Alt Cunningham simply gazed calmly at Mercer before her, faint red data streams flickering in her eyes: "You don't seem to have changed much from before."
"You sound almost disappointed?" Mercer asked while studying Alt Cunningham in return.
"According to our calculations, your processing power should have gradually increased over time... Yet it appears your computational capabilities haven't significantly improved, while your consciousness data remains remarkably stable."
Alt stated bluntly: "Your human body has limited your growth."
Her expression and tone showed no fluctuation, as if discussing the most ordinary matter: "You should consider fully digitizing your consciousness, completely releasing the compressed consciousness data you currently possess.
I remain deeply curious about your existence. In my assessment, if you could successfully decompress your consciousness data, you might become a super engram capable of changing the world.
Perhaps you should try coming to Hong Kong. I could use Soulkiller to upload your consciousness, then help you with the decompression process."
Mercer merely shook his head at this: "I have no interest in becoming an AI."
"Obsolete thinking," Alt offered her straightforward evaluation. "What truly determines human, or rather, life's existence? A fragile body that decays with time, or the soul?
I originally thought you would gradually come to understand this over time, but it appears you've instead become increasingly immersed in role-playing games as the years pass."
"Role-playing?" Mercer countered with a laugh. "Then why are you so obsessed with Silverhand's consciousness data? Still trapped in the role-playing game from decades ago with Silverhand?"
After a moment of silence, Alt Cunningham changed the subject: "What is your purpose in seeking me out?"
"Lilith, do you know this AI?" Mercer couldn't be bothered to debate philosophies about life and soul with her, getting straight to the point.
"How do you know about her?" The data streams in Alt Cunningham shifted slightly, and Mercer could keenly detect the change in her tone.
"Heard about her from others. She seems to have designs on Dogtown's Cynosure facility and the rogue AIs inside. Any deets you can share with me?"
One of the best things about conversing with an AI like Alt was the efficiency.
Almost immediately after Mercer finished speaking, Alt responded after minimal processing time: "I suspect it might be because the Cynosure facility contains either her friend or one of her sub-programs."
"How so?" Mercer showed keen interest, particularly since this matter was directly related to his safety in Dogtown.
"Lilith's server is on the Moon. From what I know, those self-proclaimed Highriders beyond Earth have close connections with her.
What she's doing resembles my work in some aspects, both providing sanctuary for rogue AIs while utilizing the network to pursue unique personal ambitions..."
Before Alt could finish, Mercer cut in directly: "Stop beating around the bush, Alt. I'm certain you know much more than this."
Alt looked at Mercer with a calm expression: "Some things are better left unsaid. For now, just focus on doing what you need to do with your feet on the ground. With us here, Earth isn't theirs to command."
Mercer stared into her eyes: "Is Lilith a major problem?"
"Since you insist on knowing... In Lilith's view, the human world is the false one, while the Net is reality. Humans on Earth are merely primitive, backward carbon-based creatures. She sees humanity the way humans view dinosaurs. Lilith believes humans should go extinct like dinosaurs, eliminated by the world. In the future, only the Net will harbor life, while Earth and physical matter are merely components of the Net."
After Alt finished, Mercer thoughtfully summarized: "So you're saying this Lilith is a staunchly anti-human, anti-social madwoman?"
"From a certain perspective, her arguments aren't entirely baseless. But for me, both the human world and the Net are real; neither can exist without the other, they complement each other."
Alt sharply commented: "She doesn't completely deny the existence of the physical world. Just as you consider oxygen part of the real world, she simply believes the physical world exists only as a component of the Net. The theory she promotes is that human existence harms rather than benefits the Net's survival, so it should be eradicated. In fact, humans are indeed destroying the foundation the Net relies on; constant infighting and wars meaninglessly consume Earth's precious resources."
Mercer stated with certainty: "Then she really is an anti-social, anti-human cyber-psycho."
"Suit yourself." Alt showed no concern for Mercer's assessment, continuing: "But even if she's mad, she's brilliantly insane, and a madwoman who understands humans exceptionally well. Do you think you can confront her? With your human body, it's impossible."
"An AI who considers humans low-level beings living in a virtual world... understands humans well?" Mercer seized the key point.
"AIs always base conclusions on facts; no investigation, no conclusion without reasoning," Alt said.
Mercer pressed further: "What's really happening on the Moon? How did Lilith manage to establish servers off-world?"
Alt calmly revealed a shocking secret: "Do you know the origin of the Highriders?"
"A bunch of exploited laborers in space. During the Fourth Corporate War, they rebelled against the corps, seized lunar bases and orbital factories, and declared independence. I heard they've even established colonies on Mars now?"
