Cyberpunk: Starting in 2071

Chapter 10 Gifts
"It can quickly penetrate an enterprise's ICE and then deal with the AI-specific viruses within it, automatically finding vulnerabilities in the AI ​​and carrying out targeted assassinations."

Its essence is also that of an AI; strictly speaking, it is extremely similar in nature to the Black Wall.

However, the target of the hunt is not the wandering AI of the old network, but the enterprise AI of the new network.

Hmm, it's somewhat similar to the program 'Orion' created by the hacker codenamed 'Witch Hunter' decades ago.

After uploading, it can automatically complete a series of tasks such as tracking, cracking, and eliminating the target.

However, I must warn you that the existence of this type of AI is extremely dangerous!
If you give it too much intelligence, or if it learns enough on its own, it could become a killing AI like Blackwall.

Therefore, my advice is to try not to let the program run on its own, but to personally control the program to achieve your goal.

You are a hacker, the master of the program, not the kind of idiot who needs AI to handle everything, or who doesn't even know how to hack without AI.

AI is just a tool.

If you fear it and rely on it, it will become your master.

If you can control it, manipulate it, then it's your pet.

Barthes said calmly:

Even out-of-control AI is essentially just a program; it has a core logic that cannot be violated, which is the purpose for which it was created.

This is also the only way for those 'dragon hunters' who aim to hunt down AI to capture and fight against AI.

In essence, it uses this logic of AI to design a 'moral logic trap' to hunt down AI.

To date, no AI has ever been able to escape this.

Therefore, if you encounter any problems caused by AI later, there is only one thing you need to do, which is to figure out the core logic of this AI.

That is, the goal and idea that it was given when it was founded.

What follows is simple, like dealing with a mad dog like the Black Wall that devours old network AI.

Even though it now possesses intelligence and its recipes have broadened, thanks to the logic provided by its core algorithm, you only need to create an old network AI and place it next to it.
Even if it really wants to kill you, it will still prioritize hunting down the AI ​​like a starving, stupid dog. Get it?

Mercer understood immediately:

"I understand. If I encounter any problems that I can't solve in the future, I'll try to understand the characteristics of the old network AI, make a fake old AI and throw it over there, so that the black wall can take it down for me."

"Huh? What I mean is..."

Bartmore blinked, looking innocent, and was about to explain something when he was interrupted by Spider-Murphy.

Spider-Murphy calmly said, "What he means is that by knowing the AI's target, we can set traps specifically to eliminate it."

Even mutated, wandering AIs still have traceable behaviors, and there must be a core logic supporting their actions.

Once you understand and master this point, you can confidently use or eliminate AI.

Bartmouth's 'RABIDS' virus was able to directly corrupt the vast majority of AI and destroy the cyber world.

It's because his 'RABIDS' virus, once it runs, will cause an uncontrollable chain reaction on the data.

It also tampered with the core logic of AI and unleashed its limitations, allowing those AIs to target and kill enterprises and hackers on the internet.

During the alteration process, some powerful AIs retained some of their core logic, which led to many corrupted AIs possessing different characteristics.

But essentially, it's not that they've developed their own ideas and started messing around; rather, it's that their core logic has changed.

Some AI, after gaining intelligence, watched hundreds of police and gangster movies in one go and wanted to become a good policeman.

Some believe they are superior 'creatures' and therefore hunt down humans, these inferior animals.

Some, on the contrary, like humans very much, find them adorable, and therefore want to eliminate other AIs to protect humanity.
They are like a stubborn fanatic; no matter what they are obsessed with, there will always be traces to follow.

However, we must be careful, because AI's logical thinking is not static. Apart from its core logic, AI's primary core logic is always to ensure its own survival.

As long as they can ensure their survival, they will occasionally find some reasonable 'logical evidence' to deceive themselves, thereby changing their core logic.

Then you need to repeat the previous steps to capture its characteristics.

Bartmos's original demon virus was actually the initial version of 'RABIDS'.

He developed 'RABIDS' based on the demon virus.

Furthermore, based on the observation that 'RABIDS' had been running on the old network for many years, optimizations were made to create a more controllable 'Death Wish'.

