Adam

It is said that geniuses always do something extraordinary when they are young. If Ham were to go back to when he first entered the Mechanical City, he swore that he would stop his young and arrogant self.

Some people's arrogance is due to their youthful recklessness, but some people's immaturity will permeate their entire lives until they are severely beaten by fate.

Without a doubt, Ham Charlotte is one of them.

The thing he regretted most was that after becoming an S-class researcher in the Mechanical City at the age of 20, he invented a set of secret codes that only he could understand, and compiled it into an extremely complex formula, which he named the "Triangle Tower Formula."

Later, young Ham split the formula into seven parts and hid them in various corners of the mechanical city. In order to add a touch of fantasy to his game, he also wrote a story background for the formula in accordance with the situation at the time.

"I have anticipated a disaster. Go and crack the formula I left behind. It contains the secret key to solving the disaster."

Afterwards, Ham entered the last peak of his life, and began to research the creation of the artificial god Lilith, completely forgetting about this matter.

As a result, this formula became a legend among apprentices, and many apprentices tried every means to crack it, but in the end they all returned in vain. As for those big names who have the ability to crack it, which researcher would be so idle as to do such a thing?

Later, the android army suffered a collective mutation, and Ham left the Mechanical City due to responsibility. He accepted the king's invitation and came to the [Lost Kingdom], where he died.

He never thought that the pranks he played when he was young would be passed down to this day, so that Ham, who is over a hundred years old, was a little overwhelmed. Mason looked at the master mechanic with sympathy and a compassionate tone.

"According to common sense, this kind of anecdote should have disappeared in the long river of history, but have you ever thought about who spread it? It was Master Ham, an expert in android production, an S-level researcher in the Mechanical City, and the main researcher of the artificial god Lilith, who said it. Not to mention that not long after that, the whole world fell into the Dark Mist Age. You still said such confusing things. No wonder the researchers in the Mechanical City have been studying what you left behind."

"…How would I know?"

Ham complained: "Everyone has been young and frivolous. I became an S-class researcher in the Mechanical City at the age of 20. Shouldn't I be allowed to show off a little? Forgive me for just doing some insignificant pranks. At that time, the leaves of the World Tree had already begun to fall, and many people made prophecies. One more or one less would not make a difference. How come my words can still be passed down hundreds of years later!"

Outside the water mirror, researchers are still describing the difficulties they have faced over the years.

"It took hundreds of years to gather these seven fragments. If the core energy room that had been sealed a hundred years ago had not collapsed and the main system had not been overhauled, I'm afraid it would have taken a long time for the last fragment to be revealed. Master Ham hid these fragments so carefully, there must be a big secret behind it!"

The more complex and mysterious something is, the more legendary it will be after hundreds of years. Things that are too easy to obtain are not valued, and the [Triangle Tower Formula] is the best reason for this.

Ham: “…”

Mason: "Who told you to hide it so well?"

Ham was devastated: "I never thought that the technology of the people in the mechanical city was so poor. It took so many years to find an agency!"

He is a master of android technology, and the mechanism he uses is of course android-related technology. But after the mechanical disaster, related technology was listed as a taboo, and fewer and fewer people learned it, so that no one can solve the problem set by Ham.

The reason why the last fragment was placed in the core energy room was also very simple. Those who could enter this place were at least A-level researchers, and they all laughed at Ham's little trick. Almost all the senior executives at that time knew what was going on, so this fragment has been hidden here safely.

However, during the inheritance from generation to generation, the original core energy room was sealed, causing this fragment to be buried for hundreds of years before it was seen again. Due to a few coincidences, the formula that suddenly appeared was like a treasure that fell from the sky. The mechanical adult certainly did not put all his hopes on this, but Ham's reputation was too tempting, forcing people to have such an idea.

[Perhaps Master Ham had foreseen the spread of the black fog before he left the Mechanical City, and left behind some solution? ]

With this mentality, all researchers will be involved in it to some extent.

But a person who can become a researcher of the Mechanical City S at the age of 20 is undoubtedly a genius among geniuses, otherwise he would not have taken on the important task of researching artificial gods. In addition, the research directions are different, so none of the later ones can come up with an answer.

At this moment, the artificial god made by Ham himself appeared!

