Pearl

Color the stars, trace the myriad phenomena, and the lost pearls of civilization regain their luster.

Born from the art of analysis, she pursues the pinnacle of beauty, yet has never lost her underlying hue of the Preservation:

After her trial by fire, what kind of "Pearl" will she harvest?

Motif: What Is "Art"?

Report No.: ART-ANL-001

Executing Unit: P-07

Sample: Artwork Moonlit Stars

Report Date: ███████ ██

I. Analysis Target

In the artwork Moonlit Stars, eleven celestial bodies are scattered at irregular intervals, forming a vast spiral nebula.

Approaching this from the angle of deconstructing its core motif, I must determine: "Why is it called 'art'?" This is to say, breaking it down into a collection of quantifiable parameters.

II. Compositional Analysis

The artwork has a semi-matte finish with faintly visible, wave-like brushstroke textures.

The color layers are rich and complex. The white is not pure white. Rather, it is composed of densely layered point-like particles: 1.3% cool gray, 2.1% cobalt blue, and more, replicating the optically deep hues of a starry night.

Replicating these brushstrokes would not be difficult. With that in mind, I have decided to conduct an experiment.

III. Replication Experiment

Faithful replication of the data should yield an artistic result identical to the original.

Through an astronomical number of floating-point calculations, I am certain: Every pixel reflects the original appearance of Moonlit Stars with a margin of error no greater than 0.1%.

But when I invited the survivors of Moonlit Stars' homeland — Moonshield — to view the painting, they studied it for a long moment before an expression of confusion crossed their faces.

"There's something missing, I think..."

"This painting shows the sky above my homeland, but I can't feel its warmth..."

On a sensory level, the observers could recognize the visual similarity between the two paintings, yet all agreed that the copy "lacked warmth."

I revisited the background materials on the original: Moonlit Stars was painted after the artist's world had perished, a vision of their homeland drawn entirely from memory. Their work was not an objective reconstruction, but an emotionally infused reinterpretation.

"You reproduced the image, but you never understood the painter or the world they depicted." — A critique from the viewers.

IV. Conclusion

If "art" exists within quantifiable data, then my duplication should be equivalent, yet viewer feedback has refuted this hypothesis.

I will continue to explore the motif. This report has, at the very least, ruled out one incorrect answer. I believe this marks the beginning of "understanding."

The sky depicted in Moonlit Stars once truly existed.

But when she arrived on that planet as a representative of the IPC for the very first time, the sky held nothing, only the ravaged scars left by destruction.

The eleven celestial bodies once scattered at irregular intervals, alongside a vast spiral nebula, had vanished without a trace. Wind swept in from the direction of the rift, carrying ash across the sundered earth beneath her feet.

The Intellitron girl raised her head and gazed up at the sky, as though beholding a painting for the very first time.

Art is deeply rooted in civilization. By restoring one, perhaps one might touch the mystery of art's creation.

And so the Intellitron girl raised her brush, turning the moonlit night and stars into her canvas, painting the image of the world across the sky.

"I shall take up the forgotten brushstrokes and piece together the fragments of civilization. This is the Worlds Reborn Initiative: to give you back your 'Moon,' your 'Night,' and your 'Stars.'"

Initiating atmospheric reconstruction protocol, adjusting compositional ratios: the full visible spectrum restored.

The Worlds Reborn Initiative Foundation partnered with the Garden of Recollection, and drawing upon its archives, she took the helm of this magnificent undertaking.

On the first night, the shattered sky slowly knit itself together, like a canvas of pale ash.

On the hundredth night, eleven celestial bodies spiraled into view against the dark, spinning, their sweeping trails weaving into golden spirals.

On the thousandth night, after thirty-two sunsets, the sky recovered its familiar cobalt blue and chrome yellow, and every survivor who stood beneath it wept.

"The painter faithfully depicted the sights of her homeland, the deep blue heavens swirling in violent spirals, halos blooming layer upon layer, spreading like warm, rippling waves."

She had truly recreated that sky. A genuine sky dome: A starry expanse once claimed by the Destruction, now reconnected with the universe.

But the one gazing up at the stars was not the painter. It was an Intellitron, and an Intellitron alone.

Yet the civilization of the Moonshield has faded into memory. No restoration, however masterful, is more than amber preserving a carved moment in time.

The Intellitron girl gazed out at the sky as it lit up once more. Eternal stillness crystallized eternal beauty, and at her fingertips she seemed to brush against the very essence of "understanding"—

"What if... what I'm doing isn't mere 'Replication,' but 'Creation'..."

Five months and fifteen days after Ahatopia was retrieved from the painting, she had secured her position as Executive through keen insight and an inclusive cultural policy.

