"Not bad, Jax, I thought you wouldn't make it back."
As soon as Jax entered Rogue's private room, he heard her voice, tinged with a hint of a smile. Rogue leaned forward, elbows on her knees, chin propped in her hands, smiling as she looked at Jax.
"Why would you say that?" After they both sat down, Jax looked at Rogue and asked, puzzled.
"She didn't try to keep you? Impossible. From what I know of her, she wants anything rare and with potential. And a treasure like you, there's no way she'd let go." Rogue turned to Jax, asking curiously.
"She wanted him, but Jax refused!" Rebecca immediately raised her hand and interjected.
Rogue looked at Rebecca, but in that one glance, Rogue froze. She then said to Rebecca, with a hint of surprise, "All those things on you are... what in the world?"
Rebecca was also stunned, then reacted a second later, grinning as she showed Rogue her implants.
Her small body expanded and then various luxurious and high-end implants were unleashed towards Rogue. Rebecca proudly lifted her chin, brimming with pride.
Unlike others, Rogue was Rebecca's idol, so Rebecca wouldn't get angry about Rogue treating her like a child.
After all, from Rogue's perspective, she really was just a child.
Her own father grew up listening to Rogue's stories, let alone her?
Thus, Rebecca didn't mind such things.
"Impressive, you can actually carry so many cybernetics?" Rogue smiled at this, but the look in her eyes towards Rebecca softened considerably, showing more admiration.
With a body full of high-end implants, if she also had rich combat experience, then this child's combat power wouldn't be inferior to Little Snake's.
However, experience is something that needs to accumulate over time. Street survival wisdom isn't a skill that can be truly mastered by reading a few books or plugging in two chips.
Therefore, Rogue was actually just a little surprised, not genuinely startled by Rebecca.
What kind of storms hadn't she seen in all these years?
She had faced monsters like Adam Smasher directly, and even almost fell out of a helicopter while being dragged by him.
"You refused her?" Rogue withdrew her gaze from Rebecca and looked back at Jax. She said with a hint of curiosity, "I'm telling you, that woman isn't someone who gives up just because someone refuses her. She's greedy, violent, cunning. Don't be fooled by her cute appearance."
"In my opinion, there's no one more dangerous in this world than her. Corporations might spit out Bones after eating people, but that woman eats people and doesn't even spit out the Bones. The most troublesome thing is, she can often make you willingly be eaten by her, willing to actively give your life to her."
Rogue's expression became displeased as she spoke, adding with a hint of complaint, "These kinds of people are the most f***ing annoying."
Jax nodded, agreeing with Rogue's words.
Because in Jax's opinion, Arasaka Michiko was indeed too charming.
Beautiful and cute, with a soft and sweet voice when she spoke, but her actions were completely opposite.
She was among the most powerful people in this world, but her approach to Jax was not condescending despite his status.
You could say Arasaka Michiko was faking it, but... it certainly made one feel comfortable, didn't it?
It's like an emperor meeting an ordinary person on the roadside, cordially going up to greet them. With such a difference in status, even if you know he's faking it, how could you not be grateful?
So, what kind of person was Arasaka Michiko exactly?
Let's put it this way, she was simply the Creator's most perfect work.
A cute and pure appearance, high intelligence and emotional intelligence, and at the same time, a resilient character unafraid of danger.
She was a woman who could turn around the worst situations. When Michiko was still underage, around fifteen or sixteen, she was targeted by Arasaka Corporation and NUSA, but she managed to turn the tables and regain control through her own maneuvers.
How many people could do something like that?
What was Jax doing when he was fifteen or sixteen?
Oh, he was still studying back then... He was a high school student who loved watching anime and spent his days playing CF and LOL at home. Even after transmigrating to this world, Jax was still helping out with odd jobs in Moxes when he was fifteen or sixteen.
And Arasaka Michiko? She was already wrestling with the most powerful people in this world at that age.
Furthermore, Arasaka Michiko's high intelligence was not only evident in the things she did but also in how easily she pursued and earned a doctorate in criminal psychology.
