The Eisenberg supercar sped down the gravel roads of the industrial area, the firelight from the factory reflected off the rearview mirror and onto the driver's seat.
The flames and gunfire were gradually fading.
Boom, honk~
John punched the steering wheel.
The Silver Rider emitted a short horn sound.
"Are you a Shark Coin!"
He yelled at the doctor. "Firing at the glass from the passenger seat, if the front windshield has a nano interception net, it'll bounce back and turn us into sieves!"
"The situation is critical, man, if we delay any longer is it not saving your life?"
"Save me? Did I deserve to wade into this mess!"
"..."
Ryan Randall choked, quickly calming down. "Sorry, John, I owe you a big one."
"The trouble's not over."
John pulled the gun back and placed it on his knee, then stared intently at the rearview mirror.
The sound of engines grew closer from afar.
A beam of headlights passed by the side of the Silver Rider, so bright that they squinted subconsciously, followed by a crash as the guardrail ahead was broken.
Debris scattered across the gravel road in chaos.
A red-painted desert buggy burst through the dust.
Henchmen from the Nocturne Bar were wildly spraying bullets at them.
The Silver Rider lost its windshield, bullets grazed the hood, and even hit the A and B pillars around the driver's seat.
Swish—
John suddenly drifted in place, positioning the bulletproof-mesh-protected area forward, then accelerated onto another road to make an escape.
The industrial area roads were rugged and narrow, preventing the Silver Rider from showcasing its speed advantage.
The desert buggy crashed through recklessly.
Its front bumper was modified, the alloy steel frame was absurdly tough, probably salvaged from some armored vehicle.
John maneuvered deftly through the hail of bullets on the gravel surface.
"F*ck!"
Dr. Ryan felt absolutely awful.
The world spun, the tire screeches and gunfire were deafening, and the massive centrifugal force felt like it wanted to rip his heart out.
"Duck!"
John suddenly pressed the doctor's head down.
Thundering~
The set time bomb exploded.
A terrifying fireball rose like a fierce beast, swallowing the entire desert buggy in flames, then spat out the blackened car frame, rolling several times wrapped in thick smoke on the road...
[Solve the Nocturne Bar henchmen (Completed)]
"Phew~"
John exhaled a sigh of relief.
Ryan Randall pounded his chest forcefully, speaking with lingering fear, "Tonight felt like it took me back twenty years."
"Still pretending you weren't almost skinned alive by the gang."
"Haha, come on, who hasn't had days of licking blood off the blade? I'm just not young anymore..."
Dr. Ryan pulled a bottle of liquor from his inside pocket, kissed the bottle's mouth first, then tipped his head back and gulped it down.
John raised an eyebrow at the sight, questioning.
"Can a prosthetic body doctor really drink on the job?"
"This is the cheapest dopamine in my life, and besides, there's no technicality to the work in Nocturne Bar, can't take it seriously..."
"At least you're out of that dirty hole."
"Save it for after we get off the car."
The doctor took a deep breath, explaining. "Big Nan Street is Nocturne's territory. With such a big firework show in the industrial area, there must be Nocturne's henchmen searching for us on the street... you have to get me past the blockade line."
[Mission Objective Updated]
[Escort Ryan Randall to the destination. (Uncompleted)]
"Have you figured out how to plan your new life?"
"I've saved up some equity; I'll open a clinic on another street where the powers aren't good with Nocturne. Someone will cover me."
"Nocturne won't chase you to the end?"
"Is it necessary? Pushing me to this point is already enough; it was just a matter of face to begin with."
The doctor shook his head, looking insightful.
John drove across Eden City.
Nocturne had indeed set up a blockade but still with the typical gang tactics—increased a few cars patrolling outside and gun anyone they spotted.
The Silver Rider sped wildly down the highway.
Neon signs cast colorful reflections on the wet road, leaving the trashy riders trying to block them far behind.
[Eden City - East District Commercial Street]
This was the last puzzle piece in the old town's redevelopment.
Various old-style buildings were surrounded by skyscrapers, and the juxtaposition of exquisite commerce and the old city landscape gave a mixed sense of separation.
The street was bustling.
Several 24-hour shops were packed with people.
The doctor threw the empty liquor bottle into a back alley and turned to ask:
"Are you familiar with the East District?"
"I've lived in Eden City for over twenty years," John blurted out, then suddenly paused. "Well, actually, I haven't really been around."
"Hahaha, alright, I'll show you around, help you get familiar with the route, you have to come often to take care of my business in the future."
They walked down a staircase on the side of the street.
The energy core of the East District is underground, so there are many stairs or secret entrances leading down around the commercial street.
John walked through a passageway, and his view widened.
This was originally a parking garage for some building.
The main structure of the building was from the twenties, the supporting pillars had been reinforced with steel, the civil defense facilities were fully opened, and the ventilation fans whirred, forming a complex underground maze together with other parts of the East District.
There was even an open square in the center.
"Open-air" because there was a huge breach suspended above it.
Alluding to a once city-shaking terror operation.
The neon lights of Eden City spilled in from there, like colorful mist falling from the sky.
The area was bustling with people, packed with shops, and even had a band performing.
Flame throwers made from car exhaust pipes surrounded the stage, and smoke and noise were created by burning motorcycle tires.
"Pretty lively, right?"
The doctor walked forward along a wall covered in fluorescent graffiti, as nicotine mixed with pungent fragrances permeated the air.
John observed carefully:
The shops were built using the building's corners and height differences.
In addition to common electronic devices, illegal prosthetics, pornographic chips, and banned drugs, they also offered clothing, food, vehicle modifications, and other services.
Each shop owner had undergone some modification and bore tattoos, attempting to raise the local average combat power in terms of image.
There were many dangerous people, but the law and order wasn't too bad.
Armed personnel patrolled around the square.
"This place has been here since the Eden City independence war broke out, it's the most renowned underground trading hub in the east."
The doctor familiarly introduced.
"Middlemen and famous mercenaries love to come here; if you meet a star, you can get them to sign your jacket and prosthetics."
"I'm not gonna be some dumb fan."
"Hahaha, alright, but I have a feeling, John, you're destined to be a prominent figure in Eden City someday."
Dr. Ryan stood in front of a panel, face-scanning for verification.
The electronic gate slowly rose, followed by a passage with a blue light strip, equipped with weapon scanners and sanitizing spray.
He clapped his hands, activating the lighting control system.
An exquisite private clinic appeared before him:
The interior space had at least a three-bedroom, two-living-room layout, even including a dedicated full disinfection operating room.
A metal frameless operation desk, with six expandable screens.
"All my savings are here."
The doctor showed pride but noticed John's unusual expression. "Hey, why do you look so pale, did you get shot during the drive?"
"I'm allergic to clinics."
John waved his hand. "Some not-so-good memories."
Ryan Randall pursed his lips, shrugged, and said, "Alright, let's discuss your payment."