Chapter 111 Punk Lord Dark Web [VIP]

The space of the Internet is extremely vast, and the rules of ethereal editing are enough to extend from Punchloe to the Red City. People put their mouths, tongues and ears into the screen and indulge everything that has been repressed.

Players can stroll here and quickly find tasks one after another without having to look for anything specifically.

[Mission: Noise in the Data Torrent!]

Objective: Paralyze the 'Deep Blue Node' monitoring server (0/3). 】

[Task: Knowledge should not be locked!

Objective: Copy the 'Ether Copy Advanced Application' data packet from the 'Matrix University Encrypted Database' (0/1).

[Mission: Help those in need when you see injustice?

Objective: Assist the Data Nomads resistance group to break through the Scavengers' blockade of Sector 7.

…

The player's own system is very considerate. In the vast data space, the tasks found are all tasks that the player can solve at the current stage.

Apparently, even on this planet famous for hackers, there are still many people with little ability.

The player completed another mission as easily as cutting melons and vegetables. The experience bar for [Invasion] was extremely stingy, giving a value of +1 in such an ordinary and unchallenging level.

It's too simple. Players want to find a tougher bone to chew.

Her thoughts flashed back to the three particular graffiti that had initially piqued her interest—the delicate pixelated lotus, the wild mechanical octopus, and the bizarre collage portrait.

On the hacker planet of Punklod, they are nothing more than silent invitations and obvious challenges.

I just don't know if the graffiti has been cracked by other hackers during the time she was out working hard, or whether it will still remain in its original place?

The player thought about it for a while, then happily gave up thinking about it.

It doesn’t matter whether it remains there or not, the most important thing is to go and take a look first.

The player immediately found the mark he had made on the map, chose to track it, and followed the system's instructions back to the graffiti wall.

The patterns around changed one after another, but those three remained unchanged.

She leaned closer to the pixel lotus, raised her hand, and probed the [Invasion] level 1 data stream—ding! Easily analyzed! A coordinate was hidden inside.

Octopus graffiti? Analysis! A complex dynamic password code.

A collage of profile pictures? Analysis! An encrypted communication channel logo.

After receiving the information, the graffiti itself remained motionless, and did not dissolve or melt like other graffiti.

The player raised his eyebrows, saying it was an interesting technique. There might be an organization behind it.

The player went there according to the coordinates, but the place was hidden very deeply, with layers of encryption in the huge data space, like a hidden bubble in the ocean.

It took her some effort to find the entrance and she dove in.

Suddenly, the view opened up. Unlike the gloom I'd imagined, it resembled a vast information hive. Countless neon signs and streams of data intertwined in the air, marking various shops: Memory Fragment Exchange, Curiosity Pawnshop, Deep Blue Database (Discount), Cyber ​​Ghost Intelligence House... There was a wide variety of shops selling just about anything.

"The latest consciousness-infiltrating chip, deep experience, safe and worry-free!"

"Rare flower seeds from Hot Night City, along with cultivation tutorials, are available for sale!"

"Hidden quest line inside Dream Valley, exclusive information, win by the highest bidder!"

"Customized prosthetic plug-ins! Private data packaged for sale! Everything you need!"

"Professional data erasure service, trustworthy and leaves no trace!"

Data packets, encryption algorithms, strange objects of unknown origin, and even backdoor intelligence of certain encryption nodes are clearly marked with prices.

The player walked and looked around, like a child visiting a market.

There was a similar guide area for beginners near the entrance, where a huge screen played basic information about entering the ocean of data in a loop:

① Hacker sailors must use ether editing as their vehicle, wrapped in layers of foam. (Oh, sailing into the ocean of data? The player scratched his chin.)

② The massive data flow on the surface of the Data Ocean will penetrate the foam and erode the Data Wind's ships. (Ship durability loss? Reasonable.)

[③If a creature from the ocean of data appears before you, convert it back to code before it harms you. For detailed instructions, please see (link)] (Fighting monsters? Players love it.)

[④ When extracting deep data, your consciousness will enter the data and can only leave after capturing the core code.] (Entering a dungeon to fight a boss and get a key? Got it.)

[⑤ After entering the data, your character will be randomly assigned by the data. Please remember your species before entering and don't get too immersed in it.] (Role playing? Interesting.)

[⑥After capturing the core code, please immediately leave the data and return to your ship.] (Get the key and run away quickly.)

[⑦ Whatever happens inside the data is normal, but please remember your species and recite "XXXX" if necessary] (… Players skipped, too long to read.)

The player paused and watched for a moment before understanding. To "fish" (find core code/treasure) in the depths of the data ocean, one must have one's own "ship" (and use the Ether Editor to build a protective net for the ship), otherwise one would be torn apart by the raging data stream.

Entering the data is like falling into a random script, which could be a historical set, a monster movie, or a fairy tale world.

At the intersection, countless scripts are mixed together and may collapse at any time, which is very dangerous.

You have to stay awake inside the data and find the [pass key] (core code) to get out.

And in the deepest part of the data ocean, the legendary [Zero] left a cheat code here. As long as it is entered into the game file, the order will collapse.

Although several major companies have issued joint statements on multiple occasions, the cheat codes have been destroyed by them.

But to this day, there are still countless hackers who continue to conquer the depths of the ocean and become legendary hackers.

"We need a boat." The player looked at the screen and thought about the Daiyu. How long would it take to repair it?

Clicking on the recommended link next to it again, the player quickly browsed the tutorials of "Restoring Data Marine Life" and "Capturing Core Code".

The technique has been firmly memorized, and now everything is back to square one—finding a way to repair the Silver Barracuda.

