The Marching Ant Company released their latest report, confirming that the 'Satan' virus is an intelligent virus, sharing similar traits with the notorious 'Clown Virus'. It's suspected to be a mutated variant of it.
Following the release of this report, the public finally understood why 'Satan' was spreading so rapidly. The virus propagates through intelligent systems—autonomously replicating, bundling itself with files and emails, then spreading through various networks.
Concerns about artificial intelligence began to surge. The darker side of intelligence was becoming evident.
"AI will destroy the world."Once dismissed as science fiction paranoia, that sentiment was now gaining traction as people stared into the face of a real digital catastrophe.
The world had just met its first true intelligent digital threat. And it had targeted the core of cybersecurity. Now, people were beginning to reflect seriously on AI's future—and whether it might truly become a threat to humanity.
Island Nation, Tokyo – Fenghuang News Reporter: Lin Longping
Lin Longping followed the 'Satan' virus updates with intense focus.
Currently, only the Army Ant Company's Termite system—its intelligent firewall—had proven capable of resisting the 'Satan' virus. Other systems avoided connecting to the internet entirely out of fear.
Just within the past day, the virus had inflicted massive, still-uncalculated losses on the island nation.
But one thing was clear: the number would be astronomical.
Most computers had to be reinstalled, and even mobile phone-based work was unreliable. The nation's productivity had collapsed into a crawl.
To compare it bluntly: if the past economic pace was like a speeding car, now it was like dragging a broken leg through the mud after a crash. Recovery would take time—unless 'Satan' could be eradicated.
At this point, the perpetrator behind the virus remained unknown. Some suspected the Marching Ant Company, but lacking hard evidence, those were only rumors.
Riiing—!
As Lin focused on writing, his phone rang.
"Editor, what's up?"
"The University of Tokyo's computer security team is holding a press conference. Big update on the 'Satan' virus. You and Haili go cover it," said the sharp, commanding voice of his editor.
"Got it."
Lin's heart skipped. He grabbed his bag and laptop, called for Haili, and rushed out.
At the same time, news outlets across the country received similar alerts.
The University of Tokyo had called a press conference to address new developments in the 'Satan' case. Journalists scrambled to attend—nobody wanted to miss it.
The 'Satan' virus was already the worst cyber crisis in history, its damage eclipsing that of every previous computer virus combined.
Now that it had shaken the very foundations of internet security, even the smallest news about it was global front-page material.
Whoever could crack the 'Satan' mystery stood to become world-famous.
Cybersecurity labs around the world were working around the clock, and now the University of Tokyo's team was making an announcement. This couldn't be trivial.
At the university auditorium, by the time Lin arrived, the place was packed. He rushed to find a seat among the throng of reporters.
Soon after, a young bespectacled man stepped onto the stage. Cameras immediately turned to him.
The scene was livestreamed to millions worldwide.
"Hello everyone, I'm Koike Nakamura, member of the University of Tokyo's Computer Security Team," the man introduced himself in fluent Japanese.
"'Satan' first broke out here at our university. Since then, our team has worked non-stop to analyze and trace it."
He opened a prepared document.
"Just two hours ago, we made some progress. 'Satan' is a new type of intelligent virus. It can autonomously bundle itself with files, emails, and webpages—spreading at terrifying speeds."
The room buzzed. This aligned with the Marching Ant Company's previous report.
An intelligent virus.
Had the era of smart cyber threats begun?
Koike continued.
"After tireless efforts, we tracked the hackers that attacked our university servers and discovered the origin of the 'Satan' virus."
He paused deliberately, letting anticipation rise.
"The source of the hacker attack was traced to... Huaxia's Binhai City."
Boom—
Chaos erupted in the room.
That one sentence—though delivered calmly—was like a thunderclap. The reporters exploded with questions and whispers.
People watching the livestream around the world were stunned.
Although Koike wasn't a government official, his status as a cybersecurity expert gave his words serious weight.
Huaxia. Binhai City.
Everyone familiar with Huaxia knew it was the headquarters of the Marching Ant Company.
They were world leaders in AI—if anyone could create a smart virus, it was them. And they were the only ones profiting from the crisis, since only their firewall could block 'Satan'.
The implication was heavy.
"Is that your personal speculation, or do you have solid evidence?" Lin Longping stood up, face dark.
The world understood the magnitude of the 'Satan' crisis. Whoever was behind it would become a global pariah. Now, the accusation was being pushed toward China. Lin was furious.
"We discovered traces of hacker activity in the compromised servers and traced them to Huaxia's Binhai. That's all I can say," Koike said coolly.
"Based on just that, you're accusing China? Should we hold a press conference tomorrow, claim Tokyo University made the virus, and blame you? Before you have conclusive evidence, how can you claim it came from Binhai?"
Lin was livid.
It wasn't the first time China was scapegoated. But this time, the stakes were global. If the rumor stuck, China's international image would suffer gravely.
"We've submitted the evidence to our government. It's out of my hands," Koike responded coldly.
"Satan Virus Linked to China" — The New York Times"Did Marching Ants Create Satan to Seize the OS Market?" — Washington Daily"The Black Hand Behind Satan: Huaxia" — Asahi News"The Devil Behind It All: China" — BBC
China's rapid development had long irked the West. Now, they had a pretext to go on the offensive.
The Tokyo University announcement was all the excuse they needed. Western media launched a coordinated smear campaign. Netizens worldwide watched the drama unfold like a global soap opera.
Back in Huaxia, Butterfly Valley
Chen Mo, who was enjoying a newlywed honeymoon with Xiao Yu, received a call.
"Brother Mo, it's Secretary Yao Yi," came a message.
He picked up.
"Secretary Yao, what's going on?"
"Did you see the University of Tokyo's news?"
"University of Tokyo?" Chen Mo paused, quickly grasping the situation. "I'm in Butterfly Valley with Xiao Yu right now. Haven't checked the news. Is it about the 'Satan' virus? Did they say my company made it?"
"They didn't say it directly, but they claimed the hacker address traced back to Binhai. Given the implications—it's clearly aimed at you. I have to ask you seriously: does your company have anything to do with the 'Satan' virus? I trust your answer completely."
Yao Yi's tone was more solemn than ever.
This was now a massive diplomatic issue. If Marching Ants were deemed the culprit, China's international credibility would plummet, and the "China Threat" theory would gain even more traction.
Chen Mo didn't hesitate.
"I'm on my honeymoon, blissfully enjoying time with my wife. Why on earth would I sabotage myself with something so stupid? Would I really go out of my way to create problems during my own vacation?"
"So… will you issue a clarification?"
"Zhao Min will handle it," Chen Mo replied casually.