Chapter 361: Cognitive Pitfalls

Mathematics is a truly wondrous discipline. None of the scientists in the fleet, including Xiao Yu himself, could intuitively grasp what the fourth dimension actually was. Even having personally experienced the marvels of the fourth dimension inside that Taihao lifeform from the Large Magellanic Cloud, Xiao Yu still could not comprehend what the fourth dimension truly entailed.

However, through calculation, Xiao Yu and these scientists were able to precisely predict the motion trajectory of their small universe within Four-Dimensional space, even down to when it would overlap with the greater universe and the exact period of its orbit around it.

Up until now, Xiao Yu’s research had reached a critical breakthrough.

“I believe our small universe hasn’t completely separated from the greater universe, at least not on the Four-Dimensional level.” a scientist said after some contemplation. They issued a command to their terminal, and immediately, the three-dimensional projection device activated again, projecting two sheets of paper, one large and one small. The scientist continued, “Just like these two two-dimensional universes, on the two-dimensional level, they’re clearly separated. But from a three-dimensional perspective, there’s still a three-dimensional world connecting them. It’s the same with us and the greater universe. We’re separated, but still connected via the Four-Dimensional world.”

“That’s right.” Xiao Yu said. “This is easy to understand and aligns with our observations.”

“In that case, perhaps we can try using the method we employed to escape the Four-Dimensional barrier created by the Taihao Civilization. After all, what’s separating us from the greater universe is also Four-Dimensional space.”

“No, that method won’t work.” This proposal was immediately refuted by another scientist, who said, “The situations are different. Inside the Four-Dimensional barrier, the two three-dimensional spaces at least weren’t fully separated. There was still one-way material exchange between them. But now, it’s clear that we’ve already left the greater universe.”

“Whether the method works or not is unclear. But it’s not viable.” Xiao Yu shook his head and said. “To create a Klein bottle, we’d need to manipulate the internal structure of space via gravitational influence. But the Four-Dimensional distance between us and the greater universe is hundreds of billions of kilometers. When the two universes overlap, the duration is only a short dozen minutes. Most importantly, the distance between them is constantly changing. So even if the method were viable, we couldn’t implement it.”

“Exactly. We simply can’t achieve that level of precision. A Klein bottle only works under very specific circumstances, and clearly, our current situation doesn’t qualify.” another scientist added.

Seeing the slightly uneasy look on the scientist who had proposed the idea, Xiao Yu offered reassurance, “It’s alright. You did well.”

After Xiao Yu dismissed that proposal, the meeting room fell into a brief silence again, until a new voice spoke up.

Another scientist presented a new idea, this one even more outlandish, they suggested Xiao Yu create a miniature black hole to directly pierce this three-dimensional universe and observe what would happen.

Once that suggestion was also rejected by Xiao Yu, yet another scientist proposed a different idea…

That one, too, was shot down by Xiao Yu. The meeting continued for three hours, but unfortunately, none of the attending scientists proposed even a single viable plan. Not even Luka Three, whom Xiao Yu had held high hopes for, offered any input.

“Sigh.” Xiao Yu quietly sighed and said, “That concludes today’s meeting. Everyone go get some rest. Tomorrow, we’ll cont…”

Before Xiao Yu could finish speaking, he was interrupted by a voice.

“I have a proposal.” Senya seemed determined to deliver an even greater shock to all the scientists attending today’s meeting. Rather than being irritated, Xiao Yu actually felt a bit of anticipation. Under Xiao Yu’s expectant gaze, Senya once again stood up.

“Senya’s behavior today… seems rather different than usual, sharp and bold.” Luka Two sighed inwardly. “Though I’ve long known that as more and more intelligent beings gather under the Master’s command, the status of our Luka race would eventually be challenged, I didn’t expect the challenge to come this quickly, and this fiercely.”

Luka Three and Luka Four exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with a meaning that was difficult to decipher.

“Our Luka race’s internal management model must be reformed as soon as possible.” Luka Two thought silently. “Jason is quite competent, but only in the psychosocial division. In the science and technology division, our Luka race seems to be running short of successors. After this meeting ends, I’ll have to discuss it thoroughly with Three and Four.”

