Chapter 3: Raid

Date: 4th of June 2062

Location: Outside of Night city, Badlands

POV: Victor Von Doom

"Aright Aldecados huddle up. We will be organising jobs today!" Santiago announced, the sudden urge to strangle him tainting my mind. I had been rudely interrupted by him and my mother to huddle with the rest of the gremlin, bubbles nowhere to be seen. While it had been morning I didn't trust these people enough to sleep around em.

"Get up Victor, you're going to be helping around as well." My mother stated, her words leaving me angered. Help? I had better things to do! For example, the data packet.

"But mother-,"

"No buts child you've got to help and I've already told Santiago. While you're here you might as well fit in. Whether you like it or not." She snapped. Sighing in defeat I rolled back and checked my progress.

[Victor Von Doom]

[Unloading data packet…]

[Clearing Cache…]

[Loading progress…]

[Complete]

Corporate data packet III:

Linguistics – 69%

Logistics – 33%

History – 22%

Bartering – 6%

Combat data packet:

Mixed martial arts – 71%

Firearms – 49%

Blades - 23%

Misc. data packet:

Engineering – 21%

Hacking – 0%

Great with this I had to alter my schedule. Instead of completing this data packet by the 8th of October I now had to complete it on the 9th. This has single handedly ruined my day, my disappointment now immeasurable.

"Panam you and Saul are on watch duty with the others for today. Finally, Julius and V you'll be in charge of looking after everyone chrome. Gotta make sure we're running maintenance on everyone's schematics. Oh, and before I forget, you'll be handling Victor today."

"Excuse me? I don't wanna hang out with that corpo pig!" Vincent exasperated.

"Tough luck bud," Was all Santiago said before walking away with my mother. Leaving me to stare at the faeces incised fool. What a great family I've come to meet. Silently walking alongside him we were eventually led to a tent where Julius was stationed. There I was told of our responsibilities.

"Aight, I don't know exactly why he sent you here but here's the basics. I'll be running over any infections and treatments, and you'll be testing em for any basic diagnostics. Just plug em into the terminal over there and then ask em if they running an. It's a pain being the only competent ripper-doc right now," He sighed.

"What happened? Are there not others?" I asked confused as to how one man and child were essentially running everything.

"Last four got flatlined and the other two are currently out of commission. Something bout some cyber-virus infecting our neural-sensors. Looks like they picked it up from the wraiths," He revealed, flicking his cig.

"Who's your techie around here?" I continued, now that I was going to be here for however long it was best to sort out roles and understand the premises, something I found useless due to my expectation that this was a visit and not an extended stay.

"That'd be Carol, she's our main techie and net runner. While she would be running diagnostics today, I owe her one and seeing as I doubt you know a tinge about doc work it's best I give you something a little easy," He spouted, to which I immediately disagreed.

"Well, for your information I'm somewhat of a ripper-doc myself," I revealed. Seeing his expression, I knew he doubted my capabilities, a fair assessment if it were someone not of my calibre.

"Bah, you're still wet behind the ears still, but I'll give you a chance then. What exactly do you know about being a Ripper-doc?" He asked, his brow raised with his hand tapping against his desk.

"Why don't you ask me," I humoured.

"Fine, what's the first rule of being a Ripper-doc?" He assessed to which I smiled. Everyone knew what this one was.

"First, do no harm." I quoted to which he smiled a little.

"That was to test if you knew what it meant to be a ripper-doc. Here's a bit of theory then. A patient comes in with knife puncture. How would you treat it?" He asked curiously.

"First check the overall condition of the patient and ensure that the knife puncture is still enclosed. If the knife is removed immediately aim to stop bleeding by using a Medical puncture Wound kit or MPWK. This fills the wound with an anti-bacterial filament which cleans and heals the wound. While it may cause extreme discomfort it does the job better. Alternatively, you could stitch the puncture after cleaning the wound but this runs its own set of risks. The former allows for quick recovery, cutting healing time from a few months to a few weeks." I explained.

"Pretty good stuff kiddo but not everyone's got a MPWK or APF standing around. Stitching it is usually your best bet for the common folk," He explained. To which I agreed though I couldn't help myself but rebuttal.

"A doctor is only as good as his equipment."

"That's true. Now here's a tricky one. Say someone comes in suffering from Cyberpsychosis. What is Cyberpsychosis and how do you treat it and what are its symptoms?" He questioned this time his gaze stern as he awaited my answer. V over by the corner of my eye smiled.

"Interesting question Julius, Cyberpsychosis is a mental illness, specifically a dissociative disorder, caused by an overload of cybernetic augmentations to the body. Unlike what others believe it's not merely a disorder which inflicts an increased tendency to commit violence but a gradual decay of self-preservation, distancing or disregard from friends and family, and poor or impulsive outbursts or acts. This often pushes cyber-psychos to become extreme acts of violence or self-harm. Remedies are custom brain dance therapies, there was a drug which was marketed to cure it, but such claims were made false. The cause is the increased use of cybernetics and augmentations," I explained. It was simple knowledge from our database.

Our database also had a cure for Cyber-psychosis, but it required a deep dive within their own subconscious. This form of treatment either lasted a few seconds to never ending depending on how far they had gone. I had seen papers from my fathers desk which detailed that a test subject named – Zero had the longest recovery time of thirteen years. Side-effects of such treatment included nausea, memory-loss, sporadic mood changes, dulled senses and more . I never saw such papers again.

"Impressive, I'll let you help the few that are here then. V continue doing diagnostics," He replied leaving the current V to roll his eyes. Choke on that one Vincent.

Spending what seemed like hours I continued helping these peasants much to my dismay, but I did not once complain. A Von Doom always ensured that when a job was done it was done to perfection. Whether it meant you had to clean a room to clearing a room it made no difference. Perfection was a mindset that had to be instilled even to the tiniest detail. Simple patchwork this was.

"Thanks for the stitchwork kid. Not bad for a beginner I must say. Guess Julius got some eye for talent. Seeyah around lads," The man thanked before leaving. Julius finished with writing his reports looked over to me.

"Not bad... Not bad indeed. You ever done this work before? I know your dads a tad wealthy but even viewing a couple of BD's and some shards require some synchronisation." He asked.

"Never used a shard, it is purely beneath me. My work right here is all authentic, pure intelligence and skill was utilised during all these inspections and to answer your question this has been my second time, my first time shadowing behind one of our top ripper-docs."

