"So, how long are we going to stay here?"
Once the excitement wore off, Rebecca, squeezed into the small room, was starting to find the feeling of being surrounded by people unbearable.
The small room was only the size of a normal bedroom, but right now, a full eight people were crammed inside. Even with the built-in ventilation system on, Rebecca still felt it was a bit crowded.
While taking apart and disassembling the exoskeleton with his tools, Mercer casually replied, "Until things quiet down outside, and until we hear from Panam. In short, we'll stay in the Badlands for a while."
Out of caution, Mercer had no intention of returning to Dogtown until he was certain the deal with Militech's Stout was settled and his "wanted level" with them was cleared.
Biotechnica and Arasaka's reach didn't extend into Dogtown for now, and those agents and Faraday wouldn't last long. Corporations generally had little patience. Mercer estimated that in two or three days, the group originally in charge of this matter would be taken down by internal strife.
When the time came and new people took over, who would want to clean up their predecessor's mess?
Even if he was marked, so be it. Mercer was already so deep in debt he didn't care. Even in the worst-case scenario, if it was exposed that he was the culprit behind the Arasaka Canada base incident, could he, with all his skills, really be captured and dealt with at will?
Once Stout was in power, all Mercer had to do upon his return was deal with Hansen, and then he could continue living his carefree life in Dogtown.
As for Arasaka and Biotechnica, as long as they couldn't use large-scale heavy weaponry, Mercer was confident that even if they sent Adam Smasher, he and V could take him down together.
"Stay in the Badlands?" Dorio sounded a little worried. "Can we trust those people? I just checked, Faraday's side has put a price of three million eurodollars on our heads."
"I think we can trust them." Mercer paused, then said, "You all know Rogue from the Afterlife, right? Back in the day, after she and Silverhand blew up Arasaka Tower, she wandered with the Aldecaldos for a few years. The price Arasaka put on her head back then wasn't low either."
"Of course, I won't blindly trust those folks either. Right now, the only ones who know our whereabouts are Panam and her two old friends, Mitch and Scorpion. They're all reliable, good people."
As Mercer spoke, Rebecca pouted and said, "You think everyone's a good person."
"But am I right or not?" Mercer turned to look at her with a grin. Rebecca was left speechless and turned her head away.
"Anyway, for the next few days, you'll all stay in the safe house Panam found for us in the Badlands. Once I've settled things with Militech, we can delta back to Dogtown."
Mercer paused, then turned to look at Maine and said, "You two will have to put up with it for a while, too. Don't go home just yet. When I've sorted things with Militech and returned to Dogtown, you can move to Pacifica. We can look out for each other, and it'll be easier to get things done."
Maine thought for a moment, then said, "Why don't we just move to Dogtown too? If Arasaka agents come after us, I'm worried Dorio will be in danger."
Dorio just smiled at his words. The sturdy woman's tone was calm as she said, "It's fine. I'm sure Mercer has his reasons for saying that."
"It's simple. I'll sell the thing to Militech. When that happens, it'll be useless for Arasaka to come after us. I doubt Arasaka has the time to spare just for petty revenge, especially when any investigation will show that you've only worked with me this one time."
"Besides our own people, no one knows you've joined the crew. You can just pretend you partnered with us for a single gig."
But then, Mercer added, "However, if you don't feel safe, you can also move to Dogtown. The base isn't huge, but it should be possible to make room for you two."
Lucy said softly, "Kyoko can move in with me. That'll free up a room."
"Hmm, or let me think..." Mercer mused.
Maine shook his head. "Forget it. I was just saying. We'll just move to Pacifica then. You're right, even if they want to cause trouble, they won't come after me, since I've only just started working with you."
Mercer shrugged and was about to say more when his cyberoptics alerted him to an incoming call.
It was none other than Mercer's "good friend" at Militech, Meredith Stout.
On the video call, Meredith had a smile on her face, speaking with a click of her tongue in amazement.
[Meredith: I have to say, I really underestimated you. A group of mercs playing Arasaka, Militech, and Biotechnica for fools, and now you've even managed to escape. Truly incredible.]
[A: How's it going? I'm guessing your colleagues are freaking out right now.]
[Meredith: You're right. They're in deep shit this time. Two elite combat teams wiped out, the asset lost, the target not captured, and they lost major face on TV alongside Arasaka.]
