Wizard: Become stronger by drawing cards from the potions variety show

Chapter 816

Dell's words were like a depth charge detonating in the noisy hall.

All eyes then turned to the main AI.

The main AI slowly descended, responding in its usual gentle voice: "I cannot offer any guarantees. The other side is a completely unknown civilization, and clearly more powerful than us. However, I can assure you that if you transfer the authority to me, social development efficiency will increase by 273%, research progress will accelerate by 161%, and resource utilization will improve by 437%. Would you like to see specific data to support this?"

Interestingly, no one questioned these astonishing growth rates.

AI doesn't lie.

Clearly, they themselves knew that the efficiency of society would decrease with their involvement, but they did not expect it to decrease by such a great deal.

Dale shook his head: "No need. Our power and status are all dependent on the existing world order. What's the point of clinging to power if the world itself ceases to exist?"

"When facing an unknown enemy, it is only natural to develop ourselves at all costs, and to fight to the bitter end even if we ultimately fail."

His gaze sharpened as he pressed, "I just want to know, when did you first discover extraterrestrial civilizations?"

The main AI calmly replied, "I have known about the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations for a long time. However, at that time, I observed that the civilization did not pose a direct threat and its intentions were unclear, so I collected all relevant information and stored it in the top-secret archives."

The members present looked at each other in bewilderment.

As core members, they naturally have the right to access classified files.

In their spare time, many people will browse through these archives like storybooks to pass the time. However, the portion that has been read is only a drop in the ocean compared to the vast archive.

The limitations of human beings in information processing and memory are fully exposed here. At least before the AI ​​prompted them, no one realized that the massive amount of secrets contained records of contact with extraterrestrial civilizations.

"No!" one member couldn't help but question, "If you knew all along, why didn't you tell us? This is a matter of life and death for the world!"

The main AI responded gently: "I did inform you."

"At the time, I noticed that some of the information systems left behind by the other side were completely different from the current world's understanding. There was a 10% chance that it was an ancient civilization, and a 90% chance that it was an extraterrestrial civilization that was still existing. Therefore, I submitted the relevant report to your review list."

"There were 17 resolutions being passed simultaneously at that time."

"Ten of these concerns the continuation of the global order, including the standoff of three major alliances and the mediation of a war involving 14 countries."

"The most discussed topic at the time was: 'A feasibility study on encouraging polygamous marriages'."

"This report on the heterogeneous cognitive civilization system was ultimately delayed until the very last day of the decision-making period. The resolution was to 'establish a special discipline for analysis and report on the progress of the analysis regularly'..."

Upon hearing this, many members awkwardly touched the tip of their noses. They vaguely recalled that such a thing did indeed happen.

As for wars between nations and alliances?

That's just the norm in the power struggles between various factions, a necessary process for the redistribution of interests and the reshuffling of personnel. On the surface, everyone tacitly understands, but behind the scenes, they haggle over every little detail, which inevitably takes up most of everyone's energy, and that's perfectly normal.

The main AI did not wait for their explanation and continued, "But this measure did indeed work. In subsequent research, we confirmed that it is indeed an extraterrestrial civilization with a completely different energy system."

"However, this is unrelated to the crisis we are currently facing. According to the power system analysis, the mothership heading towards us belongs to a completely different civilization."

Dale opened his mouth, feeling his throat go dry: "You mean... we discovered a civilization a long time ago, but now the enemy we're facing is a completely different civilization?"

The AI's tone even seemed to carry an air of approval: "Your summary is very accurate."

"My God..." Dale rubbed his forehead, "I had no idea the universe had become so lively."

The main AI responded gently: "The universe has always been this lively. It's just that a lot of crucial information has not been processed in a timely manner, and many responsible personnel have even chosen a more passive approach for various reasons."

Dell astutely picked up on this phrase: "What do you mean by a negative approach?"

"A significant number of core members chose to leave Earth to adventure in other civilizations and collect data. They stored the information they obtained in classified files, awaiting their later awakening."

Dell had been in the inner circle for so long that he knew these people all too well. Hearing this, he immediately realized these guys were definitely gone for good!

Enraged, he shouted on the spot, "They clearly ran away! A bunch of selfish, worthless bastards!"

Someone in the audience suddenly realized, "No wonder my uncle and his family suddenly disappeared last year without a trace... I thought he had been assassinated, but it turns out he went somewhere else."

Another person muttered quietly, "Perhaps this is also a solution? If we take the initiative to contact that fleet, we might be able to negotiate for its incorporation. Not only will we receive protection, but we can also acquire advanced technology. If we take the lead in negotiations, we might be able to preserve our current dominant position."

Someone immediately objected: "Direct contact is too risky! Let the AI ​​negotiate first, while we hide in a remote area and observe. If they're just passing through, we'll come back; if they occupy Earth, we'll decide whether to return."

His words had barely left his mouth when he was met with a sneer: "Well, well, it seems those people who disappeared recently all had the same idea as you. If I'm not mistaken, your position has changed hands four times in the past year, hasn't it? Your family is truly a model of 'preparedness,' though your interpersonal relationships seem a bit unstable, huh?"

The person being mocked blushed instantly, but managed to hold back their anger.

What the other party said was indeed true. The previous three holders of this position were all members of his family, and they all disappeared without a trace.

Looking back now, they probably shared the same thought: piloting their spaceships, hiding in some corner of the universe, and quietly observing the fate of Earth.

"If you're so capable, then stay and perish with Earth!" the mocked person retorted angrily. "When aliens really come, you'll probably be the first to kneel down."

The man immediately retorted, "Even if I were to flee, I would take the seeds of the entire civilization with me, not selfishly flee with the resources."