If we use secular ethics to describe the relationship between androids and their creators, then Ham is like Lilith's father, who must know the answer to the "Triangle Tower Formula".

Under everyone's expectant gaze, Mason silently asked Ham: "What was the answer you set at the beginning?"

"Just two sentences," Ham said dryly.

"Two sentences?"

"Well……"

Ham closed his eyes painfully and slowly uttered the answer to the riddle that would wake him up even when he was lying in the grave many years later.

"Congratulations on finding me, this is a message from Ham Charlotte (who became an S-rank researcher at the age of 20)! You can't do it, don't be too jealous, haha!"

Mason: “…………”

Ham: "I know you have a lot to say, but please don't. I want to be alone."

The boy organized his words and asked sincerely, "Master Ham, were you never beaten when you walked on the street?"

This is too arrogant, too excessive, and too despicable. If he was a young researcher who spent so much energy to decipher this puzzle, and the result was such a sentence, he would dig the other party out of the grave and beat him up even if Ham was dead!

Ham laughed dryly: "Well... Actually, there are indeed many people who want to ambush me on the road, but I am an S-level researcher and I have a guard team!"

"......"

Mason seriously suspected that the reason why Ham was equipped with a guard was to prevent him from being beaten to death on the road. But looking at Ham with a mask of pain on his face, he decided to do a good deed and ended the topic after asking Ham how to answer.

At the same time, he also thought about what he was going to say.

Facing the researchers' gazes, the mechanic said calmly, "I do know the answer to this mystery. It reveals the method to deal with the Black Mist Age."

Everyone was immediately excited. Both the usefulness of the answers and the technical level of the puzzles themselves were extremely attractive.

As the mechanic explained, the researchers showed their sudden enlightenment. With the explanation of the other party, the originally obscure puzzle became clear and easy to understand, which was enough to show the wisdom of the person who set the question and the deep understanding of the person who explained it.

"I see. No wonder I'm stuck here. I need to use this theory. After the Black Mist Era, this theory is no longer in circulation."

"Hahaha, I said my idea is right, this is the right research direction!"

"Whoever came up with this solution must be a genius!"

At the end, the mechanic changed the subject: "This is the most superficial solution. If you decipher it in this way, you will decipher two sentences after finding all seven pieces."

"[Congratulations on finding me, a message from Ham Charlotte (who became an S-rank researcher at the age of 20)! You can't do it, don't be too jealous, haha!]"

A researcher had already solved the mystery by following the steps, and before the others could show their surprised expressions, the mechanic sternly interrupted them.

"Of course, this is because you didn't solve it in the right way. My creator would never leave such a ridiculous answer to such a complicated puzzle!"

The researchers nodded in agreement. It was like a king with a fortune actually liking to eat stinky vegetables. It was unbelievable. Since this was a riddle posed by the youngest S-class researcher in the history of the Mechanical City, there must be a deeper meaning behind this question!

As expected, the mechanic continued, "The last cipher used to correct the text is not in the mechanical city. This only leaves half the puzzle."

The researchers were eager to know: "Where is the other half?"

No one thought the other party was lying. Rather, it was because the other party said so that the answer became credible.

"The corresponding code disk is with my companion, and that's why I came here. After solving all the puzzles, the translation is [Land of Stars]."

The woman made her conclusion calmly, steadily and confidently. Her words hit the ground with a loud and powerful sound.

"That's why I'm here. My maker, Master Ham, has seen it all."

These words shocked the whole audience.

This is exactly what they imagined, and even more amazing! As expected of Master Ham, his vision is beyond compare.

The researchers were eager to learn: "What is the Land of Stars? Can it solve the problem of black fog?"

"That's where I came from. People who are responsible for protecting the World Tree gather here. They are good and bad, but they all promote the normal operation of the world. As for whether the black fog problem can be solved... I can only tell you that there is a unique technology in the new town that can purify pollution. But this technology can still be improved. It comes from the Mechanical City, and only the Mechanical City can make improvements."

This statement made the researchers' eyes sparkle. Nothing could be more exciting than this news. Regardless of whether it was true or not, at least they saw hope now!

"I am now employed by the lord of the new town, and I will not leave there until the end. You are always welcome to come to the new town, and building a branch is also a good choice. After all-"

The mechanic took in their expressions and said with a curious smile, "I guess you would be interested in the lost technology from the pre-Black Mist era."

