Chapter 173: Do You Know Who I Am? My Name Is V!
Before the grand event officially concluded for the night, there was a scheduled performance by Night City's superstar, Lizzy Wizzy, showcasing a brand-new take on braindance art.
Normally, Hansen would likely have waited until the performance ended and the distinguished guests had left Blue Sapphire before asking Aurore and Aymeric to inspect the AI neural matrix device.
However, Alex and V had to prepare in advance, just in case Hansen decided to use the performance as a distraction and ordered the inspection early. That would complicate matters significantly.
Due to Reed's hastily planned operation, V only just received critical information about Aymeric , including his key achievements, preferences, and taboos. V needed to memorize this information thoroughly before meeting Hansen to avoid exposing any flaws.
Taking advantage of the remaining time, V began committing the details to memory.
"Now, make sure you remember these things. Don't mess it up. Hansen is incredibly suspicious and will definitely test you," Alex said sternly, her expression serious. She had learned this lesson the hard way, nearly losing her life once. If not for Reed's direct intervention, risking life and limb to rescue her, she might not even have her bones intact today.
Because of this prior experience, Alex was particularly cautious with intelligence-related matters, ensuring V wouldn't repeat her mistakes.
"Got it," V replied with a nod. He wasn't about to take any risks. He returned to his seat at the gambling table and began silently reciting the details about Aymeric 's identity. Meanwhile, Alex, posing as Aurore, continued blending in, adopting a playful and alluring demeanor while casually chatting with other gamblers and dealers.
Alex's talent for acting was exceptional. Even the casino's keen-eyed dealers and nearby Ghosthound soldiers failed to notice the switch between Aurore and Alex.
Not long after, Lizzy Wizzy's spectacular braindance performance began. The audience gathered near the stage, captivated by the breathtaking artistic display.
As the lights in the dance hall dimmed and Lizzy's glowing figure illuminated the room like a radiant butterfly, everyone's attention was fixed on the scene, including Alex.
She often dreamed of performing on such a stage herself, dancing gracefully and basking in the admiration of the audience.
V, however, remained unaffected. He focused on memorizing details about Aymeric and Aurore.
Just as Alex was entranced by the performance, Hansen's lackey, Gago, arrived with a squad of fully armed Ghosthound soldiers.
"Aurore, Aymeric , Hansen didn't invite you here for a vacation. It's time to get to work," Gago said, clearly irritated. According to the plan, the inspection was supposed to happen before the performance started, not after wasting time watching an "artistic show."
"What's the rush? The equipment isn't going to sprout legs and run away. My brother and I traveled a long way to get here. Watching a performance doesn't take that long," Alex retorted with a hint of annoyance but still stood up to leave with Gago and his men.
"Once the job is done, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy such performances," Gago muttered as he led Alex and V to a dimly lit warehouse-like chamber.
Inside, Hansen was speaking with Song Zhaomei. When he saw Alex and V posing as Aurore and Aymeric , Song Zhaomei froze in shock. She hadn't expected Reed's plan to succeed so thoroughly. Although her cybernetic eye couldn't see through V's disguise, her Relic chip confirmed his identity.
"Hansen, your luck seems to be holding up. These European hackers didn't get lost, and the device they wanted to inspect is ready," Song Zhaomei said, feigning indifference.
Hansen, relieved to see them unharmed, maintained his cautious demeanor. He was well aware of rumors that Militech had sent operatives to infiltrate Blue Sapphire to stir up trouble. However, with these two hackers still intact, he set aside his worries—for now.
Hansen approached V with a sinister smile. "How are you enjoying my club? So much that you forgot the concept of time?" he taunted.
Then, his tone turned more menacing. "If you enjoy Blue Sapphire so much, why don't you stay and work for me? I promise the pay will rival what your company offers."
Hansen's words served as both a veiled threat and a test. He couldn't believe they'd delay their task to watch a mere performance without an ulterior motive.
Alex responded smoothly, staying in character as Aurore. She recounted meeting some corporate elites at the casino, adding a layer of plausible deniability to their delay. Hansen shot Gago a questioning look, silently confirming her story. When Gago nodded, Hansen seemed partially convinced.
Hansen led them to a lounge area, pouring vodka as a gesture of goodwill. But his suspicion remained. Turning his attention to V, he asked probing questions about Aymeric 's career. However, V, having memorized Aymeric 's background, answered fluently, raising no alarms.
Still, Hansen wasn't fully convinced. He pressed further, inquiring about Aymeric 's departure from his previous employer. But V, guided by Johnny's advice, admitted ignorance, citing memory loss due to a past incident. This answer matched Hansen's intel, finally putting his doubts to rest.
Satisfied, Hansen split them up. Alex went to assist Song Zhaomei with the inspection, while V stayed behind with Hansen for a "chat." This arrangement suited V perfectly—he was ready to strike once Song Zhaomei completed her task.
As Alex began the inspection, she covertly activated the "Icebreaker" virus, a program designed to neutralize Song Zhaomei's hacking abilities. Despite her reluctance, Alex knew it was the only way to secure Song Zhaomei safely.
Meanwhile, in the lounge, V seized the opportunity. When Hansen turned his attention to him, V calmly asked, "Hansen, do you know who I am?"
Caught off guard, Hansen barely had time to react before V's mantis blades struck, piercing his skull with lethal precision.
As Hansen's lifeless body crumpled to the ground, V muttered coldly, "Remember this—I'm V."
The room erupted into chaos as Gago and the Ghosthound soldiers retaliated, but Reed and his team launched a well-coordinated assault, swiftly neutralizing the threat. In mere minutes, the battle was over.
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