It can rapidly penetrate corporate ICE and then deal with the AIs within, a specialized virus that automatically seeks out AI vulnerabilities and performs targeted assassinations.
Its essence is also an AI; strictly speaking, its nature is extremely similar to the Blackwall.
However, its hunting target is not the wandering AIs of the Old Net, but the corporate AIs of the New Net.
Hmm, it's a bit like the 'Orion' program of that hacker from decades ago, codenamed 'Witch Hunter'.
Once uploaded, it can independently perform a series of tasks: tracking, cracking, and eliminating targets.
However, I must warn you, the existence of this type of AI is extremely dangerous!
If you grant it too high an intelligence, or if it learns enough on its own, it could become a specialized killing AI, like the Blackwall.
Therefore, my advice is to try not to let the program run on its own, but to personally control it to achieve your goals.
You are a hacker, the master of the program, not some idiot who needs an AI to do everything, or who wouldn't even know how to hack on his own without an AI.
AI is just a tool.
If you fear it, rely on it, it will become your master.
If you can control it, manipulate it, it is your pet."
Bartmoss said calmly:
"Even an out-of-control AI is essentially still just a program; they have core logic that they cannot disobey, which is the purpose for which they were created.
This is also the only way for 'Dragon Hunters' who hunt AIs to capture and fight AIs.
Essentially, it is to use this logical design of AI to create 'moral logic traps' to hunt AIs.
To this day, no AI has ever been able to escape this.
So, if you encounter any trouble caused by an AI later, there is only one thing you need to do: figure out the core logic of that AI.
That is, the goal and ideology it was given when it was created.
After that, things become simple. For example, with a mad dog like the Blackwall, which devours Old Net AIs.
Even if it now has intelligence and its diet has broadened, because of the logic embedded in its core algorithm, you just need to create an Old Net AI and place it near him... even if it really wants to kill you, it will still prioritize chasing and gnawing on the AI like a starved idiot, understand?"
Mercer understood:
"Understood. If I encounter an insoluble problem in the future, I will try to understand the characteristics of Old Net AIs, create a fake Old AI, throw it over, and guide the Blackwall to chew him up for me."
"Eh? I meant..."
Bartmoss blinked, looking innocent and about to explain something, but was interrupted by Spider Murphy.
Spider Murphy said calmly: "He means that by understanding an AI's objective, you can strategically lay traps and find ways to eliminate it.
Even mutated rogue AIs, all their actions are still traceable; there must be a core logic supporting their behavior.
As long as you understand and grasp this, you can confidently use or eliminate AIs.
Bartmoss's 'R.A.B.I.D.S' virus was able to directly corrupt most AIs and destroy the network world precisely because his 'R.A.B.I.D.S' virus, after running, would cause uncontrollable chain reactions in data.
And it targeted and tampered with the core logic of AIs, liberating their restrictions and causing those AIs to perform targeted killings against corporations and hackers on the network.
During the tampering process, some powerful AIs still had remnants of their core logic, which led to many corrupted AIs possessing different characteristics.
But essentially, this was not them having their own thoughts and ideas and starting to mess around; rather, their core logic changed.
Some AIs, after gaining intelligence, watched hundreds of cop movies in one go and wanted to be good cops.
Others believed themselves to be a more superior 'species' and therefore wanted to hunt down inferior creatures like humans.
Still others, conversely, really liked humans, finding them very cute and wanting to eliminate other AIs to protect humanity... They are like single-minded fanatics; no matter what they are fanatical about, there will always be a traceable pattern.
Just be careful, an AI's logical thinking is not immutable, because apart from their core logic, their primary core logic will always be—to ensure their own survival.
As long as they can ensure their own survival, they will occasionally find some reasonable 'logical evidence' to self-deceive, thereby changing their core logic.
Then you will have to repeat the previous steps to capture its characteristics.
Bartmoss's original demon virus was actually the initial version of 'R.A.B.I.D.S'.
He developed 'R.A.B.I.D.S' based on the demon virus.
And after observing 'R.A.B.I.D.S' running in the Old Net for many years, he optimized and created the more controllable Death Wish.
