Xu Yang inspected the console within his mind, where countless identifiers suddenly emerged, organizing themselves into a 100*100 formatted list that, at first glance, seemed like gibberish.
He knew that this was because the main circuit had completely burned out, leaving no chance to recompile the information, meaning the received external information could only be presented in its most primitive form as source code.
It would suffice.
After working for the company for six long years, Xu Yang could identify device models and types merely by their simple identifiers and code features, a skill unique to neuro-engineers.
As long as his Digital Mind was operational, electric devices connected to the common network were utterly traceable.
Take, for instance, the television!
Xu Yang turned towards that blurry-screened, crackly-sounded TV, selected it within the rough interface of his mind, and began to wrestle for control.
This thing had no security keys or protection programs; normally, hacking it would take just a second. But now, decoding it took a long while. The brain's processing system was severely damaged, with less than 10% of the modules being operable, drastically reducing the analysis speed—it even took one minute to hack into this kind of civilian product.
By the time he finally hacked into the TV, Xu Yang closed his eyes to rest, slowly driving the electronic program with his inner mind, adjusting the internal signals, searching for an external network line, and discovered that a network operator named Dongfang Chixin was still functioning outside.
This company seemed to have successfully rebooted its network base station after the blackout, but connection required a password.
"What are you doing?" Nakano Osamu asked, seeing him motionless.
With patience, Xu Yang kept up small talk with Nakano Osamu while slowly deciphering the operator's password, which took several agonizingly slow minutes, and due to the limited operational performance, the overheating chip literally caused his brain to burn.
After a while, the password was cracked, and he could go online.
Finally, it was done. Xu Yang let out a long sigh of relief.
He continued to control the TV, disconnecting its signal from the broken in-house network and connecting to the external network operator, instantly improving signal quality.
The television resumed operation, the picture clear, with the logo of Kakuya TV Station displayed in the top right corner—the broadcast media company of Anjiu City.
A news broadcast was currently airing, presented by an automated teleprompter robot designed with an androgynous appearance, devoid of any distinct regional facial traits and wearing the most common black suit, conveying the universal values of the media company that in its news reporting, there would be no bias.
"...In response to rumors circulating online about a 'blackout' incident in Aizu City, Mayor Oohara Nobuhiko of Anjiu City has made a statement: it's absolutely baseless, the power supply to Aizu City is normal, and the city life is calm and harmonious. Aizu City, an underground extension of Anjiu City, has reported a happiness index of over 95% for the past 71 consecutive months, according to a third-party survey company, making it a city where people feel happiness. It consists of three parts: Hui City District, Number 26 Highland, and Katagi District..."
"The power supply is normal?" Nakano Osamu couldn't help but laugh, "The Ratmen have already slaughtered the Katagi District empty!"
"For them, as long as there's electricity in the company's areas, the power supply is considered normal," Xu Yang said, "For the common people who can't afford to live in the company-managed districts, dying in the dark is nothing out of the ordinary."
This was after all their destiny.
"Many places in Number 26 Highland still have electricity," Asa Katsuragi said, "and Hui City District definitely has lights."
These two areas were closer to the exit of Aizu City's Underground City, especially Hui City District, which linked to Anjiu City on the surface.
Anjiu City was located directly above Aizu City's Underground City and was directly controlled by Kyoto Infinity, a luxurious metropolis where only those with consumer power and company positions had the privilege to exist.
Compared to that, Aizu City was Anjiu City's dumping ground.
The closer one was to Anjiu City, the more they were under the company's protection. Places like the Katagi District, where Xu Yang currently was, were neglected fringes.
Below was survival, above was life.
"By the way, this thing fixed itself up," Asa Katsuragi examined the TV.
"Actually, I adjusted it," Xu Yang said, "I can remotely control other electrical devices just the same."
"Really? How do you analyze data with your brain interface still damaged?" Nakano Osamu was skeptical.
