At four o'clock in the morning, at the abandoned military base, the night had not yet fully faded. Only the cold white light from the windows of the temporary laboratory shone brightly in the desolate mountainous area. Elena rubbed her aching temples, her fingers sliding quickly across the touchscreen of the console. The fluctuating original gene sequence and regeneration factor adaptation data on the screen were constantly updated under the real-time calculation of AI. Wang sat beside her, his eyes fixed on another screen. The AI global information system was in low-power operation, and the monitoring module in the corner of the screen occasionally flickered with a faint signal fluctuation, so fast that it felt like an illusion.
"The activity of the regeneration factor has stabilized at 85%, and its resonance with Liam's brain energy has also met the standard. We can start the adaptation test early tomorrow morning." Wang's voice was tired, with dark circles under his eyes from two consecutive days of high-intensity debugging, but there was an undeniable excitement in his tone. "AI has synchronized and backed up all the analytical data. Even if there is another equipment failure like last time, we can recover quickly without losing any core data."
Elena nodded slightly, her gaze falling on the golden simulated image of the regeneration factor on the screen, her eyes full of solemnity. "Caution is the parent of safety. Although the Shadow Leader is dead, his remaining forces are still there. Since that dark energy can gather into a human form, they will never let it go. Notify Kane to strengthen the defense of the base and the cave, especially around the laboratory. We must arrange double the number of security personnel, expand the AI monitoring range tenfold, and not miss any abnormalities."
As soon as she finished speaking, a sharp alarm suddenly sounded from Wang's screen. The originally stable signal curve fluctuated violently in an instant, and the red warning lights kept flashing in the laboratory, illuminating the shocked faces of the two with dazzling red light. "No! It's brain signal interference!" Wang sat up straight suddenly, his fingers moving rapidly on the touchscreen. "The AI defense module has been triggered. It's a long-range interference, and the signal source is unknown, but its intensity is much stronger than the last sneak attack by the Shadow Team!"
Elena's heart tightened, and she sobered up instantly, quickly switching to the security monitoring interface. On the screen, the peripheral defense line of the base was already in chaos. Two black shadows shuttled through the night like ghosts, avoiding the blind spots of AI monitoring all the way, and quickly approaching the laboratory and the cave. "It's the remaining forces of the Shadow Organization! They split into two groups!" Elena's voice turned cold suddenly. "Wang and I will defend the laboratory. Immediately activate the AI defense system to block their brain signal interference. At the same time, contact Kane and let him lead people to intercept the enemy in the direction of the cave, and must protect the original gene samples in the cave!"
Wang did not dare to delay, and immediately mobilized all the computing power of AI to fully crack the opponent's interference signal. On the console screen, lines of code scrolled rapidly, and the AI global information system switched to combat mode instantly. It not only quickly locked the source of the interference signal, but also synchronously transmitted the position information of the Shadow forces to Kane's communication terminal in real time. "The AI defense module has been activated, and their interference has been temporarily blocked, but the opponent's technology is more advanced than we expected. It can only last for half an hour at most!" Wang shouted while quickly debugging the AI attack module. "I have mobilized the base's defense drones, which are flying towards the black shadows outside the laboratory. They should be able to delay some time!"
A violent crash suddenly came from the door of the laboratory. The metal door panel was slightly dented, and sparks splashed from the circuit at the lock. Elena's eyes turned sharp. She quickly picked up the energy weapon in the corner, turned around to block the console, and stared firmly at the door. "They came faster than we expected. We must defend the console. The regeneration factor data and AI analytical data must not be taken by them!"
At the same time, the cave direction also fell into fierce fighting. Kane was leading the security team to set up defenses at the entrance of the cave. Several black shadows had broken through the peripheral defense line and were fighting with the security personnel. These members of the remaining Shadow forces were much stronger than the previous Shadow Team. Their movements were as fast as the wind, and they exuded a faint dark energy. Every attack was accompanied by strong brain signal interference, making the security personnel's movements slow and even causing short-term hallucinations.
