The third floor of the Central Library was quiet for a weekday afternoon. Under normal circumstances, this would be a time bustling with students and researchers, but today everyone was probably pursuing different information in different places. The figures seated at the window-side reading seats were sparse, and not even the sound of footsteps walking between the bookshelves could be heard.
Feng Wuji was observing his surroundings as he climbed the stairs. The structure of the third floor was already in his head. He had confirmed the building's floor plan the previous night and grasped the entrances and exits, blind spots, and the range through which lines of sight passed. Preparation was the foundation of thought.
The time was two fifty-five in the afternoon. It was an arrival five minutes earlier than the appointment, but Feng Wuji had done so intentionally. Confirm the location first and observe the other party's arrival. This was also a fundamental of negotiation technique.
When he entered the reading area on the third floor, a man's figure immediately entered his vision.
Seated at a window-side seat, his gaze lowered to an open book. He appeared to be in his early forties. Close-cropped hair, a toned physique, and the posture with which he sat in the chair conveyed the discipline peculiar to military personnel. On the desk were placed a single book, a mobile device, and a paper cup.
It was Liu Siyuan.
Feng Wuji continued observing the man. Liu Siyuan's gaze was directed at the book, but its focus was not fixed. He was probably sensing the presence of his surroundings. Sure enough, the moment Feng Wuji approached several steps, the man raised his face.
The gazes of the two met.
Liu Siyuan stood up. The movement was smooth as if flowing, with no waste. He bowed his head lightly.
"You are Mr. Feng Wuji. I am honored that you came."
His voice was low and composed. Feng Wuji similarly bowed his head in response.
"Mr. Liu Siyuan. I am fortunate to meet you."
The two exchanged a handshake. Liu Siyuan's hand was hard, and traces of many years of training could be felt. However, he did not apply force, releasing the hand with moderate pressure.
"Let's sit."
Liu Siyuan urged, and Feng Wuji sat in the opposite seat. They would be face to face with the desk between them. Liu Siyuan lowered himself into the chair again and closed the book on the desk. A title regarding military tactics was printed on the cover.
"Were you able to sleep last night?"
Liu Siyuan opened his mouth. Feng Wuji answered briefly.
"I was able to rest for several hours. And you?"
"About the same. I spent time on information gathering."
Liu Siyuan picked up the paper cup and took a sip. During that movement, his gaze did not leave Feng Wuji. Feng Wuji understood that he was being observed. At the same time, he himself was also observing the other party.
"I'll ask directly," Liu Siyuan said. "When you learned that I had also been designated for selection, were you surprised?"
Feng Wuji thought for a moment before answering.
"It was unexpected. However, I could understand it. As long as the selection criterion is influence, it is a logical result."
"Influence," Liu Siyuan repeated the word. "In my case, I believe the reason is involvement in military operations. Though not remaining in official records, the higher-dimensional being grasped it."
Feng Wuji nodded.
"Their information-gathering capability exceeds our imagination. Anonymity and confidentiality maintenance hold no meaning."
"That's correct," Liu Siyuan placed his elbows on the desk. "That is precisely why I contacted you. Regarding other designated selectees as well, they should already have grasped them."
Feng Wuji probed the other party's intentions. Was Liu Siyuan proposing information sharing, or did he have a different purpose?
"Do you have any information about other designated selectees?"
Liu Siyuan shook his head.
"I don't know specific names. However, they are probably selected from each nation. Military experts, scientists, strategists. Within the framework of one hundred people, balance should be being considered."
Feng Wuji agreed with that analysis. That the higher-dimensional being emphasized the fairness of the competition was clear from their statements. If Earth's representatives were biased toward specific fields, they would be at a disadvantage in competition with other planets.
"What is your reason for contacting me?"
Feng Wuji asked directly. Liu Siyuan displayed a faint smile.
"It's simple. The construction of a cooperative relationship."
"Cooperation."
"That's right," Liu Siyuan leaned forward. "When the one hundred representatives gather, factions will inevitably be formed. Nationality, field of specialization, ideology—divisions will occur due to various factors. Among them, those who build trust relationships early will be able to hold the advantage."
Feng Wuji understood the other party's logic. Predict the power structure within the team and make the first move. It was a military way of thinking.
"However, trust relationships are things constructed over time. It will be difficult to obtain sufficient trust in one month."
Liu Siyuan nodded.
"That's correct. That is precisely why we need to begin now. You are a strategist. I am a specialist in actual combat. We can complement each other's strengths."
Feng Wuji was silent for several seconds. Liu Siyuan's proposal was rational. However, at the same time, risk also existed. By forming an alliance early, there was the possibility of being viewed with caution by other representatives.
"I can understand your proposal. However, I have one question."
"Please."
"What do you have as your goal? Survival, or sublimation to a higher dimension?"
Liu Siyuan's expression changed slightly. He placed down the paper cup and folded his arms.
"That's an interesting question. Many humans would equate those two things. If we achieve victory, we are sublimated to a higher dimension; if we are defeated, we are annihilated. In other words, both are facing the same direction."
"However, you think differently."
Feng Wuji said. Liu Siyuan paused for a moment before answering.
"My goal is survival. We have no information about what sublimation to a higher dimension means. Whether it is truly something desirable is also unclear."
