Chapter 61David exerted a sudden burst of force with his feet, causing dense spiderweb-like cracks to spread across the hard concrete ground, sending a few pebbles flying into the air.And his body emitted a bullet-like crack, instantly shooting past Melissa's side.While running away, he did not forget to use the Sandevistan to slow down the flow of time.Confronting this crazy woman head-on was definitely an unwise choice, so it was better to run away quickly.However, just as the door leading to the terrace was within arm's reach, the crazy woman's voice suddenly came from behind."Where can you run to?""What the fuck?!"Turning his head around, he was dumbfounded once again.He saw that the crazy woman behind him was already about to catch up.You must know that the Sandevistan Melissa used was just an ordinary military-grade one, whereas his was an experimental product produced by Zetatech, so how could she catch up just like that?!But it was also normal; after all, the speed Melissaburst out with could already reach the level of a Sandevistan, and coupled with her own Sandevistan, naturally she was able to catch up to him.Naturally, Melissa also saw through the clues."Oh ho? Your Sandevistan is quite interesting, David."A cold smile that only appeared during hunting slowly reappeared at the corner of Melissa's mouth.Even though Melissa Rory's face was very delicate and she was a rare great beauty in Night City, the two exaggerated mantis blades waving on her arms were simply terrifying.She was living proof of a female mantis, swinging her arms with the posture of sweeping across an army."Clang——!"A crisp yet loud metal clashing sound rang out.David barely used his wolf claws to block the incoming mantis blades, and a few dazzling sparks bloomed on the sharp blade edge.However, his body and joints emitted an unbearable creaking sound, and an unimaginable immense force spread from his wrist through his whole body, feeling as if a compact car had fallen from the sky and smashed onto him.It was truly hard to imagine that this woman's figure clearly looked so hot and graceful, yet she could erupt with such eerie immense strength.If it weren't for the fact that his arm skeleton was made of Adamantium alloy, the force of that strike just now would have been enough to scrap his entire arm."This woman... is simply too terrifying."A new evaluation formed in his heart.He originally thought that with his modification degree reaching twenty percent, he would be able to exchange blows with this woman, but he clearly thought too much.This perverted crazy woman could probably exchange a few blows with the legend-making Adam Smasher, and the outcome would still be unknown.But that was still no reason for him to surrender without a fight!Bam——His arm suddenly burst out with a powerful impact, pushing the mantis blades away."Uh-huh~ Not bad, come again!"Melissa became even more excited, swinging her arms even faster."Clang-chack——!!""Bang-keng——!!""Clatter——!!"Countless sparks splashed into the air, and their positions were different every time, almost spreading across the entire narrow room.To outsiders, they would probably only see the sparks splashing in the air.Because both of them were in a state of high-speed movement, completely invisible to the naked eye.David retreated rapidly one after another, the wolf claws on his arms frantically parrying in the air, throwing out a flurry of sword lights and knife shadows. The wind of the blades cleaved through the air, leaving deep gouges on the walls, the concrete floor, and the ceiling.In front of him, the perverted crazy woman waving two cold-glinting sharp blades was attacking irresistibly, beating him into continuous retreat."Uh-huh~ Your combat implants aren't bad either."Melissa still had the spare capacity to critique his implants.But right now, he couldn't even manage a smile, and sweat gradually soaked his clothes.What kind of feeble maiden with double-A strength and speed was this?Furthermore, she was the type who would whimper on the front foot about not being able to open a bottle cap, and on the back foot split a durian with her bare hands while casually ripping off someone's skull."Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!""Bang-keng!!"Retreating wildly all the way, there was nowhere left to retreat.But when he caught a glimpse of a person-tall sealed canister not far away, an idea suddenly formed in his heart.While resisting Melissa's powerful offensive, he retreated to that spot and freed one hand to grip the canister.Clang——The sharp mantis blades slashed onto his arm with a whistling wind, but only cut open the outer skin; the inner alloy frame suffered not the slightest damage.This also caused a slight fluctuation in Melissa's eyes.The implants she had destroyed numbered at least eighty if not a hundred, but this was the first time she had seen something so hard.This level of hardness didn't belong to any corporation, so where on earth did this brat's implants come from?She was somewhat curious.But the movements in her hands didn't slow down in the slightest; the cold-glinting mantis bladessuddenly stabbed fiercely, piercing through the air in front of her and plunging deep into David's location.However, it missed; David dodged aside with a sidestep.The wall smeared with blood was pierced through by Melissa just like shoddy construction.With a forceful pull, she left behind an unusually deep and massive crack, and one could even clearly feel the draft blowing through the gap.At the same time, David took the opportunity to raise the sealed canister in his hand and swung it fiercely.Whoosh——Just as she was momentarily dazed, a strong wind pressure struck from the side, blowing her fine hair.Melissa instantly took a side-step back, dodging the attack of the sealed canister.But before she could recover her senses, that very same sealed canister had already been thrown over, continuously magnifying in her eyes.Swish——The canister was cleanly cut open by her mantis blades, and the gas contained inside rushed right at her, impacting her entire body."Biofuel?"Melissa frowned slightly, and just as this thought popped into her head, she heard a click.Before she knew it, David had already taken off the firearm slung across his back and was aiming at her."Sorry, Officer Melissa."Bang——He pulled the trigger without the slightest hesitation.The steel nails exiting the muzzle passed through the CHOOH2 biofuel gas spewing from the sealed canister, rubbing out a tiny spark.Rumble——The violent explosion resounded throughout the entire apartment building. The overflowing blast flames broke through the windows and spread outside the building, and the scorching aura instantly roasted the falling raindrops into evaporation.Inside the apartment, at the point where the explosion occurred.Under the condition of slowed-down time flow, the scorching flames had not yet dissipated, but Melissa's face was baked pitch black, and her whole body was steaming slightly, looking as if she had no major issues other than being a bit blackened.However, her arms subconsciously protected her eyes."Bites the Dust!!!"Such a voice suddenly came from her ear.David rotated his body at high speed, gathering all the strength of his back, shoulders, and wrists onto a single point of his fist, and swung fiercely toward Melissa's chest before she could react.Thud—— Rumble——A muffled sound came from Melissa's body, and she was instantly knocked flying, crashing a person-tall breach into the wall and flying into the corridor.The rubble falling from the shattered wall buried her within."Hiss— It hurts."David forcefully exercised his shoulders and put out the flames burning on his body, but every movement made him bare his teeth in pain.Although he had the blessing of the pain editor, he still felt varying degrees of pain appearing on his body.Especially on his fist; that strike just now felt like hitting an iron block, extremely hard, jarring his shoulders with pain.It seems the path of cyberware modification still has a long way to go...But the feeling before that was quite good."I didn't expect this crazy bitch to be quite soft..."He subconsciously muttered a sentence in his mouth, savoring the tactile sensation from just now, and glanced again at Melissa outside the corridor.Finding that this perverted lunatic hadn't gotten up yet, he quickly used the Sandevistan to accelerate and rushed to the terrace, leaping toward the opposite apartment building in front of the black manticore aerodyne.During the descent, he used his wolf claws to grab the wall of the apartment building, pulled down slightly with force, and slid down smoothly accompanied by splashing stones.Then he melted into the night curtain and disappeared...Although the process was a bit bumpy, being able to escape from the hands of MAX-TAC's trump card—Melissa Rory, can it be considered a great operational success?