When Higashiyama Ryoichi saw the giant mecha appearing in Pacifica through the aerial camera feed, he froze for a moment. But he remained relatively composed—until the Giant Warhammer Soldier brought its massive hammer crashing down.
The terrifying surge of energy triggered an immediate danger alert, practically plastering itself across his vision. Higashiyama Ryoichi's lips twitched, and without hesitation, he forwarded the footage to Arasaka's upper ranks.
Let them decide how to handle it.
"PROJECT was actually hiding something like this?"
"It could have been developed over the past few months."
"Impossible. I can't imagine something like that being developed in such a short time."
"They already possess energy technology beyond the current global standard. With that as a foundation, most technical bottlenecks wouldn't be a problem."
"Enough! I didn't call you here to discuss PROJECT's mecha. We're here to decide our strategic response!"
Amid the heated debate between executives and scientists, an angry voice suddenly cut through the room, silencing everyone.
Ryuichi Arasaka—an executive granted the Arasaka surname in recognition of his contributions—was primarily responsible for Arasaka's military strategy. Higashiyama Ryoichi served under him.
He was also a diehard supporter of Saburo Arasaka. In other words, within the entire Arasaka corporation, he obeyed no one except Saburo Arasaka himself.
After Ryuichi Arasaka's outburst, the others quickly refocused and began analyzing the current situation.
"I believe we should intervene directly."
"Intervene? On what grounds?"
One senior executive turned to look at the speaker.
"Do we even need a reason? Our supercarrier already in position is reason enough."
The first executive replied calmly, his tone clearly that of a hardliner.
"I'd rather not see the supercarrier we built at enormous cost reduced to scrap by a swarm of anti-ship torpedoes and missiles."
"Then what do you suggest?"
The hardliner let out a cold snort, clearly displeased.
"Reach out to Lucius Lane. Promise him the mayor's seat and enough money. That should be sufficient."
"According to the intelligence I've gathered, he already sought assistance from PROJECT. He won't be coming to us."
Another senior executive slowly set down the report in his hand and spoke.
As the argument threatened to spiral further, a communication request suddenly connected to the conference room.
The moment the projection appeared, everyone fell silent and rose to bow.
"Lord Saburo Arasaka!"
It was none other than the emperor of the Arasaka corporation—Saburo Arasaka. Though advanced in age, he still stood at the very pinnacle of Arasaka's power.
"Hmm."
Saburo Arasaka swept his gaze across the room, gave a slight nod, then turned his eyes to Ryuichi Arasaka.
"Ryuichi, inform them of my decision."
"Yes!"
Ryuichi Arasaka bowed deeply before straightening.
"We have reached an agreement with another city council member of Night City. The other party has secured the necessary conditions for us. We can now deploy our forces directly into Night City, and our supercarrier may enter Night City's harbor."
"Therefore, by Lord Saburo Arasaka's decision, our fleet will depart immediately for Night City and commence operations!"
"Yes!"
A unified response echoed through the room as everyone accepted Saburo Arasaka's order.
After Ryuichi Arasaka finished, Saburo Arasaka spoke again.
"During the operation, send personnel to make contact with PROJECT. Ensure they do not become an obstacle. Establish deeper cooperation with them. If they insist on interfering… we will handle it according to the situation."
A cold glint flashed in Saburo Arasaka's eyes. He had clearly intended to say "eliminate them outright," but seemed to reconsider at the last moment and changed his wording.
...
Hansen watched the reinforcements rushing in and finally let out a breath of relief. Without hesitation, he ordered his troops to withdraw and preserve their combat strength.
"I didn't expect things to be this disastrous on your side, Hansen."
A voice suddenly sounded over the comms, darkening Hansen's expression. But he quickly regained his composure, keeping his eyes lowered and saying nothing.
Brill shrugged, looking bored, though a trace of schadenfreude flickered across his face. He had long envied Hansen's powerful unit, especially given the special attention it received from above.
Now the tables had turned. It was finally their turn to take the vanguard—and they had taken heavy losses. Next, however, it would be their battlefield.
With that thought, Brill's expression turned serious. Soon, every commander issued the same order:
Focus all firepower on the Giant Warhammer Soldier. Eliminate the greatest threat first!
Boom!
Missiles exploded across the Giant Warhammer Soldier's body. Meanwhile, Grieve calmly issued one command after another, his expression unchanged.
Soon, the gates of the stronghold opened. Night City's forces and PROJECT's mechanized units surged out like a tidal wave. At the same time, aerial units that had been lying in ambush atop surrounding skyscrapers quietly maneuvered above the New United States forces under cover of night.
Unknowingly, PROJECT's forces and Night City's troops gradually formed a pocket-shaped formation, tightening it step by step, encircling the New United States army.
The New United States forces remained completely unaware.
Until their flank was struck by fierce attacks from PROJECT's mechanized units.
Orange-red flames swallowed soldiers one after another. Towering, metallic red-eyed robots stepped out from the blaze, advancing through the fire like emissaries of hell. And their numbers were multiplying rapidly.
Hansen, Brill, and the other commanders immediately sensed that something was terribly wrong. But by the time they realized they had been ambushed, it was already too late.
"Order the troops to break out!"
The moment Hansen reconnected to the comms, he issued the breakout command. Continuing the advance would only drag them deeper into the mire.
Upon receiving the order, the BARGHEST unit immediately turned and charged toward the rear, attempting to punch through before the encirclement fully closed and seize a slim chance of survival.
But at that moment, the sky filled with the roar of transport aircraft. Pale beams of light swept across the battlefield, illuminating the soldiers' faces.
Then, before their horrified eyes, something massive was dropped.
"ROAR!!!"
...
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