"We finally cornered these Militech bastards!"
In the Badlands, as Maine and David leapt from their vehicle and watched it explode, the pursuing Arasaka convoy erupted with satisfaction.
For some time, Arasaka units had been under attack out here, and after an internal sweep, they finally confirmed what they'd suspected—it was Militech agents pulling strings behind the scenes. Once Arasaka's Counterintel Division realized Militech was behind it, they wasted no time in greenlighting a full response.
They'd been baiting the Badlands for two days, and now, Militech had taken the hook.
According to intelligence, Militech operatives liked to disguise themselves as employees from other corps, or as mercs and nomads. They usually acted in small squads—and today's ambushers fit the bill perfectly.
Recalling the earlier ambush on their decoy convoy, the head of this Arasaka Counterintel operation wore a twisted, malicious grin.
"Damn Militech bastards. Still playing the same old tricks—and I finally caught you. Perfect stepping stone for my promotion!"
In Arasaka, thwarting Militech was a major feather in anyone's cap. And for this particular counterintel officer, success today could mean a transfer or even a bump to deputy director. He'd be a name people respected in Arasaka Tower.
"Only two of them. Try to take them alive. I want them questioned—extract every bit of intel about Militech. If they tracked our trap this precisely, they must be high-ranking. Capture them, and not just me—you all could get serious career points and hefty rewards!"
He broadcast this rallying cry through the car radios to over forty personnel. A graduate of the Arasaka Academy, he knew how to properly motivate his subordinates: dangle glory and money. That was all it took to make people risk their lives for a nonlethal takedown.
"Yes, sir!"
Capturing high-value enemies was worth the risk—especially with their overwhelming numbers. Forty versus two. It felt like a guaranteed win.
To prevent their targets from escaping, the Arasaka convoy began to fan out, encircling from three sides. No one believed those two could outrun them on foot.
"Looks like they want us alive," Maine muttered.
A military veteran from the New United States, he immediately read Arasaka's movements. He tightened his grip on the Militech MK.31 heavy machine gun he'd grabbed before jumping out. The weapon was built for fixed positions—but with his reinforced arms, Maine could just barely wield it.
Still, it wasn't ideal. Reloading the MK.31 solo was a bitch, and the thing could only manage a single, brutal burst before needing to be fed again. Against a scattered convoy, it wouldn't be enough.
'I was hoping to take a few with me... but not like this.'
He glanced at David beside him, who had drawn his Kenshin pistol, visibly tense.
Maine slung the MK.31 over his shoulder and started moving. "Stick with me, David."
"Maine?"
"I wasn't driving without a plan. Fifty meters ahead, there's an old cave down a cliff. Used to be a Wraith hideout. We're heading there. Arasaka wants us alive? Good—we'll use that cave as a shield and make 'em bleed for every step. Run, David! Run!"
"There's a cave up ahead?"
David looked over his shoulder at the rapidly approaching convoy. He gritted his teeth.
Fifty meters? Then—fine!
He took a deep breath. Muscles and nerves relaxed for an instant—
Sandevistan: Engaged.
David's Dynalar Sandevistan Mk.3—a model he'd bought using a mix of mission pay and braindance side hustles—was known for its excellent neural interface, making it highly responsive in combat.
Time slowed. The world dulled to a crawl.
David sprinted.
Run, David. Run faster!
Thoughts flooded his mind.
He remembered lying to his mother—telling her he'd gotten a special scholarship so she wouldn't worry about tuition. He remembered her shocked, joyful smile. He remembered his first job with Karl's crew, and the moment he took out a scavenger with nothing but a knife.
And at the end of his thoughts... he saw her. A girl with short, white-pink hair.
He surged forward, gaining on Maine.
'No way I'm dying here!'
"Maine—run!"
David shot ahead. Due to their size difference, David couldn't carry Maine with the Sandevistan active—but as he reached the cliff, he turned back.
And saw it.
A rocket heading straight for Maine.
'No—this can't be!'
David's eyes widened.
'Didn't Arasaka want us alive?!'
He couldn't believe it—until he looked to their flank.
There, scattered around the road, were pieces of camo netting—just torn away.
An entire convoy had been lying in wait.
As the vehicles shed their disguise, David saw the emblem painted boldly on their sides.
He recognized it instantly.
"Militech!"
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🔥 Cyberpunk: The Relentless
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