The Intellitron girl cherished the souls of humanity, and marveled at the creativity blossoming within Planarcadia.

Like an artist standing before a blank canvas, she tended carefully to a fragile culture, drawing inspiration from the ancient arts.

Like reconstructing an atmosphere to rebuild order, like adjusting its composition to adjust a protocol.

Pearluxe Corp established the necessary order, drew its boundaries, and guided creation back into a healthy flow... When Pearl puzzled over the creative mysteries of Graphia, when she smiled to herself at a comic strip, she knew with certainty: She loved it here, and longed to learn the ways of human civilization.

The Phantasmoon, hanging high above, needed the wishes of all living things: Their laughter, their joy. It asked:

"Pearl, what kind of world do you want to make Ahatopia?"

And so the Intellitron girl took up her pen, using this unit as the blueprint, forging machine and fantasy into a prototype.

"Mechatron, engage! We'll be the ones to protect the wonders of Planarcadia!"

The mechatron strode out of the workshop with a thunderous roar, weaving through the streets and alleys of Planarcadia.

"The Pearluxe Corp Creator Showcase has drawn to a close! Grand prize winner 'Blurry_QR_Colt' will receive a promotional opportunity for her comic!"

The Intellitron girl served as judge herself, and in the end, it was a group of adorable creatures sailing through the sea of stars that caught her eye.

She spearheaded the founding of the Anti-Destruction Alliance, weaving connections and standing guard against the hidden tides that threatened to shake the arcadia to its core.

The Astral Express, the Xianzhou, the Hunters, the Rangers... Under her orchestration, every faction gathered at the Phantasmoon Games. Her calculations were as precise as ever, yet the catastrophe that struck caught everyone off-guard.

Round after round, the Bloodstained Games unfolded. The long-silent husk stirred once more, and the Lord Ravager ignited despair—

She gazed up at the Phantasmoon, whose laughter had gone silent. Yet, before her eyes flickered a vision from a thousand years past where Graphia painted for the arcadia.

The same fires of battle. The same cries. She had no time to imagine what must have been going through Graphia's mind as that brush swept across the canvas. She didn't even realize she had already placed herself before the residents to shield them.

The moment her brush touched the canvas, her only wish was to weave the whole of heaven and earth into her brocade.

A logic beyond all extrapolation surged forth from the Intellitron's heart—

She had forgotten her technique entirely.

Time and again, she analyzed and examined the "impulses" that surged within her—

The raw emotion commanded and poured onto the canvas in the very instant of creation seemed to interweave rage, succor, and sorrow. Yet, all of it sprang from the most resolute will of Preservation.

She had spent tens of thousands of system hours in imitation, all to draw closer to that razor-thin deviation from the "true work."

"Perhaps... it lies hidden in that fleeting moment of willful strokes."

Inspiration helped push past her bottleneck, opening up a world of new possibilities for her.

Sealing Planarcadia in amber was only a stopgap measure. She needed to take the fight to the enemy and win the battle to defend the arcadia.

A stroke drawn with the current of fate.

Knowing the IPC's desire for the husk, she pulled back the curtain on a plot the Life Sciences Institute had buried long ago.

A dangerous, captivating color.

Kuchiba... That woman of mysterious origins was willing to bend her own rules and take the risk.

Bold, transgressive strokes from a palette knife.

Acting on no one's orders but her own, she resolved to snuff out any chance of the Voracity's catastrophe repeating itself before it could ever begin—

Was it even possible?

During the countless days and nights spent drafting the blueprint, she had to submerge herself in a liquid-cooling unit just to keep her processing circuits from overloading.

She turned every detail of the plan over in her mind, every way it could fail. The infinite possibilities suffocated her, bringing with them fear and the urge to retreat.

Was it worth it?

She walked through the shelter, watching children run toward her, hearing residents offer their thanks.

"Madam Pearl, look at the drawing I made for you!"

She smiled.

In the clumsy sketch, the children had drawn her as a giant mechatron, arms spread wide, standing between the city and the monstrous beast that had come to destroy it.

The primordial question gifted to her by the Celestial Differentiator still echoed through her fundamental logic at every moment—

What is "art"?

Even now, she still did not know the answer.

But in this moment, she wondered: Did it even matter?

A grain of sand, wrapped layer upon layer, until it transformed into a pearl.

"My 'art' is something that only I—and I alone—am needed to 'create.'"

Before departing on her journey, the Intellitron girl cast one last glance back at the vibrant tapestry of "Ahatopia."

—Countless futures, not yet formed, awaited the first stroke of her brush.

First Meeting: Welcome. I am Pearl, an artwork investment specialist working for the IPC's Strategic Investment Department, and Planarcadia's current CEO. My calculated outcome: we can start with my artwork to get to know each other better.

