"You can use my computer," Lucy said, "It's in the backpack on my bed."
"Okay," Mercer replied with a smile, downing his cola in one go, "That's it. Everyone find something to do on your own."
The farewell dinner ended just like that, simple and uneventful.
Leon seemed like he had more to say, but Daichi held him back and told Mercer, "Although we plan to stay here, if you need manpower in the city, both Leon and I will help you... no matter what, I'll definitely be there."
"Got it."
Without turning his head, Mercer just waved his hand and returned to the tent.
The farewell dinner was over, and Mercer did not feel any particular emotion due to their choice.
The reason he brought this group of kids to Night City was simply because he wanted to, he wanted to save these young and innocent lives.
Now, the goal has been accomplished.
Going forward, everyone has their own choices — adults, after all, are more accustomed to partings than kids.
...
After connecting to Night City's network using Lucy's computer, Mercer began searching for the information he wanted, and after a round of searches, he organized his itinerary for his visit to Night City tomorrow.
The first person he wanted to meet was Old Wei, Dr. Victor, whom he also had a very good impression of in the game.
He's one of Night City's few conscientious cybernetic doctors.
In the game, when the protagonist V was broke and had little time left, Victor still agreed to give him credit for business.
In this Night City, a doctor willing to offer loans for surgeries to Edgerunners can truly be called a living Buddha.
And most importantly, his skills are extremely outstanding.
In some endings of the game, Old Wei even catches the attention of large corporations like Zeta Technology, who forcibly acquire his clinic and make him an employee.
This shows his skills are far superior to those average black market doctors in Night City.
Strong skills, even stronger character — who better than him to install and research new cybernetics for Mercer?
The phone rang just a few times before being picked up.
"Hello?" a mature, hoarse male voice sounded over the phone.
"Dr. Victor, I'd like to book a time tomorrow morning with you, to install or perhaps first study some cybernetics."
Mercer's tone was relaxed, feeling an inexplicable familiarity hearing this voice not much different from that in the game.
"Hmm... generally, those coming to a place like my black clinic don't make appointments ahead of time." Victor's voice was gentle, but still somewhat wary.
Mercer casually said, "Don't worry, I just arrived in Night City. I need to get a feel for things first. You're easy to deal with; some intermediaries are quite hard to meet without prior arrangements."
"Is that so? Can I ask in advance, these cybernetics..." Victor cautiously confirmed.
"They were acquired from a raid, and I've done some minor adjustments to the software part myself.
But some parts need professional equipment, especially to meticulously check the hardware, to avoid falling into any traps...
I can discuss the specifics with you tomorrow, just wanted to give you a heads-up."
Mercer added with a smile, "In Night City, the only doctor I trust is you. Rest assured, if you find it challenging, I won't make things difficult for you."
"Am I really that famous?
Anyway, let's leave it at that for now, tomorrow morning... nine o'clock.
I'll make time for you, you should know the location."
Victor did not refuse further; situations are better assessed in person, at least from the call, Mercer doesn't seem unreasonable, and his voice... sounds a bit youthful.
"Thanks, Old Wei, see you tomorrow. By the way, I'm Mercer, you can also call me A."
Mercer hung up the phone, imagining Victor on the other side with a bewildered expression — perhaps he's wondering how the person on the phone can be so familiar...
Then, after contemplating for a moment, Mercer dialed another number.
"Who?" a slightly cold and hard woman's voice came from the phone.
"Rogue, Queen of Rebirth... nice to meet you, I'm Alex Mercer. You can call me Mercer, or the codename... A."
Mercer's new name originates from the protagonist of a game he once played, "Prototype."
Brother A is the title most given to the protagonist Alex Mercer of that game by those who have played it.
Since I've copied it, might as well copy it thoroughly.
Besides, A and V... they match so well! Sounds like something big can be accomplished.
"A? Never heard of you," Rogue replied bluntly, "My time is precious."
