Chapter 96

Future chapters (15+) at patreon.com/FFAddict. Thank you!

Maine sat in the driver's seat, steering with one hand while making a phone call with the other.

"Falco, we've got a job. Meet up with them immediately. I'll send you the address. We'll rendezvous at the destination. Remember to bring all the gear. Hurry!"

After hanging up, Maine sent messages to the other team members, telling them to get ready.

In the passenger seat, Dorio asked in a deep voice, "Company business again?"

Maine nodded, responding with a hint of resignation, "That's right. They want us to protect someone named Marcello. He's being targeted by Militech."

Seeing Dorio's solemn expression, he added, "Gloria thinks Militech probably won't intervene directly. She'll try to stall them on her end. The opponents we need to watch out for might be our fellow mercs."

Dorio seemed to realize something.

When corporations were unwilling to directly confront each other, they often assigned middlemen to select mercenaries to complete tasks.

For example, the job Maine's team received came from Faraday, but the real client was Militech.

In addition, the major gangs were also frequently favored by corporations. Assassinations, kidnappings, experiments and other shady activities were all handed over to them.

That's why Maine believed their opponents this time might be other mercenaries.

Dorio continued her serious analysis, "If the corporations aren't getting directly involved, it means the situation may not be that urgent. That time at the abandoned steel mill was already considered a large-scale hot conflict between two mega-corporations."

Maine wasn't sure of the scale of the enemy forces, but judging from Gloria's tone and the remuneration, it wouldn't be that simple.

"You're right. There hasn't been a peep about what happened that night until now. It's very likely they covered it up. If it really blew up, Night City would probably be plunged into bloody chaos again."

"But the fee Gloria offered is a flat rate, 100,000 eurodollars..."

Dorio's pupils suddenly constricted, "That high?"

It was clear that to protect one person at such a high cost meant the target was extremely important.

Maine added, "They want him alive. That's why I notified the others to get here ASAP. We must be prepared for a tough fight."

Dorio also agreed with Maine's approach. The higher the remuneration, the greater the danger of the mission. Trying to take it on with just the two of them would be too reckless.

In the mercenary business, caution was the key to longevity. One moment of carelessness could very well cost you your life.

Just as they were rushing to the destination at full speed, a phone call came in, causing Maine's mood to sink.

Faraday?

Maine had a vague feeling that he might be caught in a struggle between two giants again.

Seeing his odd expression, Dorio quickly asked, "Maine?"

Maine hesitated for a moment, now caught in an incredible dilemma.

The job they had taken was likely in direct conflict with Faraday's intentions, irreconcilable.

Even the target of both sides was the same person - Marcello.

This meant Maine could only choose one - continue with Gloria's commission or answer Faraday's call and take his job.

Maine's large, rough hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as he clenched his jaw.

Based on the timing of the calls from both companies, he was probably the closest to reaching Marcello.

Whoever he handed Marcello over to would be the winner of this game.

Maine suddenly thought of that dream, a dream that couldn't be more real, the loss of control triggered by Tanaka's implant.

And after waking from the dream, V's instructions to him, and Tang Yu's subtle assistance.

Maine seemed to have made a decision and directly hung up on Faraday's incoming call. Answering his call at this point would do more harm than good.

"It was Faraday calling. Damn, I'm afraid things aren't that simple."

Dorio was also very surprised. A call from Faraday at this hour could only mean one thing.

Militech had also made a move.

The Marcello that Gloria wanted to protect was also the target Militech wanted to capture.

Arasaka and Militech, constrained by some unspoken rules, didn't want to escalate the conflict further over this matter, so they each found proxies to do the job for them.

The proxies chosen by both sides happened to be Maine's team.

Dorio instantly felt overwhelmed, not realizing they had unwittingly been drawn into another vortex.

When two behemoths wrestled in the shadows, it was often others who suffered.

She knew that Maine refusing Faraday meant he stood on Gloria's side.

They had already witnessed Gloria becoming a middleman under Arasaka.