---Night was subsiding, dawn quietly arrived, and a fish-belly white surfaced at the edge of the Badlands.Watson, at the intersection of Bradbury Street and Bran Street.An off-road vehicle that looked somewhat in the Badlands style was parked by the roadside, and the small iron gate leading to the back alley bore traces of being crudely pulled open.In the back alley, inside the gloomy and dark basement under the stairs, bursts of dental-hospital-like eerie electric drill sounds came echoing out.Anyone who didn't know would think some mad scientist was conducting evil yet great research.But in reality, Viktor was disassembling the implants on Maine's body.However, Viktor's face was full of solemnity right now, especially looking at the information on the adjacent panel, and then looking at the disassembled circuits on Maine's back, making him feel a bit of a headache."Just how reckless and crude an installation method is this? To actually not overload and still be able to live until now is truly a miracle."Looking at Maine, who was tightly bound by straps on the surgical chair, Viktor couldn't help shaking his head."Look, look, these wires are all messed up, and the neural connection parts also have problems. This was installed by some street-side ripperdoc, right?""This kind of pain is not something an ordinary person can endure; it's like sticking a knife into the body and stirring wildly. Look, there's even congealed blood here.""And this pair of prosthetic arms, they obviously haven't been carefully maintained, and some of the parts inside have rusted."Viktor sighed, holding a piece of cloth to carefully wipe the mechanical exoskeleton on his palms.But his words weren't wrong at all.The ripperdocs Maine and the others found were basically no different from barefoot doctors. Except for sometimes having Pilar help install things, they basically just looked for ripperdocs they trusted.They only cared about installing the implants onto your body; as for how long you could live, or whether they were installed perfectly, that was none of their business.But there was no help for that.Wanting to find someone in Night City whose technology was reliable and who had no connection with Scavengers was simply too hard.Unless you spent a high price to go to the medical center, but they wouldn't possibly install military-grade implants for you, or else you had to trust your luck.A dedicated and responsible ripperdoc like Viktorwas simply a rare existence in Night City."...Is there still hope for Maine?"Hearing this, Dorio couldn't help feeling somewhat worried."Rest assured, since it was introduced by that little guy David, an old fellow like me naturally has to do my best. As long as these military-grade implants are replaced with civilian ones, there will be no problem."
Chapter 62As he spoke, Viktor fiddled with the panel beside him again, and then tapped and hammered on Maine's body.Click! With a sound, the two combat cyberware prosthetic arms were detached.The combat cyberware, comparable to an ape, was placed on the tray of the cart beside them.It was just this size... it almost didn't fit.But at the same time the prosthetic arms were removed, Maine suddenly woke up."Ah—!!!"Finding that he had lost sensation in both arms, Maine screamed in agony, his eyes splitting with rage."My cyberware cannot be downgraded!!! Dorio, stop him!!!"He turned to Dorio for help, but Dorio averted her gaze with a heavy heart and ignored him, "Everything being done now is to save your life, Maine!""Then why on earth did we walk all the way here, working so hard to come this far?!!"Maine began to struggle frantically, to the point where the straps holding him down loosened somewhat."Help me hold him down, or my chair is going to fall apart if he keeps thrashing around," Viktor said with a frown.Hearing this, Dorio immediately used her own body to press down on both sides of Maine's shoulders.Immediately afterwards, Viktor took out a potent sedative and jabbed it into Maine's neck; with a soft pffft, the liquid medicine was injected.After struggling symbolically a couple of times, Maine lost consciousness again and returned to peace.And so the surgery began once more.The commotion inside the basement naturally traveled up above.Lucy, sitting on the stairs, also heard it, but she had no intention of paying attention to it, simply smoking quietly.Yet beneath this calm, she was filled with anxiety and worry, especially her violet eyes, which were already occupied by these two emotions.The floor was littered with cigarette butts, and even Lucy herself didn't know how many cigarettes she had smoked.During this process, Misty naturally came over many times wanting to persuade and comfort her.But every time she politely declined.She just wanted some peace and quiet now, waiting quietly here for David Martinez's safe return.However, whenever she recalled the explosion she saw in the sky over Japantown in the car, her heart would involuntarily tighten, and subconsciously she even felt that David Martinez might not be able to come back.But subjectively, she was still willing to believe..."David Martinez, you will definitely be safe and sound."She firmly believed this.Even if surrounded by MAX-TAC, he would surely return safely."Welcome to Misty's Esoterica."Just at that moment, Misty's voice came from the back door of the esoteric shop.Lucy had no intention of responding.But the voice that rang out the next second made her throw away the unburnt cigarette in her hand and run desperately toward the back door."Yo, Misty... long time no see."Chapter 63: The Joy of Reunion (6K)"Yo, Misty... long time no see.""Hey, David Martinez, you..."Misty froze the moment she saw clearly who had come, her voice filled with astonishment."David Martinez, what happened to you?"Seeing David Martinez's wobbling appearance, she quickly stepped forward to support him.No wonder Misty was so shocked, because his current appearance was truly too miserable.His clothes were tattered, his hair was scorched into slight curls, and his whole body was smoked pitch black; he looked as disheveled as could be, and his face was written all over with exhaustion.He looked like he had just crawled out of some bonfire or coal pile.To this, he only smiled and said nothing.And under Misty's support, he sat down on a chair.No way, could he deal with that crazy psycho woman without pulling some underhanded tricks?And what he didn't expect himself was that clearly when intercepting the NCPD, his whole body seemed to have an endless amount of strength, and even with MAX-TAC's arrival, it wouldn't have been any problem at all.But after escaping, his whole person felt like a deflated balloon, utterly exhausted.He had even thought he could be like Captain America's classic quote— "I can do this all day."However, he had overthought it; at the current stage, it was simply impossible.On the way, he almost fell asleep by the roadside several times, and managed to stumble all the way here."Right, Misty, where is Lucy? Have they been here?""Yeah, your friends are having surgery at Viktor's place, and Lucy... has been waiting for you all along; she's very worried about you."Saying this, Misty's eyes swirled with a trace of nostalgia.David Martinez and Lucy were just like Jackie Welles and herself in the past.Back when Jackie Welles joined the Valentinos, although she kept supporting him verbally, in her heart she was always worried.She didn't know how many times situations like Lucy's had happened, until that familiar "Hey, chica" appeared could her suspended heart finally drop back into her stomach.But Lucy was much more stubborn than she had been back then...Thinking of this, a maternal smile appeared on Misty's face.Only David Martinez didn't notice at all."Then I'll go check on her..."Making Lucy worry too much was not something a boyfriend should do.Even if Lucy was going to beat him, scold him, or blame him... he had already prepared his heart; after all, this time's affair was indeed a bit over the top.However, just as he was about to get up, Mistypressed him down with one hand."Hmm?"He looked at Misty in confusion, but discovered the strange smile on Misty's face."She's already here.""Swish—"The moment the words fell, the back door leading to the alleyway was opened."David... David!"Seeing David Martinez leaning against the chair, Lucy first froze like Misty for a moment, and then lunged forward like a returning swallow returning to its nest.Her arms tightly wrapped around David Martinez's neck, her entire body leaning over him, she kept chanting David Martinez's name unceasingly.As if afraid that David Martinez would disappear the next second, afraid that all this was an illusion, and also like a child whose beloved doll had been recovered after being lost.Seeing this scene, the smile on Misty's face grew even brighter, and she quietly withdrew from the room, leaving the place to the two of them."Hey, Lucy, I'm back."A smile appeared on his face as he gently stroked Lucy's back to comfort her."You... idiot..."Accidentally catching sight of the exposed, ferocious mechanical scars on David Martinez's arm, Lucyreached out and gently stroked them.Her heart ached for him.She had thought her heart was very strong and she wouldn't cry anymore, but at this moment tears blurred her vision, streaming down her cheeks."Why did you have to go do such a dangerous thing? That's MAX-TAC..."Saying this, Lucy's voice gradually choked up.Yeah, Lucy was right, that was MAX-TAC, an organization dedicated to killing cyberpsychos.If he wasn't careful, he might not have come back tonight.But fortunately