"Pretty preem work for your second time kiddo but I'd recommend you go take a break or something. It's been ten hours already and I'm pretty sure V's gone out."

"Now why would I need a break?"

"Look kiddo, health is wealth. Go, get a drink or something and then come back."

"I'll be adequate, Julius. I appreciate your concerns but know that it wont hinder my work. Another patient will be coming here soon to screen his diagnostics."

"Fine… Suit yourself. I'm gonna go get a drink. Just don't kill anyone while I'm gone."

"Your worries are appreciated, doctor. Enjoy your rest." I waved before continuing my work.

It had to be stated that I still did not trust any of these fools. While I could tag them with Malware such actions would warrant suspicion from their Net runner who seemed to have quite the experience under her belt. So Instead I decided to scan for all their cybernetics with ways to backdoor into their systems. While most didn't seem to carry any I made sure that the ones that did were screened thoroughly.

My skills had to be developed further. To put into layman's terms. A netrunner had full access to the net, through their minds. They could fry the brains of individuals or hinder their movements from miles away. The ideal support of any group aiming to run through a technological world. A hacker such as myself hacked the net from a cyber modem or a cyber deck which lacked the versatility and strength a netrunner could easily achieve. In a metaphorical sense they were the apex predator of cyber space while I was it's visitor. While they could possibly wipe a town in a few hours I in the same amount of time could only achieve opening a door. A netrunners efficiency was to be feared and one reason why cybernetic augmentation was not an option. To put myself at that level of risk was the equivalent of allowing any mongrel to target me.

Not until I could create my Seraph series inference would I dare think of ever augmenting my psyche or body. The "Seraph" series interface similar to the Demon series was a series of personalised icons that served particular purposes in the net but was more ideal and fitting to my needs. While the legendary Rache Bartmoss was incredible for creating the Demon series, such interfaces were outdated. Even reverse engineering it was a pain. The amount of detail and work the man did was a testament to his intelligence, something I valued. It was a shame that he had to be flatlined. He would've proved effective under our care. So until I had the necessary tech and programs, there was much to be done.

[Check list]

[Develop "Victory" Power Bolter pistol: Complete]

[Develop "Vision" Helmet: Incomplete]

[Develop "Overlord" Power armour: Incomplete]

[Develop "Power" Armoured shock gauntlet: Incomplete]

[Develop "Michael" Seraph Interface: Incomplete]

[Develop "Infinity" Power sword: Incomplete]

Instead of completing my pet projects I was instead shuffled here to help the weak and poor… How despicable. It was their virtue that my mother had ordered me to help such fiends else I'd slaughtered them all. It was a shame my mother was a saint. The level of care she had for the world was childish. Kindness only earnt death in this world. Cleaning the area of dust and bacteria, my monologue was interrupted by another patient.

"Hey, uh… Where's Julius and V?" The man asked.

"They are currently on break. You'll be in my care for now, please take a seat," I explained, gesturing to the seat in front.

"So, ah. What do I call you? Kinda feels weird being helped by a kid you know… I was expecting someone of 'more' experience to be handling this," He explained, his hands fidgeting at my words.

"Have no fear, you are in capable hands. You may call me… Dr Doom."

"Dr. Doom? Sounds ominous…"

"Trust me I can hear the irony."

Date: 5th of June 2062

Location: Outside of Night city, Badlands

POV: Omniscient

"You know that corpo kid, he's not all that bad. He did a preem job patching me up."

"You know I don't trust him. Can't trust any of em. Ain't that how they lure you in? All nice and professional and shit before they stab you? I give him two days before he snaps."

"I mean have you met him yet? Real pro for his age. Haven't seen that level of professionalism since I went to that one whorehouse."

"Really now? Now that is something. Lizzies, right?"

"Yeah, I tell yah what when it's your turn to see him you'll see. Little twerp knew more about my own body then I did. Crazy stuff. Thinking about it now, he's kinda nice for a corpo,"

"Probably the only corp you'll run into, they like their skyscrapers more so than the ground."

"True, probably don't even wipe their own arses."

"What ya'll chooms talkin bout?"

"Ah we're talkin bout Panams little input."

"Bah, that kiddo? Good lad. I thought Panam was into V though?"

"Thought so too but V and Panam parently ain't got that flame if you know what I'm saying."

"Yeah, I heard she's into city boys."

"Oh shut it you farts, these are kids we're talking about."

"Tch, ain't much to talk about ere in the sand yah know."

"Well going back to the little "Dr. Doom" has anyone seen him sleep? Feel like he's a Borg with how he's running the tent."

"…"

"Nah… Haven't seen him leave the tent… At all."

"Damn… Kids' got better work ethic than us…"

"Maybe the kid does deserve to be rich…"

"…"

"Yeah right! Hahahaha!"

"So, I hear Saul's going under Santiago's wing."

"Well not anything crazy to be fair. He has got a soft spot for the boy."

"Hmm it's understandable, what about the Hazza and them boys? What they been up too?"

"Heard they're still getting high off those Methylene tabs. Little shits I call em."

"Oh there goes our new doc. Seems he's on break now."

Everyone in the group seeing the young Von Doom emerge into the crowd wondered why he had decided to finally leave his tent.

"Nah I think It's Saul. He's rounding us up for today's jobs now." Another replied seeing Julius and Vincent following behind.

"Alright party people, time for our daily notices and role order!" Santiago voiced, his words thundering to those who heard.

Going over his announcements not muched changed until it was time for Victor to be slotted into a group. Sitting on a chair he leaned his legs on top of a water cooler, his arms crossed.

"Oh and today Victor you'll be running with our scavenger group to see if you can find anything useful. I'll have you buddy up with Saul and Panam today," He revealed.

"No way! I ain't partnering with no corpo loser!" She spat.

"There ain't no arguing here Panam. You're just gonna have to deal with it," He ordered before driving away. The roar of his vehicle screeching forward, its voice heard throughout the camp leading others to begin moving about.

Panam, angered by such a decision, stormed off to Sauls vehicle. Who casually awaited them. Flicking through his engine's flux capacitor. A piece of technology which allowed for long travel, efficient fuel economy and use for any type of fuel at the price of speed and handling. The size of the thing meant that it had to use a smaller engine.

