A few minutes ago, on a desolate planet in the Goddora Galaxy.
A shooting star streaked across the sky and crashed to the earth. As the light faded, a mechanical body was revealed, its eyes gleaming with light. It was the avatar of Manison [The Dominator's Descent].
"This position is about right."
Manison nodded, manipulating his clone to float cross-legged in the air. With a wave of his hand, the compressed spheres clattered to the ground, and the mechanical structure rapidly unfolded from them, transforming into a portable quantum network base station.
A flicker of light appeared in his eyes, and the next moment, Manison entered the Quantum Network Vision, searching for nearby nodes.
Countless orbs of light flashed past his eyes. Soon, he locked onto the quantum network node of the Black Star Army headquarters, which appeared in his vision as a star-like dazzling light, extending countless luminous threads that connected with every branch and every terminal, forming an incredibly complex and vast network of links.
Endless streams of information shuttle through these links, and layers of firewalls tightly protect this data.
This planet is neither too far nor too close to the Black Star Army headquarters. Generally speaking, when Manison remotely invades other people's quantum network nodes, he uses Virtual Soul node jumps brought by the [Virtual Creator], which is enough to achieve virtual range across star systems. However, he does not intend to do so when facing Black Star.
Because they were all mechanics at the same level, and by his own experience, Manison knew Black Star's mechanical abilities better than anyone else; no one understood [Divine Throne Mechanic] better than him.
If Virtual Soul is used to launch a cross-stellar virtual invasion, then as long as Black Star uses [Supreme Virtual] to trap him for a while, and then ruthlessly blows up the quantum network base station in this area to sever the connection, then his own Virtual Soul will be in trouble.
Although Manison could solve it, it was quite troublesome and not what he intended.
Therefore, Manison preferred to spend some time having his clone bring his base station to the Shattered Star Ring – as the attacker, he chose to build his own escape route and acted cautiously.
"Next..."
As soon as Manison had a thought, the Black Star Army's quantum network nodes suddenly magnified in his field of vision.
Now.
"Virtual intrusion encountered?"
As soon as Phillip finished speaking, Han Xiao frowned, and various guesses instantly surfaced in his mind.
After so many improvements and enhancements, Phillip ' firewall is incredibly robust and also has anti-tracking capabilities. Ordinary people can't even trigger the alarm mechanism before Phillip can intrude into their systems.
However, Phillip's image was unstable at this time, indicating that the core data had been impacted. Only Beyond Grade A virtual mechanic could achieve this in such a short warning time.
There are only a handful of Beyond Grade A virtual mechanics in the universe, so who suddenly came along and poked me in the butt?
Han Xiao's heart sank as he entered the Quantum Network Vision, and the changes in the virtual world immediately came into view.
Located within the network nodes of headquarters, the firewall acts like a series of protective shields. However, at this moment, an endless stream of abnormal data bombards the firewall, tearing out vulnerabilities and leaving it riddled with holes.
Phillip has been manipulating the data to defend against attacks according to the contingency plan, but the situation is worrying.
The enemy's data flow was like mercury spilling across the ground, penetrating every nook and cranny. Phillip was struggling to keep up, and the number of defense vulnerabilities was increasing. Data probes were already piercing into the core data circle along the gaps in the vulnerabilities, spreading viruses on a large scale to attack Phillip's core data, injecting countless redundant data to hinder Phillip's computing process, and releasing numerous AI hunters to capture database data. It was a two-pronged attack from both inside and outside.
The Black Star Army headquarters is where Phillip's main AI is located, making it the central hub of the entire legion's internal network. It has the highest level of defense, and if it is breached, the entire legion's network will fall into the control of others, effectively depriving it of its command center.
The enemy's target was to attack Phillip's main AI core data. Phillip's core data had several layers of defense mechanisms, and at this point, the enemy had already infiltrated the outer perimeter of the core data.
"Such a high level of virtual intrusion!"
Han Xiao was secretly surprised. His mind raced as he felt a strong sense of pressure from the enemy's data offensive.
This feeling gave him a sense of familiarity.
"This level of virtual offensive... Manison, is that you?!"
Han Xiao's eyes narrowed, and he sent out a message.
Outside the firewall, streams of data suddenly coalesced, forming a virtual figure floating with its hands behind its back—this was Manison's Virtual Soul.
"Hehe, hello Black Star."
"It really was you. What do you mean by this?" Han Xiao frowned.
Manison remained calm and said indifferently, "That's how the world of Beyond Grade A is. Whether someone is an enemy or a friend is just a matter of a single thought. You don't need to ask for a reason."
As soon as the words were spoken, the data stream's offensive intensified dramatically, countless defense modules were rapidly breached, and large sections of firewalls collapsed and shattered.
