6: Chapter 6 Data Undercurrents

**"Verification."**

The cold, synthesized electronic voice was like an invisible needle piercing into Lin Feng's consciousness. It was devoid of emotion or fluctuation—just pure, mechanical inquiry.

Verification? Verifying what? Identity? A password? That mysterious orderly had only given him a location, but no passkeys!

Cold sweat instantly drenched his back. He could feel an invisible, icy scanning sensation enveloping him through that scrap cable bollard, analyzing his biological signatures and brainwave frequencies. If there were the slightest error in his response, this fragile connection would be severed in an instant.

>> ETA: 10H 17M 4S

In the corner of his vision, the crimson countdown ticked ruthlessly, reminding him of the approaching crisis.

What should he do? Force a breach? His ability might be able to do it, but that would take time, and it certainly wouldn't be quiet!

In a flash, acting on a desperate impulse to risk it all, Lin Feng poured all his will into that weak "connection" and sent his most honest, most desperate "verification" message—

**"I need help! I'm being tracked. I need concealment. I need resources!"**

No identity, no password—only naked distress and a plea for help. It was less a verification and more a desperate cry.

Silence.

The cold scanning sensation stalled. The synthesized voice in his mind also went silent. There was only the monotonous sound of waves crashing against the rocks.

Just as Lin Feng thought the connection was about to break—

>> Verification...Accepted.

>> Criteria Met: High-Urgency, High-Risk Profile.

>> Welcome to Data Stream, Seeker.

The synthesized voice spoke again. The tone hadn't changed at all, but the content made Lin Feng's nearly suffocating heart start beating again!

He passed?! This ridiculous "verification" actually worked?

Before he could think further, a complex yet orderly flow of information poured into his consciousness like a gentle stream. It was no longer chaotic noise, but categorized "entries" shimmering with faint light.

**[Knowledge Exchange]: Seeking specific algorithm optimization solutions. Reward: Tech sharing or custom tools.**

**[Data Recovery]: Assist in recovering data from damaged storage devices. Reward: 3,000 Cr.**

**[System Testing]: Recruiting volunteers to test new firewall strength. Reward: 5,000 Cr + vulnerability report.**

**[Information Gathering]: Collect public network node data from specific areas. Reward: Settled by data volume, approx. 1,500 Cr/unit.**...

The information was diverse, but all centered around technology, data, and knowledge exchange, filled with a low-key and pragmatic atmosphere. It was like a hidden tech bazaar beneath the mainstream network, where participants seemed to focus more on practical problems and solutions.

Lin Feng felt a surge of amazement; this was completely different from what he had imagined. He forced himself to concentrate, filtering out tasks that required a specific technical background or long periods of being online.

His goal was clear and urgent: get credits as quickly and safely as possible, and preferably complete it remotely!

>> Filtering...Task-Type: Data_Processing / Remote_Access. Reward: Immediate.

Following his will, the information flow quickly settled, leaving only a few entries that met his requirements shimmering with light.

One entry, marked "Urgent" and "High Return," caught his attention.

**[Urgent Commission]: Process a batch of backlogged sensor log data (Source: Civilian infrastructure monitoring), perform anomaly pattern screening and preliminary categorization. Large data volume, requires efficient algorithm support. Quote: 12,000 Cr (40% upfront, remainder paid upon acceptance). Warning: Data processing must comply with "Data Anonymization Security Regulations."**

Processing sensor logs? Anomaly pattern screening? This looked like a legitimate, technical outsourcing job, just posted through this special channel. The reward was quite generous, and the upfront percentage was high.

The client seemed to be in a hurry and required compliance with security regulations, which reduced the risk to some extent. Although the term "anomaly pattern" made his heart tighten slightly, the overall feel was much safer than facing a criminal mission.

>> ETA: 10H 05M 11S...

Time was running out.

Do it? Or not?

Lin Feng's breathing became heavy. Finally, a flash of determination crossed his eyes. There was no turning back!

He concentrated, locked onto that task entry, and sent the mental command to accept.

>> Accepting Task: [URGENT] Sensor_Log_Data_Processing.

>> Transmitting Anon_Identity_Key...

>> Prepayment Received: 4,800.00 Cr. (To: Data Stream_Encrypted Escrow)

Almost the moment he accepted the task, a massive, structured stream of data poured in—it was the anonymized, voluminous sensor log data packets, along with clear processing requirements and format specifications.

