Because of this statement, large numbers of people have been marching in front of government buildings in Europe and the United States in recent days, demanding that governments stop cyberattacks and resolve the issues at the negotiating table.
In the West, human rights are highly valued. The fact that countries have not relaxed their cyberattacks in recent days reflects the immense pressure they are under. As long as the internet remains unrestored, the protests will continue, resulting in many businesses having no employees working – in fact, many people are unable to work without internet access.
After paying such a high price, if they still don't get anything, then these people will have truly lost everything.
"I suggest deploying the Seventh Fleet. If there are no objections, let the council pass this resolution tonight." Those present were all seasoned shrewd businessmen, naturally understanding that there was no turning back now; it was truly a fight to the death. However, compared to the powerful forces of Europe and America, the SMMH, no matter how formidable, was merely a small goldfish, while they were the shark net.
"agree."
"Agreed."
Many people have expressed their opinions, and the results are all the same. After all, they have also suffered a lot of losses, so they are naturally unwilling to accept it. Of course, there are also people who have not suffered much but want to take the opportunity to make a profit.
The saying "In politics, there are no permanent enemies or friends, only permanent interests" is absolutely true.
He paused briefly when he mentioned Organization X.
The representative of Organization X is Dr. Mildred, who is currently in a very bad situation within the organization because Organization X is very different from Tarot—although the two organizations are known as the two poles of the world, their natures are different.
Organization X is essentially a research institution. While it wields considerable influence over the American economy and politics, its primary power lies with the four major families who monopolize the American energy and arms industries. Tarot, however, is different. It is a mysterious organization, and the Emperor holds absolute power over its decisions.
Therefore, relatively speaking, the X organization is roughly equivalent to the PRO research institution under Tarot, but the X organization has a more prestigious and independent status.
However, this independence is also limited.
This sudden break with SMMH and the subsequent collaboration with Tarot to pressure SMMH was not Dr. Mildred's intention. However, the four major families behind the X Organization were persuaded by Tarot to be willing to suffer heavy losses to settle things with SMMH. Dr. Mildred understood the deeper meaning behind this...
Virtual Illusion!
This thing is incredibly valuable. Engels said that capitalists are willing to take risks for a 200% profit. But if this virtual reality were obtained, the profit would be a thousand times, ten thousand times greater!
There's a Chinese saying: "A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime." And there's a European proverb: "The elephant's tragedy is not the hunter's greed, but its own tusks."
There are so many things you can do in a virtual reality world!
The most important point is... training troops!
This is an internal Pentagon research file—if this virtual training method were popularized throughout the Chinese military, within three years, the individual combat capabilities of Chinese soldiers would be invincible. They would have hundreds of thousands of elite special forces soldiers who would be familiar with combat in any terrain and environment. Even if their weapons and equipment were still inferior to those of European and American countries, their rich combat experience would make other soldiers in peacetime powerless against them!
Of course, this is only assuming ground combat between armies, not large-scale, all-round high-tech warfare.
This is a huge shock to Western countries.
Those who constantly chant the "China threat theory" have now truly felt the threat from mainland China.
In addition, there are also benefits offered by the Tarot.
Benefit!
This is very important.
How many people in high positions are idiots these days? If someone were to act rashly based on a statement without absolute evidence, and risk such great consequences and losses, who would be willing to do so?
Those present were all people who wouldn't act until they saw results, so the tarot's appeal to them wasn't entirely based on a virtual illusion they hadn't yet obtained.
If the next-generation network architecture and the next-generation computer operating system are meant to provide reassurance to those with many interests tied to the internet after this cyber catastrophe, then another kind of "rebirth" is truly tempting to the leaders of various families...
Oh my god!
That God!
That was actually an artificial intelligence with a completely independent personality!
He exists on the internet, proving his existence through data! He can achieve immortality through the internet! Because he himself is a unique form of life, and was then "copied" onto the internet!