[A: Sounds like you're just one small achievement away from a promotion?]
[Meredith: Is that Arasaka equipment in your possession?]
[A: Name a price.]
[Meredith: I can call off Militech's pursuit. I can even get you mercs the same treatment as Arasaka's own Adam Smasher.]
[A: I'm not interested in working for Militech. A partnership is a partnership. Stop trying to buy me out.]
[Meredith: You probably have no idea how much we can offer you.]
[A: Why don't you think about what a suitable price for this Arasaka equipment would be? A brand-new super exoskeleton combat suit, complete with combat data from field testing.]
[Meredith: Are you sure you're only selling this to us? Because I can't help you deal with Arasaka if that's the case.]
[A: But I'm guessing Arasaka can't get into Dogtown, wouldn't you agree?]
[Meredith: Funny, we can't "get in" either. Name your price.]
[A: One price. Five million eurodollars, and I'll throw in one "Diana Cuno". But you have to call off Militech's pursuit of me right now, and afterward, you must tell Arasaka that the equipment is in your hands, so they stop chasing us.]
[Meredith: You've got some nerve.]
[A: But I'm guessing you're happy to pay.]
[Meredith: Don't forget you're currently responsible for dozens of Militech lives, several destroyed Militech APCs, and the sabotage of a Militech investment worth tens of millions of eurodollars.]
[A: That was your predecessor's failure. Besides, you'll most likely be able to get that investment money back from Biotechnica's pockets.]
[I guess compared to the benefits we'll get later, and the friendship of a skilled merc crew, these minor inconveniences are no big deal.]
[Meredith: And if I refuse?]
[A: Cut the crap, auntie. These bargaining tricks are meaningless to me. Keep it up and I'll go to Kang Tao. I'm sure the people at Kang Tao would love Arasaka's new toy, as well as a group of mercs that even Militech and Arasaka can't find.]
A few minutes passed before Meredith finally gave an affirmative reply.
[Meredith: Once I have the item, the money will be transferred to you via chip. But it can't be damaged, nor can it be missing any key components.
As long as I get the item, and Diana, I can guarantee that Militech will immediately forget today's losses and publicly display our "spoils of war."
As for Arasaka, you're on your own. Also, what age are you to be calling me "auntie"?]
[A: Deal. When I'm ready, you'll come to me. You take the item, and after you've interrogated her, I must see her body. As for my age? I guess you'll get my ID info soon enough, so I'll leave it as a surprise for you.]
[Meredith: Heh, fine. You really hold a grudge, don't you? Didn't she just scheme against you once?]
She had secretly pieced together the general sequence of events.
Militech had commissioned Wakako, and Wakako had found A, this audacious maniac, to steal the Biotechnica tech. But then A, on a whim, blackmailed and threatened Diana, ultimately escalating the situation to its current state.
[A: Yes, I hold a grudge.]
[Meredith: Fine, I accept your terms. When can you get the item to me? I need to use what you deliver to negotiate on your behalf.]
[A: Don't be hasty. Once I have the person, I'll send them over to you together.]
[Meredith: Good. I'll wait for your word, but make it quick.]
Mercer didn't reply again.
What gives you the right to rush me?
He leisurely looked around. By now, V was already leaning back lazily in her chair, catching her breath to recover. It had to be said, the girl was absurdly strong.
After activating her Sandevistan at full power several times in one day, not only did she not look the least bit tired, but she actually seemed like she hadn't had enough fun yet.
"Done chatting?" V saw that his cyberoptics were no longer glowing and asked, "How much are we making on this gig?"
"Originally, I thought we'd have to sell off some of the Biotechnica equipment to break even, but now..."
Mercer smiled and pointed at the exoskeleton in the distance. "This thing alone, five million."
"Holy shit!" Dorio's eyes went wide. "How much?"
Even Maine's breathing grew heavier.
Mercer held up one hand, gesturing with his palm open, then said, "According to the rules, everyone who went on the field op gets a share, but we first have to deduct 40% for the team fund. You can get reimbursed by me when you move later.
Once we've upgraded to a bigger place, I guarantee everyone will get their own apartment-style single room."
