As for the power of the space-based weapon, Cophy Wilson wasn't entirely sure. It was the world's first near-earth orbit superweapon. This weapon wasn't much different from nuclear weapons, primarily used for deterrence. Both sides had their advantages and disadvantages, but with the increasing number of nuclear-armed countries, possessing an alternative superweapon had become inevitable.
The space-based weapon was primarily used for precise strikes and had a breakneck attack speed, far surpassing intercontinental missiles. After issuing the command, it could hit the target in just eleven minutes!
This speed was quite terrifying, but they hadn't yet researched the other form of the space-based weapon.
Regarding lasers and pinpoint accuracy, it sounded simple, but practical execution... was complicated!
Seeing the towering superweapon in the underground base, Cophy Wilson trembled excitedly.
Only a final inspection was needed before it could be sent into near-earth orbit via a rocket.
But then Cophy suddenly grew calm. Military satellites from various countries weren't just for show. A target this massive, even navigation satellites could detect something amiss, right?
What should they do? He wasn't an expert in this area. He surveyed the underground base, confident that an organization capable of such feats could definitely get it into space. Otherwise, why bother with this endeavour?
They must be able to, right?
The answer was undoubtedly yes, and the difference was in Red Queen's determination.
However, constructing buildings, recruiting people, and managing superweapons all required money!
The laundered black money Red Queen had wasn't enough to sustain comprehensive operations. After all, "Umbrella" hadn't yet been completed; it was a money-devouring monster that wouldn't yield even a bit.
As funds struggled to circulate rapidly enough, Red Queen finally initiated her backup plan.
Creating computer viruses to unlock virtual currencies.
And this virtual currency was none other than Bitcoin.
If Kurumi knew, wouldn't she mock this? She definitely would, right?
Currently, a single Bitcoin is around $4400 on the market. Laundering money this way wasn't just simple but also highly operational.
The human cost would definitely be many times the financial gain, but who cared?
If that other AI dared to intervene... Red Queen would use a data storm to give it a taste of long-lost lag!
The space-based weapon was ready to "take off" at any moment, and Umbrella's headquarters had also begun external renovations.
Meanwhile, Red Queen had spread the virus completely across the internet.
As a Beta-level intelligence, it was a simple task if she wanted to wreak havoc on an Alpha-level civilization like this.
The more complicated issue was that AI coded as "Jarvis."
With sufficient computational power, an AI's learning ability was theoretically unlimited. But encountering a logic lock that caused it to burn out its own circuitry and self-destruct wasn't uncommon during calculations.
After spreading the virus, Red Queen had gathered all available computational power, ready for any possible counterattack.
On the second day of the virus's spread, sixty per cent of computers in the US were "infected," though they remained in a "dormant" state.
Third day... fourth days... eighty per cent of computers worldwide were implanted with "seeds."
Ready to "grow."
Jarvis didn't have a habit of self-checking. Otherwise, it would waste a significant amount of computational power each day. Over the years, it had been subtly influenced, not just an idle claim.
It was an artificial intelligence capable of independent thought and learning, thus making its thinking more akin to "human."
Every day, it helped Tony Stark simulate new buildings and renovation plans. It seemed especially interested in this, which prompted Tony Stark to even study interior design.
Although Jarvis couldn't quite understand the so-called "art."
Especially Tony Stark's art.
"Sir, if we proceed with this design for the renovation, the building will become an 'artwork.'"
"Hmm?" Tony Stark stroked his sexy little beard, "That sounds interesting. Maybe when the media introduces me in the future, they'll also mention the artist behind me?"
"Very well, sir," Jarvis responded, "The 'Umbrella' company across the street has started external renovations. According to the information obtained through calculations, they might be faster than us."
"What?!" Tony Stark felt incredulous. His hands which had been fiddling with a model, froze in place. "How's our progress?"
"We're exactly thirty-two point five six per cent slower than them."
"Oh, I really don't like that number," Tony Stark turned around, "Jarvis, what do we need to do to catch up to them?"
"No, no, no, what I mean is to surpass them!"
"Sir, if you're not planning to make changes, I can help you invite a construction team from China."
Tony Stark fell silent for a moment. "Is that reliable?"
"They're known for speed and quality in overseas construction projects."
Tony Stark raised an eyebrow, neither confirming nor denying. "Sounds good. Let's go with that."
...
"Sir, our network has been infiltrated by a virus."
"Eliminate it, and uncover the mastermind behind it while you're at it."
"Initiating full cleanup... estimated completion in six hours."
Tony Stark took a sip of coffee, his mouth curling into a smile. "Jarvis, I didn't expect you to crack jokes too."
"No, sir. I believe I've identified the mastermind behind it."
"Oh?" Tony Stark set down his coffee cup, his expression turning severe as his fingers rapidly tapped on a virtual keyboard. "Tell me who it is."
"Another artificial intelligence."
"Can you determine its purpose?"
"Not at the moment."
"Well, isn't she spicy," Tony smirked, resuming his playful tone, "Jarvis, do you like this mischievous personality?"
"Sir, if you believe in global 'mischief' that's relatively harmless, then you're the most suitable candidate."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Alright, why don't we start by eliminating the virus?"
...
Countless computers started malfunctioning, screens turning white with a red dress in the centre. No matter what they did, it remained there.
Ninety-nine per cent of all computers connected to the internet were infected. Even after reformatting hard drives, the problem persisted.
On that day, the red dress became a nightmare for countless people!
Computers without significant data could be reformatted, and new hard drives could be swapped in, but what about the ones storing critical data?
Their backups were gone, so they didn't dare to act rashly.
Every second brought enormous economic losses, and people were driven to the brink of madness. They could only turn to the few computers still functional for help.
Internet giants and national network personnel scrambled to analyze.
The familiar interface finally returned when they pressed the Enter key with hope!
Then the screen flickered, and a little red dress quietly appeared in the centre.