"Ever since the accident, they've suddenly become very close, even gathering together for deep dives... I know how many of them there are, they must be up to something."
The little hacker faced Mercer's gaze, at first his eyes wandering towards the floor, but then he mustered the courage to look at Agent Arasaka:
"I think they must be plotting something, because previously Lucy, Kyoko, Daichi, and Leon had a good relationship, but Mercer only joined after the accident.
And Mercer has changed a lot recently! There's definitely something wrong!
I'm willing to take responsibility for what I said!"
The little hacker's heart was pounding fast, knowing that after learning of this, he would be seen as a traitor by his peers, but... if he successfully reported this, he might survive!
Being able to escape this project, no, perhaps even become a senior employee because of this merit!
With this thought, Sakata Yu's expression became resolute.
He was almost certain that this group was hiding something from others—everyone used to look like they were about to die, but recently they've been laughing and talking...
He had secretly asked Kyoko before, but even she said it's only because things have been safe lately with no AI encounters.
That's very odd, because Kyoko used to be very timid, and now even during deep dives she was more frightened than before, how did she suddenly become brave?
"I have a lot of evidence to prove they're definitely plotting something or concealing some secret!"
Sakata Yu's thoughts became clearer and even excited: "Yes, it must be like this!"
But Agent Arasaka remained indifferent to his words.
Even a kid can see it, do you think Arasaka employees are eating dry rice?
Every conversation Lucy and Mercer have when meeting is recorded, not to mention their 24-hour communication signal fluctuation monitoring, biometric data analysis, and so on have long been arranged.
Although the data occasionally fluctuates, it hasn't reached abnormal levels, and isn't this review there to do just that? Do you still need to say it?
"What other evidence?"
Agent Arasaka stared at Sakata Yu coldly.
Sakata Yu was stunned: "Evidence? I mean... They are acting strange, as long as they're interrogated strictly, something can definitely be found..."
"Baka yarou! Go line up for the review! You're wasting my time."
Agent Arasaka cursed angrily, if he had the authority to discipline him, he would have already locked this little guy with a prosthetic and overloaded his neural chip.
He didn't need any hacker methods, just using the privileges Arasaka Company gives senior agents would be enough.
Sakata Yu opened his mouth timidly, but in the end, he could only dejectedly move to the back of the line.
Mercer didn't even bother to look at him, his expression calm, and while Sakata Yu was delaying, he even picked up the coat beside the hacker chair and put it on.
He walked lightly towards the elevator, while the expressions of others varied.
Kyoko looked very angry—because she had been advocating to recruit the remaining two hackers still within the facility into their escape organization, and seeing Mercer about to relent, this happened...
Now, Kyoko didn't even know how to talk to Mercer.
Moreover, for a moment, she was also somewhat afraid, thankfully Mercer hadn't agreed earlier, otherwise if the plan was leaked by Sakata Yu...
Lucy showed a very indifferent expression.
Although she's not a bad person, truth be told, as long as she can get out alive...
No, as long as she escapes with everyone here, it's fine, she doesn't care about others.
Tetsuya Daichi and Leon exchanged a worried glance, if things really reached the final step...
Escape now? But their preparations were not comprehensive enough...
But seeing Mercer walking at the forefront, hands in pockets, calm and confident, their inner anxiety suddenly subsided significantly.
No worries, with Mercer, he surely can do it!
As for the last hacker girl who remained silent, she just watched everything quietly, her eyes showing no joy or sorrow, like a puppet that lost its soul, mechanically following the group forward.
...
Getting on the elevator, reaching the negative first floor, Mercer naturally was the first to enter the infirmary for prosthetic examination.
The advantage of him leading was that if things were amiss, he could immediately use the fast cracking routine engraved with the network access vault co-processor to act directly.
Dr. Ota stood somewhat irritably by the surgery chair: "Come on, lie down, let's check your prosthetic software program."
Seeing her demeanor, Mercer smiled playfully: "Looks like Dr. Ota won't be getting much sleep this time either."
"...Expect to not sleep for at least two days, in any case, if you can make things easier for me, all the better."
Once Mercer lay down, she immediately inserted the data cable from the detection machine into the slot behind his ear, and once the data was connected, her fingers swiftly examined Mercer's prosthetic data.
"Hmm... Neuro-chip readings are very high, what have you been doing in Cyberspace lately?" she asked.
"Idling away, dug some data, while using server computing power to write some programs, you can check the co-processor..." Mercer began but was interrupted by Dr. Ota.
"Got it... Huh, device takeover, prosthetic overheating, prosthetic malfunction, electromagnetic short circuit, target positioning...
Hmm, the structure needs optimization, just a few programs and the memory is maxed out?
Soon the tech team will review your software data, remember to report directly to the tech department after the checkup."
Mercer nodded, well the structure is bloated.
He also hid software like 'Synaptic Fusion' that could directly fry an enemy's brain, 'Quick Decipher' for rapid unlocking of passwords, 'Memory Erasure' and 'System Reset' for silent assassination.
