Stone Ridge Mountain lies about a few dozen kilometers east of Night City, its rising hills resembling the backbone of this desolate wasteland.
Yet this backbone has long been stripped bare by the relentless wars of humanity, beaten into a fragmented wasteland. Frequent nuclear warfare, rampant dumping of pollutants and biochemical weapons have contaminated every inch of land and water in this world. Rainforests have been wiped out en masse, ecosystems collapsed, and the outskirts of California, even North America, all bear the same scars.
An endless expanse of bleak wasteland devoid of greenery, only the dry yellow representing desolation. Piles of garbage emitting overwhelming stench, where only resilient species like cacti and weeds barely cling to existence. But even they lack the vibrant life plants should possess, crumbling at the slightest touch.
Just after sunrise, three cargo trucks burst from the steel jungle's maw, speeding toward the mountains. Their tires kicked up clouds of dust on the yellow soil, leaving behind clear trails in its wake.
There are people surviving in the Evil Land too; tribes of wanderers, the Chaotic Blade Association... In this seemingly civilization-exiled wasteland, there remains evidence of numerous wanderers living here, like Lin Miao's destination today.
A dead town on Stone Ridge Mountain, situated on a gentle slope at the mountainside.
Upon the convoy's arrival, Lin Miao felt the merchant's words were too romantic.
Dozens of prefab structures or mobile homes formed this area, perfectly matching the image of a western U.S. town buried in yellow sand. Many houses were already falling apart, their broken doors swaying in the wind or by something else, vehicles stripped to mere shells scattered everywhere. Only larger structures like the town's central tavern and gas station remained intact, resembling hollowed-out corpses.
Everything of value has been stripped away: antennas, solar panels, air conditioning units dismantled; the gas pumps reduced to debris, even vending machines shattered and raided. Wanderers and the Chaotic Blade Association strip cleaner than vermin, not sparing any usable resource.
The desolate scenery even makes the winds of Evil Land lament.
"Mr. Lin, we've arrived."
Seth was the first to disembark, scanning the surroundings to ensure no threats before leading his crew to open the rear compartment.
"Here's what the boss prepared for you, check them out."
Lin Miao peered inside from the truck door, chuckling at the sight. The old captain had indeed honored him, all new goods placed in gun cases—four short, four long—all fully stocked. Gun control policies have long been used by military tech giants for toilet paper. Their gun shops even have weapons specifically for students and children.
Four 'Freedom' handguns, one M2038 tactical pump-action shotgun, two Ajax assault rifles, and... one MA70 light machine gun produced by Midnight Military. Piled behind them were boxes upon boxes of ammo and grenades. Night City lacks everything but firearms and cattle.
After checking each one, Lin Miao realized the old captain was far from naïve. The serial numbers on these new guns were wiped clean, but he could smell a strong scent of subterfuge, likely procured from NCPD's logistics department.
But that's none of his business.
After unloading the firearms and ammunition, Lin Miao addressed the two men preparing to head back to Night City.
"This didn't earn me a penny, Seth, give my thanks to Reyes, I'll come for the next deal in a few days."
By not earning refers to acquiring from the factory through legitimate means, but if you robbed or stole it, then that's another matter.
"I'll let him know."
After Seth drove off, Lin Miao watched the firearms on the ground like a fly, rubbing his hands.
"Alright, finally on the right track, time to get ready to welcome guests."
...
Night City's morning is Sun Yifeng's evening.
After a 'busy' dinner, he walked out of the kitchen ready to head to the study, turn on the computer, and join the old team for some gaming. But his wife in the living room suddenly stopped him.
"The security said your package arrived, go fetch it yourself."
"Package? I haven't bought anything recently." Sun Yifeng frowned, probably his wife made purchases and shoved the task onto him. But what could he do?
Was he supposed to scold Weiwei with his fist, teach her a lesson for her insolence?
Go ahead! Who's afraid!
However, after he retrieved the package and unwrapped it, Sun Yifeng was dumbfounded upon seeing its contents.
"My goodness, what is this?"
A semi-enclosed black helmet, somewhat resembling the gear those power armor soldiers wear in sci-fi works, with a power cable trailing behind.
With a mindset to experiment, Sun Yifeng connected the power and donned the helmet. Though his head was a bit large, the helmet gave him a perfect fit. To his surprise, the helmet contained a three-dimensional view, making him feel as if standing in a red data space, surrounded by ascending code, with no sky above nor ground below, as if floating mid-air.
Before him loomed a continually decreasing countdown timer.