BA+ Volume Final+: Where All Miracles Collide (AtraHasis+)

Chapter 4, Episode 5: Round Two

Rio: (long-range comms) Precisely. Generally speaking, a command queue is a fundamental component to a computer. It would be simple for a supercomputer to run several commands at once. Though in this case, the enemy has orchestrated it to be a rudimentary yet elaborate obstacle by using the self-destruct command themselves.

Chihiro: (long-range comms) I see... An exclusive lock. Because the self-destruct command is already initiated, you cannot initiate the same command twice until the first is complete or cancelled. It was a common error for older computers which was solved after several advancements in deadlock prevention and recovery. If that's true, we can't activate the Ark's self-destruct mechanism.

Momoka: Eh!? (sweating face) Can't we go around it? Isn't this supposed to be a multidimensional supercomputer? It must have multi-processing capabilities too...

Rio: (long-range comms) Impossible. Until the original command is complete, it cannot commit to the same command twice. Should we reroute a different command, it could create a deadlock between each other, causing a bigger problem. Usually to fix it is by cancelling the first command and starting over again, but only the user who activated it can undo it. They've completely locked us out.

Chihiro: (long-range comms) And if we try brute forcing it, we would have to reroute the commands of a supercomputer which could take days or even years...

Kayoko: In other words, self-destructing the Ark isn't an option. Do we have any alternatives?

Chihiro: (long-range comms) Besides directly facing the Guide, then no. That leaves us with only one option...

Momoka: Don't say it...

Chihiro: (long-range comms) Confront the Guide of Chroma, regain control of the Ark's self-destruct sequence, and destroy it.

Momoka: Ugh... I hate to see what other traps are waiting for us.

Himari: Hmm... Speaking of traps, our mastermind is more devious than we thought. Last I checked, the path to Area 4, the main control room, is open. No enemies detected either.

Hanako: She's right. Our enemy is inviting us in again, and there's no choice but to accept it.

Rin: (deep thought) ...Himari, Rio. How soon can the Utnapishtim's main gun be ready?

Himari: Hmm? The Sword of Light: Atrahasis Super Nova? Unfortunately, Arisu informed me her railgun is on low power. It can fire, but transforming it will require more time to charge.

Rin: Then leave it. With the reinforcements, it should be enough to challenge them. Assemble all hands, we're heading straight to the control room. Trap or no trap, Kivotos is still in danger. Defeating the Guide of Chroma will put an end to their plans once and for all.

[Outside of the ship bridge, the students hear the orders to move out and prepare themselves...]