The copy has 0 error tolerance, and the last words on the ground are all wrong for me.

Chapter 561 Faction Quest
Wu Chang had long found the research on Yake City strange.

Repairing damage to the bio-recognition network is such a significant matter that even if it's not publicized to the point of being widely known, it shouldn't be kept secret, especially since even Sean, who researches related fields, was completely unaware of it.

Such secretive and furtive behavior must mean there's something they're up to.

Moreover, according to the drug instructions for Ning Shen Su, it only has stabilizing and alleviating effects, and has no effect on treating biological networks.

Is it really to save patients by gathering them in Jacques and providing them with only this level of treatment?
Now that I've heard Mason's answer, everything makes sense.

The treatments being conducted in Jacques were never intended to cure these patients, but rather to use them as samples for some nefarious research.

Wu Chang looked surprised, his mouth slightly open, as if his worldview had been severely impacted and he couldn't understand it for a moment.

"Mr. Mason, what do you mean by this?"

Mason's lips curled up slightly. He enjoyed watching these students, whose minds were filled with unrealistic fantasies, become flustered and helpless when they came into contact with the real world.

He said in a calm tone:
“Sean, I trust your professional expertise. Since you’ve come to Calais, you must have some understanding of the research here, know what bioreticulosis is, and have seen patients with the condition.”

"I trust your expertise. You should be able to see that the damage caused by bio-receptor necrosis is irreversible. It cannot be cured unless the damaged brain and nerve parts of the modified person are reconstructed."

Wu Chang closed his mouth, his expression turning serious.

Havel's attending physician once said that bioreticulosis is irreversible, something every patient knows.

However, the reason why people are deceived and taken advantage of is that nine out of ten times it comes from wishful thinking and greed.

Therefore, patients like Havel, who are desperate, ignore this premise and choose to come to Jacques, hoping that Professor Eugene can break with convention and find a special path.

After a moment of gathering his emotions, Wu Chang asked in a somewhat hoarse voice:
"If they can't be cured, then what is the research being conducted here?"

Mason gestured for Wu Chang and the other two to sit down, and said in a calm tone:

"This is a long story, and it all started when biometrics technology was discovered."

"The initial purpose of researching this technology was to help people with physical disabilities. Bionets can extend human nerves and connect to assistive devices, bypassing organs and directly transmitting signals to the brain."

"It can restore sight to the blind, restore hearing and voice to the deaf and mute, and provide soldiers who are confined to wheelchairs during wartime with dexterous prosthetics comparable to their original organs."

Wu Chang nodded slightly. In Sean's memory, the textbook also described the evolution of biological network technology in the same way.

Mason continued:

"The vision is great, but unfortunately it doesn't make money."

"Aside from a few of the wealthiest individuals, for ordinary people, physical impairment means an impact on their ability to work and less wealth than the average person. People with disabilities make up only about 10% of the total population of the federal government, and of those, probably less than 1% can afford the technology to modify their bodies."

"Medical companies and investors saw the potential in this technology, but rejected its application areas, wanting to expand it to be applicable to everyone. After modifications, it became the biometrics technology we know today."

Eileen found Mason's statement unacceptable, Raven remained expressionless, and Wu Chang expressed his understanding.

Pharmaceutical companies are never charitable organizations; life and health are merely means to make profits, not ends in themselves.

The development cost of this groundbreaking technology, bio-networks, is enormous, and they will undoubtedly reap hundreds or thousands of times more wealth from it.

Even Sean, living in an ivory tower, understood this principle. Wu Chang asked:
"I understand, but what does all this have to do with the research being conducted in Jacques City?"

Mason shrugged and said:
"Because this technology was initially developed for light-duty working conditions such as restoring the body's original functions, the extended nerves created by the bio-network are even stronger than the modified person himself. If it is only applied to special prosthetics, it is enough to last until the modified person dies under normal circumstances."

"But after its purpose was changed, it was used to complete complex tasks, war, or even assembly line production. This intensity of use, which is almost always running at full capacity close to its limit, will not only greatly reduce the service life of the bio-recognition network, but also overload the brain and cause damage to related areas of the brain."

"Moreover, those who acquire the bio-awareness network will develop a series of psychological problems due to their dependence on it."

"The combination of the two will accelerate the collapse of the bio-network and the modified human, a condition known as bio-network dissolution."

"Initially, when the technology was only used in the military field, the people who were modified were exceptionally determined and strictly adhered to the usage requirements, so the bio-receptor network dissolution syndrome was not obvious. Occasionally, problems would occur, but they were covered up in order to protect the stock price and public opinion about the technology."

"However, as biometrics is deployed to civilian applications and gradually becomes more widespread, this symptom has only gradually been discovered by people."

Wu Changxian suddenly realized that it was no wonder that Professor Eugene and the Federation only began to study countermeasures two or three decades after the application of biometric network technology.

“There’s something I don’t understand, Mr. Mason. If what you say is true, then bioreactivity should have been rampant by now. Why haven’t I heard any news about it outside of school, not even when I was in school?”

