The Giant Corporations that Started in Night City

Chapter 18: A Quantum Leap

"Mr. Li Ang, is this also a product of your LA company?" Viktor asked in surprise.

Clearly, he had never expected a weapons-dealing company to also manufacture such an offensive cybernetic implant.

Li Ang simply smiled without saying a word, nodding slightly.

Cybernetic devices of this top-tier quality were reserved for his people; they were never sold to outsiders.

"Who would've thought that a big brute like you would be so lucky to get such a high-end implant? Lie down. If you're worried about the pain, I can pour you a beer to calm your nerves first."

"Uh, thanks, but I don't need it," Maine replied, steeling himself.

Viktor gestured for Maine to lie down on the operating table. Sliding his chair over to the computer, he began typing rapidly.

"I'll start with a full scan of your implant using military-grade anti-virus software to ensure the surgical environment is clean."

Maine glanced at his arm. The most extensively modified part of his body was his pair of robust arms—mechanical prosthetics made of metal, plastic fibers, and synthetic leather. They were of average quality but durable enough.

"Go ahead, Doc. I'm ready!" Maine said gruffly.

"Alright. I'll inject a sedative. You'll sleep for about half an hour, and I'll wake you up when it's done."

With that, Viktor picked up a syringe and began the procedure. During the surgery, he even chatted casually with Li Ang about trivial matters.

When Viktor's scalpel made the first incision into the back of Maine's neck to install the Sandevistan, even Li Ang, who had seen it all, felt his scalp tingle.

Forcing something like this into someone's body was unsettling. However, for mercenaries like Maine, the desire for power far outweighed such discomfort.

Li Ang believed that once the surgery was complete, Maine would find it all worthwhile.

The implantation process went quicker than expected, taking just over 20 minutes. As the sedative wore off, Maine began to wake, as if emerging from a short dream.

"Uh... What's going on? Has the surgery started yet?" Maine asked, dazed, looking at the team around him.

His question elicited a round of laughter. Pilar grinned and laughed loudly, "Boss, are you still groggy? The surgery's long done!"

Viktor, having finished the operation, removed the magnifying lenses from his face and retracted the mechanical arms around the table. He sighed in relief.

"Alright, mercenary boy, give your Sianvistan a test run. See if anything feels off."

Maine carefully stepped down from the operating table, soon noticing the updated information from the implant's operating system:

[Cybernetic Implant: LA Company – Peregrine Sianvistan Model 5]

Quality: Legendary

Function: Slows time to 30% for 18 seconds. Cooldown: 60 seconds.

Bonus: Damage dealt during activation increases by 15%.

Description: The peregrine falcon was once the fastest animal on Earth. This implant lives up to its namesake.

Oh, wow! This thing... is freaking awesome!

Excited, Maine looked at Dorio, who stood not far away, and activated the Sandevistan. In an instant, he appeared in front of her and scooped her up in his arms.

Dorio was the team's dependable second-in-command, invaluable both in combat and logistics. She was also Maine's beloved girlfriend, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty with a strong, athletic build.

"Good grief, Maine! You've gotten so fast! Have you had enough? Put me down already!"

Although Dorio feigned annoyance, her delighted expression showed her genuine happiness for Maine.

Maine laughed mischievously and spun her around twice more before setting her back down.

Watching this heartfelt moment, Rebecca's big eyes gleamed with envy, while Lucy couldn't help but glance at Li Ang, her feelings complicated.

"Maine, how do you feel now?" Li Ang stepped forward to inquire.

The Peregrine Sianvistan was a top-tier military-grade implant, but it placed significant strain on the body and required regular monitoring.

"Mr. Li Ang—no, Boss! I feel amazing! Like Popeye after eating spinach! I've got boundless energy!"

Maine was ecstatic, thrilled by his newfound strength. His respect for Li Ang now surpassed that for anyone else.

[Name: Maine]

Profession: Mercenary

Loyalty: 90 (Devoted)

Cybernetic Configuration:

Peregrine Sianvistan Model 5 (Operating System)

Ballistic Processor (Hands)

Alloy Arms (Forearms)

Overall Ability: 93

The Sianvistan had drastically enhanced Maine's abilities, boosting his overall stats from the low 70s to an impressive 93. He had become the squad's top combatant.

"Vik, any final instructions?" Li Ang turned to Viktor, leaving the technical matters to the expert.

Viktor shrugged casually. "Nothing major. If something feels off, come see me right away. Everyone's tolerance for implants varies."

Li Ang and the team nodded.

Cybernetic implants could grant extraordinary power, but they came with risks. Even with the best-quality implants Li Ang provided, injuries and malfunctions were inevitable.

"From now on, you all need regular checkups here. I'll cover the cost. If something's wrong, speak up—don't hide it."

Li Ang turned to his team, his tone firm.

"Got it!" they responded in unison.

Viktor smiled faintly. Li Ang was unlike typical corporate bosses; his actions carried a touch of humanity, earning Viktor's goodwill.

Most employers treated mercenaries as expendable, overloading them with implants and random software until they became desensitized to hormone blockers. Eventually, they'd lose their minds, turn into cyberpsychos, and wreak havoc in the streets before being blown apart by law enforcement.

Such tragic endings played out daily in Night City.

"So, Vik, any plans going forward?" Li Ang asked suddenly.

Viktor paused, realizing Li Ang was trying to recruit him.

"Oh? Got any suggestions for me, Mr. Li Ang?" Viktor chuckled.