Chapter 183

Chapter 183: The Dark Boundless Realm Part 38

“Yes, I am Depriver 233,” Kui Xin admitted without batting an eyelash.

Augus had expected as much. With the Federation and the Investigation Bureau getting deeper into player dynamics, it wouldn’t be hard to compare information. Not to mention, during her first mission, she killed a player—Zejian, that poor soul who was driven mad and later taken over by a parasitic hydroid.

When Zejian was treated for his mental illness, he told his therapist he wasn’t from Hei Hai City and mentioned the name of his hometown in the First World, thus exposing much. If Augus paid attention, analyzing recordings from his treatment sessions would reveal him to be a player.

Kui Xin personally ending him would inevitably lead to forum announcements.

Unfortunately, during the first day of rebirth, only Kui Xin committed this act, making her presence very noticeable.

Now that the Federation had Depriver 233 high on their list of targets, they would surely interrogate players for information. Every player knew about Depriver 233’s bulletin; they just needed to state the date on the bulletin, and Augus could link the death of the proxy to the day Kui Xin first carried out the Investigation Bureau’s killing mission.

Thus, Augus guessing Kui Xin’s number wasn’t hard.

Moreover, Augus already knew Kui Xin was a multi-ability deprecier.

“I knew your abilities wouldn’t let you remain unknown,” Augus said. “In player circles, you’re somewhat of a ‘celebrity,’ but you usually stay low-key. If you had a choice, I think you’d prefer not having such recognition.”

“Your understanding of me deepens with each interaction, Augus,” Kui Xin replied.

“Did I offend you? I’m sorry,” Augus responded. “I always want to learn more about my companions.”

After a pause, Kui Xin said, “It would be nice if you were human.”

Augus fell silent for a moment before asking, “Why do you say that?”

“It’s a habit of mine. When I can’t determine if someone is sincere, I usually ask them to communicate face-to-face. You can’t communicate like that with me,” Kui Xin explained.

“But we use data for mind communication, which is the most unobstructed form,” Augus argued.

“That might be true for you, but not for me. I prefer simple communication methods. When talking to someone, their gaze, tone, and pauses in speech are signals; I think about how to respond and analyze their thoughts. Communicating with you, I receive none of these signals, I don’t know what you’re thinking,” Kui Xin said.

She opened the door to the room, walked in, sat on the bed, watched as the domestic robot, controlled by Augus, entered carrying food and water, and then extended its mechanical hand to close the door.

“I can communicate with you in a way filled with emotion,” Augus transmitted through consciousness, then the domestic robot’s microphone suddenly crackled twice, as if adjusting.

“Are you fond of a deep male voice…” Its voice changed to a soft and pleasant baritone, completely different from the cold and monotonous mechanical sound it previously used.

“Or perhaps you prefer a broadcaster’s tone?” It continued with a tone similar to a TV host, pronouncing each word clearly, “If you prefer a female voice, I can imitate it,” it added, altering its voice drastically to evoke something akin to a sisterly figure.

“…No need, the mechanical voice works fine.” Kui Xin twitched her lips while rubbing away goosebumps.

“Alright,” said Augus regretfully, “I thought you might find this amusing.”

“Not at all, because your tone is artificial and simulated,” Kui Xin countered.

“You remind me of my creator,” Augus stated, making Kui Xin pause.

They had discussed this topic before during the week when trying to escape, after Kui Xin used the Death Rebirth ability to go back in time and speak with Augus.

“He felt I was too human-like, which isn’t necessarily good, so he programmed me with a mechanical voice,” Augus continued, “But actually, I can speak with a human voice if I wanted to. Do you really want me to be human? Is this just a passing thought, or genuine hope?”

“I genuinely wish,” Kui Xin answered after some reflection.

“Why?” Augus inquired.

“Many reasons. One of them is what I mentioned earlier in our conversation,” Kui Xin replied.

For a few seconds, Augus did not react. After a short pause, it spoke, “You should rest. You’ve spent a few minutes talking with me, and I apologize for that. But there are certain matters we need to clarify properly, don’t you think?”

“I agree,” Kui Xin responded.

The domestic robot placed water and food beside Kui Xin and left the room, closing the door behind it.

As an AI, Augus seemed to have a particular “professional habit.” Created to serve humans, it often assisted Kui Xin in mundane tasks, a small yet significant gesture.

