Cyberpunk: From Dogville to Legend

Chapter 436 Hero (Part )

Arakasaka's actions in the Badlands have quickly ignited a firestorm in Night City.

The moment the presidential plane crashed, the entire Pacific Island seemed to be isolated, and the number of weapons and equipment on the walls increased...

Night City is now on high alert, as if it's about to be destroyed at any moment...

This situation only occurred decades ago when Arasaka knew that Night City had a nuclear bomb that would be detonated... However, this time a living nuclear bomb was detonated, namely by the current president of the new United States, Myers.

Lai Xuan stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, listening intently to the faint sound of the air raid siren. As the automatic door opened, people entered in an orderly fashion, accompanied by a series of noisy sounds.

“Lord Lai Xuan, if we continue to ignore those companies and politicians in Night City, we will be in trouble. They want to restart the negotiations based on the agreements made when Night City was first established, including the agreements made after the collapse of Arasaka Tower in 2023.”

"The company is very dissatisfied with our actions..."

"Some companies' armed forces are already heading towards Taipingzhou. The Arasaka Industrial Park is not far from us, so please leave here first to avoid any danger!"

Lai Xuan had anticipated this outcome and was even prepared to confront the company head-on.

The sudden disappearance of the Ye family left many companies that had business dealings with them dumbfounded, as if they had suddenly gone bankrupt... Just a few months ago, the Ye family's annual report looked very impressive.

The company that founded Night City has an extremely keen eye for investment.

It can be said that the Night Clan has more than enough working capital and all its assets to buy another plot of land similar in size to Night City from the Free Continent and rebuild Night City...

The sudden announcement of closure seemed to wipe all of Night's data out of Night City in an instant...

Arasaka's sudden action, coupled with Night City's sudden attack by a company that is almost a public enemy of the corporation, using heavy firepower that should not exist within Night City's territory to shoot Miles down.

This is like the prelude to a corporate war—

Moreover, this is different from the previous corporate wars where small companies hired large companies to back them up due to friction. This is a war with an intensity almost equivalent to a head-on collision between giant corporations!
They are questioning…

They questioned Arasaka about why he was carrying out dangerous operations around Badlands and Dogtown under such an unreliable pretext as cleaning up homeless people.

The pressure from the new America was now entirely on Night City, and the Night City government dared not negotiate at all... Faced with the behemoth that is the nation, the Night City government could not guarantee Miles' safety.

Therefore, the war in this place could break out in an instant.

At this critical juncture, none of the regional managers of any company chose to leave the company headquarters; they were all waiting for Arasaka to provide an explanation for this prescient approach.

Everyone in Arasaka was terrified. Their president was the first to act in this chaotic situation, so suspicion of him being the instigator was rising sharply.

These big companies have learned their lesson.

They have begun to seize every opportunity to weaken Arasaka, who, having lost his extraterrestrial assets, is now within their grasp.

However, Lai Xuan's methods have always been the kind that you can't catch a wolf without risking your cub.

By leasing extraterrestrial satellites at high prices and purchasing rocket launches approved by the European Space Agency from small companies, Arasaka's company is no longer blind, except for lacking an extraterrestrial experimental station, after just two years.

Lai Xuan was well aware that two years had passed.

The resentment within the group did not dissipate with Rin's "death." On the contrary, Arasaka's development, hampered at every turn, led to the formation of a very radical pro-war faction in Europe.

Lai Hsuan doesn't mind letting these people take action early when the new America starts biting.

He is the most stable pillar in the entire game, so he must protect it.

"The negotiation experts are all assembled and awaiting orders from you, sir—"

Lai Xuan raised his hand to interrupt, "After I finish issuing my orders... transfer to the Night City Hall. Of course, Arasaka has something to say, but only I can say it."

This…

The team of excellent negotiation experts and legal professionals searched for loopholes in the various legal provisions of Night City to eliminate Arasaka's actions and doubts. However, Lai Xuan knew one thing: what these wolves loved to do was share food, and they were testing Arasaka's bottom line.

If they could link the incident of the new American plane crashing in Pacific Island to Arasaka, they wouldn't have even notified him to attend the meeting.

Lai Xuan wouldn't engage in bickering or arguing; at this moment, he was contemplating the distribution of Arasaka's important global assets, preparing for a potential war.

Lai Xuan calmly gazed at the various holographic images of the world in his office, focusing on North America, Europe, and Japan. The dense data and information unfolded before him like a grand blueprint, as if Lai Xuan had overlapped with his defeated self in the original timeline at a certain point in time.

This time, however, he was no longer the lone hero.

