"Please repeat the AI characteristics and the opponent's behavior that you witnessed once more."
It was the third time Mercer had been asked the same question, and his answer remained unchanged.
He described the image of Otter Cunningham he had seen in the game:
"A giant woman made of red data, long hair.
I didn't get to observe more details, because the moment she appeared, with just one touch, she completely shattered Tony's cyber image. I immediately took action to disconnect from the Old Net.
According to company protocol, priority is given to passing through the Black Wall to ensure that data can't be traced back by AI via data streams to locate our position, and then immediately log off. Upon disconnecting, I was hit, not sure if it was the Black Wall or the AI, then I passed out."
"How did you make contact?" The man asked expressionlessly.
"Reached out, just the tip of a finger." Mercer provided the same answer.
His heartbeat was extremely steady, his expression showed no abnormality, and the lie detection chip plugged into the brain-computer interface was already breached by the Free Assassin V0.1 he had just developed as soon as it connected.
The data obtained via the lie detection chip had all been forged into normal information.
This happened because they insisted on plugging the chip into his head—this lie detection chip, which judges lies through neural networks, was also connected to his network receiver. The result was predictable.
The internal defense protocol wasn't even as updated or strong as that of his Mk.3 network receiver.
Moreover, due to the zero-latency data transmission caused by the brain interface, this lie detection chip hadn't even had the chance to start functioning before it was already overridden with his own program.
While answering questions, Mercer was also studying the data composition of this lie detection chip, attempting to replicate and crack the program.
If he could replicate it completely, he could create his own lie-detection program, which would surely be useful later.
"..." The man glanced at the woman beside him, saw her nod, then simply stood up and stepped aside.
The woman then sat down gracefully, gazing at Mercer with a faint smile.
This woman in a suit was Japanese, too, her long hair draped over her shoulders, looking quite pretty, with traditional Japanese makeup giving her a gentle appearance, looking about thirty years old.
Of course, in the Cyber World, appearance is the easiest to alter. Cosmetic surgery or maintaining a youthful facade is no big deal for the wealthy.
"The review of the incident concerning you has now reached a preliminary conclusion. Let's discuss something else next."
The woman's voice was gentle, speaking unhurriedly, "Mercer, according to the information provided by you and your companion's testimonies, we can confirm that a rogue AI indeed invaded the server and caused an overload.
However, according to technical analysis, the main cause of the server overload was the instantaneous downloading of a huge data stream locally.
I want to confirm with you—did you receive any unknown packets before disconnecting?"
"No, after reconnecting, I checked the local storage of the receiver, even the quick cracking programs previously stored were all erased. I believe the company already checked when removing my cyber implants."
Mercer seemed extremely honest, lying in bed, answering every question, body properly positioned, hands placed in front, looking a bit tense, occasionally pursing his lips, breathing heavily.
The woman smiled, "Don't worry, we suspect the other side is trying to infect the servers with a virus, or is attempting to use our server as a springboard to bypass the Black Wall into the intranet. It's not that we doubt you are hiding anything, just a kind reminder.
If you discover any unknown programs or code remnants, please report to the company immediately to prevent serious trouble."
After speaking, the woman paused and then asked, "How do you feel about the nurturing facility?"
Look at that, is that even human talk? Asking how it feels for a mining card to mine in a computer... really something else.
"The companions are all great... just..."
Mercer acted hesitant, finally mustering courage, "When can we leave the underground? I haven't seen the sun for a year, and...
when can we transfer to another job?"
"Soon, child." The woman revealed a gentle smile,
"You all are valuable assets to the company, rare hacker geniuses. The reason I'm here is to correct the mistakes of the former project director, Mukai—oh, I forgot to introduce myself.
My name is Ena Tanino, the new project director.
As for wanting to see some sunlight... I can make it happen; you'll soon be able to move to surface work. Mukai treating you kids like slaves is really... poor children."
Mercer slightly widened his eyes, "Do you mean the project is going to be terminated?"
"To be precise... the project focus is going to shift." Ena Tanino smiled as she stood up, "However, the specifics depend on whether you can continue deep diving. Only if you can execute deep dives will our discussions be meaningful.
But I heard from Dr. Ota that you are recovering well, even attempted programming on a tablet before? It seems you'll be able to recover soon."
"Mm... I feel, after a bit more rest, it should get better."
Mercer said with no surprise at their knowledge of his whereabouts.
Anyway, the key data and activity logs had been altered, even if they dug deep, they would only find that he made a quick cracking program.
"Then rest well, I will have Dr. Ota approve your discharge, afterwards you can gather with your friends, these days count as a rare break for you guys, missing it would be such a pity."