From now on, the connection with middleman Faraday was severed for Maine's team. 

They knew Faraday acted ruthlessly and had no regard for anyone. Refusing him meant becoming an enemy.

Dorio could already imagine Faraday's suppressed rage after being rejected. He was the type to not show emotions but repay rejection with tenfold cruelty.

After hanging up on Faraday, Maine made a left turn onto an overpass and stepped on the gas, speeding towards the broken bridge destination.

At this moment.

Tang Yu led Gloria down from the third floor, leaving the small plaza under the watchful eyes of Militech's special forces.

The Delamain car was still waiting in place, the rear door automatically opening.

Tang Yu held the door, helping Gloria into the car first before getting in himself.

"Mr. Tang, Delamain is pleased to continue serving you. May I ask where the next destination is?"

Tang Yu briefly observed Gloria's condition and asked, "Do you need to see a ripperdoc?"

Gloria held her head, explaining weakly, "I'm fine, much better now..."

Seeing this, Delamain interjected, "The Delamain car can provide you with high-quality medical kit services. You can purchase them in different tiers. Additionally, we have partnered with Trauma Team to offer medical packages..."

Tang Yu knew old Del always acted this way, seizing every opportunity to advertise, so he directly interrupted.

"Santo Domingo Valley, that construction site with the broken bridge. You know it?"

The bald Delamain on the electronic screen replied expressionlessly after quickly searching the map, "Address confirmed. Please fasten your seatbelts. We will depart immediately."

Tang Yu leaned over to pull out Gloria's seatbelt and fasten it for her. There was likely going to be a tough fight ahead, so he could only let her endure a bit longer.

Gloria gradually regained clarity from her dizziness as her internal bio-systems began automatic repairs, slow but noticeably effective.

Suddenly, she received a call from Maine. Suppressing the vertigo, she answered and quickly learned of Maine's situation.

After the call ended, Gloria carefully reported the details to Tang Yu to avoid missing any important information.

"Maine also got a call from Faraday?"

Tang Yu frowned slightly, feeling it was somewhat inappropriate to have arranged for Maine to protect Marcello.

Initially, the main consideration was that as a middleman, Gloria needed to strengthen her connection with Maine. Plus, every commission had been completed quite well, so Maine was the first one that came to mind.

Now it seemed sending Jackie might have been more appropriate, but there were also issues. With Jackie's abilities alone, he probably couldn't handle Militech's underlings. Letting Jackie go alone would be setting him up.

Fortunately, Maine refused Faraday and chose to complete Gloria's commission. This declaration of allegiance already demonstrated sincerity.

From now on, Tang Yu could rest a bit easier about Maine. He was someone who could be considered a friend.

Although Maine was rushing to the scene first, Tang Yu couldn't guarantee Maine could complete the mission 100%.

If Faraday couldn't get Maine's team to work for him, he naturally had other channels. Militech's chips couldn't all be placed on Faraday alone.

What other forces could Militech mobilize?

Tang Yu leaned back in the leather seat, quietly pondering.

Beside him, Gloria remained obediently silent, knowing that even if she had many questions, now was the time to keep them to herself until the matter was resolved.

Excluding mercenaries who could do the job, that left the gangs who loved being corporate muscle.

The first choice was naturally the Animals. This group of genetically modified brutes would take on any job as long as they were paid.

When Tang Yu returned to Night City, it was the Animals who ambushed him halfway, known for their ferocity and savagery.

The other was the Sixth Street gang, which had deep ties to Militech. This gang was basically composed of retired veterans with very complex backgrounds.Here is the English translation with some minor edits for clarity and flow:

Tang Yu carefully considered the situation. With the Militech company's deep ties and influence spanning the Santo Domingo River Valley area, they have long been at odds with the Valentinos gang. 

Under the current circumstances, the Militech company can no longer hide in the shadows. They will very likely mobilize the 6th Street gang to take action - the probability is quite high.

