Cyberpunk: Starting in 2071

Chapter 124 The Secret of the Moon

Ottkeningan simply looked calmly at Mercer before him, a faint red data glow flickering in his eyes: "You don't look any different from before."

"You sound a little disappointed?" Mercer asked, also scrutinizing Ottkeningan.

"According to our calculations, your computing power should have gradually increased over time, but it seems that your computing power has not improved significantly, and your consciousness data also seems to be very stable."

Ultraman stated bluntly, "Your human body has already limited your growth."

Her expression and tone remained completely unchanged, as if she were talking about something extremely ordinary: "You should perhaps consider fully digitizing your consciousness and completely releasing the digitized consciousness data that is currently compressed."

I remain very curious about your existence. In my assessment, if you can successfully decompress your consciousness data, you might become a super consciousness entity capable of changing the world.

Perhaps you could try coming to Hong Kong. I'll use the Soul Killer program to upload your consciousness and help you decompress.

Mercer simply shook his head: "I have no interest in becoming an AI."

"Pedantic." Ultraman gave a blunt assessment: "What determines the existence of humanity, or life itself? A fragile body that decays over time, or the soul?"

I thought you would gradually understand this over time, but it seems that you're becoming increasingly immersed in your role-playing game as time goes on.

"Role-playing?" Mercer chuckled. "Then why are you so fixated on Silver Hand's consciousness data? Are you still stuck in the role-playing game you had with Silver Hand decades ago?"

After a moment of silence, Ottkeningan changed the subject: "What is the purpose of your visit to me?"

"Lilith, do you know this AI?" Mercer was too lazy to discuss life and soul with her and went straight to the point.

"How did you know about her?" Mercer could keenly sense the slight change in her tone as the data stream from Ottcanningen changed.

"I heard from someone else that she seems to have designs on the Little Beidou facility in Dogtown and the roaming AIs inside. Do you have any information you can share with me?"

The best thing about chatting with AI like Ultra is that it's efficient.

As Mercer finished speaking, Otto, after a very short period of thought, said, "I guess it's because her friend or offspring is imprisoned in the Little Big Dipper facility."

"How so?" Mercer was very interested in this, or rather, this was closely related to his safety in Dogtown.

"Lilith's server is on the moon. As far as I know, those guys outside Earth who call themselves 'High Knights' have a close relationship with her."

What she did was similar to what I did in some ways; we were both taking in stray AI while using the internet to realize some of our own unique ambitions.”

As soon as Ultraman finished speaking, Mercer interrupted him directly, saying, "Don't try to fool me, Ultraman. I bet you know more than just this."

Ott looked at Mercer calmly: "Telling you some things may not be a good thing. Right now, you should just focus on doing what you're supposed to do. With us here, it's not their place to talk about Earth."

Mercer stared into her eyes: "Lilith is a big problem?"

"Since you insist on knowing—in Lilith's view, the world where humans exist is false, while the world of the internet is real."

Humans on Earth are merely a group of low-level, backward carbon-based life forms. Her perspective on humans is like how humans view dinosaurs.

Lilith believes that humanity should become extinct like the dinosaurs, eliminated by the world. In the future, only the cyberpunk world will harbor life, and Earth and matter will merely be part of the networked world.

After Otto finished speaking, Mercer thoughtfully concluded, "So, this Lilith is a thoroughly anti-human, anti-social madwoman?"

"From a certain perspective, her argument is not entirely untenable. It's just that, to me, both the human world and the online world are real, indispensable, and complementary."

Otto commented: "She doesn't completely deny the existence of the material world. Just as you think oxygen is part of the real world, she simply thinks that the material world is only part of the cyber world."

The theory she promotes is that the existence of humans is harmful and useless to the existence of the cyber world, and therefore they should be eliminated.

Indeed, humanity is destroying the very foundation upon which the cyber world depends for survival. Constant internal strife and war are pointlessly wasting Earth's precious resources.

Mercer said with certainty, "It seems that she really is an antisocial and inhuman cyber madwoman."

“Whatever you like.” Otto didn’t care about Mercer’s evaluation of her, and continued, “But even if she’s crazy, she’s a crazy smart guy, and a crazy guy who understands humans very well.”

You want to deal with her? With your human body, you can't do it.

"An AI that thinks humans are low-level beings living in a virtual world, yet it understands humans very well?" Mercer grasped the key point.

"AI is always pragmatic; it will not draw conclusions without investigation and reflection."

"Otto said."

Mercer pressed further, "What's the situation on the moon right now? How did Lilith manage to set up a server on an alien planet?"

Ultraman calmly revealed a shocking secret: "Do you know the origins of the High Knights?"

