Abyss Solo

Meeting here? In the Imperial Palace of the Sherman Empire? The headquarters of the Antenna Organization?

Isn't this a bit too audacious?

Yang Ming casually turned off his projection device, cautiously got off the bed. At this moment, Daphne gave no reaction. In Yang Ming's perception, she was in a very deep sleep, likely accumulated from a strong feeling of fatigue earlier.

Perhaps feeling a bit guilty, Yang Ming tiptoed forward, trying to appear calm.

However, he soon felt a bit embarrassed about his cautiousness.

Look at Sister Li!

She exemplifies unrestrained control over the whole situation.

The maids on duty received orders to change shifts, leaving their positions quietly, whispering and laughing;

Hidden surveillance cameras everywhere were functioning normally, but none recorded Yang Ming's presence.

In the network world attached to the physical Imperial Palace, he was like a real ghost, silently reaching a quiet corridor.

The corridor was dark.

As Yang Ming stepped inside, all the electronic devices with display functions almost simultaneously switched on, and the two safety gates at both ends slowly fell down.

Dozens of large and small solid-state screens, more than ten projection screens meant for decoration, all displayed the same text.

[Hanton], [Hanton], [Hanton]...

On the surface, Yang Ming appeared calm, but deep down, he was slightly spooked.

The surrounding text trembled as Li's figure flickered in and out of sight.

It was like a young girl, barefoot, wearing a light gauze, with flowing long hair, circling around Yang Ming constantly, occasionally letting out a light, spirited laugh.

Goodness, is this borrowed from horror game cinematography?

"You're looking for me?"

Yang Ming asked with a smile.

The corridor suddenly darkened, and Yang Ming didn't sense any biological energy within a hundred meters.

Swish!

A beam of light fell in a distant corner, the projector's rays interweaving to form an image of the girl Li.

She was sitting on a swing, gently swaying her feet, her bright eyes gazing at Yang Ming, a slight smile on her lips.

This version of Li seemed fundamentally different from the one Yang Ming had previously encountered.

The current Li appeared more like a mischievous, willful girl, rather than the war machine commanding the Empire's tens of thousands of ships.

"I want to borrow you for something."

Li spoke calmly, as if fearing Yang Ming's refusal, adding:

"Lyu agreed before.

"And I'll give you ample reward, like the thing you most desire—to protect your home planet."

Yang Ming licked his lips, smiling: "I didn't expect you to be fooled by me too, that's just a cover for my true purpose."

"Your so-called true purpose should be having Wind break free from the Empire's restraints."

Li calmly exposed Yang Ming:

"But in reality, you established a completely controlled Wind Alliance, and using Dark Star's core to support it, aiming to rapidly build a strong force in the Milky Way.

"Relying on the technology from Intelligent Mechanic Dusk and your association with the Faya people, you've succeeded. The combined strength of Wind-Dark Star has already rivaled the Guel Alliance, and that's not counting the Dark Star forces hidden beyond human activity borders, controlled by you and Lyu.

"I've seen, even personally overseen, the power of an explosive development in mechanized civilization; you can't deceive me.

"For a long time, you have been studying the 'Emperor's Biography.' Actually, when you chose Wind as your development base, a crazy idea had already formed in your mind.

"What Levi Sherman could achieve, why can't you?

"You wish to replicate the Sherman Empire's model to protect your home planet's civilization.

"You hadn't realized before, hidden in your character, there's a challenge label, you repeatedly tell yourself this is a real Milky Way civilization, yet inherently feel it's just a game.

"Hanton, you could even make Lyu think you have no ambition, because it's not ambition; it's about setting and achieving goals for self-satisfaction."

Yang Ming:...

"No, "Boss Yang frowned and said, "what's your situation? Why do you appear differently each time? Sometimes lively, sometimes calm and composed, and sometimes like an emotionless robot. I'm actually quite concerned about your mental state."

Li pondered for a moment, softly saying: "Are you changing the subject?"

Yang Ming chuckled awkwardly.

"Perhaps I'm just too direct in communicating with you."

Li spoke softly:

"This is my more primitive state. My personality is simulated, and since my host no longer relates to me, my personality needs references for imitation.

"How about we quickly enhance our understanding through a question-and-answer format, seeking mutual benefits.

"After this, we need to discuss whether collaboration is possible."

Yang Ming nodded: "Then I'll ask first, did you kill Count Quigen?"

"Yes, in my judgment, the timing for a case of the populace assassinating a great noble would ignite the emotions of the noble class."

Li nodded slightly:

"Now my turn, among your lovers, who do you like the most?"

Yang Ming's eyes widened.

Li's delicate face was full of seriousness.

Yang Ming spread his hands: "Well, love can't be compared... Do you have to ask such an awkward question?"

Li retorted: "Do you think there's any secret I don't know about you?"

"You could ask about my attitudes towards certain matters."

"Based on my long-term observation of humans, statements, promises, and pledges hold no credibility. The only things one can trust are interests, survival crises, and the basic reproductive drive stemming from biological instincts."