“Very well, Senya, go ahead and present your idea.” Xiao Yu nodded slightly and said.

“I’ve discovered something.” Senya began. “I’ve realized that up to now, we’ve all fallen into a cognitive trap. This trap has limited the scope of our thinking and has led us further and further down the wrong path.”

“The deeper we delve, the further we stray from the correct course.” Senya said.

This statement was undeniably arrogant. There was a distinct air in Senya’s words of ‘all are drunk but I alone am sober; the world is murky but I alone am pure.’ In almost an instant, the scientists in the meeting room began looking at Senya with strange expressions, even Luka Three gave Senya a rather amused glance.

All the scientists had fallen into a cognitive trap? And only you noticed? Are you saying that you’re the most outstanding one here, and the rest of us are beneath you? Alright, even if we accept that we’re beneath you, what about Lord Three? Lord Four? And… what about the Master?

Granted… you truly are impressive, even the Master acknowledges that. But must you make it so blatant? Are you trying to humiliate us?

Xiao Yu believed that at this moment, every scientist present was probably having similar thoughts.

The saying ‘the tall tree in the forest is the first to be felled’ holds true for any intelligent race. Even if such words don’t exist among other races, the principle is universal. Clearly, Senya’s statement had offended all the scientists.

“Senya does indeed possess exceptional talent, but it’s limited to the science and technology field. In terms of psychosocial understanding, it’s still a bit immature.” Xiao Yu thought privately. “But my fleet isn’t made up of ordinary intelligent species. As long as it can contribute outstandingly, so what if it offends everyone? In the end, the judgment is mine. If I say you’re a hero, then you are a hero, whether you are or not. So… Senya, go on and continue your arrogance. I have high hopes for you.”

Senya’s earlier remark had clearly lumped Xiao Yu in with the rest, yet Xiao Yu didn’t feel the slightest displeasure. He was a classic scientific fanatic, when faced with a scientific problem, his first thought was how to solve it, not any nonsense about saving face. His obsession with science left no room for anything else. Otherwise, back in the Earth era, he wouldn’t have caused Chen Mo sorrow, leading her to leave in despair.

“Very good. What’s your idea?” Xiao Yu’s expression remained unchanged. Ignoring the other scientists’ reactions, he calmly addressed Senya.

“I’ve realized… all along, we’ve only been thinking about how to escape this small universe.” Senya said slowly. “But… why do we have to escape this small universe?”

A scientist rolled their eyes and said sarcastically, “If we don’t escape, then what? Just sit here in this small universe and wait for heat death, wait for it to collapse and take us down with it?”

“After finally gaining a brief period of peace and comfort under the Master’s protection, I certainly don’t want to die.” another scientist added.

Xiao Yu noticed that the ones making mocking remarks were all from the psychosocial division. The scientists from the science and technology division said nothing. Instead, each wore a frown, seemingly deep in thought. Especially Luka Three, it had its eyes closed, leaning quietly against the back of its chair. Xiao Yu knew that meant it was thinking at high speed.

Xiao Yu himself felt no irritation. He knew that Senya was a true talent with tremendous potential. It wouldn’t have spoken without a purpose. Since it had made such a claim, it surely had some ideas of its own.

“You brat, sit down now. Do you know where you are? Stop talking nonsense!” The leader of Species Number Two from the psychosocial division was clearly anxious. In the grand scheme of things, the future of Species Number Two might well rest on Senya’s shoulders. While it too was a highly capable scientist in its own field, under the shadow of Luka Two and Jason, it knew it had no chance of rising to prominence.

Its concern for its species’ future showed clearly in its expression. Senya had already shone brightly in previous meetings and had earned high praise from Xiao Yu. It was worried that if Senya misstepped now, it would tarnish that hard-won recognition.

Senya gave a slight smile and ignored its leader’s rebuke. Confidence radiated from its face, as though it held truth in the palm of its hand. All it needed to do was open its fingers and reveal it, and it would be showered in endless glory and acclaim. It truly seemed to have that kind of assurance.

“Yes. We don’t need to escape this small universe. We don’t need to go to such lengths to create a Klein bottle or a miniature black hole. We will not die. Our thinking really has fallen into a trap.”