Chapter 604: Talk, there is nothing that cannot be discussed
After agreeing to the invitation, Colin's eyes flashed and soon he saw a familiar and simple office appear before his eyes.
The "Ms. Rabbit" who had not been seen for a long time appeared behind the large desk.
"Please sit down." "Ms. Rabbit" said.
But just like before, she did not get up, still sitting at the table, writing all kinds of content that seemed to never end.
"What are you dealing with every day?"
Colin nodded, trying to see what the other party was dealing with. Unlike before when he couldn't see anything, he could vaguely feel that he seemed to be assigning some tasks, approving some applications for authority, or giving opinions and guidelines, etc.
It's not a very complicated thing, but it's obviously not okay if I don't deal with it...
Then, without thinking any further, Colin walked to the table, pulled out a chair and sat down.
After he sat down, he saw that "Ms. Rabbit" seemed to have finally finished the last thing at hand. Then, she looked up at him and said in the same tone as before:
"Congratulations, you've successfully become a 'Fire Embracer'."
The voice was still calm, and no other emotions could be heard.
"Thank you." Colin expressed his gratitude seriously.
"Ms. Rabbit" has made great contributions to my success. In the past, people might have thought that she had some plans, but now that he has succeeded, any plans against him are of little significance in terms of the company's authority.
At this time, without waiting for Colin to think about it, "Ms. Rabbit" said:
"After this exchange, it will be difficult for us to have similar communications in the short term..."
"Is it because of the previous expulsion mission?" Colin nodded thoughtfully. He remembered that the prerequisite for completing that mission was that "Ms. Rabbit" kicked herself out.
I don't know how the other party came up with this though...
But it must be said that unlike her meticulous temperament and quiet and peaceful tone, "Ms. Rabbit" is also quite cunning in her methods when it comes to tasks.
No matter what you do, you won't be bound by the obvious rules and regulations.
However, in the current environment of the "company", this is probably a helpless move...
"But it seems I can use my authority to directly deny the corresponding accountability?"
Colin suddenly thought, however, feedback at the inspiration level may seem possible, but given the other party's level, it would be more troublesome to do it now.
He is currently only in the process of taking over the company's authority and does not yet have full control. He needs to reach that point before he can handle the matter better.
At this moment, "Ms. Rabbit" seemed to know what he was thinking and continued, "Some things related to me have a lower priority. I can deal with them after you have fully digested the rewards of that task..."
"After digestion, you mean... after B-level?"
Seeing "Ms. Rabbit" nod, Colin thought about it and felt that it should not be difficult. He just needed to gradually take over some of the company's authority and he would naturally reach that step.
Even higher!
Because in a sense, he could almost see the top above his head.
"Besides this, is there anything else?" Colin asked curiously, sitting up straight and putting his hands on the desk.
"It's probably to provide you with some advice and guidance on what to do next, as well as answer some of your questions." "Ms. Rabbit" said directly without any beating around the bush.
…It seemed similar to previous meetings. Colin nodded and waited for the other party's opinion.
"Even now, the power of the 'Company' is still immense, but it's very fragmented and plagued by various issues... I believe you sensed this the moment you succeeded."
Seeing Colin nod, "Ms. Rabbit" continued, "Gathering them is your most important task right now. First, deal with the people around you, and then spread out step by step..."
"Before 2044, you must at least resolve the areas within the 'wall' and some important peripheral targets.
"However, the way you carry out your mission will also change. Aside from the surrounding areas, you'll mostly be able to assign personnel to carry out actions. This is because, in most cases, you'll have to respond to signals from various locations on Earth and play a symbolic role...
"Of course, the most important thing is that only by being on Earth can you better receive some core authority.
"Accepting these things is not difficult, it's just a re-certification process, but the company is too large, the corresponding content is many and complicated, and it will take some time...
"However, the time here is limited. You have about ten years. During this time, you must control at least 50 percent of the core content, especially the 'right to interpret' some of the agreements."
"So, all I have to do is take over the authority and concentrate it on me? It doesn't seem like a difficult task, but ten years? It will take that long to receive all the authority?"
As the thought flashed through Colin's mind, he was shocked. Considering the mission style of "Ms. Rabbit", this "ten years" was probably a safe bet.