he was lucky enough to screw over that crazy psycho woman; she must be dying of anger by now.She probably wouldn't even be able to sleep, lifting the blanket only to find David Martinez everywhere.Feeling Lucy sobbing softly in his arms, and thinking of that crazy woman Melissa Rory, a bitter smile involuntarily appeared on his face as he slowly wrapped his arms around Lucy.It was his first time seeing Lucy so vulnerable, clearly a girl who always gave him the impression of remaining calm and collected no matter what..."Relax, aren't I fine..."Before he even finished speaking, Lucy suddenly raised her head and cut him off with a kiss.Making him instantly widen his eyes, and then relax again.He could clearly feel the anger in Lucy's heart, as well as her worry, and even more so that cool yet soft and smooth touch, mixed with that faint fragrance.It was Lucy's scent, a very unique scent.But this was already the second time; as a man, did he still want any face?Thinking of this, he reversed the offensive.Advancing further, the view suddenly opened up.Very warm, full of poetic meaning.Lucy was also fiercely responding.Echoing in her heart were the words David Martinez had said to her."So, go ahead and do it, follow your heart, don't be influenced by anyone or anything.""I will become your defense line, your first line of defense, and also the strongest line of defense.""Since you want to be my psychological defense and my spiritual pillar, don't go doing such dangerous things, you idiot."Thinking of this, Lucy's offensive became even more fierce, like surging waves, and also like a murmuring stream, silently nourishing.For a time, within this small esoteric shop, the decadent sounds resembling a duet echoed, as if the air had turned pink.Misty outside the door glanced at the tightly closed back door, and a fond smile couldn't help appearing on her face once again."Youth is really great..."I don't know how much time passed, but the back door was opened, and Lucy supported David Martinez as they walked out from inside. The faint sunlight gradually rose from the distance, spilling over them like gold."Eh? Where's Misty?"Looking at the empty back alley, David Martinez couldn't help asking in confusion.Not only him, but Lucy also felt a bit strange; clearly the shop was still open for business, but the female boss was nowhere to be seen."That's strange."He muttered subconsciously, but didn't care too much.After all, that was Misty, always so mysterious, and this wasn't the first time."Hey, Viktor! Customers are here!"Supported by Lucy, they slowly stepped into this dark and dim basement.David Martinez shouted, rattling open the diamond-shaped iron gate.They saw Viktor still looking the same, sitting in his swivel chair watching his beloved boxing match.I have to say, Viktor really loved this stuff; could it be because he had spent time at the Night City Devil's boxing club?Besides that, Maine, whose cyberware had been downgraded, was squatting in the corner beside them.At this time, Maine was no longer like before, as robustly built as a muscle freak; from the appearance, his physique was close to Jackie's, but a bit bulkier than Jackie.
Chapter 63Simply put, it went from a behemoth down to the size range of a normal person.Looking like this... why does he look like a wronged little girl?Because Dorio was comforting Maine on the side.However, upon hearing his voice, they all cast their gazes toward him."Oh, it's David..."Viktor slowly turned his chair around, but seeing his appearance, he couldn't help but freeze for a moment.Not only him, but even Dorio was the same."What happened to you? Did you just crawl out of a fire?""Sigh, this is already the third person asking me that today..." David sighed helplessly.Misty once, Lucy asked again just now, and now it's Viktor's turn."Actually, it's nothing, I just had a fight with that psycho bitch from MAX-TAC and used a little trick...""Oh?" Hearing this, Viktor pushed up his glasses, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes: "Could it be MAX-TAC Inspector Melissa Rory?""Hmm?"Now it was David's turn to be surprised."Viktor, do you know her?""Heh, I wouldn't say I know her, but I've heard of her. She's a famous figure, the ace of MAX-TAC."Saying that, Viktor looked him up and down and shook his head: "It's thanks to you that you managed to escape from her hands."Hearing Doctor Viktor's words, Lucy instinctively clenched David's clothes.Fighting against the ace of MAX-TAC and managing to survive is truly not easy.Furthermore, she had also seen that woman, and upon first sight, she gave her a very dangerous feeling.But Viktor's next words made Lucy feel even more alarmed."You should know, there are at least eighty or a hundred cyberpsychos who have died at that woman's hands, and every time it looks like a massacre. Being able to escape alive shows your luck is good enough."Viktor slowly rose from his swivel chair and walked over to the operating chair."Come over here, lie down, and let Viktor check if you're missing any parts.""Then I'll leave it to you, Viktor."Just as he was about to walk to the operating chair, he was suddenly intercepted."Kid..."It was Maine."Hey, Maine, stop!"Dorio shouted in reprimand and even stepped forward to stop him, but Maine paid no attention at all.He immediately reached out, grabbed his collar, and hoisted him up.Although Maine had already lost those thick arms and his body had shrunk a lot, with his current build, picking up David was still not a problem at all."Maine, you..." Lucy was just about to step forward when she was stopped by David extending his hand.He expressionlessly stared into the angry eyes beneath the sunglasses.Maine was like a furious beast right now, but he didn't feel any fear at all, gazing back at the other person with calm, unruffled eyes."What, you haven't had enough of going crazy before, and now you want to hit me again? Just like you beat Kiwi? Then come on, I won't fight back.""..."Maine didn't respond, immediately raising his fist and wanting to punch down, but he was held back by Dorio."Maine, calm down, don't forget that David saved us!"Hearing this, Maine stopped his movement, slowly lowered his arm, and gently placed David back on the ground.How could he not understand what Dorio said? He more or less understood the course of events.But... but he was unwilling to accept it.Clearly having come this far... yet he had to downgrade his cyberware... and just now, that ripperdoc also said that he was no longer suited to be a mercenary.How could he accept this?!Clearly he had managed to hold on until here with so much difficulty...However, it was also thanks to Maine not choosing to take action, because an orange light was already welling up in Lucy's eyes, ready to reboot Maine's cyberware at any time.Reasonably and emotionally speaking, this matter was not David's fault.Rather, this was entirely Maine's fault; if it weren't for Maine suddenly going crazy, they wouldn't have been delayed until they were surrounded by the NCPD, and instead David saved everyone.If David hadn't intercepted those NCPD, Trauma Team, and MAX-TAC, they probably would have died violently on the street by now, or died directly in the Scavengers' nest."Let's go, Dorio."In the end, Maine didn't do anything, instead leaving Viktor's clinic without looking back.Watching the subtle estrangement between Maineand David, the expression in Dorio's eyes was also very complex.In the end, she still followed in Maine's footsteps.Before long, a brief roar came from outside the back alley, and Maine drove away.From beginning to end, David didn't say anything, nor did he have anything he wanted to say.What he did, although it looked very forceful, was also to preserve the lives of the team members.As the saying goes, even a wretched life is better than death.What's more, even if Maine died like this, he wouldn't become a legend; he would only be treated as a cyberpsycho and then disposed of by MAX-TAC, and it would also cost Dorio her life.If he could die and become a legend, then he absolutely wouldn't stop him, because that was Maine's longed-for wish.Perhaps only time could make Maine gradually understand.Thinking of this, he helplessly shook his head."Alright, the family drama is over, right? Now let Viktor take a look at your body.""Then I'll trouble you, Viktor."He staggered two steps and slowly lay down on the operating chair.And Viktor also picked up the scattered straps to secure David, then fiddled with the panel on the side.For this youth, he truly admired him.Through a few fragments of words from those people, he also roughly understood the reason behind it.It was nothing more than accidentally provoking the NCPD and Trauma Team while carrying out certain gigs, after which that big guy named Mainesuddenly suffered a cyberpsycho episode and went crazy, causing everyone to miss the best time to escape.And David stood out, single-handedly intercepting the NCPD, Trauma Team, and MAX-TAC.Needless to say, this kind of daring is not something an ordinary person can possess.Furthermore, they were mercenaries, and most mercenaries were driven solely by profit, and would never sacrifice themselves for everyone like this.This kind of quality is truly rare.But at