2077: V really knows how awesome he is

It's incredibly difficult to truly silence a schemer. Miles has retreated to the background, but that doesn't stop her from stirring things up behind the scenes.

The new US president called the president of the biotechnology company in Night City, analyzing the situation and highlighting its strengths. In short, he said: "V is currently deploying troops abroad, leaving the company vulnerable internally. If you launch a rebellion now, you will succeed!"

It has to be said that Miles is incredibly eloquent. He not only won over Li Dezhong wholeheartedly, but he also managed to fool V in his past life. Now, convincing a biotech CEO is a piece of cake. The phone call was made in the morning, and the operation was launched at midnight. To be honest, he really caught V off guard.

If V is alone, she will have to put aside her work on debugging the isomers. By the time she repels the biotechnology invasion, Arasaka headquarters might be at her doorstep again, a classic case of one wolf after another. This constant running around will greatly increase V's chances of failure. If she and Arasaka headquarters are both severely weakened, New America can reap the benefits, seize Night City, and realize its long-held ambition.

The plan was good, but unfortunately, V wasn't alone.

She and Xu Shiming had already secretly reached an agreement: she would provide Arasaka with advanced technology to prevent Kangtao from being held back in certain areas, and Kangtao would help her contain Tokyo Arasaka. The 1200 men were not Xu Shiming's suggestion, but V's request, because she already knew that a major battle was inevitable in Night City, and Kangtao's 1200 soldiers were there to deal with this kind of emergency.

Back to Xu Ling's apartment on the top floor of the Contour Tower.

A holographic model floats in the restroom, and the buildings in the company plaza are above the washbasin.

Large swaths of crimson rippled across the various intersections of the company square, a signal rendered on the tactical map by the enemy's thermal radiation.

Xu Ling used her index finger to slice open the holographic projection near the memorial park, piercing twelve blue light cones into the scarlet, as if using a sharp scalpel to dissect a beating heart.

“This is it. Have Group B split into twelve squads and make three consecutive feints.” Xu Ling, wearing a full-face helmet so her expression couldn’t be seen, then launched twelve blue light cones into Concord Park, in another direction from Memorial Park: “Here, Group C, also twelve squads, four feints. Focus on harassing the enemy and buying the main force 15 minutes.”

The battles in the two parks broke out simultaneously. Two groups of 384 Contau soldiers launched a three-dimensional assault from different heights, including the ground, bridges, and buildings. They released nano smoke to block vision and activated intelligent camouflage to simulate three times the amount of heat radiation, causing blue light cone symbols to instantly fill the edge of the tactical map.

Seeing that the enemy forces were numerous, the biotechnology company immediately called for reinforcements.

"Haha, I guessed right, V's backup plan was indeed Comto. Miles couldn't even see that, how stupid." The president of the biotechnology company looked at the large screen in the command room with excitement: "Send the genetically modified soldiers! Today, I will not only take Night City, but also shatter Comto's army myth!"

The red color on the holographic sand table began to move rapidly. The electronic prosthetic eyes of 400 genetically modified soldiers flashed through the digital torrent, prompting them to smash through walls and tear apart barriers to provide support to the two parks at top speed.

But when the first genetically modified soldier stepped into the center of the company square, the 66 low-frequency projectors that had created the giant holographic goldfish suddenly hummed and changed their frequency. The two goldfish, one red and one blue, disappeared from the sky and were replaced by a surge of nanoscale high-frequency resonant waves.

With a loud "whoosh," the genetically modified soldier, capable of overturning an armored vehicle with his bare hands, clutched his head in pain. An attack that wouldn't even be considered noise to an ordinary person had a devastating effect on their enhanced nervous system. Dizziness, vomiting, unfocused vision, and even spatial disorientation caused the strongest human to spin around aimlessly, descending into chaos.

The artificially compiled genes are more superior, but at the same time, new defects are created.

Conversely, although the Kangtao soldiers were primitive, they possessed the natural way of Tao accumulated over ten thousand years of evolution.

Who will win?

Xu Ling shivered as she sat on the toilet: "Start chopping the filling."

Twenty fully armed Comtau assault teams suddenly emerged from Comtau Tower and Arasaka Tower. They quickly and accurately stormed into the large area of ​​crimson in the center from all directions, using cutting grenades, incendiary grenades, and smoke grenades to divide the battlefield, splitting the four hundred genetically modified soldiers into twenty neat groups.

"800 against 400, 40 against 20, the local troop reversal is complete." Xu Ling turned on the tap to wash her hands: "Add water to the pot."

The command was converted into encrypted quantum pulses and simultaneously transmitted to the communicators of all Kangtao soldiers. The young men revealed ferocious smiles, set their Yinglong submachine guns to smart mode, and 1 seconds later, the beeping locking sound was heard incessantly. The soldiers pulled the triggers, and instantly more than 15 bullets shot into the air. The metal shell casings reflected the lights of Night City, and the small thrusters made a hissing sound, turning the barrage into the chirping of birds.