“——!!!”

If the previous puzzle was still a little confusing, now we are talking about the tangible benefits. The researchers agreed without hesitation: "Thank you for your answer, we will send someone to study it carefully."

Mason in the mirror was in a panic and immediately prepared to start making fake goods.

Hurry up and engrave it! Make it look old! Ham, don't shut yourself up, help me think of a corresponding password!

He counted the materials in his hand and had to make up for this trap. The researchers would definitely send someone to get the code disk to confirm the authenticity, so he had to prepare it before they came. In order to cover up his past dark history, the mechanical master worked hard and took great action to assist Mason in the forgery.

And in the central tower.

After some communication, the researchers and the mechanic reached a good result of communication and invited each other to take a rest with a smile.

Apparently, she passed the initial test.

The mechanic said nothing more and turned to walk towards the elevator. After the woman disappeared behind the door, the researchers started talking again.

"What do you think?"

"It's worth a try. At least she really understands the puzzle left by Master Ham."

"That's all, my research is still waiting for me."

"I agree. Send an observer to observe. We just need to wait for the report."

“I agree.”

“I agree.”

The statement marked the end of this gathering. One by one, the figures disappeared, and finally only the neutral researchers were left. It turned out that all these people were projections, and the degree of confusion between the real and the fake was beyond imagination.

After everyone left, the neutral researchers stood up, entered the elevator, and swiped their ID cards.

“Beep—beep—beep—”

The elevator reached the top floor of the central tower, and the door opened automatically. This floor was filled with complicated instruments, and indicator lights flashed steadily. All pipes led to the central life support room, where an old man with white hair and beard lay. A dozen robots maintained the normal operation of this place at all times. Sensing the entry of outsiders, they emitted light waves one after another.

"Identity confirmed, S-class researchers Hardy and Upton. Welcome both of you."

"What's the situation with the chief?" asked the bearded researcher Hardy.

He is an expert in the field of wood storage machinery and has produced many excellent products. It can be said that half of the currently popular wood storage machinery prototypes are from his hands.

"The leader is currently in a stable condition and in a deep sleep. Do you need to wake him up?"

"No need. It's not worth waking up the leader."

The elderly Appleton shook his head. His job was very special, and he was responsible for the maintenance of the equipment, including the core equipment of the mechanical city.

"Let the hawks and doves continue to quarrel. Their quarrel is meaningless. We should pay attention to what Hazel left behind. The technology responsible for removing part of the brain is very mature and there is no way it will be missed. What made him regain his emotions? Could it be that he was studying that forbidden technology..."

The two looked at each other and their expressions became solemn.

There are many taboos in the Mecha City. After all, the things they research would probably cause controversy if put in the outside world. But for the people in the Mecha City who lack fear, there is one technology that is an absolute taboo.

That is reconstructive surgery.

After becoming inner city residents, the researchers undergo remodeling surgery and lose all emotions. If this continues for a long time, there will always be people who want to regain what they have lost.

But for the Mechanical City, this operation is a Pandora's box that releases disaster. The Mechanical City holds a powerful force, and once it has ambitions, it will undoubtedly become a huge disaster. For the mechanical transformation faction, if they can learn this precious knowledge with emotions, it will affect their status.

Hardy: "The leader has been dormant for ten years, and too many people in the Mechanical City have forgotten his existence. The councillors have occupied too much of the sense of existence. If they still remember their identities, they should know that dealing with Heather is the first priority."

"We must deal with that group of craftsmen and not let them continue to do whatever they want. Heath is just the first person. As long as the craftsmen are not destroyed, more people will be tempted. On this point, perhaps we can agree with the Eagles."

Appleton: "This is not an easy task, and no one wants to get involved. If it weren't for the chief, I wouldn't be standing here."

Please, dealing with this kind of thing is not as good as going back to do research? They are researchers, at most they can handle political affairs part-time. The two looked at each other, their expressions full of sighs.

"Forget it. Since she is Lilith, let her deal with the recent troubles in the Mechanical City. I guess someone will come to find her soon."

"Your people?"

Hardy shrugged. "Who knows?"

......

Walking out of the inner city, the mechanical wall closed behind me.