"Greetings, I presume we've met before. Saul?" Victor announced. Panam's eyes rolling at his formal speech pattern.

"Yep. We'll be running through the landfill today, gotta scavenge for some parts here and there. We'll be running with some of the other boys so that we don't lose pace. Better that way too, running solo always leads to trouble ." Saul voiced, as he not so subtly looked at Panam. The latter pointing the finger towards him.

"Now where was I? Ah yeah. Since you and Panam ain't gotta vehicle yet, you'll be with me until today or until you can find one yourselves."

"Understandable, when do we leave?" Victor questioned.

"We Delta now." Saul stated seeing the other squads move.

-

Date: 5th of June 2062

Location: Outside of Night city, Landfill

POV: Victor Von Doom

Arriving at the landfill I was greeted with a massive amount of trash that scaled into mountains and spanned into small towns. The once junkyard had become too big to simply be called one. Poor planning and littering had caused this conundrum. From condom rappers to damaged industrial vehicles it was all here. The stench of putrid, rotten corpses and feces bound to be mixed around here.

Our company had once avoided using such means and instead turned to more eco-friendly alternatives. Unfortunately such ideas were short lived as profit margins deemed it more costly than beneficial. Corporate greed my mother would say, to which I would agree. What I would not agree on is her talk of world peace. Human nature is fickle to such concepts. While our technology could heal the desolate lands of America it was too expensive, time lengthy and required no disturbances from the locals. Something that while successful in Australia could not be replicated in America. We had total domination in Australia, with the locals seeing our help as miracles… Our help here was equal to damnation, our so-called help being the work of socialists and communists. It seemed that my mothers attempts at creating a utopia was only a dream. A dream these insects didn't deserve.

Even her foundation was flimsy, the only reason its existence still exists is due to her funds from her beauty products and clothing line. If she were to ever die, then her foundation would go down with it. My father had once advocated for its support but ultimately declined as it neither gave profit nor positive PR. How could giving support to those in need ever be seen as negative? Children were fed, clothed and cared for. Army veterans were looked after. Single mothers and fathers tendered too. The homeless were even given homes and jobs. The whole organisation was none profit. Typical humans, spitting at the kindness of gods.

While the thought of rummaging through trash was detestable at first it was soon found that I could finally use one of my abilities to recycle random trash and with such trash all around this would be a perfect opportunity. While I had used it before I had no uses for it. I could always obtain the best parts and utilities from my father. Scrapped parts would also be separated into grades of material that were rated as such "Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic and legendary". These parts could also be scrapped and turned into scrap which would then be rated into the aforementioned ratings. Conversion rates were 1:10000.

Scrap as of right now could only be converted into actual parts if I was near a workstation. Or a table which was recognised as one. This means if I were to use it, I would need to be near one and even then I required a schematic that I had to draw out physically. Old tech style with paper and pen limiting the time I could construct tools by a hundred fold. While conversion for scrap was instantaneous to a point, actual construction of parts required a large amount of time. Time ranging from a week to a month. This was simply a waste of time, as in such a timeframe I could've already created what I intended. Then after all that waiting I was required to assemble it all together… The only positive to this was that parts that couldn't easily be created or ordered could be made. Flexibility and comfort was what this ability offered and with time could grow, as this was apparently merely the beginning. The ability was only in its first tier.

A limit to recycling junk was that I had to physically touch the object, the object be de-attatched from the ground, the object be abiotic in nature and have no apparent owner. Meaning structures, an individual's tools and living targets couldn't be recycled. Meaning its offensive capabilities were null. Had the second second and third capabilities be lifted this would be the ultimate weapon. To watch as an individual was warped into becoming my tools was a future endeavour I would approach. As my father did say "Even Filth has it's purpose".

The parts and scrap were also stored in my innerworld a somewhat hammerspace. It's where I stored most of my utilities; its current limits unknown. I had currently stored my personal pet-projects within and had amassed a large quantity of materials, equipment and vehicles in case I was ever isolated. Such contingencies had to be made. The entirety was void-like with only a blank space all around, its light blinding. Regardless the storage system was highly impeccable allowing me to abruptly draw on any fool planning to altercate with me. Strangely 'Scrap' was more characterised as a ball of silversitic metal that floated within my innerworld the more scrap being introduced allowing it to grow.

"Alright I'm gonna go see if I can find some spare parts for my flux. I'll leave you two to your own devices and if you see anything useful just grab em and chuck em on the back. Other than that don't stray too far, i'd hate to leave youse back," He smiled, before walking away. Turning to face Panam she already ran away east of Saul. Exquisite, this would leave less witnesses and the pain of making excuses.

*Common Scrap acquired x 1*

*Common Scrap acquired x 11000"

Recycling It seemed that trash such as wrappers only provided a single piece of scrap with large vehicles offering a good chunk. Ah yes, progress! Continuing my scavenge I eventually totalled an amount of 1200000 a large clearing now clear of trash. Though compared to what surrounded it mattered little, as tomorrow such a place would once again be trashed. This continuous flow of Scrap was interrupted when I stumbled across Panam being harassed by who? I had yet to check.

"Wowee look who we got here fellas… Fresh bait. Young one at it too…" A Wraith lusted, his hands by his junk as he stared at her. While I would normally be blind to such acts… This was simply disgusting. A man had morals which separated them from trash. It's what my mother had vitrued and something I agreed with. Only the strong could afford mercy, the weak - pity with trash deserving hell.

"Fuck off Raven Shivs, take one more step away and I'll end you!" She snapped, her hand steadily aimed towards the three that slowly surrounded her.

Eying their cybernetics I noticed cybernetic arms, hands and legs. Some optic cyberware as well. Older models which were defective and required high maintenance. The type of equipment you would only use due to necessity - possibly stolen. Any Idiot from miles away could see the cybernetic instalments. If these fools were aiming to be subtle then they failed by a hundred miles. While my scans couldn't identify yet what cybernetics were installed yet, they would soon.

Taking cover close to a ruined fridge I awaited my time to strike. She needed to learn her lesson that she was weak.

*Bang*

*Bang*

*Bang*

"Huh?"

Turning to aim I started to worry she had been flatlined. That had been too quick, surely they wanted live bait right? Seeing the aftermath I was shocked… Three dead Wraiths, all of which were cleanly shot in the head… Impressive.