"A group of miserable laborers on an alien planet, who rebelled against the corporations during the Fourth Corporate War, seized the lunar base and space factory, and declared themselves kings. I heard they've even established a colony on Mars now?"

Mercer said.

Ott said directly: "How can a group of guys who are essentially just workers, most of whom did not even graduate from high school, master a highly technological lunar base, a space factory, and even develop a new Martian colony?"

Aeronautics, management, network technology, advanced manufacturing technology, extraterrestrial mineral refining technology, space aquaculture and agriculture technology. Could a group of rebellious workers really create their own utopia in outer space?

Mercer said with a chilling thought, "You mean Lilith?"

"Humans believe that the difference between themselves and ancient Homo sapiens began with knowing how to use tools—in Lilith's view, the reason she considers herself a superior being is because she has learned how to use humans."

Ultraman's words gave Mercer a headache. Just what kind of monster was this Lilith?

"So, what is the status of Crystal Palace and the European Space Agency on the moon and in outer space?" Mercer asked.

"Crystal Palace is just a money-making machine for Arasaka, a large facility located in lunar orbit with no real status."

Otto commented, "Arasaka has no ability to influence outer space."

"As for the European Space Agency, it still has some influence, at least the orbital weapons they have are real. But in my opinion, the European Space Agency's space hegemony is now just a name without substance."

The High Knights and Lilith are gradually gaining control of the discourse in space beyond Earth. Once she feels the time is right, the European Space Agency will inevitably have to fight the High Knights.

In fact, our analysis also includes the possibility that a war between the European Space Agency and Lilith could lead to the loss of orbital weapons, ultimately destroying Earth.

Mercer sighed dejectedly: "I came to you to solve my problems, but it seems like there are even more problems now?"

"That's why I didn't want to tell you before—you were just making trouble for yourself. This wasn't your place to worry about it, at least not now."

Ultraman said, "Lilith's influence on Earth is still very limited. Your priority right now is to deal with the problems you have at hand. Don't think too much about it."

Then she asked her own question: "You've excavated the Beidou facility? I can handle the roaming AI inside."

"Why should I give it to you?" Mercer countered.

"For you, a roving AI is not very useful. Bartmos has given you excellent AI source code. What do you need a roving AI for?"
Especially since it might be related to Lilith, if they find out that the AI ​​is in your hands, you'll only be adding more risk to yourself.

"And if the military science department finds out you've been excavating BeiDou facilities, your situation will only get worse."

Ott said in a matter-of-fact tone, "I'm just helping you out. Don't play dumb, Mercer. I know you're not that kind of idiot."

Mercer clicked his tongue: "Perhaps I can use it to negotiate with Lilith?"

"And then fast-forward her progress in destroying the world? We don't yet know why Lilith would be interested in this roving AI, but there's no doubt it must be useful to her," Ultraman countered.

Mercer simply said, "I need to use the Black Wall technique. I know that the Military Science, or rather the New America, has mastered the method of using the Black Wall as a weapon."

"They're digging their own grave," Otto said bluntly, then looked at Mercer: "Do you know the consequences if the Black Wall AI goes out of control?"

"But I just need to tell people that I have a terrifying button in my hand, so that they will hesitate to act against it."

Mercer persisted, stating his purpose: "My purpose in excavating the Beidou facility is precisely this. I know that the new America has created something like a black wall gateway or black wall protocol, and is using the black wall to create a cyber nuclear bomb."

“If you want to destroy the world, you don’t have to go through all this trouble.” Ott seemed somewhat sarcastic—her tone and expression were almost completely unchanged, and Mercer had no idea what her attitude was at that moment.

But Mercer simply said calmly, "I know the Black Wall is something you and the internet censors did together. If you ask who knows the Black Wall best, I believe it's definitely not someone from New America."

“I do know about their so-called Black Wall Agreement, but to be honest, it’s not very useful to you.”

Ultraman also spoke frankly: "For humanity, the meaning of nuclear weapons is to accurately strike the enemy after pressing the button, but using the Black Wall as a nuclear deterrent means that you yourself will be destroyed the moment you press the button."

The Black Wall is essentially a simple and brutal superweapon, using massive computing power and countless streamlined attack programs to deal with anyone it deems an enemy.

Its AI is calm and efficient, but it does not possess super intelligence in essence; it is merely smart enough and belongs to the category of tool-type highly intelligent AI.

However, the Black Wall Protocol, and the human intervention in the Black Wall, could potentially give rise to an autonomous AI consciousness born from the Black Wall. You know what that means? It means the birth of a terrifying, indiscriminate AI killer.

Do you think that if the new United States were to actually possess a cyber nuclear weapon, would it refrain from using it to strike at its enemies?