Feng Wuji assessed the other party's cautiousness. Liu Siyuan was not accepting the higher-dimensional being's words uncritically. This was proof of intelligence.
"I also hold the same doubt," Feng Wuji said. "The concept of sublimation to a higher dimension exceeds our understanding. Whether it is a reward or another form of domination—there are no materials for judgment."
"Then our goals are aligned," Liu Siyuan pulled back. "We achieve victory for survival. What lies beyond that, we judge after obtaining information."
Feng Wuji nodded. This man was not a simple military person. As his career as a tactical advisor indicated, he possessed advanced thinking ability. Not a bad choice as a cooperative partner.
"Understood. I accept your proposal. However, there are conditions."
Liu Siyuan raised one eyebrow.
"Let's hear them."
"Information is shared bidirectionally. No secrets. And final decision-making is conducted independently by each individual. It is a cooperative relationship, not a subordinate relationship."
Liu Siyuan showed a thoughtful gesture, then nodded.
"I agree. An equal relationship is most efficient."
The two exchanged a handshake again. This time a bit longer than the first, they gripped hands as if confirming.
Liu Siyuan picked up the mobile device on the desk.
"Then, let's conduct the first information sharing. As far as I have grasped, at least eight people from China have been designated for selection."
Feng Wuji recalled his memory. Eight people including himself. A reasonable number.
"Do you know the names?"
"Only three," Liu Siyuan showed the device screen. "Military analyst Zhao Jianguo, cybersecurity specialist Chen Wei, and martial arts champion Li Qiang."
Feng Wuji recorded each name. Zhao Jianguo was known as a military commentator and had multiple writings. Chen Wei was a hacker who had made a name through work with government agencies. Li Qiang was a martial artist who had won multiple titles in international competitions.
"Regarding the other five."
"Under investigation," Liu Siyuan placed down the device. "They are probably scientists or engineers. As long as the higher-dimensional being emphasizes diversity, bias in specialized fields should be being avoided."
Feng Wuji shared his own analysis.
"Around fifteen from America, ten from Russia, a total of about twenty from European nations. I predict the remainder will be selected from Asia, Africa, and South America."
Liu Siyuan was listening with interest.
"What is the basis for that prediction?"
"The balance of population ratio and technological level. The higher-dimensional being emphasizes fairness. Then they will also avoid regional bias."
"I can accept that," Liu Siyuan said. "Then, what are you thinking regarding training? In the period of one month, what should we prepare?"
Feng Wuji had anticipated this question. The time had come to share part of the strategy he had thought about last night.
"Physical training will have only limited effect. It is impossible to dramatically improve physical ability in one month. What is important is psychological preparation and training of strategic thinking."
Liu Siyuan nodded.
"Specifically?"
"Enhancement of stress tolerance, training of rapid decision-making, and understanding the dynamics within a team. Once the competition begins, we will constantly be placed in extreme conditions. In order to make rational judgments within that, psychological preparation is necessary."
"I agree," Liu Siyuan said. "In military operations as well, mental state influences results. Even if technique and equipment are superior, if judgment dulls, defeat follows."
The two continued discussing training methods for several minutes. Feng Wuji evaluated the insights obtained from Liu Siyuan's combat experience, and Liu Siyuan treated Feng Wuji's theoretical analysis as complementary material. The dialogue progressed efficiently.
Eventually, Liu Siyuan checked his watch.
"It's already past four o'clock. Let's end it at this for today. When shall we meet next?"
Feng Wuji thought for a moment.
"Three days from now. Same place, same time—how about it?"
"Understood," Liu Siyuan stood up. "By then, I'll gather more information."
Feng Wuji also stood up, and the two headed toward the library exit. While descending the stairs, Liu Siyuan opened his mouth.
"I'll give you one warning."
Feng Wuji stopped his feet.
"What is it?"
"Among the representatives, there are those who have already begun moving. Faction formation, information gathering, and in some cases sabotage operations. The time of one month is simultaneously the beginning of competition as well as a preparation period."
Feng Wuji understood the weight of Liu Siyuan's words. The competition did not begin after transfer. It had already begun.
"I'll be careful."
Liu Siyuan nodded, and the two exited the library. The air outside was cold, and thin clouds spread across the sky. The expressions of people walking the streets appeared more composed than yesterday, but even so, the shadow of anxiety remained.
Feng Wuji parted from Liu Siyuan and headed toward the station. Today's meeting had been meaningful. He had secured one trustworthy collaborator. However, at the same time, new challenges had also been clarified.
Other representatives were already moving. Information warfare had already begun.
Feng Wuji circulated his thoughts as he walked. He needed to plan the next action. While maintaining the cooperative relationship with Liu Siyuan, he would also gather information about other representatives. And he would not neglect preparation of himself.
When he arrived at the station, many people were standing on the platform. Everyone was staring at mobile device screens. Feng Wuji also took out his device and checked the news.
A report that the United Nations had set the final deadline for representative selection at two weeks from now. Each nation appeared to be advancing selection at a rapid pace.
Feng Wuji closed the news. Official movements were predictable. What was important was what was happening beneath the surface.
The train arrived, and Feng Wuji boarded. He sat in a seat and gazed outside the window. In the flowing scenery, he continued thinking about the next move.