"Everyone concentrate! Don't be affected by their interference!" Kane held an energy rifle and accurately shot a Shadow member in the shoulder. Black blood gushed out of the wound, emitting a pungent stench. "AI has locked their positions. Attack according to AI's guidance. Don't get entangled in the battle. Just defend the entrance of the cave!"
At that moment, a slight movement came from the depths of the cave. Liam was sitting in a temporarily built rest area, and the collar on his body still emitted a faint red light, but the cracks were wider than before. Hearing the fierce fighting outside, he stood up suddenly, and a strong dizziness suddenly came to his mind——although most of the brain signal interference from the Shadow forces was blocked by AI, a small amount of signal still penetrated the defense, affecting his brain state which was not yet fully stable.
"Liam, don't be impulsive!" Dr. Gray walked up to him quickly, pressed his shoulder, and the medical terminal in his hand quickly scanned his physical data. "The fusion of your brain and symbiotic energy is not yet stable. If you go out to fight now, you are likely to have energy disorders and even damage your brain!"
Liam gritted his teeth, forcibly suppressing the dizziness in his mind. A faint golden light appeared at his fingertips, and symbiotic energy slowly surged in his body. "No, Kane and the others can't hold on much longer. The target of the Shadow forces is the original gene and regeneration factor. I can't just watch them succeed." His voice trembled a little, but his eyes were extremely firm. "Doctor, help me activate the AI brain signal monitoring. As long as I can stabilize my brain energy, I can join the battle!"
Looking at his firm eyes, Dr. Gray knew he couldn't persuade him. He could only quickly operate the medical terminal in his hand, link it with the AI global information system, and monitor Liam's brain energy fluctuations in real time. "Okay, I will use AI to help you stabilize your brain signal. Once there is energy overload, you must retreat immediately. Never be reckless!"
With Dr. Gray's permission, Liam no longer hesitated and turned to rush towards the entrance of the cave. At this moment, the monitoring voice of AI sounded in his mind in real time, constantly reminding him of the fluctuations of his brain energy and helping him avoid the brain signal interference from the Shadow forces. Symbiotic energy flowed rapidly in his body, spreading to all parts of his body along the blood. The red light of the collar became weaker and weaker, and a faint golden light even came out from the cracks——that was the unique breath emitted by the fusion of brain energy and symbiotic energy.
At the entrance of the cave, a Shadow member was waving an energy dagger, stabbing at Kane's back. Kane was focusing on dealing with the enemy in front of him, and did not notice the danger behind him at all. At this critical moment, Liam rushed over suddenly, and the symbiotic energy condensed in his hand turned into a golden barrier, steadily blocking behind Kane. With a crisp "clang", the energy dagger stabbed the barrier and was bounced off instantly. The Shadow member was shocked and stepped back repeatedly, his eyes full of astonishment.
"Liam, why are you here?" Kane turned around, saw Liam's figure, and his face was full of surprise, followed by a trace of worry. "Your body hasn't recovered yet. Go back to rest quickly. We can handle it here!"
"I'm fine. AI helped me stabilize my brain signal." Liam shook his head, his eyes fixed on the Shadow member in front of him, and the symbiotic energy in his body surged again. "Leave these people to me. Go defend the original gene samples in the depths of the cave. Don't give them a chance!"
Kane knew Liam's temper and stopped persuading him. He nodded and turned to rush towards the depths of the cave. Liam took a deep breath, quickly retrieved the fighting skills from his battle with the Shadow Leader through AI in his mind. Under the regulation of AI, symbiotic energy and brain energy fused perfectly. He moved like an arrow off the string, rushing towards the Shadow member, and the golden energy in his hand turned into a long sword, stabbing accurately at the opponent.
