giant holo-screen hanging above the crowded street flickered to life as morning broadcasts spread across Night City.
Bright corporate logos illuminated the screen while polished news anchors delivered carefully crafted narratives to millions of viewers.
“Good morning, everyone.
This is today’s WNS News.” The anchor smiled professionally.
“Our first story concerns a statement made by Arasaka Corporation’s newly appointed Night City executive, Minister Victor Vermilles of the Special Operations Department.” The screen shifted.
Victor appeared wearing an immaculate black suit bearing the unmistakable Arasaka insignia.
His posture was perfect, his expression calm and composed.
“As the son of loyal Arasaka employees,” Victor said smoothly, “I have always carried their wishes and aspirations with me.
It is an honor to assume the position of Minister of the Special Operations Department here in Night City.
I look forward to serving both Arasaka and the future stability of this great city.” The broadcast continued for several minutes before the anchor returned.
“The previous statement was delivered by Minister Victor Vermilles.
Our next story concerns the recent violent attack near the city center.” Images of burning vehicles and damaged streets appeared.
“According to investigations, the victims were Arasaka employees transporting sensitive corporate materials.
Evidence suggests the attackers were likely armed operatives connected to Militech.” The footage shifted again.
“This conspiracy was personally disrupted by Minister Victor Vermilles.
Furthermore, Minister Victor recently led operations against Maelstrom elements entrenched within Watson, making a significant contribution to the stability and security of Night City.” Beep.
“Tsk.” A customer sitting nearby immediately scoffed.
“Corporate garbage.” David Martinez looked up from his breakfast noodles.
The man continued complaining.
“‘Significant contribution to Night City,’ my ass.
Those idiots at Maelstrom stole Arasaka’s stuff, that’s all.
And because of that whole mess, I lost a fortune on the Dead Man’s Hand Lottery.” The customer waved angrily toward the television.
“Change the damn channel.” The owner rolled his eyes but changed it anyway.
Almost immediately, a loud and energetic voice filled the diner.
“GOOD MORNING, NIGHT CITY!” David nearly laughed before the host even finished speaking.
The Dead Man’s Hand Lottery show was notorious throughout the city.
The host grinned wildly at the camera.
“A few days ago, a brand-new corporate shark arrived in our wonderful city!” The screen displayed Victor’s image again.
“That’s right!
The recently promoted Arasaka Minister who’s been dominating the news!” The host dramatically leaned toward the camera.
“And what was the first thing he gave us?” He slammed his hand against the desk.
“MORE CORPSES!” The audience sound effects erupted.
“Originally, that day’s lottery count was expected to be seventy-four bodies!” The host pointed dramatically.
“But then Minister Victor showed up!” A giant number appeared behind him.
127.
“The count skyrocketed to one hundred twenty-seven!” The host laughed hysterically.
“I bet half of you lost your savings!” The fake audience roared with laughter.
Then the host glanced at Victor’s image again.
“But honestly?
Have you seen this guy?” The screen zoomed in on Victor.
“Tall.
Rich.
Handsome.” The host nodded seriously.
“If I were working at Clouds, I’d be celebrating right now.” The diner exploded with laughter.
“Goddamn it!” The customer who had been complaining slammed his noodle cup down.
“My luck is trash today.” He stood up and stormed toward the exit.
“I’m not eating anymore.” David couldn’t stop himself from laughing.
The owner immediately shouted.
“Hey!
You haven’t paid yet!” The customer waved dismissively.
“I lost enough money already!” The owner’s expression darkened.
Then he calmly pulled a pistol from beneath the counter.
Click.
The customer froze.
Bang!
The warning shot blasted into the ceiling.
“HOLY SHIT!” The customer nearly jumped out of his skin.
“Okay!
Okay!
I’ll pay!” The entire diner burst into laughter.
David wiped tears from his eyes.
Night City never changed.
As the chaos settled down, David glanced back toward the television.
Victor’s image remained on the screen.
An Arasaka executive.
A corporate legend.
Someone who could alter the fate of entire districts with a single order.
David found himself staring longer than he intended.
“He’s really incredible…” The words escaped quietly.
After finishing breakfast, David paid for his meal and headed toward the megabuilding where he lived.
Tomorrow would be his first day at Arasaka Academy.
His mother had worked overtime specifically so she could accompany him.
That meant he had the entire evening to himself.
A grin appeared on David’s face.
The moment he stepped inside his apartment— Blackwall protocol initiated.
Hours disappeared instantly.
Like most teenagers, David’s definition of productivity was vastly different from his mother’s.
Meanwhile.
Far above the streets of Night City.
Inside a luxurious corporate office.
Victor received an unexpected notification.
“Hm?” He looked down at the message.
For a moment, he seemed genuinely confused.
Dead Man’s Hand Lottery?
He didn’t remember participating.
The message opened automatically.
[Dear Mr.
