Chapter Eight: The Overly Friendly Colleague

Outside the door, K Ai was anxiously waiting. The moment Mo Wen appeared, he hurried over and asked, “How did it go?”

Mo Wen rolled his eyes at him. “You’re still alive, so clearly we’ve come to an agreement.”

“Start the car. I’ve set a rendezvous point with your gang leader. I’m going to pick up the gang members I ordered.”

K Ai quickly agreed, guiding Mo Wen toward the meeting spot.

There, beside an armored vehicle, stood the gang leader of the Hawks, a fully cybernetic individual, and two others with advanced augmentations. They were all equipped with armor and weapons that exuded a strong technological aura, which impressed Mo Wen.

The gang leader glanced at K Ai without comment, then coldly addressed Mo Wen, “Get in, employer.”

Mo Wen switched vehicles immediately but remained somewhat surprised. “Why did you come in person?”

The leader started the vehicle and responded while receiving the mission’s starting location from Mo Wen: “You offered an enormous sum—120,000 credit points. I can’t promise someone worthy of that price, only the best I can offer, and I am the strongest in our gang.”

Mo Wen sighed appreciatively. “Ha, I admire that—you know the value of your goods. Did you buy this equipment just now, to live up to the price?”

The leader shook his head. “No, I haven’t upgraded recently. Compared to the market, the company’s supply is still more cost-effective.”

“I put my life on the line for one-tenth of that, and those two others cost half that each. That’s already invested from the gang’s pool. The remaining 100,000 can buy gear, but we hope that after this mission, our reward truly reflects our efforts.”

Mo Wen nodded firmly. “Of course. You get what you pay for—I’m not one to cheat.”

The leader’s steel lips strained to form a smile. “Then we would never betray a friend.”

The ride was silent. Mo Wen used the time to browse the net for mercenary and weapon information until they reached the company’s mission start point.

A truck bearing the Dream Entertainment logo was parked there. A group of youths in company uniforms was engrossed in their networked devices, seemingly indistinguishable from ordinary people.

Only when Mo Wen’s armored vehicle stopped beside them and the four cyborgs disembarked did they come to their senses, glancing curiously and whispering among themselves.

“Such an old model—mercenaries out there still use these kinds of augmentations? It’s utterly inhumane! The sensory system barely integrates with the human brain anymore; the intense cognitive dissonance leads to mental disorders, and the performance is poor.”

“The neuroplasticity of old humans is too limited. They can’t adapt to higher-level augmentations. Even with humanoid modifications that preserve function, their quality of life doesn’t improve. This is all they can manage.”

“It’s tragic—they’re bound to go insane eventually. Even if old humans are destined for extinction, it shouldn’t be like this. I just can’t bear to watch.”

One girl approached, not to discuss the mission but to suggest to the gang leader, “You should switch to gentler augmentations—you’re going to lose your mind otherwise.”

The leader scoffed, “You paying for it?”

But in the next moment, a notification of a change in his account balance appeared. His demeanor softened instantly; even his steel face tried to form a smile. “Thank you, truly grateful for your donation. But this is my job, my responsibility. I am prepared to die in the line of duty.”

The girl looked puzzled. “What responsibility?”

The leader bowed slightly, lowering his gaze so she wouldn’t have to look up, then spoke politely, “I want the children of the Outer Ring to become capable workers through postnatal augmentation—living with dignity and honest employment.”

The girl showed admiration. “I see. It’s a shame I can’t afford such change yet.”

“But rest assured, our generation is striving to develop more affordable ways to fully convert you old humans. Even if our predecessors believe you should be naturally phased out, we won’t give up.”

Mo Wen cleared his throat, interrupting, “We’re mercenaries here to accept a contract.”

Compared to lofty ideals, making sure the money’s earned was more pressing.

The girl looked confused. “Is that a problem?”

The gang leader reminded her, “It’s our working hours now, and we hope to buy some of the company’s weapons and equipment.”

The girl nodded, calling to a boy in slightly different clothing behind her, “Team leader, please grant them temporary access.”

The team leader’s cybernetic eye flickered. “Access granted. During this mission, you can purchase mercenary-supplied equipment at internal prices. But don’t resell it—we’ll come after you.”

“Are you clear on the mission details?” he asked.

Mo Wen confirmed, “Five teams in total. Within two days, we need to deliver Dream Entertainment’s cargo to an outside-lab. We’re responsible for one team. There might be attacks from Life Pharmaceutical Company mercenaries along the way, right?”

The team leader nodded. “Exactly. Though the intensity of proxy combat by mercenaries is far from full-scale conflict. But you mercenaries... you should know others won’t hold back.”

“If you can’t secure the cargo, just run. It’s not something critical enough to cause major problems if lost. And risking your lives won’t necessarily save it—you’d better save yourselves.”

“Of course, if you fail, you’ll be blacklisted for incompetence, forfeit this contract’s payment, and the credit rating of your intermediary guarantor will take a hit.”

Mo Wen said confidently, “If it’s just civilian-level force, I don’t think we’ll lose.”

The team leader smiled. “Then I wish you success.”

He paused, looking at the four of them, then added, “If you encounter truly overwhelming foes that you can’t outrun, you can feign death after severe injury—take that gamble.”

“Though mercenaries are supposed to be expendable, I’ve personally arranged health insurance for you.”

He placed his fist over his chest. “May every life receive equal respect.”

The other company employees mirrored his solemn expression and gesture, then quickly relaxed.

A company youth leaned in earnestly. “If you’re buying our weapons and want maximum value, you need an expert to guide you. I’m familiar with all the gear.”

“Interested in a detailed introduction or some test videos?”

Mo Wen accepted eagerly. “Go ahead.”