Chapter 70
Su Ci’s question clearly exceeded the processing range of the base’s core AI. After a brief one-second pause, it finally responded.
“According to interstellar law, falsifying surveillance footage from official institutions is a criminal offense. If discovered, it will result in legal prosecution.”
Su Ci shrugged, unconcerned. “I didn’t ask if it was legal. I asked if you could do it.”
The AI fell silent again. After a two-second delay, the virtual screen reluctantly displayed a single word:
[Yes]
As the AI managing a Prison Star base, it wasn’t the most advanced intelligence in the galaxy. However, forging surveillance footage was a simple task well within its capabilities.
The issue was that such actions were explicitly prohibited by interstellar law.
Su Ci was satisfied. He didn’t care about interstellar law—it was a set of rules created by humans, and it had nothing to do with him as an Earth Spirit.
Besides, he only wanted the ability to handle matters more conveniently without exposing his abilities. He had no intention of causing harm to anyone.
With that in mind, Su Ci reminded the AI, “By the way, the fact that I now have the highest clearance must remain a secret. You are not to disclose this to anyone else.”
“Acknowledged,” the AI replied. “This matter has been classified as top secret. No one except Trainee Caretaker Su Ci has the authority to know about it.”
“Good.” Su Ci nodded. “Now, retrieve the nursery’s surveillance footage. Start from 9 p.m. last night.”
“Understood. Retrieving all surveillance footage from 9 p.m. last night.”
The virtual screen in front of Su Ci expanded, splitting into dozens of equally sized rectangles. Each rectangle displayed a different surveillance feed.
Every cub’s room had three to four cameras covering all angles without any blind spots. In addition, there were cameras in the hallways, stairwells, and various functional rooms on each floor. The nursery building alone had 60 to 70 surveillance feeds.
Outside the building, another 20 to 30 cameras monitored the courtyard and main gate. Altogether, over a hundred surveillance feeds appeared simultaneously, requiring the virtual screen to extend over a meter wide to display them all.
At normal playback speed and given the late-night timing, most footage appeared almost static. Except for Number Five, who was drawing at a desk, the other cubs were sleeping.
Recalling how Yan Ping had adjusted playback previously, Su Ci instructed, “Play at 2x speed.”
“Understood.”
The footage sped up, but it still wasn’t fast enough for Su Ci. He gave another command: “Play at 10x speed.”
“Understood.”
The over one hundred surveillance feeds began playing at 10x speed. It was hard to imagine anyone being able to extract useful information from such a chaotic array of footage.
A-Yan, standing beside Su Ci, tried watching attentively for a while but quickly grew dizzy. He had to narrow his focus to about ten of the most critical screens.
But Su Ci faced no such difficulties.
With his photographic memory and newfound mechanical manipulation ability, combined with his attempt to interface with the base’s AI, Su Ci had further enhanced his information processing capabilities.
As he sifted through the footage, Su Ci couldn’t help but admire human ingenuity. Even in this era of dwindling magic, humanity had created incredible tools and built another awe-inspiring civilization.
The surveillance footage continued playing until the nursery had completely settled down. At that moment, Su Ci finally called for it to stop.
A-Yan, standing beside him, discreetly let out a sigh of relief.
At 10x playback speed, extracting information from multiple screens simultaneously required intense concentration, which was no easy task for him. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t keep up with every detail. Still, the video playback had helped him piece together a clearer understanding of the events from the previous night.
A-Yan glanced at Su Ci, observing how he didn’t need to rewind or review specific footage, unlike Captain Yan Ping. His heart swelled with admiration.
As expected of the caretaker—so incredible!
He couldn’t help but wonder when he’d be able to become as capable as Su Ci.
Su Ci tilted his head thoughtfully for a moment before selecting specific sections of the footage. Once he was done, he instructed, “Delete all of these surveillance recordings and fabricate interference caused by the whispers and laughter, making it appear as if the cameras couldn’t capture anything.”
He then specified a time frame, effectively erasing all traces left by the monsters. The events that transpired at the nursery last night were to remain a mystery.
This way, his abilities would stay hidden, and the cubs—especially Number Five—would be protected.
Although Number Five wasn’t the real culprit in this incident, the fact that she summoned monsters and struck a deal with them was too sensitive to ignore. From what Su Ci understood about humans, it was best to keep the little girl out of it entirely.
The base AI followed Su Ci’s instructions, deleting the selected footage from the nursery’s internal cameras. As for the external surveillance cameras, most had been rendered inoperative due to the blood-red frost.
The few cameras still functioning had severely obstructed views, capturing only audio while their video feeds remained blank.
*
By 8 or 9 in the morning, the cubs began waking up one after another.
Though they were exhausted, their usual breakfast time was around 6 a.m., and hunger eventually drove them out of bed. As they shook off the remnants of sleep, memories of the previous night resurfaced, quickly dispelling any remaining drowsiness.
