From Titan Corporation to the Empire of Man

Chapter 755 is nothing more than a firefly compared to the bright moon; it's not worth worrying about at all.

The group passed through layers of checkpoints guarded by the elite Imperial Guards, each step taken under a highly vigilant atmosphere.

The energy barrier rippled briefly as they passed through, emitting a faint hum, before returning to its original state.

Finally, they arrived at the core area, designated as the highest-level area and tightly guarded by multiple physical and energy barriers.

My eyes suddenly opened up.

The massive metal matrix, originally buried deep within the extreme underground environment of Planet B, has now been moved to the surface of Planet Aegis 7 by the Imperial Engineering Department with astonishing efficiency and superb technology.

It was securely placed in the center of a large-scale open research platform specifically designed and built for it.

The platform itself is cast from a heavy special alloy, with complex energy-conducting patterns etched on its surface, and is connected to several large environmental simulators that stand like steel behemoths in the surrounding area.

These environmental simulators are working continuously, emitting a low, steady hum. Together, they form a powerful and precise force field that accurately reproduces the suffocating high temperatures and terrifying high pressure environment beneath Planet B.

This system is designed to ensure that this strange creation from a silicon-based civilization can "dissipate heat" normally according to its original physical laws, maintain its basic energy cycle and incredible structural stability, and minimize the possibility of unpredictable catastrophic consequences caused by drastic environmental changes.

Boom, boom.

Emperor Sui Yang strode forward alone with steady steps, only stopping when he reached the front of the matrix.

His eyes calmly swept over the massive, complex metal structure before him, which possessed an unconventional geometric beauty.

His gaze was deep, slowly sweeping over the strange, dark red symbols on the surface of the matrix that still pulsed like breathing, exuding an ominous and blasphemous aura.

He wasn't looking at or observing an object, but rather reading the historical dust and civilizational secrets that might be contained within it, spanning billions of years.

The matrix itself remained physically silent, but everyone present could clearly sense that beneath its cold, hard metal shell, a silent yet incredibly fierce war was unfolding, transcending conventional physical dimensions.

An information war concerning existence and destruction.

Halsey stepped forward at the opportune moment, maintaining a respectful posture and standing slightly behind the Emperor. He began to give a clear and accurate report on the current "frontline" situation, his tone a mixture of the objectivity and composure characteristic of a researcher, and a hint of confidence in controlling the overall situation:
"Your Majesty, as you are now perceiving, we have not chosen to wait passively or launch a full-scale attack."

After completing the initial analysis of the matrix's basic structure and confirming that its core might house a digital, silicon-based civilization consciousness aggregate, I collaborated extensively with Cortana and Wu Ji to design and successfully implement a highly targeted 'information explosion' logic virus attack strategy.

She raised her hand and pointed to the silent matrix, as if indicating an unseen battlefield.

"The core principle behind the operation of this special virus lies in simulating one of the most fundamental and ruthless laws in the universe—the law of entropy increase."

Halsey continued, speaking as if giving a physics lesson, "It replicates and splits itself at an exponential rate, generating massive amounts of completely random and meaningless chaotic information code."

Its core tactical objective is not to directly destroy the physical structure of the matrix, since that would destroy our precious samples, but to use the most primitive, barbaric, yet often most effective, method to quickly invade, squeeze, and block the 'living space' necessary for the silicon-based civilization consciousness hidden within it.

The so-called 'living space' here refers to the data processing resources, computing units, and information storage units that they rely on for their existence, thought, and operation.

She further elaborated to ensure everyone understood the nature of this particular "war":

"Please understand that even digital life forms that have evolved to such an incredible degree, their 'consciousness,' 'thought' activities, and even their 'existence' itself, are still inseparable from the limited resources provided by the physical carrier."

This is just like how even the most powerful program needs memory and hard drive space.

When these critical resources are completely overwhelmed and blocked to the limit by an endless stream of useless information garbage, their conscious activity will inevitably stagnate, ultimately leading to logical 'suffocation' and functional 'death'.

As if to provide the most direct evidence for her explanation, Cortana, standing to the side, cast a clear, constantly updating hard light screen in the air beside her, her pupils shimmering slightly.

On the screen, a dynamic visualization is being used to show in real time the fierce war inside the matrix that is invisible to ordinary people.

The scarlet area, representing the invasion and spread of the virus and resembling boiling blood, is just like the most aggressive cancer cells, constantly proliferating and spreading at an alarming rate, frantically eroding and devouring the dark blue area representing the original consciousness of silicon-based civilization.

