Chapter 241 - 243
Chapter 241: Unacceptable
Boom!
A deafening explosion thundered across the battlefield as a towering figure slowly rose from the smoke.
“ROAR!!!”
A terrifying shockwave rippled outward, instantly blowing the dust away. Apocalypse’s massive form came fully into view, and the Idaho State troops turned pale with fear.
On the battlefields against the New United States, this beast had already carved out a brutal reputation. Facing such a monster without the slightest preparation—everyone knew how that would end.
“No one retreats! Hold the line and push forward!!!”
The Idaho commander roared, his face flushed red.
“Anyone who falls back will be treated as a deserter and executed under military law!!!”
But instead of igniting their fighting spirit, the order only deepened the panic.
The device mounted on Apocalypse’s body was amplifying the fear of anyone facing him head-on to an extreme degree.
“ROAR!!!”
With another thunderous howl, Maine drove Apocalypse straight into Idaho’s formation, charging like a high-speed tank tearing through infantry.
Soldiers, armored vehicles—anything in his path—meant nothing before Apocalypse’s razor-sharp claws.
“Advance. With Apocalypse ripping open their formation, there’s no need for complicated tactics.”
Marshall watched the battlefield with a blank expression as he gave the order.
“Yes.”
The adjutant beside him nodded coolly and relayed the command.
Soon, a long line of steel appeared on the horizon. It stretched farther and farther, until it became a surging torrent of metal. Silver-white mechanical bodies gleamed under the sunlight.
The Idaho forces, already shattered by Apocalypse’s breach, had no strength left to deal with the approaching PROJECT mechanical legion.
As the cold machines drew closer, despair filled the soldiers’ eyes.
Then the steel tide swallowed them whole.
Wherever it passed, defensive lines collapsed instantly—without even a ripple of resistance.
Just as the command center realized something was wrong and prepared to withdraw, a dark figure descended from the sky.
The unit’s commander widened his combat-enhanced eyes, frantically scanning his surroundings, but found nothing.
Suddenly—
An orange blade flashed from his blind spot.
Shhk—
A semicircular arc of orange light exploded outward, cleaving everything around it cleanly in half.
Yasuo extended a hand and caught the commander’s severed head with perfect precision. He removed the chip from behind the man’s ear, then casually tossed the head aside.
“Decapitation complete. Take over the battlefield.”
As his voice fell, shadows leapt from the ranks of PROJECT’s forces, landing deep within Idaho’s rear lines. Each one was a combat robot with extremely powerful individual combat capabilities.
A single unit was enough to wipe out a well-trained military squad. Tireless. Unafraid of pain. Fighting until total destruction.
Under such pressure, Idaho’s forces collapsed. Large-scale routs began almost immediately.
As for the earlier threat of military law…
With the commander already dead, who was left to enforce it?
“Do we pursue?”
Yasuo walked slowly to Marshall’s side and asked.
“No need. We secure the city in front of us, convert it as quickly as possible, and use it as a bridgehead to continue advancing into the rest of Idaho.”
“Understood.”
Yasuo nodded. He had no objections—Marshall was the overall commander of this operation.
“And Apocalypse?”
“He should have calmed down by now. Suppressing the bloodlust takes time. If necessary, activate his Carnage mode—so Maine doesn’t get overwhelmed by it.”
“Agreed.”
Marshall accepted the suggestion and turned his attention back to the battlefield.
...
“What did you say?! Nearly fifty thousand mechanized troops?! And every single one equipped with energy weapons?!”
Myers shot to her feet, staring at the secretary in disbelief.
“Yes, ma’am. Our satellites observed PROJECT forces deploying from Nevada. We suspect this may not even be the full strength of the expedition.”
“And… I think you need to see this.”
The secretary brought up a photo and handed it over.
Myers took it. As she focused on the image, her pupils slowly contracted.
The photograph showed five cities in Nevada. At their center was a massive opening—like a yawning abyss devouring everything around it.
The image was slightly blurry, but she could still make out metal walls and intricate metallic walkways beneath that enormous maw.
“This… what exactly is this…”
Her eyes grew distant. It was the first time since taking office that she had visibly lost her composure.
After a moment, she drew a deep breath and forced herself to calm down, though her expression turned grim.
“I thought a few months was a short time. I never imagined they could develop to this extent in just a few months.”
“What are you planning to do?”
The secretary asked cautiously.
Myers fell silent. After a long pause, she gestured for the secretary to leave. She needed time alone.
Of course she wanted to eliminate PROJECT once and for all.
But the New United States was not hers alone. The presidency was coveted by more than one faction, and even within Militech, unity was far from absolute.
The rest of the country was tired of war.
To put it bluntly—she had no more leverage left.
“Damn it…”
...
Chapter 242: The Mastermind
Myers rested her chin on her hands, carefully weighing her options. If she managed to persuade the others to continue the war, how exactly would she deal with PROJECT Corporation, which had been developing unchecked for months?
They knew almost nothing about PROJECT’s progress during that time. The information blockade around it was airtight—like a wall that didn’t let a single draft slip through.
