Cyberpunk: From Dogville to Legend

Chapter 371 The Great Explosion of Taipingzhou (Part 3) [7K]

"Hasn't DRAR's team arrived yet?"

This was the third time Wilton Holt had asked his assistant behind him.

"No, sir. The NCPD at the Pacific Island border has been at a standoff with the company for half an hour, and it's... on the verge of escalating into a full-blown conflict."

Wilton tugged at his tie in frustration.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe him as being in a complete mess lately. The mayoral election for Night City in 2077 is about to begin. Although Senator Jefferson's "approval rating" has dropped from its peak due to some "uncontrollable events," it's still not up to Holt's standards... The company's votes are all about who gets the votes, and this veteran bureaucrat seems to be losing favor in the current upheaval in Night City.

Of course, every mayor of Night City would choose to do this if they gave the company appropriate benefits.

The problem now is that everyone's interests are no longer about taxes, land, or finance, but about a fight to divide things up.

Unfortunately, the ones who were divided up were Holt's financial backers—biotechnology.

It seems that Arasaka and military technology have started to clash over this issue. However, it appears that Arasaka has completed its internal integration. Previously, Michiko acted discreetly and always promoted the idea of ​​technology sharing, maintaining a close relationship with the new United States. But now they have changed their approach, and many companies are even betting on these two companies. Holt alone cannot support the situation.

Therefore, he focused his attention on the seats representing Arasaka and military technology, hoping to see if Michiko would attend in person. If so, he could send a message to everyone to sit down and talk, and perhaps there would still be a glimmer of hope.

Of course, that's all in the future. Right now, an AI rampage has occurred in Taipingzhou, and the meaning of network monitoring is that they all have to abide by it. This is a rule that was set from the beginning.

"It seems the 'overlord' of Taiping Continent doesn't really give us much face, hmm?"

The young man from Pei Zhuo Petrochemical had a sinister smile. He kept his eyes on Arasaka's seat as he spoke, his words clearly intended to annoy Arasaka.

Everyone knows that Dreamers snatched the meat from Arasaka's mouth. According to some intelligence, Dreamers has retained a significant research team of Arasaka in Honshu. This is undoubtedly a good opportunity to annoy Arasaka. According to other companies' speculations, Arasaka will always be the one who most wants to take back Dreamers' assets and business in Taipingzhou.

"That's fucking AI! I remember this company was originally owned by that cybernetic lunatic who used prosthetic bodies to kill people, wasn't it?"

"That pretty girl stole the company, hahaha... I got played by a woman!"

Fuyutsuki Electronics had also done a lot of research in private, and that guy named Rin was the one who had really disgusted them in Dogtown.

"What do you mean?"

The Zeta Technology representative pointed to his wrist. "Since this AI outburst happened on company territory, we shouldn't be talking here. The internet censors and we have a zero-tolerance policy for unauthorized access to the Great Firewall—do we really have to waste our time here?"

"All quiet."

There were people in charge of maintaining order at the event, but little did they know that these well-dressed, some even flamboyant, upper-class figures would also use their words to teach those who disagreed a lesson.

Politicians are pretty much the same; they always raise their arms and shout slogans in parliament... and even resort to force to subdue others.

"Everything has a process, ladies and gentlemen."

Unexpectedly, the biotechnology representative at the conference was the new president of the North American region, an Italian woman with a ruthless approach who had dismissed five senior executives upon taking office.

"The internet police have absolute law enforcement power, but we're not cows that can be led around by the nose... Can't the internet police handle a newly established company?"

Military technology will naturally not overlook biotechnology.

Now, to say they've completely broken ties is an understatement. If it weren't for Night City's rules and the existence of other companies in North America, the proxy war would probably have already recurred like it did in 2023.

It's just that everyone here is a seasoned veteran; they're not the type to easily start a corporate war over a company issue anymore.

"Tina, don't play dumb."

"You mean, anyone can secretly dig black walls in the garbage dumps of Night City?"

The hat he wore was quite large.

Tina seemed like the intellectual type, but unfortunately, she used two rather impolite words to describe military technology: "idiot."

Only Arasaka and Yoru seemed to have activated a blocking mode, intending to wait until someone from DRAR appeared before connecting.

Holt knew it was time for him to leave the field.

"Please be quiet, everyone!"

The companies stopped their verbal sparring; the matter was of great importance and a good opportunity to divide up the company, so they naturally wouldn't break the rules.

