2077: V really knows how awesome he is

Countless blue shadows emerged from the corpses of Illeris and the fallen soldiers, drifting into the air and disappearing one after another.

This phenomenon further confirmed V's guess, making her feel disheartened.

I never expected that after all that work, I'd only been hitting dummies.

V turned to look at Eredin, whose body trembled, but he straightened his chest and shouted fearlessly, "Come on, I will fight to the end..."

Before he could finish speaking, the King of the Wild Hunt was impaled like a hedgehog by icicles protruding from the ice.

V had to admit that his knock-off magic was quite useful, at least when wearing the Heterogeneous form, it could effectively compensate for the lack of ranged firepower.

Eredin's soul slowly floated into the air, and as usual, he uttered a harsh threat: "I will come back, and next time, I will trample you and your city under my feet!"

V didn't believe it at all and scoffed, "Fine, if you don't come, you're a little dog."

Eredin's soul dissipated in frustration, and Night City once again triumphed!

When V returned to Arasaka Tower, everyone cheered. Jenkins had originally planned for her to give a televised address immediately to appease the public, but Xu Ling squeezed in and said anxiously, "Sister V, please turn into a dragon! I'll do anything!"

Everyone was both amused and exasperated. V retorted angrily, "Do you think I'm some kind of magician?!"

That being said, out of concern for the children, V changed his mind.

"This is a one-time exception; there will be no next time."

V's eyes lit up with blue light, and he reconnected to the nanonetwork. Everyone saw the air ripple, and the clouds in the sky gradually gathered and changed shape, transforming into a majestic dragon with wings on its back!

Everyone gasped in surprise, and Geralt couldn't help but exclaim, "This thing looks much tougher than a griffin!"

But Xu Ling was not satisfied. She grabbed V's arm and shook it vigorously: "This is a Western dragon. I want an Eastern dragon!"

V was shaken until he felt dizzy, and gritted his teeth, saying, "So much trouble! I've never even seen an Eastern Dragon before!"

"I have pictures, I'll send them to you."

Xu Ling sent the picture, and V started sculpting it. To save time, she didn't use clouds this time but used air directly. Soon, the Eastern dragon appeared in the sky. Because it was essentially air, it could only be seen by people when it reflected light at a specific angle. But this actually fit the characteristic of a dragon that appears only briefly, making Xu Ling so excited that her crotch got wet.

General Xu is a fan of cultivating immortality, everyone knows that, but no one knows what cultivating immortality is.

She gripped V's hand tightly, her eyes brimming with tears, and said, "Master, I want to learn this move!"

Everyone was once again left speechless, both amused and exasperated.

V wouldn't mind teaching Xu Ling; all she had to do was inject the nano-vaccine and connect to the nano-network. However, after this great battle, V realized that the nano-network was not as simple as throwing a fireball. It was one thing if the prisoners weren't very bright, but if the entire population were vaccinated and it fell into the hands of some highly intelligent madman, it could indeed cause mass destruction. Therefore, this rule had to be established first.

So V said to Xu Ling, "I can teach you, but when to teach you is up to Ms. Yennefer."

Yennefer immediately understood. She hadn't expected V to be willing to let her take over such a powerful source of magic, and she felt a sense of satisfaction from being trusted. She immediately bowed and said, "Please rest assured, I will do my best to serve you!"

Then came the post-war debriefing… but there wasn’t much to summarize, since the Nagil was destroyed the moment it appeared, causing absolutely no damage. Although the frost magic later froze a few fighter jets, no one died. The more than 20,000 soldiers recruited from all over the world felt like they were on a vacation in Night City, and they actually bought a bunch of local specialties before heading back, keeping the people in Cloudtop extremely busy. Some young men and women even applied for workers’ compensation.

As for the post-war press conference, V didn't hide anything, revealing the origins of the Wild Hunt King to the public, stating directly that he was an invader from another planet.

The Earth is currently in a state of disrepair and needs rebuilding. The presence of Eredin as an external enemy is conducive to shifting internal conflicts and uniting humanity.

As for the big whale, the big tiger, the Western dragon, and the Eastern dragon that followed, V originally wanted to say it directly, but Joanne Koch suggested waiting a bit. After all, the nano vaccine was still far from being realized, and Night City didn't need to create hype to boost its stock price. Announcing it in advance would only cause people to become restless and would not do any good.

