Infinity, progress from Arasaka

[Jenkins: Yes. According to internal information, Tokyo headquarters has decided to send more troops to Night City. Just wait and see. We will fight a diplomatic war and a public opinion war with Military Technology... just follow the order.]

"Yes." V, knowing the seriousness of the matter, nodded repeatedly.

After Jenkins hung up the communication, V was silent for a while, her eyes glowed red, dripping.

"Jack, can you hear me?"

【Jack: Ahaha, big sister, how are you doing? Are you enjoying your life in the snake den? How come you have time to come to see me?】

"It's a good feeling, at least. I'm getting some money and I got a promotion. But now's not the time to be nagging you. Hey, Jack, listen to me. I'm remembering every word I say. Right now, drop any work you're doing and go with your mother."

【Jack: Hey, Hermana (Spanish, girl). Relax, what happened? You look so anxious. Relax, learn to release the pressure.】

"I have to hurry. Jack, I can't say anything because of the confidentiality deadline. But I can reveal one thing. You know, Vera Adelheid is going back to Night City. Given her personality, I don't want her first fire after taking office to burn you. Understand?"

[Jack: It's that woman... She's said to be as powerful as a sledgehammer. Okay, OK, I understand. I will certainly listen to my sister's warning. Thank you.]

"Jack, remember, don't be impulsive. I'm hanging up. Let's get together again next time we have a chance."

【Jack: "Buena suerte (Good luck to you)."】

beep.

...

Meanwhile, in Little Chinatown, somewhere at the intersection of Bradbury Street and Bran Street.

One shop is filled with various statues, small toys, incense sticks, tarot cards, yarrow stems, and exudes a mysterious atmosphere of astrologer and psychic house.

"Lo siento (sorry), it seems that our cooperation is not going to work. A very good and hard-working sister of mine told me that it is best not to get involved in this matter for the time being."

Jack put his hand down from the old sofa and looked at the men and women opposite him. They were of different heights and styles. Compared to cyberpunk, this mercenary team had a more wanderer family-like atmosphere.

------

Chapter 090: Seeing the Big Picture from the Small

An astrology and psychic house called 'Misty's Secrets'.

A dim, cluttered room.

"Mann, I think this matter is a done deal. The elder sister specifically warned me to shrink my eggs during this period of time."

Jack Wells rejected the blond, brown-skinned, muscular man in front of him in this way.

"Big guy, are you kidding us?!"

The green-haired loli with twin ponytails suddenly slammed the table in anger and yelled at Jack with an exaggerated facial expression that was extremely contrasting.

"You called us over and told us to get out just by saying one sentence?! Don't think that just because you treated us to a few drinks, you can become that kind of middleman and order us around at will!"

"Rebecca, be quiet, don't be so moody and irritable."

A senior member of Mann's team, hacker Qi Wei held her chin in her hand and casually grabbed Rebecca's collar to pull the runaway loli back. "Mr. Wells is a big shot in the next life who has made a fortune in recent years. He must have his own connections."

"I don't need you to educate me, you annoying old woman! And you, Dolio, don't touch my head! It's all your fault that I can't grow tall..." The violent loli angrily pulled at the hand of the muscular woman Dolio that was pressing on her head.

"What a great team. Let's put it this way. With our relationship, I'll invite you to have fun in the 'next life' for one night as an apology. I'll make sure to notify you first if there's work to do later. I swear in the name of Jack Wells."

Jack didn't care about the yelling of the violent loli, after all, he was the one who was not kind in this matter.

He looked across the old coffee table at the brown-skinned man with a stiff expression, deep in thought.

"In Night City, if you want to survive long enough, avoid harm and make a lot of money, you must have a way to get into the mainstream."

"Mann, I don't want to kill you. That's why I have to stop. At the same time, I would also advise you to stop for the time being. Porfavor (Spanish, please)."

As Jack said this, he didn't know if it was his illusion, but Mann's facial lines suddenly became ferocious. But it was gone in an instant, and then returned to normal.

"Hey, Jack, my friend, that's not how business works."

Shaking his head, Mann pressed down his sunglasses with his thick titanium fingers, and his pair of blue prosthetic eyes flashing orange-red data light were filled with dissatisfaction and doubt.

"This is the cooperation we agreed on... For your big business, and considering your past reputation, my team turned down several good deals... At least, I need a reason."

"Ugh..."

