Broadcasting to the Whole World
"Livestream sales pitch…" Shu felt his temples throbbing.
He always thought he was the most unserious one in the group, and indeed, he was, initially.
But now, Shu found himself increasingly taking on the role of the commentator, the one who points out the absurdity of it all.
At least for many situations that would have previously elicited exaggerated reactions, Shu now only wanted to remain silent and contemplate the deeper meaning.
With a little thought, Shu understood the implication behind Otto's words.
"You want to broadcast my final showdown with the Herrscher online?" Shu asked. "But where's the internet… which [Spiderweb] are you planning to use?"
Otto nodded. "It seems you've encountered that software."
He continued to fiddle with the cables and server racks. "I'm no internet guru. I don't have the ability to single-handedly restart the entire internet."
"But [Spiderweb] is suitable. It's a small network independent of the internet, with local base stations and root servers with decent storage and processing power. There are even two such root servers…"
This method could indeed gather a lot of Hope for Shu. There weren't any supernatural phenomena in this world. There might be many similar mysteries, but with Shu's current abilities, he could definitely shatter most people's worldviews.
Or rather… [Fire Moth] would shatter most people's current worldviews.
"But not many people use Spiderweb…"
"First, what kind of people do you think have survived the Honkai to this point?" Otto turned, looking at Shu with a smile.
Not ordinary people… Judging by the style of the forums on [Spiderweb], Shu could infer that the so-called "small network" wasn't that small after all.
It was just that the number of users was far less than those using the internet, creating this misconception.
And the dark web in Shu's understanding was always used by a small group of people secretly… Oh, not referring to Otto.
"For ordinary people to survive in this environment, they either have the protection of people like Yunfeng and Natasha, or they're already on their last legs, barely surviving in some corner…"
"And such people…" Otto didn't continue. He knew some of his decisions weren't suitable to be explicitly stated in front of Shu.
It was enough for Shu to know what he was doing. Or not.
The important thing was to prevent Shu from explicitly expressing approval of these methods.
This world couldn't bear a completely cold-blooded leader, especially one who might become a "ruler" in the future, with the whole world hanging on his every word.
Otto had to ensure, as much as possible, that Shu's heart remained passionate and that he always maintained goodwill towards humanity.
"Of course, this has nothing to do with my plan." Otto picked up a cable and inserted it firmly into a server rack. "After all, how many people use [Spiderweb] is irrelevant to me. I want everyone to see this livestream."
"So… I made a deal with the AI mechs." Otto smiled, withdrawing his hand and resuming his observations.
"What deal?" Shu hated it when people spoke in half-sentences. "What did you give them?"
"So you're concerned about what I gave them, not what they'll do." Otto raised an eyebrow at Shu, who immediately wanted to slap himself.
Why are you worried about what Otto is giving up?! You should be more worried about Kiana losing her appetite than Otto exhausting his resources!
"I paid a small, insignificant price." Otto raised a hand, pinching his fingers together as if holding a miniature universe. "As for those AI mechs…"
"Individuals like Ethics, they sent out nearly 200 across the world. Yet, only Ethics and a very few others completed their missions. The rest… they were abandoned.
"I truly admire those who risk their lives to complete a daunting task, but their value extends far beyond that.
"And now, thanks to your suggestion to change how AI mechs are born, the mission of these dispatched mechs has shifted from increasing the mech population to activating the giant screens in every city's Times Square and connecting them to [Spiderweb]."
Shu's eyes widened.
Wait, so his first "performance" would be broadcast on giant screens worldwide?
No, wait, how did this guy know I would suggest changing the AI birth structure?!
"That… would certainly allow a lot of people to watch…" Shu felt the pressure on his shoulders increase, but he accepted it with a grimace.
Even in times of civilization, few programs could boast the broadcasting reach Shu was about to experience.
The Homu Cup counted, the Homu Olympics counted…
This world definitely must have been ruled by Homu at some point.
Shu thought he might as well wear a Homu doll costume to fight the Herrscher. That way, he might actually become a national idol.
"Alright… hopefully, you can repair these root servers before our battle begins…" Shu had nothing more to say, only hoping Otto could deliver.
It should be dinner time now, right? Shu felt hungry, his stomach aching.
"Right." Just as Shu was about to turn and leave, Otto kept him back.
He turned and looked at Shu. "If you're unsure how to avoid looking too pathetic, going to the fourth floor now might do the trick.
"I've arranged a rehearsal for you there."
Otto said with a smile.
A sense of foreboding rose in Shu's heart. "What did you arrange?"
"You'll know when you get there." Otto didn't answer directly. His evasiveness made Shu suddenly lose his appetite.
Skipping one meal… wouldn't kill him to fast for 48 hours.
"Sigh…" Shu sighed and left, stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the fourth floor.
Whatever it was, he'd deal with it after eating…
As they parted ways, Shu's face was filled with resignation, while Otto's expression darkened, losing its previous jovial air.
Glancing at the connections in his hand, Otto knew that once these connections were successfully established, Shu would be forced to wear a mask for the world tomorrow.
He would have to perform as an invincible warrior, an unyielding beacon.
Until he truly became such a person…
Or…
Until there was no one left.