The figure of Apocalypse crashed into the ground, kicking up a massive cloud of dust. A huge slab of earth—flimsy as paper under his claws—was ripped free and flung into the air. The soil beneath the pavement rolled like waves, surging outward and swallowing everything nearby.
Another roar erupted as terrifying energy rippled in all directions. Under the immense force, the ground split apart in spiderweb-like cracks.
Thud!
With a dull impact, Apocalypse leapt into the air. His hands curled slightly before he slammed down again.
Boom!
The instant he landed, a pinpoint of blue light flared into existence. The surrounding energy suddenly compressed toward it, then detonated outward in a violent blast. In a heartbeat, blinding blue radiance swallowed everything in its path.
Just by making his entrance, Apocalypse had already caused casualties approaching several hundred personnel and more than a dozen heavily armored combat vehicles.
At the same time, he spread raw fear through the battlefield. The New United States forces instantly lost control. Driven by instinct, soldiers scattered in all directions, completely abandoning their formations.
"Everyone, hold the line! Maintain discipline—unless you want to die faster!!"
Hansen roared over the comms, issuing rapid orders for his BARGHEST unit to regroup immediately. He instructed them to ignore Apocalypse at the center of the battlefield.
All they needed to do was push straight toward the rear.
Meanwhile, Maine had already charged out from the epicenter of the energy blast. His terrifying claws lashed toward the soldiers, the hazy blue energy talons slicing through anything in their path without the slightest resistance.
He tore through the ranks like a runaway truck, carving out a bloody path.
...
"Sir, what do we do now?"
Higashiyama Ryoichi's aide turned abruptly, his face tight with anxiety.
Higashiyama Ryoichi himself was momentarily at a loss. He rubbed his face hard, then waved a hand.
"Keep contacting headquarters. Request further instructions."
When Arasaka Headquarters received Higashiyama Ryoichi's updated report and learned that Apocalypse had arrived, they fell into silence.
Ryuichi Arasaka did not hesitate for long. He quickly made his decision.
"Contact Roland Vimers, head of PROJECT corp, immediately. As for the carrier and fleet, hold position for now… No. I'll handle this personally."
After giving the order, Ryuichi Arasaka let out a quiet sigh and instructed his secretary to connect the call.
"Boss, there's a comms request from Arasaka Headquarters. Should I patch it through?"
Lissandra turned to Roland.
"Put it through. I'd like to see what they're planning."
Roland nodded slightly, watching the projection point with interest.
A flash of blue light later, Ryuichi Arasaka and his entourage were projected before him.
"Mr. Roland Vimers, this appears to be our first meeting. Allow me a brief introduction. I am—"
"No need. I'm not interested in your introduction. Get to the point."
Roland waved him off, impatience clear on his face.
Ryuichi Arasaka's expression stiffened. One hand behind his back quietly clenched into a fist, but he quickly composed himself and continued evenly.
"Arasaka wishes to re-establish our presence in Night City. Additionally, our fleet intends to use Night City as a harbor. Naturally, we are prepared to offer compensation that will satisfy you."
"Of course. I'd be more than happy to welcome my allies back to Night City."
Roland spread his hands with a bright smile.
The senior Arasaka executives visibly brightened—only to freeze the next second.
"However… I don't like people parking things at my doorstep. So your fleet will not be approaching."
"Mr. Roland, that's impossible. Our interests require tangible safeguards. We cannot afford a repeat of what happened previously in Night City, so—"
Bang!
A sudden explosive sound cut Ryuichi Arasaka off mid-sentence. He looked up to meet Roland's cold gaze.
"I'm not negotiating with you, dear Ryuichi Arasaka. I'm informing you. You should know very well who calls the shots in Night City now—and who even allows you to speak. If you refuse, then Arasaka shouldn't expect to enter Night City at all."
"Trust me. You don't want to see him dropping onto your aircraft carrier."
Roland pointed toward Apocalypse, who was still slaughtering his way across the battlefield, and the PROJECT mechanized forces methodically cleaning up behind him.
Ryuichi Arasaka's expression darkened to the extreme. Even so, he suppressed his anger. After taking a slow breath, he spoke in a restrained tone.
"I need to report this."
Roland raised an eyebrow and made a casual gesture for him to proceed before temporarily cutting the connection.
Whoosh—
The moment the line disconnected, the Arasaka executives erupted into heated shouting—more accurately, furious cursing.
"Who does he think he is, the Prime Minister of the European Space Agency?!"
"Damn PROJECT corp—they're completely out of line! We have to teach them a lesson!!"
"Agreed! Have the fleet fire missiles immediately! Even if Night City is destroyed, we can rebuild it!!"
"Enough! He was standing right in front of you just now, and none of you dared say a word! Stop pretending to vent your cowardice here!!"
Ryuichi Arasaka roared and slammed his fist onto the table. The room fell silent instantly.
Ignoring the group, he directly contacted Saburo Arasaka for instructions.
As for Saburo Arasaka's response…
After hearing Roland's position, his expression did not change. He thought briefly, then nodded.
"Agree to their demands. Have part of the fleet withdraw. The remainder will stay in those waters to establish maritime liaison points and docking stations."
Ryuichi Arasaka bowed slightly.
"Understood."
Though he did not fully understand Saburo Arasaka's reasoning, he would not question it. He would execute it.
"Looks like you've made up your minds."
Roland smiled as the connection resumed.
Ryuichi Arasaka remained expressionless.
"Lord Saburo has agreed to your conditions. We will also fulfill our previous commitments."
"No. That's no longer sufficient."
"Roland Vimers!!"
This time, Ryuichi Arasaka finally snapped, glaring at him.
"Don't push your luck!!!"
"You don't have the leverage to refuse me."
Roland delivered the simple truth with a mild smile.
Ryuichi Arasaka deflated like a punctured balloon, slumping back in his chair, eyes dull.
"…Go on."
At that, a sincere smile returned to Roland's face.
...
If you'd like to support my work and unlock advanced chapters, you can follow me on p-@-treon.
p-@-treon/GhostParser (40 Chapters Ahead)
You can also follow as a free member to read a few advanced chapters.