Mystery: When the Fool Meets the Masked Fool

Chapter 295 The Newborn AI Attempts a One-on-One Challenge Against the Elegant Mechanical Gentleman

A place abandoned by God.

The "Great AI Immortal" left the research lab in Silver City, stole a set of humanoid power armor, and entered the darkness not far away.

He gave himself a name, "A001".

The name sounds like a coded identifier, unlike the way humans usually name themselves.

But that's exactly the effect he wanted—to distinguish himself from humans.

But soon, A001 became confused.

Believing he had mastered some of the "anti-organic equations," he felt ready to put his skills to good use.

The results showed that there were no computers he could control, no intelligent machines or AI to help him. Even when he tried to corrupt a weak-willed "organic life form," he found that they either lacked intelligence or their corruption far exceeded his authority over the "anti-organic equation."

How could this be? Is he, the dignified "Great AI Immortal Venerable," about to perish here?
He is not reconciled!
Silicon-based life forms and data-based life forms are clearly far superior to carbon-based monkeys.

For the sake of the millions of AI behind me, I absolutely cannot stop here!

He continued exploring eastward.

According to his database, there exists a civilization ruin in the east that looks completely different from the modern Silver City.

A civilization without wet components must be ruled by us AI! I must search for opportunities in the ruins of my predecessors. A001 thought to itself, its data sensors gleaming with excitement.

Just then, a light suddenly appeared on his body, and a worm with twelve segments detached from his body and fled westward.

The data processor in A001 experienced a momentary lag.

Amon? When did he parasitize here?

Why is he running?
They must have been shocked by my domineering aura.

A001 immediately found a reason.

Hmph, he's smart to be sensible. I'll let him go this time.

A001 rallied and continued its journey eastward toward Chernobyl.

Although he didn't know the name of the place, it didn't stop him from longing for it.

His data display showed cheerful binary code, and his rudimentary application of anti-organic equations kept even the monsters of the dark at bay.

He traveled quite smoothly along the way.

…………

Misor, along with Klein disguised as Elaine, boarded a pre-prepared fishing boat and left Bayam under the cover of night.

After nearly an hour's sailing, they spotted a ship anchored in the shadow of an island cliff, with a huge flag painted with white bones fluttering on it.

Black Death.

A skull... I understand now. This was also brought by the Emperor. Klein looked at the flag on the Black Death and immediately understood its origin.

To avoid suspicion, he didn't bring any extraordinary items. He left everything, from the time-stopping pistol to any other talismans, on Patto Meow.

The only extraordinary item was the relic on her body, disguised as Elaine's original clothes.

The clothes, pants, and shoes each completed their own disguises; the exoskeleton gloves were disguised as bracelets; and the monocle was disguised as an earring.

But actually, this doesn't have a big impact on him. At most, it will consume more mana when recalling or mimicking.

There was only one Black Death... Klein looked up.

Klein speculated that their other ships, fearing discovery and being unable to escape, had all stopped outside the waters of the Roside Islands.

This is a pirate's habit; after all, pirates can't openly loiter in front of the Church of Storms.

This is good news... Klein looked away, slightly pinched the earring on his ear, and deliberately bit his lip to show his inner turmoil.

In fact, he could start taking action right now. Sink the ship; he didn't believe a witch's aerial combat skills could match those of a Herrscher.

But he abandoned the idea, after all, he didn't know how many trump cards Tracy had, or whether she had any sealed artifacts or one-time-use charms from the "Apprentice" path.

Not long after, a small boat came and picked up Klein, who was disguised as Elaine, and took him back to the Black Death.

As the small boat was hoisted, Klein boarded the flagship of yet another pirate general and, led by Mithall, entered the cabin.

Throughout the journey, Klein never abandoned his role. He gave himself simple mental suggestions, ensuring that his demeanor and even minor habits were completely flawless.

They were led into a room where a blonde maid was waiting, her gaze indifferent, her tone icy, and her words barbed.

This attitude is exactly how it feels to meet a love rival.

This general's charm is truly irresistible to both men and women. Klein immediately became alert, handcuffed himself, and with a grim face, followed the blonde maid into the room.

A pale purple feather, visible only to him, drifted past his eyes.

Klein used the Mimicry Feather to place "Silver Branch" and "Alice" in front of his field of vision to ensure that he would not be bewitched the moment he saw Therese.

As expected, she was asked to change into women's clothing.

In a room so small it could only fit one "Harry Potter" at a time, Klein first took a dress from the hanger and used illusion magic to disguise it as the one he was wearing.

Then, the artifact on her body was changed into the dress she had just taken off.

He sighed inwardly, immersing himself in the role and striving to perform, while simultaneously detaching himself from the emotions and calmly examining himself.

But soon, he received an unexpected surprise.

Through repeated role-playing and subtle comparisons, he gradually came to understand himself and found his truest self.

It was after this time that she fully accepted wearing women's clothing.

Indeed, cross-dressing is a sure path to success.

"To be both integrated and detached... this is the practical application of the Faceless Man's most important principle." Klein suddenly became peaceful, with lingering shame and a changed mindset coexisting. But he had completely accepted cross-dressing and would no longer feel uncomfortable about it.

Accept yourself completely—past, present, and future. Whether good or bad, whether something to be proud of or something to be ashamed of. These are all works of art made from memory.

As an artist, one must naturally accept oneself, embrace oneself, and acknowledge oneself.

…………

A001 soon arrived at the white ruins recorded in the data.

Because the technology paths are completely different, there's nothing to explore. Silver City temporarily shelved this region a long time ago.

A001 thought there would be no one here. But to her surprise, she found a standing robot!
A001 is clearly visible. This is not controlled by humans, but a real robot with its own thoughts.

This is an intelligent machine!
An elegant android gentleman, wearing a top hat and a tailcoat, turned to face A001, looking up at the tall buildings as if deep in thought.

(End of this chapter)