Chapter 185

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In a construction tunnel on the outskirts.

A transport truck arrived at the end of the tunnel, its spotlight illuminating the scene ahead, where several utility vehicles blocked the way. Lucy quickly jumped out from the driver's seat of the transport truck, sprinting past the convoy. She saw a mound of dirt obstructing their path and noticed that the entire Maine team, plus V, were lying on the ground, seemingly unconscious.

Lucy first approached V, knelt beside her, and drew out a neural data wire from her wrist, plugging it into the interface at the back of V's neck. Her cybernetic eye whirred as it checked V's vital signs and initiated a system reboot.

Not long after, V groggily opened her eyes. The distorted images around her eventually sharpened to reveal icy blue and pink hair and a beautiful face with deep crimson eyelids adorning neon eyes—mysterious and profound.

"Lucy?" V recognized her, her tone filled with intense confusion. She had no recollection of what had just transpired and looked to Lucy for answers.

Lucy smiled slightly, remembering that this was the third time V had woken up to her after passing out.

"Let's get up first; it's not safe to talk here," Lucy said, helping V to her feet. "Your vital signs are stable, and your operating system is functioning normally after the reboot."

V held her head, softly thanking Lucy as she gradually regained her clarity. Once she was more alert, she noticed several others also lying around nearby: Panam, Mitch, Scorpion, and other members involved in the mission—all motionless.

V sprang fully awake and realized they had been wiped out. She quickly got up, ignoring the dust on her clothes, and rushed over to Panam, lifting her head. "Wake them up; we were hit by a remote attack before we could even face the enemy. This place is too strange."

V gently patted Panam's face, but there was no response. She then pinched Panam's philtrum and tested her breathing to ensure she was alive.

Lucy also sprang into action, connecting her data wire to Kiwi.

"Our adversary is far more advanced in hacking technology, but Tang Yu has resolved it. The matrix space has been shut down."

"Shut down?" V was taken aback, thinking the mission was a complete failure.

When she learned Mitch and Scorpion had gone missing on the construction site, she and Panam had managed to evade the Night Corp pursuers, circling back to the site and charging into the tunnel. They had barely arrived at the end when everything went black. The next thing she knew, she awoke to Lucy.

With V's efforts, Panam groggily opened her eyes and weakly muttered, "V? I'm glad you're okay..."

V wasted no time, quickly saying, "Everyone's fine for now. We need to leave."

Lucy revived the unconscious Kiwi and Rebecca.

Rebecca slowly opened her eyes, rubbed them, and looked around in confusion, her brain struggling to process. "Where am I? Did I fall asleep?"

Blinking hard, she turned to see Lucy reviving Dorio and Kiwi attending to Maine. "Lucy? What are you doing here?"

Lucy explained again, "Let's leave first. We'll talk later."

Rebecca, somewhat understanding, nodded and kicked her snoring brother Pilar awake.

Once Panam revived Mitch and Scorpion, and they reunited with the Maine team, they hastily drove away from the tunnel, heading back to the Aldecaldos camp.

In the camp's tent, the group stood around a tactical table, looking worn down but relieved they were all safe.

Panam broke the silence, "This mission had more unexpected twists than we anticipated, but we followed the plan."

"Since everyone is back, let's share what we know." She paused. "By the way, where's Tang?"

Seeing everyone look around and realizing the mission planner wasn't there, Lucy explained, "He left with the Militech people. Night Corp must have called for reinforcements."

Hearing about Militech's involvement left the group in varying states of concern and silence.

"It seemed the Militech higher-up knew Tang well and didn't notice you all," Lucy continued, thinking about the woman who touched something she shouldn't have. "Tang convinced Militech to leave. There's nothing to worry about for now."

Panam nodded, concerned, "Did the plan succeed? I vaguely remember seeing Tang in the tunnel. Maybe it was just my imagination."

Lucy replied, "It appears to have been successful. The matrix space is shut down, and I located their tracks in cyberspace."

Relieved, the camp atmosphere lightened, and they shared their experiences.

Kiwi said she passed out after embedding the signal source program in the matrix space. Maine and Pilar shared that they hadn't even had time to act before blacking out. Rebecca, holding her gun, also saw nothing but darkness. Dorio said her experience was similar.

Panam, feeling embarrassed, had Mitch speak. He said both he and Scorpion were hit by a mysterious signal as soon as they entered the site, knowing nothing afterward.

Panam and V remembered making it to the tunnel end, Panam lasting a bit longer due to fewer implants.

Silence fell again—the thoughtfully planned mission had gone awry every step.

Yet, they all stood there with the matrix space shutdown according to plan. Lucy knew it was all thanks to Tang Yu.

But what had he faced in the matrix space? His real strength was perhaps more formidable than she imagined.

Lucy felt reassured by Tang Yu's identity and capabilities, believing he could retreat safely.

V, puzzled, asked, "Lucy, if everyone was knocked out, what happened? How did we all end up together?"

Lucy explained, "It was Tang. After you all went down, he entered the tunnel alone. The matrix space shut down, and he left with the Militech people. When I arrived, you were all already unconscious together."