The real challenge was only just beginning.

Lin Feng leaned against the cold, rusted container and slowly slid down to sit on the ground, preventing himself from collapsing due to nervous exhaustion. He closed his eyes and sank his entire consciousness into that ocean of code and data.

>> Accessing Data Packet.

>> Volume: Significant. Structure: Standardized. Anonymization: Verified.

>> Task: Pattern_Filtering (Anomaly_Detection) & Preliminary_Categorization.

>> Deploying Standard_Analysis_Algorithm...

Blue characters flowed across his pitch-black vision. He felt as if he were standing before a vast river of data, needing to filter out specific droplets.

He invoked the basic analysis algorithms provided by the "Source" System to try and process the data. The volume far exceeded his imagination, and the processing speed of the conventional algorithms seemed to struggle.

Time passed minute by minute.

>> ETA: 9H 42M 32S...

Lin Feng's forehead was covered in fine cold sweat. The high concentration of mental effort and continuous use of his abilities was a tremendous burden on his injured, unhealed body.

The efficiency wasn't enough! At this rate, there was no way he could finish within the required time!

What to do? Forcefully increase computing power? That would drastically increase the risk of exposure!

Just as he was at a loss, a thought flashed through his mind—

Since the conventional algorithm was inefficient... could he... optimize it?

Not through brute force, but by making dynamic, subtle adjustments and optimizations to the algorithm specifically for this batch of data's structure? To make the analysis flow better fit the data's patterns and reduce unnecessary computational redundancy?

This idea required him to have an instantaneous understanding and precise control over both the algorithm and the data.

>> Attempting: Dynamic_Algorithm_Optimization.

>> Analyzing Data_Structure...

>> Identifying Redundant_Processes...

>> Streamlining Analysis_Pathway...

>> Injecting Efficiency_Module...

Lin Feng's mental energy was highly concentrated, like a precision carving knife, carefully modifying the operational logic of the analysis algorithm. He guided that invisible power—not to fight, but to organize and optimize.

This process was extremely mentally taxing; he felt as if his brain were being stimulated by minute electrical currents.

>> Warning: Cognitive Load Elevated.

>> Warning: Unusual Data Processing Pattern Detected. Scrutiny Increased.

More bad news! His highly efficient data processing pattern seemed to have attracted some kind of attention! The scrutiny level had increased!

He had to finish before being locked on!

"Faster! A little bit faster!" Lin Feng urged himself internally.

>> Optimization Successful. Processing Efficiency Increased by 320%.

>> Filtering...Categorizing...

>> Task Progress: 25%...50%...75%...

>> ...

>> Task Completion: 100%. Report Generated.

Success!

Just as the external scrutiny was about to lock onto his specific location, the data processing task was successfully completed! A clear analysis report was automatically generated and sent back.

>> Task Completed.

>> Full Payment Received: 12,000.00 Cr. (Total in Escrow: 16,800.00 Cr)

The generous reward poured into his anonymous escrow account on the "Data Stream."

Lin Feng snapped his eyes open, gasping for air as if he had just performed high-intensity mental labor. His entire body was soaked in cold sweat, and waves of exhaustion hit him.

He did it... He had completed the task with his own technical skills (albeit with the help of a special ability) and received his reward...

A faint, long-lost sense of accomplishment mixed with fatigue welled up in his heart.

However, before he could even catch his breath—

>> Alert: External_Scrutiny_Evaded.

>> Warning: Task Auditor Note: "Unusually Efficient Processing for New User."

>> Warning: Data Stream_Account_Activity_Anomaly Detected. High-Efficiency Task Completion by New_User.

>> Risk Assessment: Elevated.

Three warnings popped up almost simultaneously like cold water over his head, instantly sobering him up!

He had indeed successfully completed the task, but the task auditor had noticed his "unusually efficient" processing speed! A newly registered user completing a complex task with startling efficiency right away—this behavior itself was exceptionally conspicuous in this circle that valued technology and discretion!

He thought he had just finished a technical job, not knowing that his performance had already attracted the attention of some tech-savvy individuals.

>> ETA: 9H 15M 11S...

The official pursuit was still closing in.

And his stunning debut in the technical black market had already attracted new curiosity and attention from his peers.

Leaning against the cold container and looking at the boundless darkness before him, Lin Feng's joy over the reward he just received was dampened, replaced by a subtle unease of being watched by invisible eyes.