Behind Lucy and Nishimura Kyoko, a tall young man with similarly sun-tanned skin also entered. Once the door closed, Mercer lazily sat up: "Have a seat. I think there are some instant tea bags under the coffee table. Other drinks were probably finished long ago."
"Thank you," Lucy nodded slightly, her bright eyes cautiously studying him all the while.
Mercer was also observing her closely, but unlike her intent, his was purely a fan's mindset, studying the real-world form of his 2D waifu.
Her iridescent short hair shimmered under the light with complex hues, like silver mixed with pink, and the faint red eyeshadow beneath her bright eyes seemed to be a permanent tattoo, typical cyberpunk style.
Just like the young man beside her, whom Mercer remembered was named Daichi Tetsuya, with his green mohawk and a "fashionable face" complete with a metal-coated chin cyberware. These kids living day-to-day really knew how to stay trendy.
Thinking of this, Mercer suddenly thought of himself, or more accurately, his own image, and found himself at a loss for words.
Now, in terms of appearance, he looked surprisingly similar to before his transmigration, even an upgraded version. Not only were his features more defined and his skin clearer, but due to modifications, even his eyes seemed larger and brighter.
Except...
He had red hair, a buzz cut, a black earring in his left ear, and even the port behind his ear was stylized into a red cherry blossom petal with a distinct Arasaka flair.
Like a tattoo, there were obvious neural circuit tattoos on both sides of his face near the eyes, which glowed blue when connected to the network.
Honestly, after a while, it started to feel quite unique, giving Mercer, who had never experimented with unconventional styles in his past life, a bit of a thrill.
He had once suggested dyeing his hair red as a child but nearly got beaten by his family that very day, so he dropped the idea.
"Leon will be here soon," Lucy said, seemingly done with her appraisal. After a pause, she added, "Kyoko mentioned you have something to say?"
"Yeah, the company's project seems to be changing."
As soon as Mercer finished speaking, the eyes of all three lit up. Kyoko, especially excited, couldn't hold back: "Really!? So we don't have to dig data on the Old Net anymore?"
"Probably not."
Before Kyoko's smile could fully bloom, Mercer chuckled lightly and added, "No need to worry about getting caught by AIs while mining the Old Net, because our new project most likely involves directly engaging with AIs."
The moment he said this, even Lucy couldn't help showing a look of horror.
Kyoko's eyes reddened instantly, on the verge of tears: "Huh?"
Daichi Tetsuya, who seemed even taller than Mercer, clenched his fists: "Mr. Vale, are you serious? Is the intel confirmed?"
"Call me Mercer. 'Mr. Vale' sounds worse than just calling me Vale."
After saying that, Mercer continued in a relaxed tone: "Not sure, I'm just guessing based on the new director's tone and attitude.
Think about it... because of this incident, the original project director was fired and kicked out, yet I wasn't affected at all. Even the interrogation felt perfunctory, and the new director is all smiles when he looks at me.
The only possibility is probably related to my encounter with the AI and surviving, as well as what Kyoko witnessed.
But before we discuss any of that, let's talk about your situation first."
Mercer spoke while observing their expressions, ultimately deciding he needed to selectively reveal some information.
Kyoko was quite innocent and cute, but in this world, under these circumstances, innocence and cuteness weren't advantages. Mercer needed someone to help him escape; the partners chosen during preparations had to be reliable.
Lucy had a strong will to survive, but sometimes that could backfire. Mercer had to carefully assess before selectively sharing information with them, to avoid them panicking and running off, potentially exposing his plans.
For now, Mercer believed he had already independently completed about 60% of the escape preparations. These little netrunners were only useful for drawing fire and providing some muscle during the escape.
Hacking skills?
To be honest, he was feeling a bit overconfident now. He dared say he could take on ten Lucys... Well, at least three should be no problem.
After a moment of silence from Lucy, a prompt suddenly appeared before Mercer's eyes.
[Lucy has initiated a file transfer. Accept?]
Mercer didn't accept immediately. Instead, he manually activated his personal ICE, then used his cyberdeck to create a virtual drive and connected the software to it.
If necessary, he could format the virtual drive directly, losing only the RAM deducted during its existence.
