Chapter 243 - 244
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.
...
Chapter 244: Old Bastard
“What’s going on?”
“The New United States forces stationed outside Pacifica have suddenly mobilized. They’re moving massive amounts of weapons and equipment into the interior, and reinforcements are being funneled in nonstop.”
Roland narrowed his eyes.
From what he knew, the New United States would eventually launch Operation Midnight Storm, seize Pacifica in one decisive strike, and then withdraw after Arasaka’s sudden intervention.
So this… was it Midnight Storm?
He couldn’t say for certain. But whatever the case, he needed to respond.
“The Night City government forces have already reached Pacifica, right?”
“Yes. Defensive lines are in place. With our support, they’ve quickly established several heavy weapons positions.”
“Hmm… Inform Zed. Cancel their original plan. I need them to infiltrate the New United States–occupied zones and gather intelligence.”
“Understood. Anything else?”
“Let me think… Recall Apocalypse from Idaho. The situation there has opened up. The PROJECT squads can handle it now. Transfer Chris over—he’s better suited to command this front.”
Lissandra nodded slightly to indicate compliance, then vanished from Roland’s sight.
Still, something about the New United States’ actions felt off to him.
He just couldn’t put his finger on it.
Then suddenly, a spark of realization flashed through his mind.
They were moving too fast. And they weren’t even trying to hide it.
It was practically an open declaration: We’re attacking Pacifica. If you don’t want it to fall, come stop us.
But the original Midnight Storm had been a covert midnight strike—a surprise assault, not a loud frontal advance.
“So why are they in such a hurry…”
...
“Infiltrate the New United States forces in Night City and obtain internal intelligence… Understood. I’ll handle it personally. No room for error.”
Zed received Lissandra’s message and nodded.
He immediately issued orders to Shadow Stream: all members were to pull back and secure headquarters. All external operations were suspended for now.
V, who had just finished fighting a BARGHEST squad, also received Zed’s message. Though confused, she didn’t question it and returned straight to headquarters.
“Sir, did something happen?”
“Yes. Get ready. You’re coming with me.”
Zed glanced at her and made the decision on the spot.
“Huh?”
V had just set her weapon down, expecting a break. She stared at him blankly.
Zed simply waved for her to follow.
With a resigned look, V grabbed her gear and hurried after him.
...
After receiving the transfer order, Chris nodded. He called Jackie over for a brief word, then boarded an armed AV and left Night City.
As the aircraft passed over the New United States forces stationed outside the city, Chris glanced down.
The troops were busy preparing for battle—but part of the force wasn’t gearing up. They were loading supplies.
His eyes narrowed.
“Activate the Jellyfish System. Don’t let them detect us.”
“Understood.”
Chris departed Pacifica. Another PROJECT commander took his place. The overall strategy remained unchanged—they would hold the line against the New United States.
Jackie’s squad received new orders as well. Together with other units preparing to deploy, they began setting traps throughout the urban area—primarily EMP devices and landmines, along with graphite bombs rigged between high-rise buildings.
...
“Hansen. Orders from above. You’re needed.”
Yuri pushed aside the tent flap and stepped inside.
“Got it. I’ll head over.”
Hansen stood immediately and made his way to the command center, where Fidel’s projection stood at the center of the room.
“Commander Fidel. What’s the assignment?”
“Headquarters has issued orders. You’re to lead the assault against the Night City and PROJECT forces stationed in Pacifica. Don’t worry—you won’t be the only unit involved. You’ll simply act as the vanguard.”
Fidel nodded as he spoke.
Hansen’s face remained expressionless, but his fists clenched tightly.
“Understood. I’ll lead the attack.”
“Good. Your contributions will be remembered after this operation.”
Fidel smiled with satisfaction, offered a few perfunctory words of encouragement, and ended the transmission.
The moment the projection vanished, Hansen let out a cold chuckle, eyes narrowing.
He could more or less guess what Fidel and the higher-ups were thinking.
BARGHEST had always followed his command above all else. Their loyalty to upper command was… secondary at best.
That undoubtedly made some people uncomfortable.
Sending BARGHEST in as the spearhead of the first major clash?
Smelled like an attempt to weaken them.
As for Fidel’s promises—Hansen didn’t take them seriously.
He was already a colonel. Fidel’s rank was only slightly higher. What exactly could that promise offer him?
“Just trying to suppress BARGHEST’s influence…”
Hansen frowned as he walked out of the command room.
If that were the only goal, there were better ways to do it. He wasn’t fully convinced.
In reality, Myers’ plan was far more deliberate.
She intended for BARGHEST to take heavy losses, weaken Hansen’s standing, then transfer him away. After that, she would attempt to pull him into her own faction.
She appreciated his ability.
What she didn’t like was his personality.
Ambitious, yet loyal. Stubborn to the core. Once he decided on something, he wouldn’t budge.
So she needed to grind him down first.
Temper him.
Make him easier to use.
“Hansen, what’s the situation?”
Yuri asked as Hansen stepped outside.
“Headquarters wants us to lead the assault on Night City.”
“What?! Just us?!”
“Yes.”
Yuri’s face darkened.
If the goal was to reduce casualties and maximize combat effectiveness, joint operations between units would make far more sense. Different teams specialized in different roles.
Deploying only BARGHEST as the vanguard?
That was deliberate.
BARGHEST had never been used as frontline shock troops before. They usually operated as special forces or served as the core firepower unit mid-battle.
“What do we do?”
“Follow orders.”
Hansen glanced at Yuri, fully aware of what he was thinking—but he didn’t voice it.
His decision was calm and final.
...
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