Mercer didn't decline, just nodded: "So, it seems there's an unexpected delight in our meeting this time?"
"That's right, A, I've got a job for you."
Kodama Wako gave a faint, gentle smile: "It's a tough gig, but the pay is handsome."
Mercer perked up.
"Please, go ahead."
Indeed, there's a job!
"Biotech has been secretly conducting experiments on new drugs in Evil Land recently. I have some old friends who are very interested in their experimental content.
So they want to get some drug samples, preferably with the accompanying data, to assess whether Biotech's work is worth pursuing further.
Therefore, we need a skilled hacker to break into the company and extract the data, and some capable mercenaries to hijack Biotech's vehicle and bring back a drug sample.
The job isn't simple, but it's not too complicated, especially since you have some Adcardo friends who can help out.
The pay is high; if you can get both the data and the sample, the reward is 300,000 Euros.
If you can only get one, either the sample or the data, the reward is 150,000.
Usually, stealing data from a company, the value is tied to the data. This time, my friends and I aren't sure how much the data is worth, so we just gave it a rough estimate.
So, in case the data you find from Biotech turns out to be valuable, you don't need to worry, I'll help you negotiate a higher price.
However, if you get nothing and Biotech finds out...
A, I'm not someone who likes to hold mercenaries accountable, but I hate having my reputation tarnished, or having people think I have poor judgment.
So if someone asks about Qiwei or anything else, like who screwed up the deal, I won't cover for you.
This is a test, A. If you're confident, you can try it. If you think it's too hard, I can find someone else to do it.
But once you accept the commission, I hope you can do it well... I believe if this job is successful, many more will seek you out in the future."
Kodama Wako spoke neither hurriedly nor slowly, her tone always gentle, but her eyes behind the reading glasses were as sharp as a tigress.
But Mercer just smiled and then straightforwardly said: "The price isn't high, but as long as it's not too troublesome, I'll take the job. However, I need to ask...
Your old friends, do they mind if I casually take a tour through Biotech's servers?
If I can get other interesting data, how will the price be calculated?"
"It's been a long time since I've seen such a confident hacker, A."
Kodama Wako smiled gently: "But a talented hacker should be like you... As long as you aren't afraid of Biotech causing you trouble, you decide how to carry out the mission.
Also, this money is quite substantial, because I don't need to arrange the action plan for you, just provide information. To tell you the truth, I only took about 30% of the money.
After all, it's our first collaboration. I want to see your skills, and of course, I want to show you more sincerity.
Besides, it's not as hard as you think—you'll know once you see the information.
This mission has its reasons for the low price. To put it bluntly, I can't give you a mission that's too difficult because I have to see your skills firsthand.
However, my friends aren't afraid of Biotech realizing something's wrong... so if you dare to get more valuable data, or directly uncover a big secret this time,
I assure you the reward will be worth it.
I know you're new here; if you need manpower, let me know. I know some reliable people, or if you need any tools, I have ways to get them for you.
As for Pira... I mean, he and his sister are better off honing their skills before tackling such a big job."
Wako was sitting in her office, but she was fully aware of everything happening outside.
Every member of the Tiger Claw Gang would report any worth-sharing information to her immediately.
Mercer simply said: "Real gold does not fear the furnace; if they have the guts to earn this money, let them see if they have the skills for it.
If not, it's better to change careers early.
As for manpower, don't worry, I'll find the right people to handle the commission myself.
But I need detailed information, the more thorough, the better. I hate surprises, hidden traps that I don't know about, and being deceived.
Ms. Wako, I know you're a sincere person, which is why I came to meet you in person to express my sincerity.
No matter how difficult your matter is, if I promise, I can handle it, so as long as your intel is correct, just wait for my success."
"Very well, A, I also like to do business openly. For so many years, no mercenary has dared to say that I'm not fair... Rest assured, the intel and data are ready."
Wako smiled, taking out a storage chip.
"Although the other party isn't in a rush, I think it's best not to delay the commission too long... So, I'm entrusting this matter to you, A."
Mercer took the chip, the corners of his mouth under the mask curling: "Don't worry, I've long wanted to take a stroll through Biotech's servers."
This time, he wasn't planning to have someone insert a chip into Biotech's server and then go and steal things from Biotech.
Because it was difficult—Biotech's security level was much higher than Night City Hall's.