Chapter 3: Welcome to the Terminator World
"My Spirit attribute is so high?" Marcus looked at his four-dimensional attributes. According to the notes, the maximum four-dimensional attribute for an ordinary human is 10 points, but his Spirit attribute is a whopping 22 points.
The Transcendence System responded, "Because the host possesses the talent of true time perception, coupled with the fusion of the Transcendence System and the host's soul, the host's Spirit attribute has been greatly enhanced."
"Understood!" Marcus indicated that he understood. "By the way, System, what should I do now?"
"I'm sorry, host, the system cannot make decisions for you. You can do anything, but I must remind you that you are currently very weak. Please be careful," the Transcendence System responded.
"By the way, please try to obtain as many destiny points as possible and acquire more resources. Otherwise, you may be trapped in this world," the Transcendence System reminded him.
"How many destiny points do I need to leave this world?" Marcus asked.
"At least 100 points are needed to open the World Gate. But to ensure your safety and to choose the next world, you should obtain more destiny points," the Transcendence System replied.
"Okay, I understand! By the way, I'm not great at speaking with the accent and slang from 1984. Can the system solve this problem?"
"Yes! Based on the host's current language proficiency, if you consume 1 destiny point, the host will gain the [1980s Native Speaker] ability," the Transcendence System affirmed.
Marcus didn't hesitate, "Then I'll consume 1 destiny point."
"Okay, the system has consumed 1 destiny point, pre-setting the result of [Host 1980s Native Speaker]. The destiny point reverses the cause-and-effect relationship, activating the host's subconscious memory, and the host gains the [1980s Native Speaker] ability," the Transcendence System reminded him.
After the Transcendence System's reminder, Marcus realized the change in himself. He walked out of the alley and naturally blended into the crowd, able to clearly understand what passersby were saying and speak just like them, as if he'd lived here his whole life.
Following the Transcendence System's instructions, Marcus's next move was entirely up to him.
This included how to gain destiny points, how to survive in The Terminator world, and so on—all depended on his own decisions.
Marcus walked along, pondering his next step.
In The Terminator storyline, was the Terminator T-800 difficult to deal with?
No!
In Marcus's eyes, the Terminator T-800 was actually quite manageable. Even in 1984, dealing with the T-800 would have been very simple; it was just that the official forces weren't targeting it.
"To deal with the T-800, I must rely on the power of the authorities," Marcus set a goal: to use official forces to deal with the T-800, ideally taking it down as soon as it appeared.
This would directly reverse the fates of the female protagonist, Sarah Connor, and the male protagonist, Kyle Reese, and might even change John Connor's fate—how many destiny points could he gain?
It's quite exciting to think about!
However, relying on official forces is extremely difficult. In the original storyline, Kyle was captured by the authorities, and even though he revealed his identity, it was completely useless.
After all, who would believe in time travel?
"It's May 12th, 1984 now. The Terminator arrives tonight, doesn't it?" Marcus calculated the time.
There were only hours until the Terminator's arrival. Through normal means, Marcus couldn't possibly rely on official power.
After all, the authorities didn't believe in time travel at all. What could Marcus do?
"Since I can't rely on official power through normal channels, perhaps I can consider other methods," Marcus thought of the miraculous Destiny points.
With just 1 point of Destiny, he gained the native speaker ability.
If he used Destiny points, perhaps there was a slight possibility!
It was nearly four o'clock in the afternoon.
In the coffee shop diagonally opposite the FBI's Los Angeles field office, Marcus was communicating with the Transcendence System.
"If I create a false memory for the Los Angeles field office director, making him absolutely convinced that I'm an undercover agent he planted to investigate Cyberdyne Systems cases, and that he trusts me completely, plus since only he knows my identity information, and we've arranged to meet today, he will vouch for me and restore my identity, how many Destiny points would that require?" Marcus asked.
If there was enough time, Marcus would prefer to slowly lay the groundwork, entering the FBI through normal channels to gain greater control.
But now there wasn't enough time!
"According to the host's description, after comprehensive analysis, the system will consume 12 destiny points. Are you sure you want to reverse cause and effect through destiny points?" the Transcendence System asked.
Marcus currently has 18 destiny points remaining. If 12 destiny points are consumed, he will only have a single-digit number left.
Marcus reviewed his situation again and finally nodded, "Confirmed!"
"Please wait, the system is reversing cause and effect through destiny points..." the Transcendence System prompted.
About a minute later, the Transcendence System prompted again, "The system has completed the reversal of cause and effect. The host will automatically receive the causal relationship information captured by the system."
Just as Marcus was about to ask a question, a piece of information appeared in his mind.
The FBI's Los Angeles field director was named Richard Garrett, 55 years old this year. His image also appeared in Marcus's mind, along with some historical records of their meetings.
While Marcus was processing this information, a man with graying brown hair, sharp blue eyes, and a weathered face approached him. He sat down opposite Marcus and asked, "Your mission is complete?"
"Yes," Marcus replied affirmatively. "This isn't the place to talk."
"Okay, to my office," Richard Garrett stood up abruptly.
Marcus looked embarrassed. "Sorry, Boss, I'm broke right now, so..." Marcus gestured towards his coffee.
Richard didn't seem to mind. He took out $5 and placed it on the table, gesturing for Marcus to follow.
FBI Los Angeles field office building.
Richard personally led Marcus into the headquarters building, allowing them easy passage. The Los Angeles agents all looked at Marcus, secretly speculating about his identity.
A moment later, Richard led Marcus into the office and asked, "How much have you investigated about Cyberdyne Systems?"
"A lot!" Marcus replied, "but what I found is too bizarre; I suspect you won't believe it, Boss."
"I believe you!" Richard replied calmly.
"Do you believe in time machines?" Marcus asked.
Richard didn't speak.
"Based on my investigation, I believe time machines exist, and time travel exists too. I've discovered a massive conspiracy, a conspiracy involving artificial intelligence that could threaten humanity," Marcus continued.
"Boss, do you believe in this stuff?" Marcus tentatively tested the effects of reversing cause and effect.
"I told you, Marcus, I believe you. Although the information you're giving sounds outrageous, I choose to believe you. I just need evidence now. If you can provide evidence, you'll gain my support, and I'll even try to get you more support," Richard replied.