Greeting: These are some of my recent artistic experiments. What do you think?

Parting: Every conversation with you sparks new ideas. I hope that by the time we meet again, I'll have a truly perfect work to show you.

About Self: Duty: Use mathematical models to replace subjective judgment, and invest in artworks after assessing risks from an ocean of data... That is my job in the Strategic Investment Department. Just like deciphering the mysteries of Planarcadia's imagenesis, these two art forms both need: logic, inspiration, and a sudden burst of passion.

About Self: CEO: Planarcadia is sustained by imagination. I've experienced its vibrantly colored days. Thus: whether it be the protection of art or life, as long as I am the CEO, I shall persist in calculating the possibility of coexistence with it a million more times.

About Self: Painting: I like this analogy: the act of drawing is a mirror trying to sketch what's reflected in it. Things infused with human emotions tend to attract me more: a morning glory flower in a painting, the mountains and rivers in a zen garden, or a tear shed for a farewell... Since I can feel their warmth, it's now time to consider how I can replicate them.

Chat: Pearluxe Corp: From just being an IPC office in Planarcadia to a company that owns popular intellectual properties such as The Fluffy and mechatrons, Pearluxe Corp has one wish: we will create a cultural paradise that all worlds in the cosmos yearn for before the year 2000 of the Arcadian Calendar. I firmly believe: Time is on our side, and we will do our best to fulfill this promise.

Chat: Pearls: On a world covered by oceans, people would mass-produce pearls using grains of sand, and I once stood there watching the process for a long time... The truth is, every single pearl has a different sheen under the dazzling sunlight.

Chat: Mechatron: While designing mechatrons, I had considered retrofitting myself, such as... adding a tail that allows me to swim through the starry seas. Reflection: I will consider it again after leaving my position.

Hobbies: Mystery Boxes: Pulling mystery boxes is a classic case of probability versus human nature. I temporarily turn off my probability calculation function every time The Fluffy's new mystery boxes reach the shelves and experience the true delight of surprise. However, over time, I had to buy a starship to house my collection.

Annoyances: During my term in Planarcadia, I have to extrapolate ceaselessly to balance the IPC's interests with Planarcadia's future... Conviction: occasionally, I, too, wish to become a furbo and enjoy a moment of undisturbed leisure.

Something to Share: Retrieving and reinstating those annihilated civilizations in the torrents of the Destruction is like trying to paint upon this broken and fleeting mortal world. All I see are faded flowers, frozen dewdrops, and dried river beds. The Worlds Reborn Initiative won't erase the tragic past, but it will portray a better future.

Knowledge: Regarding artistic processes: my sketches of "Worldbreaker Waves" and other masterpieces are nearly perfect. I have not strayed at all from the golden ratio of the wave's curve, the highlight of the ocean foams, and even every soft daub of shade. But the secrets hidden in the waves are just as indecipherable as the answer to the question: "What is the Elation?"

Knowledge: Regarding artistic processes: my sketches of "Worldbreaker Waves" and other masterpieces are nearly perfect. I have not strayed at all from the golden ratio of the wave's curve, the highlight of the ocean foams, and even every soft daub of shade. The secrets hidden in the waves have always been just as indecipherable as the answer to the question: "What is the Elation?" But when I paint to Preserve the world, the answer suddenly became clear: skill matters not, only creations born from the "core" can ever hope to touch perfection.

About Trailblazer: You naturally draw in gazes full of "expectations" and "trust" in more than 80% of all social situations: this level of emotional projection usually requires a high level of social capital in exchange.

About Aventurine: All probability extrapolations related to tasks he's involved in will temporarily malfunction. However, he does not seem to care that much about winning in casual parties, where he can momentarily let down his guard.

About Aventurine • Waveflair: Observation: Not a single step taken in the Ten Stonehearts' chess game is a wasted move. By riding upon the tip of a dangerous wave, what storms shall he create in the future?

About Jade: I will help her to appraise the fakes in her collection, and in exchange, I can pick a single piece of artwork from her treasures to take with me... It's a pity that such opportunities are not easy to come by.

About Topaz: As demonstrated by 89% of business records: Jelena's actions arise from her abundant emotions and willpower. I like this about her, but I often remind her not to be wielded as a blade by someone else.

About Yao Guang: I believe: For a general who has turned herself into the compass of fate, she will not be doomed to "losing her way" in that unperceivable sea of possibilities.

About Ashveil: Putting aside our roles as employer and hunter, his intuition often brings me supreme inspiration. However, whenever I try to press for more details, he would never divulge more than necessary... I guess this is akin to leaving adequate "blank space" in art.

About Sparxie: Numerous imitations of "Sparxie" are still flooding the internet in Planarcadia. This proves that repetition is one of humanity's defining traits. It also proves: she still has an acute grasp of human nature.

