The guns in the drug dealers' hands seemed as outdated as fire sticks in comparison.

"The missile has been launched; it's expected to arrive at Night City in two minutes."

-------------

Below the Horizon Corporation building, some players who accepted the limited-time mission were confused, as this task came unexpectedly without any warning signs.

First, evacuate the employees inside the company, then move all valuable equipment overnight, and finally pull up banners around the company to get the small merchants far away.

It seemed as if the Horizon Corporation had become some sort of infection source that needed to be isolated separately.

But under Lin Miao's orders, a long red carpet was laid out, which seemed contradictory. The company building was reduced to an empty shell, inside was a mess, and yet you are preparing to welcome someone?

Too strange.

Dirt paved the way, purified water sprinkled the street as if someone of great importance was coming, but there was nothing inside the building. It even required players to wear MT-3 uniforms painted with the American Stars and Stripes and stand in two lines, appearing impressive. Lin Miao even stood personally on the red carpet prepared for the arrival. This stark contrast left many scratching their heads.

"Boss... what's going on?"

Wildman standing beside Lin Miao couldn't help but ask.

"Is it possible the Secretary-General of the United Nations is coming for a visit?"

Based on his understanding of the boss, not even Huang Ban Meizhi, or Huang Ban Sanlang himself would be able to get Lin Miao to call them old stuff, much less expecting players to line up and greet them?

No way.

"The United Nations perished decades ago. Should I dig up a Secretary-General from the grave for you?"

Lin Miao was speechless, surrounded by so many watching citizens, needing to maintain his image.

"Turn on the sound system, play the BGM."

"Oh."

Wildman pressed a button on his waist, and stirring music from the sound system set up in the venue began playing immediately.

"Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light!"

"What's this song?"

The good brothers standing next to the Truth Department muttered.

"This tune sounds familiar."

"Star-Spangled Banner."

Having checked online, the Truth Department replied.

"It seems to be the U.S. national anthem, could it be someone from Military Technology coming?"

Not only the players were puzzled, even the Night City's Military Technology division that continuously monitored Lin Miao's movements was completely baffled, unable to comprehend what he was up to.

In a high-rise hotel afar, Beckett couldn't resist drawing the curtains to see what this guy was up to, but once he stuck his head out and zoomed in with his bionic eye,

His gaze fell on Lin Miao, meeting those black eyes directly.

"Damn!"

Beckett was scared into a cold sweat, hurriedly withdrawing his gaze and pulling the curtains shut.

"Damn freak, how did he spot me among so many people?"

Lin Miao was clearly the most conspicuous person on this street, attracting countless gazes, Beckett included. This rare chance was instantly shattered.

"I've told you."

Aguirre was cleaning his Death Apple, eyelids drooping.

"That guy isn't human."

Beckett also agreed with Aguirre's views, but then a commotion arose below.

He pulled open the curtains again, but this time he dared not look directly at Lin Miao, instead searching the streets for the source of the disturbance - three hovercars appeared, carrying the Military Technology logo.

"People are here, and it's actually these Americans."

Beckett spat; as a Cuban, no camp would ever favor America.

But if someone could warrant such a grand scene from the Horizon Corporation, who could it be?

Night City's media company reporters only learned the news when Horizon Corporation laid out the red carpet, showing up with cameras to stake out, knowing nothing more beyond that.

Not even a division director would merit such a dignified treatment from the Horizon Corporation.

The hovercars stopped at Horizon Corporation's entrance, watched by thousands, the car doors opened.

A middle-aged woman, hair dyed with streaks of grey, wearing sunglasses and a military uniform, stepped down from the hovercar.

The entire crowd, journalists, and players present, held their breath upon recognizing the visitor, stunned.

Those behind the cameras, mouths agape enough to fit a durian, were even more speechless, Night City's countless intelligence agencies silencing completely.

Rosalind Miles, the third President of New America, unexpectedly visited Night City without any publicity.

Moreover, instead of going to Military Technology or the city council, she came directly and unexpectedly first to Horizon Corporation.

Lin Miao stepped aside, invitingly gesturing.

"This way, Madam President."

Players gasped,

United States President? What the heck?

What exactly is the game planning team up to?

Why did they play such a masterstroke with the players completely in the dark?

Their impression of the United States President was either someone in the loo or someone playing violin, but the grandeur coupled with Miles' aura made them instinctively straighten up.

Not out of nervousness, but excitement.

Because such major changes in the game typically meant a large event was about to unfold.

"Damn! Damn! Damn!"

Beckett's heart froze upon witnessing Miles' appearance.

Why in hell would the President of New America appear here without any notice?

Despite calculating everything, they never anticipated such a major catch. Could they handle this?

While the Cuba Drug Trafficking Group might not fear New America, it didn't mean they could take down the United States President in front of so many. Did they think everyone here was some flag-raising weakling?

Beckett kicked over the laser-guiding device, forcibly shutting it off, then yelled in the channel.

"Damn it, stop the missile! The visitor is the US President!"

"WDF?"

Even the technician was confused. What do you mean the visitor is the US President?

He furiously tapped away at the keyboard, only to find in terror that his control console became unresponsive.

"It won't stop, the system is locked! Hurry and stop the guidance!"

As soon as the guiding laser vanishes, the missile will lose its target. Right now, regardless of where the missile ultimately lands, it surely would be less damaging than hitting Horizon Corporation's roof.

"What? I've already stopped it."

Beckett was bewildered.

The technician was equally dumbfounded, since the missile control program indicated the missile was still guided, and its target was precisely Republic East Road in Night City. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Meaning that apart from him and Beckett, another group was operating the missile, furthermore, their privileges exceeded theirs.

The explanation was only one.

"Intelligence Bureau! Open the door!"

Alex kicked open the hotel door, a dozen Intelligence Bureau agents swiftly burst into the room, aiming several guns at Beckett and Aguirre's heads.

Meanwhile

A blaze penetrated the cloud cover, descending like a meteor hurled to earth, like a lightning bolt thrown by God.

It precisely struck the rooftop of the Horizon Corporation building, crashing through the structure, followed by a burst of intense bright light, a plume of thick smoke rising within Night City.