"Want some bitch" She snapped, her pistol now snapping to my head firing. Luckily I realised what she was going to do and ducked. Now that was a close one. Had I not trained for such situations I would've been done cleanly.

"That was not appreciated. Your slight mistake could have ended me," I snapped.

"Tch, you were probably watching, weren't you? Probably wanted a turn with me!" She swore.

"Hmph, as if you're worth anything to me. I'd rather die than touch you." I spat, before suddenly seeing a glare from afar. Tackling her to the ground a bullet was shot piercing my shoulder and hitting her lower torso.

"Great…"

*Bang*

*Bang*

*Bang*

"Bang*

Sniper… Distance - 100 kilometres south… Possible weaponry type - Semi-automatic. Calibre - .60… How vile.

The only calibre type possible of tearing through my clothes was anything above .30. While I'd feel the pain on anything lower it wouldn't penetrate (That shot pierced right through my shoulder into Panam's Lower shoulder). "Some heavy shit" Bubbles would say.

Looking over to her body she seemed to have gone out cold. The sudden pain and shock leaving her knocked out, how pathetic. Now down I turned to see the optic glare still watching over us. Luckily I had dropped near some sort of cover. Didn't want to be blamed for her death while still behind enemy lines. One had to have a reputation. Besides, she would serve well as a meat shield.

Feeling a cold chill run up my back I beckoned forward. "Victory" in my hand as I glared down at the man who dared to shoot me down. Lowering down to a low crunch I shifted my pistol forward. The target now in my sights. Feeling the wind pass through my skin, I smiled. An euphoric feeling washed over me as I glared at the man's barrel from afar. Firing ahead I buckled under the recoil. The pressure pushing up, the loud bang thundering throughout. A beast among monsters. Seeing smoke erupt within, I took another step back. The support allowed for another shot again. Re-adjusting I fired once more, the assurance now satisfactory as silence loomed over the field. If death was to enter a home, then I was the one who knocked.

Scanning the corpses of the fallen fools I started to ponder how these buffoons were always attacking us and made an interesting discovery.

[SCAN RESULTS:?]

[AFFILIATION: ?]

INFO:

- WANTED BY ? (BOUNTY ?)

- WEAKNESS: FIRE (?) ELECTRICITY (?)

ABILITIES: NULL

NOTE: NULL

"Shit kid what happened?" Saul approached sprinting. Sweat by his brows as he started to frantically grab Panam.

"Wraiths," I gestured, my hands glossing over the corpses.

Confused he stared over to the corpses only to find their patches unidentifiable "Wraiths? Those fuckers don't move around till dark… Those are… Damn." He muttered, before seeing Panam fallen. "She's been hit… We need to get her patched up, quickly."

"What she needs is to be evacuated. Who knows how long before more wraiths start pushing," I replied, bandaging her. It was good she was knocked unconscious - Less noise.

"You're right…" He accepted before alerting the others: Blank noise being his answer.

"Fuck.. We've been compromised…" He muttered, as sudden static rang in his ear.

"If what you propose is true then we must head back to camp. I'll patch her up while you drive," I replied before princess carrying her. While not the most efficient was the most optimal. Another way would cause pressure on her wound.

"Alright, it's 100 metres from here, stick close," He stated before jogging forward. Getting close to his vehicle we were immediately fired upon. Some of the shots bouncing off my back. Another hitting my lower thigh. The shot nearly knocking me to the floor. Whatever calibre these insects were using was ruthless.

"Drive!" I alerted, "Victory" drawn from hand again. The shots sending thunder towards the opposition. Sending shockwaves the recoil lowered via the window. My hands pushing down on the frames as it went away.

"I'm workin on it!" Saul shouted before igniting the ignition. His engine roaring and flying away. Going from 0 to 50 in a few seconds we dashed forward running over a few Wraiths. The crunch and screams comforted me as I started to tend to my wounds. Ripping the bullet out of my thigh I applied MPWK on my wound and onto Panams. While MPWK was favoured by militants it wasn't to the rich as it often left scarring, a foolish idea that I found amusing. It seems I would need a change of clothing.

"What happened out there?" Saul asked me.

"She got cornered by a few wraiths. She took them out but failed to account for the sniper behind her. Shot left in her shock," I explained.

"What about you? Where were you?" I asked.

"Was around when I heard some gunfire. Sprinted over after the first three." He revealed.

"We were made… There either lurks a rat amongst your midst or this was run by a corpo" I explained.

"What makes you sure?" He asked.

"Intuition. Something you get by being hunted everyday." I revealed.

"Hunted?" He wondered.

"There is always a price to pay for prosperity. You think being the son of the most powerful person in the world comes with comfort? Do not be delusional. The price of my urine is more than enough to feed the families of millions. My father raised a king, not a boy. A corporation of some sort had motives here and I will not allow for this transgression to be passed so easily… Either Militch, Arasaka, SovOil, KanTao or Biotechnica attempted this scandal," I revealed.

"That's.. A sad life," He grimaced.

"Sad?" I blurted.

"I don't even think you realise what kind of life you're living," He muttered.

"I know, I'm living mine," I assured.

"If that's what you believe." He commented, his words coming more as pity than comfort. Jealousy was all I gained from this conversation. Sheep would never understand the intent of a shepherd.

"Regardless, some sort of corporation has aimed for my life." I revealed while screening Panam for her vitals.

"And how do you plan to find that out?" Saul questioned.

"We will have to return to camp for further calibration on my scanner. It may prove effective," I explained, as my glasses started to stutter.

"What'd you pick up?" He asked.

"Something is jamming my optics. We will need to return back to study this properly. I have neither the equipment nor the time to study it here." I explained, attempting to connect to their internal network only to find nothing.

Something was seriously wrong here, either my database was compromised or something was jamming it. Either case was frightening, as it meant something was strong enough to compromise the tower.

"Shit… More Raffen Shivs ahead, you think you can handle them?" He asked.

"Handle? Spare me the change," I replied, a rifle now appearing in my hand. While not custom made by myself, it was altered enough to shoot high calibre shots just a few levels below "Victory".

"Damn kid, where'd you find that?" Saul asked, seeing my precision rifle poke through the window.

"Magic."

