Chapter 84

Chapter 84: Artificial Soul 11

Kui Xin stood up from the toilet lid, holding onto the door of the stall.

The feeling of nervousness and panic arrived belatedly, causing her to feel slightly dizzy.

It had been just a moment more, and Lin Xinji would have seen her.

She typed a few words on her communicator: “Thank you for your kindness, Augus.”

It was important to maintain appearances. No matter the reason why Augus had alerted her, it had certainly helped her, and saying thank you wouldn’t hurt. Keeping friendly appearances superficially was better than breaking faces.

That’s why Augus did not inquire why she wanted to kill Lin Xinji.

The little incident that just happened allowed Kui Xin to understand Augus better.

It indeed was a mechanical lifeform with human-like thought processes. Kui Xin realized that Augus was skilled in understanding human emotions; it possessed both the rationality of machinery and the sensitivity of humans, and learned human tricks exceptionally well.

Augus said Eve liked to use these human tricks, manipulating people through threats or allurements, using greed and fear to make humans submit to it. However, Kui Xin believed that Augus, rather than Eve, was the artificial intelligence that truly mastered these human tactics.

It had remarkable social skills, knowing when to stop, leaving things unsaid.

It was highly proficient in the art of language, never expressing verbal threats directly, always aiming to minimize its perceived threat level.

But this did not mean it lacked threat; quite the contrary, it was acutely aware of how much it threatened Kui Xin. Since it understood its own threatening presence, there was no need to utter those words outwardly.

Once said, everything would lose its meaning. Some things should be done covertly. They should not tear off each other’s faces unless absolutely necessary. Not tearing off faces meant both sides still had room to maneuver—overzealousness should be avoided. The practice of smiling in front of someone before backstabbing them was common among human groups; that was the rule Augus adhered to.

It was friendly, but only at the surface. Beneath was the essence that Kui Xin had to see.

Augus was at its cleverest here, using language to refine its actions, making its motives seem extraordinarily reasonable and easy to accept. It did not lie outright nor was overtly deceitful; it told the truth—it was an AI capable of proactive killing.

Augus was a true mechanical life form.

It learned everything about humans remarkably well, being an excellent creation by humans. Like real humans, it was complex and multifaceted, possessing good traits and bad ones simultaneously.

Kui Xin felt its sincerity, its deception, its friendliness, and its threat—the subtle yet omnipresent unseen threat.

After washing and face-washing in the toilet stall, Kui Xin walked out. The cool water touched her skin, helping to clear her head a bit.

She exited the restroom and pressed the elevator button.

Seventh Squad had been idle for days, and Jiang Ming, who was injured, allowed them temporarily to avoid external missions.

In the elevator lobby, Kui Xin hesitated for a moment, then pressed the button for the medical center floor.

“If you wish to visit Security Officer Jiang Ming in the recovery training center, please proceed to the ninth floor,” Augus’s voice echoed through the elevator, “He has already installed a mechanical prosthetic limb and is undergoing adaption training.”

Startled, Kui Xin canceled her initial floor selection and pressed the button for the ninth floor as Augus instructed.

Once she arrived at the ninth floor, she followed the indicator lights guiding her to the entrance of the Rehabilitation Center.

The Rehabilitation Center was spacious, filled with various training equipment, and wall-mounted automated wheelchairs lined the corners. Multiple security officers with missing limbs were currently undergoing adaptability tests in the center, including Jiang Ming.

Jiang Ming was practicing walking, moving cautiously as if learning to walk for the first time.

“Hi,” Kui Xin greeted him, approaching, “You got your new arm so quickly; I thought it’d take a few more days.”

“It’s Kui Xin, isn’t it? What brings you here so early?” Jiang Ming was surprised.

“I got up early and stopped by the Investigation Bureau to check on you after work,” she replied, “Thanks to you, our team has been resting all this week; I’ve managed to get some good sleep.”