Dr. Midro clearly remembered the Emperor's words: "Gentlemen, as you see, this is a completely independent life form, a completely independent life model. He was originally just like us, but through a chance encounter, he entered cyberspace and became an independent life form. On the internet, his lifespan is practically infinite! So, can we inject this soul back into a human body? The answer is yes! Although there are still some difficulties to overcome, that's because the key to all of this is in the hands of SMMH! Virtual Reality! This is the key to unlocking the door to human immortality! Gentlemen, you possess countless riches and immense power. But even if you exhaust your entire fortune, you cannot live an extra day! However, as long as we obtain Virtual Reality technology, we can live in this world forever!"
The attraction is just too great; no one wants to die, but no one can escape death!
What good is wielding absolute power and possessing immense wealth? After death, one is nothing more than buried in the earth. For thousands of years, countless people have pursued immortality, but how many have actually succeeded?
But now, suddenly, a path to immortality has appeared...
"Gentlemen, the speed at which SMMH is developing has exceeded our expectations. If such a figure is not contained, he will become a menace sooner or later. We must take advantage of his current weakness and eradicate him completely, cutting off the root of the problem! Otherwise, with just a virtual illusion, in ten years, he will gain the right to stand on equal footing with us and compete with us! Then your path to immortality will be completely in his hands!"
The heads of the major families are all getting old now. The older people get, the more power they wield, and the more afraid they become of death.
The existence of this online spirit reassured the elders of the various families, while the emperor's final words ignited their greed: "Think about it, for our families, there is no death, only the preservation of wisdom. Hundreds of years from now, we will completely possess this world. We will no longer live in the shadows; we will be the true kings of this world!"
Under such greed, Dr. Midro's opposition seemed so weak and powerless, and instead he was questioned and ostracized.
"I abstain," Dr. Midro's voice rang out, drawing discontent from many on the conference room terminal.
Abstain?
That would mean rebellion!
It has the same meaning as a dissenting vote!
Dr. Midro himself knew this, and couldn't help but feel a surge of sarcasm: in the Western countries that value human rights the most, there are none of the human rights in the most important voting processes—in short, they are either friends or enemies.
It seems I'm really getting old. I just don't know if I can hold on until retirement.
The subsequent vote went smoothly, with everyone voting in favor except for Dr. Midro, who abstained. So the matter was settled. Tomorrow night, the entire Seventh Fleet would be deployed. No matter how powerful the SMMH was, it would likely face certain annihilation.
On the screens of the various terminals in the conference room, the Emperor, still wearing his eerie golden mask, gave his final summary: "Tomorrow's battle will determine your future. Although SMMH is well-hidden, GOD is not afraid of it. Moreover, it is not without weaknesses. Yi Shuihan and Chen Xu are the two people known to be most closely connected to it in the real world. Yi Shuihan's current identity is special, so we'll ignore him for now. We must collectively pressure China to hand over Chen Xu, using him as bait to lure out SMMH. At the very least, we must obtain its technology and compromises..."
A photo of Chen Xu appeared on the screen, but at that moment, the screen suddenly began to shake violently. Then, the scene changed, and the young man in the photo, who had been smiling brightly, suddenly seemed to "come alive." His eyes swept from left to right, and his clothes also changed.
He said, "Are you looking for me? I am Chen Xu!"
Chapter 371 SMMH's Identity... Exposed?
"I am Chen Xu, and it's a pleasure to meet you all here... Hmm. Let me see the true rulers of this world... Oh, the esteemed Mr. Rockefeller, the Morgan family, the Rothschild family, and the giants who control the European energy system, the financial system, and the entire global arms trade." The Chen Xu on screen, as described in the files, was young and energetic, but his eyes were incredibly sharp, revealing his brilliance!
Facing these giants who stand at the top of the human pyramid on Earth, he remains neither humble nor arrogant. This courage alone is enough to make him one of the most outstanding young people in the world today.
A commotion erupted in the chat room terminals; no one had expected this. Such a highly confidential meeting had been barged in by the person directly involved. Just as predicted, wherever there's internet access, no one can stop SMMH's advance—Chen Xu, as SMMH's apprentice, undoubtedly represented SMMH's intentions.