V thought about it and realized it made sense. One alien invader was just the right amount of force; adding a cyberpunk cultivator would probably spawn a whole bunch of conspiracy theories. After all, once people are well-fed, they start to crave romanticized ideas, and Night City just happens to be one of the few places on Earth where people can get enough to eat.

However, if the goal was to conceal it, then explaining the giant whale became the problem. Finally, V used her super intelligence of 20 points to provide the best explanation: "Plastic bags, they're all plastic bags."

Whether the general public believes it or not, V is... well, she doesn't really believe it either.

In short, the matter was barely resolved. The King of the Wild Hunt suffered a crushing defeat, and as long as he wasn't completely brainwashed by V, he wouldn't provoke Night City again. Night City's current focus is entirely on the nano-vaccine; after all, Eredin is just a medieval bumpkin, and Ultraman is the real threat to Earthlings.

To this end, V instructed Nakamura Kayo to fully cooperate with Yennefer in constructing the nanonetwork rules, providing immediate answers to any questions and fulfilling any requests. At the same time, she also arranged for Misty to coordinate between the two sides, since they were both from the mystical side and should have common ground.

As a result, Yennefer was shocked after talking with Misty; she hadn't expected that there were prophets in Night City. Upon learning that Misty only charged 20 euros for a divination, she was heartbroken, declaring it the greatest disrespect to the prophet, and then sold her silk dress to have over a dozen divinations done that afternoon.

It wasn't that she only had a dozen or so questions, but rather that her silk dress sold for 250 euros, and the buyer wasn't interested in the dress itself, but rather in its design.

Yennefer dared not harbor any ulterior motives in the subsequent rule-making process, after all, a prophet was watching. Although V only appointed Misty as the host, Yennefer had no idea.

As progress on the nano-vaccine project accelerated rapidly, V began to focus on research in another direction.

The most pressing question is the seemingly unbelievable one: "Why can a wooden boat travel through time?"

Nakamura Kayo worked overtime, having just finalized the basic framework of the nanonetwork with Yennefer, and then rushed over to give a report to V and a group of bigwigs.

"The reason why the wooden boat can warp has been figured out: it's because of C-matter." Nakamura Kayo was truly exhausted, like a middle-aged woman returning home from a long day at work. Without any foreplay or lubrication, she spread her legs and went straight to the point: "To put it simply, as long as you have C-matter, warp can be as easy as driving to the suburbs for a picnic!"

"Huh?" V and the others were taken aback: "Aren't there any restrictions or conditions?"

“No,” Nakamura Kayo said. “Just like boiling water can open a kettle lid, or cutting magnetic field lines can generate an electric current, as long as there is enough carbon matter, space can be easily folded to achieve hyperspace travel.”

"Is this really reasonable?" V still found it hard to accept, and couldn't believe that warp technology was so easy to achieve. After all, it was a time-space technology. Shouldn't it have started from a new theory, been studied little by little, and spent hundreds of years trying to master it?

Having probably discerned V's thoughts, Nakamura Kayo gave an analogy.

"Humans were born in the desert, where there was no water anywhere they could reach and it never rained. To solve the water problem, humans extracted water from cacti and from the deep, moist soil. They lived like this for generations, taking it for granted, and continuously improved the technology of extracting water from plants and soil, perfecting it to the extreme. Based on this, they built a highly developed civilization. They also inferred the possibility of natural water sources in certain places based on the known lack of water, and constructed countless theories."

"But the truth is, humans are just unlucky to have been born in water-scarce deserts. In reality, there are rivers and seas outside the deserts, and it rains. The people living there have never worried about water. They have even built various kinds of ships and travel along rivers to other regions, or even cross oceans to develop overseas colonies."

"One day, those people came to the desert, and humans were surprised to find that they could easily fill a bottle with precious water. Only then did humans realize that their past theories were completely wrong and were based on information bias in the observable world. Water has never been precious, and humans have always been like frogs in a well."

V understood, and everyone else seemed to be thinking about it. Joanne Koch even gave a real example: "Just like the ancient Maya, who had advanced natural science and a complete calendar, but because they couldn't find a piece of iron, they were ultimately trapped and died in the rainforest."

Now those who didn't understand understand, and those who did understand understand even more.