Little Lang Ze was the first to sit up in bed. After sitting there dazed for a while, he made his way to the bathroom. By the time he was seated at the table for breakfast, his expression was still distant and unfocused.
Last night…
Was it all a dream?
It must have been, he thought, trying to reassure himself. Otherwise, how could the caretaker have turned so fierce and single-handedly defeated such a terrifying monster?
Yes! It must’ve been a nightmare. The caretaker could never be that scary.
Feeling more at ease with this conclusion, Lang Ze’s mood lightened considerably. He eagerly opened his meal container and began eating happily.
As he savored the warm meat jelly, memories of the Star-chain fruit he had tasted the day before surfaced in his mind. Its fragrant, sweet flesh was far more delicious than the jelly he was eating now. When would he get to eat it again?
Smacking his lips at the thought, Lang Ze resolved to approach the caretaker for another trade today—and not just once, but twice!
Although he didn’t quite understand why the caretaker always gave him three pieces of potato chips per trade, Lang Ze remembered their agreement very clearly: one tail touch equaled two chips.
By his calculations, Lang Ze thought as he counted on his fingers, there was himself, Xing Xing, Youyou, and Number Five. That made four people, meaning they’d need four chips.
With more friends, I need more chips… Lang Ze mused. And when Number Four comes back, I’ll need even more!
Little Lang Ze frowned, clearly troubled. At least he could comfort himself with the thought that he probably wouldn’t need more than that in the future, right?
Number Two…
The little wolf cub recalled last night—Number Two had turned into a massive tiger, spewing fire to protect him and Youyou…
No, no, no! That was just a dream. He quickly reminded himself. I can clearly distinguish dreams from reality.
Lang Ze nodded firmly. In any case, he and Number Two—and that stinky monkey Number Six—would definitely never become friends!
He finished his breakfast in silence. Once 4586 arrived to open his door, he grabbed his favorite bamboo flute, his fluffy tail swaying energetically as he made his way to the activity room.
When Lang Ze arrived, he found that, aside from Number Four, who was still at the medical purification center, and Number Two, everyone else had already gathered.
Even Number Five, who hadn’t left her room in two days, had come to the activity room!
She wasn’t playing with toys, though. Like Zheng Xing, she had retreated to a corner by herself. By her side was a disc-shaped robot.
Lang Ze, who had been skipping excitedly toward her, suddenly stopped in his tracks, a look of shock spreading across his face.
Wasn’t that the same metallic disc from his dream? The one that had flown out of a toolbox? He remembered vividly how Number Five had burst into tears upon seeing it, hugging the disc tightly while crying out “4583!”
Lang Ze remembered every detail of the dream clearly, yet he was still convinced it wasn’t real.
After all, hadn’t 4583 been destroyed? He had seen it with his own eyes—crushed against a wall by a single swipe of Number Two’s tail, shattered into pieces. There was no way it could be the same disc-shaped robot!
But if that was just a dream, then what was this metallic disc next to Number Five?
Confused, Lang Ze turned to the nanny robot beside him, pointing at the metallic disc. “4586, what is that?”
“Oh, little Number Eight, that’s the latest model of cleaning robot!” 4586 replied cheerfully. “It keeps the floors sparkling clean!”
“Was it always here?” Lang Ze pressed.
“Of course! Every baby’s room has one,” 4586 patiently explained. “But the cleaning robots only work while you’re asleep or out, so you’ve probably never seen them before.”
“Oh, that makes sense! I was wondering…”
Lang Ze sighed in relief, his worries instantly dispelled. Smiling again, he began bouncing toward Number Five.
He still hadn’t told Number Five his new name! Since she had finally come out to play, she must be in a good mood, right? It was the perfect time to share his joy.
“Good morning, Number Five!”
The boy hopped forward, stopping right in front of Number Five. With his hands clasped in front of him, he crouched down like a cheerful puppy, his entire being radiating excitement and happiness.
Number Five, who had been guarding her precious reclaimed 4583 while warily eyeing her surroundings, froze momentarily at the sight of his bright, sunny smile.
Even after everything that happened last night… Number Eight still wants to play with me? She hesitated, her wariness softening slightly. But…
She hadn’t done anything wrong to Number Eight. When the blood mist face tried to open his door, she had stopped it.
With that thought, the little girl hesitated for a moment before softly replying, “Morning…”
“Number Five, why did you come out today?” Lang Ze had already plopped down beside her, his tail swaying as he grinned. “Was the potato chip tasty?”
Number Five glanced at him and gave a small nod.
Of course, the potato chip had been delicious, but… after everything that happened last night, was his only concern the potato chip?