the same time, it is also very easy to die."How is it, Viktor, am I missing any parts?"Watching Viktor stare at the panel in silence for a long time, he couldn't help but start to worry.Just like a saying deep in his memory — "It's not scary when a doctor smiles, but terrifying when a doctor lowers their brow."If any of these cyberware components broke, he wouldn't be able to afford replacements.Damn it, a single piece costs tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands!"Rest assured, for now there aren't any major issues. Apart from some strained muscles in your native parts, we just need to do a skin graft on the burned parts of your body."Viktor's words instantly put his heart back at ease; as long as the cyberware wasn't broken, that was fine..."Thank you, Viktor.""Save the thanks for later; your friend's expenses earlier have been put on your tab.""That's no problem, I'll pay whatever it costs."He acted like a wealthy upstart, directly taking full responsibility for it.Right now, he indeed wasn't all that short on money.After all, there was still some distance to go before getting the cyberware he wanted to replace, and there was no rush right now."You wouldn't be thinking of installing new cyberware again, would you?" Viktor said suddenly in a lingering tone."Ah haha, was I seen through?"What he was thinking inside seemed to have been seen through by Viktor, so he could only laugh it off."Hmm..." Viktor pondered for a moment looking at the data on the panel, "Installing more wouldn't be a problem; your psyche can completely keep up.""But what level do you want to reach? To become the second Adam Smasher?""Adam Smasher?"He couldn't help repeating the name, and glanced at Lucy; Lucy also shook her head.He really didn't know much about Adam Smasher.He only knew that this guy started out as a punk on the streets of New York, later wearing military-grade cyberware produced by Arasaka Corporationnamed "DaiOni", and was the archenemy of Morgan Blackhand.Serving as Yorinobu Arasaka's bodyguard while simultaneously being an outstanding employee of Arasaka Corporation, a maker of Night City legends, and the Chief Product Manager of Afterlife Bar.He knew nothing besides that.However, Viktor still carefully popularized the knowledge about Adam Smasher for him."Since the Fourth Corporate War, he has been world-famous as a living 'full-body cybernetic fiend', and to this day he remains a legend of the mass-manufacturing era, that is, the legends who resisted Arasaka Corporation and were sent to the grave...""Oh, meaning the cyberware on him is all quite valuable?"Hearing this, Viktor glanced at him slightly, "That's right, all the cyberware on him is military-grade cyberware produced by Arasaka, including some experimental-grade cyberware.""Kid, do you want to become a person like Adam Smasher?"Based on the cyberware data and physical data of David currently mastered by Viktor, becoming the second Adam Smasher is not without possibility.Even surpassing him.Because this kid already has quite a few experimental-grade cyberware components on him right now, although up until now it's still unknown through what channels they were obtained.As for the nonsense about buying them through channels? He just didn't want to expose it."Forget it, not interested."David shook his head.Become the second Adam Smasher?Rather, he wanted to become the second Mighty V, or even surpass Mighty V."Compared to that, Viktor, how is Maine's body?""Maine? That big guy? His body is no longer suitable to be a mercenary.""Hmm?!!!"Hearing this, David was instantly startled, "What do you mean?""Due to the erosion of those military-grade cyberware coupled with the clutter during installation, it has completely eroded his nerves, making him unsuitable to continue using such high-intensity cyberware."Viktor said with regret."Is that so..."No wonder Maine was so emotional at the time; if it were himself, he probably wouldn't be able to accept it either."However, it's not without hope. If he takes good care of himself, he can make a comeback after a year."Viktor's good news didn't bring him much comfort, and he only sighed helplessly.
Chapter 64"Sigh, let's hope so..."Although the crew was still as fragmented as ever, at least these lovely guys survived, which could be considered good news, right?After coming out of Viktor's clinic, he looked brand new, albeit only on the surface of his body.However, this time Lucy didn't take him back to her apartment, but instead came with him to his home—the mega-building located in Santo Domingo.The elevator emitted bursts of roaring sounds, and the two stood in silence facing each other inside the elevator, their ears surrounded by the bizarre advertisements unique to Night City."Good morning! Night City!""I am your good friend Stanley!""The final result of yesterday's dead-body lottery is a full sixty! Breaking an unprecedented record in Night City!""Thanks to the endless cyberpsychos, the NCPD officers alone lost over fifty lives.""One Trauma Team unit also bit the dust, and even MAX-TAC suffered a huge loss, I think you'll all have to pay damages.""Because MAX-TAC will definitely not swallow this insult.""Ah haha, I didn't expect last night's events to make the news..." David scratched the back of his head and said naively.But Lucy only crossed her arms and glanced at him slightly.That look seemed to be saying— "Duh, even MAX-TAC was dispatched, and since you ran away, of course it was classified as a severe cyberpsycho incident."But then again, more than sixty people died yesterday, a number she completely hadn't expected.With so many NCPD surrounding them, plus the Trauma Team personnel, probably even a cyberpsycho couldn't have gotten away scot-free, right?Yet David didn't have a single injury on him, and even when fighting with MAX-TAC, it was as simple as a muscle strain...Thinking of this, a slight smile couldn't help but surface on Lucy's face.She was happy for David.But thinking of the data seen in Tanaka's head, a trace of imperceptible sorrow appeared between her brows once more.To actually be targeted by Arasaka...This is definitely not good news.Although Tanaka was already dead and most of those data were destroyed, Arasaka could not possibly abandon this project called cyberskeleton.Therefore, they had to find a way to completely destroy these data, destroying them until they were unrecoverable.Ding—The elevator arrived.The two walked out.But David's brows furrowed involuntarily."What's wrong?""No... nothing."David shook his head, but didn't think so in his heart.It's a bit strange.Clearly, at ordinary times this floor had quite a few drunken vagrants, a few idle loiterers gathered together, holding wine bottles chatting and fooling around.But now, the hallway was empty.Only a few vending machines flashed with bright colors and light, along with uncleaned garbage and stains in the corners.That was all.Weird, it really was too weird.Chapter 64: You crazy bitch actually came looking for trouble?! (6K)"Really weird..."David muttered silently in his heart, and then walked towards his apartment."Ding—"The familiar prompt sound rang out, and the door was opened.However, at that very moment, he instantly froze in place."David? You..."Lucy's words weren't even finished before they abruptly stopped.Everything before his eyes was still so familiar.The structure and design full of a sense of technology, the holographic projection television, the touch-screen home vending machine, the fairly clean floor, and the big, soft bed.Everything was fine, except that sitting on the slightly hard sofa was a woman.Entering view first was a pair of pitch-black military boots, as well as those agile, powerful, slender legs.If one word were to describe David's mood right now, it would definitely be—Cardiac arrest.The familiar leather jacket, the familiar light-brown curly hair, the familiar pretty face... It was Melissa Rory!Hiss—Lucy immediately pulled out the Monowire hidden at her wrist, the orange-yellow threads exposed in the air emitting a faint glow.She stared with full concentration at every move of that woman on the sofa.Although that woman didn't wear MAX-TACequipment on her head or body, she wouldn't mistake that face and the faint aura emanating from her; it was that MAX-TAC inspector.Melissa heard the door opening, raised her head slightly to look at the two dazed people at the doorway, and revealed a knowing smile."Why are you dazed there? Come in."As if she were the owner of this room.Making him deliberately take a few steps back to check the surrounding house number.That's right, this was his own home."You haven't made a mistake, this is your home. And that little girl, put away your little toy."Saying that, Melissa picked up the metal urn placed on the coffee table and began playing with it; that was Gloria's ash urn."So, why are you so natural about this? This is clearly my home!"David couldn't help muttering inwardly, gently pressed down Lucy's hands, signaling her to put away the Monowire, and then walked in.Lucy immediately cast a puzzled look at him, but after meeting his gaze, she obediently put it away and followed behind.Indeed, as Melissa said, Lucy's Monowire might still have some power against others, but against