Chapter 453 - 420: Contract_2
The hacker’s brain housed the [Neural Wanderer], not merely an auxiliary cybernetic component, but a more advanced electronic brain with synaptic structure modification privileges, surpassing the relic chip Joker of the Wild Laughter Troupe once possessed.
’According to neurobiological theories, memory resides in neurons, categorized into transient, short-term, long-term, and permanent memories.’
Li Cheng’s thoughts raced, transient and short-term memories can only store information for several seconds or minutes, their chemical mechanism possibly involving reversible conformational changes of key macromolecules, such as phosphorylation and dephosphorylation.
Long-term and permanent memories, however, involve enhanced synaptic function, synaptic structure modification, formation of new synapses, and irreversible synaptic structural changes.
For instance, certain patients experiencing accidental amnesia may forget all past relationships, yet remember their names and commonly used languages, because these memories have been inscribed into the permanent synaptic structures, becoming unforgettable for a lifetime.
The relic chip Joker formerly held by Wild Laughter Troupe facilitated altering the synapses in others’ brains, transforming them into new Jokers, achieving his immortality.
The [Neural Wanderer] of Binary Tree, however, performed more precise operations, directly severing some synaptic connections within the brain to physically delete those life memories that could evoke ’feelings of shame’!
This move could be described as pulling the rug from under one’s feet since personality is a composite of memories; it’s those beautiful, awful, joyful, and angry memories that form one’s identity.
Moreover, neuronal synapses don’t exist independently like a USB; they form a complex and diverse network. Severing synapses means losing numerous related fragmentary memories and impacting future cognitive functions.
Truly a bold, all-or-nothing gamble.
Electronic eyes within Binary Tree’s eye sockets sparkled with electric light as he reflected on his past, choosing to eliminate all memories that would induce feelings of shame.