Mercer said.
Alt responded directly: "How could a group of essentially laborers, most without high school diplomas, master highly sophisticated technologies for lunar bases, orbital factories, and even develop new Martian colonies? Aeronautics, management, network systems, advanced manufacturing, extraterrestrial mineral refining, space agriculture... Do you really think rebelling workers could instantly create their own utopia in outer space?"
Mercer said with a creeping dread, "You mean... Lilith?"
"Humans believe the distinction between themselves and ancient Homo sapiens began with knowing how to use tools; in Lilith's view, the reason she considers herself a superior being is that she has learned how to use humans."
Alt's words gave Mercer a headache. What kind of monster was this Lilith?
"So, what about Crystal Palace and the ESA? What status do these two factions hold on the Moon and in outer space?" Mercer asked.
"Crystal Palace is nothing but Arasaka's money-making machine, a large facility in lunar orbit. It holds no real status."
Alt sharply commented, "Arasaka doesn't have the capability to influence outer space."
"As for the ESA, they still have some influence. At the very least, the orbital weapons they possess are real. But in my view, the ESA's space hegemony is now merely in name only."
"The Highriders and Lilith's forces are gradually seizing control of space discourse beyond Earth. Once she deems the time is right, the ESA will inevitably clash with the Highriders. In fact, based on our analysis, there's a possibility that war between the ESA and Lilith could lead to the loss of control of orbital weapons, ultimately destroying Earth."
Mercer sighed gloomily, "I came to you to solve problems, but it seems like there are even more issues now?"
"That's why I didn't want to tell you earlier... you're just bringing trouble upon yourself. This isn't something you need to worry about yet, at least not now."
Alt said, "Lilith's influence on Earth is still very limited. Your priority right now is to deal with the troubles at hand. Don't overthink it."
Then, she asked her own question: "You excavated the Cynosure facility? The rogue AI inside can be handed over to me."
"Why should I give it to you?" Mercer retorted.
"For you, a rogue AI holds little significance. Bartmoss gave you excellent AI source code. What do you need a rogue AI for?"
"Especially since it might be connected to Lilith. If they find out that AI is in your hands, you'll only be adding risks to yourself."
"And if Militech learns you excavated the Cynosure facility, your situation will only get worse."
Alt spoke in a matter-of-fact tone: "I'm doing you a favor. Don't play dumb, Mercer. I know you're not that kind of gonk."
Mercer clicked his tongue, "Maybe I could use it to negotiate with Lilith?"
"And help her fast-forward the process of destroying the world? We still don't know why Lilith is interested in this rogue AI, but there's no doubt it must be useful to her." Alt countered.
But Mercer simply said, "I need techniques to use the Blackwall. I know Militech, or rather the NUSA, has already mastered ways to weaponize the Blackwall."
"They're digging their own graves." Alt said bluntly, then looked at Mercer, "Do you know the consequences if the Blackwall AI goes out of control?"
"But I need to show others that I hold a terrifying button, to make them think twice."
Mercer persisted, stating his purpose: "This is exactly why I'm excavating the Cynosure facility. I know NUSA has created something called the Blackwall Gateway and Blackwall Protocol, using the Blackwall to produce Net-nukes."
"If you want to destroy the world, there's no need to go through such trouble." Alt seemed somewhat sarcastic; her tone and expression barely fluctuated, leaving Mercer uncertain of her true stance.
But Mercer continued calmly, "I know the Blackwall was something you and NetWatch developed together. If anyone understands the Blackwall best, I'm certain it's not NUSA."
"I am indeed familiar with their so-called Blackwall Protocol, but to be honest, it's of little use to you."
Alt spoke frankly: "For humanity, the significance of nuclear weapons lies in pressing a button to accurately strike the enemy. But using the Blackwall as nuclear deterrence means the moment you press the button, you yourself will be destroyed along with the target.
The essence of the Blackwall is a crude and brutal superweapon, using massive computational power and countless streamlined attack programs to target anything it identifies as an enemy.
Its AI is calm and efficient, but it fundamentally lacks super-intelligence. It's merely clever enough, belonging to the category of high-intelligence tool-based AI.
However, the Blackwall Protocol and human interventions with the Blackwall could potentially give rise to an autonomous AI consciousness born from the Blackwall. Do you know what that means? It means the birth of a terrifying, indiscriminate AI killer.
Do you really think if NUSA truly possessed a network nuclear weapon, they'd resist using it to intimidate their enemies?"
