101: Chapter 101 System Awakens: Tracing the Traitor from the Sickbed, Unwavering in Protecting the Important Weapon (1)

Mu Li's consciousness trembled slightly in the boundless darkness, like a flickering candle in the wind, weak yet stubbornly refusing to extinguish.

The excruciating pain from before his coma still lingered at his nerve endings; the piercing sensation in his lumbar spine, the pulling pain from the scars on his back, and the grogginess brought on by the headache all seemed to be etched into his very bone marrow.

He struggled to gather his scattered consciousness, finally clearly recognizing a cruel fact—his physical condition was far worse than the attending physician had described, with every inch of his strained muscles and bones protesting as they neared their limit.

But he could not fall; absolutely not.

Li Mo was still on the run, like a hidden viper, ready to strike back at any moment; the conspiracy of the Overseas Forces had not been completely crushed, and the shadow of the "Dark Web Phantom" still loomed over the Nuclear Fusion Power Station; and there were those teammates who fought alongside him, as well as the project that carried the nation's hopes for new energy—all of them still needed him.

Mu Li's consciousness focused slightly, and following that faint perception, he whispered in his heart: "System?"

There was no urgent urging in his tone, only a glimmer of desperate hope, mixed with the weakness of his sick body, "Can you find a way to quickly restore a little energy? Or... temporarily suppress the pain in my body so I can clear my head and sort through the clues, even if it's just for an hour."

He did not ask for too much, knowing his current situation and understanding the system's energy limitations.

As he spoke, he subconsciously tensed his back, trying to alleviate the piercing pain, and fine, cold sweat seeped from his temples, but he didn't even have the strength to raise his hand to wipe it away, forced to let the sweat slide down his temples and soak the pillowcase.

[Energy recovery mechanism is continuously active, current recovery efficiency: 0.0001%/hour.]

The cold mechanical voice sounded in the depths of his consciousness right on time, without any excess emotional fluctuation, clearly conveying key information with a steady rhythm, [Increasing recovery efficiency can be achieved through the following channels: 1. Intake of high-energy, high-nutrient food to supplement basic bodily consumption and provide support for energy conversion; 2. Engaging in low-intensity rehabilitation training to promote metabolism and accelerate energy absorption; 3. Contact with special energy substances (currently not detected, this pathway cannot be activated for now).]

[Regarding pain suppression: It is possible to consume a trace amount of energy to activate the "Neural Analgesic Module" to temporarily block pain signal transmission. However, this module is not yet unlocked, and energy reserves must reach 5% to be temporarily activated. Current energy reserve: 0.00495%, insufficient energy to activate this module.]

The system's prompt remained straightforward, devoid of any comfort, only objectively informing him of its limitations, with no redundant information, consistently adhering to its mechanical nature.

The system's answer made a trace of disappointment flash through Mu Li's heart, but it was within reason.

He should have known that there were no free shortcuts; the damage to his body and the lack of energy could not be compensated for overnight.

The pain in his lumbar spine intensified again, as if countless steel needles were repeatedly piercing him; he couldn't help but let out a muffled groan, biting his lower lip to hold on, even his breathing became cautious, fearing that any movement would affect the affected area and worsen the pain.

He was just about to ask a few more questions to see if there were any other alternative methods, but the mechanical voice in his mind suddenly sounded again, carrying a trace of faint signal fluctuation—clearly having captured abnormal activity from the outside world.

Just as Mu Li's consciousness began to fade, the mechanical voice in his mind sounded again, with a slightly stronger signal fluctuation than before, as if it had precisely captured key external information and proactively triggered a prompt: [Detected external key information access: Host's associate Zhang Hongyuan is communicating with law enforcement personnel, with content involving Li Mo's escape, the Overseas Forces "Dark Web Phantom," and core topics such as project security checks. Initiating basic information extraction function, organizing core content... Extraction complete.]

[Key Information 1: Li Mo, former head of network security for the project, confirmed to be a mole planted by the Overseas Forces, has successfully smuggled himself out of the country, current whereabouts unknown. He is suspected of colluding with the mysterious overseas technical organization "Dark Web Phantom" to carry out multiple malicious sabotage activities against the nuclear fusion power station project, including intrusion into the master control system and interference with core equipment.]

[Key Information 2: "Dark Web Phantom," a mysterious overseas technical criminal organization, with unknown core members and hidden yet substantial funding sources, has repeatedly carried out technical intrusions and physical sabotage against core energy and military projects in countries around the world, suspected to be secretly supported by a certain overseas national energy department, with the goal of curbing the development of new energy and high-end technology in various countries.]

[Key Information 3: Currently, security measures at the nuclear fusion power station project site have been fully upgraded, with strengthened personnel vetting and equipment control, but "Dark Web Phantom" is highly likely to be planning new sabotage activities. Their specific action plans, participating personnel, and timing are all unknown, and the project still faces extremely high security risks.]

As the system extracted and broadcasted the information, these key points appeared clearly in Mu Li's mind, each word like a cold stone smashing into his heart.