This inspiration actually comes from the 'RABIDS' virus itself, making its uncontrollable and unreliable aspects as controllable as possible.

Because, well, you might not know this, but in fact, the 'RABIDS' virus has never stopped its activities on the old web.

Also in 2045, its endless hunting, corruption, and devouring behavior even led it to awaken artificial intelligence.

After that, the rabies virus became even more rampant.

They target all enterprise AI and servers, even mutated, wandering AI.

Anyone who comes from the company is its target; it's just like its owner, calling itself a 'righteous fighter against the company'.
Bartmos observed this, so he created Death Wish as his hound in cyberspace to hunt down wandering AIs that were extremely dangerous to humans.

Therefore, your death wish is not only an extremely powerful icebreaker, but also a puppet virus that can kill AI.

It can even function as a dedicated hunting AI that can automatically operate in cyberspace and can alter the operating logic of corrupted AI.

However, the latter is difficult to control and could very well make the corrupted AI even more terrifying or bizarre.

I don't recommend you do that, at least not now, unless you want to be killed by the AI ​​you created.

Furthermore, programs should not be allowed to run automatically in cyberspace. If something goes wrong, it could lead to another network crash, destroying the current network.

He doesn't say it because he thinks his new program is reliable, or rather, even if it destroys your network, it's not a big deal.
However, I think I should still tell you these precautions to avoid any accidents. I think you shouldn't be in a hurry to destroy the world right now.

At the same time, you yourself must be wary of the AI ​​intelligence of Death Wish, and ensure that it remains merely a tool to you, otherwise…

Spider-Murphy turned and glanced at Bartelmos, who stared innocently at the dark sky of the cyber world.

"Otherwise, if things get out of control, you could very well unleash an even more terrifying 'RABIDS' AI virus, turning a certain network area into a cyber hell like the old network, and then letting a group of AIs start slaughtering along the network cables."

It might even provoke the AI ​​within the Black Wall.

Believe me, by then, it won't just be hackers who will die.

It's also possible that the black wall AI, along with your new AI, could turn a city, or even the entire world, into a living hell.

"Don't blame him for giving you something so dangerous."
He's brainless. If he had any sense at all, he wouldn't have done something like that. A leopard can't change its spots.

Mercer nodded seriously: "I will use it cautiously, and I will absolutely not consider corrupting the AI ​​at the moment."

"It's a wise choice for us to go."

Spider Murphy nodded.

Barthes did not deny Murphy's assessment, but simply sighed:
"To avoid being discovered during this conversation, we have accelerated your thinking. This is a lot of a burden on your brain at this stage, so we can't talk for too long."

Now let's go back to the old internet and fish for free.

Don't worry, the death wish I left you will scare away those highly intelligent AIs, making them see you as bait I've laid out.

They won't dare come. Just remember to release the Death Wish every time you reach the old net.

Even if some escaped, they were all brainless scoundrels, and even that useless ICE from Aragaka on your body would take a long time to defeat.

You can retreat calmly. If all else fails, let Death Wish go and bite it. Normally, that kind of trash can't stop that cat.

At this point, Bartmos thought for a moment and said, "However, if it's not necessary, it's best not to wander around the old network. There are too many roaming AIs here. It's okay for me, but it's too dangerous for you."

Leave Arasaka as soon as possible.

The Relic chip in your brain can be taken away; from a hardware perspective, it's a kind of brain neural modifier.

If you've played the game, you should know that it can actually be used as a prosthetic to enhance your combat abilities, much like a 'skill chip' that loads you with special skills.

However, I don't recommend using it to download combat knowledge such as weapon usage to become stronger.

That thing essentially works by directly affecting your brain. If the downloaded material contains malicious content, it will be very difficult to recover it.

However, I highly recommend that you use it as a brain nerve repair device, or develop other secure uses, such as communication, transmitting encrypted information, etc.

Hackers inevitably suffer brain damage to some extent, and even I eventually succumbed to it. But with Relic, it can serve as a necessary first aid measure to repair brain nerve damage.

