Chapter 11 Excerpt:

"Arthur! You were the one who robbed my brother's car?!"

"You actually robbed our Sixth Street Gang of supplies. I think you want to commit treason. Kneel down under this stars and stripes flag and apologize immediately, you b*****d!"

Arthur had just left the secret base, which resembled a garage, when he saw a group of people chattering outside.

Many of them wore camouflage clothing and body armor, looking like soldiers. However, it felt a bit careless to call them soldiers—most had large tattoos, wore sunglasses, and smoked cigarettes. They looked more like energetic punks.

The Six Street Gang was a gang made up of post-war veterans.

Initially, they came together to maintain law and order, as Night City was infamous for its chaos.

NCPD officers hardly cared. Their daily routine consisted of grabbing a cup of coffee, driving to a random street, and sitting in their cars until it was time to clock out.

Since no one else cared, the veterans decided to take matters into their own hands, forming the gang to restore some semblance of order.

But over time, as the dragon slayer becomes the dragon, so too did the Six Street Gang. As new members joined, the organization fell into crime.

These days, the gang's only real difference from others was their military-style clothing.

Arthur frowned, silently remarking to himself, "Why does your tone sound like a damn stick? And you don't even look like a proper bald eagle veteran."

At that moment, Lucy ran out of the garage holding a small pistol. Her face turned embarrassed when she saw the scene unfolding.

"Can I just say I was passing by? I really have nothing to do with him," she hurriedly explained.

The members of the Six Street Gang ignored her excuses.

Arthur's "good neighbor," the one whose car he had borrowed, stepped forward. His face was red with suppressed rage, and he jabbed a finger at Arthur, trembling with anger.

"You a**hole! You took my car and picked up such a beautiful girl with it!"

Arthur sighed, disappointed. Then, with a quick movement, he pulled Lucy into the garage.

A car parked inside served as temporary cover.

The gang members stopped talking and raised their rifles, firing without hesitation.

The thunderous bang of gunfire filled the air, as if fireworks were being set off in celebration.

Arthur wrinkled his nose, catching the scent of gunpowder. "It's 2076, and these guys are still using traditional gunpowder rifles?" he muttered.

Lucy crouched beside Arthur, glaring at him. "How did you manage to piss off these lunatics?"

"'Piss off'? When I borrowed the car from that guy, he seemed happy! Even filled up the tank for me before I left. How was I supposed to know he'd change his mind?" Arthur retorted indignantly, handing her a pistol from his waist.

"Here, use this. That pea shooter you're holding is useless."

Lucy took the pistol, pausing to ask, "What about you?"

Arthur shrugged and punched the ground hard, causing it to crack. He lifted part of the floor, revealing a hidden black box. He pulled it out and tossed it beside Lucy.

She gaped in astonishment. "You've been with Mann's team for ages, and no one mentioned this stash?!"

Arthur opened the box, pulling out a long pole-like weapon. He grinned at Lucy, showing all eight teeth. "I can do whatever I want!"

Lucy rolled her eyes, recognizing the weapon. "Is that an RPG? That thing's ancient! It's older than you, Uncle! You sure it won't blow up in your face?"

Arthur calmly loaded the RPG and smirked. "I made this myself."

Time seemed to slow down as his enhanced nerves kicked in. Arthur took aim, pulled the trigger, and time resumed.

"BOOM!"

The rocket exploded outside, followed by screams of pain. The shockwave sent a gust of wind into the garage, ruffling Lucy's hair.

Arthur blew out a puff of smoke. "Weapons, like humans, get better with age."

Lucy tossed her pistol back at him in exasperation.

At that moment, Mann appeared at the doorway, surveying the scene with a grim expression. His hands trembled, his eyes glowing red—a sign of a potential cyberpsychotic episode.

Arthur considered calling the Trauma Team, but Mann suddenly lunged at the car, wailing like a man mourning a lost love.

"My car! The loan's not even paid off yet, you bastard!"

Arthur scratched his nose sheepishly, turning to Lucy. "We'll chat later, kid. Uncle's got errands to run."

"You're not going anywhere!" Mann yelled, charging at Arthur, who disappeared in a flash.

When Arthur reappeared outside, he waved at Lucy with a smirk and vanished into the night.

Lucy lit a cigarette, taking a long drag as she processed what had just happened. "He doesn't seem like an antique at all. How can such an unreliable guy be in his forties or fifties?"

Mann, still clinging to his wrecked car, overheard her.

"That guy's character is as flaky as it gets. I followed him because I thought he looked like Morgan Blackhand. Turns out I went hungry two days out of three after joining him."

Dorio walked out, whiskey in hand. "Unreliable or not, Arthur's a good man. He doesn't abandon his companions, he values loyalty, and he's willing to help anyone he likes—even kids."

Lucy exhaled a cloud of smoke. "Sounds like the kind of fool you never see in Night City."

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