Infinity, progressing from Arasaka

Leeches were the optimal choice selected by Marcus and William after comparing the DNA of all animals on Earth.

Umbrella relied on leech DNA to enhance the ancestral virus's adaptability to the environment, thereby improving the ancestral virus's stability and extracting the T-virus.

Now, using leech DNA from the cyberpunk world, which has stronger and more outstanding adaptability and stability, the T-virus extracted by replicating and cultivating it under the same conditions will undoubtedly have better stability. Although it cannot be said to be harmless, it is feasible to lower the threshold for fusion!

"It seems... we need to control the inflow of funds."

Gently rubbing her temples, Vera disconnected from the device, thinking silently.

The cyberpunk world doesn't lack genetic programming technology; what it lacks are new elements, like the Progenitor Virus, a unique and extraordinary virus. Given enough Progenitor Virus samples, it might actually be possible to rejuvenate Saburo Arasaka and extend his lifespan indefinitely.

We must get to Africa as soon as possible!

Intrigued, Vera grabbed the personal data board on the testing table and began writing a report—for Michiko Arasaka's 'Dangerous Girl'. She couldn't possibly use something like an anti-aircraft gun on Saburo Arasaka; the usual approach was better and more reasonable.

She wouldn't force the progenitor virus, but her subordinates, those old brothers who were injured, aged, or suffering from neurasthenia and had to reduce the size of their prosthetic bodies, needed it.

"There is."

After a moment's thought, she came up with a topic.

Title: [The Sonnentreppe Project]

[Extends the lifespan of human cells, revitalizes human flesh and blood tissue, and strengthens the human body]

The idea for this plan originated from a time when I defeated a roving AI while practicing computing power on an old network outside the "black wall".

I accidentally accessed the lost data remnants of the collapsed AI and learned that before the 2023 crash, a company engaged in mining and transportation in Africa had stored investigation documents on the Internet.

In Africa, the remains of ancient Bantu-speaking tribes that have become extinct.

Their underground ruins contain a flower, a highly poisonous flower, but according to the company's documents, among the local population, that flower is actually a medicine, a potent drug, that can cause aging cells to shed and has a certain effect of rejuvenating human cells and tissues.

It is speculated, though uncertain, that the flower contains some undiscovered substance that, if extracted, would be of great help to your company's research into new drugs for rehabilitation and convalescence.

beep.

【send】

The meaning is clear: I, Vera, want research, I want sponsorship, send me money!

After contacting the business department of 'Dangerous Girl', Vera didn't stop. She moved the touchscreen on the data panel and saw the message: "University of Tokyo, Summer School Trip."

Destination: Cape Town, South Africa

Study trip topic: Complete or investigate the feasibility of the "Sonnentreppe" project between yourself and Dangerous Girl Company, investigate the ruins of ancient Bantu tribes, and explore undiscovered flora and fauna of ancient Africa.

We have applied to be among the first to conduct summer study tours ahead of schedule.

beep.

【send】

After finishing everything, Vera packed her handbag, activated the automatic cleaning and sterilization function of the DNA analysis instrument, and went out the door. It was time to eat; she had a law class in the afternoon.

She wasn't in a hurry at all. Her identity in Arasaka was clean and could withstand scrutiny; she could proceed gradually.

"After the first law exam this week, I booked a flight to South Africa."

Da da da……

...

In the dimly lit room, a massive number of data cables were connected to a black, bathtub-shaped mesh data cabin with a central clover-shaped logo. The split-screen displaying the monitoring footage shone with a dim light. Suddenly, two data segments popped up on the edge of the information interception screen.

The hacker goggles, worn in a special hacker stealth thermal bodysuit, flashed in response.

"Target information has been monitored and read, no anomalies found, Lord Shintaro Takayama... However, an unexpected discovery has been made, Lord Yoriyuki Arasaka... seems to be paying attention to this target as well."

