Chapter 99Although the falling stock price would sting Biotechnica a little, it wasn't enough to hurt its bones, and could only be considered a small commotion.After all, the scale of an international-level corporation was right there.It was just a mere painkiller; they could change the brand or split it among other subsidiaries and still sell it."However, I guess that old fox Rogue has already made a fortune, right?"With such explosive news released, this woman definitely made a lot.As for what kind of method she used, or whether she would be retaliated against by Biotechnica's people, that was none of his business.This was also the main reason why he specifically went to Rogue to extort that one million.Rogue had a lot of influence in Night City; although not as much as those mega-corporations, those corporations wouldn't easily provoke her either.Simply because standing behind that old woman Rogue was Militech, and even the head office at that.After standing in place and sighing with emotion for a moment, David forwarded the news to Sasha.As for his deduction regarding Biotechnica, he didn't send it to Sasha; there was no need to bring unnecessary annoyance to the young girl.In just a few seconds, he received a thank-you letter from Sasha, roughly estimated to be over a hundred words, which he was simply too lazy to read.Her typing speed was really fast; truly worthy of a netrunner background.At the very end, a cat-head meme was mixed in.What a cute young girl..."Hey, David."Suddenly, Rebecca's voice came from the vehicle parked behind him.He turned his head and habitually smiled, comforting her: "What's wrong? As for the reward, it's still as I said before, 2.4 million split among the three of you. If you haven't mentally prepared yourselves, it's still not too late to withdraw now. This time we're taking on two giants head-on...""Damn it!"Hearing his words, before he could even finish, Rebecca wore an irritated look and almost jumped out of the car."You know I'm not talking about this! Whether you give money or not doesn't matter at all! And as for preparation, it was already done when we got here!""Not giving money won't do." David raised a finger and gently wagged it: "You can forget it, but I can't let Falco and Kiwi work for free. Am I right, Miss Kiwi?"His gaze turned to Kiwi sitting in the passenger seat.But unfortunately, Kiwi didn't give any response.However, he didn't care either, instead casting his gaze at another woman sitting in the back seat—Mower.That's right, this woman followed along too.How inexplicable.In the morning, hearing that he was going to intercept Arasaka's transport truck, Rebecca made a huge fuss about coming along, shouting things like "It's really unfair to me".Honestly speaking, what was unfair about it?Precisely because he valued Rebecca's personal safety, he hadn't planned to bring this crazy loli along, fearing something unexpected might happen.After all, this was a living, bloody reality, not some game, let alone some anime.Bullets hitting the body would kill people.What they were about to face were Arasaka's transport troops and Militech's elite forces.But in the end, he still compromised.Because he couldn't stand Rebecca's fussing, and if she kept making a fuss, Maine and Dorio would both follow along.They absolutely could not be allowed to get involved in this matter, because it was simply too dangerous.Faraday accepted this commission on the grounds of needing a driver and fearing that the little girl Rebecca would be lonely, while Kiwi naturally couldn't be missing.How could a netrunner be missing from a mission?But unexpectedly, Mower also silently followed along without a peep.He even clearly remembered the conversation at that time."Miss Mower, are you serious? You should have heard the conversation between Faraday and me, right? When the time comes, what we'll face won't just be Arasaka's transport team, but also the elite forces from Militech's side.""That's your own company, after all.""...Are you looking down on me?"At that time, Mower only replied with those words, accompanied by an eye roll, and then appeared here together with them."I really don't get this woman..."David helplessly spread his hands.What Mower was thinking in her heart, he would never be able to figure out.If it was just to repay a life-saving grace, she wouldn't need to go to this extent, right? That was making an enemy of Militech."Hey, David, are you really going to let that guy Faraday off?" Rebecca suddenly asked.Regarding the conversation between David and Faraday, she didn't hear much.She only heard the final words like "If you accept this deal, I won't make a move."This was also another reason why she was still somewhat angry until now."That bastard Faraday was going to sell you out, how can you just let him off like this!"However, David only gave a slight smile at this.Let Faraday off?How could that be possible.Although the content of the deal with Faraday was to let Faraday do as he originally intended, and then he wouldn't make a move and spare the other party's life, that was just talk.Neither Faraday nor David himself took this bullshit condition to heart.They had already reached the point of a fight to the death.The only thing Faraday wanted to do now was to quickly slip away to Arasaka to save his life, while he himself was prepared to seize the cyberskeleton, and by the way, meet that legendary creation machine—Adam Smasher.He had always been preparing for this day, after all."Tch, making that mysterious look again..."Seeing that David didn't give any response, Rebeccahugged her head, leaned against the back seat, and curled her lips.She didn't understand why this guy David wouldn't tell her anything; was she really that unreliable?Rebecca had thought completely wrong.Precisely because Rebecca was reliable, and also to let Rebecca avoid the crisis coming from Adam Smasher, he didn't say anything.Because he really understood this crazy loli very well; if he told her, it would definitely backfire.Instead, she would pick up a gun to prove herself and absolutely wouldn't die so easily.What a rebellious girl."Attention, Arasaka's transport team is coming."Just at this moment, Falco suddenly said a sentence, and everyone's gazes turned toward the highway one after another.On the dilapidated highway, Arasaka's transport convoy was rapidly driving toward here, and it was amidst a hail of bullets.Behind the transport team, another team of vehicles was pouring bullets toward the trucks ahead."Tch, it's actually the Animals?"After his Kiroshi zoomed in, he clearly saw the logo printed on those vehicles, which was an avatar resembling a saber-toothed tiger."Ha, the Animals?"Rebecca naturally heard David's words and showed a shocked expression.What's the situation here?"That's just a feint team responsible for diverting us." Kiwi explained considerately.But Rebecca still couldn't understand."Simply put, they are decoys. Of course, they probably don't know it themselves.""Ah~ I see."Rebecca nodded as if she understood."This is Faraday's typical style." Falco added: "Every time he conducts such high-risk missions, he always does this."Falco and Faraday could also be considered to have an old employment relationship.It was also Faraday who introduced him to Maine's crew, and they had carried out quite a few commissioned trades before.Therefore, he also knew a thing or two about Faraday's style."Falco is right, but I didn't expect this guy to still make such a choice under those circumstances. Normally shouldn't he be even more hopeful that I die?"David suddenly sneered and mocked.Honestly speaking, he didn't know what Faradaywas really up to.But it didn't matter.In the face of absolute strength, all conspiracies and schemes were mere forms without substance.He had absolute confidence in this.What's more, Jackie was keeping watch over in Night City; he didn't believe that guy Faraday could stir up any trouble unless he didn't want to live anymore."Yeah, you're right. I'm also very curious about what Faraday is actually thinking." Falco nodded in agreement, then changed the subject: "However, the transport team has now been split into three streams, should we follow them now?""The main target has deviated from the road, now is a good opportunity.""Yeah, then let's follow quietly. Before this bunch of Animals finish dying, we'll hang back in the rear, and by the way, I need to make a phone call on my end."Saying that, he sat back down in the car.As for the Animals or whatever, no matter how many died, it wouldn't hurt.Rather, he wished this bunch of scumbags could completely die out in this dog-eat-dog fight.Afterwards, the Nomad-style off-road vehicle roared, leaped down the hillside, quietly followed behind the Animals' tails, trailing all the way...81. Biotechnica's Frantic State and the So-Called Foot Brake (8.5K)"How is the situation now?""Stocks are still falling, having broken historical freezing points."Inside the Biotechnica building in City Center, the upper floors were undergoing orderly repairs, while a temporary conference room on the lower floor was holding a meeting regarding Biotechnica's stock plunge.But saying it was a meeting, in reality, it was just holographic projections communicating between Biotechnica's headquarters and the Night Citybranch."Hey, you! The one in front of the screen.""I... me? Sir.""Right, just you. What's your name again?""I am...""I don't care what your name is, but are you going to give us a good explanation of what the hell is going on because of this messy business?"One of the board members projected holographically waved his hand to interrupt the man's words, scolding angrily.Today's meeting was no trivial matter; the people projected via holograms were all Biotechnica board members, and because of this, the suit-wearing man being scolded right now had his forehead soaked in dense beads of sweat.He was the person in charge of the Night Citybranch, and it could be said that everything in Night City was under his charge.Naturally, today's massive stock plunge and the exposure of the painkiller's side effects were matters for which he needed to bear full responsibility."Alright, stop worrying about being irritable for now, listen to what this guy has to say."Right at this moment, one of the board members who was still somewhat rational said to the suit-wearing man calmly: "Speak, what intelligence have you gathered regarding this matter?""...No problem, sir."Hearing this, the suit-wearing man seemed relieved of a heavy burden, and hurriedly operated his PDA to pull up several people's profiles.
