The Giant Corporations that Started in Night City

Chapter 61: The AI Keeper!

"Alt, Morgan is right. You shouldn't just be focused on Johnny's safety right now. Soulkiller is your creation—you understand its power better than anyone."

Lucy, who held a deep grudge against Arasaka, stepped forward and grabbed Alt Cunningham's hand. Her clear pink eyes shimmered with both anger and determination.

"Do you know why Saburo Arasaka is so desperate to get his hands on Soulkiller? Because it's the 'elixir of immortality' that old bastard has been dreaming of!"

"Saburo wants to control Arasaka forever and turn his dictatorship into an eternal empire, trampling the entire world underfoot, treating people like disposable company resources and fuel!"

"Have you heard of Chiba City? The children there grew up soaking in Arasaka's industrial wastewater. Their crippled bodies are the malicious curse Arasaka inflicted upon them!"

Hearing Morgan and Lucy's words, the disheartened Alt finally realized her responsibility.

The AI Soulkiller she had created had now borne bitter fruit, and it was her duty to address it.

Alt Cunningham fell into deep thought. She had to use her hacking skills to shatter Saburo Arasaka's dream of immortality.

"Mr. Li Ang, what do you need me to do for LA Corp? Should I develop an upgraded Soulkiller to combat Arasaka?"

"I still remember all the code and data for Soulkiller. I can replicate it from scratch!"

Alt gripped her Malorian pistol tightly. She could almost picture shoving the barrel into Saburo Arasaka's mouth and pulling the trigger relentlessly until his head was blown apart.

"No, you need to use your true talent—go beyond the Blackwall, into cyberspace, and assemble or create an army of AI!"

Li Ang knew that Alt Cunningham's most extraordinary talent wasn't her hacking skills but her ability to craft and control AI—like a cybernetic Nüwa.

In fact, if her consciousness hadn't been captured and brought back by Li Ang, Alt would have drifted to other parts of cyberspace, absorbing rogue AI.

But influenced by AI data, Alt would no longer remain the Alt of the past. Her fragile human emotions would be replaced by the cold logic of code.

Alt would then transform into the Cyber Empress, ruling over an AI army. Her AI kingdom, Shangri-La, built in Xiangjiang, would become the bridgehead for AI ascension.

Li Ang, however, wouldn't let Alt's mind be corrupted by AI in cyberspace. Instead, he would have her, like Bartmoss before her, maintain her human body while recruiting AI in cyberspace.

The AI Alt gathered would be used for various purposes. Some would be integrated into smart devices, such as crafting cutting-edge AI weapons like the Seasons Pal. Others would be devoured by the White Queen AI, serving as experience points to upgrade her capabilities.

In simple terms, Alt would become an AI keeper in cyberspace. Her job would be to interact with AI during work hours, then return to her body to relax after clocking out.

After all, the Red and White Queen AIs primarily consumed data and rogue AI. Assigning Alt to this task was the perfect match for her skills. Li Ang wouldn't entrust this job to anyone else.

When Alt Cunningham learned of Li Ang's idea, she froze in place. This was her first time encountering a situation where AI were treated like digital pets.

Seriously… what legitimate company develops an AI weapon specifically designed to devour other AI? Is this some kind of twisted simulation game?

"The White Queen AI has a relatively gentle personality, so try to find less aggressive AI to feed her. If you encounter danger in cyberspace, the White Queen can absorb your consciousness and bring you back to your body instantly."

"So you don't need to worry about being attacked by a powerful rogue AI. While the White Queen's offensive power is limited, her escape capabilities are unparalleled, bypassing any device or spatial constraints."

After listening to Li Ang's explanation, Alt, whose worldview had been shaken to its core, took a deep breath and nodded. "Mr. Li Ang, this does sound like an interesting job."

"I'm willing to join LA Corp and… uh… fatten up the White Queen AI?"

Alt Cunningham's humorous remark drew a burst of laughter, lightening the previously somber atmosphere.

"Alright, everyone, give me some space to think. I need to plan my next steps."

Alt sat back on the hospital bed, urging the others to leave the room.

Once Li Ang and the others left, Alt's plans began to take shape.

She knew of a group in Night City that worshipped the arrival of AI—the Voodoo Boys. This mysterious hacker gang idolized the AI forces beyond the Blackwall.

They were practically the traitorous heralds of rogue AI!

With the White Queen AI's extraordinary power, Alt decided to give those Haitian hackers a little taste of AI shock therapy.

She planned to use the White Queen's abilities to win over those AI-worshiping fools and make them serve her cause.

With her mind ablaze with possibilities, Alt Cunningham's hope to save Johnny was rekindled. She decided to execute this plan in secret, not wanting to burden Li Ang and the others further.

After all, the people of LA Corp had already done so much for her.

…

In the hallway outside, the members of Maine's crew finally relaxed, their exhaustion visible in every movement. The prolonged high-intensity operation had completely drained their energy.

"Mr. Li Ang, don't you think it's time to give us a little vacation?" Rebecca, her small face pressed against Li Ang's arm, spoke in a coquettish tone.

Although she hadn't contributed through hacking like Lucy or Kiwi during the operation, Rebecca had patrolled all night with the security team, leaving her equally drained.

"Yeah, boss! My cybernetic arms are about to experience metal fatigue. If we keep pushing this hard, you'll have to get me a new artificial liver and upgraded limbs."

Even Pilar, who was usually all business, chimed in. This mission had left him genuinely yearning for a break. If not for LA Corp's generous pay, he might have considered going back to mercenary work—less lucrative but far more laid-back.

Maine and Dorio didn't say much, but their weary expressions made it clear they were just as spent.

"Alright, I'll grant everyone a paid week off. But if an emergency arises, you'll need to report back immediately."

Li Ang's decisive words earned cheers from the crew, who immediately began planning their time off.

Maine and Dorio, as expected, planned to indulge in food, fun, and romance. Pilar would tinker with his inventions and upgrade his cybernetics. Kiwi intended to immerse herself in her private cyberspace, relaxing to her heart's content. Rebecca, on the other hand, wanted to visit a tattoo parlor to add some trendy designs.

Falco, the driver, had no particular desires. A peaceful afternoon in a scenic spot was all he needed to unwind.

And Lucy…