Cyber Era Witch
Chapter 247 - 221 Kidnapper

Chapter 247: Chapter 221 Kidnapper

Xu Yang and Miyazato Kazama met in the corridor outside the rest room.

He looked Miyazato Kazama up and down. She used to wear a doctor’s white coat during her long hours of work, which dulled her sharp edges and gave him the impression of an ordinary office drone. After a night’s rest and a change of clothes, the current Miyazato Kazama appeared completely different to him. She had shed the lab-style coat for a black leather jacket, teamed with a white vest, shorts, and stockings. Her hands were in her pockets, her black hair cascaded freely, and she carried herself with a proud demeanor.

She was naturally unrelated to notions of naivety or fragility. Her gaze was confident, and she always wore a faint smile at the corner of her mouth, exuding a certain military charisma. After learning from Lady Farosa about their mission, Miyazato Kazama’s fighting spirit and work enthusiasm had grown by leaps and bounds.

"You’re also aware that the situation outside is very bad," Xu Yang said, "War is not far off, and once Black Fire Innovation breaks through Kyoto Infinity’s defense perimeter, Anjiu City will be exposed to direct attacks from artillery, ballistic missiles, and Battle Witches. Without powerful equipment and logistical support, we’ll suffer heavy losses."

"I’m a battle-hardened military equipment developer," Miyazato Kazama said with full confidence, "Leave it all to me. Custom-making weapons for you all is my job."

"Then I look forward to your impressive performance," Xu Yang said.

"However, currently, only the great fleet of Kyoto Infinity can hold off the offensive of Black Fire Innovation," Miyazato Kazama assessed.

"That’s obvious. If possible, I’d like to inquire into the movements of Kyoto Infinity too, but that’s a different matter. On our side, Lila Nestor is the president of our company. She will tell you how much research budget is available. You can request whatever locations, equipment, and auxiliary robots or smart terminals you need. Everything will be procured based on your requirements."

"Good," Miyazato Kazama nodded.

"Regarding compensation, we offer a base salary combined with a substantial bonus. Like other members of the Witch Division, all your basic needs within the industrial park are free, plus a monthly allowance of 10,000 funds deposited directly into your cash card. And if your work makes a breakthrough, bonuses start at 200,000 as a base unit."

"Don’t worry, you’ll see results soon," Miyazato Kazama bowed to Xu Yang, "Thank you and Lady Farosa for everything. I have great confidence in the future of Nestor Corporation."

Just then, she saw 101 and 102 walking together, and awkwardness resurfaced in her heart.

"Excuse me," Miyazato Kazama hurriedly said, "how can I tell 101 and 102 apart?"

Xu Yang hesitated.

The most convenient way would be to distinguish by body fat percentage. Although they were twins, 102 often fought on the front lines, engaging in bloody hand-to-hand combat, making her more robust and having a lower body fat percentage, and a smaller chest. 101, on the contrary, was the opposite.

But that couldn’t be said out loud.

"By their demeanor," he said, "you can tell, too, can’t you? 102 is always lively, while 101 is more introverted."

"Indeed..." Miyazato Kazama acknowledged.

Xu Yang took out a report.

"This is a detailed manual about your brain’s control chip, sent over by the Z1 Research Institute," Xu Yang said.

"Uh—" Miyazato Kazama’s heart skipped a beat; the control chip could block neural impulses, causing the witch to temporarily lose control over her body and mind, entering a weakened state, manipulated at will—it was a common method of control.

"But we don’t need it." Xu Yang tore it up, "We know people at Hui City District’s Cui’s Prosthetic Diagnosis and Treatment Center. I have an appointment booked for Saturday to remove your control chip, and we can arrange other modification surgeries as well, all at a discounted rate."

Miyazato Kazama’s heartbeat quickened; this was yet another unexpected gift.

"Will you remove the chips for all the witches under company control?" Miyazato Kazama asked.

"Of course," Xu Yang said, "Who would like that?"

He had other things to do and left. Miyazato Kazama was left behind. By now, 101 and 102 had come together, and she smiled at them. 101 remained silent, while 102 greeted her cheerfully as they entered the rest room together.

Synthetic maids had prepared a lavish breakfast. Bread filled the baskets buffet-style, fruit platters were everywhere, and unlimited organic meat cuts and yogurt were available.

"There’s something I don’t understand," Miyazato Kazama said as she sat beside 102, who was the easiest to get along with among the members of the Witch Division, "Why does Nestor Corporation’s expansion plan always overlook a major threat?"

"Threat?" 102 was puzzled.

"That would be the security contractors who tower over Aizu City—the Katsuragi Gang. If they harbored malicious intent and attacked our corporation, wouldn’t that be very dangerous? Their armed personnel now number in the thousands. Though I’m new here, I can still dig up this basic information."

"Oh, the Katsuragi Gang are our underlings," 102 said nonchalantly.

"Hm?" Miyazato Kazama’s expression changed, "Are we talking about... the same group? The Katsuragi Gang that’s notorious in Aizu City..."

"It is just as you said," 102 drew circles on the table, "The boss is right here at the top. Then, under that, there’s Nestor Corporation, the Witch Division, or the New Witch Council, then the Katsuragi Gang, and a new military force called The Flying Birds Group, along with the local communities. In the future, there might be other branches."

"That really is... potential without limits." Miyazato Kazama nodded inwardly. An invisible net had, at some point, ensnared Aizu City without anyone noticing.

