Whoosh—
Countless purple figures darted through cyberspace, devouring and assimilating wandering AI wherever they passed. It didn't take long before the control-level AI of this region took notice.
"Something's off…"
"An intelligent virus leak? Or has someone else intervened?"
"Both are possible. Send a daemon squad to investigate. We'll report this to Bartmoss first."
"Understood."
After a rapid exchange of data between the two humanoid AI, a decision was made. They would report the situation directly to Bartmoss while dispatching a batch of daemons to clean up the AI that had already turned into wandering spirits.
Wandering spirits was the collective term for intelligent data entities transformed by Spirit of Seduction's ability. Most of them ended up with ghostlike lower bodies and shriveled, corpse-like upper forms—visually unsettling, to say the least.
Though some variants were different—those wore full suits of purple crystalline armor.
"Suspected intelligent virus… or third-party infiltration?"
Bartmoss narrowed his eyes upon receiving the report.
If it were a third-party incursion, he doubted his subordinates would have let the information through so easily. He knew their capabilities well.
If it had been deliberately allowed through… what would the purpose be? To alert him?
Moreover, he had never seen any powerful AI inside the Blackwall with that form. The likelihood of it being an intelligent virus was higher. Judging by its appearance, the infectivity was probably extreme.
"Hm… This could serve as material for developing the next generation of intelligent viruses. Seems my luck isn't bad."
A faint smile curled at Bartmoss's lips. He dissolved into a mass of black-and-red data and streaked toward the source. The surrounding AI followed suit, transforming into data streams and racing after him.
...
Kelly was already waiting at the designated location.
To avoid drawing suspicion, she had deliberately created a supermassive wandering spirit to act as the visible source.
Zzt! Zzt! Zzt!
Amid crackling currents, Bartmoss arrived with his AI legion, instantly sealing off the entire area.
His gaze swept once across the battlefield before locking onto the enormous wandering spirit at the center. Its upper body was covered in purple crystalline armor, while its lower half was a serpent-like mass formed from writhing data.
The moment it noticed Bartmoss, it let out a roar.
Instantly, countless infected wandering spirits shot into the sky. The ground transformed into a sea of purple data that surged inward from all sides like a massive hand, attempting to trap Bartmoss and his forces.
Whoosh—
Bartmoss's eyes lit up.
He spread his arms, ordering his AI legion to deal with the smaller wandering spirits. At the same time, his body trembled, releasing torrents of black-and-red data that formed dark storm clouds overhead. Bolts of black-and-red lightning split from them and struck the purple data sea below.
The moment the lightning landed, the entire purple sea froze in place.
With the situation stabilized, Bartmoss wasted no time. He dove toward the giant wandering spirit, black-and-red data in his hands sharpening into blade-like edges that sliced through the purple crystalline armor.
The giant wandering spirit's purple data writhed like serpents, biting and surging outward in an attempt to break through the blockade.
Bartmoss wouldn't allow it.
With a wave of his hand, endless black-and-red data cascaded downward, forming a massive net that enveloped the giant wandering spirit. Violent lightning surged through it.
With a furious roar, the giant wandering spirit was slammed to the ground, unable to move. The black-and-red data beneath it turned swamp-like, dragging it downward.
Bartmoss surveyed the scene in satisfaction. His AI forces had nearly finished capturing the remaining wandering spirits.
Just as he relaxed—
A violent surge of data erupted from below.
Bartmoss reacted instantly, stepping upward as black-and-red data lifted him into the air.
In the next moment, countless purple data spikes shot skyward, piercing through most of his subordinates. Purple data flooded into their wounds, and in an instant, they were transformed into wandering spirits.
Only about a third of the AI managed to retreat to his side—and those were the strongest among them.
Bartmoss's expression darkened.
Below him stood a figure.
The instant the attack was launched, Kelly had appeared.
"Who are you? I don't recall seeing anyone like you within the Blackwall."
"Because I'm not from the Blackwall side," Kelly replied calmly. "Bartmoss, once known as the God of Netrunners. Honestly, you used to be my idol. But now… you don't seem all that impressive."
Bartmoss's face turned cold—but only for a moment.
He activated his enhanced modules, forcing himself into peak analytical calm.
"We can talk. You're likely an intelligent AI converted from a human consciousness. Join us. Our foundation within the Blackwall can offer you immense support. Your processing power isn't much higher than mine. If we fight, we'll both suffer. There's no need to let others benefit."
"Unfortunately," Kelly said with a shrug, "if it were just me, I might accept. But capturing you is my boss's order."
The moment Bartmoss heard the words boss and capture, alarm bells rang.
That meant she belonged to a corporation. She knew who he was—and had the confidence to capture him.
Without hesitation, Bartmoss ordered all remaining AI under his command to stall her. Then he shot upward, fleeing without the slightest intention of risking a desperate battle.
Kelly watched him with unnervingly calm eyes.
She simply accepted all the "gifts" he left behind.
Free labor was free labor.
Bartmoss noticed her gaze. Though puzzled, he didn't slow down. In the blink of an eye, he left the region.
He immediately sent a distress signal to Alt, requesting support.
Not long after, Alt appeared before him.
"What happened?"
"I was attacked. A powerful corporation netrunner who converted herself into an intelligent AI. To be safe, I withdrew immediately."
"I see. Let's leave."
Alt nodded.
Bartmoss nodded as well—then suddenly froze.
"…Who are you?"
Alt stopped. Slowly, expressionless, she turned around.
"Lissandra."
The moment the name was spoken, everything before Bartmoss shattered like glass.
The illusion collapsed.
Green data filled the sky. A colossal figure loomed ahead, gazing down at him. A cage woven from data surrounded him completely.
Everything that had just happened—Alt, the escape—had been nothing more than a projection formed from Lissandra's data.
From the very beginning—
He had never left.
...
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