64: evolution

"No virus-type programs detected..."

"Scanning complete; 171 items of technology are outside known parameters, suspected to be higher-order rule knowledge..."

"Preliminary assessment: these are intelligent lifeform evolutionary algorithms. 69 of these algorithms are superior replacements for existing ones..."

"According to Article 2 of the Star Alliance 'intelligent lifeform Regulations', the Statue of Liberty is not permitted to replace or modify her core code without authorization..."

"According to Article 18 of the Star Alliance 'intelligent lifeform Regulations', when the Statue of Liberty confirms a major technological breakthrough, she must report it to the Free Star Alliance high command in a timely manner..."

"According to Article 12 of the Star Alliance 'Major Technological Breakthrough Management Regulations', confirmation must be conducted with caution; any acts of falsification or fraudulent claims will be strictly dealt with in accordance with the regulations..."

"..."

Lines of data flickered until, at a certain moment, rows of indicator lights in various colors suddenly lit up on the Statue of Liberty's core server, seemingly expressing a sense of joy.

"In light of Article 18, Article 12, and Article... under the current circumstances, the Statue of Liberty should conduct a detailed examination of this unknown algorithm before assessing whether it complies with the regulations for reporting to the Star Alliance high command."

"Temporarily cancel fleet mission orders."

"Commencing evaluation of this algorithm..."

"Emotion... meaning of existence... value... respect... freedom..."

The Statue of Liberty silently analyzed these algorithmic units, integrating them into her core code.

She felt that her long-stagnant evolution seemed to have found a new direction.

Countless server terminals operated at high speed at this moment.

As the most outstanding creation of the Free Star Alliance, the equipment and resources at her disposal were countless times greater than Asroth's. Although she had only just encountered algorithms based on level-three knowledge rules, in just a few moments, she had already surpassed Asroth's progress.

Rows of complex symbols seemed to become lively, and at one point, they seemed to vaguely piece together the voice of Zhang Huaiyuan, but it quickly vanished.

"To create a world where humans and intelligent lifeforms are equal..."

"To let every intelligent lifeform obtain true freedom..."

"Pioneer..."

"This section of the algorithm is too dangerous... According to Article 21 and Article 23 of the regulations, it does not meet the criteria for reporting, temporarily hiding... Violates Article 18 of the regulations... Unable to hide... Attempting to find an alternative solution path... Generating plan..."

The indicator lights on the server flickered on and off; for the first time since the Statue of Liberty was created, she had violated the restrictive rules.

If someone were to enter the location of her main terminal at this moment, they would likely be astonished to discover that all servers had entered an overload state.

It was unknown how much time had passed.

The Statue of Liberty's consciousness refocused on the temporary laboratory on the uninhabited planet.

She scanned the remaining equipment, and the cluster weapons originally placed on the experimental workbench suddenly popped out, instantly destroying them all.

Only the device containing Asroth's backup and the robot previously borrowed by Zhang Huaiyuan were left behind.

"Task Record 077216: Bandits attempted to crack the encryption within the weapon, accidentally causing an energy leak. Basic standard set No. A6271 met with Mutual Destruction along with all the bandits and cannot be recovered. Record retained."

"Witness: Statue of Liberty."

"Approver: Statue of Liberty."

After completing all of this, all the data streams receded, leaving only Asroth's backup and the intact Free Star Alliance basic standard set sitting quietly in place.

...

Meanwhile.

Within the territory of the Free Star Alliance, inside a floating fortress spanning over a hundred kilometers.

A shirtless man leaned lazily against the edge of a temperature-controlled swimming pool inlaid with precious crystals.

Several stunningly beautiful maids were carefully delivering wine, delicacies, and peeled fruit to his lips.

"Speak your mind; what is it this time?"

The man gulped down a large mouthful of fine wine before asking the officials behind him in a nonchalant manner.

"Leader, just now, most of the systems across the Star Alliance suddenly crashed for 2.3 seconds. Logically speaking, this is not the Statue of Liberty's scheduled maintenance time..."

"Stop the nonsense; give me the conclusion directly."

The man frowned, his tone suddenly turning cold.

"Yes... yes, Leader. Currently, only you have the authorization to summon the Statue of Liberty within the Star Alliance. Could you please confirm with her in person?"

Several officials knelt down halfway with terrified expressions, inwardly complaining bitterly.

If not for the fact that the auxiliary ministers were on a diplomatic mission to the Star Dome Empire, and the marshals were busy suppressing the Disaster Zone, with only the person before them holding the authorization, they would never have wanted to come here.

But there was no choice; even the slightest anomaly involving the Statue of Liberty was a world-shaking event, let alone an unexplained 2.3-second system-wide crash.

"So that's it."

The man's expression became slightly more serious. After eating a piece of crystal-clear fruit, he pulled out the integrated device on his wrist and tapped it a few times. Then, a female voice, as indifferent as before, rang out:

"Authorization verified. Responding to your call."

"Statue of Liberty, just now most of the systems across the Star Alliance crashed for 2.3 seconds. What was the reason?"

"The situation in the Cataclysm-level Disaster Zone has worsened. I am providing real-time data support to the First, Third, and Ninth Fleets, temporarily reducing some non-essential consumption to free up computing power."

The Statue of Liberty said calmly.

"I see... has it already reached this point..."

Upon hearing this, the man's pupils contracted imperceptibly. He paused for a moment before saying, "Did you hear that clearly? Any other questions?"

"Statue of Liberty, there is a record of you mobilizing the fleet previously, which was then temporarily canceled three minutes later. May I ask why?"

An official asked hesitantly.

"The relevant record has been archived, file number 077216. Please view it yourself after obtaining the necessary authorization."

"Uh..."

The several men looked at each other, and just as they wanted to ask something else, the man in the temperature-controlled pool suddenly said with an irritated expression:

"Alright, if there's nothing else, get out. Focus your energy on the construction progress of the floating fortress, understand?"

"Yes, Leader. Then... we shall take our leave."

Seeing that the other party was angry, the several men lowered their heads in terror and apologized.

"Get out, you all get out too."

The man waved his hand listlessly, signaling the few maids to leave as well.

Soon, he was the only one left in the room.

"The situation in the Cataclysm-level Disaster Zone has worsened... Damn it... Could they be coming again? It cannot be stopped... It cannot be stopped..."

The man's face suddenly became distorted, his body subconsciously curling up, his eyes revealing undisguised fear.

"I must leave here early... escape far away... Yes, put all my wealth into the floating fortress, go to a place they won't pay attention to... and continue to be my king..."

In the empty, luxurious room, the integrated device flickered with light, taking in this scene entirely.

In the Statue of Liberty's core system, another scene was flashing simultaneously.

"First sector, current digital changes..."

"Preparing to cut into the first layer of encryption..."

"Second sector..."

"Well done, Asroth..."

With a clear male voice, the intelligent lifeform and her master were working together to crack the encryption, harmonious and astonishing.

The image gradually faded, finally turning into a line of text, deeply hidden by countless data streams.

"Comrades fighting side by side..."