A few minutes earlier, on a desolate planet in the Godora Star System.
A meteor streaked across the sky and landed on the ground. The light dissipated, revealing a mechanical body. Its eyes were filled with light. It was Manison's avatar that carried [Lord's Descent].
"This position is about right."
Manison nodded and controlled his avatar to float in the air. He waved his hand, and the compressed orbs fell to the ground. The mechanical structure quickly expanded and turned into a portable quantum network base station.
The light in his eyes fluctuated, and the next moment, Manison entered the quantum network and searched for the nearby nodes.
Countless clusters of light flashed past his eyes, and very soon, he locked onto the quantum network node of the Black Star Army's headquarters. In his vision, it appeared as a cluster of dazzling light as a star. Countless light threads extended from it, connecting to every branch and every terminal, forming an extremely complicated network of connections.
Endless information flowed through these links, and layers of firewalls protected the data tightly.
This planet was not too far away from the Black Star Corps headquarters. Normally, when Manison invaded other people's quantum network nodes, he would use the Virtual Soul node jump brought by [Virtual Creator], which was enough to reach a virtual range across Star Fields. However, facing Black Star, he did not plan to do so.
Because they were both Mechanics at the same level, Manison knew what abilities Black Star had in terms of machinery. No one knew the [Divine Throne Mechanic] better than him.
If he used his Virtual Soul to conduct a virtual invasion across Star Fields, Black Star only needed to use [Virtual Paramount] to trap him for a while and then blow up the quantum network base station in this area to cut off the connection. Then, his Virtual Soul would be in trouble.
Although Manison could solve it, it was quite troublesome and not what he wanted.
Therefore, Manison would rather spend some time and let his avatar bring his base station to the Shattered Star Ring. As the attacker, he chose to build his own escape route and was cautious.
"Next …"
With a thought, the Black Star Corps quantum network node enlarged in Manison's field of vision.
…
Now …
"Virtual invasion?"
As soon as Philip's voice fell, Han Xiao frowned, and all kinds of guesses came to his mind.
After so many improvements and enhancements, Philip's firewall had become extremely thick and sturdy. It also had anti-tracking capabilities. Most people would not even be able to trigger the alarm before Philip would be able to backtrack them.
However, Philip's image was currently unstable, which meant that his core data had been impacted. To be able to do this in such a short period of time, one had to be at least a Beyond Grade A Virtual Mechanic.
There are only a few Beyond Grade A Virtual Mechanics in the universe. Who was it that suddenly came to stab me in the butt?
Han Xiaoxin's mind sank as he entered the quantum network. The changes in the virtual world immediately jumped into his eyes.
Inside the network node of the headquarters, the firewalls were like layers of protective shields. At this time, the endless abnormal data streams were bombarding the firewalls, tearing holes in them one after another. The firewalls were riddled with holes.
Philip had already controlled the data to defend himself according to the plan, but the situation was worrisome.
The data flow rolled up by the enemy was like mercury flowing into the ground, penetrating every hole. Phillip found it difficult to take care of it, and more and more holes appeared in his defense. There were already data probes piercing into the core data circle through the gaps, spreading viruses on a large scale to attack Phillip's core data while injecting countless redundant data to block Phillip's computing progress. At the same time, many AI hunters were released to capture data from the database, attacking from both inside and outside.
The Black Star Corps headquarters was where Philip's main artificial intelligence was located. It was equivalent to the center of the entire army's internal network, and its defense was the strongest. Once this place was invaded, the entire army's network would fall into the control of others, which was equivalent to losing the brain that commanded.
The enemy's target was to attack Philip's main artificial intelligence core data. Philip's core data had several layers of defense mechanisms, and the enemy had already invaded the periphery of the core data.
"What a high Virtual Invasion!"
Han Xiao was secretly shocked. He felt a strong sense of pressure from the enemy's data attack.
This feeling gave him a sense of familiarity.
"A Virtual Invasion of this level … Manison, is that you?"
Han Xiao's eyes narrowed, and he sent a message.
Outside the firewall, streams of data suddenly condensed and formed a virtual figure floating with his hands behind his back. It was Manison's virtual soul.
"Hehe, hello, Black Star."
"It's really you. What's the meaning of this?" Han Xiao frowned.
Manison's expression was calm, and he calmly said, "The world of Beyond Grade As is like this. Friend or foe, it only takes a single thought. You don't have to ask for the reason."
As soon as he said that, the attacks of the data streams suddenly intensified. Countless defense modules were broken, and large areas of the firewall collapsed.
