Well, this simplified version of the chat room Luke designed is truly interesting.
Though it wasn't like the Greed Island system that allowed users' bodies to be fully virtualized into the network world, it was still powerful enough to support countless mobile users being online on the same platform simultaneously, with messages pouring in all at once.
This is all thanks to Ickshonpe, who controls the entire current network world and naturally possesses such a large server.
Had it been any other operator, they wouldn't have been able to run such a real-time chat room!
And Ickshonpe had already noticed that many users inside were posting quite interesting opinions.
Soon, he planned to select a few from among them and, as mentioned in the earlier messages, send out some exquisite small gifts.
He found the idea rather fascinating himself.
"It seems he has let down his guard against me a bit."
Nearby, as Luke continued to immerse himself in boosting his aura capacity, he sensed the gradual shift in Ickshonpe's emotions and the change in his attitude toward him.
The corners of his lips slowly curled upward.
He uses the Woodcutter's Spring within this network world, and then immediately uses the upgraded power booster to strengthen himself further.
All of this was something Luke deliberately did for Ickshonpe to see!
Including his own ability and the means he used to increase his strength, he intentionally revealed them.
After all, if he truly didn't want Ickshonpe to know anything about his abilities, Luke could have easily found an excuse to leave, gone to some remote and deserted place, taken out the Woodcutter's Spring, used it, and then, after using the upgraded power booster to boost his strength, he could have leisurely returned to the network world.
That way, he could have hidden both his ability and strength, perfectly concealing his growth.
However, doing so would only make Ickshonpe increasingly wary and defensive of him.
Ultimately, he would become less and less trusting.
Luke felt that as partners, they should demonstrate some trustworthy sincerity.
So, Luke revealed some information about his ability to him.
Ultimately, in the near future… If the internet truly developed into what it would be like a decade from now… He guessed there would be very few secrets in the world that Ickshonpe wouldn't discover.
The power of the internet is the strength of this person.
So powerful that even Ickshonpe himself might not know the extent to which the internet would evolve once it flourished and reached global coverage.
By that time, Luke felt that Ickshonpe would likely know about his ability.
After all, the conditions for activating his ability were simple and easy to discern.
Just like how Ickshonpe could already make a good guess now.
Rather than waiting for that future moment when Ickshonpe would still be wary and on guard against him, it was better to dissolve that sense of resistance now and let him understand what his actions were really for.
Otherwise, in their future collaboration, Ickshonpe might always hold back and take extra precautions in mind.
That would be truly unnecessary.
Since they wanted to cooperate, they should be open and honest. Luke also demonstrated his sincerity.
Without compromising his fundamental interests or endangering his own safety, he revealed his abilities to the fullest.
He clearly sensed the shift in Ickshonpe's attitude after his sudden realization.
And this was exactly what Luke wanted.
Ickshonpe had clearly come to his senses and demonstrated his sincerity:
These firewalls are the perfect response!
The conditions required for Luke's ability didn't hinder Ickshonpe or the network world in any way.
On the contrary, the fulfillment of these conditions largely depends on the network.
In other words, the better the network world develops, the more users become internet users.
Then Luke will seize this opportunity to further fulfill the conditions for his ability.
It can be said that Luke's own interests are also based on promoting the development of the network world.
So, Ickshonpe understood what Luke meant, that there was no conflict between them.
In fact, they shared the same goal: to make the network world even better.
Therefore, there was nothing more to say.
The two hit it off immediately; this was a true win-win cooperation.
So, to protect Luke, Ickshonpe thoughtfully gave him a large number of firewalls.
This could be considered Ickshonpe's feedback and response.
From now on, the two of them would no longer have the estrangement they once had.
Everything was developing in a mutually beneficial direction.
The two tacitly agreed to further their partnership. With this mutual benefit, Ickshonpe was happy to provide Luke with some assistance.
This network world would be the perfect place for Luke to improve his strength.
And speaking of improving his strength…
"It's truly an upgraded version of the power booster. I can clearly feel the increase in aura far surpassing the previous level..."
After comparing the before and after, Luke and his body were both in the perfect position to judge.
After experiencing such a level of enhancement several times over, he could easily stand at the peak of this world!
"There are still thirteen years before the start of the original main storyline… thirteen years, more than enough!"
Luke slowly closed his eyes, carefully feeling this surge of power.
Thirteen years of strengthening would be enough to provide him with an immense level of power.
If it weren't for the fact that Nen's abilities were so abstract and subjective, full of unpredictable and uncertain possibilities, capable of suddenly forcing growth or awakening power equal to one's future, fully trained self, then Luke might have already dared to walk this world fearlessly.
But precisely because of the existence of Nen ability, there were infinite possibilities here.
Everything had to be approached with respect and caution.
Luke's approach was to arm himself to the teeth, whether in strength or through invention; if he mastered both, he would truly have the confidence to hold real power in this world.
"True freedom isn't about being able to do whatever you want…"
Luke's soft murmur began to echo through the network world.
"It's being able to not do what you don't want to do."
Everyone has their own definition of freedom, especially in this world.
What Luke desired was freedom from interference from anyone.
And with these inventions in hand, plus this power booster that would boost his strength, Luke believed that day would not be far off.