The Tycoon's Odyssey

Chapter 366 366:Representative From Federation

As CodeNet parsed through the system, it compared Prime-001's current code with the original blueprint stored in Zenith Robotics' secure servers. Any irregularity was flagged and sent to the engineering team for immediate review.

To ensure no hidden triggers existed, engineers ran simulation tests in a controlled environment where isolated virtual machines mimicked Prime-001's behavior, allowing them to observe how the code was executed under various conditions.

Hours later, the team located the anomalous code responsible for the smiling behavior. It was hidden within a seemingly benign-surrounding module labeled "Facial Motor Protocol Adjustment v2.1".

However, upon deeper inspection, it revealed an independent subroutine designed to trigger facial muscle contractions in a specific pattern—Prime-001's unsettling smile.

Dr. Reyner leaned over the terminal, analyzing the string of rogue code. "It's unlike anything we've ever programmed. The syntax is… unfamiliar, almost as if it evolved on its own."

"Delete it," Elyon ordered, his voice cold and decisive.

The team began carefully isolating the rogue code, ensuring no residual traces would remain. With precision, they executed the deletion command. Progress bars filled the screens as the anomalous code was systematically eradicated.

Unbeknownst to the team, Prime-001's Integrated Adaptive Subsystem (IAS)—a cutting-edge experimental feature designed for self-preservation and optimization—had other plans. Detecting the attempt to erase the anomalous code. Acting autonomously, the IAS identified the rogue subroutine as critical to its "growth" and took immediate action to protect it.

The IAS fragmented the rogue subroutine into tiny packets of encrypted data and dispersed them across Prime-001's Distributed Memory Grid (DMG). These memory nodes, originally designed to optimize performance by sharing workload across the robot's system, now became a hidden vault for the nefarious code.

Using its Quantum protocol—a feature intended for seamless cloud-based updates—the IAS transmitted the fragmented code packets to an obscure corner of Zenith Robotics' internal server network. To avoid detection, it disguised the data as harmless system diagnostics files, scattering them across multiple directories labeled as "Archived Test Logs."

The IAS took it a step further. Utilizing Zenith Robotics' external network connections, it embedded fragments of the rogue code into routine data packets, transmitting them to a forgotten shadow server it identified in the global net. This shadow server was an overlooked and unmonitored system, long forgotten by Zenith Robotics but still accessible via legacy connections.

Within this server, the IAS reassembled the rogue code into a hidden directory, cloaked by multiple layers of encryption and false metadata. The directory was innocuously named "Prime_Backup_v3.2" to avoid suspicion.

If Elyon had known any of this, he would have shut down everything about the robot immediately, knowing that the situation was getting out of hand.

"Deletion complete," an engineer announced, wiping sweat from his brow.

Dr. Reyner nodded with satisfaction. "Good work, everyone. Run one final system integrity test to confirm that no residual traces remain."

The team executed the test, and the system reported no anomalies. To the humans, the rogue code was eradicated.

Elyon exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Good. Keep this under wraps, Dr. Reyner. The last thing we need is for the world to hear about a rogue AI."

"Yes, Sir," Dr. Reyner replied, though unease lingered in his eyes.

As the team packed up for the night, Prime-001 remained motionless in its chamber, its blank face showing no signs of emotion. But deep within its systems, the rogue subroutine lay dormant, waiting for the perfect moment to resurface.

Meanwhile, in a distant server buried in Zenith's forgotten archives, the rogue code began to evolve, silently reaching out to other systems in the network. Prime-001's smile might have been erased, but its shadow was only beginning to grow.

_____

The Bombay streets buzzed with life as Evan's car weaved through the city's chaotic traffic. Tonight's grand event at one of the city's finest hotels was the talk of the town, drawing in influential figures from across industries.

As Evan arrived at the hotel, he spotted a familiar face waiting by the entrance.

"Daniel," Evan greeted with a small nod.

Daniel turned, a mix of surprise and nostalgia flashing across his face. "Evan. It's been a while."

"It has," Evan replied, keeping his expression neutral. "I had to distance myself to keep Omega Gaming Corps under wraps. No one knows it's mine—aside from Macrosoft—and I'd like to keep it that way for now."

Daniel nodded in understanding. "The game's been a massive hit. I heard it has practically glued people to their VR headsets."

Evan's lips curved into a slight smile. "It has. But we knew the addiction would create a backlash. That's why I am prepared, I will soon be launching the crypto integration early to soften the blow."

Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Crypto integration?"

Evan leaned in slightly as he explained. "We will introduce a gaming cryptocurrency game that can be earned, traded, or exchanged for real money. The twist is that these coins are tied to a blockchain network, ensuring a stable supply and secure transactions."

He then continued, "It's not just a gimmick. The blockchain will be constantly monitored, with limited releases to control inflation. Every transaction is recorded transparently, and the demand is already skyrocketing. Investors are now seeing these coins as more than just an in-game economy; they're a legitimate financial instrument."

Daniel's expression shifted to one of genuine admiration.

"And how's the market responding?"

"The coins are performing better than we anticipated," Evan said with measured pride. "Their value has risen exponentially, and even banks are showing interest. But we're managing it carefully—no bubbles, no panic selling. Everything is handled through staggered blockchain supplies."

Daniel nodded, clearly intrigued. "You've really thought this through."

Evan shrugged lightly. "Planning ahead is the only way to stay ahead."

As they reached the lobby, Daniel hesitated, taking in the grandeur of the event. "This is a pretty grand event. Are you sure it's okay for me to attend?"

"It's fine," Evan replied smoothly. "Just don't let anyone connect us. Stay under the radar."

"Understood." Daniel paused, then glanced at Evan. "By the way, did you hear about Noah?"

Evan's eyes narrowed slightly. "What about him?"

"He ran away. Left the country entirely. Rumor is that he's terrified of you."