The player thought silently for a moment and opened the group chat.

[Squinty Cat]: Hmm, how's Dazai-kun doing with your sorting mission today? You didn't dismantle anything that wasn't part of the mission again, did you? (smile.jpg)

Dazai: Ranpo-san, that's really too much! I strictly followed the "no disassembly" rules! I just accidentally reassembled a few parts into a more interesting shape! (innocent wink.gif)

Chuuya: Ugh... Dazai, you're so disgusting trying to be cute. I beg for a pair of eyes I've never seen before.

[Dazai]: There's nothing I can do, Chuuya-kun, just poke your own eyes out!

[Noise Monster]: Hey, Jay, it's time to nitrate! My dreamy puff tower research has entered the final stage. Prepare to be amazed by my craftsmanship! (Proud.jpg)

[Weird Bangs]: Wu, are you sure you meant to "shock" your taste buds instead of "destroy" them? (wiping sweat.jpg)

[Dead Fish Eyes]: Thanks, but no thanks. Your sweetness is hell to me. If you need a first aid kit, you can reserve one in advance. (Scalpel.jpg)

[Jingle]: +1. Oh, by the way, I have a new example of the neural interface simulation case we discussed last time...

[Oda]: Today in idol class, we learned how to convey the light of hope through a smile. The teacher said my smile was too stiff and couldn't convey anything beautiful. I'm trying to practice. [Image: Oda Sakusuke gives the camera a calm, somewhat gentle smile]

[Dazai]: Odasaku! Super awesome! That's the feeling! Keep it up! (starry eyes.jpg)

[Noise Monster]: Pfft! Odasaku~ If you were to use this smile to influence a cursed spirit, what do you think the success rate would be? (evil smile.jpg)

[Weird Bangs]: ...Wu, shut up.

[Dead Fish Eyes]: She’s quite gentle, probably about 10%?

Dazai: Interesting question! I want to know that, too!

Oda: According to the "Idol Crisis PR Handbook," when faced with an unknown threat, the priority is to maintain a safe distance and seek professional help. Smiling can be used as a secondary means to ease tension, but it's not recommended as a primary response strategy.

Ah, Oda is a complete naiveté.

The player took a photo with the service center and made a "yeah" gesture to the camera. When he was about to send it out, he found that the service center was blurred in the photo.

She took several photos from different angles without giving up, and all of them looked like mosaics covered with layer upon layer of patina.

Attempts to crack this method using ether editing also unsurprisingly failed.

"Tsk." The player curled his lips, gave up speaking, and took a walk around the black market.

She bought several data packages labeled "Analysis of Common Techniques Used by Legendary Hackers" (intending to use them as experience books), and casually threw a piece of information about the adjustment of the patrol route of the [Scavenger] into the [Loving Family (?)] group chat.

[Noise Monster]: Intelligence? Good stuff! Lin Chen, bring me the latest "Godzilla vs. Kong" data card! That dessert shop plays that food show every day! (Cat Rolling.jpg)

Dazai: Senior Satoru truly still possesses a childlike innocence. Lord Lin Shen, if it's convenient, could you please share some information on speedrunning techniques for the "Universal Wrench" certification? Repairing a thousand things is so boring. (grieved.jpg)

Chuuya: There's no such thing, right? Instead of looking for speedrunning tips, I'd rather spend this time fixing a few more things.

[Squinty Cat]: Changes to the scavenger routes? Interesting. Looks like some areas are going to be bustling with activity soon. (smile.jpg)

[Strange Bangs]: ...Lin Chen, stay safe. Don't make the wanted list again. (holding his forehead.jpg)

[Dead Fish Eyes]: Ah, Ms. Ash even asked us if we were your companions, and asked us to take it easy and not cause her any trouble.

[Jingle]: Nitrate, do you want to learn to use a chainsaw? Whether it's for healing or attacking, it's a very useful tool. I have two here, the quality and weight are perfect.

[Dead Fish Eyes]: Thank you~ I'll get it soon.

[Jingle]: I'll send it to you. The express service here is very fast.

[Dead Fish Eyes]: Thank you so much. (Heart.jpg)

Oda: Thank you, Lin Chen, for the information. I'll be careful to avoid patrol routes. (Seriously.jpg)

[Noise Monster Satoru replies to Dazai]: Huh? Dazai, you can't cheat! Just screw in your screws! (laughing.jpg)

[Dazai responds to Noise Monster Satoru]: Satoru-senpai is working hard even though he's working for free at the dessert shop~ (applause.gif)

The player glanced at the screen that was filled with messages, ignoring Noise Monster's request for a game cartridge and Dazai's speedrun delusion.

She closed the group chat, her mind on the ship.

Even thinking about it is not a solution. Players leave the black market and teleport directly back to Gear Alley.

Weird Bangs and Dead Fish Eyes were still busy in the open space, with some newly found parts piled around them.

"Ah." The player looked up at the wreckage of the Silver Barracuda, heartbroken. "When will it be repaired?"

The two looked over, and Dead Fish Eyes wiped the sweat from his forehead: "The ship's core encryption hasn't been completed yet, right?"

"Yeah." The player nodded. "I guess the [Invasion] level is not high enough."

She walked to the side of the ship and reconnected the data cable, attempting to breach the stubborn encryption. Blue light flickered, and the data streams collided violently, but the encryption wall remained as solid as a rock.

Level 1 is totally not good enough.

The player unplugged the data cable and looked at the hull.

If you want to use the cheat code of "Silver Barracuda" to fish out "Zero", you still have to find a way to pry open this lock first.

Level up and find stronger opponents.

The player opened the map and fixed his eyes on several data nodes marked "high-risk areas".