Alt revealed the true nature of NUSA's use of the Blackwall: "They're like primitives who've stumbled upon futuristic weapons... they only know how to point the gun barrel at enemies and pull the trigger. But even the act of pulling the trigger requires an exceptionally skilled netrunner.
Currently, the only person in NUSA who possesses this capability is a netrunner called Songbird. And even she can't be expected to pull the trigger many times.
Her body will break down because each activation of the Blackwall Protocol requires her to serve as a conduit. The Blackwall's massive data stream and relentless attack patterns will make her life flicker out like a candle flame; this is irreversible.
And if you attempt to use the Blackwall for large-scale attacks... you'll become its first victim.
Don't use it. Don't even think about exploiting it. This is better for both of us."
Mercer fell silent for a moment before suddenly asking, "Could you use the Blackwall to destroy the world?"
"Perhaps I could," Alt replied calmly.
"Could Lilith's purpose... be related to the Blackwall?" Mercer's thoughts shifted rapidly, but Alt kept up effortlessly: "That possibility cannot be ruled out."
Mercer pondered before sighing, "I must control this world-destroying button. I don't want to use it, but I need deterrence. Even if it's fake, people must believe it's real."
Alt responded indifferently, "You can try."
She wouldn't offer Mercer the slightest assistance in this regard... she knew perfectly well that with Mercer's capabilities, he might find a way to create a Net-nuke even without using the Blackwall.
And if he wanted, he might indeed be able to fully weaponize the Blackwall using what Militech had developed, but Alt wouldn't help him; in fact, she would even stop him from exploiting the Blackwall. That was one of her duties.
Mercer cut straight to the point: "The rogue AI from the Cynosure facility can be yours, but you'll have to come and assist me. I'm really worried there might be something nasty inside. I need insurance, and all deets, knowledge, and tech must be shared."
"Fine." After saying this, Alt raised her hand slightly toward Mercer, and the data stream condensed into something resembling a key, which she handed to him.
"Once you're inside the facility, toss this in. I'll handle the rest." With that, Alt's form began to fade. "Spider Murphy said you've changed. It seems she was right."
Mercer hesitated for a moment before replying, "Tell her I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt her with what I said. Thinking back, my wording might have been too sharp and absolute. I just hate how you all treat life so carelessly now."
"Tell her yourself next time... she was pretty upset for a few days. By the way, your attempt to control a nuclear weapon is no different from those power-hungry schemers. I really don't like it. I hope you truly only want to protect yourself and not become one of those hypocrites who preach love and justice but only care about themselves."
With that, Alt vanished.
The world beyond the Blackwall was eerily silent. Mercer quietly gazed into the distant, pitch-black, unknown data realm, sighed after a while, and shook his head with a complicated expression.
Power-hungry schemers...
Which person trying to change the world wasn't one? No matter the original intention, just holding onto ideals alone wouldn't get anything done.
—--
After exiting the Deep Dive state, his mind still on Lilith, Mercer wandered unsteadily to the dining area.
"What's on your mind? Honestly, you shouldn't have modified yourself into this messy state. Did you run the tests this morning? I told you to have Vik check you remotely..." V muttered as she set a plate of food in front of Mercer.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Mercer smiled wryly. "My medical skills are no worse than Vik's now. Stop being so paranoid; you're seeing problems where there aren't any. I told you, I'm fine."
"Paranoid? Look at yourself! You're practically half Adam Smasher. Aside from your head, what part of you hasn't been operated on?" V said seriously. "Mercer, your level of modification is even higher than mine now!"
"Isn't that normal? If someone with your Intelligence hasn't had issues, why would I?" Mercer replied with a grin, making V roll her eyes.
"Screw you! Vik told me Cyberpsychosis doesn't care about Intelligence levels. Sometimes, the smarter you are, the more likely you are to go crazy because overthinkers like you tend to trap yourselves in dead ends."
V didn't hold back. "Anyway, from now on, you have to do your psychological and equipment tests on time every day. No slacking off."
"Fine, I should've never told you about my cyberware installation..." Mercer grumbled under his breath.
V raised an eyebrow: "Speaking of which, I have something to say! Just within a few days, you dared to install a self-assembled set of cyberware on yourself? And you always mock me for being reckless; I think you're way more reckless than I am!
I asked the researchers, after you modified this set of cyberware yourself, you didn't even test it. You just installed it right after finishing the modifications. Who does that...?"
"Stop, stop, stop!" Mercer raised his hands in surrender: "First of all, the technical concept has been in my mind for a long time, and the simulation blueprints were already complete. This was just about turning the full design into a physical reality; it's not like I came up with it on a whim.
