Chapter 202

Chapter 202: The Boundless Dark Realm Part 57

“Then you must help me.” Kui Xin said with unprecedented firmness. “Eve will stop at nothing to kill me, so you must use all your strength to aid me, to the best of your ability.”

Augus replied, “I will.”

Given that they had already reached a point where it was make-or-break, it would be odd not to spare no effort against the enemy.

This was no trifling matter. The actions taken by Eve against Augus initially contained some element of probing. They may have attempted to insert spies and infect Augus’s systems with viruses through infiltration. There had been no direct confrontation; instead, they maneuvered by utilizing intermediaries.

Now things were different, Kui Xin demanded an outright assault from Augus.

She planned to engage in a bloody clash with Mechanized Dawn, fighting her life away, while Augus would have to restrain Eve in the digital world, preventing her from directing the organization from afar.

Kui Xin left the scene, seriously contemplating how to resolve the immediate danger.

She thought about an electromagnetic interference device. If she could induce significant enough electromagnetic confusion to disrupt all of Mechanized Dawn’s communications and stop everything going on at Chuangtu Technology Company.

Mechanized Dawn might have installed anti-interference devices on some equipment. According to Augus, these could counteract the effects of electromagnetic disturbances to a certain extent. However, if the scope of the electromagnetic disturbance were large enough and its intensity strong enough, any electrically powered devices could be rendered useless instantly, halting communication signals completely.

“We are incredibly powerful, seemingly invincible, but we do have our weaknesses,” Augus stated. “Humans can traverse any region on their own legs, but in places beyond the reach of our networks, without access to wires or signal towers, we are akin to the blind.”

Thus, Kui Xin decided to take this approach, interfere with electronic equipment operations and buy herself time.

Augus spoke correctly, if she used a spatial vortex to transport explosives to destroy the enemy, then she would need enough explosives to level half a city block—an insane amount to procure, especially given that such massive loads would be difficult to gather and require substantial preparation time; a luxury she did not possess. This approach wouldn’t work; instead, she should provoke regional electromagnetic disturbances to weaken Mechanized Dawn, slow their information transfer rates, interrupt communication, and impede Night Cicada’s precise positioning and rescue abilities, which would give Kui Xin an opportunity to eliminate her targets. Yet, there was a daunting problem: How could she obtain a device capable of covering such extensive regions?

“The Investigation Bureau has one at their headquarters in White Whale City. Upon activation, the electromagnetic interference covers all of Poleward District. I have the permission to activate it.” Augus continued, “Though, the range cannot cover the entire city. If activated at the headquarters, it covers both Poleward District and part of Midnight District but not entirely.”

“We can use it when they return to their branch office in Mechanized Dawn for repairs. Timing must be precise,” Kui Xin responded. “How much time can you buy for me?”

“Half an hour.” Augus stated. “Under ideal conditions, my interference can disrupt their devices for half an hour.”

“There’s another question… if you activate the bureau’s interference device, will your presence be revealed?” Kui Xin queried. “Can they notice something amiss?”

“It’s possible.” Augus admitted. “So, I need to devise a way to clear my name. Pretending I’ve been under attack will do.”

“I see… That strategy sounds somewhat familiar?” Kui Xin mused.

“Yes, but this disguise can’t be as simple as last time. Last time, I pretended an attack on my communication system. It won’t do this time—I must show real evidence of damage.” Augus explained. “I will tell you the location of my data center in White Whale City. You place a timed bomb within. When you detonate it, I will activate the electromagnetic interference device, destroying some files in my database to simulate a cyber and physical attack. While this method is old-fashioned, it remains effective. Most people remain unaware of our awakening.”

“A data center?!” Kui Xin was stunned, not anticipating Augus’s willingness.

“Losses are acceptable. My data center spans three underground floors. One level can be sacrificed, while the remaining two ensure system stability. Even if we lose all servers in White Whale City, backups are stored across other cities,” Augus clarified.

“…Alright.” Kui Xin responded with mixed feelings. “We can claim it was an accident.”

Afterward, Kui Xin pondered over who to blame. Her thoughts flickered through various organizations before she realized attributing it to anyone would be unnecessary; letting the Investigation Bureau speculate was preferable as it ensured uncertainty.

“When will you strike?” Augus asked.

Kui Xin had long made up her mind. “Tomorrow—sooner the better. I won’t be fully operational until then.”

“Another issue is figuring out when they return to Mechanized Dawn’s branch for rest.” Augus added.

Kui Xin turned her train of thought. “Perhaps we don’t need exact timing; luring them out is sufficient. If I appear somewhere, they’ll come to eliminate me. Once lured towards the electromagnetic range, my plan is set.”

“And the final concern,” Augus gently stated. “In the state of ‘Reset,’ how can you defeat members of Mechanized Dawn without your extraordinary abilities?”

“I can’t guarantee a victory,” Kui Xin conceded. “My backup is controlling someone skilled with firearms with Hypnotic Sound. Concerning ‘Reset,’ little is known. Will he be able to remove effective mental control?”

“I can’t predict the outcome. Spiritual abilities are special,” Augus noted. “Experiments aren’t possible—plans must be detailed and comprehensive.”

Electromagnetic interference effective—the semi-mechanical figure’s movements halted, ideally. Kui Xin needed every advantage, every enemy lessened her burden.

Thinking further, Kui Xin realized she’d need a new pair of eyes, this time organic, no more prosthetics. She would swiftly recover from surgery thanks to regeneration.

“Every previous kill’s traces were limited. Leaving bodies behind with minimal impact is history,” Augus reflected. “From now on, every city street will dim under your presence.”

“Let hopes be answered.” Words seemed heartfelt.

…

Act swiftly.

Activating electromagnetic interference will cut off my communication. No updates on events nor battle outcomes.

If my interference ceases, I hope communication restarts, allowing me to hear your voice on your communicator—that you are alive.

Like a farewell, those words echoed.

When Kui Xin navigated dark alleyways, each word brought a sense of temporal displacement.

On first activation of death resurrection, Augus had conveyed to her dying friend:

“Rest easy, my friend. As your soul returns home, I offer prayers of comfort.”

Repeated coincidences and familiar dialogues resurfaced, as though destiny looped through time. Farewell speeches and revelations repeated, albeit with varied sentiments.

Choosing perilous battle grounds in Midnight District amid towering mechanical garbage heaps, she prepared, anticipating the chaos to come. She swapped prosthetic eyes with organic replicas, acclimating slowly.

Weapons procured, she laid traps in the waste district, then departed to White Whale City Branch of Investigation Bureau. With secret ventilation guidance, she infiltrated underground chambers, activating the bomb, then retreated.

Satisfied with preparations, she stopped momentarily, resting briefly in a nearby diner. Sending final messages to allies, she detailed the night’s operation.

Responding, Su Rong questioned her readiness to leave safety zones.

“Not tonight.” Kui Xin refused.

Suspicion grew in Su Rong’s reply. Seeking clarification, assistance, she was abruptly dismissed.

Two hours of preparation, the night descended, and the scheduled moment arrived.