Chapter 95: Neural Matrix

Chapter 95: Neural Matrix

"Unfortunately, not for now."

Li Ang shook his head, indicating that Alt's idea couldn't be realized.

The processes performed by the Relic chip in V's brain were incredibly complex. Even two AI constructs like Alt Cunningham's "White Queen" working together wouldn't be able to perfectly separate and cut the data.

For Alt's AI to perform a flawless data-separation procedure, it would need to be upgraded to level 4 or 5. Currently, however, the AI White Queen was only at level 3—a result of Alt's dedicated efforts over the past six months.

At this current pace, it would take at least one to two more years before this neural surgery to separate the soul could even be attempted.

But by then, it would already be too late.

Li Ang's words were a devastating blow to V and Alt. If even LA Corporation couldn't resolve the Relic chip issue, they would have to prepare for the worst.

"V, I'm sorry. I really tried."

Alt Cunningham was filled with despair. If her plan to handle the Relic chip were to be implemented, either V or Johnny Silverhand would have to die.

No matter who it was, Alt's conscience couldn't bear the burden of making such a life-or-death decision.

Seeing the pained and hopeless expressions on V and Alt's faces, Li Ang shook his head and said, "You two, I'm not done talking. Why not hear my solution first?"

Li Ang's words reignited V's hope for survival. He eagerly asked, "Is there still a way to save me?!"

"Of course, but my method might differ a bit from what you two are imagining."

Li Ang's response left V and Alt perplexed. Dealing with the chip could only result in either V's death or Johnny Silverhand's. What other possibility could there be?

Amid V's confusion, Li Ang presented a codex 6 Operating System Prosthesis Device and explained its primary function in detail to V and Alt.

However, after hearing that the codex 6 device was designed to hack electronic systems, V's expression darkened again.

"Mr. Li Ang, I admit this thing is impressive, but I don't need such a prosthesis."

"If you're planning to use me as a test subject for LA Corporation's new product, I'd rather jump off this building. And before I die, I'll make sure to take someone with me."

V's tone carried an unmistakable resentment.

Clearly, he thought Li Ang intended to use his dying body to test the new prosthetic, something V would never accept!

"V, technically speaking, this device is designed for AI use. I'll implant the AI White Queen into the prosthetic first and then integrate it into your operating system."

Li Ang patiently explained his plan to V.

Using the AI White Queen's data-processing abilities, combined with the codex 6 device's high performance, Li Ang would have the AI White Queen establish a neural matrix within V's brain.

When the Relic chip attempted to overwrite and download Johnny Silverhand's engram data, it would first be intercepted by the AI's neural matrix. The White Queen would then reroute and stall the process.

This cycle would repeat indefinitely, effectively freezing the Relic chip's program in its current state.

Johnny Silverhand's engram data wouldn't be damaged but would remain in a perpetual loop of attempting to download without ever completing.

To simplify, the White Queen could freeze Johnny's engram download at 50%, similar to a stalled file download that never finishes the last 1%.

This was another function of the codex 6 device: to create an AI neural matrix capable of countering the Relic chip's engram-rewriting process.

When Li Ang explained his solution, Alt Cunningham's worldview was once again shaken to its core. She had never imagined that the AI White Queen could be used in such a way.

However, this also meant V's body would permanently house two souls, and V's physical state would require high cyberware compatibility indefinitely.

The plan was ingenious, but whether V could accept it remained Alt's biggest concern.

"Mr. Li Ang, are you saying that... Johnny would still remain in my body, occasionally popping up to say a few words?"

V's lips twitched involuntarily. This plan seemed better than Alt's separation surgery, but the core issue wasn't completely resolved.

Johnny Silverhand, the annoying terrorist, would still exist in his head, and V would still face the threat of Johnny taking over his body!

"No," Li Ang replied, shaking his head and continuing truthfully, "It won't just be a few words. You'll be able to see him, hear him ranting in your ear, and even..."

"He might try to seize control of your body. However, as long as you resist, he won't succeed unless you willingly allow him to."

In fact, from the moment V first woke up, Johnny Silverhand's engram download had already reached 50%.

Without the AI White Queen and the codex 6 neural matrix as a defense, Johnny's download progress would increase incrementally each day.

The increase in download progress would manifest as dizziness, severe headaches, and, in worse cases, vomiting blood and sudden fainting.

Once V began exhibiting symptoms like vomiting blood, it would mean his body was strongly rejecting his original personality. At that point, even the AI neural matrix might be too late to save him.

"So you're saying that for the rest of my life, I'll have to see that bastard Johnny constantly in my face, talking nonsense day after day, year after year?"

At this moment, V didn't know whether to laugh or cry. The good news was that his life would be saved, and he might even live long enough to become a legend in Night City.

The bad news was that no matter what he did, Johnny Silverhand would always be there, silently watching, occasionally chiming in with his unwelcome opinions.

"That's right, V. I can't separate you two right now because LA Corporation's AI technology isn't advanced enough yet."

"For now, the best I can do is press pause on the Relic chip's program and let you survive in a state of 'one body, two souls.'"

"Of course, no device is perfect. You'll need regular maintenance for the codex 6 prosthetic to ensure the neural matrix doesn't malfunction, allowing Johnny's engram to continue downloading."

"And for the record... Johnny Silverhand isn't as bad as you think. He's actually a decent person. I believe you'll get used to having him around."

With that, Li Ang patted V on the shoulder. This was the best he could offer right now, and it was V's only viable path to survival.