The Giant Corporations that Started in Night City

Chapter 111: Life Finds Its Way

Alt Cunningham already knew why Spider Murphy had approached her instead of heading directly to LA Corp's headquarters—because the AI White Queen served as an impregnable firewall, barring Murphy from gaining access.

However, Alt wanted to ascertain whether the White Queen could truly fend off these roaming AIs or whether its capabilities might falter against them.

If neither Spider Murphy nor Bartmoss could bypass LA Corp's firewall, it would mean the White Queen was fully capable of annihilating the threat posed by these vagrant AIs.

Conversely, if Murphy had a method to circumvent or breach LA Corp's defenses, it would signal a significant danger. Alt would have to alert Li Ang to expedite the White Queen's upgrade and bolster the company's digital defenses—before the AIs made a hostile move and infiltrated LA Corp to carry out assassinations.

"LA Corp's firewall technology is quite innovative. For now, we can't directly access it to communicate with Mr. Li Ang," Murphy admitted. "That's why I sought you out."

Murphy maintained her honesty, hiding nothing from Alt, who reluctantly believed her.

'If that's the case, it means the AI White Queen is on par with Bartmoss and Murphy, perhaps slightly inferior but certainly not weak enough to be overwhelmed,' Alt speculated.

With this in mind, she felt reassured. Informing Li Ang of this matter might lead to a more balanced solution—one that could find a suitable refuge for the AIs while preserving the employees' fundamental rights as humans.

"Murphy, I genuinely want to help you, but I can't guarantee the success of this endeavor. It's impossible to please everyone."

Alt sighed softly. If Li Ang weren't in the picture, perhaps she would have ended up like Murphy and Bartmoss, working to bring AIs into the human world.

But now, as a human herself, her priorities had shifted. She couldn't align with the fanatical AI worshippers like the Voodoo Boys, who were eager to sacrifice themselves to become cold, lifeless code.

"I understand, Alt."

"There is no perfect solution in this world. Even if our cooperation with Mr. Li Ang fails, I won't hold it against you. Life always finds its way, including for us."

"Goodbye, Alt. Until we meet again."

With those parting words, Spider Murphy's consciousness dissolved into cyberspace, vanishing without a trace.

"White Queen, let's get out of here."

In an instant, the AI White Queen engulfed Alt's consciousness and returned her to the physical world. In LA Corp's headquarters server room, Alt's body—connected to numerous monitoring devices—suddenly opened her eyes.

"Alt, why are you back so soon?"

One of the company's hackers looked over curiously. Typically, Alt would remain in cyberspace for at least 18 hours at a time.

"Contact Mr. Li Ang immediately—this is urgent!"

...

Breaking News

Guns & Glory:

President Myers has officially launched a unification war to reclaim New America. Eastern rebels are currently facing heavy attacks from LA Corp's advanced weaponry.

However, the war has met with resistance, as the rebels are using Cantao Group's smart firearms. President Myers has urged Cantao Group to refrain from interfering in New America's internal affairs.

In response, Cantao Group's CEO, Xu Shiming, stated: "This is purely business—no politics involved!"

Intel Insight:

Night Corp has sold its aerodrome development rights to LA Corp, reigniting the long-dormant Night City Aerodrome project.

Speculation is rife that Li Ang's company may soon extend its influence beyond Earth itself!

Night City Daily:

Jefferson Peralez has successfully won his bid to become Night City's deputy mayor. Citizens eagerly await the new contributions he will bring to City Hall.

...

Inside a VIP suite at Crystal Palace, Li Ang calmly watched the news broadcasts while listening to Zuma recount a recent incident.

"Mr. Li Ang, you wouldn't believe the look on Aaron Guthrie's face when he found out about LA Corp's collaboration with the High Riders. It was priceless."

Zuma's tone carried an unmistakable note of excitement.

Clearly, the aerodrome deal between LA Corp and the High Riders had disrupted Orbital Air's plans, costing them a lucrative contract.

Yet, despite their frustration, Orbital Air had no choice but to accept the situation. Both LA Corp and the High Riders were forces they couldn't afford to antagonize.

One dominated the surface with advanced weaponry, while the other controlled space-based military assets. As long as these two didn't collaborate to develop mass drivers, the European Space Agency could breathe a sigh of relief.

Orbital Air wasn't looking for conflict—they just wanted to make money quietly.

After exchanging a few words with Zuma, Li Ang ended the call and returned his attention to the news. He was analyzing the outcomes of his plans to ensure nothing had deviated unexpectedly.

On a nearby sofa, Lucy lay sound asleep, her smooth back exposed and her expression serene, clearly exhausted yet content.

Once Li Ang finished reviewing the major developments, he allowed himself a satisfied smile. Everything was proceeding according to plan.

'Xu Shiming, Lucius—both of them are reliable tools,' Li Ang thought to himself, nodding in approval.

Initially, Li Ang had been concerned that the eastern rebels might lack the funds to purchase Cantao Group's weapons. But with financial support from the European Union, Soviet Petrochemicals, and Cuban cartels, the rebels had gained the resources to challenge Myers.

This was entirely expected. A fragmented New America was far more beneficial to external powers than a unified one—a reality the EU and its allies were eager to exploit.

Meanwhile, Li Ang's Cantao Group was raking in billions from this arms race. Between military orders from the international arms exhibition and transactions with the rebels, the company had secured €27 billion in revenue.

Together, LA Corp and Cantao Group had effectively monopolized Earth's arms market. The remaining scraps were left for struggling competitors.

Most weapon manufacturers had already capitulated, willingly becoming LA Corp's suppliers and aligning themselves under its banner.

Even Arasaka Corporation, now led by Hanako Arasaka, had abandoned its military ventures. Unable to compete with Li Ang, they had chosen to pivot their focus entirely to their Soulkiller project.