Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 914

“As Cunningham probably told you, the Deep Web isn’t a specific network area.”

Krrrrrr…!!!

Faintly flickering electrical signals and complex codes rippled like waves, covering everything.

In the dark cybernetic space, only the irregularly flashing lights of the code illuminate the path.

A bizarre scene, like walking through the middle of a deep-sea passage in a giant aquarium.

It truly feels like walking through the depths of the sea of information with one’s own two feet.

“Strictly speaking, it’s more of a concept akin to the remnants of data scattered throughout the cybernetic space,” Laktasha, who was leading Lenok, said.

“Any data that has ever existed on the network can be found within the Deep Web. The important thing is that you need authorization to find information.”

“Oh ho, is this the mage who’s said to be the craziest in Vulcan?”

Whoosh!!

Amidst the vast waves of electrical signals, figures began to appear one by one.

Inorganic robots, furry beasts, humans in full-body suits.

These beings, each with different appearances and forms, naturally intruded into the same space as Lenok, piercing through the viruses and malware within the Deep Web.

The moment Lenok realized that they were administrators who had entrusted their consciousness to the cybernetic space, like Laktasha,

The administrators began to chime in, surrounding Lenok.

“I was very impressed with your hearing. You lived up to your reputation. Those solemn city councilors were like children, completely flustered.”

“I’m curious how much you’ve been running wild in this city that they can’t even touch a hair on your head.”

“Given your notoriety, I expected your cybernetic avatar to be hideous, but it’s more docile than I thought?”

“To be able to connect to the network so stably, yet hide your connection location. What kind of bypass method did you use?”

“……”

Is it a common trait for administrators to speak so freely?

Ignoring the administrators who had naturally joined him, Lenok questioned Laktasha.

“Are you saying that it was difficult for you administrators to find information with your authority, so you needed my help?”

“We refine the parts that can be interpreted within the network and use them as a community, but they have no meaning in the outer overlay network.”

Laktasha gave a wry smile.

“You sorcerers called the outside of this world… the Outer Sea, didn’t you?”

“……”

“It’s the same. The cybernetic space outside the community, which cannot be interpreted, has that kind of meaning for us.”

“Then what does authority even mean?”

“The authority we’re talking about isn’t the authority to view the information we want.”

As Laktasha said that and raised her hand, the cybernetic space made of all sorts of electrical signals split open.

Kugugugu!!!

“The particle theory that different concepts coexist before observation. As a great mage, you’ve probably heard of it?” [This refers to the concept of quantum superposition, where particles exist in multiple states until observed.]

Laktasha, who was constructing a huge passage in the cybernetic space while raising one hand, asked.

“The principle is different, but there’s a similar theory in the cybernetic space. To explain in detail-”

“Keep it short.”

Lenok replied with a nonchalant expression.

“Are you planning to lecture me on theory right now?”

“……In short, the important thing is the moment we observe the information.”

Laktasha said, pointing to her eyes.

“What you need to view the information you want in the Deep Web isn’t an encryption key or access rights. The most important thing is the search authority to find the information.”

“Search authority, huh.”

“It’s about accurately searching for the location of the desired information and accessing it by specifying the address in units of letters.”

Laktasha smiled.

“If such search authority actually existed, what use would all the security and encryption in this world be?”

“……”

Laktasha’s explanation was quite difficult, but even so, Lenok could understand what she was trying to say.

In the cybernetic space, what’s important isn’t viewing authority, but search authority.

It means that the ability to accurately specify the desired information is what matters.

And, after listening to Laktasha’s explanation, Lenok could understand what the administrators of the Deep Web wanted.

“Somewhere in this abandoned network, there’s something with a very powerful search ability.”

Lenok asked.

“Is that what you guys call the legacy of Ars Nova?”

“We discovered it a long time ago,” Laktasha said quietly.

“We discovered an address where the information processing speed was extremely slow beyond the external network and started exploring. At first, we couldn’t even guess its identity, but soon we realized that a very complex and vast algorithm was piled up there.”

“……”

“Interpreting the structure and shape of the algorithm constructed with incantation circuits was very difficult. But even so, we consistently took the time to successfully interpret the algorithm… and finally, we were able to find out.”

Thud!!

At that moment, a huge darkness spread from the other side of the passage made of waves of information.

In the dark, like a black jewel, that seemed to calm the mind just by facing it.

Beyond the darkness, sinking like a temple of darkness, stood a golden statue.

The statue had three arms, sat cross-legged, and raised one hand.

Lenok paused at the unusual appearance of the statue, which was emitting a faint smile, and Laktasha said in a low voice.

“What we found was the search engine software used by Ars Nova.”

* * *

“Ars Nova’s search engine…”

The central city of Ars Nova, which was destroyed decades ago.

The essence of a civilization shrouded in mystery, blocked by a barrier that prohibits access from others.

Is it possible that the search engine of the city, which boasted the most powerful force and technology on this continent, was abandoned somewhere in the Deep Web?

