Infinite, Progressing from Arasaka

Even knowing Arasaka would reap the benefits, they would certainly act the moment an opportunity arose.

She should focus on honing herself first and strengthening her own power base.

"Let's talk about internal company matters... Has there been any progress on Tanaka's project?"

"No. Though... cough, cough..." Jimmy's eyes darted around. "Jenkins from the Counter-Intelligence Department and Abernathy, the Director of Special Operations, have been fighting pretty fiercely. From the looks of it, Jenkins narrowly came out ahead this time. Oh, one of his particularly aggressive enforcers seems to have emerged and was promoted rapidly."

Vera, who had been somewhat absentmindedly preparing to pack up and end today's meeting before heading to Todai, instantly narrowed her eyes.

"Who?"

"V. Codename V. I haven't found her real name yet. Do you need me to..."

"No need. The Counter-Intelligence Department and the Director of Special Operations are fighting each other. Our Security Department should stay out of it. Pretend you never heard anything and let things take their course. They can't do much to us, but when it comes to being obnoxious and holding people back, they're quite capable."

Special Operations' authority covered special operations. The Counter-Intelligence Department, intelligence department, corporate economic security, protecting the upper echelon's safety—anything involving special work fell under their jurisdiction. Their internal security level was high.

But the Security Department, security in name, was actually an important supplement to the company's military system. As Arasaka's largest and most famous department, its armed division naturally stood one level above other departments, on equal footing with the banking division.

The Security Department's duties were also public. Riot suppression, mobile operations, maintaining public order and stability, anything from bodyguard contracts to national defense and military contracting all counted as "routine business." It could directly sign contracts with foreign businesses and corporations to make money, beyond the Director of Special Operations' control.

The Counter-Intelligence Department and intelligence department obviously could not engage in normal commercial activities.

Therefore, Vera rarely dealt with Abernathy and had no desire to deal with her either.

Having already confirmed the information in her heart, Vera rose gracefully, smoothed down her fitted uniform, and said, "Meeting adjourned."

"Yes!"

The video call disconnected, and the wall partition automatically closed. Vera withdrew her gaze and silently murmured, "Valerie... an absolutely top-tier useful pawn."

She had no interest in the mess between the Counter-Intelligence Department and the Director of Special Operations, but she was very interested in V herself.

They would have a chance to meet.

Thinking that, Vera checked the time, then temporarily set aside the bad idea brewing in her mind. She selected several test tubes of leech DNA purified last night from the laboratory refrigerator, placed them in a metal storage case, tucked it into her handbag, went downstairs, put on her shoes, and left.

Time for school.

At 8:40, Vera arrived at the Todai campus in Bunkyo by hovercar. She passed through crowds of young men and women leisurely enjoying campus life and took the grassy path beside the medical school laboratory building.

In the world of Cyberpunk, education had long since become polarized. The strong grew weaker, while the weak grew stronger. At a top institution like Tokyo University, every supporting facility was the best of the best.

After presenting proof of identity, Vera easily secured a laboratory. Todai had abundant resources of every kind; there was no need for long queues or waits.

Since this visit was only to leave experimental records and compare the leech DNA, not yet to directly synthesize anything with the Progenitor Virus, Vera did not change into a lab coat or specialized sealed protective gear. She simply began working in her black-and-red school uniform.

She analyzed the leech DNA sequence.

Before she realized it, ring, ring, ring!

The noon bell rang. Vera did not rise. Instead, orange-red light flickered in her eyes as she focused intensely, connected to the analysis instrument and reading the sequence parameters.

"Could this... really work?"

A thoughtful expression appeared on her face as she murmured aloud.

Recalling the leech DNA sequence specially cultivated by Umbrella, Vera suddenly realized that, in the Cyberpunk setting, the leeches that had survived the harsh natural environment of 2075 and been selectively bred, along with their DNA, seemed to possess greater tolerance and adaptability.

And the greatest issue with applying the Progenitor Virus was stability. Stability, adaptability to the environment, and enhanced malleability were the key focuses of its practical application research.

Leeches had been the optimal solution chosen by Marcus and William after comparing the DNA of animals across the entire planet.

Umbrella had used leech DNA to strengthen the Progenitor Virus' environmental adaptability, thereby improving its stability and extracting the T-Virus.

Now, with leech DNA from the Cyberpunk world, whose adaptability and stability were both stronger and more pronounced, replicating and cultivating it under identical conditions would undoubtedly produce a more stable T-Virus. It would not be harmless, but lowering the barrier to fusion was entirely feasible!

"Looks like... I'll need to control its spread."

Rubbing her temples lightly, Vera cut off her connection to the instrument and thought silently.

The Cyberpunk world did not lack relevant genetic programming technology. What it lacked were new elements—strange viruses with extraordinary properties like the Progenitor Virus. With enough Progenitor Virus samples, Saburo Arasaka might truly be able to regain his youth and keep extending his lifespan.

She had to leave for Africa as soon as possible!

