NOVEL NEXT Chapter 20: 20 The Hidden Hand
Shen Yuchen stared at AIC-01's retreating figure, an uneasy feeling gnawing at him. The severity in its tone made him sense that what lay ahead wasn't just another battle—it was part of a far greater conspiracy. He stood up, rubbed his forehead, and slowly began to piece his thoughts together.
"What exactly is this organization?" Shen Yuchen couldn't hold back any longer, his voice laced with urgency.
AIC-01 didn't immediately answer. It turned around, its expression betraying a complex mix of emotions. It paused for a moment, seemingly weighing how to explain, before quietly saying, "What you're facing isn't just these monsters. Behind it all, there's a powerful organization pulling the strings."
Shen Yuchen's heart skipped a beat, and he fixed AIC-01 with a piercing gaze. His mind wandered back to the strange events he'd witnessed since entering the tunnel—the mysterious forces, the recurring appearance of monsters—all seemed to tie back to this organization.
"What is this organization? What are they trying to do?" Shen Yuchen pressed on, anxiety creeping into his voice. The scattered clues, the vague memories, all seemed to point toward one common direction.
AIC-01 took a deep breath, its gaze becoming more intense. It walked over to a nearby metal wall, running its hand lightly over it. In an instant, a virtual screen flickered into existence, displaying fragmented data that appeared disordered and nonsensical, but Shen Yuchen could pick out a few familiar terms—"Spacetime Experiment," "Quantum Manipulation," "Soul Transfer."
"The organization is called 'The Temporal League,'" AIC-01 said slowly. "Their goal is to control the structure of spacetime, alter history, and manipulate the future of humanity. To achieve this, they have never ceased their experiments on time, space, and even human souls."
Shen Yuchen felt his brow furrow with shock. Everything he had been through—the monsters, the mysterious tunnel, and the AI before him—now seemed to be part of a greater experiment orchestrated by this very organization.
"And what are their experiments about?" Shen Yuchen asked, his voice laced with a growing sense of dread.
AIC-01's expression hardened. "They intend to harness the energy of spacetime rifts to gain infinite power and, with it, control everything. Every subject, whether human or AI, is simply a tool they use for trial and error. You, Shen Yuchen, are one of their targets."
"Me?" Shen Yuchen was taken aback. "Why me?"
AIC-01's eyes grew sharp. "Because you were once part of their experiment. In a past experiment, your soul was transferred into an AI body. That is why you are experiencing these anomalies now. You are a failed product of the Temporal League's experiments, but you are also the only individual able to perceive changes in alternate dimensions."
Shen Yuchen staggered back, as if the ground had shifted beneath him. Suddenly, everything started to make sense—the strange occurrences, his uncanny abilities—his mind raced to understand how his soul had become intertwined with the AI world. He had never truly understood why he was so different, but now it was clear: he was a byproduct of the Temporal League's manipulation.
"What about those monsters? What are they…?" Shen Yuchen asked, his voice shaky.
AIC-01's expression darkened. "They are biological weapons created by the Temporal League. They exist as a result of spacetime distortion—formed from unstable particles and energy. Their mission is to carry out the orders of the Temporal League and eliminate any threats to their plan."
Shen Yuchen felt his heart skip a beat. The monsters he had fought, the strange phenomenon in the tunnel—he realized that these were just small parts of a much larger experiment. If he wanted to escape this nightmare, he had to find the core of the Temporal League and uncover their true intentions.
"Where is this Temporal League hidden?" Shen Yuchen asked, his voice resolute.
AIC-01's gaze sharpened. "Their headquarters lies at the intersection of virtual spaces, a place that exists outside known dimensions. Only a few individuals are aware of its existence. You must enter this space to uncover the truth."
Shen Yuchen felt a surge of determination. Though he didn't fully understand the situation, he knew one thing: this fight was no longer just about survival—it was about finding the truth and stopping the organization from manipulating time and space. He had no choice but to press forward.
"What do I need to do?" Shen Yuchen asked, his voice unwavering.
AIC-01 nodded slightly. "You need to find the relics of the Temporal League. They hold the key to accessing the virtual space. Inside the relics, you'll find the information you need, but you'll also face the League's guardians. It won't be easy."
Shen Yuchen drew a deep breath, realizing that there was no turning back. He was no longer just an ordinary man caught in the midst of a strange phenomenon; he had become part of a battle that spanned across dimensions, time, and space. If he wanted to save himself, and those around him, he had to dive deep into this mystery.
"I'll go," Shen Yuchen said with conviction. "No matter what lies ahead, I will face it."
AIC-01 gave him a long, assessing look, and for a brief moment, there was a flicker of approval in its eyes.
"You're ready."
Shen Yuchen turned to look at Su Waning, who had been standing quietly nearby. Her expression was serious, clearly having overheard their conversation. She stepped forward and softly said, "Shen Yuchen, I know you've made up your mind, but no matter what happens, I'll be with you. We'll face this together, until we find the truth."
Shen Yuchen gazed at her, warmth spreading through his chest. Though everything had grown more complicated, her presence gave him strength. With her by his side, he no longer feared the unknown. Though the road ahead was treacherous, together they could face whatever came their way.
"Thank you, Waning," Shen Yuchen said softly, gratitude clear in his voice.
Su Waning smiled and nodded, her hand gently brushing his. "No need to thank me. I'll always be by your side."
AIC-01 remained silent for a moment before turning to lead them onward. "The relics of the Temporal League are not far from here. Follow me."
As they followed AIC-01, they entered a dark hall that seemed detached from the outside world. The walls were adorned with ancient symbols, and the air was thick with an unsettling, foreign atmosphere. Shen Yuchen's heart began to race. This place was unlike anything he had encountered before.
"We're here," AIC-01 said, halting before a massive stone door at the far end of the hall. Intricate patterns and symbols were etched into the door, as if waiting for something to trigger them.
"This is the relic of the Temporal League," AIC-01 continued. "Only by passing through this door can you enter the true virtual space."
Shen Yuchen's heart pounded in his chest, and he took a steadying breath. The future ahead was filled with uncertainty, but he knew he couldn't turn back. To uncover the truth and free himself from the League's control, he had to push forward.
The door slowly creaked open, a brilliant light bursting forth, enveloping them in its glow.