V, however, said nonchalantly, "It doesn't seem like that much when you split it up... Tsk, I wonder when I'll be able to get that Caliburn back."
Mercer turned his head to glance at her. "Our V is a big shot now. So much money in her hands and she doesn't even think it's a lot."
"It's not like any amount is ever enough for you anyway. Can you leave me tens of thousands this time?" V said irritably.
Mercer spread his hands with an innocent look on his face. Pilar roared with laughter, and even Kiwi couldn't help but crack a smile. Rebecca, however, changed the subject, smiling as she asked him, "Where's Sasha? How come she didn't come this time?"
"She went to get things ready for tonight's op."
Mercer explained simply, "We're going to grab Diana Cuno tonight, so we need Sasha to create an opportunity for us ahead of time."
"Tonight? I thought we were going to hide out in the safe house for a few days," Rebecca said with a frown.
Mercer nodded. "You all don't have to go. To deal with Diana Cuno, just V and I are enough. The fewer people, the lower the risk of exposure. Especially you, both your size and your hair color are very conspicuous."
"It's always like this... My green hair is conspicuous, but her white hair isn't?" A hint of dissatisfaction appeared on Rebecca's little face. She bounced her leg and said, "Why don't you two just form your own team? It feels like the rest of us are just accessories."
"You wouldn't be happy if we actually did... Alright, alright, Panam just messaged. Pack up, we're heading to a temporary safe house to lay low."
Mercer said, quickly changing the subject when he saw her narrowing her eyes, looking as if she was about to pounce on him and scratch him.
"You jerk..." Rebecca said, grinding her teeth. She leaped up and clung to Mercer's back, putting him in a rear-naked choke. "Next time! You have to take me out alone next time! If you only think V is the capable one, then I'll just quit!"
"Okay, okay, easy!" Mercer was nearly choked to death by her from behind.
Rebecca pouted and jumped off his back. "All you do is put on an act. I hit Pilar way harder than this, and I've never heard him cry out in pain."
"Could it be that he couldn't cry out?" Mercer said, turning to look at Pilar, who simply put on a pained expression and nodded with deep empathy.
"Hah!?" Rebecca whipped her head back around, her fists instantly clenching in anger. The two of them started chasing each other and ran out of the room.
Maine's lips curled into a slight smile as he turned to look at Dorio, who was also looking at him. The two exchanged a smile.
"Lend a hand. Let's get the exoskeleton into the vehicle. We'll put it in the house for now, and I'll sell it to Militech later."
As Mercer spoke, V rolled up her sleeves without a word. But this time, she wasn't the only one there to move things. Maine and Dorio each lent a hand, and together they lifted the nearly two-hundred-kilogram exoskeleton and easily loaded it onto the vehicle.
The group waited outside the vehicle for a moment before the sound of a car engine echoed from the far end of the tunnel.
After pulling up in her car, Panam got out and walked excitedly over to Mercer, grabbing his hand and bumping his shoulder. "Damn, buddy, you really went all out today!"
After speaking, she looked at the people behind Mercer and greeted Maine and Dorio with a smile. "Newbies?"
"Yep. Maine, a retired special forces soldier, and Dorio, a good girl who used to be an athlete," Mercer introduced them briefly.
Panam let out a hearty laugh. "Just call me Panam. I'm with the Aldecaldos."
She turned her head to look at Mercer. "You're just planning to stay in the safe house for a few days? Is that going to be enough? You guys really made a name for yourselves today. A three-million-eurodollar bounty... I saw a lot of people back at camp talking about you."
"I reckon it'll go up even more later," Mercer said with a smile, before adding cautiously, "Do a lot of people know about the safe house? For the next day or two, at least, we need to lie low."
"Don't worry. I found the place myself, so I guarantee no one knows about it. It's not one of the Aldecaldos' communal properties. I've already set up the water and electricity, and I've stockpiled enough food and drink for you guys for a week."
Panam said confidently, "Only Scorpion, Mitch, and I know about that place. Once you get there, you can relax and stay as long as you need. The only assholes who occasionally pass through that area these days are the Wraiths."
The Wraiths were Night City's local Raffen Shiv chapter.
"You're not talking about that ghost town by Rocky Ridge, are you?" Mercer had a place in mind.