Her interest piqued, Vera grabbed the personal data pad on the experiment bench and began writing a report. Well, it was for Michiko Arasaka's Dangerous Girl. There was no way she would give something like an anti-aircraft gun to Saburo Arasaka. The old way was better—more reasonable.

She would not force the issue with the Progenitor Virus, but her subordinates—those old brothers who were crippled, aging, or suffering neural decline and had no choice but to reduce their cyberware—needed it.

"Got it."

After considering it for a moment, she decided on the title.

Title: Solaris Staircase Project

Extend the lifespan of human cells, activate human flesh tissue, and strengthen the human physique.

The concept for this plan originated from a Rogue AI I defeated while practicing computational power on the Old Net beyond the Black Wall.

I accidentally read the residual data fragments left behind by the collapsing Rogue AI and learned of an investigation document stored online before the 2023 Old Net Collapse by a company engaged in mining and transportation in Africa.

In Africa, there are ruins belonging to an extinct ancient Bantu tribe.

Within their underground ruins is a flower, a highly poisonous flower. But according to that company's documents, among the local population, the flower is actually a medicine—a potent medicine capable of causing aged cells to shed and producing a certain rejuvenating effect on human cellular tissue.

Unconfirmed hypothesis: the flower contains an undiscovered substance. If it can be extracted, it will be of significant assistance to your company's new drug research for rehabilitation and recuperation services.

Send.

The meaning was clear. She, Vera, wanted to conduct research. She wanted sponsorship. Send money!

After connecting with Dangerous Girl's business department, Vera did not stop. She tapped the data pad's touchscreen.

Tokyo University, Summer Study Trip

Destination: Cape Town, South Africa

Study Trip Topic: Complete or investigate the feasibility of the Solaris Staircase Project between myself and Dangerous Girl; investigate ancient Bantu tribal ruins; explore undiscovered flora and fauna on the ancient African continent.

Applying to begin the first summer study trip ahead of schedule.

Send.

After finishing everything in her hands, Vera packed up her handbag. Once she activated the DNA analyzer's automatic cleaning and sterilization function, she pushed the door open and left. It was time to eat, and she still had law classes in the afternoon.

She was not worried at all. Her identity within Arasaka was clean and could withstand investigation. She only needed to proceed step by step.

"After this week's first law exam, I'll book a flight to South Africa."

Tap, tap, tap...

In a dim room, massive quantities of data cables fed into a pitch-black, bathtub-shaped network data pod marked with a circular three-leaf clover emblem. The split-screen monitors playing surveillance footage glowed faintly. Suddenly, two data segments popped up on an information interception screen at the edge.

The hacker goggles worn with a specialized stealth-and-cooling bodysuit flickered in response.

"Target information has been monitored and retrieved. No anomalies, Lord Shintaro Takayama... But there is an unexpected discovery. Lord Sano Arasaka... also appears to be watching this target."

Vera's Promises, Saburo Arasaka's Desire

Outskirts of Tokyo Metropolis.

A massive estate spanning more than twenty acres stood quietly against the lush green horizon. Heavy-duty drones and hovercars constantly entered and exited, patrolling every edge of the estate without blind spots.

The estate's gates lay hidden amid a verdant bamboo grove. In Japan, where land resources were extremely scarce and astonishingly expensive, and greenery had become a luxury, owning such a small haven within Tokyo yet removed from the city's bustle was undoubtedly the finest expression of power and wealth.

The Arasaka Family Estate.

That was its name.

It had existed since the last century. It had been purchased during the era of Arasaka Sanza, also known as Suzui, Saburo's father, before Saburo Arasaka fully seized power. It had witnessed the rise and fall of old Japan, as well as the resurgence of new Japan and Arasaka.

It was unquestionably the most important heart of Arasaka Corporation.

Because Saburo Arasaka lived within it!

At the center of the estate, inside the main house whose doors were carved with exquisite cloud patterns and cherry blossoms, the temperature was springlike year-round. Wisps of smoke drifted from an antique incense burner, carrying a pleasant fragrance.

A massive projection screen, seemingly out of place yet perfectly blended with the wooden floors, paper lattice windows, tatami mats, and other old Japanese elements, displayed scene after scene in split-screen.

One of them.

At a large, empty corporate residential hovercar landing pad marked with neon crosshair light strips, a standard Holy Sword hovercar slowly descended and came to a hover. Welcomed eagerly by the landing pad staff, a beautiful pale-blonde woman with an imposing bearing stepped out, lightly brushed her handbag, exchanged a brief but proper conversation with the staff, then headed toward the residence with crisp, elegant steps.

"Do you think she is worthy of trust?"

A slow, dry voice asked.

"Vera Adelheid Russell... the only daughter of Fred Russell, a senior executive in the North American Security Department, and Mia Russell. She followed her father's aspirations and joined the Night City Arasaka Security Department. Lord Saburo, she is someone cultivated within Arasaka's internal system."

