Chapter 4: Project Change?

“Please repeat once again the AI characteristics you observed and the behavior of the other party.”

It was the third time he had been asked the same question, and Messer’s answer remained unchanged.

He described based on the image of Otto Cunningham he had seen in the game:

“A gigantic woman constructed from red data, with long hair. I didn’t have time to observe more details because the moment she appeared, just a touch caused Tony’s cyber avatar to completely collapse. I immediately began disconnecting from the old network.

According to company protocol, I prioritized passing through the Black Wall to ensure the data flow couldn’t be traced by the AI to lock down my location, then logged off immediately. While unplugging, I was hit by some impact—I’m not sure if it was the Black Wall or the AI—and then I lost consciousness.”

“How was the touch executed?” the man questioned expressionlessly.

“Just reached out, only a fingertip,” Messer repeated his previous answer.

His heart rate was remarkably steady, expression unchanged. The lie detector chip implanted at his brain-machine interface was compromised the moment it connected, breached by the newly developed Free Killer V0.1 that he had just created.

Now, the data extracted from the lie detector chip by the other side was all forged to appear normal.

This was partly because they insisted on implanting the chip directly into his brain—the lie detector chip, which assessed lies via neural networks, was simultaneously connected to his network receiver. The outcome was predictable.

Its defense protocols were not even as advanced or robust as those of his Mk.3 network receiver mounted on his head.

Moreover, with zero latency in data transmission due to the brain interface, the lie detector chip hadn’t even entered operational status before it was overwritten to mimic his own neural signature.

While answering questions, Messer was also analyzing the data structure of the lie detector chip, attempting to replicate and crack its program.

If he could fully duplicate it, he might be able to develop his own lie detection software, which could be useful in the future.

“...” The man glanced sideways at the woman beside him. When she nodded, he simply stood up and stepped to the side.

The woman, dressed in a suit, sat down leisurely, smiling gently as she looked at Messer.

She was also Japanese, with long hair draped over her shoulders, appearing quite beautiful. Her traditional Japanese makeup gave her a gentle, graceful appearance, seeming to be in her thirties.

Of course, in the cyber world, appearances were the easiest to fake.

“The preliminary review of your case is complete. Now, let’s talk about something else,” the woman said softly, calmly.

“Messer, based on the testimonies you and your companions provided, we can confirm that a rogue AI infiltrated the server, causing its overload.

However, technical analysis indicates that the main cause of the server’s overload was an enormous data stream being downloaded locally in an instant.

I want to confirm with you—did you receive any unknown program packages before you disconnected?”

“No. After reconnecting, I checked the local storage of my interface. Even the previously stored quick-cracking program was wiped. I believe the company inspected everything when they removed my prosthetics,” Messer replied honestly.

Lying there on the bed, Messer answered every question dutifully, sitting properly with his hands in front of him, looking somewhat nervous, occasionally pressing his lips together and breathing heavily.

The woman smiled: “Don’t worry. We suspect the other party was attempting to plant a virus on the server or use it as a springboard to bypass the Black Wall and enter the intranet. We’re not implying you’re hiding anything, just kindly reminding you.

If you discover any unknown programs or code remnants, report them immediately to prevent a disaster.”

She paused, then asked, “How do you feel about the incubation facility?”

Really? She’s asking how it feels to be a mining rig stuck inside a computer... quite the question.

“All my companions are fine... except...” Messer hesitated, then mustered courage to ask, “When can we leave underground? I haven’t seen the sun in a year, and... when can we be reassigned?”

“Soon, child,” the woman responded with a kind smile.

“You are all valuable assets to the company, rare hacker prodigies. I came here precisely to correct the mistakes made by the former project director, Kimura—oh, I forgot to introduce myself.

My name is Eina Tano, the new project director.

As for sunbathing... I can make that happen. You will all be transferred to surface work soon. Kimura treated you children like slaves. Truly... pitiful children.”

***

Messer’s eyes widened slightly. “Do you mean the project is ending?”

“More precisely... the project’s focus will shift,” Eina Tano replied, rising with a smile. “But the specifics depend on whether you can continue to dive deep. Only if you can still deep dive will our discussions have meaning.

I heard from Doctor Oda that you’re recovering well, even tried programming on a tablet before? Looks like you’ll be back on your feet soon.”

“Yeah... I think with some more rest, I’ll feel better,” Messer said, unsurprised that they knew about his status.

After all, the key data and behavior logs had been altered. Even if they looked closely, all they’d find was that he created a quick-cracking program.

“That’s good. Rest well. I’ll have Doctor Oda approve your discharge. You can reunite with your friends. These days will be a rare vacation for you all. It would be a shame to miss it.”

After speaking, Eina Tano led the man out. At the door, she suddenly turned back:

“By the way, your friend Kyoko said before disconnecting she saw a faint image of a special male AI near you. Do you recall that?”

“No, I only saw Otto,” Messer answered calmly.

Eina Tano smiled: “Hmm, looks like the number of AIs we need to be alert about might be increasing... Oh, almost forgot—go remove his lie detector chip.”

