Clang! Clang! Clang!
A series of dull metallic impacts echoed from the doorway, and a glint flashed in Roland's eyes.
If nothing unexpected had happened, it should be the person he had in mind.
Sure enough, just as the thought crossed his mind, the conference room door was pushed open from the outside. A towering figure stepped in first, clad in massive black Dragoon Knight Cyberware, with crimson cybereyes and a face that was hard to describe.
If you threw this guy into a horror movie as the villain, he would not even need makeup.
Roland only gave Adam Smasher a brief glance before losing interest. In the end, he was just a bodyguard. The only difference was that he was stronger than most.
But to Roland, even the strongest bodyguard was meaningless if he could not beat him.
Compared to Adam Smasher, he was far more interested in Yorinobu Arasaka.
"Mr. Yorinobu, we meet again."
Roland stood up and extended his hand in greeting.
"Yes, Mr. Roland, it has been a while. What brings you to our corporation this time?"
Yorinobu Arasaka asked, curiosity evident in his eyes.
Nearby, Adam Smasher's red cybereyes slowly adjusted their focus, as if observing on someone's behalf.
"Yes, I came to discuss a potential cooperation with your corporation."
Roland smiled and nodded. Yorinobu gestured for him to sit before settling into a posture ready for discussion.
"I'm listening."
"As far as I know, the relationship between Arasaka Corporation and Militech could be described as extremely hostile, wouldn't you agree?"
Yorinobu nodded. There was no need to hide it. Ordinary people might not know the details, but among major corporations, the situation between Arasaka and Militech was common knowledge.
"So my question is, does your corporation have any intention of retaliating against Militech?"
A sharp glint flashed through Yorinobu's eyes. It was not that he cared about revenge itself, but rather the opportunity to stir conflict between Arasaka and Militech.
From the perspective of their father-son relationship, his thinking was almost absurdly ironic. But neither of them could claim the moral high ground. One was plotting to kill the other, while the other was planning to take over his father's body. In that sense, they were no different.
Still, from Yorinobu's standpoint, he was far better than Saburo.
To be honest, Roland was quite curious how Saburo Arasaka had managed to raise a son like this.
Meanwhile, Saburo Arasaka, listening in from outside, also showed interest in the topic.
He was someone who held grudges. He still remembered clearly that Militech had killed his eldest son. If not for them, he would not have so many problems now.
"What exactly do you have in mind, Mr. Roland?"
Yorinobu asked directly.
"Although President Myers of the New United States has secured support from the European Space Agency, internal divisions remain severe. The various factions can no longer unite as they once did. So I want to ask whether your corporation has any intention of entering the New United States market."
"Mr. Roland, you must be joking. The restrictions targeting our corporation are still in place in the New United States. It would be extremely difficult for us to enter that market."
"What if I told you that quite a few officials in the New United States would support your entry?"
Roland smiled faintly. Yorinobu paused, then began considering the possibility.
If there really were officials backing Arasaka's return, then the chances were significant. Back then, it was only because the entire New United States acted in unison that Arasaka had been completely driven out and all its assets wiped out.
Now, only a handful of remnants remained.
"So, Mr. Roland, what do you want?"
Yorinobu looked straight into Roland's eyes, anticipation flickering within them. He was waiting to see just how much Roland would demand.
"Your corporation's business channels and network once you re-enter the New United States."
Roland chuckled.
"I agree."
Yorinobu made his decision without hesitation.
"Sir, perhaps we should first…"
"I believe Father will approve of this decision."
Yorinobu turned and cut Kuroda off with a cold look.
"I… understand…"
Saburo Arasaka, who had witnessed everything, looked somewhat displeased but said nothing. Roland's condition was not unacceptable. In his view, it could have been negotiated down further, but it was still within reason.
"I didn't expect this to go so smoothly. Next, I have some personal matters to discuss with Mr. Yorinobu. Would that be alright?"
As he spoke, Roland glanced at Adam Smasher and Kuroda.
Yorinobu immediately understood and waved them away.
"Mr. Yorinobu, Lord Saburo ordered me to protect you at all times, so…"
Adam Smasher remained standing where he was, unmoving.
"Is there anything here that could threaten me? Do you think Mr. Roland, as he is now, could kill me?"
Yorinobu replied bluntly.
Adam Smasher said nothing and remained standing like a steel pillar.
"It seems Mr. Smasher is quite concerned about your safety. Lucy, go out with him."
Lucy nodded and walked over.
Just as Smasher was about to step forward, a chill suddenly ran down the back of his neck. His combat instincts were warning him, and his Kerenzikov had already begun priming.
His expression sharpened instantly.
This woman is not simple.
Then he recalled the information he had seen earlier in the database, and shock flickered across his face.
That ordinary netrunner… could actually become like this?
A sense of imbalance rose within him, along with a stronger desire for PROJECT's technology.
Still, he quickly steadied himself. Just as he was about to face her, he caught Yorinobu's warning glance. Saburo Arasaka also noticed it.
After a brief pause, Saburo allowed Smasher to step out, though a trace of cold malice lingered in his eyes.
"Yorinobu… is becoming more and more disobedient…"
As the others left, only Roland and Yorinobu remained in the conference room.
Roland waved his hand, and Lissandra's figure was projected through Arasaka's cameras. The sight startled Yorinobu.
"What is this?"
"Our corporation's central AI, Lissandra. No one can see this conversation now."
Roland smiled.
"Roland, what are you planning to say this time?"
Yorinobu looked at him with confusion.
"Yorinobu, I have a technology that can grant you extremely powerful personal abilities. But in return, you will be under my control. Are you willing?"
Yorinobu frowned and stared at Roland, clear wariness in his eyes.
Roland was not surprised.
He only wanted to know Yorinobu's choice.
…
(Full Series is already available on P@treon)
[email protected] / GhostParser