Shintaro Takayama, whom Vera had met several times before—the old-fashioned pure-flesh diehard who always looked down his nose at everyone—now lowered his arrogant head.

"Though she has ambition, this fool believes she can be trusted."

In an incomparably humble tone, he respectfully stated his opinion to the elderly man seated on a cushion, the person to whom he had sworn lifelong loyalty—Saburo Arasaka.

"..."

Saburo Arasaka did not immediately respond, nor did he turn around. He simply moved his aged, shriveled fingers slowly across the touchscreen.

On the screen were Vera's current movements in Tokyo, records of her advanced studies at the Tokyo Arasaka Academy as the chief graduate of the Class of 2073, her business partnership with Dangerous Girl, the real-time battle situation as she purged terrorist organizations in Rio de Janeiro, the blurred image of her personally slaughtering the Maelstrom gang when she had first taken office in Night City, and footage of her speech at the Night City Arasaka Academy's freshman entrance ceremony...

To observe actions was to observe the person.

The image of Vera Adelheid had gradually taken shape in his mind.

"Continue."

After a long while, Saburo Arasaka's slightly unclear aged voice sounded.

Shintaro Takayama nodded and carefully chose his words.

"Vera Adelheid's talent and future are beyond doubt. After another decade or so of experience and refinement, so long as she can maintain this momentum and we do not suppress her, she will certainly become an important person in charge of Arasaka's interests in North America under the normal promotion rules."

"In recent years, undercurrents have been stirring in North America. Although after formally announcing our return to North America in 2069, we gained a foothold and reclaimed the West Coast interests that originally belonged to us with the support of the Free State and those separatist forces, and we also seized a considerable share in Latin America and South America, as long as Militech remains, it is all an illusion."

"Once Militech regains its strength and attacks again, after losing Night City, our expansion in North America will be unable to advance even a single step. Night City is the key to our Americas plan. As long as Night City remains, those fence-sitters will not turn to Militech. We will also have time to solidify our other footholds and even continue competing with Militech."

"Therefore, Night City is the anchor."

"Although the 'doves' led by Ms. Michiko were established with your tacit approval and encouragement, and did indeed help Arasaka preserve its strength during the period after Lord Kei's death, now that we have returned in force, over half a century has passed. Some of those 'doves,' pro-American as they are, have evolved too far into 'surrenderists.'"

"Arasaka and Militech coexisting peacefully? Unless one side admits defeat and falls, our war with them will never end. It is dangerous for Night City to continue like this. We must install a sufficiently forceful local power who can withstand pressure while also possessing strong conciliatory methods to counter those voices."

"So..." Saburo Arasaka slowly turned around. "You have chosen this young person?"

He wore a black-and-gray long-sleeved kimono, with a haori bearing the Arasaka family crest draped over it.

At 156 years old, time had left deep marks on his face. His once stern and imposing features were now covered in wrinkles and age spots, his skin dark and lusterless. Only the eyes beneath his round, legless glasses remained as clear as ever.

His gaze was like an eagle's, glittering with sharp light and giving him an extraordinary impression of vigor.

"Yes, Lord Saburo."

Kneeling on the tatami, Shintaro Takayama placed both hands on his thighs, leaned forward, and said solemnly, "After my assessment, she is currently the Arasaka junior most likely to bear this responsibility. Arasaka has never lacked ambitious people. The incompetent are eliminated. As long as you are here, her ambition is insignificant."

"She can be trusted, but she must be monitored."

That was his conclusion.

Naturally, Vera was not the only candidate.

Abernathy, the Director of Special Operations in Night City, was also on Shintaro Takayama's assessment list. But comparing the two, Vera, as a local power and part of the North American faction, was undoubtedly more worth supporting. She directly commanded military forces, possessed grassroots experience, could withstand pressure, excelled at breakthroughs, had more experience doing arduous Security Department work and field assignments.

Abernathy had devoted too much effort to the intelligence department, Counter-Intelligence Department, and internal security purges.

Those jobs had poor reputations and made enemies easily. Put bluntly, she was a mad dog, a rag used for dirty work. She might look imposing, and nobody would willingly provoke her unless necessary, but once something happened, she would be dragged out and sacrificed as an example.

No one pitied a rag.

And with Michiko Arasaka serving as the first executive in Night City on the administrative and diplomatic fronts against Militech and the New United States, the second pillar needed to be someone who truly got things done—someone who could sign external contracts and make money, dare to stand up to Militech, possessed combined-arms command experience, could hold press conferences and manage public relations, and excelled in military affairs.

For the public good, Vera was the optimal solution.

Shintaro Takayama knew that Abernathy had been parachuted into the position of Night City Director of Special Operations partly due to Lord Saburo's will, but she could not withstand pressure! Nor had she ever proven herself under such immense pressure.

Even if she had the ability to serve as the top person in charge of a regional branch, she absolutely could not handle the North American Headquarters in Night City.

Of course, if Lord Saburo rejected her or had another candidate in mind, Shintaro Takayama would support that choice without reservation.