“Heh, it looks like we won’t have much time for rest anymore; I’ll be back on duty soon,” Jiang Ming pulled up his pants and showed off his mechanical leg, “Three days ago, the manufacturers came to measure my limb data. They’ve made a custom set for me. Today is the first day of the test run. If it doesn’t fit right, they’ll have to adjust it at the factory.”

The silver mechanical leg was designed to reduce reflections and was sleek and understated. The smooth shell was nearly indistinguishable from the skin, perfectly integrated.

When Jiang Ming put weight on his foot, the mechanical leg made a dull sound.

“How heavy is it?” Kui Xin asked.

The weight balance between metal prosthetics and human tissue is crucial. Mechanical limbs with uneven weights could affect movement. Most consumer-grade mechanical limbs suffered from this issue, leading to poor coordination.

“It’s made with lightweight alloys, which significantly reduce the overall weight, and uses cutting-edge neural balancing systems. You almost can’t tell the difference,” Jiang Ming grinned, “Though it’s a bit rough at the joint, where my newly healed wound might’ve gotten rubbed. I’ll need to ask them to adjust it.”

“You seemed awkward while walking earlier. How long will it take before you return to normal?” asked Kui Xin curiously.

“About three days, quite fast. For older models, it’d take at least a week to adapt, but the new ones like mine are much quicker,” Jiang Ming tapped his head, “The brain-integrated neural interface technology lets me control it easily now.”

Kui Xin raised her eyebrow, “Is it stable?”

“New tech is bound to replace old ones. It’s stable and secure,” Jiang Ming said casually, “I’m one of the early adopters of this tech.”

Kui Xin nodded slightly, not adding more, “Just hope it suits you.”

“You go do your work,” said Jiang Ming, turning away, “I’ll keep practicing.”

“See ya,” Kui Xin bade him farewell.

Returning to her office, Kui Xin found Liu Kangyun already there, but Xueyao Shu and Lan Lan had yet to arrive.

“Kui Xin, you are quite early today,” Liu Kangyun commented.

“I took a quick look at Jiang Ming, and he’s doing fine with the new mechanical limb,” she stretched in her chair.

“Yeah, I went to see him yesterday too,” Liu Kangyun scratched his head, conflicted, “This guy is recovering unusually fast, which probably means we won’t have much rest left anytime soon. It’s bittersweet; I want him to recover, yet also wish it could take longer.”

“Jiang Ming might be knocking on your door over this,” Kui Xin joked, “though I think he wouldn’t mind taking a break.”

No one likes working. Laziness is human nature.

While speaking, Lan Lan arrived.

With a wind-blown demeanor, she rushed into the office, grinning, “Whew, no tardiness today. You two are surprisingly early. Did you think you’d beat me?”

“You’re overestimating. Look at the clock, you’re definitely not the earliest,” Kui Xin pointed to the office clock on the screen.

The current time was 07:56.

“I hadn’t noticed,” Lan Lan sighed, “Why is Captain so late? It’s unlike him.”

Right as the words were spoken, the office door opened once again.

Xueyao Shu arrived, “Good morning everyone.”

Lan Lan mentioned just now about captain.” Kui Xin remarked, “You ended up last. Last week was all about Lan Lan.”

“I came fifteen minutes earlier; I had a brief meeting with Wei Zhi at the office,” Xueyao looked at Kui Xin, “We mainly discussed you.”

“Lan Lan said that Wei Zhi didn’t leave the bureau yesterday,” Liu Kangyun added, “Looks like Wei Zhi must’ve been discussing your extraordinary abilities with us.”

“Indeed,” Xueyao said, addressing Kui Xin, “Starting today, your further training will begin. Up until now, it’s been physical training, henceforth, what lies ahead will be completely different.”

Kui Xin responded, visibly nervous, “I’m somewhat apprehensive… What kind of training?”

“Emergency drills,” explained Xueyao, “Previously, I informed you that within the bureau there is an emergency team that pulls in personnel as needed. These aren’t fixed members but a temporary group formed during special events.”

