Mercer, to some extent, understands why Military Science suddenly connected the AI on the run from the Little Beidou Facility to him.
The rapid pace of development in Dog Town is astonishing.
The iteration of Netherworld Dog's weapons, the upgrade efficiency of Dog Town's weaponry and various production facilities, all far exceed the expected speed for a place of Dog Town's size.
Naturally, all the factions constantly monitoring Dog Town would be suspicious of its development—and logically analyzing, this speed of efficiency in development is clearly not something that could be pushed forward by a single person.
Dog Town undoubtedly has its own research team, but it's clear to all the factions that these researchers are far from enough to support the current development speed in Dog Town, so what exactly is the reason for Dog Town's efficient progress?
Others might not associate it with AI, but Military Science is different.
Because no one understands the productivity of AI and the significance of a high-level AI better than they do.
And long before the old network's downfall, there was already a series of AIs like the 'Muramasa' AI, representing weapon development, which demonstrated considerable capability in scientific research and development through practice.
Furthermore, it comes to mind that Mercer only showed his ability in weapon and equipment development after entering Dog Town, and he is a specialized network program technology high-level hacker.
It's hard not to think that Mercer might have secretly taken the AI from the Little Beidou Facility and used it for technology upgrades in Dog Town's development and equipment.
"They also suspect you've mastered many key materials from the Little Beidou Facility, such as the Black Wall—these materials are crucial, if they confirm you have information related, we might indeed face significant trouble."
Venus said seriously: "You know, for Military Science and New America, the importance of the Little Beidou Facility and the Black Wall agreement is almost comparable to Arasaka's Relic Chip and Soulkiller Program..."
Mercer sighed and rubbed his head: "Looks like we can't escape this blame?"
"Yes, once they find that the AI on the run from the Little Beidou Facility is missing, you'll probably have a hard time explaining the whereabouts of that AI.
If Military Science considers that Dog Town's current rapid development and numerous technological breakthroughs rely on the assistance of that AI on the run...
They will probably come personally to take it back, or use it as a reason to request technological sharing from us..."
As Venus finished speaking, Mercer sighed, already realizing the true purpose of Military Science and New America.
"These guys are probably not here for the Little Beidou Facility and the AI... This is merely a legitimate excuse to reach out and grab benefits from me."
Mercer keenly perceived the true nature of the situation.
Whether it's him or Military Science, they all know that some things just need a legitimate excuse.
As the actual manager of Dog Town, Mercer can certainly deny having entered the Little Beidou Facility, and can distance himself from the 'disappearance' of the AI on the run, but the problem is whether Military Science and New America will accept his statements?
Mercer came to a relatively pessimistic judgment—if he were the representative of Military Science, not to mention if the AI really disappeared from the Little Beidou Facility.
Even if the Little Beidou Facility remained intact, they would still find ways to slander Mercer and look for opportunities to extend their reach into Dog Town.
And the sudden appearance of these few agents, openly gathering together for a meeting, this might as well be a fishing tactic.
Once Mercer takes action to expel those agents, Military Science will likely take advantage of the situation to stir up trouble, while if Mercer pretends not to see them, the other side will clearly still make some small moves...
"What is their purpose?"
Since the situation has come to this, Mercer simply stopped caring whether he takes the blame, and instead discussed the opponent's purpose with Venus.
"According to my analysis, the first reason is that the current speed of progress in Dog Town has exceeded many people's expectations.
Especially with your official market launch of the second-generation standard tank single soldier armor, and the new operating system prosthetic you registered a patent for and are preparing to sell, both involve a huge arms market.
Military Science, as the strongest representative company in the arms market now, facing a rising star in the industry, would normally attempt either annexation or suppression as standard commercial operations.
In fact, various companies have already begun trying to send commercial spies to us, bribe staff in attempts to steal core technology, we just have been well-prepared, so no mishaps have occurred yet."
Mercer listened to Venus, sighed—his guess was roughly similar.
In the Cyberpunk World, commercial warfare is ruthless, assassinations, spy bribery, monopolistic suppression, are the most common competitive means.
"The second reason might be related to Lark."
Venus's words startled Mercer, then he laughed bitterly: "You mean, they think Lark's body can't take it anymore and plan to find a new unlucky person to replace her as New America's new Network Nuclear Bomb?"
"Yes, your demonstrated prowess in network technology is visually evident; now with Lark's health declining, Military Science can't ignore the successor issue related to Black Wall technology.
Your various exhibited abilities are too excellent, and Dog Town is a strategic enclave Military Science is determined to possess; both you personally and Dog Town as a whole have become targets of Military Science's ambitions, this is not an unexpected occurrence."