When the information appeared on the screen, many people in the room held their breath.
It could be said that in recent events, the Phantom Organization had manipulated both the Security Department and the fifth company, striking at critical moments to contain potential disasters before they spiraled out of control.
Some speculated that this organization was a group of free hackers dissatisfied with the government and the fifth company, feeling the need to take action to save Xigu City. Others suggested that these incidents might have been orchestrated by the Phantom Organization itself, possibly hiding a larger conspiracy.
There were even those who believed that there was no Phantom Organization at all; it was just one person.
Regardless, this mysterious organization had attracted considerable attention from various parties.
Among the public, several foundations had formed to support the Phantom, and even small cults had emerged, worshiping the Phantom as a deity.
The anti-intrusion team was actually trying to investigate the Phantom?
"Mainframe, how much do you know about the Phantom Organization?" Qin Xuezhong immediately inquired.
There was no response.
She then realized that the entire 11th floor was under strict signal jamming.
On stage, Wei Fan continued.
"Given that the Phantom possesses exceptionally strong data intrusion capabilities, the 11th floor's operations will be under the highest security protocols, meaning that this data can only be viewed and cannot be uploaded to your chips, cannot be transferred to external networks, and cannot be shared with the mainframe. We suspect that the Phantom may have the ability to invade the mainframe."
This statement immediately sparked a wave of discussions among the audience.
The mainframe was the Federation's most powerful data system, with the safest firewall. It controlled everything from climate regulation systems to banking, personal information, and traffic control systems. Some military weapons were even under its command.
If the Phantom were to cause damage within the mainframe, it would be far worse than the virus created by Tang Kede.
Someone in the front row questioned, "As far as we can see, the Phantom Organization seems to be benevolent. Won't our investigation provoke the Phantom?"
The Phantom present in the room, Qin Xuezhong, thought to herself, You're making me very anxious.
Wei Fan nodded in response. "We've considered this point. Don't think of this as us targeting the Phantom. If we have the opportunity to make contact, our first step should be to express our intention to cooperate. Shortly, everyone will receive a detailed script indicating what to say and how to behave when engaging with the Phantom."
Seeing that many still had questions, Wei Fan waved his hand.
"I know many of you still have questions, but let's first understand the Phantom."
With this statement, the image displayed on the big screen changed to show Qin Xuezhong herself.
Qin Xuezhong's heart tightened.
What's going on?
Wei Fan gave her a slight smile and said, "The first person to make contact with the Phantom is present here—Ms. Qin Xuezhong from the Chip Data Analysis Department of the Bay Area Public Security Bureau. But don't worry, Ms. Qin has undergone a complete review and inspection, and having her here might make our work more efficient."
With this declaration, many people around her turned their gazes toward her.
After her earlier appearance in the bureau, Qin Xuezhong was now becoming familiar to the elite from various departments in the anti-intrusion team.
Fortunately, Wei Fan continued speaking.
"The Phantom first appeared during the explosion at the subway station in the Walled City District. According to our subsequent investigations, it appears that a certain terrorist organization planned the attack but was intercepted by the Phantom. After the incident, the Core Data Division analyzed the remaining data from the scene and estimated that the Phantom's brain domain development program was at about 40% to have been able to utilize that magnitude of data instantaneously."
This number wasn't outrageous, and the expressions of those below remained unchanged.
Everyone was elite from the Security Department, and at least half of the attendees had surpassed that percentage.
Someone in the audience asked, "Wasn't it said that the Phantom never leaves traces when it intrudes? How did you arrive at this estimate?"
Someone next to them impatiently replied, "Even if it leaves no traces, it would still leave blanks in memory; we can estimate the size of those blanks."
Wei Fan nodded, indicating he had used that same method for estimation.
"40% is high, but we have no shortage of such talents within the Security Department."
He waved his hand, and the screen image changed again—to the attack on the transport team.
"This attack was a coordinated effort, meticulously planned, and involved clearly defined roles."
"From the attack at the scene to the counteraction midway, as well as the comprehensive communication and data control, it demonstrated an extremely high level of efficiency."
At this point, Wei Fan paused, his tone slightly hesitant. "During this attack, the volume of data for all network attacks was exceptionally high; if it was the work of a single individual, then that person's brain domain development level would have reached 120%."
This number sparked an uproar in the audience.
Can a person's brain domain development level exceed 100%?
Researchers in the Federation had long established the answer—yes.
During the research on brain domains, scientists discovered that certain individuals with mental anomalies had brain domain development levels exceeding 100%. This included those with schizophrenia, autism, and data epilepsy caused by mechanical signals affecting the brain—all displaying abnormally high levels of brain domain development.