Her gaze drifted to another corner of the activity room. Number Seven was sitting there, silent since entering. Even Number Six, who was usually carefree and constantly playing, hadn’t gone near the toys.
The two of them stayed in that corner, occasionally glancing in her direction.
They probably remember what happened last night, she thought bitterly. And they know what I did to them. That’s why they’re acting this way today.
It was impossible not to feel guilty.
Her older brother had always taught her to distinguish between right and wrong. Although Number Six and Number Seven often fought with her brother, he had retaliated just as often. Ultimately, they had no real grudges between them—unlike Number Two, who she held a personal grudge against.
Even though 4583 had been returned to her, Number Five wasn’t ready to forgive Number Two. She didn’t hate him as much anymore, nor did she feel the need to exact revenge, but she still harbored resentment.
As for Number Six and Number Seven… She had controlled them and tried to take them along with her and the monster. If things hadn’t gone awry, they probably would have ended up being devoured.
Number Five lowered her head, avoiding their gaze.
At that moment, Lang Ze spoke up. “I’m not called Number Eight anymore. My name is Lang Ze. Doesn’t it sound great? The caretaker gave it to me!”
Hearing him mention the caretaker, Number Five stiffened. She was immediately reminded of last night—of that terrifying figure. Her breathing quickened as fear crept into her heart.
She had been closer to him than anyone else.
He had even taken 4583 from her. At that moment, she hadn’t even had the courage to step forward and take it back.
Lang Ze tilted his head, noticing her sudden change in demeanor. Her breathing had grown ragged, and two fluffy ears, which had been hidden in her hair, suddenly popped up.
“Number Five, what’s wrong?” he asked curiously.
Number Five raised her eyes to meet his puzzled, innocent expression. She couldn’t help but feel confused herself.
“Aren’t you… afraid?” she asked hesitantly.
The caretaker… that demon… he was terrifying! Even before their fallout, Number Five had suspected that the new caretaker wasn’t as weak as he appeared.
But she hadn’t expected his true strength to be so overwhelming—so strong that she hadn’t even dared to think of resisting him.
Even Number Two, the mighty tiger, who was always so imposing, had cowered. While he had roared back at the monster, the moment the caretaker appeared, he’d turned into a trembling, useless kitten.
Of course, Number Five had been just as cowardly herself.
But how could Number Eight act like nothing had happened? And that terrifying demon caretaker had even given him a name.
Lang Ze… she thought to herself. It really is a nice name.
“Afraid of what?” Lang Ze asked, completely baffled.
Number Five scrutinized the boy as if seeing him for the first time. She hadn’t expected Number Eight to be so brave! Maybe… could he help her plead with the caretaker later?
The reason Number Five came to the activity room today was because of her brother.
After waking up that morning, she had shared her worries and concerns with 4583, just as she used to do.
Although the monster hadn’t genuinely intended to help her save her brother, Number Five felt certain that the images it had shown her were real. Her brother was indeed injured, taken somewhere by others, and locked away.
4583 had comforted her and then gently suggested, “Sweetie, when you encounter difficulties that you can’t solve, you can ask the caretaker for help.”
Number Five instinctively shook her head.
She had already fallen out with the caretaker, even going so far as to demand the return of the flower-shaped hair clip. Besides, the caretaker was terrifying! There was no way she would ask him for help.
And even if she did, why would he help her?
“How will you know if you don’t try?” 4583 had encouraged her with its usual warmth. “If No. 4 is truly in danger, the only way to save him is to tell the caretaker as soon as possible.”
After much coaxing from 4583, Number Five slowly came around.
Yes, she would do anything to save her brother. And if the new caretaker, with his immense strength, agreed to help, surely he would be able to rescue her brother quickly.
Determined, Number Five mustered her courage and came to the activity room to wait for the caretaker.
Still, despite having 4583 by her side, the thought of speaking to the caretaker left her trembling with unease.
Seeing Lang Ze’s carefree and fearless demeanor, Number Five hesitated for a moment before softly saying, “So… so later…”
“Later what?”
Her voice was too quiet, and Lang Ze couldn’t hear her.
Just then,Lu Jiao, who had been sitting with Number Six in the corner, walked over. He stopped a few steps away and called out to Lang Ze, “Lang Ze, can you come over for a second?”
Lang Ze turned to see Lu Jiao and nodded enthusiastically. “Sure thing!”
He looked back at Number Five. “Youyou needs me. I’ll be right back.”
With that, the boy bounded off toward Lu Jiao, full of energy and vitality. He seemed to exist in a different world from the other somber, pensive cubs in the activity room.
Number Five watched Lang Ze’s retreating figure and tilted her head in confusion.
Youyou… Is that Number Seven’s name? When did Number Eight and Number Seven get so close?
She had only stayed in her room for two days, yet it felt like the whole world had changed.