Once the file was received, Mercer's eyes glowed with a faint golden light as he watched the rapidly flowing blue data in his vision, quickly understanding what the program did.
Without a word, he unplugged the data cable from his wrist.
"Wait a moment."
Lucy silently watched him and nodded.
He sat down by the computer, first connected the data cable from his wrist, and uploaded "Freelance Assassin V0.1" to the computer, running a targeted scan and cleanup.
Then, he cautiously reread the computer data himself, manually handling the backdoors and vulnerabilities inside the laptop, and conveniently deleted some junk programs left by the previous Mercer.
Well, to the current him, those programs were really terrible, redundant code piled up like a mountain of crap, as garbage as Arasaka's programs.
Thanks to his inexplicable talent, he viewed data and programs as if observing a human being, height, weight, and build were instantly apparent, and he could even see the "flesh and bones" of the program.
This allowed him to clearly identify the program's core, the necessary framework and substance for operation, and where the malformed, unnecessary redundant code was.
Only then did he begin his real work.
First, he deleted all the software Lucy had sent, not that it was unusable, but for him, rather than using her software for optimization and upgrades, it was more efficient to rebuild a core code segment from scratch. In just a minute and a half, Mercer rubbed his temples, looking somewhat fatigued as he disconnected, and simultaneously sent the new program to the three people present.
[Lucy: This creature is... a penguin? I didn't expect you to know about biology too.]
Lucy's voice sounded directly in his mind, and no wonder she was surprised, because in this world, Antarctica had long been left with only a lone AI.
Many believed that so-called penguins were likely extinct, and not many actually knew about the creature.
Most people in this world were busy, busy working, busy surviving, busy studying, busy entertaining themselves. No one bothered to learn about things that seemed meaningless, like the rumored extinct penguin.
As for why the icon was a penguin...
It was because Mercer had created an encrypted communication software, and he chose that icon purely out of whimsy, or perhaps nostalgia.
[Mercer: Mhm, you can set your own profile picture. From now on, we can use this to chat. Voice, video, and file transfers are all supported.
I've implemented pure random encryption. If there's any signal outside authentication, ICE will alert us. At that point, we can pause cautiously to prevent eavesdropping.
You can create temporary chat groups. If an abnormal signal appears in the group chat, the owner of that signal will be kicked out immediately, so if you get kicked, check your device right away.
The program has an auto-hide function and operates using the existing communication framework. It usually lurks within the code of ICE's external signal detection program.
The downside is that because the program itself is small, it requires more personal memory to run.]
[Kyoko Tamura: Wow! There's even UI design!]
[Daichi Tetsuya: The data structure is incredibly elegant. Your skills are improving way too fast.]
[Mercer: Just applying what I already know in a cohesive way. Anyway, Lucy, you can start explaining now.]
[Lucy: Hold on, there's one more companion. I'll bring him in.]
[Leon: Is this a new version you made, Lucy?]
[Lucy: It's Mercer.]
[Leon: Whoa, that's amazing.]
[Lucy: Let's skip the small talk for now. Briefly explain the situation to Mercer... Mercer, what are your thoughts on the company?]
[Mercer: No particular opinion. All crows are black under the sky.]
[Lucy: And the current situation?]
[Mercer: Just ask me directly if I want to escape. Of course, what idiot would want to stay here as a mining slave and expendable resource?
These assholes don't even pay wages. Tricking child laborers into indentured servitude is one thing, but they even automatically deduct our earnings to cover forced education loans, with the repayment date set until we're 22.
Working for someone else? Not a chance. I'd rather die than work for anyone again in this lifetime. So, tell me, what's your plan?]
[Lucy: I always thought you were pretty aloof before.]
[Kyoko Tamura: +1!]
[Daichi Tetsuya: Hmm...]
[Leon: Whoa, wait for me! I'm heading to my room to join the voice chat!]
[Lucy: Anyway, yes, we don't want to die here.]
[Lucy: A few days ago, it was Tony. Last week, it was Hanako. A month ago, it was Kuma.
