I Became a Sub Heroine in a Cyberpunk Game

In both a nominal and emotional sense.

With the determination and ambition of “I will fulfill the role of a rescue team!” I wanted to dash straight to the live broadcast filming location, but… in front of our group lay several realistic problems that were hard to ignore.

First, judging by the gunfire and shouts, there were indeed sporadic clashes between Arcadian security forces and terrorists happening here and there. However, if we went ahead and swept away the friends blocking our path, it could put the hostages in danger.

Second, I had experienced various combat environments before and this was a familiar feeling. Even though the concept of close combat was still relevant, given that anyone could wield a gun in this neighborhood, the indoor corridors were usually in favor of the defenders, making it more challenging for attackers to penetrate.

Third, as much as I hate to admit it, no matter how hard I’ve trained and run simulations, my performance in group combat… is a bit lacking, isn’t it?

…I do know there’s a huge difference between self-objectivity and self-deprecation.

However, since the only weapon I can comfortably carry is a pistol, and considering the limitations of my stride due to my physique, placing a sharpshooter in my position wouldn’t change anything at the moment.

Damn it, even if the atmosphere were to officially include bullets and dust, what could you do!?

What should I do in the middle of a gunfight where a single misstep could turn me into a target? For the time being, I have no desire to act recklessly.

Bang! Boom!!

Bangbangbangbangbang——!!

“This is just insane!”

As I approached the front corridor, which I had to pass through to get to the lower floor, I saw security forces and Arcadian terrorists energetically shooting at each other. They were still going at it as if overheating guns or ammunition shortages weren’t a concern.

Instead of peeking out, it was a crazy back-and-forth of suppressing fire, as if they were carefully aiming their guns.

To create a meaningful variable here, it would take tremendous courage.

If not that, perhaps I should use something that could crack the enemy’s formation simply by its presence.

Ping! Clatter….

It seemed as if discussions had been concluded or that warnings were sent via a dedicated communication channel.

Unlike the bullets raining down, a grenade thrown by the security forces slid toward the Arcadian side, rolling along the ground like a water droplet.

The building’s interior would sustain considerable damage, but right now, it was a brilliant solution that left no time for complaints.

Ah, speaking of which, why don’t I actively use things like that despite having earned a lot of money?

I know how foolish it is not to utilize high-value secondary weapons like grenades in FPS-style scenarios. After experiencing real-life battles several times, I learned that carrying explosives on my person requires more courage than I expected.

…It’s okay. Yes, it’s fine. I have strong external firepower backing me up.

In any case, I digressed for a moment, but the response from the security forces was more than satisfactory.

By applying maximum firepower to pin us down and then taking us out with high-powered explosives? It was a very efficient strategy.

However, oddly enough, it seemed tough to push forward according to protocol after the most crucial strategic weapon they were supposed to operate had been seized.

– Confirmation of fragmentation grenade approach. Staff members, please be cautious of the explosion. –

Why? Unless you’re a mercenary or problem-solver adorned with combat implants, and since you’re human who cannot focus equally on everything happening within sight, even a surprise grenade throw could slip past unnoticed, but it wouldn’t fool the machine’s eyes.

The firearm aimed forward suddenly tilted almost vertically toward the ground and fired.

Before it could penetrate properly to the depths where the cultists were, it detonated with a bang!! The security droid fulfilled its duty to protect the “staff.”

Given that it was an infiltration operation within a short timeframe, they must not have completely overhauled the installed AI or applied new software; it seemed they had only casually flipped the identification protocols.

These fellows were skilled in areas related to AI, which makes them unnervingly effective, given their apparent shortcomings.

However, according to the Dunning-Kruger effect, those who have learned something superficially often find themselves atop the peak of ignorance.

Having cleared the closed city quest hundreds of times and sharing a meal with Zero, who is essentially a testament to evolution, I can declare that even self-aware AI has its weaknesses and limits. Instead of indulging in conspiracy theories, wouldn’t it be better to study a little more!?

– How about I charge in and break through? –

“…I’m not doubting you, but can you handle this neatly?”

– To be honest, exterminating them is not a problem, but the likelihood of impaired operations after the engagement is quite high. –

The enemies still didn’t realize we were lurking nearby, gauging the atmosphere.