With so many software hidden in the code, can memory hold up?
Generally, Arasaka Mk.3 network receiver paired with co-processor's default quick crack slots only number six.
Being able to fit so much means he optimized the program memory very well.
"Hmm... Just about done, there are recent signs of use for the Single Molecule Line?" Dr. Ota continued to ask.
"I practiced a bit in my room, haven't used it in so long, if I don't get familiar again, I'm afraid when I use it, I might cut my own finger off."
"Nice, it's a virtue to be prepared."
Dr. Ota squinted at the data for a while, then said:
"Your brain nerves... have recovered about right?
No, it's not just about recovering, your 'intelligence' attribute should have improved!
Incredible...
Hold on, I need to update the data and upload it to your medical examination log."
Mercer suddenly became interested.
The 'intelligence' Dr. Ota mentioned is actually akin to game values, used to assess human body attribute potential and strength.
Generally, physical talent must be at least above 12 points to accept heavy ape arms, the Frenzy System, and the like.
Programs like Sianwistan not only require physical talent but also require the response talent to be above 12 points to use.
The intelligence attribute determines the computation limit a hacker can handle, the reaction speed in Cyberspace, etc.
Implants like 'Krenzikov' and 'Synaptic Accelerator' that can speed up the nerves often relate to intelligence and response attributes.
The composure attribute determines people's tolerance to implants.
The higher the composure attribute, the less likely one will be troubled by cyberpsychosis, which means more implants can be installed.
"After the check-up, can you tell me all of my attributes now? I haven't cared about this for a long time."
"Sure, did you study your prosthetic medicine course? If you did, the check-up report can also be sent to you, letting you understand yourself."
As if seeing something interesting, Dr. Ota became noticeably happier.
"Recently studying the intermediate course," Mercer said.
"Not bad..." Dr. Ota raised an eyebrow: "My assistant just graduated from the advanced course... You still have time to study this?"
"Recently cramming, given such a major thing happened to me," Mercer replied flawlessly.
"Hmm huh... Alright, the check-up results are out: Physical... 11?
You're only fourteen this year, this score is great.
Response... 16? Young people are truly amazing.
Composure is... 19?
Intelligence..."
Dr. Ota fell silent, replaced by a glow from her Prosthetic Eye.
Mercer guessed she was making a call.
He calmly sat up, secretly glancing at the screen, which had a line written in Japanese.
[Detected intelligence attribute exceeding conventional assessment values, automatically sent subject 'Mercer Han' information to the Arasaka talent reserve list.]
Hmm, turns out the guy is a genius among geniuses.
Mercer waited patiently, only for Dr. Ota to quickly turn to Mercer: "Alright, you don't need to go to the program check, go find the director, the office is on the top floor."
"Understood." Mercer curiously asked: "What does this mean?"
"This value means that as long as you don't make any principle errors, you'll soon become an official high-ranking operative and receive high-ranking operative training.
After training, based on results, you may be assigned as assistant director, project deputy director, or to a special department.
Mercer, you might even need to count on you to uplift me in the future."
Dr. Ota's expression became increasingly amiable.
"Then please take care of my friends, Dr. Ota... That agent director doesn't look too friendly."
Mercer finished speaking, and Ota promptly nodded:
"Small matter, after all, you guys just had an audit, at most they'll inquire about your deep dive situation, insert a Lie Detection Chip, I'll talk to him so it doesn't look too bad."
This gesture made Mercer chuckle silently—no wonder everyone in the company wants desperately to climb the ranks...
If he didn't know Arasaka's nature, he might not want to leave at all.
Unfortunately, he's made up his mind.
What's next...
As Mercer walked out, he pondered—before escaping, the opportunity to score big from Arasaka seemed to have increased significantly...
As soon as he stepped out, Lucy, second in line, looked at him with concerned eyes, Mercer simply smiled: "Just a simple check-up, nothing to worry about everyone."
Agent Arasaka's sharp gaze fixed him, blocking the way: "This isn't the direction of the program group, where are you going?"
"Top floor, director's office, you can confirm."
Mercer returned the gaze. Although his body now appeared just over 160 cm, he didn't show any trace of retreat while facing the over 180 cm tall agent.
Though his mouth respectfully used Japanese honorifics, his attitude indeed made the agent's hands itchy.
How are these kids educated nowadays? Not even talking about the lack of seniority respect, how did they forget to respect their superiors?
The agent was displeased but still dutifully messaged the director, replied, then stepped aside.
"Mind your attitude, hacker."
"Ah, really sorry about that." Mercer mimicked a Neon's characteristic shallow bow, then walked away briskly.
The agent narrowed his eyes, turned to Lucy: "What are you looking at, get inside for the check!"
Just don't fall into my hands, kid.
Agent Arasaka discontentedly ground his teeth.
Meanwhile, Mercer walked into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor. The display promptly showed permission approved, then the elevator accelerated upwards.
When the elevator doors opened, he was greeted by a luxurious large office. Mercer walked in, seeing Ena Tanino resting with her eyes closed in the chair.