Cyber Era Witch
Chapter 970 - 769 Memorial Service and Wildfire_2

Chapter 970: Chapter 769 Memorial Service and Wildfire_2

"I understand," said Nakamura Mizuki.

She didn’t speak with her usual critical tone, because the memorial service for the deceased reminded her of her own mother’s funeral.

Nakamura Mizuki entered an online conference with Xu Yang.

An online memorial service was being held there, mourning the cybersecurity personnel who had fallen in Maverick’s offensive.

His name was Ishizaki Takashi, 25 years old, who had joined the company just seven months ago, graduated from the Cyber Space Security major at Shangjing University, was originally destined for a bright future, and had been equipped with Digital Mind, which was very precious to Nestor Corporation, becoming a mainstay in the defense of the cyber frontlines.

Before Xu Yang logged on, Ishizaki Takashi had been overwhelmed by a large-scale offensive orchestrated by Maverick; he had held out until the last moment, ultimately his consciousness was infected and deleted by a virus, and his soul was extinguished deep within the Helis Sea.

Drowned.

Xu Yang led the memorial.

"Today, we gather here to commemorate the sacrifice of a colleague in cybersecurity. Since Nestor Corporation’s development, the security of the cyber world has always been of utmost importance. The internet and the physical world are like two sides of the same coin; if we cannot ensure the security of our network systems, then our industry, infrastructure, and crucial data will be directly exposed to enemy attacks. This is the reason for our existence, and it’s the noble cause that we are willing to lay down our lives to protect," said Xu Yang with a heavy tone.

He, Rinne, and Nakamura Mizuki were present, along with seven other younger members who had joined over the years.

Due to the precious nature of Digital Mind, the cybersecurity department consisted of only 10 people in total, each of them an important talent to Nestor Corporation.

They were skilled, joined the department with a passion for cybersecurity, and had been nurtured and advised by Xu Yang, originally full of hope, but now they carried heavy hearts.

A colleague had truly fallen at the Helis Sea.

And his consciousness had been completely destroyed, making it impossible to retrieve, a death so terrifying that it was unacceptable.

"Now, for the cause we all cherish, Ishizaki Takashi has lost his young life," Xu Yang sighed, "He bravely combated the most terrifying forces in this world, never yielding. His courage and conviction inspire all of us."

"Colleagues, we all possess an extremely rare skill in this world—the ability to fully control and enter the information network," Xu Yang continued, "In this increasingly information-driven world, this ability is too powerful. But—how should we use it? Whom should we serve?"

"Since we stand side by side here, I’m afraid our answers are much the same: We all know very well that no matter who falls, the living must continue to move forward."

"In accordance with the wishes of the deceased’s family, we will bury him in the Nestor Cemetery at Mingge Mountain. That cemetery is the resting place of all soldiers, generals, employees, experts, and Witches who have died for the cause of Nestor Corporation since its foundation. We will also establish a virtual cemetery in cyberspace for future generations to pay their respects," Xu Yang said solemnly.

"Additionally, we will allocate special funds from Nestor Corporation’s budget to create an Ishizaki Scholarship at the Cyber Space Security department of Shangjing University, where he studied, to reward students who excel in cybersecurity. Furthermore, we will provide a consolation sum to Mr. Ishizaki’s parents, according to Nestor Corporation’s standard: 50 months of the employee’s cumulative base salary, amounting to a total of 3 million funds, paid in one installment. For Mr. Ishizaki’s underage brother, he will also receive an educational grant of 5000 per month until he reaches the age of 22."

"Now, let us observe a moment of silence for his sacrifice; his achievements will be remembered by countless people," said Xu Yang. After speaking, he, along with the others, lapsed into silence.

The people here silently reflected on death, the price paid, and the information war.

Those who fell in physical wars occasionally could be reborn through Magic Power and return to the world. However, for the workers of the Helis Sea, once defeated, their entire consciousness could be controlled, destroyed, or deleted, with no chance of salvation.

If Xu Yang was the general and Rinne the vanguard, then the rest were no different from foot soldiers. With this thought, they silently vowed to further refine their cybersecurity skills to avoid falling in the next battle.

And then there was the entire ceremony...

Mourning a comrade imparted a sense of honor; they now knew that if they fell in battle, Xu Yang would also conduct a similar ceremony for them, commemorating their merits and inspiring future generations.

Their families would receive fair treatment, without any worries for their livelihood.

With no further concerns to look after, they would keep moving forward for the beliefs they had always held, until the very end.

...

After leaving the memorial service, Nakamura Mizuki returned to reality.

Xu Yang returned later than usual, looking quite reticent.

"I’m very sorry for the loss that my father’s attack has brought to all of you. Following that solemn memorial service, I felt as if I had become one of the attackers," Nakamura Mizuki said.

"The scale of Maverick’s attack was enormous, not only did staff lose their lives, but civilians were also casualties. But since you weren’t involved, no one will blame you. The vendetta from Maverick... is over. What we need to do is to target the real enemies hiding behind him, expose them and make them pay," Xu Yang said, waving his hand wearily.

"Thank you," Nakamura Mizuki nodded.

"...Now that you’ve joined our team, I believe we’ll be able to collaborate soon. We need to continue training others until they can stand on their own," Xu Yang said.

"Understood..." Nakamura Mizuki said.

She observed Xu Yang carefully.

Nakamura Mizuki found it strange that during the memorial service earlier, a profound emotion had seemed to emanate from Xu Yang.

It was as if he was willing to die in the place of those who had perished.

He wanted to save others...

This was truly exceptional.

"I think I understand—" Nakamura Mizuki said, "From my experience, most idealists change like this: first, they want to change the status quo and yearn to bring change to society; second, they find out that ideals can never become the status quo, that they are completely incapable of fighting against evil forces; third, they surrender to reality, without changing society, instead, they are assimilated by it."

"Yes, too many, we all understand," Xu Yang leaned back in his chair.

He realized that Nakamura Mizuki’s so-called psychological techniques could occasionally make some sense.

If grand ideals could so easily become reality, Xu Yang still had so much he wanted to do.

"But you’re different, you’re more special than others, your heart isn’t stagnant, you want to be responsible for things, you want to innovate. How should I say it? Right, a wildfire, you’re like a blazing wildfire, born to burn something down. And because you are fire, you can ignite others, making them become just like you. No wonder Nestor Corporation occasionally makes decisions that are detrimental to themselves but beneficial to others, it’s because they have a remarkable person like you leading them," Nakamura Mizuki surmised.

"No one has ever compared me to fire before," Xu Yang mused.

He was only completing what had to be done. Xu Yang thought silently. He couldn’t let these blood sacrifices be in vain.

"Anyway, I appreciate your kindness. At the very least, you have established an island that is very suitable for me," Nakamura Mizuki said, "And your age is also suitable."

"Age?"

"You’re already a man in his thirties, from my experience, you’re at your peak in both physical strength and wisdom, with experience and vigor balancing each other out, just the right person to guide us. With someone like you at the helm, the chances of making mistakes are also reduced," Nakamura Mizuki said.

"Thank you for your... recognition," Xu Yang said, somewhat helplessly. Everything she said was positive, but it came across as patronizing.

"By the way, just a guess," Nakamura Mizuki stood firmly, staring at Xu Yang.

"What?"

"Someone as experienced as you, should know where the enemy is," Nakamura Mizuki asked expectantly.

"...Go get to work."

Nakamura Mizuki stood up, briefly nodded to Xu Yang, and turned to leave.

A new life had begun.