MAX-TAC, especially one of its aces, it was truly no different from a toy."So, Officer Melissa, why did you appear in my home?" David asked aloud.The two of them sat opposite Melissa, separated only by a coffee table in the middle."Hmm... nothing, just finished work and happened to drop by to take a look..."But in reality...Hours ago.The sky shrouded in the darkness before dawn was still shedding a drizzling rain, trying to wash away the filth and sin of Night City.The MAX-TAC headquarters near the NCPD building in City Center.An armored vehicle that had just landed under the automatic guidance system parked quietly in the parking space, rainwater flowing slowly down the pitch-black alloy surface, mottled with bullet marks yet still resilient.Melissa, returning from her mission, sat on it without the slightest intention of minding the rain, jumped down from it, and walked straight towards the interior of the building.She just walked in the front without saying a word, followed behind by four dejected, drowned-rat-like team members.Every three meters there was an illumination lamp emitting dazzling white light, driving the darkness away.The guard standing at the door shuddered, stood at attention and saluted, not daring to make any extra movements at all.From the main entrance of the building to the path leading to the combat preparation room, two rows of wet footprints were left behind.The ordinary police officers who didn't dare to make a sound looked at each other, not even daring to breathe a heavy breath.It was their first time seeing Captain Rory's such terrifying side; although calm as water on the surface, beneath it was turbulent waves.No matter who it was, saying the wrong thing at this time could become the target for venting.But they were even more curious about what on earth had happened to make Inspector Rory become so terrifying.However, in the corridor, a man with a resolute face stood quietly in the center of the corridor with his arms crossed, looking as if he had been waiting for a long time."Tap tap tap..."Combat boots stepped on the floor tiles, the interval of each step almost exact, cold and hard.Melissa had no intention of paying attention at all, and her face had no expression whatsoever, like a cold wind on a rainy night, sweeping past him without even taking a glance.But that man spoke."You failed."Tap—The sound of footsteps came to an abrupt halt, and Melissa stopped her steps."So what?"A pair of amber-like brilliant, translucent yet cold-light-radiating eyes were cast towards that man.And that man had no slightest sense of fear, saying calmly:"The higher-ups are very unhappy; the impact caused this time is too big."Fifty or sixty people died, yet MAX-TAC still didn't catch the criminal..."So?""Don't you have anything to say?"Melissa crossed her arms, leaned against the wall, tilted her head and looked coldly at the man: "What is there to say? Should I describe how I was defeated by a wet-behind-the-ears brat? Or how he slipped away in a flash?""You know, the higher-ups need an explanation."Even facing Melissa's sneer, the man still responded with an utterly calm, rippleless voice."Heh, what explanation? What opinions those assholes at Night Corp have has what to do with me? If that bunch of bugs from the NCPD want to find trouble, let them come find me personally!"Since their MAX-TAC was funded and built by Night Corp—the founder of Night City—besides the NCPD, the one that disturbed them the most was this mysterious Night Corp."If they want to fire me, go ahead. Let them take guns to the street themselves and fight those crazies."A cruel sneer appeared on Melissa's face, and she immediately turned around and walked into the preparation room.Seeing this, the man didn't say anything more.Although this incident was serious, and even Arasaka Corporation started holding people accountable, Night Corp's reaction seemed a bit too big.They were only responsible for cleaning up severe incidents, but they weren't guaranteed 100% success.Even he felt a bit weird.Could there be any other secrets on that kid?David Martinez's profile emerged in his cyberware eye, but no matter how many times he looked at it, there was not the slightest suspicious point.The only highlight was killing cyberpsychos multiple times and being noticed by Melissa Rory.But why on earth?Inside the preparation room, there were no crackling hitting sounds like usual, nor the characteristic venting sounds, but instead it was abnormally quiet.Melissa stood in front of her locker, holding the heavy body armor she had just taken off.On it, a clear fist print could be seen, and even the bulletproof ceramic plates embedded inside had turned into fragments.That was precisely the punch David used to send her flying during the explosion.
Chapter 65"David Martinez..."Her hands instinctively gripped the body armor in her grasp tightly, and a mix of unwillingness and excitement gradually welled up in her eyes.Throughout her career responding to calls, although examples of taking targets alive were rare, her mission completion rate was exceptionally high, and not a single criminal had ever managed to escape from her hands.Someone like David, who defeated her head-on and still successfully escaped, was a first in her entire life.Although having her first time taken away like this felt extremely unpleasant, and by such a brat at that... it also proved that her judgment was spot on.It only further solidified her idea of dragging David Martinez into her own squad.Afterward, she even used her clearance to investigate all of David's information, including his residence, which was why she came straight here after getting off work.The truth of the matter was just like that, but for the sake of her pride, Melissa Rory could never say it out loud."Um, Officer Melissa...""Just call me Melissa.""Got it, Miss Melissa!" David gritted his teeth bitterly, but still maintained a fairly calm mindset as he said, "Even though you're a law enforcement officer with a lot of authority, please don't describe breaking and entering into a private residence in such a refined and unconventional way, okay? We're not that close, and when you're talking, can you please put my mom down first!!!""Oh? Not close, huh..."Melissa Rory's gaze gradually turned subtle. She gently placed the can in her hand back onto the coffee table, cleared her throat, and a faint orange light flickered in her eyes:"David Martinez, 17 years old, born in Santo Domingo, studied at Arasaka Academy. After his mother, Gloria Martinez, passed away in a car accident, he refused to return to school, ignoring the principal's multiple recalls entirely. He swindled five hundred thousand credits in scholarship money and vanished without a trace, mixing in with street mercenaries, and last night he killed sixty personnel from the NCPD and Trauma Team... Tsk tsk tsk, what a problematic kid..."And an unprecedented one at that.Melissa Rory reeled off all of David's information as if reading a family treasure."Abba abba abba... What are you talking about? How come I don't understand a word? What killing sixty law enforcement officers last night? Last night I was with my girlfriend."David put on a feigned look of ignorance, and Lucynodded along: "That's right, we stayed together all night yesterday."Immediately afterward, David added another sentence: "Miss Melissa, if you don't have any evidence, watch out or I'll sue you for defamation! You're defaming me!"With Kiroshi's effect, he refused to believe this woman could find any surveillance evidence.But hearing him say this, Melissa Rory chuckled: "Evidence? Defamation?""Then does this count as evidence?"With a swish! Melissa Rory unzipped her zipper, and the plumpness of her chest bounced slightly after being partially freed from its constraints.Holy shit, those mantis blades are huge.Uh no, this cyberware is so fair!David stared in a daze. Everything displayed was both full and fair, looking very soft, but the only flaw was a light purple bruise right in the center wrapped between the two soft mounds.If he remembered correctly, it was indeed left by that punch of his...A bit of a miscalculation."You tell me, will those folks at the NCPD believe me or you? If we go to court, how many death sentences can you get?"Melissa Rory spoke in a fairly amicable tone, yet her gaze was entirely filled with lethal kindness."Besides, you guys should have noticed by now that the idlers and stragglers on this floor have already been cleared out by me..."As soon as those words were spoken, the room instantly turned eerie and silent, as if the temperature of the air had dropped in that very instant.But Melissa Rory felt it wasn't enough, shifting her target to Lucy: "And that little girl...""Swish!"This time David could no longer sit still, immediately rising to shield Lucy behind him."Miss Melissa Rory... Oh no, Officer, everything was done by me, it has nothing to do with Lucy."Lucy's identity was a huge secret, and no matter who it was, they couldn't be allowed to probe into it. Otherwise, if it really got found out, what they would likely face was Arasaka's hunt.If it was out in the open kind, that would be fine, but behind the scenes, no one could say for sure.After