Cyberpunk: From Dogville to Legend

Chapter 240 The Beast Tamer (Part 1)
"Lord Rin, this is the information sent from the company."

Lin Yue wasn't afraid to deal with greenhorns or people from Night City who had no real connections. On the contrary, he would be more cautious with middlemen who knew the rules of Night City inside and out and had a long-standing reputation.

【Mrs. Westbrook】, this is the middleman 【Wakako Okada】 whom most mercenaries in Night City know as having an ambiguous relationship with the Tiger Claw Gang; it's hard to imagine that she is the only woman left alive, with the husbands of five Tiger Claw Gang leaders all dead.

This is strange. For Japanese gangs, overthrowing superiors doesn't just mean getting rid of the superiors who are suppressing you, but also eliminating them completely.

A woman like Wakako should have been eliminated in such a complex situation surrounded by wolves, but she not only survived but also accumulated enough background and wealth—though she still uses the hands of those powerful mercenaries in Night City to manipulate the power shifts within the Tiger Claw Gang.

Interestingly, Kako turns a blind eye to the increasingly heinous criminal activities of the Tiger Claw Gang, instead focusing on the movements of the gang's leaders.

In a sense, Lin Yue felt that Wakako and he seemed to be the same kind of people, both wanting to rely on the powerful while also wanting to shirk their responsibilities—in Jack's words, they were like prostitutes trying to maintain a virtuous image, but they had no choice but to do so. Being obsessed with the company's power would eventually lead to their downfall, and there were too many examples of this.

Lai Xuan's situation is far from secure right now...

After glancing at the information, Lin Yue crushed the chip into fine powder in his hand.

My intelligence points have now reached 16, and my memory seems to be clearer than before.

The human brain excels at associative memory, meaning that a trigger code can generate a cascade of subsequent memories, like pulling up a radish and bringing out more mud... but details are often the easiest to forget.

To put it more accurately, the accuracy of memory is undoubtedly related to the degree of brain development. The powerful increase in intelligence points allows Lin Yue to recall many things and the faintest details within them—including his past life.

"This document contains very little information."

It's nothing more than what Wakako is good at: including a series of relatively secretive commissioned tasks such as assassination, theft, and rescuing gang members held hostage.

This is so Japanese.

Arasaka knew nothing about his age, his current relationship with the Tiger Claw Gang, or how he controlled the Tiger Claw Gang.

Speaking of which.

Suzuki said with some doubt, "Regarding the relationship between Arasaka and the Tiger Claw Gang, wouldn't it be more effective to have Ms. V handle it?"

In Lin Yue's mind, the young boy sat in front of the computer, looking at this familiar world, recalling the intriguing details and the story behind the game little by little.

He shook his head and chuckled, saying, "[Wakako actually looks down on Arakawa.]"

Suzuki: "What...?"

How could Suzuki, who was loyal to Arasaka, believe this? Arasaka and the Tiger Claw Gang were practically microcosms of two different groups in Japan. However, due to corporate warfare and the expansion of corporate power, there was actually no difference between Arasaka and the Tiger Claw Gang; therefore, they had been cooperating for many years.

Although their employers in Arasaka may vary, this Japanese giant will generally send the Tiger Claw Gang to deal with any street troubles it wants to resolve in Night City.

Seeing that Suzuki didn't believe him, Lin Yue continued, "This 'madam' who was famous throughout Japan had many husbands and children, and of course, her children's children as well—a close relationship across generations. [Unfortunately, that child died at the hands of Arasaka]."

A child, another child?
Suzuki was first shocked that, as the highest-ranking security officer under Lin Yue, he had no idea where Lin Yue's intelligence came from; finally, he found it hard to believe that Wakako harbored a rebellious attitude towards Arasaka.

Lin Yue didn't say anything more. If the loyal Suzuki knew that Wakako would one day provide the parade route map to V and Goro Takemura, who were stranded on the streets of Night City, he would probably prefer to shut up this middleman from Night City.

Small people, big energy.

Although Lin Yue wasn't a top student in his previous life, he knew that major events were often brought about by seemingly insignificant people.

Lin Yue's finger rested on the handrail below the car window, a habit he always had when he was thinking.

Maintain your anger, but also stay rational.

Lin Yue: "I'm talking, listen to me."

Suzuki, who was driving, perked up. Rin wasn't on a friendly meeting, and Suzuki would be held responsible for any problems that arose. Therefore, his superior's instructions were of utmost importance.

“I want to get an explanation for that child – at least the Tiger Claw Gang’s actions are making our problems worse; the Arasaka PR department has to buy land for our own people to be harassed by the Tiger Claw Gang many times a year, and Business V will also be responsible for that… I want to help her.”

"Secondly, I want to know which part of the Tiger Claw Gang is frequently used by Nitta..."

Suzuki subconsciously checked the car's infotainment system and media system, making sure that these conversations wouldn't be known to Arasaka.

