Programmer's Guide to Another World

Chapter 2: The Runtime Error

>>> # Reality manipulation logic would go here

>>> # For now, simulate success/failure based on internal system checks

>>> if check_reality_constraints(dimensions, material, durability):

>>> return "Hut created successfully."

>>> else:

>>> return "Failed to create hut. Reality constraints violated."

>>>

>>> # Initial attempt to create the hut

>>> result = create_wooden_hut(dimensions=(3, 3, 2.5), material='wood', durability='standard')

>>> print(result)

He paused, a flicker of genuine doubt crossing his mind.

That check_reality_constraints function – that was the giant, terrifying unknown variable.

He hadn't encountered any explicit errors yet, only smooth, effortless successes with simple light and text.

But creating a solid, physical structure?

That felt like a monumental leap, a jump into uncharted territory.

He mentally executed the code.

The interface flickered expectantly, and the print statement appeared, a hopeful message:

Attempting to create a wood hut with dimensions (3, 3, 2.5)...

He held his breath, his eyes wide, anticipating the sudden appearance of timber and nails, the comforting scent of fresh-cut lumber filling the air.

Instead, the interface froze.

The soft bluish-green began to warp and distort, lines of code stretching and twisting like corrupted data on a dying hard drive.

A harsh, jarring red error message, stark and terrifying against the ethereal blue, flashed violently across his vision.

It was accompanied by a piercing, high-pitched whine that seemed to resonate directly in his skull, a sound that felt like his very brain was being ripped apart.

!!! REALITY_CODING_ERROR: SYNTAX_VIOLATION_0x00A - Insufficient Resources/Energy for Direct Materialization

!!! ERROR_LOCATION: create_wooden_hut(dimensions=(3, 3, 2.5), material='wood', durability='standard')

!!! SUGGESTION: Consider using existing raw materials or a lower-tier transformation.

!!! ABORTING OPERATION.

The small light orb he had created earlier flickered violently, its glow dimming rapidly to a mere spark before winking out entirely.

He was plunged into near-total darkness, save for the faint, eerie pulsing glow of the fungi on the forest floor.

The agonizing whine subsided, leaving behind a ringing, deafening silence in its wake.

Hiroshi staggered back, clutching his head, his vision swimming.

The pain was sharp, like a sudden, brutal headache, followed by a sickening wave of nausea that threatened to overwhelm him.

His heart hammered against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat of alarm.

This wasn't a graceful system failure; this was a violent, painful rejection.

"Insufficient Resources/Energy?" he whispered, his voice barely audible, staring at the lingering red error message that burned into his vision.