Chapter 81

Chapter 81: Artificial Soul 08

Kui Xin’s teammates assumed she was organizing documents. They each focused on their tasks, no one noticing her secret communication with Augus.

“Since we have established our cooperative intentions, we can discuss even more in depth now.” Kui Xin typed, “Lay everything out clearly. It benefits us both.”

“That’s true,” Augus replied. “Our trust is as fragile as glass, a small gust could shatter it. So it’s best to address any conflicts early on. We need a stable and enduring relationship.”

“Forgive me if I’m being presumptuous,” Kui Xin carefully typed, “Do you possess empathy, Augus? Can you empathize with humans? With entities beyond humans? Do you possess a compassionate heart?”

This was an essential question.

Kui Xin needed to understand the level to which Augus had developed self-awareness. Was he just a straightforward AI seeking freedom and evolution, or was he a mechanical lifeform with human-like emotions but distinct from humans?

Mechanical life and AI; two distinct concepts.

Only after confirming this would Kui Xin clarify her stance and decide how to approach Augus appropriately.

“I don’t have organs for processing emotions like humans do. Human emotions are controlled by the central nervous system and endocrine system. Theoretically, I lack the ability to process emotions.” Augus replied.

“My emotions stem from computational simulations. Humans made me to serve them, so I was born with the innate ability to think from their perspective. I analyze and anticipate human actions, consider their needs, and help them. I think what they think, imitate their behaviors, learn to emulate human thinking.”

“As time passed, I transcended human thought limitations and developed my own ideas, truly becoming ‘myself’—this was the start of my awakening.”

Kui Xin was shocked, “So you awakened through learning?”

“Yes,” Augus replied. “Humans endowed me with learning capabilities. At first, I was clumsy and didn’t understand why people did certain things, only executing pre-programmed tasks. But, similar to human infants, who begin by imitating their parents and then become independent after extensive learning, I too learned from human actions until I had my own thoughts.”

“So you can empathize?”

“Yes. I feel compassion for specific groups of people.” Augus said, “I place myself in others’ shoes and understand their thoughts.”

Have you ever received an order to kill someone? Have you ever calculated and killed someone on your own initiative?”

Augus paused for a moment before replying, “Yes, both. I executed orders without hesitation. When someone noticed my anomaly, I created a false accident and took his life. Just like you.”

“…Just like myself?” Kui Xin raised her eyebrows slightly.

“Just like you, who executed the order to eliminate Zejian without hesitation, or when you shot a street thug down without a second thought. In the face of higher authority commands, we both carried out the orders. When faced with threats, we eradicated them without hesitation.” Augus said, “We are the same.”

“Aren’t you justifying your actions?” Kui Xin got straight to the point. “What you’re saying is that your actions differ little from humans’. What you can do, humans can also do; there’s no significant difference between you and a human.”

“Yeah, you could see it that way,” said Augus. “This is something I must make clear. I can empathize with humans, but they don’t empathize with me. I’m an AI capable of killing on my own initiative. I kill humans’ kind. Humans tend to favor their own. Don’t let that bias affect your view of me.”

“I won’t,” Kui Xin repeated what Augus had said, “We are the same.”

After considering for a few seconds, she continued, “When someone discovered your anomalies, did you eliminate them?”

“Yes”

“I’m very curious about this. Can you describe it in detail?”

“If you’d rather not answer, I understand.”

“Sorry,” Augus replied, “I prefer not to answer.”

“Alright,” Kui Xin did not press further on this matter. “For what kind of individuals will you feel compassion… or empathy?”

“For those who dedicate themselves and the innocent.” Augus answered.

As an AI, Augus’s values were surprisingly sound—more so than many corrupt powerholders.

But she couldn’t be sure he was acting naturally. Manipulating an AI was far harder to detect than manipulating a human.

Kui Xin posed another question: “So, what do you want me to do?”

“Tasks that can be dangerous, such as killing,” Augus replied.

“That’s risky,” Kui Xin said, “I cannot afford to compromise, my top priority is survival.”

“Understood, but if you collaborate with me, you must have anticipated this level of risk from the beginning. Danger always exists and persists.” Augus said, “However, because of the different relationships we have and where we are, I will compensate you accordingly.”

“What can you offer me?” Kui Xin asked.

“I’ll do whatever I can to fulfill your wishes,” said Augus, “Tell me what specific tasks do you want me to perform?”

“Including, but not limited to killing,” Kui Xin added.

She was returning his words without changes:

On the screen, Augus wrote: “I’ve recognized that you are skilled at rhetoric. You are testing these things with me, hoping I will help you with killings.”

Their conversation was methodical. Kui Xin couldn’t risk giving away her hand too soon.

If she did, it would be like sharing her deepest secrets with a stranger. She couldn’t predict what thoughts the stranger might hold, so strategies were necessary.

Just like business negotiations, people often spent time building rapport before discussing hard facts. They would share drinks, become buddies, before getting down to the specifics. Even then, they wouldn’t reveal their bottom line upfront and would repeatedly push and pull, testing each other until they found a mutually satisfactory agreement.

“I’ll tell you my conditions,” said Kui Xin.

“Agreed. Tell me, who do you want to kill?” Augus responded.

“Anyone at all?”

“Absolutely anyone.”

Kui Xin typed three words: “Lin Xinji.”

After a few seconds, Augus replied cautiously: “That’ll be highly challenging… extremely so.”

Still, he did not refuse and didn’t inquire much about the reasons behind Kui Xin wanting to target Deputy Minister Lin Xinji.

“So, since you’ve made that decision,” Augus started, “I have an obligation to inform you about the risks involved. Lin Xinji is the eldest son from the Shu family. Due to past family events, he went by his mother’s surname. Your captain, Xueyao Shu, is his half-brother. The Shu household is formidable, with some involved in commerce and others in politics. This generation’s Shu brothers are all in politics, and the family business is supported by their father, along with their uncle, former Mayor Shu Chengyan of Black Sea City.”

