see for yourselves that the Seventh Iteration are not all monsters."

The Harmonizer nodded in confirmation, "Alta-4 is a recognized and exceptional mentor within the Ring, having guided seventeen civilizations through the Knowledge Trial. His faction and the Council are mortal enemies."

After a brief hesitation, the team decided to accept the arrangement. After all, the best way to understand an enemy was from an internal perspective.

"The Knowledge Trial is divided into three parts," Alta-4 led them through a suddenly materialized corridor whose walls flowed with the scripts of countless civilizations. "Fundamental cosmology, civilization development theory, and... the truth of the Great Filter."

At the end of the corridor lay a hemispherical hall, in the center of which floated seven spheres of different colors, each about two meters in diameter, their surfaces shimmering with complex data streams.

"The first part is simple," Alta-4 pointed to the first sphere. "Enter the memory repository and answer questions concerning the fundamental laws of the universe. It usually takes ten to fifteen ring-hours."

Marcus pushed up his glasses. "Sounds like a standardized test?"

"Essentially, yes. But the repository automatically adjusts its difficulty based on your civilization's level." Alta-4 made a welcoming gesture. "I suggest going in pairs. Two heads are better than one for mutual support."

Kane decided to take the first attempt alongside Lena. They walked toward the blue sphere, and as both touched its surface simultaneously, the sphere enveloped them like a soap bubble, pulling their consciousness into a pure white virtual space.

*「Welcome, Earth candidates. Question one: Please describe the relationship between dark energy and space expansion.」*

Questions followed in rapid succession, ranging from fundamental physics to high-dimensional mathematics, from quantum entanglement to spacetime curvature. Some Kane could answer directly through quantum thought, while others required Lena's technological intuition. The most difficult portions concerned proprietary Seventh-Iteration technologies—especially the principles of entropic energy conversion—forcing them to rely on educated guesses drawn from their limited experiences at the New York node.

*「Final evaluation: Knowledge mastery 87%, logical deduction capability 93%, innovative application potential 79%.」* The closing summary was encouraging, *「Outstanding performance, with special commendation for rapid adaptation to unfamiliar technological frameworks.」*

When the sphere released them back into reality, only ten minutes had passed in the physical world. Alta-4 looked somewhat surprised. "Usually, a new civilization reaches around 70% on its first try. Your grasp of Seventh-Iteration technology is... unsettlingly accurate."

Marcus and Erika, followed by Hassan and Ada, completed the test in turn, achieving equally stellar scores. Ada, in particular, scored an astonishing 92% on the Seventh-Iteration technology section, evidently benefiting from her profound research into entropic energy.

"Part one passed," Alta-4 guided the team toward the second, golden sphere. "Next is civilization development theory. This is not a test, but... a simulation."

The golden sphere expanded into a miniature universe, inside of which floated dozens of planetary models. "You will guide a newborn civilization from the Stone Age to interstellar travel. Resources are limited, crises are numerous. The goal is to survive for fifty thousand years without extinction and reach a Type-K technological level."

"Fifty thousand years?!" Marcus gasped.

"The passage of time within the Ring is adjustable," Alta-4 smiled. "Subjective experience will be about six hours."

The simulation proved both fascinating and exhausting. The team divided their labor: Hassan handled cultural development, Ada managed crisis response, Marcus and Erika focused on technological advancement, Lena coordinated resource allocation, and Kane made the final executive decisions. The civilization they chose was born on a resource-rich yet disaster-prone planet, and its developmental trajectory was fraught with twists and turns—

In the early stages, an erroneous religious path nearly led to the permanent suppression of science; midway through, an ecological crisis triggered by the industrial revolution almost destroyed the entire civilization; in the later eras, political deadlock in the nuclear age narrowly averted a global nuclear winter. Yet the team learned from their mistakes, ultimately succeeding in launching their first warp probe at the forty-eight-thousand-year mark.

*「Simulation complete. Civilization survivability: Grade A. Development efficiency: Grade B+. Ethical consistency: Grade A+.」* The system evaluated, *「Special commendation for creative problem-solving demonstrated during the third global crisis.」*

"You endowed that civilization with music therapy to balance out technological shocks," Alta-4 mused aloud as they stepped out of the simulation. "Very... human. The Gardener will approve."