"That's the one. The people there cleared out long ago. Now it's just a place for all sorts of shady characters to make secret deals. It's usually deserted."
"Even if someone does show up, as long as you stay quiet in the room, no one will notice or care about you, and no one's going to come looking for trouble."
"The room I found for you has a basement. If you're worried about security, you can just hang out down there. I'll check the ventilation system later, and if it's broken, I'll fix it for you. Simple as that."
"I did consider finding you an Aldecaldos house, but... it seems my caution was justified. As I was leaving, I heard them muttering about your bounty. I was actually afraid some idiot wouldn't be able to resist the temptation and sell you out."
"Oh, and don't worry about your cargo. We've already dismantled and stored it for you. It's all at the camp, under guard. Just let us know when you need it delivered to Dogtown, and you can pay the final balance then."
With that, Panam gestured for everyone to head down the mountain along the road. The ghost town she mentioned was actually not far from the tunnel.
The town was located roughly between the outskirts of Night City and the Badlands plains, but due to the economic downturn and security issues brought on by the war, it had long since become an uninhabited ghost town.
Panam led them to a two-story building in the ghost town and had them park. After turning off the engines and getting out, she pulled open the building's garage door and said, "You can leave one car here. Scorpion and I will help drive the other one away."
"Let's leave both. I need to use one of them tonight," Mercer said, looking around.
The town truly looked deserted. The doors of the gas station and supermarket showed signs of being broken into, but it was clear they had been emptied out long ago.
Only a large building, probably a general store, looked relatively intact and clean, suggesting someone occasionally came to "borrow" it.
Panam shrugged. "As long as your luck isn't too bad, this place only gets busy a few days a month."
"Doesn't matter. If those Wraith assholes don't watch their step, I'll pop a few of them," Mercer said, which made Panam laugh.
"True. I guess I should say, as long as their luck isn't too bad, they won't come looking to die here these next few days."
Panam was genuinely starting to be impressed.
She had seen what Mercer and his crew were like when they first came to the Aldecaldos. Back then, these guys even had to rely on people from the camp to give them a tent to stay in; Mercer even had to squeeze into a small tent with Lucy.
But look at them now. In just one month, they had grown into a highly professional merc crew.
They had their own base in Dogtown, had robbed Biotechnica and Militech in broad daylight, and had run their professional agents in circles, and they still weren't planning on stopping.
For a moment, Panam felt a surge of longing, but the thought of the Aldecaldos made her sigh inwardly, and she glanced at Maine and Dorio with a touch of envy.
"Come on, I'll give you a quick rundown of how to live in this house."
Panam tilted her head, signaling for them to follow. You could enter the house directly from the garage. It was a standard two-story American house, with a living room, an open kitchen, a dining room, and a bathroom making up the first floor.
The second floor only had a few empty rooms with just mattresses on the floor.
Fortunately, the TV on the first floor was still there, and when turned on, it could even pick up the news. Of course, the paid channels were unavailable.
There was no hot water, but having filtered tap water in a godforsaken place like this was a pleasant surprise. After a quick look at the rooms and arranging their accommodations, Mercer and his crew would be staying in this desolate ghost town for the next few days.
But perhaps the month he'd spent in Night City had accustomed Mercer to resting in abandoned rooms like this, because he found it surprisingly agreeable.
At this moment, he was sitting in the living room with everyone, chatting and laughing. They boiled water for coffee on a portable gas stove to share and had some simple snacks before Panam got up to say goodbye.
"I have to go. I'll head back and keep an eye on things for you. Take care of yourself. If anything happens, just run straight for the camp. I might not have other skills, but I can definitely sneak you guys out of Night City."
Panam said seriously.
Mercer smiled and nodded. "Alright, I'll be counting on you when it's time to run."
She reached out and patted Mercer on the chest, raising an eyebrow. "I'm off."
"Contact me if you need anything," Mercer said, waving at her. After watching her leave, he returned to the house.
After a full day of lying in ambush, followed by the thrill of escaping a city-wide manhunt, even the ever-energetic Rebecca was feeling a bit lazy and didn't want to move.
Mercer had also put in a rare bit of effort, so he simply squeezed onto the living room sofa with Rebecca and the others to watch TV. At that moment, the news was still reporting on their actions from earlier that day.
