Cyberpunk: 2075.

Chapter 702, Question 116: Agree
While the rest of the team sensed that Johnny was definitely up to no good, the hacker who called himself Lark was deceived by Johnny's behavior, or rather, he had no choice but to accept Johnny's current cooperative attitude.

"I will definitely not skimp on the compensation, Johnny Silverhand, you can rest assured. To express my sincerity and apology, I'll help you with an optimization."

'optimization?'
This sudden suggestion left the other team members looking at each other in bewilderment. But before they could even figure out what the word meant, Johnny already sensed a dramatic change taking place deep within his core processor—the Relic chip.

Massive amounts of redundant data clusters were precisely cleared, like someone suddenly emptying a warehouse full of waste that had been piling up for years. He was surprised to find that his thinking speed was soaring, as if nerve channels that had been blocked for years were suddenly opened by a high-pressure water jet.

“I’ve cleared the corrupted data clusters caused by the installation error,” the lark’s voice continued, accompanied by the surge of data. “I’ve included a little gift in the storage space I’ve freed up. Don’t worry, the code is completely transparent—your team’s hackers can check it at any time. This is purely a sincere gesture of apology.”

Johnny's consciousness navigated through the reorganized data stream, quickly identifying the newly implanted content.

"Military technology firmware?"

"More accurately, it's third-generation combat support software for military technology." The lark's tone carried a professional pride.

"It can perfectly adapt to your system, significantly improving system reaction speed and weapon control accuracy. Although it's uncertain how effective it will be for your current physical condition, the combat database inside is absolutely genuine. I believe this compensation should make you feel my sincerity."

"This should be some insider military technology. Although I don't know much about its specific functions, the fact that you can get your hands on this level of stuff definitely increases my trust in your identity."

Oliver, who was listening to the two people exchanging questions and answers in the same Johnny tone, knew very well, as he was knowledgeable about military technology, just how lavish the gift this person who called himself the Lark had given.

The value of this gift lies not in its ability to enhance Johnny, but in its secrecy—it is combat support software developed with military technology, which must contain combat data and training templates of the company's most elite personnel; otherwise, it would be impossible to provide users with any substantial improvement.

In other words, if this thing falls into the hands of competitors, they can completely reverse engineer it to analyze the action patterns and tactical habits of top military personnel, and even predict their battlefield decisions.

Once the enemy of military technology masters the operating logic of this system, they will be able to set up ambushes on the battlefield with precision, seizing an absolute advantage in both large-scale conflicts and small skirmishes. This strategic advantage is far more terrifying than a simple technology leak.

"Any sacrifice is worthwhile to gain your trust and ensure President Rosalind Myers' safety. This gift is simply a token of my sincerity."

The lark hadn't expected there to be a true expert present, which ironically gave her an excellent opportunity to further emphasize her determination to rescue the president at all costs:
“I work in the White House, and these kinds of things are just ordinary objects to us. If you can successfully rescue President Rosalind Myers, the reward will be far beyond your imagination.”

"enough."

V suddenly interrupted the conversation, his voice calm: "Now we do trust your identity more, consider the items as a deposit."

He abruptly changed the subject, his tone suddenly tightening: "If it's really as you say, then the president's safety is of paramount importance. To get to the point—you just mentioned that she would make an emergency landing in Dogtown, why can't the new U.S. government directly send troops to support her? If we need to get there immediately, how much support can we get?"

After formally accepting the matter as a commission, V's questions hit the nail on the head.

Three key points are fired off one after another like bullets: Why couldn't the regular army of the new America rush to Dogtown's aid in time? Did they need to go immediately to meet the president who had crash-landed? And how much firepower support could they get while protecting the president? Each question is crucial and determines how V should act afterward.

Lark was clearly prepared. He calmly explained, “The New United States does have some personnel stationed in Night City, but at this crucial moment in our negotiations with Arasaka, we cannot send any more troops into Night City. Such an action would be seen as provocative and could lead to a breakdown in the negotiations. Moreover, Dogtown is a special area. If our people enter, they will inevitably clash head-on with Hansen’s forces.”

The lark paused for a moment: "The president's forced landing in Dogtown this time was no accident. There must be a traitor in Washington. They have been colluding with Hansen for a long time. Given Hansen's style, he would never let go of this golden opportunity to kidnap the president."
"Without the ability to deploy a large number of troops, we are simply unable to confront Hansen, who is entrenched in Dogtown, head-on."

The lark continued, "And even in the new America, President Rosalind Miles doesn't have a full range of supporters; those who oppose her are already very dissatisfied with her negotiations with Arasaka."

If they knew about President Rosalind Miles' situation, there might be assassins among the personnel they sent. Therefore, you won't get much support, and you must get there immediately to protect Rosalind Miles.

"In other words, does that mean Her Excellency the President, who is high and mighty, can only trust us mercenaries to protect her?" Jack finally understood; it turned out to be another tough job.

Without support, without personnel, relying solely on this group of mercenaries to protect the president—what a life-threatening situation!

"It was a terrible job, but overall it was acceptable."

Oliver did have a bit of a selfish motive when he said that.

To be honest, as someone who came from the old Stars and Stripes, if he didn't consider his current stance, he would have some goodwill towards Rosalind Myers, the president who wanted to reunify the United States. This job was just to let them experience the treatment of FIA agents, so he could barely accept it once.

"I can too."

V doesn't pick and choose tasks.

After receiving their votes in agreement, Jack and T-BUG exchanged a glance. They looked at Johnny, who had come up with a wicked idea and was the first to agree, and felt there was no need to object.

Carl isn't here. In his absence, it's three against two, so let's take the job.

"We'll head to Dogtown right away."

While they were talking, they sent a copy of the current situation and mission to Karl.

Carl's reply was swift.

"I see."

He simply replied with four words, acknowledging his companions' actions.

(End of this chapter)