"Not much, just ten million euros, and I'll ensure Ultraman's task is done, how about that?"
Bryce's mouth twitched slightly: "What I meant by aid is technical..."
"No need for that, hey, wait a second... your augmentations look decent. How about this, you get me a full set of your latest hacker modifications, including the Network Access Vault.
If you can't even manage that, then let's not talk about collaboration. I don't like dealing with stingy folks."
Mercer's string of requests left Bryce somewhat strained; this guy sure knows what to ask for...
But after a moment's consideration, he looked over Mercer's gear, and eventually said, "If you want some finished products, that's doable. We could even get you some lab-grade stuff, but we require data sharing."
"No problem, no problem," Mercer suddenly became enthusiastic, and even through a mask, Bryce could almost see the grin on his face.
This guy...
Bryce tried to smile: "I'll apply for it later, but if we decide to cooperate, we hope you can give us a chance to talk to Yoshinobu after your meeting with him, share progress, how about that?"
"No problem, as long as you can bring me impressive stuff, anything goes."
Mercer's assurances sounded like a scam.
Bryce could only cough and change the subject: "Third point..."
"Do you know what the Voodoo Gang is usually up to?" Bryce put on a serious face.
Mercer merely shrugged: "Telecom fraud, hacking the Black Wall, chewing betel nuts while being racist, violent crime, running pharmacies... Anything else to add?"
"Uh, it seems you do know their deeds—yes, they are digging into the Black Wall."
Bryce spoke earnestly: "You surely know what it would mean if there's a problem with the Black Wall."
"So, we must stop them. We haven't found a suitable opportunity or partners, but now... we believe your Spark Team has the capability."
Afraid that Mercer might get greedy, Bryce quickly added, "Just help us take down the Voodoo Gang, eliminate those madmen.
We just want the Voodoo Gang's hackers dead, and we'd also like the data on AI and the Black Wall from the Sea God Server.
If you can accomplish this, we're willing to pay a commission of 2 million euros, and... you're interested in surveillance equipment? Great, we can get you what you want."
Bryce paused, then continued: "I think this offer shows plenty of sincerity, friend. You'll gain more than just money and gear, but also the friendship of Internet Supervision—we rarely befriend hackers."
Mercer squinted, deep in thought.
Every gift has its price.
Internet Supervision is no benign entity.
Bryce's generous terms instantly alarmed Mercer's suspicion and thought.
The Voodoo Gang digging the Black Wall, of course, they want to handle it, but just for this, come to visit?
No.
Then it must be related to Ultraman, Yoshinobu, and the Silver Hand matters, putting me on their close-watch list?
Possible, but certainly not the whole picture.
What exactly decided their friendly attitude towards me?
Hmm...
"Alright, I agree." Mercer cut to the chase, "We'll discuss the first two matters later, but as for the third, I can agree now."
Bryce raised an eyebrow: "Alright, so when do you plan to take action against the Voodoo Gang?"
"...Tomorrow?" Mercer offered a time.
"Tomorrow!?" Bryce's eyes widened slightly.
"Yeah... just look at how chaotic the network in Night City is now!" Mercer said righteously, "The Voodoo Gang has gone too far! I must eliminate their threat for the public good!"
V turned away, trying hard to keep a straight face.
A... This guy...
Way too much!