"So, the ICE we set up for them, the Guardian subroutine server we brought in, is actually becoming an obstacle for us?"
Ena Tanino furrowed her brow.
The technical team leader shook his head and said:
"You might not fully understand AI. Generally speaking, wandering AI that actively attack human hackers are those most severely corrupted by Bartmos back in the day.
Their core logic doesn't allow them to abandon their attack targets. Those AI, no matter how tough the opponent, only think about how to kill the target and never consider retreating.
In a way, the Arasaka Company's ICE we've deployed is ironically their favorite large-scale target to attack."
So...
I am more inclined to believe that the attack on the hackers, which caused the server impact, was most likely really Otter Cunningham, as for that male AI...
We hope he's Bartmos.
But ever since the fourth corporate war ended, there have been no sightings or proof of his presence online for many years.
So we are more inclined to believe it's an unknown AI that Ultraman created or enslaved in the old net."
"...I just want results. How exactly do you plan to lure out those AI?
Even without Ultraman, we need some results to report at the very least!
Even if we just capture any random wandering AI, I can go back and hand that in."
Ena Tanino's voice fell, and the technical team leader looked troubled.
He ultimately responded cautiously:
"Why don't we continue with the first phase of the mission...
Maybe actions taken to excavate data will provoke a reaction from those wandering AIs?
The data excavated can also serve as project results, and if we discover any important information, it counts as an achievement."
"How about that kid Mercer?"
Ena Tanino said coldly: "After monitoring for such a long time, did you discover anything left behind from his contact with the AI back then?"
"Really very sorry! We can only hypothesize that he might have received some consciousness, but what exactly did that AI transmit through our server, and where did it transmit to...
I understand. I will continue to monitor Mercer more closely, and I request to conduct a more stringent check on him, including a device check in the real world.
Moreover, in Cyberspace, we'll conduct a data check, the former to be managed by Dr. Ota, the latter I will personally deep dive to complete."
The technical team leader quickly answered before Ena Tanino's cold gaze could settle on him.
Ena Tanino finally retracted her gaze, pondered for a moment, and said: "Regarding the prosthetic side... let's examine it first, and after the check, have Dr. Ota report to me separately.
A data check in Cyberspace is imperative, you go personally,
Also, for the subsequent deep dive, find someone to take them in with the aim of actively seeking out AI, I will have the Guardian AI enhance its computational power.
You will personally confirm whether there are any mistakes.
If there's no gain within the month...
Then it likely means the AI we previously contacted won't come back; that AI attack must have deeper reasons.
Then focus on the data that led to server overload during the last AI appearance.
Damn it, I've adjusted so many Relics, do you know how much a Relic costs?"
The technical team leader could only bow continuously to admit error.
After one last look at the surveillance screen, Ena Tanino took a long breath, shook her head, returned to her office, and dialed Dr. Ota's number.
"Director Tanino, do you have any commands?"
Dr. Ota's virtual avatar appeared in her prosthetic eye.
Ena Tanino said coldly:
"Go bring Mercer for a full-body prosthetic check immediately after today's deep dive; both software and hardware parts need inspection, as well as the state of neural recovery.
If it can be confirmed he is of that rare type, I will requisition that batch of experimental prosthetics.
Get prepared in advance to record the data and hand it over to me.
If the plan isn't going smoothly, revert the Stardust project back to phase one and prepare to abandon the project, focusing on Mercer.
If he can successfully handle this batch of experimental units, I'll have discovered talent for the company and obtained valuable experimental data."
"Understood." After Dr. Ota agreed, Ena Tanino hung up the phone.
As she hung up, she couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
Something's not right... Seriously not right...
Since arriving here, that sense of discord has lingered in her mind. What exactly is wrong?
Ena Tanino pondered back and forth, ultimately focusing on Mercer.
The more she thought about him, the more she felt this guy was suspicious, at first, she thought Mercer might have simply changed his personality after a brush with life and death.
For a child, this is quite normal.
Whether collapsing from desperation or experiencing personal awakening, it's very likely for someone his age.
But now... could it be?!
So, she immediately sent out a message.
[Ena Tanino: Have the staff responsible for monitoring and recording this batch of hackers send over Mercer's assessment report, detailed action logs, and every day's evaluation notes.]
[Secretary Inoue: Sorry, Director Tanino, since the staff previously responsible for recording were directly appointed by the former director, they took all records when they left...]
[Ena Tanino: Then have them send it back to me!
Damn it!
Is it possible that his work log can also be taken? Why wasn't this reported before?]
Ena Tanino slammed the table in anger, and without another word, she began applying the Arasaka internal procedure—causing trouble for me?
Then go to hell!
This bastard probably discovered something and took them...
Damn it, could there be some trap I don't know about hidden here?
The more Ena Tanino thought about it, the more uneasy she felt, and then, simply gave an order.
[Ena Tanino: Immediately stop the deep dive, all personnel left in the base on the day of the incident will undergo prosthetic equipment check!
Until it's done, not even a fly can escape! Have the medical team work overtime!]
[Secretary Inoue: Yes!]
...
[All personnel stop deep diving, return immediately!]
The moment information reached the retina, in Cyberspace, the little hackers gathered around Mercer showed signs of discomfort.
Mercer paused to think for a moment and then spoke directly:
"I'm sending you a program that can decrypt Lie Detection Chip, but it must be run before the chip is loaded, remember!
If faced with interrogation, just run the program and don't say things you shouldn't, there's no need to be nervous.
But if you encounter a situation where they attempt to remove the network receiver, immediately send me an encrypted message, and we'll implement the escape plan!
I will first release Sorcery Puppet Virus online to attack the Guardian AI of the server and create chaos, and then everyone quickly finds a safe place to hide or delay time.
Once I return to handle the server and resolve issues with agents and surveillance, we'll act, I will use cameras to plan your escape route once security is confirmed lifted.
No need to worry about other situations.
We've completed prosthetic decryption and log masking these days; they can't find out, just trust my tech."
After speaking, Mercer immediately logged off, and the others exchanged a glance and also chose to log off.
Upon opening their eyes, what appeared before them was the Arasaka Agent filled with prosthetics, looking very tall.
"Please explain the reason your offline time exceeds the standard by 7.3 seconds."
"Sudden alarm occurred, we instinctively activated Guardian ICE first, and then sequentially passed through the Black Wall. After ensuring safety, we logged off as a group, hence the delay."
Mercer explained calmly, the tactical goggles of Arasaka Agent glowed with a cold red light, then coldly glanced at the others.
"Tamura Anko, please explain why your heart rate suddenly accelerated and your neural activity was abnormal."
"I... I'm scared."
Kyoko's expression was uneasy as she lowered her head: "You... you frighten me."
The corner of Arasaka Agent's mouth twitched briefly, but then just coldly stared at her: "Very well, I will personally oversee your review—all personnel proceed as a unit for prosthetic checks and re-interrogation."
Before they could speak, suddenly, one of the young hackers raised his hand.
"I-I need to report something!"
Instantly, it felt as though even the oxygen in the room grew thin.