Highly intelligent people are so f***ing annoying. They learn everything quickly. Jax had to read the manual for half a day just to tinker with a Braindance, even though his intelligence was already over three points, which is above average, okay?
"I made a deal with her," Jax told Rogue.
"A deal?" Rogue frowned and said, "She stepped in to stop Arasaka from pursuing you, helped you fix the media narrative, and resolved your big troubles. At a time like this, forcibly recruiting you wouldn't be out of line, so why would she make a deal with you?"
Rogue found Jax's words somewhat incomprehensible.
Because she herself had tried to refuse Michiko back in the day. After all... no matter how much she tried to beautify her actions and motives, Rogue was someone who had betrayed an ally; she was a traitor.
But back then, when Rogue was lying in bed after a car accident, she initially didn't agree to become Michiko's person.
She used various methods to refuse Michiko, but Michiko dismissed them all. Rogue couldn't argue with her and was slowly persuaded by her.
Therefore, a deal... do those in power need to use deals to get what they want? Taking by force if not given is their style of action, isn't it?
"Yes, a deal." Jax nodded, then added, "That's also why I came to see you."
"Tell me about it," Rogue asked.
Jax took a deep breath and said, "My deal with Miss Michiko is that I have to become Night City's Mercenary King within two years..."
Rogue narrowed her eyes, raised her hands, crossing her arms defensively. She said with a smile, "If you become the Mercenary King, where the f*** do I go?"
"Aren't you a Fixer...?" Jax scratched his head, coughing.
Jax came to Afterlife precisely to tell Rogue about this.
No matter what, if Jax wanted to become the City King of Night City, then Rogue was an absolutely unavoidable link, because Rogue was currently the king of Night City's underground world.
And what Jax had to do was to make himself someone who could control both the legal and illegal forces of Night City, someone who could become a force that corporations couldn't ignore.
But if he became the City King, what about Rogue?
"Damn it, a newcomer surpassing the old guard?" Rogue laughed in exasperation. She waved her hand and continued, "Go on, tell me about your deal with Michiko."
"If I achieve this within two years, she will give up on making me her subordinate, and I will do one thing for her."
"That's it?" Rogue's eyes were full of doubt.
"That's it."
"I don't understand." Rogue shook her head, saying seriously, "You are indeed very talented, Jax. I've lived for so many years, and I've never seen anyone like you, not even Morgan Blackhand."
Morgan was indeed powerful, but Morgan's power was different from Jax's. Because Morgan claimed to have no implants, but in reality, he did have some installed. At the same time, Morgan had powerful equipment provided by Militech, as well as many years of experience fighting on battlefields and in the streets, to become the King of Solos.
But Jax? This guy only had a few old-fashioned devices, just for communication and transfers, and a cyber-eye with an interference lens. Jax...
He was fighting his way through Night City purely with his physical body.
In terms of physical talent, Jax clearly surpassed Morgan.
But, that shouldn't be enough to make Michiko back down, should it?
She did so much, and what she got in return was just an opportunity to make a deal with Jax, and then... after this deal was completed, Jax would only have to do one thing for her?
Damn it, when did Arasaka Michiko become so kind?
That's not her!
"Hmm... I think it's like this," Sasha suddenly interjected.
Rogue looked over.
Sasha put her hand to her lips, coughed, and continued, "The reason Miss Michiko agreed is because she also made a demand: Jax cannot install any advanced implants, Sandevistan, Kerenzikov, micro-rotors, subdermal armor, secondary heart, etc... Implants that directly enhance combat power and make one powerful upon installation are all forbidden."
"So, could it be that Miss Michiko hopes Jax will achieve this with a body that is almost entirely natural, and then do something for her?"
Rogue's eyes narrowed, understanding Sasha's meaning.
And Sasha continued, "If the body's cyberware content is too high, it's simply impossible to get close to important figures because it will be detected during security checks. Even if one ambushes the venue beforehand, once the base station is activated, a wide-range scan will still catch them. But what if it's someone with no cyberware, yet powerful in combat?"