Mason shook his head slightly and said:
“You’ve only recently graduated, and your mind is still that of a student and researcher. You haven’t thought about the changes brought about by bio-network technology from a macro perspective.”

"This is a great technology that spans the entire world and affects at least one-third of the population. If it were to suddenly be found to have hidden dangers, can you imagine the panic that would occur?"

"Even if someone knows, no one will voluntarily reveal it until a solution is clearly found."

"Moreover, for most modders, as long as they don't use themselves as robots, they can't use the bio-network at high loads with their brains. Even if they trigger bio-network dissolution, it will take 30 to 50 years. There won't be any problems in the short term."

"After discovering this problem, we began to study it, striving to find a suitable solution before the full-scale outbreak of bioreceptor lysis syndrome."

Mason took out a tablet, and as he operated it, a projection popped up in front of Wu Chang and the other two, displaying many patient files.

These patients, who have only had their bio-networks for a few years or even a decade or so, and who have started to experience bio-network lysis, have all achieved great success in a certain field and, with the help of their bio-networks, turned their work into art.

The bio-network has given these patients powerful inspiration and creativity, but it has also overdrawn their spirit and brain, and distorted their psychology.

The closer a profession is to art and requires inspiration, the shorter the onset time.

Among these patient files, two stand out: a painter named Mary and a writer named Nils. After undergoing bio-network modification, they developed bio-network dissolution syndrome in just three years.

Wu Chang saw in the files that other patients had great difficulty shortening the onset time to within ten years, but these two were far ahead of the rest in terms of the speed of onset, and were absolutely gifted.

Mason said to the projection:

"At this stage, only a few geniuses can trigger bio-network dissolution, so we have gathered these people in Calais to study them."

"But not long after, Professor Eugene, who was in charge of the project, discovered that bioreticulosis is an irreversible and permanent injury. We are not gods and cannot cure this level of injury. We can only settle for finding ways to alleviate this pain."

Wu Chang raised an eyebrow. No wonder, judging from the description of Ning Shen Su, it could only relieve symptoms and could not have a therapeutic effect.

Having explained the bio-network dissolution disease and the reason why Jacques City has attracted a large number of modified individuals, it's time to answer his initial question.

“Mr. Mason, since you say that the existence of Jacques City is to alleviate the pain of bionet dissolution, then why do you say that the content of your research is to make broken tools continue to work despite their malfunctions?”

Mason crossed his legs, looked at Wu Chang with an all-knowing gaze, and said:
"Sean, I trust your comprehension skills. You should have already guessed the answer."

"This project, like Professor Eugene's original idea, requires a lot of investment but is unprofitable; such a project cannot be done."

"To move a project forward, investors need to see a return on their investment."

"That is, to forcefully stabilize the self-existence of all patients, so that they no longer suffer from the gap between the present and the past, can be content with the status quo, and at the same time can operate the bio-network in a low-level but highly stable state and complete the work they used to do."

"If this plan succeeds, it will not only avert a future crisis of large-scale outbreaks of bioreticulosis, but also allow these people to continue working and creating value. Although their work efficiency may decrease, it will be more stable and safer."

"The federal government strongly supports the revised plan and has signed a cooperation agreement with us, which is called the Lullaby Agreement."

“I’m telling you all this so that you’ll join us and work together to complete this great technology that will benefit everyone.” As soon as Mason finished speaking, a notification popped up in front of Wu Chang’s eyes.

"Mason invites you and your companions to join the Lullaby (Civil Rights) faction. Do you wish to join?"

Note: If a player chooses to join this faction, the second main quest will be changed accordingly.

Wu Chang raised an eyebrow. He guessed correctly; the Lullaby Agreement that the military cared about was indeed related to the research in Jacques City.

Mason made it sound so easy, as if they were doing something great that would benefit both patients and generate profits.

However, upon closer examination and careful consideration of Mason's wording, it becomes clear that the Lullaby Agreement is far from being as gentle and harmless as Mason describes.

What does it mean to forcefully stabilize the self-existence of all patients? What does it mean to complete their previous work with a high degree of stability?

These words are very cold, but he believes that when the plan is actually implemented, reality will be far colder than the words suggest.

The fact that Mason was willing to tell him the confidential Lullaby Agreement shows that he genuinely considered him one of his own and wanted to win him over.

Seeing the other party's sincerity and the fact that he could leave the camp and jump to another camp at any time if he wanted, he immediately agreed.

"The player has joined the Lullaby (Civil Rights Party) faction. Main quest 2 has been changed to: complete at least one faction main quest. Completing a main quest will earn the corresponding faction contribution points."

"If a player leaves their current faction, all current contribution points will be cleared. Please choose carefully."

As Wu Chang chose to join the Lullaby Project, Mason looked at him with even more kindness.

Since they were all in the same group, he took the opportunity to ask for more information.

"Mr. Mason, was the bright light that caused chaos in Calais also part of the plan?"

When this was mentioned, Mason's expression changed slightly. He was a very controlling person who hated failure and things spiraling out of his control.

