What number is the secret of the universe?

The enigmatic number 42 holds a unique significance in the realm of science fiction, particularly within the pages of Douglas Adams' beloved novel, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.' This number transcends the boundaries of mere mathematics, serving as a pivotal point in the narrative.

According to the story, the number 42 represents the elusive "Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything." This profound query, posed by mice to a group of hyper-intelligent pan-dimensional beings, sparked a quest that would span eons.

To uncover this answer, an immense supercomputer named Deep Thought was commissioned. Its sole purpose was to delve into the depths of existence, analyzing every conceivable aspect of the Cosmos in search of the ultimate truth.

Over a staggering period of 7.5 million years, Deep Thought churned through incalculable amounts of data, its processors humming with the weight of the universe's secrets. As the millennia passed, anticipation mounted among those awaiting the revelation.

Finally, after an eternity of contemplation, Deep Thought revealed its answer: 42. This simple, yet profound, numeral left those present stunned and perplexed, as they struggled to comprehend its meaning within the vast context of the universe.