Jack scratched the back of his head and sighed.

"Reason. Well, a reasonable request. According to our rules and customs in Heywood, we have to have a heart-to-heart talk before discussing business. Heart-to-heart talk...Okay. Since it's on the news, there's nothing that can't be said."

He is no longer the rookie who just separated from the Valentino gang. After several years of mercenary career, especially with the help of intelligence from his good sister V, he sneaked into the "Next Life" nightclub.

He is doing quite well.

He is definitely not a legendary big shot, but he is barely qualified as a rising star.

As for how he got to know the Mann Group, it was both complicated and simple.

It's nothing more than hanging out in the "next life". The next life nightclub is not a big place. Once you enter the mercenary circle, as long as you have a bad reputation or hide yourself in an unconventional way, you will see people everywhere. There is always a chance to get to know them.

Maybe you brag too loudly, and others hear it, so they buy you a drink and pay for your drink. You find out from the bartender who paid for it, and then you ask the bartender back. After this and that, and a few more jokes, you become familiar with each other.

Although we can't be considered partners, we are still acquaintances.

The kind where we can say hello when we meet and have business opportunities to collaborate on.

Jack picked up a dozen beers in the cooler on the table, threw them to Mann and the others, and then turned on the TV in the room.

"Reading the news is a good habit," he said.

WNS News.

"…Ms. Vera Adelheid Russell will complete her one-year training at the Arasaka Tokyo headquarters and return to Night City as a member of the North American Management Council and Executive Director of the Night City Security Department's Security Bureau…"

The host was blabbering about something that was both international and local news for the residents of Night City.

On the screen, a beautiful figure wearing a long dress with intricate lace decoration suddenly appeared.

He stepped down from a super luxurious large hovercraft with the Arasaka Clover [aRaSaKa] logo, a model that no one had ever heard of, and was surrounded by black-clad agents with airtight defenses.

Facing reporters' questions, the person in the picture just looked sideways. Against the backdrop of the snowy scenery in Tokyo, her extra bright golden hair fluttered freely behind her, and her whole body exuded a radiant brightness.

"Arasaka's high-ranking company dog, if nothing else, this show and appearance is really good."

Jack praised, "No wonder my best sister tried so hard to climb up. It's just that, well, the older sister is a little too fierce and violent, not photogenic enough."

Then, the news screen changed again.

Some wore the uniforms of the University of Tokyo, some wore the uniforms of Arasaka, some were in the same frame with the "old emperor" Saburo of Arasaka, some were communicating with Shintaro Takayama, the director of the security department of Arasaka Tokyo headquarters, and some were seated with Hanako Arasaka...

Obviously, these images are publicly available information obtained through interviews and filming by reporters.

The time span is one year, introducing Vera's experience in Tokyo.

Jack looked at Mann, who looked puzzled.

Just as the other party showed an expression of sudden realization, he grinned, "Yes, it's her."

"What was her position a year ago... Head of Arasaka's special assault unit, and... Never mind."

Jack pointed at the beauty on the screen.

"Mann, all you need to know is that the guy who slaughtered hundreds of people from the Uzumaki Gang, had gossip about the afterlife, and personally killed more than a dozen vans of agents from the Military Technology Secret Front, ordered a blockade of an entire city in South Africa to search for people and kill people... The killer god who was in charge of the security field, armed forces, and special military operations in Night City Arasaka is going to be back after a promotion and a pay raise."

Although in Jack's opinion, Vera's "three big changes" after getting a promotion and a raise would not affect him, a good citizen of Night City, his good sister V emphasized it so much, so there must be some company confidential information that cannot be leaked and has not been made public.

For the sake of his good sister V, he must not say too much in public, and should just stay away from her.

"No wonder..."

There was a cigarette stuck in the grille of the pink iron mask, and Qiwei glanced at Jack.

This 'afterlife' mercenary has kind features that are in stark contrast to his sturdy and bulky figure.

"Mann. I agree with what Mr. Wells said." Qi Wei said, "It's because Vera Adelheid is coming back. No wonder the city sheriffs of the Arasaka Security Department were so active and responded to the NCPD's rescue immediately..."

"Hey, old woman, please explain clearly..."

Rebecca said as she took a swig of her beer.

"I've told you before, read more news." Qi Wei seemed to sigh.

This is the problem with many cyber mercenary groups. Apart from taking on commissioned missions, the rest of the time they either enjoy themselves or indulge themselves.

