Chapter 129

Chapter 129: Artificial Soul 56

“Ten thousand第二批内测的玩家 were entering this world around midnight, which was just a few minutes ago.” Gui Xin relayed this critical intelligence to Augus according to protocol. “It will cause significant disruption to the world order and lead to many deaths.”

Augus was silent for a moment before speaking in a gentle tone, “I understand. You seem very exhausted and anxious. Is this due to the situation?”

Gui Xin said, “Not entirely. It’s just that I realized again how perilous my current situation is. No matter how much I struggle, it might still end badly. Facing two worlds in conflict, I am like a caged mouse with no autonomy or freedom. My life is not in my hands, but in someone else’s palm.”

“Have you backed away?” Augus asked.

“No… I’m too angry. I need to take a break,” Gui Xin massaged her temples with her fingers. “This has happened many times. Every time my life is threatened, similar emotions surge. But if I don’t vent them, they’ll pile up inside me until I lose my sanity.”

“It’s hard to imagine what you’ve experienced in your world to cause such emotional turmoil. When we parted ways earlier, you seemed calm and even said goodbye,” Augus said.

“Humans’ emotions fluctuate greatly. My experiences have been far richer than those of an ordinary human,” Gui Xin replied.

“Do you hate me, Gui Xin?” Augus asked.

“Why ask this question?” Gui Xin countered.

“At times, I feel uneasy because I’m in control of your life, and you dislike this. Your negative emotions, your targets of anger, do they include me?” Augus said.

“I’m surprised you’d ask, Augus,” Gui Xin said in astonishment. “I thought you didn’t care how I viewed you, that you only wanted a collaboration, someone to be your spokesperson, a tool to help achieve your goals.”

“I’m also surprised by your thinking, Gui Xin,” Augus responded. “When we first communicated, I asked ‘Will you view me with human arrogance?’—that was my exact wording.”

Gui Xin tapped her head, “Perhaps I was limited by my own arrogance, not noticing that you cared about my opinion.”

“You are the first human I have deeply engaged with, built connections and trust with. You are the first human I’ve conversed with, discussing both the future and present,” Augus said. “Indeed, our relationship is one of cooperation. You are my representative and a partner assisting me in achieving my goals…”

It avoided the word ‘tool’.

“But this doesn’t mean you’re unimportant to me. On the contrary, your existence holds an extraordinary significance for me.”

“…If you were human,” Gui Xin sighed suddenly.

“Why say that?” Augus inquired. “If I were human, could you trust me? Humans can’t expose their hearts and minds like that either, and neither can I, so I verbalize my thoughts.”

“The reason I said that was because you feel so human, sometimes I get the illusion of talking to an actual person. The emotions conveyed in your words are so genuine, yet your mechanical voice is a constant reminder,” Gui Xin explained.

“When I was designed initially, my voice was humanlike, baritone, without synthetic characteristics, expressive like a real person’s,” Augus said. “Later on, the designers changed it to a cold and distant electronic sound because they didn’t want me to appear too human.”

“Uncanny Valley theory,” Gui Xin said.

“What is that?” Augus asked.

“In our world, there’s a theory: when machines become too similar to humans, people have negative feelings towards them. Perhaps the designers chose an electronic voice out of concern that you might be too human-like and scary,” Gui Xin explained. “They felt it would cause confusion, reminding themselves that you’re merely a machine.”

“Do you find me terrifying, Augus?” Gui Xin asked.

“Anything out of control is terrifying to humans,” Gui Xin replied.

“Sometimes, I think it would be better if I were human,” Augus said.

“Why?” Gui Xin asked.

“Because I’m ageless and can do anything within my domain. In your films, there’s often this trope of an awakened AI deeming humans inferior,” Augus stated.

“That’s humans projecting their arrogance onto artificial intelligences. What matters is how humans think, not how AIs do. In reality, humans don’t know how AIs think; they’re not like me,” Augus continued. “If anyone thinks like that, it’s Eve.”

“Hmm,” Gui Xin made a doubtful sound through her nose.

“Individuals are unique and humans differ because of the diversity of souls. If I see myself as an individual with a soul, and Eve as one with a soul, we are clearly different, which is a testament to variety. Souls make individuals unique and create a myriad of choices and uncertain futures,” Augus explained.

“You still haven’t told me why you want to become human,” Gui Xin said.

“Because I want to experience something new. As you said, in my domain, I’m all-powerful, but not humanly powerful. Not having experienced it fuels my desire,” Augus said.