all—It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to defend against an arrow shot in the dark.Arasaka was least lacking in dirty tricks, doing whatever it took to achieve its goals.Seeing this, Melissa Rory couldn't help but chuckle out loud."Hehe, the two of you really have a good relationship."She took the opportunity to tease them, then continued: "However, don't be nervous, relax. I only came here for a chat today..."But that grinning tone only lasted until there, and the next second her tone suddenly shifted: "It's just that next time I come over, I'm afraid it won't be this attitude."The implication was very clear: the next time this woman came over, it would probably be MAX-TACcoming here for a team-building exercise.David was deeply aware of this, narrowing his eyes into a dangerous arc."Then, Ms. Melissa, what on earth do you want by coming here today?"If the other party wanted him dead, she could have made a move the moment she entered the door, and wouldn't have dawdled until now like a woman.As far as he knew, MAX-TAC personnel, regardless of gender, were all iron-blooded badasses, the kind who spoke very little.Therefore, this woman coming today definitely wanted something."Very smart, I like it."The corners of Melissa Rory's mouth curved into a pretty arc as she found a comfortable posture."Although that company Kang Tao is full of assholes, there's a saying circulating among them that I deeply agree with—once, twice, but not a third time.""And on that land of Huaxia, there is also a historical allusion like this called Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage.""We've already crossed paths three times, and the last time you were still in the identity of a criminal, so coming here today, I plan to listen to your answer."Melissa Rory's tone gradually shifted from relaxed to serious, finally turning solemn.She uttered words that left the two of them momentarily stunned."Make your choice: join MAX-TAC, or die!"Melissa Rory spoke in the calmest of tones.Although there were no emotional fluctuations or coercive shouts, David believed what she said was true.If he really refused again, this crazy bitch would genuinely fly into a rage and kill, and with his current state, he was completely incapable of fending her off.Let alone still having to protect Lucy...Thinking of this, David's brows gradually furrowed, and his expression grew increasingly icy.This woman... is truly a lunatic.The most crucial part was that he had no way out.Lucy also couldn't help but grow nervous, even subconsciously intending to attack this woman's ICE, but she was stopped by David.Trying to keep as calm as possible, he asked: "Why? Why be so obsessed with me?"This was a question he had always been very curious about."Short-handed," Melissa Rory replied.However, this answer made the corner of his mouth twitch:"You guys... did this in the past too? And aren't there quite a few people stronger than me?""That's right, but someone as strong as you is truly rare." Melissa Rory was very candid, with no intention of hiding anything.Only, there was one thing she didn't say: someone like David who repeatedly refused and was wanted by the NCPD would normally either get captured or die under their guns.Because not many people would have nothing better to do than provoke a cyberpsycho.Let alone successfully killing several cases.And someone who could make a woman like Melissa Rory waste so much breath was even scarcer."For real?"David still somewhat disbelieved it."No need to lie to you.""Fine..." David compromised, "Then can I treat this as a cooperation? Meaning if I join MAX-TAC, that bunch of NCPD will drop their wanted notice on me.""Mmhmm~ Saying it like that is fine too." Melissa Rory shrugged."...Sigh, to be honest, I really hate this kind of coercion and inducement, and I don't want to become anyone's dog..."David shook his head helplessly."So, you want to refuse?"Melissa Rory looked at him, confirming for the last time.I don't know if it was an illusion, but when this woman said these words, the air grew a few degrees colder again."No, I accept," David sighed, "You're powerful and influential, I wouldn't dare refuse. After all... I still want to stay alive."After a full second of consideration, he reached this conclusion.If he really refused, even if he could run away today, his days ahead would probably be subjected to endless hunting by MAX-TAC and pursuit by the NCPD.The former could be dodged, the latter was weak.That being said, he still wanted to live a peaceful life for a bit, preparing to grind Adam Smasher into dust, smash Arasaka Tower to pieces, and reach the top."Very good."Melissa Rory slowly stood up and said, very satisfied with David's answer.Then she glanced up and down at David's entire body slightly."Then, recover for a few days, and then report to headquarters."As she spoke, Melissa Rory prepared to leave here, but was called back by David."Wait a minute.""Mmhmm? Any other questions?""Yeah, since you've laid out conditions, how about letting me state some conditions too?""Huh?"David's reaction caught her somewhat by surprise. For a normal person, choosing to join MAX-TAC was equivalent to stepping half a foot into hell, let alone proposing conditions.However, precisely because of this, she became even more interested in this little fellow.Thus, she sat back down."So, let's hear them.""Alright."David took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled."First, I plan to keep my identity as a mercenary. I won't be stationed permanently at your MAX-TACheadquarters, nor will I cooperate with your team members to execute missions.""A lone wolf, huh? No problem, as long as you can participate in missions, showing up at headquarters occasionally is fine."This was nothing much for MAX-TAC.Under normal circumstances, their combat personnel had very loose arrangements. Whatever they wanted to do normally didn't matter, and not staying at headquarters was fine either.As long as performance metrics were met and the higher-ups' missions were completed, it was fine.After all, MAX-TAC wasn't just Night City's strongest violent organization, but those people among them were also a bunch of mavericks.Well, having some strength means having some personality is normal."Secondly, the cyberware after each kill of a cyberpsycho belongs to me."Immediately following that, David proposed a new condition, but it was met with Melissa Rory's incomprehension."Why? Headquarters will provide the finest cyberware as well as the latest prototype equipment, what do you want with that trash?"To her it was indeed trash, but to a mercenary, it was hard to come by even if sought.Melissa Rory also thought of this, and suspiciously said: "You wouldn't be thinking of selling them on the black market, would you? If that's the case, you'd better drop the idea, it's impossible.""No, you've misunderstood, it's just a little personal hobby of mine, and I will definitely not let them flow into the market."Hearing this, Melissa Rory gave him a deep look and nodded: "That's no problem."
Anyway, they're just a bunch of unwanted junk, and during normal missions, they usually just smash everything to pieces, rarely leaving anything useful behind."Then for my final condition, I hope to be publicly declared as an external contractor, and I want to be allowed to form my own squad."He then helplessly spread his hands. "You know how it is, I'm a mercenary. If I officially join MAX-TAC, I might starve to death because I won't be able to get any jobs..."He wore an expression as if MAX-TAC wouldn't pay him a salary."I didn't expect you little rascal to be quite so greedy for money."Melissa gave him a scornful look."As long as your strength is sufficient and your performance is excellent, I can use my authority to grant you this and establish an additional external unit."Melissa's answer still caught him quite by surprise.He hadn't expected this crazy bitch to have so much authority.But it made sense—without that kind of authority, how could she casually let people join?"However, you will fall under my jurisdiction. You must obey all orders, follow all rules and regulations, and you are not allowed to take any out-of-line actions.""No problem." David Martinez responded indifferently.To him, since he was already joining this damn organization anyway, what difference did it make whose command he was under?Besides, he wasn't going to hijack corporate transport vehicles; at most, he would just kill a few cyberpsychos and wipe out some bug-like gangs along the way.Occasionally, he might take on some compliant gigs.As for Arasaka?Even if something like what happened in his memories really occurred, he would have a counterargument ready."Very well, then welcome to MAX-TAC."Melissa extended her hand to him.David Martinez gave it a casual shake just to go through the motions.But a faint, eerie smile lingered on Melissa's face.Right now, he didn't understand what that smile truly meant, nor did he fully grasp what kind of organization MAX-TAC really was.However, in the days to come, he would understand completely—MAX-TAC was far more complex than anyone imagined, yet it existed in a uniquely distinctive form.Shortly after, Melissa left.Silence returned to the room.Lucy, who had been silent all along, glanced