Chapter 100First is the first picture."This woman is named Sasha Yakovleva, a netrunner who infiltrated our Night City branch building before the incident and stole data from the database..."Then it switched to the next picture."This youth is named David Martinez, a cyberpunk responsible for coordinating with Sasha Yakovleva.""These two people are the culprits behind this matter...""So, what is the disposition result?"Hearing the man in the suit dilly-dallying here introducing the so-called culprits, the board members present could hardly contain themselves, especially the most hot-tempered-looking one, who had already clenched his fists.What they wanted to hear was not this kind of nonsense!It didn't matter to them what these two people were called; they only wanted to know how it was being handled!The man in the suit also knew this very well, but he had no other choice.He stammered in response: "...The handling result... is currently under negotiation.""...!"The hot-tempered brother was just about to start cursing when the person who looked relatively calm stopped him, frowned slightly, and asked: "What's going on?""...It's about the youth David Martinez. He is a member of Night City's MAX-TAC. I've already sent people to negotiate with their higher-level management—Night Corp, but that woman Milia Night doesn't seem to buy it... She even pulled out data regarding securicine painkillers to threaten us, threatening to sanction Biotechnica...""What did you say?! That stinking bitch Milia wants to sanction us too? Stop being so damn ridiculous over there!"The other board members also snickered at this.Their headquarters were in New York, and Night City was merely their branch company.With the emperor far away, does Night Corp want to stretch its hands into NUSA?Sanction an international giant?Even if Biotechnica allowed it, Militech wouldn't condone such behavior from Night Corp.That's simply day-dreaming; if they come, just chop them right off!"Wait a minute, let him finish speaking."That board member glanced sideways at the hot-tempered brother, then signaled him to continue."In addition, I also investigated that news report broadcasted by Bes Isis of News 54. Amidst it all, there was also the figure of a woman named Rogue."The man in the suit pulled up pictures of Bes Isisand Rogue again, accompanied by intelligence regarding both of them, though the information on Rogue was pathetically scarce.Naturally, this also caught the attention of that board member."Needless to say about that woman from News 54, tell me about this Rogue. What's her background?""Yes..."The man in the suit swiped his finger lightly on the PDA, bringing up some confidential data he had investigated."This woman was once a member of the 'Atlantis Group'. Fifty years ago, she and the terrorist Johnny Silverhand raided Arasaka Tower in City Center and successfully blew it up.""However, Johnny Silverhand died in that raid, killed by Adam Smasher.""And this woman has kept a low profile ever since, flatly denying the raid on Arasaka Tower. She opened a nightclub called Afterlife in Night City, where all well-known mercenaries in Night Citywould patronize, and there were even rumors that Morgan Blackhand had patronized it too...""Get to the point!"The board member who had remained calm throughout couldn't listen anymore, frowning deeply.What he wanted to hear wasn't the rise-to-power history of this woman Rogue, but why she could participate in this matter and still walk away unscathed!According to the information above, before the news release, this woman contacted quite a few wealthy businessmen to dump the stocks in their hands, and made a huge commission out of it.What kind of background does she have to possess such immense influence?However, the subsequent intelligence made everyone gasp in a cold breath."Yes... According to the data, behind the woman Rogue seems to be the shadow of Militech—not the Night City branch, but the NUSA headquarters..."As soon as these words were spoken, the conference room suddenly fell silent, with an eerie quietness."What the hell is going on here?!" The hot-tempered man slammed the table with a bang and stood up, his face written with disbelief.But no one paid attention to his roar and confusion.Because everyone was still in shock.The man who had always remained calm couldn't quite hold it together at this moment, so he slowly spoke up and asked: "Regarding this matter, how certain are you of its confirmation?""The credibility is over ninety percent. I have already confirmed it with Militech's Night City branch operations director Meredith Stout.""It is said that the nuclear bomb used by the Atlantis Group back then to blow up Arasaka Tower was provided by Militech."At this point, no matter who it was, they couldn't say a single word anymore.Since there was the shadow of Militech behind this matter, even they wouldn't find it easy to pursue it further, let alone make a move.Although the two companies seemed to be in a cooperative relationship, and in the eyes of outsiders were even as close as sharing a pair of trousers.But in reality, the relationship between the two companies had always been very delicate, and the fact that they were competitors had never changed.There had been many times when Militech wanted to swallow them up.Ever since their company developed the new fuel—CHOOH2, a synthetic alcohol made from genetically modified wheat, the entire company completely broke free from Militech's clutches and gained a pivotal position internationally.Yet even so, Militech never gave up on that side.They had constantly sent people to sneak into their company in secret, attempting to steal this technology, and countless large and small frictions had occurred.It was just that they had always swallowed their anger and endured it.And the same went for this incident; they could only swallow their broken teeth back into their stomachs.Although Night Corp wasn't much, when it involved Militech on this side, they could only make such a choice.No wonder News 54 dared to broadcast the inside story about them; it turned out Militech was pulling strings behind the scenes...At this moment, everyone knew it in their hearts."Alright, this matter doesn't need to be discussed anymore. Tell me how the progress of the other experiment is going?" said the seemingly calm board member indifferently."Regarding this experiment, we have achieved breakthrough progress. Currently, we are just short of conducting comprehensive experiments. The person in charge of this experiment, Joanne Koch, has already contacted one of the nomad families in the Badlands outside Night City—the Red Ochre tribe, and publicly claimed it's an experiment to develop antibiotics."The man in the suit pulled up a new document again, densely recording the contents of the experiment."Mhm, very well done. Remember, this experiment is Biotechnica's highest secret and allows for no errors."One of the board members said in an unquestionable tone.This experiment could be said to be the key to whether Biotechnica could develop further. Ever since creating CHOOH2 synthetic alcohol, Biotechnica's board of directors had tasted the sweetness and had been developing new products at all costs.Among them, securicine painkillers were one of the negative byproducts when the company was developing new products.But because the pain-relieving effect was extremely good, they completely ignored the side effects and sold it to the impoverished people in the lower layers.Anyway, to them, the impoverished people in the lower layers weren't even considered human; they were just like cockroaches in a garbage dump, never dying out no matter how many died.Therefore, it was better to provide them with as much benefit as possible."Yes, I understand, but... during the negotiation process with the Red Ochre tribe, a slight error occurred. They are very dissatisfied with the price we proposed..." said the man in the suit cautiously."Heh, what a bunch of dirty, greedy nomad stray dogs." The hot-tempered brother let out a disdainful snicker, "Since these stray dogs think the price is low, what's wrong with giving them a little more? But payment must be made after the experiment. Do you understand my meaning?""Yes, I understand... but..."The man in the suit's gaze instinctively turned towards that calm man.Although everyone present was a board member, the true person in charge was still that man.The leader nodded and consented: "Mhm, just do as he says. But remember, clean it up cleanly without leaving any traces, otherwise you know the consequences."That man revealed a threatening look for the first time, causing the man in the suit to suddenly shiver.He deeply understood the words spoken by that man. If this matter wasn't done well again, losing his position as the Night City head wouldn't be all; he would probably be sunk into the ArasakaWaterfront pier afterwards.Meanwhile, just as Biotechnica was up to their ears in trouble over their mess, the culprit behind this matter was currently sitting in a car, leisurely looking out at the scenery of the distant Badlands, with orange light flashing in his eyes."David, aren't you done yet?! The baits ahead are about to be cleared away!"On the road, Falco was driving with difficulty, occasionally slamming the steering wheel to avoid vehicles ahead rolling into fireballs from explosion and burning.I saw the convoy ahead being tailed by a motorcade of the Animals."Hahahaha, kill the Arasaka dogs, freedom is in my hands!!!"That group of Animals members holding heavy machine guns were strafing the convoy ahead, but those bullets that could easily tear flesh apart were ruthlessly deflected.On the vehicles that were hit, not even a trace was left behind."First Squad, clear the scene quickly.""Yes."The security squad that received the order began to change formation, hugging closely to the remaining few cars and pulling up alongside the vehicles of the Animals group to travel together."Bang bang bang!"Large-caliber kinetic rifles, as well as the tech sniper rifle Nekomata, bloomed like delicate, vibrant flowers on the heads of those Animals people, blossoming with their lives.The out-of-control vehicles rolled, burned, and exploded on the road, turning into balls of fierce flames.Falco relied on his superb skills to dodge a few more."Mhm, I know, wait just a little longer, just a moment and it'll be good."David propped his arm on the car window, perfunctorily brushing it off casually.Seriously, this group of Animals is really trash, actually failing to take down even a single security team vehicle.Apart from the convoy separated earlier, right now it was all Animals people.Truly completely useless.The next second, joy suddenly appeared on his face."Oh ho, connected, it's connected!""Hello."A not-so-friendly female voice came from the other side of the phone."Captain Melissa, it's me, David.""I know it's you punk, calling all of a sudden, what do you want to do again?"At the MAX-TAC headquarters, Melissa, who had just finished her morning exercise, was walking toward the office wearing a sports vest, crystal-clear sweat quietly dripping from her smooth skin.However, suddenly she noticed that David's side seemed a bit noisy, and she immediately stopped in her tracks, halting her sweat-wiping motion, and asked: "It seems very noisy over your side, there should be gunfire... Where are you?!""Hehehe, I was just about to talk about this matter... Captain Melissa, in a moment I'm going to do a big thing, hope you can stay calm after hearing it.""..."The other end of the phone fell silent for a few seconds, though weak breathing could still be heard; it seemed Melissa was inhaling.Then the next second, a deafening roar came from the phone: "Stop fucking causing trouble for me!!! Get your ass back here right now, immediately!!! Don't go talking to me about doing any big things! Otherwise, I'll lead a team to catch you myself right now!!!"Melissa's furious roar echoed through the MAX-TACheadquarters building.After hearing this sound, everyone stopped their training one after another, casting their gazes toward Melissa, and even her subordinates began discussing animatedly."Hey hey, what's wrong with Captain Melissaagain?""Heh, I'd bet anything that punk David has caused trouble for the Captain again. Just wait and see, when that punk comes back, he's bound to get a good thrashing from the Captain.""Eh? It's David again? Tsk tsk tsk, that punk is indeed a troublemaker, and has given the Captain plenty of trouble, but to be fair, that punk is indeed a capable hand..."Among this crowd were exclamations and sighs, but mostly they wore the expression of onlookers ready to watch some fun.To speak of the most outstanding members in MAX-TAC, there probably weren't any; to say everyone here was a major villain would not be an overstatement, and making mistakes was completely a daily routine for them.Rules, aren't they just meant to be broken?This was basically the creed of all members in MAX-TAC.But to say who could provide them the most joy, that was definitely David.Drama like David Martinez versus Captain Melissawas something they loved watching the most."Do you fucking know how much effort it took me to fob off those idiots upstairs over the mess you caused last time, and what are you doing now? Whatever you're doing, I order you to roll your ass over to headquarters right now!"
