Chapter 6: Local "Gangs"

[7:00 AM: Your mother left a note and breakfast by your bedside.] [The note reads: Leo, I'm sorry, I had to go to work. Here's your breakfast, and there's a prepared lunch in the kitchen. If it's difficult to manage the wheelchair alone, you can call me, and I'll come back quickly. Please don't push yourself too hard. Love, Mom.] [You decided to get up and check your phone, looking for some network technology and biotechnology knowledge to study.] After setting things up in the other world, Leo sighed. The apology in his mother's note made him feel a mix of emotions. V glanced at him and asked, "You from Night City? I haven't seen you before." In the van, the two of them stared intently at the entrance to the Veterans' Association. Two guards stood at the gate, but they seemed relaxed—very different from the tense sentries in Night City. "More or less. As for not seeing me before... would you pay attention to a 'bald monk' like me?" "To be honest, you look more like a sneaky middleman now," V remarked, sizing up Leo in his new clothes. "So, did you come to Atlanta looking for a way to save your life?" "What else? Searching for a better life like you?" Leo responded while keeping his eyes on the entrance. "Someone's coming. Remember, we're here for business. If I don't give you the signal, just play dumb." "Your call—money talks." Two tall men in camouflage approached and knocked on the van door: "Come on, the boss said he's willing to talk." Following their lead, V and Leo entered the building—it looked like a barracks inside, with no unnecessary decorations. Occasionally, they passed members returning from target practice. However, the garden in the center of the building was vibrant, resembling a rehabilitation facility. The walls of the corridors were adorned with various war photos, and it was easy to spot veterans with rows of medals, their valor evident. V was quietly impressed—if given enough firepower and reason, these veterans looked like they could wage a real battle. These were seasoned soldiers, entirely different from the Six Street gang in Night City. Leo thought for a moment and said, "It's clear your association has a distinguished record. New America must be proud of you." "Of course, if it weren't for us, there wouldn't be a New America," the large man leading them said proudly. At that moment, a chat window appeared in front of Leo: V: This big oaf is proud of being duped into fighting. Leo: Look at this place. Sounds like you're a bit jealous. V: Screw you. Leo: Don't distract me from my work! Leo, slightly puzzled, said, "I don't see any pictures of Mr. Knott." "The boss doesn't like showing off—and besides, it's obvious. The battles he's fought and the medals he's earned aren't something the public needs to know. Better not display any photos at all." They passed through the corridor and took an elevator. The large man led them to a door. His eyes glowed blue, seemingly communicating. "Alright, go in. The boss is waiting inside." After speaking, he flashed his hands in a warning gesture, the exposed carbon fiber structure of his hands quite intimidating. "But don't forget, this is our turf. Show some respect, or the soldiers in this building will go back to their old jobs." Leo gave a slight bow, "Rest assured, we understand the rules—I've always respected New America and its brave soldiers." "You stay here; he goes in." The large man blocked V, and Leo nodded, signaling V to stay calm while sending a text warning her to cool it. Thud. Stepping onto the office floor, the difference was immediately felt—the entire floor was solid wood, and a rare species at that. In the world of Cyberpunk 2077, the ecosystem was severely degraded. Many people had never seen real animals, and the same went for trees. Most had only seen fast-grown biotechnological trees. The room was large and spacious, with a massive glass wall that offered a view of the Atlanta Administrative Center, with the Militech Building and the European Market Alliance office nearby. On the other side of the huge desk, a bald Black man sat, showing Leo only his back. But even from this view, Leo could feel immense pressure— This was someone whose data was accessible—a soldier decorated by the New American president, with the rank of Captain, fully equipped with combat cyberware, and undeniably skilled in battle. V's explosive combat prowess was something from later in the game's storyline. Leo didn't doubt that this guy could easily take out both him and V. "Mr. Knott, it's a pleasure to meet you." "Spare me the pleasantries. Let's get to the details—what do you want from us?" The man's voice was deep, and after hearing Leo, he remained silent for a moment, still not turning around. "Hmm... you know, to me, that sounds like you're trying to bypass New America's laws. You're planning to commit a crime." Leo quickly responded, "Of course not—actually, the New American Constitution clearly protects private property. I may not be the one protected by the law, but my client is. I can guarantee that this conflict is based on property protection." Leo avoided mentioning the legal exemptions corporations enjoyed, instead playing along with Knott's narrative. "Interesting... who's your client?" Leo hesitated for a moment before saying, "Kang Tao Corporation's Atlanta supply chain specialist." Knott slowly turned around, "Kang Tao? Interesting—you're not from Kang Tao, but you're working for them, and you're an Easterner. Are you from the islands?" "No, I'm from Night City." "An outsider from that dump, working for Kang Tao... I have to say, I pity you. Stuck doing dirty work forever." As Knott turned around, Leo finally got a good look at him. Beneath the camo coat was a fully modified body, with nanofiber muscles and subdermal armor openly displayed. His entire neck was a custom high-grade cybernetic, extending down to his short-sleeved shirt. The war had left permanent marks on his body, which he clearly embraced. [Warning: You are being scanned.] [Progress: ...] "Interesting, you've only got a neural interface and a cheap single cyber eye—and your health is terrible. Recently had a check-up?" Leo looked annoyed but softened his tone, "Mr. Knott, you truly have extraordinary abilities." But in his mind, he thought: Big dumb soldier, showing off because you've got connections? Show off till you drop dead—V was right, just another fool tricked into dying. "I can help you take on Kang Tao, but why should I?" "500,000 euros, and you don't need to get your hands dirty—just provide some network support." Hearing this, Knott suddenly burst into laughter: "Hahaha—look around you, kid. Do I really need to oppose Kang Tao for 500,000 euros? Even though it's a damn Eastern company, why should I do it for 500,000?" Knott must have an exceptionally strong synthetic lung—Leo thought, as the terrifying sound pressure echoed around them like ocean waves. Leo's face darkened, "600,000 euros." "I told you, it's not about the money." "700,000... no! 1 million, that's my limit, Mr. Knott. You don't need to directly confront Kang Tao. We'll handle the dirty work—I just need some... support!" Knott remained unmoved, shaking his head slightly, "A decent offer, but you still haven't given me a reason to be interested." Leo gritted his teeth, "The shipment contains prototype weapons Kang Tao hopes to use to expand into the American market. I'm guessing... some information leaks during transport wouldn't be unusual." Knott raised an eyebrow, finally showing a hint of interest, "Now you're talking. And I can see you're no fool. I bet you've already planned to screw Kang Tao over, haven't you? Working with me is far better than working for Kang Tao. This is Atlanta. Alright, I hate beating around the bush. I can help you, but besides the prototype weapon designs, you'll also need to get me a prototype. I hate Kang Tao, but their prototype weapons have some collectible value. Since you're taking out the person in charge anyway, you can say they stole it. This is my final condition." Leo appeared hesitant but finally gritted his teeth, "Fine! Deal! But I'll also need a usable physical network channel." Knott laughed heartily, "Of course. I'm looking forward to our cooperation—this might just turn into a long-term partnership."