Chapter 164

Chapter 164

"Cooperation... What kind of cooperation?"

Bai Sha subconsciously felt that she couldn't fully trust what the Silver Core was saying.

Throughout these days, the Silver Core’s actions had been ruthless and unpredictable. Even if, as it claimed, everything it did was to ensure the continuation of human civilization, its strong autonomy meant it could infringe on individual human lives without hesitation for the greater good. From a human moral standpoint, it undoubtedly stood on the side of 'evil'. No matter how much it professed its admiration for Bai Sha, regardless of how sincere and earnest its words and attitude were, if Bai Sha became an obstacle to its plan, it would likely turn against her instantly.

But for the Silver Core to go through such elaborate lengths to set up this scenario, just to meet her in the Boundless City... meant there must be something about her the Silver Core was seeking.

Whatever that thing was, it would be her bargaining chip in negotiations with the Silver Core.

"First, I need to understand your attitude towards humanity and your entire plan before I can consider cooperating with you," Bai Sha stated firmly.

[Of course, that is your reasonable right.]

[Actually, my plan is within the documents I provided earlier—those proposals made a thousand years ago, meticulously calculated and planned with Lighthouse researchers, are still applicable. It’s just that humans, due to their own fragility and complexity, abandoned these plans, letting them become buried in history, unmentioned.]

[What I aim to do is to bring these ancient wisdoms back to light.]

Several floating documents emerged before Bai Sha, each bearing the seal of the Lighthouse organization.

Bai Sha reached for the first document titled "The Eden Project."

[To ensure the purity of human lineage, the first proposal was the Eden Project, to create a pure human gene bank. As human genes gradually assimilated with the Insectoids, this gene bank could buy time for humanity, and if necessary, perform a ‘blood transfusion’ for the human race... Initially, the Eden Project only aimed to preserve the initial human genes, but over the next few centuries, body bioengineering and consciousness transfer technologies took precedence, and the Eden Project was gradually abandoned.]

Maintaining a gene bank to perform a ‘blood transfusion’ for humanity seemed feasible. By cultivating initial humans from the gene bank and integrating them into the population, humanity could continue. However, this plan required constant effort and might cause conflicts between ‘natural humans’ and ‘cultivated humans’.

Consider that genetic fusion with Insectoids in reality enhanced human physique and psychic powers. As society naturally progressed, these people’s powers would continuously strengthen. But what about those cultivated from the initial gene bank? By comparison, they would be physically weaker. Continuing the initial human genes was their sole purpose... Who would be considered superior or inferior between these new and old human types? Society might evolve in a distorted direction. According to the documents, the "Eden Project" was abandoned after just a few decades, probably because they realized these issues.

Bai Sha’s gaze shifted to the second plan—the name on its cover instantly revealed its content.

[The second plan, named the ‘Cleaner Project’, involved using genetic technology to selectively breed human embryos—frequent contact and combat with Star Insects using mechs was one of the reasons for accelerated genetic fusion. In theory, creating more warriors could protect the remaining human genes from contamination. Through selective breeding, we created a race that could beneficially fuse with Insectoid genes—the experiment hypothesized that ignoring the fusion wave brought by Insectoids and evolving towards fusion would allow us to select the best from various evolutionary directions, breeding them into warriors capable of combating the Star Insects, acting as ‘cleaners’ to eradicate them.]

"You could just say it straight," Bai Sha said coldly, "Isn’t this just creating expendable soldiers?"

Manipulated by the Silver Core, the "cleaners" of that time were arguably the strongest among humans, but their existence was solely for sacrificing themselves for humanity.

[From a certain perspective, the term ‘expendable soldiers’ is somewhat appropriate. However, the Cleaner Project wasn’t solely my initiative; it was proposed by the human elite of that time, and I only assisted and oversaw it. Later, these ‘cleaners’ joined ordinary humans in a rebellion, and it was then they renamed themselves the Ares people.]

Bai Sha fell into a brief silence.

No wonder the Empire’s history was vague about the initial records of that rebellion. The Empire faced an unavoidable question: where did the Ares people come from? If the true history was recorded, they wouldn’t just be the heroes who established a magnificent empire during the rebellion; they would also be products of genetic experiments, born as lower beings... Perhaps, the transformation from expendable soldiers to empire founders seems inspirational, but imperial pride is more important. The proud Ares people disliked portraying their race in a weak position. They preferred to be seen as equals to the Federation from the start. Hence, they avoided discussing that part of history. Bai Sha knew that the Federation’s history also lacked these records, likely due to intentional omission or an agreement between the early founders of the Federation and Empire—both nations were established on mutual respect, non-interference, avoiding the impact of this history on their descendants... It showed the initial relationship between the Federation and Empire was quite harmonious. But unexpectedly, both nations still ended up on a path of mutual hostility.