Seeing this, the Shadow member immediately waved his energy dagger to meet him. Dark energy collided with golden energy, making a violent explosion. The shock wave shook the surrounding gravel and splashed everywhere. Liam's movements became faster and faster. AI monitored the Shadow member's brain signals in real time, predicting their attack trajectory, allowing him to accurately avoid the opponent's attacks every time and launch fatal counterattacks at the same time.
On the laboratory side, the battle also entered a white-hot stage. Two Shadow members had broken through the drone interception, smashed open the laboratory door, and rushed straight towards the console. Elena held an energy weapon and shot accurately. A blue energy beam hit a Shadow member in the chest. The opponent let out a shrill scream, and his body instantly turned into a wisp of black smoke, dissipating in the air.
But the other Shadow member was extremely powerful. The dark energy on his body was even stronger, and he could even directly ignore the AI signal interference. He moved and rushed to Wang's front in a flash, and the energy dagger in his hand pointed directly at Wang's throat. Wang turned pale, had no time to dodge, and could only close his eyes subconsciously. At that moment, Elena rushed over suddenly, pushed Wang away, but her own arm was scratched by the energy dagger. Black dark energy spread along the wound, bringing a piercing pain.
"Elena!" Wang shouted, his eyes full of guilt. He immediately mobilized the AI attack module, and a red energy beam shot at the Shadow member. "Hold on! I will activate the AI's ultimate defense immediately!"
Hit by the energy beam, the Shadow member paused slightly, with a trace of anger in his eyes, and turned to rush at Elena again. Elena endured the pain in her arm, shot again with the energy weapon in her hand, and shouted to Wang at the same time: "Don't worry about me! Protect the regeneration factor data, activate the AI global communication, and contact Kane to send reinforcements as soon as possible!"
Wang did not dare to delay, and immediately operated the console to activate the AI global communication system, and at the same time transmitted the emergency situation of the laboratory to Kane in real time. Just as the Shadow member's energy dagger was about to stab Elena, the laboratory door was smashed open again. Kane rushed in with two security personnel, and the energy rifles shot at the same time. Several blue energy beams hit the Shadow member's back. The opponent staggered, fell to the ground slowly, and his body gradually turned into black smoke, leaving only a chip engraved with dark patterns, quietly lying on the ground.
The battle was finally over. The laboratory was in a mess. The warning signals were still flashing on the console screen. The wound on Elena's arm was still bleeding. Wang slumped on the chair, gasping for breath, his face full of exhaustion. Kane walked quickly to Elena's side, looked at the wound on her arm, and his eyes were full of worry. "Hurry up, notify Dr. Gray and let him come to treat the wound immediately!"
Dr. Gray arrived at the laboratory soon. The medical terminal in his hand quickly scanned Elena's wound, and his face was full of solemnity. "The wound is infected by dark energy. Fortunately, it didn't hurt the muscles and bones. I will use AI to assist in the treatment now to remove the dark energy from her body." With that said, he opened the medical box, took out a syringe filled with silver medicine, and activated the AI medical module at the same time to scan Elena's wound. After the silver medicine was injected into the wound, the black dark energy faded quickly, and the redness and swelling around the wound also eased gradually.
Liam also followed in. His face was a little pale, and the red light of the collar on his body flickered slightly——obviously, the battle just now caused a short-term disorder in his brain energy. "Is everyone okay?" His voice was a little hoarse. He glanced at everyone in the laboratory, and finally fell on Elena's arm, his eyes full of guilt. "I'm sorry, it's all my fault. I didn't notice the abnormality earlier, putting everyone in danger."
"It's not your fault." Elena shook her head, showing a faint smile on her face. "We underestimated the remaining forces of the Shadow Organization. Their technology is more advanced than we expected. It's already a blessing that we can defend the laboratory and the original gene this time." She paused, her gaze falling on the console screen, and her tone became solemn again. "However, this sneak attack also exposed our shortcomings: the defense of the temporary laboratory is too weak, the precision of the AI equipment is not enough to completely block the opponent's brain signal interference, and coupled with our shortage of funds and equipment, it will be difficult to promote the subsequent brain development experiments."
