Cyberpunk: From Dogville to Legend

Chapter 486 Different Paths, Same Destination (Part 2)
Taipingzhou.

Morgan Blackhand was calculating time in this room, which was entirely constructed of transparent special glass. Ever since he was captured by this company that stood in Pacific Island, he had been calculating every minute and every second—what had become of the outside world, and why the network had disconnected all the prosthetic devices that day.

It's been almost twenty days...

He had many speculations, such as Miles dying in Pacific, the new America replicating the pretext of the unification war, and so on…

Even so, he didn't go crazy or roar; he just waited silently.

He knew he wouldn't be executed or dissected like a test subject, since he and the company's leader shared a tacit understanding in certain areas.

The sound of high heels suddenly broke the unbearable silence of the specially designed prison cell. He pushed aside the freshly cooked food on the table, which was slightly better than synthetic food, and silently stood up.

Sure enough, a woman appeared outside the thick glass; it was Emma Watson, the company's frontline fighter, who also seemed to be that guy's woman.

Morgan stared at her silently, thinking his gaze must have been very unfriendly... However, the woman opposite him hesitated for only a second or two before reaching out and using her key card to unlock the cell door. The special glass, with its tightly sealed edges and a thickness of two palms, slowly lifted, and a slightly fresh air and the woman's elegant perfume wafted in.

Seeing that the woman still dared to walk in, Morgan's eyelids twitched as he glanced behind Emma...

There was no one there.

Morgan wondered what Morgan was thinking that the head of the company who controlled the current climate in Night City dared to appear in front of a prisoner like this.

Had Morgan not undergone such grueling detention training in military technology, his first instinct should have been to take a high-value target hostage as a shield and escape. However, the woman, seemingly oblivious, walked up to Morgan and pulled out a chair with her well-maintained hand—

“Emma Watson, I think you should know me. When you were surrounded and attacked from both sides, I was the one who ordered my men to bring you here.”

"After all, your combat strength is not low, and the Dreamer does not want to accept some meaningless losses."

The woman rested her chin on her hand, seemingly very curious about the man in front of her.

The legend of Night City is an unavoidable part of the experience for everyone who comes here to live or travel. A rebel controlled by a large corporation, he single-handedly changed the situation and disappeared from the top like a legend...

“Morgan Blackhand, Rin said you are just a copy of their past glory, is that right?”

The man with a stubble beard, who had taken off his black trench coat and was wearing only a tight-fitting T-shirt that outlined his prosthetic body, slowly sat down. "That's right, that guy was right."

“From the first day I arrived in this city, your names have been legendary. Even if it’s fake, you’re very close.”

Emma was satisfying her curiosity.

But not for Morgan: "I'd rather not use this ridiculously stupid name."

Emma smiled. To her surprise, the guy in front of her also moved a chair over and sat down casually, using the chair back as a fulcrum for his arms. He was also looking Emma up and down.

"You're a madman, an absolute madman."

"Don't you ever consider the dangers of his orders? If something goes wrong, your life is what they want most—or are you going to go crazy with him?"

Emma thought about it for a moment.

"how about you?"

"I've heard that you've gone easy on Dreamers more than once or twice, including the one at the Azure Building... You dragged it out until Rin arrived on that floor, and the Relic chip is still in our hands. Those Arasaka guys on orbit still haven't gotten the data..."

Morgan Blackhand quickly reached out.

"Madam, please don't reveal any information that could cost me my life."

"I just want to know when you plan to release me. Don't talk to me about any deals... I've already paid off my debts with Rin at the Azure Mansion and the Biotechnology Apartment."

"Over there—"

Morgan pointed to the direction he had deduced in the room, which was the direction of Badlands. "Rin gave me a life, but I'm sure I know how to find my direction in life, so... are you here to persuade me to work for you? Then you can just give up."

"And I must advise you, madam, you should think about how you're going to get out of this room unscathed."

Morgan Blackhand's smile was confident, as if he had discarded a huge burden, and his face was full of fearlessness.

Emma lowered her head and suddenly burst into laughter. The Black Hand's expression changed from composure to calm; hearing the woman's laughter, he began to waver...

"It seems Miles's assurance is important to you, isn't it?"

"Her assurances are the same for us..."

