So, strictly speaking, your Desire for Death isn't just a powerful icebreaker program; it also contains the Sorcery Puppet Virus, which is lethal to AI.
It can even function as a dedicated AI-hunting AI in Cyberspace, capable of altering the operating logic of corrupted AIs.
However, the latter is difficult to control and might make the corrupted AI even more terrifying or bizarre.
I don't recommend you do that, at least not now, unless you want to be killed by the AI you created.
And definitely don't let the program run automatically in Cyberspace; if something goes wrong, it could lead to another network collapse, destroying the current network.
He's not saying anything because he thinks his new program is reliable, or perhaps he thinks that even if it destroyed your network sector, it wouldn't be a big deal...
But I think I should tell you these precautions to prevent any accidents. I assume you're not in a hurry to destroy the world right now.
Also, be particularly careful about the AI intelligence of Desire for Death. Make sure it always remains just your tool, otherwise..."
Spider Murphy glanced at Bartmos, who looked innocently at the dark sky of the Cyber World.
"Otherwise, if it gets out of control, you might unleash an even more terrifying 'R.A.B.I.D.S' AI virus, turning a network sector into a cyber hell like the Old Net, causing AIs to start slaughtering along the network lines.
It might even provoke the Black Wall AI.
Trust me, at that point, it won't just be hackers who die.
It could even cause the Black Wall AI and your new AI to turn a city, or even the entire world, into a living hell."
"Don't blame him for giving you something so dangerous...
He's just thoughtless. If he had any sense, he wouldn't have done such a thing in the first place. A leopard can't change its spots."
Mercer nodded seriously with a grave expression: "I will use it cautiously and have no plans to corrupt any AI at the moment."
"A wise choice... it's time for us to go."
Spider Murphy nodded.
Bartmos didn't deny Murphy's remarks and just sighed:
"To avoid being detected in this conversation, we've accelerated your thoughts... it's a great burden on your current brain's neural network, so we can't talk for too long.
Now go back to the Old Net and resume operations there.
Don't worry; the Desire for Death I left you can scare off those high-intelligence AIs, making them see you as bait I dropped.
They won't dare to come. Just remember, whenever you reach the Old Net, release the Desire for Death.
Even if there are stragglers, they're just mindless creatures not worth your time; even the junk ICE on you from Arasaka would take a long time to deal with them.
Just retreat calmly. If necessary, let your Desire for Death deal with it; typically that kind of garbage can't stop that cat."
At this point, Bartmos thought for a moment, then said, "However, unless necessary, don't wander around the Old Net. There are too many roaming AIs here. It's okay for me, but it's too dangerous for you.
Get away from Arasaka as soon as possible.
The Relic Chip in your head can be taken along, as in hardware terms, it's a kind of brain neural modifier.
If you've played games, you should know that it can actually be a sort of implant to enhance your combat abilities, much like a 'Skill Chip' loading you with special skills.
But I don't recommend using it to download weapon-use or combat knowledge to become stronger.
The essence of that thing is still achieving its purpose by directly influencing your brain; if the material you download has hidden hazards, it's very troublesome to recover.
However, I do strongly recommend using it as a neural repair tool or to explore other safe uses, like communication, transmitting encrypted information, etc.
As a hacker, you're likely to fry your brain sooner or later; even I couldn't escape death in the end.
But having a Relic means it can serve as an emergency means of repairing neural damage when necessary.
It can even help you survive brain death, just like V did, which does reflect some progress in Arasaka's technology.
Of course, this Relic doesn't work now; I'll have to make some modifications for you... uh, maybe let Ultraman send you a program.
Once a Relic is plugged into your head, any excess data within, as well as the Soulkiller Program, will be automatically eliminated, preserving only the neural repair function...
Ultraman, can you do that?"
"Arasaka's people haven't progressed at all...
Though they've made great strides in hardware, the software is almost unchanged from what I used before I died."
Ultraman said somewhat disdainfully:
"This is initially a power ordinary people cannot control—Arasaka Saburo, that arrogant, egomaniacal old fool, tried to capture me using the program I created.
Heh...
Mercer, if one day you can enter the Divine Chariot of Arasaka Corporation in Night City, remember to come to me first...
I'll have a big surprise for Arasaka Saburo.
Don't worry, I won't take everything like in the game.
Because of your presence, I am not so eager for the resources stored by Arasaka. If you're willing, I can help you, and we can share the resources in the Arasaka Divine Chariot together."
Ultraman paused for a moment and then said:
"And Johnny... if possible, I hope you can take Johnny's Relic Chip from Arasaka.
This is not a demand but a request, or a trade.
Help him find relief, by whatever means possible.
If you find him annoying, you can just hand him over to me, and I'll take him away.