Clockwork Bride

Page 156

He had previously set up twelve protective and barrier spells in this private room to block detection and information access as much as possible. These spells were a mix of ancient and modern techniques, making them extremely difficult to crack. This was the best intelligence protection Hayden could manage, but it still wasn't foolproof; at least, it couldn't stop the personal scrutiny of the "god of capital."

However, if you want to make something of yourself, you have to take some risks. Otherwise, Hayden won't be able to do anything and might as well just stay home and do nothing.

"Last time, I called you a devil, and it made you angry instead."

Since he was going to talk about it, he needed to be bold enough, so Hayden started speaking right away.

“Now I understand. You are indeed not a demon—you were once a subject of Mara, the King of the Ancient Gods. You are a member of the Old Gods, aren’t you?”

This was Hayden's final conclusion regarding this tengu ninja.

When Hayden went berserk in his beast form and pinned down the female ninja for a violent encounter, she saw the Alastor Dragon Ball hanging on Hayden's body... At that moment, she probably mistook Hayden for Mara, or someone related to Mara, in her panic.

Since that's the case, Hayden also considered whether he should simply pretend to be Mara (the reincarnation or remnant soul of Mara) to deceive this poor tengu ninja.

This whole operation sounds incredibly satisfying… but upon calming down and thinking about it carefully, it probably won't work. After all, Hayden doesn't have the ability or knowledge to impersonate the real Mara. He can't exactly claim to have completely lost his memory, can he?

Honestly, Hayden felt he and the other party still shared common interests. There was no need to lie to this extent. A little honesty wouldn't hurt.

Just a little bit.

At the same time, after hearing Hayden's words, Miss Koyo showed a very embarrassed, even somewhat ashamed, expression for some reason.

"...Mr. Hayden, is this all you wanted to say to me?"

After a long pause, she finally uttered these words in a low voice.

“I was indeed a former servant of King Mara, but that’s not a secret to the company. If you want to spread this news and affect the popularity of [Goddess Mara], then please do so.”

The last time Hayden encountered her in battle, this Tengu ninja wore a mask the entire time, so this was the first time he had seen her face. Unlike the virtual suit, this Miss Momiji's appearance was clearly natural, without any genetic modification or enhancement. It came from the past, from a time hundreds of years ago before the birth of capitalism and new gods and technologies, without any DNA implantation or dissemination.

Her face was petite with regular features, and she was generally pretty. However, her eyes were slightly upturned at the corners, which is what is known as phoenix eyes, giving her an impression of a strong personality.

Judging from her appearance alone, she still looks like she's in her teens, probably only a little older than Pania, and her face still has a touch of girlish innocence.

However, her yellowish eyes held an emotion and gaze from an ancient era, her sharp eyes cautiously fixed on Hayden.

This gaze and the way this Tengu Ninja performed in the last battle reminded Hayden of the feudal-era documents he had read in college, as well as the footage taken by the earliest arcane sorcerers four hundred years ago using early video arcane magic.

This Tengu ninja, Miss Momiji, was once a subject of the ancient god, Mara. She looks to be no more than eighteen years old, but in reality, she is probably at least four hundred years old, and perhaps even older.

In other words, she was not a teenager at all, and more than that.

"I am not trying to threaten you with your secrets, much less to harm your monarch."

So Hayden came to his senses and understood somewhat.

"I am here for our mutual benefit."

This Miss Hongye... probably has the temperament and disposition of a feudal samurai.

When Hayden fought her last time, he found this ninja's behavior a bit strange. Shouldn't ninjas be creatures who would launch serious sneak attacks and not engage in fair fights? How come he saw Hayden pretending to want a fair duel with her, and this somewhat foolish ninja just stood there waiting for Hayden to cast a spell?

If the Tengu Ninja hadn't watched Hayden's spellcasting carefully last time and had instead ambushed and cut him down, even if Hayden might not have died thanks to Angela's protection, Kallen's plantation would definitely have been doomed—not Hayden's fault, but who knows if Angela would have cared.

Hayden only managed to defeat this tengu ninja because she was too naive and straightforward last time. In other words, rather than calling Miss Kureha a ninja, she's more like a feudal samurai who has learned ninja techniques.

Moreover, he was the kind of feudal warrior who was particularly stubborn.

Having been deceived and fooled by Hayden before, Hongye now looked at him with great suspicion when she heard him talk about "common interests," seemingly not believing him at all.

Therefore, Hayden had no choice but to be more explicit: "You former ministers of Mara created this virtual idol, 'Liberty Goddess Mara,' probably to resurrect Mara, right? I'm also interested in this, and of course we can cooperate."

Although the "Mara" that Hayden wants to resurrect is not the same Mara as the real Great Free Demon King, that can be dealt with later. In any case, cooperating first is more beneficial for Hayden.

To his surprise, after hearing Hayden's words, Miss Hongye looked stunned and asked blankly, "Huh? What did you say?"

……ah?

Now it was Hayden's turn to be dumbfounded: "...Aren't you Mara's old servants, trying to resurrect Him using new technology?"