"I was actually going to kill him," 102 stuffed a piece of bread into her mouth, "Our sisters were manufactured as witches, designed to be both fighting tools and experimental subjects. Somehow, through many twists and turns, we reached where we are today."

"Artificial witches?" Miyazato Kazama couldn’t help thinking about similar projects within Kyoto Infinity, "Z10 Research Institute is also doing similar work."

"That’s where Shallow Dream was rescued from," 102 pointed to Shallow Dream, who had just finished eating and was getting ready to read, "Along with me, we are products manufactured by Black Fire Innovation, straight off the production line."

"Tsk..." Miyazato Kazama felt a hint of resignation, as the witches’ lives were designed and played with by the companies without any dignity of their own.

"Those who show up here," 102 looked towards the other Witches, "have all experienced one unpleasant conflict or another with corporations, which is why they eventually came here. This place is like a bastion of opposition against corporations, or at least that’s how I see it. Every time I fight with all my might, it feels like I’m one step closer to tearing down those high walls, the Giant Tower, and skyscrapers."

How wonderful... Miyazato Kazama thought to himself. Hoping to accomplish that one day.

At that moment, the smart screen was broadcasting a kidnapping case.

The daughter of Kitada Ryuuji, the president of Kakuya Media, Setsuki, had disappeared, allegedly abducted by the Gang of Aizu City!

The president tried to keep it a secret, but the company’s decision-making AI suggested that the news should be made public. By doing so, even though the president’s privacy and Setsuki’s safety would be compromised, it would significantly boost the company’s recognition and exposure. The AI’s judgment proved to be correct, and as the news was released, the name of Kakuya Media quickly climbed the social media trend charts.

Kitada Ryuuji was naturally frantic.

Setsuki was his precious daughter, and now she had fallen into the hands of Aizu City’s underworld, causing him extreme anxiety.

After much deliberation, Kitada Ryuuji decided to prioritize his daughter’s safety and drove directly to Aizu City, seeking help from the security contractor flourishing in its prime.

In the office of Suzuki Springs, Kitada Ryuuji successfully met with Asa Katsuragi.

"Kakuya Media is the leading local dragon reporting on the affairs of Aizu City and Anjiu City," Asa Katsuragi, clad in a bright red suit and sunglasses, reclined in a luxurious chair, "I never thought there would come a day when they’d start reporting on their own domestic issues."

"Please understand." Kitada Ryuuji sighed, stood up, and bowed deeply at a 90-degree angle to Asa Katsuragi, "My daughter, she was kidnapped by the Chainsaw Angel Gang!"

"Where’s the evidence?" Asa Katsuragi straightened up. The Chainsaw Angel Gang still occupied important streets of Hui City District, and they were also planning to deliver a final blow to secure complete control over Aizu City.

"...Please look." Kitada Ryuuji handed over a file—a video of his daughter Setsuki bound to a chair, her expression one of fear, while the Chainsaw Angel itself fluttered its magnificent and huge white wings, looking arrogantly at the screen, demanding ten million in ransom.

"Do you have any old grudge with her?" Asa Katsuragi was curious.

"Yes, that’s right..." Kitada Ryuuji sighed, "The Chainsaw Angel Gang has its own vendettas, so following the opinions of their enemies, people were sent to make many reports exposing the Chainsaw Angel Gang’s secrets."

Asa Katsuragi pondered; this was a big deal, and she needed to consult Xu Yang’s opinion.

She sent a message, and Xu Yang showed interest, requesting the signal be switched to his secret channel.

"What are you doing..." Kitada Ryuuji observed Asa Katsuragi’s actions.

"Someone has heard your plea," Asa Katsuragi said, "do you truly wish for your daughter’s safe rescue?"

"The situation is urgent." Kitada Ryuuji was extremely worried, "If you could help... even a clue would be greatly appreciated, and I’ll do my best to reciprocate."

A synthesized electronic voice filled the room.

"Can you contact the Sakura Witch?"

Kitada Ryuuji listened carefully to the eerie and deep voice.

"I can." He answered nervously, "Anything... as long as it helps me rescue Setsuki from the hands of the Chainsaw Angel Gang... I... I can’t save her by myself."

"Your daughter will be safely returned to you," the voice continued, "as long as you follow our instructions."

"Yes." Kitada Ryuuji was now in a position to ask for help and could only agree. If Setsuki was harmed, he felt life would be meaningless.

"Then, wait in peace."

Asa Katsuragi pressed a button, and the signal was cut off.

"Who was that just now?" Kitada Ryuuji held his breath.

"Some things lurk behind the city," Asa Katsuragi couldn’t reveal explicitly, "and the Katsuragi Gang has encountered it."

Hearing Asa Katsuragi say this, Kitada Ryuuji’s expression became stern, and he sat upright.

"Just wait and see," Asa Katsuragi turned her chair halfway around, "You don’t need to worry about what comes next."

Kitada Ryuuji’s heart pounded.

Was it the Cyber Specter?

An unspeakable fear crept into his heart. As the manager of Kakuya Media, he understood the energy of the Cyber Specter, suspecting it was linked to countless ongoing incidents.

Yet he couldn’t help feeling a surge of relief.

The mysterious and powerful entity—whose mere shadow had killed who knows how many criminals—if it chose to go after the Chainsaw Angel Gang, it somehow reassured Kitada Ryuuji. Perhaps the Chainsaw Angel Gang, renowned as they were, would be completely crushed this time!

"If it’s that entity, I dare not inquire further. I will do my best to cooperate," he muttered, "Please... please be sure to crush the Chainsaw Angel Gang! Rescue Setsuki!"