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In a luxurious duplex penthouse in Charter Hill, the curved floor-to-ceiling windows framed the scenery of Night City like a painting, with illusory giant yellowfin tuna and towering municipal buildings.
Beside it was a crystal starburst chandelier, the color of a fish's belly, descending from the very top, encircled by a spiraling peach wood staircase.
Facing north, in front of a five-meter-long luxurious sofa and a long table, a girl with brown hair, orange eyes, a small face, tiger ears, and cool attire was smiling at the arriving guests.
Rogue and Crispin entered the apartment and saw the girl who was rising to greet them.
She was dressed in a cool and cute style, with a leather jacket on top and a pair of jet-black combat trousers, wearing thick, short-heeled boots, making her look like a beautiful model or idol.
But upon closer examination, one would discover that this adorable girl was a high-end money pit…
On her were the most top-tier implants, all unavailable on the market!
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them the most advanced implants.
"Michiko-san would actually send you," Rogue narrowed her eyes, putting one hand on her hip as she stepped forward, speaking softly.
The other person smiled, bowed respectfully to Rogue, and said, "It's a pleasure to see you again, Rogue-senpai. Actually, I requested this myself. After all, it's been a long time since we last met."
"Don't call me senpai. What you did back in the youth gangs was no less impressive than me."
Rogue smiled, looking at her with admiration in her eyes, and said,
"If Michiko-san hadn't acted so quickly, I think your name would have been on the list of Night City's top mercs long ago, even though you were already Night City's most outstanding and famous elite squad back then."
"I've never cared for such empty fame." The other person smiled and shook her head. She then sat down, took a laptop from her bag, and placed it on the table.
Looking up at Rogue, she said, "The boss is currently handling some matters in Washington, so she couldn't make it. I volunteered to relay the message."
"So, what do you need from the boss?" She dropped her smile, looking at Rogue seriously.
"Tiger Girl, I'm looking for Michiko-san to introduce a talent to her." Rogue also dropped her smile; she knew the other person was now in work mode.
Everyone who underestimated dangerous girls and was misled by their appearance paid a heavy price.
This one in front of them was even more so among the dangerous girls, a monster girl created by Michiko herself during the Red Era.
Her name was Tiger Girl, born in the Red Era, with an unknown exact age.
But in the youth gangs of the Red Era, she was a leader, and the story of her recruitment into the dangerous girls' squad was well-known to many in Night City.
Rogue knew, Wakako knew, and Father also knew.
Because back then, Tiger Girl took a job to assassinate a dangerous girl, but the mission failed because the target was fully equipped with high-end cyberware.
However, the fact that she, relying solely on tactics and exceptional skill, using a few broken guns assembled from slum trash, forced a fully armed elite soldier into a dead end, successfully caught Michiko's attention.
Coupled with Tiger Girl's beautiful face and impressive figure, Michiko immediately paid a huge compensation fee to the Fixer and successfully recruited Tiger Girl into the Jaguar Squad.
This was the most special unit of the dangerous girls, directly reporting to Michiko, belonging to the highest echelons of the dangerous girls. The first-generation members of the Jaguar Squad, in particular, each possessed extraordinary talents.
Combat, medical, hacking, command…
"Talent? Male or female?" Tiger Girl looked at Rogue curiously. Someone Rogue called a talent… their strength would definitely not be bad.
"Male," Rogue said.
"Then that's troublesome. You know, dangerous girls don't accept men."
Tiger Girl said, then thought for a moment and added, "Unless he's willing to undergo gender reassignment like Xiangzi. But the Jaguar Squad isn't planning to open new recruits anytime soon; the next batch of members might not start for a few more years."
Rogue's mouth twitched at the sound. She looked at Tiger Girl and then said, "I need to speak directly with Michiko-san."
"Alright, alright, wasn't I here to do just that?" Tiger Girl waved her hand, opened her laptop, and then pressed a program.
A screen appeared on the laptop, showing a sweet-faced East Asian girl with black hair sitting in a chair, wearing a high-end black suit. Her left hand was a silver cybernetic arm, while her right hand was her original one.
The most interesting thing was, judging by her movements on the screen, she was currently holding a phone, making a video call.
"Good afternoon, Rogue."
"Good afternoon, Michiko-san."
