Infinite Progression, Starting with Arasaka

Even knowing Arasaka would benefit from their efforts, they would inevitably act if given the chance.

She should focus on cultivating her internal strength and solidifying her own power base first.

"Let's talk about internal company matters... Have there been any developments with Tanaka's project?"

"No. However... cough cough..." Jimmy glanced around nervously. "Jenkins from Counter-Intelligence and Abernathy, the Director of Special Operations, are in a pretty big fight. From what I can tell, Jenkins got the upper hand this time. Oh, and it seems one of his ambitious enforcers has surfaced and been rapidly promoted."

Vera, who had been casually preparing to wrap up the meeting and head to Tokyo University, suddenly focused.

"Who?"

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

"Never mind. Counter-Intelligence and the Director of Special Operations are duking it out; our Security Department shouldn't get involved. Just pretend you never heard about it and let things play out. While they can't touch us, they're certainly good at being annoying and causing delays."

Special Operations' jurisdiction covered special actions. They could interfere with counter-intelligence, intelligence, corporate economic security, and the protection of top-level security – essentially, any special work. Their internal security level was high.

However, the Security Department, true to its name, served as a crucial supplement to the corporate military system. As Arasaka's largest and most well-known department, a violent armed force, its rank was naturally one level higher than other departments, on par with the banking sector.

The Security Department's responsibilities were also public knowledge: riot control, maintaining public order, and everything from bodyguard contracts to national defense and military contracting were considered 'routine business.' They could directly sign contracts with foreign merchants and companies to earn money, and these activities were not under the purview of the Director of Special Operations.

Counter-Intelligence and Intelligence, naturally, had no access to normal commercial activities.

Therefore, Vera rarely interacted with Abernathy, nor did she wish to.

Having confirmed the information in her mind, Vera stood up, elegantly adjusting her form-fitting uniform, and declared, "Meeting adjourned."

"Yes!"

The video communication cut off, and the wall partitions automatically closed. Vera withdrew her gaze, silently murmuring to herself, "Valerie... an absolutely excellent tool."

She had no interest in the internal squabbles between Counter-Intelligence and Special Operations, but she was very interested in V.

There would be opportunities to meet.

With that thought, Vera checked the time, then paused the mischievous ideas brewing in her mind. She picked out several test tubes of leech DNA she had purified the previous night from the laboratory's cold storage, placed them in a metal case, and then put that into her handbag. She went downstairs, put on her shoes, and left.

To school.

At 8:40 AM, Vera arrived at the Tokyo University campus in Bunkyo Ward via hovercar. She weaved through the crowd of leisurely young men and women still enjoying campus life and walked onto the green path beside the School of Medicine's experimental building.

In the world of Cyberpunk, education had become extremely polarized: the strong became weaker, and the weak became stronger. For top institutions like Tokyo University, all supporting facilities were state-of-the-art.

Presenting her ID, Vera easily secured a laboratory. Tokyo University's various resources were abundant, requiring no lengthy queues or waiting.

As her sole purpose for this visit was to leave experimental records and compare leech DNA, she hadn't yet synthesized the Progenitor Virus directly. Vera didn't change into a lab coat or specialized sealed protective suit, opting instead to begin her work in her school's black and red uniform.

Analyzing the leech DNA map.

Unconsciously, the bell rang!

The midday bell sounded. Vera didn't get up. Instead, an orange-red glow flickered in her pupils as her concentration intensified. Connected to the analysis instrument, she was reading the map parameters.

"It seems... it might actually work?"

A thoughtful expression on her face, she murmured aloud.

Recalling the leech DNA map specifically cultivated by Umbrella, Vera realized that leeches and their DNA, cultivated and adapted to survive in the harsh natural environment of 2075 within the Cyberpunk world, seemed to possess stronger tolerance and adaptability.

The biggest problem with applying the Progenitor Virus was its stability. Stability, environmental adaptability, and enhanced moldability were the key focuses of its applied research.

Leeches were the optimal choice Marcus and William had made after comparing the DNA of animals from across the globe.

Umbrella had relied on leech DNA to enhance the Progenitor Virus's environmental adaptability, thereby improving its stability, and subsequently extracting the T-Virus.

Now, using leech DNA from the Cyberpunk world, which had stronger and more prominent adaptability and stability, replicating and cultivating it under the same conditions would undoubtedly result in a more stable T-Virus. While it wouldn't be harmless, it would lower the barrier to fusion, making it feasible!

"It seems... I'll need to control the amount of inflow."

Gently rubbing her forehead, Vera disconnected from the instrument and thought silently.

The Cyberpunk world lacked for nothing in terms of relevant genetic programming technology; what they lacked were new elements, like the extraordinary and peculiar virus that was the Progenitor Virus. With enough Progenitor Virus samples, it might even be possible to rejuvenate Saburo Arasaka and extend his lifespan.

She had to head to Africa as soon as possible!

