The Giant Corporations that Started in Night City

Chapter 14: Good Morning, Night City!

In Night City, where power and wealth reign supreme, a solid firearm is the ultimate source of confidence—a necessary tool for earning reputation, dignity, and freedom.

"Looks like I'll have to spend all my retirement savings on LA Corp's weapons. With this batch, I could even fight for another ten years!"

—41-year-old retired mercenary from Militech.

"I don't enjoy doing business in Little China, but I can't deny Watson is about to be packed tight. Damn it, I'd better hurry up."

—Black market arms dealer from Santo Domingo.

"Damn Militech! They'd rather set up a shell company than airdrop weapons into Dogtown. Those bastards in the New United States Congress are all sons of b**es!"

—Mercenary from Dogtown.

---

Kabuki District. A crime scene.

"Looks like the Tyger Claws can't hold their ground in Kabuki anymore. The Triads are absolutely insane. They'd better find a backer soon, or they'll be wiped out eventually."

Detective River, standing amidst the shell casings littering the ground, took a drag from his e-cigarette and remarked to a few rookie cops nearby.

As the most outstanding officer of Watson District's NCPD, River not only excelled at his job but also understood the unspoken rules between the city's legitimate and underground worlds.

This was why he thrived in Night City.

"Boss, rumor has it that we're running out of funds, and budget cuts are coming. Is that true?"

A curious rookie questioned him.

The recent nuclear explosion had left Night City in shambles. In an effort to rebuild City Center quickly, the City Hall had abandoned projects like Watson's hospitals and malls.

The only viable option was to seek partnerships with wealthy corporations such as Arasaka, Petrochem, and Biotechnica. However, deals like these came at a price.

For instance, the Watson beachfront and industrial zones—prime real estate that Arasaka had been eyeing for a long time—would be part of the bargain. In return, Arasaka would repair roads, reopen hospitals and malls, and rebuild major infrastructure.

"Don't ask questions you shouldn't!"

River exhaled deeply. If the deal with Arasaka went through, NCPD officers would receive corporate funding, signaling the Triads' inevitable downfall.

Arasaka would tolerate no instability in its territory.

In Night City, corporate interests reigned supreme.

"Mark my words. The Triads may have expanded their turf today, but they'll cough up double when it's all said and done."

River sneered.

Gangs in Night City rose and fell, yet they always remained under the boots of City Hall and corporations.

The tales of nobodies becoming legends were nothing more than corporate-crafted dreams. When the dream ended, even the toughest heroes were buried in the electronic junkyard.

"Alright, rookies, clean this place up!"

"Every shell casing, blood stain, and bone fragment goes in the trash! If a corporate dog complains tomorrow, I swear I'll tear you a new one!"

---

Little China.

As Amanda and her team left the gun shop with sMyers plastered across their faces, Li Ang watched them with a knowing grin.

This display of power had been perfectly orchestrated. He'd single-handedly reshaped Watson's arms trade market.

Tonight's war between the Triads and Tyger Claws had turned into the perfect advertisement for LA Corp's weapons, making Li Ang, hidden in the shadows, the biggest winner of all.

Watching his system dashboard, where the skyrocketing flows of corporate credits and eurodollars were displayed, Li Ang felt the euphoric rush of a profiteering arms dealer.

"Boss, Mr. Stanley has completed his payment. He's looking forward to working with us again," said Lucy, her high heels clicking as she approached.

"Also, his broadcast ads are performing well. We might struggle to keep up with demand."

Lucy, having witnessed Li Ang's meticulous planning firsthand, was thoroughly impressed. To her, only someone as brilliant as Li Ang could take down Arasaka Corp and avenge her loved ones.

"Don't worry; I've already prepared for that." Li Ang smiled.

Ordinary buyers needed to provide ID information to purchase advanced kinetic and tech weapons, minimizing unnecessary trouble and preventing malicious bids.

Through the system's backend, Li Ang could clearly monitor buyer identities. Most were mercenaries from Watson or gang members, with a small portion being outlaws from other districts.

The orders from Watson alone had already doubled his corporate credits, reaching an astonishing 4 million points!

This was enough for him to unlock several new tech branches from other corporations and expand LA Corp's business ventures.

Focusing solely on gang-related arms deals wouldn't build a true corporate empire. Li Ang needed to diversify his operations.

Next, his goal was to strike a deal with City Hall, securing development rights in Watson and establishing his foothold.

---

"Good morning, Night City!"

Explosive news spread through giant billboards, radio broadcasts, and media outlets, informing the citizens of Kabuki's recent events.

The Triads and Tyger Claws dominated headlines, while LA Corp, emerging amidst the chaos, began to make a name for itself.

#WNS News: Another shooting in Kabuki! Heavy casualties for Tyger Claws as the Triads announce their takeover.

#N54 News: Tyger Claws face brutal retribution. Gang wars intensify—a boon for corporations and City Hall?

#Guns and Steel: Shocking firefight! LA Corp storms the market with cutting-edge weaponry, rattling Militech and Arasaka!

#107.3 Morro Rock Radio: The Samurai band from Heywood is rising! Founding member Johnny Silverhand's new album is out now!

#Dr. Paradox: City Hall's dirty dealings with corporations enable gang wars, only to crush them all later!