The mysterious scaly sun sank under the sea of ​​fleshy clouds. The lavender dusk outlined the edges. Countless terrifying creatures seemed to be hidden in the surging fleshy clouds.

When dusk falls, the bright moon rises from the east. Despite its strange appearance, its cold light falls on the street, casting a hazy shadow.

The street lights turned on automatically, lighting up the entire city like daylight. There were no blind spots in the mechanical city. Mason did not rush to ask the mechanic to come back, but checked the environment downstairs.

Those street lights may look normal, but in fact tiny electronic insects fly out from time to time, monitoring the surrounding information.

This is the Mechanical City, a completely unfamiliar place. At least the surveillance cameras must be removed, otherwise Mason will not be able to sleep peacefully.

When the mechanic was about to finish her task, footsteps sounded from behind. The person stopped not far away and greeted her in a friendly way: "See you again."

The mechanic stared at him for a moment before looking away: "We seem to see this too often."

"It is my honor to meet the beautiful lady."

"......"

Others would have been happy to hear this, but the woman wrapped in a black coat just glanced at him silently, her pale lips pursed into a straight line.

"Now that you have met the upper echelons of the Mechanical City, you should have discovered that the S-level researchers are actually more interested in research. Although there are factions, they are not connected with the outside world and have not caused any substantial conflicts."

A11 shrugged his shoulders and showed a helpless expression: "As I said, there are no politicians worse than them. The internal affairs of the Mechanical City are a mess. Good researchers do not mean good leaders, right?"

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I was just saying it casually."

"Then why don't you tell me something else, like who attracted the birds."

The woman lifted her thin eyelids, and only then did he notice that her gaze was extremely cold, like a sharp and hard knife.

"I can tell you, it wasn't the Mechanical City that did it."

"Is there anyone else who could have tampered with the Mechanical City's airship without causing any consequences?"

Looking at A11's expression, the mechanic was silent for a few seconds, and for the first time, an incredible expression appeared on his face.

"Yes, as you might imagine, there are others who can do this. Not only that,"

"Don't tell me that the Mechanical City is full of traitors."

"Not quite yet, but almost. Aren't you curious why the Mechanical City didn't respond to the airship crash? The reason is simple." A11 pointed upwards, his tone somewhat helpless. "They really don't know about this yet."

The mechanic observed the other person's expression suspiciously: "Are you kidding me?"

"I hope so, but unfortunately I'm telling the truth. This kind of thing is not serious enough to harass S-class researchers, and is usually handled by A-class researchers. It just so happens that the researcher in charge of this matter does not belong to the Mechanical City, so this matter was suppressed. By the time other people remember this matter, it will be a long time. After all, everyone is busy with research."

"How do you know this?"

"I'd rather not know. My research area is monitoring systems, and I have a little curiosity, so I put a lot of things in the city."

Basically all researchers know that they should avoid observation when discussing confidential matters, but if they really do that, what is the point of eavesdropping?

You can only hear what others want you to hear. It is no different from being a puppet of others. Therefore, it is insignificant to insert some small spies, and it is these spies that allow A11 to make amazing discoveries.

The mechanic gave the other man a long look and said, "I guess you mean the prohibited items."

"If I don't do this, I'm afraid no one will find out the truth. Therefore, the Mechanical City should be lenient with me."

A11 made a joke and changed the topic to the point.

"I hope you can take care of this. I like Mechatropolis very much. It's a great place."

His tone was sincere, and there was no trace of lies. The mechanic glanced at him.

"Tell me who I'm looking for and give me the authority."

"His name is A27, and he lives in the third district of the inner city. I will give you the detailed address, and you are responsible for finding out what he did and who he communicated with. And most importantly, whether he is a traitor who needs to be eliminated. A27 is a veteran researcher. If there is a problem with him, it proves that there may be more than one trouble in the Mechanical City."

A11 threw an ID card to the mechanic: "This is my ID card. You can use it to enter the backstage. Don't do anything unnecessary, otherwise it will be very troublesome for me to deal with it."

"You care about the Mecha City more than I thought."

“As a researcher, there is no better place to do research. And as a person, this is my home.”

After thinking for a few seconds, the woman nodded readily: "Okay, I promise you, don't forget the reward."

A11 spread his hands, looking helpless: "Hey, lady, I don't have a penny on me, do you want me to marry you?"