“Hi!” The man bowed, then turned to remove the chip from Messer and implant it into his own head.

His prosthetic eye glowed gold. Moments later, he nodded at Eina Tano.

“That’s that.”

After Eina Tano left, the room fell silent again.

Messer sank into thought.

A male-form AI?

Looks like I need to talk to Kyoko soon.

Eina Tano’s sudden appearance was unexpected.

She claimed to be the new project director, so naturally Messer didn’t need to ask where the previous one had gone.

The company rarely tolerated mistakes. Once you erred, all competitors would strive to eliminate you thoroughly, no need for higher-ups to intervene.

This made things even more complicated for Messer. The previous director’s project was simply mining with them kids. The new director seemed intent on changing the project’s content.

Messer had a premonition—or rather a prediction—that this project likely involved AI.

He initially mentioned seeing Otto Cunningham purely for self-preservation, but now it seemed he might have backfired.

Otto, when alive, was a top hacker Arasaka considered worth kidnapping; now dead and turned into a cyber AI, he was a formidable enemy the company feared.

Messer had hoped to use Otto’s reputation to scare them off, maybe to escape the fate of deep diving into cyberspace as a mining rig. But now...

These bastards probably weren’t scared at all. Instead, they seemed to have ambitions regarding the rogue AIs.

But... well, aren’t all companies like this?

Messer sighed. Right now, he had no choice but to take things one step at a time, prioritizing escape.

To Night City... At least there, multiple companies fought for dominance, a neutral ground without clear ownership. He still had room to grow and a chance to change everything.

After clearing his mind, not long after, Doctor Oda entered through the automatic doors.

“Messer, per the director’s orders, you can be discharged for self-monitoring. There are some prosthetics not yet installed... hold off on those for now, wait for further instructions.”

Messer opened his eyes. “My RAM compensator and biological cycle optimizer won’t be installed either?”

“Yes. Your current neural strength can’t support too many prosthetics running simultaneously. Frankly, the fact you can have this many installed already amazes me regarding your neural tolerance.

Considering your hacking activities, I recommend relying mostly on external devices,” Oda advised, then hinted:

“The new director, Tano, has broad connections. I believe she will arrange better or even experimental prosthetics for those with potential, including the Mk.3 network access chamber you’re using. It’s actually being discontinued this year.

The company is preparing to release the Mk.4 internal version to the market.

Overall, you know, experimental prosthetics generally outperform commercial versions by a wide margin.”

So, all these mining rigs are using near-obsolete junk?

And they still call them genius young hackers... Are they really geniuses, or just excellent expendables?

Lucy’s hacking credibility just took a hit.

Messer nodded knowingly. “If possible, I’ll apply to the director.”

“She values you highly. I think you understand why—few humans survive contact with AI.”

After speaking, Oda pointed toward the door: “You can leave anytime. Remember to come for a checkup every morning; the exact time will be sent via text. That’s all.”

Messer stood up. Though still weak, walking was no problem. He bowed slightly to Oda—a basic Arasaka company courtesy written into the employee code, violation punishable.

After a few steps, he suddenly stopped. “Uh, where are my clothes?”

The hospital gown was loose and uncomfortable; he wasn’t even wearing underwear. Shifting around was awkward—young boys were prone to accidents.

“Your old clothes were disposed of. Your new black suit was delivered to your dorm. Apply for other clothes yourself,” Oda replied.

Messer thanked her and hurried off, recalling the way to the elevator and pressing the button for level minus one.

Since the group was small, each had a dedicated dormitory, though space was limited.

A single bed, a desk and chair holding a laptop as thick as a suitcase, a wall-mounted TV, a wardrobe, and a shower plus toilet—everything packed tightly.

The decor was utterly devoid of warmth: metal walls, no windows, only glaring white incandescent lights and the incessant hum of ventilation fans.

After biometric and password verification, Messer entered his room, collapsed onto the bed to rest briefly, then his eyes lit up as he started a video call.

After a short ring, the young face of Kyoko Nishimura appeared on his retinal display.

“Messer! You’re discharged?”

She genuinely looked happy.

“Yeah, in my room. Get Lucy... aren’t you having a meeting? I have some things to discuss too.”

“Got it,” Kyoko agreed cheerfully but then hesitated.

“If you have something to say, say it now. That’s all,” Messer rolled his eyes—this girl seemed a bit slow.

He didn’t need to guess; she probably wanted to talk about that AI.

He didn’t mind the company knowing—more accurately, he couldn’t stop them from questioning others. He could modify the lie detector chip, but others couldn’t.

Whatever the company asked, they would have to answer. Even if they wanted to lie desperately, the company had ways to uncover their secrets.

But that didn’t mean he wanted his own or others’ discussions about the AI to be overheard.

Kyoko hurriedly made a couple of “oh-oh” sounds and hung up, apparently realizing her own foolishness.

Messer lay back down, eyes closed. Soon after, there was a knock at the door.

He remotely controlled the door via his brain interface; the lock clicked open.

As expected, Lucy and Kyoko were standing there when the door opened.