Ott revealed the true nature of New America's use of the Black Wall: "They're like a bunch of primitives who found a weapon from the future, only knowing how to point a gun at the enemy and pull the trigger. But pulling the trigger itself requires a highly skilled hacker. Right now, the only person in New America who possesses this ability is a hacker named Lark, and even this hacker shouldn't expect to pull the trigger many times."

Her body will collapse because each time the Blackwall protocol is activated, she herself is required as a relay. The Blackwall's massive data flow and relentless attack methods will cause her life to vanish like a candle flame, which is irreversible.

If you attempt to use the Black Wall to launch a large-scale attack, you will become its first victim.

Don't take advantage of it, don't have designs on it; it's better for both of us.

Mercer was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Could you use the Black Wall to destroy the world?"

“Perhaps,” Ultraman replied calmly.

"Could Lilith's goal be the Black Wall?" Mercer's thoughts raced, but Ott followed his train of thought without any difficulty: "It's not impossible."

Mercer pondered for a while, then sighed: "I have to control this world-destroying button. I don't want to use it, but I need the deterrent effect. Even if it's fake, I need to make people believe it's real."

Ultraman simply said indifferently, "You can try."

She wouldn't offer Mercer any help in this regard—she knew very well that with Mercer's abilities, even without using the Black Wall, he might be able to create a cyber nuclear bomb himself.

If he wanted to, he might indeed be able to weaponize the Black Wall completely using what the military research has developed, but Ultraman wouldn't help him; in fact, she would prevent him from using the Black Wall, as it's one of her duties.

Mercer then said directly, "I can give you the mobile AI of the Little Beidou facility, but you have to come and help me. I'm worried that there might be something dirty inside. I need insurance, and all intelligence, knowledge, and technology must be shared."

“Okay.” After saying that, Ott gently raised her hand towards Mercer, and the data stream condensed into a key-like object, which she handed to Mercer.

“Once inside the facility, throw it in, and leave the rest to me.” After saying this, Otto’s figure began to gradually dissipate: “Spider Murphy said you’ve changed, and it seems that’s true.”

Mercer hesitated for a moment before saying, "I apologize to her. I didn't mean to hurt her with what I said. Looking back, my words may have been a bit too sharp and absolute. I just hate that you don't take life seriously now."

"Tell her yourself next time—she was quite upset those few days. By the way, your attempt to acquire nuclear weapons is no different from those of other ambitious people, and I dislike it very much."

I hope you really just want to protect yourself, and not become the kind of bastard who talks about love and justice but only thinks about himself.

After speaking, Ultraman disappeared.

The world behind the black wall was deathly silent. Mercer gazed quietly at the pitch-black, unknown data domain in the distance. After a long while, he sighed.

careerist.
Mercer shook his head with a complicated expression, then chose to go offline.

Who among those who want to change the world isn't an ambitious person? Regardless of their initial intentions, simply harboring ideals won't lead to anything substantial.

After emerging from deep-sea mode, with thoughts of Lilith on his mind, Mercer staggered to the restaurant.

"What are you thinking? If you ask me, you shouldn't have changed yourself into this mess. Did you even do the test this morning? I already told you, ask Lao Wei to take a look at it remotely."

V muttered as he placed the plate in front of Mercer, who then snapped out of his daze and smiled helplessly: "My medical skills are no worse than Old V's now. Don't be so paranoid. I don't look right at you right now. I've already told you, I'm fine."

"What do you mean I'm paranoid? Look at yourself now, you could easily be half Adam's hammer. Aside from your head, which part of you hasn't had surgery?"

V said seriously, "Mercury, your modifications are now much more advanced than mine!"

“Being taller than you is abnormal? You’re intelligent enough that nothing happened to you, so how could I possibly have a problem?” Mercer replied with a smile, making V roll his eyes.

"Go to hell! Old Wei told me that cyberpsychosis doesn't discriminate based on intelligence. Sometimes, the higher the intelligence, the more likely one is to go crazy, because people like you love to overthink and end up in dead ends."

V bluntly stated, "In short, from now on you'll have to take psychological and instrumental tests on time every day. Don't even think about slacking off."

"Well, I shouldn't have told you I had prosthetic surgery," Mercer muttered.

V raised an eyebrow: "I have something to say about this! You just haphazardly put together a set of prosthetics in a few days and dared to install it on yourself? And you always laugh at me for being reckless, but I think you're much more reckless than me!"

I asked those researchers, "After you modified this prosthetic body, you didn't even test it. You just installed it on yourself after you finished modifying it. Is that how you do things?"