Hearing this, everyone showed a solemn expression on their faces. Kane frowned and said in a deep voice: "I have arranged for security personnel to strengthen the defense, but the temporary base is too remote, and the equipment is all temporarily assembled. It is really difficult to defend it for a long time. Moreover, after the failure of this sneak attack, the remaining Shadow forces will definitely send stronger forces next time. We must find a solution as soon as possible."
Wang sighed, his fingers sliding on the touchscreen. The AI global information system showed that their existing funds were only enough to maintain half a month's R&D and security expenses. It was simply impossible to build a professional laboratory and purchase high-precision equipment. "I searched global scientific research resources through AI, trying to find suitable equipment suppliers, but the cost is too high, and we can't afford it at all. In addition, the exploration of star-patterned ore also requires a lot of funds and manpower. Without sufficient support, we can't promote the subsequent R&D at all." He paused, a hint of expectation in his tone. "There were rumors before that the world's richest man is paying attention to the field of AI + brain development and may invest in promising teams, but we haven't heard any news, and we don't know if it's true."
The laboratory fell into silence, and everyone's face was full of helplessness and a hint of hidden expectation——they all hoped for financial help, but they also knew that there was no free lunch. Especially when facing an unknown funder, it was inevitable to feel vigilant. Liam looked at the tired and solemn faces of everyone, and felt full of self-blame in his heart——he knew that everyone had been persisting until now for the goal of "AI + brain development" and to help him break the suppression of the collar. But he, due to his own limitations, couldn't share more pressure for everyone.
At that moment, Wang's screen suddenly lit up, and a strange communication request popped up. On the communication interface, there was a middle-aged man wearing a black suit with an elegant temperament. The man had a faint smile on his face, and his eyes were deep, giving people an unfathomable feeling. "Who is this?" Wang frowned and looked at Elena. "AI cannot identify the opponent's identity information. The communication signal is encrypted. The opponent actually broke through our AI defense and sent a communication request directly."
Elena's gaze fell on the screen, her eyes full of vigilance, but she still nodded. "Answer the communication and see what the other party wants."
Wang pressed the answer button, and the figure of the middle-aged man appeared clearly on the screen. He raised his hand slightly, nodded slightly to everyone, and his tone was gentle and calm. "Good evening, everyone. I'm Elliott. I think you have heard my name."
"Elliott? The world's richest man?" Wang's face was full of shock, and he raised his voice subconsciously, his tone mixed with incredible joy and vigilance. "It's really you! We heard rumors before that you are paying attention to this field, but we don't know you at all. Why did you suddenly contact us?"
Elliott smiled and did not mind Wang's surprise. His gaze slowly swept over everyone on the screen, and finally fell on Liam, with a trace of strange light in his eyes. "I have been paying attention to you for a long time. From the moment you started researching the AI brain link algorithm, to when you found the original gene, and then to when you defeated the Shadow Leader, I know everything clearly." He paused, and his tone became serious. "I know you are in trouble now: shortage of funds, insufficient equipment, weak defense, and you are also facing the continuous threat of the remaining Shadow forces——I also know that you are looking forward to financial help, but you are unwilling to easily accept funding from unknown sources."
Elena's eyes became more vigilant, and she said in a deep voice: "Mr. Elliott, what exactly do you want? We really need funds and equipment to promote R&D, and we have heard rumors about you, but we don't need outsiders to interfere in our R&D project, let alone your charity." Her words were straightforward and firm. She neither denied the need for funds nor gave up her bottom line. Everyone nodded in agreement, and the joy on their faces gradually faded, leaving only caution.
