133 Black Markers (2/2)
”Dad. Are we safe here?”
Misha is the one who has asked that. With what is happening on the television, she is frightened.
Her brother is the same, but he didn't show it.
One of the black markers is a walking distance from the bunker. People nearby are already heading to there just like they are heading to every other black marker across the globe, except for the ones that are in the middle of the oceans.
John frowns deeply and casts a glance at me.
I suppose that he wants me to assure his other daughter as well since I am so good at it. Stephanie is actually sitting next to me on the floor instead of joining her brother and sister on the couch.
”Are you hearing or seeing anything out of the ordinary, Misha?”
I question calmly.
The teenager shakes her head as a response.
”In that case, you shouldn't have anything to worry about, Misha. These black markers can only make you hear and see things if you are close enough to it. Even if we can see one in the security camera, it is still actually very far away.”
That is to say if I don't increase the power and range of the devices. The effect can extend for several miles, but even so, it shouldn't be able to penetrate this deep into the earth. The ground diffuses the effect.
Misha seems to calm down after that. Joshua is as well.
John gives me a thumb up without saying anything.
I nod and return my attention to the television screen and mumble the strings of number that people are uttering once they the shock of their life.
”What are those strange numbers, Max?”
Stephanie asks me once the numbers are repeated many times.
”It is actually a cipher, Stephanie. I think I can crack it.”
I answer. Most people all over the world have already figured this out. They come to a realization that breaking the cipher would tell them exactly what the alien wants.
Of course, breaking it isn't going to be easy.
”Let me write it down.”
And once I have written down the repeating number, I head towards the study room to try and break it with what I have learned about cryptography.
Why do you think I have been reading all those books for?
I actually already know the encrypted message without breaking it, but I am interested in breaking the code that Legion has created.
It will not be easy since Legion is a virtual intelligence with near limitless computing power.
Legion already beats me at every board game even with my power to see the future. He is simply that good at logic games.
But I kick his ass in every strategy game since they require a bit more ingenuity. Something that Legion does not have, unfortunately.
Stephanie follows me to the study room, asking if there is anything that she could assist me with.
There really isn't any, but I still like to have her company, nonetheless.
Stephanie is happy to provide until she needed to go and prepare lunch for her father and two siblings.
She also makes lunches for me too, and we have them together in the study room.
My grandfather, John did check up on us once in a while, but my mother no longer needs to hide her growing affection for me. It just frustrates her to no end if she continued to.
”Max. Do you have anyone you like?”
My mother eventually pops the question.
But the way she has asked me the question sounds like she is still in high school. Honestly, deep down, she is still just a girl, looking for someone who can understand and love her for who she is.
Isn't that what ever girl in the world one, regardless of age?
”Yes, I do, Stephanie.”
I response while keeping my attention on all the notes I have written thus far.
The damn cipher is not easy to break at all. I already know that, considering it is designed by Legion, but this is getting frustrating.
And if I can't break it, I doubt anyone on Earth can break it either.
As a matter of fact, what remains of the military have already set up an encampment around each of the black markers within the United States. They are working very hard decipher the message.
”Oh... is she pretty, Max?”
My mother utters dejectedly.
I look up at my mother before becoming amused. She is just like a high school girl, becoming depressed when the boy she like tells her that they already like someone else.
”Yes. She is pretty. The prettiest girl I have seen.”
I confirm, making her feels even more depressed.
She wants to just leave the room at the moment and finds somewhere to feel sorry for herself. Hence, I should stop teasing her.
”Do you want to see her, Stephanie? You can see her through there.”
I ask and look towards the mirror hanging on the wall.
Stephanie follows my gaze and understands immediately. And that brings a cheerful smile back to her face.
Since she couldn't help me with the cipher, she leaves me alone afterwards, but not for very long as she couldn't help it.
And every time she peeks through the door to see how I am doing, I just chuckle.
”Hey, Max. What would you like to have for dinner?”
My mother asks when it is getting late in the evening. I didn't realize how much time has passed. There are so many notes scatter all over the floor.
That means I should take a rest.
”Surprise me.”
Since I have been at this for a while, I decide to rest my mind and join my mother in preparing dinner for John and the other two.
And from the news on the television and radio thus far, no one have figured out the incredible difficult code just yet.Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click for visiting.
The black markers continue to pulsate ominously, as if it is mocking the people nearby.
It is, but there is nothing the people can do about it.
The micromachines structure are impervious to almost every manmade weapon. Nothing short of an actual nuke can destroy them.
But I suppose the people aren't stupid enough to nuke one of the black markers.
Guess I was wrong with a mushroom cloud rising high towards the sky above an ocean.
Several more nuclear explosions follow, vaporizing several black markers.
As powerful as the micromachines are, they simply cannot withstand a nuke.
And of course, Legion retaliates because I allow him to.