"Kid, listen to me, just call me Old Wei, I won't harm you."
Mercer heard this, and even though he felt there wasn't a big issue, he nodded earnestly—Old Wei's charm lay precisely in this.
"Then I'll listen to you. I'll leave the rest with you, and after a while, I'll come to install them. In the meantime, we can study that network receiver.
Old Wei, that thing is the core of this whole cybernetic set.
Other cybernetic components can be found from other companies, but that Network Access Vault is truly unparalleled.
In terms of sheer power, I think aside from a special model by Military Science, there's no stronger hacker network access device in the world."
Mercer said this while seriously looking at Victor:
"Old Wei, that thing is dangerous. If you feel unsure, please don't touch it.
Let me tell you this, the protocol inside is related to the notorious 'Soulkiller.'
Many might have forgotten about Soulkiller, but I have to be honest—it's almost as dangerous as the rabies virus Bartmos used to destroy the Old Net.
Arasaka is now bragging about their 'Protect Your Soul' project, which is nothing but a variant developed from the Soulkiller software."
Victor felt his head ache listening—do you trust me too much?
This is the kind of thing you shouldn't tell me about... it'd be best if you didn't involve me in such tinkering at all.
But seeing Mercer's trusting eyes, he couldn't say anything harsh to the kid, only sighing:
"I understand, I'll study it for you later, and let's put the installation at the last."
"Yeah, I wouldn't dare use it until we figure it out thoroughly—though I have an idea, and if it doesn't work, I have an external consultant I can reach out to."
The external consultant Mercer thought of was Otter Cunningham.
No one in the world understands Soulkiller better than Otter Cunningham, and if she takes the job, handling just a network receiver would be a piece of cake, wouldn't it?
Moreover, Mercer thought he might even manage to get a copy of the Soulkiller source code from her and conduct in-depth research himself.
If Otter was unwilling, Mercer had other plans.
When Mercer escaped from Arasaka, he took seven Relic Chips, five of which he had wiped the killer programs from using the program Otter gave him, using them only as hardware.
But two still held the programs, and Mercer planned to study them when his skills improved and he had a suitable work environment.
"Hmm... Alright, next, I'll start adapting your cybernetics."
Old Wei controlled the instruments, checking against the data packet Mercer had sent him.
Inside it was all the cybernetic designs and materials Mercer had stolen directly from the research center's server using the privileges of a deceased kind aunt.
Throughout his escape from Arasaka, Mercer had already organized everything he took using a laptop.
The data packet currently organized was specifically put together to facilitate the surgery for the doctor.
"Mercer, next you'll have to make a decision."
Old Wei said in a rather pessimistic tone:
"Because your body is too small, and these cybernetics are all adult models, which means after installation, your body will feel very uncomfortable.
Even if I can make some adaptive adjustments, some of the circuits will still be quite bulky.
So, we have two options now.
One is to directly trim a part of them, making the cybernetics more suitable for your body, and the rejection reaction will be reduced to normal levels.
Or, we can do our best to adapt and then install them. The rejection process will be long and hard to bear, but the advantage is that even if your body grows, the cybernetics can still last for a while.
Honestly, I highly advise against such a child installing cybernetics.
Because your body will develop, and the cybernetics will interfere with this process.
Also, during development, growing muscles, bones, and nerves might cause the cybernetics to malfunction."
"I have to install them. As for body development...
I'm not too concerned, because in this world, looks and body shape don't matter—only the human brain and will endure."
Mercer seemed quite open-minded about this:
"As long as my brain is functioning normally, my body is merely the vessel for my soul. In this world, there's nothing cybernetic technology can't resolve.
Skeleton, circulation, blood...
Even the complex nervous system is no longer a natural miracle of human growth, but a data line that can be artificially manipulated and shaped.
Old Wei, I have a lot to accomplish, and without cybernetics, I would be nothing."
He pointed to his head with a smile:
"Or rather, it's this body that fundamentally limits the potential of my brain.
Compared to a fragile flesh body, a mechanical ascent might be the most suitable path for someone like me.
So, the second option—in the short-term, I can't find a better replacement."
"If the Vortex Gang people hear this, they'd immediately call you a good brother."
Old Wei did not quite agree with this, sighing lightly, "Alright, it's your decision... but if you feel something wrong with your body, don't resist."
"Hmm, bring it on. If it feels off, I'll immediately de-install—I don't want to end up as a cyberpsycho."
Despite saying this, Mercer felt that...
Even if they turned him into something like Adam's Hammer, a pure machine with only a couple of ounces of flesh left in the brain, he wouldn't have any problems.
To this world, perhaps he—this misfit with dreams of changing everything—was already a complete lunatic.
"Then go watch some TV, relax, there are beers in the fridge...
Forget it, go to the entrance, there's a vending machine there, buy some drinks, I've got ice here.
I need about half an hour to make adjustments, and then we'll start the operation."
Victor glanced at Mercer, "Although people nowadays don't really care about this, at your age, it's best to stay away from alcohol."
"Alright, but Old Wei, you're quite impressive; I just sent you the materials, and you can figure it out in half an hour—no wonder you're the man I have my eyes on."
Mercer gave him a thumbs up, then got up to buy a Coke, while Old Wei felt somewhat amused yet helpless:
"Well... thank you for the compliment."
Being called brother by a fourteen-year-old kid, yet the conversation felt totally natural...
That indeed felt a little awkward.
Mercer laughed and was about to head out when, suddenly at the door, the automatic door clicked open.
"Old Wei, I brought a buddy to take care of your business... Damn, why's there a kid here?"
A burly man filled the doorway, lowering his head to look at Mercer in front of him.
Mercer looked up and blinked.
Whoa... what luck today...
"Jack?"
The tall, hefty man before him was none other than his best buddy from the game's prologue, who unfortunately met his end—Jack Wells!