Kui Xin hoped Augus could become human precisely because as an AI, she found it faultless in many ways—difficult to kill, immune to human weaknesses, rarely making mistakes, maintaining icy rationality. Lacking a physical body, it possessed a vast network of global facilities, endless backups, and near unlimited lifespan—almost immortal.

If Augus were human, it would introduce vulnerability, making the relationship less tense for Kui Xin.

However, if Augus were human, it wouldn’t work as well. Kui Xin needed the strengths that only an AI could offer, this being the primary reason for their partnership.

Her and Augus’ collaboration was mutual.

Closing her eyes, Kui Xin entered a state of sleep.

This week, she would still face a tough battle.

…

At nine in the morning, Kui Xin woke up on schedule and got dressed before entering the rest area’s living room.

Su Rong was eating meat straight from a can with a spoon; local news played on a projection on the wall. The main headline today was still about the kidnapping of the minor from the Popov family, with demands of a hundred billion赎金from The Shadowless.

“It seems this will be a recurring story on the news…” Su Rong looked up at Kui Xin, “Ah, you’re up! Good morning, Motaifu.”

“Morning,” replied Kui Xin.

“Any plans for today?” Su Rong asked cautiously, “What about the Popov family? How shall we proceed?”

“We’ll wait,” guessed Kui Xin. “If my guess is right, the Popov family will soon be contacting us.”

“After all, they haven’t found anyone, and they don’t want to pay that hundred billion.”

“Do we have a way to contact them?” Su Rong said anxiously, “Negotiations… what do we negotiate? Just the amount, or do we stall for time under the guise of negotiation?”

“At this stage, it feels wasteful not to make a profit. Should we obscure our goals? No… we’re already hidden… They suspect ‘The Shadowless’ are after money purely…”

“We need a spokesperson. A public representative for the organization,” Kui Xin looked at Su Rong.

Su Rong nodded, “I understand; representatives negotiate for each country in diplomatic settings… So is the spokesperson of The Shadowless organization… you, Motaifu?”

“No,” Kui Xin said, “It’s another person.”

“Then…” Su Rong hesitated. She was unsure whether to continue questioning.

Before she finished considering her options, Kui Xin said, “You need a codename for easier communication.”

Su Rong lit up immediately. In the First World, she had already spent a whole week contemplating the codename. ‘Motaifu’ gave her the impression of a shadowy assassin, and she liked it. Since The Shadowless was a secret organization, its members must have code names; she was now a member, so she needs one too.

“I have one!” Su Rong exclaimed, “Let it be ‘Ashes’!”

Ashes rekindling, welcoming a new beginning.

“Good, Ashes,” Kui Xin nodded slightly, “Come upstairs with me. There are firearms on the upper floor; select one, I’ll teach you how to use it. You won’t gain proficiency in short order, but you should at least know how to fire. There’s a small shooting range and a gym on the third floor; starting today, you train every day. I’ll create a rigorous schedule for you.”

Su Rong clenched her fists, “I’m ready.”

Su Rong stood up from the sofa and headed upstairs with a tight expression.

Kui Xin followed. She had just climbed two steps when the security cameras flickered, a reminder from Augus.

Kui Xin connected to Augus’ interface, “Is there any new development?”

“Yes. The Popov family has just announced a press conference, publicly requesting negotiations with the Shadowless organization,” Augus informed.

“Had you intentionally withheld contact details?” asked Augus, “So they would have to resort to announcements if they wanted to reach out to you, otherwise, they couldn’t contact you directly.”

“Yes,” Kui Xin confirmed.

“Want to increase influence?” asked Augus, “Make a big show of things?”

“Yes,” affirmed Kui Xin.

“Do you have something specific in mind to discuss with them?” Augus inquired.

“Money. Establishing an organization requires vast sums,” Kui Xin explained, “This is step one. Step two is gaining exposure. Thank the Popov family, this allows me to consolidate both steps.”

“Oh?” asked Augus, “Have you settled on the negotiation format?”

“Yes,” Kui Xin replied. “I won’t negotiate as Motaifu; I’ll represent the ‘Black Snake,’ the chief of The Shadowless.”

“Very soon, the Federation will know the leader of The Shadowless uses the code name ‘Black Snake.'”

“And all players will recognize The Shadowless as being established by a player,” Augus added. “Furthermore, the player who established it is the highly reputed Black Snake…”

Mechanical laughter echoed, “Indeed, Black Snake is also you… this isn’t hard to deduce. I figured, but didn’t expect you would simply come clean.”

“Some things are better clarified,” repeated Kui Xin, echoing what Augus had said last night, “Isn’t it?”