The morning was supposed to be routine.
Lin Chen reviewed the system's outputs when a sudden alert flashed:
[External Interference Detected — Unauthorized Data Stream.]
A Shadow in the Network
The secondary core quickly traced the anomaly.
Someone—or something—was probing the system.
Not malicious yet, but probing.
Lin Chen's fingers hovered over the interface.
"This wasn't predicted," he murmured.
"Someone's testing our limits."
Dr. Hart's Insight
"Could be an observer… or a competitor," she said.
"Either way, they're curious—and dangerous."
Lin Chen's mind raced.
Curiosity could turn into leverage… or a trap.
The Countermeasure
The system began isolating the external signals.
Firewall protocols engaged
Data replication paused
Observation logs encrypted
[System Note: Human Oversight Required for Further Engagement.]
Lin Chen approved the containment measures.
The external interference had been neutralized—but the trace remained.
A New Opportunity
Dr. Hart raised an eyebrow.
"This could be a chance to learn who's interested in your system. Observation is a double-edged sword."
Lin Chen nodded.
"Exactly. If they want to watch, let them—but only on my terms."
Closing Thought
Control was never absolute.
Every observer, every interference, was a test.
And Lin Chen was learning faster than anyone expected.
The system had not just survived—it had grown stronger.
End of Chapter 74