On the home planet of the Star Arc Civilization, the top leaders are having a discussion in the conference room.
"The Three Universal Civilizations recently sent a notice requiring us to follow unified command and be prepared to shut down all quantum network base stations on all planets at any time. What is the purpose of this?"
"Wasn't the Intelligence Plague already under control? Why are the Three Universal Civilizations pulling this stunt now? Has something unexpected happened?"
"Or are the Three Universal Civilizations planning to attack us again?"
Many high-ranking officials looked tense and suspicious.
Originally, after the Three Universal Civilizations announced the completion of the antivirus trio, they felt that the Intelligence Plague was basically solved. As a result, their attention became more and more focused on the situation of the Ancient Star Desert being blocked, and they thought that the Three Universal Civilizations might take the opportunity to do something to them. They were suspicious all day long, as if they had developed paranoia.
The sudden order from the Three Universal Civilizations to prepare to sever the quantum network within their borders at any time made the Star Arc Civilization even more sensitive, almost believing it to be a signal to take action against them.
This time, it's not about cutting off external communications, but about shutting down the quantum network within their territory, undermining the foundation of interstellar society. In the interstellar era, large civilizations like theirs have relied on the real-time information exchange capabilities of the quantum network to rule and govern various planets.
Demanding a complete internet shutdown now would mean temporarily relinquishing control over the regions, plunging them into a period of no central authority of unknown duration.
The leader of the civilization tapped on the table to quiet the room before speaking:
"The Three Universal Civilizations issued the same notice to all other civilizations, not just to us."
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.
"So it seems it's still related to the Intelligence Plague... What are the recent movements of the Three Universal Civilizations?" a high-ranking official asked.
The head of the Intelligence Department raised his eyelids slightly and said:
"The forces of the Three Universal Civilizations are scattered across various planets, and the Beyond Grade A mechanics are also behaving strangely, dispatching their respective mechanical units to those planets, seemingly preparing for some major operation."
"Are all the Beyond Grade A mechanics on the move?"
Yes, all of them.
What do you think they're doing?
"I don't know the specifics, but it looks like they're setting up an ambush."
"Um..."
The leader of the civilization pondered for a moment, then slowly said:
"For now, cooperate with the arrangements of the Three Universal Civilizations and investigate what Three Universal Civilizations and these Beyond Grade A are up to. Keep a close eye on them and don't overlook any of their movements. I need to know exactly what their purpose is."
Shattered World, the headquarters of the Development Federation, on the Planet Fein.
Numerous Beyond Grade A remote projectors gathered here for regular meetings and to exchange ideas.
Many of the positions were vacant, mostly occupied by recruited Beyond Grade A mechanics, including the positions of guild leader and vice guild leader.
"Speaking of which, the Mechanic Emperor and Black Star have been absent from several meetings already. I wonder how they are doing in the Ancient Star Desert?"
Someone casually brought up the topic, which immediately sparked a lively discussion among everyone.
"The Intelligence Plague in the Ancient Star Desert has lasted for several months without any news. What's the situation now? Is the disaster under control?"
"News from across the star system is blocked, and I can't get any information. Does anyone know anything about the situation?"
Because the Three Universal Civilizations have classified the Intelligence Plague as a cosmic catastrophe of annihilation, the entire universe is now concerned about the situation in the Ancient Star Desert, but due to information blockade, there is no way to know the progress.
Everyone present, even those at the Beyond Grade A, was incredibly curious.
"Hey, Hila, any news about your legion commander?" A Beyond Grade A turned to look at the taciturn Hila.
"No," Hila replied succinctly.
She is also a member of the association, and since Black Star's absence, she has been the representative of the Black Star Army.
Tolain scoffed, "Hmph, Black Star has probably already been taken care of."
"Are you asking for a beating again?" Hila said expressionlessly.
Tolain smiled sinisterly, "In my opinion, the fact that the Three Universal Civilizations summoned all the Beyond Grade A mechanics is a conspiracy. Think about it, the president and vice president are both mechanics; isn't this a way to wipe them all out?"
The allies of the Arcane Church looked at him, speechless.
Whose side are you on? Is it really okay to spread rumors about your employer like this?
