"This is News Channel 54, now breaking news: a serious terrorist attack has occurred in the North Oak District of Westbrook District, resulting in 57 deaths. Criminal case experts speculate that this incident is highly likely to be a gang demonstration…"
"Welcome to Info Talk, I'm your favorite host. Did you hear about what happened in North Oak tonight? Over fifty unlucky souls hanging from the rafters, like a string of cured meat."
"Oh, this is really a bit X-rated. I heard the old janitor who reported it was so scared he pissed his pants on the spot."
"Besides, I have exclusive news. Those poor bastards strung up weren't just some 'maintenance workers,' but our old friends, the Tyger Claws—well, the least welcome ones, anyway."
"This is WNS News. Regarding the terrorist attack in North Oak District, NCPD North Oak District Captain Hernandez has issued a statement. The NCPD will uphold its consistent zero-tolerance policy toward urban terrorism and will consider requesting the intervention of MAX-TAC when necessary. Meanwhile, the North Oak District precinct will open humanitarian aid channels on its official website for the families of the fifty-seven victims..."
"Look at the mess you've made."
In a private room at the Afterlife Bar, Rogue flipped through several TV channels, but most were talking about the incident in North Oak District earlier that day.
And the culprit behind it all was right in front of her.
She felt irritated, even more so when looking at Berry's feigned innocent face. Rogue simply turned off the TV and tossed the remote onto the table.
Rubbing her temples, Rogue wondered what could possibly be done about this.
The situation had developed to a point where she couldn't suppress it anymore.
Fifty-seven people.
Although Night City sees about seven thousand people "go missing" on average every year, with a hundred or so vanishing every day.
But a mass slaughter like this, which felt like a provocation, wouldn't be forgotten by Night City for at least two or three months.
More importantly, the Tyger Claws would not ignore such a provocation.
A gang war was imminent.
As the underground queen of Night City, Rogue, relying on her years of experience, quickly reached a judgment about the war.
In this war, the Hive couldn't win.
A small organization of less than two hundred people against the Tyger Claws, who had thousands of combatants across the city.
You didn't need to think hard to know what the outcome would be.
"You were too reckless, Berry. This time, I really can't help you."
Rogue sighed and delivered the cold verdict.
"Reckless? Not at all!"
Hearing Rogue say this, Berry looked indignant.
"Do you know what the Tyger Claws did to my people? They started this war. I just slapped them back. Is that wrong?"
"Look at these news outlets. They act as if they don't know it wasn't the Tyger Claws, and that it wasn't a black braindance factory. When I entered the basement, I even saw a poor guy with his stomach gutted out and two high-definition cameras."
"And that's how they report the news."
"I'm just doing the right thing, and I will never back down."
"Rogue, help me. I... the Hive really needs your help right now."
At the end of her words, Berry didn't forget to mention the purpose of her visit.
She had come to the Afterlife Bar to ask for reinforcements.
Although she was determined to fight the Tyger Claws to the end, Berry also knew that the Hive couldn't win this war alone.
She needed every bit of strength that could help her.
Before the Tyger Claws launched a full-scale attack, she needed to unite all possible allies.
"Heh, naive!"
Rogue lowered the cigar she had been bringing to her lips, letting out a scoff at Berry's words.
Fairness, justice? What kind of place do you think Night City is?
This place is fucking unreasonable.
But Rogue didn't say much more. She had concluded that the Hive was doomed this time and didn't want to get too involved.
Besides, the reason the Afterlife enjoyed its current status in Night City was due to its neutrality.
Rogue wouldn't let herself get dragged into a gang conflict.
A war destined to fail.
"For the sake of you helping Johnny, I'll transfer five hundred thousand eurodollars to you through an anonymous account. If you can do anything with that money, then do it."
"And as... fine, as a friend, I'll give you one last piece of advice: while you still have the chance, leave Night City. Get far away, and don't come back."
After saying this, Rogue shook her head and leaned back on the sofa, looking as if the conversation was over.
This was her way of showing them the door.
But Berry wasn't willing to give up.
She now needed something other than money.
And leaving Night City was the last resort.
Besides, Jackie and Viktor had deep ties in the city; how could they possibly leave?
Shaking her head, Berry steeled her resolve.
Looking up, her bright eyes fixed on Rogue's face, Berry spoke slowly but firmly.
"Rogue, I don't need a ride; I need ammunition, soldiers, and weapons."
"..."
"Sorry, I can't help you."
After a long silence, under Berry's expectant gaze, Rogue finally shook her head with difficulty. Berry's eyes gradually dimmed.
"Rogue, perhaps you're being too hard on little Berry."
A crisp female voice rang out, though the tone was filled with a weariness and dejection that didn't match the liveliness of the sound.
Johnny, who had been sitting beside Rogue with her eyes lowered and silent the whole time, finally spoke up.
"Although I'm a bastard, I still know how to repay the person who pulled me out of that digital cesspit. Don't worry, little Berry, in this war, I'm on your side."
"And Rogue, I hope you can help too."
"Heh, easy for you to say. Haven't I cleaned up enough of your messes over the years? Last time it was Arasaka Tower, and this time you want me to fight a gang war?"
Johnny's proposal earned her a good scolding from Rogue, but she didn't refute it, just listened silently.
Only after Rogue finished did Johnny speak again.
"You know, Rogue, I feel like little Berry and V are a bit like us—just as capable, and just as reckless, thinking they can change this city."
"This city always tries to tame people into whatever shape it wants."
"But my answer is no. I will fight to the end; I will never compromise."
"Rogue, help us. Not for me, but for this city. The people in this city have been numb for too long; they need a storm to wake them up."
...
A long silence followed. Berry waited anxiously for Rogue's reaction, not knowing if Johnny's persuasion would work.
"No."
Berry's heart sank to the bottom.
Rogue tilted her head and squinted at Johnny.
"You are nothing like Berry and V. They stick together like magnets, while you are just a bastard who pulls up her pants and doesn't acknowledge who she was with."
Hearing Rogue's words, Berry's eyebrows slowly lifted.
It seemed there was still a chance.
"So?"
Johnny asked the question for Berry.
"Fine, I'll figure something out and prepare some supplies you'll need. But for now, get out of my room, both of you. I want some peace and quiet."
Rogue rubbed her temples and sighed.
She had made a stupid decision.
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