Chương 71: Chapter 70 - Alpha (XXXII)

August 7, 2024 - Yarra Ranges, Australia The world listened in silence as Elena Morales continued.

"The second pillar of A. S. C. E. N. T. is Operational Coordination. This serves as the backbone for our unified preparation and logistical coordination. While we cannot interact with climbers during their ascent, we can prepare for the possibility that anyone could be chosen in the next wave. To that end, every nation will adhere to a global set of protocols overseen by the A. S. C. E. N. T. Command Nexus, staffed by elite strategists and supported by cutting-edge AI systems.

Our focus is now on preparing everyone—because the next climbers can be any one of you." Morales paused briefly before continuing.

"We have also developed devices to better utilize the Link, the mysterious technology of extraterrestrial origin that allows us to observe climbers inside The Tower. As most of you are aware, the Link grants a panoramic view of a specific or random climber, and it remains the only way to witness what occurs within The Tower. Our understanding of the Link's core functionality is limited, and while we cannot modify the technology itself, we have made significant improvements in how we engage with it."

"Previously, once someone connected to the Link, exiting or switching between climbers required shutting down the entire system. Now, we've developed a more user-friendly interface, allowing seamless transitions between climbers and easier disengagement from the feed. This improvement will allow us to track multiple climbers with greater efficiency and accuracy, providing real-time insights into their progress.

Our enhanced devices also allow us to gather more visual data, which will be instrumental in preparing future climbers for the challenges that lie ahead."

"Furthermore, the devices we've developed now incorporate advanced image processing and AI systems to ensure the climbers' privacy and dignity are respected during observation." Morales' gaze sharpened as she continued.

"In order to prepare as many individuals as best as possible for the chance of being selected for the next ascent, we are introducing a groundbreaking technological advancement: Neuro-Enhanced Virtual Reality Helmets. These devices are unlike anything humanity has ever developed.

They are designed not just to simulate the physical and mental challenges faced inside The Tower, but to replicate the most critical and enigmatic aspect of it—the ability to sense, control, and perceive electromagnetic waves using the mind. She paused, letting the sheer importance of this capability resonate with the global audience.

"But these helmets do more than just simulate the manipulation of electromagnetic waves. Integrated within them are comprehensive training sessions—an entire suite of virtual environments that mimic the real scenarios faced by climbers. Users will be put through trials designed to challenge their cognitive and physical limits, with each session tailored to push them closer to mastering the skills necessary for survival.

These training environments will simulate combat, problem-solving, and the mental strain that climbers endure, providing not only physical training but also the psychological preparation needed to withstand The Tower's mental toll." She paused, letting the gravity of the next point settle.

"This is not an ordinary simulation. The helmets will offer a near-sensory immersion, allowing users to experience not just the visual and cognitive aspects, but also to feel many of the sensations involved in the challenges climbers face. Every movement, every decision, and every reaction will be part of the training. The simulation of projecting and receiving electromagnetic waves will be as close as our current technology allows, giving users a valuable sense of what climbers inside The Tower endure."

"However, it is important to understand that while this training will push individuals to their limits, it will not replicate the full intensity of The Tower's reality. No simulation can match the unpredictable, raw difficulty of the real ascent. Even those who master these virtual challenges must not grow overconfident—what awaits inside The Tower will always be harder, more relentless, and more demanding." She took a deep breath.

"That said, we must be realistic about the challenges of distributing these helmets. With more than two billion people of suitable age to be selected as a climber, it is simply impossible to produce, ship, and distribute such a vast number of high-tech devices all at once. Even if we were to limit distribution to training centers, the sheer volume of helmets required and the need for trainers to guide users would still be staggering."

"For this reason, distribution will be gradual. We will prioritize individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 in regions where the conditions and infrastructure are best suited for this type of training. Centers equipped with experienced personnel will be the first to receive the helmets. While we are committed to speeding up production, not everyone will receive a helmet in time for this second ascent unfortunately."

"However, our predictions are that The Tower is a long-term phenomenon, with more than a couple of ascents. Current projections suggest that it will last for several years, which gives us time to continue expanding access to training technologies. Within the next two years, we expect over 60% of prospective climbers to have access to a helmet. For now, we ask for patience and understanding as we work tirelessly to prepare humanity for the trials ahead."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Morales leaned forward slightly.

"Additionally, we are deploying My AI —or MAI —a personal AI companion for every individual, designed to provide tailored training programs. MAI is software-based and centralized as part of the newest model GenAI-7. 5. Each individual will have a personalized account that adapts and tailors itself to their needs, much like an advanced virtual assistant.

MAI will monitor your physical and cognitive progress, create customized routines, and simulate Tower-like challenges based on the vast data we've gathered from the first ascent. Whether you're in a bustling city or a remote village, MAI will be there to guide you as you prepare." The camp was eerily still, every pair of eyes locked on the screen as Elena Morales continued speaking. Jack shifted slightly, as if on the verge of saying something, but hesitated.