"Don't talk nonsense, you have to take responsibility," a member of the Arcane's direct lineage said discontentedly.
"Excuse me, I always speak my mind," Tolain mumbled.
Hila ignored him, but she was genuinely worried.
Other mechanics sent clones, but Black Star sent his main body.
The Ancient Star Desert is sealed off. If the Three Universal Civilizations really wanted to do anything to Black Star, it would instantly become a dead end. Hila distrusts the Three Universal Civilizations from the bottom of her heart. Although she has the teleportation function of the Sovereign Mecha, it cannot dispel her worries.
On the other side, the Secret Master, who had been resting with his eyes closed, listened to the argument and his eyelids twitched involuntarily.
As a protector of the black market, he was more curious than others about the Ancient Star Desert.
Since the star field was sealed off, all contact with the black market there has been severed. Many of these businesses were those he had protected, which had been providing him with enormous profits, while others were businesses he had recently acquired from the Beast Ancestor.
Having not been in contact for so long, he has absolutely no idea how his businesses are doing.
"I wonder what the situation is like in the black market of the Ancient Star Desert now..."
The Secret Master's thoughts drifted far away, and he secretly pondered.
The Three Universal Civilizations made arrangements according to Han Xiao's battle plan, spending more than a month preparing and dispatching fleets to be stationed on various trap node planets. Most of the time was spent traveling, waiting for the various Beyond Grade A mechanical forces to arrive at the ambush locations.
Because this is a star-scale local area network, there are quite a few trap nodes, spread across various star systems in the Ancient Star Desert. The trap nodes chosen by the Three Universal Civilizations are mainly those areas that are difficult to control by simply issuing notices, or some important locations.
Every terminal exit was controlled by Beyond Grade A mechanics and the fleets of the Three Universal Civilizations, and Manison's Dominion clone was lurking in every location.
Han Xiao had created a new batch of dedicated Dominion bodies during this period, but the number was still limited. So, he settled for second best and, like everyone else, deployed mechanical troops at each ambush location.
The limited number of Dominion clones were then placed in carefully selected locations (referring to Harrison) to try their luck.
The target of [Dominator's Descent] is not limited to a dedicated Dominion clone. Even ordinary mechanical soldiers can be used as a vessel. However, the skills shared are incomplete, and the combat power is far lower than that of a dedicated mechanical body. Therefore, even if Beyond Grade A mechanic who has mastered [Dominator's Descent] can ambush in any location, he can at most be an observer. He does not have the advantages of Manison. After all, descending into an ordinary mechanical body is no match for Manison's Dominion clone.
Therefore, the other Beyond Grade A mechanics were all putting in their best effort, preparing to force the virus core to materialize from the node where their own Dominion clone was located during the first step of network tracing.
Because of the virus's stealthy core, there is currently no universally applicable scanning tool. Only Beyond Grade A mechanics are capable of tracking the virus's core online. Although some of them are not virtual specialists, as long as they have learned the Ultimate Knowledge [Virtual Creator], they can kill people by following the network cable, which is enough.
To enhance everyone's virtual capabilities and coverage, the Federation of Light introduced a large-scale strategic device— the Ultra-Range Virtual Brainwave Amplifier.
This is equipment specifically for mechanics, enhancing virtual capabilities in multiple ways and significantly increasing coverage area. It can achieve its maximum effect in the hands of a Beyond Grade A mechanic.
The device was enormous, resembling a silver spherical interstellar base. Its exterior looked like pieces of panels pieced together, with noticeable gaps, and it was not round at all.
The interior of the device was very spacious. In the center, all the Beyond Grade A mechanics sat in a circle, suspended in mid-air, facing each other, already in their positions.
The remote projections of three inspectors, including Sidrun, appeared within the circle, and they solemnly stated:
"Gentlemen, the mechanical forces are deployed. There are only thirteen minutes left until the predicted launch time of the virus core. Once the time comes, we will immediately shut down the network, turning the Ancient Star Desert into a trap. Please act according to the battle plan. I implore you all, you must capture the virus core."
Everyone nodded. Although the mission on their shoulders was heavy, those present were all important figures standing at the pinnacle of the universe, so they didn't feel much pressure.
The first step of the operation was to track the virus core online after the internet trap was set up, just like catching a chicken in a cage.