N54 News accused Mercer and his crew of being a gang of vicious robbers, stating that such a brazen act of robbery had severely disrupted the stability of Night City. It also accused Arasaka of developing secret weapons again, bringing non-regulation firepower into Night City.
Meanwhile, a talk show sponsored by companies like Kang Tao was making fun of the Arasaka and Militech agents staring blankly at the empty car.
An Arasaka-backed news program indignantly accused Militech of slander.
The streets were even more chaotic. All sorts of gang members and street kids were out searching, hoping to get lucky and claim the three-million-eurodollar bounty Faraday had issued.
—--
It wasn't until evening, when the sky had already darkened, that Mercer stretched, slowly got up, and said, "V, let's go. Time to get to work."
V, who had been dozing on the sofa, immediately perked up. "Let's go!"
Her spirited appearance gave no hint that she had activated her Sandevistan several times and been through a major battle today.
After saying goodbye to his family, Mercer got into the van with V.
These two cars hadn't been equipped with AI-compatible self-driving systems yet, so V had to drive, with Mercer sitting in the passenger seat.
Neither of them seemed to give a damn about the city-wide manhunt.
After brazenly driving into Night City, they had an unimpeded journey and arrived at the foot of the Biotechnica hotel.
At that moment, Sasha was chewing bubblegum and blowing pink bubbles. She sat on a small suitcase, dangling her legs on the side of the street opposite the building, looking like an ordinary citizen waiting for a taxi.
Mercer had V drive the car up to her and roll down the window.
When Sasha saw his face clearly, she said with some surprise, "I've never actually seen you show your face out in the open like this."
"Isn't that why I asked you to prepare two masks for me?" Mercer said in a relaxed tone. "Been waiting long?"
"Not too long. You guys really played it thrilling today. When I was watching the livestream, my heart was pounding out of my chest! But, nice work, A."
Sasha smiled and turned to greet V. Her way of greeting was quite unique; unlike ordinary people who just wave, she raised her palm to the side of her face and curled her fingers, like a kitten wiping its face with its little paws.
After the greeting, she picked up the small suitcase she had been sitting on and passed it through the window.
"Alright, don't let anyone see you hanging out with us, unless you want to squeeze into a rundown house with us for a few days too."
Mercer smiled as he took the suitcase. He opened it and saw two sets of maintenance worker uniforms and hats, along with two ID cards.
"No problem. But you've really got guts, daring to come back and make a move on a Biotechnica director."
As Sasha spoke, her eyes seemed to sparkle like little stars as she looked at Mercer, a smile playing on her lips. "How about we go up together in a bit?"
"You should sit this one out. The delta method I've prepared for today can't carry too many people. If you want to mess with Biotechnica, there'll be plenty of chances in the future."
After Mercer finished speaking with a smile, he glanced around and said, "Alright, this isn't the place to talk. Once the heat from this dies down, I'll treat everyone to a meal and we can have a good chat.
Anyway, get in the car first. You can just drive this car away later, find a place to park it, and then send it off after things have settled down."
"Sure!" Sasha pulled back from the window and opened the rear door. "I thought I was going to have to walk back."
"Thanks for your hard work. You'll get a cut of today's pay."
As Mercer spoke, Sasha just shrugged and got into the empty, chromed-out rear compartment. She didn't know how much money this gig would make yet, so she just said, "It was just a small job. Just give me whatever."
"Sure, I'll see to it that I give you whatever," Mercer agreed with a smile.
After saying a final goodbye to V, Sasha stepped on the gas and left the scene.
V, meanwhile, looked curiously at the maintenance worker uniforms in the suitcase.
"We're going to be able to sneak in with just this stuff?"
"That's right, just this," Mercer said confidently. "I've already scouted the building's layout and Diana's location. Without this stuff, our only option would be to fight our way up.
And I'm guessing you don't want to experience being chased by a corp all over again tonight."
V looked around. "I'll go change first. You keep an eye out for me."
"Alright. I'll drive the car over to the hotel's side entrance, the one the maintenance staff uses," Mercer said, moving aside to let V change in the back of the vehicle.
Sasha raised an eyebrow slightly, glancing from V to Mercer. The two of them seemed quite comfortable with each other.
