Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Meanwhile: Theo's Side Quest! What Challenges Await Him? Will He Reap an Epic Reward or Face His Final Doom? Theo hadn't entered the game with the rest of them. He planned to join them soon. First he had to make sure their hardware could handle the strain. "And that's how you get the perfect golden-brown color," Hope was saying. "There's nothing less appetizing than a yellow corn dog."

第十二章：西奥的支线任务！有什么挑战在等着他？ 他会获得史诗般的奖励还是面临最后的厄运？ 西奥没有和其他人一起参加比赛。 他打算很快加入他们。 首先，他必须确保他们的硬件能够承受这种压力。 “这就是你得到完美的金棕色的方法，”霍普说。 “没有什么比黄色玉米热狗更不开胃的了。”

"I believe you," said Theo. He was only half listening. He and Harper had set up a fairly complicated computer network in the cafetorium. At the heart of the network was a single PC that Theo had brought in from home. He had built the computer himself! (Well, his dad had helped.) But he hadn't realized it would be pushed so hard so soon. More than a dozen VR goggles were all using the software installed in Ash's set, which were plugged into Theo's PC, which was remotely networked to the server in the library. It was a web of connections. And like a web, it was beautiful but delicate. One broken thread could cause the entire thing to collapse. They just hadn't had time to make it better.

“我相信你，”西奥说。 他心不在焉地听着。 他和哈珀在食堂里建立了一个相当复杂的计算机网络。 网络的核心是一台西奥从家里带来的个人电脑。 这台电脑是他自己造的！（嗯，他爸爸帮过忙。）但他没有意识到它会这么快就被推得这么紧。 十多副虚拟现实眼镜都在使用阿什的套装里安装的软件，这些软件连接到西奥的电脑上，而西奥的电脑与图书馆的服务器远程联网。 这是一张连接的网。 就像一张网，美丽而又脆弱。 一根断了的线可能会导致整个系统崩溃。 他们只是没有时间让它变得更好。

Theo was relieved to see that everything seemed to be working. It wouldn't work for long, but it didn't have to. Just long enough for them to find that vex, herd it in the right direction, and restore the Evoker King. Hope finally stopped talking about corn dogs—a very strange food, in Theo's opinion. In the sudden silence, he overheard new voices. Theo realized they were coming from a little side office connected to the cafetorium. The adult voices were hushed and urgent, and curiosity got the best of him. He crept closer, recognizing Ms. Minerva's voice. "I'm telling you, it's an inspiration. They're all in the game right now, working together. The rules changed on them, and they adapted."

西奥看到一切似乎都在运转，松了一口气。 这不会持续太久，但也不必如此。 只要足够他们找到那个恶灵，把它引向正确的方向，然后恢复唤起之王。 霍普终于不再谈论玉米热狗了——在西奥看来，这是一种很奇怪的食物。 在突然的寂静中，他听到了新的声音。 西奥意识到他们是从一个与餐厅相连的小办公室里来的。 大人们的声音安静而紧迫，好奇心占据了他的上风。 他蹑手蹑脚地走近，认出了她。 密涅瓦的声音。“我告诉你，这是一种鼓舞。 他们现在都在游戏里，一起工作。 规则改变了，他们也适应了。”

"They're wonderful kids." That was Doc's voice. "Although the technology they're using is also pretty wonderful." "When it works!" said Ms. Minerva. "So we know they can adapt," said Mr. Mallory. "That will be important if we select them for this program." "It sounds like we're in agreement," said Ms. Minerva. "It will be a big change…." "But change can be a good thing," said Doc. "I have the paperwork right here. We can make it official." Theo heard the rustling of papers. He peeked around the corner. All three adults were huddled over stacks of

“他们是很棒的孩子。”那是博士的声音。 “尽管他们使用的技术也非常棒。” “当它起作用的时候！”密涅瓦说。 “所以我们知道它们可以适应，”马洛里说。 “如果我们选择他们参加这个项目，这将是很重要的。” “听起来我们的意见是一致的。” 密涅瓦。“这将是一个很大的变化....” “但改变可能是一件好事，”医生说。 “我这里有文件。 我们可以正式宣布。”西奥听到了纸张的沙沙声。 他在拐角处偷看。 三个大人挤在一堆

paper and manila file folders. He saw his school photo clipped to one of the folders. Was that his permanent file? "This school won't be the same without them," said Ms. Minerva. "Or without us," said Doc. "But it's the best solution for everyone," said Mr. Mallory. "Now how about we take a break? I was promised snacks." "Po's cousin has her food truck parked outside," said Doc. "I'll treat." "Oh, good," said Ms. Minerva. "Who doesn't love a corn dog?"

纸和马尼拉文件夹。 他看到他的学校照片夹在其中一个文件夹里。 那是他的永久档案吗？ “没有他们，这所学校就不一样了。” 密涅瓦。“或者没有我们，”医生说。 “但这对每个人来说都是最好的解决方案，”马洛里说。 “现在我们休息一下怎么样？” 他们答应给我零食。”“阿宝的表妹把她的餐车停在外面，”医生说。 “我请客。”“哦，太好了。” 密涅瓦。“谁不喜欢玉米热狗呢？”