"You always manage to surprise me... or rather, annoy me, Mercer."
When Tano Ena spoke her first sentence, Mercer knew the general tone of this conversation.
Hmm, next, it would probably be a harsh blow followed by a sweet treat.
"You know, after you attracted the AI and caused damage to the server, you were very likely to be dealt with, along with the former director.
Especially since you were directly exposed to the AI... As a hacker, you should be very clear that you should have died the moment of that contact.
Now, can you tell me why you're still alive?"
Mercer felt bored inside, but on the surface, he showed a somewhat panicked expression:
"I don't know... I, I didn't even know I had been exposed!
When rosie told me about it... honestly, I still think rosie might have been mistaken, please, you must believe me, Director Tano!"
"Mercer, of course I want to believe you, after all, your investigation and interrogation were personally conducted by me. But... you should know that at Arasaka Corporation, people in my position are always watched by countless eyes, not just competitors, but also some past enemies.
I'm willing to believe you, but others might not. If this matter gets out... Sigh, to be frank, the current progress of the project is not optimistic. A large sum of funds has been allocated, but there have been no results or even progress for so long. My pressure is immense."
Tano Ena's words suddenly gave Mercer goosebumps. Why did this plot feel so familiar?
Next, it wouldn't be lines like 'You wouldn't want others to know...' would it?
"So, now, we need to help each other, and coincidentally, I have a win-win solution at hand."
Tano Ena smiled, stood up, and actually invited him to sit on a nearby sofa, even picking up her teapot: "Sit, let's chat slowly."
She poured the tea unhurriedly, without speaking.
Mercer merely sat up straight, looking cautious, but his eyes were sizing up the teapot and tea leaves, sniffing the aroma.
Honestly, after spending so long in the cyberworld, eating synthetic junk food in the cafeteria every day, smelling the natural aroma of tea leaves really made him crave something.
Tano Ena didn't know that her deliberate pause and pressure-exerting tactic had instead stirred Mercer's appetite. Seeing him nervously pursing his lips, she secretly chuckled, 'He's just a child after all.'
"What do you think?" She poured two cups of tea, then gracefully sat down on the other end of the sofa.
"What is it you want me to do...?" Mercer looked extremely nervous.
"Before I was transferred to this project, I was responsible for cybernetic eye development related to hackers.
Currently, the laboratory prototype has been completed, but due to the initial concept... it was quite idealized.
So, strictly speaking, it's not a single cybernetic eye, but a whole set of cybernetic eyes related to hackers.
Since it's a set of cybernetic eyes that must be installed together to be used, correspondingly, it places very high demands on the user.
Even for daily use, it requires the user's brain nerves to have very high strength.
At the same time, because it is a complete set of cybernetic eyes, it also has very high requirements for the user's mental attributes and cybernetic tolerance.
The previous test subject was an Arasaka hacker agent who burned his brain during an attempted overclocking and was sent to Japan to recover.
And currently, that entire set of cybernetic eyes is undergoing a second adjustment. The original purpose of the adjustment was to reduce some functions to lower the requirements for the user... But you, Mercer, you might be able to try to endure the full version of the prototype cybernetic eye, becoming the most perfect Adapter for this set of cybernetic eyes.
Do you know what it means if you can handle this set of cybernetic eyes?"
Tano Ena raised her tone, her eyes gleaming as she enticed him: "It means you will become Arasaka Corporation's 'Adam Smasher' in the hacking field!"
Oh my god, how much has this been modified? I'm not ready for mechanical ascension yet!
Mercer showed hesitation on his face, feigning timidity as he quietly asked: "What exactly is this set of cybernetic eyes...? Could you tell me more about it?"
Tano Ena just chuckled softly and directly transmitted the data to him.
Mercer chose to accept, and then saw a simple display and data description of the entire set of cybernetic eyes.
[Brain-Computer Interface · Obsidian Neural Link: Supports 0.01 ms latency thought-controlled devices, compatible with dedicated Net Access Port.]
[Operating System · Net Access Port · 'Soulkiller':
Can use the Soulkiller protocol to launch quickhacks on enemies.
When the quickhack is completed, all enemy consciousness data will be destroyed, copied, backed up, and automatically uploaded to an empty storage chip.
Paired with the Obsidian Neural Link, it can effectively reduce network latency by more than 50%.
Built-in eleven standard memory units, the usable Soulkiller protocol can spread infection to up to four targets based on marked targets.
Paired with the 'Obsidian Coprocessor', this processor can accelerate quickhack speed by approximately 40%.
Comes with brain-computer overclocking function, overclocking mode can greatly improve computing power.
Disadvantage: Significant temperature increase, requires professional-grade hacker cooling cybernetic eye and strong neural resilience.]
[Arasaka Net Ghost V3 cybernetic eye:
Can see through networked devices and networked targets within a 32-meter range, and see connection signals in the air with the naked eye.
Supports hackers tracking airborne network signals for source tracing, completing remote hacking.]
[Frontal Cortex · Guardian ICE:
Enterprise-grade electronic countermeasure unit, can effectively block data attacks.
When an unblockable attack is detected, it can trigger an automatic network disconnection function, requiring manual system restart to reconnect.]
[Circulatory System · Black Shark Blood Coolant:
A dedicated coolant that can be injected into the blood, then recycled and safely metabolized. When added to the bloodstream, it can effectively enhance brain cooling.
(Requires re-injection every three months)]
[Obsidian 'Evil Shark' Super Cooling:
An integrated cooling system installed in the brain, neck, and spine after modification, which can effectively reduce body heat when connected to the network. Its effect is approximately 12% stronger than Netwatch's similar professional cooling.]