“We’ve saved Miles. Now she’s just hanging around in Dogtown, keeping a political tiger in captivity and starving her... She’ll do anything to get back to Washington, which is exactly what we want to see.”

"No... to be precise, most of it is what I saw."

Morgan Blackhand's lips twitched a few times.

He really wanted to say that Miles had ulterior motives... but for the sake of his own identity and to live his own independent life, Morgan Blackhand chose to remain silent.

"Guess what Rin values ​​most? Shooting down Sky One, breaking conventions, acting recklessly... even starting a war, for what reason?"

Morgan the Black Hand had no interest in discussing political demands or business profits; he believed he knew perfectly well that this was the company's core principle—everything had to be about profit and winning. If things had changed externally, Emma's composure suggested that Morgan the Black Hand probably knew the Dreamers had profited handsomely from this operation…

"I don't want to speculate about what you're up to, but I feel Rin is different from other corporate dogs... Of course, I'm not saying I'm not part of this den of wolves; everything's settled now—"

Morgan Blackhand still wanted to avoid this issue.

"Just for one person."

Morgan Blackhand's expression showed a moment of surprise.

Miles often said, "In any game, you have to sacrifice something to gain an advantage"...

To be honest, Morgan Blackhand didn't believe Emma's words; he thought it was just brainwashing.

"You've seen that girl, right? Relic is stuck in her brain. If it weren't for Arasaka and our technical team using massive resources to keep her alive, she would be a rock-and-roll horror character disguised as a girl."

"But our efforts are not enough to make up for these. Your research on AI interference with nerves has an advantage, which is why we set up this meeting."

Emma told the whole story…

In any situation, this woman, who is both mad and extremely calm, would choose to study her opponent. It is clear that Morgan Black Hand's weakness has already been discovered.

How much weight a person carries in the eyes of those in power is an absolute question.

"What kind of joke is this? You dare to mess with a politician like Miles—"

Only when Morgan said those words did he realize he had gone against his verbal promise…

Perhaps there was no trust in Miles to begin with; he subconsciously wanted to say that Relic was of great significance to Miles.

"Rin only wants his comrades, family, and colleagues who fight alongside him to live well, but that's simply unrealistic."

Emma sighed softly.

“Relic shouldn’t have been with that girl, but this is the best outcome. Without you… everything would have been terrible.”

Morgan Blackhand could no longer suppress his curiosity.

According to global leaks, Relic can preserve consciousness and give people a chance to live again, but... opportunities are often created, and the rich will do anything to survive. Morgan's Black Hand knows that military technology lacks this technology, and Miles will use that girl to his death!

If all of this is really true...

If Miles plays a trick on that girl, Rin's anger might be hard to bear.

Morgan Blackhand didn't believe Miles's security level was higher than Saburo Arasaka's...

It's good that Miles was kicked out of Washington's power circles. If she had stabilized herself and then been purged by Rin, then the new America would have completely fallen into the abyss!

"Damn it, are you talking nonsense?" Emma's eyes were calm, as if Rin doing such a thing was within the normal range.

“Rin and I both know what kind of slippery politician Miles is. He knows it even better than I do. The reason is that he thinks there's still some time before Relic is handed over to New America for research, but Rebecca's life can't be kept alive for that long—”

"I have to admit that Rin is selfish."

"He wanted to change something, but he kept looking down and taking care of everything around him... That's why I love him so much."

It's a big gamble.

Morgan clenched his fist tightly. "What do you want me to do?"

He himself didn't understand why he subconsciously started negotiating with the woman in front of him.

He was the one who threatened to take Emma hostage just now.

“I’m here to thank you. Rin is blinded by concern, but I still support him. He has a woman he loves who will help him face the complex challenges of the future. I’m not worried. I’m only concerned with how to clean up the mess and use my thinking to make this matter even more perfect.”

An encrypted digital chip was given to Morgan.

"Dreamers have an unwritten rule that the salaries of senior and middle management, and even soldiers, are based on the employee level of Night City Enterprises."

"This money was transferred from the company's public account; it's the entire company's way of showing respect to you."

"I cannot express my gratitude any further."

Morgan Blackhand was stunned.

He stared at Emma in disbelief.

A company is rapidly rising in power, and its profits should be incredibly impressive. However, the woman in front of him says that the company should actually pay for it... He wants to know what is driving this company forward.
Morgan stared at the card for a long time without reaching out.

