"Boss, you mean you want to upgrade all of us to the level of the PROJECT Squad?"
"That's right. You can understand it that way."
Roland nodded.
"Of course, you can refuse. I'm asking now because I want to hear your thoughts. I've always been generous with my own people."
The group exchanged glances, each clearly seeing the excitement in the others' eyes. No one could deny the overwhelming power of the PROJECT Squad—especially since they had fought alongside them on the battlefield before.
Though calling it "fighting together" might be generous… it was more like they had been carried through the mission by the PROJECT Squad the entire time without even needing to act.
"Oh right, I almost forgot to introduce you. The one standing next to me is Lucy."
"What?!"
The first to lose her composure wasn't Jackie or the others—it was Rebecca.
Rebecca, who had been sitting there deep in thought, suddenly widened her eyes and rushed straight toward Lucy. Planting her hands on her hips, she leaned in close and started inspecting Lucy up and down.
She even tilted her head and got so close that she was practically pressing her face against Lucy's.
Lucy finally reached out, blocked Rebecca's face with her hand, and pushed her away.
"You're too close. And I still haven't settled things with you for calling me an old lady earlier."
Lucy brushed her hair back helplessly as she spoke.
"Ahem… that was an accident! I didn't know it was you!"
Rebecca suddenly looked embarrassed.
"By the way… do PROJECT modifications really cause changes this big?"
Jackie couldn't help but look Lucy up and down as well.
"Not necessarily. It also depends on your compatibility with cyberware. Different compatibility levels lead to different modification directions. Of course… if your compatibility isn't high enough and you force the use of modified cyberware, there's only one outcome."
Roland shook his head as he explained.
"So… boss, you had your eye on us from the beginning?"
"Indeed."
Roland snapped his fingers and smiled.
"I was wondering why someone like Jhin, who was already famous back then, would suddenly invite us."
Jackie showed a helpless expression, but quickly regained a serious look.
"In that case… I'm willing to accept the modification."
Falco, Pilar, and Rebecca exchanged glances before nodding as well.
Jessica, however, quietly stayed silent in tacit understanding.
"As for Jessica… unfortunately, you don't have the necessary qualifications. But I'll arrange some powerful cyberware for you."
Roland glanced at her as he spoke.
Jessica immediately looked both surprised and flattered.
"Oh, right. Pilar, the 'friends' inside your body will probably need to be replaced."
"Huh? No way, boss… I just finally got along with them…"
Pilar immediately made a miserable face.
Roland simply ignored his complaint.
"Well then, that matter is settled. Let's talk about something else."
Roland tapped the table.
The next thing he wanted to ask would actually be better discussed with Lissandra, but he had been bored lately and came out for a walk to relax.
Calling Jackie and the others was originally just to resolve some lingering issues from the past. Since they were already here, he might as well handle everything at once.
"Go ahead, boss."
Jackie spoke first.
"What's the current situation with the gangs in Night City?"
The group exchanged looks before explaining what they knew.
The northern part of the city was now largely controlled by the Mox. As for the other gangs, their territories hadn't changed much.
However, since PROJECT security forces had gradually expanded throughout Night City, those gangs had become much more restrained.
That said, the usual conflicts were still common, and protection fees were still being collected as usual.
The only exceptions were areas close to PROJECT patrol routes—but rent in those districts was extremely expensive.
At the same time, some Militech influence still remained in Night City, and now a new Arasaka presence had appeared as well.
After listening to their report, Roland began thinking about something.
Should he change the current ecosystem of Night City?
In other words—should he break the city's "free" atmosphere, and disrupt the delicate balance between civilians, gangs, corporations, and the government?
Doing so would actually be very simple.
He could just let PROJECT take over the entire city directly.
Agas City next door was a perfect example. Though now, it was gradually being transformed into Lissandra's base.
In that city, there was essentially only one voice—PROJECT's.
Roland wasn't trying to eliminate people's thoughts or freedom entirely.
He simply enforced PROJECT's rules strictly. Anyone who violated them would face very unpleasant consequences.
"Hmm… better to guide it than suppress it. Instead of strange new gangs appearing later, it's better to leave the old ones in place…"
Roland narrowed his eyes as he thought.
After all, these gangs didn't pose a real threat.
He only needed to deal with the ones backed by corporations or the particularly troublesome groups.
For example: the Tyger Claws, the 6th Street Gang…
Oh, and he almost forgot—the Voodoo Boys.
"Alright. I have a task for you."
"We're already working overtime?"
Pilar widened his eyes.
"There's overtime pay."
"Say no more."
"After your modifications are finished, go deal with the Tyger Claws. Oh, and the Scavengers too. I'd rather not see those people appearing in my city."
Roland narrowed his eyes as he gave the order.
Everyone nodded.
None of them had any fondness for those gangs.
Especially the Scavengers.
Once everything had been arranged, Jackie and the others left.
Only Rebecca stayed behind.
"Rebecca? Do you still need something?"
Roland looked curiously at the green-haired twin-tailed girl.
"I have a question."
"Go ahead."
"Can I still call you 'dude'?"
"Better not."
Roland gave her a helpless look before reaching out and rubbing Rebecca's head.
To be honest, he had wanted to do that for a long time.
Lucy stood nearby, narrowing her eyes slightly as she watched everything silently.
"Hey… can I be like Lucy?"
Rebecca suddenly seemed to think of something. She walked over to Lucy and nudged her waist with her elbow.
"You want to be my bodyguard too?"
Roland looked at her in surprise and began considering the possibility.
If you asked him personally, he'd absolutely support it.
But if it involved the Madness ability, it wouldn't be very suitable.
Then again…
Burn might work.
"Is that not okay?"
Rebecca nodded and raised her eyebrow slightly as she looked up at Roland.
But Roland could clearly see the expectation in her eyes.
In the end… she was still just a little girl.
"I can consider it. Let's talk about it after your modification is finished."
"Alright. It's a deal."
Rebecca extended her fist toward Roland.
Roland paused for a moment, then chuckled and bumped fists with her.
Only then did Rebecca nod in satisfaction.
"Sister, I support you chasing the boss—"
"Get lost!"
Bang!
"Hey hey hey! Are you trying to kill someone? That's an energy weapon!!!"
After everyone left, Roland rubbed his chin.
After actually interacting with Rebecca face-to-face…
Why did he suddenly feel like Adam Smasher deserved to die even more?