Back when I had been using nothing but detachable chrome for about a year—unable to install even the most basic, fundamental cyberware—
Timothy was upgrading my relic when he installed a very useful program at the same time.
The so-called Foal Program.
If there was a netrunner in the vehicle I was currently driving, it was a program that could use that netrunner to temporarily disable nearby enemies.
But it could only be used for one hour.
Well, without a netrunner, it was useless, and to support the netrunner, every auxiliary system in the vehicle would go down.
That meant we would have to drive using nothing but pure driving skill.
Still, it truly shone during escapes and chases, and it had perfect synergy with the thing Pilar and I had prepared.
The only slight problems were the aftereffects on the netrunner who used the program and the severe motion sickness suffered by the passengers.
But it would be fine.
"I think we should prepare ourselves mentally."
"You’re nervous enough to need mental preparation?"
"Were you like this when you took your first job too, Maine?"
"Well, I was nervous to some extent."
"I think that’s exactly how I feel too."
"Then doesn’t that mean your heart’s pounding a little?"
"It is, Sasha. But you should probably put on your seat belt now."
"Why?"
Kaaaa──!!!
"Because I’m going to take a few corners."
"That’s the kind of thing you warn us about beforehand!"
"Huh? Didn’t I warn you beforehand? I told you to put on your seat belt now."
"Hey!"
"All right, I’ll warn you in advance this time. Shut your mouths and clench your teeth."
Once this was activated, no one could ever get out of this car.
"Kiwi, put your hand on the control panel."
"The control panel?"
"Put your hand on it, connect to it, and then handle things however you like."
"Wait! What the hell are you trying to do right now?"
"Make a quick and precise delivery?"
"That’s not what I was asking!!"
"I’m going to show off my incredible driving skills. There’s no particular problem with that, is there, Rebecca?"
"....."
"Rebecca?"
"I’m getting out. No, I have to get out."
"I’m sorry, but you can’t. Kiwi has already connected to the control panel."
Everyone except Pilar rapidly darkened.
But we had to reach the changed meeting location within an hour, and who knew when we would get another chance to use something this fun?
They would just have to endure this much.
"Isn’t this exciting? You don’t often get moments like this."
"If I get excited twice, I’ll die."
"Come on. Do you really think I’d kill all of you?"
ㆍ
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To get to the conclusion first, thankfully, no one died.
Everyone had come close to passing out or losing consciousness, but fortunately, they were all fine now.
Probably? They should be fine.
"Kangal!!"
Maine must have come to his senses too, because he shouted at me urgently.
"The front! Look in front of you!!"
Sasha pointed straight ahead with her finger.
Crash!!
"Stop! Stop the car, you fucking bastard!!"
Rebecca hurled the familiar curse at me again.
It was such a beautiful, heartwarming sight that it felt like a waste for me to be the only one seeing it.
"We’re almost there now."
Screeeech────!!
"Be careful not to get thrown out, everyone."
"Fuck! If you’re going to warn us, do it beforehand!"
"Let’s just finish the job already. I’m tired."
"Yeah, Kangal will treat us once it’s over."
"I’ll treat you big, so hang in there a little longer. We’ll be done once we move the job’s goods into that building."
Why did everyone look so tired?
Nothing much had happened in that short time, yet every one of them had eyes steeped in exhaustion.
The crew began moving their bodies, which somehow seemed heavier than before.
Maine and Dorio took the unconscious corporate executive out of the trunk.
Sasha and Kiwi gathered up the ledger.
Rebecca and Pilar began checking the area around the building for potential dangers.
I found a place to park the car, parked it, and ran after the others who had already gone ahead.
The building was a two-story structure with a roof that had been blown away, reeking of mustiness and mold.
Regina was waiting for me on the first floor.
The rest of the crew were resting against the wall.
"Ms. Johnson, there were a few mishaps, but it’s still in pretty good condition, isn’t it?"
"Yeah, it’s in fairly good condition. I transferred the money just now, so check it."
"I checked it. Then we’ll be on our way now."
"Get going. Your team members look very tired."
Compared to the thrill-filled, entertaining drive through the city all day, finishing Regina’s job ended far too quickly and anticlimactically.
"Get in the car. I’ll treat you at a decent bar around here."
"....."
"Should we split the money first?"
"Split it quickly... then let’s go get in the car."
"But can you send the money right now?"
"I can send it once we get to the car."
"You... you really are a fucking bastard."
"That’s exactly what my sister says."
"Both of you, stop chatting and get in already!"
"When did you all... You really are fast."
"Come on! Can we really get going now?"
"We’ll be there before you can blink."
I wasn’t exaggerating when I said everyone’s expressions began to rot.
I should treat them really big today.
Otherwise, I might not live to see tomorrow.
Everyone looked ready to drag me into a back alley and beat me senseless as a group if I made one wrong move.
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