The Initiative Was in His Hands

After dinner, they chatted for a while in the hotel's tea room, discussing matters related to the cooperation. They agreed to meet again at the company the next day for more detailed discussions. After that, Xiang Kun Zhang Qian and the other people from "Soaring Dragon Interactive Entertainment" and returned to the hotel.

Yang Zhen'er and Tang Baona only booked a room for Xiang Kun, but not for Lao Xia. Just like in Star City, they forced Lao Xia to share a room with them.

After having a late-night snack together, around 11:30 or almost midnight, Xiang Kun used his senses to confirm that the three girls in the next room were asleep. Then, Xiang Kun checked the scan results of the "suspected surveillance" images that Alice had marked at noon.

Alice discovered a previously undiscovered security system. The backend server of this system was also connected to a dedicated network provided by a telecom operator, which appeared to be the internal network of a secret department of "Shenxing Technology".

For a typical hacker, it would be extremely difficult to infiltrate such a system. The most likely approach would be either to breach it from the inside or to gain control of a terminal and then use it as a springboard for further operations.

But for Alice, any network, any system, any terminal, as long as she can find a physical connection point, whether wired or wireless, it's only a matter of time before she can access and control it.

Once she fully integrates into the "Super-Sensing Item System" and is able to interpret and apply "hyper-sensory information" more effectively, she will be able to hack into and control any electronic device wherever the "Super-Linked Object" are deployed, regardless of whether the target is connected to the internet or has a connected module.

While Xiang Kun and Zhang Qian were having dinner, Alice had already infiltrated and taken control of the hidden security system, and by following the clues, she quickly figured out how the system's software and hardware worked.

According to Alice's information, this security system not only controls the direct access gate to the third underground level, related access control, and internal monitoring, but also has several very well-hidden smart cameras outside the underground entrance and around the Guarding Prosperity Building that are directly connected to this system.

Several of the cameras have specially tuned imaging modes, ranging from low-light imaging to infrared thermal imaging.

Moreover, they have an intelligent system that scans and identifies all organisms using multiple imaging modes, determines their species, and then compares them with a database.

There is a standard for the normal body temperature range of various organisms and the comparison between body temperature and ambient temperature. Once the body temperature becomes abnormal, such as when the body temperature of a homeothermic animal is much lower than the average body temperature of its class, or when a cold-blooded animal shows an abnormal difference between its body temperature and ambient temperature, the system will identify the target organism and then issue an alarm through the internal display device.

Clearly, this is a monitoring and identification system developed by "Shenxing Technology" to target "Mutated Creature".

According to Alice's investigation, similar security systems have been deployed in other locations, likely in secret Research Base or similar facilities.

Fortunately, when Xiang Kun visited the secret Research Base of "Shenxing Technology" in Qicheng City, he had already discovered and avoided the surveillance equipment in the vicinity, and did not dare to get too close to investigate. He mainly used "Hyper-Sensory State" to perceive.

The servers on the three underground floors in Peng City are one of the main data storage centers, which also proves that this place is quite special, even within the secret departments of "Shenxing Technology".

Alice then sent Xiang Kun several surveillance videos, each corresponding to a monitoring camera position of the security system in the Guarding Prosperity Building, so that he could understand the general situation inside.

Several internal surveillance cameras revealed a closed space on the third basement level behind a heavy metal gate. Inside, there were various drones, modified vehicles, and other equipment. Even though it was late at night, two staff members were still busy, seemingly performing maintenance.

Besides these, there are many other rooms, some of which did not appear in the surveillance video sent by Alice, suggesting they were not equipped with surveillance cameras and were private areas.

However, Xiang Kun was most concerned about was the black GMC RV parked in the corner, and the entrance to an elevator next to it.

That place should lead underground, because Alice has already determined that there is no elevator connecting the three underground levels to the upper levels.

It seems his previous deduction was correct; the underground area where the Rabbit Woodcarving and the "Mutated Creature" were located was indeed here.

Xiang Kun spoke with Alice for a while longer to confirm her level of control over the intelligent security system, then left the hotel and headed to Guarding Prosperity Building.

The security system on the third basement level of Guarding Prosperity Building mainly relies on intelligent identification. The electronic gates and access control are also fully automatic, without manual verification or guarding.

Alice described the so-called "artificial intelligence" of this security system as "idiotic," which she easily took over completely.

After Alice took over all the surveillance cameras in Guarding Prosperity Building, Xiang Kun no longer needed to deliberately avoid them. Any footage of him would be replaced or overwritten by previously recorded footage under Alice's control, and the intelligent recognition system used to identify "Mutated Creature" would also be rendered ineffective.

Arriving once again outside the Guarding Prosperity Building, which he had observed during the day through the "World's Best Fish Heaven," Xiang Kun sensed the "Super-Linked Object Bead" that he had previously placed on the crashed drone in Wushu Mountain. He discovered that its location did not quite match the location of the third basement level sent by Alice; it was significantly different.

By comparing the drainage system diagrams found by Alice, it was deduced that the ball was most likely sent into the sewer during the drone retrieval and cleanup on the third underground level, and is currently deposited in a section of the sewer.

