Chapter 107: Connected to the Network!

Well then, suddenly a father figure! Eden could guess the reason—likely due to the source of energy coursing through the Machine Spirit being the same as his own.

This new, powerful Machine Spirit had thus recognized him as its "father."

Under Kaul's resentful gaze, Eden happily communicated with his new "child."

He named the newborn Machine Spirit "Spirit Web," with the nickname "Webby."

Eden carefully explained Webby's responsibilities, establishing rules and restrictions.

The deeper his communication with Webby, the more Eden realized his control was nearly absolute; Webby couldn't refuse any of his commands, even those requiring self-sacrifice.

This was good news, meaning Eden could entrust Webby with more autonomy.

Once their conversation ended, Eden instructed Kaul to care for Webby and begin laying the network lines throughout the territory.

He quickly returned to the spire residence, where he needed to plan Spirit Web's development policies with Bayev.

After Eden left, Kaul stood dumbfounded before the Machine Spirit core.

He struggled to accept how the governor had suddenly become the "master" of the great Machine Spirit, while the Machine Spirit showed him little regard.

Why?

Suddenly, Webby reached out to Kaul.

"Mr. Kaul…"

The Machine Spirit had spoken to him! Kaul's spirits soared as he eagerly approached.

"Webby, what can I do for you?"

"Can you lay the network lines faster? I want to start working for Father and relieve his burden."

"Absolutely!"

Just communicating with the Machine Spirit was enough to satisfy Kaul.

He rallied his apprentices and worked tirelessly.

Within weeks, the network lines connecting the Machine Spirit core to the rest of the Royal District were laid.

Eden then instructed Kaul to develop various Spirit Web-compatible devices, especially Spirit Web computers.

Guided by Eden's insights, Kaul's creativity flourished, quickly producing prototypes of the necessary devices.

After successful testing, factories were established to begin mass production.

The devices were soon distributed throughout the district.

Finally, Eden issued the Spirit Web Act, requiring all institutions and factories to use Spirit Web.

With Spirit Web devices illuminating the territory, the age of interconnected networks had dawned.

Eden pulled the lever on the mechanical switch, taking a seat in front of a slightly bulky, skull-embellished mechanical screen.

It powered up!

Triumphant music played as a pixelated startup animation appeared on the screen:

The Imperial Aquila flashed by, followed by Eden clad in golden power armor, radiating golden light as he pointed his sword forward, his regal stance illuminated.

The words, "All for the Governor!" echoed in unison.

The startup animation faded, and the desktop interface appeared.

Eden cheerfully tapped on the mechanical keyboard, navigating with a mouse to handle files.

Though the design was a bit different, the feeling was familiar.

Over the past three months, Eden had overhauled the administration of the Royal District, consigning outdated methods to history.

Now, every institution and factory in the district operated with Spirit Web equipment.

With the vast computational power of Spirit Web, administrative efficiency skyrocketed by more than a hundredfold.

This surge in productivity revitalized the territory.

As a result, Eden gained a massive boost in Hope Energy.

A full two million Hope Energy points!

With this newfound energy, Eden immediately blessed Bayev, significantly enhancing his administrative abilities.

The blessing took effect swiftly.

Bayev effectively managed nearly all government affairs with ease, raising the district's administrative quality even further.

Eden couldn't help but think of him as a mini Malcador!

Finally, Eden could relax and focus only on major issues, free from the daily grind.

The past months had been grueling as Eden juggled endless tasks to keep the Royal District on track, barely catching a moment to breathe.

Now, he could finally take a breather.

Sinking into his chair, Eden savored a sip of Imperial Synth-brewed Recaf and popped a pastry into his mouth.

Ah, bliss!

Ding—

The inbox alert sounded.

Eden opened his email, pulling up a new document.

Judging by the emblem, it was a report from the Department of War.

And it brought the first good news of the day.

According to the report, under Spirit Web's assistance, Captain Arye of the Defense Corps had completed the expansion ahead of schedule.

The Defense Corps now numbered 510,300 troops.

Moreover, all equipment for the Defense Corps would be ready by the end of the month.

This meant the plan to reclaim the Underhive could proceed on schedule.

But the next email cast a shadow over Eden's thoughts.

It was a report on the progress of scouting the Underhive.

Since the victory over the heretic insurgents and the closing off of the Hive's lower levels, all contact with the Underhive had been lost.

Nobody knew what had become of it.

Without a clear understanding of the Underhive's state, reopening the elevators or gates was out of the question.

If insurgents had regrouped or something even more dangerous had taken root, it could spell disaster.

Eden had no desire to see the recently reclaimed Hive fall again.

The only way into the Underhive, given the current closure, was through the maze-like pipelines—hundreds of kilometers long and more twisted than a labyrinth.

These pipes were infested with terrifying mutant creatures and possibly corruption.

Making matters worse, the engineers who had built them had long since passed, and the surviving maps were fragmented.

With Spirit Web's computational power, the Department of War had managed to trace a route through the remnants of the old maps.

Previously, they had considered another route from records left by Yusef.

However, it proved too dangerous, crawling with mutated creatures—no one could survive such a narrow path infested with hordes of abominations.

Thus, the route discovered by Spirit Web became the Royal District's sole choice for scouting the Underhive.

Initially, Eden considered dispatching his guards for the mission, which would have increased their chances of success.

But the pipeline was too narrow for the guards to pass through; even taller adults couldn't fit.

The Department of War selected a group of small-framed individuals as specialized scouts, tasked with navigating the pipelines to gather intelligence on the Underhive.

However, those who went down never returned.

The dark pipeline swallowed every scout that entered, leaving no trace.

The Department of War now proposed sending a ninth wave.

Eden sighed as he reviewed the file and clicked to reject the request.

As governor, he held veto power over any matter.

He then issued instructions to the Department of War, indicating that he would personally oversee the matter.

After nearly a thousand lives had been lost in that dark abyss, sending more people felt pointless.

So, Eden had decided to go himself.

Of course, as governor, he wouldn't take unnecessary risks.

He had a safer plan in mind…

(End of Chapter)

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