The final part—the truth of the Great Filter—took place inside a pitch-black hexagonal room. There were no glowing spheres, no simulations, only the solemn expression of Alta-4.

"There is no standard test for this portion," he said in a low voice. "Only information sharing and open discussion. The Great Filter is not a simple technological bottleneck or a natural disaster, but... a cosmic immune response."

The walls lit up, projecting a chilling sequence of images: the homeworlds of dozens of distinct civilizations, upon reaching a certain technological threshold, were suddenly dismantled from within by some invisible force. Not by explosion, nor by war, but by a far more fundamental... erasure.

"We believe the Great Filter is the universe's self-preservation mechanism," Alta-4 explained. "When a civilization develops to a level where it threatens the overall structure of the cosmos, it gets 'pruned.' The Seventh Iteration has managed to temporarily evade this because we found a method to pass the crisis onward—siphoning off other civilizations to lower our own technological entropy."

"That is so cruel," Erika's face drained of color.

"Indeed. That is why we exiles have一直 been searching for a better solution." Alta-4 switched the imagery to display a set of complex data. "Recently, we discovered that certain civilizations—such as Earth—seem to possess a natural genetic coding that resists the Great Filter. This is precisely why the Council is so hostile toward you."

Kane recalled the memories he had witnessed in the Well of Origin: "The First Root foresaw this. They seeded special life forms on specific planets as a... vaccine?"

"More accurately, a 'stabilizer'," a stranger's voice interjected into the discussion. A new projection materialized in the center of the room—a humanoid figure composed of pure light, with a blurred visage that radiated undeniable authority. "I am Mentor Omega, Senior Supervisor of the Gardener's Ring. Your test performance has drawn my attention."

The team members immediately felt an intangible pressure, as if every cell of their bodies were being scrutinized by this entity. Mentor Omega continued, "The essence of the Great Filter is the universe's defense against the over-concentration of consciousness. The Seventh Iteration's solution is to disperse the damage, but that merely delays rather than resolves the problem. The true way out lies in a fundamental shift in civilizational consciousness—from conquest to symbiosis, from plundering to equilibrium."

"This is precisely the Way of the Gardener," the Harmonizer added softly.

Mentor Omega's luminous projection turned toward Kane. "Your Earth civilization chose restoration over vengeance after the catastrophes in New York, Cairo, and London, and chose guardianship over dominion after acquiring Gardener permissions. Such traits are exceedingly rare. You have passed the Knowledge Trial, but a greater challenge approaches."

"The Creation Trial?" Lena asked.

"No. The Truth." Mentor Omega's projection suddenly expanded, pulling everyone into a holographic scene—a cosmic-scale timeline marked by countless rises and falls of civilizations, forming an eerie cyclical pattern. "The Great Filter is not a natural phenomenon. It was engineered. Created by the so-called 'Watchers'—a splinter faction of the First Root who believe that the health of the universe can only be maintained through periodic civilizational extinction."

The projection shifted, displaying symbols strikingly similar to those of the Scorchers. "The Watchers are the predecessors of the Scorchers. Following the Great Schism seven hundred million years ago, they descended into the dark side and have been secretly manipulating the developmental trajectories of civilizations. The rise of the Seventh Iteration, the ascent of the Council's radical faction, and even Theta-7's attack on Earth... all bear their fingerprints behind the scenes."

Kane's quantum mind stitched these pieces of information together with the memory fragments from the Well of Origin: "So Earth was specifically marked by the First Root not only to resist the Great Filter... but as a frontline base to combat the Scorchers?"

"Precisely," Mentor Omega confirmed. "Your performance in the Knowledge Trial proves that Earth's civilization is ready to learn this truth. The Creation Trial will begin in one ring-day, and its content will directly concern resisting the Scorchers. Prepare yourselves."

The projection suddenly contracted, and Mentor Omega vanished, leaving behind a stunned team and an expression-heavy Alta-4.

"I knew it..." the Seventh-Iteration historian murmured. "The Council has always been covertly influenced by some force. Now the puzzle box has opened."

The Harmonizer looked equally shocked. "Even I was unaware of the Watchers' existence... The high-level secrets of the Gardener's Ring are guarded too well."

