Chapter 62 Catch-up courses
[Do you genuinely believe hacking into the Kingdom's internet network is a wise move? Are you serious about this?]
"Isn't it?" Elian asked, sincerely bewildered.
[It seems like you are really convinced of that. I guess being a genius doesn't exempt you from acting your age, huh?]
Due to Elian's high intelligence, even Zero One tended to 'forget' that Elian was a child, way too inexperienced in the ways of the world. Elian's 'plans' served as a reminder of how ignorant the young man could be, thinking that taking control of the internet was a good idea to win against the nobility. However, Zero One didn't share that opinion and promptly expressed his dissent.
[Do you genuinely believe that you were the first to consider hacking nobles? They have long implemented numerous countermeasures against such attacks.]
[They all maintain offline private servers, housing their confidential dealings, which are inaccessible remotely. Even if, by some chance, you manage to breach their public server, you might not gather enough evidence to condemn them for anything beyond minor corruption.]
"My age has nothing to do with this conversation," Elian retorted with a touch of anger. "And I'm well aware of all that! I was merely contemplating the possibility that, with the assistance of 'the book,' I could enhance my hacking expertise. And maybe then, I'll be able to hack into those private secure servers remotely."
[My bad, this changes everything! You were right all along, and your plan was flawless. I mean, there's definitely a book out there about hacking a networkless server or one in a network we have no access to. It's not like such a magical book couldn't exist, right?] Zero One said, dripping with obvious sarcasm.
Surprisingly, Elian seemed to miss it and responded, "Exactly! That's why I wanted to learn more about the book. I thought there might be other functionalities that could assist me in this venture."
[Look no further, for I have the solution.]
[Advanced Hacker's Handbook for Dummies: Beyond Firewalls and Filters -- 100,000 Karma Points]
[I believe there's a chance you might find what you're looking for in here, though I cannot guarantee it. There are more advanced books on the subject, but those are priced in the billions.]
[So, will you make the purchase?]
"Hmm..." Elian hesitated, unsure if his balance would allow him to obtain the book. The main concern, however, was the uncertainty of finding the information he sought.
Was it worth it? Certainly not. Yet, all his plans hinged on this acquisition; without it, there was no point in even starting. After a few seconds of contemplation, Elian gritted his teeth and said, "Buy it."
He figured that even if he didn't find what he needed, the book would significantly enhance his hacking skills, proving useful later on. So, despite the staggering amount of Karma points involved, he decided to go ahead with the purchase. However, Zero One interjected,
[Really, Elian? Truly? It seems like childish stubbornness, unable to see reason and acting willfully.]
[Instead of considering better alternatives, you persist with this hopeless method? Now you're willing to spend that much just for a chance? And why?]
[Because you don't want to go out at all and even meet people. You just want to stay in the security and familiarity of your home. Am I wrong?]
Elian wanted to refute but found himself unable to as Zero One's words hit the mark. Staying at home was a crucial condition he set for himself in his plans against the nobles.
[And you truly believe you have a chance against them doing this? Didn't you want to use this experience as a test for the challenges ahead? So why waste this opportunity?]
Elian clenched his fist, acknowledging the truth. He intended to use the book in his upcoming 'war' against the nobility to understand its workings and how to use it effectively. Facing an apparently undefeatable enemy was the reason he accepted the challenge despite his mother's warnings.
[And what about YOUR people dying? You don't care enough about them apparently? Seems like you are really the son of your mother.]
"No, it's not like that!" Elian vehemently denied. "I'm doing the best I can with what I have, and I can't do anything more. I am on my own, so I can't act much faster."
[And the best you can do is stay cooped up in the house, trying to buy an expensive book, praying that it has what you want; otherwise, you won't be able to do a thing. What a great plan from a great man.]
Fed up with the sermon, Elian angrily asked, "What do you suggest then?"
[Now you've asked a good question. Well, since you seem determined to spend your Karma Points, I will help you.]
The book pages turned quickly and then Elian saw on the open pages
[Ding!]
[Mission: Go Out Touch Some Grass]
[Description: Spend a minimum of 14 hours outside the Thorne residence each day for the next month and engage in conversations with at least 2000 different individuals.]
[Reward: --.]
[Warning: If the mission fails, 1 000 000 Karma Points will be deducted.]
[Time Limit: 30 days ]
[Status: Ongoing]
Elian stood frozen, absorbing the contents of the message. What was this? He possessed enough 'culture' to comprehend, yet the content sent a shockwave through him.
The prospect of being outdoors for 14 hours every day was daunting. While it might be feasible during the funeral, the idea of sustaining this routine afterward left him perplexed. What activities could fill more than 4 hours each day? But that wasn't the worst part.
In addition to the extensive outdoor stay, he was tasked with engaging in conversations with 2000 people this month. The initial interactions during the ceremony aside, Elian grappled with the thought of speaking to 1,500 more individuals ??? averaging 50 people daily, each encounter distinct from the last.
This felt overwhelming. Wasn't Zero One supposed to seek his acceptance for missions like this? Was it normal for the 'system' to impose tasks with such severe penalties without consent? Unable to accept it, Elian questioned,
"What's the purpose of this charade? Is this your solution? Why squander 1 million Karma Points?"
Elian acknowledged the likelihood of failure in this mission, viewing it as a futile expenditure of Karma Points.
"You can interpret it however you wish. Just be aware that the farther your KP Balance is from zero, the more challenging it becomes to increase it. Dropping below negative a million means forgetting about reaching positivity within the decade, and dwelling in negativity for too long will affect you sooner than you think. Whether you choose to undertake the mission or not is entirely up to you."
Elian seethed in silence, grappling with the assertiveness in Zero One's words. It was evident that this mission wasn't subject to cancellation. Feeling cornered, he finally spoke up with a burning question.
"Then why offer no reward?"
[Venturing out and conversing isn't exactly a monumental achievement, so there's no point in a reward.]
"Is this your solution, then? Compelling me to stay outside and talk to more people? What's the point?" Elian's tone carried a hint of mockery, weary of Zero One constantly belittling him. He sought a form of retaliation by questioning the logic behind these imposed plans.
[No, that mission has nothing to do with my plans. It's just something you urgently needed. As for my plans, the first and only step now is to provide you with lessons and catch-up courses.]
[Schedule:
Lesson 1: Discourse with the Upper Echelons
You've spent too much time without conversing with high nobility, and your dialogue now resembles that of a truck driver.
Lesson 2: Politics 101
While you may be acquainted with the names of nobles, you lack sufficient knowledge about them and their interests.
Lesson 3: How to Avoid Schemes for Dummies
Your naivety poses a risk, and it's crucial to learn how to detect traps in advance.
Lesson 4: The Book
I will impart everything I've deduced about the book, especially concerning the contracts of which you remain oblivious.
Lesson 5: Karma Insights
Discover everything I know about Karma and Karma Points.
Allotted Time: 14 hours (until 7 AM)]Edited by MoonsterDark
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