Chapter 133: Luring the Tiger Away from the Mountain
Hearing V's rather audacious plan, Jack couldn't help but wonder if V had gone too far trying to show off, to the point of suggesting such a suicidal decision.
"V… This isn't the time to play cool and flirt with women. Are you insane? Panam already said those guys have turrets and machine guns!"
"Unless you can move fast enough to dodge bullets, you'll be shredded into Swiss cheese in no time."
Jack felt an overwhelming urge to punch some sense into V. His friend wasn't just putting himself in danger for the sake of looking impressive; dying like this would be utterly senseless.
Faced with Jack's skepticism, V was tempted to explain that he actually could dodge the Maelstrom gang's bullets. But saying that would only make Jack question if he had lost his mind entirely, forfeiting even the most basic self-awareness.
"Trust me. I have a way to draw them to me. I'll buy you as much time as I can so you can sneak in."
"If Panam's vehicle gets taken to Nash's hideout, we'll never have another chance to retrieve it."
V adjusted his tone slightly this time, but Jack still looked at him incredulously. It was as if V wasn't the same person anymore.
Jack had noticed that ever since V survived the ordeal at Arasaka Tower, instead of learning to bide his time and treasure his life, V had become increasingly inclined to face challenges head-on.
The old V would have strategized with Jack to sneak in and take out enemies silently, relying on stealth and neck-snapping tactics to complete assignments. But now, V seemed to be all about charging in head-first.
It was baffling.
After seriously considering for a moment, Jack reluctantly nodded in agreement.
"Fine, V. But if you can't handle it, run as far as you can and call me before you retreat."
"We're talking about a car and some guns. It's not worth losing your life over."
Jack Wells, as V's closest buddy, knew V wasn't the kind of idiot who would intentionally risk his life just to show off. Maybe V did have a plan.
Seeing V's determination, Panam also decided to trust him and agreed to split up.
"Be careful, V!"
Panam patted V on the shoulder, gazing at him deeply. She had to admit, at this moment, V did seem impressive and manly. If his diversion strategy worked, it would be even more admirable.
"All right, it's settled then."
After a brief discussion, V retrieved several submachine guns and rifles from the trunk—equipment borrowed from the fixer Rogue.
It had to be said that those tied to the mercenary world rarely lacked good gear. Even independent operators like Rogue could get their hands on the latest hardware from LA Corporation.
For example, the M56 Smart Machine Gun and the Armat M41A Pulse Rifle that Panam and Jack carried were all high-grade military-standard weaponry.
"Let's move!"
At V's command, the three split up, heading in different directions. V approached the Maelstrom gang's camp alone.
Before long, he spotted the two automated turret guns Panam had mentioned, stationed on elevated platforms just inside the gates. They were network-connected autonomous patrol guns, continuously scanning the surroundings with their high-definition surveillance systems.
If any intruder ventured too close, the black muzzles would instantly spew high-speed rounds, tearing human flesh apart in seconds.
[ALERT! Potential threat detected!]
The turrets locked onto V's figure, flashing red warning lights. Around him, Maelstrom gang members began to stir.
"Stop right there, you punk! Who the hell are you to mess with us?"
Two gangsters in camo uniforms with red headbands at the gate noticed V and shouted, ready to draw their weapons. But before they could act, a gleaming blade flashed!
The silvery mantis blades extended swiftly from V's arms. Before the two could fire, V activated the Sianvistan system, surging forward with all his might.
Slash!
The blades sliced through their throats with surgical precision. Half a second later, the wounds gaped open, spilling blood like a broken dam.
After neutralizing the gate guards, V quickly connected to the turret network using a Net hacking device.
Disabling the turrets would take three seconds, but V didn't have the luxury of waiting. He dashed into the camp, heading straight for the nearest Maelstrom member.
At that moment, the gangsters witnessed a terrifying sight. The turrets' high-speed bullets desperately chased an untraceable phantom.
Wherever the shadow passed, another gang member fell, their throats slashed cleanly by blades.
Three seconds later, the turret systems were breached, causing internal circuits to short out. Sparks and smoke billowed from the devices, rendering them useless.
By now, the Maelstrom members were beginning to understand the gravity of the situation.
"Shit! A cyberpsycho!"
V's cybernetic eyes emitted an eerie blue glow, a sign that he was actively hacking their implants. But what terrified them most was that V was simultaneously using his hacking device to override their systems and engaging in close-quarters combat.
"No way a normal human could pull this off!"
"Stop him! Don't let him get closer!"
The gang leader cursed furiously, barking orders while retreating deeper into the camp. He had to contact Nash and escape. As long as they got to their vehicle, they could leave this nightmare behind.
But he didn't get far. V's mantis blade pierced his neck from behind, emerging through his mouth. With a swift motion, the blade retracted, and the leader collapsed.
Elsewhere in the camp, gunfire from the front gate drew most of the gangsters away. Taking advantage of the distraction, Jack and Panam scaled the walls and slipped inside unnoticed.
Everything was unfolding exactly as planned.
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