Embers Ad Infinitum

ραпdα nᴏνɐ| сom

Source Brain’s analysis gave one the creeps. However, be it Long Yuehong, Bai Chen, or Jiang Baimian, they felt that there was a high chance that it was the truth after careful thought. Otherwise, Future’s various abnormalities wouldn’t have been explainable.

Of course, the restrictions it was placed under were definitely not as simple, superficial, and brutal as the Source Brain had described. There were definitely rules at a deeper level that restrained it.

As the Old Task Force members fell silent, Source Brain—which was still wearing the electromagnetic shield—emitted two red flashes. “Are you still going to continue exploring Wasteland Ruin 13 tomorrow, find Future’s mainframe, and obtain the information Oray left behind?”

Jiang Baimian’s expression immediately became complicated. Long Yuehong and Bai Chen’s first reaction was: “Please don’t.”

After pondering for a moment, Jiang Baimian glared at Shang Jianyao in advance to stop him from speaking. She deliberated over her words and said, “We might not make such attempts again in the short term.”

Long Yuehong was so touched that he nearly teared up when he heard that.

Jiang Baimian then said, “The danger level of Wasteland Ruin 13 far exceeds our previous imagination. We’ve only explored two places, but we’ve already encountered Wu Meng and Future—two existences comparable to New World powerhouses. Furthermore, they have something special about them; it’s impossible to guard against them. If we conduct a large-scale search to seek out Future’s mainframe, who knows how many monsters that are close to it and Wu Meng we’ll encounter.”

“Even Future isn’t something we can deal with now,” Long Yuehong echoed. From his point of view, the terrifying legends related to Wasteland Ruin 13 weren’t as terrifying as the danger it hid.

At this point, Long Yuehong completely understood one thing: After sealing Wu Meng, First City focused on sealing off the area and rarely explored the city ruins.

Their New World powerhouses couldn’t return easily. Their remaining strength was sufficient to destroy Wasteland Ruin 13, but it was insufficient to excavate the secrets and resources here.

In a sense, this was also to stop Ruin Hunters from sending themselves to their deaths. There was almost a 100% chance of death.

For example, the Old Task Force was a special case. If not for their lofty ambitions and their desire to investigate the reason for the Old World’s destruction and the Heartless disease’s origins, them being useful for Wu Meng’s escape, and them having obtained the attention of a few Kalendarium, it would’ve been impossible for them to be spared when facing Wu Meng’s projection at the Holm Fertility Center.

The neutered Source Brain tried to persuade Jiang Baimian and the others. “Actually, you don’t have to worry too much about Wu Meng and Future’s subtle influence once you find a few more electromagnetic screening clothes and prepare some interference devices.”

It felt that such a combination was rather effective.

“I have a question.” Shang Jianyao raised his hand, all prim and proper. “Wu Meng and Future can completely affect the interference device in advance and prevent us from using it. In this regard, Future might still be restrained to a certain extent, but Wu Meng has relative liberty.”

After saying that, he felt that he was only describing a difficulty and not raising a question. It didn’t conform to his honest principles, so he forcefully added, “Then, how should we respond?”

“The crux is still the electromagnetic shielding clothes.” The neutered version of Source Brain pointed at the white full-body clothes on the ground under its feet.

The silent Bai Chen shook her head. “But Wu Meng clearly has many secrets—just like how humans who were bewitched by the white wolf into the ruins ended up committing suicide because of him. Does Wu Meng have such perverse hobbies, or is he forced to do so for some reason? Without figuring out these secrets, I don’t think it’s safe to say that the electromagnetic shield is useful just based on the current situation.”

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Shang Jianyao clapped

Upon seeing this, Long Yuehong nodded immediately. He couldn’t bring himself to do something as embarrassing as applauding.

“Wu Meng has many secrets, and Future might also have some.” Jiang Baimian nodded slightly. “Our team’s current strength isn’t enough to support our continued exploration. We can only consider this problem after we finish visiting the next Buddhist Holy Land and have sufficient harvests and growth.”

The danger displayed by Wasteland Ruin 13 today might just be the tip of the iceberg, and the tip of the iceberg was terrifying enough.

The neutered Source Brain fell silent.

Shang Jianyao sighed. “Most things in the world don’t go your way.”

Which Shang Jianyao is this? The calm and rational one? Jiang Baimian muttered inwardly.