"It was an accident. We don't know the cause of the accident yet. All we know is that Professor Eugene disappeared in that accident and has not been found to this day. Also, the cyborgs in Jacques City have started to go out of control and turn into ugly and dangerous monsters."

"Sean, there's something that fits your expertise right now, and we need you to handle it."

“You understand biometric network technology. I want you to take some people to the Central Research Institute to find the research data there. If you can’t retrieve the data, destroy it and don’t let anyone else get it.”

As Mason finished speaking, a notification popped up in front of Wu Chang's eyes.

"Faction Main Quest 1: Lead a group to the Central Laboratory to retrieve or destroy experimental data related to the Lullaby Protocol."

"Note: If the mission fails, your expectation of Mason will decrease. Once Mason's expectation reaches zero, you will be removed from the faction and there is a chance that you will be hunted down by the faction."

Although Wu Chang's faction has changed, the tasks that Mason's faction needs to complete are the same as the default tasks that players need to complete, so it doesn't affect Wu Chang much.

He wasn't opposed to completing the faction's main questline, but he didn't accept it immediately. Instead, he feigned reluctance and said:

“Mr. Mason, it’s not that I’m unwilling to help, but the flesh monsters in Jacques City are beyond my capabilities.”

"The three of us entered Jacques City yesterday afternoon and went through a lot of trouble to get shelter from some survivors. But on the very night we checked in, we saw a fleshy monster dozens of meters away from the building. It turned the middle-aged woman next door into a monster just by crying."

"That ability is more terrifying than a horror movie. I have no chance against these monsters, so I'm afraid I won't be able to complete the task you gave me."

"If you give me some research directions to work on, I will definitely do my best to complete them!"

Hearing Wu Chang's concerns, Mason smiled and said:

“Sean, I know better than you how powerful those flesh monsters are. I invited you to join us not to use you as cannon fodder, but of course I will help you solve these problems.”

"Do you remember the man who was following me in the office just now?"

Wu Chang nodded and said:
"His gaze was fierce; when I met his eyes, it felt like I was looking at a hungry beast."

Mason said:

“I have more than twenty people like that under my command. They are powerful and born for battle. Ordinary flesh and blood monsters are no match for them. I have them all follow you. With them, even if the mission fails, they can protect you and ensure your safe departure.”

Wu Chang immediately thanked him, covering his upturned mouth with an even bigger smile.

The True Walker truly lives up to his colorful title, granting him the identity of a native of the plane. Even without holding a high position, he can more easily gain the trust of the natives of the plane.

Everyone is a player. Those players who enter the instance with the default identity, even if they have great power and have met Mason half a day earlier, still cannot gain his trust and are even disliked by Mason.

They couldn't even get inside the Sky Tower, let alone know about the Lullaby Protocol.

In contrast, as Sean, he was just a graduate unaware of the inside story, lacking great strength, yet he was able to gain Mason's favor upon first meeting by virtue of his status as a fellow alumnus of the Hover Academy.

Not only did he easily join Mason's faction, but he also became the person in charge of the faction's main questline.

If those players knew he was also a player, they would definitely have a mental breakdown and shout, "I was here first!"

he asked:
"Mr. Mason, their combat capabilities are so strong, could they be special modified soldiers from the military?"

Mason snorted coldly and said:

“They are a group of outlaws, hired by the military and the Conservative Party. They entered Jacques to investigate and try to take advantage of the chaos.”

"The new president has installed a group of clowns in the military high command. These clowns think they have power and dare to make a move against us, completely forgetting who the real masters of this country are."

"The military can't even pay its soldiers' salaries now, and they have to come to us begging for donations. What makes them think they can fight us?"

"They've chosen a good number of people to carry out the mission, but they can only offer empty promises, while we can offer real money. Anyone who isn't an idiot knows which side to stand on."

"These mercenaries, selected by the military, braved numerous dangers to enter Jacques City, but after realizing the situation, they immediately defected to us."

Wu Chang's expression changed upon hearing this, and he said:

"Besides mercenaries, do the military and other personnel also...?"

Mason said with certainty:

"You guessed right. In addition to them, the Conservative Party and the military also sent a number of special operations teams into Jacques City."

"When retrieving lab data, you need to be careful not only of the flesh-and-blood monsters around the central lab, but also of these combat squads."

"However, they are easier to deal with than flesh monsters. If we encounter them, we don't need to rush into a conflict. We can try to recruit them first. Many of these airborne squads are our people. If we probe them a bit, we might be able to avoid a lot of trouble."

Wu Chang carefully noted down all the questions, then asked:

"Mr. Mason, when shall we make our move?"

Mason frowned slightly and said:
"Since the anomaly a few days ago, the Central Research Institute has been enveloped by a special energy field, making it impossible to approach during the day and only allowing entry at night."

"The military has sent a large number of people into Yak City. It looks like they're about to do something big. You should lead your men out tonight and make sure you get the experimental data before the military does!"

(End of this chapter)