Chapter 124: Strange Happenings
"He won't be entering the matrix for now, nor will his body be taken over by a rogue AI."
"The residual AI data left behind by Mr. Blue Eyes in Jefferson's brain is already too extensive, causing irreversible damage to his neural system."
"At this point, he can no longer host a fully functional rogue AI."
"I will arrange a debridement surgery for Mr. Jefferson, but whether he can fully recover will depend on his luck."
When dealing with corporate executives who treat human lives like weeds, Li Ang knew better than to show any signs of compassion—otherwise, they would exploit it to turn the tables on him.
Arranging for employees of the Night Corp, who were on the brink of being taken over, to enter the matrix and performing neural surgery on Senator Jefferson were the most Li Ang could do for now.
As for anything else, it was beyond his reach at the moment.
Not long after, Li Ang and Morgan Blackhand arrived at the headquarters of Night Corp, where a sleek black Excalibur sports car was waiting. Its driver, Falco, had been there for some time.
"V, if you've got nothing better to do, head over to the aerospace port and clean up the street punks there. Most of them are Scavengers, so don't hold back."
Li Ang could understand V's frustration and pent-up anger, but this was reality—he had to compromise with the powers that be.
V nodded, accepting Li Ang's task without protest.
Li Ang then signaled Morgan Blackhand with a glance, instructing him to transfer 100,000 eurodollars to V's account as compensation for the job.
"I'm back now, and with that comes more trouble. Get yourself ready—I'll need you at any moment."
Li Ang said with a faint smile.
"Uh… okay, I will," V replied. With this money, he didn't need to take on extra gigs for now. He could patiently wait for Li Ang's next task.
At this point, V wasn't officially a member of LA Corp, so he could only act as Li Ang's secret pawn, working for the corporation from the shadows.
"V, everything you've seen today—I expect you to keep it to yourself. As for any confusion you're feeling, I'm sure Johnny Silverhand will explain it to you."
"His views on these corporations are pretty much aligned with mine."
With those words, Li Ang handed V a legendary smart pistol, the Chao Four Seasons. "V, send my regards to Johnny. Until next time."
V took the smart pistol and stood there, watching as the Excalibur roared away, feeling a bit lost.
Was everything really resolved just like that…?
[Tch! Li Ang doesn't worry I might lead you astray, huh? Honestly, V, I'd love for you to storm Arasaka Tower again, but Li Ang's working with Hanako Arasaka right now.]
[What a shame about your top-tier cyberware setup. Otherwise, I'd have you take down Adam Smasher one more time.]
Johnny Silverhand chuckled dryly and clicked his tongue. [V, are you still confused?]
V gripped the Chao Four Seasons tightly, then smiled calmly.
"Let's go, Johnny. The business with Arasaka Tower and Night Corp is over. Time to relax at Afterlife."
---
Half a month later.
#WNS News: "The reconstruction of the aerospace port in Morro Rock, on the western outskirts of Night City, is set to resume. LA Corp is partnering with the High Knights to reach for the stars!"
#N54 News: "The war between New America and the Eastern rebels has reached a fever pitch, with no victor in sight. This conflict has become a proxy battle between LA Corp and Cantao Group."
"Sources suggest President Myers will personally oversee the front lines aboard the Airborne One airship."
---
#Intel Rumors: "Biotech director Joanne Koch denies any involvement in the death incidents among the Nomad Red Ochre clan. She dismisses the allegations as slander and urges citizens of Night City to trust the official narrative."
---
#Night City Daily: "LA Corp executive Li Ang has reached a strategic partnership with Night Corp CEO Miriam Knight. With a 30% stake in Night Corp, Li Ang is now its second-largest shareholder. The two companies will collaborate on redeveloping abandoned districts in Night City, paving the way for a brighter future!"
---
Watson District, Little China, Afterlife Bar.
Watching the Infinity stream of news on the bar's television, V felt like a series of strange events was sprouting up like mushrooms after the rain.
Many things happening in Night City didn't make sense to him—for example, a recent job he did for Delamain Corporation was shrouded in an eerie atmosphere that he couldn't quite explain.
"Hey, V! My dear hermano, you don't look too happy. Something unexpected happen?"
Jackie Welles, holding a freshly poured glass of brandy, asked warmly in his Spanish-accented voice.
"If there's something bothering you, don't shoulder it alone. You've got me, after all."
Jackie chuckled as he spoke.
After abandoning the idea of carving out a name for himself solo in Watson, Jackie had returned to Heywood and rejoined the Valentinos.
Surrounded by the support and encouragement of his family and friends, Jackie finally realized how naïve and worrisome his past self had been.
In these harsh times, banding together was the only reliable way to survive. Relying on the collective strength of his family was Jackie's ticket to thriving in the chaotic Night City. Now, he was one of the Valentinos' minor leaders.
"It's nothing major," V replied. "Just a few days ago, while helping old Delamain recover one of his company's AI cars, something strange happened. I still can't figure it out."
What V referred to as "Old Delemain" is actually AI Delemain, the ultimate AI that controls Delemain Corporation, the company responsible for the autonomous passenger vehicles throughout the city.
At this point, V poured himself a glass of the fiery Johnny Silverhand whiskey, his expression tinged with frustration.
"So, what exactly happened? Explain it clearly, kid," Jackie asked curiously, pressing for details.
"Uh… Old Delemain said its system hasn't been updated or iterated in a long time. Even though Delemain Corporation's cars are working every day and, theoretically, shouldn't lack data sources…"
"But Old Delemain realized it's no longer receiving sufficient data feedback, to the point where it can't even control the AI cars under its own company."
As V finished saying this, Jackie Welles couldn't help but wonder if Old Delemain might have been infected with some kind of special AI virus.
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