As he looked at the statue wrapped in auspicious radiance, Laktasha slowly approached the statue.

Woo woo woo…!!!

The closer she got, the more an unknown vibration emanating from the statue blocked her approach.

Laktasha, who was staring up at the statue, said.

“We’ve conducted countless preliminary investigations, but we haven’t been able to figure out why this program was abandoned here.”

“……”

“But one thing was certain.”

Laktasha, turning towards Lenok, said.

“Someone brought Ars Nova’s search engine to the city government’s central network and used it. And after achieving their goal, they discarded it entirely somewhere in the Deep Web.”

“……”

“Just because this search engine exists doesn’t mean you can freely search for Ars Nova’s forgotten technology or classified data. Most of the central city’s databases will be dormant within the city along with the destruction of Ars Nova. But…”

“The search ability is real, you mean.”

“Yes.”

Laktasha nodded.

“If we can properly use this search engine, we can find and view any information that existed in the Deep Web. It’s a legacy of a civilization with that kind of ability.”

Although it’s not possible to search Ars Nova’s data, the search ability itself is likely to be unparalleled.

Even if this search engine is connected to another database, its search ability itself wouldn’t be diminished.

“Right now, this search engine is completely blocking external access. With our abilities, it’s impossible to even elicit meaningful feedback.”

“……”

“However, after interpreting the algorithm, we were able to confirm that an artificial intelligence that controls the function of the search engine is embedded within the incantation circuit.”

“A search engine from the central city with artificial intelligence…”

“As I said before, we need your ability to directly intervene in the central network.”

Laktasha, with a firm expression, turned completely towards the statue and said.

“Enter the central network, bypass the search engine’s firewall, and activate the built-in artificial intelligence. That’s the only way we can satisfy the search engine’s pre-activation conditions.”

He understood that the statue erected in this dark temple was a search engine created in the central city.

That an artificial intelligence was embedded inside the search engine to protect the program, and that it was necessary to activate it to find out how to obtain authority.

But the reason why Lenok was hesitating in front of the search engine was something else.

‘Laktasha said that Ars Nova’s database doesn’t exist in the Deep Web, but surely…’

Alejandro Murphy, a vampire doctor hiding in the shadows of Vulcan.

One of the few survivors from the central city, and a doctor with outstanding knowledge of genetic engineering and biotechnology.

The life support device that Lenok always carries with him under his identity as a ‘Kyonrye’ [A Kyonrye is a term for a specific type of individual in this world, likely with unique abilities or characteristics] is also his creation.

But the reason why Lenok was able to get help from Murphy regarding his physical condition was because he had Ars Nova’s medical records, wasn’t it?

Medical records from the central city. A medical database containing a large amount of data about patients.

If this search engine is properly activated and connected to the database that Murphy has,

Wouldn’t it be possible to find out why Lenok’s profile existed in Ars Nova’s database?

From the moment he heard Laktasha’s explanation about the search engine, Lenok had been thinking about that.

“Let me tell you, just because you help doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to succeed. Even if we’re lucky and the strong AI awakens, we don’t know what will happen next.”

“……”

“If we give up or fail halfway, there’s nothing we can do, but if we succeed, we’ll split the ownership of the search engine with you 50/50. This is also a result of giving you a high valuation considering your status-”

“I understand. It’s worth trying.”

Lenok, interrupting Laktasha, nodded and stepped forward.

“But there’s one condition.”

Lenok, glancing at the statue, said.

“After this is over, I need to receive a copy of the search engine. That much is possible, right?”

“The capacity of the search engine is not something that can be stored on a storage device that exists in reality. Even using a quantum computing device, it would take a month to make a copy.”

“I’ll take care of that part myself.”

Lenok said that and started walking towards the statue.

Woo woong…!!

The strange vibration emanating from the statue spread out, trying to push Lenok away, but Lenok stood in front of the statue as if nothing was happening.

At the same time as closing his eyes and concentrating his mind, he felt the cybernetic spirit connecting to the cybernetic space through Lenok as a medium.

‘Dabi.’

[I’m watching. This is a much bigger deal than I thought?]

Dabi, from within Lenok, couldn’t hide his surprise as he answered.

[Among the letter algorithms I’ve seen in this Deep Web so far, this is the most complete. For an organic being to be able to create such a complex and organic incantation calculation device…]

‘Can you immediately take over the search engine’s usage rights?’

[Hmm… that’s going to be difficult.]

Dabi, rarely showing a lack of confidence.

[It’s set up so that the framework of the incantation circuit changes under specific conditions, and the number of times those conditions have been executed is over 50,000. Considering the duality of magic particles, it means that we have to calculate all the variables, which are over billions, to seize the command. It’ll be difficult within the time that Master and I can maintain the domain.]

“……”

It’s more of a matter of time and efficiency than a matter of possibility or impossibility.