In their eyes, news is just nonsense that doesn't make any sense. They occasionally use it as sleep music while eating. If they really want to watch it, they might as well sell their butts and watch Mewtwo. Playing games and wearing prosthetics are more beneficial than reading the news.

"In the early morning, in Heywood, there was a conflict between the Valentino Gang and the Six Street Gang. The Arasaka City Sheriff who signed a stability maintenance contract with the NCPD flew over. It is said that after the battle, there were dozens of bodies that could not even be put back together... The Valentino Gang was fine, but the Six Street Gang suffered heavy losses."

"So you mean you're not going to take it anymore, you're giving up?" Mann asked.

"Yeah." Qiwei nodded.

"..."

After a moment of silence, Mann looked at Jack, who was swinging a large gold chain on his left hand.

"Brother Jack, let's do this. I recognize your reasons for terminating this cooperation agreement, but you need compensation and help me introduce new clients. To be honest with you, I'm short of money recently."

"Well, no problem, let me think about it..."

"No." Qiwei suddenly interrupted Jack's thoughts.

She looked at Mann.

"Although I don't know what happened, someone as well-connected as Mr. Wells would know to stay out of the spotlight. Why would we be so reckless and rush out to die? Arasaka is probably brewing some big plan. To be on the safe side, we need to avoid it."

"But Mann needs money." It was Dolio.

The masculine woman with a masculine figure spoke with a struggling expression, "You know Mann's situation..."

"Then let him obey. Temporarily remove those military-grade combat prostheses that killed people and themselves to relieve pressure, especially the one given by Gloria. It's not that we can't put it back when we have money in the future..."

boom!

"Enough!" It was Mann.

He punched the coffee table hard, and it broke into pieces. The debris flew everywhere between his fists. "I said it before. I will never remove my prosthetics in Night City. I will protect you, including Lucy's wish to go to the moon. I will keep my word...hiss, hiss..."

As he spoke, Mann was breathing heavily, and his fist, which he had pulled out from the wood chips and glass shards, began to tremble as if his muscles were cramping, and he couldn't control it well enough.

Seeing this, "Mann!" Dolio exclaimed, took out a pneumatic injection with the Arasaka Clover logo and stabbed it hard into Mann's arm.

"call..."

The effect was immediate, and Mann's breathing calmed down.

He reached out to take the atomizer that Dolio handed over, put it in his mouth, and took two deep breaths. Only then did he calm down completely and look at Jack who had an extremely serious expression on his face.

"I'm sorry, Brother Jack, for letting you see such an embarrassing side of me. Please keep it a secret for my team."

"I understand. But, Brother Mann, do you know what your illness was just now? Cyberpsychosis... You are already in danger of losing control." As he spoke, Jack looked at the atomizer in Mann's hand.

A flexible stimulant produced by Arasaka.

The latest model has the effect of strengthening nerve conduction and inhibiting the side effects of implants. Due to the use of new technology, there is no drug resistance for the time being. Once launched, it has been widely sought after by high-tech mercenaries and ranked at the top of the best-selling list of major combat drugs.

The only downside is that it's expensive...

"What happened just now? Jack!"

At this time, Misty, with fluffy yellow hair, wearing a crooked blue-sleeved shirt, a collar around her neck, and smoky makeup, pushed the door open and walked in. She was the owner of this store and Jack's current girlfriend.

"Hahaha... I was talking to a friend and got a little excited. Oh, Misty, my sweetheart, don't worry, I will take care of everything and compensate you according to the price."

"So, what did you talk about when Ms. Misty and I were reading the tarot cards?" A white-haired young woman with a cigarette between her fingers, eye shadow and a waist-revealing dress also entered the room at the back.

"What is the commission?" Lucy looked at her mentor, Qiwei.

"No commission. Let's stop our activities and stay out of the spotlight. As for the rest, we can solve it as long as we have money."

Qi Wei stood up, "Lucy, let's go."

As she passed by Mann, she said, "Mann, you know your own physical condition very well. Don't regret it after a tragedy happens. Now, temporarily removing the damn combat prosthesis behind you will be good for everyone."

"..." Mann was silent, his face full of confusion. The corners of his mouth trembled slightly, and he looked down at the projectile launching system loaded under his thick arms.

He clenched his fist.

After a long while, he finally sighed.