Shengjing City, Kang Tao Headquarters Building, Top-Floor Conference Room.
Although it was already past 9 PM, the room remained brightly lit.
A group of high-ranking executives sat around the conference table, while others participated remotely via holographic projection.
Their faces were filled with shock as they watched the footage playing on the screen.
"It's hard to believe that this man's limbs have no cyberware implants at all..."
"Honestly, even the military's elite super-soldiers with full prosthetic enhancements barely compare to this level of power."
"And this isn't even his limit. Look — he's barely exerting himself."
"Yeah, the physical feedback data shows minimal strain. That means he's holding back."
"I don't know which organization created him, but if this continues, the balance of power in the world is about to change."
"We still have a chance... as long as we keep Alex Carter close."
On screen, the footage — a combat analysis report compiled by Liana Forrest — showed Alex moving like a phantom, executing precise, ruthless attacks with ease.
Alongside the video were a series of data overlays, displaying combat statistics far beyond normal human limits.
For a long moment, the room remained silent as the executives processed what they were seeing.
Finally, Dr. Xavier Simms, seated at the deputy chair, spoke:
"Do we have any intel on this Alex Carter?"
"We've gathered some information," an analyst replied.
The video feed disappeared, replaced by a detailed profile report.
Subject: Alex Carter
Gender: Male
Age: Unknown
Origin: Unknown
Family Background: Unknown
First Appearance:Night City, 42 days ago
Prior History: No recorded data or influence found in any global database before this point.
Personality Analysis:
Achievement-oriented personality with signs of developing into a performative personality.
Highly calculated, ruthless, and decisive.
Strong protective instincts toward close associates.
Thrill-seeker who pursues excitement — but only within controllable limits.
Likely extensive battlefield experience; shows remarkable adaptability and tactical awareness.
Prone to intense mood swings.
Messy personal life.
Notoriously unreliable in romantic relationships.
Conclusion:Big scumbag.
Clearly, from those last three words, it was obvious who had prepared this report.
Alongside Alex's profile were additional profiles for V, Jackie, Judy, Panam, and others.
Each entry contained detailed information about their backgrounds, personalities, and even personal interests.
After a long pause, one of the men raised his hand.
"I suggest we avoid using force against someone like this."
"For one, there's too much we don't know."
"Second, mercenaries with achievement-oriented personalities are lunatics."
Everyone in the room nodded in agreement.
Johnny Silverhand, the legendary rebel who had leveled Arasaka Tower with a tactical nuclear bomb fifty years ago, had been one of those same types — an achiever.
People like that didn't care about wealth or influence.
What drove them was something far more dangerous — the desire to leave a legacy.
What made Alex Carter even more dangerous than Johnny Silverhand was his raw power.
God forbid they tried to pressure Alex only to push him into pulling a stunt like Johnny's.
If Kang Tao mishandled the situation... they could end up facing the same fate as Arasaka.
Even worse, Alex showed signs of developing a performative personality — a dangerous mental state that blurred the line between self-image and reality.
If that side of him took hold, he could become unpredictable — a person who would pick a fight just for the thrill of it.
The fact that he was already stirring conflicts between major corporations showed just how dangerous that possibility was.
However, not everyone agreed.
A female executive participating via projection objected.
"We could overwhelm him with sheer numbers — a saturation strike should be enough to capture him. No matter how strong he is, there's still a limit."
"I disagree."
An elderly man — who had been silent until now — stood up.
The room immediately fell silent.
"First of all," he began, "we are not Militech. Launching an armed operation across the ocean in Night City would draw too much attention. And if things go wrong, we wouldn't be able to respond quickly enough."
"Secondly... if something goes wrong — whether Alex retaliates alone or with his unknown backers — and he shows up here with a nuke like Johnny Silverhand did... who's taking responsibility for that?"
Dr. Simms nodded thoughtfully.
"I agree with the minister's assessment. Besides... we've already built some positive rapport with Alex. I'd prefer to focus on negotiation rather than aggression."
"Agreed."
"Seconded."
"Seconded."
Meanwhile, Alex had no idea that Kang Tao's executives had already held two meetings centered entirely around him.
Even if he did know, he wouldn't have time to care — because just then, his phone rang.
It was Goro Takemura.
"Alex, this is the final payment. Thank you!"
Seeing 50,000 Eurodollars land in his account, Alex chuckled.
"I knew you didn't just call to say thanks, Goro."
"You know me too well," Takemura replied. Glancing around nervously, he added, "Let's meet somewhere safe to talk. The comms aren't secure."
Alex considered his options, then said,
"Fine. Come to my place."
"Alright. I'll be there in two hours."
After hanging up, Johnny Silverhand appeared, flicking his lighter and sparking a cigarette.
"My gut says Saburo's lapdog is about to get himself into some deep shit again."
Alex leaned back and sighed.
Johnny was probably right.
If Takemura was this urgent, it had to be about revenge — and most likely tied to Yorinobu Arasaka.
"Don't tell me this idiot's planning to hijack another convoy..." Alex muttered.
The thought nagged at him.
A while back, Alex had noticed that the Arasaka Festival had been scheduled as usual — except this year, Hanako Arasaka had been replaced by her younger sister, Michiko Arasaka.
Back then, he'd half-jokingly wondered if Takemura might try to exploit that shift to exact revenge.
Now... it seemed like that joke might've just turned into reality.
"Lin, someone's coming over later?" V asked curiously.
"Yeah," Alex replied. "Takemura's dropping by. Might need some help with something."
Hearing the name, Liana Forrest's eyes lit up with interest.
"Wait... the Goro Takemura? Saburo Arasaka's old bodyguard? The one Arasaka's still hunting?"
"Yeah, that's him."
If it weren't for the risk of Liana never shutting up, Alex wouldn't have bothered confirming it.
Grinning smugly, Liana asked,
"So... does he know you're still working with Yorinobu Arasaka?"
"Don't even think about it!" Alex warned, sitting up straight.
Takemura had no clue about Alex's dealings with Yorinobu — and Alex intended to keep it that way.
A guy like Takemura wouldn't take kindly to the truth.
Liana giggled.
"Relax... I was just asking... but... "
Alex groaned.
"Alright... what do you want this time?"
Liana beamed.
"I just want to hear your story — the real one — about what you did before you came to Night City."
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