The rate of deaths is speeding up. Those rogue AIs have probably figured out that a group of kids logs in regularly to mine, and they've started hunting us right on schedule. They've even learned to set traps, hiding snares within the mining data.] I don't want to die, none of us want to die, so... we've decided to escape!
Mercer, you're incredibly strong, far more talented than any of us. If you're willing to join, I'm certain we can make it out!
Mercer: What's your plan?
Lucy: We've already obtained the security personnel roster and shift rotation schedule, and we secretly hacked the employee database. We've decided to make our escape on Christmas Day.
That day has an unusually high number of employees taking leave, apparently years of working underground have become unbearable, and everyone wants to celebrate the holidays.
Plus, the surface will be chaotic enough that day. I'm sure many corporate employees will be on leave too, so that's when we'll make our move.
The original plan was to use our deep dive into the Old Net that day to launch a massive information assault through our connected servers.
But now... if the project changes... I don't know.
If we really have to deal with AI... will we even survive until Christmas?
Lucy wore a somewhat sorrowful expression, less sorrowful than fearful. Just by looking at her face, Mercer could easily see the fragility the girl was trying hard to conceal.
Kyoko Tamura and Daichi Tetsuya showed similar expressions. Kyoko looked completely dejected and mournful, her eyes already reddening, while Daichi sighed heavily, his expression extremely grave.
[Mercer: Don't be afraid. You've been treated as expendable for so long it's become a mindset; the project team isn't capable of directly capturing AI yet.
Capturing AI requires highly specialized equipment and much more powerful server support. Our current cyberware, equipment, and facilities don't support that possibility.
Even if they were prepared to capture AI, our role would at most be bait, using us as fishing lures.
What other preparations have you made? How long have you been planning this? Is this all you've prepared?]
[Lucy: Leon and Daichi also wrote a cracking program that can unlock the restrictions on our cyberware. We'll send it to you later.
But triggering this program will set off alarms, so don't attempt to run it directly. We tested it with simulation software, it can disable all cyberware programs within ten seconds.]
That's more like it.
Mercer considered this but didn't mention he'd already casually created something better, simply replying:
[Mercer: I'll optimize the program later, no rush. What else? Escape route selection, supply quantity planning, identity disguise, escape destination, and preparations and future plans after reaching our destination?]
At these words, the chat group suddenly fell silent. The kids looked at each other, speechless, until suddenly someone knocked on the door.
[Leon: Open up, it's me.]
Mercer unlocked the door with a thought, and a slender boy with blue short hair hurried in, automatically taking a seat at the table.
[Leon: Hey, Mercer~ You used to be so quiet, never imagined you'd be this capable.]
[Leon: Uh, don't ask them anymore. None of us thought that far ahead, we just don't want to die, so we have to escape first. As long as we can get out of here, it doesn't matter where we go or which direction we flee. We originally planned to leave our fates to chance after escaping anyway.
With only netrunner cyberware among us, at most a monowire as a weapon, what use is that against Arasaka agents? Most of us have never even been in real combat, with only basic training to speak of.]
[Daichi Tetsuya: Yeah, we really haven't thought too much about it. Just escape first, and then we'll have a chance to survive.
Staying here, everyone is terrified. During the next deep dive, it could be any one of us who dies. That's why no one is talking about dreams or the future.]
[Mercer: That won't do. You all think about it first. As for the specific escape routes... never mind, I'll handle it. I'll come up with a few options, and when we break out, everyone can choose the one they prefer.]
[Kyoko: I believe in you!!]
[Lucy: Alright, then let's all think together. But Mercer, be careful. If the project changes, you'll definitely become a prime target.]
[Mercer: No big deal. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.]
At this point, Mercer didn't really feel like discussing escape plans with them anymore. It seemed the concrete strategies and action plans would have to be handled by him alone.
So, he shifted the conversation to something he was genuinely curious about.
[Mercer: Kyoko, what exactly did you see back then?]
[Kyoko: It was an AI.]
[Kyoko: Right before you unplugged, I saw a strange AI. It looked like a massive male figure made of red data, with no distinct features except for intensely bright eyes.]
[Kyoko: It was standing right beside you. I saw with my own eyes, your icon... collapsed!
