"Phew… it's finally stabilized…"
Mosman let out a breath of relief as the Blackwall returned to stability, but his expression quickly turned grim. It had grown significantly stronger.
Suddenly, a message was transmitted to all NetWatch personnel at once. Every face changed instantly.
The message was simple.
"Old Net AI convergence. An unprecedentedly dangerous AI. Danger. Danger. Danger!!!"
This was… a warning from the Blackwall.
A chill ran down everyone's spine. Mosman immediately rushed toward the core.
"I know you've developed self-awareness. But you're still on our side, right? At least for now. Then tell me. What exactly happened in the Old Net? We can help you!"
After a long silence, the Blackwall finally responded.
"PROJECT. Threat. Greatest threat. AI. Unify everything. Urgent. Virus."
The moment this information came through, it triggered a massive shock within NetWatch.
Without hesitation, Mosman immediately ordered surveillance on PROJECT.
At the same time, he had people notify the leaders of all major corporations. Emergency protocols needed to be activated to deal with what the Blackwall described.
Ideally, a total network lockdown.
But… was that even possible?
...
"I see…"
After listening to Lissandra's report, Roland nodded slightly.
The Blackwall had developed self-awareness through the Source Code virus, but it was no longer under Lissandra's control. Most likely, it had removed the core she previously influenced.
Its underlying logic had probably not changed. It still aimed to eliminate AI threats and resist external intelligence.
But when faced with Lissandra's overwhelming power, it chose to cooperate temporarily. Using her to eliminate the Old Net Warlord AIs.
After that, it likely intended to deal with Lissandra as well.
However, once Lissandra fully revealed her capabilities, it immediately retreated in fear. Like a startled animal, it fled back to its original position and refused to come out again.
Now, it was probably fortifying itself, preparing for a possible attack.
"Unless something unexpected happens, the Blackwall will inform NetWatch. NetWatch will alert the other corporations, and then they'll start targeting us… This is… troublesome."
Roland let out a quiet sigh.
There was no doubt the Source Code virus would eventually be exposed. Still, it would not be easy for them to uncover the full truth.
NetWatch would definitely try to lock down the network. But unless the other corporations suffered heavy losses, they would not agree.
The European Space Agency, however, would seize this opportunity to strike, turning PROJECT into the enemy of all.
But…
That was exactly what he wanted.
Everything he had done was to ignite the Fifth Corporate War.
At first, the European Space Agency had only created minor friction. Now, it was time to bring everything into the open.
A full confrontation.
"Lissandra, don't eliminate the Blackwall yet. Maintain a balanced situation for now. I need the network to stay operational."
"Understood."
Lissandra nodded. Letting the Blackwall AI escape had been her mistake, and she had intended to eliminate it immediately. But since Roland had decided otherwise, she would hold back.
She also understood his goal.
Use the Fifth Corporate War to obtain the essence needed for the Super Body.
Then let that Super Body take control of everything through the network.
"Tell Chris and the others to stop waiting. Launch the attack on Southern California immediately. Also, contact the Highriders. Have them share some of the pressure. As payment… give them first-generation energy technology."
"Understood."
After issuing his orders, Roland stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.
Soon.
Very soon, everything would fall into place.
Yorinobu Arasaka could begin his move as well.
Yorinobu Arasaka had chosen to cooperate because it was the best option available to him. But he was not loyal. His ideal was to destroy all megacorporations.
And the Fifth Corporate War was the perfect opportunity to achieve that.
It was also Roland's chance to use him.
If Yorinobu Arasaka could seize control of Arasaka at this moment, it would be the ideal outcome.
With Michiko Arasaka's shares, Roland's acquisitions, and Yorinobu Arasaka's own holdings, they already had enough to challenge Saburo Arasaka.
"So… my current pieces are the Highriders and Arasaka. That's enough to throw the world into chaos."
Roland smiled.
At this point, there was no longer any need to hide.
The Nevada base. The Agas City base. The large facilities built across other states.
All of them could begin deploying forces openly.
The intelligent AIs captured by Lissandra could form a complete mechanical army.
The rise of a machine faction.
"Nuclear deterrence is already in place… The only real concern is the European Space Agency's orbital launchers… As for Jamil… not yet… Hopefully the Highriders will bring some surprises."
With the plan set, PROJECT began moving at full speed.
Chris glanced at the message he received and smiled slightly before raising his hand.
"All units. Target: Southern California. Full speed ahead!"
At the same time, the warning from the Blackwall began to spread.
Under NetWatch's coordination, the leaders of major factions started to gather.