The reason I always get bullied by V and Rebecca, to put it bluntly, is still due to a lack of physical strength. My eyes see it, my brain comes up with a solution, but my body just can't react in time to make any defensive moves.
But with the Octopus Arm, to some extent, this issue has been somewhat resolved.
Because besides being powerful and multifunctional, the theoretical maximum speed of the Octopus Arm's movement is also incredibly fast. Its tentacle-like design allows it to boost and accelerate through layer upon layer of mechanical structures, whipping and lashing like a whip.
Its swinging speed is much faster than Mercer's own arm.
Perhaps a single Octopus Arm can't completely stop a Sianwistan speedster, but what about two or three?
Mercer has watched Marvel movies and he thinks that if Doctor Octopus in those movies can bully Spider-Man with a few Octopus Arms.
Then these Octopus Arms he's developing now, with the boost of his brain's computing power, should be no problem for dealing with ordinary Sianwistan opponents.
The only issue is... Mercer feels that if he were to go out with a few Octopus Arms at any time, it would be somewhat odd—after mechanical ascension, do I transform into Mechanical Octopus Dude?
That's a bit abstract.
So, he didn't rush to install the Octopus Arms on himself after their development but sought a new installation adaptation approach, striving to remain somewhat human in daily life.
The best method would be to create several mounting slots on his body, similar to how hackers carve out a neural connection slot at the back of the head for easy connection to a hacker chair and server deep dive.
When necessary, just plug and play. If an arm breaks, it can be pulled out and replaced directly. He could even design a universal socket type to facilitate replacing and adding various types of prosthetics later on.
Hmm... This kind of prosthetic modification approach, I'm afraid only Mercer can use it.
If someone else were to add alien prosthetics to themselves this way, it would probably only be a matter of time before they go insane.
Just as Mercer plans to further deepen and perfect his new design, intending to bring these new research breakthroughs into practical testing stages, an unexpected message disrupts his research plans.
...
[?: Arasaka Yoshinobu will arrive in Night City in October. The reason is unknown, the exact date is unknown, but usually, after arriving in Night City, he stays in the top-floor private suite of the Ganbi Mansion Hotel owned by Arasaka Group.
I estimate that he won't stay in Night City for a few days this time.
As for how to meet him and negotiate, that's for you to solve. I can't move, so be careful.]
Though there was no signature, probably sent from a disposable phone or something similar, Mercer is very clear that this message was undoubtedly sent by Rogue.
October...
Mercer sighs, another year is about to pass.
Thinking carefully... Rebecca seemed to come of age in 2074? Lucy is around 2075, hmm...
Mercer sighed, unsure whether to feel happy or melancholic—by then, he won't be able to use age as an excuse anymore. But he likes Rebecca, likes Lucy, and has a bit of a crush on V, which could be a bit troublesome...
But he quickly handed these matters over to his future self, leaving it for his future self to worry about.
He flipped over, got up from the chair, stretched lazily, and looked around. He was the only one in the underground base's workspace. Because of work requirements, the whole room was illuminated so brightly that it was impossible to distinguish between day and night.
He glanced at the time displayed in his Prosthetic Eye; is it eight o'clock at night?
Mercer thought for a moment, then directly sent a message in the group chat of his communication software.
[Mercer: Assemble~ Let's have a meeting.]
Then, he leisurely walked out of the workspace, washed his face, and called upon the few hackers still busy in the server room to go upstairs together.
"Why the sudden meeting?" Sasha, stretching her body like a cat, looked particularly alluring under the black customer service uniform.
Mercer only glanced twice before Lucy's deep gaze pulled his attention back: "Got some news, there's a big job to be done."
"A big job? Compared to the last time we dealt with the biotechnology and military science convoy?" Lucy frowned.
Mercer shrugged: "I don't know, but I guess it won't be easier than dealing with that convoy."
Lucy sighed, then said, "However, it's been quiet for six months without causing any trouble, so you've been trying."
Mercer chuckled: "Why does it sound like I'm always looking for trouble... Isn't this all for future development?"
"Is it?" Lucy teased: "Have you ever used the stuff you stole from biotechnology?"
"If all goes well, I might use it this time." After Mercer finished, he saw Lucy suddenly became a bit nervous, so he quickly added with a smile, "Not for me."
Only then did Lucy relax a bit, giving him a sideways glance: "So who's the target this time?"
"Arasaka."
As Mercer's voice fell, she couldn't help but purse her lips, looking at Mercer. But in the end, she didn't say anything.
Kyoko, on the other hand, spoke her mind, saying with a feeling of trepidation, "Arasaka... I don't know why, but the thought of going against them makes me a bit... hmm, nervous."
"What's there to be nervous about? Just handle them the way we did before." Mercer showed no signs of nervousness about this.