Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 1192 - 486: Cognitive Virus_4

This plan indeed reflects a sufficient level of rigorous thinking.

Of course, Ron also has his own deeper considerations in mind.

In this gradual technological advancement process, he can ensure his leading position in the project.

At the same time, by handling a massive amount of rune programming and alchemy construction work, he significantly enhances the proficiency of relevant skills.

This controlled technological route can also avoid some of the potential dangers he foresees.

But Cedric is clearly uninterested in this conservative plan.

He pushed up his heavy crystal glasses, interrupting somewhat impatiently:

"Lecturer Ralph, your technical approach indeed demonstrates an admirable level of rigor.

But I fear the reality we face does not allow for such a leisurely development cycle."

Cedric stood up and walked to the other side of the conference room.

There hung an up-to-date battle situation map, with dense red marks representing the losses of the Expeditionary Army:

"What we need are solutions capable of immediately turning the tide of battle, rather than a perfect project taking years or even decades to complete."

He activated another technology plan’s holographic display, and a completely different structural diagram appeared in the projection.

It was not the hierarchical structure in Ron’s plan, but a network-like diffusion model resembling a virus:

"I propose adopting the ’cognitive virus’ route—creating a self-replicating information structure capable of directly infecting the Vital people’s thought network."

This term made everyone present furrow their brows.

Cognitive virus, a dangerous concept existing in theory but never actually applied.

"Specifically," Cedric began to explain in detail:

"We design a special virtual experience package, and once a Vital individual encounters this experience, the virus will establish a foothold deep in their consciousness.

Then it will automatically spread to other individuals through the collective consciousness network of the Vital people."

"The core advantage of this approach lies in its exponential spread speed."

He demonstrated the spread model in the projection:

"We only need to ensure the success of the initial infection; the subsequent dissemination process will be completely automated.

Theoretically, from the first infected individual, the fall of the entire Vital Civilization would take less than ten standard months."

Ron felt a sense of déjà vu, and with a bit of recollection, he remembered what Aselia once mentioned to him about the real reason for the destruction of the "Golden Era" during the Second Era.

Perhaps, the current idea about the "cognitive virus" stems from this?

The associate professors present from related fields also exchanged worried glances.

The alchemist from the Elemental Garden was the first to raise a question:

"Wizard Cedric, how do we control the mutation risk of such a self-replicating structure?

Once the cognitive virus gets out of control, it could evolve traits we cannot anticipate."

"Moreover," the consciousness domain researcher from the Dark House joined the discussion:

"How do we ensure the species specificity of the cognitive virus? If it breaks through its original restrictions and affects humans and similar demi-human groups..."

Cedric clapped his hands, interrupting these voices of concern:

"I completely understand your worries, but we have ample preventive measures and safety protocols."

He brought up a detailed design diagram of the virus structure:

"First, the core code of the virus includes a strict species recognition protocol."

"Secondly, we have embedded multiple self-destruct mechanisms within the virus."

"Finally," Cedric’s voice became more confident:

"We possess the source code and generation algorithm of the virus, theoretically allowing us to develop vaccines against any mutant strains."

But Ron keenly noticed a subtle flicker in Cedric’s eyes as he elaborated on these "safety measures."

"Wizard Cedric," Ron’s voice maintained a calm rationality:

"The cognitive virus route does have an enticing efficiency advantage, but its risk factor far exceeds acceptable levels."

"What if the virus undergoes unforeseen adaptive evolution, what if the species recognition protocol is bypassed by some unknown mechanism, what if the self-destruct mechanism fails..."

His tone became more serious:

"Any of these ’what-ifs’ could lead to a terrifying disaster. Are we really willing to take such a massive strategic risk for short-term tactical advantage?"

Cedric’s expression turned somewhat displeased:

"Lecturer Ralph, I understand your cautious attitude as a technical expert, but sometimes, excessive caution is a desecration of courage."

"Any revolutionary technology that can change the course of history will inevitably come with corresponding risks.

If we forgo the most effective solution out of fear, then how are we different from those conservative academicians?"

The atmosphere in the conference room grew tense.

Ultimately, this debate over the technological route did not reach a definitive conclusion.

Both sides agreed to temporarily retain their respective plans, awaiting higher-level decisions.

But Ron understood in his heart that with Cassandra’s current impatience, she would only...