Tang Yu thought it over and felt that just having Maine and the others complete the mission would be too difficult. Dealing with the mindless brutes of the Animals gang alone would be more than enough trouble for them.

So Tang Yu called Jackie again.

The call was quickly answered.

Tang Yu got straight to the point, "Jackie, it's time for the Valentinos to repay the favor."

At the time, he had promised to help Jackie recruit people, but ended up paying out of his own pocket to have Gloria complete the task and successfully rescue Hellman. 

Although he had his own intentions, the deed was ultimately done for the Valentinos. This favor should be repaid, as no one is a selfless philanthropist, and Tang Yu is certainly no exception.

Jackie agreed without hesitation, "Hey, no problem, hermano. Their boss has long wanted to return this favor. You know the Valentinos - if nothing else, they have a strong sense of honor."

"They are very grateful to you for Hellman. So whatever it is, just say the word and I'll round up the people for you!"

Tang Yu didn't stand on ceremony and said directly, "The 6th Street gang may have a big operation today at the bridge construction site in the River Valley area. No matter what they do, you must stall them at all costs."

"Maine is rushing there now. We absolutely can't let anything happen to them."

Jackie quickly understood and assured, "Got it, I'll contact the Valentinos right away. I happen to be playing cards with them, so I'll head out with them later."

Tang Yu reminded, "Be careful."

Jackie laughed, "Don't worry, bro. We'll beat those cripples so bad they won't even be able to hold up their crutches."

After hanging up, Tang Yu finally breathed a sigh of relief, but his mind continued to churn.

Right now, he can't mobilize the people from the company, as Rebecca's side gig needs to involve as few people as possible. 

Besides, he doesn't want to further escalate the direct conflict with the Militech company. The two giants should clash, but it shouldn't be Tang Yu who triggers the bad luck.

Otherwise, if big problems arise, he would be the only one taking the fall, with no one else to share the blame.

"Can't become the scapegoat..." 

Tang Yu rubbed his tense brow, feeling that being a corporate dog was much more tiring than being a cyberpunk.

Before, he didn't have to manage so many things. A group of death-defying hotheads would charge everywhere, living and dying without fear, ready to fight if they didn't submit.

But having experienced too many partings of life and death, Tang Yu was actually a little afraid, scared of seeing the people around him leave him one by one again.

A life of spilling passion and hot blood is indeed heroically stirring, but in the end, who will clean up the mess left behind?

He didn't want another great destruction. Although he was tired, at least now he still had enough cards to mediate and change something.

Perhaps it was an unintentional good turn, but the path of being a corporate dog turned out to be not bad.

If you want money, you have money. If you want power, you have power.

At least nestled under the giant tree of Arasaka, the residual shade could shelter more people.

Besides, what's wrong with being a borer insect?

Hollow out Arasaka and fatten your own belly.

Tang Yu joked to himself, how could he compare himself to a borer insect? Wouldn't that make Arasaka's Saburo the insect king?

His thoughts drifted further and further, and Tang Yu himself didn't know what nonsense he was thinking.

Beside him, Gloria remained silent, only looking on with concern, her expression somewhat anxious.

She seemed to feel guilty for not being able to help with anything. Things had reached a point beyond her control.

She was neither good with words nor martial arts. The only thing she could do was to keep her spirits up and be a good middleman to communicate information.

It was the first time Gloria had seen Tang Yu so exhausted. Perhaps this time really put a lot of pressure on him.

But just now, when facing the nearly out-of-control Moira and the layers of encirclement by the Militech company, Tang Yu was completely unfazed, calmly walking out of the small plaza, leaving the Militech people at a loss.

Everything seemed to be well in hand, but now sitting in the car, he showed a weary demeanor.

Gloria speculated that maybe it was because there were no outsiders in the car, so he let down his guard without any scruples.

During this time of trying her best to be a middleman, she truly gained and witnessed a lot.

No longer busy and disoriented from dawn to dusk every day, collapsing on the couch and falling asleep as soon as she got home.