“If nothing unexpected happens, humanity’s fate will probably be to be trapped in the solar system.” V shrugged. “It seems we should thank Eredin. It was thanks to him chasing Ciri around that we discovered matter C.”

Everyone laughed. Nakamura Kayo pushed up her glasses and said, "I suggest that we officially rename C matter to C particle."

“Okay.” These were minor matters, V immediately agreed. What she was more concerned about was how to obtain C matter… C particles.

"You just said that you need a sufficient number of C particles to fold space. But Earth and the solar system don't have any C particles at all. How do we solve this?"

Kayo Nakamura pushed up her glasses again: "It's simple. Since the King of the Wild Hunt was able to invade us in a wooden boat, his world must have abundant C particles."

That's enough. None of us here are elementary school students, and we instantly understood what Nakamura Kayo meant.

If you don't have it yourself, then go and steal it.

That's just how genuine the people of Old Night City are!

V didn't mince words and asked Xu Ling directly, "Do you have a chance of winning?"

“Judging from the fighting power that the King of the Wild Hunt has shown before…” Xu Ling shrugged: “I can take his hands and feet.”

The group chuckled wickedly, and Meredith Stock said fiercely, "Leave the vanguard to me. We, the new America, have plenty of experience in dealing with the locals."

Kurt Hansen was also full of fighting spirit: "It's such a waste that a bunch of medieval natives have warp technology. We must help them manage this dangerous substance properly."

David Martinez, young and shy, hesitated, "Isn't this a bit inappropriate?" because he was too embarrassed to take off his pants in public.

“What’s wrong with it?” Joanne Koch retorted calmly. “What we lack is C-particles, not morality. Night City won’t target ordinary citizens. If they’re willing to cooperate with us, we can even hire them to help us collect C-particles, solving their employment problems. It’s a win-win situation.”

"How do we announce this expedition to the soldiers? We can't exactly say we're going to steal C-particles, can we?"

“Simple.” Xu Ling had already thought it through: “Just call it the Self-Defense Counterattack War.”

David was completely convinced.

Since no one objected, the matter was settled.

The Elf Empire illegally invaded Earth, so it's perfectly reasonable for us Earthlings to open a few mines as war compensation.

"The biggest problem now is how to convince Ciri to bring our people over." Nakamura Kayo glanced at V: "That all depends on President V."

"Damn, you're throwing the hardest problem at me?" V rubbed his forehead, looking exasperated. "Fine, let me think of how to fool... convince Ciri."

Before V could figure out how to approach Ciri, Ciri and Geralt came to him. The Witcher spoke first, saying, "President V, would you please come to our world?"

V: "Huh?"

Chapter 129 The Otherworld Expedition Plan

Ciri hesitated, her strong will making her unwilling to bow to V, but Geralt, an old witcher, knew best when to yield, and pleaded again, "I know this is an impertinent invitation, but it is really important to us."

V glanced at Ciri and seemed to understand: "Because of the King of the Wild Hunt?"

“That’s right.” Geralt nodded. “The Wild Hunt is not dead. He still has his eyes on Ciri. With your protection, the Wild Hunt has failed in this world. But once Ciri returns home, the Wild Hunt will surely come back. I beg you to lend a helping hand and help Ciri completely eliminate this threat.”

"But the King of the Wild Hunt has been invading other worlds through energy projection. I can help you once or twice, but I can't help you forever."

Geralt immediately replied, "I've thought of that before. Our world has a teleportation array to the Elven Empire, where we can find the true form of the King of the Wild Hunt!"

V almost burst out laughing. He had just dozed off when someone brought him a pillow. It seems that letting Eredin go had its advantages.

Seeing that V remained silent, Geralt thought she was unwilling to take action, so he quickly added, "If you are willing to lead the army in person, I can pay any price, including myself."

"Geralt!" Ciri exclaimed, trying to stop him, but Geralt shook his head and said calmly, "It's what I should do, child."

Ciri was deeply moved, her eyes filled with tears, but then she hardened and glared fiercely at V.

V: "..."

Your own father willingly sold himself into servitude, so why are you glaring at me?

V glared back, then turned to Geralt and said, "Okay."

Geralt was taken aback: "You mean... you've agreed?"

“Of course,” V smiled. “Ciri is my friend, so of course I have to lend a helping hand when she’s in trouble.”

