PROJECT drones cruised low over Pacifica, scanning the district for any remaining New United States forces.
The civilians who had survived the battle kept their distance from the drones. They had no idea whether these machines meant them harm, and none of them were willing to gamble on it.
Bennett and Lindell, who had managed to escape earlier, were eventually captured by a PROJECT squad and eliminated. With that, all the core figures of Dogtown perished in this battle.
The only one left alive was the military doctor, Farida. It had to be said—her luck was exceptional. Roland had completely forgotten that she was technically a member of BARGHEST.
After Dogtown was established, Farida had never joined Hansen's inner circle. Her loyalty had never been to Hansen, but to the New United States.
"What are you planning to do with Pacifica?"
Lucy appeared beside Roland and couldn't help asking.
"Hmm… commercial redevelopment, most likely. It'll probably become residential and entertainment districts. A city this large can't be turned entirely into factories. The damage is serious, but there's still a foundation to build on."
"And the original residents?"
Lucy looked at him curiously.
"They're still labor. I'll give them opportunities. What that looks like will depend on the choices they make."
Roland glanced at her calmly.
Lucy nodded and didn't press further. She moved aside to rest. Out of sympathy for the civilians caught in the crossfire, she had wanted to help. Now that she knew Roland's intentions, she had nothing more to say.
"Lissandra, how's V doing?"
"The training results are excellent. She has fully adapted to real combat and can now operate independently."
As she spoke, Lissandra projected footage of V in battle. After watching it, Roland nodded in satisfaction.
"Have V get ready. I've prepared the corresponding cyberware upgrades for her."
"Understood. I'll notify her."
"And send Zed and the other PROJECT squads to Idaho to join the fighting. Apocalypse alone is enough for Night City."
"Received."
After wrapping up Pacifica's follow-up matters, Roland received a call from Lucius.
Lucius wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Thank you sincerely for your help."
"No need. It's simply our transaction. As promised, we'll make sure you become mayor of Night City. With support from our company and Night Corp, your election is already a certainty."
Lucius nodded vigorously. With Night City's two strongest powers backing him, if he still couldn't win… they might as well replace him with anyone.
At that point, even a complete nobody could become mayor.
"By the way, Mr. Vimers, about the Arasaka fleet outside Night City—"
"No need to worry. We've reached an agreement with them. They won't dock for long. They're only here to transport supplies and personnel to establish Arasaka's Night City branch."
Lucius nodded obediently.
"Also, I need you to contact the councilor in charge of the northern district. Have him lease part of the area to Arasaka."
"I understand. I'll handle it immediately."
...
At that moment, Councilor Smith, who oversaw the northern district, was in communication with Higashiyama Ryoichi.
"Mr. Higashiyama, I've fulfilled my end of the deal. So your promise—"
"Councilor Smith, there's no need to rush. We will honor our commitment. But it will take time. Our people have only just arrived in Night City. Our intelligence network and influence haven't been established yet."
Higashiyama Ryoichi's expression remained calm, though inwardly he was furious. After all, they had promised to help Smith become mayor. Given the current situation… that was clearly no longer possible.
Smith frowned. He didn't quite believe him.
"Then perhaps Mr. Higashiyama could show a bit of sincerity?"
"What do you want?"
Higashiyama Ryoichi agreed without hesitation. Until a formal contract was signed, stabilizing the other party was the priority.
"I want you to eliminate some of my competitors. For example—Lucius Lane."
A flicker of shock passed through Higashiyama Ryoichi's mind, though his face didn't change.
"No problem. I'll arrange it. But it will have to wait until our people finish their current tasks in Night City."
"Naturally."
Smith's brows relaxed, a smile returning to his face.
Just then, a call from Lucius came through.
The sudden timing made Smith's heart skip a beat, but he quickly calmed down. No one else could possibly know about his conversation with Higashiyama Ryoichi.
"Councilor Smith, long time no see."
Lucius smiled warmly.
"Councilor Lucius. What brings this sudden call?"
Smith returned a polite, artificial smile.
"To be frank, the people backing me want you to agree to something."
"What is it?"
Smith didn't refuse outright.
"They want you to approve Arasaka's request to lease land in your district."
"Lease?"
Smith's expression turned strange. He had agreed to sell Arasaka land-use rights. Lease? What was going on? Was there something he didn't know?
"Yes. That's their instruction."
Lucius nodded.
"And who exactly are these backers of yours?"
"PROJECT Corporation and Night Corp."
Smith inhaled sharply.
But he quickly connected the dots. After a brief shift in expression, he broke into a bright smile.
"No problem at all. I'll approve Arasaka's request. Afterward, I'll be counting on you, Councilor Lucius."
"Haha, of course."
Lucius laughed and ended the call.
Smith's expression turned cold and calculating.
He immediately dialed Higashiyama Ryoichi back.
Now that he knew Arasaka had failed to outmaneuver PROJECT and Night Corp, their previous deal was effectively void. With PROJECT and Night Corp backing Lucius, Smith could already see the outcome of the mayoral race.
Which meant—
Now it was his turn to squeeze Arasaka for a hefty sum.
...
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