The latter looked him up and down, which made A11 tense up inexplicably, as if he was being stared at by some large beast.

"Okay, deal done."

Now it was A11's turn to be shocked: "What? What do you mean?"

"If we help you solve the problems in the Mechanical City, you will need to come to New Town to work for us. Don't worry, the salary is very high. You will have three months of vacation every year to return to the Mechanical City and be responsible for teaching the people of New Town about mechanical knowledge."

A11: "Hmm?"

A11: "Hmm???"

How did the topic get to this point? When did he agree? Why did the topic get to the salary? He had no intention of leaving the Mechanical City. This was a great place for him. A11 had planned to stay here for the rest of his life.

He opened his mouth to say something, but met the woman's half-smiley gaze. His danger nerves immediately sounded the alarm, causing A11 to change the tone of the words that were about to come out of his mouth.

"...I understand. My fee is very high. Once you solve a great problem, I will consider your invitation."

"It's a deal."

The mechanic readily agreed. Just as she was about to leave, A11 called her back.

"Won't you invite me up?"

The woman quickly understood what he meant and smiled softly: "This makes me even more curious about your identity."

"I'm just an ordinary A-level researcher."

The fat boy's father hadn't come back yet, so the mechanic led him back to the room. A11 looked around the room, which was an ordinary house that could be seen everywhere in the outer city. The linen-haired boy sat in front of the window and smiled at him.

He has a unique aura, blending in with the environment while exuding a strong presence. Sitting under the moonlight, he looks like the moonlight itself. A11 couldn't help but take a closer look. The boy greeted politely, "Welcome, Mr. A11."

"Hello, I guess you are Miss Mechanic's companion. I'm here to get the code disk."

"It's on the table. Please help yourself."

The boy pointed to the table with a calm attitude. There was a small instrument on it. It was a special machine made with the technology of the Mechanical City, and it was made by Ham with great care. There was absolutely no flaw in it.

A11 took the instrument and suggested, "You can now move into the inner city. The equipment there is better and it will be easier to approach the target."

"No, I live very well in the outer city."

"In that case, I won't bother you any more."

A11 seemed to see through what he was going to do and stopped trying to persuade him to stay. He was obviously carrying out some mission as well, and after exchanging a few words, he left the room. Not long after, a little head popped in from the door, looking very curious.

"Who was that just now?"

"I'm just a friend who came to pick up something. Fatty, you came at the right time. Help me do something."

"I'm not a fat boy!" The boy glared angrily, then patted his chest confidently. "What do you want to do? I can ask my dad to help you, he's awesome!"

This matter was going to trouble his father. Mason pinched his father's cheek and said, "Please ask Adam where he lives."

The little fat boy rolled his eyes and said, "Is that the one who competed with the pretty sister last time?"

"Uh...sort of."

Hearing the word "beautiful sister", Mason's mouth twitched fiercely. Every time he heard this title, he couldn't adapt, but as a man, he didn't want to be ashamed for the sake of life!

"What do you want his address for? Are you planning on getting rid of him?"

Mason was shocked: "...Where did the kid learn this? I did this to get to know geniuses, understand? To get to know geniuses!"

"Oh... I know, I know. It's just a genius!"

"......"

The fat man chuckled and slipped out before the danger came. Mason looked at his back helplessly. The inner city researchers had undergone surgery, so it was difficult to impress them with ordinary things. There were very few people like A11.

But it was different for people from the outer city. Mason would recruit as many people as he could. The geniuses who were not able to enter the inner city during this mission were undoubtedly the best targets. Mason had a feeling that he would be very busy in the next few days, and he had to do something now.

The next day, the little fat boy brought back good news.

Adam was well-known in the city, and his haunts were often known. He often went to taverns in the outer city at night.

When the moonlight rose to the roof again, a woman with a ponytail stepped into the tavern in the Mechanical City. No matter what kind of place it is, it seems that there is no lack of such a place.

The place is noisy, bustling, and filled with alcohol and laughter. Unlike the outside world, robots are responsible for taking orders and delivering drinks in the Mechanical City. Guests only need to tell them what kind of drink they want to drink, and a robot will deliver it to their seat.

