Chapter 324 - 228: Brain-Computer Interface Technology
The next day, the members of Edge gathered outside the hotel, ready to return home.
Dongdong sat on her suitcase, sulking with a pout, "Why did the vacation go by so quickly... I feel like I haven’t had enough fun yet..."
Su Mo smiled and tousled her hair, "There are plenty of holidays, we can come back when there’s another chance."
"Ready to leave?" Shangguan Li, dressed in casual wear, came over to say goodbye.
Su Mo: "Yes, our flight’s in a while. What about you?"
Shangguan Li: "I’m staying for another two days, heading back the day after tomorrow."
She took out a business card and handed it to Su Mo, "Let’s keep in touch, we might find lots of opportunities to collaborate business-wise."
The business of mercenaries, though risky, is essentially no different from doing business.
There’s competition among peers but also cooperation; it’s always good to have more friends.
On this trip to Saint Rivelan, Su Mo and Shangguan Li might not have formed a profound friendship, but at least they have some camaraderie.
With the leaders getting along, future dealings between the two mercenary corps will be much smoother.
Su Mo exchanged business cards with her, politely saying, "In terms of how long we’ve been in this line of work, I’m the junior, so I’ll rely on your guidance, Senior Shangguan."
Shangguan Li almost rolled her eyes to the back of her head, "After knowing each other for so many days, you’re still saying such boring formalities... I’m off, going for a swim."
As Shangguan Li passed by Dongdong, she glanced at her and said meaningfully, "Keep practicing, second-in-command. There are many people in New Moon City even more skilled than me; you should catch up soon."
Dongdong, perhaps still resentful about their previous "forced draw," deliberately turned her face away, puffing out her cheeks, refusing to speak.
Shangguan Li didn’t say much else and was about to leave when she suddenly heard Dongdong call out, "Hey."
Shangguan Li turned her head back.
Dongdong still had her face turned away, but extended a small fist toward Shangguan Li.
Shangguan Li smiled slightly and extended her hand to fist-bump Dongdong.
The group from Edge boarded the tour bus outside the hotel one after another, setting off on their journey back.
...
They arrived in New Moon City by the afternoon.
The bus drove from the airport into the Rust Wall District, seeing once again the old and rundown streets, starkly contrasted against the distant, bustling skyscrapers.
Dongdong leaned against the window, looking at the scenery outside, mumbling, "Something feels missing..."
"Wee-oo wee-oo——" Suddenly, a piercing siren blared.
On the street ahead, a security patrol car was chasing a modified pickup, with people on both sides hanging out from car windows, shooting at each other.
The chase continued until the modified pickup was forced into a dead end.
"Eat this, you government dogs!" The thug pulled out a rocket launcher, and with a "boom," flipped the security patrol car upside down.
The sheriffs clumsily crawled out of the car, hiding behind cover as they activated their communicators, "We’ve been heavily attacked by criminals at the Rust Wall District, at the intersection of Losen Street and Pick Street. Requesting backup, requesting backup."
Both sides kept firing at each other, exchanging heavy gunfire as bullets flew everywhere, smoke filling the air.
The nearby residents skillfully locked their doors and stayed indoors, while a few bold ones peeked from their balconies, snacking on seeds and watching.
Dongdong clapped her hands, "Mm~ Now, this is New Moon City!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Though Saint Rivelan is close to the Land of No Master, with frequent incursions by armed forces from beyond, they occasionally resort to kidnapping, organ stealing, and the like.
Compared to New Moon City, though, that’s just a sprinkle.
Saint Rivelan has only about forty missing persons on average each year.
Whereas in New Moon City, the number of people who go missing in a single day often surpasses forty.
If New Moon City achieved Saint Rivelan’s numbers, the City Council President would probably bow ten times to Sikinkov in gratitude.
Su Mo yawned out of boredom, opened the window, and climbed out, "Since there’s nothing else to do, might as well do a good deed. Whoever wants to join, come along; those not interested can take another route back to the mansion."
...
After helping the sheriffs catch the thugs, Su Mo returned to Edge Mansion and headed to the underground laboratory.
He found Future and greeted her, "Yo, long time no see. How’s it been these days?"
"You’re back." Future rested her chin on her hands, nonchalantly looking at data on her computer, "Just the usual."
"What do you mean by ’the usual’?" Su Mo glanced at the computer, curious, "What have you been researching lately?"
Future: "Weren’t you interested in researching the Black Extinction Virus? I’ve been doing some preparatory work. Do you know about brain-computer interface technology?"
Su Mo nodded, "Yes, it’s a technology that allows the human brain to directly connect with external devices, enabling the direct exchange of brain signals and device information."
Future nodded, "Brain-computer interface technology is already well-developed in the entertainment industry, but there are still some technical difficulties in scientific applications."
"I’ve recently spoken with a few friends, and they all believe that brain-computer technology will revolutionize the hacking industry."
Su Mo became interested, "Oh? How so?"
Future explained, "You should know that current information offense and defense rely on program operations, which test both program architecture and the hacker’s information processing capabilities."
"If the application difficulties of brain-computer technology are overcome, hackers can connect their consciousness to electronic devices and directly process information, exponentially increasing efficiency."
Su Mo tentatively asked, "Are you saying that if brain-computer interface research succeeds, you could compile the Black Extinction Virus?"
Future quickly shook her head, "No, compiling is compiling, efficiency is efficiency. The brain interface just provides more efficient technical support for hackers."
"It’s like an advanced firearm: in the hands of a sharpshooter, it can maximize efficiency; in the hands of someone who doesn’t understand guns, it’s no different from a stick."
"To master and compile the Black Extinction Virus, a top-tier hacker is indispensable; that’s fundamental. Other types of technology are merely supportive."
Su Mo couldn’t help but sigh, "Finding the right hacker isn’t easy. I’ll keep looking slowly. It’s been tough on you these days."
Future: "No worries, having assistants helps as well. The person you found is pretty reliable, especially Luo Mingsheng."
At this moment, a middle-aged man in a white coat walked into the laboratory. He appeared kind and amiable, with the air of a friendly neighbor.
Future waved to Luo Mingsheng as he arrived, "Hello, Lao Luo."
Luo Mingsheng jogged over, wearing a warm smile, "Future Chief, Director Su."
Luo Mingsheng was a brain science technology expert, purely research-oriented, with no background in the mercenary industry. During his interview, he readily answered all the questions posed by Future. His personality was also easygoing, and he got along well with his colleagues; he had already passed his probation period and became a permanent employee.
"Among the people I know, Lao Luo’s technical skills are quite impressive." Future patted Luo Mingsheng’s arm, smiling, "Keep up the good work, let’s strive to finish processing the data by the 9th tonight."
Luo Mingsheng apologized, "Sorry, Chief, I have plans with friends tonight. Can I work overtime tomorrow instead?"
Future waved his hand dismissively, "No problem, we don’t enforce overtime here, and it’s only the 6th today; there’s plenty of time left."
"The 6th..." Su Mo suddenly murmured, "Today is December 6th..."
Future: "Yes, why?"
Su Mo waved his hand as he left, "It’s nothing, you guys carry on."
He thought to himself: December 6th, there’s something worth checking out today.