How can hatred be forgotten?
Nitta He has already caused himself enough trouble. Lin Yue is not one to give up easily. He and V must take some action before Lai Xuan can regain some control of the situation. Passive defense will only weaken the people inside little by little.

"Third, keep a tight rein on this middleman and make sure her informants in Arasaka behave themselves."

To be honest, Lin Yue didn't believe that Wakako could get the parade route map without anyone inside Arasaka; at least Wakako was someone he could win over.

Suzuki opened his mouth slightly.

A broad perspective seems to be something innate; Rin always manages to maximize his benefits in every action he takes.

After saying this, Lin Yue reached out and pulled open the dome on the car, revealing a black samurai sword hanging there…

"Lord Rin, your prosthetic body... do not act rashly."

Suzuki was somewhat worried.

Having not touched a weapon for two months, he felt its heavy weight in his hand. "Mrs. Westbrook has been living a life of ease for too long... Zoo trainers are responsible for the wild animals that injure people."

"Suzuki, in Night City, selling medicine, selling guns, kidnapping, killing hostages, and stealing—these are all part of the rules. We don't break the rules, but at least we should have some bottom line, right?"

Suzuki said helplessly, "I thought you could take a break."

Lin Yue shook his head. "My prosthetic body just can't meet the requirements of the combat system anymore, but it can still take care of a few thugs with a knife and make an old woman who can't see what the people below her do more restrain herself."

……
-
Dogtown, Long Beach Stockyard, Moth Bar.

Every bastard kicked out of Night City and sent to Dogtown needs alcohol, and if you're looking for a reasonably priced place in Dogtown that plays high-quality blues or jazz and is relatively safe—then Moth is the place for you.

Walk up to the second floor of the shantytown next to the memorial plaques for the deceased; the entrance is clean.

The "white" girl, Daphne, mixes fine drinks at night, but during the day she's a rigid bartender robot who occasionally wipes the glasses when the other girls are busy.

It seems like the Long Beach stockpile and the area at the entrance to Dogtown are two different worlds. There are always people who aren't the criminals who committed serious crimes in Night City. They might be trapped by a company's fraudulent contract, or they might simply have been swindled by the NCPD, or they might owe money to a gang... In short, this world doesn't care whether you're a good person or not.

"Hey Daphne!"

The woman was a little dizzy from drinking and waved her hand.

Daphne put down her glass. Although she was beautiful, she had some African bone structure. Whenever someone asked about this, this cheerful girl would always say, "My mom is as white as if she had been painted with paint."

"How's it going? Dumped that jerk?"

The woman hiccuped. "Don't even mention it! He's dead!"

Perhaps women are born with a love of gossip, because Daphne was wide awake at the mention of this topic. "Oh my god... don't do anything stupid, girl!" The woman chuckled. "Do I look like the kind of woman who takes on trouble for people who aren't worth getting worked up over? That guy's a gangster... I knew that day would come sooner or later. I got the compensation, and I didn't give that mistress a single penny!"

Daphne's lips curled into a smile, and she shrugged noncommittally. "Hmm? I guess some people aren't as energetic and efficient as they seem."

One sentence was enough to expose the woman's true colors.

She plopped down on the swivel chair at the bar. "Okay... I really do think you can act like a cop sometimes, not in a swear word!"

The woman continued muttering, "Nothing escapes your eyes, that mistress is wicked! Damn it—I gave her some money, what bad luck."

Daphne shook her head, but the genuine smile on her face was absolutely sincere. "Here, this is for you. It's non-alcoholic and will help you sober up."

The woman was clearly deeply moved.

"So sweet, darling."

Daphne, watching the woman finish her drink, asked, "Dogtown has been anything but peaceful for the past six months. The last time, they attacked right at the entrance to the storage yard. I had my bag all packed, ready to run away—but what happened? I couldn't figure out where to go after thinking about it for ages."

"I was squatting in the kitchen with my robot buddy, and I was thinking... 'Fuck! Whoever wants to destroy, destroy.' I've forgiven those guys who have been owing me money for drinks for years."

Daphne placed her hand on the woman's hand. "What I mean is, life goes on, and dreams must continue."

The woman's vulnerability, hidden beneath her carefree exterior, was laid bare, and she burst into tears. The people in the bar, used to such sights, pretended not to hear.

Daphne patted the woman on the shoulder. "It's okay to cry it out."

Accompanied by a series of sniffling and coughing sounds…

The woman's eyes were red. "I really can't understand... I was all ready to slap that bastard across the face and make him pay for his loose belt, but I never expected that the person who was here just a few days ago would be gone like this! And he died on this barren land!"

Love doesn't easily dissipate, and neither does hate.

To say that a woman never loved that scumbag is utter nonsense. One thing at a time, and no one wants the person they've nurtured with their heart and soul to have a better life, except, of course, cheating is an exception.

