Industry: Cthulhu

Chapter 18 Backlash
In the middle of the galaxy, the Lengyinshan Empire.

Franz looked very proud and couldn't help but reach out to touch the huge photonic neural network computer in front of him, and he kept making sounds of admiration from time to time.

"Dean, is it worth using the expensive Warrior IV computer to crack an algorithm that only costs 9.9 Star Coins?"

Dr. Larry said distressedly, "The technological level of our galactic center ring is not as high as that of the inner ring. The Academy of Sciences has expended tremendous effort and countless funds to produce only six photonic neural network computers."

"It's no exaggeration to say that each of these six supercomputers is a treasured asset to the Empire. If anything goes wrong, the Academy of Sciences, or even His Majesty the Emperor, would probably blame us."

Unlike his cautious subordinates, Franz, as the director of the Information Security Institute, looks determined to win.

"It is precisely because of this gap in technological levels that we must seize every opportunity." Franz said, "Of the four Pan-Galactic giants, only our Lengyinshan Empire is located in the middle ring, while the other three are all in the inner ring."

"This is undoubtedly a disadvantage. After all, everyone knows that the closer to the center of the galaxy, the more populous and economically developed the star regions are, not to mention the restricted areas at the core of the galaxy."

"For many years, we have been trying to find out what secrets are hidden in the core of the galaxy, but due to the remoteness of the empire, we have never been able to do so."

"We had no choice but to expand to the outer rings of the galaxy, even to the edges and dark star regions. Unfortunately, apart from barbarians and pirates, the remote areas lacked the resources and technology we needed. After spending a huge amount of manpower and resources, all we ended up with was a barren expanse of land. It was completely unprofitable."

"But it would be different if we could crack the compass," Franz said excitedly. "It turns out that this algorithm significantly improves navigation stability."

"Firstly, it can increase our safe range, allowing the fleet to reach deeper into the universe. Secondly, even if we turn our guns around and target the central region of the galaxy, it will still be an invaluable aid."

Dr. Larry frowned and said, "Dean, I understand what you mean. If we obtain the core algorithm and then conduct targeted enhancements based on the characteristics of our own fleet, we may be able to gain more initiative in the war against the Inner Ring's three giants."

"But this algorithm is weird. Very weird."

"From our previous cracking experiments, it seems that the algorithm's core contains a unique, unprecedented encryption mechanism. If a mild attack is launched on the core, traditional nanocomputers are not enough to crack it. If a brute force attack is carried out, the algorithm will counterattack, causing our computing equipment to be damaged due to overload."

"I even suspect this was intentional. The more intense our attacks on its core, the more severe the counterattack. Since we received the cracking mission, we've already lost four nanocomputers, including one expensive, oversized model."

After hearing this, Franz looked at him with disdain and said, "Larry, what nonsense are you talking about?"

"Compass, as a set of algorithms, will actively attack our computing hardware? Such an absurd conclusion would be laughable. Looking across the entire galaxy, there is no encryption solution that can directly counterattack hardware."

"And as a scientist, do you have any evidence for your speculation?"

Uh…

These few words made Dr. Larry blush with embarrassment. Of course, he had no evidence, and it was impossible for him to have any, because Fang Yan had already considered all the problems that would be faced when he deployed the matrix encryption.

The counterattack of matrix encryption is not fixed. The stronger the opponent's attack, the stronger the matrix's counterattack. Only when the attack reaches a certain equivalent will it directly attack the underlying logic of the hardware.

Moreover, according to Fang Yan's settings, there was no trace of hardware damage caused by the attack. It was more like the computer was overloaded due to the huge amount of calculation, resulting in instant overheating.

"There was only one reason for the previous failure: our computing power wasn't strong enough," Franz said firmly. "How could an encryption system developed by a primitive civilization be so remarkable? It's nothing more than a crazy increase in algorithm level."

"I believe that this most advanced pan-galactic photon neural network computer will be able to completely destroy the other party's encryption system!"

"Don't just stand there, let's get started!"

"Activate Warrior Four's computing power at 30%!"

sigh~
At Franz's command, the staff immediately began the intensive cracking work.

With the capabilities of photonic neural network computers, even if 30% of the power is invested, it is equivalent to hundreds of nanocomputers. After all, there is a generation gap between the two.

"Report! The amount of calculations has increased exponentially!"

"Cooling system warning! The computing core is at risk of overheating!"

"That was a close call! The core temperature was just a hair's breadth away from reaching the critical value!"

Franz couldn't believe his ears after hearing the constant reports from the staff. What the hell was overheating?

It's only 30% power, and the system is overheating?

"Is it wrong?"

Franz came up behind the staff member and frowned. "This is a state-of-the-art photon cooling system. It uses laser photons of a specific wavelength to interact with the atomic structure of the computing core. Through selective absorption and radiation, it directly extracts heat energy from the system."

"Is the photon frequency correct?"

"Completely correct!"

"Where's the superconducting catheter?"

"Everything is fine too."

"Then why is it overheating..." Franz muttered, rubbing his chin. "It shouldn't be. It's only 30% power."

Franz didn't know that the core overheating problem occurred at 30% power, which was actually very considerate. After all, Fang Yan knew very well that he was just an insignificant person in the Pan-Galaxy and he had to try his best to be kind to others.

Fang Yan's goal is not to make others collapse, he just wants the enemy to give up.

However, Franz did not think so. He thought about it for a long time and felt that his computing power was not enough. After all, since ancient times, only great strength can create miracles.

"Dean, why don't you just forget it."

Dr. Larry advised, "Honestly, Compass's encryption mechanism is incredibly devious. I've never seen anything so outrageous since I started working in this field. The more you try to attack the algorithm, the greater the backlash."

"No! I won't let this go!"

Franz gritted his teeth and said, "I just don't believe it. The most advanced neural network computer in the entire galaxy can't crack the algorithm from the lowest level of civilization."

“This is an insult!”

"It's a huge insult to the Empire!"

Having made up his mind, Franz went to the console himself and adjusted the power of the neural network computer to 50 percent.

After thinking carefully for a few seconds, Franz increased the power again and pushed it to 70%.

"All of you get out of the way, I'll do it myself!"

Franz yelled, as if he felt that his subordinates were unreliable and he had to take action himself to solve the problem.

This was just right. Dr. Larry and other staff members immediately stepped back and watched Franz adjust all the parameters and press the start button hard.

sigh~
Countless decomposed and reconstructed data packets rushed over like a frenzy.

The next second, the Matrix Encryption detected that it was under a crazy attack, and instantly launched an even crazier, a hundred times, ten thousand times crazier extreme counterattack!

Boom~
The huge and expensive machine let out a dull hum, and then stopped abruptly like a deflated ball, followed by wisps of green smoke rising from the bottom of the hardware and spreading, carrying a burnt smell.

This is the end.

One of the only six photonic neural network supercomputers in the Lengyinshan Empire, machine number four.

终…

(End of this chapter)