[Audio]

[original_is_best]

M.E. 722-XII-29th
2-Lasai-4th

Assume for a moment that what we are experiencing is a simulation rather than reality. Does anyone have an idea on how to test for such a thing?

Comments

private, audio

[iustaegis]

[ Oh boy, what's the latest on the network today?

A Verstael post. Interesting.

..... ]

U-um... Besithia... [ What are you smoking. ] ...Is everything alright?

[original_is_best]

No, but it never has been.

[After all, he grew up in war. It would be hard to label that as 'all right'.

The way he answered, though, was fairly nonchalant.]

[iustaegis]

[ He sounds so bothered, despite what he says. Well, that's good.

Unfortunately, it doesn't explain anything. ]

Er, yes, but... what about this question of testing a simulation?

[ Seems kind of out of no where! ]

[original_is_best]

It's simple enough. They have those silly games they constantly attempt to lure people to play. They're sophisticated enough to feel real while one is playing.

Given that, what if the truth is that we're participating in a simulation this entire time? It would readily explain many of the nonsensical happenings. And how shall we go about testing such a hypothesis, so that we could adjust our plans accordingly if it proved to be true?

1/2

[iustaegis]

[ . . .

Honestly, thank goodness it seems that he's not having an existential crisis over this. Or that this question hadn't been borne from some toxin-induced fever state. Nope, this is just good ol' Verstael. ]

[iustaegis]

[ First, a question. ]

...Have you ever thought that you were in a simulation in your own world?

[original_is_best]

[Fortunate indeed. He'd had a momentary crisis. Realizing that if he was right, things might be near hopeless. He would become ill and die. The Empire would be crushed under a sea of daemons. The world would go dark.

But that was the sticking point. Near. As long as there was a chance - hell, even if there wasn't a chance he had to keep trying. He'd dusted himself off and he pressed forward, pretending very much like he hadn't nearly broken down.]

I'd never had reason to. However, given the experience both Regis Lucis Caelum and Noctis Lucis Caelum have had, and the absurdity of our situation, I feel it is an appropriate question to ask.

[iustaegis]

[ If she knew, she would commend him for pushing onward. It's the only way to go.

While he cannot see her, she nods to herself as she listens to him speak.

Next question. ]

Does... being here feel any less, um, real than it did back in your homeworld?

[original_is_best]

[Hopefully Noctis wouldn't tell on him.]

In some ways, yes.

Physically and as far as my capabilities to act or think, it feels very much the same. However, many interactions with the world are bizarre. Certainly, a cloud appearing over one's head and showing their thoughts is hardly something anyone would consider happening outside of a dream at home. There does seem to be a disconnect from reality at times, whereas other times we are able to analyze data just as always.

[iustaegis]

I... um, [ Over the network she sounds uncertain, as if she's not quite sure where to begin. When it seems that she has something with which to answer him with, she begins: ] ...I wouldn’t use the phenomena occurring here as evidence to this being a simulation.  It could just be how this world works in unfamiliar ways in contrast to any of ours. [ --In ways they have never seen or imagined before, at that. She’s heard of a world that has a literal phoenix for a sun that dies every twilight. Then another world without any color at all, only for that color to be restored. Thought clouds appearing directly overhead could be how some physics works on a world like this. ]

If this place feels no more or less real than one’s homeworld, then you must consider that they could both be simulations with bizarre phenomena unique to their programming. [ A pause. ] Or, ah, both reality.

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

It is not decisive, but it is worth investigating.

The main point being that we would need a way in order to test it. I have never needed to conduct such an experiment before, so I'm currently at a loss. I thought it might be a good time to consider the input of others.

If it turned out to be a simulation, plans would need to be adjusted accordingly.

Re: [Audio]

[iustaegis]

[ She considers for a moment, then responds. ] Oh, it's a bit chilling to think about... this not being reality. [ Lies, she's not really bothered. For others who might be, though, she is concerned. ]

What plans would need to change?

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

It would be... bothersome.

[His initial reaction had been much stronger than that, but he had to get control of himself. It was no use having mental breakdowns.]

I would need to create a pathway in order to leave the simulation by will without memory loss. And, depending on what is outside the simulation, I might need to build a time machine or a vehicle to dimensional travel.

[Which he said as if he absolutely would do those things. Give him some time. If he needs to get it done, he'll find a way.]

Audio

[this_loser]

Dude, what?

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

Which part do you need clarified?

[Audio]

[this_loser]

Let's start with where the simulation idea came from? Is this one of your shower thoughts?

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

You are aware of the recent circumstances regarding both Regis Lucis Caelum and Noctis Lucis Caelum?

[Audio]

[this_loser]

Yeah. I'm aware.

[The part where they fell asleep and skipped through some cut scenes?]

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

According to their accounts, as far as they were aware they traveled back home, without memory of this place, and lived through a substantial amount of time.

However, we were able to witness with our own eyes that they were present here. Certainly, their bodies aged in that time, but they were very much present.

Now, how do you propose that someone could be in two places at the same time?

[Audio]

[this_loser]

I don't. I have no idea.

But ... It's not the first time I've seen this sort of thing either.

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

Is it not?

[Before he provided answer, might as well see what Prompto might have to say.]

[Audio]

[this_loser]

It wasn't exactly like this. But on the Fleet sometimes, people would fall asleep and wake up older and with new memories. Or they'd just flat out disappear for a while, and come back changed.

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

This is, indeed, disturbing news. It makes me wonder if my theory is even more likely.

[Audio]

[this_loser]

Not sure I want to know the answer to that, actually.

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

It does no good to hide from unfavorable news.