[Host cell deceased]
[Detecting a same-species life form with a mental imprint, main consciousness transferring to that cell]
“Did I… did I just die?”
“How am I still alive?”
“What a big mouth!”
In the dark waters, the small cell curled up tightly.
In the endless darkness, countless dangers seemed to lurk, intimidating the small cell.
"I want to go home."
"What is home?"
"It feels like a warm place."
After waiting for a long time, with only the gentle flow of water around, there was still no response.
[Warning, your nutritional value is 0. Please replenish it promptly.]
“So hungry, food.”
Unable to bear the hunger, the little cell finally mustered up a small amount of courage and cautiously swam in one direction. The debris and bubbles occasionally floating by only startled it, failing to pique its interest.
The cell sensed food ahead, but unlike before, it didn’t dare rush toward it recklessly.
Even in its intense hunger, with cytoplasm seemingly depleting, it continued to cautiously circle the bits of organic matter, slowly consuming what it could.
Finally, after confirming there were no other creatures or dangers, it swam over and devoured the organic matter.
[You gained one nutritional value.]
[Consume one nutritional value, life +1.]
[You gained one nutritional value.]
[Consume one nutritional value, life +1.]
[You gained one nutritional value.]
[You gained one nutritional value.]
The notifications didn't sound as pleasant as they used to; instead, they felt cold.
Although the hunger had dissipated, the memory of it lingered. Having quickly eaten several pieces of organic matter, the small cell continued to move forward, searching for more food.
...
[Entering Biological Editor, main thinking restrictions lifted]
“Then, 8051, answer my questions.”
The voice, weary and tired, echoed throughout the vast biological editing space.
[Regarding the inability to think properly: Single-celled organisms naturally cannot think. With system support, the main consciousness can only partially embed some awareness into the organism; the rest remains in a frozen state, thus preventing normal thought. System 8051 explained.]
"The time with a lot of food—no, a lot of cell fragments—I died, right, 8051?"
“How did I revive?”
[Strictly speaking, you did not die. What died was the original cell acting as the carrier for your consciousness. If the carrier dies and there is a same-species life form with a mental imprint, the system will automatically transfer the main consciousness to that body. If no such same-species existence is found, the system will use a portion of energy and consciousness to create a new body to house the main consciousness. The loss you suffered was merely the part of your spirit integrated into the deceased body. Relative to your current consciousness and the total spirit amount you control, such death is insignificant. System 8051 replied calmly.]
“Insignificant?”
“8051, that was my first time facing death directly. I didn’t feel anything during the initial transmigration-related death, but this time I watched those huge mouths tear me apart. Insignificant!”
[The term "insignificant" refers to the loss incurred by your death compared to your total spirit amount, not the fright your spirit experienced. Furthermore, the system retrieves your consciousness right before death to protect your fragile spirit, meaning your memory of death is actually from just before it. For your recent ordeal, 8051 expresses regret. However, it is important to recognize that such an experience can aid in your growth as the main consciousness of your species. System 8051 clarified, hoping not to misunderstand.]
“……”
An awkward silence followed. Deep down, Jaal understood.
He hadn’t fully accepted the reality of being transmigrated. From the start, he had treated this as a game—ignorance or escapism perhaps. But then again, who could readily accept such an extraordinary occurrence?
Exiting the biological editor prevented normal thought, sparing Jaal from collapsing under the unfamiliar and overwhelming reality. Often, mental issues arise from excessive and disorganized thinking.
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Yet, the experiences of the little cell were wholly and clearly retained in consciousness.
In the state of a small cell, subconscious actions predominantly took over, reflecting genuine reactions more accurately.
"So exhausting, all of this. Mysteriously transmigrated, turned into some species' main consciousness, forced into this bizarre biological evolution."
"Hey, 8051. How can I return?"
[For returning to the original world, there are two ways given the current system universe:
If your species develops inter-universe travel technology, you can search for your original universe location and return.
As the main consciousness, if your individual strength reaches a certain level, granting interdimensional travel abilities, you have a probability of finding and returning to your original space. System 8051 answered.]
"The first option clearly takes a long continuation. So, 8051, what about the individual strength for the second option? What does that entail?"
[In early biological development, the main consciousness provides mental energy to control the species. Entering the civilization phase, as the species' quantity and quality improve, they will feed back into the main consciousness, greatly enhancing its strength. Other methods to increase strength require self-exploration by the main consciousness. System 8051 responded.]
"Still requires moving forward, huh."
“Why is everything under the system framework? 8051, is there a way outside the system?”
[There is not. System 8051 answered straightforwardly.]
“Why?”
[The system embodies the Dao of this universe; everything is under its regulation. System 8051 answered, expressing reverence for the system.]
