Chapter 3 — In the Name of the Black Horse
"Do you see it that way too, Kingdom Builder?" The short, yet potent, sentence hovered on the main screen of Kai's 'Revelation Computation Unit.' The sender was still E.M. The time indicated 03:16 AM. His subterranean bunker was perfectly shielded from all the noise and light of the outside world, yet his mind was clearer and more awake than ever.
Instead of replying, Kai recalled the encrypted email she had sent previously. On his 'Chirographic Interface,' its contents materialized, like characters inscribed on an ancient stone tablet. For ten minutes, he mulled over the brief text, five times in a row. His eyes, like those of a starving predator, tore into each word, hunting for hidden meanings and intentions.
"After the Red Horse, comes the Black Horse."
"After war, famine; in a collapsed city, drinking water and food are the first to run out."
"Fear recreates currency."
Kai swallowed dryly, a silent, almost imperceptible movement.
"This woman... what on earth is she?"
His heart began to beat with a very subtle, yet different rhythm than usual. Beyond simple curiosity, a strange thrill, as if encountering a formidable intellectual temptation, or perhaps a long-awaited adversary or kindred spirit, ran down his spine. Her message was dangerous, but at the same time, it seemed to stimulate a certain wildness dormant deep within his soul. Like a lion roaring alone in the vast desert, finally sensing another predator responding to its roar.
"Micah." Kai called out, his voice low. There was no tremor in it, only an undercurrent of steel-like will.
AI Micah: (In his characteristic dry tone, yet tinged with a hint of human-like curiosity) "You summoned me, Master Kai? Another riddle to solve, or perhaps you require a midnight snack? My recipe database contains a surprisingly diverse array of delicious late-night options, you know. Though, of course, you always seem perfectly content with caffeine and screens."
Kai lightly dismissed Micah's deadpan humor, projecting a PGP key onto the screen. It was the encryption key E.M. had used. At a glance, it appeared to be a mundane string of characters, but Kai's eyes read the subtle patterns within it, the level of its encryption.
"Trace the origin of this encryption key. Use every means possible. I want every speck of dust uncovered. That's an order, Micah."
Micah: "Intriguing. Like a game of hide-and-seek. Though, of course, I am always 'it.' Analyzing the sender's PGP key structure now… As expected. Top-tier asymmetric encryption, with multi-layer obfuscation protocols. This isn't just an anonymous message, Master. This is a clear challenge: 'Come find me.'"
Kai's fingers began to dance across the holographic keyboard again. His gaze sharpened further, and the corners of his lips turned up slightly. If it was a challenge, he was more than willing to accept. "Don't underestimate our opponent's skill, Micah. But at the same time, this is also an opportunity to make them underestimate us. I'll handle the initial analysis. You monitor the major nodes and data packet flows of the global network. I want you to watch very closely what kind of fish gets caught on the hook I'm about to cast."
Kai first began to analyze the generation pattern of the PGP key itself and the characteristics of the algorithm used. Complex mathematical formulas and decryption algorithms stormed across his 'Chirographic Interface,' appearing and disappearing in rapid succession. It was like a navigator charting a course through a vast cosmos, searching for a single path – a single clue – among countless stars (data).
After a few minutes, Kai commanded Micah. "Micah, narrow down the generation time of this key and the location of the server that sent the first message to a specific timeframe. Her message content – Red Horse, Black Horse – it quoted the Book of Revelation. And the phrase 'Fear recreates currency.' This isn't simple prophecy play. It's highly probable she's an individual with advanced financial knowledge and a specific ideological background. Focus your scan on server nodes exhibiting patterns similar to Jewish mysticism or medieval alchemists' cryptographic systems. Specifically, look for anonymous networks with a history connected to Jerusalem or ancient cities in that vicinity."
Micah: "Your insights never cease to entertain my processing units, Master. Reconfiguring scan parameters based on your specified conditions… Bypassing the first proxy server's firewall. However… Master, we've hit a second wall. This signal is routed through at least twelve encrypted Tor network nodes. Each node is changing its IP address every other moment , disrupting our trace. Conventional methods will get us no further from here."
Kai's eyes narrowed. The Tor network. A prime example of dark web technology designed for maximum anonymity. But he wouldn't give up. Instead, his brain began to spin with icy precision and with even greater speed.
"Analyze the response times and packet loss rates of the relay nodes, Micah. No matter how perfect an anonymous network, the limitations of physical distance and data transmission volume always exist. Backtrack the node group showing the most stable and fastest responses. It's highly likely she's watching us, even now. If so, her location might be closer than we think."
As if fumbling for an invisible thread to escape a colossal labyrinth, Kai and Micah spent several hours dismantling the multiple layers of security the anonymous messenger had erected, one by one. At times, they nearly fell into cleverly hidden 'Honeypots (decoy systems to lure intruders),' and at others, the opponent's automated counter-tracking system flashed warning lights. But Kai, with his unique intuition and Micah's sophisticated data processing, narrowly evaded every crisis. Beads of cold sweat had formed on his forehead, yet his eyes burned with an even more intense, combative spirit.
And finally, as if a sliver of light had appeared at the end of a long, dark tunnel, Micah's voice once again broke the bunker's silence. This time, it was laced with undeniable excitement and something akin to awe.
Micah: "...Found it, Master! Final sender's crypto-address secured! [email protected]. The Templechain network… This… This is truly unbelievable. Only heard of in whispers, it's a top-secret security network that even the world's top 0.01% of hackers or shadow government agencies reportedly hesitate to access. This level of anonymity is nothing short of an art form. And… 'Lilith,' what a significant name."
"Lilith…"
Kai slowly rolled the name around in his mouth. It felt like the weighty satisfaction of finally landing a colossal catch, or the electrifying first encounter with a long-awaited nemesis. A name far more intense, somehow more dangerous, yet irresistibly alluring than Esther. From Jewish mythology, Adam's first wife, the first rebel. Goddess of the night, or the symbol of an independent spirit yearning for freedom.
Kai stared at the crypto-address on the cold monitor screen and asked softly. His voice, for the first time, held a mixture of anticipation, a faint hint of caution, and an intense, burning curiosity. "Who are you, Lilith. A mere messenger, or… another arbiter, bearing the same flame as I?"
The next day, as if mocking all his deliberations and pursuits, another message arrived from E.M. No, from Lilith. This time, it was far more specific, more audacious, and imbued with a certainty, as if she already knew his next move.
"There is food stored in the highlands. Near the Lithuanian border. If you move before ICRA (International Crisis Response Alliance), which is always a step behind with its sluggish bureaucracy, a new market will open there within seven days. If it's you… you wouldn't miss the chance to shake up that game board, would you, Kingdom Builder?"
The last sentence of the message felt like a direct provocation aimed at his very core.
"We picked up when everyone else was discarding. But now… To save everyone, or perhaps to destroy everything, We will willingly discard it all."
An unreadable smile, yet one filled with definite excitement and a thrilling shiver, first appeared on Kai's lips. He was ready to willingly wager everything he had on this dangerous and captivating game.