Chapter 101"Well, calm down, calm down. Getting angry is bad for your skin, Captain Melissa." David Martinezpicked at his ear, fobbing her off with a chuckle."Spare me that crap, don't think I don't know where you are right now! I'm telling you, I'm not joking around with you. If you disobey orders now, you know the consequences."Melissa's voice gradually lowered; she truly wasn't joking.According to the intelligence she gathered, a transport convoy from Arasaka Corporation would pass through the Badlands to Night City today, supposedly carrying experimental cyberware developed by Arasaka Corporation.Based on her understanding of David Martinez and his inexplicable obsession with implants, he was definitely out in the Badlands right now, preparing to intercept Arasaka Corporation's transport convoy.Messing with Biotechnica was one thing, but now he was going after Arasaka Corporation again... Even she didn't know what to say anymore.When she first recruited this kid, how come she hadn't noticed he was such a troublemaker? He was like a walking bomb, basically blowing things up wherever he went.Though she herself wasn't one to talk."Since Captain Melissa knows, that makes things easier..."A sigh that baffled Melissa came over the phone, causing her brow to furrow deeply.After calming down slightly, she suddenly thought of something."David, could it be that you've found some dirt on Arasaka Corporation?"Come to think of it, little David Martinez never shot at random; whenever he targeted a corporation, he basically had some evidence."Bingo, spot on. I'll send the files over to you right now."Sitting in the vehicle, David Martinez pulled a shard out of his pocket and sent its contents to Melissa.When Melissa opened the files and looked at what was inside, her brow furrowed deeply."...What is all this? A cyberskeleton?"At the very beginning of the files were documents regarding something called a cyberskeleton.She didn't understand these things, so she kept scrolling down.But the further down she looked, the tighter her brow furrowed, as if it could crush a fly.Because quite simply, what was recorded above were data regarding cyberpsychos, and most of them had been dealt with by their own hands.And some had been intercepted halfway and taken away by Arasaka Corporation's people.She remembered this point very clearly.Once, she had captured a cyberpsycho alive and was planning to bring them back to headquarters for modification, only to be ambushed and hijacked halfway by Arasaka Corporation's scum, complete with official paperwork.However, none of that was really anything.It was the final content that shocked her.David Martinez's name and related data appeared on it.And it was explicitly marked as an experimental suitable subject.In other words, David Martinez had been chosen by Arasaka Corporation to be an experimental subject for this cyberskeleton implant."Where did you get this stuff?""Well, as for that, I can't answer you, Captain."Naturally, from Lucy."Then what do you want to do?""What I want to do is very simple, just give a little payback to dear Arasaka Corporation."Hearing his reply, Melissa leaned her back against the wall, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and abruptly opened her eyes."I understand. This matter is approved, and I'll handle the higher-ups."A flash of cold light flickered in her amber-like, brilliant, and translucent eyes.The reason she agreed was very simple: Arasaka Corporation had crossed the line.Arasaka Corporation hadn't given a heads-up to anyone in MAX-TAC about this matter, and this implant called a cyberskeleton was clearly not a standard military implant; they were deploying it externally without even undergoing simulation tests.Furthermore, the one they picked was a member of their own MAX-TAC.What, MAX-TAC didn't need to save face?Since when did they become Arasaka Corporation's testing ground?!"Thanks, Captain. If Arasaka Corporation asks you guys to deploy, I hope the Captain can help block them.""That goes without saying, but you must remember, this is the last time."Melissa already lost count of how many times she had issued a warning.David Martinez also responded with a smile: "I know, I know. I'll try to cause the Captain less trouble in the future.""It's not 'try', it's 'must'! Alright, I've got work to do over here, hanging up."The communication was cut off just like that, and a gradually excited smile appeared on David Martinez's face."Alright guys, it's our turn to make a move.""Falco, catch up.""Leave it to me."Receiving the order, Falco slammed on the accelerator and chased after them with skilled driving techniques."That's right, just like that!"Even Rebecca excitedly chambered a round in the shotgun she was holding.The roar of the engine and the howling of the turbine surged through their blood vessels like their rolling, boiling blood. This might just be the biggest job they had ever taken since becoming mercenaries.Hijacking a corporate transport vehicle was something they only used to think about, but now they were finally doing it."Hehehehe!"Rebecca, half her body exposed through the sunroof on the roof of the car, was carrying a rocket launcher on her shoulder, loaded with a tracking warhead.Aiming, locking on, and pulling the trigger were all done in one smooth motion."Go to hell!!!"Accompanied by her excited shout, the rocket launcher on her shoulder gave a violent jolt, spewing a large cloud of white smoke from the back, which was instantly blown away by the fierce wind.A writhing warhead rushed out of the barrel with a "swoosh", and almost in an instant, drilled into the side glass of the bulletproof vehicle."Under attack!!!"Arasaka Corporation's security vehicle didn't even have time to dodge, watching helplessly as the warhead trailing a tail flame magnified in their eyes, piercing through the glass and flying into the car.Boom——A deafening explosion echoed across the Badlandshighway.Amidst the fireworks filling the sky, the armored vehicle bearing Arasaka Corporation's logo and looking like something from insurgents was destroyed, blown from the inside into a fireball, with large chunks of debris rolling around trailing black smoke."All right, took one down!""Very good, we've got the target locked down tight!""I'll hack the braking system."The coordination among the team members was nothing short of perfection. He hadn't even made a move yet, and all three of them already knew what they should do.This tacit understanding made David Martinez feel like his presence here was somewhat redundant.It seemed that having them was enough...He slowly turned his head to look at Mower, who was remaining silent.Fortunately, Mower was keeping him company; at least he wasn't so lonely."Wait, there are enemies behind!"Falco spotted the security vehicles chasing from behind through the rearview mirror and violently jerked the steering wheel."Tch, what a bunch of persistent bastards!""Haha, protecting the transport vehicle is their job after all."Falco and Rebecca chatted casually amidst the hail of bullets, and Rebecca immediately turned her head to ask: "What should we do, David?""I...""Let me."Before he could utter a sound, Mower spoke up first."Eh?"Before everyone could react, Mower's figure vanished from inside the car, using the Sandevistanto leap out through the sunroof.In the blink of an eye, she appeared on the roof of the vehicle behind.Swish——A sharp katana sliced through the air, leaving a beautiful silver thread. In that split second, the security personnel who had just poked their bodies out to shoot at the vehicle had their heads sliced off.Dripping fresh blood scattered across the highway along with the air currents.Following closely, Mower reversed the grip on her katana and thrust it through the side window into the driver's seat.With a squelch! sound, before the driver could react, their neck was pierced by the blade.The vehicle instantly lost control, wobbling down the road like a drunkard who had too much to drink.Taking advantage of that swaying momentum, Mower chose a good timing, activated the Sandevistan once more to leap up, returned to their vehicle, and got back inside through the sunroof."Done," Mower said calmly.Every action was as smooth as flowing water, with not a single redundant movement. It was clean and neat, as simple as eating and drinking water.Not even her breathing had the slightest trace of disorder or shortness.If not for the fresh blood still staining this woman's body, one would doubt whether she had even gone out at all.Truly worthy of being a former special forces member."Phew~ Big sis is amazing."Rebecca whistled flippantly and teased.The others were also somewhat shocked.This level of absurdity was something they had only ever seen on David Martinez; they didn't expect this woman could reach that degree as well.Especially Kiwi, who even recalled what happened late last night.Thinking of the bloodstains on that katana, she guessed that all those joytoys Faraday arranged outside were probably dealt with by this woman alone, right?She couldn't help but look at Mower, then look at David Martinez, feeling somewhat grateful in her heart for her choice.Otherwise, her fate would probably have been truly miserable, with no time even to run away."Sorry, I didn't have time to retrieve that knife."Suddenly, Mower apologized to David Martinez."It's fine, it's just a knife. I'll find you a better one later."For instance, Saburo Arasaka's blade; that knife was pretty good, maybe they could figure out a way to get it later.Having one's eye on the pot while eating from the bowl was probably what described him best.Clearly busy preparing to hijack a cyberskeleton, he had actually set his sights on the longsword Saburo Arasaka frequently carried."What should we do next, Captain!"The threats had been cleared away, and on the road besides them, there was only the transport vehicle ahead."The ICE is too thick, all military-grade. Can't hack in."Kiwi gave a regrettable answer."How about you let me have another go and blow it open!"Rebecca suggested, taking a brand new warhead from the arms box beside her and stuffing it into the launcher.But just as she was about to stick her head out of the sunroof, she was grabbed by David Martinez."Forget it, it's useless."