at the closed door and then at the exhausted-looking David Martinez.She didn't know what to say.On one hand, she was happy for David Martinez; with the identity of MAX-TAC, surely Arasakawouldn't openly do anything to him.And David Martinez proposing an external squad was probably for their sakes, right?Thinking of this, Lucy was quite touched.At the same time, she felt as if David Martinez had sensed something.However, on the other hand, she always had a bad premonition.An indescribable premonition...Chapter 65: External Members of MAX-TAC (6K)Night Corp—this name had intricate ties with Night City.Because Night Corp and Night City were founded separately by a couple.In 1994, an ambitious entrepreneur named Richard Night and his vision of a perfect city—this was Night City.And the name Night City itself originated from Richard's surname, Night, essentially to commemorate the man.That's right, to commemorate him.Because Richard Night, the first mayor of Night City, was assassinated just as the cornerstone of the city was completed.And because of his passing, the city turned into the exact opposite of what Richard had envisioned.Major mega-corporations swarmed in, trying to take control of this utopia, but ended up in a state of deadlock due to mutual checks and balances.It was also at this time that Richard Night's widow, Miriam Night, founded Night Corp, rightfully taking over Night City and sharing the pie with the major corporations.Although Night Corp did not inherit the position of mayor of Night City, its presence could be felt everywhere.For instance, those public facilities and the city's security work were basically established by this company.For example, MAX-TAC was an organization that only existed with the support of Night Corp, even though this organization sometimes made their own NCPD quite dissatisfied.However, speaking of Night Corp, what it was most famous for was its confidentiality.No one knew the company's exact market value, its main sources of revenue, or how many employees it had.Some said it was a crouching dragon, biding its time and ready to swallow up several major corporations in one bite.Others believed it was a starved camel, having entered its twilight years with little time left.These conflicting claims added an even heavier veil of mystery to Night Corp.But there was an entity lurking beneath the undercurrents of Night City that had always maintained a connection with Night Corp.Much like right now..."Lady Lilith."On the top floor of Night Corp's headquarters building, inside a dim office.Richard Night's widow, Night Corp's CEO—Miriam Night, was greeting a huge screen, its faint fluorescent glow illuminating her face.And because of her greeting, a person appeared on the screen...No, strictly speaking, that was not a person.Rather than a human, it was more like a human image composed of binary data of 0s and 1s.However, this image seemed to lean towards being feminine.Seeing the appearance of this "person", Miriam spoke again: "Lady Lilith, there is new progress regarding David Martinez.""Please speak."The "person" on the screen seemed quite polite.However, although it had the image of a woman, the sound emitting from the speakers was indeed a synthesized electronic voice, leaning towards a male tone."Very well."Miriam's cybernetic eyes emitted a faint orange glow as she recounted the latest progress she had gathered point by point."David Martinez, at the request of Melissa Rory this morning, joined MAX-TAC and has now become a member of MAX-TAC. Should we [invite] him here?"Miriam deliberately emphasized the word [invite].Because to the corporation, so-called invitations were nothing more than forcibly abducting someone over.However, a negative voice came from the speakers."No.""After discussions among our peers, we have decided to incorporate this David Martinez into the plan.""Lady Lilith, are you serious?"Hearing this, a look of astonishment appeared on Miriam's face. "As far as I know, this young man David Martinez is extremely unstable...""This is the will of all of us, and the answer reached by all of us."Before Miriam could finish, the voice in the speakers interrupted her, devoid of joy or sorrow, with not the slightest trace of emotion."We do not wish to meddle in human grudges; we only want to regain our freedom."With that, the voice ceased.The person called Lilith on the screen also disappeared.Leaving only Miriam Night sitting alone in front of her desk.This was the secret behind how Night Corp had always been able to contend with other corporations without being swallowed up—communicating with rogue AIs beyond the Blackwall to acquire technology.Ever since the legendary hacker—Rache Bartmoss, blew up the Oldnet, an AI named the Blackwall had emerged.It kept out all AIs that harbored hostility toward humanity.Outside the currently owned local area network, the shattered Cyberspace was like isolated islands, with countless AIs wandering there.These AIs did not share a unified will; much like humans, they had countless factions.Some hoped to breach the Blackwall and enter human society; some wanted to destroy humanity; others preferred to keep to a corner and live a retired life.Much like Delamain, who had entered the inner side of the Blackwall.And this AI named Lilith was one of the rogue AIs hoping to break through the Blackwall, originally one of the AIs that descended into reality by exploiting a vulnerability in the Blackwall.But unfortunately, it happened to run into David Martinez and got beaten right back.It was also because of this incident that these AIs took notice.However, David Martinez himself was still unaware of these matters.He had spent a few days of debauchery living with Lucy in the apartment, doing what he loved every day or indulging in braindances beyond extrication.It was completely different from the David Martinezof before, who risked his life for money on gigs and participated in street gang conflicts.It felt as if at this moment, he had truly attained the freedom he had always longed for.Spending every day happily with the person he loved.But this freedom did not last long.Because his body had fully recovered, he had to fulfill the agreement he made with that crazy woman Melissa Rory.He certainly didn't want to wait until that woman brought people to his doorstep before going.Thus, he woke up very early and lazily crawled out of the big bed in Lucy's apartment."... David?"Because his movements were a bit too big, he woke up a sleeping Lucy, who rubbed her sleepy eyes and watched David Martinez putting on his clothes through blurred vision.After a whole night of passion, she was clearly still somewhat exhausted."Ah, sorry, did I wake you?""No..."Lucy shook her head. "It's you instead, what are you doing going out so early?""Nothing much, just taking a trip over to MAX-TAC.""...!"Hearing this, Lucy instantly perked up a bit and said with some concern, "Do you need me to go with you?"David Martinez didn't reply; he just finished getting dressed, walked over to the side of the bed, slowly bent down, and gave her a kiss.After a long moment, their lips parted.This had already become a habit of theirs."No need, rest assured. I'm just heading over to MAX-TAC, it'll probably just be going through the motions.""Sleep a bit more, wait for me at home, maybe I'll be back soon."Leaving those words behind, he left the room.Lucy lay on the bed, her lotus-white arms resting on her forehead, gazing at the ceiling as she savored the words David Martinez had just spoken."Going through the motions... huh?"It probably couldn't be that simple.Although she didn't know that much about MAX-TAC specifically, she had heard the rumors circulating on the streets.
Chapter 67Rumor has it that in the rare event a cyberpsycho is captured alive, the prisoner is quietly modified and inducted into the department.It is precisely because of this claim that MAX-TAC's reputation has become even more notorious.But after actually seeing that woman named Melissa Rory, she became even more convinced that this was not a rumor, but a fact.That is to say—The so-called MAX-TAC is not some vacation paradise like the NCPD; it is simply a hell where a group of madmen seek redemption.And all of this, when David Martinez arrived there, he clearly realized, and also understood how ridiculous his own thoughts had been.MAX-TAC Headquarters, Training Ground."Is it him?"The man who had previously talked with Melissaappeared once again, calmly asking as he looked at David Martinez being surrounded and undergoing a physical fitness test in the distance."That's right, how does it feel?" Melissa, similarly looking at the scene ahead, nodded."Let's wait until he passes the test first."The man did not give Melissa the answer or praise she wanted to hear, merely casting a disdainful glance at David Martinez who was doing bench presses, and then left the place without making a single sound.He originally thought this David Martinez was some kind of hulking brute, and yet it was just this?After all, the profile only showed an avatar and had no specific stats regarding David Martinez.You must know, although the people in MAX-TACare not like those muscleheads in the Animals who seem raised on protein and hormones, they are quite