With the data features provided by Manison and the added benefit of the Ultra-Range Virtual Brainwave Amplifier, everyone can track the path Infinite and will not be able to escape the virus core.
At this moment, Kant smiled and spoke:
"This must be the first time that Beyond Grade A mechanics in the entire universe have teamed up. I think it will go down in history."
Upon hearing this, many people present burst into knowing laughter.
The collaboration of all the top figures in the mechanics world is undoubtedly a landmark event.
Han Xiao glanced at everyone and curled his lip.
Hmph, these people are laughing their heads off now, but when they fight over the virus core later, they'll beat the dogs senseless.
'Hopefully Harrison's aura will work this time, and the virus core will run into my Dominion clone...'
Instead of participating in the mutual flattery, Han Xiao silently prayed in his heart.
Everyone quieted down and composed themselves, and time passed by second by second.
Finally, with one minute left in the countdown, Sidrun checked the time and spoke in a deep voice:
"Everyone, let's move!"
In the Quantum Network Vision, the Ancient Star Desert is a hazy, glowing star field, where countless shimmering nodes converge into an ocean of light. The countless data links between the nodes outline a complex, interconnected three-dimensional network structure.
These data links, like threads, form the cornerstone of interstellar society.
Just then, the view zoomed in, and a streak of light suddenly appeared out of nowhere on the outside of a data link that looked like a thread.
Upon closer inspection, this stream of light is an extremely sophisticated data model, with countless bytes flowing across its outer shell. This is the core data form of the Domino Virus, revealing the structure of intelligent life.
The next second, the virus core touched the firewall of this data link. Its shell instantly assimilated with the firewall, easily bypassing the alarm mechanism, and completely infiltrated the link. It moved along the flow of information, capturing feedback data from virus information packets swimming in the network, just like a big fish eating a small fish.
Click!
However, at that moment, a large section of the Ancient Star Desert, which was shining brightly in the Quantum Network Vision, suddenly dimmed.
Data links broke one by one, and large numbers of nodes went out at the same time, leaving only a small patch of the sea of light.
Buzz!
At the same time, a dozen powerful consciousnesses suddenly descended upon the quantum network, scanning the remaining quantum network area inch by inch, like celestial eyes, as if all data Nowhere to Hide.
The next moment, one of the consciousnesses suddenly locked onto the core of the virus.
The data stream materialized out of thin air, and a luminous figure appeared in front of the virus's core, Kant's Virtual Soul displaying a half-smile.
"Found you..."
In that instant, the virus's core program made a rapid judgment, immediately took countermeasures, and fled!
Following the data links, the virus core repeatedly changed its disguise and frantically escaped to countless nodes.
Suddenly, a data tornado appeared in front of us.
Do you want to play hide-and-seek?
The data stream formed the face of the Quantum Magic Spirit Judith, who silently gazed at the core of the virus.
Without hesitation, the virus core turned and fled again, trying to escape tracking and find a place to hide in the quantum network.
However, no matter how much computing power the virus core uses to disguise itself, it will still encounter the figure of a Beyond Grade A mechanic every time it runs a certain distance, forcing it to change its escape direction time and time again, which is quite reminiscent of a desperate attempt to escape.
Han Xiao, Manison, Kant, Judith, and more than a dozen other Beyond Grade A mechanics took turns appearing, blocking the path of the virus's core time and time again.
The encirclement gradually took shape and then tightened step by step.
The scene is like a group of smirking thugs surrounding an innocent woman; no matter how she tries to break free, she will be pushed back into the center of the encirclement, with nowhere to escape.
Just then, the virus core stopped escaping, entered one of the nodes, and suddenly disappeared into thin air.
"It has materialized!"
In the material world, Han Xiao's eyes suddenly lit up while he was inside the Ultra-Range Virtual Brainwave Amplifier.
The terminal exit chosen by the virus's core appears to be a planet occupied by the Mechanic Faith.
That was one of the locations where his own Dominion clones were lying in ambush!
Buzz!
At the same time, every mechanic around Han Xiao unleashed a powerful Mechanical Force.
Numerous Dominion consciousnesses shot out from afar, descending towards the planet where this node was located!