cyberpunk: Travel to 2075

Who Is That Person?

"Subdermal armor, grounding plating, military-grade experimental sandevistan, military-grade neural processor, military-grade frontal cortex, enhanced reaction Krenzikov, a specially modified projectile launch system on the left arm firing high-explosive bullets, and mantis blades installed on the right arm and leg."

Oliver read through the information and shook his head. "He's really armed to the teeth. It wouldn't be surprising if this tough guy turns into a cyberpsychopath. I even think the possible trigger isn't the sandevistan at all."

"A target worth 150,000 euros is indeed not that simple. A military-grade prosthetic body, even an experimental model—it's quite intimidating." Jack compared himself and realized that his prosthetic enhancements didn't even come close to the lieutenant's.

Though having more prosthetics doesn't always guarantee victory, the overwhelming gap was demoralizing.

"Krenzikov paired with sandevistan enhances reactions. If things go wrong, we might get wiped out in a confrontation," Karl remarked. Then, he turned to Oliver with a plan in mind. "We may need to rely on your long-range sniping to take him down."

"Aren't we supposed to confirm if he's really a traitor? The employer wanted to talk it out. Shouldn't we try that first?" Oliver asked.

"I'm not risking my life to find out if he's suffering from cyberpsychosis," Karl decided. "Once we locate him, I'll keep a safe distance and get close. Jack, you'll record everything. At the slightest hint of aggression, Oliver, you shoot. We'll send this to the employer as evidence of cyberpsychosis."

Oliver's new sniper rifle, Nekomata, produced by Tsunami Company, was a tech marvel. Its electromagnetically accelerated bullets could penetrate even ordinary exoskeleton armor. A former lieutenant with just subdermal armor wouldn't stand a chance against a headshot.

"Karl, are you sure about facing him? Isn't it too dangerous?" Jack asked, concerned.

"That's why I'll maintain a safe distance. Don't worry, if things go south, I'll turn and run without hesitation." Karl trusted his own ability to keep up with sandevistan and react swiftly.

"The only problem now is finding James Norris," Oliver pointed out, scanning the city center where corporate operatives roamed. "A soldier lieutenant should stand out. I know the military style well enough to spot someone who's been in the army."

"Where do we begin the search?" Karl asked.

Oliver pointed to a location. "Piazza del Colpo."

Colpo Square, rebuilt after the Fourth Corporate War, is now one of Night City's most iconic places. Its circular memorial park honors the victims of the war.

"Piazza del Colpo..." Karl murmured, immediately understanding why Oliver suggested it. In a densely packed area like the Civic Center, the only logical place for a fugitive lieutenant would be a public memorial park where anyone could go. He couldn't rest in front of corporate offices, where security would offer him "warm" greetings.

"Then we'll..." Karl began but stopped abruptly, feeling a chill on his head. He looked up to find it was raining.

Night City's heavily polluted skies made its rain unpleasant. "Let's find shelter first. Even if we don't get sick from this, the smell is disgusting," Karl said, wrinkling his nose at the raindrops.

"There are bionic trees in the Memorial Park that can provide shelter," he added, pointing toward the park.

Jack chuckled. "Sheltering from the rain while watching the homeless in the memorial park—sounds like a plan."

With Jack's agreement, the three of them sprinted toward Colpo Square, where they found NCPD officers already setting up a blockade at the park's center. Something had clearly happened.

They exchanged glances and moved closer to the bionic trees near the NCPD blockade, peering inside. From their position, Karl couldn't clearly see what was happening.

Turning to Jack, who had prosthetic eyes, Karl asked, "What's going on?"

"I see a corporate operative lying on the ground with a large hole in his head."

"The head didn't explode?"

"No, just a big hole. Judging by the gun muzzle size, it looks like a Lexington shot."

"A Lexington took down a corporate operative?" Karl mused, puzzled. Could it be connected to Norris?

As Karl pondered, he noticed a familiar figure among the police officers inside the blockade.

"I see someone I know. I'll go say hello," Karl said, stepping into the rain and approaching the NCPD officer.

A few moments later, Jensen, who was busy with the scene, heard someone calling his name. He turned and saw Karl, slightly surprised. Delegating tasks to his subordinates, he walked over to Karl.

"Long time no see, Karl. How have you been?" Jensen greeted him.

"Not bad, Mr. Jensen. Is this a case of cyberpsychosis? Need any help?" Karl asked.

"Cyberpsychosis?" Jensen glanced back at the body, understanding Karl's angle. But today wasn't the day for that.

"No, just an ordinary vendetta. The perpetrator was caught on the spot. We're just wrapping up."

"I see..." Karl was a bit disappointed, thinking he'd found a lead.

As he prepared to thank Jensen, Karl caught sight of a shirtless man with short blond hair, two guns strapped to his back, and prosthetic-enhanced eyes walking into the blockade. The man's powerful build and presence were unmistakable.

That person is...

Karl's pupils widened in recognition.

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