Deep Blue

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Welcome to the Deep Blue, a colossal secret city veiled far beneath the bustling streets of the surface world. As you tap into your drone’s viewpoint, the sheer scale of your mission prompts a profound exhale. The tales shared at the NEXUS, once shrugged off as mere urban myths, now emerge as stark realities. The sprawling expanse of this power-centric city unfurls before you, its looming structures and neon-lit corridors casting an otherworldly aura.

For a brief moment, the comfort of retreating to the familiar shadows of the surface world tempts you. Yet, the mystery and uncharted depths of this urban labyrinth irresistibly draw you in. Gripping the Genesis Key firmly, you take a deep breath, fortifying your determination.

Amidst the pungent mix of machinery, grime, and smog, a hint of the enticing aroma of ramen breaks through, offering a comforting nod to life’s simple joys in the midst of this complex underworld. Your drone hovers near a café named Ruby’s, its warm glow beckoning. This locale seems like the perfect starting point. Food serves not just to satiate hunger but also to unlock conversations. Here, perhaps amidst steaming bowls and shared narratives, you might uncover crucial insights and directions to the elusive main terminal.

-TC

Introduction

“Deep Blue” is a virtual location from my “Byte’s Cypherpunk 2081” VR series, the most technical, intricate, and novel Equirectangular image series I’ve ever created.

Image Specifications

Equirectangular Dimensions: 18,432 x 9,216 pixels
Resolution: 240 Px/In
PSB file size: 5.41 GB
Color Space: SRGB

Software Used

Pano2VR
Photoshop
Lightroom
Topaz Gigapixel AI
Magnific AI
Stable Diffusion XL
Mid Journey
Blockade Labs

Artwork

The Process

With Deep Blue, my objective was to magnify the complex details that SDXL, Mid Journey v6, and Magnific AI are renowned for. This venture pushed the limits of my toolkit, challenging me to not just upscale but also infuse each layer with rich, intricate details, thus breathing life into this dystopian world.

The task at hand was to craft an aerial perspective of Deep Blue’s vast underground expanse, a task fraught with unique challenges. The process of scaling characters and objects appropriately was crucial to maintain realism and perspective. On the dynamic canvas of Photoshop’s background layer, each high-resolution object was meticulously merged and transformed. This precision in warping, tailored to each object’s perspective and scale, was vital. It ensured a flawless transition from rectilinear to Equirectangular projection, thereby integrating every element harmoniously into Deep Blue’s world. This painstaking approach has resulted in a scene that is not only immersive but also resonates with the compelling depth and realism of this hidden urban expanse.

Creative Power

Less than a month after reflecting on the rapid progression of AI with the creation of Dragon’s Den, the landscape dramatically shifted. The release of OpenAI’s Sora text-to-video model and Stable Diffusion V3 marked an undeniable leap – an exponential inflection point in AI development that I could scarcely believe. These groundbreaking tools will undoubtedly revolutionized the creative process, offering a gateway into a limitless world of artistic potential.

This evolution is poised to shift power from traditional gatekeepers, placing it firmly in the hands of creatives. We are rapidly advancing towards a future where the only boundaries to creation are one’s imagination, the VRAM, and the processing capabilities at their disposal. The era of the uncanny valley is behind us; we now step into a realm of astonishing realism, precision, and detail, transforming once-unattainable dreams into tangible, vivid realities.

Cyberpunk Aesthetic & Ethos

Upholding the essence of Cypherpunk intrigue and the raw, unfiltered spirit of Cyberpunk remains my foremost commitment. The true soul of Cyberpunk is unveiled in its stark portrayal of human dichotomies. It transcends mere aesthetic, embodying a lifestyle where defiance is the norm, and the PUNK ethos boldly confronts conventional moralities with a defiant stance, underscoring the philosophy of personal code and rule.

This genre is a testament to rebellion against the mundane, a staunch refusal to align with the decaying moral fabric of society. In the Cyberpunk realm, survival hinges on adaptability and resilience, where the only moral compass is one’s own conscience. Whether as a decker or a hacker, the necessity to tread murky waters for survival is a well-known truth.

My passion for this genre stems from its celebration of rebellion, anti-authoritarianism, and the indomitable human spirit. Growing up during the rise of home computing, I’ve witnessed the digital evolution firsthand. The line between the real and the virtual has not just blurred; it has intertwined, especially as my interactions with AI have deepened. From the early days of 1989, my life has been illuminated by the glow of a computer screen.

Observing the myriad reactions to each technological breakthrough – from apprehension to eager acceptance – has been a fascinating journey. It’s a cycle of evolution and obsolescence, where new systems rise and fade. Cyberpunk not only mirrors our contemporary dilemmas but also casts them into a future landscape. This potent amalgamation of prophecy, introspection, conflict, escapism, and unapologetic punk ethos is what renders Cypherpunk and Cyberpunk not just genres, but realms of endless exploration and resonance for me.