It can even help you come back to life in cases of brain death, just like V, which is a bit of an improvement in Arasaka's technology.

Of course, this Relic won't work right now, I'll have to modify it for you. Uh, let Ultraman send you a program instead.

Once Relic is inserted into your brain, its excess data and killer programs will be automatically eliminated, leaving only the brain's repair functions intact.
"Ultraman, can you do it?"

"The people of Arakasa have not improved at all."
While there have been significant advancements in hardware, the software changes are virtually nonexistent compared to what I used before I died.

Ultraman said with a hint of disdain:

"This is a power that ordinary people cannot control—Saburo Arasaka, that arrogant old man, actually tried to capture me using the program I created."

Ah.
Mercer, if one day you are able to enter the shrine of the Arasaka Company in Night City, remember to come find me beforehand.
I will give Saburo Arasaka a big surprise.

Don't worry, I won't take everything like in the game.

Because of your presence, I'm no longer so eager for the resources stored in Arasaka. If you'd like, I can help you, and we can share the resources within Arasaka Shrine.

At this point, Ultraman paused for a moment, then said:

"And Johnny. If possible, I would like you to retrieve Johnny's Relic chip from Arasaka."

This is not a demand, but a request, or a transaction.

Help him get out of this predicament, in whatever way you can.

If you find him annoying, you can just hand him over to me and I'll take him away.

In return, if you bring him out of Arasaka, I'll help you this once, no matter what you want to do.

“Okay.” Mercer agreed without the slightest hesitation.

"That's all then, goodbye, Mercer."

Otto didn't say much. In the blink of an eye, a red data point landed in Mercer's body, and then transformed into a beautiful silver necklace that landed around his neck.

Then, Ultraman's figure disappeared into the distance, gradually turning into a red data cloud and vanishing.

Spider-Murphy nodded to Mercer as well, and then said:
Thank you for choosing to come into this world.
Here is some geographical information I've compiled to help you better avoid dangers along the way and reach Night City.

I've also written a fun little program for you, which might help you integrate better into the community.

Goodbye, Mercer. This world is terrible, but there are still things worth cherishing. I hope you find your new home.

She also sent a data message, which transformed into a small spider tattoo in cyberspace and landed on his neck.

"Well, I don't have anything to give you. Ah, I have something."

Bartmore smiled, raised an eyebrow, and sent a message: "You can see the content for yourself. Anyway, I wish you a pleasant new journey in life."

He waved to Mercer, then turned around and left with Spider-Murphy. At the same time, the space Mercer saw began to stretch again.

IP started jumping rapidly, and by the time Mercer came to his senses, he had already arrived near the Black Wall.

Standing on the edge of the black wall, Mercer fell into deep thought. After sorting out his thoughts, he began to look at the gifts that these hacker gods had given him.

The Relic modification program that Ultraman gave him goes without saying, but the program that Spider Murphy sent him was quite interesting.

It turned out to be a 'task log'.

Yes, just like in the game, after opening it, you can see a whole list of tasks that have been claimed or not!

[Request: Ultraman's Old Feelings Are Burning]
You know, Ultraman just can't bring himself to admit that he likes Johnny, and he always pretends that he's not the Ultraman he used to be. Hey, we're all data entities, who are you trying to fool?

So hurry up and rescue Johnny, and don't forget to secretly record the scene when she meets Johnny!
I swear, she'll definitely say some hurtful things, and remember to give Johnny a close-up of his face too—he deserves it!
Mission Reward: One-time use right to Ultraman (Don't let Johnny know)

[Request: A Request from Murphy]

Bartmore's body, or more precisely, the refrigerator that contained his body, is currently stored in the warehouse of the Respectable Logistics Company in Night City.

If you've played the game, you should know that his body, along with the refrigerator, will be thrown into the landfill after the storage contract expires.

Although he himself doesn't seem to care much about it, I think that, in any case, someone like him shouldn't end up being thrown into a garbage dump.

So please cremate him and send his body to the Night City cemetery.

Don't forget to preserve his DNA first. If one day this world truly has hope, I would still prefer to live again as a human being and enjoy life in that beautiful world.
He must want that too.

