Concord Park.
The name was quite odd, giving a sense of déjà vu.
But this park was Night City's largest public Natural Park.
It was located at the junction of the City Center and Heywood Valley districts, where security was good, and most residents were middle-class working for corporations or indirectly for them, hence the conditions to operate a Natural Park.
In other districts, a sudden gang conflict might burn it to the ground.
The entire park was an inverted trapezoidal structure, from high to low, with the widest area being the green forest in the middle, surrounded by a circular plaza lined with a dazzling array of high-end shops, specifically serving the residents who came to the park.
This was indeed a good place.
Berry leaned against the railing, looking at the seemingly touchable forest in front of her, reaching out to feel the slightly damp cool breeze from the woods.
It had been a long time since she had seen a forest.
The last time was probably in her previous world.
Here, in the Badlands, there was only endless Gobi Desert and dry wind; in Night City, there were only tall, old buildings and colorful neon signs.
Although this small forest in front of her was artificial, Berry was still very moved.
"...So, do you like this place?"
V also leaned against the railing, gazing at the green forest below, which she had never seen before, for quite a while.
As a true Nomad, she was the one who had truly never seen a green forest.
Many areas of the North American continent had degraded due to climate change, becoming harsh Badlands where survival was difficult.
Nomads lived on this land full of rocks and drought.
They had never had the chance to see such a green landscape.
Even in the depths of the Rocky Mountains, now there were only a few sparse aspens stubbornly clinging to the bare ground.
That's why she thought of bringing Berry here.
To see this rare scenery.
And now it seemed V's idea was correct; Berry clearly liked it very much too.
At some point, V had shifted her gaze from the forest, her eyes now fixed on Berry beside her, propping her head on the railing, staring intently.
"I like it, this is a very beautiful place."
Berry only now remembered to answer V's question.
She smiled apologetically, and coming back to her senses, Berry noticed V's eyes fixed on her.
Being stared at like this, even though they were already in that kind of relationship, still made her a little shy.
"How about we go for a walk in the woods? Maybe there'll be more interesting things inside."
V left the railing and clapped her hands easily, avoiding Berry's embarrassment.
She looked at the forest with its intricate paths and asked for Berry's opinion.
"No problem."
Since she was out at V's invitation, she would follow all of V's arrangements.
Moreover, Berry herself wanted to go in and explore... Compared to watching from the plaza, immersing oneself in the forest brought a deeper understanding.
There were other pedestrians on the marble path, but both of them were attracted by the surrounding trees and clean earth.
The smell of earth and the woody scent of transpiration lingered in their noses, clearing their minds.
It was as if they were truly walking in a primeval forest, completely enveloped by nature.
This is what Night City, or rather, the people of this era, lack.
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