Origin Chapter Nine: The Formation of the Arrayed Machine System

Previously, Los had indeed been unable to fully immerse himself in the situation. After drinking Yulan Hengsi, he felt as if his mind had opened to another world; the strangeness and wonder that had confronted him now seemed increasingly comprehensible. The General understood what Los was thinking and knew that Los’s perception had far surpassed his former self, making the matters ahead much easier to handle.

Zaku’s mind was also exceptionally clear. From the calm expressions of Los and the General, he could tell that even their ways of thinking had changed from what they once were. Los gazed silently at his empty cup for a moment before he released a slow breath and addressed the General, “Those treacherous officials of the Empire still have no idea that they have made a grave mistake. They are like frogs at the bottom of a well—no, more like worms in the depths…”

The General made no reply.

“General, what are your plans next? Will you eradicate the traitors in one fell swoop, or will you overthrow the Empire to grant the people autonomy?” This was the question Zaku cared about most. Though he had new ideas, the wicked history and hatred could not be easily forgiven.

The General first waved his hand, signaling Lieutenant Qin to bring another plate of fruits, each the size of an eye and crystal-clear, inviting his guests to eat before continuing. Zaku and Los did not understand his intention, but each took a few and put them in their mouths. This time, the texture was different: slightly firm when bitten, but turning soft inside, releasing a fragrance through mouth and nose—a sweetness unlike anything they had tasted before. As Los swallowed slowly, he felt his vision expand; the scene before him seemed farther away, his field of view much broader. Turning to look at Zaku, he suddenly realized that Zaku, who had been sitting beside him, was now several meters away, though he had not noticed the distance growing.

“Minister Los,” the General began, seeing their surprise. “There’s no need to be nervous. Soon, you’ll be accustomed to this. Ha ha.” He continued, “This is another miraculous discovery from the base. Of course, this isn’t the only substance that can improve the body and the brain. What you’ve just experienced is merely a recreational grade material—any ordinary person using it could undergo a dramatic transformation. What’s being studied in the military and scientific labs is even more potent, but we don’t dare use it lightly.”

“This isn’t actually fruit. It’s a cluster of quark-level array robots. Each piece contains about ten billion machine systems. Yes, your bodies now host hundreds of billions of these robots, but there’s no need for concern. Their main task is to repair and enhance human neurons, most importantly to receive and transmit information from your thoughts to your neurons and interact with the outside world. This is akin to what current science calls telepathy or brainwave communication. You are about to experience the awe of this technology.”

With that, the General stood and waved his hand. Before their eyes appeared an image of a distant nebula. Los recognized it as the scene they had seen upon leaving the transmission pod. He was not particularly surprised, since holographic imaging had long been used in the Empire, though the clarity here far surpassed anything he had seen before.

But the General’s next words made Los reconsider his dismissive attitude.

“Minister Los, what you see now is not a traditional holographic image. There is no holographic projection equipment here. What you are seeing has been constructed by my brain and sent through the array robot system for everyone to share. If I did not share it, there would be no image before your eyes in reality.”

The General then separated the nebula with his hands, revealing a transparent pod gently descending; the image turned, showing Los and the others gazing from afar.

“This is just to give you a basic sense of the experience and environment. Soon, we can share more of what you’re curious about and urgently need to know.”

As the General was preparing to continue, Lieutenant Qin quietly approached and whispered something in his ear. The General’s face lit up with joy, and he turned to Los and Zaku.

“There are several urgent matters to attend to now, so we won’t explain everything here. In fact, these matters are closely related to the answers you seek.”

Los, still immersed in the shock of the technology, reacted slowly and abruptly asked, “Can we still communicate through this sharing method later?” He quickly realized his abruptness and stopped himself.

“Ha ha, Los, don’t worry. There are three things ahead.

First, the base had some major issues, but they’ve been resolved, and we need to check the outcome.

Second, Lian Ping has just returned. He went on a long journey recently to search for more ancient and other civilizations.

Third, I will soon reveal my true form to meet you.”

Los and Zaku understood that there were too many secrets and mysteries here to grasp all at once, so they followed the General’s arrangements.

Still, Los raised a concern.

“General, if I stay away from the Empire for too long, there will certainly be problems. My personal doctor and secretary need to see me regularly, and I have to oversee high-level affairs. Also, will the changes in my body be detectable? How will you handle this?”

The General smiled, stepped aside, and let Lieutenant Qin handle the issue.

“Minister Los, in two hours, I’ll send you back to the Empire. It shouldn’t affect anything. Also, we need your consent to download the array robot system’s scan records of your body, then upload a camouflage command. With the Empire’s current medical technology, any data they detect will be your pre-modified data. At the same time, we will release some of the body-modification technology, after adjustment, to all food producers in the Empire, rapidly improving the health and opening the brain domain of the populace. Once the people's power is fully unleashed, the results will be unimaginable. Naturally, this will take a little time; it’s already in the testing phase and will soon be implemented.”

“Won’t villains benefit from this too?” Zaku asked.

“No need to worry, Zaku. We considered that from the start. After using it, the body will first cleanse impurities and low-level desires from the brain. Most people will be able to establish new values and behavioral norms. If someone stubbornly clings to evil thoughts and tries to use the enhancements for evil, unless they stop using it, the effects will fade over time, and they will no longer possess enhanced body or mind. As long as people continue to use it, evil intentions will diminish until they vanish.”

Lieutenant Qin answered Zaku seriously.

Zaku seemed to understand, yet he still had doubts and asked further, “Does this mean you could use this technology to control all humanity?”

Lieutenant Qin was momentarily at a loss; this did involve a degree of control.

“Zaku, we must place absolute trust in the General,” Los replied solemnly, taking on Zaku’s question. “As things stand, the General already possesses enough force to overthrow the Empire, yet he endures and seeks ways for the people to live better. He refuses to use overwhelming force because he doesn’t want war to bring calamity to the people. Even if this method offers short-term control, it is far more just and effective than letting the Empire’s traitors deceive the masses and send them to war as cannon fodder.”

Los deeply trusted the General and fully endorsed his approach.

Zaku’s eyes brightened; he understood that Los spoke the truth. Los trusted the General, and he trusted Los. Now, his understanding of the General reached a new level.

“General, what can I do next? Just give the order,” Zaku said, standing at attention and giving a proper salute, though he was not a soldier.

“Thank you, Zaku,” the General and Lieutenant Qin both returned the salute with solemn respect.

“If we have just two hours before returning to the Empire, our time is short,” Los reminded everyone.

“Yes, please follow me,” Lieutenant Qin said, moving to the door.

“We’ll head to the central reception area. There will be a briefing to explain the series of major incidents we’ve encountered, and to give a preliminary explanation as to why the General’s body was fused with that of a youth. We believe this will be even more mysterious and shocking than the discovery of the secret base.”