Infinity, progressing from Arasaka

"Thanks."

Stopping whining, Mann grabbed his medical kit and rummaged around inside for a while, pulling out a well-packaged box of syringes and a nebulizer. "Immunosuppressants, mild stimulants—top-tier stuff... Gloria's son's really something. Add to what Jack ordered, that's enough..."

As he spoke, he looked at Lucy, "I told you it was safe. This time it was quick, even earlier than when you usually go for a night run... Hey? Lucy, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing, I just ran into Gloria's son, the one you mentioned. He almost killed me."

Lucy took off her sports jacket, revealing the black mesh bodysuit she was wearing underneath. She walked around to the center of the hall, plopped down next to Qiwei, who was watching the news, unscrewed the bottle cap, and took a big gulp. She was in a daze, her expression somewhat complicated.

"what?"

Upon hearing this, not only Mann but also Qiwei became interested.

"He said his name is David Martinez, and he asked me to tell you that he remembers your kindness and care for his mother. The discounts will remain the same, and the money will be reimbursed. In the future, if you need to buy medicine or have any other needs that do not involve Arasaka Corporation's principles, you can contact him directly." Rubbing her temples, Lucy managed to concentrate a bit more as she spoke to Mann.

"Ouch."

Mann crossed his arms.

"That kid graduated less than two months ago. A weakling who barely finished his studies and has no foundation in cybernetic modifications, and he's talking so big?"

Lucy pointed to Mann's two thick prosthetic arms.

“Mann, his prosthetic body seems to be the same type as yours, the [ejection launch system], but his model is more advanced than yours.”

"Damn. This company is fucking rich..."

Whether it was mockery or a sigh, Mann simply laughed heartily.

Envy is inevitable. To say it's completely absent would be self-deception. But he didn't delve into this issue.

He had served in the NUSA and had the opportunity to come into contact with those new combat cybernetic bodies, but he chose to retire for no other reason than that his conscience wouldn't allow it.

The new America has done too many unethical things.

Perhaps Arasaka is equally unethical.

But compared to his personal experience in the NUSA army... it just goes to show that distance makes the heart grow fonder, and that the worst things are even worse. Now, for the sake of money and survival, and for the sake of the team, and because of the Jack brothers' guarantee and introduction, he finally decided to work for Arasaka.

“However, the situation is becoming increasingly turbulent. With Vera Adelheid, that hawkish high-ranking official, Arasaka’s future actions will definitely not be small. I reckon a second metal war is inevitable.” Mann looked at Dorio and said sincerely, “After we pull off this heist and make a fortune, I’m going to… pfft!”

Before he could finish speaking, the muscular woman, Dorio, elbowed him back onto the sofa.

"Mann, can you stop spouting nonsense and start thinking about how to deal with Faraday, steal the stuff, and report back to Mr. Jack Wells..."

It's started again... Such a good relationship.

Shaking her head, Lucy looked away, lost in thought.

I stared blankly at the cheap projector TV, my mind wandering, watching the not-so-clear news feed.

“If you want to settle down on the moon instead of just having a tourist experience, Lucy, you’ll have to take on more corporate jobs. Only corporate jobs pay well. Phew... Soon, the chances of making money safely will be fewer and fewer…” Qiwei said suddenly, tilting her head back and exhaling smoke.

Do you mean war?

Qiwei did not answer.

Lucy followed Qiwei's gaze.

news.

It's not from Night City, but from the US-Mexico border.

In front of the shaky live-action camera, dozens of Ghost Hound mercenaries, dressed in imposing military-tech lightweight exoskeletons but with yellow-green paint, stood back to armored vehicles and bipedal mechs in front of a half-collapsed and burning building.

Confronting them were the NUSA military, or rather, the mercenaries of the Lazarus mercenary group, whose combat uniforms, tactical maneuvers, and behavior were highly similar to their Soviet-style equipment.

While Arasaka remained inactive, the military technology team refrained from deploying its directly subordinate armed forces.

Both sides are now putting all their efforts into using their media outlets to smear each other.

"East meets west, the Ghost Hound mercenary group versus the Lazarus mercenary group, the western Free State versus Washington, Arasaka versus military technology..."

Qiwei said expressionlessly, "Along the US-Mexico border, from New Mexico to Arizona, riots have broken out everywhere, with people vandalizing federal agencies and attacking federal law enforcement officers. The stance of the Free State of Texas is very ambiguous... It's quite a show."

At this moment, the news footage shifted, and the media projected a half-body image of the person involved in the attack on the US-Mexico border.

One photo shows a company executive who is upright, dignified, and strikingly beautiful.

One image depicts a blood-stained thorn rose blooming amidst the carnage of an attack, a scene of frenzied battle and bloodshed.

After just one glance, Lucy was unable to look away.

"A pack of cruel beasts, driven by even more cruel beasts, slaughter each other."

