My Cyber Psychosis is Task Prompt

Chapter 506 324: Sora

Bone Shards noticed John's concern.For once, he patiently explained.

This is a gang-backed business contract. The wording isn't as formal as corporate documents, but it's straightforward. As long as the gang remains a gang and not a division under a corporation, the contract remains valid.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

John looked at Bone Shards with a strange expression.

Bone Shards asked back, "What do you think is the relationship between a gang and a corporation?"

John felt a little dazed. The last time someone asked him like this, it was Vito Russell sitting opposite him.

"Is this the typical dialogue of gang leaders?"

"Just say what you know."

"Jingke Heavy Industry is the secret backer of the Black Gold Gang, and the Raqi Group backs the Owl Town Gang. Anyway, all the notable gangs in the city have someone behind them. That's just how it is."

"Pretty much."

Bone Shards was unusually talkative today, making John feel a bit unfamiliar.

The two of them never saw eye to eye. Past interactions were strictly business, hard to imagine sitting down for a chat.

What happened in these four months?

John, driven by curiosity, listened as Bone Shards continued speaking.

"The Owl Town Gang is Raqi's dog, literally. They manage the gang with corporate methods, making everyone an employee without suits, insurance, and disposable or recruitable at any time."

Bone Shards took another puff of his e-cigarette, the faint coffee flavor detectable, with an alloy casing that betrayed no specific brand.

"The Black Gold Gang has culture. Right after Eden City's independence war, West District refugees were integrated, forming a gang prototype under pressure. Over time, it grew to today's scale. Though the time was short, we're different from companies."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Jingke Heavy Industry wants to turn the Black Gold Gang into a second Owl Town Gang. For the board, managing a department is much easier than managing a gang, but Vito's prestige is too high. The gang's existence needs two conditions: survival funds and a prestigious leader."

Bone Shards seemed not to have heard John's question and continued to speak on his own accord.

"In terms of funds, Jingke Heavy Industry surely lacks nothing. But prestige requires time and deeds to accumulate. If they can't convince Vito, then replace him. Thus, the board supports me to win this war and build prestige."

"..."

John straightened up and looked around the room.

A dozen bodyguards in suits, muscles wrapped tightly, guns in hand, stood silently scattered around.

In four months, Bone Shards had accumulated considerable prestige.

Vito Russell appeared rarely.

At this rate, when the gang war ends, it'll be Vito's end.

"I don't understand what you mean."

"You're an emotional fool, John. If, back at Bolago Club, I asked you to shoot Vito Russell instead of Angelica, would you agree?"

Bone Shards crossed his legs, took a couple of drags, squinting at him.

"I said, NO, what would you do?"

"... Pff."

Bone Shards was silent for a few seconds, exhaling smoke.

He completely sunk into the sofa, his suit jacket draped casually, exposing a detailed tattoo on his chest.

"Not much. I'm a businessman. Talking to you this much, I'm just saying there are plenty of job opportunities in West District. We might not get along, but we can't turn down money, can we?"

"Oh, I see, you need muscle."

"Mm-hmm."

"Sorry, can't fit it in. Busy reconstructing the restaurant."

John drawled on the word "restaurant."

Four months ago, he agreed with Bone Shards—if he could last more than a round in the arena, Bone Shards would help take care of the restaurant's staff.

Gerry and the others' situation wasn't so good.

Bone Shards noted John's complaint and reiterated.

"I never go back on my word. Ask your people if I warned them to clear out early. When Easterners came exploding in, if I hadn't arranged to fight back, your staff would've been toast, forget about driving, let alone touching a steering wheel."

"Fine, thanks."

John spread his hands dismissively.

[Task Objective Updated]

[Follow Up on Kenichi Sora's Gift. (Not Achieved)]

"Besides money, nothing else for me?"

John asked.

Bone Shards shifted his gaze onto the crate, much larger than the money case.

This is what John disliked about him.

If John hadn't mentioned it, Bone Shards would really mess with him, as if what's in the crate was more precious than the earlier box of chips.

[Item: Custom Shockproof Case]

This box had no security lock yet was significantly heavy, making a hissing sound unique to sealed compartments upon opening.

Inside was a new blade.

[Weapon: Sora [Custom]]

[Attachments: High-Density Carbon Fiber Laminate, Grade IV Sharpness [Blade], Grade IV Hardness [Back], Magnetic Grip, Reinforced Fixtures, etc.]

Its design resembled a Single-Molecule Blade but was only forearm-length.

John picked up the blade, much heavier than expected. The alloy density was extremely high, capable of withstanding slashes and parries.

Buzz——

John, having downloaded a Samurai Sword movement chip, instinctively swung the blade, hearing the alloy's distinct reverberation.

The weapon's cross-section was diamond-shaped.

Guard, back, body, blade—all were modular in design, each section made from different materials, accommodating complex close combat moves.

John picked up the scabbard.

The scabbard was unexpectedly light but equally dense, not typical materials.

Swoosh——

John sheathed the blade, observing the grip.

It was the most comfortable close combat weapon he had ever held.

The handle had an open design.

The outer layer was coated with a thermally responsive composite—not leather or rubber—it's the latest prosthetic interface material on the market, providing precise force feedback to the user.

"Who's the designer?"

Bone Shards waited until John finished admiring it before speaking. "I didn't ask. This order had to be submitted to the factory and lab. When the person in charge called me, you were 'killed' by net surveillance on the news."

"That's one way to put it."

John's tone was very calm. "The designer is dead."

One of the arena championship rewards was a custom-built weapon.

The blueprint was handed to Bone Shards the night Kenichi Sora possessed John's body.

He knew better than anyone John's force habits, getting excited every time about unique custom weapons.

Sora must have been very pleased with the blade, even naming it after himself, specifically instructing John to collect it before he died.

[Series Task Arena [Final] - Overnight Star (Completed)]

[Reward: Cash prize, Property - Dan Street Apartment Unit 013 [Single Apartment], Custom Close Combat Weapon [Sora].]

This task, completed across four months and two different bodies.

Before leaving, John turned back to Bone Shards.

"I'm reopening the restaurant, same place."

"Mm-hmm, partnership as before?"

Bone Shards was referring to John's earlier proposition that the Black Gold Gang provide some level of protection as local players.

John shook his head.

"This time I'm taking care of things myself, just a heads-up—try not to shoot on my street. After all, I'm still working as a mercenary. If anyone crosses the line, I'll just switch sides for business."

"..."

Bone Shards froze for a second, holding his glasses.

He looked at John seriously.

The guns of the dozen bodyguards in the room subtly rose.