"I am fine," Xu Yang said, not daring to let Nakano Osamu help repair his brain processor. Although he was currently relying on an incomplete, primitive circuit with processing speeds of a turtle's pace, he had no choice but to endure.
He would certainly not undergo skull surgery in such a place but would rather seek out a professional Prosthetics Clinic for a solution. Only a highly skilled Prosthesis Doctor could perform a comprehensive repair.
Xu Yang felt a bit dizzy; signals from hundreds of gang battle robots around him were also being scanned, uploading frantically, waiting for Xu Yang to take over, forcing him to temporarily shut off the network channel.
From completely incapacitated, he had now become partially incapacitated.
If it's useful, that's all that matters...
"Can you really be of help?" Asa Katsuragi also expressed her doubts, "Although you seem very confident, I still don't want to send you to your death. The Toshiaki Family Group is a bunch of savage, undisciplined criminals, and you must be utterly focused when fighting them!"
"I'm sure I can," Xu Yang nodded firmly.
Currently at the mercy of others, a poor performance might just as well lead to them turning their backs on him.
Conversely, if he could gain the trust of this gang, it would add to his hopes of leaving Aizu City.
"Then get ready to set out," Asa Katsuragi turned off the TV, swiftly got up, stretched her muscles a bit, and hurried outside to start gathering the Suzuki Group members.
"A decisive woman," Xu Yang stood up, "How long have you guys been here? She looks to be only about 20 years old."
"For about seven years," said Nakano Osamu, "We have different physiques; I can only grow as tall as 1.6 meters in my lifetime, but sister Asa is very formidable."
He squinted his eyes, watching Asa Katsuragi move away, his expression a mix of admiration and jealousy.
"She must be the backbone of the gang," Xu Yang said.
"But she's in a precarious position," Nakano Osamu said, "Right when the blackout started, the boss realized it was a rare opportunity and sent sister to raid the Toshiaki Family Group, but she was repelled and had to return."
"If they have security systems with them, it would be hard to break through with a single raid."
"If you can be of help then hurry, the boss was already furious, and if we win this time, he will be over the moon, and we'll all benefit from it."
"That's what I'm thinking too," Xu Yang casually responded.
Nakano Osamu had tried to blackmail him earlier at the door; he couldn't forget that.
Xu Yang didn't want to continue talking with him and stood up to leave, to find Farosa and Kanako.
Seeing Xu Yang, Farosa immediately stood up from behind.
"Is it all settled?" she asked.
"I have to make a trip with them, Kanako, stay by Farosa's side if you're okay, I'm afraid you'll get into trouble if you wander off," Xu Yang said.
"Why are you so concerned about me?" Kojima Kanako was still ungracious, "I have my own plans."
"Are you not afraid of death then?"
"Death, what about it? It's people like you who always talk about life and death; I don't know who you're trying to scare! I live for fun, play games every day, and death means nothing to me. I screwed up when I was ten, and my life's been a mess ever since; I'll just wait to be reborn and get a fresh start."
"I'm not like you," Xu Yang shook his head, "Staying alive is too important for me."
"How so?"
"I will do everything in my power to live, clench my teeth, fight to survive every second and minute, using every means necessary, to keep death at bay. Your 'nonchalance' is fine, but I also have my resolve."
"Oh," Kojima Kanako looked away, "I'll make sure to 'stay alive' until you return."
"That's good," Xu Yang looked at Farosa, "And you?"
"I'll do as you say," Farosa replied.
Xu Yang turned around, and Asa Katsuragi was already standing at a distance, calling him over.
"Come with me," Asa Katsuragi said, "I've told them about you volunteering, and now the boss wants to see you."
"Wait a moment; I'll come too," Farosa said, "I want to understand more about this place and organization."
"Then follow me," Xu Yang said, "But keep a low profile, you're a rare treasure in everyone's eyes here."
"Oh," Farosa smiled slightly, "Is that a compliment?"
"It's a warning," Xu Yang said, "We can't afford any mistakes."