It's currently not possible fair to unlock Gather XVI, cause the maximum number of bits currently obtainable in the game is 953 (refer to this guide), and it's still 4 short of unlocking this chapter. These 4 bits may be from the 2 broken Breakthroughs in the game (refer to this guide).

But there is one way to unlock it - use hex editor. Thanks to Dohi64 for the clue.

If you already have maximum bits - 953 - use any hex editor to edit just one element (see screenshot below).

When replacing the value of B9 with BD, save the file and replace it in the storage location (appdata/locallow/broguelike/pathos/PlayerData.bin). After starting the game, you should have 957 bits and the ability to go through the 16th chapter.

P.S. English is not my native language, sorry for the mistakes.