Her interest piqued, Vera grabbed her personal datapad from the workbench and began writing a report, which she intended to submit to Michiko Arasaka's "Dangerous Girl" project. She couldn't use something like this anti-aircraft cannon on Saburo Arasaka; the old way was better, more reasonable.

She wouldn't force the Progenitor Virus, but her subordinates—those injured, aged, and neurologically declining old brothers who had to replace their bodies with cybernetics—needed it.

"Got it."

After careful consideration, she had decided on a title.

Title: [Solaris Staircase (Sonnentreppe) Project]

[Extend human cellular lifespan, revitalize human flesh and blood tissues, enhance human physique]

The idea for this plan originated from an incident where I defeated a rogue AI while practicing computational power outside the Black Wall on the Old Net.

I accidentally accessed the residual data fragments from the rogue AI's disintegration and learned about investigation documents stored on the internet by a company engaged in mining and transportation in Africa before the collapse of the Old Net in 2023.

In Africa, in the ruins of an ancient tribe with an extinct Bantu dialect.

Their underground ruins contained a flower, a flower containing potent poison. However, according to the company's documents, among the local population, that flower was actually a medicine, a powerful one, capable of shedding aging cells and possessing a rejuvenating effect on human cells and tissues.

Unconfirmed speculation suggests that the flower contains an undiscovered substance. If it can be extracted, it will be of significant help to your company's new drug research for its convalescence and rehabilitation business.

[Send]

The meaning is clear: I, Vera, want to research, I want sponsorship, give me money!

After connecting with the business department of 'Dangerous Girl', Vera didn't stop. She tapped the screen of her datapad, bringing up [Tokyo University, Summer Study Trip].

Destination: [Cape Town, South Africa].

Study Trip Topic: To complete or investigate the feasibility of the "Solaris Staircase Project" between myself and the Dangerous Girl company, to survey ancient tribal ruins of the Bantu language group, and to explore undiscovered flora and fauna on the African continent.

Applying for the first batch of early summer study trips.

[Send]

After finishing everything in her hands, Vera packed her handbag. After activating the automatic cleaning and sterilization function of the DNA analysis instrument, she pushed the door open. It was time to eat, and she still had law classes in the afternoon.

She wasn't in a hurry at all. Her identity at Arasaka was clean and could withstand scrutiny. Progress could be made step by step.

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

Tap, tap, tap...

In the dimly lit room, a massive amount of data cables were connected to a black, bathtub-shaped data pod with a circular cloverleaf logo in the center. The split-screen monitors displaying surveillance footage flickered with a dim light. Suddenly, two data segments popped up on the information interception screen at the edge.

The hacker's goggles, integrated into a specialized stealth heat-dissipating jumpsuit, flashed in response.

"Target information has been monitored and read. No anomalies, Lord Shintaro Takayama... However, there's an unexpected discovery. Lord Sano Arasaka... seems to be paying attention to this target as well."

Chapter 049: The Pie Vera Drew, Saburo Arasaka's Desire (5K)

Outskirts of Tokyo.

A massive estate, covering over twenty acres of land, stood silently against the lush green horizon. Heavily armed drones and hovercars constantly entered and exited, patrolling every edge and corner of the estate without blind spots.

The manor's gate was hidden amidst a grove of bamboo. In Japan, where land resources were extremely scarce and astonishingly expensive, and greenery had become a luxury, possessing such a small haven in Tokyo, yet far from the hustle and bustle of the city, was undoubtedly the best interpretation of power and wealth.

Arasaka Family Estate.

This was its name.

It had existed since the last century, purchased during the era of Sanzo Arasaka (also translated as Suzaku, Saburo's father) before Saburo Arasaka gained complete control. It had witnessed the rise and fall of old Japan, as well as the resurgence of new Japan and Arasaka.

Undoubtedly, it was the most important heart of the Arasaka Corporation. No other place could compare.

Because Saburo Arasaka lived within it!

In the center of the estate, inside the main house where the doors were carved with exquisite cloud patterns and cherry blossoms, the temperature was always spring-like. Wisps of light smoke curled from an ancient incense burner, emitting a pleasant aroma.

A giant projection screen, which seemed out of place yet perfectly blended with the traditional Japanese elements like wooden floors, paper screens, and tatami mats, was broadcasting various split-screen images.

One of them showed:

A standard 'Sacred Sword' model hovercar slowly descended and landed on a company community hovercar landing pad, marked with neon crosshair light strips. Under the attentive reception of the landing pad service personnel, a strikingly beautiful woman with a commanding presence and light blonde hair stepped out. She lightly touched her handbag, exchanged brief but proper words with the service staff, and then proceeded towards the mansion with a dignified and elegant gait.

"Do you think she is trustworthy?"

A slow, dry voice asked.