Victor Vermilles, Congratulations on correctly predicting the final Dead Man’s Hand Lottery result.
As this cycle’s grand prize winner, you have been awarded fifty thousand Eurodollars and one brand-new Villefort Cortes.
Delivery has been scheduled for today.
Thank you for participating.] Victor stared at the message.
Then he laughed.
Of all the things to happen, winning Night City’s corpse lottery wasn’t exactly what he expected.
He turned toward his trusted subordinate.
“Canris.” “Boss?” “The car is yours.” Canris blinked.
For several seconds he thought he had misheard.
“What?” Victor casually closed the message.
“I don’t need it.” Canris stared.
Then his eyes nearly exploded with excitement.
“Really?” Victor nodded.
“Go enjoy it.” The next second, Canris looked like a child receiving a Christmas present.
“Thank you, Boss!” His voice echoed throughout the office.
Victor merely shook his head.
The man was far too easy to satisfy.
Elsewhere.
Maine’s crew had gathered for a meeting.
The moment Faraday stepped out of his vehicle, he froze.
Because standing before him were five people who absolutely should have been dead.
“…You survived?” His surprise was genuine.
Maine’s expression immediately darkened.
“You’ve got some nerve asking that.” Faraday remained silent.
Then he adjusted his glasses and recovered his usual composure.
“I never set you up.” “Right.” Pilar snorted.
“And we’re all saints.” Faraday ignored him.
“It was an unfortunate situation.” Maine took a step forward.
A dangerous one.
Immediately, Faraday’s bodyguard shifted position.
The tension grew heavier.
“Mission failed.” Faraday shrugged.
“I’ll compensate you.” “Fifty thousand Eurodollars.” “Fuck you.” Pilar’s response came instantly.
Faraday’s smile twitched.
Still, he continued calmly.
“I’m actually more interested in something else.” His eyes narrowed.
“How did you survive an encounter with Victor Vermilles?” Maine’s heart skipped a beat.
But his expression never changed.
“We got lucky.” Faraday remained silent.
Maine continued.
“We injured the Militech traitor he was chasing.” “Victor seemed more interested in him than us.” Maine deliberately rubbed one of his surgical scars.
“He still beat the hell out of us.” “Most of our cyberware got damaged.” “We’ve spent days recovering.” Faraday studied the crew carefully.
The injuries looked real.
The scars looked fresh.
Pilar’s missing hand was difficult to fake.
Most importantly— The story made sense.
Why would a powerful Arasaka executive spare random mercenaries?
Simple luck was the logical explanation.
Faraday nodded slowly.
“What can you tell me about him?” Maine hesitated.
Then answered.
“He uses a Sandevistan.” Faraday’s eyes sharpened.
“Go on.” “Heavy armor.” “Katana specialist.” Maine unconsciously remembered that terrifying battle.
The memory alone made his stomach tighten.
“He can deflect bullets.” “His swordsmanship is ridiculous.” Maine looked away.
“Our crew never had a chance.” The fear visible on his face wasn’t acting.
It was genuine.
Because deep down, Maine understood the truth.
If Victor had decided they were useless, every single one of them would already be dead.
Faraday remained thoughtful.
Finally, he transferred funds.
One hundred thousand Eurodollars.
Maine’s agent chimed.
“Fifty thousand compensation.” Faraday adjusted his glasses.
“The other fifty is payment for the information.” He turned back toward his vehicle.
“I’ll contact you when another job becomes available.” The luxury car disappeared into traffic moments later.
Pilar immediately spat onto the pavement.
“What a piece of shit.” Maine watched the vehicle disappear.
“We’ll settle accounts with him someday.” The crew quietly agreed.
Inside their hideout, another conversation was taking place.
Rebecca sat beside Sasha.
Her expression carried obvious concern.
“Seriously.” Rebecca frowned.
“That corporate guy didn’t do anything to you?” Sasha nearly choked.
“What exactly are you imagining?” Rebecca looked away.
“Nothing.” The answer convinced nobody.
Sasha sighed.
She understood perfectly.
Rebecca was worried.
The entire crew was worried.
But there were things Sasha simply couldn’t explain.
Not yet.
Working with Arasaka.
Investigating Biotechnica.
Standing between corporations capable of destroying entire cities.
It was dangerous beyond words.
She was willing to risk her own life.
But not Rebecca’s.
Not Maine’s.
Not any of theirs.
So she simply smiled.
“Relax.” Rebecca narrowed her eyes.
Sasha continued quietly.
“In a strange way…” She looked toward the city skyline beyond the window.
“…I should probably thank him.” Rebecca’s jaw dropped.
“Huh?!” And for the first time since their capture, Sasha genuinely laughed.
Because she knew something the others didn’t.
Victor Vermilles had not destroyed her future.
He had given her a chance to change it.
——————————– CREATORS’ THOUGHTS ShadowSamuraiTL Have some idea about my story?
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