If you relax a little, you may not be able to meet the requirements.
Is the company's content so vast?
Then, Colin nodded, and suddenly thought of something, and said, "Regarding some things about the 'company' itself, I'm a little confused. What exactly are those 'agreements' and where do they come from?"
There's one thing he hasn't asked yet...
Before becoming the Fire Embracer, Colin didn't feel much, but after becoming the Fire Embracer.
Colin vaguely realized that the "company" was not like a dead object, but had an indescribable vitality, especially those "agreements".
Where do these things come from, and why do even many super-level containment objects have to comply with them?
"I can't answer too many questions about this. I can utilize the protocols to a certain extent, but that doesn't mean I fully understand what they are. However, when you can steadily control all permissions, you should have a closer understanding of its specific circumstances."
"Also, speaking of my side, based on my own understanding, Bonfire's main framework is composed of various agreements centered around the 'Bonfire Agreement.' However, I'm not clear on the origins and causes of these agreements."
In a sense, she is equivalent to a computer expert, but that does not mean she has the ability to decipher things like where the sand is used on each chip.
After Ms. Rabbit gave a brief explanation, she seemed to glance at Colin:
"Also, the Bonfire Special Containment Company isn't completely dead. In some ways, it can be considered part of the First Flame. If you want to fully activate it, you need to firstly receive sufficient permissions, and secondly, you need enough firewood and manufacturing points to fully activate it..."
After a pause, she added, "As for your understanding of it, perhaps if you pronounce the full name of 'Company' a few more times, you'll have a more direct understanding."
Can you say its full name a few more times?
Colin tried to do this on the spot, and then his breathing suddenly stagnated slightly. He could feel a bloated and huge terrifying thing emerging from the depths of his heart.
Then, some inexplicable inspiration emerged...
If you think of a "company" as a person, then "First Fire" is the brain, and everything else, like protocols, is its various components...
How did the company back then come up with the "agreement"?
Colin was shocked.
At the same time, he is now basically certain that the authority of "Ms. Rabbit" is most likely around level B, but he is not sure whether the other party is "+" or "-".
In addition, the other party seems to have more than one job title, but it is also not certain what these job titles are.
And reaching the level of "Ms. Bunny"...
If he is an enemy, it seems that he has a certain right to resist even against him now.
Of course, that's not what he wants to do with "Ms. Bunny."
Instead, it made Colin realize that the authority in his hands was not so absolute.
Facing all "internal" situations, he can certainly protect himself - just like, no one dares to easily attack an "emperor", but this "emperor" also finds it difficult to do whatever he wants when facing certain powerful ministers.
Even some "ministers" may be waiting for him to "dissolve in water".
However, Colin estimated that as he was promoted steadily and step by step and had enough control, this situation would be alleviated.
After a brief exchange, "Ms. Rabbit" continued:
"This aspect will be the direction for the implementation of some practical matters in the future. Currently, you can handle many of the requests for help in a limited way. You only need to use your own authorization and open some protocols to basically solve the problem.
“So it’s not a big deal.
"The company does have some problems at the moment, but that doesn't mean we're doomed."
“This is indeed…”
Colin quite agrees with this point. The existing company's "legacy" is still huge, just like a palm, each finger may not be able to accomplish anything on its own.
But if you clench your fingers into a fist, the situation will be very different.
Then, "Ms. Rabbit" spoke about something that interested Colin.
"When you've finished investigating the surrounding areas and have spare energy, perhaps you could try to conduct some investigations into the 'Script City'..."
"'Script City'?" Colin narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Yes." "Ms. Rabbit" nodded, and then gave him a further introduction to this thing.
"'Script City' is also an important contingency plan launched by a giant to deal with '2044'. Although I'm not clear on the specific arrangements, I can sense that when 'First Flame' appears, its importance will increase. It will be our next goal..."
"Also, you should be able to sense that your Fire Bearer's power is indeed very strong. What you can currently display is incomplete due to the lack of certain systems and inheritances."
"And 'Script City' is like a company's 'black box', preserving all of the company's extraordinary paths back then, as well as a lot of props and technology, etc. Of course, some things may be lost, but it is definitely more complete than what is outside."
