chapter 70

.. Team Hacker

"Ding ding ding, ding ding ding."

The day after receiving the Militech commission, Karl sent a message to Maine.

Maine: Karl, what's up?

Karl: I have a job and might need some help. Are you interested in being an assistant?

Maine: Are you running a middleman business now?

Karl: It's a direct commission from a corporate insider. Due to certain identity issues, I can't handle some things myself. I need assistance from people outside my team. I called Brown and the others, but they're still on vacation, so I'm wondering if you're free.

Maine: I ended my vacation just yesterday and took a job, but it should be done tonight. Is your job urgent?

Karl: The employer isn't in a rush. The reward is 500,000 euros. If you and your team are interested, I'll give you half.

Maine: 500,000?!

After sending the message, Karl noticed Maine went silent, likely considering whether to accept the job.

As a mercenary, it's not always necessary to know mission details beforehand. Often, corporate jobs don't allow mercenaries to learn the full scope until they accept the task, to prevent leaks. But when the money is good, most mercenaries don't mind the risks. And half of 500,000 euros—250,000—was certainly worth the risk.

After a while, Maine replied, having calmed down.

Maine: A direct job from the company, without a Fixer cut, offers that much... But without a fixer, is it safe?

Fixer, while greedy, provided crucial intelligence, escape routes, and other support. Without them, Maine felt uneasy.

Karl: The company allowed me to recruit outside help, but I can't share details before you agree... I can say it's comparable to the first time we were ambushed.

Maine: That level is intense. The later missions with the ACPA were beyond regular mercenary work... But the pay is great. Since it's your job, I feel reassured. I'll take it with my team for half. Is that okay?

Karl: No problem. You'll be the main force for this mission.

Karl sent Maine the encrypted communication channel provided by Militech and the necessary files.

If the intelligence was intercepted, it wouldn't be the mercenaries' fault but rather a potential breach within Militech itself.

After reviewing the files, Maine sent another message.

Maine: So, we're helping Militech deal with Arasaka?

Karl: Essentially. I need you to gather information about Tanaka. Once you have it, pass it to us, and we'll handle the rest. Sound good?

Maine: This job seems too easy. Am I taking too much? How about a 60-40 split in your favor?

Karl: Relax, Maine. Our style isn't suited for slow intel gathering. Just take the half. You have a team to lead, and they need fair pay too. If you feel guilty, help us kidnap Tanaka when the time comes.

Maine: Okay, I'll discuss it with my team. Our hacker will contact you for the technical details.

A hacker was a rare and valuable asset for street teams. Without a reliable one, Karl had taught himself hacking basics out of necessity.

Karl: Got it. I'll send you the deposit now.

Karl received a 100,000 euro deposit and split it evenly—50,000 euros to Maine, and the remaining 50,000 euros divided among himself, Oliver, and Jack.

Each received 15,000 euros, with the leftover 5,000 euros kept as team funds for future gatherings.

Karl noticed his savings growing but didn't have a strong connection to the numbers—money felt more real when physically held.

"What are you two doing today?" Karl asked Oliver and Jack after updating them on the mission plans.

"I'm visiting Misty," Oliver said.

"I'm having dinner with my sister," Jack added.

"Okay."

Karl was left alone once again, the only one without company. Sending a friendly middle finger emoji to his friends, he left the skyscraper and headed to a BD store to check out new releases. He was curious about the "real ninjas" Oliver had mentioned.

Karl didn't feel like driving without Oliver, the usual driver. Laziness had kept him from driving since 2075.

Just as he was about to call a combat taxi driver, a new message arrived.

"Hello, I'm Sasha, a hacker from Maine's team."

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