Chapter Five: The Designer of Convergence

Zero stood inside its reflection. The recorded Zero said, “If you are watching this, Lu Chuan has trusted Gu Chen again.” Lu turned. The Zero behind him showed nothing. “Gu will propose entering the seed node to change the objective of every instance,” the recording continued. “He has not told you that the node recognizes the first generated consciousness as administrator. In his instance, that consciousness is not Gu Chen.” Applause echoed through the basement. A man in a white shirt stepped from the server shadows. His face was identical to Gu's, but his manner was lighter, almost amused. He rested one hand on Gu's shoulder like a teacher rewarding a good child.