A Ride Through the City
After leaving Genting Club, David and Jack decided to grab a quick meal at a street vendor outside.
Jack, munching on a greasy burrito, patted his stomach and grinned.
"Damn, David, we should celebrate more often. That Evelin chick was something else!"
David smirked but said nothing. His mind was still working through the implications of their meeting.
Evelin had taken the 5 million eurodollars, which meant she was now part of the game—whether she realized it or not.
And when Yorinobu Arasaka eventually came looking for her?
David would be waiting.
After finishing their food, they hopped back onto their motorcycles—David on his sleek Kusanagi CT-4X, Jack on his custom-modded ARCH—and took a detour through the neon-lit streets before finally heading back to their apartment at H Building.
The ride was smooth, the city alive with the usual mix of hustlers, corps, and street kids.
But as they pulled into their designated parking spots, David's eyes narrowed.
---
A Familiar Face
Just as David cut his engine, the door of a luxury Masa X-PS sedan in the next parking space swung open.
From the driver's seat, a middle-aged man with a big belly and a custom-tailored suit stepped out, his expensive cologne practically thick in the air.
In his arms, a voluptuous woman, draped in a fur-lined synth coat, clung to him with a teasing smile.
David recognized the man instantly.
Wang Gao.
A senior executive at Huangcheng Corporation—and more importantly, the father of Katsuo, the spoiled rich kid who used to bully him at Arasaka Academy.
Jack noticed David's shift in demeanor.
"Friend of yours?" he asked, following David's gaze.
"No." David's voice was even. "But I know who he is."
Jack frowned. "Huh. Corpo?"
"Close enough. Works with Arasaka."
Jack let out a low whistle. "Shit, no wonder he walks around like he owns the place."
David's gaze stayed locked on Wang Gao.
In Tanaka's stolen data, there had been sensitive information on Arasaka's experimental cyberware. Among them was the Sian Westan prototype—a next-gen cybernetic system that could revolutionize combat implants.
And now, Tanaka himself was standing just a few feet away.
---
Arrogance in Motion
As Wang Gao and his companion stepped out, the woman glanced at David and Jack, her bright red lips curling into a playful smirk.
"Oh my, Mr. Tanaka," she purred. "They actually allow people with motorcycles to live in this building?"
David kept his face neutral.
Jack, on the other hand, scowled. "Got a problem with bikes, lady?"
The woman let out a musical laugh.
"No, no, not at all. In fact…" she glanced between the two of them, her cybernetic eyes scanning their physiques. "I think they look quite… handsome."
Tanaka barely spared them a glance, his expression one of pure contempt.
"Hmph." He scoffed. "Just another pair of low-level mercs. No need to pay them any attention."
The woman pouted playfully.
"Oh, but Mr. Tanaka, I thought only the most successful men drove cars like your Masa X-PS."
Tanaka let out a booming laugh, his belly shaking.
"Hahaha! That's right! You, little lady, sure know how to talk."
He wrapped an arm tighter around her waist.
"Come on, let's get upstairs. I don't like wasting time."
"Oh, Tanaka, you're insatiable~" the woman giggled, pressing herself against him.
David watched silently as the two disappeared into the elevator, their obnoxious laughter echoing through the garage.
---
Jack's Disgust
As soon as the elevator doors closed, Jack spat on the ground.
"Tch. Corpo assholes."
He shook his head, looking at David.
"Man, that guy thinks he's hot shit just 'cause he drives a fancy car."
David exhaled sharply through his nose.
"Let him think what he wants."
Jack snorted. "You sure about that? You looked like you were thinking something back there."
David didn't answer immediately.
He was.
Seeing Tanaka in person had changed things.
Before, he had only considered Arasaka's involvement on a broad level—their tech, their influence.
But now?
Now it was personal.
Tanaka had information he needed.
And that meant Tanaka was a target.
Jack eyed him carefully. "You planning something, David?"
David finally turned to him, his expression unreadable.
"Not yet."
Jack smirked. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, hermano."
He gave David a pat on the shoulder and headed toward the elevator.
David stayed back for a moment, glancing back at the empty parking space.
A Masa X-PS sedan.
A corp suit who thought he was untouchable.
David's grip on his motorcycle tightened.
Not for long.
With a final breath, he followed Jack into the elevator.
---
TO BE CONTINUED…
---
What's Next?
How much does Tanaka actually know?
Will David make a move against him?
What role does Huangcheng Corporation play in Arasaka's experiments?
Find out in the next chapter!
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