System: My Doomsday Train Chapter 1000 377: Virtual MMO 'New Cosmos

As their train smoothly navigated the established routes and arrived at the 'Anne Star' transit station, seamless passage through inspection was achieved via scanning.

Their cover story identified them as an inspection team from a major corporation.

For a civilization reaching the pinnacle, like the Divine-level Civilization 'Human Civilization', the complex operations of society necessitate oversight by advanced AI. A fully developed AI can easily infiltrate all train systems, fabricating verified data within the database with trivial ease.

It's standard procedure.

"Impressive," Chen Mang remarked.

Standing on the vibrant streets of Anne Star, he observed the constant flow of people. The diverse range of skin tones meant his own yellow complexion didn't particularly stand out, though the differences compared to his native Human Civilization were striking.

Visually, the disparities were significant.

Occasionally, individuals composed entirely of countless blue and white codes, appearing completely transparent, would glide down the street. Lacking flesh, organs, or blood, they resembled programmers who had succumbed to exhaustion after an all-night coding marathon.

He gathered from a nearby advertisement that these beings are known as 'Mechanism People'.

In essence.

They had shed all organic, carbon-based forms. Without flesh, they were immune to disease and the cycle of life and death. Naturally, they could not reproduce or engage in physical intimacy, existing without the typical biological functions.

Having fully converted into energy, their consciousness stored in a central data center, they were capable of instantaneous data transmission, enabling travel across millions of light-years in mere seconds.

Their operational range expanded exponentially.

The advertisement further elaborated on the advantages of this existence, even touting its complete freedom.

Absolutely free, costing not a single cent.

"Train Captain," Ai interjected.

The AI swiftly retrieved comprehensive details about this transformation from its database. "This form appears to have no drawbacks; even intimate experiences can be realistically simulated through data input, theoretically allowing for eternal life."

"The singular disadvantage is—"

"Data must be secured within the 'data center.' Should one's data be deleted from this center, it results in absolute demise. Furthermore, the cost of data storage at the center is exceedingly high."

"Transforming into Mechanism People essentially means becoming indentured to the data center."

"One must toil ceaselessly until the funds to afford the next storage payment are exhausted."

"Advertisements proclaim that as Mechanism People, there's no need for housing, rest, or sleep; no need to purchase vehicles as travel anywhere is possible via data transfer centers."

"In reality, upon becoming Mechanism People, constant labor is mandatory to ensure the ability to meet the ongoing storage fees."

"Hmm."

Chen Mang acknowledged with a slight nod. From this perspective, it was evident that the Divine-level Civilization 'Human Civilization' had not suppressed capitalism within its societal structure. He held no objections to commercialization; it was a vital component for any civilization's growth and prosperity.

Within his own current civilization, citizens could readily acquire a myriad of goods from supermarkets—items they couldn't produce themselves or that would incur immense costs to create.

This was the fruit of commercialization.

It held significant value.

However, if the enterprises within a civilization operated without restraint, excessively prioritizing profit, such dire circumstances could arise. He wished to prevent his own civilization's enterprises from descending into such a state.

Yet...

Based on his observations and the information gleaned from the communication platforms of the Divine-level Civilization 'Human Civilization', it was abundantly clear that the populace held a profound sense of belonging to their civilization.

This was almost a given.

What Divine-level Civilization would not inspire such loyalty among its people?

Beyond that observation.

He also encountered numerous fascinating phenomena.

For instance—

Apparel capable of instantaneously shifting styles and colors.

An exotically priced earring whose core component was a microscopic black hole.

A university student's capstone project involved the conceptualization of a functioning cosmic model.

"History replays" had evolved into a popular form of immersive entertainment.

Technically termed "Space-Time Retrospection," it had become widely adopted. Elderly couples, in particular, frequented these experiences, revisiting their youthful days of shared affection.

It bore a resemblance to... hmm, replay analysis.

Many gamers who excelled in their matches enjoyed downloading replays to meticulously study their own skillful maneuvers. Similarly, through historical replays, individuals could re-experience the most significant moments of their lives.

These were not advancements in combat prowess.

Not some ultimate radar system or superior armor plating.

These were purely enhancements to everyday existence.It must be acknowledged, Human Civilization's current foundation is undeniably weak, and it remains a considerable distance from achieving Divine-level Civilization status. It's almost certain that if you were to randomly select someone within this civilization and inquire about its current level, they would likely be unable to provide a clear answer, perhaps even stammering in response. There's no other way to put it... Human Civilization's development has been exceptionally rapid. Every time the civilization undergoes an upgrade, all corresponding textbooks and official websites detailing the current civilization level necessitate an immediate update. The foundational knowledge simply cannot keep pace. "Oh?" Just then— Chen Mang's attention was drawn to something intriguing. He proceeded to the most vibrant area of the city, where advertisements were prominently displayed on the massive outdoor screens of the towering skyscrapers lining the streets. "Virtual online game 'New Cosmos', officially commencing open beta!" Virtual online games. This concept was hardly new. He had encountered them in lower-tier civilizations, and even within his own civilization, virtual online games had achieved a significant level of development. Naturally, in a Divine-level Civilization like