However, more than all of this, Osiris was curious about how Bartmoss had actually died.
His mechanical fingers tapped lightly on the control panel, bringing up fragmented information about Bartmoss' death.
"Real-world termination: Arasaka ground forces' raid was unsuccessful, followed by an orbital mass weapon strike. The impact caused a momentary interruption of the main power to his hiding place, and his network connection was forcibly severed," he stated the known facts. "Individual vital signs disappeared before backup power was activated and environmental systems were restored."
"There are multiple technical hypotheses regarding the direct cause of death. The most logical speculation, hypothesis one: While in a state of deep network immersion, the sudden disconnection prevented consciousness from smoothly returning to a body highly dependent on external life support systems, leading to brain death," he proposed the first possibility. "The high degree of coupling between his brain structure and the equipment supports this model."
"However, there is another possibility, though the chain of evidence is incomplete. Hypothesis two: At the moment of the attack, facing the inevitable physical disconnection, he might have activated some emergency protocol, attempting to proactively upload or seal his core consciousness data in nearby network nodes, thereby actively severing the connection with this physical body," he continued to deduce. "This was a hasty, unverified gamble, the result of which was likely the dissipation of consciousness during transmission, or its entrapment in some inaccessible data rift, while the physical body withered from abandonment."
Osiris paused briefly, his core processor weighing the probabilities of the two hypotheses.
"Whether it was passive consciousness retention or active upload failure, the irony of his end still holds: a will capable of fighting the Soulkiller in the digital realm ultimately succumbed to a brief physical disconnection in the real world," he concluded. "His death highlights the immaturity and immense risks of consciousness digitalization technology in this world, and reveals that even the most powerful consciousness cannot completely escape the fragility of its material anchor."
With the basic information sorted, Osiris decided to conduct a deeper investigation. He needed to understand whether this brain still retained valuable information at a microscopic level.
"Prepare for minimally invasive tissue sampling. Target: prefrontal cortex, hippocampal tissue slices. Analyze neddienal synaptic structures, neddietransmitter residues, and whether any abnormal epigenetic markers exist," he commanded.
Mechanical tentacles switched to extremely fine Probes and cutting tools, carefully extracting tiny samples from specific areas under the guidance of the servo-skull's high-magnification lens.
The process was quiet and precise, minimizing damage to the corpse.
Samples were sent into the integrated miniature biological analyzer within the workshop.
Data began to stream out continuously.
"Neddienal synaptic structures are abnormally complex, with extremely high dendritic spine density. Numerous physiological traces of long-term potentiation were observed, indicating that he had engaged in learning and memory activities of unimaginable intensity during his life," he read the data.
"Neddietransmitter residue analysis revealed abnormally high concentrations of various chemicals related to advanced cognitive functions, especially those associated with attention, working memory, and creative thinking. Their metabolic pathways also seem to have undergone some degree of... optimization? No, it's more like adaptive changes under extreme use."
"Epigenetic markers show that genes related to neural plasticity and cognitive function are in a highly active state. This state usually accompanies extreme environmental stimuli or sustained high-intensity mental activity," he concluded. "His brain, until death, seemed to be in a 'full power operation' state."
Osiris pondered for a moment. "A unique brain born to process information, combined with extreme use and development, ultimately forged this legend of cyberspace," he whispered to the servo-skull. "The value of its physiological foundation far exceeds that of conventional genetic samples."
His gaze fell once again on the ancient network access port.
"Buddy, attempt to connect to this interface. Use minimum power, only read basic interface information and possibly residual, inactive data traces. Pay attention to isolation to avoid any potential data risks," he instructed.
A data Probe as fine as a hair extended from the end of a tentacle, precisely connecting to the long-sealed interface.
After a brief silence, the servo-skull's eye sockets flickered with light, transmitting a series of intermittent, almost obliterated data fragments.
There was no consciousness, no programs, only some almost background "imprints" representing the passage of extremely high-speed data streams.
"Interface log fragments... detected high-frequency access records beyond the current parsing protocol, with timestamps interrupted at the moment of death. Data stream intensity... far exceeds the theoretical design capacity of this interface," Osiris whispered. "He was doing things only a god could do with an ordinary tool. The direct load on the brain is unimaginable."
The Probe retracted. No active data or dangerous programs were found, only a silent testament to past glory.
Synthesizing all analysis results, Osiris began to summarize. He examined the remains of the legendary netrunner on the platform, rapidly evaluating his potential value in his core thought process.
Bartmoss' unique neddiephysiological structure was itself a valuable research sample, highly relevant for optimizing biological computing unit design.
His genes were also worth preserving, though it was unknown whether a clone could replicate his talent.
The most direct way to utilize the well-preserved corpse was to mechanize it, transforming it into a Servitor specialized in data processing, allowing his extraordinary brain to continue functioning in another form.
Of course, there were more radical possibilities.
Indeed, if Osiris were willing to bring this corpse back to the Warhammer Universe, he certainly had a way to fully resurrect it.
However, the cost of doing so would be too great, involving darkness and taboos sufficient to prompt the First Legion to initiate the Ninth Icarus Protocol.
Moreover, if his judgment was correct, perhaps it wouldn't be so troublesome; resurrection could be achieved directly in this Cyberpunk World.
But before that, he needed to thoroughly study Bartmoss' body and confirm all parameters.
Only after mastering all necessary data would he consider his next move.
"Current priority is clear," Osiris whispered to the servo-skull. "Deeply analyze his neural structure and gene sequence. The plan for mechanized conversion into an auxiliary computing unit will proceed simultaneously. As for resurrection... that requires more data support and more careful consideration."
He turned to the control panel, and mechanical tentacles began the next stage of precise sampling. Bartmoss' legacy would first be put to his use in a more controlled manner.
"Prioritize gene sample backup and deep neural structure modeling," he said to the servo-skull. "Subsequently, initiate the preliminary mechanization procedure, aiming to convert him into an auxiliary computing unit specialized in data analysis and pattern recognition. Preserve the integrity of his brain's core structure, leaving room for future potential choices."
"As for complete resurrection..." Osiris' crimson optical lenses flickered slightly. "That requires more thorough preparation and a comprehensive calculation of potential consequences. First, we need to ensure we can fully control or at least effectively guide the will of this 'God of netrunners.' Now is not the time."
With the command given, the equipment in the workshop began to operate according to the new priorities. Mechanical tentacles transferred Bartmoss' corpse to the maintenance field, beginning gene sampling and preliminary preparations for neural interface connection.
Osiris stood before the control panel, data streams surging through his consciousness. Bartmoss' legacy was not just a corpse, but a testament to the technological pinnacle and miracle of life of an era. How to maximize the utilization of this unexpected gain would be another test of his Exploration Archmagos's technology and wisdom.
And in this process, he would undoubtedly gain a deeper understanding of the network's essence in this Cyberpunk World, and the boundaries between human consciousness and machines. This, perhaps, was more valuable than Bartmoss' corpse itself.