While the data streamed, Carol ran a de‑compression algorithm. The files opened to reveal a trove of research: a breakthrough quantum‑entanglement communication protocol, capable of transmitting data instantaneously across any distance. The protocol had been codenamed “He Si” after its creator’s pseudonym, a former Tianhe scientist who had gone underground after realizing the dangerous potential of the technology.
The notes also included a warning:
“If this falls into the wrong hands, it could be weaponized to cripple entire nations. The core must be destroyed if we cannot secure it.”
Si Mei glanced at the timestamp on the original file: 2024‑08‑23 23:59. The clock on the server was ticking down. They had less than ten minutes before the core’s built‑in self‑destruct sequence would erase everything.
Xiuren stared at the glowing server. “We can’t just hand this over to any government. They’ll weaponize it. But we can’t let it be destroyed either—this could be the key to a new era of secure communication.”
Qing placed a hand on his shoulder. “We have to protect it. Keep it out of the shadows, but make sure it’s used responsibly.”
After a tense silence, Zhou Yan typed a command. The server’s encryption keys were re‑wrapped in a multi‑layered, quantum‑resistant algorithm only the Midnight Cipher crew could unlock. They then split the data into three parts:
The self‑destruct sequence was halted, and the core’s physical form was sealed in a lead‑lined container, to be stored in a neutral, undisclosed location.
In a cramped apartment on the 12th floor of an aging Shanghai high‑rise, Xiuren Gao stared at the blinking cursor on his laptop. The screen displayed a single line of encrypted text:
[Report‑9061] 20240823 – “The Hei‑Si Incident”
It was a file that had mysteriously appeared in his encrypted inbox that morning, marked with a red warning flag. He’d never seen the sender’s name—just a string of random characters—yet something in the header made his pulse quicken: a faint signature of He Si (黑丝), a codename whispered only in the deepest corners of the underground data‑hacker community.
He turned the chair around and saw his roommate, Qing Xie, already perched on the edge of the couch, clutching a steaming mug of jasmine tea.
“Did you get the package?” she asked, eyes narrowed.
Xiuren shook his head. “No—just a ghost file. But the timestamp says 2024‑08‑23, exactly now. And the number—9061—matches the case we were told to keep an eye on.”
Qing’s eyebrows rose. “The one with the missing data‑core from the Tianhe Institute?”
“Exactly. And there’s a name—‘Zhen Tu.’” Xiuren pointed at the screen. “We need to find her.”
The team split into two groups.
Zhou Yan pulled out a portable magnetic screwdriver. With a soft click, the lock disengaged, revealing a small, black case—the missing data‑core from the Tianhe Institute. Inside lay a series of micro‑SD cards, each etched with a tiny, glowing symbol resembling a black silk thread—the He Si signature.
Just as they lifted the case, a distant horn sounded. A security drone, likely deployed by the Institute, hovered overhead, its infrared sensors scanning for heat signatures.
Xix Hei launched a counter‑measure: a custom EMP burst from a handheld device, temporarily disabling the drone’s sensors. The drone sputtered, then crashed into the river with a splash.
The team hurried back to the warehouse, the core clutched tight. Tui loaded the micro‑SD cards into a ruggedized server and began the upload to their secure cloud.