Rogue looked at the sweet girl on the video call.
She was truly beautiful. Even though she was wearing a high-end suit and sitting in an office, the atmosphere didn't diminish the sense of fragility about her.
The pitiful look in her eyes would make both men and women want to protect and cherish her.
However, contrary to her sweet external image, Rogue, who had been recruited by Michiko long ago, was well aware of her boss's cunning and shrewdness.
People in Night City always said Rogue had dealings with corporations; in reality… they were right. Rogue did have dealings with corporations, but not Militech, but Arasaka.
That's right, she personally blew up Arasaka, but then survived because of Arasaka.
The reason was this girl in front of her; she saved Rogue, this girl who… deceived the whole world.
Rogue said with a hint of respect, "I have something that might trouble you."
"Hmm… tell me," Michiko said softly.
Rogue began, "I recently discovered a mercenary named Jax. He grew up in the Moxes. His talent far surpasses most people I know; he's a genius.
But he's recently run into some trouble. Just two days ago, Arasaka took an interest in him, seemingly planning to capture him for cyberware experiments. So I came to you, Michiko. I hope you can help me with this."
Michiko rested her chin on her hand, listening quietly to Rogue. After Rogue finished speaking, she said,
"But my situation hasn't been good lately either. You know, my grandfather never really liked me, and my aunt and uncle also look down on me.
So I had to sneak off to Washington. Therefore, if he's truly useful to Arasaka, my words might not have any effect. My current position at Arasaka is very awkward."
Rogue was silent for a moment, looking at Michiko on the video. Then, Rogue suddenly said, "But what if… he could become the next Morgan Blackhand?"
"!"
On the video, the girl, who had been lazily sitting with her chin in her hand, immediately sat up straight, looking at Rogue. Michiko gave a smiling, beaming look and said, "Are you serious?"
"Jax doesn't have any high-end cyberware installed, but he possesses physical abilities comparable to someone with high-end cyberware.
His speed, reactions, and strength surpass everyone I know. And I only know one other guy like that, and that's Blackhand.
But Blackhand's situation is different from his. I know that bastard Blackhand too well. Everyone says he underwent genetic modification, but everyone knows that's bullshit.
Blackhand's excellence comes from his extraordinary experience and street smarts. Of course, Blackhand's physical abilities also far exceed ordinary people, but…
I believe that kid's future growth potential won't be inferior to Blackhand's."
Rogue said seriously.
Michiko's smile grew wider. She looked at Rogue and then said, "What if it doesn't match what you said? You know, Rogue, business is business. I'm never vague about that."
"I guarantee you, you absolutely won't regret investing in him," Rogue said, grinning. Rogue then said loudly,
"I'll stake my decades as a mercenary on this: if Jax fully develops, even Adam Smasher won't be his opponent."
"Heh heh…" Hearing the name Adam Smasher, Michiko smiled.
Many people didn't know that Michiko and Adam Smasher once had a relationship. That bodyguard, who now belonged to her uncle, used to be her bodyguard.
And Michiko did indeed need a legend to be her guard.
Outwardly, Michiko now belonged to Arasaka, but in reality… she had contact with various major corporations worldwide. To put her current actions in one sentence: public opinion hype, hedging bets, balancing power…
Let's just say that she is indeed a leading figure of the Arasaka doves, but at the same time, she also holds legal American citizenship.
And from time to time, she would go to the presidential palace to chat and drink tea with the current president, and also attend Militech parties…
In short, Michiko's behavior often made her a target for assassination. Although the squad members in the Jaguar Squad, like Moira and Tiger Girl, were excellent warriors, they… were still a long way from being legends.
Like, on the same level as Crispin beside Rogue?
So, if it was truly as Rogue said, then this guy named Jax… she was indeed interested.
"Tiger Girl, did you hear that?" Michiko looked at the camera and said.
"Boss, I heard," Tiger Girl said softly.
"I want his detailed information. Send it to me within an hour," Michiko ordered.
"Yes, I'll contact Xiangzi now," Tiger Girl replied.
"Then, let's continue our conversation, Rogue. Why do I feel like you've had some grievances with me lately?" After Tiger Girl left, Michiko gave a sweet smile, looking at Rogue.
