The ideal is rich, but reality is thin.
Even for the Winter Soldier, who started with a cheat, this was true.
He thought that with one cheat, his power would instantly reach mastery, and his enemies would fall without knowing where he was. But that was only possible with a max-level account, equipped with legendary gear.
For now, he only had a basic-grade Network Access Pod, a basic-grade cybernetic eye, and not even a Quick Hack plugin. A green-grade Quick Hack plugin required epic-grade components. It was so frustrating that Bucky wanted to curse in all 30 languages he had mastered since becoming the Winter Soldier.
So, glaring at someone to death was temporarily out of the question.
However, even so, the Network Access Pod combined with the cybernetic eye was still very useful. Besides the special effects of Quick Hack (equivalent to electric shock, paralysis, burning, corrosion, those "magic"), the most basic function was highlighting targets and remote access to electronic devices. For example, the Winter Soldier could stare at a phone and directly hack into it. He couldn't eavesdrop yet; that would require a cybernetic ear. But he could hang up the phone remotely.
He could remotely turn on and off lights, telephones, televisions, and all other electronic products. If it was a car with electronic ignition, he could also shut it off. And if it was a camera, besides shutting it off, he could also take remote control, directly feed the camera's signal into his cybernetic eye, and convert it into visual nerve signals, allowing him to see directly.
These functions were all very practical.
Suddenly, the light on the ceiling flickered on and off without anyone touching the switch. This was Bucky familiarizing himself with the visual changes and functions of the cybernetic eye, while also connecting his metal left arm to a live wire.
"System, transform my left arm into a cybernetic limb."
"System Information: Unknown model left arm prosthesis detected. Can be transformed into a green, excellent-grade system cybernetic limb. Requires 15 common item components, 10 excellent item components. Transforming…"
The mental controller that was initially transformed was probably the system's initial beginner's gift package or something, allowing the Winter Soldier to get it for free. And then, 'next time for sure' really meant 'this time for sure'. This transformation required item components.
However, compared to direct Crafting, there would be a certain discount based on the quality of the original prosthesis. The Winter Soldier's Steel Kirin Arm received a 50% discount, only requiring half the materials.
And although this Kirin Arm itself was quite strong, the Winter Soldier knew that his body was enduring this prosthesis, not accepting and fusing with it. There was a slight rejection reaction in the flesh at the joint of his left chest. And who knew if HYDRA had added anything special inside, like a GPS locator or remote control paralysis.
It was safest to directly transform it into a system-recognized cybernetic limb, and it would also allow the body to fully accept it, making it more controllable.
"System Information: Transformation complete. Obtained Cybernetic Steel Arm (Gorilla Arm);
Steel Arm: Enhances strength output, equivalent to 15 points of physical effect."
That is, Bucky's physical attribute was 7 points, and the Steel Kirin Arm was more than twice as strong. After the system's transformation, there was still a certain increase compared to the original.
There was also a flash of red and blue neon color blocks, but the appearance of the Kirin Arm did not change after the transformation. However, apart from the metal shell, the internal structure was completely different. Bucky, a technical novice who relied entirely on the system to add points, didn't quite understand it, but he could most intuitively feel that the slight discomfort in his left chest had completely disappeared.
His left arm was no longer controlled by nerve signals remotely, but connected by nerve signals. Bucky felt as if his left arm had "grown back"! It was no longer like a servant, but felt like it was his own arm!
And after the modification, data cables within his left arm were directly connected to the Network Access Pod in his brain, allowing Bucky not only to remotely access devices but also to connect directly, though he needed to find the correct interfaces for various devices in this world.
There were also some components. Bucky then transformed the bulletproof combat suit on his body into white-grade equipment to further increase his armor, and then made some [Recover-Con Type I] healing injectors.
In his subconscious, self-preservation was still paramount.
At this point, all components were basically used up.
And he was completely ready.
"This is truly the first step I'm taking in this world."
Bucky took a deep breath, suppressing his unease and agitation, trying his best to experience the Winter Soldier's memories and immerse himself in the Winter Soldier's role. His eyes gradually became indifferent.
Putting on his mask and goggles, slinging his AK-74M assault rifle over his back, and picking up the last two black travel bags, the lights went out, and in the darkness, there was no sound.
The door opened.
That silent killer, the Winter Soldier in the night, had arrived.
...
The dim yellow light of the streetlights fell on the suburban road. In the cold winter, the faint howling wind and the rustling of pine needles and dead branches made this deserted road seem even more eerily silent.
Just then, the sound of a car engine came from afar. Soon after, a light-colored Ford sedan, with its headlights on, drove into view.
Inside the car were two people, a man and a woman. The driving man had white hair and beard, and an aged face, yet he was full of vigor and had deep eyes. The woman's face showed far fewer traces of time; she was well-preserved, looking under fifty, a mature woman still full of charm.
Both of them clearly appeared wealthy and noble, with extraordinary temperaments, but at this moment, their faces were heavy, as if something was weighing on their minds.
"Howard, I always feel uneasy."
"Still worried about Tony? Our son, though he's not very promising, he's not stupid. At least he won't suffer a loss, or rather, I actually hope he suffers a bit and gets some education…"
"You two, you just won't speak your minds to each other. Father and son are just alike. But, I'm not worried about that. I just…"
"Worried about what? It can't be that this time we… Hmm?"
The old man, Howard, still frowned slightly, but a corner of his mouth curled up, wanting to say something to comfort his wife, but just then, he heard a strong engine roar.
As a great inventor, one of the world's best mechanical engineers, he had dealt with engines his entire life. With one listen, he could tell that this was not only a modified high-power engine, but he also deduced its original model and what modifications had been made.
However, while his analysis was correct, as he was analyzing, the vehicle carrying the engine, a heavy motorcycle, with a figure without a helmet and long hair flowing, had already rushed to the side of his car.
The aging Howard saw it, but his body was completely unable to react. He could only watch helplessly as that figure pulled a pistol from his thigh!
Bang, bang!
Puff, puff!