"Energy supply system, restored."
"Perception system, restore"
"Brain resonance module missing"
"Neural connectivity system, unknown state"
Functionality completeness: 60%
The large sphere's self-check process proceeded slowly and steadily. Although it did regain its mobility thanks to Li Xingkong's Magic Power support, most of its modules encountered problems because Li Xingkong had taken control of all the lines connecting it to the outside world.
Fortunately, this thing is quite robust; even with so many modules missing, it can still run, which surprised Li Xingkong.
After completing the self-check, a virtual face appeared on the surface of the large sphere. After a series of strange expressions flashed by like a carousel, it finally returned to normal.
After it returned to normal, the virtual antennae on its head twitched, and then all its eyes looked at Li Xingkong.
I know you.
The large, round sphere, with its beady eyes, watched Li Xingkong a few times before emitting a synthesized, electronic-sounding voice.
"You are the so-called Overlord?"
Li Xingkong observed the large sphere's condition; with the power of Magic Power, its mental state had undoubtedly improved significantly.
"That's right, I am the Overlord of this civilization, but the fact that you stand before me now means that all of that is in the past."
As the giant sphere saw Li Xingkong, it also saw countless lines of its own being pulled out, floating beside Li Xingkong and connecting with an unknown energy source.
It is fully aware that its continued operation is entirely dependent on Li Xingkong's charity.
"What, you want to see me beg for mercy before you're destroyed? Unfortunately, after my advancement, I've lost most of my emotional modules, so I can't do as you wish."
The large sphere looked completely unperturbed, as if it hadn't lost.
Li Xingkong had no intention of humiliating it. He used his Magic Power to awaken it, mainly because Li Xingkong was curious.
"I'm just wondering, why did things come to this?"
"Now that we've developed into StarCraft civilization, our technology has reached a certain level. Why go against the tide, enslaving other civilizations and even trying to exterminate them? Wouldn't it be better for everyone to work together and develop together?"
Li Xingkong didn't understand. Due to individual differences, the development of technology trees in different civilizations would naturally vary. When different civilizations came together to develop together, they could undoubtedly achieve a faster pace of development through communication.
"Hmph, working together to seek common development?"
The large sphere smiled with a hint of disdain.
"In the face of life and death, these are all secondary matters. You haven't experienced our history, and your words only make me laugh."
"Before we even set foot on our planet, our homeworld was discovered by the suzerain state, and everyone was forced to be imprisoned in a tiny place on the planet. In countless acts of resistance and struggle, our population dwindled at an alarming rate, until finally less than one in ten remained."
"When the disparity in military strength reached a certain point, resistance was nothing more than a futile effort, a laughingstock, so we surrendered to them."
"After surrendering, we endured thousands of years of nightmares under the enslavement of the suzerain state. Fortunately, there were exceptionally talented individuals within our tribe who, through their own strength, created the conditions for us to establish a vassal civilization."
"However, the corresponding price we have to pay is also very heavy: endless heavy physical labor, various forms of severe environmental pollution, and a large number of people leaving every year. Under these conditions, before civilization can flourish, we will be tormented to the point of extinction."
"So, you started looking for other species to do the dirty work for you?"
Li Xingkong chimed in at the opportune moment.
"That's right. Since the inevitable death cannot be changed, let's find a way to have others die in our place."
The big sphere laughed.
"Initially, when we captured a civilization, we would negotiate with them and try to carry out the operation peacefully. But unfortunately, these guys weren't much else, but they were extremely good at pushing their luck. They tested our limits step by step, trying to gain more benefits from it."
"So later on, we simply adopted the method of enslavement, which reduced a lot of the trouble of intrigue and backstabbing."
"But even so, you still can't escape the enslavement of the suzerain state, can you? Without power in your own hands, all prosperity is meaningless."
"Of course we've considered your idea. Once we have enough slave civilizations to replace us in endless hard labor, we'll begin to prioritize scientific research."
"The so-called 'Intelligent Brain Ascension ' is a unique technology we've developed, which can transfer the complete consciousness of a Snail People into Intelligent Brain, thereby achieving a different kind of mechanical immortality."
The large sphere spoke of this technique with obvious pride.
"If everyone were to transform into Intelligent Brain, we would have ample room to maneuver, whether to fight or retreat, but unfortunately..."
"What's a pity?"
Li Xingkong examined the state of the large sphere. Its modification was undoubtedly quite successful. The computing power and control capabilities of this Intelligent Brain were worlds apart from those of the Snail People himself.
"Unfortunately, even within the same race, there are disgusting schemers and conspirators. After the development of Intelligent Brain technology was completed, a leader of a civilization demanded the secret development of an Intelligent Brain that could control all Intelligent Brain, or rather, King of Intelligent Brains.'"
"It can control the will of all Intelligent Brain and arbitrarily decide the life and death of other Intelligent Brain."
Li Xingkong stroked his chin. If that's the case, this giant sphere in front of him calls itself the Overlord, so isn't this guy the so-called King of Intelligent Brains?
"So aren't you insulting yourself? Aren't you the so-called ' Intelligent Brain King Intelligence'?"
"Hehe, you could think of it that way. But whether it's the Intelligent Brain or the Intelligent Brain King, they're all my hard work; I'm their creator!"
"Ah?"
Li Xingkong truly hadn't anticipated this. So what happened to those ambitious individuals he mentioned?
" The Overlord was successfully developed as scheduled. However, when it came to the final transfer of consciousness, I hesitated. Was it really appropriate to entrust such immense power to these guys?"
"It's better to have it in your own hands; that's the most real thing. What race, what civilization—it's all illusory. Only strength is truly real."
Li Xingkong truly hadn't expected the story to end this way; the ambitions of those politicians ultimately brought this guy to his knees.
"So, now that you have this kind of power, shouldn't you start to rebel?"
"Resist? I have now become the god of civilization, its supreme representative. My words carry more weight than those of the suzerain state. My rule is flawless. Why would I rebel?"
"But your people are still suffering!"
"Hmph, it's the enslaved foreign races that suffer, what does it have to do with my civilization? Besides, what good would resistance do? I'm already Intelligent Brain, those Snail People are no longer the same species as me. The current state is what best serves my interests."
Well, Li Xingkong finally understood. This guy had gotten a bit arrogant after his promotion.