Instead, she had the time and energy to think about some things, to cooperate with different people to do different jobs.

It was as if she had opened the door to a new world.

Cruel corporations, evil gangs, terrifying experiments, etc., staged one grand play after another, constantly refreshing her perception and worldview.

She used to work at a public medical center, rushing around to provide emergency care for the injured and disabled.

Many lives were abandoned and thrown into the public morgue to await death because they didn't have enough medical fees.

This cruelty and callousness had actually made her feel infinitely numb.

But after that car accident, everything began to change anew. To some extent, it was the first time she witnessed another side of Night City.

The luxurious view from the Restaurant, the extravagant shopping at Jinguji, David's internship at Arasaka Corporation, etc., each event was an unprecedented experience.

Slowly, she changed.

She became able to communicate well with David, to understand David's hardships and discomfort at the academy. She became able to communicate and cooperate with Maine and the others with full confidence.

And all these changes, in fact, were inseparable from one person - the man sitting beside her.

Tang Yu.

In fact, she had also been afraid and hesitant before.

But now she felt a faint flame rekindled in her heart.

Gloria clenched her fingers tightly, as if wanting to say something, but afraid of disturbing him, she could only sit silently in her seat, observing him out of the corner of her eye.

She had a vague sense of determination that even if she was just a pawn, she had to become the most crucial one!

The Delamain was currently on autopilot, its wheels rolling towards the destination. Sensing the somewhat dull atmosphere in the car, it said in a mechanical tone:

"When you're tired, you always need some soothing music. Would you like me to provide you with a music package?"

Tang Yu closed his eyes to rest and said coldly, "Delamain, don't go too far. Don't keep trying to fleece the company's people."

Delamain's mechanical voice calmly said, "Of course, this music package is specially prepared by Delamain for you and does not require any payment. It is free to use and listen."

Gloria felt a little speechless, suspecting that Delamain was too good at taking advantage of the situation. Hearing the wrong tone in Tang Yu's voice, it immediately changed course and offered it for free.

But Tang Yu wouldn't fall for Delamain's trick. However, since they were "old friends," he didn't want to haggle too much with it.

"Forget the music. How much longer until we reach the destination?"

Delamain said solemnly, "Based on current traffic conditions, it is estimated to take another seventeen minutes and six seconds to reach the destination. Are you in a hurry? We can prepare a flying car for you."

The price range of Delamain's flying cars was completely different from that of ground cars. The cost of riding a ground Delamain once was equivalent to a month's salary for an ordinary job.

Tang Yu naturally wouldn't fall for Delamain's trick. Instead, he opened his eyes again and said jokingly, "Delamain, I suggest you make fewer suggestions in the future. You're just eyeing my wallet, aren't you?"

Delamain politely explained, "Of course not. You are now a rising star in the Arasaka Corporation. Your salary and hidden income are enough to pay for any service you want. Delamain is just matching you with the most appropriate mode of transportation for your status. Delamain's big data algorithm is never wrong."

Both Tang Yu and Gloria were amused by Delamain. This guy was clearly an AI, but who knows where it learned this set of glib talk.

Tang Yu mentioned some past events, "By the way, are those few Delamain Jrs of yours still obedient?"

Back then, he and V helped Delamain with a commission, which was to hunt down his few "sons" and "daughters."

The so-called sons and daughters were actually a kind of extended AI program. In the end, these AI programs developed their own consciousness and began to turn against Delamain itself.

To the point where it had no choice but to seek outside help. Now it seems the Delamain Jrs are still very obedient.

Delamain feigned surprise, "Mr. Tang, how do you know about them? But thanks to you, everything is going very smoothly."

Tang Yu knew Delamain was hiding something. This old thing ran a taxi service in Night City, had seen and heard a lot, and knew more secrets than anyone else.

But it never showed hostility towards humans, so Tang Yu didn't press Delamain too hard.

Tang Yu's gaze fell out the car window. The Delamain had already driven onto the overpass, not far from the destination.