------

Chapter 049 Vera's Promise, Saburo Arasaka's Desire (5K)

Suburbs of Tokyo.

A massive estate covering more than twenty acres of land stands quietly on the lush green horizon, with heavily armed drones and hovercraft constantly moving in and out, roaming every corner of the estate without any blind spots.

The manor's gate is hidden in a lush bamboo forest. In Japan, where land resources are extremely scarce and incredibly expensive, and greenery has become a luxury, owning such a small haven in Tokyo, far from the city's hustle and bustle, is undoubtedly the best interpretation of power and wealth.

The Arasaka family compound.

That's its name.

It has existed since the last century. It was purchased during the time of Arasaka Sansai (also known as Sukui, Saburo's father), before Arasaka Saburo completely took power. It has witnessed the rise and fall of old Japan, as well as the rise of new Japan and Arasaka.

The most important heart of Arasaka Corporation, without a doubt.

Because Saburo Arasaka lives among them!

In the center of the manor, inside the main house with its doors carved with delicate cloud patterns and cherry blossoms, the temperature is as warm as spring, and wisps of smoke rise from an antique incense burner, emitting a pleasant aroma.

On the giant projection screen, which seems out of place yet perfectly integrated with the old Japanese elements such as wooden floors, paper window frames, and tatami mats, a series of split-screen images are being broadcast.

One of the scenes.

The company's community airship helipad, large and spacious, marked with a neon crosshair, saw a standard 'Holy Sword' type airship slowly hover and land. After being warmly greeted by a group of helipad staff, a beautiful and dignified woman with light blonde hair stepped out of the vehicle, gently touched her handbag, and exchanged a brief but proper conversation with the staff before heading towards the mansion with upright and elegant steps.

Do you think she is trustworthy?

A slow, dry voice asked.

"Vera Adelheid Russell...the only daughter of Fred Russell and Mia Russell, executives of the North American security department. She joined the Night City Arasaka Security Department to fulfill her father's wishes. Sir Saburo, she is someone cultivated within our Arasaka system."

Vera had met him a few times; he was a stubborn, purely carnivorous old man who always looked down on people. At this moment, Shintaro Takayama lowered his arrogant head.

"Though he has ambitions, his foolish opinions can be trusted."

With utmost humility, he respectfully expressed his opinion to the old man kneeling on the prayer mat, the man to whom he had sworn his lifelong loyalty—Arasaka Saburo.

"..."

Saburo Arasaka did not immediately express his opinion, nor did he turn around. Instead, he slowly swiped his old, withered fingers across the touchscreen.

On the screen, Vera's current activities in Tokyo, her past studies at Tokyo Arasaka Academy as the top graduate of the 2073 class, her business collaboration with the 'Dangerous Girl', the real-time battle situation of clearing out terrorist organizations in Rio de Janeiro, the vague image of Night City personally slaughtering the Vortex Gang at the beginning of her tenure, and footage of her speech at the Night City Arasaka Academy freshman entrance ceremony...

Observe actions as you would observe a person.

The image of Vera Adelheid was gradually taking shape in his mind.

"go on."

After a long while, Saburo Arasaka's slightly unclear, aged voice rang out.

Shintaro Takayama nodded, carefully considering his words.

"Vera Adelheid's talent and future are beyond doubt. After more than a decade of experience and refinement, as long as she can maintain this momentum and we do not suppress her, she will surely become an important person in charge of our Arasaka interests in North America according to the normal promotion rules."

"In recent years, the situation in North America has been turbulent. Although we officially announced our return to North America in 2069, with the support of the Free States and the cooperation of those separatist forces, we have gained a foothold and reclaimed the interests that originally belonged to us on the West Coast. We have also seized a considerable share in Latin America and South America. But as long as military technology remains, everything is just a mirage."

"Once the revitalized Military Technology launches another attack, our expansion in North America will be severely hampered after losing Night City. Night City is the key to our American plan. As long as Night City exists, other opportunists will not side with Military Technology, and we will have time to solidify our other footholds and even continue to compete with Military Technology."