Of course, no one wants to be used as a pawn.

The ideal outcome would be for the NCPD and the Internet Police to work tirelessly to dismantle the power of the Pacific Island Dreamers, while other companies, in a reshuffled Dogtown and Pacific Island, would sit at the table, hoping to take it all for themselves... But that's too difficult.

Holt looked at these people. He didn't actually have as much solid information as these companies. The AI ​​in Pacific was indeed going berserk. As the mayor, he had to be responsible for public safety. Unfortunately, he couldn't make the companies do whatever they wanted, not even the NCPD. The NCPD's actions were just to give face to the Night City Council. If the NCPD didn't want to die in the citizens' criticism, they would be sitting comfortably like the companies.

Each company, and even the Night City government, has its own subnet. AI entering the public network area would only kill ordinary people, so they weren't too worried about that. But Holt and the NCPD were, and so were the internet surveillance agencies…

Holt was a person who enjoyed reading.

Modern companies are like feudal lords in ancient Eastern kingdoms; they don't obey the king's orders, but rather the commands of self-interest, especially when they have ample power.

"What did the internet monitoring authorities say?"

The person in charge lowered his head and replied, "We already have cyber agents and two experts infiltrated Taipingzhou. We estimate they've reached the server location by now, and there's a director-level hacker monitoring them online... If there's a chance, we can kick out Dreamers."

Holt tapped the table to make sure he was on silent mode before whispering, "I need the fucking time! Specific time!"

The person in charge lowered his head, unsure how to answer.

The reason why a small company can retaliate with biotechnology and still be alive and kicking is simple: this company is backed by Dogtown, that powder keg.

Who knows if going too far would lead to a unification war in New America? Night City is a bellwether for the Free States, and Holt doesn't dare take that risk.

"Please urge the people at DRAR again."

He really admires Rin now. She managed to carve out a way to survive in Night City's stable situation. It's just a pity that the power ended up in the hands of a woman, who is said to be a crazy slut.

There was a sense that things were spiraling out of his control, and Holt felt a chill run down his spine.

Especially the way Tina was staring at her; she seemed to be losing patience...

"Arasaka Link".

The blurry face of the woman at the front gradually became clearer, her voice slightly nasal.

“V…”

If no one knew who V was in Arasaka Tower before, now everyone does.

The internal power struggles within Arasaka were well-known to spies from various companies, but this woman managed to hold them off. Michiko not only couldn't do anything about her, but sometimes even had to make V do certain things for the sake of Arasaka's interests.

"Night Clan Connection".

The pale-faced man, whose eyes gleamed with a blue light that seemed to be reading data, raised his hand.

Everyone's eyes turned to the corner where the person had been deliberately sidelined. Standing behind Holt, it was right at the very end of the long table, like the position of the person being interrogated.

There was silence.

Just as everyone was turning their attention to the internet regulators and preparing to take some measures against this ungrateful new company, the connection finally came through.

"dreamer."

The moment the woman's face appeared, these corporate dogs and politicians, whose heads were practically glued to the back of their heads, gritted their teeth.

Especially that mocking smile on her face, which made people feel inexplicably angry.

Holt didn't give the company another chance to speak. Instead, he said in a deep voice, "Ms. Emma, ​​an AI rampage has occurred in your company's managed area in Pacific. The requests for intervention from the network monitoring and NCPD have been rejected. Is this the result of your company's considerations?"

The woman fiddled with her fingernails, only uttering a single word: "Hmm."

"Oh shit!"

"Where the hell did this crazy bitch come from?!"

It seems that Pei Zhuo Petrochemical was really angry, so he simply flipped the table and started cursing. The woman, who was originally looking at her exquisite fingers with great interest, suddenly turned cold.

The representative of internet surveillance also spoke at this moment—

“Ms. Emma, ​​one of the ceasefire treaties in Night City stipulates that major corporations cannot conduct illegal AI research privately. You need to explain this matter, otherwise…”

“Any organization or company in Night City can enter Pacifica for investigation. Do you think we can keep this a secret?! Our people are blocking the public network area. If there is a leak or the European hunters fail to log on in time, you will bear all the consequences!”

Emma's pupils then turned to the internet monitor.

From anyone's perspective, that look could be described as venomous, and anyone who saw her bright red lips, which were far beyond the normal color of makeup, would think that this person was not quite normal.