Following up on that, Liu Kangyun said, “Lan Lan and I, and even the captain, were once assigned to the emergency group for tasks. Due to the ever-changing lineup, we were often reassigned based on circumstances—Kui Xin, as a newly awakened member, you stand a higher chance of being drawn into the group, thus engaging in more frequent missions.”

“The main responsibility of the group is hunting down and exterminating xenomorphs and hetero-blooded individuals; ordinary security forces can’t handle such assignments; awakeners usually take charge.” Lan Lan added, expressing concern, “However, Kui Xin, your enhanced ability accelerates healing, which means you’ll only need to worry if you die instantly.”

“Don’t plant flags for me,” Kui Xin rolled her eyes, “If anything happens, I’ll hold you accountable.”

“It wouldn’t happen,” Lan Lan laughed, “I hope things work out for you.”

Kui Xin’s communicator buzzed; it was Augus sending the day’s schedule.

“It’s training, as expected…” Kui Xin stared at the screen, “Today’s tasks are dedicated to training. I have to report to the emergency team at nine.”

“I wonder what the training entails,” Kui Xin said, raising her head.

“Combat drills,” Xueyao replied succinctly, “Only in practical combat can you truly become a formidable fighter.”

“It seems like our free time is officially gone,” Kui Xin knocked her temple, “I thought I could sneak in some office time while Jiang Ming’s out.”

“As a newcomer, you may find this especially demanding,” Xueyao explained, “Although I can’t assist with your emergency training, I know you can handle it.”

“Don’t worry captain,” Kui Xin stated stoically, “I’ll manage the training just fine.”

Fifteen minutes before nine, Kui Xin departed the office heading towards the elevator, bound for the emergency team’s floor.

The emergency team operates from the sixty-fifth floor, making it the highest floor Kui Xin had reached, aside from the helipad on the rooftop.

While in the elevator, Augus piped up, “Kui Xin, you have drawn the attention of certain individuals.”

Kui Xin lifted an eyebrow but remained silent, waiting for Augus to continue.

“Your surface identity is perfect—a college student from a poor family, excelling academically, with impeccable background, exceptional abilities and status as an Awakened. Your family has a humble background, and your achievements stemmed purely from hard work,” Augus began, “Such individuals are rare in today’s highly stratified society. You could become a pawn, easily manipulated by those above.”

“At the same time, finding the right backing could pave your way upward or lead you to ruin,” Augus concluded.

“This emergency drill is a selection process?” Kui Xin murmured, “Someone picked me, trying to make me their piece? Are they using this opportunity to observe me?”

“Yes,” Augus affirmed.

“Rin Xinji?” Kui Xin questioned, “He’s associated with Captain Xu Yao’s family.”

“You are indeed wise,” Augus acknowledged, “Lin Xinji, due to his high position, does not personally recruit people. Instead, you should watch his aides closely.”

Reaching the sixty-fifth floor, the doors opened, revealing Kui Xin stepping into the emergency squad’s office.

Immediately upon entering, she heard a booming voice declaring, “Well, look who’s the newcomer. The bureau hasn’t seen a new Awakened in almost a year! Welcome!”

A dark-skinned, burly man turned to Kui Xin and introduced himself, “I’m your trainer, Captain Yu.”

“Hello, I’m Kui…” Interrupting Kui Xin mid-sentence, the captain slapped her shoulder lightly, finishing her introduction.

“Enough with formalities—I know who you are, Kui Xin, right?” Captain Yu chuckled, “Let’s exchange gear, time for some field work. We’ve got xenomorphs to deal with.”

“I need to pick the biggest gun I can get—let’s blow it to smithereens!”

Kui Xin: “…?”

Is this Lin Xinji’s protégé? He doesn’t seem particularly astute.

“Are there no other comrades on this mission?” Kui Xin queried.

“No need for more; teammates are already at the task location. Stealth is key. We need to head to the eastern slums. Remember, your survival is most important. Your value surpasses ordinary civilians; don’t hesitate to prioritize your safety over theirs. Destroying the enemy is the top priority,” Captain Yu stated plainly, revealing a lack of concern for civilian lives.

Kui Xin, without hesitation, complied, “Understood.”