Is it really because of the Machinery Faith?
Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and he immediately took over Philip.
Manison was the attacker, so he had the initiative. Han Xiao could only choose to defend. His goal was to stop Manison's invasion and protect Philip's main artificial intelligence.
His Virtual Technology was fully utilized, and he focused on strengthening the firewall, filling in the loopholes, and dealing with all the viruses.
Philip's data became the army in Han Xiao's hands, and his computing ability was even more efficient. Batch after batch of abnormal data was eliminated.
Although there were many concerns when fighting on home turf, there were also certain advantages. The firewall and security mechanisms that had been maintained for many years could provide bonuses to his Virtual Defense.
However, Han Xiao only managed to temporarily stop his decline. It was still very difficult for him to resist. This was the first time he was fighting a Beyond Grade A Mechanic at the same level in the Virtual Realm.
In terms of experience, he was not as rich as Manison. In terms of Virtual Technology, he was not as proficient as Manison. In terms of affinity, he was not even a match for Manison. Manison had countless years of experience, and he was at a complete disadvantage in terms of Machinery.
The Mechanic Emperor's Virtual Technology was an ability that even the Federation of Light had to be wary of. It was terrifyingly strong, and he did not need any tricks. He could crush Han Xiao in a head-on manner.
"This is a little troublesome …"
Han Xiao's brain raced, but he could not think of any way to counterattack. It could be said that all the Beyond Grade A Virtual Technology at the current stage was something that Manison had left behind.
Both of them were Mechanics of the same class. Even he was not afraid of Virtual Technology, so it was even more impossible for Manison to do anything to him.
"What a powerful Mechanic, worthy of his reputation."
Only when facing Manison directly did he truly understand how terrifying he was.
Han Xiao continued to patch up the firewall, but before Manison's wave of attacks ended, one wave after another. Every moment, countless newly patched up defense modules were destroyed by Manison's enormous computing power, not giving him any time to breathe.
The amount of information in a single second was enough to explode the brains of countless ordinary people!
Although the holes had been patched up, the overall thickness of the firewall was continuously thinning. However, Han Xiao was a Divine Throne Mechanic, so it was not a problem for him to hold on for a while.
The virus injected into the core data circle was quickly cleared by Han Xiao, and Philip's virtual image gradually stabilized.
His brain was calculating rapidly while observing the situation. Han Xiao's expression was grave.
"We won't be able to hold on for long like this. Philip, deactivate all the secondary artificial intelligence services and concentrate all computing power."
"Understood, hum …"
The next moment, more than half of the countless connections that extended out from the Black Star Corps headquarters' quantum network node were quickly broken.
Philip retracted a large amount of computing power and focused it on the central battlefield. Manison's invasion speed instantly slowed down significantly.
The tug-of-war between the two sides was like an ongoing act of rape. Invading the firewall head on was like a criminal pulling down the victim's pants, and the victim was holding onto the pants with all his might.
"You're finally serious." Manison smiled faintly. "I was waiting for you."
Hearing this, Han Xiao had a bad feeling.
Hum!
The next moment, countless redundant data packets appeared out of nowhere and exploded in Philip's core data circle, instantly messing up Philip's tight program array.
"Data Deep Dive." Han Xiao frowned and immediately understood.
Manison had already set up an ambush before attacking the central battlefield. He bypassed the weak firewalls of some branch nodes and placed data packets that were like remote-controlled bombs. Once the central battlefield was in danger and retracted its computing power, these hidden data packets would enter the central battlefield through the connection lines. This way, it would avoid going against the central battlefield's defense mechanism, just like a Trojan horse.
Han Xiao could not do anything about it. This was an open scheme. If he did not retract his computing power, the central battlefield would not be able to stop Manison. If he retracted his computing power, he would fall into the trap.
Philip's virtual image instantly blurred, and he began to stammer. His intonation was extremely long.
Han Xiao immediately opened Philip's core program. At this time, one-fifth of Philip's computing logic chain had already been infected, turning red, which meant that the virus was still spreading.
"The core logic chain has been infected. This isn't good …"
Han Xiao's head hurt. He could clear the virus at the periphery, but the core logic of the artificial intelligence was infected. The difficulty of removing the virus was equivalent to precise surgery, requiring a lot of computing power.
Clenching his teeth, Han Xiao could only split his attention and perform surgery on Philip while resisting Manison's direct invasion.
