The main thing was increasing the storage space, otherwise there would be nowhere to put the data extracted by the ctOS System.
Moving to a place above ground is obviously a good thing for everyone, as no one likes being cooped up in a sunless and oppressive underground life all day.
Initially, Mercer thought he could lie low for a bit longer, keeping everyone underground for safety reasons.
But now, even in Dog Town, let alone in Night City, everyone knows that there's a powerful group called the Spark Team that recently appeared in the city.
So hiding doesn't make much sense anymore.
Fortunately, moving isn't a big hassle. The walls of the original dorm in the underground base can be smashed through to create a new workspace. The living room was directly moved upstairs. Apart from a few thousand euros in labor costs, it didn't really increase the expenses.
Hansen had no important jobs for Mercer at the moment. Mercer just helped him set up a production line step by step, but didn't worry about other things like weapons development or equipment development, which could wait until he had time.
Just when Mercer thought he might be able to peacefully develop for one or two months and settle down, an unexpected email interrupted his plans.
...
[Hua Tiao: A, I know you snatched our online job from Hansen and you're selling quick hacking programs in Kabuki District, stealing our market.
But don't get me wrong, I'm not here to cause trouble, I just want to talk to you.
If you're interested, 8 PM, Heavy Heart Club, on Hans' turf. Let's have a proper chat, how about it?]
[A: I'm not going to spit out the deal already in my mouth.]
[Hua Tiao: I understand, your online skills are indeed impressive, much better than mine. So, I've come to discuss cooperation with you this time.
I am different from the Voodoo Gang outside. If I can choose, I'd rather we all get rich together. Maybe we can make more money and gain some friends at the same time. What do you think?]
[A: Alright, let's meet up.]
[Hua Tiao: Great, you won't be disappointed when we meet!]
Mercer looked at the text shown on his prosthetic eye, tutted twice, and shook his head.
No wonder Hua Tiao could expand his Voodoo Gang's influence several times in just a year after sneaking into Dog Town with his team; he's really adaptable.
Glancing at the time, Mercer thought, everyone seemed pretty bored recently. Rebecca even went to help the Adcardo people with hammering during the renovation, showing how restless this energetic group was.
So, Mercer decided to organize a team-building activity. Apart from Sasha and Jack, who hadn't arrived at the base yet, everyone was going to the Heavy Heart Club for a few drinks and some relaxation.
As soon as he suggested it, everyone eagerly agreed, except Kyoko, who pouted and blinked her eyes, but Mercer just laughed and put an arm around her neck, insisting on taking her along.
This got the little one all excited: "I can go too? Will the bouncers even let me in?"
"Maybe not in the past, but now... I doubt any bar would stop us from entering. But to avoid trouble, just wear a mask."
Mercer laughed and said: "You're about the same height as Rebecca, wear a mask, and who'd know your age?"
"Yay!!" Kyoko jumped up excitedly: "I'll go 3D print one right now!"
"Go on then." Mercer watched her eagerly go to DIY a mask, while Lucy crossed her arms and frowned next to him: "Isn't it a bit early to take her to a place like that?"
"Come on, by rights, you shouldn't be going either." Mercer teased, looking at her.
Lucy kicked his leg lightly in annoyance: "What about you? Ha, I'll have Venus alter my ID to say I'm thirty, okay?"
"Ha~" Mercer smiled, but before he could say anything, V suddenly shot him a sharp look: "I knew it! You claiming to be eighteen is total nonsense!"
"Nonsense! Eighteen is eighteen!" Mercer retorted confidently, unsurprisingly sparking another argument with V.
Everyone was used to these two getting into spats within a few sentences. Only Rebecca, leaping onto Mercer's back, wrapped her arm around his neck and interrupted:
"Whatever! Be whatever age you want; come on, help me pick out an outfit for tonight."
Mercer, unable to resist, was dragged off by her gorilla arm. V pouted as he watched them leave, muttering: "Changing clothes so early... what should we eat tonight?"
Nearby, Dolio rolled up his sleeves: "Come on, let's whip up something simple. It doesn't matter what you eat; you're all going to throw it up later anyway."
"I won't throw up." V stubbornly replied, and the two quickly went to the kitchen to prepare a simple dinner.
Mann sat happily on the sofa, opened the TV, leisurely opened a can of beer—honestly, he loved this kind of life.
When evening came, everyone was dressed to the nines, got into their cars, and headed to the Heavy Heart.
As expected, the mercenaries with the three million bounty issued by Faraday were recognized by the bouncers before they even got close to the club entrance.
Instead of stopping them, the bouncers even cheerfully greeted Mercer. No one asked for age checks or even requested them to put away their guns.