"Your old friend asked me to do something, and upon consideration, this thing would certainly benefit you too. I also indeed need someone capable to lend a hand.
And the Queen of Rebirth isn't someone just anyone can wish to see, so I can only rudely introduce myself first.
I'll discuss the matter with you tomorrow night at the Rebirth, the job I want to do.
It's related to another common friend of yours, Johnny... I assume you know which Johnny I'm referring to."
Mercer's words plunged the phone's other end into silence, and a few seconds later, came a cold reply from the other end, "Tomorrow night at eight, see you at Rebirth."
"No problem."
Mercer said casually, "If possible, I also wish to post a job request — I need someone to insert a chip into the server at Night City Hall."
"...Let's discuss this in person."
Rogue didn't agree but also didn't refuse, simply used a serious tone to caution:
"You sound young, so let me clarify beforehand — I hate those who play coy. If you're messing around using his name, then it's best not to come to see me."
"You won't be disappointed," Mercer said, and then directly hung up the phone.
Queen of Rebirth... quite the aura, huh?
Subsequently, Mercer promptly drafted an email and chose to send it as a mass mailing.
[A:
I am a new Edgerunner, A, currently assembling a professional Edgerunner team in Night City, hence giving a heads-up, only taking jobs that pay fast and don't take long, difficulty is not an issue.
Currently offered remote service includes: remote network offense and defense, technical support for special operations real-time networks, ICE upgrades, system maintenance, program development and cracking.
Field tasks will have to wait a bit, notifications will follow after the team is formed.
If interested, send job requests to this email or call (omitted).
First-time job order gets a 20% discount; capable of undertaking tasks requiring multiple hackers to participate, appointments can be made anytime, if schedules allow.
Looking forward to future collaborations~XD]
The mail's recipients included:
Top intermediary Kodama Wako on Japan Street.
Second-hand car dealer and intermediary 'Old Captain' from Dominican Republic.
Former FTF station reporter Regina Jones from Watson District.
Big brother-level intermediary 'Father' from Valentino Gang in Haywood District.
Intermediaries 'Hans' from Dog Town and Taiping District.
Regarding others like the game's fatty DeSean who sold out V, or rotten fish and shrimp like Faraday who caused the death of David's group in Edgerunners, he wasn't planning to contact them at all.
Mercer didn't want to wait until his fame grows before those folks contact him — he needs money, noticeably so, hence he needs to proactively find work.
Do a few gigs, reputation builds, other intermediaries naturally come to him for jobs.
Furthermore, Mercer also picked out several enforcers or rather field agents.
His plan isn't merely to stay behind and play around with network technology, but to assemble a top-notch Edgerunner team.
For now, he's considering those just turned eighteen still struggling at the bottom like V, and also the already somewhat famous Mann Squad from the anime "Edgerunners."
Additionally, legendary driver 'Falcon,' not yet joined Mann Squad but freely picking up jobs.
Now uncertain whether hacker Qiwei is still trapped in the black sex doll shop or has escaped.
And the cat-headed hacker 'Sasha' from the anime who only appears in the background, no concrete information on them yet.
Of course, there's also Pan'an whom he already has his eyes on, and Lucy who's already agreed to do big things with him.
Mercer searches for characters appearing in the game and anime, considerably saving time in selecting reliable personnel.
Thus, he can provide remote technical support with Lucy, while Qiwei and Sasha offer onsite hacker technology assistance and have a large batch of skilled commando fighters leading the charge.
Certainly, Mercer hasn't forgotten his good brother Jack from the game.
Unfortunately, Jack is currently still aimlessly hanging out with the Valentino Gang, he needs to find a way to lure him downhill.
Judging from the gameplay results, Jack certainly is a legit tough guy, just a bit unlucky.
After pondering, Mercer decided to first reach out to the easiest to persuade.
And who would that be?
Of course, it's our street wanderer Miss V, who nowadays is entirely idle!