Rogue's eyes moved, and she took a deep breath. She said, "I'm really too busy. With so many mercenaries under me,
I can't keep up with all the business and commissions every day, but I'm already handling the commissions you assigned."
"Is that so? That's wonderful. I thought you had forgotten."
"Anyway, Rogue, there's one thing you need to know. I've helped you a lot, whether it's a partnership or friendship, but these things should be mutual. You can't always demand things from me, and then when I come to you, you make all sorts of excuses to put me off." Michiko was still smiling, a sincere, lovely smile.
But the tone of her voice changed, "My patience isn't limitless, Rogue."
"Yes, I understand," Rogue nodded.
Her relationship with Michiko... it couldn't be explained in a few words. In short, Michiko was her protector and had also helped her with many things, such as... her son.
But some of the things Michiko put out, Rogue truly couldn't handle.
Is Night City big? Very big, it's an international metropolis.
But what level of person is Michiko?
The third-in-command at a top global corporation!
Even without mentioning Arasaka, just talking about Danger Girl, as a world-class detective agency, Rogue felt powerless just to be in charge of Danger Girl. So, how much more difficult would it be for matters that Michiko herself needed to personally instruct?
Therefore, for Rogue, sometimes it wasn't that she didn't want to, but that it was truly incredibly thorny...
Night City hadn't produced a top-tier Mercenary in many years. The small fry at Afterlife, they shouted slogans about taking down corporations, but ultimately, it was just about sneaking attacks on corporate stooges, or ambushing corporate transport routes...
It was completely different from what Rogue and her crew meant by 'taking down corporations' back in the day.
Therefore, this was also the reason why Rogue urgently needed Jax to invest in him. So, if Arasaka hadn't suddenly intervened... she really didn't want Michiko to know about Jax's existence.
Because if Michiko got involved, with her abilities and cunning, there was nothing she wanted that she couldn't get.
This is truly... fucked!
Damn corporations!
Rogue waited quietly, while in the video, Michiko also turned her chair, her back to the camera, and looked down at something.
Crispin reached to scratch his butt, but dared not make a sound, standing obediently beside Rogue, quiet as a three-hundred-pound child.
Until Michiko's voice broke the silence.
"Alright, I've finished looking."
Turning her chair, Michiko returned to the camera, her hands clasped under her chin, and she said with a smile:
"I need him to prove to me that he truly has the potential for me to pay for his actions.
So, I won't directly get involved in this. If he can't even resolve this kind of crisis, then he can't be a second Morgan Blackhand."
"But if he overcomes this difficulty, resolves the Tyger Claws crisis, and deals with the Fixer who planned this, the best answer, of course, would be for him to kill Tanaka. Then I will step in later."
"I will guarantee his safety in Night City."
Rogue listened and breathed a sigh of relief. This was already enough, because protecting Jax wasn't difficult; Rogue could handle it herself. But the problem was if Arasaka continued to target Jax later, then Rogue truly had no way to stop them.
But if Jax was Michiko's person... then Arasaka's people would have to think twice before trying to touch Jax.
But Michiko suddenly spoke again: "By the way, I don't want to see you involved in this matter."
Rogue was startled.
Michiko continued: "I want to see his capabilities."
"I understand," Rogue nodded.
She had done her absolute best.
So, Jax, it's up to you now.
Will you... give me a new surprise?
In Viktor's underground office in Watson District, Jax wrapped the items in a black cloth bag, picked it up, and looked at Viktor standing before him, saying earnestly, "Thanks, Viktor."
"You're welcome, but you needed it so urgently. Pilar still had many things she hadn't explained to me, so I couldn't perfect it. But for just using it... this Katana is definitely better than the one you used before," Viktor said with a smile.
"So, what exactly happened? Why did you come to me alone?" Viktor continued.
"..." Jax was silent for a moment, then said, "Something happened at home. Because it's a family matter, it's... not good to have Maine and the others come along."
"Gang business, right?" Viktor understood immediately.
His relationship with Jackie was incredibly close, so he knew all of Jackie's past. After becoming an Edgerunner, Jackie completely severed ties with the Valentinos.
Of course, he still had many good friends in private, because Jackie was loyal and well-liked.
But openly, Jackie truly couldn't interfere with gang affairs anymore.
Gangs are gangs, Mercenaries are Mercenaries. Gang members can take on some jobs privately, but most of the time, gang missions take priority. And Mercenaries?