The next moment, the birds returned to their nests.

Suddenly, the overwhelming barrage of bullets defied the laws of physics. They slid sideways, flew sideways, drew arcs, turned in mid-air, bypassed cover, dodged obstacles, and struck the biotech soldiers' heads with incredible accuracy from unbelievable angles.

A third of the genetically modified soldiers died instantly, and those who survived were also hit on the head with a series of loud thuds.

The pain fueled their ferocity. The surviving genetically modified soldiers tried to break through using the protection of their heavy subcutaneous armor, but Xu Ling had anticipated this. She turned off the water pipes, picked up a towel to dry her hands, and said, "Let me play 'Jasmine Flower' for my friends."

As the order was given, ancient music, simulated by modern electronic instruments, began playing in the communications of every Kangtao soldier.

The elegant and refined prelude is gentle and soothing, just like the steady, large hands of soldiers quickly reloading.

The simple passageway, though ordinary, exudes unwavering determination, much like the will of frontline soldiers who would rather be torn apart by the enemy than retreat a single step.

Unbeknownst to them, the melody gradually rose higher and higher, becoming more and more inspiring. One squad after another completed the replacement of plasma bullets. When everything was in place, the show was about to begin.

The music's powerful beat symbolizes a civilization that has endured countless calamities breaking through darkness and moving towards prosperity, foreshadowing the warriors' impending counterattack.

What follows is the age of heroes!

Plasma bullets were unleashed in droves, rendering heavy subcutaneous armor useless against the new bullets. As the electric current continued to bloom on flesh and blood, the music reached its most powerful and majestic climax.

"What a beautiful jasmine flower, what a beautiful jasmine flower."

Xu Ling sang the lyrics lightly, "The 400 genetically modified soldiers have all been wiped out. Support two parks, let's make dumplings!"

The Contau soldiers in the central square immediately split into two groups and advanced toward the two parks, attacking from both sides and spraying ammunition at the remaining 1000 soldiers of the biotechnology company.

"No, no, no, the casualties are too high! Make them withdraw immediately, immediately!" The biotechnology president shouted hysterically. These soldiers were the result of more than three years of effort by the biotechnology company. If the losses were too great, the head office would definitely hold him accountable.

The enemy's retreat was exactly what Xu Ling wanted: "Let's make something special to send these friends off."

The blue dots on the holographic sand table quickly parted to create an opening, and the trapped red dots squeezed through as if they had found a way out, only to be met with a double trap consisting of intelligent landmines and 16 elite snipers.

They were either blown in two or had their heads blown off by snipers; the morale of the biotechnology team plummeted into chaos. Meanwhile, as smoke grenades were thrown onto the battlefield, Kangtao's soldiers, wearing infrared goggles, entered the fray to begin their pursuit.

Amidst the billowing smoke, gunshots and screams filled the air. The remaining biotech soldiers barely managed to break through the smoke barrier, only to be met with a familiar yet terrifying buzzing sound.

The inexpensive ZetaTech bumblebee drones were transformed into killer bees by Comtau with simple modifications. Originally used for delivering packages or simple reconnaissance, these childcare drones were equipped with self-destruct modules. They formed a swarm matrix and charged towards humans with their frail bodies.

The final slaughter took place at sunrise; as the morning breeze dispersed the smoke from the streets, the scene of mountains of corpses and seas of blood was revealed.

Looking at the battle damage report showing 16.7% killed and 2.3% seriously wounded, Xu Ling took off her helmet.

Luring the enemy, dividing them, encircling them, and annihilating them—it's a very simple tactic, simple yet highly effective.

On the other side, even though he had already received information about the total annihilation on the holographic map, the president of the biotechnology company was still so shocked by seeing it in person that he knelt down in shock.

"They're all dead? How could they all be dead? 1400 against 1200, how could they all be dead?!"

“Nothing is impossible. My tactics are the best in the Xu family. Even the old man is no match for me.” Xu Ling walked over in a pair of green flip-flops, followed by fully armed Kangtao soldiers.

"You're the commander of Kangtao? Impossible! How old are you? I can't possibly lose to a child!"

Xu Ling tilted her head, and a Kangtao soldier stepped forward and struck the biotechnology president on the ground with the butt of his rifle.

"A loss is a loss, a win is a win. You adults always like to be so self-righteous. Let me give you a piece of advice, uncle, remember it well." Xu Ling said, enunciating each word clearly: "If you're going to cook, practice more, and stop your damn bastard talk!"

"you!"

"Take him away. The president of the Night City branch of Biotechnology has suddenly fallen seriously ill. Out of the principle of friendly cooperation, Kangtao will take over all security and defense work at Biotechnology Tower!"

"Oh, isn't this a bit inappropriate? What if it incites public anger..." Kang Tao's adjutant tried to dissuade him.