Her eyes seemed to grow even dimmer as she spoke in a sorrowful tone.

Memories that had been buried, avoided, and unwilling to be recalled suddenly became vivid again, bringing with them a stinging and burning sensation. Lucy thought of the place she should call home, her family of origin, her parents…

Cruel beasts driven by fate.

When we analyze the root cause, we can strip away the glamorous exterior.

All she saw was that these people, including Vera Adelheid, the gem praised by the old Emperor Saburo Arasaka, and the Dawn Rose adored by countless corporate dogs, were dripping with blood and filth from head to toe, from every pore.

Qiwei glanced at Lucy, who looked distressed for some reason.

The little girl she picked up, who's a penny-pincher, has quite a few secrets...

despair.

There was a muffled sound.

The playful fighting stopped abruptly.

"Hello, this is Mann."

Mann stopped his playful banter with Dorio, leaned forward, spread his legs, and sat down with a serious expression, his eyes flashing orange-red.

"Faraday? They changed the communication chip again... Yes, yes, be cautious. You don't need to tell me... My hackers have detected traces of Arasaka's important personnel movements. Isn't that enough to show my stance? You're being cautious, not revealing any unnecessary information. Can't I be cautious too? This is damn much an attack on Arasaka! You can't be too careful... You don't need to urge me, I know what to do..."

beep.

The factory space has become quiet and deserted.

“Tch, it’s Faraday.” Mann looked up and glanced at his teammate. Pira, with his long arms and arms, also took off the Mewtwo headband. “Guys, the time to relax is always too short. Now, it’s time to get down to business.”

"Phew..." He took a deep breath, rubbed his hands together, and grinned smugly. "Stealing from Arasaka. Damn, being a double agent, pretending to steal from Arasaka, but actually plotting against Faraday and that four-eyed guy's military technology... Jack's job is fucking thrilling..."

Seeing the team's eager expressions, Lucy knew it was time to get to work.

Working for Arasaka.

Just like the biological father she was running away from, she worked for Arasaka.

In the end, she still couldn't completely escape the future her father had arranged for her...

As Lucy and Qiwei got up to change clothes and check their self-defense and hacking equipment, Lucy looked outside through the window next to the ventilation fan.

As night falls, the neon lights of the city skyline spread wildly like a shattered dream, turning the night sky into a colorful palette.

Just like the situation in Night City.

Like the Free States of North America, where undercurrents are swirling.

...

The next day.

Company Plaza.

Despite the rainy weather, the nighttime downpour did not dampen the citizens' enthusiasm for political discussion.

"Down with the tyranny of Washington! Independence belongs to the free states!"

"Forward! The Stars and Stripes will fly again!"

This wasn't the first time they'd clashed. It started with shouting and a heated exchange of opinions, then quickly escalated into insults and shoving, and finally turned into a physical fight.

Tear gas, pepper spray grenades, and lit bottles of alcohol were thrown from time to time. Since this was the company square, and NCPD, Arasaka, Military Technology, and Contau agents, security soldiers, and heavy vehicles were all lined up with their guns loaded and watching intently, no one was using guns here for the time being.

Night City Aragaka Tower, 97th floor.

The nameplate reads "Russell's Office of Management".

Vera looked out through the adjustable polarized glass.

A vibrant scene of life, where everything thrives, a chaotic daily life in Night City.

With a faint smile, Wei turned her executive chair around and stretched out her index finger to gently tap on her large, luxurious desk.

"One hundred sets."

“B-level and A-level Quinques are indeed more suitable for the security force.” She paused for a moment before looking at the two subordinates standing respectfully in front of her desk and said, “Assign your people accordingly. I need combat data.”

Brian and Laurie, her black and white duo.

Among Vera's former group of bodyguards and security personnel, those who survived the competition are considered to be quite capable.

As her status rose, they were also promoted.

"Go down," Vera said gently, waving her hand.

"Yes!"×2

As the person directly involved in the highly publicized attack on the US-Mexico border, Vera, while handling her official duties in North America, also had to work on a report amidst her busy schedule.

[Individual Project "Quink" - Phase-one Weaponization Achievements]

Report back more often.

With her cheek resting on two fingers and her fingers gently stroking the tabletop, Vera gazed thoughtfully at the summary editing interface on the holographic screen.

This is a preliminary result of the new shape memory metal project 'Quinck Steel' that she was going to report to Saburo Arasaka.

At least in the cyberpunk world, it is in the initial stage of weaponization research and development.

According to the definition of the Ghoul Countermeasures Bureau (CCG), a quinque is a product created by killing a ghoul or by taking out a ghoul's kagune and weaponizing it.

In addition to the necessary kagune provided by the ghouls and the high concentration of Rc cells contained within their bodies.

In Vera's view, the technology for manufacturing quinque, especially the shape memory metal 'quinque steel' itself, including its special combination with other materials and related processes, is more worthy of further research and consideration.