Whoosh—Boom—
A missile from the New United States slammed into Unit-01's chest. Maitoh's face lit up with unconcealed delight—the enemy's Energy Shield had finally been breached.
The massive impact forced Unit-01's enormous body to tilt back slightly. One foot slid half a step across the ground before it steadied itself. When the flames and smoke dispersed, the missile had done little more than leave a dent in its chest. There was no real damage.
Inside the cockpit, a red glint flashed across Jhin's eyes. The energy reactor within Unit-01 began to hum violently, its glow shifting from orange-red to blue.
In the next instant, blue energy flooded the entire machine. Beneath the black alloy plating, vein-like energy conduits blazed with brilliant blue light.
Whoosh—
Unit-01 planted one hand on the ground. Its right side drew back slightly, the entire frame tightening like a bow pulled to a full draw.
Thud!
While the surrounding forces were still concentrating their fire, Unit-01's fist struck the ground like a rocket.
Wrapped in blue energy, the fist drove deep into the earth. A crater-like opening burst outward, only to be completely sealed by that colossal hand.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
An eerie sound rippled up from beneath everyone's feet. One New United States soldier, heart pounding, crouched instinctively. The rumbling below grew louder—clearer—rapidly approaching.
As he shot back to his feet in terror, the ground split apart in an instant. Jagged fissures spread across the battlefield, each one filled to the brim with searing blue energy.
Boom!
With a thunderous explosion, violent energy waves erupted. Blue light surged from underground like a fountain, swallowing everything in its path.
Crash!
As the blue glow gradually faded, the battlefield came back into view.
Unit-01 knelt on the ground, molten metal streaming down its body. It was riddled with damage; one arm had melted away enough to expose internal energy conduits and sections of its alloy skeleton.
Its eyes were dim and lifeless—a clear sign of total energy depletion. Only the reactor in its chest continued to run slowly, supplying the bare minimum power to the towering machine.
Maitoh stood frozen before the screen, mouth hanging open, staring at the giant figure in stunned silence.
But the battlefield offered no time to recover.
Under Chris's command, PROJECT forces advanced with Energy Shields deployed, pushing forward while dismantling every electromagnetic suppression device along the way.
The Sovereign-class Fighters finally pierced through the restricted zone and headed straight for the rear of the New United States forces. After being suppressed for so long, it was finally their turn to strike back.
Chris had no intention of wasting the opportunity. He ordered the Sovereign-class Fighter to destroy as many missile silos within Idaho as possible—while exercising restraint.
After all, those facilities would eventually fall into their hands. If the damage wasn't too severe, reconstruction would be far easier. A bit of rebuilding and modification would be enough to bring them back online.
As the Sovereign-class Fighter roared overhead, Maitoh finally snapped out of his daze. Without hesitation, he issued the order to retreat, determined to preserve what remained of his forces and prevent further losses.
That single attack had wiped out nearly half his troops. Though the monstrosity didn't look to be in great shape either, the fact remained—
One unit had taken out half their army.
They had lost far more than they had gained. And judging by its condition, that thing could probably be repaired and deployed again.
While ordering the withdrawal, Maitoh was already thinking about his own escape route. The outcome of this battle was decided. If he wanted to stay alive, he needed a way out.
He had no desire to relive the terror of a Sovereign-class Fighter skimming just overhead.
...
"Gentlemen, any thoughts?"
Encryptus swept his gaze across the room before muting the video and speaking calmly.
"Incredible technology… Compared to the robot they revealed in Night City before, this one is far more powerful. The energy applications are also far more refined."
Bill looked at Unit-01, now being cooled by PROJECT personnel, and spoke with open admiration.
"And that space-based energy strike technology they demonstrated… or rather, a satellite orbital cannon? If we could get our hands on that, it would give us another bargaining chip in negotiations with the European Space Agency."
Opus brought up another image as he spoke.
Encryptus nodded at their remarks and glanced sideways at Hollit. Hollit didn't notice. Ever since the PROJECT technical footage began playing, his brows had remained tightly furrowed.
"Encryptus, arrange immediate contact. Increase the offer if necessary. Make it clear—we want the technology they demonstrated this time. Even if the attempt fails, that's fine. The priority is to build a solid relationship."
"I've already sent someone to make contact with PROJECT's CEO. They should be in communication by now."
"Always a step ahead."
Opus smiled and nodded, then turned toward Hollit, who looked visibly displeased.
"Hollit, do you have something to add?"
Hollit rose slowly.
"They're just a corporation that rose to prominence not long ago. Even if they've grown quickly, I don't think we need to lower ourselves like this. Wouldn't it be more effective to leverage our military resources and apply pressure to force the technology out of them?"
The room fell quiet.
Opus and the others narrowed their eyes.
"It seems a comfortable life has made you forget certain things."
Encryptus spoke coldly, tapping his temple with a finger.
"You—!"
Hollit glared at him.
"Let's not be so harsh. I think Hollit has a point."
A smiling voice cut in. Another influential figure within the Highriders, Logan Doyle, had spoken.
The others exchanged glances before settling back into their seats.
"What's your take?" Opus asked. Their ranks were roughly equal, making him the most appropriate to respond.
"Pure military coercion won't work," Logan Doyle said evenly. "But we can apply measured pressure while simultaneously raising the stakes. That should improve efficiency without costing us face."
He had no intention of pushing the other side into desperation—that would only backfire. What they wanted was technology, not annihilation. There was no fundamental conflict of interest between them at present. The key was extracting value.
He wasn't particularly fond of Hollit's blunt approach either.
"Very well. Proceed accordingly."
Opus nodded, signaling the direction had been decided. The detailed planning would be left to their subordinates.