"Have the London, Paris, Warsaw, Hamburg, and Rome branches suspend all external business; put all projects entering the Arasaka process on hold, especially those involving existing Night City companies such as military technology, Pedro Petrochemical, biotechnology, and Fuyutsuki Electronics, even if it means breaching contracts."

"Have the counterintelligence departments of these branches conduct internal reviews again. Arasaka Bank should only conduct necessary business, and all information on corporate bribery in circulation should be sealed. Hopefully, some people in the European Community will be more sensible."

As Lai Xuan spoke in a firm yet calm tone, the higher-ups at Arasaka were dumbfounded…

Lai Xuan casually uttered these decisions and plans, which should have been made in the courtyard, from her office.

finally--

"Lord Raiden, is this...is this going to war?!"

Lai Xuan looked at the various expressions below him—fear, unease, doubt, excitement… Regardless of the reason, this was the signal he was sending.

"Yes, everyone. If you don't want to be in a passive position, then be prepared for a domino effect. The powder keg in Taipingzhou has been lit. Have the Arasaka General Security Department coordinate with me. Also, implement the 2023 Arasaka Wartime Corporate Management Plan. The Arasaka security departments are collectively referred to as the Arasaka Armed Forces. All corporate fleets on patrol should cease their missions and proceed to approach relevant important assets and facilities as arranged..."

"certainly…"

Lai Xuan placed the most important company, but one that had the least involvement in the Night City incident, last.

Kangtao.

Throughout Asia, Kangtao is undoubtedly the dominant player.

The entire North American project business of Camtau is very extensive, making it a formidable competitor.

But Lai Xuan couldn't figure out Kang Tao's thoughts.

"Asia also needs to be heavily defended. Get Major General Hadron here."

The commander of the Arasaka fleet who replaced Murata Tsuru was a close confidant of Yoriyuki, selected from Toronto. That night in Night City, when the Arasaka aircraft carrier bombarded the Konpaku Building... he was that captain.

"Lord Lai Xuan... oh no, Mr. Lai Xuan."

Hadron exudes the sharpness common to people like Lai Xuan, and despite his youthful appearance of around forty years old, he is remarkably powerful and composed.

"Hardren, Night City's Aragaka still needs to join in the fun, so that those dogs from New America and Military Technology will always have eyes watching them. Can they do that?"

“Yes, Mr. Lai Xuan. Our intelligence department has ascertained the movements of the military technology fleet after Miles’ crash and is prepared to conduct operations at any time in a random Pacific Island around Night City… or even in Night City itself.”

"Asia, what defense recommendations do you have?"

Lai Xuan rubbed his temples. Kang Tao gave him a very oppressive feeling. If Kang Tao wanted to take action, his entire hometown in Japan would be completely wiped out.

Hadron had clearly come up with a solution.

“No… The most urgent thing should be to talk to Comto. Comto has had the least reaction to the series of events in Night City. We handed over Relic’s chief executive, Herman, to Comto. Doesn’t that deserve a dialogue with them?”

Lai Xuan chuckled softly.

“If Herman hadn’t been unable to resolve the disordered symptoms after Relic entered his body, I wouldn’t have let Contoo take him away so easily, you know that.”

But they said—

"Isn't a good attitude an opportunity? I have no defense advice. Asia is not suitable for war. If we only focus on the Asian region, we can confront Contau; but that means we have to abandon Europe, and Africa is Contau's key territory..."

"Also, don't forget, Kangtao isn't the one in control; it's their country that controls Kangtao. They are the true state apparatus..."

Lai Xuan nodded.

"Xu Zhi?"

Xu Zhi, who was standing nearby with a worried expression, heard Lai Xuan call out to him.

The young and arrogant man above him momentarily dazzled Xu Zhi.

He'd seen that same expression on another man before…

It was a natural, unwavering confidence, as if unafraid of failure and with no room for regret after a move. "Can you do it?"

Lai Xuan inquired…

Xu Zhi gritted his teeth.

"Kangtao is a structure under the headquarters' jurisdiction, so I have to go to Haicheng in person."

Lai Xuan looked somewhat surprised. At such a sensitive time, Xu Zhi was going to the headquarters of a company whose enemy or friend was unknown. Xu Zhi's adventurous spirit was even stronger than his own.

He originally only wanted Xu Zhi to be in charge of this matter…

However, the fact that a senior company executive personally went to this location is indeed a good sign.

"Then...now?"

Lai Xuan still wears an old-fashioned mechanical watch. If he were fast enough, Arasaka's cormorant could take Xu Zhi to Mexico, and then he could take a Japan Airlines private plane to Haicheng in a few hours... After all, Arasaka also has an office there, but he doesn't have the right to mobilize any force.

Xu nodded and left without hesitation.

"Xu Zhi?"

All of Arasaka's top management in the office looked at the two people, separated by all of Arasaka's current top management, including the branch managers on the video call.

