Mo'er wasn't a middle school student. As a Militech Agent who had done many dirty jobs and had been kicked out by Militech herself, she understood very well what a cruel world it was.
"Uh-huh, think what you want."
"But I still have to tell you, look at your arm."
"What about it?"
Having gotten a little verbal advantage, Mo'er was clearly in a better mood, at least she did as Berry said.
She looked at her arm; it was still the same, nothing new had appeared.
"This cyberware was newly replaced by Regina's doctors, wasn't it? How is it? Does it have some effect? Does your head feel much better?"
"Heh, if you're talking about this old, cheap item that relies on bone conduction for braking, then yes, it's somewhat useful."
Mo'er said with a light laugh.
She was, after all, a Militech Agent squad leader; she wasn't so ignorant.
For some coarse cyberware like limbs, doctors had indeed replaced them with cyberware that used bone conduction braking to reduce neural burden, which indeed alleviated some of her neural pressure.
Although she didn't know where those doctors found such an ancient yet precisely crafted technology.
This technology was quite peculiar.
For example.
When primitives hunted, to hunt distant prey, they first used throwing spears, and later invented and used more convenient and efficient bows and arrows.
But what about Berry's cyberware technology?
It's like not using bows and arrows, but instead diving headfirst into spear technology, directly leapfrogging eras to attach rocket propulsion devices to spears.
Using superb technology to do things based on outdated theories.
It was just that strange.
But how to put it, you have to admit, it really has a significant effect on alleviating the drawbacks of modern cyberware, which relies entirely on brain nerves.
Previously, Mo'er didn't know what kind of mad scientist was behind such an unorthodox technology.
But now, looking at the person in front of her, she seemed to have found the answer.
"That's right, these cyberware are from my hand."
"And guess what, I can save you. I can replace all the cyberware in your body, and that can keep you alive."
Hearing these words, Mo'er's expression changed.
Staring into Berry's eyes, she slowly put away the mocking smile on her lips and became serious.
As an Agent who specialized in dirty work, she had countless lives on her hands. When she became serious, the murderous aura she exuded was like vengeful spirits seeking lives, chilling to the bone.
However, Berry remained the same, looking down at Mo'er.
Waiting for her choice.
"...What do I need to give in return?"
After a long stare, Mo'er was the first to speak.
She believed it.
After all, the person in front of her had no reason to deceive a patient whom other doctors had already deemed beyond hope.
She was serious.
But at the same time, Mo'er also knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch.
To get something, you have to give something.
Moreover, this world was so cruel.
Sometimes, what you give up is far more than what you get.
Hearing the question, Berry's eyes showed a hint of approval.
Dealing with smart people was simple.
She reached out, forcefully hooked Mo'er's chin with her finger, and slowly leaned close to the other's face, looking directly into her metallic compound eyes and saying solemnly.
"I want you to give me your life."
"Serve me until you die."
"Deal..."
Mo'er looked at Berry's face with a mocking smile, but she still agreed.
Her expression was eager, and she clenched her fists tightly.
She thought she would be nonchalant in the face of death, but when this woman in front of her offered the antidote, she realized that she was no different from those who begged for mercy on their knees before dying.
She craved life; she didn't want to die.
Regardless of whether the antidote this woman offered was poisoned, she accepted it.
As long as she could live, she was willing to exchange everything for it.
"...You'll stay here for the next few days to prepare for the surgery. Food and water will be rationed regularly. Of course, if you're not well-behaved, I also have my ways."
Berry shook the remote control in her hand, closed the door, and left.
"Berry, are you really going to save this guy?"
Outside the door, V, who had been waiting anxiously, came up.
She frowned, looking at the iron door, as if she could see Mo'er inside through it.
Clearly, she didn't quite agree with Berry's decision.
"It's alright, Sister V, I always have a plan when I do things."
Berry nodded solemnly, indicating that she wasn't fooling around.
In fact, she had a plan.
What was most important in the 21st century? Talent was most important.
Specifically for Berry's Hive.
What she lacked now was sufficient combat power.
Yes, the Hive did have many veterans joining.
However, no matter how much she strengthened these ordinary forces, they couldn't compare to the corporations and gangs that had been operating in Night City for a long time.
From the day it was founded, the Hive was destined to take a small but elite path.
Only by maintaining considerable high-end combat power could she have a say on Night City's chessboard.
And Mo'er's appearance showed her a path.
That was these out-of-control Cyberpsychosis patients.
Cyberpsychosis was mostly caused by the body's rejection of cyberware, and a series of psychological problems leading to mania.
Guess who was prone to this disease.
Soldiers, Mercenaries, and Agents who lived by the blade.
And from the series of Cyberpsychosis missions in the game, it was known that many of them were ruthless individuals.
Hacker, Gunman, Swordsman... these were all combat powers that Berry urgently needed.
She felt she could solve these guys' cyberware problems, and in return, they would join the Hive and work for her.
She imagined that these people, whom no one in all of Night City could save, would assist her with all their might after receiving her help.
Of course, if they didn't want to work for her, that was fine too; Berry wouldn't force them.
After all, the Hive's consistent style was love.
But Berry believed that most people would make a wise choice.
Therefore, Berry thought, perhaps she could reach some cooperation with Regina.
That person had been treating Cyberpsychosis patients, but from the information Berry received, besides a few with mild symptoms, not many had been cured.
And this was her opportunity to act.
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 70 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!