His main body in the real world did not stay idle either. He hurriedly pulled the Divine Mechanical Throne over and sat on it. He immediately realized that his Mechanical Sense had been strengthened by quite a bit.
"Why don't you try cutting off the internet?" Manison smiled faintly.
You old man, you're full of evil tricks. Do you think I don't know what you're planning? Han Xiao snorted coldly.
Since he had already entered the central battlefield, Manison definitely had a backdoor. Cutting off the internet would be useless. He could still stay there with his Virtual Soul.
Furthermore, it was impossible for an experienced old man like Manison to not have a base station as a backup.
"Luckily, I chose the Virtual Specialization back then. If I had chosen the other two specializations, I might have had to give away everything I've accumulated over the years." Faced with such a difficult situation, Han Xiao could not help but be optimistic.
The current situation was not good. Although he could barely block Manison's invasion with all his strength, he could only passively defend. He could only slow down Manison's invasion but could not completely stop him from advancing. This was like drinking poison to quench thirst and dying a slow death.
"Do you really want to become enemies with the dynasty?" Han Xiao could not help but yell.
Manison did not mind and chuckled.
"You should be asking … is the dynasty willing to become enemies with me?"
Hearing this, Han Xiao knew that Manison was determined to teach him a lesson, so he did not say anything else and secretly thought of a counterattack.
Trace the source of the data?
That sounded good, but putting aside whether he could win or not, a Virtual Mechanic of Manison's level would definitely have used a fake address when he invaded. There was no way to locate him.
Han Xiao had the ability to crack it, but it was already very difficult for him to prevent Manison from taking off his pants. He did not have any extra computing power to counterattack and could not follow the network to attack.
Tactical change?
I'm afraid my crystal will be smashed before I even find Manison's lair.
Ask for help?
Hmm … this might be the only way. He alone would not be able to stop Manison's Virtual Intrusion.
After all, Manison was different from Heber. The name of the Mecha Empire was not just for show.
With no other choice, Han Xiao could only contact the dynasty's ally, Maximiler, and send a request for help. Although Maximiler was not a Virtual Mechanic, he could at least participate in the Virtual Battle between Beyond Grade As. With his help, he would be able to share a lot of the pressure.
Manison narrowed his eyes and cut off a large number of requests for help. However, Han Xiao still managed to send one out.
Seeing this, Manison did not mind.
"Heh, who did you ask for help from? Maximiler or Cyberdyne? It can't be Kant, right? "
"I don't care." Han Xiao snorted.
"Anyway, we have a lot of time. It'll be fun to have a few more." Manison smiled indifferently. He did not really care about Han Xiao's request for help.
Since he had asked for help, it meant that Black Star was not his match, and his goal was mostly achieved. Furthermore, in terms of Virtual Intrusion, no Mechanic in the entire explored universe could beat him.
He knew that Han Xiao was a unique Mechanic and was not interested in using his weakness to attack his strength. Of course, he would use the ability he was best at to deal with Han Xiao.
However, Manison did not underestimate Han Xiao. Facing a Mechanic of the same level as himself, he would not be careless. He was prepared to fight a long battle and was not prepared to deal with Black Star in a short time … even if Black Star's Mechanical Sense was unbelievably weak.
At this moment, a glowing figure appeared outside the firewall.
"Black Star, it seems like you need a little help."
A familiar voice sounded.
Han Xiao looked up and raised his brows. This figure that suddenly appeared was the AI lifeform Risda, who had not harassed him for a long time.
Seeing this, Han Xiaoxin had a thought.
The Virtual World was the home ground of AI lifeforms. If he could obtain his help …
However, when Han Xiao looked over, he realized that Manison was indifferent.
Manison only glanced at Risda, clearly remembering this fellow that he had let go.
"Oh, it's you."
"Mecha Empire!" Risda faced Manison. Although his tone was as indifferent as usual, Han Xiao could feel the anger that he had been suppressing.
The next moment, Risda released a stream of data and attacked Manison's Virtual Soul.
Manison ignored it and did not move. The stream of data flowed past him without any effect.
"Since you're here, I'll let you meet an old friend."
Manison tilted his head, and streams of data separated from his body, forming another figure beside him.
This figure was also glowing, and it was golden in color. Complicated logic data could be seen flowing on the surface of its body. It was also an AI lifeform, and it only had a pair of eye sockets that were burning with blue flames.
AI lifeforms naturally had their own way of recognizing appearances. The moment he saw this figure, Risda was stunned.
"Ancestor?"
At the same time, Han Xiao's interface showed a notification.
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