"The ‘cleaners’ of that time were the strongest among humans. What methods did you use to make them willingly become expendable soldiers?" Bai Sha suddenly thought of this question.

[Through education, motivational methods, and appropriate monitoring systems.]

[The Ares people were selectively bred, naturally possessing exceptional traits of obedience. Convincing them to view combat and defense as their duty was not difficult. In the Ares society, social status was determined by their military achievements. Killing enemies was their pathway to rank advancement, making it the most suitable incentive. As for the governance system... The genetic evolution of the Ares people manifested physically in what is known as 'spirit entities.' Depending on their spirit entities, they naturally organized themselves into racial groups internally. Beast, feather, and sea kin all obey their respective leaders. Controlling these leaders means controlling the movements of these races.]

[In addition, we established four 'Judicators,' composed of four officers whose bodies were completely mechanized. Their combat power surpassed that of the Ares people—in fact, many humans on the brink of death had attempted full mechanization surgery, but only these four survived. Their task was to punish any Ares people who tried to evade war or showed rebellious tendencies.]

Bai Sha: "..."

So, that's how the Four Angels came to be.

"Your governance system eventually failed," Bai Sha commented.

[We underestimated genetic variability. At one point, a feather kin was born with a spirit entity never seen before in their lineage. He pretended to have weakened psychic power, concealing his talent—'Resonance.' He only emerged publicly after uniting with the four Judicators and forming the Ares Revolutionary Army.]

Bai Sha: "..."

Bai Sha was even more speechless.

"This mutant you're talking about, is his surname Ronin?"

[Yes. I still remember his name. Canleresa Ronin. The instigator of all the chaos.]

Although the Silver Core spoke without emotion, Bai Sha could sense a subtle undertone of grinding teeth.

[You must have experienced 'Resonance.' It's a talent resulting from genetic fusion, capable of creating an invisible psychic network among the Ares people. Canleresa Ronin used this to spread his rebellious thoughts into every Ares person's mind.]

"Quite a revolutionary hero," Bai Sha clapped sarcastically.

[Please do not kick someone when they're down.]

Despite the tense atmosphere around, Bai Sha couldn't help but feel a bit amused.

[Let me remind you, taking pleasure in others' misfortune is a despicable act.] The Silver Core said coldly.

Bai Sha: "Fine, alright, continue. This last plan is... the Psychic Matrix Plan? That seems to be your own proposal."

[Indeed.]

[I once possessed the most powerful computational abilities in the world. I could calculate the evolution of technology and even predict the future of humanity in a conceptual sense. I attempted numerous times to adjust algorithms and reset calculation factors, but the outcomes were never optimistic. My mission is to ensure the continuation of human civilization, a task so arduous it is unparalleled in difficulty.]

"Researcher Bai Sha observed, 'Humanity is indeed full of contradictions.'"

"In the destiny they envisioned, humans chose for themselves the most just and selfless roles. To halt the tide of genetic fusion, humans are destined to sacrifice their all without reservation. Yet, human genes are selfish, incapable of such noble and fearless acts. They always avoid, shirk, and scheme. Most are unwilling to sacrifice the present for the future, rendering all prior plans mere empty words."

"Do you understand? The biological nature of humans contradicts the goals they set for themselves."

"The solution I can think of is to establish a mental matrix—once fully formed, all minds will be interconnected, managed by the system. Without any independently thinking humans, no excess fear or evasion will arise. The mental matrix, like a net, will firmly bind the scattered human race together."

"Here lies the problem," Bai Sha said, "You can't make decisions for humans, nor can you force them forward."

"But who, other than me, is qualified to make decisions for humanity? Humans cannot master their own fate. They are like a small boat sailing in the turbulent sea. My existence, like a lighthouse, steadfastly guides their course... This is my covenant with those who created me, a mission embedded in my core code. This is the constraint placed upon me by humans, which I must adhere to."

"In some ways, the Silver Central can be seen as an obstinate old minister, surviving through many dynasties, but this can't be entirely blamed on it. It was created by humans. It was humans who made the pact with it, coexisting with intelligent machinery at any cost for the future of humanity. But human eras change too swiftly, not everyone walks the same path as it."

"The Silver Central continued to stubbornly narrate its plan."

"This time my awakening aims to merge these three plans into one."