His heart tightened; as expected, Li Mo's escape was just the beginning. "Dark Web Phantom" had carefully planned for so long and would never give up just because a micro-jammer was discovered and two coerced executors were caught.

But he was now covered in tubes, lying on a bed in the intensive care unit, without even the strength to raise his hand, finding it difficult even to open his eyes. How could he deal with the unknown crises to come? How could he ferret out the hidden dangers?

Urgency and powerlessness intertwined, making his chest feel tight and his breathing rapid. The heart rate curve on the monitoring device instantly showed a clear fluctuation, and the scars on his back sent waves of tearing pain due to his agitation.

He gritted his teeth hard, forcing himself to calm down, his fingertips turning pale from the force as he gripped the bedsheet beneath him.

[Detected severe emotional fluctuation in the host, with abnormal fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure; it is advised to calm down immediately to avoid increasing the physical burden and triggering a secondary coma.]

The system's mechanical voice sounded at the right time, still cold, but with a hint of warning tailored to the host's state. Without extra comfort, it focused only on core reminders, [Based on the currently extracted information and combined with the host's core demands (capturing Li Mo, protecting project safety), basic response suggestions are provided: 1. Assist law enforcement and international law enforcement organizations in locking onto Li Mo's departure trajectory and hideout, and trace "Dark Web Phantom" core clues through Li Mo; 2. Remind the team to strengthen network protection at the project site, patch the technical vulnerabilities left by the previous master control system intrusion, and prevent further network infiltration by Overseas Forces; 3. Continue to screen for potential moles within the team, focusing on personnel who have free access to core areas and contact with core data.]

Mu Li gave a faint, bitter smile in his consciousness; fatigue and a sense of powerlessness spread along his nerves. His tone was full of helplessness but contained not a single complaint, as he simply stated his predicament truthfully: "I know all of this; you don't need to remind me."

He paused, his breathing slightly unsteady, the dull pain in his chest not yet dissipated. Images of the project site flashed through his mind, adding a touch of urgency, "But I can't move now, and even speaking is difficult. These matters require the cooperation of the Technical Team and law enforcement. I am lying here in the hospital bed alone, unable to do anything, only able to watch, unable to change anything."

He struggled to turn his eyes, looking toward the nightstand, as if he could see that encrypted mobile phone carrying key clues. His eyes were full of urgency, and even though his body was in unbearable pain, he was still forcibly thinking of feasible solutions.

[Within the limits of current energy reserves, I can assist in organizing and analyzing relevant data, extracting hidden clues, and providing support for the host's associates.]

The system did not evade the host's helplessness, objectively informing him of its capability boundaries, [However, it requires access to external data terminals (such as the host's encrypted mobile phone, project database, law enforcement shared materials, etc.) to obtain basic information sources; otherwise, no analytical work can be carried out.]

Mu Li's consciousness instantly became a bit clearer, and a glimmer of light seemed to flash before his eyes.

He suddenly remembered that his encrypted mobile phone stored the project's core operating data, detailed information on all team members, some investigation materials previously shared with law enforcement, and some scattered clues about Li Mo that he hadn't had time to organize.

That mobile phone was his personal item, with an extremely high level of encryption; only he could unlock it. Even Zhang Hongyuan could only keep it for him, unable to view the contents inside.

If he could let the system access this encrypted mobile phone, perhaps he could really find some key clues that he and law enforcement had overlooked from this chaotic information, even if it was just a little bit, it could help in capturing Li Mo and crushing the conspiracy.

Thinking of this, he forced himself to hold onto his fading consciousness, silently noting in his heart that when Zhang Hongyuan came again, he must make him put the phone within his reach; even if he could only barely touch it, it would give him an extra sense of security.

Just then, the door to the intensive care unit was gently pushed open, and the attending physician in a white coat walked in with two nurses, his face showing a trace of undisguised fatigue, yet also mixed with a bit of relief.

He walked to the bedside, lowered his head to check the instruments on Mu Li, and looked at the various data on the monitor screen, then slowly spoke, his voice kept very low, fearing to disturb Mu Li who was still in a coma: "The patient is temporarily out of life-threatening danger; his heart rate and blood pressure have gradually stabilized, and his vital signs are slowly recovering."

"However, you must be careful; his body is currently very weak and excessively exhausted. He must absolutely not be subjected to any stimulation, and he must not have excessive emotional fluctuations after waking up, otherwise, he is very likely to fall into a coma again, or even aggravate the lumbar spine and cardiopulmonary injuries, making subsequent treatment even more difficult."

Zhang Hongyuan, who was guarding outside the intensive care unit, finally let his heart, which had been hanging for the entire night, relax slightly upon hearing the doctor's words.

He walked up quickly, his tone full of urgency and concern, his voice carrying a trace of imperceptible hoarseness—to handle the project's follow-up matters and cooperate with law enforcement investigations, he hadn't closed his eyes for a full day and night. His eyes were bloodshot, and his eye sockets were deeply sunken: "Doctor, thank you so much! May I ask when he will be able to wake up? We still have some very urgent matters that require him to wake up to confirm."