Everyone knew that several deputy ministers and senior researchers within the Security Department had brain domain development levels exceeding 100%.
All of these individuals were among the top talents in the Federation.
There were rumors that once brain domain development exceeded 100%, these individuals could communicate with devices through external conscious signals without using brain attachments or other devices, and even influence others.
Had the Phantom already reached this level?
Someone asked, "Could it be the result of many top hackers acting together? The Phantom Organization seems to have a strong organizational structure with each operation."
Many nearby laughed at this question.
"Impossible. Each person's brainwave frequency is different. If many hackers acted simultaneously, it would lower the data rather than raise it and would make it easier to expose flaws."
"Alright, let's move on." Wei Fan interrupted the pointless discussions below. "Next is the kidnapping of the fifth company's Shuo Feng."
On the big screen, a huge hole appeared on the pavement in front of the concert hall.
"This action didn't showcase a strong level of brain domain development. What attracted our attention was the precise and powerful surgical-like execution. If the previous actions were somewhat rough, this time, they had matured."
Soon, the image switched to a very complex data waveform chart.
"Regarding this virus outbreak, we suspect that the Phantom has previously breached the mainframe's firewall."
At that moment, the entire 11th floor erupted.
"Intruding the mainframe? How is that possible?"
"Could it be a mistake…"
"Is the mainframe still safe?"
Aside from shock, fear was palpable among the attendees. Before the meeting, Wei Fan had suggested that the Phantom might possess the ability to invade the mainframe, and many thought it was an exaggeration. Who would have expected that the Phantom had already infiltrated the mainframe?
Was there any hope left for the Federation?
Wei Fan made a gesture with his hands, signaling for calm.
"Everyone, rest assured, the Core Data Division has conducted a comprehensive inspection of the mainframe and found no abnormalities. The Phantom likely breached the mainframe only to stop Tang Kede. As you all know, Tang Kede used a backdoor he had previously left to access the core shaft of the mainframe…"
He waved his hand again, and a complex analysis chart appeared.
Prominently displayed was: [Estimated brain domain development level of the Phantom: 718%]
A sudden silence fell over the 11th floor.
Everyone wore expressions of disbelief.
Someone stammered, "Team Leader Wei, is… is this a mistake?"
The human brain was still an unsolved mystery. Even with advancements in brain domain development technology, increasing a level beyond 100%, even by 0.1%, was a difficult feat.
Talent, effort, technology, and luck were all essential.
But now, a level of over 700 had appeared?
The initial reaction among the attendees was disbelief.
Wei Fan did not respond directly but spoke in a low voice, "The highest known data regarding brain domain research is 197%. You should have heard of it; it was recorded ten years ago by a lieutenant colonel named Yu Zhezhong, who served in the Aerospace Fleet."
Qin Xuezhong was taken aback. She never expected to hear Yu Zhezhong's name here.
"At that time, Colonel Yu could even materialize his consciousness, simply reading others' emotions and basic thoughts…"
"The Core Data Division speculates that once the brain domain development exceeds 500 points, one can control others at will. Thus, all of the Phantom's actions are likely orchestrated through manipulation, making it even harder for us to locate them."
"Fortunately, from what we can tell, the Phantom currently appears to have good intentions toward the Federal government and the Security Department. Like us, the Phantom seeks to maintain peace and stability in the Federation."
"Moving forward, the Security Department wishes to invite the Phantom to become an honorary deputy minister and senior advisor, enjoying the treatment of a level-9 expert, in hopes of fostering a good relationship."
This statement was met with a chorus of agreement from below.
"Absolutely."
"The Phantom has done so much; it must be against the corporations, so they're definitely a good person!"
"If the Phantom were to oversee the Security Department, that would be incredible."
These individuals were not merely endorsing the decision; the Phantom's data was simply too terrifying. If they were truly adversarial, who knew how many members of the Security Department would face doom?
Wei Fan clapped his hands and concluded:
"Regarding the Phantom, we will stop our discussion here. If you discover any similar data anomalies, report them immediately!"
"Yes!"
As Qin Xuezhong looked around at the excited responses, she suddenly felt that everyone in this room had become her enemy.
"Next, here's the list of suspected moles we currently have. The mainframe has already seized control of their permissions, and we will proceed to capture and interrogate them immediately!"
As soon as Wei Fan finished speaking, everyone present received a copy of the list.
It turned out that, as moles, even encrypted communications had additional data flows on the brain attachments and terminals, which the anti-intrusion team used to locate potential infiltrators.
Perhaps the fifth company had been too lax previously; Qin Xuezhong was shocked to find that more than half of her mole team members were on the list, including Zhang Yuan.
Qin Xuezhong: …
—Not only are you conspiring to find me in front of my face, but you're also targeting my subordinates???