"Dr. Elena, you misunderstood." Elliott waved his hand, still with a gentle smile on his face. "I'm not here to give you charity. I'm here to cooperate with you. I have been paying attention to the field of AI + brain development for many years, and I have also set up my own secret R&D team, but I have never made a breakthrough in core technology. And you have found the original gene and regeneration factor, and mastered the key technology of fusing AI with brain and symbiotic energy, which is exactly what I have been pursuing."
He paused and continued: "I can provide you with sufficient funds to help you build 3 professional alternative laboratories and purchase the world's highest-precision experimental equipment, including brain scanning cabins, AI chip R&D equipment, regeneration factor purification equipment, etc. At the same time, I can also mobilize global resources to help you explore star-patterned ore and other core materials, and arrange the most professional security team to fully protect your safety and resist sneak attacks from the remaining Shadow forces."
Hearing this, everyone showed a surprised and moved expression——such generous conditions were exactly what they dreamed of, even more thoughtful than the rumors, simply a timely help. Wang suppressed the excitement in his heart and couldn't help asking: "What do you want in return for putting forward such good conditions? As we said before, we don't accept charity, and we won't hand over the dominance of the project."
"My request is very simple." Elliott's gaze fell on Liam again, and his tone was calm. "I want to participate in your AI + brain development project. My R&D team can join you to assist you in promoting R&D. At the same time, after the project is successful, I want to obtain partial right to use the AI brain technology and regeneration factor technology for global medical public welfare undertakings. I will not use these technologies for personal gain. You can rest assured about this."
Elena and Kane looked at each other, and both saw hesitation and excitement in each other's eyes. They knew that Elliott's conditions could indeed solve all the difficulties they were facing now——with his support, they could promote the brain development experiment faster, help Liam break the suppression of the collar, and at the same time resist the threat of the remaining Shadow forces. But they also worried that Elliott had other purposes behind him. After all, even if the other party was a well-known richest man, such unconditional "cooperation" would inevitably arouse suspicion.
Liam looked at Elliott on the screen and quickly retrieved his relevant information through AI in his mind. The AI global information system instantly retrieved all of Elliott's public information, showing that he was not only the world's richest man, but also a well-known philanthropist. For many years, he has been committed to global medical and technological public welfare undertakings, and has never had a record of abusing technology for personal gain. Moreover, AI detected that Elliott's brain energy fluctuations were stable, without any malice. Although his communication signal was encrypted, there was no trace of dark energy.
"I think we can cooperate with him." Liam's voice broke the silence. He looked at everyone, his tone firm. "We have no way out now. Without funds and equipment, our R&D project can't proceed at all, and the remaining Shadow forces won't give us much time. Mr. Elliott's conditions are very reasonable, and he has a good reputation. There's no reason for him to harm us. What's more, we clearly said that we don't accept charity and will keep the dominance of the project, and he didn't object."
Elena fell silent for a moment and nodded——she knew Liam was right, this was their only choice now, and also the safest choice. "Mr. Elliott, we can cooperate with you, but we have one condition." She looked at Elliott on the screen, her tone serious. "After your R&D team joins, they must strictly abide by our R&D rules, not disclose any core data and technology, and the dominance of the project must be in our hands. If you violate the agreement, we have the right to terminate the cooperation immediately."
A satisfied smile appeared on Elliott's face, and he nodded. "No problem, I fully agree to your conditions. Early tomorrow morning, I will arrange for my team to go to your base with the fund and equipment list to discuss the specific cooperation details with you. In addition, I want to remind you that one of the main producing areas of star-patterned ore has been controlled by the Shadow Organization. They are mass-producing brain interference weapons with star-patterned ore, and they are also developing a 'dark brain chip' which can control the human brain and is very dangerous."
Hearing this, everyone showed a solemn expression on their faces. Elena said in a deep voice: "Thank you for your reminder. We will arrange an exploration team as soon as possible to go to various parts of the world to find the producing areas of star-patterned ore."
