Roland stared blankly at the sudden tip that had just landed in his account, completely stunned and unable to react.
Five thousand Orange Essence—directly transferred.
Seriously, he had never fought a battle this profitable.
Who was this mysterious benefactor?!
With this amount… plus what was left over after buying the Judgment template, he could afford another low-cost template.
After browsing through the list, he locked onto the Destruction template.
Maybe because Destruction wasn't part of the regular army, and because its body was a scrap-built assembly, its price was on the cheaper end.
If you're wondering why Ascension costs more—well, obviously. Ascension breaks down only the good stuff.
Destruction, on the other hand, is like scavenging in the wasteland—you find something halfway decent, you bolt it onto yourself.
But now came the real question:
If he bought Destruction… how would he handle its consciousness?
It's decided, then—Lissandra!
Lissandra: ? …You're the boss. Your call.
Once Roland purchased the Destruction template and its key, he immediately boarded the AV and headed straight for the secret base.
By the time he entered the room, the Imperial Guard Robots and Fanged Hounds were already in position to prevent any unexpected incidents.
"Begin."
Roland handed the chip to the medical robot. At the same time, another Beta-type robot held a second chip containing a remote-operated combat sub-intelligence.
Emotionless, perfectly rational—its only function was to obey.
After the chip was placed into the limbless body lying on the bed, an orange-red glow slowly lit up, layers of data wrapping around the entire form.
When the data finally dispersed, Roland and the surrounding robots fixed their gaze on the figure. Suddenly, its eyes snapped open, and a red glint flashed across the cybernetic iris.
Whoosh—
An orange-red silhouette flickered, and a figure—its body pulsing with dimming and brightening red light like a heartbeat—stood with its back to them, holding the severed head of a PROJECT security robot.
Roland stopped the headless robot beside him as it raised its gun to shoot.
The Imperial Guard Robots and Fanged Hounds also shifted into full combat stance.
Roland wasn't new to this situation. When the chip was first inserted, the residual consciousness inside would interfere—even with a key.
But for a vessel that already had its own will, the effects faded quickly.
However, the Destruction body in front of him had no consciousness.
Which meant the one controlling it now was Pyke himself—but it wouldn't last long. His presence would soon dissipate.
"So many voices… whispering nonstop… but I know what's changed…
Revenge!"
The moment the last word fell, Destruction vanished, leaving only a digital afterimage.
Roland leaned back instinctively as a glowing red ion blade sliced past his face, close enough for him to feel the heat.
Bang!
Pure instinct drove Roland's counterattack—he kicked forward, striking Pyke in the chest.
Pyke absorbed the blow, stepping back with the momentum.
"Rrrgh!"
Seeing Roland attacked, the Fanged Hounds snarled. Electromagnetic vision swept the entire area, instantly breaking Pyke's cloaking.
Whoosh—
A pack of Fanged Hounds leapt forward, pouncing on Pyke, while the Imperial Guard Robots prepared their weapons.
"Don't use heavy firepower. Just stall him."
Roland brushed imaginary dust off his clothes and gave the order.
Hearing it, the Imperial Guard Robots ejected their mags, then charged.
Pyke's body lit with a violent red glow. With a sharp crackle of electricity, he appeared right in front of Roland, leaving behind several robots frozen in place, sparks crackling across their bodies.
Roland's pupils shrank.
Electromagnetic paralysis?
EMP?
That made no sense—
Wait, why was he even trying to apply logic to PROJECT black-tech?!
This was Pyke's E-skill!
Boom!
His thoughts were chaotic, but his reactions weren't. Roland immediately struck back.
A yellow flash streaked forward, slamming into Pyke's chest.
Crack!
Pyke grabbed Roland's arm the moment the blow landed. Twisting his torso, he brought both plasma daggers down in a lethal arc.
BOOM!
A massive cross-shaped gouge split the ground.
Whoosh—
Just as Pyke bent to retrieve his weapon for another round of carnage, a blue blade strike came straight at him.
Ssss—
Pyke plunged his dagger into the ground to reduce the force, then glanced at the deep gash carved across his shoulder. He lifted his gaze to the figure before him.
"Yi… No. You're not him."
Pyke cracked his neck, then saw through the mask.
"You're different. You're the one I need revenge on."
Hum—
The instant he finished speaking, a blade stopped at his throat.
Roland's mouth twitched. He slowly removed his mask, irritation flickering in his eyes.
He had just gotten fired up from the fight—and the guy runs off the moment things get interesting…
With a long sigh, he took the chip handed over to him and inserted it into the now-soulless body.
The synthetic skin activated, restoring Pyke's normal appearance—though he looked a bit battered.
His previously fine clothing was now little more than rags.
A while later, Roland emerged in fresh clothes. Pyke turned his head toward him.
"Your will, sir."
"Looks like everything's functioning normally."
"Yes. After calibration, I've fully adapted to this body."
"Good."
Roland nodded, then noticed the massive gash across Pyke's shoulder—and winced.
Great. Not only was the fight underwhelming, but now he'd have to pay for repairs. Total loss…
Still, he'd gotten a good read on Pyke's combat strength.
Honestly, these original bodies handled combat abilities far better than the Hosts…
That Destruction ultimate just now?
He tossed it out like it was nothing.
Roland suspected he'd tightened the area of effect to increase destructive power.
All things considered, the outcome wasn't bad. He had gained another strong combat unit.
Hmm… when the chance comes, he should drag someone over and slot it in to team up with "Pyke." Not only would that add netrunner capabilities, it would also complete Pyke's system.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser