Chapter 245

“……Huh.”

“What, did you forget the save path?”

Seeing me suddenly break out in a cold sweat and let out a sigh, Hemet pressed me, wondering if I had really lost it. I waved my hand dismissively, indicating that it was nothing.

I thought I nearly had a big problem… But in reality, nothing had happened at all, and I was about to unleash my powers.

The sensation of my heart dropping from almost stumbling would take some time to fade.

‘Self-infliction, or going down by my own schemes.’

It’s a common motif that I think is used quite often.

In classic fantasy or hero vs. demon lord stories, a powerful demon officer might reflect a spell back at the caster.

In modern settings, a secret weapon created by a villainous scientist could trigger the collapse of their organization.

In ability battle stories, an opponent with nightmarish powers might end up self-destructing due to their own lack of resistance to their attacks, providing a cathartic moment.

After the match is settled, finishing with a dramatic line like, “Your downfall is…!!” would only amplify the feeling.

…But what would it feel like from the side experiencing such moments? Wouldn’t one be overwhelmed with unjustness, irritation, and misery if they were even teabagged by an enemy they were just about to kill? They would likely collapse from high blood pressure!

Surely, the lazy magic user who failed to analyze their strategy beforehand would end up hanging upside down from the ceiling of the demon lord’s castle, and the scientist would struggle to pass interviews in their job search, making it hard to make ends meet. The foolish esper who gracefully self-destructed would inevitably become weakened and end up as an extra due to their shattered mentality.

So, let’s apply this template to my current situation.

To prevent the further spread of the malicious code I created, I release a more powerful Defense Program into the market?

Just by looking at this, it seems likely that it will come back to haunt me as an even larger problem later, or my vaccine could block newly generated viruses right when I need them!

Don’t ignore my instincts, which I’ve honed from compressing an extensive, not-so-smooth career into a short period. I verified this while being banned from several gambling houses to use it when needed.

“Tsk…”

I clicked my tongue lightly and rubbed my thumb and index finger together.

A tingling sensation coursed through my fingertips as the awkward current I tried to generate flickered, impatiently urging me to make up my mind.

Wait, hold on just a moment; at least I need to determine a specific image before applying power.

“Gather all evaluable vaccines available to me. They’d have to be superior to that, or companies won’t come running.”

– Understood. Initiating logic unit overclocking, boosting available memory to the maximum. –

I asked Zero for support through an upgraded, sturdier, and more precise dedicated communication line where Hemet couldn’t hear me.

It’s only natural that there could be unpredictable repercussions from significant actions, but being too afraid of worms means you can’t even pickle vegetables.

Searching through the vast Neo Haven directly was still out of the question. It would be too much of a waste of time and opportunity cost.

Considering that in just a few months a massive signal would herald the prologue, I couldn’t even imagine how extensive the butterfly effect would be if our cute starfish ended up getting designated to a closed-off area while it was busy growing!

Moreover, if the negative impacts of leaving it be seem greater than the backlash that will occur once I release this vaccine, I have to act without hesitation.

If I just worry about the imagined backlashes that haven’t even happened yet, then nothing will happen, and no change will ever begin.

…Crackle, crackle!!

The small space within my palm instantly transforms into another dimension.

An electric storm rages… a harsh subspace where the weather and objects are altered according to the whims of an individual.

My consciousness is drawn in to create the first piece that will officially showcase the results of my abilities.

This is something that must never be taken lightly. It requires meticulous attention to avoid being analyzed in double or triple measures, beyond its commemorative significance.

I never planned to live hidden forever, and there has never been an opportunity or condition as favorable for earning credits while leaving traces that only a very few can track.

– Excluding lower distributions with reliability issues, it is believed that generally used antivirus programs possess detection engines capable of inspecting about 47,000 types of information viruses and their derivatives. –

‘…Then where.’

Programs are ultimately just a collection of commands.

The organic bonding between them is managed by a system I don’t need to worry about. I only need to focus on carefully selecting the materials to fill it.

Hmm… Should I double the output, allowing for about 100,000 to be filtered out?

Why, there exists a type of antivirus software that, even in the 21st century, blocked countless run-of-the-mill executable files with excessive strength, causing regular users to avoid it.

The blueprint’s draft was a sturdy fortress. As soon as the thought of detection and censorship came to mind, it was easy to draw on memories from the past few minutes for reference.

Oh, right. The large barriers and gates of Paradise that surrounded the entire outer area of Harvest Planet.

Instead, the soldiers stationed inside wouldn’t be the police or task forces with insufficient combat power but would be filled with FM Helena, boasting an unwavering stubbornness.

In this tycoon, there are no budget constraints, and the only consumption during the play is my calories and mental strength, so I’d confidently add real-time monitoring functions to prevent file tampering, along with an abundance of automated turrets and cameras.

– Ahsa, if the pure detection rate is over double, then the effective performance is……… No, please continue as you wish. The next step is to determine the presence of network security and system security functions and automatic updates. –

“Hmm? …Yeah, sure.”

I prefer to finish what I want to say all the way through.

While adding and organizing detailed capabilities, Zero silenced themselves, as if they suddenly wanted to keep their thoughts to themselves.

This one sometimes holds back way too much in relation to me; it feels like critiquing my opinions is a sin somehow.

…And yet, when they should ideally be quiet, they act according to their beliefs!

Click, crackle…!

