The Giant Corporations that Started in Night City

Chapter 104: Delusion

"I won't shortchange you on your payment. This is additional compensation, consider it an urgency fee. I hope you can resolve this matter as soon as possible," said Councilman Jefferson.

As his words fell, the cybernetic eye device of Councilman Jefferson flashed with a blue light. He transferred €3,000 from his account to V.

"The deputy mayoral election arranged by City Hall is about to begin. I don't want any unexpected issues cropping up at this time. I'd appreciate your effort on this," Jefferson continued.

"Alright, I'll take this commission."

V's reply was concise and decisive. He and Jackie had undertaken far more perilous missions than this. Investigating a stalker? That was hardly a big deal.

"Good. If anything comes up, contact me immediately. I look forward to hearing good news from you."

After the two formally confirmed the commission, Councilman Jefferson personally escorted V out of the headquarters of Night Corporation. However, before V turned to leave, he posed a question to Jefferson.

"Councilman, are you aware of Sandra Dorsett's kidnapping by scavengers in the Watson District?"

V had no doubt about his own memory. He couldn't possibly be mistaken, nor could Jackie, who was also part of the rescue mission involving Sandra.

It was inconceivable for both V and Jackie Wells to suffer the same memory lapse!

"Sandra?"

Jefferson frowned as if trying to recall something, then shook his head and replied, "V, you must be mistaken. Sandra has been working at Night Corporation for the past two years. After work, she stays in the employee dormitory and hasn't stepped outside."

"She's a model employee of our company. How could she have gone to Watson and been kidnapped by scavengers? That's simply impossible."

As Jefferson finished speaking, both V and Johnny Silverhand exclaimed in shock within V's mind: What the hell?! A chill ran down their spines.

Sandra's account and Jefferson's claim didn't match at all! Sandra stated she hadn't been to Watson in the past year, but Jefferson claimed Sandra hadn't left Night Corporation for two years. Which version was true?

Damn... V, this place is like a psychiatric ward. Everyone here seems to have something wrong with their heads!

Johnny Silverhand wished V would light a cigarette and take a few puffs to clear his chaotic thoughts, but unfortunately, V rarely smoked.

V, this might be more complicated than it seems. Maybe there isn't a secret agent or stalker at all—this could all be Jefferson's delusion.

Just as V was about to share Johnny's theory with Jefferson, he noticed a man in a suit on a distant rooftop, seemingly observing him.

The man's eyes glowed faintly with blue light.

Recalling what Viktor had previously mentioned about Night Corporation using AI to control employees and modify their memories, V grew increasingly certain he was getting closer to the truth.

"Councilman, get a good night's rest. I'll investigate this matter thoroughly."

V decided not to reveal his suspicions to Jefferson for the time being, opting instead to gather more evidence to support his theory.

"Alright, we'll meet again soon," Jefferson said.

After saying goodbye, V glanced back toward the rooftop, only to find that the mysterious man with glowing blue eyes had vanished, as if he'd never been there.

V, I advise you to stay out of this. You're in over your head, Johnny Silverhand sighed, shaking his head.

Arasaka Corporation used Relic chips to digitize human souls and trap their consciousness in Mikoshi servers. Now, Night Corporation was using AI to manipulate employees' thoughts and rewrite their memories.

As if enslaving the working class through relentless labor wasn't enough, these corporations now sought to seize control over their very souls and thoughts!

'Johnny, since I accepted this commission, I have to find a way to tell Councilman Jefferson the truth. If people can't even control their own memories, how are they any different from puppets?'

V realized his initial assessment of the task's difficulty had been far off the mark.

Uncovering the truth and exposing it to Night Corporation's employees would likely face resistance far greater than the Relic chip heist at Cantao GroupPlaza.

Yeah, but corporate lackeys willingly sell their bodies and souls to these companies. Even if you reveal the truth, I guarantee they'll still grovel before their employers.

Since the Arasaka Tower incident, Johnny Silverhand was no longer the rebellious youth he once was. The countless harsh truths he'd faced taught him that individual effort was meaningless against the tide of greater forces.

The blood, tears, and rock 'n' roll spirit he'd sacrificed only resulted in momentary excitement among the masses. As time passed, everyone returned to their usual routines, as if nothing had ever happened.

'No, I believe someone can change all this. He'll have a way!' V's thoughts suddenly turned to Li Ang.

Li Ang? Sure, maybe he could. But Li Ang has no reason to get involved. He has his own corner of Watson. Why should he follow you into this mess?

'True, Mr. Li Ang doesn't need to concern himself with this. But I want him to know what Night Corporation is doing because he's the only one who can make a difference.'

V no longer harbored unrealistic hopes for the outcome of this commission. All he wanted was to give Night Corporation's employees a chance—a chance to break free from AI control and reclaim their freedom of thought.

[V, you really have a knack for sticking your nose into other people's business. Whatever, we both owe Li Ang our lives anyway. One more debt won't make a difference—just add it to the pile.]

Johnny Silverhand, though cursing outwardly, inwardly agreed with V's actions. Perhaps it was because he and V were cut from the same cloth.

[Just wait it out. Li Ang's out there enjoying himself in outer space. He barely managed to hang on to his life—can't you just let him have some peace for once?]

As the words fell, both V and Johnny looked toward the sky. Unfortunately, the air quality in Night City was so poor that they could barely catch a glimpse of the moon, let alone anything beyond.

Meanwhile, 380,000 kilometers away in low Earth orbit, the magnificent Crystal Palace stood, enticing the ultra-wealthy like a celestial goddess, her allure unmatched.

Aaron Gussry, serving as Li Ang's travel guide, was doing his job with utmost diligence.

The members of Maine's crew were exploring the lunar colony and indulging in all the Crystal Palace had to offer, reveling in their escapades.

While Lucy and Rebecca were engrossed in the joy of lunar exploration, and Maine, Falco, and the others were captivated by the casino and braindance experiences, Li Ang had already taken the 2B android to a private suite.