Chapter Twelve: The Construction of a Colossal Weapon!

The laser gun was nothing more than the most basic weapon.

Chu Xiao knew that this was still far from enough!

“A mere laser gun can only defend against first-generation mechanical soldiers, perhaps even just the weakest humanoid machines.”

“If we encounter more advanced Hades-class machines, we will be completely suppressed.”

“That’s why, my compatriots! As researchers, besides mass-producing laser guns and distributing them to citizens for self-defense, there is something even more crucial: we must create weapons capable of resisting the large-scale Hades battle machines, weapons that can take part in major battles!”

Chu Xiao had said all he could, but the specifics of research and development would depend on the countless technical experts.

“Rest assured, as a son of Jiuzhou, I will spare no effort to help you develop the most effective weapons against Hades!”

“In addition, we can recruit talent from everywhere to join us in this research!”

“With billions of people in Jiuzhou, is it possible that we can’t develop a single weapon? Ridiculous! Don’t forget who we are!”

“We are descendants of Jiuzhou! Are we supposed to fear that thing the Americans made?”

“No, we won’t!” the crowd thundered in unison.

The response shook the heavens.

Chu Xiao looked upon the scene with satisfaction, then began assigning tasks in a commanding tone.

“One group will be responsible for manufacturing the laser guns—mass production! Involve every province and city. Within three months, every citizen must have a laser gun!”

“Another group will focus on recruiting talent. Gather all high-level weapons technology researchers from across the province and prioritize the development of various heavy weapons!”

“Finally, there will be a group dedicated solely to research. Do nothing but develop weapons and maintain progress!”

“Director Wang Zhi, I’ll leave the assignment of personnel to you! I trust that you know better than I who is best suited for what.” Chu Xiao turned to Wang Zhi, his eyes full of affirmation and trust.

For the first time, Wang Zhi felt the immense responsibility of saving the nation resting on his shoulders. How could he possibly shrink back?

“Yes, sir!” Wang Zhi nodded heavily, his eyes as resolute as steel.

The First Chief looked at Chu Xiao with astonishment. This young man was even more formidable than he had imagined!

His breadth of vision surpassed even his own.

“First Chief, there is something even more important that must be done!” Chu Xiao, preoccupied with weaponry, had nearly forgotten the key method Hades used to conquer Jiuzhou.

“What is it?” The First Chief looked at Chu Xiao, perplexed.

Chu Xiao gazed into the distance, his eyes full of deep thought.

“I need a team—a hacker team!”

“What?” For some reason, the First Chief suddenly felt small standing before Chu Xiao.

Chu Xiao didn’t explain further. He strode confidently out of the armory.

Before his death, Chu Xiao remembered it all too well. When Hades attacked Jiuzhou, the first step was to seize control of Jiuzhou’s network, commandeering all electronics and weaponry, plunging the nation instantly into the Stone Age.

He would never allow such a catastrophe to happen again!

He would do everything to stop Hades from infiltrating their networks.

Even if he couldn’t defeat Hades, he had to buy as much time as possible!

In the car, Chu Xiao’s eyes were half-closed, but his mind was racing.

“Chief, please have your people assemble Jiuzhou’s top hackers as quickly as possible. Use the media, use everything at our disposal—even offer generous rewards!”

“But we must gather the very best hackers in Jiuzhou to serve our cause!”

“The things these hackers can achieve will far exceed anything you or I can imagine—they will accomplish something truly great!”

The First Chief nodded gravely. “Understood! By today, every major news outlet and newspaper headline will call for hackers!”

“Good.”

Ten minutes later—

Every television station interrupted its programming for a special announcement.

“To all citizens of Jiuzhou, our nation faces a dire crisis. We urgently seek hacker talent! This is an emergency! We call on all hackers to come forward and join the ‘Great National Production’ campaign! Jiuzhou will not forget you!”

“Volunteers, please call 4256****5555.”

Not only that, but every phone received the same message.

All major video platforms pinned this news to the top of their homepages.

This was the power of Jiuzhou!

Zhang Hua, a top-tier hacker, was at that moment attempting to crack the American Hades system when a message popped up on his computer screen.

Annoyed, he clicked on it, thinking some idiot was disturbing his work.

But on closer inspection, it actually piqued his interest.

“Be a hacker for the country! Not bad! I’m in!” With that, Zhang Hua pulled out his phone and dialed the number.

No one answered. Instead, a mechanical voice played.

“Hello! If you are a hacker calling this number, please proceed immediately to the designated organization for registration! Our specialists will test your abilities.”

“Furthermore, those who pass will receive generous rewards!”

The line went dead.

Hearing the busy signal, Zhang Hua raised his eyebrows. “Generous rewards too? Not bad! Not bad!”

He hung up and hurried to register in Pearl City.

The person responsible for testing the hackers in Pearl City was, naturally, Chu Xiao.

When Zhang Hua entered the main hall, Chu Xiao shot to his feet.

Chu Xiao knew exactly who stood before him.

He was Zhang Hua—the only one who had fended off Hades’s initial cyberattack and even taunted him in return.

Of course, he was eventually assassinated by Hades’s humanoid army.

Now, with such a talent standing before him, there was no way he could let him slip away.

“Hello, Zhang Hua. My name is Chu Xiao.” Chu Xiao strode up to Zhang Hua and introduced himself solemnly.

Zhang Hua eyed him suspiciously. “How do you know who I am?”

Was he really so famous that even strangers recognized him now?

With that thought, Zhang Hua glanced around nervously, checking for hidden cameras.

A calm, powerful voice sounded in his ear.

“I hereby appoint you as the leader of the Red Alliance. Will you accept?” Though it was phrased as a question, there was no room for refusal.

“I accept!” Zhang Hua’s voice echoed through the hall.

All eyes turned to see who dared to shout so boldly in the organization’s main hall.

Chu Xiao turned to face everyone, a sharp intelligence gleaming in his eyes.

“I am Chu Xiao, the chief coordinator of this ‘Great National Production’ campaign. Perhaps you find it unbelievable, but at this very moment, you are the hope of Jiuzhou!”

“I hope every hacker will willingly join this struggle and contribute their strength to defend Jiuzhou.”