"Then what…"

Emma knew the company was hesitant to act rashly; unless Rin appeared, the company would never stand together, and she believed the internet censors also wanted to expose this news.

"Then?"

Holt let out a deep breath. "This isn't a discussion with you, nor is it a joke!"

"As a key development area for our Night City, Taipingzhou receives substantial investment of manpower and resources from Night City law enforcement agencies every year, resulting in a year-on-year decline in the crime rate—"

"Pfft hahaha!"

A shrill, ear-piercing laugh turned Holt's face as black as the color of his suit.

Emma laughed so hard she nearly fell over, her manic laughter startling several company employees who were about to speak…

"Declining year by year..."

"Hahaha!"

Are you talking nonsense, Mr. Mayor?

"If I remember correctly, the crime rates in Pacific Island and Badlands don't seem to be reflected in the NCPD's merits, do I have to throw this rubbish in your faces? Everyone knows it's a cesspool, just like Dogtown."

The only sound in the entire venue was Emma's eerie voice.

"Want to blow up Colonel Hansen's powder keg? Come on..."

The representative of internet surveillance had the smallest reaction.

"Denial is useless. Our agents have infiltrated Taipingzhou and pinpointed the location of the AI ​​server. Furthermore..."

"Isn't your previous leader still alive?"

Emma's expression suddenly froze.

This really caused an uproar in the venue!

"Nonsense, is that right?"

Emma sneered, "You think you can just say whatever you want? You want the company to be your pawn...?"

The companies clearly had the same idea in mind, and their first reaction was naturally to try to break into Taiping Island.

That guy is a lucrative prospect for the company; they'll never let him go, both personally and as a company.

The representative from the network monitoring agency smiled smugly, "You think we can't find out just because you're hiding in Taipingzhou... Miss Emma, ​​if you're not a professional, I suggest you have your company's network department staff take a look at our network access logs to see if there are any records of Rin. Of course, this can be faked, but the network monitoring agency only speaks with facts."

"The more you try to stop it, the more it proves that this is indeed true."

Many companies immediately agreed to the proposal.

Going to Taipingzhou, whether or not, is a great opportunity to keep the Dreamers out of Night City.

All companies dispatched troops immediately. The whole process took less than a few minutes. The airships and ground troops, who had already smelled the odor, were nearby and arrived at the scene immediately.

Emma turned to the people behind her and said, "Everyone, retreat and move to the location I told you to."

If the interests are sufficient, it is not difficult for the company to reach a consensus in a short period of time.

"What if... you were being manipulated by the internet censors?"

"Rin will definitely be very grateful to you all..."

Emma smiled charmingly, "So many people still remember him, using him as bait to lure you idiots."

Military technology was the first to emerge.

"I advise you to save your energy. Our people are almost here. I hope Rin's expression is just as ugly as yours... You scheming bastard!"

Emma just fanned her nose, giving him a look as if someone had farted.

Everyone was watching this woman. Whether it was the official media of Night City or various forces, they were all on the move. They didn't know if she was really crazy or just pretending. At this moment, she was just clasping her hands together, supporting her chin, and smiling as she stared at these people.

"I said…"

"Are you really sure you want to place your bet?"

Tina, a biotech expert, glanced at the woman sideways. She couldn't understand why Night City could let such a dim-witted person roam around under the company's nose for so long.

No one answered Emma anymore. Instead, the woman from Arasaka said, "I'm sorry, but if the internet censors don't disclose the underlying code and core technology, we won't believe that Rin is still alive."

Emma looked at V.

"Wow, such a beautiful and smart baby!"

V glanced at Emma indifferently.

When the internet monitors heard that Arasaka remained unmoved, their expressions immediately darkened.

He said indignantly, "After Night City was rebuilt, the internet censors' power over internet law enforcement—"

V parted his lips slightly, "Possessing absolute authority."

“But the appearance of AI alongside our enemy is too much of a coincidence, and we demand more evidence.”

Then her beautiful eyes swept over Mayor Holt, "My boss and I understand what you mean. But my job is to be a cybersecurity expert, and I will reasonably question any questionable information in my field of expertise... I reiterate that without solid evidence, Arasaka does not intend to take any action."

Holt's expression instantly betrayed him.

He had long suspected that Arakasaka and Jefferson were in cahoots, and now he felt that it was indeed true.