Sending shots back, piercing the skulls of many. Seeing many lifeless and vehicles crash, we made it away safely. Albeit still wounded. Panam was out cold, Saul was fatigued and I was confused. Variables weren't adding up. Something was wrong…

-

Date: 5th of June 2062

Location: Night city, Von Doom Tower

POV: Omniscient

"Bubbles I've been compromised, you will be in charge of the boy…" Virgil sighed as his hands moulded into blades. His every move cutting down enemies. Feeling it slice through bone, flesh and metal it made no difference - the warmth of their blood leaving him ice cold.

"I thought you had "The Board" covered? What's changed?" Bubbles asked, confused.

"They got help from Militech and Arasaka, it seems they've been actively going against our backs from the beginning." He continued, as he slowly walked towards a firing squad. Unfazed, chambers upon chambers of ammunition were wasted against Virgil who watched in amusement as the shots bounced off a transparent electric field that surrounded him - their attempts only leading to a sinister smile.

"Either way activate Protocol: Anu, the boy will understand in time," Virgil voiced, as the skull of one of the militech's operators was crushed by his hands. The bone, blood and metallic optic cyberware flying everywhere - As the next moment his body was disintegrated and integrated into Virgil arm.

"It's been an honour sir," Bubbles replied, his words cut short as Virgil closed his channel.

"Likewise." Virgil muttered.

Continuing forward Virgil Crushed and stomped on the lives of many soldiers ahead of him. The effort required to do so, null. For even if ants came in numbers, water would continue to drown it. For every move that Virgil made was a natural disaster, one couldn't stop it, only wait for it to settle through.

"Ah, how amusing. I would refrain from firing any more. Such would be a wasted effort," Virgil commented as he held another by the neck and flung it towards another. The velocity pushing them out the window and into the streets below.

Rushing in through the same window, an armed Militech soldier wearing Power armour barged in, shoulder missiles launchers darting towards him. Virgil Unafraid merely re-directed the missile back to the tin-can. The blast knocking him back.

Standing at 8ft tall the Hulking piece of technological advanced Militech soldier armed with the power armour stood still eyeing Virgil. Armed with the latest tech the machine was bred for war. Hand cannons, laser optics, enhanced capabilities, and more, it seemed that nothing could stop it. Blitzing forward with what seemed to be a sandevistan, Virgil shook his head disappointed.

"Is this all Militech has to offer?" Virgil asked as he watched the death machine march closer in inhuman speed. Virigl, not taking a step forward, then watched as the Death machine fell face flat in front of Virgil who now towered over the fallen metallic beast.

Sensing more targets he reached out his palms and constructed a magnitude of power cannons which struck enough firepower to tear through a city block. Aiming at the elevator which somehow was still operational he fired ahead the blast eliminating a crew of soldiers and some that wished to sneakily jump him.

"Hmm enough time has passed now." Virgil muttered before viewing his data log.

[All databases and systems have been wiped]

[Daemon: Contagion successful]

[All 303 targets have been eliminated]

[Enemy systems have been sabotaged]

Seeing the posted messages Virgil walked over to the window and watched as Militech Manticores fired away at his position before dropping down below on its citizens. Content with the destruction he activated his final call.

[Activating protocol: Doomsday]

[Upload… Successful]

[Systems will shutdown in approximately…]

[2 seconds…]

Looking into the sky Virgil couldn't help but sigh. He had fallen into the same trap as his predecessor. Looking up at mars, his body suddenly dropped down below into the open crowd. The nanites fading into the air leaving nothing but wind in his wake.

From afar the Aldecados were shocked. The scene of Von Doom tower collapsing in front of their very eyes. While even afar, the once proud tower was now gone. It's powerful figure now voided.

"I swear Von Doom tower was just there… What the hell is going on," One of the Aldecados voiced confused. A group of them huddling together to view the vacant spot, as a sudden smoke screen rose above covering the sky.

"No…" June muttered, her eyes frozen as a message darted her way. Bubbles sitting across from the group maintained distance, quiet as he watched from afar.

"What's with all the… No…" Santiago voiced before pausing. Turning on the news the sight of the tower collapsed on other buildings. Seeing Police officers, Trauma team and the Von Doom personale moving about; the sight was almost eerily similar to the bombing of 2023. Destroyed buildings, shattered glass scattered around the street in abundance, distraught and wounded citizens, crying parents at the loss of their children and missing limbs scattered across everywhere.

To add salt to injury the destroyed infrastructure was the least of worries as Gangs and Citizens attempted to use the chaos to their advantage. The pillaging of tech and vehicles all being stormed about. The neon lights and concrete walls only seemed to leave the scene dreadful - A city of Doom.

"Breaking news, Von Doom tower has suddenly collapsed. Not a statement has been made but from what we can infer a possible terrorist attack was made on our beloved corporation. We can only hope that Mr and Missus Von Doom made it out safely," The news reporter stated, the camera man panning over to a soldier who walked towards them. Her pace systemic, with her posture straight and her gaze cold. She seemed to be a part of the VDA, The Von Doom's private army.

"Hello mam, may we please get a statement? Just what happened here," She asked excitedly.

"A statement will be released soon, for now, move along," The militant alerted, her finger going from against the ridge of the barrel to the trigger.

"Alright," The reporter muttered before pacing away slightly frantically. Back at the Aldecado camp, many went silent as they viewed June. Tears dripping from her eyes as she seemed lost in motion.

"June, it's okay. Everything will be alright… We'll work something out," Santiago comforted not knowing what to do.

"Wasn't he an asshole?" One of them whispered.

"It's a long story, kid… Now's not the time nor the place," Santiago expressed, shaking his head.

"We need to delta now. Whatever happened here is a big red flag. Where's the Scrap group?" Santiago asked, his gaze hurriedly looking about.

"They just entered a few moments ago. Only Saul and the two Gremlins made it back," One replied.

"And their condition?"

"Panam and the boy were struck. Panams in shock while the boy seems fine, Saul got lucky, he's in full capacity."

"Let's move then."

-

Date: 6th of June 2062

Location: Night city, Badlands

POV: Victor Von Doom

"Nice wound let me guess, your pride got the best of you? Thinking about playing the hero and saving the damsel in distress. Typical." Bubbles reprimanded, his hands crossed as he hovered up top of the Aldecados.

"I merely wished to minimise casualties. A mere wound is a small price to pay for the life of another," I voiced.

"But is that life worth yours?" He beckoned, his words slicing any probable defence I anchored. As any rebuttal would mean less of me and more of her. That would be something i'd never agree too.