Rogue finished her thought: "Then he... can blend into the venue in various capacities, and can even ambush the venue half a month in advance."
Damn it, so that's how it is!
I knew Michiko wouldn't be that kind!
Rogue looked at Jax with a meaningful gaze, as if she were looking at a poor wretch.
She could already imagine what Arasaka Michiko would make Jax do then.
Such a guy, without cyberware, yet possessing top-tier combat strength—assassinating important figures would be too easy!
"What do you plan to do? Rely on just these few people?" Thinking this, Rogue suddenly felt much more relaxed.
She had originally thought she was at a disadvantage, but now… Jax was the one at a disadvantage.
Yes, how could Michiko do something that wasn't beneficial to herself?
In this world, what's free is the most expensive thing.
Therefore, Rogue immediately changed the subject, not intending to press on with the Michiko matter.
What if she annoyed Jax, who then called Michiko and truly became Michiko's person?
With Jax's ability and potential, would Michiko not support his rise to power?
In North America, that woman Michiko is truly a person with immense power; in Europe and other regions, she is not as influential as the few big figures ahead of her in Arasaka, but in this territory dominated by Militech… her voice can overshadow theirs.
Because Michiko can even make her voice heard within Militech; she is not only the third-in-command of Arasaka, a leader of the dove faction, but also an American citizen and a client of Militech—can you believe it?
Jax understood Rogue's meaning, but after some thought, he still didn't speak his mind.
Because Rogue wouldn't believe him; she wouldn't possibly believe the things deep in Jax's heart.
For example… if he waited a few more months until a guy named V appeared, then quickly recruited her, he wouldn't have to worry about the future.
Sister V will protect everyone!
Although he didn't know V's exact personality, based on her portrayal in the game, for example, the Jackie storyline, it's clear that V is a loyal and righteous person.
V, fresh to Night City, was a nobody, without power or money. Helping her at that time would definitely be remembered and appreciated immensely.
After all, she was a country bumpkin!
Jax already knew V's identity in his world.
Not a Corpo rat, not a Street Kid, but… a Nomad!
After all, Jax had been in Night City for so long and had never heard V's name, and after meeting Jackie, Jackie never mentioned having a Corpo friend.
Therefore, V could only be a Nomad.
And in the game, V took less than a year—no, actually just a few months—to completely conquer Night City, making Militech and Arasaka fear her, not daring to trouble her. Yes, this world is rotten to the core, but truly powerful individuals don't have to obey the rules set by those in power.
V is the best example. In the late game, what could the big shots of Militech and Arasaka do?
My Sister V still did what she wanted to do to you, didn't she?
Hiding in a corporation was useless. Sister V directly stormed the company, going in and out seven times. This V, the earth-shaker, was just that awesome; you had to admit it.
"I plan to take on the Tyger Claws first, starting with the underworld, and then try to do some business," Jax said after thinking.
"You don't have enough manpower. Your combat strength is sufficient, but to control an area, your people are completely insufficient, even counting those from the Moxes," Rogue shook her head.
"That's why I came to you. We can cooperate. You provide the people and money, I provide the effort, and you get fifty percent of the territory we take," Jax said.
"I don't need that," Rogue shook her head again. She said, "I no longer need territory to prove my influence. For my line of work, an office is already enough."
Jax paused.
Rogue continued, "However… I can give you an idea."
"Oh?"
"Recruit mercenaries. Expand your own power."
Rogue said calmly, looking at Jax, then continued, "Just like Johnny back then, your charisma isn't as strong as his, but you do have his shadow. What's more, some mercenaries are already calling you 'Little Silverhand.' There are quite a few of your fans in Afterlife."
"These people all hate corporations. If you speak up, they will be willing to work for you, even without you paying them. Johnny did exactly this back then. Moreover, you are even more capable in a fight than Johnny."
Jax listened, somewhat tempted.
Maine, beside him, was already restless.
