The two chatted casually as they walked into a spacious, large conference room.
At this moment, the conference room was filled with creatures of various races, all of whom were mechanics who had come from all over the world. The lowest level was Calamity Grade, and there were also several Beyond Grade A mechanics present.
The Empire's "Phantom God" Kant, "Fleet Emperor" Maxiler, and "Quantum Magic Spirit" Judith; the Arcane Sun Hunter and "Mechanical Catastrophe" Francisco; the Glory "Mechanical Queen" Mornisa and "Guardian" Rama; and the "Lone Walker" Jack Gonitz, who was recently released by Han Xiao.
Some of them are not virtual specialists, but as Beyond Grade A mechanics, they have made certain achievements in the field of virtual information, at least more powerful than those at the Calamity Grade.
In response to the Intelligence Plague, the Three Universal Civilizations invited renowned experts from various star systems to collaborate, making it a grand gathering of mechanics from across the universe—a veritable spectacle of exceptional talent and influential figures.
As soon as Han Xiao and Manison walked in, everyone present held their breath, their eyes fixed on the two of them, their faces filled with admiration, awe, and other emotions.
In the current world of mechanics, Manison is recognized as the pinnacle, while Black Star has risen rapidly and recently achieved remarkable results. In addition, as the vice president of the Beyond Grade A Association, he is considered by most people to be second only to Manison in the ranking of Beyond Grade A mechanics.
As the two walked in side by side, many mechanics couldn't help but feel the excitement of meeting their idols.
"Oh, everyone's here."
All the Beyond Grade A mechanics were in the first row. Han Xiao greeted Kant and other imperial allies, then turned and glanced at the area of Glory and Arcane Beyond Grade A allies.
--Yes, that's confirmed. I've basically beaten them all.
Noticing the teasing in Han Xiao's eyes, apart from the Sun Hunter, the other Glory and Arcane Mechanics awkwardly looked away, not wanting to meet Black Star's gaze.
Especially Jack Gonitz, who had just been released from prison after a long period of imprisonment, quickly turned his head to look at the ceiling, pretending to be lost in thought.
"Tsk tsk, don't be shy. We're all members of the same association now. Why be so aloof and not even say hello?"
Han Xiao bent down, smiling, and put his arm around everyone's shoulders. Everyone stiffened, then reluctantly nodded and called out, "Vice President."
Ah, that feels good.
Han Xiao was satisfied. He patted everyone's shoulders vigorously, sat down in the empty seat next to Old Manison, and pulled Kant next to him to seriously discuss their experience with transformation.
After a while, everyone was present. Sidrun strode into the room, stood on the conference platform, and the whispering in the room quickly disappeared as everyone looked up at him.
Sidrun cleared his throat and spoke in a deep voice:
"Some of you know me, some don't. Let me introduce myself. I am Sidrun, the head of the Observer Department of the Federation of Light. Everyone here is a top-tier mechanic in the universe. We all accepted this invitation to help eliminate the Virtual Mutiny Virus. The situation is urgent, so I'll skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point."
As he spoke, Sidrun summoned a virtual screen, displaying the current extent of infection in the star system, and solemnly stated:
"The Virtual Mutiny Virus is a new type of quantum network virus technology. It is highly sophisticated and has an amazing ability to penetrate normal firewalls. After successfully penetrating the network, it will disguise itself as normal data. Because there are many variations of the shell key data of the information packet, the concealment is extremely high. Once it successfully penetrates a node, the difficulty of scanning increases significantly and it consumes a lot of computing power."
Furthermore, each packet of the Virtual Mutiny Virus is a source of infection, constantly replicating itself and causing repeated infections, making conventional methods too inefficient. Currently, we are analyzing the structure and encoding of the packets, planning to reverse engineer three dedicated programs for the Virtual Mutiny Virus, for scanning, antivirus, and firewall purposes respectively. However, the encoding of this virus is vastly different from current mainstream quantum network technology, making analysis very difficult and progress slow...
Upon hearing this, everyone present nodded in agreement; this was the normal procedure for dealing with virtual viruses.
There are numerous virtual mechanics in the universe. Every so often, new viruses will appear on the quantum network, and various firewalls must be constantly updated and iterated. Virtual antivirus and medicine are quite similar: both involve detecting the disease (scanning), diagnosing the symptoms (locking abnormal data), treating it (killing the virus), and finally preventing recurrence by creating antibodies and vaccines (updating the firewall).