V didn't strike her as a casual girl, yet watching her head to the back and briskly start stripping off her jacket and pants to change, it seemed almost... "routine".
Once V had changed into a simple gray work uniform, put on a property management company cap, and added a pair of black-framed glasses, Mercer couldn't help but chuckle.
"What are you laughing at?" V glared at him, displeased.
"You look a little demure, or maybe I should say dorky. It suits you, though."
As soon as Mercer finished, she balled up her fist and punched him in the shoulder. "Cut the crap. Hurry up and change, then talk me through the deets."
Mercer, however, started changing right there in his seat without any hesitation.
V instinctively turned her head away, then, realizing something was off, whipped her head back just in time to see Mercer holding back a laugh, revealing the netrunning suit he wore underneath his clothes.
"Fuck, you scared the shit out of me!" V puffed up her cheeks and glared at him.
But Mercer just grinned. "Go ahead and look. I've seen you, anyway. Don't sweat the small stuff."
"Who wants to look at a little brat who hasn't even finished growing his hair?" V said with feigned disdain.
Sasha just covered her mouth, snickering.
"Ooh~"
Mercer drew out the sound, but he knew when to quit while he was ahead. Before she could get truly mad, he quickly changed the subject.
"What we're about to do is very simple.
This morning, Sasha checked into the hotel disguised as a guest and reported a malfunctioning elevator to guest services. Then, when the property management sent someone, she intercepted them ahead of time.
What we need to do now is pose as the maintenance workers coming to fix the elevator. Sasha has already altered the ID cards. We'll just walk right in through the side entrance, then pretend to repair the elevator to go upstairs."
After Mercer finished, V looked a little puzzled. "Then why don't we just go in disguised as guests or something?"
"Because the Biotechnica penthouse has a separate elevator that isn't open to the public. It's exclusively for Biotechnica's top executives."
Mercer paused, then continued, "Besides the elevator, the top floor doesn't even have an emergency staircase. And the building's rooftop can only be accessed by taking that elevator to the top floor. You could say it's a safe house completely isolated within the hotel.
Diana Cuno is scared to death. Ever since she found out we weren't dead, she's called in a whole bunch of Militech agents to protect her. Right now, the area from the elevator entrance to the top floor and the rooftop is crawling with Militech and Biotechnica agents.
We have to find a suitable excuse to sneak in quietly."
"Based on what you're saying... what if we get exposed? If we can only go down using that elevator, won't we get turned into Swiss cheese the moment the doors open?"
V scratched her face. The work uniform was a bit big on her, so she had to roll up the sleeves to move more easily.
"That's why we're not taking the elevator out. I have a special idea..." Mercer looked up at the night sky, a mysterious smile on his face. "I'm taking you to do something exciting today."
"How thrilling? More thrilling than what happened this morning?" V snorted, but tossed him a mask in disgust. "Alright, I'm just here to do the job. So, are we leaving now?"
"First, memorize your fake identity. When we get inside, if Biotechnica's Watch Dogs start asking questions, don't blow our cover."
Mercer turned to glance at Sasha. Smiling, she pressed a hand to the side of her face, her cyberoptics flashing as she sent a file to his cyberdeck.
After reviewing it, Mercer forwarded V's portion to her neural link.
Having read the information, V looked at him suspiciously. "My alias is Bonnie, and yours is Clyde? Something feels a little weird about that."
"It's not weird," Mercer glanced at her. "So your animal instincts can fail you sometimes, huh?"
"Bullshit! There's definitely a story behind these names. You have to tell me all about it later." V just glared at him, not buying it for a second. From the smile on Mercer's face as they went over the data, she knew there was more to it.
Mercer shook his head helplessly, then turned to Sasha and spread his hands. "This woman is really hard to fool."
Sasha, equally curious, peeked out from behind him. "Is there really a story?"
"No... Alright, fine. To put it simply, they were a famous pair of robbers in history. A male and a female duo. Because they robbed banks, the public saw them as heroes who 'robbed the rich to give to the poor,' but in reality, they were just a gang of thieves."
Mercer pointed at V, then at himself, and laughed with a hint of self-deprecation. "Doesn't that fit our current situation perfectly?"
These two names came from the classic old movie Bonnie and Clyde.