"Fine, take it if you want. I'm not lying. You can check it out in Night City."

Emma casually placed the card on the table.

"I'm only here to ask you a favor and to make a bet with you."

For the first time, Morgan Blackhand felt envy towards someone.

He could guess that the other woman Rin deeply loved, whom Emma mentioned, was most likely Arasaka's current Special Operations Director. Beyond being shocked by the woman's magnanimity and meticulousness, he felt an overwhelming curiosity and admiration...

Are all of this guy's women this complicated?

"I have to admit, among all these corporate dogs in suits, those in power, and those ruthless scoundrels, you and Rin are the most interesting."

"As for that woman, I only see her as a cold, lifeless piece of wood..."

Emma smiled gently.

"Then I suggest you don't let Rin hear this. That woman's growth is controlled by the company, and she's the one Rin cares about the most... You know? Rin can see many things that we can't see. V must have some important influence."

Morgan Blackhand thought the statement was too mystical.

"So, what is the request?"

Emma composed herself and calmed down.

"Don't let Rebecca's life be in danger. Her relic can be removed. New America should give her a healthy body—even if this body can't support the prosthetic body, that's what Rin wants."

Morgan Blackhand felt as if he were facing an unsolvable puzzle, and involuntarily wanted to reach out.

Emma pulled out a silver cigar case from behind her back; it was one of the personal items confiscated from Morgan the Black Hand during his arrest.

"The cigars inside have all been replaced; they're properly aged and are the flavor you're used to smoking."

"You're welcome."

Morgan Blackhand stroked his beard and clicked his tongue. Although he understood, he still wanted to ask Rin what gave him the right.
"You know, I can't handle Miles' stuff. When there's a conflict of interest, I'll still protect myself."

Emma, ​​as if she had guessed, said with certainty, "This involves our bet."

"If Miles is unable to fulfill your request, you have one chance to trust Miles..."

Morgan Blackhand was dumbfounded.

Are you kidding me? How does the woman in front of me know this?

Emma enjoys seeing a look of shock in the other person's eyes; this signal is often a key factor in her gaining the upper hand in negotiations.

"Imagine if your achievement was getting Miles out of Dogtown and back to New America, do you think that 'medal' would be enough for you to get legal status and live a normal life?"

After a moment's thought, Morgan Blackhand replied, "You really want to let Miles go?"

Emma nodded. "Like I said, I'm Rin's backup plan. He wants to gamble on Miles, but I don't want to bet so easily, so I have to come to you."

"If you find that Miles has no intention of having you retire..."

The cigar in front of Morgan's mouth was burning and making a sizzling sound.

Most people wouldn't inhale something with such excessive nicotine content, but Morgan could only do so to keep his mind clear.

“Alright, madam… this beautiful and frighteningly intelligent lady—I accept this bet with you.”

“I don’t know how Rin instructed you, but you need to know that if Miles releases me… Rebecca will be left without protection. You won’t blame me for that, will you?”

Emma smiled.

Morgan found the smile somewhat frightening, as if all his secrets had vanished.

"I'm confident I will win."

The woman slowly rose, her graceful figure causing Morgan Blackhand to dare not look at her at all. He had finally found the right words to describe the woman before him—

"poison".

Emma stepped aside. "Please. Your weapon will be handed to you upstairs. It's in excellent condition and even more powerful than before."

Morgan Blackhand hesitated for a moment, then reached for the black trench coat on the table. Before leaving, he took one last look at the woman's profile.

He knew that he had been tamed by his subconscious.

Because Morgan had never truly trusted Miles, he had nowhere to hide from this open conspiracy…

Emma watched Morgan drive away before letting out a soft sigh.

Rin gained control of the network and read a lot of intelligence. Emma took advantage of this intelligence advantage and used Morgan's request to find Miles as a starting point to provide Rebecca with the last layer of protection.

"cold…"

"If I bet against him, I'll win; but what happens after I win? What will you do with Miles then?"

"This guy and the samurai you dealt with in the Japanese town are the same kind of people who ended up the same way, even though they came from different paths."

Emma's words gradually dissipated in the deep underground facility, beginning to sound unreal...

……

……

(End of this chapter)