"Has Arasaka been in Night City for too long and forgotten some things?"

at this time--

Other companies are also criticizing it.

"You damn Japanese! Judging from your appearance, you're planning to stand with that third-rate company that stole your meat, right? It's no surprise that Arasaka is doing this kind of groveling to small companies."

Despite the jarring sound, V kept his eyes fixed on Mayor Holt.

Holt turned his gaze to the internet monitor, who gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, we'll have Director Bridil release the data afterward. The AI ​​has already captivated Rin, we can't miss this opportunity—besides, isn't catching Rin on the spot evidence?"

"Can he escape this time?"

A smile appeared on V's lips.

"That…"

The Night family, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "We don't plan to go to Taiping Continent to join the fun. We thank everyone for their outstanding contributions to the cybersecurity and public safety of Night City. If possible, our company will provide funding for this military operation and make a humanitarian donation to the cybersecurity fund of the Internet Surveillance Bureau."

Upon hearing about money, the expressions of Night City's good mayor and internet monitor relaxed somewhat.

The Night Clan has an extremely keen eye for investment, and even has strategies that are almost inhuman. They like to make risky investments and can be considered the company with the most abundant cash flow in Night City.

It seems that only the stubborn Arasaka remains.

soon--

The meeting included updates on the progress of various companies' troops heading to Taipingzhou.

Their troops were all transported by air and are now above the suspected AI server on Pacific Island... It seems they made ample preparations in advance.

“Miss Emma, ​​you’re not fast at all.”

The representative of military technology gave a cold laugh.

"Look at how your ground troops are climbing!"

These global corporations, which own the right to lease satellites, chuckled as they watched the Dreamers' Force's progress on the map.

"I seriously suspect that your company's president, who loves wearing prosthetics, is a cockroach..."

“Nothing in Night City has more vitality than this.”

Tina also retorted without holding back.

It seems...

Everyone's pretty angry!
Emma watched these people with great interest.

Biotechnology, not to mention the security issues and data retrieval problems that caused their stocks to evaporate by an unknown amount of money, military technology is an old enemy, and what about other companies... it seems they have finally become interested in Taipingzhou. These companies will definitely not let go of any place where AI exists, after all, they all know how they obtained their leading technology.

Emma felt she was seeing the words Rin had said: "People die for money, birds die for food."

"One minute!"

The command channels of various units are broadcasting simultaneously in the video!

The company representatives listened to those voices, looking at Emma as if she were a dead person.

The Zeta Technology representative frowned, lamenting the helplessness of a small company in the face of such matters.

Fortunately, they are now a leading technology giant.

"You all seem pretty confident? Well... when Rin appears, I'll perform a magic trick for you all!"

Emma seems to have really gone mad.

Even Arasaka's V couldn't help but frown.

“Miss Emma, ​​don’t tell me you’re about to wet your pants right now—if you love performing so much, you should be a sex doll in ripped pants on Twilight Street, not a company leader.”

"Make your people go faster! Maybe you could add some magic to give them little wings or something."

crazy.

It seems the intelligence was accurate; this woman's behavior and logic are completely abnormal.

Emma smiled, her eyes narrowed.

"It's better to go slower..."

"You can only enjoy the show if you slow down, right?"

A seemingly random sentence left many companies baffled.

"Neuropathy."

Someone cursed.

Emma looked at the screen, extending all the fingers of both hands.

Do you really think Rin will appear as scheduled?

Emma's ramblings went unheard.

"Report! Proceed to the designated location immediately. Advance troops, assume defensive posture, and intercept enemy ground forces!"

"ten!"

"Nine…"

Emma's lips curled up, her eyes seemingly hidden beneath her hair, as she murmured along with the countdown from the company troops.

"Please be quiet, Miss Emma."

V couldn't help but frown and offer a reminder.

The countdown quickly reached one…

"Landing in progress!"

"Touched the ground! You all better get to it!"

At that moment, Holt suddenly spoke.

“Miss Emma, ​​I hope you know the consequences of harboring Rin, Night City’s most wanted criminal.”

"is it?"

All the company representatives watched their respective teams' progress with bated breath.

Emma simply placed her finger lightly in front of her lips, making a shushing gesture.

This can be considered a response to Holt.

"I'm waiting for him to show up!"

"Look!"

In that brief moment when everyone's attention was briefly drawn!

"Oh no...we—...#￥ (noise)"

The screen cut off instantly!

at the same time!