[Nervous System · Obsidian Neural Synapse Accelerator:
Can slow down time by 72% when in use, but its own thought processing speed remains unchanged.]
[Hands · Obsidian Super Data Link:
Provides more efficient data connection function, almost no data delay when paired with the Obsidian Neural Link.
Can use hand data cables to directly connect to servers or advanced equipment for control and cracking, effectively reducing latency during hacking and increasing data transmission speed.]
[Skin · Obsidian Cooling Coating:
Can be paired with Evil Shark Cooling, greatly enhancing the body's own heat dissipation.
Disadvantage: Due to excellent thermal conductivity, serious heat absorption from external high temperatures occurs. Currently undergoing improvement, optional installation.]
[Arms · 'Neural Mayfly' Monowire:
Can automatically upload quickhacks stored in memory units when hitting a target. When used without activating sharpness, it can implant the malicious program 'Neural Mayfly'.
After the program dies, it will leave network positioning data in the target's data. The Soulkiller protocol can automatically locate this target and perform ultra-long-range quickhacks via the network.]
Mercer was a bit stunned.
This... I just wanted to fleece some wool... and you're directly feeding the sheep to me!?
Top-notch, absolutely top-notch.
Mercer felt that with just this one set of cybernetic eyes, if he tinkered with it, repaired it, and upgraded it, it would still be top-tier equipment even in 2077!
Leaving aside other things, just the Net Access Port with the built-in Soulkiller protocol... this thing is almost on par with the super Net Access Port developed by Militech that comes with the 'Blackwall Gateway' protocol.
The Blackwall is pure destruction, while Soulkiller kills you but also leaves your consciousness imprint, allowing them to manipulate your consciousness however they want.
And this cooling system... just looking at the design drawings, Mercer knew this thing couldn't be bad—just by its appearance, it was almost 80% similar to the cooling system used by the Netwatch agent Bryce, whom he had seen in the game!
You have to know that the goods on that agent were Netwatch's cooling system in 2077, and it's 2071 now!
The Monowire is also a divine artifact, paired with this Soulkiller Net Access Port, it's simply an assassination artifact!
Imagine, during the day, you touch someone with the Monowire, which is like a thin string without its sharpness activated, and at night, you can go home and remotely use Soulkiller to find their IP and remotely hack and assassinate them.
It will also package and transmit your soul consciousness back, and from then on, all your secrets will be gone, and even your consciousness itself will no longer belong to you.
Your soul can even be modified to serve as a small AI for the company... This is the terrifying aspect of corporations.
Moreover, with this level of cooling, as long as one can withstand brain-computer overclocking, it's like having a small server backing you up, maximizing a hacker's strength.
That Guardian ICE can also provide stronger protection while saving Net Access Port memory.
"Confident?"
Tano Ena curved her lips. She knew that no hacker would refuse this set of equipment. Ambition... Hah, there's no one in the company without ambition.
"...I, I want to try."
Mercer gave a difficult reply, then looked up: "I'm willing to install all of it."
"Very good." Tano Ena showed a calm and gentle expression again: "Mercer, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me! Don't worry, starting today, you won't have to go on Deep Dive anymore.
I will arrange for an AV to transport it. The items are in Vancouver. Tomorrow morning, you'll be able to see your cybernetic eye!"
Mercer's heart suddenly stirred.
"AV? I mean... actually, there's no need to waste so many resources, no need to rush."
Mercer looked as if he was suddenly scared again, making excuses to delay.
Tano Ena curled her lips: "This is Vancouver, Canada. No one foolish enough would dare to lay a hand on Arasaka. Besides, it's just one AV, that amount of resources is nothing to me."
Mercer lowered his head, looking resigned.
Tano Ena nodded in satisfaction: "Then that's it. You can go back and rest. Tomorrow morning, be ready for the installation of your new cybernetic eye."
"I understand..."
Mercer glanced at the teacup—he forgot to drink the tea, damn it.
"You like it? I have a new can here, take it."
Tano Ena! You woman are so damn gentle! If you're like this, my conscience will itch when I make my move!
Mercer was a bit embarrassed, so he simply said nothing, picked up the tea leaves and left. He might as well not drink this cup of tea and brew his own when he got back.
Tano Ena didn't care that he didn't bow when he entered or left.
It didn't matter. Even if Mercer had ulterior motives, it was fine. As long as the cybernetic eye was installed... Hah, then he would be completely under Arasaka's control.
Soulkiller would imprint and modify his soul, turning him into an incredibly loyal dog, and a dog loyal to her.
For cute and capable dogs, Tano Ena was always generous with her gentleness.
At this moment, Tano Ena's mood had become incredibly relaxed. She sat in her office chair, gazing out the window at the distant Gobi Desert and dust.
It was better to leave this broken base early. As long as the cybernetic eye was installed, whoever wanted to be responsible for this idiotic Star project could be responsible.
She felt that there must be some big secrets hidden within, and to live long and well, it was best not to uncover this big secret that might be related to rogue AIs.
Thinking that she could not only escape this suburban base and return to the city, but also perhaps use Mercer to rectify her previous failures in the Soulkiller project... Tano Ena only felt that the sunlight had become warmer, and the chair much more comfortable.
"Mercer, don't disappoint me..."
...[Mercer: It's all or nothing, we're leaving tomorrow!]
Mercer returned to his room, gathered his small team, and immediately made a decision on the encrypted channel.
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