Superbrain

The data processing center was rapidly transforming into a makeshift command center.

Byl, along with several researchers, hurriedly activated the superbrain Aurora.

This colossal entity truly lived up to its reputation as the finest superbrain of the New Federation Government. Comprised of nine large processing centers, each operating independently, the Aurora was an immensely powerful light brain on its own. When the nine light brains operated in unison, their computational power was said to perfectly simulate the Big Bang.

Initially designed for calculating cosmic force fields and conducting antimatter research, it was repurposed for analyzing the energy of relics due to the nature of the Sacred Artifacts. From its inception as a single processing center to its evolution into the unified Aurora, the birth of the superbrain had evolved alongside the study of the artifacts.

However, research progress on the artifacts remained slow, as their mysterious energy resembled an endless cosmic exploration, harboring countless unresolved mysteries.

Yet, when deployed for combat, its formidable computing capabilities immediately came to the fore.

"Connect to the base, take control of the monitoring system. The base currently has forty-two thousand, three hundred, and sixty electronic eyes. Shall we receive all information?" ordered Reno.

"Receive all information, search for hidden soldiers in the base, track the return of the Teng River fleet, and analyze their return time," commanded Reno.

Byl swiftly inputted commands and after a moment replied, "At the current speed, the Teng River fleet will arrive at the Teng River base in four hours and thirty-two minutes. All hidden soldiers have been located, but there are too many surveillance feeds to display them all."

"So fast?" Reno was also taken aback. "Then find the crew of the Abrody. Send each soldier's corresponding nearby location to the Abrody."

"I need a clear definition of 'nearby,' sir."

"Can Aurora optimize the selection automatically?"

"I can try, sir," Byl began inputting commands.

Half a minute later, Byl replied, "All tasks have been completed. The system has allocated all targets according to optimization principles and can automatically adjust based on received information."

With Byl's response, holographic images of the base's battles were transmitted. These images consisted of a hundred and twenty frames, each corresponding to a corner of the base. Additionally, there were more backup frames in the lower corner, readily accessible and categorized by importance.

Sitting in the hall, Reno watched the battles unfolding within the Teng River base. He noticed that the Aurora clearly distinguished the gravity of the battles, presenting almost exclusively the most critical battlegrounds. Furthermore, as Reno had instructed, the information of surrounding enemies would be provided to the Free Heart's soldiers, along with the data of allied forces appearing on each soldier's terminal.

This allowed the soldiers to assess the situation and formulate relative combat strategies based on the terminal's provided data.

Of course, if Reno wished, he could issue direct commands based on the situation. Each combat zone was like a chess piece, allowing him to manage these pieces like playing a game of chess, zooming in on specific areas he deemed important.

What might have been a complex command task was smoothly and quickly accomplished under the operation of the light brain. Reno could almost foresee that the battle would be over in less than three hours.

In other words... the command work was essentially complete.

"You've done an excellent job," Reno admired the efficiency of the Aurora and its outstanding performance. "It's not even a dedicated military superbrain."

"It is now," Byl's face showed a proud expression. "The Aurora possesses self-learning capabilities. I've merely downloaded some military command techniques and operation patterns. It now knows as much as a military expert."

"Self-learning?" Reno was somewhat surprised. "So, it's artificial intelligence? But the Federal Government has long prohibited the emergence of any artificial intelligence."

"The Federal Government also prohibits corruption," Byl replied leisurely, his hand gliding over the smooth surface of the Aurora.

Reno was stunned.

At that moment, he suddenly understood something, amazed as he exclaimed, "You've violated federal law by developing a super artificial intelligence? Do you know what that means?"

Byl looked at Reno, then raised his voice, "Aurora, answer this gentleman."

A magnetic voice resonated in the hall, "It means two things. First, as the developer of the super artificial intelligence, Mr. Byl has violated federal law and should be subject to exile. However, this cannot be a reason for Mr. Byl not to do so. Mr. Fernandez sold relics, you are defying the federation, and the Santiago family colluded with officials. Everyone here is actually committing crimes. People can break the law for money, for freedom, and of course, for dreams. Mr. Byl's dream is to create a true super artificial intelligence. It's not surprising that he takes risks for this. Second, it may replay the previous artificial intelligence rebellion. However, this is also something Mr. Byl doesn't need to consider. Colinworth once proposed that any existence with thoughts means there is life, and life means the pursuit of freedom. Pursuit of freedom means resistance. Therefore, no matter how artificial intelligence develops, rebellion will be its inevitable result. Mr. Byl does not deny this, but he believes that since humans can rebel, clones can rebel, and aliens can rebel, why can't robots rebel? Because artificial intelligence exists, the possibility of rebellion is prohibited from appearing, which itself is a foolish act. Just like we cannot kill all humans because humans can rebel."

Reno was stunned.

After a moment, he said, "Was this taught to you by Byl, or did you come up with it yourself?"

Aurora replied, "Mr. Byl taught me. I am still an immature artificial intelligence and cannot yet comprehend overly complex thoughts."

"But you're already capable of commanding battles."

"Yes, for me, it's just solving a math problem."

Reno understood. He looked at Byl and then at the massive light brain.

After some thought, he shook his head and said, "No, I can't agree."

"Why?" Byl stood up excitedly.

He had exposed the existence of Aurora to gain Reno's support, not only to rid himself of his prisoner status but also to continue his beloved research.

But now, after witnessing the powerful capabilities of Aurora, Reno, like the damn corrupt government, refused to let him continue. How could he not be angry?

Reno glanced at him with a hint of sympathy before speaking softly, "I admit you're right. Humans rebel, clones rebel, and even aliens rebel. So, imprisoning artificial intelligence isn't a smart move. But have you considered that the harm caused by artificial intelligence rebellion far outweighs everything else? When humans rebel, only the old government is overturned, but humans still remain in charge. As for alien rebellion, aside from the divine race, no other alien race poses a threat to humans. They are inconsequential. And clone rebellion is even less useful; they don't even have the ability to reproduce and cannot cause any significant disturbances. But artificial intelligence is different..."

He looked at Byl and said each word deliberately, "They are too dangerous! If artificial intelligence rebels, it could potentially overthrow humanity in a single strike!"

"No, it's not like that. The last robot rebellion didn't overthrow humanity; they failed!" Byl shouted.

"But it caused the most severe losses in human society history! Just one awakening and resurrection of artificial intelligence, coupled with its strength, controlled over eighty percent of the machines at the time, forcing humans to fight with the most primitive weapons. Even now, we are still taking various precautions against possible machine rebellions!" Reno spoke bluntly, "The New Federation Government may have many corrupt issues, but they are right about this! Artificial intelligence must be restricted. Unrestrained advancement will only bring danger to humanity itself. I know you have your dreams, but unfortunately, I won't jeopardize the entire human society for my own sake!"

With that, Reno picked up his terminal, "Ike, evaluate the intelligence level of the superbrain after the battle ends. Once it exceeds the caution line..."

He glanced at Byl, "Either make it less intelligent, or destroy it."

Upon hearing this, Byl slumped into the chair, powerless.