"However, due to some reasons, it has been completely sealed off and hidden. If you want to find it, it may take some effort..."
In the slow narration of "Ms. Rabbit", "Script City" is an ultra-large complex world that seems like some kind of independent microcosm.
It is increasing every moment and also being destroyed every moment.
According to the survey feedback Colin and some employees received after their actions inside.
The situation inside may not be very clear.
If possible...
They must intervene as much as possible to ensure that the results of those arrangements favor them, and not leave them alone and allow them to become a hindrance to other things.
"I'll definitely look into it."
As Colin spoke, he thought of how Mr. Wu had connected the "destiny threads" of a large number of people who had been injured in disasters.
So many people are involved...
Colin couldn't just ignore it.
Of course, after hearing what "Ms. Rabbit" said, he had a few more reasons to leave, whether for the resources or the personnel involved.
Then, "Ms. Bunny" gave some other directions.
"In addition, there are also related 'small garden worlds'. These have different functions from 'numbered worlds'. In the past, they were mostly used for the company's experimental research on various matters..."
"Currently, there are approximately 39 'Hand-Drawn Garden Worlds' still in existence, five of which have relatively complete systems of various types."
"The First, Third, and Sixteenth are all under control, and a considerable portion of the 'Zoo' Army is stationed there. I will transfer the corresponding command to you."
"The other thirty-six, including the 'Seventh Box Garden World' you visited, a total of twelve have been pacified by the 'Zoo' army. However, they have only been pacified, and there is no time to carry out further follow-up work..."
"The 'Hokuniwa World' can be reached via the 'Mist Train' protected by the 'First Flame'."
"Well, when the 'Mist Train' was transferred a few years ago, most of the survivors were sent to those three worlds. The number of people who were successfully transferred was approximately 122.12 million..."
"Also, there are several dangerous worlds in the 'Hidden World'. If you can't resolve them, you can seal them with the 'First Flame' and put them aside for the time being ..."
"Once the operation begins, you can use them as your bases and launch recapture operations against the star regions within the 'wall'..."
"Ms. Rabbit" spoke in an orderly manner, and without much nostalgia, handed over the command of the "army" in her hands to Colin.
Afterwards, even with the help of "inspiration", it took another seven or eight hours for "Ms. Rabbit" to roughly state her opinions on the relevant actions.
The other party gave him as detailed opinions and plans as possible for every subsequent area and every direction of action. It was so detailed that Colin even had some ideas.
"It seems that 'Ms. Rabbit' may not be able to make any further arrangements in the short term."
Colin inexplicably felt a sense of anxiety.
However, the other party seemed not to care about these things and said: "The corresponding arrangements are roughly these. There are some more things. I will send them to you in other ways at the right time..."
"Hmm..." Colin nodded, and couldn't help but smile when he thought about what he was going to do.
"It feels like I've opened a new Bonfire Shelter."
"In a sense, it's true. As the current owner of the right to interpret 'First Fire,' if you wish, you can even change the name of 'Bonfire Shelter Company' to 'Bonfire Kindergarten' or something like that..."
Ms. Rabbit seemed to be making a rare joke, but her tone remained calm and serious, which made Colin a little unsure.
Of course, if the other party reminds you now to set up a "new 'Bonfire Shelter Company'" and have two, no, more people in charge, remember not to be near the river and remember to wear a helmet.
Only then could Colin be sure that the other party was joking...
At this time, "Ms. Rabbit" was heard saying, "The road to B-level is smooth. When you finally obtain A-level authority as a 'Fire Bearer', the authority you hold will surpass that of the three former giants..."
"Surpass the Big Three?" Colin was surprised.
"Yes. Actually, now you are no longer inferior to them in terms of status and respect. For you, all that remains is to avoid accidents and gain more time."
"This level of attention refers to how many people want to kill me..."
Colin muttered to himself, then remembered something and his expression became serious.
"There's one thing about the Fire Bearers that I'm confused about. Previously, I felt like the First Fire seemed to be coming for the first time. So what happened to those former Fire Bearers?"
