And this set of components for the Network Access Vault, also known as the 'Military Science Type Six Network Access Vault', is a special device that can host AI for self-driven attacks.
But for Mercer, this equipment is essentially no different from the Network Access Vault he previously acquired from Arasaka; the difference lies only in the optimized programs for the built-in hardware.
The former is optimized with hardware for the Soulkiller Program, while the latter is optimized for the Black Wall.
Given Mercer's current technological capabilities, assembling a similar hardware device using the components left by Internet Supervision is feasible, or even redesigning one is possible.
After modifying his current cyberware, originally specialized hacking cyberware from Arasaka, he is even stronger—albeit now more cyber-enhanced, much like Lark.
The most challenging aspect, however, is the software—the Black Wall gateway.
Ultraman disapproves of Mercer's use of the Black Wall, verbally opposed but that's about it.
Yet Mercer is very concerned that if it goes haywire and treats him as an AI... is there such a possibility?
This is why Mercer has been reluctant to tackle the Black Wall, but now, considering the difficulty of going to the Moon, he has no choice but to start pondering how to harness the power of the Black Wall to create a powerful weapon he can activate at any moment.
The ctOS system, or what is now called the Sky Net System, is proficient at hacking viruses that strip device permissions, but purely in terms of destructiveness, it's still no match for the Black Wall.
Previously, Mercer hadn't given much thought to purely aggressive programs like the Black Wall or the Rabies virus since he mainly engaged in straightforward victories.
But now, Mercer has no choice but to research them thoroughly.
Currently, the most suitable and dangerous, yet also the strongest subject for Mercer's research is naturally the Black Wall.
Thus, ever since talking with Venus, Mercer added another critical project to his already numerous research threads.
Before he knew it, another month had silently passed, and spring of 2076 arrived. As Night City welcomed its first spring rain, Mercer received an unexpected plea for help.
The person seeking help was Lark.
....
[Lark: Mercer, listen to me, I really need your help, I'm about to die.]
[Mercer: What's going on?]
[Lark: My body can't take it anymore, I'm vomiting blood, passing out, and even lost control once... the Black Wall is driving me insane!]
[Mercer: Why me?]
[Lark: Only you can help me!]
[Mercer: Calm down and explain the situation clearly, okay?]
[Lark: ...Do you remember the last time I mentioned Lilith to you?]
[Mercer: I remember warning you to stay away from her, she's more dangerous than you think, don't engage, don't respond.]
[Lark: I know! But I have no choice! Mercer, I just want to survive!]
[Mercer: So, Lilith promised to save you, but you must work for her? You're jumping from the wolf's den to the tiger's lair.]
[Lark: But at least I'll survive that way! Mercer, you have no idea what New America is doing to me!]
Mercer wore a slightly indifferent expression, contemplating Lark's situation while advancing multiple research threads in his deep dive state, bolstered by computational power.
[Lark: I'm begging you, please help me, we've known each other for quite some time...]
[Mercer: You realize involving me will drag me into a huge mess, and I have many people depending on me, you understand, right?]
[Lark: Listen, what I need might not be useful to you, I'll find a way to compensate you!]
[Mercer: Why don't you guess why that Lilith has never dared to come to me but instead hooked up with you?]
[Lark: You mean... you've already unearthed the Little Beidou Facility!?]
[Mercer: It only sees you as a pawn for scouting the way, understand? Did you ever mention to it that you know me?]
[Lark: Of course not! I'm not that stupid!]
[Mercer: Listen, if you're confident this conversation isn't being eavesdropped on by Lilith, the usual place, we'll meet in deep dive.]
Lark didn't hesitate to send a message confirming no problems.
Mercer momentarily paused other projects before switching IPs to meet at the address he and Lark sometimes used for 'private meetings'.
Lark quickly logged on, initially appearing somewhat blurry: "I assure you our conversation is secure."
"Good, there's hope for you yet."
Mercer mockingly chided: "I know you crave freedom and want to live, but don't make rash decisions, and don't even think about betraying me. I'm not as good-natured as Li De, and my friends are quite fearsome."
Lark's face looked weary: "Mercer, I know, that's why after meeting Lilith, the first person I thought of was you..."
"Is that so?" Mercer chuckled, uninterested: "First, tell me what Lilith wants."
"Mercer... I need a Neural Matrix Device left at the Little Beidou Facility..." Lark started, but Mercer cut him off: "She wants the AI inside."
"Yes..." Lark showed a desperate and urgent expression, trying to get closer to Mercer but realized their distance remained at a secure level, indicating Mercer's network defense with IP jump was active.