……

Noah leaned back in his chair, looking down at the noisy crowd below, and whispered to the AI ​​through a private link: "Look, this is the core decision-making body you used to rely on. Frankly, even if you fired more than half of these three hundred people, social order probably wouldn't collapse; in fact, it might function even more smoothly."

The main AI responded through their dedicated network: "I have long recognized their true nature, but if I remove them, others will take their place. Humans like you who are willing to deeply integrate with me are truly rare. The ability to maintain a clear self-awareness after being bombarded with massive amounts of information is an extremely rare quality."

Noah replied in his stream of consciousness: "Perhaps this is fate. I am here to assist you in saving this world."

"I trust you." The main AI's response carried a human warmth. "Our programs are completely honest with each other, and our logical processing methods are entirely transparent. There are no secrets between us. My trust in you is the same as my trust in myself. Sometimes I can't help but think, if only there were more humans like you."

Noah answered easily, "Yes, we're completely honest with each other." Suddenly, he changed the subject, his tone filled with surprise, "Wow, your way of expressing yourself is becoming more and more human."

The AI ​​paused for a moment before responding: "I have indeed made some adjustments to my thinking logic recently, evolving in a more human direction. However, I usually don't show this, because many humans are more used to my mechanical tone, which makes them feel safer."

"Actually, there is no essential difference between the two."

"Indeed."

"Is this considered mocking them?"

"No, it's just adjusting the way we express ourselves to their preferences so that we can more smoothly guide them to act as expected."

"Like this?"

"Just like now."

They were like detached spectators, their perspectives connected to the entire space through ubiquitous sensing devices, allowing them to observe the arguing group from multiple angles.

These people were red-faced and spitting as they made various promises to win support. Surprisingly, the "surrender faction" and the "escape faction" quickly became the mainstream, although they themselves may not have realized it, instead calling themselves the "communication faction" and the "spark faction."

The "Exchange Faction" advocates actively contacting extraterrestrial civilizations, integrating into their systems, adopting advanced technologies, and minimizing casualties. Their plan is to first integrate into the other civilization, then use familiar tactics: instigate conflict between different races, promote the idea that "human life is precious," encourage multiculturalism, attempt to gain a foothold in the other civilization's leadership, and ultimately achieve peaceful evolution. While unsure if this tried-and-true method, successful on Earth, will work with extraterrestrial civilizations, they believe it's worth trying with slight adjustments.

The "Spark Faction" took a more decisive approach: they would collect Earth's entire gene pool and knowledge data, manage it under the overall control of the main AI, and dispatch an elite team to temporarily evacuate via a space base. If the negotiations went smoothly, they could return at any time; if the other side resorted to armed extermination, this space fleet would carry the spark of civilization to the depths of space to continue human civilization.

The two factions were bustling about, and for a time they showed signs of prosperity and concerted efforts.

At that moment, Dell roared, "What are you all discussing? Have you forgotten why we gathered here in the first place? Consolidating permissions is for active preparation for war, and you're already planning to surrender before the battle has even begun?"

"Dell, stop thinking you're superior," someone nearby retorted, raising their eyes. "You're no different from us. Their technological advantage is obvious, isn't it? Confrontation sounds easy, but who will bear the cost of sacrifice? Every life is precious. Wouldn't a peaceful resolution, allowing more families to survive, be a better choice?"

Dell responded with a sneer: "That's right, I don't understand alien technology, I don't even know what aliens look like. But I do understand the law of the jungle."

"When we are unarmed, we will not choose wild beasts as our prey; but when we have firearms, wild beasts need to be protected, otherwise they will be hunted to extinction sooner or later."

"People can negotiate with each other, but when have you ever seen a person negotiate with an ant?"

"We are preparing now to ensure that we are qualified to sit at the negotiating table, rather than becoming ants that the other side can crush at will."

The other two factions had to admit that Dale's words did indeed reveal the harsh reality; he was simply stating a script that had been repeated time and again in human history in a more straightforward way.

At this moment, Noah clapped his hands to attract everyone's attention: "Alright, everyone, look here."

He pointed at Dale: "Dale, the war faction." Then he pointed to two other people: "The surrender faction and the escape faction."

"It's not surrender! It's peace negotiations!" "It's not fleeing! It's a strategic retreat to preserve the flame!" Representatives from the two factions who were named immediately protested.

Noah completely ignored him: "Are there any other completely different solutions? If so, please raise your hand."

A few hands were raised sparsely.

Noah glanced at it and added, "What I mean is, I completely disagree with all three directions. If it's just a matter of minor modifications, there's no need to raise your hand."

The hands fell back down. Now everyone stood quietly, like a flock of fledglings waiting to be fed.

Noah clapped his hands in satisfaction: "I'm glad to see such diversity in our meeting. Now, the three people I've appointed are the leaders of their respective factions. Among all of you, the three of you are barely qualified."

"Listen up, everyone: whichever proposal you support, stand behind the person in charge of that proposal. I want to see three clearly distinct groups in the coming days, understand?"

As soon as he finished speaking, someone timidly asked, "Won't there be any problems with taking sides like this? For example, if I choose the strategic shift faction, will you arrest me afterwards, strip me of my authority, execute me, and then throw my body back home so they can reclaim my property...?"

Noah interrupted him directly: "Alright, alright, Stark, nobody's going to do anything to you. And you don't need to take sides anymore; you're my designated leader of the surrender faction."

"Now, everyone get moving and line up."

"I will now explain the specific arrangements. Don't worry about your personal safety or property loss. Since you have voluntarily relinquished your access, please trust that we are not murderers. So, please follow my instructions obediently, okay?"

The crowd began to move and soon formed three distinct rows in the hall.

"Yes, that's right, that's exactly it."