Chapter 300 – Arasaka Banquet

"Such great weather... or that's what I'd like to say. But with this gloomy sky and rain just around the corner, I can't really call it good."

Standing at the open AV door, Karl looked out at the swarm of drones buzzing closer in the distance. He turned back to the others inside and remarked, "Good thing we came in an AV. Judging by the mess of luxury cars down there, if we'd driven, we'd probably still be stuck in traffic when the rain hits."

"No kidding," Oliver replied. He was synced to the AV's system and had a full view of the vehicle congestion around Arasaka Tower. "Rayfield Caliburn, Herrera Outlaw GTS, Chevillon Thrax 388 Jefferson... Wait, what? Why is a Jefferson even here? I thought it was all top-tier rides—guess we've got a few duds in the mix."

"A Thrax Jefferson's still high-end on the streets," Jack said. "Sure, in corpo circles it's not exactly elite, but it ain't cheap either."

He looked toward the buzzing drones and asked Karl, "Hey, you think these scans are gonna be a problem?"

"Nope. I've already accepted the contract—they gave us clearance. This is just standard verification. With AVs, you really can't know who's inside without a scan."

Karl kept the door wide open, standing casually as the drones circled the vehicle. After about twenty seconds of scanning, the red lights on their sensors turned green. Confirmed. The drones dispersed and zipped off toward the next AV coming in behind them.

"So that's it?" V asked, watching the other AV. Just as he was about to dismiss it all as routine, he noticed something strange—those drones had switched back to red.

"Huh?"

All four looked out just in time to see the AV behind them suddenly veer off—trying to escape.

"What model is that?" Karl asked, immediately sensing something was off.

"Hard to tell. Looks like it's been modified," Oliver said. But before he could finish, the drones opened fire. Bullets tore into the vehicle, and its outer shell began peeling away under the barrage.

"There's a disguise—it's shedding the fake shell!" Oliver shouted. "That's a Militech Scorpiontail armored AV!"

"An armored AV?" Jack blinked. "Militech showing up to stir shit at Arasaka's event in broad daylight? That's just asking for a war."

"Not necessarily Militech themselves."

If it really were a direct move from Militech, Arasaka's hawks would be thrilled. But Karl had a different theory. The moment he saw the Scorpiontail, some facts came to mind.

"The Scorpiontail AV is one NCPD ordered from Militech. It's usually used by their Counter-Terror Division. Militech doesn't operate them openly. So even if they're behind this, they could shift the blame easily."

"To who?" Jack asked.

"Some rowdy faction in 6th Street," Karl answered without hesitation.

The name made Oliver narrow his eyes. "My old man never mentioned anything like that."

"People from Willfire?" Karl suggested. Thanks to Oliver, he had a decent grasp on the gang's inner politics. "Maybe Militech promised them something in exchange. Their support's already eclipsing the current boss."

Propped up by Militech, Willfire's influence was on the rise—but nothing came free. Maybe this was the price they had to pay.

Still, it was all speculation. Could just be Militech going rogue too.

As more drones joined the fight—some even firing micro-missiles—Karl knew how this was going to end.

Watching the flaming Scorpiontail spiral downward, V muttered, "Yeah… AVs really aren't as safe as they look."

"Time to land. Don't overthink it," Karl said, turning away.

He didn't know what chaos that falling AV would cause on the streets below—but he did know this mission was about to begin.

And it already smelled like trouble.

Even if no one could break into Arasaka Tower during the event, planting people inside beforehand? That was absolutely possible.

Recent infighting had gutted Arasaka's infrastructure—critical positions, veteran guards, internal balance—it was all shaky now. If other corps didn't try to sneak someone in and stir the pot, they'd be wasting a golden opportunity.

Arasaka was like a kingdom, ruled by three lions—blood-bound, yet tearing each other apart. And while they fought, the tigers and hyenas of the corporate world circled the edges, ready to pounce.

Their AV approached Arasaka Tower and, following guidance, descended toward a mid-level platform.

"What floor is this—fortieth? Thirtieth?" Jack asked, excitement on his face. It was his first time here.

Karl, already familiar with the place, looked calm and composed.

"Hmm… no idea."

"You really had me thinking you knew your way around!" Oliver grumbled, disengaging from manual controls and handing things off to the AI.

"I've only been here once, okay? Not like it's my backyard," Karl replied with a shrug. Then, pointing out the window, he added, "But someone who does treat it like home is already waiting for us."

The others followed his gaze—and immediately recognized the man standing there.

As their AV approached the platform, they got a clear look.

It was none other than Mr. Kenichiro—face grim as ever.

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