"Therefore, Night City is the anchor point."

"Although the 'doves' led by Ms. Michiko were established with your tacit approval and encouragement, and did help Arasaka preserve his strength during the period after Lord Kei's death, with our comeback, half a century later, some of the 'doves' have gone too far and have evolved into 'surrenderists'."

"Arasaka and military technology coexist peacefully? Unless one side admits defeat and falls, our war with them will never end. Night City is in danger if things continue like this. We must replace them with a local power that is strong enough to withstand pressure and has good methods of appeasement to counter those voices."

“So…” Saburo Arasaka slowly turned around, “you’ve chosen this young man?”

He was wearing a long, black-gray kimono with wide sleeves, and a haori with the Arasaka family crest on top.

At the age of 156, time had left deep marks on his face. His once imposing face was now covered with wrinkles and age spots, and his skin was dull and lackluster. Only his eyes, behind those round, legless glasses, remained as clear as ever.

His eyes, sharp as an eagle's, gleamed with a keen light, giving him an extraordinary sense of vigor.

"Yes, Master Saburo."

Kneeling on the tatami, Shintaro Takayama placed his hands on his thighs, leaned forward, and said in a deep voice, "After my investigation, she is the most likely Arasaka junior I can find to take on the responsibility. Arasaka has never lacked ambitious people, and the incompetent are eliminated. As long as you are here, her ambition is not worth mentioning."

"They can be trusted, but they need to be regulated."

This is his summary.

Vera is certainly not the only candidate.

Night City Special Operations Director Abernathy was also on Shintaro Takayama's shortlist, but compared to the two, Vera, who directly controlled the military, had grassroots experience, could withstand pressure, was good at tackling tough cases, and had more experience in security work and field operations, was undoubtedly more valuable to support.

Abernathy spent too much energy cleaning up the intelligence, counterintelligence, and internal security departments.

These jobs have a bad reputation and are easy to offend people. To put it bluntly, they are like mad dogs, rags that do the dirty work. They are powerful and imposing, and no one wants to offend them unless necessary. But once something goes wrong, they should be dragged out as a sacrifice.

No one will feel sorry for the dishcloth.

Night City directly confronts military technology and New America. With Michiko Arasaka as the first executive officer in administration and diplomacy, the second replacement needs to be someone who can actually get things done, can sign contracts to make money, dares to stand up to military science, has experience in commanding multiple branches of the military, can hold press conferences and do public relations, and is good at military affairs.

Out of a sense of public duty, Vera is the optimal solution.

Shintaro Takayama knew that Abernathy's position as the Special Operations Director of Night City was due to her being parachuted in and the will of Lord Saburo, but she couldn't handle pressure! She had never proven herself under such immense pressure.

Even if she has the ability to be the head of a local district branch, she absolutely cannot be the head of Night City's North American headquarters.

Of course, if Saburo-sama rejects the idea, or if someone else is chosen, Shintaro Takayama will absolutely support it.

His loyalty to Arasaka and his support for Vera were merely based on his own self-interest and his assessment of her, which led him to believe that she could make things better for Arasaka. He prioritized her over Saburo.

"Shintaro...it seems you really admire her."

As he stood up from the futon, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and Arasaka Saburo straightened his back, swaying slightly.

Although doctors told him back in 2020 that his mobility would be limited to a wheelchair at the age of 101, the support of the cybernetic components still allows him to walk in a basic way.

With a whoosh, a bodyguard with a bun hairstyle stepped forward and carefully helped Saburo Arasaka walk forward.

"Yes, I admire her. She's a genius, but she's clearly not easy to control. She has a strong personal style and is very goal-oriented, which clashes significantly with our culture..."

Shintaro Takayama immediately stood up and followed Saburo to his left and right.

"The differences are negligible..."