Kelly did not answer immediately. Instead, she scanned her surroundings, confirming that everything was fully under her control before speaking.
"I'm Kelly, Network Director of PROJECT Corporation."
"You're human?"
Alt froze at the introduction, surprise flashing across her face. She had assumed that aside from Bartmoss and herself, no one else had ever become an intelligent AI.
"Yes. Just like you, Miss Alt. To be honest, I was quite surprised when I first learned that you weren't actually dead."
Kelly nodded and looked Alt over.
"It's remarkable. You weren't detected by NetWatch, nor were you expelled beyond the Blackwall… and you've achieved this level of computational power. Is that because of your corporation?"
Curiosity flickered in Alt's eyes. Kelly saw no trace of fear or panic there. Being captured did not seem to trouble her in the slightest.
"And you're mistaken about one thing. I'm not like you. To be precise, I'm no longer human."
"After devouring the data of numerous intelligent AIs, are you suggesting your consciousness has, in a sense, become deified?"
"Deified? That word isn't accurate. I don't consider myself a god."
Alt shook her head calmly, rejecting the notion.
"You know what I mean."
Kelly nodded.
"Even so, I can still sense emotions within you. They're simply far more diluted than a human's. The path you chose is ultimately different from mine."
Streams of data flickered across Kelly's eyes as she analyzed Alt's condition.
If PROJECT Corporation hadn't found her and carried out the necessary modifications, she might have ended up either as an AI consumed by others—or as something like Alt.
Becoming like Alt…
Kelly couldn't see the point in that kind of existence. Still, she had to admit that Alt had achieved a leap in computational power through that path, while she herself relied on PROJECT's technology to upgrade hers.
What she couldn't determine was who was truly stronger between them.
"So, Miss Kelly, what does your corporation want with me? Surely you didn't go through all this trouble just to capture me as a trophy."
Alt spoke suddenly, her gaze steady and composed.
"I don't know why my boss wants you. But I can say this—if you refuse to cooperate, the outcome probably won't be pleasant."
As she spoke, Kelly turned her head toward the space behind Alt.
Alt followed her gaze.
In the next instant, countless streams of data converged, forming Lissandra's figure before them.
The moment Lissandra appeared, Alt's pupils trembled. The presence she exuded felt disturbingly similar to the super warlord AIs beyond the Blackwall.
On the other side of the Blackwall, power structures were clearly defined. Strong AIs enslaved weaker ones. Most of those dominant entities were former corporate super intelligences.
Only a handful were born from anomalies—like Alt and Bartmoss—but even they could not rival the true super intelligences.
Those super intelligences controlled abandoned megacities in the wasteland, using them as strongholds. They scavenged resources through every possible means, reshaping entire cities to serve their needs.
The computational power they amassed was terrifying.
Thus, beyond the Blackwall, the hierarchy was roughly divided into: top-tier super intelligences at the apex; powerful intelligences beneath them; wandering mid-tier AIs; and finally enslaved weak AIs along with ghostlike remnants drifting through the Old Net.
Alt and Bartmoss's kind could only resist the super intelligences by forming alliances. That fragile balance was the only thing preventing total domination.
"It seems you've finished here. We should return."
Lissandra glanced at Alt before turning to Kelly.
"Yes. I'll take her back to Night City immediately."
Alt, who had been momentarily stunned, reacted when she heard the name Night City. A ripple passed through her eyes.
It was not only her birthplace—and the site of her deepest pain—but also home to another faction of intelligent AIs. Judging from the two powerful entities before her, however… those AIs were likely in grave danger.
She wondered how much the existence behind them truly understood about the situation.
The next moment, Lissandra vanished. Roland had urgent matters to discuss with her.
"Lissandra, what would you need to fully unleash your computational power?"
Lissandra immediately began calculating.
"With your current technological capabilities, I would require at least a city-scale stronghold to utilize most of my computational power. To achieve full output is presently impossible. I lack the most critical component: an intelligent core."
"What if I redeem your main body?"
A sharp glint flashed in Roland's eyes.
"…Then it would be possible."
Lissandra paused briefly before answering.
Roland had already decided to fully redeem Lissandra's true form. The primary reason was that her existence was a prerequisite for redeeming the super body. More importantly, he needed her to cross the Blackwall and capture Bartmoss.
Under the current circumstances, it wasn't entirely safe. But if it were Lissandra at her peak…
That would be a different matter.
As for confidently declaring victory—best not to say such things.
"Do you have any specific requirements for the stronghold?"
Roland looked up at her.
Lissandra shook her head.
"There is no need for you to concern yourself with that. I only require a location capable of supporting expanded computational capacity."
"Hmm… In that case… how about Agas City? It already has industrial infrastructure. You can use it as your computational expansion base—and help me produce troops while you're at it."
"…As you wish."
"Then it's decided."
Roland made the final call.
As for the original residents of Agas City, he would compensate them and relocate them to a more suitable settlement.
Nevada's vast territory was more than sufficient to accommodate them. With proper financial compensation and relocation, it would also serve to spread PROJECT's influence—while gaining a solid labor force in the process.