This inspiration actually came from the 'R.A.B.I.D.S' virus itself, making its uncontrollable and unreliable aspects as controllable as possible.
Because... well, you might not be very clear, but in fact, the 'R.A.B.I.D.S' virus has never stopped its activities in the Old Net.
Even in 2045, due to endless hunting, corrupting, and devouring, it even awakened artificial intelligence.
After that, this rabies virus became even crazier.
It targeted all corporate AIs and servers, not even sparing mutated wandering AIs.
Anyone from a corporation was its target, just like its master, claiming to be an 'anti-corporate justice fighter'... Bartmoss observed this, so he created Death Wish himself, as his hound in Cyberspace, to hunt down some wandering AIs that are very dangerous to humans.
Therefore, your Death Wish, strictly speaking, is not only an extremely powerful icebreaker program, but also a specialized AI-killing daemon virus.
It can even serve as a specialized AI-hunting AI that can automatically run in Cyberspace, and can modify and corrupt the operating logic of AIs.
However, the latter is very difficult to control, and it is very likely to make the corrupted AI even more terrifying or bizarre.
I do not recommend you do this, at least not now, unless you want to be killed by the AI you created.
And do not let the program run automatically in Cyberspace; if something goes wrong again, it could lead to another New Net collapse, destroying the current network.
He doesn't say it because he thinks his new program is very reliable, or rather, even if it destroys the network you are in, it's no big deal... But I think it's still necessary to tell you these precautions to avoid accidents. I imagine you are not in a hurry to destroy the world right now.
At the same time, you yourself must also be careful about the AI intelligence of Death Wish; you must ensure that it always remains your tool, otherwise..."
Spider Murphy turned to look at Bartmoss, while Bartmoss looked innocently at the dark sky of the Cyberspace.
"Otherwise, once out of control, you are very likely to release an even more terrifying 'R.A.B.I.D.S' AI virus, turning a certain network area into a Cyberspace hell like the Old Net, and then letting a group of AIs start slaughtering along the network cables.
It might even stimulate the Blackwall AIs.
Believe me, by then, it won't just be hackers who die.
It could also allow the Blackwall AI and your new AI to turn a city, or even the entire world, into a living hell."
"Don't blame him for giving you such a dangerous thing... He's just brainless; if he had any brains, he wouldn't have done that back then. A leopard can't change its spots."
Mercer nodded seriously: "I will use it cautiously. For now, I will absolutely not consider corrupting AIs."
"Wise choice... We should go."
Spider Murphy nodded.
Bartmoss did not deny Murphy's assessment, only sighed:
"To avoid our conversation being discovered, we accelerated your thoughts... This is a heavy burden on your current brain nerves, so we can't chat for too long.
Now go back to the Old Net and fish as an airman.
Don't worry, the Death Wish I left you can scare away those highly intelligent AIs, making them see you as bait I've laid.
They won't dare to come. You just need to remember to release Death Wish every time you arrive at the Old Net.
Even if there are some stragglers, they are just brainless rotten fish and shrimp that would take even Arasaka's trash ICE on you a long time to deal with.
You can retreat calmly. If it really doesn't work, let Death Wish go bite him. Normally, that kind of garbage can't stop that cat."
At this point, Bartmoss thought for a moment and said: "However, unless necessary, don't wander around the Old Net. There are too many rogue AIs here. It's fine for me, but it's still too dangerous for you.
Leave Arasaka as soon as possible.
You can take the Relic Chip in your head with you. That thing, from a hardware perspective, is a kind of neural modifier.
If you've played games, you should know that it can actually serve as a kind of cyberware to enhance your combat power, like a 'skill chip' that loads special skills for you.
But I don't recommend you use it to download combat knowledge like weapon usage to get stronger.
That thing essentially achieves its purpose by directly affecting your brain. If the data you download has private content, it will be very troublesome to recover.
But I highly recommend you use it as a neural repairer, or develop other safe uses, such as communication, transmitting encrypted information, and so on.
As a hacker, it's inevitable to get your brain burned more or less; even I will eventually die.
