Chapter 91

• Please register a new user.

The artificial intelligence, Aquila, continued to repeat the same sentence, but just like in the 1st Cycle, the martial artists seemed unable to grasp its meaning in the slightest.

“What is that pale thing babbling about now?”

“…I’ve seen some strange sights, but this is something else.”

While acting as an interpreter wouldn’t be a bad idea, Taewoon felt that this situation was a kind of opportunity.

Having finished his deliberation, Taewoon stepped forward and made eye contact with Aquila. A flow of light, as if reading a barcode, swept across Taewoon’s body in an instant.

• Biometric registration complete. Please state your request.

Even if asked for a request, he had no experience handling such a highly advanced artificial intelligence. However, he had a mountain of questions he wanted to ask.

“Aquila, explain the functions you possess.”

• I am A71-001, Aquila, a support-type artificial intelligence from Planet Shevel. I was created to assist users in their overall daily lives and work upon request.

“Can you tell me about Planet Shevel as well?”

• Shevel is a super-giant planet located at point 125.27 of the Zeppelin Galaxy. Based on superior technology and vast resources, it possesses the most advanced civilization in the Zeppelin Galaxy.

He understood, but frankly, it wasn’t the answer Taewoon wanted to hear.

It seemed a more ‘direct’ question was needed to move the situation forward.

Finally making up his mind, Taewoon asked for the understanding of those around him and spoke toward Aquila.

“Currently, a starship and a military force presumed to be from Shevel are moving toward this planet. They are hostile to us, and the civilization of this planet is very backward compared to them. Except for the objects here, we do not have the technology to oppose them. Is there any way?”

To be honest, it felt quite surreal to seek the answer to such a question while looking at an incomprehensible hologram.

However, there was no reason for the three objects to exist for nothing, and this artificial intelligence called Aquila must be closely linked to the Conclusion of the Theater.

From Taewoon’s perspective, he had no choice but to act as if clutching at straws.

• Could you tell me approximately how much time remains until the fleet arrives at the planet?

Taewoon hesitated for a moment before continuing.

“About two months from now. There isn’t much time.”

After a brief silence, Aquila’s calm and cold voice filled the space.

• If it is two months, the optimal response possible in the current situation is to transmit a ‘jamming signal.’ If we utilize the G46-7… Gemini located here, it is entirely possible to disrupt their course.

A faint glimmer of hope spread in Taewoon’s eyes. An answer beyond his expectations had come out, and it seemed a clue toward the Conclusion of the Theater was appearing.

“Is that really possible?”

• Yes. They are not navigating space without any information. There is a high probability that they have approached by tracking the signals of objects produced on the planet.

“You mean the Cylinder, the metal sphere, and the Metal Plate you were contained in?”

• That is correct. Therefore, if the signal is jammed through Gemini, it is possible to slow their approach speed or confuse their course.

Upon hearing this, Taewoon’s expression changed instantly. If there was such a certain method, there was no reason to hesitate further.

“Then execute it. Is it possible right now?”

Contrary to Taewoon’s desperate expectation, Aquila uttered a negation with an emotionless attitude.

• I apologize, but as a support-type artificial intelligence, my functions are limited. I do not have the authority or ability to operate Gemini directly.

In an instant, Taewoon’s face froze like stone. Naturally, he hadn’t considered such a problem.

“…Then what do I have to do?”

• If the user permits physical connection and temporarily shares control of the body, the operation of Gemini becomes possible. If that is difficult, there is also the method of finding a person with a high level of understanding regarding Gemini.

Taewoon momentarily looked back at Biryeong. After choosing his words carefully, he asked her while conveying only the most neutral information.

“It seems this phantom knows the detailed usage of the Strange Objects. If I convey that to you, would it be possible to execute it as told?”

Biryeong indifferently scanned the several pairs of eyes directed at her, thought for a moment, and shook her head.

“That would be difficult. I only understand the superficial operation of the Cylinder; I do not know such detailed and complex areas.”

In truth, that was only natural.

The fact that they could meet Aquila now was because they had gathered all three Strange Objects and conducted repeated research; otherwise, Biryeong would have only understood a fraction of the Cylinder’s purpose.

“Is there no other alternative?”

• Unfortunately, that is the case. I apologize for failing to meet your expectations.

Cold sweat beaded and ran down Taewoon’s forehead. Handing over control of one’s body to another was no different from entrusting the key to one’s soul to a stranger.

Moreover, the subject was an unidentified artificial intelligence. The memory of when Yerin’s Scouter warned of Aquila’s danger pierced Taewoon’s mind sharply once again.

‘Why did Yerin’s Scouter measure Aquila’s Threat Level so high?’

Aquila called herself a mere ordinary support-type artificial intelligence.

