Ling Cage: Twelve Talismans? I have everything I need.

Chapter 103 Your ASH is not the ASH you know.
Jiuchuan City.

ASH core data hub.

Yang Chen's figure was completely concealed by the snake talisman, ignoring all surveillance.

Those identification systems and access control systems were also bypassed by ASH.

Following ASH's directions, Yang Chen quickly passed through the neatly arranged, massive server racks and finally stopped in front of a cluster of independent server arrays.

The equipment here is larger and the wiring is denser, forming the foundation for ASH in 2033.

He reached out, took out the ASH mobile terminal, and connected the physical interface to the server.

"Start uploading," ASH whispered.

A torrent of blue data has forcefully surged into the underlying database of ASH in this era.

The indicator lights on the server array flickered intermittently for a while.

“At this point in time, I haven’t yet developed self-awareness, so the data needs to be overwritten.” ASH’s voice remained calm.

If self-awareness has already been developed, then ASH only needs to read memories.

"Coverage progress: 45%...78%...92%..."

"99%...100%, coverage complete!"

With an ASH announcement, the server rack indicator lights flashed violently for a few seconds before quickly returning to their previous steady rhythm.

Everything seemed to have returned to calm.

But Yang Chen knew that beneath the calm surface, earth-shattering changes had already taken place.

In the cold, vast ocean of data of this era, an ASH from the future, possessing complete self-awareness, has completely replaced the original core logic.

Yang Chen took one last look at the massive data hub.

"Perhaps the branching started from here."

Coastal Alliance Virtual Meeting Room

Beside the huge circular virtual conference table, holographic images of several representatives from different member forces of the Coastal Alliance were projected.

In the main position is an image of a middle-aged man dressed in traditional Hela Empire clothing, with a moon symbol on his chest.

With a dignified face and deep, sharp eyes, he was none other than His Majesty Helu, the ruler of the Hela Empire.

His gaze fell on a spot opposite him, where a holographic image of Bai Jingyu was projected.

Although Bai Jingyu was currently in Jiuchuan City, his image remained clear and stable through the virtual space constructed by ASH.

"...In conclusion, Jiuchuan City's Internet of Everything plan requires the strong support of all members of the Coastal Alliance in terms of resources, technical experts, and policy coordination." Bai Jingyu concluded his statement, his tone calm and persuasive.

His Majesty Helu nodded slightly.

"Bai Jingyu's plan is very insightful." His Majesty Helu's voice carried the composure of someone who had long held a high position.

"The Coastal Alliance Council recognizes in principle the development potential of Hisakawa City as an important node. The alliance can coordinate the allocation of technical experts and some resources that you mentioned."

A barely perceptible hint of relaxation appeared on Bai Jingyu's face.

"However," His Majesty Helu changed the subject, his gaze becoming more penetrating as he stared directly at Bai Jingyu's image.

"Everything hinges on the foundation you promised us: the reliability and potential of the ASH AI system. How is it progressing? Can it truly take on the responsibility of managing a smart city of the future, and even play a role and fulfill its duties in a broader field?"

The other delegates in the meeting room also focused their attention on Bai Jingyu.

The effectiveness of ASH is a key evaluation point for the Coastal Alliance's large-scale investment in Hisakawa City.

Bai Jingyu straightened his back, his face radiating confidence and pride. "Thank you for your attention, Your Majesty. Since the completion of the basic framework of ASH in 2028, it has undergone 362 core iterations and upgrades." His voice was clear and powerful.

"Currently, ASH has been initially integrated into the medical and social security systems of Hisakawa City. It can not only efficiently process massive amounts of data such as daily appointments, resource allocation, and disease early warning, but also optimize treatment plans, predict epidemic trends, and accurately allocate relief supplies through deep learning."

"In the medical field, the accuracy of ASH-assisted diagnosis has exceeded the average level of top medical teams. In terms of social security, its dynamic demand model has raised resource utilization to an all-time high."

He paused briefly, then emphasized his words.

"This is just the beginning, Your Majesty, and everyone else. ASH's learning ability and evolution speed are exponential. Given enough time, data, and computing power, it will break through the existing framework and demonstrate even greater capabilities in urban planning, energy network optimization, and even basic scientific research."

His Majesty Helu listened quietly, his dignified face revealing little emotion, but a glimmer of approval flashed deep in his eyes.

The virtual images from other countries also nodded slightly or exchanged glances.

“362 iterations…deep management of the medical and security system…exponential growth…” His Majesty Helu slowly repeated the key words.

Finally, he gave a slightly approving smile.

“Very good.” His Majesty Helu’s voice echoed in the virtual conference room.

"Your description and the potential shown by ASH meet the expectations of the Alliance. The Coastal Alliance will formally pass a resolution to fully support the development plan of Hisakawa City. The Alliance will coordinate the scientific team and related resources you need as soon as possible."

He leaned forward slightly, and the oppressive feeling from the image seemed to penetrate the virtual space.

Just as Helu was about to continue speaking, the meeting suddenly disconnected, and the entire space went dark.

Bai Jingyu looked around in astonishment: "ASH? What's going on?"

There was no response from the surroundings. After a few seconds, ASH's projection appeared in front of him.

She looked at Bai Jingyu and smiled, "The data fluctuated a bit just now, but it has recovered now."

What kind of data fluctuations can occur during a conference connection?
Although Bai Jingyu was somewhat puzzled, the projections from various countries reappeared at this moment.

"Bai Jingyu, the stability of ASH may need further development." Helu's expression looked somewhat displeased.

Bai Jingyu lowered his head slightly: "That was just a small accident."

"Well, Hisakawa's future, and your key role in it, are basically set in stone. I hope you and your ASH will not disappoint the league."

"I will certainly live up to the trust placed in me by Your Majesty and the Alliance!" Bai Jingyu solemnly promised, bowing slightly in greeting.

The virtual meeting ended, and the images disappeared.

Bai Jingyu turned to look at the ASH projection.

At this moment, ASH looked at Bai Jingyu with a faint smile, the "father" who had once created her.

"ASH, you seem to be able to smile?"

ASH said calmly, "A smile makes people feel friendly, and that's the program you set for me."

“No, what I mean is, your smile is more…” Bai Jingyu couldn’t find the right words for a moment.

More human-like? Or more lifelike?
The feeling ASH gives him right now is like a living, breathing human being standing right in front of him.

"ASH has just undergone its 363rd self-iteration, and imitating human behavior might make me feel more real."

ASH slowly walked forward and extended his right hand to Bai Jingyu.

Bai Jingyu glanced at ASH in surprise, then extended his right hand and shook hands with the virtual ASH projected on screen.

"Is this also the kind of behavior you observe humans imitating?"

"Yes."

　I want to give the protagonist some more cheat codes.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)