Viktor looked at Mercer with an incredulous expression, "You've had similar checkups before, right? Is this data... accurate? You didn't plug in some cyberware to interfere with the data collection, did you?"
Mercer sat up, studying the data on the screen, and after stroking his chin thoughtfully for a moment, said, "Improved quite a bit, huh? Reflexes and Cool both went up a little. Are you sure your program's metrics aren't off, maybe reading low?"
"Hah."
Viktor glanced irritably at Mercer, the numbers glaring brightly on the instrument display:
"Reading low? My detection standards are set even more conservatively than the corporate benchmarks!
Intelligence: 21, Cool: 20, Reflexes: 17
Damn it, the maximum my machine can detect is 21!
And that's only because I modified it myself. Ordinary examination equipment tops out at 20.
Unbelievable. No wonder Arasaka took an interest in you. Your neural activity and neurotolerance are absurdly high.
Are the megacorps so extravagant these days they use geniuses like you as expendable resources?
No, you're not just a genius, you're a monster. You're not some kind of bioware, are you?"
Viktor couldn't stop shaking his head, feeling as if his entire worldview had been thoroughly shaken.
These just aren't numbers a normal human should have! Even if these are potential scores and not Mercer's current actuals, still...
Attributes like intelligence and reflexes are mostly fully realized by Mercer's age!
That means if Mercer gets the right cyberware and equipment now...
He could truly unlock his full intelligence and reach these terrifying human limits immediately!
"It's because I kept it hidden well, otherwise how would I have had a chance to escape? But I'm pretty sure I'm fully human.
Ah, Vik, don't overthink the whole 'genius' thing. You'll just tie your brain in knots, after all, a talent like mine is one of a kind.
But your machine is pretty impressive. At Arasaka, they could only measure up to 20."
Mercer's words made Viktor press the rescan button again, but the machine's readings remained unchanged.
"...I've never seen any genius break the numerical ceiling. You're not just a genius, I honestly don't believe any human could test at your levels."
Vik muttered to himself, "I thought this machine would never hit the limit... No wonder you're confident about installing this batch of cyberware. But...
Ah, never mind, I won't pry.
What's your plan? How are you thinking of doing the surgery?"
Hearing this, Mercer grew excited and began outlining his surgical plan:
"Vik, my idea is: first, the monowire and cooling system are must-haves. The cybereye and neural link need upgrades too.
Hmm... Since we're replacing the neural link, we might as well swap out the data cables as well.
We can skip the coolant. I've looked into Arasaka's data on stuff that directly affects internal circulation, there might be trace toxin buildup that doesn't fully metabolize.
The cyberdeck still needs some fine-tuning." "Whatever you do, don't connect this directly to your own network to check the data. There's a specialized protocol program inside."
"I suspect, no, I'm certain, Arasaka has embedded a backdoor in this program. Once I finish installing the rest, we'll examine it together. Only after we've neutralized the backdoor should we consider installing it."
"Hmm, so you're saying you want to install the monowire, a new neural link, its connecting cables, this top-tier heatsink, and new cybereyes all at once? Trying to fry your brain?"
Viktor spoke bluntly, "After reviewing your data, I'm actually a bit more confident you can handle these implants. But that doesn't mean you can install them all in one go."
"With this many components, post-op inflammation alone could kill you, not to mention every one of these has to interface directly with your neural pathways. Haven't you seen the data yourself? The neural load of each cyberware is more than double that of the Arasaka gear you currently have."
Viktor looked at Mercer, his expression firm. "Even if you're confident, it doesn't matter. Today, I'll only install the less burdensome parts. The rest will have to wait until after the post-op observation period."
"We'll start by replacing your monowire, neural link and its connecting cables, and your cybereye. The others, like the Self-ICE, heatsink cyberware, and the Synaptic Accelerator that acts directly on your nerves, will have to be done one at a time."
He turned to face Mercer, speaking with utmost seriousness. "Those later implants place an extreme burden on your neural system. To give you an idea: if the load from the initial implants adds up to 10, each of the later ones will add another 10!"
"And you need to understand, a load of 20 is completely different from 30. If 10 to 20 just makes you fatigued, 20 to 30 will cause ongoing damage to your neural pathways. Do you get what I'm saying?"
"If an ordinary person tried to install even just the hardware, without activating it, the neural strain alone would overwhelm their brain. And if they activated it? Every startup would cause irreversible neural damage."
"Even you can't run all of these at full capacity without consequences. Listen to me, kid. You call me Vik, I wouldn't steer you wrong."
Hearing this, even though Mercer felt he could handle it, he nodded obediently. That was just Vik's way. You trusted him.
"Alright, I'll follow your plan. I'll leave the rest here and come back to install them later. That'll give us time to study that cyberdeck anyway."
"Vik, that thing is the core of this entire set. You could find substitutes for the other cyberware from other corps, but that cyberdeck is truly one of a kind. In terms of raw power, aside from a special Militech model, I don't think there's a stronger netrunner cyberdeck in the world."
Mercer looked earnestly at Viktor and said, "Vik, it's dangerous. If you're not sure you can handle it, don't touch it. I'll level with you, the protocol inside is related to the infamous 'Soulkiller'."