Facing Colin's question, "Ms. Rabbit" seemed to think for a moment before speaking:
"As far as I know, although people generally believe that the 'First Fire' has arrived, in fact, there are some uncertain news in some higher-level circles...
"And considering your feedback, this news may indeed be true. That is, the 'First Flame' did not descend, but during that period, perhaps due to in-depth research into 'human nature,' or for some other reasons I'm unsure of, its power did appear, leading to the birth of the 'Fire Bearer'...
"However, because the 'First Fire' seemed to have never arrived, a small number of people believed it was some kind of 'imaginary' force. Although powerful, it wasn't real enough.
“That’s why many people don’t support it.”
The corresponding topics are generally taboos within the company, but it is obvious.
Now, with Colin's identity, there is nothing he cannot know unless it is lost or simply does not exist.
In short: talk, there is nothing that cannot be discussed.
After thinking about it for a while but finding nothing, Colin couldn't help but sigh: "There are still so many secrets in the past..."
I'm afraid that the relevant clues can only be understood bit by bit as he is promoted.
However, the "Ms. Rabbit" sitting opposite him suddenly spoke in a strange tone, not quite sure, after hearing his words:
"We may not be the past..."
"Ah?" Colin was stunned. If it wasn't the past, then what else could it be?
However, "Ms. Rabbit" said uncertainly, "You can temporarily consider the present to be the 'future,' but don't cling to this idea. Because I, or the 'previous generation' in your perception, may not be in the past..."
"Can you explain it more clearly?" Colin scratched the back of his head.
However, the other party just shook his head, saying that this was just a spiritual intuition when he heard his words.
It’s neither the future nor the past. Could it be a parallel universe or something?
Colin asked, but it didn't seem like it.
"By the way, I learned from some channels that your current condition seems to be very special?" Colin began to ask cautiously directly to "Ms. Rabbit".
This topic is relatively sensitive, just like telling Liu Yun in person that her dream is fake.
God knows what adverse consequences may arise...
"Well, from my perspective, I feel that although I am me now, I am not real enough..." "Ms. Rabbit" said something that in Colin's opinion, the Riddler's level is no worse than "Future Present".
"What do you mean by 'time' and 'space'?" Colin thought about it and tried to remind him.
"Maybe. The only thing I can be sure of is that I and some other beings, whether friends or foes, are currently severely affected by the Deus Ex Machina. Some people call those of us the Unreturned Ones outside of Time and Space..."
"Deus Ex Machina"?
Ke Lin pinched his forehead. The culprit, "Boss Huang He", had made a big move and disappeared. Then, no one knew whether he was still alive or not...
At this time, "Ms. Rabbit" continued to speak openly about the intelligence she had obtained: "However, when the 'First Flame' lights up, we so-called 'Never Returned' will gradually return. When that time comes, perhaps I can tell you more. Of course, you must also be careful then, as many real troubles will also return..."
"All right……"
Colin nodded and didn't ask any more questions about it.
Then, he thought for a moment and changed the subject: "By the way, there's one more thing I want to know about the 'non-existent hospital'."
In the early stages of a disaster, this "hospital" can be visited through active tasks.
As a result, some employees had to escape from the desperate situation.
Colin estimated that the "Never Give Up" might have contributed a little...
But since the catastrophe, it suddenly disappeared without a trace, and even some messages on the forum seemed to have been cleared. So far, Colin has not sensed where the "hospital" world is, so he wants to find out the situation.
However, after listening to Colin's words, "Ms. Rabbit" suddenly asked another question:
"Can you tell me verbally what happened in the 'non-existent hospital'?"
Seeing the attitude of "Ms. Rabbit", Colin realized that something might be wrong. He nodded and recounted everything that had happened in detail...
When everything was said, Colin saw that "Ms. Rabbit" was silent for a while.
Then, I heard the other party say:
"During the time you were carrying out the 'Non-Existent Hospital' incident, for some reason, I didn't issue any additional side quests other than those related to the main mission, nor did I provide you with the drug called 'Cyanide Injection O-1 Enhanced Customized'..."
Hearing this, Colin was stunned, and a chill of fear surged in his heart.
"If it wasn't you who issued the side quest, then... who could it be?"