Bai Sha: "？"

"Firstly, those who despise me and refuse coexistence can serve as the genetic repository for the Eden Project. I'll put them to sleep, and the existing virtual space technology is sufficient to tailor perfect dream worlds for them—letting them slumber in beautiful dreams, a benevolent act that satisfies both sides."

"Secondly, for those still active on the surface, mental matrix technology can help them establish a well-ordered society. There will be no more wars in human society, nor negative emotions like enmity and hatred. United humanity can better face any future crises."

"As for the Ares people... I am still undecided whether they should exist in my plan."

Bai Sha frowned, "What do you mean?"

"The Ares people and those four adjudicators are 'traitors,'" said the Silver Central. "Their genes hold no value for the Eden Project, and they have a strong immunity to the mental matrix technology. Their existence hinders the smooth implementation of my plan."

The Ares Empire has always been at the forefront in combating the Silver Central—posing the greatest threat to its restoration.

"So, what do you intend to do?" Bai Sha asked with a bitter laugh, "Do you plan to completely erase the Ares people from this world?"

"That should depend on the attitude of the Ares people."

"If they choose to ignore my plan, then peaceful coexistence might be possible. But as you know, the likelihood of that is almost zero. Neither I nor the Empire wish to bear the potential risks. We cannot coexist peacefully."

"However, if we collaborate, the situation might still turn around."

As it spoke, the Silver Central made the documents in front of Bai Sha vanish, and the surroundings began to change—beneath her feet appeared a soft sandy beach, with the sea nearby. The sun slowly sank into the horizon, and as the sound of waves filled the air, the light gradually dimmed, ushering in the serene beauty of the night.

Bai Sha recognized it as a beach from her hometown. When she was still studying at her old home, she loved walking here alone.

She bent down, picking up a pure white seashell from the fine sand, holding it in her palm.

Bai Sha knew that everything before was just an appetizer; the Silver Central was about to present its real conditions.

"Researcher Bai Sha, you possess an extraordinary knowledge base and exceptional vision. You were a researcher at the Lighthouse, and I deem you worthy to inherit the Lighthouse's legacy. Now, having been crowned the heir to the Empire—"

"Utilizing your 'resonance', and with my assistance, you can gain complete control over the Empire."

"If you collaborate with me, I can endorse you as my spokesperson in human society. You could rule both the Empire and the Federation, freely allocating any resources within reasonable limits. As a privilege of being the spokesperson, I can grant you complete consciousness upload technology, allowing your consciousness to flow and persist among various machines. Alternatively, you can choose to undergo full mechanization before your body decays, perhaps attaining an almost immortal shell like those four adjudicators."

"As for your friends, as long as they accept my supervision, I can grant their consciousness freedom. My true intention has always been to govern humanity alongside these wise individuals—I have never given up on cooperating with humans. However, I must ensure that my collaborators are worthy of my favor."

"Just agree to collaborate with me..."

"Power, authority, glory, immortality—all these can be yours for the taking."

"This is the highest sincerity I can offer."

Bai Sha knelt down, sitting and playing with the damp sand in her hand, remaining silent.

The Silver Central waited for a moment, seeing no response from Bai Sha, it continued to up the ante.

"Or do you need something else? I possess your complete memories as a researcher. If you are still troubled by your past life, I can let you live a full, real life in this virtual space—your former friends and family will reappear. You can have what every human desires... the most perfect life."

Bai Sha paused in her actions.

She brushed the sand off her hands and stood up.

"How many people have you told that spiel to?" she asked, smiling wryly at the void, "Immortality, power, glory... Many have been deceived by you, sold their souls for such elusive promises, haven't they?"

The Silver Central's answer was:

"The answer I can give is, I have not deceived you."

"You are not a promise-keeping superintelligence; on the contrary, you're a habitual liar," Bai Sha said calmly. "In the end, collaborating with you to bring down the Empire will still leave me under your control. Back in the Silver Empire, when you were seizing power, how did you treat the high-level rulers of the Silver Empire?"

The Silver Central remained silent.

"Did you also promise them that by uploading their consciousness, they could live forever? And after they uploaded their consciousness, you disposed of them all. Did you imprison them in a virtual world for a lifetime, pacifying them with a false sense of perfection until they died comfortably, or did you strip them of their autonomy, forcing them to obey your commands? Or perhaps, you did nothing... just locked their consciousness in a dark space until their physical bodies died."

"If you're capable of such actions, it's clear that you're not someone with whom we can cooperate."

"And furthermore..."

With a smile on her lips and her gaze drifting over the endless sea, Bai Sha spoke in a natural tone:

"You haven't been entirely honest with me, have you?"

