Chapter 162: The Big Boss of the Cyber World!
"That kid at least follows some underworld rules—he didn't take the chance to backstab me or push me too hard. Hmm… I'll let it s Reed this time."
As Bryce rubbed his aching temples, ready to sleep a bit longer, a thought about the lone wolf operative named "Vincent" popped into his mind.
Bryce happened to have a friend working at the Intelligence Bureau, so he decided to dig for more information about this mysterious operative. Wasting no time, he called his friend and shared the fact that he already knew the name of the operative working for the LA Corporation.
"What the hell! How do you even know that? I was planning to sell that intel to someone, but now that even you know about it, the value's practically gone!"
The agitated voice on the other end of the call made Bryce chuckle slyly.
"Heh, don't worry about how I got the intel. Since it's already worthless now, why not hand over everything you've got on this guy? I'll pay you a small fee—it'll at least cover your losses."
Bryce's calculated move worked like a charm, fooling his friend.
"Fine. I'll send you the info I have. It's not much, but it includes his basic appearance and traits."
"Oh, by the way, we don't usually call this lone wolf operative from the LA Corporation 'Vincent.' We refer to him as 'V.'"
The moment Bryce heard the name "V," he froze, wondering if he'd misheard. After all, the previous operative he encountered also went by "V."
But as soon as Bryce saw the facial image in the file, he gasped, stunned. It was the very same mysterious corporate operative he'd encountered in the Voodoo gang's basement.
"Damn it… V!!"
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Night City, Watson, LA Corporation Headquarters
Inside the matrix.
Thanks to the matrix server, Li Ang 's entire simulated world had transformed into an Infinity , blank expanse of white.
In this void, it was impossible to discern direction, distance, or even time, as though everything had come to a halt.
Before Li Ang stood an elderly white man, his face etched with fear and confusion as he surveyed his surroundings, unable to make sense of his environment.
This terrified, white-haired old man was none other than Europa, the transcendent AI from Europe's network sector.
Not long ago, Europa had been dragged into Li Ang 's matrix simulation. Transformed into the character "Li Huowang," Europa experienced an extraordinary life, roaming the world with a group of brothers and a soft-spoken white-haired girlfriend.
During this journey, Europa fought monsters, collected treasures, and grew stronger under the blessings of a powerful entity, all while using its newfound wealth to manipulate the modern economy. This bizarre dual life left Europa questioning the boundaries between reality and illusion.
"Looks like Bartmoss wasn't lying. The matrix truly is an incomprehensible terminal device, even beyond my ability to crack."
Shaking off the mania and confusion of his simulated life, Europa looked at Li Ang with a mixture of weariness and resignation.
The relentless physical and mental torment Europa endured in that twisted, upside-down world had left it scarred. Escaping the simulation was the first moment of relief it had felt in ages.
"I thought I understood all the mysteries of Earth. I even built an enormous, self-evolving neural network to continually enhance myself. But now I see I was just a frog in a well—unable to even crack a corporation's terminal device, let alone unravel the universe's secrets."
For the first time, the once-proud Europa felt the sting of defeat.
Li Ang chuckled lightly at Europa's despondent state. It truly lived up to its reputation as a transcendent AI. Just one session in the matrix had consumed as much energy as the world uses in two years.
"So, what do you want from me? Money? A company executive like you shouldn't need money. Besides, there's no buyer who'd take me off your hands."
Despite its dire situation, Europa remained composed. As a massive data construct, it had transcended concepts like life and death—except during its stint as "Li Huowang," where it rediscovered the terror of mortality.
"Europa, I invited you here to offer you an opportunity: join the LA Corporation and work for me."
Li Ang 's smile was calm but commanding. He recognized Europa's exceptional value. Unlike ordinary AIs, it carried the aura of a philosopher king, with profound insights and impeccable logic.
If not for the existence of the LA Corporation, Europa might very well have become the final boss of the cyber world—like the machine god in The Matrix, enslaving humanity in its own creation.
Now, however, this once-unbeatable AI was reduced to Li Ang 's captive, bound by the unbreakable chains of the matrix.
"Join the LA Corporation? I doubt I'm capable of helping you. What could I possibly do for someone like you?"
Europa laughed bitterly. Despite its near-omniscience on Earth, it couldn't see how it could be of use to a company that had captured it so effortlessly.
"You're being modest. All I need from you is to keep doing what you're good at: managing the Blackwall and overseeing the NetWatch Corporation."
Li Ang initially considered using Europa as a disposable tool, like the Duchess, but quickly realized this would be a waste of its unique talents.
As the chief architect of the Blackwall, Europa essentially controlled NetWatch from behind the scenes. Gaining control over it meant controlling not only NetWatch but also a significant portion of the European Union.
"If your concern is the rogue AIs beyond the Blackwall, you needn't worry. With the matrix, the LA Corporation could capture them all without breaking a sweat."
Europa sighed. The matrix had rendered the Blackwall obsolete, making rogue AIs no threat to the LA Corporation. Keeping the wall up seemed unnecessary.
"You're right, but the Blackwall and those rogue AIs serve a purpose. As for you, I'll return you to your domain. However, your access point will be locked to the Neptune subnet, and you'll be at my beck and call."
Li Ang 's plan puzzled Europa, whose years of neural training hadn't prepared it for such an enigmatic approach. However, after some quick logic calculations, Europa understood Li Ang 's true motives.
"You want me to use the Blackwall to manipulate NetWatch, making me the LA Corporation's hidden hand. Meanwhile, you'll let the rogue AIs persist to create controlled chaos?"
Li Ang smiled in approval.
"Correct. Rogue AIs are a threat to humanity, and the Blackwall is humanity's safeguard. But to the LA Corporation, this is just good business."
Europa couldn't help but feel a sense of despair. A company capable of creating something as groundbreaking as the matrix was using it for such petty gains.
"Humanity's basic needs start with safety, Li Ang . You're exploiting that fundamental need to your advantage. I must admit… it's a shrewd strategy."
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