In that case, there are no "Super-Linked Object" on the third underground level—the "Super-Linked Object" that Lao Xia set up during the day are naturally all on the ground.

If Xiang Kun wanted to, with Alice's help, he could go straight down the special passage on the third basement level without being detected by the surveillance cameras. The electronic gates would open for him, allowing him to pass through without any obstacles. He just needed to avoid the two miserable workers on the third basement level who were still "working overtime" to maintain the drones. This was an easy task for him.

Once inside the third basement level, he could freely deploy "Super-Linked Object," and even throw Super-Linked Object down through the elevator shaft. This way, the area where the "Mutated Creature" were located would have both the Rabbit Woodcarving as an "Emotion-Infused Object" and "Super-Linked Object" within his perception range that he could utilize, allowing him to do more and exert a deeper influence.

However, considering that he knew nothing about the characteristics and abilities of the "Mutated Creature" next to the Rabbit Woodcarving, he wondered if they had any special means, such as scent or other senses, to detect the traces of the "Mutated Creature" and know that he had been there.

Therefore, to be on the safe side, Xiang Kun does not plan to go in personally right now.

At this moment, he actually missed "Zero Zero One", "Zero Zero Two", and other derivative ant legions. They were the most suitable for infiltrating and setting up "Super-Linked Object", and even if they were discovered, they would not arouse much suspicion.

Unfortunately, neither "Zero Zero One" nor "Zero Zero Two" were brought to Peng City; they remained in Chongyun Village.

However, Xiang Kun is not without other ways to deploy "Super-Linked Object".

He directly controlled ten "Super-Linked Object" spheres to enter through the dedicated entrance on the third basement level, roll down the road, and after leaving the sensing range, head to the first and second floor parking lots of Guarding Prosperity Building, which are open to company employees and visitors.

The parking lot entrance had security guards on duty all night and was heavily monitored, but with Alice's help and Xiang Kun's superhuman sensory abilities, he easily slipped in and went straight to the second basement level.

On the second basement level, once Xiang Kun finds a location relatively close to the orbs in a straight line, he can enter a "Hyper-Sensory State" to continue perceiving and controlling them, and then "remotely deploy" them.

His control over these "Super-Linked Object" is only related to distance; nothing in between has any effect.

As for the specific location of the deployment, Xiang Kun, in his Hyper-Sensory State, could easily find a good hiding corner by matching the spatial structure information with the surveillance footage from the three underground floors that Alice had previously sent him.

The tungsten steel beads are so small that they are easy to hide. Moreover, the underground three-story space is extremely large. Even if there are two people maintaining the drone, they would not notice the ten tungsten steel beads that are moving "sneakily" along the wall dozens of meters away from them.

After setting up the "Super-Linked Object," Xiang Kun noticed that two staff members on the third basement level drove through the access control and left.

However, according to Alice's report, after the two staff members left the Guarding Prosperity Building, they did not drive far, but only went to a 24-hour convenience store that was only a little over 100 meters away from the Guarding Prosperity Building to buy food.

Realizing there was no elevator directly connecting the third basement level to the first floor, Xiang Kun immediately understood why they had to drive a car to get out.

Xiang Kun also left the underground parking lot on the second basement level and went to a place not far from the convenience store, hiding in the shadows of the alley.

Two people who worked on the third basement level were sitting on a bench in front of the convenience store, smoking and chatting. They couldn't see Xiang Kun from this distance, but Xiang Kun could clearly hear their conversation.

At first, the two chatted about the types and flavors of cigarettes, which province's cigarettes were the best, which hot food items were good at the convenience stores, and whether there were any newly opened restaurants nearby. As they talked, the younger staff member suddenly remembered something and asked the older staff member next to him:

"Hey, Lao Liao, do you think we're 'underground workers' now? In the literal sense."

Lao Liao older staff member, choked on the smoke and coughed several times before laughing, "It seems that's really true."

The young staff member sighed, "Sigh, I studied for sixteen years in China and five years abroad, a total of twenty-one years, and in the end I'm still working as a drone repairman on the third basement level, working ten all-nighters every month, and I can't even go home. Lao Liao, don't you feel resentful?"

Lao Liao scoffed, "Come on, stop being so pretentious. We're here to work mainly for the money, aren't we? Aren't you satisfied with your salary, subsidies, and bonuses? Of your classmates who studied with you back then, whether in China or abroad, apart from the very few who started their own businesses and went public, how many of them earn more than you? Besides, the work we're doing, the equipment we're dealing with—do you think you can get that kind of access in a typical company or lab? Tell me, do you even have the ability to design it?"

The young staff member paused for a moment, then nodded. "What you said is really true..."

"So, being a 'repairman' isn't something just anyone can do," Lao Liao sighed. "If you're interested in research and development, you can apply to Mr. Liang, and he'll naturally transfer you to the R&D department."

"Hey, Lao Liao, are you getting tired of me and want to get rid of me?"

"Didn't you yourself feel that your talent was being wasted? Twenty-one years of hard study, and now you're stuck with a 'mechanic' like me? You must feel wronged."