Prompt Engineering

My skill in prompt engineering has been honing with each passing day, particularly as I near my two-year mark of interaction with Mid Journey this July, 2024. This LLM stands out as one of the most extraordinary tools I’ve had the privilege to work with. Its ability to match the color space and lighting of portraits to my scenes with precision is noteworthy. This not only streamlines the compositing process but also ensures that all renders integrate flawlessly into the scene, enhancing the overall visual coherence.

I’m equally impressed with the capabilities of SDXL and automatic1111. These robust tools have revolutionized my workflow, offering an unparalleled degree of creative control over my digital creations.

The art of prompt engineering is crucial in AI-generated projects. Steering the AI towards specific constraints such as lighting, color, depth of field, exposure, style, subject position, camera angles, seed numbers, and negative prompting is a delicate balance. It requires not just technical expertise but also an intuitive understanding of the medium. Countless hours spent practicing with AI and refining the economy of my language have been key in maintaining consistency across all renderings.

Despite meticulous prompting, patience remains a vital component, often accompanied by the necessity to iterate or refine prompts to achieve the desired outcome.

Cypherpunk Ethos

In the realm of digital currency, the Cypherpunk movement laid the groundwork for a pivotal shift in our global financial system, aiming to save humanity from the pitfalls of traditional monetary structures. Bitcoin, a brainchild of this movement, brought forth a transformative concept of money, emphasizing transparency, security, and decentralization. Its blockchain technology records every transaction on-chain, ensuring an immutable and transparent ledger, a stark contrast to the often opaque operations of conventional banking.

Bitcoin’s innovation lies in addressing crucial aspects of sound money – durability, portability, divisibility, uniformity, stability, scarcity, and acceptability – all encapsulated in a digital format. This paradigm shift is not just about a new form of currency; it’s a profound statement on reclaiming financial autonomy and fostering a more equitable global economy.

Turning to Ergo, a platform that stands on the shoulders of Bitcoin’s revolutionary ideals, we see the next evolution in the quest to fix the money system. Ergo extends the Cypherpunk ethos, offering enhanced privacy, advanced smart contract capabilities, and economic freedom through accessible, decentralized financial tools. It harmonizes the best of blockchain development and academic research, providing a robust platform for versatile dApps and financial agreements that run with predictable costs and successful execution. Ergo’s Sigma Protocols enable sophisticated, efficient zero-knowledge transactions, marking a significant step towards a more secure, transparent, and equitable financial future.

Cyber Cats

My fascination with these captivating little beings started early; I grew up surrounded by cats of all sorts, both the indoor loungers and the adventurous outdoor explorers. Flash was the first cat I lost; his departure left me in tears for months. He lived up to his name, zipping around with incredible speed.

Then there was Herschel, a majestic black Persian kitten. He holds a special place in my heart, thanks to a fateful day that bonded us forever. I remember it vividly – a peculiar thumping sound from the dryer during breakfast led me to discover Herschel inside, injured but alive. Though he bore the scars of this incident for life, our bond only grew stronger from that day forward.

<3 CATS.

Their affinity with the Cyberpunk genre is undeniable to me. Cats embody stealth, cunning, and adaptability – traits revered in the subterranean world of hackers, street samurai, and societal outliers. Masters of concealment, they dwell in the shadows, their gaze detached yet keenly observant, embodying the true essence of outsiders. In this world, they navigate as both the hunter and the hunted, a duality that resonates deeply within the Cyberpunk ethos.

Thus, cats have etched their place as an iconic symbol within Cyberpunk culture. They represent the rebels, the non-conformists who defy control by greater powers. To those who recognize their enigmatic charm, cats offer a unique solace amidst the chaos and unpredictability of the world, a beacon of comfort in the otherwise tumultuous landscape of Cyberpunk.

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Shelly's Arcade

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Tribute to my brother Kevin

My older brother Kevin’s departure in 2023 sent shockwaves of sorrow through our family. Yet through tear-filled eyes, I channeled the anguish, dedicating this sanctum to him. Kevin was a gateway to life’s vibrant hues – the rhythm of Rock and Roll, the calm of golfing greens, the thrill of fast cars, and the hearty laughter following a good joke. His demeanor was a blend of humor, sarcasm, and warm smiles, making every moment special. I reminisce about unveiling the early days of my VR world to him, his eyes lighting up as he remarked, ‘You’ve ventured farther than I imagined.’ Kevin now resides in that tender part of my heart where pain and joy intertwine. His memory, a blend of love, laughter, and life, lingers on.

We miss you Kevin.

<3 -TC

Byte’s Cypherpunk 2081

TC Montague

Contact

Deep Blue

Introduction

Image Specifications

Software Used

Artwork

The Process

Creative Power

Cyberpunk Aesthetic & Ethos

Prompt Engineering

Cypherpunk Ethos

Cyber Cats

Continue to Ruby's Cafe

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

NEXUS

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Joans

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Introduction

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Imperium's End

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Dragon's Den

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Deep Blue

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Ruby's Cafe

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Tom's Pantry

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Trausti's Taproom

Byte's Cypherpunk 2081

Shelly's Arcade

Tribute to my brother Kevin

Greetings ✋ traveler

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