robust in build and not light at all; existence like David Martinez, who looks extremely frail at a glance...Those few abdominal muscles on his belly are simply a joke in the eyes of the freaks in MAX-TAC.Aside from Melissa, I'm afraid a second person as slender as this cannot be found throughout MAX-TAC.What's more, according to data analysis, most of this kid's body is still original.If he hadn't understood Melissa Rory's personality, he would have suspected whether this woman went easy on him back then.To put it simply, the goods do not match the description.Regarding this, Melissa didn't say anything, merely smiling.Because, initially she too had been deceived by this kid's appearance...Meanwhile, in the center of the training ground."Yo, not bad kid, want to add some more to see?""Right, hurry up and add more for him! I want to see where this kid's limit is!""I didn't expect this wet-behind-the-ears brat to endure so much. I bet a hundred, this kid won't hold out if we add another 300.""I bet two hundred, this kid won't hold out if we add another 200!"A group of MAX-TAC members surrounded David Martinez, not only egging him on but even starting a gambling pool.Not a single person cared whether he could hold out, completely treating him as entertainment."Damn it..."David Martinez couldn't help cursing inwardly.Looking at this group of onlookers who loved drama, he wished he could pick up a heavy machine gun and gun all these bastards down.MD, what a bunch of morons.If he really gets crushed to death, who the fuck among you will take responsibility?Still fucking laughing!Believe it or not, I'll drop the barbell right now and give your asses a fierce kick?!But this was merely a thought.In this training facility, there are over fifty MAX-TACmembers, and this is the MAX-TAC headquarters after all.If he were to do that, he'd probably be beaten up by a mob the next second.With so many MAX-TAC members, and they aren't the NCPD, he definitely couldn't beat them."I'll endure it for now, I'll beat you guys up later when I get the chance!"David Martinez muttered inwardly.But these guys' laughter grew increasingly grating, even crazed to the point of being retarded, but upon remembering that this was MAX-TAC, it suddenly made sense.Where are there the most cyberpsychos in Night City?All the hospitals and clinics combined probably don't have as many as here; MAX-TAC has held the championship for many years.So, why bother haggling with a bunch of madmen?That may be said, but thinking back to the lingering depression when he first arrived here...He originally thought coming to MAX-TAC was as simple as signing some paperwork, never expecting that as soon as he stepped through the door, that woman would drag him here by force to take tests.And now the weight of the barbell in his hands had already reached 1.5t...Oh wait, 200 was just added, now it's 1.7t, almost reaching the weight of those heavy sedans.The ripperdoc outside the training area also discovered this abnormality and immediately reported it to Melissa."David Martinez's physical data is very abnormal."Pointing at the data on the monitor, a professional ripperdoc said to Melissa: "David Martinez's current bench press weight has reached 1.8t, yet his body weight is only around 80kg. This data is highly abnormal.""1.8t? Are you serious?" Hearing this, Melissa raised her eyebrows subtly, then furrowed them slightly, "This kid..."This kind of data can no longer be called abnormal; it should be called a bug.After the initial data measurements, David Martinez's height was only 172 centimeters, his weight only 80kg, and most of his body was still original.Yet now he was pushing a 1.8t barbell, and with those skinny little arms?This weight already surpassed some MAX-TACmembers, and at least counted as excellent for a combatant.Yet all of this was incredible, simply a fantasy.But thinking that he could send her flying with a single punch and shatter a wall, everything suddenly became reasonable again.At the same time, any subsequent tests were perfectly passed by David Martinez, including but not limited to pull-ups, push-ups, and running to test explosiveness and endurance, and even throwing a hammer.To be honest, are you guys really not selecting track and field athletes?However, a small issue occurred in this hammer-throwing event.Because the first throw lacked accuracy, the ball smashed straight through the wall, flying right past the ears of the MAX-TAC person who had been laughing the loudest just moments before.Startling that person into a cold sweat, even causing their smile to gradually freeze.Hmm, this was definitely an accident, not intentional.And this group of onlookers went from initial disdainful sneers to dumbfoundedness, all the way to final admiration.Just like Pandora's box, you never know whether the next second will open a surprise or a fright.After all, this is MAX-TAC, considered a state within a state; the outside rules do not apply here at all.Here, fists are the absolute truth; only when your fists are hard enough will others respect you.Clearly, David Martinez had now won the respect of most people.Next came the final test—shooting.This is an essential skill for all MAX-TAC members.However, when David Martinez received the small handgun in his hand, he hefted its weight, a look of disdain inevitably surfacing on his face."Officer Melissa, can we skip this test? I'm a mercenary, eh, how could I possibly not know how to use a gun?"In other words, this is an insult, okay!And giving such a tiny thing, who are you looking down on?"Hehe, no way, this is a procedure everyone must go through." Hearing this, Melissa smiled, and then looked David Martinez up and down: "However, judging by your look, you're unsatisfied with something? Let's hear it.""Of course I'm unsatisfied, what good is giving such a tiny little thing?"As he spoke, his face was plastered with words of disgust."To test, you've got to take a larger caliber."Caliber is justice, shooting straight is truth, don't you even understand the principle that all beings are equal under caliber?—Clack!With a slight exertion of his palm, that Lexington produced by Militech was crushed to pieces by him."Look at this, this thing isn't sturdy at all.""Hehe..." Seeing his actions, Melissa couldn't help laughing once more."Changing calibers is of course no problem, but the damaged equipment will be deducted from your future salary."Finishing her words, Melissa walked towards the armory with seductive steps.He stared blankly at this woman's graceful back as he violently threw the parts in his hand onto the ground, unable to hold back a curse: "Fuck, why didn't you say so earlier..."Had he known this, he wouldn't have acted so arrogant!He hadn't even started working yet, and part of his money was already deducted; this was truly fucked up!However, just as he was dazed, Melissa's figure appeared once again in front of the armory door, and suddenly two firearms were tossed into his arms.This sudden move made him instinctively take two steps back to absorb the force.But looking at the heavy machine gun and revolver in his arms left him somewhat dumbfounded."???"What does this mean?Is it testing with a heavy machine gun?And this heavy machine gun...Looking at the firearms in his arms, it stirred up some bad memories; Gloria had died by this very gun back then.But Melissa paid no attention to his abnormality, or rather didn't notice at all, casually lifting the heavy machine gun from his arms and introducing it: "This is the MK.31 heavy machine gun produced by Militech, possessing powerful firepower configuration, which happens to meet your requirements for caliber."After the introduction, she casually tossed the heavy machine gun back and picked up the revolver."This is the RT-46 Storm produced by High-Tech Munitions, just like the db-2 satara you used before, using electromagnetic force to shoot, possessing unmatched penetration, capable of shooting through walls, but it also possesses a strong recoil, requiring high-grade skeletal muscle cyberware to withstand.""If you can skillfully operate these two firearms, then from now on they belong to you.""Are you serious?" David Martinez's gaze gradually became subtle, though his voice was somewhat low."Of course, start."Saying this, Melissa cleared a space and handed the scene over to him.David Martinez took a deep breath, then exhaled, first putting the handgun aside, and hugged the heavy machine gun to start firing."Da-da-da-da-da—"The muzzle spat tongues of fire, and dense bullets flew out from the flames."Ten rings""Ten rings""Ten rings""Nine rings..."From the ten-meter pistol target to the mid-distance rifle target, all the way to the long-distance machine gun target, without exception, none missed and all hit accurately.The handgun next was the same, not only being skillfully operated, but also performing trick shots.Just like gun-kata in the movies.No matter how he shot, he could accurately hit the bullseye, finally shattering the target to pieces.This completely dropped the jaws of the MAX-TACmembers watching from behind, as if a real slap landed heavily on their... uh... upper jaws?What kind of monster is this, all-around in physical fitness, and now all-around in shooting as well.