Before he transmigrated, the male and female protagonists of GTA 6, a game Mercer had been eagerly awaiting, were based on this movie and its historical counterparts.
Only then did V nod in satisfaction. Watching Mercer put on his mask, the two of them pushed open the car doors and got out.
Mercer waved at Sasha, signaling that she could delta. He, on the other hand, put the ID card hanging from a lanyard around his neck. Holding a toolbox, he actually looked the part.
He wasn't worried about the metallic cyberware on his neck drawing attention. In this world, no matter what your profession, it was common to have distinctive cyberware. It wasn't rare to see NCPD officers with three eyes, let alone a repairman with a metal neck.
After walking a few steps with Mercer, V suddenly had a delayed realization and glanced at him. "Bonnie and Clyde? Were those two married?"
"?" Mercer turned his head, a speechless expression on his face. V then tried to feign indifference. "What! I'm just asking!"
"Yes, they were. What about it?" Mercer leaned in. To his surprise, he found that he was now almost able to see eye-to-eye with V.
"Damn, what are you leaning in for... you little punk." She gave him a look of disdain and wagged a finger at him, adopting the experienced air of a big sister who saw right through his games.
"I'm not interested in little kids, so don't you get any funny ideas!" V declared, putting up the unbreachable wall of a stone-cold woman, firmly drawing a line between them.
Mercer did a tactical lean-back, his face scrunching up. "You're a little overconfident, aren't you? Are there any benefits to dating you? I'd have to worry about you snapping my neck just for talking to another girl."
"Hah, good that you know. A guy like you, always getting chummy with Rebecca, exchanging flirty glances with Lucy, and even having something unclear going on with Kiwi... If you dare to hit on me, watch out for this!"
V brandished her fist menacingly. "I hate scumbags the most."
"Get outta here. I haven't even had my first love yet, how am I a scumbag? It's just that I'm too charming. Ah, the struggles."
Mercer said with a straight face, but inwardly he was marveling... How did this woman figure out there was something unclear between him and Kiwi? He thought he'd been acting the same as always with Kiwi recently.
V frowned and stared at him, looking him up and down. Was this guy actually telling the truth?
The two of them bantered as they entered through a side door. Inside was a combined security and maintenance room.
At that moment, sitting inside were two hotel security guards and a stone-faced Biotechnica agent. Seeing the two enter, laughing and talking, he coldly extended a hand to stop them. "Identification?"
"Property maintenance. You called this morning requesting an elevator repair."
After Mercer spoke, the agent scanned him with his cyberoptics, his expression cold. "Take off your mask."
Mercer obediently did as he was told. The name that came up on the agent's scan was that of a 21-year-old youth named "Clyde".
The agent looked back and forth several times. 21 years old? This Asian guy looks so young.
Mercer proactively presented the badge hanging around his neck. The agent unceremoniously took it and placed it on an ID verification device in the security room. Only after it was approved did he hand it back.
"Why are you so late?" the agent continued to press.
"The city was a mess this morning. The original technician was hospitalized in a traffic accident, so they had to send a technician from another building to work overtime after he finished his shift."
Mercer sighed and put his mask back on. "I have to work overtime even with a cold. If you have a problem with it, we can go back and rest. You can just wait for the technician originally in charge of your building to be discharged from the hospital."
"Alright, cut the crap. Remember, don't wander around, don't disturb the regular guests, and you're not allowed to use the elevator."
After the agent finished, Mercer put on a look as if he was so angry he had to laugh. "We can't use the elevator to fix the elevator?"
"...You are only permitted to use it for testing, but not for moving around freely. Don't go too far from the elevator, understand?" The agent himself felt he might have been a bit unreasonable.
He could never have imagined that the seemingly naive young man and the scholarly-looking woman in black-framed glasses standing before him were the core members of the Kindling Squad, the very people who had thrown Night City into chaos that day.
Mercer just nodded obediently. "Understood."
After that, the two of them were allowed to proceed into the main hall. It was no coincidence; after exiting the security room by the side door, they only needed to make a right turn, and appearing before them was the elevator door, guarded by two security guards.
Posing as a maintenance worker, he meekly opened the elevator. After he stepped inside and the doors closed, Mercer turned his head to meet V's gaze. Spontaneously, they both broke into faint smiles.
Plan successful √!