"Like I said kid. Pride is the devil." He tempered. Heaving his words, silence emanate the atmosphere. Wanting to break the silence I asked him.

"So my father… Is he gone?" I asked. While I knew my fathers time would come, It never hit me that it would be so soon. So sudden. There were no words exchanged before his demise and even then I was left clueless as to how he did. There was only a void. Which premenated my existence. Such a feeling was foreign and one I wished never to feel again.

"Unfortunately." Was all he stated, his voice never wavering as he looked ahead. Lifting a cigar from his pocket smoke filtered in and out of his lungs.

"Say.. You never mentioned how you met my father," I asked.

"On the beaches of Australia was where I met your father. I was but a boy when I met him. I came across him when I was fishing by myself - he was drowning. Not knowing what to do I dived in to save him… Only to nearly drown alongside him. We were luckily saved by another fisherman who rode alongside me. On that day is where my name "Bubbles" emerged," He smiled.

"He was lost and full of rage but… He had a dream. A dream I respected and decided to follow," He reminiscenced.

"And what was that dream?" I asked, curious as to who the man my father was, as well as his aid who seemed almost opposite to my fathers demeanour. The man rarely opened up and when he did it was only through his lessons.

"Your father wished to change the world for the better," He expressed, shocking me. My father? Changing the world? Impossible, that was something my mother only ever wished or dreamed about.

"But that's impossible, my father would never dream about such things," I stated.

"Once upon a time child," He wavered his eyes empty as he spoke those words.

"And you never questioned him?" I asked, surely even he had his doubts.

"Your father wished to change the world. Whether he wished to save the world… or destroy it the next, mattered not. The man had conviction even as a child, it was there I knew that I had found something worth fighting for. For his conviction alone sold me," He smiled.

"Listen to me now Virgil… A man must have a dream… No matter big or small. As people's dreams never end."

"A dream never ends, huh?" I muttered to myself.

"What exactly happened at Von Doom Tower?"

"Your father was betrayed by "the Board" with the assistance of Militech."

"So why are we going the other way?" I raged. Why were we cowardly retreating? We could easily destroy them.

"For now, grow stronger." He expressed.

"What do you mean in time? How can I sit idly while my fathers killers still breathe?" I asked.

"Is this the same boy who was wounded by a mere bullet?" He snapped, his voice quickly quietening me.

"Your father entrusted me with your care and you wish to fight back? If your father died so easily what makes you believe that you have any chance of destroying them? If you die, so does Von Doom Industries. Continue to live, it's the only thing you can do in this cursed world."

"But even then! Can't we do something? Why must we run?" I asked.

"To fight another day. Do you not understand?"

"But…" Unable to voice another opinion I quietly sat back down near my mother.

"It's okay my child… Your feelings are to be understood," She comforted, as dry tears weep from her face.

"I just don't understand why it had to end this way," I muttered defeated.

"Life is a series of battles… Not all victories teach a lesson," She voiced caressing my face.

"So what do we do now?"

"We lay low until-," Bubbles voiced before a sudden thud was heard a missile causing our Osprey to crash land. Bracing on a railing, I steeled my senses, my mother clutching onto me. Tightening my grip I awaited for the fall.

"Brace for impact." Bubbles continued.

*Boomth*

Getting up from the wreckage I awoke to Arasaka troops surrounding our front. A menacing figure ahead who seemed to eye Bubbles.

"Well, Well, look who we have here." A sinister voice chimed. Turning to look, I paused dazed at the metallic demon ahead of me - Adam Smasher.

"I thought I killed you Adam, I remember clearly ripping that fleshy head of yours out of your tincan," Bubbles spat. A giant sledgehammer gripped on his hand, the size astronomical in proportion to his already large frame. What made it more impressive was that he wielded it with one hand.

"You're correct; but I lived and now I'm going to fuck you up," He stated before rushing Bubbles. My mother and I attempting to not get shot hid away. Ducking behind some steel. Though not being a fool I fired back my shots doing some serious damage to his squad.

Still watching him weave around the sandevistan of Adam Smasher was impressive. Seeing him duck and weave left me in awe.

"You're "Upgrades" aren't doing much cock head," Bubbles spat his hammer slamming on Adams head. The latter's body being forced into the ground.

"It's doing quite nicely," He smiled, striking Bubbles in the leg.

"I don't have such weaknesses anymore." Adam cheered as his shoulder opened up and shot at Bubbles body. Closing my eyes I expected the worst. Bubbles did say he was human.

"You think missiles will work on me? Like they did last time." Bubbles smiled as he headbutted Adam smasher. Looking closely his body seemed to have odd dark particles which swirled around his gut.

"I should've known better… Oh, wait, I did." He chuckled as the next scene shocked me and Bubbles. He managed to pierce his heart, the man managing to grab hold of it and crush it. Bubbles falling to the ground spat blood confused.

"Never thought i'd get you, huh? Chrome never betrays," He voiced before knocking him over. Walking towards our position his imposing figure sent chills down my back as I attempted to fire upon him. The bullets doing nothing as he continued to walk closer.

"No!" My mother shouted before charging forward. Her arms revolving around to reveal electric canons which charged and fired at Adam Smasher. The shot knocking him back.

"Fucking bitch!" He swore before knocking her to the ground and stomping on her head. Her execution freezing my entire world. Pausing for almost years I stared at the demon with rage.

Feeling the world pause, my heart paced with vigour ruling throughout my body. A presence almost controlling me to destroy the enemy Infront of me.

"YOU… DARE!" I snapped, charging him. While futile I couldn't just let this tin can go. He needed to die, to suffer at my hands.

"Heh, fuck up meat bag," He chuckled, as he sliced at my face. Blood now gushing from the left of my face. Lifting me from the throat I struggled against his metallic grip.

"Time to meet mummy fuckface," He cheered before being tackled by Bubbles.

"Run!" He fumed.

"I thought I killed you LEGION!"

"Heh, you did," He smiled before giving me one last thumbs up.

Attempting to save him I was instead pulled away by Saul who dashed away.

"There's no chance kid," He apologised before chucking me into his vehicle.

Watching Bubbles smile from afar I gripped onto the vehicle tearing as he was inevitably crushed. Watching Adam smasher stumble his eyes locked with mine sneering. Attempting to rid the scenes of my mother and Bubbles I steeled myself. One day Smasher. One day.

