The former, Ye Corporation, is highly likely to be a puppet controlled by a rogue AI or even a group of rogue AIs.
The latter, Pyramid Network Company, is related to some stirrer... yes, that's Bartmos.
Rumor has it that Bartmos founded Pyramid Network Company, and that apart from him, the actual management consists of AIs he created.
And now that Bartmos is also dead, it means the entire Pyramid Company might all damn well be AIs...
In the short term, Mercer really doesn't want to deal with AI, even Bartmos. Although he didn't talk much with him, Mercer could sense that Bartmos was a bit mad too...
Just like him.
So, if he can avoid it, he should do so.
This is also why Mercer chose to operate offline; he would load the viral program onto a chip, and when the chip is inserted into the server, the viral program would give him direct access to the server.
Then he could safely modify the registration contents remotely.
Directly uploading the program from within the server bypasses the network defenses and spreads the virus locally. Even if there are AIs, as long as they don't prevent the chip from being inserted, they'll have to watch as the server gets breached.
If regular programs aren't enough, Mercer believes he can use the Desire for Death if necessary.
Without doing this, if Mercer goes diving himself and encounters an AI, even using the Desire for Death, his brain power probably won't match up to an AI supported by a large server.
Even though the Desire for Death program is badass, it also requires computing power to run and crack.
Rogue thought for a while and then said, "Two options: First, I get you the city hall scheduling and layouts, then you can arrange your own manpower to do it.
Second, give me the chip, and you don't need to worry about the rest. I'll find the most reliable people under me to handle it.
For the former, I won't charge you, let's say it's repayment for you telling me Johnny is still alive.
As for the latter, I can waive the commission for this assignment, and you just pay the mercenary a fee for the operation.
About... 50,000 Euros."
Curious, Mercer asked, "What's the usual price for such an assignment?"
"20,000 for those I don't know, and 15,000 for familiar ones." The price Rogue gave made Mercer click his tongue in wonder.
Middlemen do make a lot, huh?
"What? You think I earn too much?"
Rogue laughed, guessing Mercer's thoughts, then said:
"That's because you don't understand the process.
First, as a middleman, I have to gather intelligence and clear obstacles—I have to ensure that the client doesn't have other intentions and confirm there are no undisclosed dangers in the assignment.
Then, I must prepare task intelligence and assess the mission's difficulty.
Next, I have to recruit and find the most suitable mercenary... most of the mercenaries out there are like idiots nowadays, just carrying guns and rushing in.
So, to prevent them from messing up, sometimes I have to provide detailed action plans, adjusting for difficulty, and even consider if these mercenaries are suited for certain tasks.
It's way harder to arrange a full operation plan from start to finish than just grabbing a gun and charging.
Finally, Rogue paused and said, "Connections, resources, information planning, that's why I earn this much."
Mercer nodded, then smiled grimly at Rogue, "You're quite reliable, huh?"
Definitely better than some dumb middlemen who don't even know what they're stealing.
Rogue chuckled, not bothering to respond to him, "So, which one?"
"The first one; if it doesn't work, I'll come to you for the second option."
Mercer made his decision.
He wants to hand this task over to his own person for a quality check—V, it's decided, you're the one!
Give her 5,000 Euros, and she might happily believe she's hit the jackpot.
"Alright, I'll send you the intel once it's settled." Rogue said decisively, "Anything else?"
"Registering with you okay? If there are suitable assignments later, you can come to me too. Money's not cheap, but I'll surely do a good job."
Mercer's attitude turned enthusiastic, as if he was pitching:
"I can offer network hacking, real-time network support, software development and design, ICE development and cracking... Honestly, 99% of hackers in Night City are trash in my eyes.
You can see me as a combination of Bartmos and Ultraman in 2070—don't look at me like that, I'm not bragging, dude, I'm truly a genius!
Believe it or not, I can hack into your bar's server right now with my eyes open?"
Mercer boasted without a hitch.
Rogue was amused by him, "Ho, a combination of Bartmos and Ultraman... are you a rogue AI created by the two of them?
Alright, I got it. I'll contact you if a suitable task comes up, but the first task won't be too difficult, gradual progress, let's see your level."
Do young people today really understand how strong Bartmos and Ultraman are?
Mercer nodded, then continued talking endlessly, "No problem! And, buddy here isn't working alone.
I have an excellent driver from Adcardo, a promising combat mercenary.
Plus a hacker who's a bit less skilled than me but better than most hackers you know backing me up.
And with me, this hacker genius... Honestly, you're lucky to know me now, picking up at angel round investment."
"Alright, stop bragging." Rogue laughed and shook his head, "Got it. In the future, when I need a 'genius hacker,' I'll consider prioritizing your 'team.'
But remember, next time you brag about how great your team is, make sure to bring your team along.
In Night City, no one wants to invest in an empty promise."
Mercer just smiled shamelessly, "Then let's prove it with our deeds."
After saying that, he prepared to walk out with his hands in his pockets, waving at Rogue, "Wait for your news."
"Mhm." Rogue watched his back, then after a moment of silence, suddenly called out, "Hey, kid."
Mercer stopped, turned back to look.
"In this city, people who want to burn the whole world to ash are not rare, but those who can truly leave a name, they're few and far between.
Compared to your dreams, you seem too green.
Consider this my advice—before thinking about how to set this city ablaze... first try to truly see this city, feel this city.
When you truly live in this city... then consider what to burn."
After finishing, Rogue looked at him calmly, "Don't lightly speak words you don't know the weight of, don't wade into rivers you don't know the depth of.
Some words once spoken can't be taken back, some actions... once done, there's no going back."
Mercer just nodded, then pointed to his mask, "I know, that's why I'm wearing a mask for now, but... thanks, Rogue."
Rogue nodded, quietly watching him leave, and then slowly closed his eyes.
Those past memories she thought forgotten surged back at this moment, overturning in her mind.
.....
After returning to the bar hall, the first person Mercer saw was a pretty woman with one-sided white hair standing dumbly at the door, asking around— or maybe looking for a fight?
"Do you know where A is?"
"Do you know A?"
"Geez, dude, aren't you the 'Bone Shredder?' Awesome man, I heard you crushed all the bones of everyone at the Vortex Gang's hideout by yourself, true?"
"I'm V! Remember, this name will definitely become famous."
"Girlie? You asking for it? Don't look for trouble, watch your mouth!"
"You bitch? I think you're just a dumbass! Going into heat when you see a woman?"
"Come on? Don't get fooled by your big arms, it's useless! I can rip your head off with one hand, idiot!"
Mercer hesitated, suddenly not wanting to approach.
But V in the distance had sharp eyes and spotted Mercer from the crowded bar despite his short stature.
"A? That's right, you with an A on your face, who else could it be... but we'll talk about our thing later, let me deal with this first."
Watching V shout loudly and then getting ready to brawl with a few mercenaries, Mercer covered his face with a mask, sighing deeply.
Dammit...
This V... why does she look so damn reckless?