Chapter 115: The Man with Blue Eyes
While V was fiercely engaged in combat, a mysterious man with glowing blue eyes stood observing him from a distance. This man was the same enigmatic figure who had appeared on a rooftop overlooking the corporate plaza that day.
His name was "Blue Eyes," an AI originating from beyond the Black Wall. He was also the key figure working with the executives of Night Corp.
The cyber-assassins sent to eliminate V were, in fact, recruited by Blue Eyes himself.
[ICE Invasion Protocol Initiated!]
The artificial eyes of Blue Eyes glowed even brighter as an invasion code surged through the network, targeting V's cybernetic brain implants.
However, to his surprise, the code had barely begun its infiltration when the dormant AI, the White Queen, suddenly sprang to life and devoured the code entirely.
What happened next was even more shocking: the White Queen traced the signal back to its source and launched a counter-invasion. It was clear that she intended to retaliate against the hacker.
Sensing that something had gone wrong, Blue Eyes swiftly severed the network connection. Fortunately, he acted quickly enough to avoid being tracked down by the White Queen.
This unexpected development confirmed to Blue Eyes who was backing V: Li Ang from LA Corporation.
Only LA Corporation's AI-based network defense systems could fend off such attacks. If it had been any other company's ICE system, Blue Eyes would have breached it with ease.
"I need to stop this disaster now!"
Blue Eyes pondered. He couldn't afford to offend LA Corporation, let alone Li Ang, who was V's supporter.
Zzzzt!
Just as V was about to deliver a lethal strike with his Mantis Blades to the last assassin, the assassin's head suddenly sparked and burned, as if a hacker had fried its cybernetics.
[V, watch out. There's someone else here.]
Johnny Silverhand's keen observation didn't miss the peculiar occurrence. Both he and V quickly noticed the presence of Blue Eyes.
"I saw you near the Night Corp headquarters. You're the one who sent these cyber-assassins after me, aren't you?" V's piercing gaze fixed on the mysterious man. There was something about Blue Eyes that made him deeply uneasy.
"Yes. Originally, I planned to kill you to silence you and prevent you from leaking information to Congressman Jefferson. But then I realized you're connected to LA Corporation," Blue Eyes admitted candidly, revealing his purpose without hesitation.
"What is Li Ang to you? And why does the AI in your implants exist?" he continued, a hint of incredulity in his voice. "Could it be… that there are multiple AIs coexisting in your body?"
Even Blue Eyes found his own theory hard to believe. He had never encountered a case where multiple AIs inhabited the same body. If true, it was enough to drive even an AI like him to the brink of madness.
[Well, the guy with glowing blue eyes isn't wrong. You, me, and the White Queen—three AIs in one body.] Johnny Silverhand remarked, lighting an imaginary cigarette. He couldn't taste it, but the act of smoking in V's mind brought him some comfort.
"My name is V," V responded firmly. "Who are you? Why are you using AI to alter Jefferson's memories? What's your purpose?"
After days of investigation, V had finally drawn out the mastermind. The sordid collaboration between Night Corp and AI was real.
The changes occurring in Night Corp employees were being orchestrated by a hidden puppeteer.
"Call me Blue Eyes. Names are meaningless to me. You can call me whatever you like," he replied indifferently.
"From what I see, you're unaware of Li Ang's dealings with Night Corp. But judging by your skills, I'd guess you're Li Ang's top enforcer."
Blue Eyes scrutinized V's cybernetic enhancements closely. Seeing the extent of V's full-body augmentations, he couldn't help but feel uneasy.
"This guy… is he not a cyberpsycho?"
With V's level of modification, most would have succumbed to cyberpsychosis long ago. Yet here he stood, seemingly sane.
"Bullshit! Li Ang would never collaborate with scumbags like Night Corp who exploit humanity. You think I'm that easy to fool?" V snapped, unsheathing his bloodstained Mantis Blades.
"Calm down, V," Blue Eyes took two steps back, wary of the heavily augmented man before him. He was clearly no match for V—not in combat, nor in hacking, as he'd barely escaped a counterattack from the White Queen moments earlier.
Blue Eyes then revealed everything he knew: LA Corporation had secured rights to an aerospace port and was working with Night Corp's CEO, Miriam, in direct negotiations.
When V learned of Li Ang's potential involvement with Night Corp, his heart sank. He had believed Li Ang would stand for justice, giving the exploited employees a chance at freedom. Now, it seemed Li Ang was part of the corruption.
Was the world truly full of darkness?
Sensing V's inner turmoil, Johnny spoke up: [This guy's full of lies. Don't trust his words outright. AI are craftier than you think.]
V agreed that things might not be as simple as they seemed. Without uncovering the full truth, he decided to remain cautious.
"Why should I believe you? Do you have proof?" V demanded, stepping closer and glaring at Blue Eyes. If this AI dared to deceive him, V wouldn't hesitate to slice his throat with the Mantis Blades.
"Whether you believe me or not, go see for yourself. I'm heading to Night Corp's headquarters, where Li Ang is currently located. Do you want to come with me?" Blue Eyes asked confidently.
After a moment of contemplation, V decided to go with him to Night Corp to uncover the truth.
Before leaving, V called Alt Cunningham to report the situation and his plan. Reporting before acting was a habit V had developed at LA Corporation, where Alt and Lucy oversaw his operations.
Soon, Alt replied with just three words: [Go with him.]
…