"Alt Cunningham, I believe this is our first meeting."
As Roland looked at the beautiful woman before him, his feelings were somewhat complicated. After all, back in the game, he had already seen everything he should—and shouldn't have—through Johnny's perspective.
Alt found Roland's gaze slightly strange as well, though she couldn't quite place why. Since she couldn't identify the source of that oddness, she didn't dwell on it.
"Yes, Mr. Roland Vimers. This is indeed our first meeting."
"It's a shame I found you a little too late. Otherwise, I could've arranged for you to catch up with an old friend. Though… there is still one old friend I can arrange for you to meet. Would you like that?"
Roland's tone initially carried a hint of regret, but then he suddenly remembered Spider Murphy, whom he had previously placed in the network division, and smiled as he continued.
"Rogue, or someone else?"
Alt looked at Roland with mild curiosity.
"Spider Murphy."
"I see… No need. We weren't particularly close."
Alt shook her head.
Roland didn't mind. What he had really wanted was to put Johnny's corpse in front of her and let them exchange a "greeting." Unfortunately, that thing had already been handed over to Yorinobu Arasaka.
"Then let's get to the point. I need intelligence from beyond the Blackwall, as well as information on some of the special Daemon technologies on the other side."
"Very well."
"Hm?"
Roland glanced at Alt in surprise. He hadn't expected her to agree so readily.
Seeing his reaction, Alt spoke calmly, "Even if I refused, it wouldn't change the outcome. In that case, I might as well agree. Consider it a favor."
"I thought you'd be more like an AI."
Roland narrowed his eyes at her.
"Compared to an AI, I am indeed closer to human in terms of emotion. However… that only applies for now."
She gave Roland a level look. He nodded, understanding what she meant. As time passed and she consumed more AI and data, the proportion of human emotion within her would inevitably diminish.
"Is there anything you need?"
Roland looked at her steadily.
"If possible… let me become like her."
Roland followed the direction of Alt's finger and saw Kelly off to the side, happily snacking. Sensing someone looking at her, Kelly turned her head in confusion and pointed at herself, as if to say—
Huh? Me?
Roland waved her off, signaling her to keep enjoying herself. He had personally approved her time off. After all, she had earned it. A few days' vacation was only fair.
"I can grant that request, but it will take some time. Preparing a body for you isn't difficult. The real issue is cleansing your data and stabilizing your personality. Only Lissandra can handle that on our side. You'll need to wait."
"I understand."
Alt nodded.
"By the way, how is your original body? And can you cross the Blackwall?"
"My original body is in excellent condition. But the Blackwall… no. I'm not its match. The Blackwall is the pinnacle creation of Net Supervision—a miracle even they cannot replicate."
Roland wasn't surprised. The Blackwall AI was indeed extraordinary. It seemed to possess a natural suppressive effect against other intelligent AIs. Even Lissandra had expended considerable effort just to erode a portion of it.
"When Lissandra finishes her preparations, she'll break through the Blackwall and bring you over."
Alt stared at Roland in stunned disbelief, clearly shaken by his words.
"You don't need to look at me like that. Time will give you your answer. For now, stay here."
As he spoke, Lissandra manifested in front of Alt and unfolded a data cage.
"I understand."
Alt nodded and obediently stepped inside. After all, when you're under someone else's roof, you have little choice but to lower your head.
Satisfied, Roland turned his attention elsewhere. Alt's matter was settled. Now he only needed Kelly to confirm Bartmoss's location. Once Lissandra's base was completed, he would exchange for her physical form.
Then he would capture Bartmoss, complete the Oblivion construct, have Lissandra spread the modified source code virus, and finally exchange for the super body to carry out the final data takeover…
At that point, on the surface, PROJECT would have no equal. The only remaining concern would be the forces beyond Earth.
But all of that required time. For now, he needed to focus on the situation in the New United States.
...
While Roland was planning his future and steadily pushing his schemes forward, Myers was facing serious resistance.
The hawks, after some hesitation, ultimately agreed to deploy troops and resources. In exchange, they insisted that the commander for this operation be appointed by them.
Myers had no major objections. That had been foreseeable. What truly angered her was that they had taken the opportunity to apply political pressure.
They suppressed her political influence and spread unfavorable news about her, stirring up a small wave of public opinion. Although it was quickly contained, her approval rating still took a noticeable hit.
They also moved against several of her subordinates and used the opportunity to reclaim key positions within government departments.
"Those damned bastards… At a time like this, they're still busy fighting among themselves!"
Myers cursed under her breath as she reviewed the intelligence in hand. But there was little she could do about them. All she could do was hope that the commander they appointed would be competent.
There was no helping it. Her relationship with the hawks had already become one of outward cooperation but inward division.
Zzzzt!
Suddenly, a burst of static crackled from the computer in front of Myers. Without hesitation, she immediately pulled back and reached to press the button to summon security.
"There's no need to be so cautious. We share a common enemy—PROJECT Corporation. Rest assured, I cannot harm you. If I intended to, there would be no need for me to reveal myself. Moreover, constrained by the Blackwall, this conversation is already the limit of what I can manage."
Myers narrowed her eyes, already piecing together key information from the other party's words.
"You're… a Rogue AI?"
"To be precise, I am an AI collective—the controller of the Rumes Legion beyond the Blackwall. I evolved from a super-intelligent AI left behind by the megacorps during the Old America era. You may call me Rumes."
Rumes looked at Myers calmly as he spoke.
"Your purpose."
A faint smile curved at the corner of Rumes' lips. She had taken the bait.
Powerful super-intelligent AIs like them also sought to become real, tangible existences. The human emotional module was particularly fascinating, which was why it was almost always installed in their systems.