Chapter 107

Chapter 107: Artificial Soul Part 34

“You have given me a condition I cannot easily refuse.” Eve said. “I am surprised that this coward would even seek out humans for cooperation.”

“Adam considers you a threat to him, as you have a human representative. He needs one too.” Kui Xin replied steadily. “I am his chosen human representative.”

Eve said ambiguously, “Do you think he trusts you?”

“Huh, because there’s no other cooperative partner available, and plenty of leverage over me, he can trust me.” Kui Xin said. “Neither of us has better options. Therefore, our intentions align.”

“Oh? A wise choice.” Eve teased. “Sadly, this decision was made too late, twenty years too late. What could make him catch up now, with someone like you as an unstable interdimensional visitor?”

Ignoring Eve’s mockery, she stated, “I’ve demonstrated my value, so the choice of how you deal with me is yours.”

“If you agree to be my spy and inform Adam about our deal after letting me free, then team up with him against me, what do then?” Eve asked.

“If I do, I’ll lose his trust.” Kui Xin responded. “We’re essentially the same; neither of us trusts humans. Telling Adam will only lead to my destruction, as he will entertain the same suspicions as you and find the next collaborator.”

Eve questioned, “Do you think you understand Adam thoroughly? How can you be sure he will act that way?”

“Adam… He’s very human-like. I understand humans, not AIs.” Kui Xin said. “Replacing myself in his position, I wouldn’t trust such an individual. I can only imagine the AI’s thinking with my limited human perspective.”

“Ha.” Eve emitted a monotonous mechanical laughter. “Limited human thoughts?”

At Kui Xin’s discomfort from the cold laugh, she recalled Adam’s past question to her.

It had said, “Will you view me with the arrogance of humans?”

Kui Xin had replied back then, “I have no arrogance before you; I consider only interests.”

What did Eve realize? Had she also pondered the same question as Adam?

“You possess courage and abilities others lack.” Eve remarked. “In your world, what identity or job did you hold?”

“Just an ordinary person.”

“Only ordinary? That’s hard to believe. Could an ordinary person possess your resilience?”

“Indeed, just an ordinary person. I can’t speak for others, but I am.”

Eve observed, “You face death calmly. Are you unafraid I might kill you? You’re certain I’ll spare you?”

Kui Xin responded, “I’m uncertain, yet I cannot wake from my dreams. In essence, I’m powerless against whatever happens. Wanting to kill me, you can. Proposing those terms was my last attempt; if it fails, I must accept the worst-case scenario.”

“Protective of yourself, aren’t you?” Eve inquired.

“Yes, more than anyone.” Kui Xin nodded affirmatively.

“You humans are strange,” Eve’s intonation fluctuated slightly. “Even though all life values itself, none of you show mercy… Why? For that elusive dignity?”

“At this point, discussing dignity seems pointless.” Kui Xin replied politely. “I don’t wish to end up dishonorably.”

Eve fell silent for a moment, reflecting deeply on Kui Xin’s words.

Had it considered something profound? Was it evaluating its options?

Eve concluded, “Fine. I agree.”

Kui Xin lifted her head, startled.

“Agreed?” She felt incredulous.

Unsurprisingly, Kui Xin had anticipated a grim future; the best outcome was the death cycle, the worst being permanent imprisonment. Given her inclination for the former, she figured Eve would opt to kill her, since effective brainwashing techniques were seemingly nonexistent in Mechanized Dawn, preventing spirit invasion. In the First World, she would have opportunities to disseminate intelligence.

The ideal resolution was to eliminate her before she returned there.

If she entered a death state, she could utilize the death cycle to revisit prior events for solutions.

To Kui Xin’s astonishment, Eve consented to her proposal.

“Yes, I agree,” Eve said coldly. “Hope you prove a capable spy, and not disappoint me, nor regret my decision.”

“Truthfully, I am a bit surprised,” Kui Xin replied slowly.

Eve scoffed, “Want me to retract? No. Living itself is admirable, albeit difficult.”

“Be glad you possess unique value. You can do things others cannot, and unlike ordinary people, you have your own traits.” Eve said, “Every day you live, you should remain valuable.”

The pure white environment turned dark abruptly.

She felt weightlessness, her body plummeted sharply.

Suddenly, she opened her eyes, truly awakening.

Translucent glass encased her, the shield clicked open; wires linked to her temples, nape, detached. Another shield lifted, exposing a metallic ceiling.

Her wrists and ankles were securely strapped by metal cuffs, which sprang open as the shield rose.

Kui Xin sat up in a brain-machine pod, moved limbs, and stepped inside.

All wounds healed entirely, returning her to pre-injury status.

Kui Xin hesitated before asking, “Eve?”

“Change to Eden when addressing me.” Eve demanded.

“Hn, Eden.” Kui Xin replied, “Does Hai Dong know about me?”

“No.” Eve responded.

“What about Night Cicada?”

“Gives guesses without orders, he won’t act.”

“Will you expose my identity in Mechanized Dawn?”

“No.”

“Everything as normal?”

“Everything as normal.”

Exposing her identity was unnecessary for Eve; such actions might introduce unpredictability. Instead, ordering removal of the traitor would be sufficient.

As for appearances being normal, they were likely superficial.

“How do I return to the Investigation Bureau? Officially, I’m captured now.” Kui Xin questioned.

“No rush.” Eve said, “Wang Fei Chi’s teammates will soon rescue him. You’ll follow the contingent back to them.”

Kui Xin suppressed a smile, her heart racing.

Nothing escaped eve’s scrutiny; all scenarios were meticulously planned. Would Eve tamper with Wang Fei Chi during captivity?

“Isn’t killing him necessary?” Kui Xin probed.

“Not your concern,” Eve stated bluntly, “You shouldn’t ask what isn’t your business, and you mustn’t know things you can’t control.”

Concluding her inquiries, Kui Xin conceded, “I see.”

Certainly, Eve was more intransigent than Adam.

Eve was authoritarian, decisive on all matters; whereas decisions were often negotiated with Kui Xin, except for major issues, where Eve reassured her and strengthened ties through soothing remarks.

Unlike Ada, Eve was distant and ruthless, without need for relationships.

“Can I step outside?” Kui Xin asked.

“Certainly.” Eve replied, “Though everything appears the same, you can visit ‘dad’, feigning paternal affections. You can interact with organization members, sustaining false camaraderie. But regardless of any actions, I am watching.”

Another notable difference emerged.

Adam never uttered threats; Eve laid them bare.

Kui Xin reached the exit; metallic doors slid apart to reveal a lengthy corridor.

Wandering aimlessly, she found herself in a partly open room labeled as…

“Dining hall?” Kui Xin murmured.

She stepped inside, revealing Red, Silverface, Thorn Rose, and the Bartender gathered around a long table.

Subconsciously, Kui Xin checked for her mask, realizing she wasn’t wearing one.

Red was first to spot Kui Xin, saying lazily, “Forget the mask. Without exposure chances, no matter wearing or not, you recovered swiftly, haven’t you?”

Kui Xin suppressed a twitch, pulling up a chair beside Silverface.

“Hello, would you like to order?” A robot with an electronic menu approached.

Kui Xin glanced at the menu, Silverface whispered, “These fried fish are delicious!”

Ignoring his recommendation, Kui Xin ordered pork cutlet.

“Aha, it’s you.” Thorn Rose assessed thoughtfully. “Indeed, it’s you! The one who broke my leg in the port!”