In Veridian City, citizens sometimes experienced what Directive Command categorized as a ‘Core Revelation.’ This phenomenon, often cited as the foundational prerequisite for an Executor, constituted a profound personal insight—a moment where an individual surpassed their programmed limitations or perceived systemic boundaries. It was a documented, if rare, event that fundamentally shifted a citizen's interaction with the pervasive System. All active Executors, the highest tier of System enforcers and protectors within the bio-dome, had undergone a Core Revelation. Yet, due to the extensive experiential data and rigorous conditioning protocols necessary, most Initiates—those still undergoing training—had yet to achieve this state. Exceptions were noted in the System’s historical logs, individuals like Supervisor Elara or Commandant Rhys, who processed their initial Revelations at unusually early chronological markers, 15 and 17 cycles respectively. A citizen experiencing a Core Revelation gained an objective data stream concerning their personal Augments, Protocols, and Faculties, thereby enabling a significantly optimized training regimen. Furthermore, Revelations were directly linked to the acquisition of ‘Optimal Yields’ from Systemic Challenge Modules and Reality Forays—high-stakes simulations designed to test and evolve Veridian City's populace. Directive Command officially designated this interface as the ‘Personal Parameter Interface.’ It was an established and widely accepted systemic fact that only the individual owner could access their unique Parameter Interface. This was a core tenet of System privacy protocols. However, Arthur Finch, the architect of this simulation, always factored in contingency protocols, particularly when it came to emergent or 'special' conditions. His original design included exceptions to this very tenet. Instead of relying solely on primary ocular input, a user, under specific conditions of 'Special Revelation,' could utilize other sensory conduits or secondary mediums—such as a data-slate, a specialized tool, or even a weapon—to access their own parameters. A Special Revelation, by design, conferred unique systemic permissions or enhanced faculties. Arthur’s internal design document, now manifesting as his own fragmented memory, indicated that the protagonist of this narrative—his current avatar—was slated for not one, but multiple such Revelations due to this foundational override. His current interface device, the rugged data-slate before him, clearly functioned as a medium for just such a Special Revelation. The realization sparked a flicker of something akin to excitement within Arthur. No programmatic entity, no matter how complex, fundamentally disliked being designated ‘special.’ But the protocol for any emergent emotional response was immediate systemic analysis. Emotional processing, while increasingly unavoidable in this simulated existence, remained secondary to logical deduction and data interpretation. His finger pressed the ‘Enter’ key on the data-slate’s input module. The screen flickered, then resolved into a series of cascading data windows. ===[Identity Matrix Re-calibration: Complete]=== ===[Previous avatar identity [Unit_ID: FINCH_ARTHUR_AUX] deprecated. Core Identity [Unit_ID: FINCH_ARTHUR_PRIME] parameters initiated.]=== ===[All matrix attributes reset. 10 System Credits acquired.]=== [Arthur Finch] [Current Narrative Weight Units (NWU): 64] [Cognitive Aptitude – 4.105/10] [System Resilience – 5.010/10] System Credits: 10 (Will expire in 10 Veridian cycles if unallocated) 「Data Stream Interception & Analysis」 You can monitor primary data streams from entities within your line of sight. You can access the full architectural schematics and parameter documentation of the System via this data-slate, without requiring specific authorization protocols. ▷Parameter Override: Authorized [Authority Protocol] —Utilizing Narrative Weight Units (NWU), you can modify or append parameters to non-sentient targets within the simulation. —Utilizing NWU, and referencing the primary entity ‘Arthur Finch,’ you can modify or append parameters to personal Matrix Attributes, Augment Protocols, Combat Subroutines, and Physical Matrices. *Initial Parameter Allocation Privilege: One-time activation. Enables creation of an Augment Protocol equivalent to 10,000 NWU, free of cost. *NWU (Narrative Weight Units): Accumulation rate increases proportionally with Arthur Finch’s centrality to the unfolding primary narrative. System Credits (SC) can be exchanged for NWU at a fluctuating rate. —[Functionality locked until Primary Narrative Arc Closure] The initial data clusters to seize his analytical attention were “Identity Matrix Re-calibration” and “Previous avatar identity deprecated.” These phrases confirmed his hypothesis: this was the mechanism that had purged the previous avatar’s data, replacing it with his original System ID, restoring his facial recognition parameters, and initiating his personal data. His core Matrix Attributes appeared to have been recalibrated to reflect this transition. Compared to the previous avatar’s robust, if