Ciri blushed slightly: "Who said I'm your friend!"

Geralt was overjoyed: "Thank you so much, Your Majesty... uh, I mean, President V. Please feel free to name your reward; I'm willing to give you everything!"

"That won't be necessary, otherwise I'm afraid Ciri will sneak into my room at night and stab me to death with a sword," V joked.

Ciri snorted and gave him a "you know what's good for you" look.

But Geralt slowly shook his head: "That's against the rules."

It's not that he's particularly noble, but that he knows that what's free is often the most expensive.

V saw through Geralt's thoughts but didn't mind. Remaining cautious was the right thing to do; after all, they had only known each other for a short time, and she wouldn't accept Geralt's complete devotion.

"How about this," V suggested a compromise: "Ms. Yennefer has been helping me, hasn't she? I've been struggling with what kind of reward to give her. How about we settle it here?"

Geralt bowed and said, "You are a truly generous king, just as you have said."

Ciri asked in a low voice, "Shouldn't we ask Yennefer's opinion?"

“No need to ask,” Geralt replied confidently. “She would give anything for you.”

Ciri was moved once again.

Geralt wanted to continue discussing the battle against the true form of the King of the Wild Hunt, but V glanced at the time and suggested, "Why don't we eat first?"

This suggestion was so practical that neither the Witcher nor the Time Maiden could refuse it.

To accommodate the cultural habits of outsiders, V didn't take the two to a bar like the one in the afterlife. Instead, they set up a small table in a private room in the staff canteen of Arasaka Tower, and thoughtfully invited Yennefer over.

Now that the Witcher, the Sorcerer, and the Time Maiden have all gathered, triggering a triple star-up... that's definitely impossible, but this can be considered the first formal meal the three have had since their reunion, and the atmosphere is quite nice.

Geralt inquired about Ciri's situation over the past few years, and Ciri began to boast, recounting her adventures in various worlds one by one. Yennefer smiled without saying a word, only occasionally putting food into Ciri's bowl, just like a true virtuous wife and loving mother.

Of course, the family of three didn't neglect V. Geralt was taciturn, Ciri was addicted to bragging, and all their interactions with V fell on the charming Yennefer.

The sorceress recounted the three men's past experiences and told some interesting stories, clearly demonstrating her skill in catering to the emotions of those in positions of authority.

V also inquired about Yennefer's situation and learned that she was the chief advisor to Emperor Emhyr of the Nilfgaardian Empire. She also learned about the tense relationship between humans and non-humans in her world. Later, she asked Geralt why he adopted Ciri and heard an interesting word.

"The law of surprise?" V raised an eyebrow.

Yennefer explained, “That’s a customary law in our world, as old as our history. The Law of Accidents states that a person who saves another can ask for a reward from the person they save, demanding the first thing the person sees when they get home, or something the person already owns but doesn’t know about. Usually, it’s a child born to the person’s wife after they left home, or an illegitimate child born after a one-night stand. Such a child is called a ‘Child of Accident,’ and it’s the most common reward obtained under the Law of Accidents.”

V seemed to really like the local customs and nodded with great interest: "What a romantic custom! So it was because of the Law of Accidents that Geralt adopted Ciri?"

“That’s right.” Yennefer smiled and continued, “Ciri is Emhyr’s daughter. Geralt once saved Emhyr’s life, so Ciri is Geralt’s reward for the Law of Accident. Geralt was also given to the Witcher Vesemir as a child because of the Law of Accident. Because of this similar experience, Geralt has always regarded Ciri as his own daughter.”

Geralt immediately retorted, "I was just forced to carry a troublesome bag."

Ciri grinned and playfully punched Geralt's chin, saying confidently, "Don't be so smug, Witcher, you really, really love me!"

“I’m not arrogant, brat.” Geralt brushed Ciri’s fist away. “If I had known how naughty you were, I would never have saved Emhyr.”

"Wait a minute." V suddenly noticed something important: "Emhir's name sounds familiar. Isn't that the name of the Nilfgaardian Emperor? Is it the same person?"

“It is indeed the same person.” Yennefer did not hide anything, after all, they were in different worlds, so there was no need for any political maneuvering.

“Ciri is Emhyr’s daughter and the rightful first in line to the throne.”