Chapter 237: Dividing the World in Two?
Crack!
As sunlight spilled across the ground, the outskirts of Pacifica were already covered in scorched black marks. Several corpses belonging to Northern California forces lay abandoned by the roadside, with no one coming to clean them up.
Sparks burst against the ground, smoke and the stench of gunpowder lingering everywhere. This area had been taken by the New United States forces in an instant, catching Night City completely unprepared.
By the time Night City realized it was under attack, it was already too late. The New United States army had secured its foothold, turning Pacifica into a bridgehead. Large formations from the New United States began moving in immediately.
A full division had rushed overnight from the Southern California border to confront Night City’s forces outside the city.
At the same time, Night City’s troops advanced into Pacifica to engage the New United States special forces already stationed there. Within Pacifica, the New United States’ main fighting strength was the BARGHEST unit.
“We’ve taken this section of Pacifica and are now locked in a standoff with Night City’s forces. Any new instructions from above?”
Yuri asked curiously while maintaining his weapon, glancing at Hansen.
“Yes. Headquarters wants us to keep expanding our territory. Ideally, they want us to swallow all of Pacifica.”
Hansen nodded. He was also maintaining his dagger—he had seen plenty of action during last night’s fighting.
“Looks like things won’t be boring anytime soon.”
Lindell adjusted his tactical optics, a smile spreading across his face.
“Once this mission’s over, we should be able to move up another step, right?”
Bennett was already imagining the future. He wasn’t interested in much else—only money and power truly mattered to him.
“Probably. After this operation, I might even push into the higher ranks myself.”
Hansen smiled, brushing the strand of blond hair from his forehead.
...
“Militech really does move fast.”
Roland muttered as he looked over the intel in his hand, then turned to Mr. Blue Eyes beside him.
“So, what’s your plan?”
“Arasaka wants to get into Night City badly. Having them there will also draw the attention of other factions. We intend to temporarily hand control of the city to Lucius, then arrange for our own people to take over next term.”
Mr. Blue Eyes reported their plan honestly.
Roland showed little reaction. He didn’t care much about Lucius taking office either. This mayor wasn’t particularly hardline or decisive, so there was no real risk to PROJECT while he was in power.
The Night Corp likely approved his rise precisely because they had calculated that he wouldn’t interfere with their plans.
“Very well. Proceed as planned. But replace his second-in-command with one of ours.”
“Yes.”
Mr. Blue Eyes lowered his head in acknowledgment, then slowly withdrew.
“Chris, what’s your plan?”
Roland turned his gaze toward Chris’s projection, which had been standing by for some time.
“Wait.”
“Wait?”
Chris nodded. “The New United States isn’t especially eager for this fight. They’ve probably already learned about Arasaka’s situation. The strongest force in Pacifica is bound to become a disposable pawn for the New United States. All we need to do is wait.”
“And after they’re discarded, what then?”
Roland asked with interest.
“That depends on your instructions. Do you want to absorb that unit and make it our own, or wipe them out and take Pacifica outright?”
Chris met Roland’s eyes calmly.
“Hmm…”
Roland thought for a moment before deciding. “If possible, bring them under our control. I know that unit—they’re very capable. Honestly, we should thank the New United States for throwing away such a good card.”
“Understood. I’ll make the arrangements. May I also take command of Zed’s Shadow Stream organization?”
Chris nodded, but just before leaving, another thought occurred to him.
“Yes. With Zed assisting you, things should move much faster.”
“Thank you.”
Chris placed a hand over his chest in salute and dismissed the projection.
As for his plan… naturally, it was to use the Shadow Stream to block the New United States forces. Of course, they had to lose more than they won.
Chris knew the Shadow Stream members well. They wouldn’t be affected by victory or defeat, especially when acting under orders.
But the New United States forces would. If that unit achieved major success, securing Pacifica with outstanding results, only to be abandoned as a bargaining chip in dealings with Arasaka…
No matter what, their sense of loyalty to the New United States would plunge to rock bottom.
...
“Teacher, what’s wrong?”
V turned her head and asked Zed curiously.
“Nothing. Just that we’ve got work to do again.”
Zed glanced at V and shook his head. He already had a rough idea for V’s assignments—send her to operations destined for success, then to ones headed for failure.
V’s path so far had been far too smooth. She needed to experience defeat to truly grow.
“These are the missions you’ll be participating in. Take a look, then go join them in the field.”
A faint glint flashed in Zed’s eyes as information about V’s assignments was transmitted directly into V’s mind.
“Understood.”
V nodded and began preparing her equipment.
...
Meanwhile, Hansen had already led his team into Voodoo Boys territory.
The surroundings were unnervingly quiet—quiet to an abnormal degree.
Hansen knew plenty of people still lived in this area. A district that should have been bustling with residents showed almost no signs of activity at all, which was suspicious.
“So this is the Voodoo Boys’ turf?”
Yuri asked as he noticed a figure peeking out from an abandoned building to observe them.
“Yes. Be careful. Their hacking skills are very strong.”
Hansen nodded as he warned them, an uneasy feeling settling in his chest. He couldn’t shake the sense that something bad was about to happen.
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