Chapter 187: The Twelve Angels
“Sir, there’s a problem within the Free States Alliance.”
“Mm. I expected that. Just didn’t think it would happen this soon.”
Higashiyama Ryoichi showed little reaction to the report, merely nodding.
“They’ve also sent out a request for assistance. Do we need to deploy troops to help them?”
“Send a token force. Our ultimate goal was never to lock horns with the New United States to the bitter end. That wouldn’t benefit anyone.”
Higashiyama Ryoichi waved his hand dismissively.
“Understood.”
Just as Higashiyama Ryoichi had said, Arasaka’s objective from the very beginning had never been a head-on confrontation with Militech. Their goal had always been clear: to take Night City.
Everything they had done so far was merely preparation for that objective.
Now that cracks had appeared within the Free States Alliance, with each faction harboring its own schemes, and with the New United States currently at the height of its power, Arasaka preferred to step aside and let the two grind each other down.
This window was perfect for handling other matters. Preparing a supercarrier was no simple task, and lately the nobles and royal families back home had started stirring up trouble again.
Whether judged by military strength or any other metric, Arasaka never believed the Free States Alliance could ultimately win. The most likely outcome was compromise on both sides, followed by absorption into the New United States.
After all, they had once been part of the same country. With the other side now overwhelmingly superior in every respect, there was no need to fight to the death—as long as their own interests could be preserved.
For now, they were simply clinging to a sliver of hope.
Arasaka was waiting for the New United States to swallow most of the Free States Alliance before stepping onto the stage to take Night City. Consuming that many Free States would require time to digest and stabilize.
And after swallowing such a large meal, they wouldn’t be in a rush for a smaller “dessert.” When faced with Arasaka’s fully assembled carrier fleet, they would have far more to consider.
For example, the cost—manpower, material resources, and funding. Whether expended during the war or afterward to maintain control, it would all amount to an enormous burden.
Arasaka was confident that, when the time came, the New United States would make the right choice.
“Oh, right, sir. PROJECT Corporation has expanded into a large number of cities, and it’s drawn the attention of the European Space Agency.”
“The European Space Agency?”
The term immediately caught Higashiyama Ryoichi’s interest.
“Go on.”
“It seems that the European Space Agency and the Highriders have taken an interest in PROJECT Corporation’s energy weapons and want to acquire their technology.”
“That’s excellent news.”
A smile spread across Higashiyama Ryoichi’s face. It was the best news he’d heard in quite some time.
The officer beside him looked confused.
“Headquarters should already be aware of this, correct?”
“Yes. We’ve reported it upward.”
“Good. Notify the intelligence department. Have them do their best to help PROJECT Corporation withstand pressure from the European Space Agency—and remind them to keep their identities hidden.”
“Yes, sir.”
Though he didn’t fully understand the reasoning, the order had come from Higashiyama Ryoichi himself, so it was best to carry it out.
Higashiyama Ryoichi’s decision was tied to another strategic preparation on Arasaka’s side. At the moment, they needed something to draw the European Space Agency’s attention—and PROJECT had conveniently emerged at just the right time.
The longer it held their attention, the better. If it ended too quickly, that would be a problem.
Soon after Higashiyama Ryoichi issued these instructions, Arasaka’s upper management grasped the situation as well. And as a result…
…Roland suddenly felt an inexplicable force supporting him from the shadows. The representatives from the European Space Agency he had been preparing to deal with abruptly changed their itinerary…
...
“You’re very interested in this corporation’s technology?”
“More or less.”
“Why does it sound like you care, but also don’t?”
“I’m mainly interested in a few people within that corporation.”
A towering man completely encased in power armor raised a finger and pointed at the screen as he spoke.
“That explains it.”
Another man, slightly smaller in build, let out a soft chuckle and sat down nearby. He wore similar armor, though the design and color were clearly different.
“I figured we’d run into them sooner or later. The higher-ups are very interested in this corporation’s technology. A boss capable of developing something like that probably isn’t easy to deal with—chances are he’ll refuse their demands. When that happens, we might be the ones sent in.”
“I hope so. Ever since that incident, I haven’t met anyone worth making a move against.”
Verland, the taller man, spoke with a hint of regret.
“Then why not go spar with Adam Smasher again?”
“Forget it. Fighting that guy is boring. He’s far too careful with his own life. It’s much more interesting to fight Morgan Blackhand.”
“True—but that guy’s been missing for a long time.”
“He shouldn’t have refused our invitation to join Militech. That was a stupid decision.”
“Everyone makes their own choices, Verland.”
“…Fair enough. Care to spar with me?”
“No thanks. I don’t want to wake up sore all over.”
“Tch… boring.”
Verland shook his head and left with heavy steps.
“Lord Jamil… someone from upstairs is requesting to see you.”
An attendant suddenly spoke from the side.
The slightly smaller man froze for a moment, then smiled.
“Well, that’s unexpected. They came to me instead of Verland? Makes sense, though. The one known as the Angel of War always makes a mess wherever he goes.”
The two men were none other than two of the Twelve Angels—the pinnacle of individual combat power in the cyberpunk world.
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