"This is my first time in North Oak. Gotta say, the place really does feel different from the rest of the city—elite folks sure live in style."
Stepping out of the car and shutting the door behind him, Karl took a moment to glance around. He scanned the elevated district, expecting to see something specific, but when he didn't, he turned to Johnson with a puzzled expression.
"Johnson, wasn't North Oak supposed to have top-tier security? I heard that even taking a stroll here means you'll have countless security drones and sentry turrets locking onto you. Why does it feel so... peaceful?"
"You're thinking of how it was before the reconstruction. No matter how strict security is these days, no district in Night City is gonna be turned into a full-on fortress. The big shots living in these mansions? They don't trust centralized security. Before, Arasaka handled all the defenses, but now? With North Oak becoming a new hub for high-society elites, they all prefer their own hired guns over a unified security force."
Johnson shrugged. "This district is home to people from Militech, Arasaka, and every other major corp. You think they'd just hand over security to their rivals?"
"That makes sense."
With that little history lesson, Karl understood the situation. "So, basically, I don't have to fight my way through dozens of sentry turrets and an army of armed drones just to break in?"
"Inside his mansion? Maybe. But outside? Forget it."
"Damn. That kinda kills my excitement."
Karl sighed. He had just been running high-level breach scenarios on his training chip, and now there wouldn't even be a chance to put it to real use. What a letdown.
"But don't get careless. You never know what kind of security setup these rich bastards have inside their homes. Anyway, this is as far as I can take you. You got everything figured out from here?"
"Crystal clear, Johnson."
Karl grinned. "A private estate, complete with its own garden and swimming pool—'Overlook Villa,' right? Those two snitches gave me all the details. Didn't take much digging to confirm it. But it's kinda ironic, isn't it? A guy who owns a five-to-six-million-euro mansion—five bedrooms, three baths—yet he's pinching pennies on security costs by trading lives for savings. Classic." (Think high-end standalone homes in California for reference.)
"That kind of irony is exactly why he can afford to live in a place like that."
Johnson didn't say much else. Instead, he reached over and handed Karl his freshly acquired Ajax M251S.
Karl blinked, caught off guard, before his face lit up. "Wait... seriously?"
"You're giving it back when this is over."
"Of course. But are you sure?"
"Just consider it my way of pitching in."
Johnson shoved the gun into Karl's hands and turned away as if it was no big deal. "I can't help with the job itself, but the least I can do is make sure you're properly armed. And be careful with it. I just bought that thing, haven't even fired it much yet."
"Don't worry," Karl said with a smirk, gripping the Ajax tightly. "I'll put it to good use."
Karl wasn't particularly concerned about the Ajax rifle itself—if he wanted one, he could easily buy it. What he valued more was the meaning behind Johnson handing it over. Holding the rifle with care, he glanced at Jed and Kenichiro.
"Alright, let me go in first."
Kenichiro was both his superior and an observer for this mission, so there was no reason for him to take the lead. As for Jed, he only had a Lexington—sending him in against potential villa security would be suicide. From the start, Karl had planned to clear the place himself. With just Midnight, his firepower would've been lacking without backup from Jack and the others. But now, with Ajax in hand, that was no longer a problem.
After a quick weapon check, Karl moved forward.
One thing was undeniable—North Oak, perched high in the hills, truly lived up to its reputation. Compared to the rest of Night City, the streetlights here were pristine. As he walked along the winding mountain road, not a single light flickered or was dead from poor maintenance. The evenly spaced lamps glowed like guiding beacons, illuminating his path as he steadily ascended.
Karl had only one thought in mind:
"Climbing hills on foot sucks. Why do rich people love high places so much? Office buildings, meeting spots, even their damn houses—always at the top."
If NCPD could've driven straight into North Oak without drawing attention, Karl would've gladly let Johnson drop him off at the front gate. That way, he could've just stepped out, guns blazing, job done.
"Too bad my personal chauffeur isn't around."
While Karl grumbled internally, the two men behind him had entirely different attitudes.
Kenichiro remained as calm as ever, his expression unreadable, cybernetic eyes flashing intermittently, likely engaged in data transmission or remote communication. Jed, on the other hand, was clutching his Lexington tightly, his face a mix of excitement and nerves.
Even Oliver, who had grown up in a gang family, hadn't participated in a full-blown raid before joining 6th Street—let alone Jed, whose family was in logistics. At most, he'd pulled a gun on some street punks in a standoff. But this? Going after a corporate elite? This was a whole different level of thrill.
"So this is the life of a merc? Is this what Oliver does every day?"
If Karl had heard Jed's thoughts, he probably would've rolled his eyes and shot back:
"What kind of mercenary has to walk to their gig when they don't have backup?!"
Luckily, the trek wasn't too long. Otherwise, lazy as he was, Karl might have seriously considered flagging down a passing car for a lift.
If there was one thing North Oak's roads had in abundance, it was luxury cars. One after another, sleek, high-end vehicles cruised past, their wealthy occupants throwing curious glances at Karl and his group. Even these rich folks seemed surprised.
"Who the hell walks in North Oak?"
But their curiosity didn't last long.
For the wealthy elite, small things like this were nothing more than fleeting distractions, momentary amusements before being discarded from their thoughts.
Unless it directly affected them.
After all, what could a few random pedestrians possibly have to do with them?
It's not like some street thugs would be bold enough to target them, right?
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