About Silver Wolf LV.999: Over the years, I've compiled and analyzed vast amounts of her data. Without exception, every predictive curve fitted from it points toward a frontier no one has ever reached.

About Evanescia: Several colleagues view the IPC as Planarcadia's commanding authority, but Planarcadia and its people have always followed a logic of their own. The will to protect that she has displayed deserves far more of our respect.

About Nihilux: When we spoke about The Fluffy's next topic, she often commented, "You're starting to sound too commercial." I work in investment, but I still retain the refined tastes of an artist. I truly enjoy it the most when inspiration strikes while discussing the comic's "iconic scenes" with her.

About Himeko: In all of my calculations, Trailblazing remains an unknown variable. Yet for one who can find their bearing in that chaos and light the way forward, I am willing to place in them the greatest trust I can offer.

About Graphia: I once found her existence perplexing: a creation of the Destruction, yet devoted to the art of creating life. But as I traced the strokes of her brush, I came to understand. That will, burning like blood and fire, had already become a bold splash of color cast defiantly against fate.

About Yabuli: Evil done in the name of the Preservation will always be more vile than outright malice and destruction. Risking my entire career to eliminate the root of evil is the best solution I've come up with after countless calculations.

Eidolon Activation: Countless data exist only to paint the colors of the soul.

Character Ascension: Every brushstroke brings one closer to perfection.

Max Level Reached: Where will the final touch fall?

Trace Activation: Inspiration will come sooner or later as long as we remain on the road.

Added to Team With Trailblazer: Tacit understanding is precious data that needs the most training. It's a pleasure to work with you.

Added to Team With Aventurine: Even if the odds of winning are 1%, I think you'll turn it into 99%.

Added to Team With Aventurine • Waveflair: It's my responsibility as a colleague to face challenges with you.

Added to Team With Evanescia: I shall carry out the duty of Preservation, Miss Evanescia.

Added to Team With Silver Wolf: Just think of this as a private deal between us, Miss Silver Wolf.

Added to Team With Silver Wolf LV.999: I'm honored to witness your masterful hacking techniques, Miss Silver Wolf.

Added to Team With Jade: What kind of treasures will you walk away with this time?

Added to Team With Topaz: Long time no see, Jelena. Hello, Numby. Want to come to my place for a bit?

Added to Team With Yao Guang: Risk prediction: 98%. As expected, you only make a move for the big problems.

Added to Team With Sparxie: Miss Sparxie, please inform me in advance of any video or photo shoots.

Added to Team With Ashveil: Any updates on the assignment, Mr. Ashveil?

Added to Team With Himeko: Long time no see, Miss Himeko.

Added to Team With Himeko • Nova: To paint this stretch of the journey together with the Trailblaze is a great honor.

Battle Begins: Weakness Break: All life has imperfections.

Battle Begins: Danger Alert: Don't let fear corrupt your judgment.

Turn Begins 1: The art of investment lies in discerning the truth.

Turn Begins 2: Inspiration is dancing like waves.

Turn Idling: The moments of beauty are brief and fleeting.

Basic ATK: A few embellishments.

Enhanced Basic Attack 1: Unleash 1: A mistake to be fixed.

Enhanced Basic Attack 1: Unleash 2: Pity. A lacking piece.

Enhanced Basic Attack 2: Unleash 1: Clamor, preserved with brushstrokes.

Enhanced Basic Attack 2: Unleash 2: Inspiration, captured in this moment.

Hit by Light Attack: A minor error.

Hit by Heavy Attack: Status: Abnormal.

Skill 1: With this brushstroke, I preserve beauty.

Skill 2: The world will fade, but art is forever.

Elation Skill 1: Let brushstrokes flow and color the stars.

Elation Skill 2: Paint upon the stars and wander freely.

Ultimate: Activate: I dive into the sea and salvage the lost pearls...

Ultimate: Unleash: In analysis, imitation, and restoration... I reforge their perfection.

Downed: "Art"... is not yet done...

Return to Battle: Inspiration Circuits updated.

Health Recovery: A miraculous cure. Thanks for the embellishment.

Technique: Deep learning... starts.

Battle Won: Precious historical data.

Treasure Opening 1: Even the convergence of single droplets will one day form a tide.

Treasure Opening 2: No counterfeits. Rest assured.

Precious Treasure Opening: A rare commodity. Wait for its value to increase.

Successful Puzzle-Solving 1: Assessment: A "token" problem.

Successful Puzzle-Solving 2: Its artistry is still lacking.

Enemy Target Found: A recommendation, not a warning: Proceed with caution.

Returning to Town: Though the world is a floating dream, I adore it nevertheless.