KyokaSuigetsu
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Chapter 32: Mud Truck Iaido, Kid!
🕑 Added 2025-04-01 03:19:05 +0000 UTC"Opening the window could expose VIP client Mr. Leonardo to stray bullets or hazardous gases. I'm sorry, but I must refuse your request.
Please don't worry. I have already called the police. NCPD is on its way."
V was so pissed by Delamain's response that she laughed. "What's the NCPD gonna do? By the time they arrive, we'll already be corpses!"
Leo was shocked to notice that Delamain seemed at a loss for words after V's retort. The AI's digital mouth trembled slightly.
Seriously, the NCPD's reliability was a joke.
V gripped the seat tightly, turning back to watch the small truck following them.
"When we reach the next intersection, lower the window as you turn. I'll charge my tech weapon and blow that driver's head off in one shot!"
"I maintain my previous stance. Delamain's priority is to ensure passenger safety."
"For fuck's sake! Leo, say something!"
But what could Leo say? Delamain made a valid point.
And so did V.
After thinking for a moment, Leo turned toward the display. "Delamain, doesn't my premium package include a 'Combat Mode'? Since your 'Escape Mode' isn't working, I demand you switch modes immediately!"
"Request received. Calculating..."
Massive streams of data flashed in Delamain's eyes. Within seconds, a result was displayed.
"Your request is reasonable. Under the Second Amendment, we are entitled to retaliate without limitations when our property and personal safety face imminent lethal threats.
I reiterate, please fasten your seatbelts. Entering Combat Mode."
"Wait, taxis have Combat Mode?" V scoffed.
"Please ensure your seatbelts are secure and assume a brace position."
A safety video on the screen demonstrated the so-called 'brace position.'
With no other choice, V followed along. Even a self-aware taxi was still just a taxi.
Once they complied, the screen's frame glowed red, signaling the activation of emergency status.
"Counterattack initiated."
Delamain's voice was now cold and commanding.
Leo and V both chose the 'Seatback Support Position,' pressing their faces against the display. From here, they could observe every action Delamain took.
The taxi's rear end swayed, releasing a thick layer of glossy black oil onto the road.
"You're leaking oil!" V exclaimed.
"No need for concern. This is the Oil Slick Defense System, deploying through dual sprayers on the inner rear tires to create obstacles. This tactic is inspired by the defensive systems of past U.S. presidential vehicles."
As he spoke, the truck chasing them sped straight into the oily mess.
The drawbacks of a cheap second-hand vehicle became evident — its bald tires lost traction immediately, sending the truck into a chaotic spin.
The truck spiraled like a spinning top.
The driver in the front was lucky; he only dropped his gun. But the thug in the back, clinging to the outside, was flung into the air, screaming all the way.
Hearing his distant cries, Leo laughed unapologetically.
But it wasn't over.
"Initiating Phase Two of the counterattack. Executing a U-turn to eliminate the threat. Please remain calm; the ride may be bumpy."
Delamain's brown taxi executed a perfect drift on the empty road, turning to face the scavenger truck head-on.
The engine roared as the speedometer shot into triple digits.
Leo's eyes widened as the screen zoomed in on the unconscious passenger in the truck's front seat and the scavenger driver.
The driver wore a bloodstained white coat and a tacky LED mask. He screamed hysterically, desperately trying to regain control of the spinning vehicle.
Their eyes locked.
The scavenger's swollen, bloodshot eyes brimmed with madness and hatred. Drool or some unknown liquid dripped from the corner of his mouth.
All Leo could see was pure insanity.
"Damn, some crazy scavenger holding a grudge against us?"
With a silent curse, Leo abandoned all lingering thoughts of pity.
This was Night City — morality was a burden best left behind.
"Get him!"
Boom!
The taxi's reinforced bumper rammed directly into the side of the truck, sending it flipping like a overturned turtle, crashing and spinning.
"Hell yeah!!"
V cheered, pressing against the window to watch the wreckage of the now twisted, mangled truck.
"Open the window! I've got a grenade. Let's blow that tin can sky-high!"
Delamain refused. "The enemy has lost all combat capability. Further retaliation is unnecessary. In this situation, the police won't trouble you, but throwing a grenade might complicate things."
"Ugh... fair point."
Reluctantly, V backed away.
"Threat neutralized. Maintaining top legal speed to deliver our esteemed client to his destination promptly."
Delamain swiftly turned and accelerated, leaving the battlefield behind.
Leo slumped against the seat, clutching his wildly thumping chest.
That was intense.
He knew Night City was chaotic, but broad daylight kidnappings? That was a whole new level.
"Fucking scavengers... one day, I swear I'll wipe them all out."
On their way back, NCPD squad cars zoomed past, but none stopped their slightly damaged taxi.
Delamain informed them that the authorities were already handling the aftermath, and the incident was no longer their concern.
"We don't even need to make a statement?"
"No need. I've sent the entire video recording to the police as evidence. It's more than enough for their prosecution."
"How long will they be sentenced?"
"I'm sorry. I lack the relevant legal database."
Delamain's response left Leo turning to V.
V, idly fiddling with her gun, shrugged. "Depends on their criminal record and how much cash they've got for fines. Since they failed to kidnap you and got wrecked instead, without paying a fine, they're looking at a year or so. Pay the fine? Two or three months."
"That's it?!" Leo couldn't believe it.
"What did you expect? If every crime led to execution, Night City's population would drop by half."
"What the fuck kind of city is this..."
Leo shut his eyes, overwhelmed.
Shortly after, they arrived safely at Leo's hotel.
Delamain, instead of charging extra, sincerely apologized and promised to minimize the chances of such incidents happening again.
Only when the taxi disappeared down the street did V pull her gaze away.
"What a car! A self-driving taxi with Combat Mode! If it had a mounted machine gun and a couple of rocket launchers, it could wipe out a whole squad by itself.
When I've got the money, I'm getting one of those badass combat taxis!"