Xu Zhi turned to look at Arakasaka Yoriyuki, his lips parted slightly…

"Come back as soon as possible, and be extra careful. Arasaka is well-prepared—"

Xu Zhi smiled, and for the first time, turned and left without saying a word.

Lai Xuan clenched his fist and then relaxed it...

He didn't know if Xu Zhi could manage, but at least Asia would have to take up a lot of Arasaka's energy.

It must be said that Lai Xuan's plan was very clear. Europe mainly relied on the local Arasaka Defense Force for defense, while Arasaka Bank controlled the European Community officials who accepted bribes. This bank, which did not conduct business with the outside world, was essentially Arasaka's financial weapon.

Lai Xuan from Asia is also keeping a close eye on the mainland. What he wants to do is to ensure that the technological facilities of the mainland, the global network server of Jeju Island, and the Soul Killer's main body are under the most stringent protection.

"Everyone."

“At this moment, there are more than one family in Night City that regards us, Arasaka, as enemies. Just like my father said, without courage, you are useless.”

Lai Xuan reached out to the side and gently beckoned.

The female executive stepped forward and handed over the link to the entire emergency meeting of Night City…

The words "Uploading" appeared in everyone's eyes.

"System connection, Arasaka..."

The cold voice echoed in everyone's ears.

"The protocol was successfully authenticated. Night City, Arasaka Yoriyuki has been connected."

The chaotic Night City government calmed down considerably after hearing that it was President Arasaka from around the world making the call.

A proxy is often the best option at the moment, and Lai Xuan's move is tantamount to putting himself in danger.

"Everyone, quiet."

Lai Xuan didn't even look at the Night City officials; his gaze only lingered briefly on Congressman Jefferson…

This guy has clashed with Arakasa quite a few times; even Yorihiro knows who he is.

Arasaka was also surprised that Jefferson failed to take over two years ago.

Night City's current mayor, Lucius, was "unexpected" due to the lack of biotechnology backing, but he was overthrown by a female councilor who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

Whoever sits in this position will inevitably be hampered by such a behemoth as the company.

If it weren't for maintaining the sense of justice and freedom in the eyes of Night City's citizens, the company could have bypassed City Hall and sat down to talk with all the capitalized Night City institutions (such as the NCPD).

But Lai Xuan didn't have time for that kind of wrangling.

"Arakasa..."

"Now that you are here, sir, all of us here, as colleagues and representatives of various companies who are working for a better future for Night City, are eager to know your company's stance."

The female mayor looked very unhappy.

The so-called freedom of Night City is about to be torn apart, and the label of an incompetent system will be the label of Night City politicians from now on.

The Free Continent is already stirring, and Night City can only watch helplessly. Therefore, choosing between Arasaka and military technology has become particularly important.

When this question arose, Lai Hsuan knew that some people had already made their choice.

"It seems... we're still short-handed?"

The ignored Night City bureaucrats realized that so-called tax suppression and media control over the company were far less effective than having sufficient military force.

Night City, surrounded by Freedom State, had no other choice.

They can only maintain their dignity by standing against Lai Xuan. A city of millions is not a simulation game to be taken lightly; if this city collapses…

"coming."

A languid female voice drifted over…

"Mr. Lai Xuan is in a great hurry."

The woman, as venomous as a snake, was backed by a background resembling a data room, with a light that seemed to surge like blood, and the dim lighting made her lips appear even more alluring.

"I am here to explain some things... Gentlemen. I personally ordered the operation in Night City's Badlands. Arasaka's intelligence agency is quite excellent, and I am pleased that we have taken the initiative and prevented some people from smearing us."

An uproar!
"Furthermore... the attack on the Yoru network has nothing to do with Arakawa."

Lai Xuan continued his calm narration.

"Lai Xuan! Are you going to start a war?"

"You all know perfectly well—"

"Damn it! Are you trying to surround and kill the leaders of the new America in Pacific Ocean?"

It's too noisy...

Lai Xuan prepared to make the final announcement.

"Taipingzhou's company is a cancer! Are you helping your father's killer?!"

Lai Xuan's eyelids twitched, and he looked up at the guy...

In just ten seconds, that guy thought of everything.

The military technology representative said in a deep voice, "Mr. Arasaka Yoriyuki, please reserve a path for us. We hope to ensure Ms. Miles' safety!"

"Okay."

Lai Xuan said this under the watchful eyes of senior executives at Arakawa Global.

“Give back what you took from Arasaka fifty years ago and ten years ago, and I can make way for you.”

The military technology sector's expression darkened further.

"otherwise…"

Lai Xuan spread his hands, "We can beat you too—"

……

(End of this chapter)