"I was indeed once a subject of the Demon King, but that was many years ago. I am now a ninja of Lord Dakini Ten."

Hongye shook her head, answering in a somewhat melancholic yet resolute tone.

"As for resurrecting the dead, that is absolutely impossible. The existing technology for creating virtual idols to become gods is nothing more than creating beings that are very similar to the dead in life. How can creating a clone of the Demon Lord in that way be considered as being loyal to Him? I will not do such a thing."

Hayden became increasingly confused as he listened to her words: "I can understand what you're saying on its own, but if that's the case, why are you participating in the virtual idol project of [Free Goddess Bo Xun]? Are you suggesting that you take the remains of your former master, modify them, and turn them into an alluring fox girl, changing His character design—what kind of loyalty to your former master is that?"

These words were perhaps a bit too harsh, so much so that even Hongye was momentarily speechless. But she wasn't surprised, nor was she speechless; instead, after a moment of stunned silence, a somewhat aggrieved expression appeared on her face. If she had fox ears right now, they would probably droop down.

Seeing her reaction, Hayden immediately intuitively understood more. Although somewhat hasty, he grinned and pressed on, "I understand. After the Mithra Group defeated King Bodhidharma, you remnants had no choice but to succumb to reality in order to save the lives of your surviving compatriots. Now you're even involved in this project that scatters the ashes of your former master. I see, I see. It's unavoidable. I guess if King Bodhidharma knew, he would rest in peace."

Hayden can be really annoying when he wants to be malicious.

However, this tengu ninja, Momiji, was quite adorable. The more Hayden mocked her, the redder her eyes became. But she didn't get angry at Hayden; her expression seemed more like she was angry at herself.

This Miss Kureha makes no attempt to hide her feelings; it's obvious to everyone now. Moreover, she doesn't present herself as a high-ranking employee of the Mitra Group; in fact, she seems to be on the side of the defeated Old Gods.

"...You are right. It is my incompetence to allow the remains of our lord to be so desecrated by the victor."

After a long silence, when she opened her lips again, her words were devoid of any emotion.

But it was by no means empty. Rather, it contained a hint of perseverance.

With that resolute expression, she asked Hayden, "I am the loser, and I have nothing more to say. Since I have lost, I should submit to the victor; this is the way of the warrior. But what are you, a cunning and scheming person, plotting to come to me today and say such absurd things as wanting to resurrect His Highness Mara?"

Hayden scratched his head, finally beginning to understand Miss Hongye's line of thinking. Four hundred years ago, the old feudal gods fought a righteous war against the new gods who were carrying out a bourgeois revolution, and lost. Now, the remnants of the defeated army had been absorbed into the fold—it was indeed a miserable situation—but if one were to complain after such a defeat, that would be rather shameless. At least, that's probably what Miss Hongye was thinking.

Her thought process is actually quite easy to understand.

So Hayden now knows exactly what he needs to say.

"As for whether the autopsy resurrection technology jointly developed by Mitra Group and Smoke Mirror Company can resurrect people who have been dead for more than 400 years, frankly, I don't think it can."

He said that as soon as he opened his mouth.

"But I have made some observations, experiments and improvements to these techniques. If someone has just died or is not completely dead, there should be a way to resurrect them through this ritual."

Miss Hongye didn't speak after hearing this, but only looked puzzled, as if asking, "What does this have to do with me?"

So at this point, Hayden has to play another card.

"Are you aware that a cyber terrorist organization calling itself 'Bo Xun' appeared in New Seattle last year?"

He took out the Alastor Dragon Pearl that he usually wore around his neck and placed it openly in front of Momiji.

Do you know what this is?

Hayden wanted to tell her that she did have a choice.

172: Everyone has desires.

This wasn't the first time Tengu Ninja Momiji had seen Hayden's Alastor Dragon Ball, which he usually wore around his neck.

The last time she saw Alastor's Dragon Balls was during a very chaotic and panicked time. Hayden didn't know what Momiji was thinking at the time, but at least she might have mistaken Hayden for Mara.

At this moment, Hayden showed her Alastor's Dragon Ball again. This time, Miss Momiji was no longer in a state of confusion. So, how would she view this Dragon Ball?

What exactly does she think of it?

Hayden had no idea. It was just his gut feeling, a guess—that the Tengu ninja would have an interesting reaction after seeing the Dragon Ball.

So what is the actual situation?

After listening to Hayden's words and seeing what Hayden took out, Hongye simply stared at the Dragon Ball calmly for a while, and then said indifferently, "I don't understand what you're trying to say. This looks like just an ordinary ley line crystal."

……what?

This reaction was quite different from what Hayden had originally guessed.

He had no choice but to try probing a little harder: "Don't you think this crystal looks familiar?"

But when Miss Hongye heard this, she immediately looked away: "...I don't understand what you're saying."

what?

"If you have come here unexpectedly today to meet with me just to talk about these things, then this is the end of it."

As Hongye spoke, she stood up from the chair in the private room, seemingly genuinely intending to leave.