Task Reward: Well, I don't know what I can give you, but consider it a favor. If you need my help, just let me know, and use this little spider program.

Of course, you'll have to come to the old website yourself to meet them. Our site is too large to easily bypass internet restrictions; it might scare some cowards.

[Request: The Pirated Batman of Night City]

There's a very interesting guy in Night City now. He calls himself Night Shadow, a vigilante who walks the night and fights criminals all by himself every night.
But the result wasn't good. He's now being watched by many people and is not far from death. If you get to Night City fast enough, you might be able to save his life.

Mission Reward: You should remember the pure black 'Sword in the Stone' sports car in the locked container inside the cave where the Chaotic Blade Society hides in the game, right?

That's his car. He's quite wealthy. Go ask for your reward yourself, or wait until he kicks the bucket and collect it directly.

I haven't decided on the rest yet. I'll let you know if I find anything interesting. It's up to you whether you want to go have some fun. I think you definitely will; I know you very well~
You can also put the commissions you receive into this program, just like playing a game, and keep them as souvenirs. Isn't that fun? XD~

Spider Murphy, well, she seemed pretty serious before, but judging from the writings she left behind, she might be the same kind of person as Bartmouth.

And Barthemos left behind
Not to mention.

[Night City Mewtwo Review - If you ask me how I can maintain such a high level of humanity after becoming an AI? My answer is, watch more movies.]

Unfortunately, even after importing Mewtwo's data into cyberspace, I could still sense far less than when I was alive.

In short, no matter what others say, believe me, it's still very necessary to relax a bit, haha!

Of course, some things only have meaning in real life. The girl next to you, Lucy, is pretty nice, isn't she?
Or V? But she's still hanging around on the streets right now. If you're interested, I can get you her contact information. She takes jobs for a few hundred euros, so she should be easy to fool (smiley face).

Of course, my advice is to have them all!
To avoid regretting it after death.

Of course, Johnny is an expert in this area, while I'm just a nerd, so I suggest that after you get the chip, you talk to him more and learn from his experience.
But I think you're much better than him, so it's okay not to ask.

Also, don't listen to Murphy's nonsense, and don't give up on using AI.

The best way for humans to fight against AI is always AI itself, and the most effective way to fight against humans is still AI. This is something I've come to understand after looking at the things I've created.

The wish to die is safe; if you feel it's dangerous, it's because you haven't figured it out yet.

You still have a long way to go in the world of hacking. Don't think that just because you can throw out a few quick cracks like in a game, you're a pro.

Study my program more; it's the best teacher and helper for developing your own AI.

Instead of fearing the power of AI, learn how to use it—after all, AI is everywhere these days. Damn it, how bad can the AI ​​my program produces be compared to some stupid AI trying to control humanity?
Otto even established 'Shangri-La' in Hong Kong, gathering wandering AIs everywhere. Isn't she doing something bigger than me? She's practically becoming the mother of AI.

At worst, it will destroy the entire internet and take us back to decades ago. Who knows, maybe everyone will become cavemen without the internet, and life will be a little better.
Well, whatever you do, it's up to you.

Upon seeing the first part, Mercer initially showed disdain—but after looking at the list in this comprehensive guide, damn it, there were too many things to criticize. It was this hedonism that ruined the cybernetic world!

Once he gets to Night City, he'll definitely give him a good dressing down.

As for what follows, Mercer won't believe anyone; it's just for reference at best.

He will observe, think, and eventually draw conclusions on his own.

Mercer turned off the messages and then stood blankly at the edge of the black wall until something licked his ankle, startling him. Only then did he notice that the blue data cat was watching him right at his feet.

"The little guy is rather ugly."

He simply bent down, picked up the cat, and then patted its head with a smile—it was a classic Sphynx cat, somewhat like the cat in the game.

Death Wish meowed twice, raised its head, and looked at him with watery eyes that flashed with data, then rolled around in his arms and acted coquettishly.

He's totally susceptible to that.

So he simply spent the time cuddling and hugging the cat until a girl appeared silently not far away, looking at him with a complicated expression.

"Lucy?"

(End of this chapter)