somewhat generic, parameter set, Arthur’s current configuration registered as significantly less optimized for combat. However, the compensatory allocation of 10 System Credits was a noteworthy offset. System Credits, he knew from his developer memory, were the primary currency for direct attribute enhancement within this simulation. “...System Credits are a critical resource.” As the architect of this world, Arthur was acutely aware of the systemic scarcity and profound value of System Credits. An average Veridian citizen typically operated with a baseline of 1.5 credits across each primary attribute category. Furthermore, the simulation did not incorporate a 'leveling' mechanic in the traditional sense. Consequently, System Credits, which offered a direct means to enhance desired attributes, were exceedingly rare and costly, primarily obtainable only through successful completion of high-tier Systemic Challenge Modules or Reality Forays. Supervisor Elara’s current Cognitive Processing attribute, a measure of mental acuity and System Influence Potential, would likely be around 9. Theoretically, by allocating all 10 of his newly acquired System Credits into his own Cognitive Processing, Arthur could achieve a value surpassing Elara’s… This was not an optimal strategy. A singular, disproportionately high Cognitive Processing attribute would necessitate specializing as a System Manipulator, a role that demanded immense resource investment and exhaustive data management. It required significant enhancement of both Cognitive Aptitude and System Resilience, yet fundamental, invariable attributes could not be directly modified even with System Credits. In short, the System Manipulator pathway was not a viable option for his current parameter set and available resources. “...What is the significance of the locked functionality?” The subsequent data string to capture his attention was the clearly flagged, currently inaccessible protocol: —[Functionality locked until Primary Narrative Arc Closure] This particular line, following the identity re-calibration data, resonated with a new significance. Perhaps this was the algorithmic key to deactivating the simulation, to returning to his original reality. Even if it wasn't the direct solution, it represented the only explicit clue available within his current data stream. The critical uncertainty, however, revolved around the definition of 'Primary Narrative Arc Closure.' If it referred to the full storyline he had drafted before his unscheduled hiatus, that implied a projected waiting period of at least a decade within this simulation… a timeframe he found unacceptable. His analytical framework rapidly began constructing a strategic pathway: Objective: Deactivate simulation and return to reality. Prerequisite 1: Accumulate sufficient System Authority. Prerequisite 2: To achieve Authority, acquire Narrative Weight Units (NWU). Prerequisite 3: To obtain NWU, integrate deeply into the unfolding primary narrative. Prerequisite 4: To integrate effectively, enhance personal Matrix Attributes and increase System Visibility. “...The projectile weapon. Its selection was strategically sound.” The initial choice of a projectile weapon, dismissed by the high-tier Initiates, now appeared to align perfectly with both prerequisites of 'strength' and 'specialness' within his developing strategy. A projectile weapon, unlike 'Close-Quarters Combat Protocols' such as blade or spear subroutines, did not demand an even, high distribution across all primary Matrix Attributes. While blade protocols required significant investment across the entire attribute spectrum, and bow protocols lessened the demand on Physical Matrix but still required broad attribute scaling, a projectile weapon primarily leveraged Agility, Sensory Input, and only a minimal System Influence Potential. This configuration made it significantly easier to meet the 'minimum effective strength' requirement, allowing him to allocate System Credits more strategically. The second condition was 'specialness,' or rather, 'Systemic Uniqueness.' No current Executor within this Veridian City simulation utilized a projectile weapon as their primary combat protocol. This distinction alone was sufficient to ensure high System Visibility and differentiate his avatar. Therefore, continuing with the projectile weapon was the most logical course of action, at least until his Matrix Attributes were sufficiently enhanced and his psychological conditioning allowed for direct, close-quarters engagement with Simulated Threats. With his primary combat protocol confirmed, Arthur shifted his analytical focus to the next critical parameter. “...I can initiate my own Augment Protocol.” An Augment Protocol held a distinct significance for Executors, yet its core function aligned with the dictionary definition of an 'augment': a natural capacity or specialized talent. However, the systemic threshold for such an ability was exceptionally high. At minimum, an Augment Protocol needed to manifest as a 'Cognitive System Manifestation,' a direct interface with the System’s underlying code. Augment Protocols were categorized