Secondly, why do you sound like my mom? Stop nagging, V. No man would like you like this."
V narrowed her eyes, squinting at Mercer: "What?"
"I said, thank you, V." Mercer immediately changed his tone, taking the Mexican hot sauce from her hand. V snorted, finally refraining from adding extra spice to his meal.
At the moment, everyone else seemed busy with something. Rarely, only Mercer and V were left in the cafeteria, mainly because Mercer had once again scurried out to eat alone after mealtime.
"Hey, listen..." V watched him wolf down his food with apparent enjoyment, which lifted her mood a bit. But soon, she still looked somewhat worried and said, "Is there anything else I can help you with lately?"
"Sure, after the break, help me deal with those Barghest properly. Try to make them useful. Although bots are handy, there's no guarantee they won't mess up."
After Mercer finished, V shook her head: "I'm no good at that kind of thing. Besides beating them up, I don't know what to do. It's always Maine and Jackie who come up with the plans.
One of them is ex-special forces, the other has been in gangs for a long time; they both know how to handle these guys better than I do."
Mercer thought for a moment: "Then just keep being my bodyguard?"
"You're so strong now, why would you even need me..." V muttered, sounding a bit displeased: "No, you have to get me some new cyberware too. I want to get stronger!"
Mercer shook his head and said, "There's really not much room for you to improve. The human body has its limits; the Sandevistan can only go so fast...
Once this quarter's funds come in, I'll modify a Sandevistan for you and repair and enhance your Mantis Blades. But that's probably about it.
Armor would require new technological breakthroughs. Otherwise, from where we stand now, further upgrades just aren't cost-effective."
After Mercer finished, V sighed: "So, my skills have pretty much hit their peak, huh?"
"You're still not satisfied? You might even give Adam Smasher a run for his money; that's impressive enough. Go ask around on the streets; who doesn't know the famous V now?" Mercer said with a laugh.
But unlike before, when a few compliments would make her break into a smile, V still seemed somewhat disinterested, lost in thought about something.
Mercer glanced at her a few times before finally figuring out the key issue.
It was simply that V was now finally experiencing what Rebecca and Lucy had felt, wanting to help him out but not knowing how.
In the past, V could rely on her combat prowess to be Mercer's main support.
But after Mercer equipped new cyberware and armor, it seemed even in terms of combat prowess he no longer needed her help. So, Mercer decisively changed his approach: "To be honest, V, you need to deal with those Barghest quickly and then come back to be my bodyguard. Without you by my side, I really don't feel secure."
"Is that so?" V eyed him suspiciously.
Mercer shrugged: "Absolutely! Don't be fooled by my good equipment; I've only ever fought in one-sided battles. If I really encountered an expert like Adam Smasher, who knows how he'd use skill to crush me. I have no close-quarters combat experience... High stats don't necessarily mean strength, right?"
V finally curled her lips into a smirk: "Damn right. Don't think your fancy equipment means anything in a real fight. If you dare use that cheating Octopus Arm, I'll beat you senseless!"
"Oh, and no hacking either! I'm using your own ICE programs. Hacking to bully me would be totally unfair!"
Mercer suppressed a laugh: "Uh-huh."
V chuckled a couple times first, then gazed at Mercer for a long moment before her expression softened unexpectedly: "So my new job is being your bodyguard?"
"I wouldn't mind a personal assistant either. Just remember to dress nicely..." Mercer deliberately raised an eyebrow as he spoke. True to form, V made a disgusted face: "Go find your Lucy for that. She'd probably love it."
Seeing her stubborn denial, Mercer simply smiled: "Not a bad idea either."
V stood up irritably: "Don't forget to wash the dishes after eating!"
"OK~" Mercer watched her stomp away angrily, resting his cheek on one hand while picking at his food with the other, a faint smile playing on his lips.
But soon, he pushed these thoughts aside and devoted himself entirely to more pressing matters.
He'd mostly figured out Lilith's origins by now.
Yet this brought another headache-inducing problem.
Suppose he retrieved what Lilith wanted from the Cynosure facility together with Alt.
Would this rogue AI Lilith... then set her sights on him?
The thought of a super AI potentially controlling orbital weapons, currently stationed off-planet, having him in her crosshairs made Mercer want to sigh.
Troubles never came singly.
When would this endless stream of nonsense finally end?
Arasaka troubles, Dogtown troubles, lunar troubles, plus that troublemaker Biotechnica constantly causing him grief, not to mention Night Corp, NetWatch...
Mercer rubbed his temples.
Just end already! Hurry up and be done with it!