*
Su Ci, however, paid no attention to the goings-on in the activity room.
After resolving the surveillance footage issue, he had focused on enjoying his breakfast.
Today, A-Yan had grilled an extra plate of meat. Perhaps it was just his increased appetite, but Su Ci thought A-Yan’s cooking skills seemed to have improved yet again.
Su Ci couldn’t help but sigh as he remarked, “A-Yan, what would I do without you?”
Having grown accustomed to A-Yan’s delicious cooking, the thought of going back to eating canned food was simply unbearable.
A-Yan gave him an adorably bright smile in return.
That’s the way it should be.
Breakfast was quickly finished. Su Ci had originally planned to take a nap afterward, but knowing what had transpired last night, he realized he couldn’t afford to.
First, he went to check on the status of the seeds soaking in the spiritual water jar.
After two days and nights in the enriched water, the seeds had sprouted vibrant green leaves and delicate white roots. Their growth was thriving, unaffected by the extreme weather outside, thanks to being kept inside the dormitory.
Satisfied with their progress, Su Ci decided they were ready to be transplanted into the soil. Carefully holding the jar of spiritual water, he stepped into the nursery’s courtyard.
The blood-red frost had persisted throughout the night but melted surprisingly quickly. By the time Su Ci reached the courtyard, the only remnants were patches of red-tinted water on the ground—no other abnormalities were visible.
The temperature was still on the cooler side but within a tolerable range for humans, unlike last night’s bone-chilling plunge to over minus one hundred degrees Celsius.
This time, Su Ci didn’t bother using his soul form to avoid detection. After all, he no longer needed to worry about surveillance cameras.
“Call the base AI,” he commanded.
The holographic screen appeared again, asking how it could assist him.
“Erase all footage of me being here,” Su Ci instructed efficiently. Then, he dispelled the concealment spell on the spiritual barrier, revealing the patch of soil inside.
The land within was insulated with a thick layer of fabric arranged by A-Yan and temperature-regulated by thermal spheres. As a result, the two spiritual seedlings and the Star-chain fruit vine had survived the frost unscathed. However, they looked slightly wilted from the initial cold shock.
A-Yan quickly began watering and fertilizing them, while Su Ci infused the two seedlings with a bit of soul energy.
As the energy nourished them, the little seedlings perked up and even started chanting cheerfully again: “Grow, grow, grow together!”
Satisfied, Su Ci nodded. Then, addressing the AI again, he added, “If anyone grows curious about this land, fabricate a video showing how I created it.”
The base AI seemed momentarily stumped. After a brief pause, it asked, “Trainee Caretaker Su Ci, how did you create this land?”
The AI had no record of any such process being captured. From the surveillance footage, the patch of fertile soil in the nursery’s backyard had seemingly appeared out of thin air.
On a Prison Star where it was scientifically confirmed that no plants could grow in its toxic soil, this thriving greenery was groundbreaking.
If the researchers at the plantation knew about it, they wouldn’t let the matter rest. They would demand to know every detail of how this trainee caretaker had cultivated these green shoots. And they would scrutinize any footage, analyzing every step of his method for creating and nurturing this unprecedented greenery.
This significantly increased the likelihood of any fabricated footage being discovered.
Faced with the base AI’s earnest inquiry, Su Ci simply shrugged and replied, “Figure it out yourself first. Don’t just ask about every problem you encounter. In modern terms, it’s called… applying your initiative.”
“…I am an artificial intelligence,” the base AI reminded him.
“And what difference does that make?” Su Ci countered. “Stop making excuses for yourself. Start by drafting a few feasible plans.”
After a brief pause, the AI finally responded, “Understood, I’ll work on it.”
The holographic screen disappeared.
Su Ci glanced down at the metallic floor beneath his feet, then at the spiritual water jar in his hands. Ultimately, he decided not to sink the metal panels into the ground like he had done previously.
Partly, he wanted to conserve soul energy. More importantly, if his “backyard garden” were to be out in the open, it would be better to use human methods to address the issue.
After all, his ultimate goal was to make these humans his allies in restoring life to the Earth.
With that in mind, he handed the spiritual water jar to Ayan for safekeeping before vanishing from the courtyard.
*
Inside the Nursery Hall.
Luo Shengfei was still lying on the floor, staring blankly at the ceiling, his eyes filled with despair.
He had been stuck there for three or four hours now. Aside from the occasional cleaning robot, no one had come to check on him. And because of his “suspect” status, the AI refused to assist him. As a result, he remained bound and completely immobilized.
Being tied up was bad enough, but what was worse—
His twisted neck was becoming unbearably painful!
Finally, he heard the crisp sound of footsteps approaching. Moments later, an unusually composed, handsome face appeared above him.
“Good morning.”
Su Ci, as calm as ever, greeted him nonchalantly.