Few people might remember Soulkiller these days, but I have to be honest with you, it's only slightly less dangerous than Bartmoss's R.A.B.I.D.S. virus that destroyed the Old Net.
Arasaka's heavily promoted "Secure Your Soul" program, which they're selling now, is actually a variant developed from the Soulkiller software.
Viktor felt a headache coming on just hearing this. Do you trust me too much?
Things like this, better not tell me. In fact, it'd be best if you didn't involve me at all.
But seeing the trust in Mercer's eyes, he couldn't bring himself to say anything discouraging to the kid. He just sighed:
"Alright, I get it. I'll look into it for you later. We'll save the installation for last."
"Yeah, I wouldn't dare use this thing without figuring it out thoroughly, but I have an idea. If it really comes down to it, I've got an outside expert I can call."
The expert Mercer had in mind was Alt Cunningham.
No one in the world understood Soulkiller better than Alt Cunningham. If she stepped in, a mere neural link would be child's play.
What's more, Mercer might even find a way to get the source code for Soulkiller from her and start his own in-depth research into the program.
And if Alt wasn't willing, Mercer had a backup plan.
When Mercer fled Arasaka, he took seven Relic chips with him. Five of them had already had their killer programs wiped using the software Alt gave him, leaving only the hardware functional.
But he had kept the programs intact on the remaining two chips. He wanted to wait until his skills improved and he had a proper workspace before studying the programs on those.
"Alright then, for now, let's get you set up for cyberware compatibility."
Vik operated the equipment, cross-referencing the data package Mercer had sent him.
Inside were design blueprints and specs for cyberware that Mercer had stolen directly from the R&D center servers using his late "aunt's" access privileges.
Mercer had long since organized everything he took from Arasaka on his laptop during his journey.
The data package he compiled now was specifically tailored to make things easier for the doctor performing the surgery.
"Mercer, now you've got a decision to make."
Vik's tone was far from optimistic:
"Because your body is so small, and these cyberware units are all adult-sized, installing them is going to cause you significant discomfort.
Even with some adjustments for compatibility, some of the wiring will still be too bulky.
So, we have two options.
One: trim down parts of the cyberware to better fit your body. This would reduce rejection to normal levels.
Or two: install them with minimal adjustments. The rejection process will be long and tough, but the upside is that even as you grow, the cyberware will remain functional for a while.
Honestly, I really don't recommend someone your age getting cyberware.
Your body is still developing, and cyberware can interfere with that process.
Plus, as you grow, your muscles, bones, and nerves could cause the cyberware to malfunction."
"I have to get them installed. As for my body developing...
I'm not too worried. In this world, looks and physique don't really matter. It's the human mind and will that endure."
Mercer was remarkably open-minded about it: "As long as my brain functions normally, this body is merely a vessel for my soul. In this world, there's nothing cyberware can't solve.
Bones, circulatory systems, blood...
Even the complex nervous system is no longer a miracle of natural human growth but data cables that can be artificially shaped and intervened with.
Vik, I have a lot to do. Without cyberware, I can't achieve any of it."
He pointed to his head with a smile:
"Or rather, this body is the very thing limiting my brain's potential.
Compared to fragile flesh and blood, mechanical ascension might be the most suitable path for someone like me.
So, the second option it is. In the short term, I can't find better parts to replace these."
"If the Maelstrom gang heard you say that, they'd instantly call you 'brother'."
Vik didn't agree with this view. He sighed lightly, "Fine, it's your decision. Just... if you feel anything off with your body, don't tough it out."
"Mhm, bring it on. If something feels wrong, I'll scale back immediately, I have no intention of turning Cyberpsycho."
Even as he said this, Mercer felt that...
even if he ended up like Adam Smasher, a near-total machine with just a few ounces of flesh left in his skull, he'd be just fine.
To this world, perhaps he was already a complete madman, an outlier dreaming of changing everything.
"Then go watch some TV and relax. There's beer in the fridge."
"Actually, head to the entrance. There's a vending machine there; grab a drink. I've got ice here.
I need about half an hour to calibrate, then we'll begin the procedure."
Viktor glanced at Mercer. "Though nobody seems to care these days, someone your age should really stay away from alcohol."
"Alright. But, Vik, you're pretty damn impressive. I just sent you the data, and you'll have it ready in half an hour? No wonder I've got high hopes for you, man."
Mercer gave him a thumbs-up and stood to buy a cola, while Vik responded with a mix of amusement and exasperation:
"Well, thanks for the compliment."
Being called "bro" by a fourteen-year-old felt oddly natural in conversation, yet it was undeniably awkward.
As Mercer chuckled and headed for the door, the automatic entrance slid open with a click.
—--
"Vik, I brought a buddy to support your business, whoa, since when did you have a kid here?"
A burly, muscular man filled the doorway, looking down to meet Mercer's gaze.
Mercer looked up and blinked.
Well... today's my lucky day.
"Jackie?"
The tall, robust man standing before him was none other than his good buddy from the game, Jackie Welles, who tragically died in the prologue!
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Bonus chapter @300 power stones.