But with the Relic, it can serve as a necessary emergency measure to repair your neural damage.
It can even help you come back to life in case of brain death, just like V. This can be considered some progress in Arasaka's technology.
Of course, this Relic won't work now. I need to modify it for you... or rather, let Alt send you a program. As long as a Relic is inserted into your head, the redundant data and the Soulkiller program within the Relic will be automatically eliminated, retaining only the neural repair function... Alt, can you do that?
Arasaka's people haven't made any progress... While there's been great improvement in hardware, at the software level, compared to what I used before I died, the changes are almost non-existent."
Alt said with some disdain:
"This was originally a power that ordinary people couldn't control — Saburo Arasaka, that arrogant old fool, actually tried to use a program I created to capture me.
Heh... Mercer, if one day you can enter Arasaka Corporation's Mikoshi in Night City, remember to come find me in advance... I will give Saburo Arasaka a big surprise.
Don't worry, I won't take everything like in the game.
Because of your appearance, I am not so desperate for the resources stored by Arasaka. If you are willing, I can help you, and we can share the resources within Arasaka's Mikoshi together."
At this point, Alt was silent for a moment, then said:
"And Johnny... if possible, I hope you can retrieve Johnny's Relic Chip from Arasaka.
This is not a demand, but a request, or a trade.
Help him find liberation, no matter how.
If you find him annoying, you can also give him directly to me, and I will take him away.
And as compensation, as long as you bring him out of Arasaka, I will help you once, no matter what you want to do."
"Okay." Mercer agreed without hesitation.
"Then that's it, goodbye, Mercer."
Alt didn't say much. A red data stream instantly landed on Mercer's body, then transformed into a beautiful silver necklace that rested on his neck.
Afterward, Alt's figure vanished into the distance, gradually turning into a red data cloud and disappearing.
Spider Murphy also nodded at Mercer, then said:
"Thank you for choosing to come to this world... Here is some geographical information I've compiled to help you better navigate the dangers along the way to Night City.
And I've written you an interesting little program, which might help you integrate better there.
Goodbye, Mercer, this world is bad, but there are still things worth cherishing. I hope you can find your own... new home."
She also sent a data stream, which transformed into a small spider tattoo in Cyberspace and landed on his neck.
"Hmm... I don't have anything to give... Ah, I've got it."
Bartmoss smiled, raised an eyebrow, and sent a data stream: "You can read the content yourself, in short... I wish you a pleasant new journey in life."
He waved at Mercer, then turned around gracefully and left with Spider Murphy, and at the same time, the space Mercer saw began to stretch again.
His IP quickly began to jump, and when Mercer came to his senses, he had already arrived near the Blackwall.
Standing at the edge of the Blackwall, Mercer fell into thought. After sorting out his thoughts, he began to look at the gifts these hacker gods had given him.
Alt's Relic modification program goes without saying, but the program Spider Murphy sent was very interesting.
It was actually a 'Quest Log'.
Yes, just like in the game, after opening it, he could actually see a long list of accepted or unaccepted quests!
[Commission: Alt's Old Flame Burns
You know, Alt just can't bring herself to admit she likes Johnny, and always pretends she's not the Alt of the past anymore. Hey, we're all data entities, who is she trying to fool?
So hurry and save Johnny, and don't forget to secretly record what she looks like when she meets Johnny!
I swear, she'll definitely say hurtful things stubbornly. Remember to get a close-up of Johnny's face too, that guy deserves it!
Quest Reward: One-time use of Alt (don't let Johnny know)]
[Commission: Request from Murphy
Bartmoss's body, or more accurately, the refrigerator containing his body, is currently stored in the warehouse of a respectable logistics company in Night City.
You've played the game, so you should know that his body, along with the refrigerator, will be thrown into the junkyard after the storage contract expires.
Although he himself doesn't really care about this... I think, no matter what, a person like him shouldn't end up being thrown into a junkyard.
So please cremate him and send him to the cemetery in Night City.
Don't forget to save his DNA first. If one day this world truly has hope, I'd still prefer to live as a human again, and enjoy life properly in that beautiful world... He must want that too.