Mercenaries can do jobs for gang members, but directly help gang members fight other gangs?
This clearly violated Mercenary principles, because Fixers rarely issue such missions, and even if they do, they'll phrase it differently.
Therefore, Viktor immediately understood Jax's situation.
He looked at Jax and said earnestly, "While I can understand your thoughts, Jax... I think you should ask for their opinions.
If Jackie knew you were doing this, he would be very angry, and Maine is the same type of person as Jackie.
You don't want to drag them into this, I understand. If it were me, I might make the same choice as you, thinking it would drag friends into trouble.
But Jax, as I've gotten older, I've found that many of the thoughts people have when they're young are actually quite foolish. Take friends, for example. What are friends, if not people who can pull you up when you're in trouble?"
Viktor said, then turned and walked towards his chair. After sitting down, he fiddled with his small TV, watching a boxing match.
Jax looked at Viktor's back, and the last thing he heard from Viktor was, "Alright, that's enough. It seems I really am getting old; I talk too much. Just listen casually, anyway... take care of yourself, Jax."
The man walked on the streets of Watson District. Jax moved through the crowd, carrying the black cloth bag on his back, quietly heading towards Tyger Claws territory.
What Viktor said, actually... after thinking about it carefully, Jax believed it made sense.
Was he being a bit too melodramatic?
However, Maine and the others truly had no connection to the Moxes. Involving them in this would bring big trouble to Maine's future, and he had already emphasized to Maine that one day, Jax would return to the Moxes.
The Mercenary life... was not Jax's everything.
Besides, if a Mercenary suddenly jumped into a gang war, and did so without any conditions, what would the Fixers and clients think?
Mercenaries are a group of people who shouldn't take sides, a group who work for whoever gives them a job. But if they join a gang conflict, then when taking future jobs, if a client hears from a Fixer that the job is for Maine and his crew, wouldn't the chance of them backing out be very high?
After all, can a Mercenary with a stance and their own ideas still be considered a useful tool in Night City?
Forget it...
Why am I thinking so much?
He gave a self-deprecating laugh, and Jax looked up at the sky. Under the dazzling sunlight, Jax squinted his eyes.
The Moxes were his home. He would not run away, no matter what. Forget fighting the Tyger Claws, even if it meant fighting Adam Smasher, Jax would go.
What's the big deal? Jax had already killed so many people. The worst that could happen is getting killed.
More than death, Jax feared regret.
He was afraid of regretting, because that was his... only anchor in Night City. If the Moxes were truly gone, then Jax would become a rootless person.
He was already out of place in this world, and if he lost his last connection, he didn't think he would avoid going mad in this world full of lunatics.
So...
What is there to fear?
A person always needs something to fight and take risks for.
Thinking this, Jax's steps suddenly stopped.
[Ding—Special Mission Issued]
[Accept Special Mission (My Heart on Fire) Accept/Decline]
[Special Mission (My Heart on Fire) Accepted.]
Jax looked at the mission log. Good, finally someone appeared who approved of his idiotic idea.
[My Heart on Fire]
· Danger Level: High · Mission: The home you cherish is being destroyed because of you. Tyger Claws, Arasaka, Fixers, Mercenaries are all eyeing it greedily. Susie Q's decision, Rogue's warning, Viktor's reminder...
Damn it, everyone seems to be telling you to calm down, to think carefully, not to act rashly. But clearly, you've already made your decision, haven't you?
· Mission Reward: 1 Free Attribute Point, 1 Weapon Enhancement Point Effect.
· Description: Violence, oppression, concealment, betrayal... none of this is a big deal in Night City, but you always can't stand these rotten things. Damn it, it's not right for them to be taken for granted, is it?
Everyone seems to be telling you to make a rational choice, to calm down and think carefully, to choose to avoid the sharp edge, to retreat and leave as the correct path.
But why should you stay calm? And why should you avoid the sharp edge? Cyberpunk, cyberpunk, is the important part 'cyber'? No, it's 'punk'!
Hiding and cowering, what kind of punk is that?
It's time to openly mock those damn metalheads! You are different from them! The blood vessels in your body are not prosthetic plastic tubes, and what flows in your blood vessels is certainly not engine oil!
So, go burn it all down!
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