"Relax, it's nothing complicated. I just need you to help me find two people."
As Roland spoke, he gestured for the Imperial Guard robot behind him to step forward. The robot approached Elizabeth, and to her surprise, projected two figures into the air.
One was a young girl with short silver hair, the other a black-haired girl with cat-like features.
"If you find any trace of these two, let me know immediately."
Roland pointed at the projected models. Lissandra had built them based on the descriptions he'd provided, adjusting them bit by bit until they matched his memories of Lucy and Sasha—back when they were much younger.
"I understand. I'll have my people keep an eye out."
Elizabeth nodded. The two were indeed distinctive. In a world full of Cyberware and wildly diverse aesthetics, Lucy and Sasha were the kind of natural beauties who still stood out.
What she didn't understand was why he wanted them. It couldn't just be because they looked good…
Not when, in this era, beauty was something anyone could manufacture.
She was certain there had to be another reason.
"Also, one more thing. I need you to expand your territory as quickly as possible. I'll support you. As for the direction—doesn't matter. Just make sure you know what you're doing. Can you handle that?"
"I can."
Elizabeth nodded. The first target that flashed in her mind was the Tyger Claws, but reason quickly cooled her anger.
She knew they were backed by Arasaka, and Arasaka currently had a working relationship with Roland. If she went after the Tyger Claws impulsively, the cost could be significant.
And everyone knew how fiercely the Tyger Claws protected their own. Going after their turf would only throw everything into chaos.
So she shifted her focus to the Maelstrom gang. They didn't have a true leader right now—only scattered factions, each with its own boss. An ideal target.
"And one more thing—have your people gather every piece of intel they can, sort it, and send it to you. Then forward it all to me."
After issuing the expansion directive, Roland remembered another important point.
Just like in old novels, brothels and bars were treasure troves of information. The same applied in the Cyberpunk world.
Alcohol made tongues loose, and with the extra "enhancements" available here, people became even more reckless. If he was lucky, the Mox might dig up dirt on his competitors… ideally even some compromising material on council members.
Unfortunately, those politicians stuck to high-end establishments. They'd never step foot into Lizzie's Bar.
It wasn't for lack of interest—only because such places weren't secure enough. Too many eyes, too many unknowns. If anything happened, they'd immediately be discarded by whoever backed them.
Elizabeth nodded and waited, as if expecting more instructions.
"For now, that's everything. I plan to enjoy Lizzie's Bar tonight. Don't tell your people who I am—I don't want too much attention."
"Yes."
After giving the orders, Roland nodded. He sent the two Imperial Guard robots to follow Elizabeth for now, then headed downstairs.
Danger without bodyguards? Please. Even two of them weren't enough for him to take seriously.
Roland stepped into the main hall of Lizzie's Bar. The heavy, pulsing music made his body itch to move, and the violet ambient light filled the room with a hazy, suggestive mood.
Many customers were already wearing Braindance gear, sprawled across sofas—some visibly… reacting to whatever they were experiencing.
Others were drinking and chatting in booths, tables covered in empty bottles and snacks. Roland even spotted some colorful pills scattered here and there.
As a descendant of the Dragon, he was extremely sensitive to such substances. His mouth twitched—he hated this stuff. But clearly, Night City didn't share his standards.
Roland made his way to the bar.
"Oh? New face. What'll it be?"
The bartender glanced at him and chuckled.
"A cocktail made with Spunky Monkey. I've always wondered what that stuff tastes like."
Roland scanned the menu and spotted the drink he'd seen all over advertisements in the game. Curiosity instantly hit.
Since arriving in this world, he'd never struggled with everyday expenses—small money was never a problem. Big money… another story. Still, he never skimped on food.
No way was he eating bugs or some mystery synthetic protein sludge.
When it came to alcohol, he usually picked high-end brands. But today, he felt like trying something different. He wanted to know what Spunky Monkey actually tasted like.
Soon, the bartender placed a glowing green cocktail in front of him.
Roland stared at the luminescent drink, his confidence wavering. But then he remembered—he had Light's Cyberware now. No reason to back down.
He picked up the Spunky Monkey cocktail and downed it in one go.
"Damn!"
"Harmful components detected. Cleared."
A cool sensation ran down his throat, and he exhaled sharply, only to hear Light's internal system announcement. Roland couldn't help but laugh helplessly.
A faint white mist sprayed out from the back of his neck.
After finishing the drink, Roland scanned the crowd. He'd only meant to take a look—but unexpectedly spotted a familiar figure.
That unmistakable punk mohawk, goggles covering his eyes, long Cyberware-modified arms, a perpetual greasy vibe despite his youth—
It was Rebecca's brother, Pilar.
"Didn't expect to run into this guy…"
Roland muttered. Unexpected, yet somehow completely fitting.
"System, does this guy have a Template he can use?"
"He matches half a Template."
"Half a Template??"
Roland blinked. What the hell was half a Template?
"He partially qualifies for the Heavenly Eye. Not all conditions are met. If the host modifies him appropriately, he can fully match the Heavenly Eye."
"Such as?"
"Inserting two consciousnesses into his mind, or two AI intelligences."
Roland suddenly understood.