Chapter 42: Countercurrent Backlash
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Time: Four days later
Location: Shen Group Global Command Center
The crisis in the Global New Energy Intelligent Dispatch System had been temporarily contained. However, while analyzing the core data copied from the Las Vegas data center, Zhao Ming discovered an extremely well-hidden vulnerability.
With a grave expression, Zhao Ming stared at the data displayed on the screen. “Yunchuan, we intercepted most of their plan this time, but I found a concealed program script embedded in the system core. It is so well hidden that it is almost indistinguishable from the core algorithms.”
“What is it?” Xu Yunchuan stepped forward, his gaze sharpening as he studied the screen.
Zhao Ming spoke slowly. “This is not merely an intrusion program. It is more like a time bomb. If we fail to remove it in time, it will activate automatically at a preset moment and redirect the global new energy dispatch system toward collapse.”
“They left themselves a fallback,” Shen Qingwan said in a low voice, a chill flickering in her eyes.
“Worse, the script appears to be continuously duplicating itself and spreading to other nodes,” Zhao Ming added.
“Find the source and eradicate it completely.” Xu Yunchuan’s voice was cold, his eyes shining with unwavering resolve.
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The Data Labyrinth
Zhao Ming’s fingers flew across the keyboard as he attempted to trace the script to its source. Yet the script’s structure was extraordinarily complex, incorporating self-destruct encryption logic. The slightest mistake could trigger its defensive mechanisms and cause the entire data chain to collapse.
“It’s hidden across multiple nodes worldwide, with cross-encryption linking each one to the others. If we try to delete it by force, we may trigger a chain reaction.” Zhao Ming’s brows drew tightly together.
After a moment of thought, Xu Yunchuan asked, “Is there a central command node?”
Zhao Ming pointed to a red dot on the screen. “There is. I’ve isolated one node—the Berlin New Energy Laboratory. It may be the command center from which the Abyss Consortium deployed this script.”
“Berlin?” Shen Qingwan frowned. “It’s one of Europe’s foremost centers for new energy research and development. I can’t believe it has been infiltrated so thoroughly.”
“Zhao Ming, prepare remote support immediately.” Xu Yunchuan turned to Shen Qingwan. “We’ll go to Berlin ourselves and eliminate this node.”
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The Journey to Berlin
The private jet landed at Berlin International Airport. Night had descended over the entire city, and neon lights reflected across the rain-slick streets, lending the air a trace of coldness.
The Berlin New Energy Laboratory was a vital hub for Europe’s new energy technology, bringing together leading scientists and technical experts from around the world. Yet this sanctuary of innovation had now become a secret stronghold of the Abyss Consortium.
Shen Qingwan gazed at the laboratory’s enormous glass facade and said softly, “Everything appears normal on the surface, but deadly dangers may be concealed beneath it all.”
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Zhao Ming’s voice came through their earpieces. “I’ve successfully accessed the laboratory’s security system. All surveillance cameras have been neutralized. But be careful—the facility contains high-intensity electronic barriers. I won’t be able to support you for long.”
“Understood.” With a resolute gaze, Xu Yunchuan led the team into the laboratory.
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The Core Laboratory
The laboratory was bright and immaculate, with countless advanced devices lining both sides of the corridors. Xu Yunchuan and Shen Qingwan moved cautiously through the facility toward the underground data storage area.
Zhao Ming’s voice came through again. “The second underground level contains an independent data console. The source of the script is most likely there.”
However, when they reached the second underground level, the unexpected happened.
“Alert! Unauthorized intrusion detected!”
A piercing alarm suddenly rang out. Red warning lights flashed as several fully armed soldiers surged in from every direction.
“They were prepared for us!” Shen Qingwan swiftly drew her pistol and sought cover.
Gunfire erupted through the narrow corridor, bullets shrieking through the air. The special operations team immediately launched a counterattack, but the enemy was clearly highly trained, and their firepower was devastatingly dense.
“Zhao Ming, can you shut down the alarm system?” Xu Yunchuan shouted.
“I’m trying, but their system is extremely complicated. Give me three minutes!” Zhao Ming worked frantically from the remote terminal.
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Seizing the Control Console
After a fierce exchange of fire, Xu Yunchuan and Shen Qingwan successfully reached the data console.
Complex command scripts flickered across its screen as a countdown rapidly ticked away:
00:15:00
“This is the countdown for activating the script!” Shen Qingwan cried out.
Zhao Ming’s voice came through. “Yunchuan, I’ve connected to the console. You need to enter the code I provide into the master interface and shut down the activation script directly.”
“Understood.” Xu Yunchuan calmly entered Zhao Ming’s commands into the master console.
However, when only three minutes remained on the countdown, a new warning window suddenly appeared on the console:
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“Security Lockdown: Administrator Authentication Required.”
“They set up a final line of defense here!” Zhao Ming’s voice was edged with urgency.
“Can you break through it?” Shen Qingwan asked.
“I need more time! Give me two minutes!”
“Hurry! We’re running out of time!” Xu Yunchuan shouted.
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System Reboot
When thirty seconds remained on the countdown, the red warning on the screen suddenly went dark.
“Security verification successful. Activation script terminated.”
Zhao Ming let out a long breath of relief. “We did it. The script has been completely erased.”
Xu Yunchuan and Shen Qingwan exchanged a glance. Fatigue showed in their eyes, but so did unwavering determination.
“Zhao Ming, back up all the data and conduct a comprehensive scan of the global new energy system. Make sure there are no other hidden scripts,” Xu Yunchuan ordered.
“Understood. I’ll make certain the system is completely secure.”
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A New Hope
After returning to the headquarters of the Shen Group, Zhao Ming spent several hours scanning the system before finally confirming:
“Yunchuan, every script in the global new energy system has been removed, and all nodes have returned to normal. This time, we won.”
Shen Qingwan leaned back in her chair and exhaled deeply. “At last, the global new energy system has completely escaped the threat of the Abyss Consortium.”
Xu Yunchuan gazed into the distance and said quietly, “But this is only a temporary calm. The forces behind the Abyss Consortium still exist. We cannot afford to let down our guard.”
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