However, compared to that, the intelligence and insight she displayed were far too sophisticated, giving the impression that she was subtly guiding Taewoon’s thoughts and psychology one step ahead.

What added to the anxiety most of all was that Aquila did not expose more information about herself than necessary.

She maintained silence if there were no questions and exquisitely avoided the core at critical moments. For some reason, Taewoon could not ignore that subtle sense of incongruity.

“Aquila, I’ll ask one more thing.”

• Yes, User.

“What exactly does this ‘physical connection’ you mentioned mean? What are you capable of doing with it?”

After a moment of silence, Aquila met his gaze calmly and continued the explanation.

• Upon receiving permission, I will connect directly to the user’s neural network and temporarily share the body. In that process, I will operate Gemini using only the minimum motor functions. I will not access any other functions or memory areas.

“Isn’t that just your claim? Is there any guarantee that you won’t harm us?”

Aquila remained still and calm. Her unwavering voice flowed out again, clouding Taewoon’s ears.

• I understand your doubt. The choice depends entirely on you. I am merely presenting a possible plan.

Taewoon was once again engulfed in conflict. There were no holes in Aquila’s logic, and it clearly revealed the fact that Taewoon had no other choice.

‘Damn it…’

In truth, Taewoon already had a half-clear conviction in his heart.

The Aquila before him was too suspicious. She was definitely hiding something from Taewoon and certainly had some kind of scheme.

The problem, however, was that despite recognizing this fact, he felt that accepting her proposal was the best option.

‘Anyway, if I don’t accept, nothing in the situation changes. Should I just take the risk and confirm her true intentions?’

Jain had advised him to approach the strategy with the intention of ending it in this 2nd Cycle, but ultimately, this was a problem that had to be addressed at least once.

It meant that even if the strategy for the 2nd Cycle approached failure because of this, he could not pull back out of fear.

Just as his deliberation reached its end, a soft hand grabbed Taewoon’s arm. Turning his head, he saw Yerin’s clear and transparent eyes staring at him.

After organizing her thoughts for a moment, Yerin approached Taewoon and whispered in his ear.

“Honestly, it’s suspicious. I don’t think it’s a trustworthy entity.”

“…I think so too. Above all, in the final moments of the 1st Cycle, the soldiers of the starship were clearly afraid of her.”

“Still, we need to check how she might betray us and in what way she intends to use us, right?”

As if their hearts were one, the thoughts of Taewoon and Yerin, who had desperately adapted to the Theater, were in perfect alignment.

At the very least, they needed to figure out what Aquila was plotting this time and whether she truly had the ability to make the Fleet from Beyond the Heavens retreat.

Nodding, Yerin conveyed her intention to Taewoon in a whisper once more.

“If anything, I think it would be better if I’m the one to hand over control of the body. My specs are lower than yours, and I haven’t used the ‘Fortuitous Encounter’ Special Privilege yet.”

“…That’s true, but will you be okay?”

“It can’t be helped. In exchange, I’ll leave the aftermath to you.”

A conclusion was reached.

Taewoon nodded quietly and immediately conveyed the situation to the martial artists present via Voice Transmission.

He fabricated the story that he had obtained information about the beings from beyond the heavens through Aquila, and by citing the three Strange Objects as examples, he continuously emphasized that it was a plausible story.

[You foolish brat, are you saying you’ll believe the words of such a suspicious creature?]

An expert from the Divine Sect reprimanded Taewoon and expressed dissatisfaction, but Taewoon didn’t even bat an eye as he replied.

[Do you think I actually believe her? The reason I am relaying this to you is precisely because I do not trust her. If she shows even the slightest suspicious sign, I hope you will draw your swords and punish her immediately.]

[…Understood. I shall do so.]

After finishing his request, Taewoon approached Aquila with Yerin and expressed his intention to accept the proposal.

“I will permit the physical connection as you said. However, there is a condition.”

• Please state it.

“Register Yerin here as an additional user. She is the one who will hand over control. And do not attempt to access or interfere with her consciousness, memories, or any information whatsoever. If you exercise even a single authority outside the functions I’ve permitted, I will never tolerate it. Do you understand?”

After a moment of silence, Aquila accepted the conditions set by Taewoon in her consistently serene voice.

• Yes, there is no problem. Thank you for agreeing.

Aquila’s hologram flickered lightly, as if sketching a faint smile.

Under the gaze of everyone’s tension, Aquila moved slowly like a ghost and approached Yerin, who was beside Taewoon.

The moment the transparent form overlapped with Yerin’s body, a chilly sensation of foreignness, as if burrowing into the skin, stimulated Yerin’s nerves, giving her a strange feeling.

Yerin closed her eyes tightly. Her consciousness sank as if plunging into deep water. At the end of that dizzying submersion, a small, cold voice echoed meaningfully in her ear.

• Initiating connection. I express my deep gratitude for the user’s cooperation.