Trial of Swordmancy

Endmin, over here! You made it possible for us to discover this place during our survey work. The findings are incredible!

That's right! At first, I found some devices left in the ruins. It was by chance that I found out they utilized long-lost Tianshi Bureau tech from Great Yan!

So I did some reverse engineering, slapped some innovative restorative designs on it, and ended up with — the Trial Arena!

Simply put, it can configure the parameters of hostile entities, including their physical properties, modus operandi, and behavioral logic. It can then perform dynamic simulation algorithms of these variables.

Use this interactive terminal to generate real-time rendering of the algorithmic process. The results can be exported to produce a highly immersive simulation environment with synchronized real-time feedback.

Such environments allow the user to simulate hostile entities, and they can be used for multiple rounds of combat scenarios. Systematic acquisition of various data is now possible —

Ah, apologies. I probably used more jargon than necessary. I'll try again in laypersons' terms. This system allows you to fight simulated enemies and gather useful data from the battles!

Oh, that'd be so helpful, Endmin! The datasets you generate will save my graduation... I don't have to get detained for another semester again!

Ugh. It's a really long story... I chose this project for my freshman year... Three years came and went, and another three years came...

This time I'm going on all in. I've dumped the entire research grant into this. My stipend, too. And my daily allowances...

Oh, Endmin! I'm so glad you agreed to help! You really know what it's like... Okay! Time to test out the Trial Arena.

Endmin, you can try using different combinations and layouts! There are so many things you can experiment with!

Before we begin, you can deploy combat facilities here!

That's right! I actually considered the Wuling-Endfield cooperation program. That's why I added AIC combat facilities into the Trial Arena as well!

Heheh. Go ahead and try it out, Endmin! The Tianshi Bureau Academy will gladly compensate you THREE times per day! Said compensation will be based on the quality of data acquired.

Yeah. If you want more rounds of testing, you might have to wait a while.

I'm tweaking a special mode with no usage limits, but also no rewards... It'll be ready for testing soon.

Next, let's make a direct connection to the Trial Arena! Endmin, draw a dataplate and see what "enemies" you get!

Yeah. I want to simulate the randomness of the combat scenario as well. So I added a user interaction step of "dataplate drawing". Interesting, right?

Ah, thank you, Endmin! My mentor said the same thing.

But he also said I couldn't limit my scope of imaginations and try too hard to fit everything into the package. This is why the project took so many years to reach this stage...

I can talk for a mile, but nothing beats a yard of walk. Go ahead and try it out. Draw the "enemies" and get things rolling!

I knew I had to get you involved in the testing, Endmin! I got so many ideas for the next iteration — Bigger data storage, more output terminals, more interactive environments... I see upgrade opportunities in everything.

Of course! Remember that new mode I mentioned before with no usage limits? Once this round of Arena maintenance is done, you'll be able to try it out!

Not too long. If things go according to plan, the first sum of additional subsidies should be wired to my account in forty-two days.

It's pretty quick already. The rules of the Tianshi Bureau Academy dictate that applications of additional subsidies must be submitted early. An applicant must first acquire their mentor's approval before submitting a detailed feasibility report.

Said report must be reviewed by the mentor and then submitted to supervisory R&D committee. Once said committee approves the application, it must be reviewed by the finance department, and then...

...the Tianshi Bureau Academy will organize another oral exam session attended by the relevant departments. My mentor and I will argue the case before these departments. Once we successfully persuade everyone...

Not quite yet. The additional subsidies aren't part of the annual budget and must be taken out from the Academy's operating funds. Everyone's short on money after the Blight Tide attack. So, we must apply as a key focus project...

Yeah. Plenty of applications got rejected along the process. Don't worry, Endmin! I think my application will be approved in the first pass! I just need to...

Really, Endmin? Are you sponsoring my project...?! AWESOME! I'll start the maintenance right away. Activating Free Trial Mode with no usage limits!

It is done! My Trial Arena has reached its penultimate build! I'll definitely graduate with this as my project!

Endmin, I actually got a small favor to ask.

No, I'm just wondering if you're interested in my new long-term project, the "Trial of Swordmancy". Just keep giving us data. The Tianshi Bureau Academy will reimburse you for your time.

Also, since you're a key sponsor of this project, feel free to share your ideas regarding its future directions!

I just got something to share with you. "Trial of Swordmancy" is actually inspired by a game that my dormmates and I would play after the lights go off...

I designed a "Monster Deck" but everyone said it was too complicated. I told them that I would build the thing and make it super useful.

It even inspired my research project... And now, it's finally done.

Yeah. I showed them the Trial Arena just two days ago. Everyone's sold. We had tons of fun.

It was a real riot, just like our first all-nighter gaming spree!

Everyone thinks it's got immense potential. The arcade, ahem, I mean, the simulation tool can be developed further and deployed throughout Talos-II.

A working ... partner? What do you mean, Endmin...?

Terrific! This means my research project has an actual corporate sponsor! I can apply for a research scholarship for industry applications! Once I get approved, I'll treat you to a feast at Master Da Pan's hotpot eatery!