The simultaneous actions of Organization X and PRO's two major technical departments, resulting in the supposedly absolutely secure video conferencing room being hacked right in front of them, was a devastating blow to these tech enthusiasts. While they had to admit, psychologically, that the god of the internet, SMMH, was indeed beyond their reach, even after employing the ultimate power of the internet, the two sides could only manage a seemingly even match. But everyone knew that on the internet, SMMH represented invincibility. He alone faced the entire world!
However, even if it was just for show, these technicians still had to do something. In fact, they weren't afraid of the real IPs of the various terminals in the video conference room being exposed, because firstly, it would be very easy for SMMH to find out these IPs. He had already taken over the highest level of access to the entire conference room, so he probably already knew everything.
Secondly, the existence of this terminal in the conference room means there's no fear of Chen Xu investigating!
In this world, the law is only 99% effective. And those qualified to enter this conference room, those qualified to use various terminals to vote, even Chen Xu who has just infiltrated… everyone in this conference room belongs to that 1%!
They are the ones who make the laws of this world; a single decision they make could change the course of history!
What is there to fear about such a person?!
The only thing that's somewhat taboo is probably the Tarot, with everyone wearing thick masks... Their true identities have always been a big mystery. Even the X organization only knows the identities of some of the high-ranking members of the Tarot. As for this Emperor, it seems that since the Tarot was founded, no one knows who he is. In fact... no one even knows if this guy, who always speaks in a synthesized voice and is completely wrapped in a large robe so that his figure is not visible, is male or female!
However, those present were all important figures. Although surprised, they weren't intimidated by a mere youth like Chen Xu. Soon, the Emperor laughed and said, "Heroes emerge from among the young! Chen Xu, I didn't expect you to have such courage. Well then, I think you've heard what we just said. We don't speak in such roundabout ways like you Chinese. Let's all be frank. Did you come here to surrender or to fight? What is your teacher's attitude?"
Chen Xu smiled calmly: "The word 'surrender' doesn't exist in my dictionary. I also want to advise everyone that even a rabbit will bite when cornered. Yesterday's battle in the Spratly Islands has proven that my master and I are not without the power to resist. What can the Seventh Fleet do? They can't scare us!"
"How dare you!" the emperor laughed. "Since that's the case, then there's no room for discussion. Since you believe that your few mechs can contend with an entire aircraft carrier fleet, I have nothing more to say. State your purpose, and then prepare for war!"
Chen Xu chuckled: "This must be His Majesty the Emperor of Tarot? I wonder if you still remember the matter of your twelve-petaled golden chrysanthemum a few months ago?"
This statement is a blatant slap in the face!
A few months ago, Taro misjudged Chen Xu's strength and sent several groups of assassins to try and kill him. This enraged the SMMH, who seized control of the entire US military system, impersonated the president, and conducted a counter-terrorism exercise, completely destroying the Twelve Golden Chrysanthemum base. Everyone present was aware of this; the Seventh Fleet was the one that attacked the Twelve Golden Chrysanthemum base in Southeast Asia. As a result, Taro was forced to compromise with the SMMH, ceding Tongchi Island and signing a three-year non-aggression pact—though this pact was practically worthless. However, no one expected that just a few months later, Taro would launch another attack on the SMMH, unilaterally tearing up this pact, and prioritizing the destruction of Tongchi Island!
Everyone felt that Tarot's actions were completely inexplicable.
It's not that we're tearing up the treaty.
The very purpose of a treaty is to be torn up, just as an oath is meant to be broken.
At this level, people only believe in self-interest; only the combination of self-interest is solid and perfect. Any agreement, even one signed in black and white, is nothing more than a piece of waste paper! Because at this level, no law or morality can bind them; only self-interest matters!
However, what these organizations cannot understand is why Tarot suddenly changed its mind in just a few months? What prompted this 180-degree change in their attitude?
The island now named "All-Eat Island" is not a base that Tarot can easily abandon. Since they have already paid such a high price to give this island to SMMH, why tear off the mask of friendship when they have not received enough benefits in return?
Judging from Tarot's current military objectives, they aim to sink Tongchi Island to the bottom of the sea. Such a loss would be painful even for a world-class organization like Tarot. Yet, they actually did it. This stark contrast raises serious questions about what happened within Tarot over the past few months. This behavior is completely unlike that of a world-leading organization. Organizations like this, when faced with such large-scale transactions, always plan carefully. A deal is usually considered three to ten years in advance before it's finalized. Why would they suddenly change their stance completely in just a few months?