However, exposing ourselves to fire from both sides “simultaneously” would undoubtedly lead to unnecessary losses, so Zero seemed hesitant to charge in, something quite rare for them.

No, I actually know the exact reason they’re uneasy.

If dealing with these nuisances is potentially troublesome and disadvantageous, then they probably don’t want to expose me to a potential threat from allies trailing behind.

At least they’d been avoiding conflict in front of me, maintaining a casual demeanor. But now with the current situation, they were acting up again.

“……”

Masanari, dressed comfortably in their tracker uniform for the first time in a while, appeared rather reassured. As soon as our eyes met, they lightly bowed in respect.

Perhaps they wanted to avoid clashing with Zero, who seemed to be on high alert, keeping a slight distance… but isn’t this meaningless?

From what I saw last time, Masanari was a named individual among trackers, flying around like a madman… no, a madwoman.

I’m not trying to criticize her; it’s merely an objective evaluation. Comparing the people I’ve seen directly with pure brute force, Zero or Omen alone wouldn’t have been able to handle her one-on-one… but could someone like Helena, who can keep up with speedsters, stand a chance?

“So… Masanari? Why did you suddenly follow?”

“I have been thoroughly instructed by Director Edamatsu to provide protection for Lady Anastasia. While it may seem cumbersome, in such circumstances, I hope you can understand that discreetly guarding is rather difficult.”

Well… I fully understand that. But if you’re there, our only operational power, Zero, becomes impossible to employ!

How does 1+1 equal zero in this bizarre scenario? Is someone hiding a negative?

Now, let’s think this through.

To safely break through here, I need to utilize her well… but how?

Since her goal is to protect my body, could I threaten her with something along the lines of, “If you don’t help me right now, I’ll swallow some Legos!? I’ll jump in there! Aaah!!”? Wouldn’t she be forced to cooperate then? …Though self-harm threats feel embarrassing, I’d gladly endure them to save lives.

No, if I showed such a spectacle, Zero would probably faint first and make a fuss about deploying all their forces to the broadcasting station.

Hahaha… these extreme troublemakers are really putting a strain on my head.

But what’s this?

While I was contemplating whether I should charge in with the body of the Zero droid even if it sustained some damage, a person I thought was least likely to present a solution unexpectedly offered a suggestion.

“…If you wish to deal with those fellas, there’s no need to hesitate. Just give the command. We are the blade that destroys Enema’s adversaries.”

“Wasn’t that the issue all along…? You circle around me according to commands, but I’m no longer part of Enema.”

I recognize their existence, but we have no official connection whatsoever.

It’s impossible to meet under normal circumstances, as I looked upon communal exposure as a sin.

Due to the complex distance and relationship, where each party finds it difficult to demand anything from the other, I’ve always had an awkward approach to my neighbor, the genetic-engineering ninja, Masanari Gamma.

The only person who can give orders to this agent within the limits of the command hierarchy is one.

“Since Director Edamatsu has clearly stipulated that he will do his utmost to facilitate Lady Anastasia’s convenience and respect her will as his own, the role of covert protection remains unchanged. However, should you require it, there’s no harm in issuing commands.”

On top of that, I had just come from brushing her off moments ago, and she offered up her subordinate. Before questioning Show’s mental state for providing such a great favor…

She hesitated awkwardly, adding a few words that seemed rare for a tracker to share personal opinions, perhaps out of shyness.

“…I also have a debt of gratitude toward you, and I am honored to be under your generous consideration.”

‘Huh…?’

What? Did my plan, which involved capturing her attention by making sure she was fed first, actually succeed? Was there a strangely favorable atmosphere I sensed, or was it just a delusion?

As long as they have no complaints about following my lead, that’s more than sufficient. After all, it means there’s always an option to gain assistance when needed.

In any case, that’s good. Alright, then this will be our formal engagement… a first battle to commemorate our alliance. From now on, can I hope that we might get a little friendlier and try to coordinate our actions lightly?

“Well then… I won’t hold back. Let’s hurry and clear the way together. Since there could be a hostage situation later on, let’s move quickly to ensure our information doesn’t leak.”

– …If it’s Lady Ahsa’s command. –

“…Hmm, Zero, all of you are as sharp as ever.”

…Huh? Are you all really okay with this? Huh??

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