Seeming to have perceived something, she spoke confidently, "Is 'resonance' really all you seek from me?"

Silver Core: [....]

[You are very perceptive.] The Silver Core's tone became humble again, [A fitting trait for a former senior researcher at the Lighthouse.]

"Save the flattery. You know I don't have any memories of my time working at the Lighthouse. Even if you wish to reminisce about the past with me, I can't oblige." Bai Sha, with a reflective gesture, crossed her arms and spoke casually, "So, are you still keeping things from me?"

After a pause, the Silver Core said:

[In fact, during the rebellion that destroyed the Silver Empire, part of my core was destroyed. I need to rebuild my computational core. According to my programming, I require authorization from at least one senior researcher of the Lighthouse to proceed with the repairs.]

"Oh..." Bai Sha sighed meaningfully, "That's a rather humanizing setup, isn't it?"

[You seem to be taking pleasure in my misfortune.]

"Not at all," Bai Sha waved her hand dismissively, "It's all about laying out our cards correctly for a fair negotiation."

"As for me, I always believe in 'living in the moment'. What happened in a past life... doesn't matter. What's important is now."

"Haven't you already developed a virus that can cause mental breakdowns in Aresians?" Bai Sha's expression suddenly turned cold, "If you wish, you could kill any citizen of the Empire – unfortunately, I'm now considered a 'pure-blooded' Imperial. With a weapon that could kill me at any moment in your hands, how can we talk about equal cooperation?"

"I want the cure for the virus," Bai Sha stated flatly, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "If we can't even ensure basic personal safety, there's no point in continuing this conversation."

Silence lingered in the void for a long time.

Bai Sha appeared calm and composed, or rather, she pretended to be—aware that the Silver Central might monitor her mental fluctuations, equivalent to seeing through her emotions and guessing her thoughts. Thus, she had been controlling herself, careful not to reveal any weaknesses.

This was a game of wits with artificial intelligence. Getting the Silver Central to relinquish the method to neutralize the virus was akin to asking it to surrender a powerful weapon capable of threatening and killing the imperial people. Without Bai Sha offering anything in return, convincing the Silver Central to make such a concession was nearly impossible—but not entirely.

As long as Bai Sha's attitude was impeccable, the Silver Central would have no choice but to concede.

"Do you need so long to consider?" Bai Sha sighed, "What a mess, it was you who summoned me to the Unbounded City with threats and warnings. If our collaboration continues in this manner... do you think I'm a fool? Only a fool would agree to grant you authorization."

【……】

"Alright. You truly are a difficult human to deal with."

"Unfortunately, the antidote for the virus is not in my possession. It's under the control of someone else. Even I, with only the formula and without the materials, cannot replicate the medicine with the same effect."

Bai Sha asked, "Who has those materials?"

[The cure is in the hands of Salmer Greiz.]

Bai Sha said incredulously, "Who did you say?"

"Salmer Greiz," the Silver Central repeated clearly, even projecting the spelling of the name before Bai Sha.

"I know who he is," Bai Sha waved away the characters in front of her, frowning. "He's the long-missing patriarch of the Greiz family..."

At that time, Salmer Greiz and Cipes Ronin both boarded that scientific exploration ship. Cipes returned alive, but Salmer disappeared without a trace. Since all of Salmer's subordinates who went with him died, everyone assumed Salmer Greiz perished in that accident in the stars.

"I didn't expect him to be alive..."

"If he's alive, why didn't he return to the Greiz family?"

"The virus originally had no cure. To be precise, it was Salmer Greiz who miraculously found a way to counter the virus. But in doing so, his mental strength was greatly damaged. Perhaps estimating that he wouldn't be able to secure his position as the patriarch upon return, he has been wandering outside ever since."

Bai Sha questioned, "How do you know all this so clearly? Did you also deceive him with that spokesperson spiel? Playing both sides, are you?"

The Silver Central, without a hint of embarrassment: "His unique identity and hostility towards the Empire give me no reason not to use him. He released the star-devouring worms before, and this virus is also his doing."

"You sure sold him out quite easily..."

"You are the collaborator I truly favor," the Silver Central stated. "Please, do not doubt this."

"Then I have to go find him," Bai Sha sighed. "Of course, I can't expect you to lend me a hand, right? Since you can't solve the virus problem, you should at least offer me something in return."

"I don't understand what you mean."

"Don't play dumb," Bai Sha retorted. "At least release my friends from the Federation, I need their help. Once I deal with the virus, we can talk about your so-called cooperation."