Chapter 51

Cyberpunk: Legendary Life

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Secret Files of Hanako Arasaka, titled Silent Blossoms.

The book chronicles the times Hanako Arasaka spent confined in the old Arasaka mansion during her youth.

How much of it is fabricated, Tang Yu couldn't say, after all, in those days Yorinobu never mentioned such matters to him.

Regarding the depth of the Arasaka family's perversions, Tang Yu always shared the same view as Johnny.

Johnny Silverhand would always say with a shrug: Look at this expression—it's called 'not surprised at all.'

It even crossed his mind that a father could have plans for his son's body, and Hanako must have known about her father's intentions of digital reincarnation.

To save her own life, she must have cared so much for her brother's well-being.

If Yorinobu really died, the only reliable host left for Saburo Arasaka would be Hanako.

Tang Yu kept his knowledge and speculations from a previous life to himself and never told anyone, including Jackieie.

Some things are best understood alone—speaking them only adds to the panic.

As for the bone gossip between the Arasaka siblings, Tang Yu was merely joking with Jackieie; he didn't really discuss the family's secrets.

But who can truly distinguish truth from falsehood?

The Arasaka family would never hold a press conference to emphasize the absence of ethical scandals in their own ranks.

As far as the residents of Night City are concerned, with their penchant for gossip, the truth is no longer significant—the story must be set this way.

While Tang Yu and Jackieie were chatting.

Maine, with heavy steps, approached the aerodyne door, holding a briefcase.

"Mr. Tang, I'm all ready," Maine said.

Tang Yu nodded to signify that he could get on the vehicle.

Jackieie stood up, reached out, and pulled Maine onto the vehicle.

"Friend, get on board. You impressed me just now, daring to take on the Arasaka Special Forces—nice job!"

Maine finally sat in the aerodyne, his usual bold and generous demeanor somewhat restrained in front of Tang Yu, nothing like the brusqueness of their first meeting.

Tang Yu knew Maine was the kind of burly man who appeared reckless but was a deeply loyal and righteous person—rare to find in Night City.

Maine chose to stand alone against the threat, willing to exchange his life for his teammates' chance to escape.

This alone sufficed to label him a legend.

Legends can have many forms—you can be strong, have a big influence, or do spectacular deeds.

But what is truly admirable is often the rare and precious loyalty and righteousness that people lack the most.

With such values, people can band together for warmth and not feel alone.

They stand against the cold mechanical world of cyber reality, resisting the abuse of technology, rampant materialism, and the numbness of sorrow.

Jackieie didn't really know Maine but already respected his abilities and character and began introducing himself.

"Back in Heywood, we share some heart-to-heart before doing business; it's a custom... or perhaps a courtesy?"

"Jackieie Welles."

"A native of Night City, with Heywood blood running through my veins."

"You've got spirit, friend. Even if you lost everything today, you still have that, right?"

Maine heard the compliment in the words and felt a newfound liking for this forthright Heywood man.

"Maine."

"Mercenary."

"Crawled out of the doghole that is Watson."

The two men shared a smile, and the once-reserved Maine relaxed considerably, turning to ask Tang Yu, "Mr. Tang, where are we headed now? Are we going for a cyberware installation? I can't wait!"

Tang Yu started the vehicle's engine and set the destination to the old Viktor's clinic, then replied, "We're going to Viktor's clinic for cyberware, but there are some things to take care of before installation."Jackieie added, "Viktor's workmanship is the best in Night City. There's no problem getting cyberlimbs from him."

Seeing that Maine already had gorilla arms and an extra arm cannon, not to mention his entire body had been augmented down to bone, muscle, and skin, he advised with good intentions,

"Maine, you've got enough combat enhancements installed. If you implant this military-grade Sandevistan, your body might not be able to take it."

Maine laughed heartily, not minding one bit, "For me, as long as it makes me stronger, I can handle any cyberware!"

Jackieie actually endorsed and admired his approach.

"That's right. In Night City, if you're not strong enough, even dogs will dare mess with you!" Maine laughed loudly.

Jackieie, curious, asked, "Since you're so tough and must be earning a lot, why don't you choose more advanced, systematic cyberware when you get implants?"

Maine replied somewhat helplessly, "I've gotten used to these old pieces I've had for a long time, and I couldn't be bothered to replace them."

Tang Yu discerned the subtext in Maine's words; a cyberpunk starting from the bottom and working their way up does not have the means to systematically install high-end implants. It's often a case of installing whatever comes their way, prioritizing becoming stronger without the luxury of choice. If their body can't handle the load and they have to remove their cyberware, they would probably die even faster in Night City without the strength to back them up. It's a one-way path that's difficult to turn back from once embarked on.

But Tang Yu still warned Maine, "Jackieie is right, the types and versions of the cyberware in your body are too chaotic. Once you install the Sandevistan, even if you can truly fight with it, it's likely that you can't use it many times."

Maine just laughed it off.

"Even if I can use it just once, it's worth it."

Seeing Maine so determined, Tang Yu and Jackieie didn't want to push further.

Everyone has their own hardships, like Jackieie not quite understanding why Tang Yu insists on not installing cyberware to quickly enhance his strength.

But he still trusts in the other's choice.

The group fell silent.

The aerodyne car sped towards Viktor's cyberware clinic.

Through the aerodyne's window, Maine saw the night scene of Night City, with skyscrapers sparkling with neon lights.

It was a rare opportunity for him to admire the night view of Night City from high above.

After all, an aerodyne costs millions of Eurodollars, not something he could earn just by taking on jobs.

Although he made a decent amount from each job, his expenses were also substantial.

Apart from paying his team, he had to maintain and update his cyberware after fights, and if necessary, install new combat enhancements.

Moreover, he needed regular injections of inhibitors, a considerable expense as they effectively relieve the pain and degradation caused by the cyberware metal.

He was well aware that higher-end cyberware would be better, especially the new powerful cyberware developed by corporations.

They're sleek, closer to human appearance, and offer greater control and power.

Maine could actually afford these new high-end models, but the upkeep was beyond his means, not only because of their high initial cost but also because of the expensive maintenance.

Hence, he preferred scavenging for cost-effective combat implants in the black market, and the military-grade Sandevistan was indeed his target.

He acquired it through Gloria, who had snatched it from the corpse of a cyberpsycho named James.

Even though Maine knew this thing was ominous, he was swayed by James's combat prowess.

After many life-and-death experiences, now that he finally had it in his possession, Maine gripped the safety box in his hand tightly.

No matter what, he had to install this piece of cyberware.