Chapter 102"How could that be? How would you know if you haven't tried?" Rebecca said, looking somewhat unconvinced.Ever since she used it just now, she had completely fallen in love with this thing.This thing was way more fun than shotguns or heavy machine guns, plus it had smart-tracking and huge firepower. How awesome was that!With a single boom, it could take care of the opponent."Sigh, you really are foolish," David sighed helplessly, exerting strength with his hand to pull Rebecca down, right into his embrace.Feeling the warmth coming from behind and the strong masculine scent wrapping around her, Rebecca panicked a little."D... DDDavid, what are you doing?!""Nothing, I just wanted to tell you that since that transport vehicle's ICE is so thick, its armor must also be very sturdy, easily defending against things like rocket-propelled grenades and whatnot.""Oh... Oh, is that so... I, I know."The bursts of hot breath coming from above made Rebecca's little face flush red, and she lost her voice.What was going on?Seeing Rebecca looking almost like an ostrich felt a bit novel.This crazy little loli could actually get shy; it was the first time seeing this, pretty fun...However, there was no time to appreciate Rebecca's shy appearance now; in a little while, Militech's main force would probably arrive."Well, so, leave the rest to me.""What are you going to do..."As soon as Falco finished asking, David's figure disappeared.David's figure appeared on the transport vehicle ahead, the howling gale tearing at his familiar yellow jacket, though underneath he was wearing a white T-shirt.He didn't have the habit of being an exhibitionist."We've finally reached this step..."He lowered his head to look at the bulletproof metal cabin floor beneath his feet, gleaming with a pitch-black alloy luster, feeling quite emotional.But..."However, it's time to make you stop!"David abruptly ran to the front of the vehicle, raising his right foot high in a single-legged stance, a crazy smile curving up the corners of his mouth.What was he trying to do?Everyone in the off-road vehicle felt curious upon seeing this scene, and as if thinking of something, widened their eyes in shock.Only Mower continued to gaze at David with a puzzled look.Could he be planning to stomp down with one foot to stop the vehicle?How could that be possible?!But the scene that followed completely rewrote the three views of the few people.Clack—Clack—Clack—Explosions rang out one after another, and the ejected golden cartridges were expelled from David's calves, the scorching energy burning away the bionic skin on his legs along with his trouser legs, exposing a smooth, pitch-black metal surface.A single piece of this special ammunition was worth tens of thousands, and it was only sold in the store...Now that he had used three in a row, David also felt a bit heartbroken over the cost.But for the cyberskeleton, everything was worth it!"Stop for me!!!"His right foot gained an extraordinary burst of explosive power through the propulsion force of the cartridge, stepping out a sonic boom in the air like a bullet, landing fiercely on top of the cab.Rumble—Explosions rang out once more, smoke and dust filling the air.The front of the vehicle was stomped deep into the dilapidated highway in an extremely brutal manner. While spiderweb-like cracks covered the surface, a suddenly emerging wave of air spread outward in a visible manner, accompanied by a strong tremor.Just like an earthquake.The affected off-road vehicle trembled, almost rushing off the highway, but ultimately managed to stop steadily on the roadside.The cargo compartment at the back of the transport vehicle did not stop because of this, snapping from the most vulnerable connection point as if broken at the waist. Under the force of inertia, this compartment rose high into the air and flew right over David's head.Screech—It scratched out a harsh screeching sound on the dust-filled highway, sliding forward a distance with sparks and lightning all the way before barely stopping."... Re-Really did it...?"Falco stared blankly at the scenery ahead, feeling that everything happening before his eyes was somewhat unreal.Even though all this happened in a flash of lightning, stopping a vehicle by stomping the front end into the ground from above with one's foot—even novels wouldn't dare write it like this, right?However, no one could answer his question, nor did anyone talk back.Because the remaining few people also looked at David's blurry figure showing through the smoke and dust with dumbfounded expressions.Especially Mower, who practically re-evaluated this young man and developed doubts."Is... Is this really still a human?"Although she had never seen that cyberware monster Adam Smasher, he probably couldn't pull off this trick, right?This was truly a foot brake in the literal sense...But this...This was simply absurd to the extreme, hey!82. Devouring the cyberskeleton (6.5K)Hiss—The scorching gas produced by the implants exhausted from the heat dissipation ports on the calves, blowing away the smoke and dust."Hmm, the effect is not bad, it's just that this roof is a bit flimsy..."Looking at his lower leg stuck in the car roof, which was so severely deformed that even its own mother wouldn't recognize it, a hint of regret inevitably appeared on David's face.This move was good, and the effect was also good, it was just too expensive.What kind of euro launcher was this, hey!No matter how rich one was, they couldn't afford to squander it like this.And it really ruins trousers.The pair of pants he was wearing now had completely turned into the kind worn by Kanzaki Kaori."It would be great if I had a pair of Hulk's pants..."While complaining about the quality of the trousers, he pulled his foot out of the scrap metal swamp, jumped down from the dilapidated car roof, and landed steadily.To be fair, this transport vehicle was much sturdier than imagined.According to the original expectation, this kick should have smashed the front of the car to pieces, but it turned out just like being pressed by a hydraulic press; although the frame was damaged, only the central stressed part was completely deformed."Next, let's take a look at my long-awaited big baby."Clack, clack, clack, clack...The crisp sound of metal soles touching the ground echoed in the surrounding drifting smoke and dust.The smile on David's face could no longer be contained, the corners of his mouth curling upward crazily, and slender wolf claws emerged from his wrists to cover the entire back of his hand, looking eager to try.How long had it been since this kind of expectant feeling appeared?Remembering the last time, it seemed to be when he spent the first night with Lucy, leaving the ranks of wizards.But this time's excitement was different from back then, feeling a bit like opening a mystery gift box.After all, that was the cyberskeleton.Although its performance in the anime was quite lackluster, it was still the crystallization of Arasaka's technology, a brand-new external implant armor specially prepared for Adam Smasher, and it was still in the experimental stage.Exactly how much would it be worth?A few million?Tens of millions?Or hundreds of millions?It was simply unimaginable.Clang—The more he thought about it, the more excited and expectant David raised his arm, swinging it fiercely toward the rear of the compartment in front of him, piercing through the compartment wall as if it were thin paper, but the tactile sensation coming from it made him feel something was a bit off."This texture... is a bit subtle..."Although piercing in was very easy, the tactile feedback felt as if his implants had sunk deeply into stone.This tightly wrapped feeling...A rough estimate put the thickness of the compartment's rear door at up to thirty centimeters.It could be described as quite absurd.You must know that the battleship with the thickest armor during World War II—the Yamato—had a side armor of only 410 millimeters, while this beat-up transport vehicle's compartment had already reached at least 300 millimeters or more.Even self-propelled artillery could probably block it easily.However, the more it was like this, the more excited he became.Because it represented the importance of the cyberskeleton.It's just that opening this door requires some technique..."Need help?"Suddenly, Kiwi's listless and flat voice came through the comms."Not for now, I can do it myself.""Alright then..."Rather than letting Kiwi slowly hack through layers of Militech-grade ICE there, it was better to tear it open with his own hands.Thinking of this, his gaze narrowed slightly, and the bionic skin on his arm began to peel off slowly, revealing that pitch-black metallic color.Bang—The familiar explosion sounded again, and the exquisite golden cartridge cases were ejected.Rip—Under the bursting strong propulsion force, David's palm successfully broke through the defense of the compartment, his hand tightly grasping the inner wall and pulling hard, and the door was instantly torn off.Thud—The heavy door was thrown aside, once again kicking up a moderate amount of dust."Ooh ooh~"David, walking into the interior of the compartment, looked like Granny Liu entering the Grand View Garden, glancing around at everything.Coming into view were dazzling arrays of various high-tech equipment; although he didn't understand these things, just looking at them made it clear they were very impressive.Even if he didn't know what the annotations on the display panels meant.And deep inside the compartment, he finally found the main character—the cyberskeleton.This cyberskeleton was not of the integrated type as imagined, but divided into various parts—left arm, right arm, left foot, and right foot, four parts in total.Simply put, it was like the dismembered Exodia the Forbidden One, except it lacked David to act as the head.And for each part, the system gave an astonishing price."15 million?! And that's just a part?! That means selling all of it could get me 60 million???!"
