Victor looked at him with a complex expression: "It's only you, Mercer. Besides you, I don't know any hacker who can use this set of prosthetics to such an extent...
I suspect this equipment is designed for one-time use by regular hackers, because if they reached your level, it would only take a few seconds for their brains to be permanently damaged.
Or perhaps this Network Access Vault is designed solely for the AI inside the vault.
Regular hackers only need to work with the AI to complete preset programs in a state of overclocking and thought acceleration, just providing computing power...
Unlike you, you were not only providing computing power, but also precisely using part of the power with your brain...
Honestly, before I met you, I never thought a hacker could reach your level. It's not scientific!"
Mercer smiled, rubbed his still faintly aching chest, and said, "I feel I can still improve; at least the computing power provided by the chips in this Network Access Vault, I haven't used it well.
If we put an AI inside the Vault, it would save me a lot of brain power, controlling part of the data calculations, while my brain power just needs to work with the AI and manage a small portion myself.
Compared to finely controlling all the computing power myself, the burden would be much lighter."
Mercer unplugged the data cable connected to the monitoring equipment and, as he stepped on the ground, his footsteps softened:
"But I need to rest well in the coming days, get familiar with the prosthetics, familiarize with the Network Access Vault, and find a suitable usage method and optimal power range."
Victor hadn't finished speaking when he saw Mercer transfer 190,000 Euros to him.
"Old Wei, thanks. You still need to collect the surgical fee. For me, you haven't done any business for the day. If you don't want to make money off me from the prosthetics, just earn some extra hardship fee."
Mercer smiled and put on a mask, dressed again, looking even more mysterious than before.
Under the ghastly white hockey mask, only a pair of prosthetic eyes glowing with blue light could be seen. Besides that, the neck and back of the head were covered with black metal, making him look more like a cold machine with a mask than a human.
"Alright... don't forget to take the medicine, yours and the girl's. Just like before, anti-inflammatory and nerve pain suppression, especially for you. Don't be careless this time, take it on time."
Victor finished talking, and Mercer laughed: "Should I prepare some lubricant as well?"
"This set of prosthetics requires proper maintenance, very delicate. To be safe, come to me for maintenance once a month. The cooling liquid in your blood, I assume we can't find the original anymore, but we should be able to find substitute products, at most a decrease in efficiency.
Anyway, come to me regularly for check-ups. This setup is too complex; any slight mishap would make repairs difficult."
Victor didn't take his words as a joke.
Mercer nodded earnestly: "By the way, the MK2 I replaced, you can just sell it for me. That thing will soon lose value."
Victor nodded: "I usually buy at 10,000 Euros, but your MK2 is quite new, seems to be used for just over a month, 12,000 Euros then. I'll sell it for 16-17,000, and still earn some."
He earned 12,000 Euros for Mercer.
Mercer nodded happily, genuinely appreciating Old Wei's pricing.
After bidding goodbye to Old Wei, Mercer walked out with his hands in his pockets, a bit unsteady.
The body up top suddenly became a size larger; the center of gravity changed while walking, needing adaptation.
At Misty's Spirit Communication Shop, V was chatting excitedly with Misty, while Qiwei seemed to be daydreaming.
"Done with work?"
V instinctively turned around and then couldn't help but widen her eyes: "Wow! Did you... grow taller?
Oh come on, the lady didn't mind your height; why suddenly make yourself bulk up so much? Quickly, let me see what you got installed?"
V casually hooked her arm around Mercer's neck, and Mercer, being just a bit taller now, didn't look out of place standing with her.
Mercer rolled his eyes, annoyed, and pushed her away: "Don't lean on me; just got stuff installed, still soft... As for what got installed, just think of it as a computer upgrade and cooling plus a Synaptic Accelerator."
"Can you handle it? So weak? The lady doesn't feel anything now!" V said, winking and already leaving the previous conversation behind.
Mercer chuckled: "What can I do? I'm an intellect-type player."
"Hey! I admit your intelligence is high, alright!" V immediately toned down, afraid he might mention her 6 intelligence score to Misty.
Misty smiled at Mercer, with some concern in her eyes: "It's been only two days since your last prosthetic installation, right? Mercer, is your body okay?"
"No big deal, Misty. Is V not bothering you?" Mercer warmly greeted her too.
Misty smiled: "V is quite nice. Mercer, you have a good eye for people."
"Of course... I won't chat too long today; a friend is inviting me for a meal." Mercer said.
Misty nodded: "Alright, come over whenever you're free."
After saying goodbye to Misty, Mercer left the alley with V and Qiwei.
"What are we doing now?" V turned to look at Mercer.
"Rebecca is inviting me for a meal; you two can tag along for a bite. Tomorrow afternoon, come over to Adcardo's camp, coincidentally it's Christmas."