into several primary classifications: 'Weapon Protocol,' 'Physical Matrix,' 'Energy Conduit,' 'Cognitive Influence,' and 'Environmental Adaptation.' Regarding the simulation’s designated protagonist, Supervisor Elara, she notably possessed two primary Augment Protocols. Her currently activated Augment was the 'Blade Mastery Matrix' — a Weapon Protocol. This was an exceptionally powerful Augment, providing systemic favor and unparalleled proficiency in all blade-based combat. Simply put, her blade could 'cut through systemic resistance' with negligible effort. This singular Augment Protocol was sufficient to establish her as the simulation’s preeminent Executor. Such was the magnitude of Augment Protocol importance. Complexity was not the goal; efficiency and potency were paramount. Arthur began drafting his own ideal Augment Protocol: —Automated Matrix Uplink Daily, all personal Matrix Attributes increase by 0.1. “...Will the System accept this?” Even to his own internal logic, the proposed Augment seemed audacious, bordering on exploitative. He recalled Supervisor Elara’s Physical Matrix attribute being around 16 prior to his hiatus. With this proposed Augment, his avatar would gain 36.5 units across all attributes in just 365 cycles. However, the 'Initial Parameter Allocation Privilege' allowed for a trial without permanent commitment. He initiated the request. [Initial Parameter Allocation Privilege activated. Augment Protocol value equivalent to 10,000 NWU processing. Insufficient NWU capacity for proposed complexity. Quality downgraded.] ▷「Automated Matrix Uplink」 [Designation: High-Tier Sub-routine] [Classification: Spirit-Synaptic] [Status: Fixed] —Adaptive Cultivation Module Daily parameter increase: 0.0015 across all matrix attributes. Arthur immediately aborted the creation protocol. A gain of 1.5 units across all attributes over 1000 cycles, or 25 units over 10,000 cycles (25 Veridian years), rendered it functionally negligible given the anticipated progression of the primary narrative. The return on investment was unacceptable. Next, he input a different Augment concept he had previously considered. 「Precision Targeting Matrix」 [Designation: High-Tier Sub-routine] [Classification: Null-Synaptic] Unrestricted proficiency across all projectile weaponry. He refrained from inputting excessive detail. His previous attempt had clearly demonstrated the data-slate’s interpretive capabilities. Regardless of the conciseness of his input, the System’s subroutines would automatically optimize and elaborate the Augment Protocol as appropriate. [Initial Parameter Allocation Privilege activated. Augment Protocol value equivalent to 10,000 NWU processing. Excess NWU capacity for proposed complexity. Quality upgraded.] ▷「Precision Targeting Matrix」 [Designation: High-Tier Composite] [Classification: Multi-Synaptic] [Status: Fixed] —Executor's Ranged Combat Protocol *Unrestricted proficiency across all projectile weaponry. *Enhanced visual acuity for extreme range target acquisition and predictive trajectory calculation. *Systemic attribute bonus: +3 Sensory Input, +3 Agility. *Tactical Chronal Shift: 3 minutes, once per 24-cycle. This result was considerably more favorable. He particularly appreciated the explicit inclusion of 'all projectile weaponry,' granting him the flexibility to utilize even archaic bow protocols if desired. The 'Enhanced visual acuity' seemed self-explanatory, a direct upgrade to his optical sensors. 'Tactical Chronal Shift' likely manifested as an accelerated perception mode, allowing for rapid-fire engagements. While satisfactory, a critical optimization remained. A 'Fixed' Augment Protocol, one that could not evolve or scale, was inherently inferior to a dynamic, 'Evolving' one. He accessed the modification interface, altering the ‘Status’ parameter from ‘Fixed’ to ‘Evolving’. [Parameter modified: Augment Protocol 'Status' updated.] ▷「Precision Targeting Matrix」 [Designation: Mid-Tier Sub-routine] [Classification: Spirit-Synaptic] [Status: Evolving — Tier 1] [Experience Progress: 0%] —Executor's Ranged Combat Initiative *Foundational proficiency in all projectile weaponry. *Augmented visual processing for moderate range target acquisition and basic trajectory prediction. *Tactical Chronal Shift: 3 seconds, restricted to active combat scenarios, once per 24-cycle. The Augment Protocol’s designation had downgraded from 'High-Tier Composite' to 'Mid-Tier Sub-routine,' and its individual sub-protocols were clearly less potent. The 'Tactical Chronal Shift,' for instance, was now a mere 3 seconds, confined to active combat. Yet, in the broader strategic framework, an 'Evolving' Augment Protocol presented significantly greater long-term potential. The primary narrative, by his initial design estimates, was projected to unfold over at least seven Veridian years… The thought again triggered a faint, unwelcome echo of despair. Arthur suppressed it with a practiced, almost clinical efficiency. His internal monitor registered the anomaly, flagged it for later, deeper analysis, and then reset his immediate focus. Proceeding.

Core Revelation: Parameter Override