Strategic Mission B: Activate the Septentrion
The Septentrion is an enigma, its construction and origin
unknown. The only thing we know for certain, thanks to our central AI, is that
this device harnesses the microwave background radiation from the Mother
Universe, the ultimate container of all the Ante-rooms. The machine channels
this radiation, specifically the signal with a temperature of 2.7 Kelvin, to a
key device known as the "Coal Sack", while also deflecting the
influence of the Great Attractor, a cosmic gravitational force that threatens
to pull all the Ante-rooms into its destructive field. To ignite the
Septentrion and activate this complex system, it will be necessary to eliminate
the guardians of the machine—creatures whose disappearance is crucial for
infusing the minimal activation energy into the device.
Once the guardians are eliminated, turning on the
Septentrion is simple: just lift a knob. The mission will be recorded
automatically on your screen or by pressing the F6 key, which will update the
elimination count.
The Origin of the Machine
The history of the Septentrion is a profound mystery. In the
few available documents, it is suggested that its design is influenced by
advanced astrophysical theories, especially the cosmic microwave background
(CMB), which has a temperature of around 2.7 Kelvin, a primordial relic from
the creation of the universe. The use of this radiation could be key to
stabilizing spacetime within the Ante-rooms, protecting them from the
destructive influence of the Great Attractor.
The Coal Sack, a vital component of the Septentrion, appears
to be a physical anomaly that channels the energy from this radiation to start
the machine's activation process. Some theorists believe that the Coal Sack
could be an artifact inherited from an ancient civilization, perhaps even older
than the beginnings of Quantum Dynamics or the Filius Ecclesiae, and its
purpose is to regulate the constant expansion of the universe while stabilizing
it.
The Great Attractor
The Great Attractor is a cosmic gravitational force that
pulls all nearby matter toward it, distorting spacetime and potentially
disintegrating any structures in its vicinity. It is beyond the reach of the
Ante-rooms, but its influence is felt in their deepest regions. In some way,
the Septentrion and its activation are directly related to protection against
the pull of this force, as the system seems designed to counteract its impact
by redirecting radiation and stabilizing the Ante-rooms.
Anecdotes and Testimonies
Dr. Loor A. Krudell, one of the most renowned scientists who
studied the Septentrion, commented in his "Hyperspace Research Log":
"The effects of microwave background radiation,
although extremely weak, have unparalleled power to regulate the quantum structure
of dimensions. The Filius Ecclesiae seem to have understood this principle, and
the Septentrion is their attempt to harness that radiation for their own
purposes. What’s strange is that, despite its complexity, the Filius Ecclesiae
never revealed the true potential of the device."
Filis Arnaldo Catapultez, in his "Last Minute
Notebooks", also hinted at some of the dangers of activating the
Septentrion:
"The machine guarded by these creatures is not just a
creation of science. It is not merely a cosmic weapon. It is an anomaly between
dimensions, its purpose unknown. If the Filius Ecclesiae have managed to
control this power, we must ask ourselves what cost they had to pay."
The Challenge
To reach the Septentrion, you will need to cross the Radioactive
Containment Ring of the island, an impenetrable barrier made of a radioactive
substance that surrounds the entire perimeter. However, not all is lost: there
are weak points in the ring where passage is possible, although these are
heavily guarded. On the local map, you will see the most probable locations
where the barrier is weakest.
As you move toward the Septentrion, you may encounter
ancient iconic weaponry in the surrounding regions—relics from a forgotten era.
The Vicario, in addition to his mystical relics, has hoarded technology that
could prove useful. This ancient technology may have properties that go beyond
what our current weapons and devices can comprehend.
Tips:
Make sure you are well-prepared for battles with the
guardians, as these creatures not only protect the machine but are also imbued
with a part of the cosmic radiation that grants them extraordinary powers.
Be cautious of the radioactive energy in the area. Equipment
damage could be irreversible if you lack the proper protection.
Rewards
Activating the Septentrion will not only weaken the Vicario
but also open up new opportunities to manipulate the laws of physics within the
Ante-rooms, allowing for more effective control over cosmic forces.
Additionally, gaining access to advanced technology and weaponry from past eras
will be an invaluable benefit for future missions.
Good luck, explorer. The fate of the Ante-rooms is in your
hands.