Kane walked to the center of the room, the mark on his forehead glowing with exceptional brightness. "So the Creation Trial is essentially a live-fire exercise against the Scorchers?"

"Very likely," Alta-4 summoned a fresh set of data. "According to ancient Seventh-Iteration archives, the Scorchers' attack pattern typically unfolds in three phases: consciousness infiltration, technological corruption, and final harvesting. If I were the proctor, I would simulate precisely that scenario."

Lena's crystalline left hand instinctively morphed into a weapon configuration. "We need more intelligence on the Scorchers. Weaknesses? Preferences? Technological traits?"

"That is precisely what the exile community can provide," a flicker of determination crossed Alta-4's eyes. "If the Scorchers are indeed the common enemy of all civilizations, then the internal order of the Seventh Iteration is due for a reckoning as well. I will contact other dissident factions to supply you with our most complete database."

The "celebration" of passing the Knowledge Trial morphed into an emergency strategic meeting. Alta-4 presented activity records of the Scorchers secretly compiled by the exiles over many years; the Harmonizer retrieved relevant defensive protocols from the Gardener archives; and the team began analyzing the unique role Earth might play—specifically focusing on the Rosary Network and the special abilities of the "Changers."

"The timing is what's interesting," Marcus pointed out during the discussion. "Why are the Scorchers accelerating their operations now? Why is the Seventh Iteration suddenly so hostile toward Earth? This cannot be a coincidence."

Erika brought up the timeline. "According to the data, the frequency of Scorcher activities has increased significantly over the past three hundred years, coinciding with the cosmic background entropy-increase curve detected by the Gardener's Ring. They may be preparing for some form of... large-scale operation."

"And Earth happens to activate the Rosary Network and become a Gardener candidate at this exact juncture," Kane linked the clues together. "This is not merely luck. The First Root foresaw this crisis and laid down plans in advance. We are a time bomb they planted."

Hassan's obsidian totem suddenly hummed in resonance. "The prophecies of the ancestors spoke of the 'Age of Star Blood'—when human blood flows with the memory of the cosmos, the earth will converse with the starry sky. Those 'Changers'... could they be the key?"

Ada looked thoughtful. "Once the silver-red slime of the New York node was purified, the energy it converted neutralized Scorcher technology. If that can be scaled and replicated..."

A plan gradually took shape. In the upcoming Creation Trial, the team needed to demonstrate Earth's unique value in combating the Scorchers—not through weapons or shields, but as a "converting agent" capable of turning the Scorchers' corrosive energy into a harmless or even beneficial form. This would require the collaborative efforts of the Rosary Network, the "Changers," and the purified entropic energy.

The meeting lasted for several ring-hours, until the Harmonizer reminded everyone of the need to rest and prepare for tomorrow's trial. Before leaving, Alta-4 handed Kane a data crystal: "A gift from the Seventh-Iteration exiles. It contains the complete star map of the Council's military deployments and Scorcher contact points. Use it with caution—in the wrong hands, this information would ignite a war."

When "night" fell once more, Kane stood on the observation platform of their quarters, gazing out at the colossal structure of the Gardener's Ring. He now knew that this magnificent civilizational alliance was facing infiltration by an unseen enemy, and that Earth—tiny, newborn Earth—might hold the key to turning the tide.

"Nervous?" Lena stepped up beside him, her crystalline left hand now projecting a miniature star map.

"More of a... sense of confirmation," Kane replied softly. "Ever since the pyramid at the ocean floor, I felt we were being guided toward a larger objective. Now the outline is finally coming into focus."

Lena's projection displayed the relative positions of the Solar System and the Seventh-Iteration territories. "Tomorrow, we will demonstrate Earth's value to the entire Gardener's Ring. If we succeed..."

"Not if," Kane corrected her. "We must succeed. The Scorchers will not grant a second chance."

In the night sky (if this artificial firmament could be called a night sky), the Ring's luminescence remained constant and deep. In some forgotten corner, a Seventh-Iteration fleet might be gathering; in some hidden dimension, the shadow of the Scorchers was spreading. But tonight, Earth's guardians needed rest to gather their strength for tomorrow's challenge. The Creation Trial was not merely about qualification certification; it was a rehearsal for a cosmic-scale war.