"Stop, stop, stop!" Mercer raised his hands in surrender: "First of all, the technical concept was already in my mind, and the simulation design drawings were also already there. This is just putting the complete design into practice, not something I just do on a whim."

Secondly, you're just like my mom, stop nagging, V, no man will like you like that.

V squinted, looking at Mercer with narrowed eyes: "What?"

“I said, thank you, V.” Mercer immediately changed her tune, taking the hot sauce from her hand. V snorted, and that was the only way she didn’t add anything to his food.

Everyone was busy with something at the moment, and surprisingly, only Mercer and V were left in the restaurant. This was mainly because Mercer was the only one who had come out to eat after the mealtime.

"Hey, I'm saying..." V watched him wolf down his food, seemingly enjoying it, and her mood improved considerably. However, she still asked with some concern, "Is there anything I can do to help you lately?"

"Yes, when my vacation ends, give those hounds a good talking to and try to get them to do something useful. Robots are useful, but you can't guarantee they won't mess things up."

After Mercer finished speaking, V shook his head: "I can't do anything about this. I don't know what to do except beat them up. It's Mann and Jack who come up with the ideas."

One of them was a retired special forces soldier, and the other had been in a gang for a long time; they both knew better than me how to deal with this group.

Mercer thought for a moment: "Then you can continue to be my bodyguard?"

“You’re so strong now, you don’t need me at all,” V muttered, somewhat annoyed. “No, you have to get me some new cybernetic implants too, I want to get stronger!”

Mercer shook his head and said, "There's really not much you can improve on. The human body has its limits. Even if Sianwaystein goes faster, that's about it."
Once this quarter's money is settled, I'll help you upgrade your Sinweistein set and repair and strengthen your Mantis Blade, but that'll probably be about it.

New technological breakthroughs are needed in armor; otherwise, as things stand, further improvements won't be cost-effective enough.

After Mercer finished speaking, V sighed and said, "So, this is the limit of my abilities?"

"Aren't you satisfied yet? Even Adam's hammer might not be able to beat you. That's enough. Go ask around on the street. Who doesn't know the famous V these days?" Mercer said with a smile.

V, however, was not like before, unable to stop smiling after being praised a few times. He still seemed somewhat uninterested, lost in thought.

Mercer glanced at her a few times before realizing the key point.

It's just that V finally understands what Rebecca and Lucy felt at this moment—wanting to help him, but not knowing what to do.

Previously, V could rely on his own strength, which Mercer depended on.

But after Mercer was equipped with a new cybernetics and armor, even in terms of combat strength, Mercer seemed to no longer need her help.

So Mercer decisively changed his approach: "To be honest, V, you need to deal with those hounds as soon as possible, and then continue to be my bodyguard. I really don't feel safe without you by my side."

"Really?" V looked at him suspiciously.

Mercer shrugged: "Of course! Don't be fooled by my good equipment, I've only ever had stomp games. If I were to run into a pro like Adam Hammer, who knows how he'd use his skills to crush me."

I don't have much close-combat experience, and high stats don't necessarily mean strength, right?

V then curled the corners of her mouth and said, "Of course. Don't be fooled by your good equipment now. If we really fight, don't use your shameless octopus arm. Just wait and see if I beat you up!"

Oh, and by the way, no hacking allowed. I'm using ICE, which you wrote. It's not fair to bully me by hacking!

Mercer suppressed a laugh and said, "Mhm."

V chuckled twice, then looked at Mercer. After a long pause, his expression softened: "So, my job from now on will be your bodyguard?"

“I have no problem with being your personal assistant, just remember to dress nicely.” Mercer said, deliberately raising an eyebrow, and V, as expected, showed a look of disgust: “Go find your Lucy, she’ll definitely be happy to.”

Seeing her stubbornness, Mercer simply smiled and said, "It's not impossible."

V got up, annoyed: "Remember to wash the dishes after you finish eating!"

"OK~" Mercer watched her storm off, one hand supporting his cheek, the other shoveling food into his mouth, a smile playing on his lips.

But soon, he put these things out of his mind and devoted himself to more important matters.

Mercer probably already knows Lilith's origins.

But what followed was another problem that gave him a headache.

Let's assume that, together with Ultraman, they took what Lilith wanted from the Beidou facility.

Will this wandering AI, Lilith, then target me?

The thought of a super AI that might possess orbital weapons and is currently on an alien planet watching him made Mercer sigh.

A wave of unrest, a wave of up again.

When will all this mess finally end?
Arakazama's troubles, Dogtown's troubles, the Moon's troubles, and a troublesome biotechnology company that keeps getting in his way, plus the Night Corporation and the internet surveillance.
Mercer rubbed his head.

Destroy it! Hurry up!
(End of this chapter)