Novels2Search
THE APOCALYPSE :EARTH TRANSFORMED INTO HELL
Chapter 23: Empire of the Eagle Game

Chapter 23: Empire of the Eagle Game

Jackson did not care much about the Panhua people in the Kabas Empire. The taxes they paid were not his concern.

He had little information about them. But he could guess some things. The Kabas Empire and all Panhua people in this world were connected to Earth's ancestors. A long time ago, their ancient empire was attacked by the universe. The Panhua people split into two groups. One group surrendered and became the Panhua people known today. The other group refused to surrender. They were exiled to the Solar System and became Earthlings.

The surrendering group avoided exile and saved their lives. They became a minority in the universe. They moved a lot. They worked hard and were talented. Wherever they lived, they were wealthy. But their ancestors' actions caused problems. Many people disliked them. Sometimes they were blamed unfairly. Their history was also hidden.

Jackson searched for information about their ancient empire. He found very little. Most sources said the Panhua people were the main group in that old empire. After the empire fell, they spread across the universe.

Jackson used the Qiandu app to check their population numbers. The Panhua people made up a very small part of the universal population. They were almost nonexistent. In the Mokhua Star System, they made up 5%. This was because the system was near the Pirate Nebula. The Pirate Nebula was the last stronghold of the ancient Panhua Empire. Many who surrendered were settled near it.

Jackson entered the combat training room. It looked like a real high-tech room from the interstellar age.

He neared the metal door. A female AI voice greeted him. “Second-Class Soldier Justin, welcome to the combat training room. Senior Instructor Huffman is waiting for you.”

Jackson was not surprised. He knew many places here used smart AI systems. The voice was probably one of them.

The smart AI systems followed logic perfectly. Some were better than intelligent beings. They worked tirelessly and never made mistakes. They were excellent helpers for intelligent beings. The Kabas Empire relied on its central AI, “Fia,” to operate efficiently.

These AIs were not self-aware. They followed the Three Laws of Robotics strictly.

The combat training room was full of devices. Jackson did not recognize most of them.

Deputy Instructor Bill was inside a clear white dome. He was talking to a major general through a ring-like communication device. Jackson could see their mouths moving but could not hear them.

Instructor Yan Hui worked at a tactical table. He tapped the table lightly. A holographic display above it changed into a star map.

“Sir, Second-Class Soldier Joker reporting for duty. Please give your orders,” Jackson said loudly. He did not want to give Huffman any reason to scold him.

Huffman glanced at Jackson. “Joker, you’ve done a good job training that fat Keane. He’s finally met the physical requirements. But don’t get too proud. If you mess up, I’ll demote you fast,” he said.

Jackson stood straight. “Sir, don’t worry. I will not let you down,” he said. His voice was firm and confident.

Huffman nodded. “Good,” he said. “Joker, next, the 7th Unit will begin courage and willpower training. These are as important as physical fitness for interstellar paratroopers. Go and find out what the soldiers like and what they fear. Then report back to me. Make sure they tell the truth. If anyone lies, I’ll make them regret it.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

“What a strange guy,” Jackson thought. He left the room to do the task. Huffman’s serious warning made Jackson cautious.

The survey was easy. The soldiers gave many answers. Keane liked donuts but feared spotted rats. Chen Feng liked flying jets but feared snakes. Paul liked anime but was afraid of fire bears. Jackson liked potatoes but was scared of soft-bodied creatures.

Jackson reported the results to Huffman. His task was done. As a temporary unit leader, he did not have many responsibilities. The 7th Unit was still in training. They had no missions yet.

Jackson opened his personal AI. He planned to call Tereya. But Li Feng ran over to him. “Let’s go! It’s our day off. Let’s play Empire of the Eagle at the entertainment center,” Li Feng said excitedly.

Jackson’s heart skipped a beat. He had almost forgotten about the game.

It was during Empire of the Eagle that Jackson’s soul, from Earth, somehow took over Justin’s body.

Empire of the Eagle was a game about fighter jet battles. The game created many settings. These included planetary atmospheres, interstellar fleets, asteroid belts, and space docks. Players fought in these places using fighter jets.

The AI made the game very realistic. Players could not tell it was not real.

Scientists in this world had also discovered the nature of souls. Souls were complex quantum wave systems. AI also worked using quantum principles.

Scientists developed a way to connect souls to the AI’s holo-world. This was called soul transfer.

In the holo-world, souls experienced everything like in real life. But they gained no extra abilities. This technology allowed beings to live in a second world.

The technology had problems. If a soul stayed in the holo-world for more than a day, it would be damaged. A month caused harm that could not heal. After a year, the soul could not return to its body. It would fade away in the holo-world.

Some tried to use soul transfer for immortality. They put their souls into clones. But the clone’s soul soon lost self-awareness. It became a zombie with memories of the original. Without soul transfer, a clone had its own separate soul. It was a different person.

For centuries, scientists could not solve this problem. That is why some people in this advanced world believed in the "Origin Faith."

Jackson did not know why his soul kept its self-awareness in Justin’s body. When Li Feng suggested the game, Jackson hesitated.

To play Empire of the Eagle, his soul had to enter the AI holo-network. Jackson worried he might not return. “You go ahead, Li Feng. I don’t feel comfortable entering the holo-network,” he said.

“Come on! Our next courage and willpower training requires us to stay in the AI world for 28 days. How will you train if you don’t enter?” Li Feng asked.

“Who told you that?” Jackson asked.

“You’re our temporary leader, and you don’t know this? We first train in the holo-world. Then we take tests in real life. Didn’t you know? Maybe I should take over as leader,” Li Feng joked.

Jackson felt embarrassed. He had been so busy that he had not thought about the training methods. On Earth, such methods did not exist.

“Of course, I knew. I just wanted to rest today. But since you’re my buddy, I’ll join you. Let’s go,” Jackson said.

The entertainment center was where soldiers from the 11th Regiment could relax. After tough training, they needed to rest.

The center had many activities. There were movies, singing, food, sports, games, and more. Jackson and Li Feng went to the gaming area. It had over 100 life pods. Most were already in use. Jackson was glad about this. He did not want Li Feng to notice anything strange about him.

They each found a pod far from the other. Jackson lay inside his pod. His heart raced.

All he had to do was say “Start.” The pod would close. Sensors would connect to his body. His soul would enter the AI.

Jackson hesitated. If he didn’t do it, he couldn’t pass the training. But if he did it and couldn’t return, he might disappear in the holo-world.

His breathing grew heavy. “Huff, huff,” he heard in the small space.

The pod had just enough space for him to lie down. Sensors were hidden in the walls. Soft orange light filled the pod. The light helped calm him.

Jackson suddenly remembered something. At the recruitment station, his soul had already entered the holo-network.

During the soul scan, a small pod connected his soul to the system. It was brief. He felt like he was in a different room. It was not the recruitment office.

If it worked then, it should work now. Jackson clenched his teeth and shouted, “Start!”