And even if they pushed to continue the war, they would need leverage—something compelling enough to win support. For example…
“For example, we find a way to make those neutral Free States ask us for help.”
At that thought, Myers’ eyes lit up.
If those Free States formally requested aid from the New United States, then after defeating PROJECT, they could justifiably keep their troops stationed there. From there, it wouldn’t be difficult to expand the New United States’ territorial control and reclaim more land.
Once she made up her mind, she acted immediately. She called in her secretary and instructed her to convene a high-level meeting at once.
Before long, the top figures of the New United States gathered in the conference room. Many didn’t attend in person, sending only holographic projections.
“Myers, I’m busy. You’d better give me a reason to be here.”
A tall elderly man frowned and spoke bluntly. He was a major shareholder of Militech and a heavyweight within the legislative branch of the New United States government.
With the Unification War drawing to a close, everyone was busy carving up the remaining spoils. If Myers weren’t President—and politically formidable at that—they wouldn’t have bothered showing up.
The others said nothing about the old man’s attitude, but the looks they cast at Myers made their dissatisfaction clear.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have an important matter that requires your support.”
Myers ignored their expressions and rose to speak.
“PROJECT Corporation has launched a war against a neutral Free State. I believe this is an exceptional opportunity. If we can persuade the neutral states to request our assistance, we stand to expand our interests across this land.”
“Objection. This is a meaningless war. And if we fail, who pays the price? You… or us?”
A woman with glasses seated opposite Myers raised her hand, her tone calm and detached.
“They’ve only attacked one state, and we don’t even know how the battle is going. That state’s government isn’t stupid—they’ll ask nearby Free States for help. There’s no need for us to intervene.”
The man beside her leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.
Myers wasn’t surprised. These two had always opposed her. They’d already made their gains in the Unification War; another conflict simply wasn’t worth it to them.
Especially after seeing PROJECT’s combat capabilities. A direct confrontation carried risks that far outweighed the potential returns.
Myers ignored them and turned her gaze to the elderly man who had spoken first. His gains in the Unification War had been limited—and she knew he wasn’t easily satisfied.
“I support Myers’ proposal. PROJECT has repeatedly provoked us. Now that the Unification War is nearly over, the Free State Alliance is nothing more than a few grasshoppers after autumn. There’s no need to worry too much.”
As soon as he finished speaking, members of his faction voiced their agreement. Myers gave a subtle signal to her own faction.
In moments, support for her proposal climbed close to half—but then stalled. In fact, the anti-war faction slightly outnumbered them. After all, those who had already eaten their fill made up the majority.
Everything now hinged on the neutral faction.
The anti-war camp already felt victory was assured. The neutrals almost always abstained.
Myers’ expression darkened. She wanted to curse them as shortsighted fools, blind to the threat PROJECT posed.
The leader of the neutral faction glanced at her. A strange flicker passed through his eyes before he slowly raised his hand.
“I support Myers’ proposal.”
“What?!”
The anti-war members exploded, glaring at him.
The neutral faction simply closed their eyes, adopting an air of indifference—say what you like, we won’t respond.
A faint smile spread across Myers’ face.
“Seems there are still more sensible people in this world.”
The anti-war faction let out cold snorts but said nothing more. The decision was settled. There was no point embarrassing themselves further.
Besides… just because the decision had passed didn’t mean they couldn’t obstruct things later.
Put in real effort? Not a chance.
...
After the meeting ended, Myers immediately contacted Fidel, who was overseeing operations in Night City. He was the commander of the New United States forces stationed there, leading an entire division to pressure the city government.
As a member of Myers’ faction, Fidel was well aware of her intentions in Night City.
“President Myers, your orders?”
Fidel saluted crisply.
“I want the situation in Night City resolved as quickly as possible. Then return to the New United States and join the main force preparing to move into Idaho.”
Myers didn’t waste time.
“…Understood. And the BARGHEST unit?”
“Have them launch a large-scale offensive into Pacifica. Take it as quickly as possible. Then let Arasaka move in and formally station forces in Night City. Don’t let this drag on any longer.”
“Understood. I’ll make the arrangements immediately.”
After the call ended, Fidel issued orders to his adjutant: provide BARGHEST with maximum armament support and launch a full-scale assault on Pacifica at midnight, rattling the already fragile nerves of Night City’s government.
Upon receiving orders, the New United States military moved like a precision machine. Equipment poured into Pacifica—mechs, armored vehicles, electromagnetic weapons, drones, exoskeleton armor, armed AVs.
At this point, Myers had adjusted her plan.
She would back BARGHEST in taking Pacifica, force Arasaka to react, and then withdraw from Pacifica altogether.
Of course, that didn’t mean abandoning BARGHEST—especially after supplying them with large amounts of equipment. That was, provided they remained obedient.
What Myers didn’t realize was just how hard a bone Hansen was.
If BARGHEST simply walked away from Pacifica after capturing it, they would gain nothing they actually wanted. They had no faith that the higher-ups would still award them military merits.