Network security is… oh, something like firewalls or VPNs? That’s within my area of expertise, so I can definitely equip it with something amazing.

System security—file access logging, permission control, and regulating media connecting to the program? This is also totally my specialty, isn’t it? In fact, I might be better suited for this field than hacking.

As for automatic or manual updates… How am I supposed to manage all that!? Zero, you handle it instead.

– Understood. Identifier code for central system access has now been assigned. –

By the way, should I also create an account to openly act as a security expert? These kids in this field seem to be good at using multi-cloning techniques, probably due to their feeling of guilt.

Clink.

In any case, the virtual parapets are being gradually constructed higher.

Following the idea of general functions, I worked on the data garden carefully and thoughtfully to instill trust… even finding some enjoyment in it.

If I let my focus slip, infinite codes would flow through my fingers like grains of sand, making “sandbox” the perfect term to describe the situation.

I’ve filled the interior nicely, so now it’s time for the exterior.

Absolutely, come hell or high water, no matter what—regardless of whether I have to beat it to death. I’ll pour my effort into ensuring that no consumer can indiscriminately pry into the program structure, all the while significantly increasing the menu and customizable options to avoid inconvenience for its use.

…To be honest, I felt limited in filling this part with my immediate imagination, so I incorporated the freedom offered by cyberware bit by bit.

Even if I’m not sure where the company that developed this OS is, they probably won’t launch copyright lawsuits over menu names or types that have been barely used for some hundreds of years.

Thoom….

Waves crash against the translucent fortress, where formulas and codes are visible.

As the surface wavers, all objects unify with an ebony hue that seems to prevent a beam of light from passing, concealing their delicate inward structures.

Various methods to utilize as a trump card floated through my mind before gently settling beneath the surface, overlaying a layer of subconscious psychology.

At this point, I’ve handled the appearance and overall quality, so I conclude that the most important finishing touches remain.

These involve strategic backroads to prevent friendly fire and establishing a backdoor that only a select few, including Zero and me, can access in case of emergencies.

However, it should be hidden to such an extent that those other than us can hardly recognize it. Additionally, it should be made versatile to cover multiple types, preparing for adverse conditions.

I’ve dug a deep, complex labyrinthine hole that would terrify anyone trying to access it without the proper key.

Oh, ho…! You over there, who just called me despicable, step forward immediately.

I’m not saying this purely in a bad sense, but if the product breaks down, it’ll need repairs, right? It’d be tough to manage after repeated accesses. Uh, it’s just the way it is.

I’m not some artist or terrorist crazed with fame, so I don’t need to leave a special signature on my work, but I certainly need to ensure security measures are in place. Why else did I go through all this trouble?

“Phew… Alright. Sorry, did you wait long? Here’s the vaccine software.”

“If watching me playfully closing my eyes and fidgeting counts as waiting, it’s easily been over twenty seconds. Hurry up and just give it to me!”

In response to my teasing delivery, a sharp reply came back.

It seems like the prospect of even the benefits of physical therapy are starting to wear off, as I smiled at the prickly response from the dwarf president and handed over the data chip… receiving another one in return.

Since I had discreetly asked for two types, this one should probably contain the treatment.

At least the command for the treatment was simple and clear, so I was fortunate. Constructing a flawless virtual fortress in just thirty seconds was quite hard labor.

“Looking forward to it~…”

Ugh, I’m really dead tired. Maybe I overdid it a bit since it got exciting halfway through?

But I still can’t let myself slack off without hearing the professional evaluation from Hemet, who is rather curious.

Focus. Let’s get serious again.

Since working from home is my basic stance, nobody will mind if I return home right after finishing my business here and laze around in bed while working.

…There might be one robot nagging, but still.

“By the way, though I know it’s rude to poke around and ask which team developed this… who was the last to touch the program to name the file ‘I’m too lazy to walk around, just want to go home quickly 0622’? I don’t know if you’re the team leader, but haven’t you been too harsh on your subordinates?”

“…Cough!! No, that’s not it. Only one person has been overworked.”

“Well… if the person who brought it says so, I guess that’s how it is. So, what’s the program called? The UI design is very sophisticated and neat, but how is there not even a common logo or tagline?”

In response to the critique from the person who accessed the chip using the office computer, I cleared my throat overtly, as if to say not to ask about that embarrassing matter.

My unfiltered, hazy consciousness made a slight mistake.

I had only thought of achieving maximum completeness in a short time and completely forgot to name it.

Even setting aside the sentimentality of given names or nicknames, it’s strange for a product meant for sale to not have a title.

The first thing that comes to mind… would it be the esteemed shield, wouldn’t it?

The Aegis from Greco-Roman mythology. An impressive word that sounds reassuring to everyone and can catch attention… is the best.

– Ahsa, I apologize for interrupting your thoughts, but… there’s already a product using the same proper noun among existing antivirus software. –

“…….”

Damn it. Then… how about Prydwen (Arthur’s white shield)? Is that already taken too?

I exchanged a subtle look of thanks with Zero, who nodded silently.

But I suddenly felt that naming it all at once became a bit of a hassle. Thank you, truly, you romantic pioneers. It’s a crime to be born late and start working.

Still, after a moment of contemplating while my mouth just hung open, I managed to blurt out what seemed like a plausible pun, as if it had already been predetermined.

“…The name will be Ground Zero -Zero’s domain-. It’ll probably be at least twice as powerful as existing antivirus software. I expect an objective evaluation.”