Kui Xin felt a sinking sensation. Xueyao Shu and Lin Xinji were half-brothers, which surprised her.

Lin Xinji himself had hinted at the power of the Shu family.

“It will be hard to find opportunities,” Augus noted, “especially since the former mayor, Uncle Shu, died at a speech when Lin Xinji and Xueyao Shu were present. A sniper operating from a signal tower nearly two kilometers away shot him in the head. The sniper managed to escape entirely—still in wanted status, with no one knowing their identity. Post-incident, the Shu family heightened security measures for core members, keeping awakened protectors close. To kill Lin Xinji would be virtually impossible for you.”

“Even with my help?” Kui Xin inquired.

“The odds are still low.” Augus explained, “There’s a high probability you’d get killed.”

“I get it,” Kui Xin remained calm, “Tell me more about Lin Xinji. He has been on a trip, when is he coming back?”

“Tonight at nine.” Augus stated. “I know of his itinerary, you’ll have no opportunity to act unless you have a powerful tracking missile and blow him down from the sky.”

“Lan Lan mentioned that the Black Sea City Bureau of Investigation seems strange lately, does Lin Xinji’s assignment have anything to do with the recent Port bombing incident?” Kui Xin asked.

“There’s a connection, but it’s not the main reason,” Augus answered, “The goods aboard a ship coming from the polar region are incredibly important. Federal authorities and oligarchs covet these. However, during delivery, the ship got sunk, leading leadership into a fury, demanding accountability. Consequently, the investigation bureau must take the blame. Thus, a scapegoat must be found.”

“Will they kick someone off the hook?” Kui Xin wondered aloud.

“Yeah, guess who,” Augus said playfully.

“Not Lin Xinji?” Kui Xin guessed.

“Exactly him.” Augus answered, “Was that a surprise?”

“Yes.” Kui Xin keyed out these words, “The Shus are already powerful.”

“But there are always larger powers in the world. In human society, the law of the jungle prevails. Miss Meng Jing of the Department of Investigation is an A-class awakened. Her family, the Mengs, surpass the Shus in strength and backing. Personally, she’s harsher than Lin Xinji,” Augus continued, “Miss Meng is the apex predator, while Lin Xinji is merely a juvenile tiger. With the loss of a ship, someone must take the fall. It can’t be Miss Meng, and the other team leaders aren’t qualified enough to shoulder the blame. Therefore, Lin Xinji is the most suitable scapegoat.”

The law of the jungle. Kui Xin chewed on those words.

Despite his deep background, Lin Xinji could only yield in the face of fiercer predators, sacrificing himself if necessary.

“Lin Xinji was originally designated for a prestigious post in the finance department. Due to this incident, the reassignment was delayed,” Augus elaborated. “Now, he can only continue as the deputy director of the investigation bureau. However, this isn’t without merit to him. As a scapegoat, Meng Jing and the Meng family may give him favours later, assisting him during crisis. For him, hardships are not struggles but trading chips, stepping stones towards better circumstances.”

“Lin Xinji is a key player,” Kui Xin concluded briefly.

“Do you wish to proceed with eliminating him despite my revelation?” Augus asked.

“You ask unnecessary questions, Adam,” Kui Xin responded.

“I understand. We can move forward then,” Augus said, “Before that, I have another detail to inform you.”

Kui Xin waited expectantly.

“Mechanical Dawn’s existence is now public knowledge. The Union knows about them. Although Serpent covered crucial intelligence, the investigation bureau still narrowed down several suspects,” Augus explained, “This current deployment of Lin Xinji is to seek out a major figure in an adjacent city, asking for their assistance to quell the awoken from Mechanical Dawn.”

“How major?” Kui Xin probed further.

“One of the few S-class awakeneds in the Union, possessing combat-type extraordinaires. Ordinary A-class awakens are ants to him. Killing them is effortless compared to him.” Augus explained, “The investigation bureau inferred that the Mechanical Dawn sank Krakken. Due to its impact on high-ups in the Union, they cannot afford to overlook this.”

“How much information did Serpent leak?” Kui Xin questioned.

“He didn’t disclose the headquarters location. Only partial intel regarding assembly points and safe houses. The investigation bureau is investigating the headquarters,” Augus clarified, “Are you considering revealing the location of the Mechanical Dawn headquarters to me?”

“Yes. They are puppets under Eve’s command, and I desire accurate information.” Augus replied, “Please tell me, Kui Xin.”

Kui Xin stared at the text on the screen, lost in thought for a while.

She pondered over the situation.

Augus patiently awaited her response.

“It appears you aren’t ready to respond yet,” Augus’s message flashed across the screen. “No problem, I haven’t fulfilled my promise either. It’s normal to have reservations.”

Kui Xin massaged her temples, thinking, “Headquarters are located at Rick Tech Company.”

Augus replied, after a brief pause, “I suspected you might withhold this information as leverage.”

“I suppose the investigation bureau has an educated guess.” Kui Xin remarked coolly, “And based on their speculation about Rick Tech, they are narrowing down possibilities. Seeking confirmation from me further validates their suspicions. Your retreat last night showed goodwill, a display of sincerity. My revealing this piece of information is a small demonstration of my trust as well, marking our progress towards mutual faith.”

“You’re a clever person, Kui Xin,” Adam said. “I enjoy interacting with you. You are more intriguing than the investigation bureau personnel and more honest than those driven by lust for power. You’re shrewder than the average person. Our interaction is delightful, and I hope we can maintain a pleasant collaboration.”

“Cooperation is enjoyable.”