Chapter 103His exclamation echoed inside the vehicle.This could be said to be the largest amount of money he had seen ever since he came to Night City.That's close to a hundred million right there!"What the fuck, this thing is actually worth this much?!!!"David Martinez's eyes seemed to flash with the gleam of money as he slowly approached the cyberskeleton displayed in the innermost part.As if caressing a peerless beauty, his fingertips gently brushed across that familiar yet unfamiliar metal shell.The feel was amazing.Silky yet rounded, truly a great piece of tech.And with his infatuated appearance, daydreaming about what super awesome implants he would swap for in the future, he even ignored the prompt tones repeatedly issued by the system.[Ding, does the host choose to merge with the cyberskeleton?!]He didn't know how many times this had rung out.Not knowing if it was an illusion, the system's voice seemed to reveal a bit of anxiety, as if trying to educate a youth lost in desire.But unfortunately, this massive amount made David Martinez subconsciously block out all sounds.After all, this was fucking sixty million in total!How was he supposed to spend all of this!Rumble——Just at this moment, a violent explosion came from outside, snapping him out of the ocean of money."Hey, David, aren't you done yet?! Just like you said before, Militech has brought people and is attacking over!"Rebecca's voice came through the comms, seeming to reveal a bit of anxiety.A massive Militech convoy appeared near the horizon of the endless barren plain, slightly distorted by the scorching sun."The basilisk?! And missile trucks?!!Raisin!"Falco, exposing half his body from behind the rock, immediately let out an exclamation as he looked at the distant large army."Isn't this a bit too exaggerated?!"The troops Militech had dispatched now—even if someone said they were preparing to launch the Fifth Corporate War, Falco wouldn't feel the slightest bit of surprise.Using an army of this scale, and specifically coming to deal with them, who would believe that!Even Mower, who used to belong to Militech, couldn't help but slightly knit her brows.She had never seen a battle formation of this scale before.As for why she said that?Did you see those two bulletproof escort cars blown into pieces next to us?That was just blown up by those guys from Militech, using only a single shell."Wait for me a moment, it'll be ready immediately."David Martinez, still inside the vehicle, hurriedly responded.What kind of armaments Militech would come with, he had known in his heart for a long time, and he had specially made quite a bit of preparation for this.But he didn't expect these guys to arrive so quickly.He immediately placed his hand on the cyberskeleton, and just as he was about to tell the system to recycle it, the prompt tone came from the system again.[Ding, it is recommended that the host do not recycle the cyberskeleton; devouring it can achieve better utilization value.]"Huh? How so?"[The cyberskeleton has powerful gravity manipulation and magnetic manipulation capabilities, which can significantly enhance the host's strength. It is currently the most cost-effective choice.]"Ah this..."He hesitated a bit.Because sixty million—that temptation was much higher than gravity manipulation or whatever.The system seemed to see through his inner thoughts and issued the prompt tone once more.[Ding, if the host chooses to merge with the cyberskeleton, a one-day cyberware carnival event can be unlocked.]"Huh? What is that thing?"The moment the voice fell, a light screen immediately projected before his eyes.[Time-limited Event: Cyberware Carnival — Release Yourself][Introduction: Still worried about the hidden nature in your heart? You can release it to your heart's content at this moment.][Rewards: One-tenth of the destruction amount caused by the participant, as well as a mysterious reward][PS: At highest, you can obtain a Machina-class implant, or a discount coupon]"...Fuck."Is this event this outrageous? One-tenth of the amount of destruction? And exquisite gifts?And what it gives is actually that Machina-class?!You have to know, the cheapest Machina-class implant is worth 900 billion, and the most expensive goes directly into trillions, and now there's actually a chance to get it for free?There's such a good thing?!David Martinez fell into brief thought, and after a moment, he made a final decision: "Alright, I choose to merge with the cyberskeleton!"This was the closest time to the Machina-class, how could he give it up![Ding, deducting a fee of one million, starting fusion...]Ta-da——Suddenly, wires as thick as water pipes shot out from his limbs, connecting to the cyberskeleton.That appearance looked as if a bunch of complete tentacles were firmly sucking onto the military implant in front of him; on it, one could even clearly see the pervading current, and the cyberskeletondisappearing at a speed visible to the naked eye.This was devouring and fusion in the true sense, devouring the target of the selected material down to nothing left, fusing all the capabilities of the cyberskeleton onto his slender body.At the same time, a progress bar emerged before his eyes, estimated completion time: one minute."Rebecca, find a way to help me stall for a minute!""Ha?! Are you crazy?!"Rebecca's voice coming through the comms was naturally filled with surprise and incomprehension."Please!""Tch, I really don't know what you're thinking in your brain. One minute right? If you don't come out after a minute, I'm going in to beat you up hard!"Although Rebecca's mouth was very unwilling, her body was very honest.She unloaded boxes of munitions from the trunk of the off-road vehicle hidden in the rock's shadow.These were munitions boxes prepared before coming here, and also a toy box specially prepared for Rebecca. The weapons contained inside could be said to have everything one could expect.From small fragmentation and laser grenades to large rocket launchers, everything was available.Rebecca pulled out two rocket launchers from inside and hoisted them on her petite shoulders, completely disproportionate to her slender figure, looking somewhat comical."Tch, old men and old women, all of you hide far away. Don't blame me for not reminding you if you get accidentally injured in a while."She turned around and gave a "kind" warning to Kiwi and Falco taking refuge beside her."Yes, yes..."Kiwi, leading Falco, unhurriedly walked to the other side of the rock, but the slightly trembling hands hidden under her sleeves betrayed Kiwi's mood at this moment.She somewhat doubted whether her choice was wrong again.Facing Militech's heavy firepower unit ahead, could they really survive?Was that really something they could handle?This was no different from throwing an egg against a stone; wanting to eliminate a force of this scale was simply crazy!But there was still a sliver of hope in her heart..."David Martinez, I've already handed my life over to you, hope you won't let me down..."Kiwi's eyes flashed with an inexplicable gleam."And you? Not leaving? Ahead is all of Militech's heavy firepower.""I'll cover."Mower replied indifferently, pulling a Copperhead and a few accessories from the munition box to assemble together, preparing to deal with the soldiers rushing forward from ahead.Although she was better at close combat and cold weapons, using an assault rifle was still well within her capability."Tch, suit yourself..."After saying this sentence, Rebecca no longer paid attention to Mower, but walked out from the rock, hoisted the rocket launcher, and without even aiming, immediately pulled the trigger.Whoosh~The rocket propelled with a tail flame accurately and unerringly hit the large army advancing in the distance.The scorching flames temporarily blocked the front of Militech.But relying on this alone was still unable to stop the army's pace.In the explosive flames, the vehicles and the basiliskpassed through unscathed.Rebecca naturally thought of this; this was merely an appetizer, the signal of war."Big grenade launcher!"Snap!Two revolver grenade launchers comparable to the size of her arms appeared in her hands, loaded with armor-piercing grenades, exactly for dealing with these armored vehicles."Go to hell, bastards! Ahahahahaha!"A familiar crazy smile appeared on Rebecca's face. The action of pulling the trigger showed no sign of stopping at all, and the fierce wind spewing from the revolver cylinder tore at her two slender twintails."Go die go die go die! All of you go die!"Boom boom boom——The sound of explosions was endless, and the red lotus blast wave was spreading ahead. Clearly, she was only holding two grenade launchers, yet she put out the momentum of an entire company."Enemy attack, eliminate the target!"Some soldiers got down from the bulky armored vehicles, hid behind cover, and began strafing the target.But basically most of them fired a few shots before being inexplicably called out and headshot, blooming one delicate red flower after another."Bang!"Gunshot rings, person dies, another one down.Mower hid behind the rock and pulled the trigger through the scope."Heavy firepower is authorized."Such an order came from the commander in the army, and those missile trucks immediately stopped in place, their four-legged telescopic stands fixed to the ground, and the multi-tube rocket launchers slowly roared like an awakened giant beast."Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh——"Those slender rockets were launched as if they cost nothing, dragging one slender tail flame after another to cover the battlefield.One of them happened to land right in front of Rebecca.Rumble——The scorching blast wave and air current kicked up dust, blowing her head-over-heels."Spit spit spit!"Rebecca, covered in dust, sat up and shook the dust off her head, immediately cursing bitterly:"Dammit! You damn bastards! What the fuck kind of ability is it to use missile trucks, do you dare to get out of the vehicle and 1V1!"Thereby venting the dissatisfaction in her heart and protesting the unfairness of war.