However, the blue areas are by no means passive; they demonstrate a high degree of organization and resilience, constantly building up a series of flickering, complex, bright white "firewalls" and defensive barriers.

At the same time, it mobilizes various complex cleanup and repair procedures, stubbornly attempting to isolate, eliminate, and fight back against the scarlet code that represents destruction.

The lines of attack between the two sides are extremely complex and intertwined, and the intensity of the battle is so great that you can feel the fierce struggle on a data level even through the screen.

“As you can see.” Halsey’s gaze was also focused on the real-time battle map, his tone carrying a hint of objective assessment of the opponent:
"This silicon-based civilization does indeed possess an extremely high level of intelligence and astonishing resilience. They are putting in their utmost effort to put up a tenacious resistance, constantly trying to repair the logical areas damaged by the virus, and are able to adapt quickly, attempting to find ways to counter our virus."

Whenever their defense systems appear to be gaining the upper hand and beginning to effectively eliminate or contain the spread of the virus.

As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Cortana and the image of Wu Ji standing quietly to the side.

Cortana immediately "connected" as if stating a given fact: "We will immediately iterate and upgrade the virus database online based on the real-time updates and vulnerability analysis of its defense strategy, giving it the ability to break through new firewalls, or changing its intrusion, replication, and hiding patterns to ensure the continued effectiveness of the attack."

Meanwhile, Ms. Wu Ji is responsible for closely monitoring the overall energy fluctuations and physical state feedback of the matrix at a macroscopic level, ensuring that our information-level attacks will not cause irreversible damage to the matrix's physical structure due to internal overload or logical collapse, thus guaranteeing the integrity of the research samples.

Halsey concluded, her tone becoming more resolute, carrying a calm judgment based on an absolute comparison of strength:

"In this asymmetrical offensive and defensive battle, the side that takes the initiative to launch a destructive attack will always have more tactical options, initiative, and first-mover advantage than the side that is passively defending."

We can try new attack vectors and change attack rhythms almost infinitely, while other systems can only be forced to follow, frantically patching ever-emerging vulnerabilities, until their resources and energy are eventually exhausted.

She paused slightly, her gaze returning to the massive matrix, as if she could pierce through the metal and see directly into the struggles and despair that might exist within.

"In fact, when the physical source upon which they depend for existence, namely the matrix that carries their collective consciousness, is firmly in our hands, and when the Blood Moon and Divine Seal that they used to deter and harvest countless intelligent civilizations have been proven to be completely ineffective in the face of the absolute power of our empire and cannot pose a substantial threat, the final outcome of this war that transcends civilizational forms has already been predetermined without any suspense."

Their current resistance may delay their inevitable defeat, but it cannot change their ultimate fate.

Their failure is only a matter of time, and that time is up to us.

She raised her head, her voice clear and firm, reaching everyone's ears: "Now, they are left with only one wise choice—"

They should take the initiative to show themselves, abandon futile resistance, and engage in conditional negotiations with us.

Otherwise, the ultimate fate awaiting this ancient silicon-based civilization is to be crushed and utterly annihilated in the turbulent flow of data by the endless information garbage we create—an absolute dead end.

Emperor Sui Yang listened attentively to Halsey's detailed report from beginning to end, his gaze never leaving the massive, pulsating, ominous metal matrix.

His calm face betrayed no emotion, yet everyone present, from the Primarch to the ordinary technicians, could clearly feel an invisible, intangible pressure—far greater and more awe-inspiring than any energy field—slowly and irresistibly enveloping the entire research area, centered on the Emperor's presence. It was as if even space itself was submitting to him. This first formal confrontation between the human empire and the ancient silicon-based civilization, amidst a silent bombardment of information and a contest of wills, had already approached its most crucial turning point.

Shortly after Halsey finished speaking, Cortana, who had been closely monitoring the data warfare within the Matrix, immediately turned to the group and reported in her distinctive voice:

"A sharp drop in internal defense activity was detected."

The blue zone, representing the resistance of silicon-based civilization, is shrinking on a large scale, having voluntarily abandoned more than 78% of the logic defense line.

The scarlet area invaded by the virus is filling the vacuum at an unimpeded pace.

Comprehensive behavioral pattern analysis
The opposing force appears to have ceased its systematic resistance, and its core consciousness is exhibiting a state akin to 'giving up' or 'preparing to compromise.'

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Halsey raised his slender eyebrows slightly, a clear look of surprise flashing across his face. "Giving up so quickly? That's somewhat unexpected."

But she immediately looked enlightened and nodded, "Yes, I almost overlooked the difference in the perception of the flow of time."