Tang? Mr. Tang? From the company? The one in the suit?

Everyone silently echoed the name in their minds.

V suddenly had an insight, "Is it because he had no cyber implants? Hence, he wasn't affected by the signal or EMPs?"

Lucy nodded slightly, "Maybe…"

But she knew it wasn't that simple. 

Rebecca slapped the table, "I knew he'd come! See? We all made it out fine."

Her confident tone suggested she had foreseen the outcome, feeling smug about it.

Learning that Tang Yu had resolved the crisis was a relief, easing the weight on their hearts.

Dorio, still suspicious, asked, "Lucy, who from Militech was there?"

"The head of Militech's Special Action Division, Meredith Stout," Lucy recalled.

Maine and the others exchanged serious looks, understanding the gravity if they had been caught by her.

With no more substantial intel to share, Panam suggested resting in the camp for the night and seeing if it was safe to head back to the city in the morning.

Everyone agreed, knowing they could only wait till morning to learn more.

---

In a Militech avionic vehicle en route to the company plaza, Tang Yu faced an array of mechanical and electronic devices crowding the compartment.

Meredith Stout, legs crossed, her black leather gloves off, leaned back on the sofa's soft backrest, looking relaxed.

"It's too bad this isn't my private vehicle; I can't offer you a drink," she said.

Tang Yu smiled, "We're on the company's time, discussing business. Tonight has been quite successful for you."

Judging by Militech's stance on the matrix space, it seemed they favored its failure. Thus, Meredith's team had likely gone to the tunnel site not just to make an appearance but to ensure the matrix space's failure, prepared to see it through if necessary. After all, those taking the blame were lying unconscious when she arrived.

Shifting the blame after committing misdeeds wasn't new for her; she was adept at it.

Meredith smiled, her eyes full of allure, and asked feigned ignorance, "Oh? Is this the surprise you mentioned?"

As she spoke, she slowly leaned forward, placing her well-maintained right hand on Tang Yu's knee, rubbing it back and forth on his thigh.

She kept her eyes fixed on Tang Yu's face, trying to discern whether this young man was genuinely calm or just putting on an act.

After observing for a moment, Meredith noticed that Tang Yu neither stopped her hand nor showed any signs of distress or embarrassment, which made her lose interest.

Meredith withdrew her hand, sat up straight, and examined her right hand repeatedly before saying with a hint of melancholy, "It seems time spares no one. When I was in my teens and twenties, I was as fresh as the silver-haired girl earlier."

This remark carried a semblance of threat.

It was evident.

Meredith had noticed some clues—Lucy's anxious behavior raised her suspicion.

However, she wasn't entirely convinced. Someone as solitary as Tang Yu may not genuinely care about anyone; it was likely all about interests.

Tang Yu chuckled lightly, "Everyone has their own charm."

Hearing this, Meredith couldn't help but laugh. Normally serious, her laughter appeared somewhat awkward.

"You say, how come Militech couldn't recruit someone as talented as you? Your abilities in both handling matters and words are remarkable."

"I did apply to your company back then," Tang Yu replied, "But your HR department rejected me, citing a lack of skills and specialties. Naturally, I never had the chance."

Meredith seemed surprised, "Is that so? Well, it's their loss. But I'm interested in learning about your skills and specialties now, if you don't mind."

With a whimsical smile, Meredith gazed at Tang Yu with interest.

Tang Yu calmly replied, "I don't mind at all. Take the Matrix Space, for instance. It's unlikely the Night Corporation can make any new moves in the short term."

"I explored the Matrix Space. They still lack a core program, and that core program is currently held by Arasaka."

Meredith immediately appeared serious, "The main program? Can you divulge some details?"

She knew the operation targeting the Matrix Space tonight was orchestrated by Tang Yu, but she wasn't clear on its deeper implications.

Two choices lay before her now.

First, she could choose silence and shield Tang Yu as before, thereby negotiating some deal with him.

Second, she could betray Tang Yu, expose his plan to invade Night Corporation's tunnel construction site, and disrupt the Matrix Space, forcing Arasaka to address the issue and potentially deal with Tang Yu.

But Meredith believed Tang Yu was perceptive enough to understand what she wanted.

Tang Yu saw no reason to hide from Meredith. If she wanted to get involved, so be it.

"Subnet Poseidon."

Meredith was stunned.

The Night Corporation's need for 'Subnet Poseidon' as its core program was clear.

'Subnet Poseidon,' former core technology of the Voodoo Boys, not only provided basic internet services but also had a critical function: crossing the Black Wall to communicate with entities on the Old Net.

Meredith asked again, "Is it the one Adam Smasher holds? If that's the case, the Night Corporation could negotiate with Yorinobu Arasaka. I guess the Arasaka prince wouldn't refuse a business deal."

Yorinobu's rebellious acts had long been known in Night City.

Most believed Yorinobu's conflicts with Saburo Arasaka stemmed from his eagerness to seize power.

Tang Yu shook his head slightly, dismissing her speculation.

"The Poseidon data held by Adam Smasher is damaged and of little value to the Night Corporation."

