4 Resolve (2/2)

Neo stared at Alyx and was disappointed at his reaction. ”You are the luckiest person in your world to get the chance to be born as Aon. Why are you acting in such a manner?” Throughout his life Neo saw birth of many Aons and also experienced such situation many times. These people are attached to their identity in the simulation that they can't accept their current situation. Some even go on a rampage upon learning the truth. To prevent any damage to the body reconstruction facility they are brought to this hall before initiation. Newborn Aons are not mistreated so this is an easy way Neo thought of to let the truth sink in them and let them do what they want. If not for these rules he would pound some sense into them.

”If you want you can return to that simulation.” After hearing this life returned to Alyx's eyes.

”Really! Is it possible?” Alyx shouted.

Neo rolled his eyes ”You know it is just a simulation. Why are you so attached to it? It can be destroyed at any time if the expenditure needed to run it is not justified”

Alyx was shocked by this revelation he didn't think of that. ”I can't understand why create such an elaborate simulation and why destroy it?” He was practically screaming at the end. If he did know about this he would go back but knowing that everything will be destroyed based on a cost benefit analysis.

'Although it might not happen in my time but still nothing is set in stone. For Aons it is just one of the simulation.' Alyx was lost on what to do.

Neo was watching as everything is going according to his plan. Although simulations are destroyed it only happens when all hope of recovering it is lost. Neo follows a non-interference policy and doesn't want to influence the development of any simulation. He also does not want to waste resources or his time. Since Alyx is already created he is reluctant to just let him go to waste. If his simulations don't show any results and produce new Aons he will be affected.

”If you are able to attain a rank equal to mine or higher you can manage your simulation” Neo threw the bait. Alyx got excited hearing this and immediately asked about the details.

In the Aons community contribution and strength is everything. Higher the contribution, higher the rank and greater the access to Aon tech. One can either use their strength to get access to advanced tech or do their own research to get contribution points.

”If you are able to contribute towards the development of Aons or do assignments and reach my rank you get your simulation” Alyx was unsure about this option but it was better than being at their mercy.

”What is your rank?” Alyx was unable make a decision without knowing that.

'What if she's at the top of the food chain?'

Neo was used to this and just replied, ”I'm at the middle management.” Newborns really don't know the harshness of the reality thought Neo.

Alyx knew it would be hard but he had no choice. He had another problem, ”How fast is the time inside the simulation?” Without knowing that he can't do anything. What if he reaches his goal only to find his family dead? Even if they are old after they become Aons they can regain their youth and he can reunite with them and this is his bottom line. If it is possible to pause the simulation he would immediately do it.

Neo replied ”Don't worry about that you can enter the simulation at any point of time as you desire from the point of your death. This is the way it is designed to motivate people like you.”

Alyx was relaxed hearing that, now he can put his entire mind to climb ranks.