Daphne sighed. "Huh? Badlands?"

At this moment, the men chimed in, "Daphne, you didn't know? Something big has happened in Dogville. The scheming middleman has been replaced, the business has changed, and the Cleaners are practically extinct in Dogville. On the contrary, the Animal Gang has become ruthless."

When this topic comes up, everyone listens intently.

Daphne unconsciously wiped the table...

Although she tried her best to fight against this damned professional habit, she couldn't help but want to pay attention to such sensitive matters.

"Some say the man with the heavy heart is a woman, others say she's the boss's mistress. Pshaw, who knows? Anyway, the Colonel's not having an easy time. He's trying to do some business in Dogtown lately, but the franchise fees are ridiculously high..."

"As for the Animal Gang, their reach is nowhere to be seen. Our Long Beach storage yard, electricity, and water are all provided by the Colonel. If they fall into the hands of the Animal Gang, who can survive?"

Everyone was talking.

"You think he can survive under the Ghost Hound's command? Yesterday, a gallon of water cost me three coins! And the electricity is only available for four hours at night... If you ask me, if he keeps going like this, he'll go out of business sooner or later!"

Even in this tiny dog ​​town, there are people discussing "ZZ," which shows that men have a surprisingly consistent interest in this topic.

Daphne rolled her eyes. She didn't know much about the recent problems in Dogtown—or rather, she deliberately didn't want to know. It felt like a political game to her, a feeling all too familiar... Anyway, she'd rather stay away from it.

Not only that, she also complained, as if trying to cover up her grievances: "No wonder the electricity bill has doubled... Damn it."

The rest of the conversation consisted mostly of outrageous street rumors about the animal gang, such as being drugged and brainwashed, then targeting civilians. The most common thing about the Long Beach stockpile was the Colonel's loudspeaker. As for where the rumors came from... those who know, know.

Public opinion is always a crucial tool.

The atmosphere at Moth Bar suddenly became rather sour. No gang is clean, and in the end, they're no different from those Ghost Hound guys. Coupled with the Ghost Hound's loudspeaker blaring, no one wanted to talk about it anymore.

However, one reclusive customer pointed out the crux of the problem, though he was drunk.

"Tch, a bunch of bumpkins, do they even know who those surface-to-air missiles were targeting? It was Arasaka! The Animal Gang is right behind—ugh!"

At that moment, a drunkard punched the guy on the head without any hesitation. The combination of drunkenness and "physical sleep aid" made him sleep soundly.

The people living in the Long Beach stockpile have all been cheated by the company to some extent, and many have been cheated by Arasaka as well... No one wants to mention the name of their past nightmares. In the minds of the lower class, the company is a bastard criminal organization, and its methods are much dirtier.

Everyone knows about surface-to-air missiles, and even some half-baked technical experts who often tinker with radios have eavesdropped on the Terrorist Mobile Unit's control panel, but no one has ever seen Arasaka.

Getting into Dogtown is easy, but getting out is very difficult.

Most residents of Dogtown obtain information about the outside world through radios. As for televisions... well, Colonel Sir John has taken them all down. Moreover, the signal interference created by the Ghost Hounds over the years has basically left the people of Dogtown completely clueless about the outside world.

That's how Hansen got his reputation as a dictator.

The topic shifted from a woman's tearful account of losing her scumbag boyfriend to a sensitive one, and everyone lost interest.

At this moment, a guy who was good at inspiring people shouted: "To hell with the animal gang or Hansen, the Long Beach stockpile belongs to everyone. Those beasts who only know how to build muscle are no match for us. If they dare to make things difficult for us, we'll make sure they come in as kittens!"

Some people were even telling lame jokes, "Shouldn't we find those guys who train gorillas at the zoo and train them to be completely obedient?"

A burst of cheerful laughter echoed throughout the bar—

However, a sudden metallic clanging sound rang out at the door, and the chipped glass of the automatic door of the moth shook.

Most people instinctively reached for their weapons.

Looking at her... a woman with a sleek, athletic figure and a hot body was wearing a hat and carrying a baseball bat on her shoulder—and most strikingly, the guy behind her was hunched over, squeezing through the door like a human crane.

Well, one second they were making fun of the animal gang, and the next second they actually appeared.

Everyone was stunned, while Daphne frowned slightly, and the prosthetic arm behind her neck began to show faint signs of activation…

Angie chewed on bubble gum and looked around at the clean bar, which was considered pretty good for Dogtown.

"What? Who wants me to be their pet?"

……

……

　[The death of Wakako's grandson is related to Arasaka]: This is described in the official game settings, but I couldn't find any clues in the game, so I just used it directly.

　　【Daphne】: In the main story of the 2077 DLC Shadows of the Past, she is an agent of the New United States Joint Logistics Agency under a pseudonym, who is infiltrating Dogville. Her real name is 【Alex】.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)