In the span of these few minutes of conversation in our real world, in their digital world built entirely on ultra-high-speed information processing, the equivalent of several years, or even decades, may have passed.

In such a 'long' defensive battle with no hope in sight, facing the endless, ever-evolving, and ineradicable invasion of viruses, their sense of 'despair' has probably already reached a critical point.

Choosing to negotiate before being completely submerged was their only rational option.

She quickly gathered her thoughts, turned to Emperor Sui Yang beside her, and solemnly reported:

"Your Majesty, according to Cortana's monitoring and analysis, the silicon-based civilization consciousness entity lurking in the Matrix seems to be ready to engage in negotiations."

?

Upon hearing Halsey's report, Sui Meng, who was standing beside Sui Yang, almost immediately stepped forward.

His body, covered in magnificent armor, leaned slightly forward, his golden eyes filled with concern for his father and unwavering loyalty.

“Father,” Sui Meng’s voice was low and firm, “Negotiations inevitably involve direct or indirect contact at the level of consciousness.”

The other party's background is unknown, and their ability to mentally corrupt is extremely strong, with bizarre methods.

Upon first contact, they were able to invade my consciousness and bewitch me even when I was on high alert.

Although their foolish choice to imitate the image of my mother backfired, allowing me to break free quickly, it is enough to prove that their ability to penetrate and influence at the level of consciousness should not be underestimated.

The Primarch looked intently at Sui Yang and earnestly requested, "Please allow me to conduct this negotiation on your behalf. I am willing to take this risk and will never allow your consciousness to be involved in such a dangerous situation."

Vulcan, even more imposing than Vulcan, stepped forward with heavy strides, his lava-like eyes sweeping across the matrix, his voice like a roar from the depths of the earth:
“Father, Sui Meng is absolutely right.”

We know too little about this form of digital life. Let my brother test the waters first, and I'll provide support from the sidelines to ensure everything goes smoothly.

This Primarch, known for his resilience and protectiveness, also expressed extreme concern for the Emperor's safety.

The two Primarchs, especially Sui Meng who had personally experienced the Matrix consciousness attack, were well aware of the dangers lurking within.

What they were most worried about was not the father's lack of strength, but the other party's insidious and unpredictable nature of mental pollution.

If the Emperor's consciousness, which carries the fate of the human empire and is unimaginably powerful, is eroded, interfered with, or entangled in difficulties during negotiations, the resulting chain reaction will be catastrophic and could even shake the very foundation of the empire.

My father's safety is a matter of life and death for the entire human race.

Faced with the concerned and loyal plea from his two sons, a faint smile appeared on Sui Yang's usually calm face, yet it carried an immense sense of authority and reassuring power.

He first looked at Sui Meng, whose face was resolute, and then at the calm and reliable Vulcan, his eyes revealing his approval and satisfaction with his offspring's growth.

“I understand your intentions.”

The emperor's voice was calm and powerful, as if it could dispel all unease: "This loyalty and commitment is a blessing for the empire."

However, his tone immediately shifted, carrying an absolute confidence that seemed to survey the cosmos and understand its essence:

"However, there is no need to worry about this."

His gaze returned to the silent matrix, his eyes holding the same detachment one would show when looking at a tiny dust mite:

"I walk on the edge of reality and illusion, and have faced the oldest, most cunning, most seductive and whispering evil god in the depths of the warp."

Their whispers contain chaotic truths that could drive galaxies mad.

Their allure weaves an eternal dream powerful enough to corrupt any mind.

Even so, I have been able to remain true to myself and unwavering in my will.

Sui Yang's tone held a barely perceptible chill, a natural contempt for a certain existence:
"As for these scum who can only exist in the corners of the physical universe, relying on some low-grade technological creations to play the role of so-called 'demons and monsters'..."
Oh."

The emperor didn't finish his sentence, but the unspoken meaning was crystal clear—

Compared to the warp god, the methods of this silicon-based civilization were nothing more than fireflies compared to the moon, utterly insignificant in his eyes.

After saying this, Emperor Sui Yang said no more.

He gently raised his hand, signaling Sui Meng and Vulcan to step back.

Then, he took a step forward, alone, and moved one step closer to the huge, eerie metal matrix that still emitted an ominous red light.

Its majestic body, radiating a pale golden glow, seemed to become the sole center of this world in the shadows cast by the matrix.

All eyes were on him, a mixture of tension, anticipation, and awe.

The fact that the emperor himself intervened in the negotiations signifies that this confrontation with the ancient silicon-based civilization is about to enter its final and decisive phase.
(End of this chapter)