However, Lieutenant Mower watched this crazy little girl with a helpless gaze."Seriously, weren't you the one who started bombing them with grenade launchers and rocket launchers in the first place?""Besides, who talks about fairness on a battlefield..."Thinking of this, Lieutenant Mower shook her head helplessly and whispered, "Leave it to me."Her words echoed in the air, and regardless of whether Rebecca heard them or not, she instantly dashed into the enemy ranks using the Sandevistan."Ah!!! It's the cyberpsycho Lieutenant Mower!!!"Someone shouted that, and the person's voice abruptly cut off.The metal finger bones radiating a scorching heat blew up that unlucky bastard's head, staining Lieutenant Mower's fair and pretty face with a trace of blood.Then her fists swung toward the next one, one after another.That scene was practically comparable to a fruit cutter slicing watermelons, with bright juices splashing everywhere, just like a ruthless Grim Reaper wielding a sickle, and every strike could precisely end an enemy's life.This scene on the battlefield was being transmitted to Arasaka Tower via the Pterodactyl drones in the sky."The attack is proceeding as scheduled, and just as expected, their actions match our plan."It was Faraday.He was talking to his traders."Well done, Faraday.""Everything is going smoothly.""The news has been passed to Militech, and they should be fighting the cyberpunks right now, and we'll soon get the actual combat data of the cyberskeleton.""Of course, on the premise that David can control the cyberskeleton.""Heh, if it fails, our rescue team will face Militechhead-on, but before that, David and Militech will definitely have battered each other into mutual destruction."In the Arasaka Counter-Intelligence Division, Kate and Douglas were looking at the footage shot by the drones and various data.Starting a war with Militech was the scene they most wanted to see.Next, they just needed to wait for David Martinez to finish installing the cyberskeleton; for this purpose, they even deliberately set up the installation environment and body monitoring inside the carriage.They could observe the situation of David and the cyberskeleton at any time.Judging from the current progress, everything was proceeding methodically.Moreover, David's physical fitness exceeded their imagination.No wonder Director Tanaka fancied this boy back then; he indeed had extraordinary qualities.In this way, they could also create some achievements before the upcoming executives, which was enough for them to climb to a higher position.There would even be no problem stepping on V's head."Rest assured, all these chess pieces are under my control."Having returned to the Charter Hill apartment and being secretly guarded by Jackie, Faraday stood by the open-air swimming pool, staring at the distant City Center building with an unruly smile on his face."You guys just need to maintain a safe distance and watch."Said to be guarded, in reality, it also gave this guy a great deal of autonomy, and he could even contact Arasaka at will.In response, Jackie expressed deep depression and lack of understanding.He didn't understand why this should be done. If Arasaka was contacted, what would happen if Arasaka sent a security squad to attack?Before the operation, he had indeed asked this.But David's answer was— "No problem, this guy won't let Arasaka dispatch a security squad."Because he knew Faraday way too well.This guy valued his life even more than Kiwi, and he was also a smart man, understanding what end he would face if he contacted Arasaka and made them dispatch a security squad.Before that group of people arrived, his head would definitely be blown up first.Even if he wasn't taken out by the big guy hidden in the dark, he would be killed by the netrunner remotely linking to the monitors, and even Trauma Team coming to rescue him would be too late.What's more, this level of guarding was completely dispensable and didn't matter at all to Faradayhimself.Rather, the fact that the other party calmly accepted his plan and was willing to be utilized was utterly ridiculous."At the end of the day, he's just a naive and arrogant brat."Even the experimental plan regarding the cyberskeleton was taken out and shared by that brat, turning from initial coercion into a state of semi-coercion and semi-cooperation.But what made him laugh the most was that was a military-grade implant even more powerful than the big ghost on Adam Smasher's body, and a mere brat wanted to control it?It was simply daydreaming.Had he known this brat was so naive, perhaps he would have changed his plan from the very beginning,and the only pity was that the Arasaka graphics card girl worth one million Euros could no longer be obtained.However, after that ridiculous brat died, by then wouldn't that little girl be grasped in the palm of his hand?Thinking of this, Faraday's smile became even more disdainful and unruly, slowly spreading his hands in an attempt to embrace the city, as if he had already seen the sight of Night City being trampled under his feet."Hmph hmph hahahaha hahahaha, reaching the pinnacle of Ascent Corporation is no longer a dream!"Meanwhile, inside the villa apartment in Watson.The girl like a sleeping beauty finally woke up from her deep slumber, her heavy eyelids trembling slightly as she slowly opened them.But what met her eyes was not the factory at the end of her memory, but a somewhat familiar ceiling..."Wu... Where am I..."The dryness in her throat made her voice somewhat hoarse, and the pain on her forehead made her involuntarily raise her hand to cover it."Ah, Lucy, you're finally awake."Suddenly, a voice coming from beside her caught Lucy's attention.It sounded somewhat familiar...Lucy slowly turned her head and saw Misty walking over with a hot towel, still wearing that delinquent girl outfit."... Misty? Why are you here? And where is this place?""This is your home, Lucy."Misty showed a warm smile, put the hot towel aside, sat by the bed and gently helped Lucy up, "I was asked by David to come here to take care of you. Don't you remember what happened before?""What... happened before?"Lucy tightly locked her brows, covering her forehead fiercely. Seeming to remember something, she suddenly grabbed Misty's wrist and anxiously asked, "Misty, where is David? Where is he?""As for David, he is out taking care of business and said he'll be back soon."Although the grabbed wrist was very painful, Mistystill maintained a gentle smile, gently stroking Lucy's hair like a mother, trying to comfort her."However, David left instructions before leaving that if you wake up, you should check your emails. Inside are some things he wanted to say to you.""What?!"Hearing this, Lucy hurriedly opened her mailbox, and there was indeed an email sent by David.But the content left her somewhat dumbfounded.The very first sentence at the beginning was—"Sorry, Lucy..."And the further down she read, the more terrified she became, with cold sweat gradually filling her forehead and sliding down her temples."That self-willed idiot..."Lucy bit her silver teeth hatefully.The content above was very simple, basically talking about using Lucy and so on, plus the content of going to seize the cyberskeleton.Because of this, Lucy completely panicked."Lucy, be careful, your body has just recovered..."Lucy struggled to climb up from the bed, completely ignoring Misty's support, and dialed David's phone.All she wanted to do now was contact David quickly."What on earth are you thinking, David!"In that way, wouldn't all the efforts I made go to waste?!Wouldn't this completely expose us right under Arasaka's nose?!!!It was simply stupid to... beyond saving!That was a cyberskeleton, an implant prepared for Adam Smasher! Was that something an ordinary person could install?!She admitted that David was indeed very special, the most special one among all the people she had seen, and he also had an extremely strong endurance for implant modifications.At least until now, she hadn't seen any cyberpsychosis abnormalities happen to David while he was with her.However, how could that compare to that cybernetic fiend?!Do you even know the weight of the name Adam Smasher?!!!Chapter 83 Gentlemen, I Like War (6K)On the Badlands, artillery fire still filled the sky, powerful firepower covered the surface, and the scorching blast burned the ground red."Dammit, fucking hell! David, are you done over there yet!!!"Rebecca dropped the last heavy machine gun whose bullets had been exhausted, and smoothly hid back behind the huge rock.Sounds of explosions echoed continuously in her ears.Thanks to this mountain-sized rock being sturdy and heavy enough, otherwise, they would have long been blown to pieces by Militech's money-no-object, water-splashing firepower.However, Rebecca wasn't having an easy time right now either; her entire person had become covered in dirt and ashes, looking just like a sweet potato just dug up from the earth.And Mower from the opposing faction was the same, slowly panting heavily and trying to keep her breathing steady.But her body was stained with blood and dust, as if ketchup and cement ash were mixed together and smeared on her body, holding her slightly damaged left arm.She had tried her best to block Militech's pace.Some of the guys who got out of the vehicles had been killed by her, but she could do nothing against those basilisks and missile trucks.Even fragmentation grenades and laser grenades could not harm them in the slightest.However, there was one thing that made her somewhat curious.Although Militech's attack momentum was grand, they didn't have such a strong offensive desire, as if they were waiting for something.Or rather, guarding against something."Ah ah~ If that guy David doesn't finish soon, we're going to get shot to death out here."Kiwi, who was leaning against the rock observing the situation outside, said sarcastic remarks in a flat tone.But what she said was the truth.Now Militech's team was barely a hundred meters away from them.This distance might be long for humans, but for those steel torrents, even the most useless basiliskwas within range.In other words, they should thank those guys for not launching rocket artillery here."Alright, alright, I'm OK on my side."Just at this moment, David's voice finally came through the communicator, causing everyone to suddenly heave a sigh of relief."Then let's retreat quickly! Falco...""Wait a minute."Rebecca was just about to ask Falco to prepare vehicles to escape from here, but was stopped by David's voice."What is it again, what do you want to do now, this fucking moment is a life-or-death crisis, you bastard! Militech's bunch are already close at hand!""I know."Compared to Rebecca's irritability and panic, David appeared unhurried and completely lacked the sense of urgency of being surrounded by a large force, "Let's talk after we meet in a moment."