"Vera Adelheid Russell... the only daughter of Fred Russell and Mia Russell, high-ranking executives in the North American Security Department. She followed in her father's footsteps and joined the Arasaka Security Department in Night City. Lord Saburo, she is someone cultivated within our Arasaka internal system."

Vera had met him a few times. Shintaro Takayama, that arrogant old stubborn man who always looked down on people, now lowered his proud head.

"Although she has ambition, in my humble opinion, she can be trusted."

In an extremely humble tone, he expressed his opinion to the old man kneeling on the tatami mat, the person to whom he had sworn lifelong loyalty – Saburo Arasaka.

"..."

Saburo Arasaka did not respond immediately. He did not turn around, but slowly used his withered, aged fingers to swipe across the touch screen.

On the screen, Vera's current activities in Tokyo, her past academic records as the chief graduate of the 2073 class at Arasaka Academy Tokyo, her business cooperation with 'Dangerous Girl', the real-time combat situation of the crackdown on terrorists in Rio de Janeiro, the blurred image of her personally slaughtering the Vortex Gang upon her arrival in Night City, the speech at the Arasaka Academy Night City freshman orientation ceremony...

Observing her actions was like observing the person herself.

The character of Vera Adelheid was gradually taking shape in his mind.

"Continue speaking."

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 undeniable. After more than a decade of experience and refinement, as long as she can maintain this momentum, and we don't suppress her, following the normal promotion rules, she will definitely become an important person in charge of our Arasaka's interests in North America."

"In recent years, the situation in North America has been turbulent. Although after we officially announced our return to North America in 2069, with the support of the Free State and cooperation with those separatist major forces, we gained a foothold and reclaimed our original interests on the West Coast. We also captured a considerable share in Latin America and South America. However, as long as Militech is still around, everything is just Kyōka Suigetsu."

"Once Militech, which has recovered its strength, attacks again, and after losing Night City, our expansion in North America will be difficult. Night City is the key to our American plan. As long as Night City is there, other fence-sitters will not lean towards Militech, and we will have time to consolidate our other footholds, and even continue to compete with Militech."

"Therefore, Night City is the anchor point."

"Although the 'doves' led by Miss Michiko were established with your tacit approval and promotion, and indeed helped Arasaka preserve its strength during the period after Lord Kei's death, with the passage of half a century, some 'doves', pro-American, have excessively evolved into 'surrenderists'."

"Peaceful coexistence between Arasaka and Militech? Unless one side surrenders and falls, our war with them will never end. Night City is dangerous if it continues like this. We must replace it with a strong local power, one that can withstand pressure while also possessing good appeasement capabilities, to counter those voices."

"So..." Saburo Arasaka slowly turned around, "you've chosen this young person?"

He was wearing a black and gray wide-sleeved kimono, with a haori bearing the Arasaka family crest over it.

At 156 years old, time had left deep marks on his face. His once strong and imposing face was now covered in wrinkles and age spots, his skin dull and lusterless. Only the eyes beneath the rimless glasses remained as clear as ever.

His gaze was like an eagle's, sharp and gleaming, giving him an unusually vigorous aura.

"Yes, Lord Saburo."

Kneeling on the tatami mat, Shintaro Takayama placed his hands on his thighs, leaned forward, and bowed. He spoke in a deep voice, "After my assessment, she is the most promising junior member of Arasaka currently capable of taking responsibility. Arasaka never lacks ambitious individuals, and the incompetent are eliminated. As long as you are here, her ambition is insignificant."

"She can be trusted, but requires supervision."

This was his conclusion.

Vera was not the only candidate, of course.

Night City's Special Operations Director Abernathy was also on Shintaro Takayama's list. However, when compared, Vera, with her grassroots experience, ability to handle pressure, expertise in tackling difficult tasks, and more field experience in security work, was more valuable to support as a local power player within the North American faction, who directly controlled military forces.

Abernathy had spent too much energy on cleaning up the Intelligence Department, Counter-Intelligence Department, and Internal Security.

These tasks were thankless and easily offended people. To put it bluntly, she was a mad dog, a rag used for dirty work. While she might appear formidable, no one would willingly offend her unless absolutely necessary. But if something went wrong, she would be the one dragged out as a scapegoat.

No one cared about a rag.

Since Night City directly faced Militech and Neo-America, and Michiko Arasaka served as the first executive officer for administration and diplomacy, the second addition needed to be someone who could truly get things done, sign contracts to make money, dare to confront Militech head-on, possess command experience with combined arms, handle press conferences and public relations, and excel in the military field.

In fairness, Vera was the optimal choice.

Shintaro Takayama knew that Abernathy's position as Night City's Special Operations Director was due to an appointment, with Lord Saburo's will involved. However, she couldn't handle pressure! She had never proven herself under such immense pressure.

Even if she had the ability to be the primary head of a regional branch, she absolutely could not be the head of Night City's North American headquarters.

Of course, if Lord Saburo rejected her, or if another candidate emerged, Shintaro Takayama would offer his full support.