So it really is because of the Mechanic Faith...?
Han Xiao's eyes flashed, he composed himself, and immediately took over Phillip.
Manison is on the offensive and has the initiative, while Han Xiao can only adopt a defensive stance and choose to withstand the pressure. His goal is to stop Manison's invasion and protect Phillip's main intelligence.
Virtual technology is being fully utilized to strengthen firewalls, patch vulnerabilities, and combat all viruses that try to infiltrate the system.
Phillip's data became Han Xiao's army, unleashing even more efficient computing power, and batches of hostile and abnormal data were wiped out and vanished.
While playing on home turf presents many challenges, it also offers certain advantages. The firewalls and security mechanisms that have been maintained for many years can enhance virtual defense capabilities.
However, Han Xiao only temporarily stopped the decline, and the resistance was still very difficult. This was the first time he had fought against Beyond Grade A mechanic of the same level in the virtual realm.
In terms of experience, it is not as rich as Manison; in terms of virtual technology, it is not as profound as Manison; and in terms of user-friendliness, it is no match for Manison. Manison has accumulated countless years of experience, while it is at a comprehensive disadvantage in mechanical capabilities.
The virtual technology of the Mechanic Emperor is a capability that even the Federation of Light fears. It is terrifyingly powerful. It doesn't need any tricks; it can simply crush Han Xiao in a straightforward and overwhelming manner, leaving him stretched thin and unable to cope.
"This is a bit troublesome..."
Han Xiao's mind raced, but he couldn't think of any way to counterattack. It could be said that all the Beyond Grade A virtual technologies at this stage were things that Manison had already mastered.
Both were mechanics from the same department, and the virtual technology that even they weren't afraid of was even less likely to work on Manison.
"What a skilled mechanic, truly deserving of his reputation."
Only by facing Manison directly did I truly understand how terrifying he was.
Han Xiao kept patching the firewall, but Manison's offensive was relentless, with countless newly patched defense modules being cracked by Manison's massive computing power every moment, giving him no time to breathe.
The sheer volume of information exchanged between the two sides in just one second is enough to overwhelm the brains of countless ordinary people!
Although the loopholes have been patched, the overall thickness of the firewall is constantly being reduced. However, Han Xiao is Divine Throne Mechanic after all, so blocking it for the time being shouldn't be a problem.
The virus injected into the core data circle was quickly eliminated by Han Xiao, and Phillip's virtual avatar gradually stabilized.
Han Xiao's expression was grave as his brain raced through the situation and he observed it closely.
"This can't go on for long, Phillip. Discontinue all secondary sub-intelligence services and concentrate all computing power."
"Understood!"
The next moment, a large portion of the countless connection lines extending from the quantum network node of the Black Star Army headquarters quickly broke.
Phillip redeployed a significant amount of computing power to the central battlefield, which immediately slowed down Manison's invasion advance.
The tug-of-war between the two sides is like an ongoing act of rape. The frontal intrusion into the firewall is like a thug trying to pull down the victim's pants, while the victim desperately clings on.
"Finally, you're serious." Manison smiled faintly. "I've been waiting for you."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao immediately had a bad feeling.
Buzz!
The next moment, countless redundant data packets appeared out of nowhere and exploded in Phillip's core data circle, instantly disrupting Phillip's meticulous program array.
"Data deep dive." Han Xiao frowned, immediately understanding.
Before attacking the central hub, this guy, Manison, had already laid an ambush, bypassing the weak firewalls of some branch nodes and inserting remotely controlled data packets. Once the central hub was under attack and its computing power was withdrawn, these lurking and disguised data packets would enter the central hub through the link lines, thus avoiding confrontation with the central hub's defense mechanism, just like Troy.
Han Xiao was caught off guard by the scheme; it was an open plot. If he didn't withdraw his computing power, the central hub wouldn't be able to stop Manison; if he did withdraw his computing power, he would fall into the trap.
Phillip's virtual image blurred instantly, and he began to stammer, his voice drawn out.
"Hehe, eh, hee hee... I've become so weird, waaaah..."
Han Xiao immediately opened Phillip's core program. At this time, one-fifth of Phillip's computational logic chain had been infected, turning red to represent the virus invasion, and it was still spreading.
"The core logic chain has been infected, this is not good..."
Han Xiao had a headache. Clearing the outer layer of the virus was easy enough, but the core logic of the AI was infected by the virus, and removing it was as difficult as performing precise surgery, requiring a considerable amount of computing power.
Gritting his teeth, Han Xiao could only distract himself, performing surgery on Phillip to remove abnormal data while simultaneously resisting Manison's direct assault.
