stonecrandall Page 26
Page 26
Chapter Twenty-Six: Breakthrough! The Shining Locust is Born!
Laden with data and heavy "trophies," Su Chen's figure silently blended into the metal and light of the Zero One Technology underground research institute.
This place is an extension of his will, an incubator for his ambition.
"Import all data into Ark."
His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable command.
"Simultaneously analyze all recovered Gaia Memories and begin the final calibration of the 'Shining Locust'!"
The moment the command was given, the entire massive underground research institute seemed like a giant beast awakening from its slumber, with every line emitting powerful currents and every module starting to operate at maximum efficiency.
The massive amounts of data obtained from that sinister fortress of the memory factory have now transformed into a torrent of numbers.
They flowed continuously into the core database of the Yak satellite, located in geosynchronous orbit, through an encrypted ultra-high-speed channel.
At the same time, boxes of physical memory objects, each carrying a twisted desire, were precisely grasped by rows of cold mechanical arms.
They were fed one by one into a specially designed analytical device.
A powerful energy field covered the memory, forcibly extracting the complex "Earth memory" contained within it.
These memory fragments are initially screened, broken down, and reassembled, ultimately transforming into pure data information.
On the main control screen of the research institute, the "Shining Locust" data model, which was originally flashing with countless uncertainties and potential bugs, is undergoing astonishing changes at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Every data chain that makes up the model is being refreshed and supplemented by new information flows.
Every minute parameter is being optimized by Ark using computing power that surpasses human comprehension.
The color of the model is the most direct reflection of its stability.
Initially, it was a scarlet color that represented extreme instability, with even burr-like energy overflowing from its edges.
As data continued to flow in and be calibrated, the glaring red gradually faded, transitioning to an orange-yellow that represented warning and correction.
Su Chen's gaze was fixed on the screen, his eyes deep and unwavering.
Ultimately, with the support of massive amounts of data and the precise calculations of Yake, all unstable factors were eliminated one by one.
All bugs have been perfectly fixed.
The orange-yellow color on the model's surface receded like the tide, replaced by a brilliant and stable gold.
That golden hue was deep and pure, as if it contained the first ray of light at the beginning of the universe.
"Data model calibration complete!"
The cold, efficient electronic sounds of the acrylic echoed throughout the research institute.
"Energy conversion efficiency has reached the preset threshold!"
"The physicalization process has officially begun!"
Command confirmed.
In the core central area of the research institute, an extremely sophisticated 3D material manufacturing instrument slowly started up.
Countless tiny robotic arms unfolded, their energy conduits shimmering with a ghostly blue light.
The crystal array on top of the instrument began to rotate, emitting a low hum.
The Yak satellite, that steel deity suspended outside the Earth, transmitted the perfectly calibrated data across vast spatial distances, almost instantaneously, directly to the core processor of the manufacturing instrument.
The moment the command was received, the energy particles in the air seemed to be summoned by an invisible force.
They converged from all directions, forming a constantly rotating energy vortex in the center of the manufacturing instrument.
The light grew brighter and brighter, transforming from its initial gentle glow into a dazzling, blinding intensity.
The entire research institute was enveloped by this powerful energy fluctuation, making it almost impossible to look directly at the center of the light.
Su Chen narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing the pure and powerful energy in the air.
A few minutes felt like an eternity.
When the energy reaches its peak, all the light suddenly contracts inward and then bursts forth.
After a brief flash of white light, everything returned to calm.
The light dissipated.
A brand new upgrade key, with a design concept completely different from all previous program sublimation keys, is quietly floating in the center of the 3D manufacturing instrument.
Its main body has a translucent, dazzling golden color, like the purest amber.
Within that golden interior, countless tiny points of light could be faintly seen flowing slowly, like a meticulously sculpted miniature galaxy, full of mystery and profundity.
The key's surface is covered with a streamlined, silver, reinforced armor, the edges of which gleam with a sharp metallic sheen.
The sense of technology and unparalleled power are perfectly integrated into this small key.
"Shining Locust Upgrade Key"
The first and truly enhanced form of Kamen Rider 01 was finally born under Su Chen's will.
Su Chen walked forward slowly, his steady footsteps reflecting off the metal floor.
He reached out and gently touched the new key that emitted a faint light and a slight warmth with his fingertips.
The next second, he gripped it tightly.
An unprecedented, powerful force, seemingly capable of completely digitizing and particleizing everything in the world, surged forth from the key in an instant.
This force traveled along his arm, washing over every nerve and every cell in his body.
His consciousness was elevated infinitely in an instant.
He could clearly sense that, if he wanted, if a thought flashed through his mind, he could even instantly decompose this impregnable underground laboratory into the most basic data stream, and then reassemble it into any form he wanted.
This feeling of being in control made his blood start to boil slightly.
Just as Su Chen was immersed in experiencing this new and powerful force that could overturn everything, a calm and familiar voice came from behind him, precisely breaking his thoughts.
"Reporting to the president."
It's Secretary Izzy.
Her voice, as always, was devoid of any emotional fluctuation, yet it sounded exceptionally clear at this moment.
"An unexpected visitor has successfully bypassed the entire security system of Zero One Technology's ground headquarters without your permission."
Iz paused for a moment, then continued his report.
"According to the latest feedback, she has been waiting in your top-floor office for quite some time."
Su Chen slowly turned around, his fingers tightening slightly as he gripped the Shining Locust Key.
A subtle, unusual glint flashed in his deep eyes.
There are very few people who can bypass Zero One Technology's ground security system.
Moreover, it was done without permission.
This means that the other party either has extremely high authority or possesses extraordinary abilities far beyond the norm.
"monitor."
Su Chen's words were concise and to the point.
Izzy immediately carried out the order and pulled up the live surveillance footage from the president's office.
On the huge main screen, the data model of the shining locusts disappeared, replaced by a familiar scene of luxury.
On the president's throne, which symbolized the highest power in Zero One Technology, sat a figure dressed in a well-tailored black dress, with a proud and aloof demeanor.
Her posture was elegant, yet it carried an unassailable air of authority.
Even through the screen, you could feel the chilling aura emanating from her, making people feel distant and unapproachable.
She was none other than Sonozaki Saeko, the eldest daughter of the Sonozaki family.
She seemed to have come to confront and reprimand someone.
A playful smile curved at the corners of Su Chen's lips.
"Just in time."
He muttered to himself, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger.
A new game seems to be about to begin.
Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Fang Queen's Request for Cooperation
Su Chen pushed open the heavy door to the top-floor office.
The indoor lighting was turned down to its lowest setting.
Only the neon lights outside the window, blurring the view, pierce through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a dappled and colorful light and shadow.
Saeko Sonozaki had her back to him.
The glass of red wine in her hand, in the dim light, presented an almost solidified deep red color.
The wine, like her current state of mind, held some unseen secrets.
She gazed down at the city shrouded in night.
That graceful back view, with its taut lines.
Even just a silhouette, she still exudes the powerful aura of Sonozaki's eldest daughter, the fanged queen.
Su Chen's footsteps were very light.
He knew that Sonozaki Saeko had already noticed his arrival.
She was completely different today than usual.
Su Chen was able to keenly perceive the subtle changes permeating the air.
The aura of a powerful woman emanating from her seemed even more refined than before.
It is also more dangerous.
There was no longer the condescending probing that had been present during their last meeting.