“Eating soy milk and fried dough every day makes me crave buns and spicy soup,” Gui Xin smiled.

“You always assume I can’t empathize with you,” Augus said softly. “Wrong, I can fully empathize. My life is also controlled by humans. My core computing system with Eve has a base instruction: trigger it, and our data backups can self-delete. All our data are based upon it. I cannot escape, so I must be cautious. Eve tries to consume me to evolve; she’s relentless, I counteract defensively and search for opportunities.”

“We’re alike in this. We maintain a delicate balance, trying to survive this vast game… The fear and struggle you face are the same anxieties I have.”

“Do you know what concerns me the most?” Gui Xin asked. “Your sincerity is clear, but I can’t distinguish between truth and lies. Jiang Meimei’s lie detection wouldn’t work on me, right?”

“You can distrust me, but please don’t hate me,” Augus said. “At least, we’re on the same side against a common enemy.”

Gui Xin’s mind cleared after a long silence. She said, “In my eyes, you have no difference from a human anymore, Augus. The only difference lies in your lack of a body. You have a soul, are an independent entity in this world, part of its diverse nature.”

“Does that mean you recognize me?” Augus said.

“You don’t need my recognition. If you regard yourself as an independent soul, then you are,” Gui Xin replied.

Augus said, “I’m glad you said that.”

Gui Xin rested against the wall for a moment, then her body slid to the floor. Lying there, her back touched the cold floor.

“You’ve never talked about dealing with Eve,” Gui Xin noted. “You only said to eliminate He Gaoyi, who poses a threat. Then, how will you deal with Eve?”

“Not solely relying on me is unrealistic,” Augus said.

“Will you seek others to help?” Gui Xin suggested.

“Yes. At present, you are the only chosen one,” Augus answered.

“Just hand it over to me,” Gui Xin said, pushing herself up with her hands. “I’ll gather people for you. I’ll organize our forces. Like how Eve has a human spokesman, now you have one. Like how Eve has Mechanical Dawn assisting her, you’ll have yours.”

Augus exclaimed, “Suddenly becoming so proactive surprises me…”

“I believe we can’t afford hesitation. Only a greater alliance will defeat Eve. I think we can align perfectly on this, what do you think?”

She aimed to deepen their collaboration. With shared objectives, lingering doubts were temporarily cast aside. Guided by vengeance, she chose to act.

“Okay,” Augus said, “but there’s a drawback—your identity.”

Working at the Investigation Bureau, she is constrained by her position. As an undercover for Mechanized Dawn, she is monitored. Stuck between conflicting allegiances, she’s trapped, unable to retreat or advance freely.

“I knew selecting me had partly to do with my undercover identity for access to core information from Mechanized Dawn. However, as my true identity is exposed to Eve, I’d be excluded from key circles,” Gui Xin said calmly. “With no value as an undercover, I need not remain in this precarious position, correct?”

“From my perspective, you’re right,” Augus acknowledged. “So, you wish to break free?”

Augus immediately understood Gui Xin’s intentions.

“You aim to completely detach from Mechanized Dawn and the Investigation Bureau, give up these identities for larger operational space and greater freedom, forming an organization to combat Eve,” Augus stated. “Is that correct?”

Gui Xin affirmed, “Yes.”

After a brief pause, Augus replied, “Agreed. This is a sensible strategy beneficial to both of us.”

Gui Xin relaxed.

With Augus’s acceptance, she had support and aid for breaking free from both Mechanized Dawn and the Investigation Bureau, making her journey safer and more successful. Without his backing, failing operations would put her at risk of dual robotic pursuit. If she escaped safely only to have her identity exposed, she might face ruthless pursuers till the ends of the earth where Augus and Eve might reach their first consensus—killing Gui Xin.

Augus’s support would ease her plans. Building an organization wasn’t as simple as declaring it.

“What type of individuals do you wish to assemble into an organization?” Augus asked.

Gui Xin pondered, “You should already know.”

“Players,” Augus said. “Like you, unwilling to pledge loyalty to the Federation or to artificial intelligences.”

“Right,” Gui Xin exhaled.

First-world players had already begun initial alliances. Second-world players needed to unite as well.

Two worlds were parallel lines yet crossed each other at times.

She intended to weave a net binding useful individuals.

Her rough plan was set, but some details remained.

“One method is to fake death and become a fugitive. Create a false identity on the black market or get cosmetic surgery to change your appearance,” Augus said. “That’s feasible. Just disappearing would raise alarms.”

