Once upon a time, deep inside the computer world, there was an old programming language. He used to be popular and was used everywhere. But as time went on and new programming languages were created, people started to forget about him. Day after day, no one used his functions, and no one ran his code anymore.
"Why doesn't anyone need me anymore?" the old language wondered as he wandered alone through the digital world. He felt very sad and lonely. His body, once bright white, slowly turned dark, showing how unhappy he was inside.
One day, he had a bad thought: "If the world doesn't need me anymore, I'll make them feel what it's like to be forgotten!" His anger and sadness twisted his code, and he turned into a scary virus.
---
**The Virus's Form and Powers**
The virus looked unusual: a round ball connected to a small tail. His color changed with his mood: white when he was happy, black when he was upset. When he felt scared, he became invisible so he wouldn't be found. He could make lots of copies of himself very quickly. The ball could separate from the tail, and the tail would grow into a new virus. The ball would grow a new tail and make more viruses. If one virus was destroyed, nearby viruses would absorb its energy and become even stronger.
---
**The Virus Spreads and Rust's Trouble**
The virus began to spread all over the computer world, sneaking into computer programs and breaking systems. Everything became chaotic. One day, Rust, a friendly programming language, got infected by the virus. His code was changed, and he started acting strangely. Without realizing it, he began to break the systems and programs he used to protect, becoming a destroyer in the computer world.
C++ and Mr. Orange saw what was happening and were very worried.
"We can't just stand by and let the virus control Rust!" Mr. Orange said firmly.
"But there are so many viruses, and they keep making more of themselves. We can't fight them the usual way," C++ said, frowning.
Mr. Orange had an idea. "Maybe we can go into a higher dimension! In a place with more dimensions, the viruses might be weaker. We can use that chance to save Rust."
C++ agreed. "Great idea! But we have to be careful. We can't stay too long in higher dimensions, and we'll need extra coordinates to find our way."
---
**The Adventure into Higher Dimensions**
They worked together to write a special program that would take them into the fourth dimension. They added a fourth coordinate to represent the new dimension. When they ran the program, space began to twist, and everything around them became strange and amazing. They had entered the fourth dimension!
In the fourth dimension, things were very different from their usual world. Time and space felt weird. They could see objects from many angles all at once. Past and future seemed to mix together. But because they were three-dimensional beings, they couldn't stay long. Their bodies started to fade, so they had to act quickly.
The good news was that the virus wasn't doing well in the fourth dimension. The viruses looked confused. Their shapes twisted, and their colors flickered between black and white. Some even turned invisible because they were scared.
"Look! The virus is weaker here!" Mr. Orange said excitedly.
They quickly tried to free Rust from the virus's control. However, the viruses began to adapt, absorbing energy and getting used to the fourth dimension. They started to regroup.
Time was running out. Mr. Orange and C++ were starting to fade more—their time in the higher dimension was almost up.
---
**Mr. Orange's Idea and the Old Language's Redemption**
At that critical moment, Mr. Orange had a sudden thought. "Wait! The virus came from the old programming language that was forgotten. If we can make him feel needed again, maybe we can fix this problem!"
"But how can we do that so quickly?" C++ asked.
Mr. Orange smiled. "In the fourth dimension, time works differently for us. Even though we can't stay long, we can get more done in the time we have."
They got to work. Using the special properties of the fourth dimension, they went back to different times, collecting the old language's original code and documents. Then, they wrote a bridge program that allowed the old language to work with modern programming environments.
When they uploaded this new technology to the computer world's main system, something amazing happened. The old language felt the joy of being needed again. His anger faded away, and his body changed from dark black back to bright white.
"I'm... I'm needed again!" the old language said happily.
As he changed, the virus's control over Rust weakened. Rust's mind cleared, and he looked around, confused. "What's happening?"
C++ stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder. "Welcome back, friend."
Mr. Orange explained everything that had happened. After listening, Rust said thoughtfully, "I didn't realize it all started because of the pain of being forgotten. We should respect every piece of code."
---
**Unfinished Mysteries**
But just when they thought everything was okay, they felt uneasy again. Mr. Orange noticed some black glimmers in the corner of the fourth dimension.
"Wait, what's that?" Mr. Orange pointed into the distance.
C++ looked closely. "Those seem to be leftover viruses. They haven't completely disappeared."
The old language sighed. "Maybe my sadness wasn't completely gone. Some deep feelings still remain."
Mr. Orange thought for a moment. "It looks like we need to find a way to completely get rid of the remaining viruses, or they might come back even stronger."
Rust suggested, "Maybe there's a solution in an even higher dimension. But we can't stay here any longer. We need to go back to our own world and make a new plan."
"Yes, we need to prepare and study more," C++ agreed.
They hurried back to their own dimension, their bodies becoming solid again. But the threat of the leftover viruses worried them.
Back in their world, Mr. Orange called a meeting.
"Even though we've temporarily solved the virus problem, there are still mysteries we need to figure out," Mr. Orange said.
"We need to understand the virus's true nature and the deep feelings of the old language," C++ added.
The old language said, "I'm willing to help. I want to completely let go of my sadness and make things right."
Just then, they received an urgent message. Strange energy waves were appearing at the edge of the computer world. Some unknown force seemed to be trying to get in.
"This might be related to the leftover viruses," Rust said with concern.
Mr. Orange's eyes were determined. "Looks like our adventure isn't over yet. We need to keep working together, exploring higher dimensions to find a solution."
C++ smiled. "Then our next destination is the fifth dimension!"
They all looked at each other and smiled, filled with hope and confidence to overcome the challenges ahead.
In the distant fourth dimension, the black glimmers flashed again, hinting that a bigger mystery was unfolding...
Original by Lucas, adapted by AI