Suddenly, employees in the office buildings of various companies participating in the online connection felt a violent vibration!

The alarms inside the company building went off instantly!

Everyone in Night City sensed this terrifying tremor…

People panicked, and instead of immediately crouching down for cover, some curious onlookers craned their necks to watch…

To the west of Night City, in the direction of Taiping Island, a huge fireball soared into the sky. Even from several districts away, its crimson color, like that of the setting sun, could still be seen... A few dozen seconds later, a gust of wind from the aftershock of the explosion swept by, causing parked cars on the street to shake and sound their alarms.

That is…

Taipingzhou Island exploded?!
"Humph…"

Emma gently lowered her fingers.

She was gazing intently at the gambler's despondency and anger.

I'm also watching the trust built up because of mutual interests crumble.

An uproar!
Everyone connected to the meeting instinctively stood up, except for V, Emma, ​​and Ye Shi, who remained seated on benches.

"this…"

Someone reacted.

"What the fuck is going on?!"

They glared at Emma menacingly, as if the man they had just attacked and driven mad had now become the instigator.

"Ah...what a pity."

However, instead of Emma's reply, they were met with her continued ravings of madness.

"I thought you guys could really bring him back to life."

"Now he's dead again! Such a huge fireball, and he had your men... Hahahaha!"

"All dead!"

Whether Rin is alive or not is unknown.

Whether he's dead or not is unknown.

But their troops were indeed almost wiped out.

Emma then gave the order in a cold voice.

"Anyone who trespasses into the Taipingzhou Company's territory shall be eliminated!"

Some companies immediately began questioning the internet regulators.

"you dare!"

"Fuck the internet censors!"

"What about people?!"

The internet monitoring representative probably had a mental breakdown at this moment; his location was completely blurry, clearly indicating that he had been disconnected prematurely.

Emma spread her hands.

“We certainly dare to be intruders on Taiping Island.”

But at this point, no one dared to launch another attack on the Dreamers, who still had their main force intact.

Otherwise, if important facilities are not adequately armed, they will definitely be stabbed in the back!
A long sigh.

"It seems... Arasaka has made the right decision once again."

V stood up, his gaze heavy.

“Mayor Hult, we need an explanation regarding whether the internet surveillance has abused its law enforcement power.”

Mayor Holt was nowhere to be seen at that moment; only a politician who was nearly collapsing in the knees remained.

"Holy crap! What the hell is going on?!"

V looked at the round, terrified guy and silently shook his head.

however…

This chaos did not last long.

Emma stood up and said the most important thing in the whole event.

"To divert attention and drag the internet censors into this mess, Night City Council, City Hall, and... you bunch of idiots."

"Your backer is a biotechnology company, right?"

Emma isn't crazy at all now.

She delegated a lot of tasks to the companies attending the conference—

Everyone stared at the data that looked more real than the internet surveillance data, and they almost ground their teeth to dust.

As it stands: the city hall and internet censors are using the company as a pawn to kill Rin, who doesn't even exist...

Even if Rin is alive.

Under that kind of explosion...

The goal this time is probably to weaken the company's power.

While it won't fundamentally damage the business, it will undoubtedly save the biotechnology company, whose business in North America is currently on the verge of collapse.

However, Emma revealed the evidence.

The next step will probably be clearing out the site.

Tina stood up. "This is fabricated!"

She clearly hadn't expected that she would be the main character in this whole affair.

Holt was also stunned.

No need to answer.

Because Emma had already figured out how to get revenge.

She smiled and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, you've suffered quite a loss! I look forward to your next visit to Taipingzhou!"

"in addition--"

"We suspect that biotechnology companies in apartments on the edge of bad soil are spying on our company. This isn't to ask for your permission, but to inform you... we're about to take action!"

After saying that, she politely said hello and immediately ended the call.

All that's left is a bunch of company dogs, disheveled and bewildered in the wind.

Tina's eyes instinctively turned to Araka, who hadn't participated in the operation earlier!
She felt powerless, as if she had been tricked and was unable to speak up to defend herself.

"You damned dogs!"

Other companies have also begun to have ill intentions towards biotechnology and HOTER.

The tall woman sat sideways with her legs crossed, "Biotechnology..."

V asked softly, "Should we consider the deal we didn't reach an agreement on?"

"It seems you've made a new enemy..."

……

……

(End of this chapter)