Night City
In the High-End Apartment
"What did you say? The Militech corporate building is full of dead soldiers?!"
Jefferson stared at his phone in shock after receiving a call from his confidant in the NCPD.
"How many casualties are we talking about?"
"…Four thousand?!"
Jefferson hung up the phone in horror. His hands trembled slightly as he turned to Elizabeth, who stood beside him with a worried expression.
"What happened, Jefferson? Is it related to the nuclear explosion on the border this afternoon?"
Elizabeth had spent the afternoon having tea at Ember's Dining Room with other government officials' wives. Their peaceful gathering was suddenly disrupted when they saw a massive mushroom cloud rising on the horizon, flames devouring the sky.
The scene terrified them.
Later, the news confirmed their worst fears: a Militech military base had been completely destroyed—blown up by a group of mercenaries.
"My god… What kind of monsters would be bold enough to attack a Militech base?"
Jefferson took a deep breath, his voice low and grim. "Elizabeth, it seems… we underestimated Peter."
"What?" Elizabeth gasped. "You're saying Peter was behind this? But what does the Militech HQ massacre have to do with the explosion?"
Jefferson nodded slowly. "It's all connected. Today, Peter led less than ten mercenaries and stormed Militech's core installation. According to the NCPD report, he and his squad barely took any damage."
"This… this is insane. Is Night City about to change forever?"
---
Early Morning
Peter had spent the entire night mapping out a detailed plan. Now, all he had to do was wait for Kang Tao's response.
Even if they refused to cooperate, he had other ways to unify the factions of Night City.
One way or another, Peter would make sure everyone understood what truly mattered in this chaotic city.
"Peter, you haven't slept at all, have you?"
V stumbled into the room, clutching his head and groaning from a hangover.
Peter chuckled. "I told you not to drink that much. You never listen."
He flicked V lightly on the forehead and headed toward the kitchen. "I'll make you some hangover soup. Go check if Sasha and Lucy are up."
"Ow! That hurt!" V winced, rubbing his forehead. "I was just too excited yesterday… and maybe got carried away."
Peter shook his head with a smirk and got to work. In less than ten minutes, he had brewed a hot and sour egg drop soup—a recipe he'd always used to cure hangovers in his past life.
As the aroma filled the apartment, the trio of Lucy, Sasha, and another friend slowly descended the stairs, all wearing the same expression of regret and headache.
"Ugh, my head…"
"You were the one who drank the most, Sasha."
"Oh please, Lucy. You drank plenty too!"
They slumped down at the table with visible discomfort.
"See? Still wanna act tough when drinking?" Peter teased as he set the soup on the table.
"You've got no right to talk," V snapped, still grumpy. "You were the one downing bottles with Rogge like a maniac."
Peter shrugged. "I don't get drunk easily. I could drink from a barrel and still walk straight."
"You absolute b*****d…" V groaned. "Sometimes, I seriously question if you're even human."
"Alright, alright, enough. Drink the soup. It's good stuff."
He placed steaming bowls in front of each of them.
Lucy took the first sip and closed her eyes with delight. "Mmm. This is amazing."
"Hot and sour, and it really hits the spot," Sasha added.
"If you like it, drink more. I made half a pot," Peter said. "It goes great with pancakes, too."
He retrieved a stack of pancakes from the fridge, reheated them in the microwave, and brought them to the table.
The mood lightened as the group laughed and ate together.
"You all deserve a break. Take the next few days to rest, go shopping, buy whatever you want. I'll unlock full access to my accounts for you," Peter said casually.
His generosity surprised them, but their smiles widened, and a lively conversation broke out at the table.
Peter leaned back in his chair, watching them with a satisfied nod.
---
Ritz Bar – Judy's Studio
In the quiet of her studio, Judy was busy tweaking a braindance unit. Her fingers moved with practiced precision until she suddenly felt arms wrap around her from behind.
"What the—!"
Startled, she yanked off her editing gear and reached for the customized pistol—'Litz'—at her waist.
"Whoa, it's me!" Peter grinned, raising his hands.
Judy's expression changed from fear to slight annoyance—and a bit of relief.
"You've been gone for days. I thought you forgot about me."
Peter looked sheepish. "I've been busy, Judy. But how could I forget you? Look what I brought."
He pulled out a sleek, customized pistol—an exact replica of her own.
"What the… That's another 'Litz'?! That's impossible! Mine was custom-built by a top gunsmith."
Peter smirked. "It's not a copy—it's an enhanced version. More energy storage, triple-shot burst, and fully automatic if you tweak the dial."
Judy was impressed despite herself, but she kept her cool. "Guns, huh? I'm not a mercenary like you. I don't really need weapons."
Peter chuckled and reached into his jacket again. "You think that's all I brought?"
He revealed a finely crafted jewelry box. Inside was a brilliant emerald necklace, glowing softly under the studio lights.
"I know I've been distant lately, Judy. I'm sorry. But I've been thinking about you."
Judy tried to keep a straight face, but the corners of her lips betrayed her.
"What, you think I'm with you because of your money?" she scoffed. "Still… you did make an effort."
She glanced away, pretending not to be swayed.
Peter stepped behind her and gently placed the necklace around her neck, fastening the clasp with care.
"There. Perfect."
Judy stayed quiet for a moment, then turned and punched him lightly in the chest.
"Don't think you can win me over with just gifts."
"I wouldn't dare," Peter replied with a grin. "But I'll keep trying anyway."