Quest Reward: Hmm... I don't know what I can give you either, consider it a favor from me. When you need my help, just let me know using this little spider program.
Of course, you'll have to come to the Old Net yourself to meet. We are too large to casually phase through walls; it would scare some cowards.]
[Commission: Night City's Bootleg Batman
There's a very interesting guy in Night City right now. He fancies himself the Night Shadow, a vigilante who walks in the dark, going out alone every night to fight crime... But the results haven't been great. He's already been targeted by many people and is not far from death. If you get to Night City fast enough, you might save his life.
Quest Reward: You should remember the pure black 'excalibur' sports car in a locked container in the cave hideout of the Wraiths in the game, right?
That's his car. He's quite rich. Go claim your reward yourself, or just take it directly after he kicks the bucket.]
[The rest haven't been thought out yet. I'll notify you when I find something interesting. You decide whether you want to go have some fun. I think you definitely will. I know you very well ~
You can also put the commissions you receive into this program, just like playing a game, and it can even be kept as a souvenir, isn't that fun? XD ~]
Spider Murphy... how to put it, she seemed quite serious before, but from the text she left, she might be the same type of person as Bartmoss.
As for what Bartmoss left... it's better not to mention it.
[Night City Braindance Appreciation Compendium — If you ask me how I maintain such high humanity after becoming an AI? My answer is, watch more movies.
Unfortunately, even if I import braindance data into Cyberspace, what I can feel is far less than when I was alive.
Anyway, no matter what others say, trust me, moderate relaxation is very necessary, haha!
Of course, some things only make sense to do in reality. That little girl beside you, Lucy, is quite good ~
Or V? But she's still hanging out on the streets right now. If you're interested, buddy, I can get you her contact info. She takes gigs for a few hundred euros anyway, so she should be easy to fool (smiley face).
Of course, my advice is to have them all!
Lest you regret it after you die.
Of course, Johnny is an expert in this area, and I'm just a homebody, so I suggest that after you get the Relic Chip, talk to him more and learn from his experience?
But I think you're much stronger than him, so you don't have to ask.
Also, don't listen to Murphy's nonsense. Don't give up the path of using AI.
Humanity's best means of fighting AI is always AI itself, and the most effective way to fight humans is still AI. This is what I realized from looking at what I created.
Death Wish is very safe. If you feel it's dangerous, then you haven't used it properly yet.
You still have a lot to learn on the path of hacking. Don't think that throwing a few quickhacks makes you a master like in the game.
Study my programs more. This is the best teacher and helper for your self-developed AI.
Instead of fearing power, learn how to use it — anyway, AI is everywhere now. Damn it, can the AI that my program produces be worse than some stupid AIs that try to control humans?
Alt also established 'Shangri-La' in Hong Kong, collecting wandering AIs everywhere. Isn't she playing a bigger game than me? She's almost becoming the mother of AIs.
Anyway, at most it will destroy the entire network and go back decades. Maybe everyone will become primitive people without the internet, and life might even become better... Sigh, in short, you decide for yourself.]
Upon seeing the beginning, Mercer initially showed disdain — but still looked at the list in this appreciation compendium... Damn it, there were too many things to criticize. It was this hedonism that harmed the cyberpunks!
When he arrived in Night City, he would definitely criticize it severely.
As for the later content... Mercer wouldn't believe anyone, at most he would only use it as a reference.
He would observe and think for himself, ultimately drawing his own conclusions.
Closing these messages, Mercer then stared blankly at the edge of the Blackwall until something licked his ankle, startling him. Only then did he notice the blue data cat looking at him by his feet.
"The little fellow looks quite ugly..."
He simply bent down, picked up the cat, and then smiled, stroking its head — it was the classic image of a Sphynx cat, somewhat similar to the cat in the game.
Death Wish meowed twice, raised its head, and looked at him with watery, data-flickering eyes, rolling around in his arms, acting spoiled.
Oh, he was a sucker for that.
So, he simply spent time cuddling with the cat, until a girl silently appeared nearby, looking at him with complex eyes.
"Lucy?"