Isn't this something to be laughed at?!
Which of you powerful figures here hasn't navigated countless opportunities and risks to get to where you are today? Some opportunities are accompanied by enormous risks. A correct judgment leads to meteoric rise; a wrong judgment... and you plummet to hell, never to recover!
Tarot's decision was clearly a very serious mistake. However, everyone present was also eager to know why Tarot had made such a big change of direction in just a few months.
“It’s alright to tell you now,” the emperor’s golden mask reflected an eerie golden light on the screen: “Chen Xu, Chen Xu, do you really think your methods can fool everyone? Yes, your teacher SMMH is indeed powerful, and he did cause us to misjudge at one point, but now, we know all your secrets!”
Chen Xu was slightly startled. Could it be that Tarot knew he possessed a computer from the future?!
That's impossible!
Did they realize that they and SMMH were one and the same person?!
Still young, Chen Xu's slight unease was clearly caught by the emperor, who laughed even more smugly: "A clever deception! Indeed, you have the ability to deceive. Back then, SMMH even directly took over the entire US military network—a move that truly amazed us; perhaps only a god could have such a masterpiece! Looking at your inventions, you are virtually unmatched in the field of computers. This overwhelming performance has led everyone here to truly believe that SMMH is omnipotent and omnipresent. But in reality… Ladies and gentlemen! Today I will expose the true face of SMMH! Let everyone see what this so-called god of the network really is!"
His words made it seem as if he truly knew about Chen Xu's relationship with SMMH. However, Chen Xu's mood calmed down at this moment.
In the past, knowing he was SMMH would have brought him countless troubles. It was a classic case of "the common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime." Having such a supercomputer from the future would be coveted by any power. Back then, he had no way to protect himself; if those powers came demanding it, he would have no choice but to hand it over. But things are different now. The current Tongchi Island possesses sufficient strength, or rather, deterrent power, to stand independently from the world's major powers and regimes! Now, no one can force Chen Xu—not a single one!
Chen Xu has been researching the "greatest scam of the century," but his SMMH is the biggest scam of the century right now!
At this moment, the Emperor pointed at the screen and laughed loudly, saying, "SMMH's power on the internet is indeed invincible. We do not deny this at all, nor can we deny it! Their research is ahead of the entire world, especially in computer science, human biology, and military fields! This has misled us, making us believe that the one who can reach this level is definitely not an individual, but a powerful organization! An organization with unparalleled strength in economics, politics, and military affairs, just like our Tarot and X! Therefore, we have hesitated to take action against SMMH! Because we have all been deceived!"
"Actually, SMMH is just one person! Apart from its cyberattacks, there's nothing else we can be afraid of! Of course, that's right now. If we give it another ten or twenty years to develop, then things might be different!" The Emperor looked at Chen Xu and smiled smugly, "Am I right?"
Chen Xu had completely calmed down by this point. Fine, so what if you know? But he didn't answer, he just looked at the screen with a cold smile.
This thin veil of paper is nothing to worry about now, I'm not afraid anymore!
However, the other terminals in the conference room were in a frenzy.
SMMH only has one person?!
How is that possible?!
No matter how talented a person is, it is impossible for them to reach such heights in so many fields!
Especially the technicians from Organization X and PRO, Dr. Midrod's eyes widened—good heavens, if SMMH really is a person, then his status will far surpass Newton and Einstein! Even all the scientific giants in history are not even as good as elementary school students compared to him!
What terrifying technology! What terrifying heights!
Is it possible for humans to do this?
"That's impossible!" Dr. Mildred suddenly interjected. "Absolutely impossible! No matter how skilled a person is, their energy and focus are limited! Let's not even talk about the groundbreaking invention of virtual reality; just look at his game 'Conquer the World.' The settings, graphics, and engine—these could never have been done by one person! Maybe technically, but what about the graphics? What about the scenes? Don't tell me SMMH is also an artist and a musician! He created tens of millions of exquisite scenes and hundreds of songs all by himself!"