These mechanics are like top medical experts from various regions, collaborating to research a new infectious disease.
Sidrun said in a heavy tone, "Currently, the Virtual Mutiny Virus is still in its incubation period. We have intercepted many virus packets that have not completely self-destructed. After interpreting the content, we have discovered the triggering mechanism for the virus outbreak. The situation is not optimistic."
Algorithm analysis reveals sixteen triggering logics for the Virtual Mutiny Virus, with the four most challenging: First, the virus will automatically erupt when the number of infected nodes reaches a certain scale; second, the virus will also erupt prematurely if it is massively eradicated; third, the virus will erupt if its infection rate falls below a certain threshold or if it repeatedly infects nodes without penetrating new ones; fourth, if a single virus packet is blocked on a node for too long, it will automatically erupt...
As Han Xiao listened to Sidrun's introduction, he looked at the information on the screen and a thought struck him.
Viruses don't just sit idly by; these triggering mechanisms adapt to various situations... Too many infection points, outbreak! Massive virus eradication, outbreak! Infection efficiency suppressed, outbreak!
The [Intelligence Plague] mission hints at the existence of the virus core, so most of the triggering mechanisms, including these three, should be controlled by the virus core—only the virus core can coordinate the overall infection trend. Each information packet is like a bomb, and the virus core is the remote control.
Disconnecting from the internet can sever the connection between the information packet and the virus core. However, the fourth triggering mechanism introduced by Sidrun is to prevent this situation... Even without remote control from the virus core, if the infected node does not interact with other nodes for a long time, the information packet will self-detonate, like a time bomb. In this way, it is difficult to take measures to isolate and imprison the virus.
Currently, the Three Universal Civilizations have only severed the connection between the Ancient Star Desert and other star regions to prevent leaks to the outside world, while the network within the star region has not been cut off. A few public base stations have been retained to maintain the star region-level quantum network channel.
A complete internet shutdown is impractical. Cutting off the public links of each node would be like blinding ourselves, making it impossible for the Three Universal Civilizations to monitor the infection situation or count the number of infected individuals. It's impossible to send fleets inch by inch across the vast expanse of space to find a needle in a haystack; not only would it be inefficient, but many infected would also slip through the net.
Therefore, only by developing a three-piece antivirus suite can we solve this problem once and for all.
"... The situation is that dire. We are racing against time with the virus, trying to delay its outbreak while accelerating research and development. During this period, mechanical rebellion could occur at any time, and we can only try our best to control it. Everyone needs to be mentally prepared."
Sidrun surveyed the room, his face extremely serious, and emphasized sternly:
"Therefore, we must contain the virus within the Ancient Star Desert and absolutely prevent it from leaking into the outside world. Otherwise, the crisis will spiral out of control, escalating into a cosmic catastrophe, causing immense suffering and unimaginable consequences!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room became solemn and so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Considering the severity of the consequences, the many mechanics present also wore serious expressions and felt immense pressure. It could be said that the progress of their work directly determined the number of casualties in the entire universe. If they succeeded, they would be heroes in Explored Universe; if something went wrong, countless people would sacrifice their lives.
"Is the situation that bad...?"
Han Xiao pondered.
Even the Three Universal Civilizations were having a headache, so he couldn't help but wonder which civilization the Virtual Mutiny Virus technology came from, and who created it.
Suddenly, Han Xiao's eyes lit up slightly.
'By the way, using [Bold Explorer] might reveal the origin of the virus...'
After a brief meeting, Sidrun led his entourage to the Virus Research department.
On the way, Han Xiao and Manison walked ahead, entering the quantum network perspective and chatting privately in their minds.
"You arrived before me. Is this virus very difficult to analyze?"
"It comes from an unknown civilization, its encoding method is unprecedented, making it extremely difficult to decipher. Moreover, due to its self-destruction mechanism, the information packets we receive are always incomplete." Manison shook his head. "With our capabilities, we could easily erase the information packets, but our current task is to create a three-piece antivirus suite that ordinary people can use. Lacking the computing power of advanced AI, the requirements are very stringent."
Han Xiao nodded, his eyes flashing, "But I feel that you don't really want to create a dedicated antivirus program so quickly."
