Chapter 32: The Skeleton Virus Source Code, Controlling the Predators!

"It really is a Trojan horse program, and a primary source code at that. This is incredible!" Yang Siqi stared at the computer in astonishment, her eyes brimming with excitement.

"A Trojan horse program, also known as a Trojan virus. Exactly—just like the Black Death virus, they are both viruses! But this isn't a case of fighting fire with fire; it uses a far more powerful coding sequence to directly override and control the Black Death virus."

Yang Siqi’s fingers danced across the virtual keyboard like butterflies. "The Trojan virus originated from old-world computer viruses. It was the most common type back then, used to hijack computers, create backdoors, and steal all kinds of data."

"This virus is much stronger. It infects by parasitizing the Black Death virus, eroding its source code, and then seizing control of the 'Predator’s' thoughts and actions. It’s a form of infection similar to biological parasitism. Think of it like the trematodes that parasitize snail brains or the horsehair worms that inhabit the bodies of mantises in the old world."

Su Cheng’s heart skipped a beat at these words. "Does that mean if I have this virus, I can control the Predators?"

If that were possible, it would represent a massive force of combat power! No wonder the Scrap City Fighting Arena personnel went personally to retrieve the corpses, and why the Waste Treatment Plant even dispatched Overseer robots and the Arbiter.

The Overseer robots were always stationed inside the Waste Treatment Plant and rarely left. As for the Arbiter, that was the core combat force of the plant—he had never even seen one before! Today was his first time witnessing the Arbiter. So, they were all after this Trojan virus source code.

Yang Siqi shook her head. "Correct, but not entirely accurate. Possessing this source code is a prerequisite, but you also need a password. This isn't a standard numeric password; it’s a genetic password."

"In other words, without the specific DNA of the person they designated, you cannot execute this source code."

Yang Siqi closed her laptop. "Even if you could extract his DNA from his blood, you wouldn't know which sequence to use or how to combine it. This kind of password is far harder to crack than a conventional one! Plus, there is one more crucial point: this source code needs to be used within the Black Death virus environment. That means only a Predator can use it!"

Su Cheng said helplessly, "Then this source code is useless?"

"Exactly. Although the password is an add-on program, it cannot be cracked—at least not by me, and there’s no one else in this Scrap City who could!" Yang Siqi said with great confidence. "Besides, do you really want to turn into one of those lunatics?"

Su Cheng felt only a slight disappointment. Just because he couldn't use it didn't mean the code lacked value. Since both the Waste Treatment Plant and the Scrap City Fighting Arena wanted it, there must be a way to utilize it.

Controlling Predators! Even if they ended up like mindless zombies, they would still be a terrifying threat to Scrap City, and perhaps even to the old world. If the rewards were high enough, someone would surely take the risk. He couldn't use it himself, but he could trade it for something else. The Waste Treatment Plant and the Fighting Arena were out of the question, though—after all, this was exactly what they were searching for. That left only the black market.

Yang Siqi handed the metal block to Su Cheng. "This external brain-computer interface is scrap now. To prevent accidental use, I’ve destroyed its embedding function."

As she spoke, she turned and headed downstairs. "The core of the Trojan virus source code is called 'Skeleton.' It cannot be replicated; it can only parasitize. That means the metal block in your hand is the only carrier. I’ve only recorded its properties for research. Keep up; I’ll get you the external brain-computer interfaces."

Su Cheng tucked the metal block away and followed her. Soon, they reached a room. The pink door looked completely out of place against the dilapidated walls.

Yang Siqi turned back and warned him sternly, "Stay there and wait for me."

After she finished speaking, she scanned her pupil and entered the password. The door slid into the wall with a 'whoosh.' Once she entered, the door closed again. A short while later, it reopened, and Yang Siqi came out carrying four metal blocks—the external brain-computer interfaces.

"Here, these are all I have. If you break them all, I’m out. Even though they’re simple to make, they take time, and I’m lazy—I am definitely, absolutely not making any more!"

"Understood." Su Cheng placed the metal blocks into his other pocket. "Thanks."

"Goodbye. I'll call you when I have a mission."

Yang Siqi hummed a tune, in a good mood, and returned to her room to continue studying the properties of the Skeleton virus source code.

Su Cheng rode his bike home. If the Skeleton virus source code were factored in, his haul from this emergency bounty was even more bountiful! Most importantly, he had new clues and progress regarding the tattoo.

Back home, Su Cheng took out the external brain-computer interface metal blocks and activated his Eye of Dimension to attempt a synthesis and upgrade.

'Synthesis: Embedded Homemade High-Quality Micro External Brain-Computer Interface * 2.'

[Embedded Homemade High-Quality Micro External Brain-Computer Interface: A premium external brain-computer interface crafted by an individual. Compared to the previous generation, it can perform all the functions of a built-in brain-computer interface! Equipped with an intermediate firewall, this is a high-level self-made product belonging to First Dimension technology.]

It really could be synthesized. It was truly worthy of being able to synthesize any technological product!

Keep going!

'Synthesis: Micro External Photonic Brain.'

[Micro External Photonic Brain: Within a limit-sized volume, it houses a 108-photon Photonic Brain, combining all the functions of a Photonic Brain and an external brain-computer interface. It can serve as a secondary brain! It features an advanced firewall capable of automatically identifying attacks and possesses a self-protection function that initiates an automatic forced disconnection. It belongs to Second Dimension technology.]

The original reddish-brown metal block had transformed into a smooth, silvery metallic object. It felt cool and lubricated to the touch, looking much better than before. Its performance had also jumped from a homemade item to a more powerful, formal piece of technology.

It even integrated a Photonic Brain! This meant that when he upgraded his prosthetic body in the future, he wouldn't need to implant a separate Photonic Brain. And it had 108 photons—his "Brainless" unit only had eight! It also retained the brain-computer interface functions, plus an advanced firewall and self-protection capabilities. This meant he hardly needed to worry about hacker attacks anymore. A firewall rated as "advanced" by the Eye of Dimension could certainly not be broken easily.

Su Cheng directly replaced the metal block behind his ear. Then, with a thought, he dialed Yang Siqi.

"What now? Calling again?" Yang Siqi licked her lollipop impatiently. "I’m starting to regret teaming up with you. I originally planned to have you do things for me, but now I feel like I’ve become your assistant."

Su Cheng laughed. "Don't be like that. You have great hacking skills; that's why I came to you."

"Tch." Yang Siqi pouted. "What is it?"

"Help me make a few more external brain-computer interfaces."

"No time. I told you, I’m absolutely not doing it. It’s too much trouble, and I have to go find materials." Yang Siqi puffed out her cheeks, looking reluctant.

"I have lollipops and other snacks here. I can trade them with you." Su Cheng opened the food he had 'borrowed' from the supermarket.

"Potato chips? And my favorite chocolate!" Yang Siqi immediately perked up, nodding repeatedly. "Alright, alright, no problem, leave it to me! Come get them in a week, and remember to bring the snacks!"

Su Cheng smiled slightly. "Deal."