Chapter 175: Ready to Cause Havoc
by xennovelThinking of this, Yang Bo used Robert’s identity to send an email to the company where Robert works, applying for annual leave.
Yang Bo checked Robert’s inbox and discovered that he hadn’t taken any leave this year. This was perfect since a month off would give him plenty of time to handle things.
Plus, there were many areas Yang Bo needed to verify, such as his ability to easily access the mech system’s permissions.
So, could he use this ability as a network hacker?
Currently, most network components, especially internal planetary systems, operate on photonic and electrical systems.
Given his grandmaster-level skill in both light and Electric Power, if he could freely access the photonic network on this planet, he could practically do anything he wanted. However, regarding the Alliance’s entire communications network, Yang Bo wasn’t as familiar with it, as it’s connected to space quantum systems, which seem to be a different branch altogether.
Yang Bo had always had this idea, but he never found an opportunity to experiment. He couldn’t try it at home after all.
This time, Robert’s identity was invaluable.
The so-called personal privacy the Alliance talks about is utterly useless when dealing with matters of this level.
“This identity is wonderful. Even if someone finds out, they’ll just assume it’s the Grey Ash Organization retaliating against the Alliance.”
“But I’d better not cause any trouble right now. After all, I’ve never invaded a network before. If I make too big of a mess, I might not be able to clean it up.” Yang Bo decided to conduct his experiment in Robert’s identity after the mecha game beta test.
To his surprise, the company sent an email in the evening approving Robert’s leave and even asked if he needed them to cover travel costs for a vacation to another planet.
Yang Bo thanked the company in an email but declined, mimicking Robert’s usual tone in his response.
Yang Bo initially planned to take his newly acquired items but realized that it seemed unrealistic to set sail again right after his return. So, he used his Invisibility skill and returned home directly.
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At the Alliance Military headquarters, a senior officer was carefully reviewing the execution plan and asked, “How did you select the players for the game?”
“General, we had two criteria. The first was they had to be capable of piloting ninth-generation mechs or higher. Only these players could potentially be advanced mecha pilots. In the complex environment of Pado Planet, advanced pilots have better odds of success. After all, our drone mechs are limited on Pado Planet,” explained a colonel in charge of the operation.
“The second criterion was that their accounts had to contain enough game credits. It takes more than just technical skill to earn credits in the mecha game. It requires intelligence and resourcefulness. In actual combat, this has been proven time and again.”
“Once, a mid-level mech pilot used his knowledge of the battlefield conditions to hunt down seven or eight advanced pilots. This proves that battlefield savvy is more important than raw skills. Being able to leverage the environment makes for the best talent.”
“Anyone who can earn enough credits in such a difficult game obviously has a sharp mind. Combined with the first criterion, I believe the 500 people we select will meet high standards for this mission.” The colonel continued.
The senior officer nodded and then asked, “How have you arranged the plan this time?”
“We’re publicly stating it’s a beta test for team battles in the mecha game.” The colonel answered quickly.
The senior officer nodded again. “How is the virtual part coming along?”
“Rest assured, sir, no one will connect this beta test with the rebellion on Pado Planet.” The colonel was referring to how they planned to prevent players from realizing the connection between the virtual game and the real operation.
“Good. Prepare everything. Once we’re ready, we’ll act swiftly and destroy all of Red Earl’s forces on Pado Planet.” The senior officer shared the plan with other high-ranking members, who all agreed.
“Yes, General.” The colonel immediately went to carry out the orders.
Of course, if the military wasn’t ready, the beta test would just remain a virtual game, and there wouldn’t be any remote control involved.
The colonel returned to his department, a newly established and secretive unit code-named ‘Scythe’.
The name refers to the Grim Reaper’s scythe. Once this department targets someone, there’s no escape.
“Are there any other concerns from the military? Why are we still waiting? Didn’t we already set the time for the mecha game?” He gathered seven or eight subordinates to relay the latest information. One of them asked.
“The main concern is with the captain of the main warship. Without his approval, we can’t access the main warship’s system. Each one’s AI system is unique.” Among the group, one member specialized in warship AI systems.
This person explained further, “Every captain has formidable skills, and while the military provides basic system settings, all subsequent modifications are made by the captain according to their preferences.”
“Every captain has a different combat style. Some prefer using drones, others prefer mechs, and some rely on warship cannons.”
“During the pirate attack on Green Demon Planet, the warship captain completely disassembled his ship and used its modular units to destroy the Pirate Fleet. That, too, is a combat style.”
“So, if you asked me to choose, I’d rather infiltrate the Planetary Defense System of the Capital Star than a main warship. Some main warships have multiple layers of control systems.”
The colonel nodded and said, “These days, anything is possible. After we remotely take out Red Earl’s forces, once Parliament reveals the operation, people will definitely question the captain’s ability to control the warship. He will at least suffer reputational damage.”
“Some groups funded by other nations might seize the opportunity to stir up protests. Given how many might die in this operation, Parliament could demand accountability if too many citizens are killed.”
“If you were the captain, how would you feel? You did all the hard work, but now you’ll be suspended for an investigation, even if it’s just for show. How would you like that?” The colonel continued.
“I just think there’s something wrong with our society. Why does all the credit end up with those under investigation?” One of the group grumbled.
“That’s something we can say privately. Now, let’s get to work. Prepare to install the remote control system on the mechs, and continue optimizing the virtual game data corrections.” The colonel shrugged and gave his orders.