He exchanged a glance with Pablo, who sat in rapt attention, completely absorbed by her words.

"The third pillar of A. S. C. E. N. T. is Climber Support Systems," Elena announced, her voice calm yet purposeful.

"This pillar focuses on the reintegration of those climbers who return from The Tower and the support they will receive once back in our world."

"Climbers who return will undergo—just as they have been so far—what we call the Standard Returnee Protocol (SRP). This protocol ensures that every climber receives comprehensive care upon their return—both physically and mentally. The Tower takes a toll on more than just the body. The emotional and psychological challenges are immense. As part of the SRP, climbers will be provided with specialized care to help them process their experiences, recover, and reintegrate into society.

We recognize the unique strain The Tower imposes, and we will not allow our climbers to be abandoned or left behind after their monumental effort." Morales' tone shifted, becoming more inspiring, more enticing.

"But the returnees will not just be supported—they will be rewarded. Climbing The Tower is not only a test of strength and resilience, but also a service to all humanity. With every ascent, climbers bring back crucial information that helps us better understand The Tower. As such, they will receive substantial rewards for their contributions. This includes not just the recognition and fame that naturally comes with their accomplishments, but also a material reward in the form of the Climber Universal Income."

A murmur of surprise and intrigue rippled through the camp as she elaborated.

"The Climber Universal Income will be based on the climber's progress and the value of the information they provide to the A. S. C. E. N. T. initiative. The further they ascend, the more data they gather, and the more insights they bring back, the greater their income. This income will be significant, ensuring that no climber ever has to worry about financial security again. The risks they take will be met with real rewards—rewards that grow the higher they climb.

From unlocking new technologies based on the knowledge they gain, to personal achievements, climbers will be compensated for every step they take within The Tower."

"Damn, so Alonso's gonna be set for life!" Jack suddenly blurted out, but everyone else remained focused on the discourse and ignored his outburst. Elena continued after a short pause.

"Climbers are not only risking their lives but also pushing the boundaries of what we know. They are bringing humanity closer to understanding the true nature of The Tower, and for that, they deserve the highest recognition and compensation. This will not be a token gesture; it will be a lifelong income, ensuring that climbers and their families are taken care of, giving them the freedom to continue contributing in whatever way they choose.

Whether through further research, mentoring new climbers, or even taking on leadership roles within our society." Jack raised an eyebrow and leaned over to Pablo, stifling a chuckle.

"Who knew? Took a bunch of aliens to finally get politicians to cough up the tech and cash." Pablo nodded, his focus unbroken from the screen. Morales continued, her voice growing firmer.

"And with this, there will also be new laws and regulations surrounding climbers' actions within The Tower. As part of our effort to ensure fairness and prevent chaos, certain actions—like the wanton killing of fellow climbers—will now be penalized. The Tower is a test of survival, yes, but we must not lose our humanity in the face of it. Any climber who engages in malicious behavior that endangers their peers will be subject to new penalties upon their return.

It is our responsibility to create an environment where we can rise together, not through senseless violence, but through cooperation."

"However, I want to make it clear—Gen-1 climbers are exempt from these penalties. Those who entered The Tower without guidance or preparation, facing horrors beyond anything we could have imagined, will not be judged for the actions they took inside. They were the pioneers, the first to face the unknown, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices. Going forward, however, the rules of engagement within The Tower will be made clear to all future climbers."

Morales' tone softened as she spoke about the climbers' futures.

"These returnees, who will inevitably return changed, will not be abandoned. They will be given the opportunity to reintegrate into society with new purpose. The skills they develop inside The Tower—both physical and cognitive—will open new doors for them. Whether they choose to use their newfound abilities in leadership roles, specialized positions, or continue serving humanity in different ways, they will have options.

We will ensure that they are given positions suited to their unique talents, if they so desire." Her voice grew stronger, infused with conviction.

"They are not just average humans anymore—they will return as superhumans, with skills and abilities that far surpass those of ordinary individuals. These returnees will help shape the future of our world, contributing in ways we can only begin to imagine." Morales let her words sink in before delivering the final key point.

"Humanity is on the brink of transformation. The Tower represents the greatest challenge we have ever faced, but with it comes the opportunity for unprecedented growth and evolution. Those who ascend and return will not just be survivors—they will be the architects of our future. The world will recognize their contributions, and we will ensure that they have the support, respect, and resources to thrive in their new lives." She took a breath, her final words resonating across the world.

"We will stand by our climbers, from the moment they enter The Tower, to the moment they return, and beyond. Together, we will ascend. And together, we will build a future worthy of their sacrifices. Together, WE WILL CLIMB."