"If you are trying to imply that I have any contact or connection with cyber terrorist organizations that worship old gods, I will file a lawsuit for defamation."

To be honest, this reaction was somewhat unexpected for Hayden.

Before Hayden showed her the Dragon Ball, Momiji was wary of Hayden, but she still maintained some "respect" towards him.

However, after seeing the Dragon Balls, Momiji's reaction to Hayden suddenly became very cold, as if... she wanted to avoid him at all costs?

If it weren't for her adding that last sentence, Momiji's tone would have sounded like someone who didn't want to discuss it at all and felt it should be avoided. Frankly, Hayden couldn't be sure if the female ninja simply wanted to discuss it in a completely safe environment and under different circumstances.

However, the only thing Hayden was certain of was that her reaction showed that Hongye's mind was not so simple.

Feudal warriors are not necessarily fools.

"I'm sorry, it was my oversight and I was too hasty."

So Hayden, always quick to agree, immediately changed his tone.

"Whatever strange things I said today, it was all simply to establish a friendly and mutually beneficial cooperative relationship with [the Celestial Maiden Mara]. Please forgive me if I have offended you."

The atmosphere on both sides suddenly entered a strange new phase. Neither side seemed to believe what the other had just said. However, Miss Hongye frowned, stared at Hayden for a moment, and then spoke again:

"If you're looking for a collaboration between [Free Goddess Bodhidharma] and [Magical Girl Pazuzu], I don't think it makes much sense. To put it bluntly, it doesn't benefit me much. The market situation will only gradually become more favorable to me, while the pressure on you will only increase."

What does this mean?

Hayden actually understood.

Since the Smoke Mirror Corporation (primarily the goddess Micket) perfected the technology to project astral bodies from the Astral Network into the material world, the virtual idol industry has entered a new era. Previously, anyone could theoretically create a virtual idol. While making a costume in the Astral Network was somewhat expensive, it wasn't unaffordable for most people.

It's much cheaper than getting plastic surgery or any other physical alterations in real life!

Although large companies invest more money in their own virtual idols, use higher-quality costumes, have better technology, and attract more fans, in the past, middle-class self-employed individuals also had ways to become virtual idols.

Even second- or third-tier idols are still idols!

...But what about later?

The technologies for materializing astral bodies and creating gods through corpse dissection are becoming increasingly sophisticated. These technologies require resources at the level of a military budget, which is simply unaffordable for ordinary individuals.

Furthermore, with the gradual commercialization of personality chip technology, the technology, capabilities, and even personal charisma of corporate virtual anchors will be far superior to those of individual virtual anchors.

The quality of the external appearance is inferior, as are the internal skills and personal charm, because big companies simply have too much money!

If this continues, the virtual YouTuber market will be monopolized by a few large companies. Individuals and ordinary people will no longer be able to participate in this market.

Moreover, large companies will continue to compete fiercely, resulting in intense infighting.

【Free Goddess Bo Xun】is operated by the entertainment company of the Mithra Group and is supported by the deputy director Dajini Tian, ​​so Miss Hongye doesn't need to worry too much about this vicious competition.

But Magical Girl Pazuzu is a different story, isn't it? Smoke Mirror Corporation and Goddess Micket have already practically given up on Magical Girl Pazuzu. She doesn't think this prototype or experimental machine can survive in the future market competition.

To be honest, Hayden didn't think it would work either.

Pania didn't use her personality chip much. The "Magical Girl Pazuzu" project was a test project that Goddess Micket decided on a whim after Pazuzu was killed by Kallen. Her singing skills were all self-taught, so her performing arts skills in singing, dancing, and even storytelling and gaming were only at an 80-point level. It might be okay now, but as market competition intensifies, she will definitely lose to the increasingly competitive top-tier idols from corporations.

Time is Pazuzu's weakness. If it drags on for ten years, she's doomed.

Hayden never expected that Miss Koyo would see this weakness so clearly.

This is going to be a bit troublesome.

Fortunately, fortunately, Hayden came here to visit [Celestial Maiden Mara], of course, he already had a plan in mind.

How can you do something like this without a backup plan?

"I can understand why you don't plan to collaborate with [Magical Girl Pazuzu] because you feel that a collaboration between just the two of them won't bring much benefit."

He spoke, and then stood up as well.

"If that's the case, let's just drag more people down with us."

These words finally made Hongye stop in her tracks. She paused, frowning, seemingly puzzled: "What do you mean by that?"

That's good. As long as they're willing to chat, that's great.

"If two people aren't enough, then four; if four people still aren't enough, then a whole bunch of people will be brought in."

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Hayden's eyes.

"Let's host the 'World's Number One VTuber Tournament'."

Needless to say, Miss Hongye's first reaction upon hearing this was utter bewilderment. If she weren't so composed, she probably would have immediately asked Hayden if he had gone mad.

But Hayden, of course, wasn't crazy. He stopped spouting nonsense, reached into the StarNet, pulled out some data projections, turned them into a document, and handed it directly to Hongye. Although Hongye was wary and cautious, she still politely picked it up and looked at it.