While Lenok was lost in thought, Dabi continued to explain.

[However, it seems like the algorithm itself was calculated using the artificial intelligence’s auto-casting. If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be faster to find that artificial intelligence and take it down?]

Dabi’s answer, which gave a much deeper inference than the assumption Laktasha had made just by looking at the statue for a moment.

‘The meaning of bypassing the search engine’s firewall and activating the artificial intelligence was that.’

[Ah, I was wondering where the artificial intelligence was, but it seems it’s built into the search engine itself. Don’t worry.]

Dabi nodded confidently.

[When it comes to overturning and ruining things, I won’t lose to anyone!]

“……”

Weeeeeeeng!!

Within the domain of the Dream Battlefield, the rapidly increased density of magic power was instantly converted into the output of the cybernetic space through Dabi’s thought.

At the same time, Dabi’s thought fearlessly penetrated into the faintly glowing statue.

[…!!!]

At that moment, a strange sense of incongruity, as if something was pulsating within the statue, echoed.

A movement that seemed to have recognized the flow of information that could not be ignored and reacted reflexively.

And Dabi seemed to have not missed that incongruity.

[There you are!]

Fwabababab!!!

The expression of the statue, which had been wearing a benevolent smile, changed to a blank one in an instant.

One of the three arms that had been stretched towards the sky bent, and the afterimage of a complex circuit appeared on its transparent skin.

Woo woo woo woong!!!

At the sight of the statue vibrating more violently than before, Laktasha shouted urgently.

“If the algorithm is completely broken, it can’t be restored! So-”

“No.”

Lenok said that, took his hand off the statue, and stepped back.

“It’s over.”

“…What?”

Immediately after, the mouth of the statue, which had been wearing a benevolent smile, opened, and a guidance voice flowed out.

[Emergency protocol activated. Search engine’s built-in strong AI ‘Heiberg’ activation complete.]

Kwaaaaang!!!

The statue shattered into pieces, and a pale spirit soared from within.

[Starting algorithm restoration.]

The moment the spirit uttered an inorganic voice, the statue began to reassemble as if time was rewinding.

“…I can’t believe what I’m seeing.”

Laktasha, who approached with a bewildered expression, muttered as she looked up at the spirit floating above the statue’s head.

“The search engine that even genius hackers, including myself, couldn’t get to react even after more than ten years of effort, just like this…”

[Algorithm restoration complete. External variable completely removed.]

Click!!

The broken statue was restored to its original form and stood upright in the dark hollow.

As the faintly glowing spirit settled in, a bright light entered the statue’s eyes.

The statue, slowly turning its gaze, spoke to Lenok and Laktasha.

[Greetings, users. This Ars Nova search engine, Heiberg, does not operate unless it recognizes the correct user. If you do not possess the appropriate authority or activation phrase, we will proceed with a test to change the operating authority-]

“Change of authority? What kind of test are you talking about?”

[The Heiberg search engine was completed through a powerful and superior performance-based letter circuit, but due to the characteristics of the magnetic domain circulation structure of the incantation circuit, errors are frequent.]

The strong AI answered Lenok’s question without refusing.

[Since the operation often stops when errors occur in the algorithm, a procedure to renew the authority through a specific test has been added in the latest update version.]

“Latest update? The fact that an update was recently added means-”

“It means recently by the standards of the central city. Don’t get confused.”

Lenok said, stopping Laktasha’s words.

“In short, you made a high-performance search engine, but it’s a program that breaks down unnecessarily, so you created a separate procedure to acquire authority.”

[The Ars Nova search engine, Heiberg, has the performance to most effectively explore multi-dimensional databases. That explanation is not appropriate.]

Ignoring the artificial intelligence’s words, Lenok asked.

“What criteria do I need to pass to renew the authority?”

[To correct the algorithm of the Heiberg search engine, excellent logical reasoning ability, multi-dimensional complex thinking ability, and domain aptitude to calculate the performance-to-restoration efficiency index are required.]

The strong AI said in an inorganic voice.

[Therefore, the strong AI Heiberg of this search engine is proposing a ‘Obaekro’ match to the challenger who wants to obtain user authority.]

“O, Obaekro?!”

“……”

Laktasha, stuttering at the completely unexpected answer, asked back, and the artificial intelligence naturally began to explain.

[Obaekro is an abstract strategy board game created by the Ascendant Jin-Doon Zygis Ithernoer, and the goal is to occupy and take over the board using black and white stones.]

[It is known to require uniquely high intellectual and reasoning abilities among existing board games, and the creator, Jin-Doon, stated that he created this game to train his successors.]

“……”

[After it became known that this board game is the most suitable method for learning complex magic circles, including barrier magic, it became very popular among the nobles of Ars Nova, and this artificial intelligence also has a calculation circuit for Obaekro matches.]

Having explained that, the artificial intelligence raised the statue’s hand and slowly gestured towards the people.

[Come. Shall we play a round?]