"The true Poseidon data is in the brain of a mercenary, who has now evolved into an AI with some self-awareness."

Meredith's pupils contracted, her eyes filled with astonishment.

An intricately complex Subnet algorithm awakening as an AI was exceedingly valuable.

She was glad the higher-ups hadn't chosen to cooperate with the Night Corporation. Otherwise, letting a powerful and uncontrollable AI touch their servers would have dire consequences. She couldn't help but sneer.

"It seems the Night Corporation has great ambitions. Their so-called new infrastructure plan is just a guise."

What Tang Yu said was true; how Meredith interpreted it was none of his concern.

"Matrix Space is now shut down. When it reopens, it depends on me."

Meredith then understood that Tang Yu not only controlled the mercenary but also held the Night Corporation's secret, giving him leverage for negotiations with them.

She judged that the man before her didn't intend to pledge absolute loyalty to Arasaka or completely sever ties with the Night Corporation. Both sides made concessions, achieving a temporary halt in Matrix Space operations.

Meredith teased, "You sure have guts, pulling such stunts under Arasaka's nose. Aren't you afraid of getting caught?"

"Heh, I don't know if we're just fated. Every time I have a problem, I run into you, and it's mysteriously solved."

"To be honest, I was ordered to investigate the Night Corporation's Matrix Space purpose and was at a loss."

"Now it's all solved, and I can take a little break."

"I must say, every time we meet, you surprise me."

Tang Yu thought.

With enough courage, you might get more than just a little break.

He didn't delve into Meredith's backstory. As long as they had common interests in their cooperation, their subtle relationship could continue.

With Meredith's assistance, things were twice as effective.

If Militech had sent someone else this time, Tang Yu might have had to work harder.

Glancing out the window, Tang Yu noticed they had arrived at the company square and said in a deep voice.

"That's good. I've said all I can. However, if you wish to delve deeper into Arasaka Family affairs, I'm quite willing."

Meredith looked skeptical, "Are you serious?"

Tang Yu nodded, full of conviction.

Meredith covered her mouth, chuckling, then teased, "Then I can only thank you for your sincerity. As for Arasaka Family's matters, you better handle them yourself."

She glanced out the window, pressing her fingertip on the armrest. After the storage device identified her fingerprint, a black box slowly popped out.

Meredith handed the box to Tang Yu, introducing it, "The latest Sandevistan from Militech, Falcon, a version higher than the one your R&D department stole."

"It was originally meant for the NCPD's anti-terror unit, but after the cyberpsycho incident during implant testing was exposed, we couldn't find a market for this high-end product."

"The mercenary you mentioned, who can withstand the 'Subnet Poseidon,' might be suitable for this."

Tang Yu took the black box and pressed the power button. The inner box slid open automatically, releasing a white mist as a sleek black Sandevistan lay preserved inside.

Meredith smiled nonchalantly, "Don't worry, it's clean. The only requirement is to provide me with human operation data and keep it confidential. This will be our little secret."

Tang Yu closed the box and said directly, "We seem to have a lot of secrets."

Meredith laughed lightly, "If it makes you uncomfortable, I can drop you somewhere else, like my villa. No one's there."

At the company square, Militech's building faced Arasaka Tower.

Tang Yu returning in a Militech armed floating car was bound to draw attention.

But he had already prepared for it, so he declined, "Maybe next time. Someone's waiting for my report tonight."

"Michiko Arasaka?" Meredith inquired.

Tang Yu nodded, "Yes, stop at Arasaka Tower's main entrance."

The Militech floating car slowly landed in front of Arasaka Tower. After touchdown and engine shutdown, the door opened, extending a platform.

Though it was late into the night, many Arasaka employees were still working, and the entire Arasaka Tower was brightly lit.

This unusual scene attracted some Arasaka employees' curious glances.

Militech and Arasaka generally didn't get along. Despite some interactions, they usually chose neutral locations, seldom making public visits.

Tang Yu stepped out of the floating car, buttoning up while walking toward Arasaka Tower's main entrance. After security checks, he walked straight to the public elevator.

Seeing a company executive return in a Militech floating car left Arasaka employees shocked, and they began to whisper among themselves.

Daring to associate openly with Militech personnel, Tang Yu was indeed unique.

Ignoring others' reactions, Tang Yu entered the elevator, heading directly to Michiko Arasaka's office.

Last time, he had missed their appointment, and Michiko mentioned she'd wait for him in her office tonight.

Tang Yu didn't plan to return to the Aldecaldo camp since he had resolved matters there. Gloria could handle settling the commission payment.

However, Lucy's involvement wasn't a commission but more a favor, risking her life to breach the Old Net required immense courage and determination.

To Tang Yu, this counted as a big favor.

In the tent, Lucy's sudden initiative made him feel they didn't need to be too distant.

'After this matter is settled, let's go for a night run.'

Tang Yu exited the elevator and headed to the office. After passing security, he entered the office, half the size of a football field.

Michiko Arasaka stood by the window and turned around suddenly, gazing intently at Tang Yu.

"Yorinobu Arasaka has come to Night City."