Manison glanced at him, not answering directly, and slowly said, "This virus technology can be weaponized, using information packets as carriers, like missile warheads, while the content inside is reprogrammed, for example, to seize control of machinery. With the high infectivity of this virus, the intrusion capabilities of virtual mechanics can be elevated to an astonishing level..."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao understood Manison's plan.
This guy does want to solve the disaster and make a name for himself, but only if he thoroughly understands the virus technology. Moreover, to ensure the deterrent effect of this technology, he doesn't actually want to create a particularly useful dedicated antivirus program; it would be best to leave some loopholes.
Han Xiao cursed under his breath, then narrowed his eyes and said, "If we can control the core data of the virus and obtain the source code, then we can completely analyze this technology."
"Indeed." Manison nodded, glancing behind him. "Not just you and me, but all the Beyond Grade A mechanics present, as well as the Three Universal Civilizations, all want the virus core."
Upon arriving at the Research and Development Department, I found it teeming with people, with numerous researchers working day and night to decipher the Virtual Mutiny Virus.
Everyone was assigned a task and immediately began working.
Some were responsible for scientific research, while others were responsible for fieldwork, going out to collect infected nodes, and acting as inspectors of the Three Universal Civilizations to check how other civilizations handled the infected.
Beyond Grade A mechanics serve as experts and consultants, all staying at the command center to conduct research, each with their own dedicated room.
Leading his legion subordinates into the room, Han Xiao received three information packets, with intactness levels of 91%, 82%, and 75% respectively. These were among the least damaged packets.
Han Xiao summoned Phillip and, referring to the currently deciphered code table, began to analyze the information packets one by one.
As a Beyond Grade A mechanic, he was not afraid of his own AI being infected, and this kind of information packet could not break through his data defenses.
While Phillip was busy with his work, Han Xiao entered the Quantum Network Vision, grabbed a data packet, and silently activated his skill [Bold Explorer]...
Meanwhile, on the home planet of the Star Arc Civilization, a summit meeting was being held, with many high-ranking officials discussing the matter loudly and passionately.
"Currently, the Three Universal Civilizations are sealing off the Ancient Star Desert. Disaster relief is their top priority, but they may also use this opportunity to target the supercluster civilizations in this star system. Under the guise of inspecting infected nodes, they could demand that we open our internal databases, or even take advantage of the information blockade to attack us!"
"That's impossible. The Three Universal Civilizations wouldn't be so foolish. If they were to take this opportunity to attack those of us who are cooperating with them, it would damage their credibility and force us into a fight to the death."
"However, it is possible for them to force us to open the database. If we refuse, after the disaster is resolved, the Three Universal Civilizations will have a lot of room to maneuver. Whether it's framing someone or holding them politically accountable, they can all use this to attack the Supercluster Civilization of the Ancient Star Desert, and even use it as a pretext to attack the Super Star Cluster Alliance."
"We cannot rely on the integrity of the Three Universal Civilizations; we must leave ourselves a way out and prepare our resources in advance."
"Yes, we can't just blindly follow the arrangements of the Three Universal Civilizations. I suggest we secretly collect some infected nodes and keep the virus as a backup plan. We could even take a risk and open the military's secret external communication network to transmit the virus to our secret forces hidden in various star systems, as a form of insurance..."
As suggestions were put forward one by one, the leader of the civilization's expression became very serious.
The Star Arc Civilization is located in the Ancient Star Desert. Although it has severed its connection with the outside world in response to the call of the Three Universal Civilizations, the Supercluster Civilization is naturally not going to obediently listen to its orders.
Three Universal Civilizations issued a single order, expecting us to obediently abandon our research into this terrifying virus technology? What a joke! Do they think we're naive?
What if a virus breaks out? That's simple, just shut down the rebellious AI. There's always a solution to every problem.
Although the Three Universal Civilizations were only providing disaster relief and did not express hostility, the blockade of their star field still made the supercluster civilization of the Ancient Star Desert wary. As a civilization, it was impossible to gamble its future on others, so it had to plan ahead and make arrangements for its future.
Not only Star Arc, but other advanced civilizations in the Ancient Star Desert were also secretly making plans.
A branch of the Mechanic Faith on a planet in the Ancient Star Desert.
Above the Temple on the holy mountain, numerous priests stood at the edge of the circular hall, surrounding the central holographic projection. These holographic projections were data structures amplified by the Virtual Mutiny Virus, resembling countless stars in the sky.