Chapter 105"Damn it—"Rebecca gave the discarded firearm at her feet a vicious kick, sending it flying like a pebble to vent the dissatisfaction in her heart.She didn't understand why they were still lingering here when they already had the item in hand.Were they seriously planning to go to war with Militech?!Have they lost their fucking minds?!"Kiwi.""What?"Kiwi, suddenly called out by name, paused for a moment."Help me deal with the monitoring Pterodactyl drone. Its current position should be right above us.""Yeah, yeah, leave it to me."At first, Kiwi didn't quite process what was said, but when she looked up at the sky as instructed, she indeed saw a tiny black dot slowly moving right above their heads.Although it was a bit far from the ground, it was still within her range.A flash of orange light suddenly crossed her eyes, and the Pterodactyl drone monitoring the situation in the sky suddenly malfunctioned and exploded, plummeting from the sky like a fiery meteor and randomly crushing a lucky Militech soldier to death."Done. What's next?""Leave the rest to me."David Martinez replied as he walked out from the overturned carriage.The reason he had Kiwi hack Arasaka's drone was simple: he didn't want his current appearance to be exposed right under Arasaka's nose yet, at least not right now.No matter what, he had to give those people at Arasaka a surprise.In fact, he did.Kate and Douglas from Arasaka's Counter-Intelligence division fell silent as they looked at the screen that had lost signal, completely missing David Martinez walking out of the carriage.These two simply didn't understand why things had suddenly turned out this way, especially since the altitude was so high.Could this also have been hit by a stray bullet from Militech?Still, it didn't really matter; it just meant they couldn't see the live footage anymore.On the nine-grid screen, there was other data displayed, especially the radar-scanned-like image and the real-time transmission of the cyberskeleton's status, which was enough.One of the columns clearly indicated: cyberskeletonintegration status 100%, mental state 1%.In other words, David Martinez had already completed the installation of the cyberskeleton at this moment, and his mental state was also within the normal range. This data was more than enough, even an unexpected pleasant surprise.This same data also appeared on the PDA in Kiwi's hand."David... What were you doing just now? And where is the thing?" Rebecca paused slightly and asked instinctively.Because the David Martinez walking over right now had no changes anywhere else, except that the bio-skin on his hands and legs had peeled off, exposing the black metal surface underneath.His hands were also empty, and he wasn't carrying any kind of box that could hold military-grade implants."Yeah, it's already installed.""Eh?... Eh?!!! You actually installed it! Are you crazy?! Are you an idiot, knowing full well that that's a military-grade implant still in the experimental stage..."Before Rebecca's rant could finish, her head was pressed down by a gentle large hand, and her momentum instantly weakened.She got headpat-killed."Well, I don't just have this one military-grade component on me, what does one more or one less matter?""But..."Rebecca raised her head slightly, her gaze filled with worry.That might be true, but she was still worried about David Martinez's mental state.She definitely didn't want David Martinez to turn into the cyberpsycho who almost blew her brother's head off back then.Besides that, Kiwi and Mower's gazes toward David Martinez also became somewhat subtle.Mower didn't know what the cyberskeleton looked like, but being able to install an experimental military-grade implant without any surgery or data monitoring?Looking at it this way, wasn't all of this Arasaka's conspiracy?But knowing full well it was a conspiracy, David Martinez still deliberately walked right into it; she really couldn't understand.Most crucially, this implant was still experimental...Mower recalled her past of being driven crazy by soul-deep pain caused by an implant malfunction from participating in experiments, but her face didn't show much expression of pain.As for Kiwi, she saw the appearance of the cyberskeleton's various components through the PDA.That was by no means an implant that could maintain human appearance, yet David Martinez's body didn't show any changes.You have to know that the cyberskeleton was not an ordinary military-grade implant; they were completely out of each other's league.If the Sandevistan was pistol-caliber, then the cyberskeleton started at anti-materiel sniper rifle level, and could even reach artillery levels."... What on earth is going on here?"However, before she could ask, she was stopped back by a look from David Martinez."Alright, you guys get in the vehicle and get ready to evacuate first."David Martinez slowly withdrew his palm, and like releasing a suppression button, Rebecca's questions—recovering from her weakened momentum—came one after another."Eh? What about you? There are Militech people all outside.""It's fine, I'll clear the way for you and take care of these guys."With that, David Martinez raised his leg and prepared to walk outside the rocks, but the corner of his clothes was suddenly yanked."What? Are you really crazy already?! The outside is already surrounded by those bastards from Militech, get a grip on yourself, David!"Rebecca's voice was filled with astonishment.Going out alone to clear the path in this situation?How is that any different from walking to your death? The chances of everyone fighting their way out together would be higher."I know. Precisely because of that, shouldn't someone go tear a gap open in this damn bastard's encirclement? Otherwise, all of us are going to die here. And don't forget, what I have installed on me is the technological crystallization of Arasaka; it'll be fine.""..."David Martinez didn't give Rebecca any chance to continue, and upon hearing this bullshit sacrificial theory, Rebecca fell silent. The expression on her little face gradually twisted, a look that was simply impossible to describe.It was as awkward as awkward could be.She blinked her big eyes as she stared at him.She still wanted to stop him, but at this point there was no other way, and most importantly, she had no way to stop David Martinez's mind."Ah ah, whatever you want!"Rebecca shouted in self-abandonment, "But you remember this, you are not allowed to die on your own accord, or else I'll definitely punch you hard twice!"Even though she wanted to punch him a few times right now."Yes, yes, yes, I will definitely live well according to Ms. Rebecca's request," David Martinez said teasingly.Hearing this, Rebecca reluctantly let go of the corner of his clothes and allowed him to leave.Right before getting into the vehicle, she still gazed longingly at David Martinez's resolute back.She just lacked culture, otherwise she would definitely recite a poem here.For example something like—The wind blows desolate, the Yi River is cold; the hero goes forth and never returns..."... Have you really decided on this?"Mower didn't get into the vehicle, choosing instead to follow right behind David Martinez."Of course, a person always has to persist in something, or believe in something, otherwise death isn't far away." David Martinez shrugged, and suddenly seeming to think of something, he joked: "Besides, if I really die like this, wouldn't it also look quite magnificent? Sacrificing oneself for friends to evacuate...""... What a lunatic."In Night City, selfishness basically became synonymous with everyone.People who could come up with this kind of thought appeared extremely out of place in this damn place.But this kind of person...She didn't hate them."Crazy it is then, who doesn't carry a bit of cyberpsycho nowadays." David Martinez spread his hands helplessly and smiled: "Some people go crazy like absolute morons, while others go crazy in an over-the-top, earth-shattering way. Since everyone has to go crazy, I choose the magnificent, grand one with a bit less flashiness.""What's more, staying in a place like MAX-TAC, which is comparable to Arkham Asylum, maybe I went crazy a long time ago."If Gotham City's asylum was Arkham, then Night City's asylum was definitely not some hospital, but MAX-TAC.Every single person inside was a talent, spoke so nicely, and carried a kind of inexplicable sense of familiarity.It's just that not a single one of them was normal.For example, anti-terrorism work like that was an extremely terrifying thing for ordinary people, where they could lose their lives at any moment, but over there it was complete child's play, just like eating and drinking water.Every time they were dispatched without affecting a few innocent passersby or destroying something, it would do a disservice to the name MAX-TAC.However, his words were somewhat hard for Mower to understand, yet she still nodded seriously and decided, "Then, I'll accompany you."This simple sentence shocked David Martinez's fragile soul.He suddenly stopped in his tracks, turned around, looked helplessly at the woman in front of him, and said: "I wanted to ask just now, why didn't you get in the car with them and evacuate together?""I could understand before when you helped me block Militech's pace to repay a favor, but what does this mean now? Militech is your original employer, are you really going to make an enemy out of them? And now that you're hurt like this, what are you following me for? To court death?""Let me tell you, I don't have the spare capacity to take care of the wounded."His words didn't change the expression on Mower's face at all; it remained as detached as if transcending worldly affairs, only handing him a look for him to understand on his own.Then she took strides and slowly walked to the corner of the rock crevice ahead, picked up a katana from the ground, gave it a slight wave, and declared:"... Are you looking down on me?"It was still that familiar phrase, which she had said to him before.With that, she turned and walked toward the end of the shadows, and what she would face after that was Militech's main force.That posture was even more resolute and decisive than his."... This woman."David Martinez shook his head helplessly and closely followed Mower's pace; at least he couldn't let this woman expose herself to Militech's field of vision alone.But what he didn't know was—Mower indeed had feelings for the organization she used to belong to, that was true.But when those days left behind nothing but unpleasant memories and even pain, things like "couldn't bring myself to strike" were complete bullshit.The four characters "Militech", alongside "Free States", "NUSA", and so on, had all been equally incorporated into Mower's blacklist.From the moment the corporate security forces stood in front of her, between her and the corporation, there remained only the hatred of being ruthlessly abandoned and destroyed after being used up.She even somewhat regretted joining Militech—that was a place devoid of human warmth.If not for that, how could she have proactively stepped forward to block Militech's pace?And how could she now volunteer to face the attack from Militech together with David Martinez?Over the Badlands, the scorching sunlight spilled down from the sky, and dry wind and sand slowly blew across the battlefield.Militech had stopped attacking at this moment, and was currently guarding against the giant rock ahead that looked like a small mountain, wary of any attacks launched from there.Their firepower could naturally raze that giant rock to the ground, but the price to pay would be too high and the consumption too much.After all, they weren't supplied infinitely; the number of artillery shells was limited.Therefore, it was better to wait and see, and move when the opportunity arose."Report, target spotted. Shall we launch an attack?"Right at this moment, the forward observer spotted the figures of David Martinez and Mower.The two figures were seen walking slowly toward them against the wind and sand.