-

Date: 7th of June 2062

Location: Outside of the border of the Republic of Texas

POV: Omniscient

Viktor, unable to move on, stared at the floor frozen. His mind lost in thought. Like a waffle in the air he wondered of. Donning a metallic mask he seemed more like a statue than a person. A cold blanket now washing over the young Doom, reality swaying his mind like a pendulum. From side to side, the memory relieved itself. A continuous cycle of attempting to forget and remember waging war in his mind. A cold reality he had to awaken to when he regained conscious.

"You think the kid is gonna be alright?" Saul asked Santiago, his hands crossed as he lamented.

"He'll live," Santiago expressed, a frown on his face as he looked on at the broken child, not knowing how to comfort him,"He's a tough kid… He'll come around."

"I sure hope so," Saul muttered, scratching his stache.

"So what do we do from here? With this, a quarter of our incomes been cut off," Saul asked silently.

"We do as we always did before. We live, even if the Von Doom familys gone we've got our own to care too," He sighed, before lighting a cigarette.

"I thought you quit?" Saul asked confusedly, a brow raised at the cig.

"Always have one when on me in case family died," He revealed, his face calmed and soothed as he puffed. The nicotine and tar entered his lungs.

"You're not gonna live long like that you know," Saul warned.

"I'm still standing, boy. What a brat like you know about life." He sneered.

'Been in this world for too long anyway…' Santiago thought, memories of his childhood resurfacing. He had been here for almost 70 years. It was a miracle he wasn't dead yet. He had always thought that he'd die by the trigger, not by old age. The thought of such a thing leaving the younger him snickering… Yet he was still here. Carrying the memories and sorrows of his brothers and sisters. Such a feeling was truly depressing.

"Hows Panam holding up?" Santiago asked.

"She's fine still resting though. She woke up a few minutes ago but remained in bed, she might be up soon," Saul revealed.

"She's got a real temper that kid, remember her father was like that back when he was a little shit. Somethings never change I guess," He smiled again.

"Alright, gramps I'm gonna go see Julius tell Cassidy he owes me one too," Saul waved before leaving the old man to his own devices, the latter deciding it was best to leave the child to brood. Turning to check once more he saw Panam sit next to the young Von Doom.

"Hey Julius, need a little help," Saul asked the elderly gentleman who seemed to be downing a whiskey bottle.

"What of it kid?" Jullius asked.

"I need help comforting the kid but I don't know how too. Ain't my forte," Sual admitted. The atmosphere quite dull after the Von Dooms incident.

"Look Saul… Things like that… Only time can heal. I once lost my mother and father too. It's to be expected. Nothings goes accordingly in this accursed world. Not a single good thing comes out of it. Time is the best remedy and perhaps a little whiskey to top it off." Julius stated.

"Look I just can't help but feel bad for him. He lost both parents on the same day, he saw Aunt get curb stomped in front of him. Ain't no one deserves that. That kid put his life on the line to save Panam… I feel like shit knowing we can't save him," Saul expressed.

"That's life kid, we just gotta take the punches as they come. No matter how hard they come." He sighed.

"Look, if you really wanna help him. Bring em here, it'll keep him busy at least for a while. He's a pretty good ripper-doc for a beginner. Might teach em a few things here and there," Julius expressed, looking over at V. The latter more interested in cassidys ways than his.

"And tell V to stop making all that noise," He continued.

Standing far from the rest "V" concentrated at the punching bag ahead of him. The blows heavy on each impact with his eyes glued to his front. Delivering a heavy right hook he sweated from head to toe.

"What's with all the energy?" Saul asked V.

"Don't know… Just… Feel like punching something…" V answered.

"Is it cause of the recent events or?"

"Nah… That ain't it. It's just… I don't know… Don't know how to explain it but it ain't that,"

"Grief?"

"No…"

"Jealousy?"

"..."

"Jealous Panams all over the new boy?"

"No… I just… I hate it, you know? This choom comes out of nowhere and hes got everything I ever wanted… Money, power and respect and suddenly everyones sucking his ass? Then he loses everything and they feel bad for him? He's a goddamn corpo. Who knows how many people they've killed to stand on top of everyone. What about us? What about me? Where's my pity, where's my luck. Here I am surviving day to day when that damn dickhead comes here acting like top shit. I… I just hate it, Saul. It ain't fair," V snapped, his fists suddenly dropping to his side.

"I was angry too, you know. I thought he was some washed up punk but then when I went into that junkyard and he told me something that made me realise just what he truly was." Saul stated, his arms crossed as he leaned against a tent.

"And that's what? That he is somehow suffering from success? Spare me the bull Saul," V snapped.

"He doesn't have a choice V. We do," Saul chimed.

"And what does that exactly mean?" V retorted.

"Victor doesn't get to live a life of prosperity that I once thought. An heir like him was doomed to live in his fathers shadow. Do you know how many enemies that one kid has to face?" Saul questioned.

"How many?" V asked.

"All of em. Not a single day where that kid doesn't have to think about someone backstabbing him or having ulterior motives. That kid's living in a box he can't crawl out of." Saul lamented. "And now he's living in ours.."

"That still doesn't excuse that shitty attitude of his besides… He got the better head start. At the end of the day he gets to make a choice, not us, Saul. Not us," V replied.

"Perhaps but he's as new to our world as we are to his. Maybe one day he'll warm up to us." Saul described.

"Or maybe one day he'll be the end of us." V snapped.

"Who knows… We only live once." Saul casually delivered.

"I guess we do…" V muttered.

Panam and V sitting side by side listening to the silence of the air. Panam unable to voice her words to the other boy.

"What do you want? I'm not in the greatest condition to hear your complaints" Victor voiced.

"Look… I just wanted too… Thank you for saving me. I heard from Saul what you did for me… Thank you once again. I probably wouldn't have made it out of there without you," She thanked.

"Your thanks is appreciated, but I detest your pity," Victor replied dully, his eyes still glued to the floor.

"What withs the mask?" Panam asked, her mind wondering to figure something out. To pull out the fallen Von Doom from his shell.

"It's healing my face," Viktor replied before standing up.

"Where are you going?"

"Need some space, need some air." Viktor muttered as he walked away.

