Chapter Sixty-Five: Cyberization

Bai Jincheng was momentarily stunned by the words, then gave a bitter smile. “Help? What could a money-grubbing capitalist like me possibly do for you? You could probably kill me with a mere gesture. That might even be preferable.”

“I understand your concerns. What you fear most, in truth, is a fate worse than death, isn’t it?”

Bai Jincheng nodded involuntarily.

Compared to death, the thought of having his body taken over, transformed, and manipulated like a puppet was far more terrifying.

Yet Adonsa had no intention of threatening them in that way.

The man before him was not among the ignorant masses, but a self-proclaimed member of the elite, highly educated. To people like him, so-called dignity, race, and nation were not inviolable lines but rather obstacles to their own advancement. What they cared about and pursued, aside from pure profit, were more abstract ideals and ambitions. Above all, they sought to prove the superiority of their own minds, to affirm their position as leaders of the age.

Such individuals could be put to use without threats.

Adonsa said, “Just now, I expressed my willingness to submit to the Tianjing central government, under the name of Lu Shengen. But I also demanded a measure of autonomy.”

“A state within a state?” Bai Jincheng exclaimed in shock. “Can that really work?”

Adonsa replied, “I’ve studied the political history of Tianjing over the past thirty years. In truth, local governments and the central authority have always maintained a tenuous relationship—obedient in name, but not in action. In essence, it’s no different from autonomy. I’ve merely pierced the veil of pretense.”

Bai Jincheng said with concern, “But that pretense serves as a fig leaf. The central government won’t let you be so blatant…”

Adonsa shook his head. “If the central authority is inactive, and the regions can go thirty years without rebellion, do you really think it’s just patriotism? It’s the Pulse-bearers who are holding this nation in check.”

“I have heard of the Pulse-bearers… But can’t they deal with you?”

“They have their own problems now; they can’t spare the effort to handle me. At least for the next month, I have enough time to prepare for what comes next.”

At these words, Bai Jincheng’s mind suddenly cleared. “You need to develop, and for that you need talent. You want us to help you with political planning and biotechnological research?”

Adonsa nodded.

Suddenly, Bai Jincheng became excited. Adonsa’s plan meant he might have the chance to step onto the world stage as an independent political force, rather than merely being the head of a wealthy corporation.

The difference was immense, but so was the risk.

If Adonsa was defeated, Bai Jincheng’s fate would be ten times worse than mere bankruptcy.

Yet Adonsa clearly would not allow him to refuse; both his own safety and his son’s life were at stake.

Moreover, Adonsa’s proposal had touched a chord of ambition within him, fueling a faint hope.

Bai Jincheng said solemnly, “Adonsa, I need to know what you’re capable of. For instance, if you possess techniques for rejuvenation and immunity to illness, and I could leverage my network, the value created could rival that of entire nations.”

Seeing Bai Jincheng enter the mindset he desired, Adonsa knew he was halfway to success.

Bai Jincheng took a deep breath and said earnestly, “But first, I want a few promises from you. First, you must do your utmost to treat my son, but only using standard medical methods—no unnecessary alterations to his body.”

“That can be arranged. The bond between father and son is touching,” Adonsa replied, expressionless.

“Second, I require sufficient decision-making power. I hope—”

“You may handle the placement of those people as you wish.”

Bai Jincheng felt a twinge of regret; he would not truly have a voice within Adonsa’s system. Still, even the chance to manage human affairs was something previously out of reach.

“Third, you may not alter our bodies at will. However, after we thoroughly understand your technology, we wish to make modifications of our own choosing.”

“Human bodies are too fragile. They can’t even work twenty-four hours a day. To improve efficiency, appropriate enhancements are necessary.” When it came to efficiency and profit, Adonsa would not compromise.

Bai Jincheng hesitated, but insisted, “At the very least, let me know all the principles and consequences before anything is done. You must consider our mental states!”

“Let go of such outdated patterns of thought. You’ll like your new self, I promise.”

“Very well,” Bai Jincheng said helplessly, but then began to speak rapidly, “As for diplomacy, we could seek political support from Amester… On the domestic front, to quickly stabilize public morale, a degree of religious-style propaganda is indispensable…”

The rest would be a contest of politics and military strategy.

Adonsa needed to disguise himself as an organization rising through biotechnological prowess, use alliances to stave off humanity’s purge, and carve out a vital space for survival.

Then, he would concentrate all his own power and humanity’s resources to evolve and strengthen his combat capabilities, until—

The End-Devouring.

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A patrolling constable strode down a desolate street, easily dragging two thugs from a corner after knocking them unconscious, ignoring the disheveled woman behind him.

Pedestrians were sparse, yet many shops were paradoxically bustling and open. The presence of patrolling officers brought a peculiar order to this battered city.

Lin Jicang wandered in confusion along the avenue, acutely aware of a strange presence in the air—a presence akin to Adonsa’s, perhaps even to his own.

It was an inorganic, insect-like indifference.

Insects possess no complex nervous system, only the basic binary choices, mechanically selecting between hot and cold, sweet and salty, wet and dry.

Suddenly, he realized with a jolt that Adonsa was gradually taking control of the city, fabricating an illusion of prosperity.

The Splinters were integrating into daily life with a subtle yet vigorous intent, while the populace remained utterly unaware.

After three days of seclusion, like hamsters weathering winter, the citizens—officially told they’d suffered terrorist attacks—finally ventured out once more, lured by the order projected by the Splinters.

Their astonishing efficiency had already patched up most of the city’s wounds.

The sight of the eighteen-story city hall, once the city’s emblem, now a charred torch, was a striking reminder. Anyone could look up and see the blackened tower.

The collapse of city hall meant the collapse of municipal administration. It was Adonsa alone who was propping up the city’s functioning.

Lin Jicang sat down on the dusty ground without a care for the filth, gazing from this low vantage point at the city as it gradually returned to order, sinking into deep confusion.