"Public anger my ass! If anyone objects, I'll take over their tower too! Go issue a public notice!"

"Okay, alright. Is the announcement issued in your name?"

"Nonsense!" Xu Ling glared at her adjutant. "Of course, it's issued in my good grandfather's name!"

"Nothing's wrong, old man; something's wrong, good grandpa, right?"

Awesome!

The adjutant obediently went to issue the announcement, and sure enough, it shocked the world once again.

What a fool Yiyan Biotechnology is! They should have just waited for the war to end and reaped the benefits. Instead, they've gone to be the first to stick their necks out. Did they get their heads caught in a door?

Kang Tao's courage surprised everyone; he actually attacked Shengke Tower directly. Was Xu Shiming about to launch the fifth corporate war?

Xu Ling's ferocity is astonishing. She defeated 1400 enemy soldiers with 1200, annihilating them with less than 20% casualties – an incredible feat. Considering that biotechnology can produce 400 genetically modified soldiers, and conventionally, one genetically modified soldier is equivalent to three ordinary soldiers, the actual combat strength isn't 1200 vs. 1400, but 1200 vs. 2200. This makes Xu Ling even more terrifying.

It was rumored that Xu Ling was only a 17-year-old girl, and the whole world thought she was an expert. But when the spies from various factions sent back the actual battle reports, the bigwigs were completely convinced. The commanders on the biotechnology side were a bit incompetent, but Xu Ling's command was too seasoned. Every move and order was timed perfectly. Although it was just the most basic tactics, it is precisely in the most basic things that a person's true strength is revealed.

Without a doubt, Xu Ling is a true tactical command genius. This caused many Western company executives to wail in frustration, cursing God for being unfair and casting the star of generalship upon the East once again.

With this, Xu Ling became famous overnight!

"Wow, Lingzi, that's awesome." V met Xu Ling after finishing the debugging work: "You didn't say you were this good before."

Xu Ling smiled and said, "Sister V, you didn't ask either."

“That’s true, it was my fault.” V laughed, “You’ve done me a huge favor. Whatever you ask for, I’ll definitely grant it.”

"I can't make any requests. If you're going to do anything sneaky, go talk to the old man." Xu Ling shook her head repeatedly.

"It has nothing to do with Arasaka and Kangtao; it's just our private matter."

"Really?"

"real."

"Then I want to eat spring rolls." Xu Ling perked up immediately.

"Spring rolls?" V stroked his chin. "Alright, I happen to know a Chinese restaurant that sells spring rolls. Although people in Night City don't like them, it just proves that they must be authentic spring rolls."

"Yay!" Xu Ling jumped high and grabbed V to walk out the door.

At this moment, Adjutant Kang Tao entered: "President Xu, the farewell ceremony for the fallen soldiers is ready."

"Do it the old way."

"Yes."

V and Xu Ling then left.

In the car, V asked, "Aren't you going to the farewell ceremony?"

Xu Ling leaned against the car window frame: "I'm not going. I never interact with low-ranking soldiers."

"Why?" V asked curiously. "I heard that Kangtao treats his soldiers like his own children."

Xu Ling smiled and said, "Because if we're too familiar with each other, I won't be able to bring myself to do it."

V fell silent.

Less than 20% of the battle losses are still battle losses, and a large part of them were bait that Xu Ling personally sent out.

"Does it hurt?"

"It's over now."

"I want you to be the commander-in-chief for the upcoming battle against Arasaka's headquarters."

"no problem."

"Feel sorry."

"It's okay, that's how I was designed. But if you really want to apologize..."

"what?"

Xu Ling flashed a big smile: "I want two spring rolls!"

V only ate one spring roll with Xu Ling before leaving because she received a call from Michiko Arasaka.

"The Ganglie Band will arrive in Night City this afternoon. Arrange for someone to greet them and then hold a press conference."

Michiko Arasaka gave an untimely order, which V was slightly taken aback about, but quickly understood.

"Is the Ganglie Band one of your people?"

"Ah."

"The remaining forces of the Dangerous Girls Detective Agency?"

"Ah."

"You want to use the international influence of three music superstars to stop Arasaka Yorinobu's attack?"

"Ah."

Michiko Arakasaka bit her lip: "I know this is wishful thinking, but it's the only thing I can do."

V nodded: "I'll have Jenkins prepare it."

"Ah."

V turned to leave, but stopped at the door.

She bowed slightly: "Thank you, Ms. Michiko."

Michiko Arasaka's shoulders trembled.

V considerately closed the door, preserving the dignity of the Night City princess.

We've done everything we can now; all that's left is to wait for the battle to begin.

V once again climbed to the top of Arasaka Tower, overlooking the beautiful city below.

I don't know when it started, but my feelings have changed completely.

Now that she has been freed from the threat of death, she has taken on an even heavier burden.

Is it responsibility?

V thought for a moment and shook his head.

It's not a responsibility.

It is hope!