As for not paying the money? That's impossible! Rows of mechanical guards stood at the door, and anyone who made trouble would be thrown out without mercy. Perhaps for this reason, the bar was lively but not chaotic. The woman looked around and quickly found her target.

He was a thin young man with a shy smile. He sat alone in the corner, quietly watching the customers in the store. He had a glass of water in his hand, which made him look out of place.

As the footsteps approached, a heavy shadow was cast on him. Adam refused as usual: "Sorry, I..."

As Adam was talking, he suddenly saw the other person's face. It was a face that was not beautiful but impressive, especially when combined with her strong strength, no one could ignore her existence. This made Adam change his words in surprise.

"...I know you, the winner of the modification competition. You are very strong, and I am honored to be your opponent. You deserve to enter the inner city."

The woman took nothing and sat lazily beside him: "You don't look like their kind, what are you doing here?"

Stuff like them - Adam's eyes swept across the store following these words, those reddened faces reflected in his pupils, and the young man smiled softly.

"I'm the maintenance worker here. If anything happens in the store, I need to do maintenance immediately."

This answer was a little unexpected. The woman looked him up and down, her eyes fixed on a bottle of clear water next to her hand.

"I thought geniuses would have it better."

"The Outer City is not short of geniuses. I am just a more conspicuous one among them. You know, this is the Mechanical City."

Adam's tone was a bit self-deprecating. As an orphan, he never expected to be the best among them. At least before entering the inner city, he did not have such qualifications.

"It is better to train my own children than to train others. As for those who are willing to train me, I don't want to do machinery for money. I am in this industry because I love it."

"So what are you going to do next?"

"I'll probably wait for the next opportunity to enter the inner city. I might also make some robots and sell them first. But before that, I have to think about how to make money to buy parts."

This situation is a bit too tragic.

The mechanic said, "Then you can go and try. I won't join the inner city."

This time it was Adam's turn to be surprised: "Why?"

"There's nothing to miss here. I'm in a better place than the Mechanical City. We have the knowledge here, and we also have things we don't know."

"This is the first time I've seen someone say this in the Machine City. If someone in the inner city heard this, they would probably be furious."

"You'll hear more later."

The mechanic smiled softly, staring at the boy without blinking. Her dark eyes were shining, and her calm tone was full of persuasion.

"Let's play a game. Do you have any bold ideas? You want it to do something that is impossible. Of course, it is limited to mechanical aspects."

At this moment, Adam seemed to see a smiling black cat.

The most daring idea, something that would never be realized, about machinery. What is she talking about? These key words combined made Adam completely confused.

But he was an obedient child. After a while, Adam said hesitantly: "A rabbit...?"

"Oh, sorry, I was a little vague. I mean, I once had a rabbit. It was a very cute rabbit that I made myself. Because of my lack of skill, the mechanical rabbit was quickly damaged. But it brought me the happiest time. If I could see it again, I think I would be very happy."

"This is not an easy thing to do. Things that are parted can never be retrieved. Fortunately, you just want to see a small mechanical rabbit, so I think that's no problem. Close your eyes and try to imagine its appearance and personality. The more information the better."

Adam closed his eyes and re-imagined the rabbit in his mind. In fact, it was a long time ago. He still remembered the small attic, the sunlight falling from the skylight in the attic, forming a series of warm light beams. The dust was clearly visible in the air, and his grandfather held his hand and patiently taught him how to handle these complex parts.

Install screws, build frames, align parts, write basic programs.

The pair of hands covered with age spots were broad, thick and powerful, guiding him step by step to complete the first design in his life. Adam touched the first miracle in his life. The little mechanical rabbit opened its eyes and took the initiative to touch his palm with its head, which made the latter feel the most primitive happiness.

It is so small and fragile, and due to the maker's negligence, it limps on its right hind leg when it jumps.

Grandfather stroked his head, just like he was stroking the little rabbit. His voice was as warm as the air, carrying the age and peace washed away by time.

"You tightened those screws too much, kid. It's going to ruin its balance. Making a robot is a very delicate process, and any slight mistake can change the outcome."

"You have to remember that robots are living beings. They will respond to your thoughts. As long as you hold this wrench, you can embrace the whole world."

Thus, a seed was planted in the child's heart. From that moment on, the human named Adam fell in love with the machine and vowed to devote his life to it.