"No need to hurry. After my team arrives, we can use my global resources to help you lock the exploration locations of star-patterned ore, and arrange professional security personnel to protect the exploration team at the same time." Elliott smiled. "In addition to star-patterned ore, brain development also requires a very rare material called 'spiritual energy crystal'. The energy of this crystal is much stronger than that of star-patterned ore, which can strengthen the resonance between the brain, AI and symbiotic energy. However, at present, there is no specific distribution information of it in the world, and we need to find it together later."
"Spiritual energy crystal?" A trace of confusion flashed in Elena's eyes. She quickly searched for this name in the AI system, but there was little information displayed on the screen, only a few vague records saying that this crystal only exists in extreme environments, with strong energy and difficult to capture. "We will pay attention. As soon as there is any clue, we will notify you immediately."
"Okay, see you tomorrow." Elliott nodded and ended the communication.
After the communication ended, the atmosphere in the laboratory finally eased, and the long-suppressed depression was replaced by uncontrollable excitement. Looking at the screen, Wang showed an excited smile. "Great! It's really the world's richest man! With his support, we can finally build a professional laboratory, and the AI global information system can also be upgraded. At that time, whether it is information retrieval, communication, or force monitoring, it will become more convenient."
Kane also nodded, showing a long-lost smile. "I will arrange for security personnel to further strengthen the base's defense immediately, and fully welcome Mr. Elliott's team early tomorrow morning. In addition, I will work with Wang to initially lock the first exploration location of star-patterned ore using the AI global information system, and make preparations for the exploration in advance."
Elena looked at everyone and showed a trace of relief on her face. Her arm no longer hurt, and Dr. Gray's treatment was very effective. "Okay, everyone go to rest. There will be a tough battle tomorrow." She paused, her gaze falling on Liam, her tone gentle. "Liam, you will start the regeneration factor adaptation test early tomorrow morning. AI will assist you throughout the process, and Dr. Gray will also monitor your physical condition beside you. We will strive to complete the adaptation as soon as possible, synchronously improve the functions of your brain and body, and break the suppression of the collar as soon as possible."
Liam nodded. He could clearly feel that the regeneration factor in his body was slowly acting on his body——a slight burning sensation came from his skin, and his bones were faintly sore. That was a clear sign that his body was being strengthened. He knew that as long as the adaptation test was completed, his brain development level would increase steadily, and his physical functions would also be enhanced synchronously. At that time, he could better protect everyone and resist the threat of the remaining Shadow forces.
The night gradually faded, and the first ray of sunlight shone through the window of the laboratory onto the console screen, illuminating the fluctuating regeneration factor data and AI calculation codes on the screen. Wang had fallen asleep on the table with a trace of relief on his face; Kane was shuttling back and forth in the base, arranging for security personnel to strengthen the defense in an orderly manner; Elena sat in front of the console, her gaze fixed on the information about the spiritual energy crystal on the screen, searching for more useful clues through the AI global information system; Liam stood at the door of the laboratory, looking at the rising sun in the distance, his eyes full of firmness.
He knew that a new challenge was about to begin——the threat of the remaining Shadow forces was still there, the search for the spiritual energy crystal was full of unknowns, and the game between multiple forces was about to kick off. But he was no longer afraid, because he had partners fighting side by side, the strong support of Elliott, the all-round assistance of the AI global information system, and himself who was constantly being strengthened. He firmly believed that as long as they worked together, they would surely smoothly promote the AI + brain development project, completely break the suppression of the collar, successfully stop the conspiracy of the Shadow Organization, and finally achieve the ultimate goal of brain empowering humans and AI assisting evolution.
In the darkness outside the base, a black figure was silently watching all this, with cold light in his eyes and strong dark energy emanating from his body. He held a chip engraved with dark patterns tightly in his hand, and a strange smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He whispered: "Elliott, Liam, do you think this is over? The real show has just begun." After speaking, his figure flashed and disappeared into the night in an instant, leaving only a trace of faint dark energy, slowly dissipating in the air, laying a new foreshadowing for the subsequent plot.