Meanwhile, the original body that remained in reality was not idle either. It quickly pulled over the Mechanical Divine Throne, sat down on it, and immediately found that its Mechanical Sense had been greatly enhanced.
"Why not try disconnecting from the internet?" Manison asked with a half-smile.
"You old geezer, you're full of bad intentions. Do you think I don't know what you're planning?" Han Xiao snorted coldly.
They've already penetrated the central node; Manison must have left a backdoor. Disconnecting the network won't help; a Virtual Soul can still keep them here.
Moreover, a seasoned veteran like Manison would not leave without a dedicated base station as a backup plan.
"Luckily, I chose the virtual specialization. If I had chosen one of the other two branches, I might have given away all the wealth I had accumulated over the years." Despite his difficult situation, Han Xiao couldn't help but try to find some humor in his misery.
The current situation is not good. Although I can barely hold off Manison's invasion with all my might, I can only defend passively and slow down Manison's invasion. I cannot completely stop his advance. This is like drinking poison to quench thirst, a slow death.
"Do you really want to be an enemy of the Empire?" Han Xiao couldn't help but shout.
Manison didn't take it seriously and chuckled.
"You should ask... whether the Empire is willing to be my enemy."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao knew that Manison was determined to Warning him a lesson, so he simply stopped talking and secretly pondered how to retaliate.
Tracing the source of the data?
That sounds good, but putting aside whether I can win, a virtual mechanic of Manison's caliber would definitely use a disguised address when he comes out to hack, so it's impossible to locate him.
Han Xiao was capable of cracking the code, but he was already struggling to prevent Manison from stripping him naked. He didn't have the extra computing power to retaliate or even use the internet connection to attack people.
Tactical base trade?
I'm afraid my crystal will be smashed before I even find Manison's lair.
Need help?
Hmm... this might be the only way. We can't stop Manison's virtual intrusion on our own.
After all, Manison was different from Heber; his reputation as a member of the Mechanic Emperor was not just for show.
With no other option, Han Xiao had to contact Maxiler, an Imperial ally with whom he had some connections, and send a message for help... Although Maxiler was not a virtual expert, he could at least intervene in Beyond Grade A virtual battles, and his participation would relieve a lot of pressure.
Manison narrowed his eyes, blocking out a large number of distress messages, but Han Xiao still managed to slip one through and send it out.
Seeing this, Manison didn't take it seriously.
"Ha, who did they ask for help? Maxiler or Seybertin? It couldn't be Kant, could it?"
"I want you to be single." Han Xiao snorted.
"Anyway, we have plenty of time. It'll be fun if we bring a few more." Manison smiled indifferently; he didn't really care that Han Xiao was asking for help.
The fact that he requested help meant that Black Star was no match for him, and he had achieved most of his goal. Moreover, in terms of virtual intrusion, no mechanic in the entire Explored Universe could defeat him.
He knew that Han Xiao was a mechanic who took an unconventional approach, so he had no interest in using his weaknesses to attack Han Xiao's strengths. Of course, he would use his best abilities to deal with Han Xiao.
But Manison didn't underestimate Han Xiao. Facing a mechanic of the same level as himself, he wouldn't be careless and was prepared for a long battle. He wasn't planning to take down Black Star in a short time... even though Black Star's Mechanical Sense seemed incredibly weak to him.
Just then, a glowing figure appeared outside the firewall.
"Black Star, it looks like you need a little help."
A familiar voice rang out.
Han Xiao looked up and raised an eyebrow. The figure that had suddenly appeared was none other than Resta, the AI lifeform that hadn't bothered him for a long time.
Seeing this, Han Xiao had a sudden thought.
The virtual world is the domain of AI's life; if we could get its help...
However, when Han Xiao turned his head, he found that Manison remained unmoved.
Manison merely glanced at Resta, clearly remembering the guy he had let go.
"Oh, it's you."
"Mechanic Emperor!" Resta faced Manison, his tone as indifferent as ever, but Han Xiao could sense the pent-up anger within him.
The next moment, Resta unleashed a data stream, attacking Manison's Virtual Soul.
Manison ignored it, remaining motionless, as the data stream slid past him, having no effect whatsoever.
"Since you're here, let you meet some old friends."
Manison tilted his head, and streams of data separated from his body, forming another figure beside him.
This figure was also glowing, golden in color, with complex logical data flowing on its surface. It was also an AI life form, with only a pair of eye sockets without pupils on its face, burning with azure flames.
AI life forms have their own methods for recognizing appearances, and Resta was stunned the moment he saw this figure.
"Ancestor?!"
At the same time, Han Xiao's interface showed activity.