"Ah—"
“This kind of world, this kind of transmigration.”
“I’m hopeless—”
“……”
After despairing cries, silence prevailed once more.
"Simplistic thoughts like a small cell's must be easier, right?"
For some reason, Jaal suddenly envied the lazy, indifferent thoughts of being a small cell.
"Ah—"
Calming down, eliminating the strange thoughts, Jaal began to face his current circumstances.
"No matter what, having greater control is better than letting things take their course."
"It might be simpler like a small cell, but it doesn't benefit development."
"Ah—, ultimately, evolution must continue."
Unknowingly, Jaal began accepting his current reality.
"However, having a goal is better than aimless living, I suppose."
Understanding his capabilities, Jaal felt he should focus on evolving his species rather than scheming.
"I'll treat this as a long, interesting dream."
"8051, huh, calling out is a hassle. Can I name you?"
[No need, my name is 8051. Our kind is created to assist transmigrators as system support life forms; our numbers are our names. Do not judge other species by personal habits; it’s fundamental for interspecies communication. System 8051 kindly advised.]
“Alright, alright.”
Choosing to forget past matters selectively. Shelving unwanted thoughts entirely was a long-developed habit of Jaal’s, whether good or bad. Currently, it at least allowed temporary relief from previous confusion and dissatisfaction.
Then, Jaal contemplated species evolution again.
"By the way, 8051, what's the deal with the group you mentioned earlier? Are there other places with my—no, Little Cell's kin?"
[There are not. Initially, a group refers to a collective with similar or identical cellular makeup. To date, your group reached a maximum of two, and now there’s only one—your current cell. System 8051 responded, offering condolences regarding the group size.]
"Hey, what's the need for condolences? Why only one cell? How do I grow the group?"
"Wait, wasn't there just one at the start? And the division last time created two, right?"
"So, I only need to re-enter the editor for group expansion? 8051?"
[Not necessary. In the current single-cell context, ordinary division requires 2 nutritional values and can occur outside the editor. For such division, aside from the body controlled by the main consciousness needing division orders, other group individuals will divide autonomously if their nutritional value exceeds 4 points. Evolution division requires entering the editor, and upon completion, the body controlled by the main consciousness automatically uses 5 nutritional values to divide. Other group life forms will do so upon reaching 6 nutritional values following main consciousness orders. If no evolutionary edit occurs, no division happens upon exiting. System 8051 explained in detail.]
"Looks like increasing group size is necessary; collective safety outweighs individual safety."
"Moreover, less death is preferable, who knows the limit I can endure."
Ending inquiries for now, Jaal refocused on the Little Cell's 3D image.
[Little Cell
Primitive single-cell organism, early species in biological evolution.
Life: 4/4
Attack: 0
Speed: 2
Nutritional Value: 17
Body DNA Components: Primitive cell oral groove, Cilia x2
Having experienced a clear and tragic death, your pressure (鸭梨) has grown considerably. It’s reached a stage where even as a single cell, it cannot be ignored. According to the saying, pressure breeds motivation, so your motivation should have increased significantly.]
Ignoring the seemingly summarizing remark, Jaal took in the 17 nutritional points with some reflection.
His first death was due to hunger-induced confusion, although the cell hadn’t evolved a “head” yet.
These nutritional values were carefully gathered over time by the cautious little cell.
Shifting focus to the component display.
“Ah, still too few selectable components. The current situation suggests increasing group size first. Back to being a small cell, how dreary.”
“Here is similar to outside, but at least 8051 talks; thoughts are clear. Outside, thoughts are limited but carefree, though.”
“Oh, 8051. Any way to enhance thinking ability as a small cell?”
[Please explore independently, System 8051 replied, subtly disdaining the main consciousness’s attempt at an easy way out.]
“……”
“Jeez, one moment active, the next quiet.”
“I’m gone.”
[Biological editing complete, main consciousness entering Little Cell]
[No evolution, consume 2 nutritional value for ordinary division]
In the dark waters filled with bubbles and debris, the little cell quivered, splitting into two new cells.
Seemingly excited, the two cells circled each other before one began dividing again. The other hovered protectively, seemingly guarding the dividing cell.
Time passed, and the exterior cell, lucky to devour an organic piece, eventually enclosed almost identical six small cells within.
After their seemingly observational interaction, two cells swam away together, disappearing from the others' range. Three of the four remaining cells joined the outer cell, surrounding and guarding the central cell, moving in another direction.
“Five points left.”
“More nutrients.”
The central little cell, housing the main consciousness, thought as such.
Leading the protective four companions, Little Cell cautiously navigated its surroundings, swimming purposefully. The space, perhaps invigorated by the emerging cell group, seemed to gain a touch of life and vitality.
