Chapter 76

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When Gloria arrived in an Arasaka Corporation motorcade, incessantly talking about rules, Faraday's face showed displeasure.

Faraday was entirely unaware of when Arasaka Corporation had started to support new fixers.

He was unsure about the background and strength of Gloria and lacked the necessary information.

However, judging by the high-end Arasaka limousine Gloria arrived in, she must have been in touch with someone high up in Arasaka, possibly even higher than the Militech contacts he had.

It was clear that with Arasaka's support, one should not underestimate this new fixer making her debut.

Faraday reluctantly asked Maine, who was standing beside him, "Do you know her?"

Maine was equally perplexed, failing to understand how Gloria, just a few days ago busy with the dark and dirty work at the public medical center handling corpses, had suddenly become a representative for Arasaka Corporation.

Moreover, a senior executive from Arasaka had given her an official platform of support, and although they did not get out of the vehicle, Maine was almost certain they were there inside, observing everything.

The first person that came to Maine's mind was Tang Yu; there was unlikely to be a second candidate behind this kind of support.

However, Maine did not share his speculation with Faraday. He owed Tang Yu favors and was also under his thumb.

Supporting Gloria as a fixer was Tang Yu's personal intention; Maine felt it was not his place to interfere, nor should he get involved. It was best to steer clear of company affairs.

Maine replied to Faraday gravely, "We've had some interactions, but I wouldn't say we're close."

Faraday, with a cold snort, knew Maine was holding back. His previously surprised expressions had betrayed him, so he probed further, "What's her relationship with Arasaka Corporation?"

Maine remained silent.

Faraday's words carried a threat, "This matter involves Tanaka from Arasaka's senior management. If you don't clarify it, you might find yourself targeted."

Maine disregarded Faraday's warning and instead watched Gloria intently, waiting for her next move.

Gloria confidently stepped forward and walked a few more paces.

She seldom wore high heels and wasn't accustomed to them, so she had to slow down.

The clack of her heels resonated on the ground, producing a "clip-clop" sound.

"It looks like you've gotten into trouble; that car belongs to Tanaka of Arasaka Corporation, doesn't it?" Faraday tried to maintain a composed façade, cursing inwardly, "Damn it, Maine, you've actually brought the car here."

He couldn't possibly admit to Arasaka's senior management present that it was his doing nor could he expose the Militech financier behind him.

Maine composed himself and responded directly, "I brought that vehicle here."

He had to shoulder the responsibility to prevent the situation from escalating to involve Faraday.

As a mercenary fulfilling a commission was part of his duty, and now that a problem had arisen, he was worried that bringing Faraday and the Militech into this would only complicate things further.

Losing a financier would make it even more difficult to survive in the mercenary trade.

Integrity is something every mercenary in Night City must showcase; securing good jobs depended on one's reputation as much as on capability.

Gloria didn't directly respond to Maine's comment but instead challenged Faraday, "Working for Militech is fine, but with this level of professionalism, I fear you'll only disappoint them, won't you?" 

Faraday's brow furrowed tight. Arasaka Corporation was clearly targeting him and, instead of pursuing the car issue, was undermining his credibility as a fixer. What's your intention?

He hadn't quite figured out the whole situation yet, so he decided to suppress his aura and said arrogantly,

"The middleman is only responsible for arranging the commission and providing the necessary information. Success or failure of the mission is solely the responsibility of the mercenary team."

"And to correct one point, I'm just a middleman. Even the company is just one of the many financiers we deal with."

"If you're here to assign blame, I can tell you that the backer is Militech, but their intentions have nothing to do with me."

Maine couldn't help but snort upon hearing this, cursing under his breath, "Bastard, trying to shirk responsibility and protect yourself at a time like this?"

Seeing Faraday declare himself as merely an intermediary and deflecting all the responsibility for the stolen vehicle onto him, as well as onto Militech, Maine was inwardly cursing up a storm.

"The company's lapdog, just as damn unreliable as expected!"

Gloria perceived the implication in Faraday's words; he was merely someone who took on jobs and arranged for them to be done, and he had nothing to do with the schemes against Arasaka or the specific actions taken to execute the commissions.

She looked down on Faraday, suddenly feeling that he wasn't as formidable as he appeared, and against Arasaka, he could only seek his own protection.

With her approach proving effective, Gloria continued on the offense.

"Indeed, a powerful middleman in these parts, clear about your own role."

"Taking benefits from both sides, yet remaining unscathed in the end."

"Do you think Arasaka would believe such excuses?"

Gloria flashed a smile that seemed amiable but was laced with veiled threats, casting a shadow over everyone present.

Arasaka.

The name was something everyone in Night City dreaded and went out of their way to avoid, knowing all too well the dire consequences of being on their radar.

Faraday's forehead tightened, unable to bring up Militech, as he knew to those at Militech, a middleman was nothing more than an external lapdog to the corporation.

Faraday remained silent, his proud gaze still level.

He knew that in a game of wits, the first to show weakness often lost.

Seeing Gloria perform so impressively, Tang Yu, seated in the car, was somewhat surprised.

The way Gloria spoke, her tone, and the way she threatened were all tactics Tang Yu himself would use.

He hadn't expected Gloria to adapt so quickly, mirroring his own style.

Could this be the confidence and change that power brings to a person?

"No wonder everyone hates corporate shills, always speaking with such a condescending air."

Tang Yu contemplated his own behavior and seemed to gain some insight.

"Having power and influence means you can afford to be capricious. If I don't make the most of it now, I'll never get the chance again."

"It's my first time in Night City, and I've already rattled Arasaka's cage without having time to really enjoy the perks of the corporate upper echelon."

Tang Yu's eyes fell on Gloria and he had to admit that, in terms of image and presence, she was second to none.

As his proxy outside of Arasaka, she certainly maintained a strong front.

If under his guidance, Gloria still hesitated to step up and face Faraday, it would mean she was too timid for the role of a middleman.

What Tang Yu needed was a middleman who could hold their own in the future, not someone who would just hide behind him.

"Perhaps Gloria's future could see her becoming an entity like Rogue."

Tang Yu wasn't sure where he would truly need her in the future, but he believed that under his mentorship, this red-haired beauty would find her sunshine and dew, and fulfill her value.