"Very good." Osiris' synthesized voice echoed in the workshop, expressing his final, dispassionate acceptance of everyone's choices: "Your decision is logical and the most efficient solution under current conditions."
He paused, letting this conclusion sink in, then revealed the true purpose for which he had gathered them.
"Pure destructive force is not my only requirement; that is merely a necessary means to clear work areas," Osiris began to elaborate on his plan, his tone like someone explaining a complex engineering blueprint:
"I plan to form a specialized Dimension Exploration Squad. Its core functions will be to conduct preliminary reconnaissance across dimensions, collect environmental data, make initial contact with indigenous forces, and perform basic assessments of potential threats.
The goal is to minimize the uncontrollable risks and information asymmetry I face when directly intervening in a brand new, unknown dimension."
His optical lens scanned each person he had named.
"You will form the core framework of this squad." He first looked at Maine's crew, "You have proven to possess highly efficient teamwork capabilities, rich combat experience, and comprehensive qualities for executing infiltration, sabotage, and precision elimination missions.
These are the basic guarantees for the Exploration Squad's survival and action when encountering hostile environments."
His gaze turned to Valerie and Jackie: "You have a deep, personal understanding of this world—this dimension called 'Cyberpunk'—its social structure, cultural unwritten rules, and technological foundation.
This 'local wisdom' will be an indispensable transitional bridge and basis for risk assessment during the initial exploration, especially when making contact with unknown dimensions that share similarities."
Finally, he looked at young David: "Your physiological age is at its peak of plasticity, and your nervous system shows a learning and reception potential superior to the baseline. Your primary identity will be my apprentice."
Osiris' synthesized voice calmly explained the arrangements for David.
"Your core development direction is bio-genetic engineering and interdimensional medical applications.
Within the team, your role is a technical support unit, responsible for executing environmental toxin and pathogen detection, collection and preliminary analysis of indigenous biological samples, and basic risk assessment and technological level judgment of unfamiliar technological creations during initial exploration.
Of course, all of this is predicated on you passing the test one year from now.
If you fail, your future will only be that of a cyber idol girl on a stage in Night City, entertaining others."
As for Morris, she did not need to be specifically designated; her role was already set: "You will be embedded in the squad as my direct liaison officer, ensuring smooth command and providing necessary cross-dimensional technical support."
Osiris unreservedly informed them of the ultimate nature of their work: "This means that your future scope of responsibility will no longer be limited to Night City, or even to this universe you are familiar with.
You will actively step into worlds where physical rules may be vastly different, ecological environments may be highly toxic, and forms of civilization may be incomprehensible. Danger will appear in forms you cannot foresee."
He then shifted the topic to rewards: "Correspondingly, the remuneration will also exceed the limits of your imagination based on your current understanding.
Not only the material wealth you just witnessed, but also mandatory evolution of life forms, artificial prolongation of lifespan, and access to a treasure trove of technology and knowledge you cannot imagine."
Upon hearing this, a subtle stir arose in the workshop.
Maine rubbed his metallic chin, revealing a scarred grin: "Now that's more like it. Finally, no more wasting time in this damned Night City."
Dorio crossed her arms over her chest and let out a soft hum: "At least your boss' rewards are substantial."
She had already begun to mentally calculate what new equipment she needed to acquire.
Lucy and Kiwi exchanged glances, faint smiles playing on their lips.
For Netrunners like them, the temptation of accessing data from other worlds was stronger than anything else.
"Nova!" Rebecca bounced excitedly, "This is going to be fun!"
Valerie and Jackie exchanged knowing looks.
After so many years in Night City, they had long understood one truth: the greater the risk, the higher the reward.
Working with Osiris, while facing unknown dangers, at least meant they wouldn't have to grovel to corporate dogs for a few euros.
Jackie grinned: "This is a lot more exciting than taking those gigs at Afterlife."
David pursed his lips. He had no concept of the specific dangers of "dimension exploration," but the two goals of "learning the knowledge to save my mother" and "gaining stronger power" were enough to drive him to face any unknown.
He subconsciously glanced at Lucy again, finding her looking back at him, her gaze seemingly a little softer than usual, which settled his heart.
"Boss, this is f***ing awesome!" Jackie practically roared, his face radiating the fervor of someone who had found their ultimate life goal, "Don't you worry! Whether it's alien monsters or interdimensional warlords, as long as you give the word, I, Jackie, will be the first to charge in!"
Valerie took a deep breath, her tone returning to its usual calm and practicality: "Clear objectives, clear rewards. Since we've taken this job, we'll give it our all.
Dimension Exploration Squad... sounds like a position where we can use our strengths."
Maine made a more concise promise on behalf of his team: "We'll handle it."
The implication was that no matter how bizarre the mission, they would find a way to complete it.
Observing their reactions, Osiris uncharacteristically showed satisfaction.
Data indicated that these individuals had extremely high acceptance, and anticipated inefficient emotions such as resistance, fear, or bargaining were kept at a minimum level.
This saved a large amount of computing power and resources that would have been used for persuasion or suppression.
He needed precisely these kinds of "Probes" who had grown up in chaos, possessed independent survival and decision-making abilities, and could adapt to extreme uncertainty.
Their inherent pragmatism, adaptability to danger, and greed for opportunity were all excellent qualities for completing exploration missions.
"Specific biological enhancement plans, cyberware upgrade paths, and skill training outlines will be customized based on your detailed physiological scan data and ability assessment reports," Osiris gave his final instructions, "Before that, you have a limited amount of time to handle personal affairs in this world and make necessary goodbyes. Dismissed."
Everyone gradually walked out of the temporary workshop, the atmosphere noticeably relaxed. Jackie slung an arm around Valerie's shoulder, excitedly gesticulating: "You think we should put these gold bars in a bank vault, or get a penthouse in Charter Hill? Damn, gotta find a reliable place..."
Valerie shook her head helplessly but still considered it seriously: "It's best to store them separately. Such a large sum of money is too conspicuous."
Maine's crew gathered at the other end of the corridor, conversing in low voices. Pilar was gesticulating, describing imaginary alien creatures: "Maybe we'll encounter something with three eyes..."
"Doesn't matter how many eyes it has, just blow it up and it's done," Rebecca interjected, already eager to get her hands dirty.
Dorio reminded everyone: "Don't forget to go back and pack your gear first."
Maine nodded, already mentally calculating what supplies needed to be replenished.
David walked alone a little behind, his expression focused.
He was already imagining himself treating his mother; curing his mother was his most pressing concern, but the other worlds were also attracting the young man.
Lucy quietly walked beside him, maintaining an appropriate distance, neither overly close nor appearing distant.
Morris was the last to leave. As she walked, she recorded on her data panel: Detailed ability profiles needed to be created for everyone, training grounds planned, and a batch of equipment adapted for cross-dimensional combat customized... The workshop returned to silence.
Osiris turned to the main console, his optical lens locked onto the complex structural lines of the holographic blueprint.
The personnel were in place; next, he had two tasks: equip them with suitable gear and complete the construction of the Portal.
This Exploration Squad would be his feelers extending into other dimensions.