"Pfft! What did you just say?"
Roland spat out a mouthful of water and stared at Lissandra in confusion.
"Adam Smasher has acquired a batch of our corporation's top-tier cyberware through Arasaka's channels. He should already be undergoing modifications."
Roland's lips twitched. This was definitely not something he had expected, but it was understandable. After all, Smasher was exactly the kind of person who pursued power above everything else.
After witnessing the overwhelming strength displayed by PROJECT, it made sense he would chase after it.
"What cyberware did he install?"
Roland looked at Lissandra with curiosity. Based on what he knew about Smasher, there was a high chance he had replaced almost his entire body. It was hard to say how much of his original flesh was even left.
"Campbell Type III Combat Body, Hard Rhino Cyberware arm, Frenzy Claw Type II, Primordial Sandevistan, Electromagnetic Resonance Device, Cambron Energy Core…"
Lissandra recited the list of cyberware obtained through Arasaka's network of buyers with ease. The more Roland listened, the more stunned he became. He had expected Smasher to go to extremes, but not to the point of leaving nothing but his brain intact.
What kind of Jhin-level fanatic is this?
Still, it was easy to imagine how much his strength would increase after installing all of that cyberware. The only thing he might lack was a high-output energy weapon, but that was only in comparison to PROJECT's core combat personnel.
Outside of that, he would already be considered an extremely powerful force. And it was not like he was unbeatable. In the end, these were still just items available on the market.
PROJECT's military-grade equipment and cyberware were never sold externally. They operated under a completely closed system for internal use only.
...
"Hah…"
Smasher looked at the silver-white cyberware covering his body, along with the faint blue energy glow seeping through its seams. He slowly clenched his fist, feeling the immense power coursing through this new body.
"How does it feel?"
A man dressed as a doctor walked over and spoke. He was the lead engineer responsible for this operation.
"I feel great. I have never felt this good before."
Smasher stretched his body. His previous frame had felt decent, but there was always a sense of restriction. This new body, however, moved exactly as he willed it, as if it were a natural extension of himself.
"Apply a black coating."
Smasher's head now resembled a Western heavy knight's helmet, with only two blue eyes visible through the narrow gaps.
"Understood."
The lead nodded and gestured for the staff to begin.
"It seems your modification went smoothly."
Suddenly, Saburo Arasaka's figure appeared on the screen in front of Smasher. Smasher remained still as the coating process continued.
"Yes, Lord Saburo. I am confident I can now handle those PROJECT squads."
Smasher inclined his head slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"Very good. However, you will need to wait a bit longer. I have already sent Oda and his team to assist you. They have also undergone PROJECT cyberware modifications. If possible, capture a member of a PROJECT squad alive."
Saburo Arasaka showed a satisfied expression as he gave the order. He could clearly see the difference between the PROJECT cyberware available on the market and the versions used internally by PROJECT Corporation.
If they could capture someone alive, they would be able to study them and gain insight into their cyberware technology. Even their current research on market-available PROJECT cyberware had already brought them considerable benefits.
Let alone the models that were not available to the public.
If Roland knew about Saburo Arasaka's plan and Smasher's baseless confidence, he would probably just say, "What are you drinking to get this delusional?"
...
"Boss, business has been getting worse lately."
Kochi looked at Karel, the leader of the Wraiths, with a troubled expression as he complained.
Karel responded by taking a large swig of strong liquor, then smashing the bottle onto the ground.
"Damn it, it's all because of those PROJECT bastards. If they hadn't stuck their noses into Night City's affairs, we wouldn't be in this situation."
Kochi nodded. It was true. If PROJECT had not interfered with Night City, cleaning up gangs and Scavengers while also offering large-scale security services, they would not have ended up like this.
"Boss, should we…"
Kochi made a slicing gesture across his neck.
Karel hesitated. The idea tempted him, but he did not decide immediately. Over this period, they had already crossed paths with PROJECT's security forces multiple times. Their combat strength was on a completely different level compared to the corporate security teams they used to rob.
"Boss, we have to do something. Otherwise, the people below…"
Kochi's expression turned worried as he reminded him.
Karel's face turned fierce. "What about them? Do they dare do anything to me?"
He spoke harshly, but the wariness in his eyes betrayed him. He knew better than anyone what kind of people his subordinates were.
They were desperate outlaws who would do anything for money. If he failed to keep bringing in profits, it would not take long before someone started eyeing what he had.
Right now, they were only holding back because of his past authority.
"Hmph. Those nomad families outside, plenty of them have been driven out anyway. Using them as targets works perfectly."
"Brilliant, Boss."
Kochi quickly flattered him, and Karel nodded in satisfaction.
"Obviously. Now go gather those brats."
Karel stood up slowly. The moment his back turned to Kochi, a sharp gleam flashed in his eyes. In truth, he had already been considering making a move against PROJECT.
But relying on his own forces alone would not be enough, so bringing in others was the better option.
He had confidence in his firepower. Taking down a small unit would not be a problem. The real issue was surviving the retaliation afterward. The best approach was to involve more people and spread out the pressure.
Besides, the profits tied to PROJECT were enormous. The prices offered on the black market for PROJECT cyberware and equipment were staggering.
If this operation succeeded, it meant they could repeat it in the future. As long as they kept things under control, they would not have to worry. He had no intention of drawing the attention of PROJECT's main forces. That would not end well.
They're actually making a move against us? Those Raffen Shiv out there really have the guts?
Roland shook his head, feeling a bit exasperated as he looked over the intelligence Lissandra had provided. At the same time, he found the strange level of coordination among these gang factions rather absurd.
It was not just the Wraiths. Several other gangs were also planning to act against PROJECT. They had been pushed too far by PROJECT's recent actions.
They had not had any business for a long time, and judging by the current situation, it would not improve anytime soon.
"Send a team to prepare in advance. We cannot afford to get caught off guard."
"Understood."
...
(Full Series is already available on P@treon)
[email protected] / GhostParser