And in that scenario, they would likely be broken up and reassigned to different units.
...
Chapter 243: Vigilance
Inside Night City’s municipal government building, Lucius stared at the intelligence report in his hands, sweat beading on his forehead. The New United States forces stationed outside Night City had already reached twenty thousand.
In its current state, Night City had no hope of resisting an army of that size. If the city wanted to preserve its independence, a powerful force would have to step in and resolve the crisis.
The first name that came to Lucius’s mind was… PROJECT.
“Well? Have you made contact with them?”
Lucius looked at his secretary, unable to hide his unease.
Although he had a solid relationship with Arasaka, when it came to this matter, he chose PROJECT Corporation instead.
After all… on this land, PROJECT had demonstrated strength that clearly surpassed Arasaka.
If he asked Arasaka for help, there was no telling how many troops they could actually send. Better to be practical.
“We’ve made contact! They’ve agreed to open a channel!”
“Good!”
Relief flashed across Lucius’s face. He quickly straightened his suit and steadied his breathing, forcing himself to calm down so he wouldn’t appear flustered.
...
At PROJECT Corporation, Roland’s expression turned distinctly strange when he received the request for communication from Lucius.
He had assumed Lucius would seek help from Arasaka. He hadn’t expected him to come directly to him.
That was genuinely unexpected.
“Councilor Lucius, I have to admit—I didn’t think you’d come to me.”
Roland looked at him with a faint smile, relaxed and composed.
“Haha, not at all. Mr. Roland, as the head of PROJECT Corporation and Night City’s most important supporter, I’ve long wanted to pay you a visit. I simply never had the time.”
Lucius smiled warmly, his tone thick with flattery.
“Let’s skip the pleasantries. What do you want?”
Roland didn’t bother entertaining small talk and went straight to the point.
Seeing that, Lucius dropped the formal tone. His expression turned bitter.
“Mr. Roland, you’re aware of the situation. The New United States forces outside Night City are close to taking Pacifica. This…”
“I know. But what does that have to do with me? If you understand PROJECT at all, Councilor Lucius, you should know our core foundation isn’t in Night City.”
Roland raised an eyebrow, sounding completely unconcerned.
Lucius fell silent.
It was the truth. Everyone knew PROJECT Corporation’s influence in Nevada. The state was practically their backyard. From there, their products radiated outward in every direction. They were even engaged in open conflict with Idaho.
“Mr. Roland, I won’t hide it from you. I want to preserve Night City’s current independence. That’s been my political goal for years. I truly want this city to develop and thrive.”
This time, Lucius sighed and spoke with genuine sincerity.
“I don’t care about that,” Roland replied flatly. “I only care about what you can offer me.”
“…Anything you want, I’ll give it to you—as long as it’s within my power.”
“Good. I’ll help you. In return, I need you to assist PROJECT Corporation in taking Pacifica and Santo Domingo.”
“This…”
“Relax. We’ll push you into the position of Mayor of Night City. And Night Corp will back you.”
Lucius’s pupils contracted sharply.
He was well aware of Night Corp—but he had never imagined they were cooperating with PROJECT at such a deep level.
After another brief exchange, Roland ended the call, a smile tugging at his lips.
Lucius coming to him had been unexpected.
But when meat delivers itself to your doorstep, why wouldn’t you eat?
Especially when it’s a feast.
Originally, if Lucius had gone to Arasaka as usual, Roland had intended to let things play out and even give Arasaka some face—just to keep Arasaka and Militech fighting each other.
Now?
If Arasaka still wanted to establish a foothold in Night City, they’d have to bleed for it.
As for the supercarrier?
Please.
He’d lay it out plainly for Arasaka: Apocalypse was stationed in Night City. If their supercarrier dared sail in, he’d drop Maine straight onto its deck.
As for Pacifica, his plans had changed.
He had originally considered keeping Hansen around to observe the situation. Now? He might as well flatten the place entirely—and while he was at it, link it up with Santo Domingo for full redevelopment.
That area would become PROJECT’s primary industrial zone within Night City.
As for the former Arasaka Waterfront District…
If they wanted it, they could pay.
Negotiating the price down? Impossible.
Original price? Also impossible.
Premium purchase only. Actually—no purchase. At most, they could lease it.
What if Arasaka flipped the table?
Come on. This is Night City, not Tokyo.
Better take a look at who’s really in charge here.
“Oh, right. How are the talks with Kang Tao going?”
Roland suddenly remembered the earlier matter and asked.
“We’re close to finalizing it. Kang Tao has agreed to let us establish a branch company there. In return, they want us to send technical personnel to guide them in upgrading their electromagnetic technology and smart firearm technology.”
Roland scratched his head.
For some reason, a strong sense of déjà vu smacked him in the face.
But he quickly dismissed it. The conditions weren’t excessive. They could simply agree.
“Boss, there’s movement from the New United States forces outside Pacifica.”
“Hm?”
Roland narrowed his eyes.
Vigilant.
Author's Note
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