-

Date: 7th of June 2062

Location: Outside of the border of the Republic of Texas

POV: Victor Von Doom

Sitting on top of a metallic throne I stared far beyond in my inner world, its blankness leaving me envisioning. Ideas and concepts rummaging through. I had to be patient - persistent. The death of my mother and father could not hinder me. Bubbles words rang true… I had to have a dream… A dream of world domination. A dream to save this world. This anger… This feeling… I could never let it go. I had to grasp it, temper it, fuel it for it was my desire, my drive. The world would be my furnace, my will it's iron. I must refine, adapt and thrive. For that was who I am, Dr. Doom!

Suddenly as I almost imagined, my inner world contorted, the world went dark before a sky emerged, cracked beyond the ground as earth erupted lifting me up. Closing my eyes I was then met with an entirely new world - A garden of eden. Thriving forestry, flourishing flora. It was an utopia of prosperity and on top of it was my floating island. With freezing time started to dilate at a 1:3 ratio. A single minute here, worth a quarter outside. It was finally time to work.

Looking over my schematics I noticed that a green hue hovered above it when drawing. It was a variant of "Victories" blueprint. An interesting discovery which I decided to form. Imbuing it with the scrap metal it started to form. "Victory" now grasped within my hand, holding it alongside the original I noticed two slight differences. The weight and hue that surrounded it. The original weapon had a heavier grasp with the second now lighter and covered in a slight green hue that reflected. Firing the new I noticed a slight decrease in recoil which made absolutely no sense. Disassembling it I noticed that the hue disappeared with all parts being exactly the same.

How particular. Rearranging the second and first pieces I noticed that both weapons now lacked any distinct hue. A discovery that meant only the "enhanced" parts could be used to create the "Uncommon" variant. It seems the weapon or mystic powers which controlled this enhancement could recognise what differed and what remained similar.

Further study through my stockpile noticed that all of my schematics now had a green hue which emanated from it. With only a few sloppy schematics which I rushed to see the difference in quality being the normal tone. This led me to believe that the higher quality schematic and detail that I enhanced the better the "enchantment" could achieve. Perhaps their were better variants waiting to be discovered. It was time to document it.

"Victory I"

Scope: Demos VX-3 2.5-8×32

Ammunition type: Calibre .55

Weight: 2kg

Recoil: Heavy (10/10)

"Victory II" *Enhanced"

Scoper: Demos VX-3 2.5-8×32

Ammunition type: Calibre. 55

Weight: 1.8kg

Recoil: Heavy (9/10)

While slightly different, a slight difference meant everything in combat. Flicking through I decided to look over My helmet designs. While my current was metallic, it resembled more of a pilot helmet. I instead needed something else. A design of fear. While many enthralled me there was one which left me entranced. Its overall design similar to a face, two slits for my eyes and a mouthpiece which was left open for speech. It seemed to call to me. To create it, to bring it to life… and I complied. For it was me, who will it. Grasping it within my hand I stared deeply into the iron mask. It's stats were as such:

Mask of Wrath

Weight: 2 kilograms

Cabibilities:

Infrared vision

X-ray vision

Scanner

Line tracer (Ricochets, potential incoming projectiles)

Auto-targeting (Smart projectiles)

Anti-facial recognition (Static)

While the added gadgets work it made the overall aesthetic of the mask diminish as it required one side of the eye slits to be blocked. With the weight now being multiplied by over a hundred. More time and effort was needed, an image now propping into my mind. The ideal vision of my future.

Me, wearing armour of steel, trotting over the corpses of my enemies. My followers destroying all that they dealt, the site would be beautiful. A masterpiece of my own creation. Followers… I would need to design followers… Of course. I couldn't simply rely on the testaments of flesh… But even then flesh couldn't be overturned by cyberware… I needed time. As time was all I had. With time I would build an army, a world within a world. A world that would be mine. Only then would my parents be avenged. Whoever killed my father was most likely Arasaka. Arasaka and Militech… They'll pay for this.

-

Date: 7th of June 2062

Location: Japan, Arasaka HQ

POV: Omniscient

"So we've finally destroyed the northern emperor…" Hanako voiced surprised at the ruined tower.

"I can't believe it… 200 years and they finally end here?" Michiko continued.

"It almost felt too easy," Another board member replied.

"They're nothing to Arasaka!" Another sneered.

Michiko viewing the battle of Von Doom tower was shocked at Virgil Von Dooms lethality and efficiency - His techniques eerily similar to that of aikido and karate. Even with the fully nanomachine body his skill shined through.

"To think that Virgil would be this powerful," Hanako stated shocked at the video, the video suddenly paused when Virigl eyes glowed.

"It's a shame we never recovered his files on the technology…" Yorinobu sighed.

"With such technology we could possibly reach mars!" Michiko stated before quietening down. Her eyes gazing to her father who seemed pressed. His metallic fingers tapping methodically before finalising his gaze towards Yorinobu.

"Yorinobu… Why did you let the boy live? Did I not task you of total extermination?" Saburo questioned, his taps now turning into a full smash into the marble table.

"He's a mere boy, he poses no threat," Yorinobu answered, his eyes gazing back. Their conversations leaving the others mute.

"You do not know their history, boy. The eastern dragon is by no means finished. A Von Doom always rises from the ashes," Saburo acknowledged.

"The board is now under our control any attempts of them returning are finished." Yorinobu snapped.

"Failure cannot be tolerated Yorinobu, this is your last warning. This meeting is dismissed," Saburo snapped before sending everyone away, the sole person remaining being Hanako. Her head lowered as she awaited her fathers command.

"You must know of your brother's treachery. It is only because of blood that he remains standing, Hanako." Saburo stated, a hologram now floating in front viewing Yorinobu's team flying away.

"But I don't understand father? The Von Doom Family is finished, we've won." Hanako expressed. While she did not always agree with her fathers methods, his love for her brother remained stronger. Even if he managed to come back from his rebellious youth, his past sins did not remain forgotten.

"The Von Doom family poses a threat no matter the size, the only way for our success to blossom is by destroying them completely," Saburo muttered as a picture of a young Virgil Von Doom kneeling to Saburo projected. The image shocking Hanako. A revelation coming to her mind.

"Virgil Von Doom was never meant to be emperor… He was raised to be a knight. Yet he re-built a fallen kingdom into an empire… Now his son lives… A boy perfected to be my biggest thorn. Tell me this, Hanako - What do you expect now?"