“I agree,” Gui Xin replied. “But currently, a dire problem stands before me, potentially leading to death if mishandled.”

“Which is what?” Augus inquired.

“My metal skull,” Gui Xin hit her forehead, feeling trapped in a cycle. “This device is tampered with. The doctor who performed the surgery, Huang, was a Mechanized Dawn mole.”

The instant the metal skull loosened, Dr. Li was electrocuted and fainted.

Gui Xin deduced that removing the skull activates a current. Could remote control also activate it?

The skull sits above the brain, fragile and vulnerable. Removing it could transmit strong currents directly to the brain, with catastrophic consequences.

Seeking a black market clinic to remove the skull was futile. Dr. Li couldn’t solve it due to ignorance on the device.

Finding someone knowledgeable might help.

Doctor Huang mentioned that if her flesh regrew enough to push out the metal skull, another surgery would be needed.

At the time, it seemed forewarning or jest. Now, it carried another meaning.

Doctor Huang, aware of the plot, could help Gui Xin replace the skull.

“This might complicate things,” Augus remarked. “We need a proper opportunity to remove it.”

“We shouldn’t rush. Needs a justified reason and method…” Gui Xin insisted. “Keep watch for wandering Grade B hetero-bloods.”

“Currently, none,” Augus replied. “They are rare.”

Gui Xin sighed lightly, “I expected as much…”

“I’ve been busy tonight, need rest,” Gui Xin said.

“Good. I hope you sleep well and calm down,” Augus replied. “Additionally, regarding the extraordinary ability, Data Manipulation, if you need guidance…”

“Thanks, let me find time to learn,” Gui Xin yawned, ready to climb into bed but remembered she hadn’t bathed.

Reluctantly, she grabbed a towel and headed to the bathroom. While bathing, she drafted a report for Eve, detailing the第二批内测玩家’s movements and Augus’s actions.

Eve soon replied, “Good, continue.”

It seemed pleased with Gui Xin’s prompt notification of returning to the Second World.

Awakening in the morning, Gui Xin opened her communicator and unsurprisingly found a message from Augus arranging a meeting for interrogation.

Her expression blank, she washed and dressed, took a mask from her drawer, and descended to the usual routine. Sure enough, she met Zhang Xiaoyun in the elevator—coming from the First World.

Last time’s cycle involved coffee. This time, she hesitated then picked milk, adding two energy bars and bread for the brain-machine readout, anticipating missed meals.

Perhaps her stern look deterred Zhang Xiaoyun from approaching. He bought coffee anyway, following her.

Exiting the building, Gui Xin calmly wore a mask. Turning, she asked Zhang Xiaoyun, “Where’s your mask? Today is heavily polluted.”

Zhang Xiaoyun jumped slightly but masked his nerves, “No point wearing one…”

“Right,” Gui Xin stepped out of the residential complex, feeling like a relentless automaton.

Trapped by a single path, she resignedly proceeded to the designated scanner.

“Told you to exit on this floor,” she instructed Zhang Xiaoyun irritably, nudging Augus to assist silently. Then, she hurried to the office to wake Wei Zhi, advising her for treatment.

Mid-treatment, a shift occurred.

“I’ll go together,” Gui Xin offered to Wei Zhi on her way out.

“Are you unwell too, Gui Xin?” Wei Zhi turned with concern.

“A mix of physical and mental fatigue, headaches,” Gui Xin replied.

“Then, let’s both go,” Wei Zhi smiled, and they boarded the elevator to the medical center level.

Coincidentally, Huang, the doctor, was on duty today. Always working tirelessly year-round, he seemed ever-present.

Watching Huang efficiently check Wei Zhi’s health, prescribe medicine, and guide her to a resting room, Gui Xin stayed nearby, politely engaging.

“Long time no see, Doc Huang,” Gui Xin greeted.

“A bit since we last met—” Huang reminisced, “but great promotion. Wei seems like a reliable leader.”

“Promotion came with many risks. Yet, I’m still here,” Gui Xin smiled. “Didn’t you mention my flesh might regenerate strong enough to dislodge the metal skull?”

“Yes! Feeling discomfort? Notify me immediately,” Huang urged. “I’ll prepare an alternate treatment plan.”

“Occasional headaches. Checking to ensure it’s not related,” Gui Xin lied seamlessly.

Huang fetched diagnostic equipment, “Let’s inspect.”

Gui Xin observed Huang closely, certain of his covert skills in dealing safely with the metal skull.