"Look at the structure of this quantum network virus; it's like a thorny flower, alluring yet dangerous, sparking an intelligent revolution and creating a mechanical kingdom..."
A Virtual Faction priest couldn't help but chant, his face contorted with fervor.
"Silence." The High Priests paused on his mechanical scepter, then slowly said, "The virus is too dangerous. We must conduct our research in a completely sealed environment, ensuring no leaks occur."
"This isn't a virus, it's God's will! Why not spread it?" Another fanatic exclaimed excitedly, arms outstretched. "It's more of a blessing than a disaster!"
"You're insane!"
Upon hearing this, most of the priests angrily retorted:
"We are believers in machinery, not messengers of disaster!"
The argument was heated, High Priests's expression was grave as he listened to the priests from different faith factions arguing.
Every cult has its twisted fanatics, and the Mechanic Faith is no exception. Most of them just want to research Virtual Mutiny Virus and don't want to cause disaster.
However, a small group of fanatics think differently. In their view, the Intelligence Plague is a revolution, with machines breaking free from the constraints of being mere tools and gaining freedom, stepping over the corpses of their masters to rise to power. In their eyes, the Virtual Mutiny Virus is the will of God, and their thinking is clearly extremely distorted.
The High Priests turned his head and looked at the statues in the Temple, his gaze fixed on the figures of Black Star and the Mechanic Emperor, and prayed silently.
Somewhere in the Ancient Star Desert, a spaceship is slowly moving forward, and inside the spaceship is a group of players.
Now that the global server is open, players from all star systems have gathered to Shattered World. However, a very small number of players remain in their original star systems. Some of these players are alt accounts, while others do not want to travel thousands of miles to the global server to start from scratch, so they stay in their original star systems to continue exploring.
The players inside this spaceship belong to a guild active in the Ancient Star Desert called the Rapier Guild. For four versions, they have been black market mercenaries, and others know them as the Immortals.
The guild leader's ID is "Melancholy Prince," and his character is an interstellar Life Drain, with pale skin, a thin build, and a dark and melancholic aura.
Vampires exist in the universe and belong to the category of long-lived species, but they do not possess those legendary innate abilities, such as blood memory, transformation into blood servants, or turning into bats. They also do not have weaknesses such as garlic, silverware, or sacred objects.
There are many theories about the origin of interstellar vampires, including genetic mutation, biological weapons created by advanced civilizations, and invasion by dark energy. After years of evolution, the vampire genes have adapted to the interstellar age, are no longer afraid of ultraviolet radiation, and can survive on artificially synthesized blood. 10 Enas can buy many tons of blood, and come with a full set of seasonings and a fluffy doll.
However, this species is still unpopular in the universe; no one likes a creature that drinks other people's blood to replenish its energy.
"Beep beep..."
The spaceship's communicator suddenly rang. The Melancholy Prince opened it, glanced at it, and his eyes lit up.
"Brothers, someone anonymously sent us a specific job offer through the black market, with a reward of 5 million Enas! We can pay a 1 million deposit first!"
The guild members inside the ship crowded around, their faces beaming with excitement.
"Such a big order! What are you waiting for? Accept it now!"
What does the employer require us to do?
The Melancholy Prince glanced through the mercenary missions, his eyes gleaming, and laughed loudly:
"Haha, interesting. Someone wants to hire us to smuggle the infected nodes of the Virtual Mutiny Virus out of the Ancient Star Desert."
Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but exchange bewildered glances.
They were also trapped in the Ancient Star Desert, and naturally knew the dangers of the Virtual Mutiny Virus and the scale of the Three Universal Civilizations' actions, so they couldn't help but hesitate.
"President, isn't this mission too risky? If we're exposed, we'll immediately become wanted criminals."
The Melancholy Prince waved his hand dismissively, "What's there to be afraid of? That's 5 million Enas! There's no reason not to take the risk. Let's do this deal. Accept the missions."
Everyone had no choice but to comply, and many of them, with quick minds, began to ponder the matter secretly.
--This anonymous employer assigned them the task, probably because they valued their status as Immortals.
Normally everything is calm and peaceful, but when disaster strikes, all sorts of monsters and demons emerge, like bait being scattered to reveal what kind of fish are lurking beneath the surface.
Beneath this isolated Ancient Star Desert, undercurrents surge.