Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 139 The Possibility of Resurrection (Ninth Update)

However, more than anything else, Chen Yu was curious about how Bartmores had died.

His mechanical fingers tapped on the console, bringing up scattered information about Bartmouth's death.

"The real-world end: Arasaka's ground forces' raid failed, and then an orbital mass weapon struck. The impact caused a brief power outage at their hideout, and the network connection was forcibly severed," he stated the known facts. "Individual vital signs disappeared before backup power was activated and environmental systems were restored."

“There are several technical theories about the direct cause of death. The most logical hypothesis is that in a state of deep access network, the sudden interruption of the connection prevents consciousness from returning smoothly to the body, which is highly dependent on the external life support system, thus causing brain death,” he proposed the first possibility, “the high degree of coupling between the brain structure and the device supports this model.”

“However, there is another possibility, although the chain of evidence is not yet complete. Inference two: At the moment the attack occurred, faced with the inevitable interruption of the physical connection, he may have activated some kind of emergency protocol, attempting to actively upload or seal his own core consciousness data in a nearby network node, actively severing the connection with this physical body,” he continued to deduce. “This is a hasty, unverified gamble, the result of which is likely that the consciousness dissipates during the transmission or is trapped in some unreachable data rift, while the physical body withers due to abandonment.”

Chen Yu paused briefly, weighing the probabilities of the two inferences.

"Whether it was a passive stagnation of consciousness or an active failure to upload, the irony of the ending still holds true: a will that could fight against the 'soul killer' in the digital realm was ultimately defeated by a brief physical disconnection in the real world," he concluded. "His death highlights the immaturity and enormous risks of the digitalization technology of consciousness in this world, and also reveals the fragility of even the most powerful consciousness, which cannot completely break free from its material anchor."

Having completed the basic information gathering, Chen Yu decided to conduct a deeper investigation. He needed to understand whether this brain still retained valuable information at the microscopic level.

"Prepare for minimally invasive tissue sampling. Target: prefrontal cortex and hippocampal tissue sections. Analyze neuronal synaptic structure, neurotransmitter residues, and the presence of abnormal epigenetic markers," he commanded.

The mechanical tentacles, equipped with extremely fine probes and cutting tools, carefully extracted tiny samples from specific areas under the guidance of a high-powered microscope servo-guided skull.

The process was quiet and precise, minimizing damage to the body.

The samples are fed into a miniature bioanalyzer integrated within the workshop.

Data began to be output continuously.

"The neuronal synaptic structure is exceptionally complex, with an extremely high density of dendritic spines. Numerous physiological traces left by long-term enhancement effects were observed, indicating that he had engaged in learning and memory activities of unimaginable intensity before his death," he read the data.

“Analysis of neurotransmitter residues revealed abnormal concentrations of various chemicals associated with higher cognitive functions, particularly those related to attention, working memory, and creative thinking. Their metabolic pathways also appear to have undergone some degree of…optimization? No, more like adaptive changes under extreme use.”

“Epigenetic markers showed that genes associated with neuroplasticity and cognitive function were highly active. This state is usually accompanied by extreme environmental stimuli or sustained high-intensity mental activity,” he concluded. “His brain, until his death, appears to have been in a state of ‘full power’.”

Chen Yu pondered for a moment. “A unique brain born to process information, coupled with the extreme use and development it has undergone, has ultimately shaped the myth of this cyberspace,” he whispered to the servo skull. “The value of its physiological basis far exceeds that of a conventional genetic sample.”

His gaze fell once again on the ancient network access bay interface.

“Old man, try connecting to this interface. Use the lowest power, and only read basic interface information and any remaining, inactive data traces. Be careful to isolate it and avoid any potential data risks,” he instructed.

A data probe as thin as a hair extended from the end of the tentacle and precisely connected to the long-unused interface.

After a brief silence, the servo skull's eye sockets flashed with light, transmitting a series of intermittent, almost annihilated data fragments.

There was no consciousness, no program, only some near-basic "imprints" left by extremely high-speed data flows. "Interface log fragments... detected high-frequency access records exceeding the current parsing protocol range, the timestamp was interrupted at the moment of death. Data flow intensity... far exceeds the theoretical design capacity of this interface," Chen Yu whispered, "He's using an ordinary tool to do what only a god could do. The direct load on his brain is unimaginable."

The probe was retrieved. No activity data or dangerous procedures were found, only silent proof of its former glory.

After synthesizing all the analysis results, Chen Yu began to summarize. He examined the remains of the legendary hacker on the platform, quickly assessing its potential value in his mind.

Bartmouth's unique neurophysiological structure is itself a valuable research sample, and it is of great reference value for optimizing the design of biological computing units.

His genes are also worth preserving, although it remains to be seen whether clones can replicate his talents.

The most direct way to utilize it is to mechanically modify this well-preserved corpse, transforming it into a machine servant focused on data processing, allowing its extraordinary brain to continue operating in another form.

Of course, there are even more radical possibilities.

Furthermore, if Chen Yu were willing to bring the corpse back to the Warhammer world, he could indeed find a way to completely resurrect it.

However, the cost of doing so was too great, involving darkness and taboos, enough to prompt the First Legion to initiate the Ninth Icarus Protocol.

Moreover, if his judgment is correct, he might not need to go through so much trouble and could simply be resurrected in this cyberpunk world.

However, before that, he needed to thoroughly study Bartmos's body and confirm all the parameters.

Only after he has all the necessary data will he consider what to do next.

“The current priorities are clear,” Chen Yu whispered to the servo skull, “Deeply analyze its neural structure and gene sequence. The plan to mechanically modify it into an auxiliary computing unit will proceed simultaneously. As for resurrection… that requires more data support and more careful consideration.”

He turned to the control panel, and the mechanical tentacles began the next phase of precise sampling. Bartmouth's legacy would first be put to his use in a more controlled manner.

“Prioritize backing up gene samples and deep modeling of neural structures,” he said, looking at the servo skull. “Then, initiate the initial mechanization process, aiming to transform it into an auxiliary computing unit focused on data analysis and pattern recognition. Preserve the integrity of its core brain structure to leave room for possible future options.”

"As for a complete resurrection..." Chen Yu's crimson optical lens flickered slightly, "that requires more meticulous preparation and a comprehensive calculation of the potential consequences. First, we need to ensure that we can completely control or at least effectively guide the will of this 'hacker god.' Now is not the time."

The command was issued, and the equipment in the workshop began operating according to the new priority. Mechanical tentacles transferred Bartmos's body to the maintenance force field to begin gene sampling and preliminary preparations for neural interface connections.

Chen Yu stood before the control panel, data surging through his mind. Barthes' legacy was more than just a corpse; it was a testament to the technological pinnacle and the miracle of life of an era. How to maximize the use of this unexpected gain would be yet another test for him, this explorer of the sage's technology and wisdom.

In the process, he will undoubtedly gain a deeper understanding of the network nature of this cyberpunk world and the boundary between human consciousness and machines. This may be more valuable than Barthemos's corpse itself.

(End of this chapter)