"Damn! You talk like you're less educated than me!" the young staff member laughed and scolded, then, as if remembering something, added, "Hey, by the way, what's up with Lao Xie? How did his face get so badly injured? I haven't seen him go home at all. He always lives in the workshop and never goes out for fresh air. Even when he goes out for a late-night snack, he just asks us to bring it to him. There shouldn't be any rule against him going out alone, right? Also, who are the people he takes with him every time he drives that big RV? Is there really anyone in the car? Once, when the RV was waiting by the elevator, I happened to be passing by in the distance and caught a glimpse of the elevator doors opening, and there was nothing inside! Lao Liao, do you think it's possible that Lao Xie is actually just driving alone every time, with no one else in the car? Is he actually 'Mr. Liang'? And when he communicates with us using the communicator, he uses a voice changer..."

"Stop, stop, stop! Have you lost your mind? Forgot the confidentiality agreement? You don't want to work here anymore? You don't want to work here, but I do. I want to earn a few more years to support myself in retirement. Don't drag me down with you!" Lao Liao said, standing up and picking up the plastic bag he had just placed aside, walking towards his car parked by the roadside.

The young employee realized he had gone too far, threw his cigarette butt into the ashtray of the nearby trash can, and got up to chase after him. "Lao Liao, wait for me! I was wrong, okay? Sigh, you're being too petty. It's the middle of the night, just the two of us, who could hear us? Nobody from the company would know... Okay, okay, I won't say it anymore, I won't say it anymore..."

Watching the car turn around ahead and drive back towards the private entrance on the third basement floor of Guarding Prosperity Building, Xiang Kun seemed lost in thought.

Xiang Kun knew that the young staff member was actually wrong. Even if he, as the X factor, hadn't heard what the young staff member had just said, his special communicator had already been activated by the keyword and started recording. This was the monitoring mechanism that Alice discovered after entering the server on the third underground floor.

However, what the two had just said gave Xiang Kun some inspiration.

He already knew that, besides the two staff members maintaining and repairing the drones, there was another person in a room on the third basement level. That person was the burly driver with many scars on his face who had driven the GMC RV before.

Alice had also told him that the terminal receiving the surveillance footage from Xie Hongting's family was in the room where the driver was staying.

His first thought was that the driver was monitoring the family, but now, hearing the young staff member call him "Lao Xie," another idea popped into his head.

"Alice, can you find the driver's information on 'Shenxing Technology's' server?" Xiang Kun asked via his mobile phone.

"There is no corresponding information, but the security system has his fingerprint, facial, iris, and voice recognition data, codenamed 'Lao Xie'," Alice replied.

"Find information about Xie Hongting, then compare it," Xiang Kun said.

A moment later, Alice replied, "Comparison complete. Through facial feature comparison and fingerprint comparison, the probability of it being the same person is close to 100%."

Sure enough, the result was just as he had guessed. The driver was Xie Hongting. After his "death," he came here and became the driver of the "Mutated Creature" underground.

As for the underground "Mutated Creature," they must be the "flying Mutated Creature" that fought the "mutated giant bird" in Wushu Mountain and were then scared away by his induction mines. This can be proven not only by the tungsten steel ball inserted on the drone, but also by what the young staff member just said.

The reason why the young staff member suspected that Lao Xie had driven away in an empty car when he saw that the elevator was empty was because the "Mutated Creature" was invisible when it came out of the elevator.

He already knew from Wushu Mountain that the "flying Mutated Creature," like the "mutated bird," had the ability to become invisible.

Now it's up to Alice to further analyze the information she obtained from "Shenxing Technology" to determine the specific identity of the "flying Mutated Creature" and whether it is "Mr. Liang".

Of course, there is another method: find a way to place an "Emotion-Infused Object" next to Xie Hongting, and then use Lao Xia's "Dream Within a Dream" ability to inquire about it— Lao Xie certainly knows a lot.

For Xiang Kun, what intrigued him most was Shenxing Technology's attitude towards "Mutated Creature," or this "mutation phenomenon."

Based on previous observations, "Shenxing Technology" seems to be researching "Mutated Creature," using scientific methods to analyze "mutation phenomena," and looking for ways to apply them.

But ever since he sensed that the Rabbit Woodcarving had been taken to that underground space by the "Mutated Creature," the other three "Mutated Creature" in that underground space had never left, nor had they sensed any humans entering that space, as if someone was researching and observing them.

Meanwhile, researchers in secret departments like Dr. Fang and Zhou Rui knew very little about "Mutated Creature," as if they had never encountered real "Mutated Creature" before, and were slowly figuring out all the information from scratch.

This situation left Xiang Kun very puzzled and confused.

What exactly are they trying to do?

Before figuring out the problem, Xiang Kun should try his best to avoid being discovered by "Shenxing Technology," "Mr. Liang," or other related personnel, and proceed slowly and patiently.

However, with Alice already infiltrating the "Shenxing Technology" dedicated network, controlling some servers and data, and having deployed enough "Super-Linked Object" on the three underground levels, he believed it was only a matter of time before he figured it all out.

The initiative is in his hands.