Chapter 106This left the commander, who was watching through a telescope, both startled and delighted.Their mission this time was very simple. According to intelligence, an experimental-grade implant from Arasaka would appear here, and they were responsible for intercepting it and seizing it.But judging from the kid's pitch-black limbs, that had to be the experimental subject indeed."Attack, launch the attack!"The commander didn't care about the integrity of the implant at all, because the order from above was that even recovering fragments would be enough.They absolutely could not let Arasaka's experimental subject be transported to Night City.Upon receiving the order, the basilisk and the missile vehicles successively opened fire, and countless soldiers ran down from the security vehicles, shooting in the direction of David Martinez.For a moment, the Badlands were once again engulfed in artillery fire.However, the missiles and bullets flying toward David Martinez stopped eerily in mid-air, as if they had crashed into some kind of force field, or as if the space-time centered on David Martinez was in a state of standstill.Yet at this moment, David Martinez had already stopped his steps, slightly opening his embrace. The surging dust and sand tore at the tattered yellow jacket on his body, and looking at his appearance, it was as if he wanted to embrace something.The smell of gunsmoke.And the smell of dust.As well as the smell of sunlight.This was the smell of war.Feeling the various scents lingering at the tip of his nose, a hint of comfort appeared on David Martinez's face.Unlike the filthy smell of Night City, the air here, though dry, was pure.Surrounded by the smoke-filled air, a sentence involuntarily popped up in his mind——"Gentlemen, I love war."At this moment, he seemed to understand this meaning.Because the smell of war was indeed fascinating and captivating to the soul.However, the most important thing was that the timer for that reward had already begun to turn slowly, opening the curtain for a one-day carnival right here.His heart trembled slightly and uncontrollably, and a mad smile slowly rose at the corners of his mouth."Mower, let's go, let's teach this bunch of Militechbastards a lesson!"The moment the words fell, Mower, holding a blade, had already rushed out."Swish—— Swish—— Swish——""Watch out, the cyberpsycho Mower has disappeared!"A streak of afterimages flashed past, and the Militech squad leader, who had lost the target from his crosshairs, roared in panic.A cyberpsycho... huh.Hearing those words, a weird smile involuntarily rose on Mower's face.It was the same back then. Clearly being former colleagues, they regarded her as a cyberpsycho, pulled the trigger on her ruthlessly, and even cornered her into a corner of the patio when she had no desire to attack.If she hadn't met David Martinez, what kind of future would have awaited her?Dying under the guns of her own people?Or lying on a corporation's operating table?Or appearing in some abandoned dump or garbage heap?She didn't know.What she needed to know now was that raising the sharp blade in her hand and slaughtering this group of beasts was enough.Swish——In a split second, the slender blade swept across the gap between the neck guard of the armor harness and the chin.Stirring up a thin and long streak of blood color.So what if she was a cyberpsycho?Slaughtering these people was enough!"Swish swish swish swish swish——!!!"Continuous instantaneous steps grazed past the other soldiers like a life-claiming fiend.Clutching their necks, scorching fresh blood gushed out from their throats, splashing onto the earthy-yellow ground and staining it a deep crimson verging on black.Squad after squad that had just gotten off the vehicles were scared out of their wits upon seeing this scene.Although they had engaged in firefights with gangs in Night City, they had never been on a battlefield, nor had they ever encountered such a terrifying cyberpsycho.Yet the next second, their vision began to spin inexplicably.With a thud!, their bodies fell uncontrollably to the ground, kicking up a faint cloud of dust.In the last few seconds as their consciousness gradually faded away, what they saw was that ghostly black figure and the billowing sand filling the sky."Open fire! Open fire!"At this moment, the commander couldn't care less whether the area where Mower was located was in their own people's territory, and immediately ordered all combat vehicles to open fire towards Mower's location.The basilisk and missile vehicles that received the order slowly turned their chassis, but the next second."Here comes the flying stick~"What sound?Boom——Seeing David Martinez, who appeared out of nowhere, tightly gripping the rocket they had just fired, forcefully shoved it right back into the muzzle position, setting off bursts of explosions across the Badlands.This technique is called—— Parry."Hey hey, so amazing... Blasted them all to pieces in an instant..."Falco and Rebecca, who had not yet been deployed in the vehicle, let out exclamation cries as they looked at the radar image presented on Kiwi's PDA.Wiping out a huge portion of Militech's troops in an instant, isn't this just too terrifying?"He's also using the Sandevistan at the same time..."On the radar screen, David Martinez's cursor was constantly flashing. Every time it flashed, a Militechdot would disappear."Go to hell, ahhhhhh——"Seeing that the attacks had no effect and even became weapons in the opponent's hands, a soldier driving a dump truck Behemoth stepped on the accelerator to the metal and rushed toward David Martinez.Boom——The sound of explosion rang out.But what was sent flying by the impact wasn't David Martinez, but that dump truck.The front of the vehicle was severely deformed by a punch, and the entire body of the car was flipped high, flying over from overhead and smashing a large area of security vehicles like a bowling ball."Didn't expect it to be quite useful."He looked at his own fist, the phalanges wrapped in an inexplicable magnetic field force.Even his entire body was surrounded by a bizarre magnetic field force.Although Arasaka often didn't do human things, their technology, seriously speaking, was truly second to none.Just like the initial Chimera, and now the cyberskeleton, as well as the future Relic."Hey hey hey, the Sandevistan on this kid was already terrifying enough, but this one right now is even more terrifying..." Falco said in shock."That's for sure, these two are completely different calibers, there's simply no comparison." Kiwi said matter-of-factly while looking at the PDA in her hand.But there was one sentence she didn't say, and that was that she had never seen an implant of this level before.It was equipped with two compressed thrusters from an AV, plus a gravity-shifting prototype designed by Arasaka, capable of generating a gravitational magnetic field and altering magnetic poles.Just like a huge magnetic generator.Yet what was strange was that, in her view, this implant should have been very large.But it didn't manifest on David Martinez's body.Where on earth was it installed?If it wasn't installed, where did this powerful magnetic field force come from?Curiosity coming from the strange bird.Chapter 84: New Uses of the cyberskeleton (7K)"Holy shit, what's the background of that guy? How can just two people deal with a large Militech unit?!""Look, another basilisk has been wiped out. This is a ruthless person."The battle in the center of the Badlands was raging fiercely. This fervor spread like a plague to every corner of the Badlands, attracting quite a few factions to come and watch.For instance, the two men lying on the cliff were the spectators attracted here, watching the situation of the battlefield through a telescope.One looked like he had entered middle age, resembling a mechanic; while the other wore a black hood and looked cool. On the back of both men's clothes was painted a pattern resembling a dinosaur skeleton engulfed in flames.The two of them were people from the Aldecaldos, the nomadic clan closest to here.Normally speaking, nomads were a bunch of fearless fellows who dared to gallop across the Badlands, but their jaws had already been dropped by the scene before them.It was truly hard to imagine that mere two people could actually deal with Militech's basilisk and missile vehicles, and even a large troop detachment.Especially that teenage boy; he was simply a tireless killing weapon.Even something as powerful as a basilisk and missile vehicles was like thin paper in front of this boy, bursting at the slightest poke.Although that woman wasn't bad either, she still fell just a bit short in terms of visual shock."Hey, Mitch, Scorpion, what are we going to do next? Just watch from here?"Suddenly, the girl next to the two men put down the telescope in her hand, turned her head slightly, and asked.This girl's outfit and attire could be described as wild. Clearly lying on ground scorched hot by blazing flames, she was dressed like a race car driver.Especially on the sides of her waist and lower abdomen, revealing a wheat-colored, slender waist.Her name was Panam Palmer, and like these two men, she was also of the Aldecaldos.Except her personality had a tiny bit of rebellion."What else can we do besides watch? When we came out, the old man already said not to let us make a move.""That's right, Scorpion is right. In the current situation, we'd better obediently follow what Saul instructed."Mitch and Scorpion chimed in one after the other.Mitch Anderson was a retired veteran who had once participated in the Unification War, belonging to a well-equipped armored division, fighting for the Free States.In his view, whether it was Saul's command or anything else, it was best to stay put obediently under the current circumstances.Wait until the fighting over there was finished, and then go over there to scavenge some usable things.This was the survival way of the nomads, and also the wisest choice."Damn it, fuck Saul!"Their words didn't know which chord of Panam Palmer's they had plucked, as she suddenly became irate: "Saul, Saul, Saul, all you fucking know is Saul! Is everything he says completely right?! Look at what he's turned the Aldecaldos into! Coming to this godforsaken shithole...""Hey Panam Palmer, calm down."Mitch reached out and patted Panam Palmer's shoulder, trying to soothe her emotions."That's right, Panam Palmer, although the old man's decisions are sometimes quite muddled, they're all for the benefit of the family. Furthermore, this time the old man is right; for a conflict of this scale, we can only wait until it's over."Scorpion's voice was a bit hoarse and low, but more than that, it was helpless.He could understand Panam Palmer's mood, but Saul was the leader of the clan, and by all rights and reason, they should listen to Saul this time."Fuck, I believe your ghost..."Panam Palmer cursed softly under her breath and then slowly lowered her head, making no sound anymore.Although she cursed quite harshly with her mouth, in reality, she didn't plan on rushing up to fish in troubled waters.She had a fiery temper, but she wasn't a fool. Just looking at this situation with her eyes was enough to know what should be done and what shouldn't be done.