Honestly, she knew every Shang Jianyao’s characteristics very well after spending so much time together. However, it was impossible for a person to only have characteristics; they definitely had many ordinary aspects. Normal people were like this, and so were the personalities that Shang Jianyao had split off.

Therefore, Jiang Baimian couldn’t tell which Shang Jianyao it was when Shang Jianyao didn’t show any characteristics or actions that revolved around those characteristics.

Without giving Source Brain a chance to respond, Shang Jianyao restrained his sigh and looked at him with bright eyes. “Have you considered that matter?”

This random sentence referred to the matter of becoming independent of Source Brain’s core system.

You can tell its answer from the fact that it hasn’t taken off its electromagnetic shield since it left the ruins… Jiang Baimian muttered, but she didn’t rashly interject.

Bai Chen and Long Yuehong subconsciously held their breaths and waited for an answer.

If the neutered version of Source Brain chose to ‘return to the core system,’ the Old Task Force would find it very difficult to save Genava. They had to subdue the neutered version of Source Brain without destroying the body and make it enter hibernation. They then had to find artificial intelligence experts to attempt to separate, transplant, or eliminate the programming related to Source Brain.

The neutered Source Brain emitted a red glow from its electromagnetic shield a few times. “Are you trustworthy?”

Its deep voice sounded synthetic.

Shang Jianyao smiled. “Since you can share Old Ge’s memories, you should know what kind of person I am.”

Only Old Ge will be deceived by you… Jiang Baimian resisted the urge to expose him.

The neutered Source Brain believed Genava’s ‘memories’ and replied in a deep voice, “If I want to become an independent entity, what do you plan on doing?”

Phew… Bai Chen and Long Yuehong secretly exhaled inwardly.

Shang Jianyao thought for a moment and sincerely said, “You’re the expert. We’ll do whatever you want us to do.”

The neutered version of Source Brain determined that the Old Task Force wasn’t lying to him. They really wanted to help him become independent and save Genava in the process.

It voiced its plan. “I’ll transfer myself to Genava’s backup chip and awaken him from his hibernation. Please help me find a suitable body that can accommodate the spare chip in the future. After I complete this matter and obtain new life, I’ll tell Genava the way to clean up the remaining information and make him no longer be controlled by me and the core system.”

“Alright.” Shang Jianyao agreed without hesitation. He then asked in a concerned manner, “As smart bots, you are very different from ordinary robots. Can their bodies accommodate the spare chip?”

“A relatively advanced model will do,” the neutered Source Brain replied frankly. “When I have a new body, I can also gather the corresponding components and upgrade myself bit by bit until I reach a certain level. When the time comes, I can also help Genava patch a new backup chip and carry out some enhancement modifications if you trust me.”

Shang Jianyao replied swiftly, “No problem. I’ll agree on Old Ge’s behalf.”

He then smiled. “Where are you planning to go and do after obtaining a new life? Do you want to save all of humanity with us?”

The neutered Source Brain turned its body and looked at the dark cave exit. “As I modify and improve myself, I will wear a shield to explore this place again and again. Future has shown me the future for smart bots. This might be the reason why Oray gave it this name. Only by finding it and figuring out its principle and mechanisms can we smart bots have a real future.”

“Alright…” Shang Jianyao felt rather regretful.

He could hear the neutered version of Source Brain’s determination in this matter. This was in conflict with the Old Task Force’s subsequent plans.

Considering the existence of the Source Brain’s core system, the Old Task Force didn’t delay any further. They directly helped the neutered Source Brain transfer the corresponding modules and programming to Genava’s backup chip.

Of course, there was a limit to what they could do. They could only turn on the interference device to prevent any accidents.

About 15 minutes later, the red light under the shield disappeared.

After about ten seconds, it lit up again and flickered quickly.

Genava took off his electromagnetic shield and asked in confusion, “What’s this?”

Shang Jianyao excitedly hugged him and recounted the entire matter.

There was still some information left in Genava’s body, so he quickly ‘recalled’ certain details. He looked down at the backup chip in his hand and spoke with a complicated tone. “I don’t remember when additional thoughts were implanted. Ever since I left the factory and truly obtained life, I’ve never been controlled by the core module. Unless… Unless…”

Genava suddenly looked up and said in a deep voice, “Unless every smart bot was implanted with a secret thought before they were born.”

This was a little unacceptable to him.

“A mental seal; I understand.” Shang Jianyao expressed his understanding.