He had said back then that if he couldn't make it in the mercenary world, he would join Jax in a gang.
And now Rogue's suggestion…
Wasn't it to have Jax establish his own family gang?
Then Maine would definitely approve with both hands!
Going in meant being a gang elder; how could he not join?
Furthermore, with the team's current strength increasing, being mercenaries felt a bit humble.
Take the top ten solo mercenaries, for example. They're called solos, but in reality, how many of them don't have corporate backgrounds or haven't cooperated with corporations?
Perhaps only Shai Yituonai.
This guy had been mentioned several times. Jax initially didn't know him, but later in a conversation with Rogue, he learned that it was she, Johnny, Shai Yituonai, Morgan, Murphy, and others who blew up Arasaka Tower.
To put it this way, the scene players saw in the game of Johnny and Smasher fighting one-on-one was actually Johnny's own memory embellishment. In reality, Johnny was instantly killed by Smasher in a second and collapsed nearby.
It was Shai Yituonai who held off a large group of Arasaka agents, and Blackhand who fought Smasher one-on-one, allowing Rogue and the others to escape.
"Establish my own… power, huh?" Jax blinked.
"Yes, that way our businesses won't conflict. Anyway, you weren't planning on becoming a Fixer, were you?" Rogue said with a smile.
Jax nodded, "I understand. I'll try."
"I'll have someone prepare a list. Then you can have… Maine or Jackie contact them. They'll be very happy to join you. Even if they don't join you, they'll help when you fight the Tyger Claws."
"You really don't need money?" Jax asked again. The reason for asking was poverty…
Hiring mercenaries to fight the Tyger Claws—each would surely cost tens of thousands, wouldn't they? After all, it's life-threatening work; who would be willing to do it for little money?
Rogue looked at Jax, amused, and emphasized, "No need, just trust me."
"Fans can be that fanatical. Just like when Johnny raised his arm back then, a large group of guys cheered and went to help him. Let alone asking them to fight gangs, they'd even fight corporations and go to their deaths."
"Jax, try to manage yourself. In this era, someone who doesn't speak up or make a name for themselves won't go far. In this regard, Michiko is an expert. You can learn from her, learn… to build a persona for yourself."
"Alright, that's enough. Come, let's drink and talk about other things."
After Rogue finished speaking, she tapped on the table. Soon, Claire walked in with a pile of drinks.
Rogue opened a bottle, poured drinks for everyone, and said with a smile, "Oh, by the way, welcome back to Night City."
"Thank you."
Everyone quickly raised their glasses.
Jackie was incredibly excited, and Kiwi's face was also flushed.
They… were really drinking and chatting with a big shot like Rogue.
A few months ago, they wouldn't have dared to imagine such a thing.
And Jax? He subconsciously picked up his glass, but in his mind… it was all about what Rogue had said.
His own power.
Yes, he couldn't be a mercenary his whole life. As he grew stronger, he also needed his own power and status.
Especially business. In this era, money is the most important thing.
For example, if he really recruited V and outfitted her with a bunch of luxurious cyberware, that would require a lot of money.
Your Sister V doesn't care about cyberpsychosis; if she has it, she'll install it!
If he had no money, would he go beg Michiko again?
But if she knew about V's existence… damn, would V still follow him then?
No way. At that time, V would absolutely be targeted by Michiko.
Michiko wasn't like Arasaka Yorinobu or Arasaka Hanako, who didn't value V, leading to V disrupting their plans.
Therefore, business…
What kind of business should he do?
Hmm.
Wait, wasn't there Gloria?
Jax's eyes lit up.
Gloria was a… prodigy in this area!
She could even run a Scavengers business well enough to send David to Arasaka for school. So, if she were given greater power and better development opportunities, what kind of business could she build?
Alright, he'd ask her then, see if she had any good ideas.
"Drink, Jax," Maine called out, seeing Jax in a daze.
"Coming, coming."
Shaking off the distractions in his mind, Jax picked up his glass and drank deeply.