But then it immediately reassembled. I don't know what happened. It was like it killed you with a finger tap, then brought you back to life!
And it wasn't just that one AI!]
[Kyoko: There was another enormous red female AI standing right behind him!
Those two AIs were utterly terrifying. Humanoid AIs of that size are just... monsters!
Kyoko: Your icon seemed to change right before you logged off too, but I didn't get a clear look because I... I was scared.
So before it noticed me, I crossed the Blackwall and logged off immediately. I just never expected that by the time I disconnected, you were already awake.]
[Kyoko: That's everything I saw.]
Seeing the faint trace of fear on Kyoko's face, Mercer simply blinked at her and then laughed.
"Well, no matter what, we're still alive.
As for why my icon collapsed... I'm not really sure. To be honest, I have no memory of that period."
"Since we're here, we might as well make the best of it. As long as I'm alive, some things can just be dealt with one step at a time."
Mercer stretched lazily and proactively closed the chat group.
He pretty much understood now, none of these kids were reliable. They were just scrambling to escape Arasaka under the pressure of mortal fear.
As for other matters, like dreams or the future, those simply weren't on their list of considerations.
He couldn't blame them. After all, for ninety-nine percent of people in this world, corporations like Arasaka might as well be gods. They might be able to escape, but in their view, even if they did, they would surely be caught afterward.
Even though no one mentioned it now, deep down, they all believed in living one more day at a time, so they hadn't considered any other unnecessary thoughts.
They just felt that dying from an Arasaka agent's bullet was better than being silently devoured by an AI in the Old Net.
"Since things have come to this, let's have some tea first."
Mercer said lightly, "No matter what, these past few days have been a rare break, our first real vacation in years, right?
Let's just enjoy this rare moment of peace.
Leave all these annoying matters to me."
"Huh? But I just got here!" Leon widened his eyes, clearly wanting to keep talking.
But seeing Mercer's demeanor, Lucy suddenly felt a sense of reassurance.
If he, as someone under Arasaka's intense scrutiny, could appear so relaxed, then she didn't need to be too afraid either… right?
Daichi Tetsuya scratched his head and suddenly remembered, "I've got a game console I bought a while back. It has the latest soccer game. Wanna play?"
"Whoa! Where'd you get it? Yes, let's play!" Leon's eyes lit up.
Daichi Tetsuya chuckled happily:
"After paying off my loan, I had 300 eurodollars left each month. Company meals only cost 200, so I saved up for months and bought a secondhand one. Had to ask an employee to help me get it, just arrived yesterday."
"Hey Lucy, Mercer, want to check out my braindance?"
Kyoko's eyes sparkled, "It's been so long since I've watched it!
We can take turns, or dump the data into the TV and watch it like we used to with movies!
I spent ages figuring out how to convert the BD into a video!"
"Kyoko, haven't you watched that BD like a dozen times already?" Leon teased.
"No one said it was for you, annoying."
Kyoko stuck out her tongue and made a face at Leon, then turned to Mercer with an eager expression:
"Mercer, you said you weren't interested before, but want to give it a try this time?
It's really good! When I first came here, I had to watch it almost every night to fall asleep!"
Lucy remained expressionless but quietly sent Mercer a message.
[Lucy: Give it a watch. This kid treasures that BD, it was a birthday gift from an employee who felt sorry for her back then.
She's sharing it with you to get closer, you can tell, right?
She used to be a little scared of you.]
[Mercer: Yeah, I know. Perfect timing, BD, huh? I've never tried it.]
Mercer smiled and nodded, "Sure, let me experience the BD alone first, as compensation."
He thought for a moment, then got up and moved his pillow aside.
Underneath was a reading chip.
A quick scan with his cybereye revealed the title on the chip: Neuromancer.
"It's a novel from the 1960s. You can take it, scan it, and read it slowly to pass the time."
Kyoko immediately reached out happily to take the chip, scanning it with her cybereye to copy the content first.
Soon, both of them sat with glowing, distant eyes, clearly already immersed in reading.
Meanwhile, Mercer fiddled with the BD headset, figured out how to operate it after a while, and put it on.
With a flash of light, the next moment, he successfully entered the world of BD.
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3200 words.