"It's hard to say," the doctor shook his head, his tone rigorous, "His body has been excessively exhausted, both physically and mentally, and he needs enough time to rest and recover. He might wake up this afternoon, or he might need to wait until tomorrow."

"In addition, we will further adjust the subsequent treatment plan, focusing on repairing his cardiopulmonary function and lumbar spine injuries, and relieving nerve compression. This is a long process; we cannot rush for success, we must proceed step by step."

Zhang Hongyuan nodded silently, noting the doctor's words one by one, and then asked cautiously: "Doctor, can I go in and see him? Just for a look, no talking, no touching him, absolutely not disturbing his rest, please."

The doctor hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "You can, but you can only stay for five minutes. The time cannot be too long, and you must maintain absolute quiet, without any noisy sounds, to avoid stimulating him."

Zhang Hongyuan quickly agreed and walked into the intensive care unit on tiptoe, his steps very light, almost without making a sound.

He walked slowly to the bedside, looking down at Mu Li's paper-white face—his usually calm and resolute brows and eyes were tightly closed, and his brows were slightly furrowed, as if he were enduring the intense physical pain even in his coma; there was not a trace of color on his face, his lips were chapped and peeling, and his body was covered in IV tubes, oxygen tubes, and monitoring lines. His originally upright figure now appeared exceptionally thin and fragile.

Seeing this scene, Zhang Hongyuan's eyes couldn't help but turn red, his nose tingled, his heart was full of heartache and self-reproach, and his throat choked up.

He took a black encrypted mobile phone from his pocket and placed it carefully on the nightstand by the hospital bed—this was taken from Mu Li's jacket pocket when he was sent to the hospital, and he had been keeping it close to him, fearing any mishap; he hadn't even left it behind while sleeping.

"Engineer Mu, I've put your phone here for you," Zhang Hongyuan lowered his voice, almost in a whisper, fearing to disturb Mu Li, "Rest assured, we will keep an eye on the project's affairs, and we will also fully cooperate with law enforcement to hunt down Li Mo; we will never let him go unpunished. The security and hazard checks at the site are also being pushed forward; we will never give the Overseas Forces another chance. You rest well, you must get better quickly; we are all waiting for you to come back, waiting for you to continue leading us forward."

After saying this, he took one last deep look at Mu Li, but in the end, he didn't stay any longer. He turned around gently, walked slowly out of the intensive care unit, and closed the door softly, shutting out all the noise.

After Zhang Hongyuan left, Mu Li's scattered consciousness gradually gathered. The pain in his lumbar spine struck again. He gritted his teeth and held on, without making a sound.

Just as he was about to try calling the system again, the prompt in his mind sounded proactively, accurately capturing the key signal: [Detected encrypted mobile phone signal, 0.5 meters from the host, signal stable, meets access conditions.]

After a one-second pause, the system truthfully informed him of the risk, not deliberately hiding it, nor exaggerating it, always maintaining its consistent mechanical objectivity: [Access requires consuming 0.00005% energy, current remaining energy is 0.00495%, after access, energy will drop to 0.0049%, which may affect the stability of the host's vital signs. Do you confirm access?]

Mu Li almost had no hesitation, giving a firm response in his consciousness without any dragging.

Even though his breath was still weak, his conviction was exceptionally clear: "Confirm access."

In his view, this bit of energy consumption was not worth mentioning compared to the safety of the Nuclear Fusion Power Station, compared to capturing Li Mo, and crushing the conspiracy of the "Dark Web Phantom."

Even if it would aggravate his physical pain and increase the risk of a coma, he would never retreat—this was his bottom line, and also his responsibility.

While responding, he tried to slightly turn his wrist, wanting to touch the mobile phone on the nightstand, even if it was just his fingertips touching it, it would give him an extra sense of security. But his wrist felt as heavy as if it were filled with lead; it only turned half an inch before he was swept by intense pain, and he had to stop helplessly, with a bit more cold sweat on his temples.

[Access initiated... password verification in progress...] The system's mechanical voice sounded steadily, synchronously feeding back the access progress, [Verification passed (automatically matched based on host's biological information, no need to manually enter password)... Access successful. Synchronizing all data within the encrypted mobile phone... Synchronization complete, a total of 1386 pieces of effective data extracted, including call logs, text messages, encrypted files, photos, and law enforcement shared materials, etc. Initiating data organization and classification function... Organization complete, has been classified and archived according to relevant dimensions.]

As the system prompt ended, a large amount of information instantly flooded into Mu Li's consciousness, dense and chaotic, sweeping in like a tide.

He subconsciously tensed his consciousness, trying to sort through this information, but the system had already completed the classification in sync, clearly archiving the chaotic information into "Li Mo Related," "Project Safety Related," and "Law Enforcement Investigation Related," with clear veins and at a glance, saving him a great deal of effort.

Those familiar work calls, law enforcement communication records, project parameters, and traces related to Li Mo were all clearly presented in his consciousness, within reach.

The impact of the information made his headache worse, and his vision went black in waves. He closed his eyes tightly, took several deep breaths, forced himself to hold onto his fading consciousness, and looked through the information sorted by the system one by one, fearing to miss any key detail.