Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Demon Cyborg Genos [25]

And to make things worse—

News media had arrived.

Reporters from every major news outlet were swarming the area, hungry for a first-hand look at whatever chaos was unfolding inside Arasaka’s Watson facility.

Ethan frowned. A direct fight would be risky. Not for himself. But because Rebecca was here. If she got caught in the crossfire, things could go south fast.

No. He had to leave without engaging. He turned back to the vault.

Boom!

With a single punch, the metal door crumpled inward, shattering into jagged pieces. The second the entrance was blown open— Rebecca launched herself out.

She nearly stumbled forward, her legs adjusting to sudden freedom, her body still bound at the wrists. Her face twisted from frustration to joy the moment she saw who was standing before her.

“Mmmph!” She grunted aggressively, tilting her head toward Ethan—clearly demanding that he rip the tape off her mouth. Ethan, however, could sense the incoming forces closing in.

There was no time to waste. Without a word, he scooped Rebecca into his arms, carrying her effortlessly.

“Mmph!—MMPH?!” Her muffled protests were ignored as Ethan scanned the surroundings, searching for an alternative escape route.

Three seconds later, he found one. A ventilation shaft. Large enough for them both. Without hesitation, he rushed toward it, Rebecca still firmly in his grip.

With a single leap, he entered the vent system, navigating swiftly through the metal ducts. At the end of the tunnel, a large industrial air vent blocked their path.

One kick. That was all it took. The metal fan shattered, sending fragments flying outward.

A second later, they were outside. The exit had led them to a dried-up concrete drainage canal—one that stretched away from the main facility.

Still carrying Rebecca, Ethan moved swiftly, covering over a kilometer before finally stopping near Arasaka Tower’s city park.

Only then did he set her down.

With a swift motion, he freed her bindings, pulling the tape from her mouth. The moment Rebecca regained her ability to speak—

She exploded. “FUCKING CORPORATE ASSHATS!” Her voice echoed through the empty night.

She went on a full-throttle verbal rampage, her vocabulary blending every creative insult possible as she cursed Arasaka’s entire bloodline.

It took her a full minute to exhaust her rage.

Finally, after violating Arasaka’s ancestors verbally, she paused, catching her breath. Then, for the first time, she turned to look at Ethan— And her expression softened.

“You’re not hurt, right?” Her voice had completely changed. It was no longer filled with rage or aggression. Instead, it carried something rare—genuine concern.

“Those corporate fucks sent an army after you. You sure they didn’t get a hit in?” Ethan chuckled, watching her eyes scan him for injuries.

Rebecca wasn’t subtle. She was checking him over, top to bottom, genuinely worried. Seeing the pure concern in her eyes, Ethan let out a warm smile.

Then—he reached out and ruffled her hair. His fingers pinched her cheeks slightly, stretching out her soft, baby-fat face.

“I’m fine.” His voice was light. Relaxed.

“They can’t hurt me.” Then—his smile faded slightly.

“I was more worried about you.”

“Good thing you’re okay.” He activated his life-sensing ability one more time. Now that he was up close, he could analyze her condition in detail.

Not just external injuries— But internal trauma as well. And thankfully— She was completely unharmed. Ethan sighed in relief.

Rebecca, however, was not impressed.

“Eugh, you’re so goddamn corny!” She shoved his hand off, scrunching her nose. Rebecca grumbled as she pulled away from Ethan’s grip, shaking off his playful attack on her cheeks.

But— Her face was flushed. A deep shade of pink lingered on her skin, betraying the fact that she was definitely a little flustered.

“Also,” she muttered, as if trying to distract herself, “what about my dumbass brother? Pilar’s okay, right?” A brief silence passed between them before she spoke.

“Of course.” Ethan’s tone was calm, reassuring. “But you should call him. He’s worried sick about you.”

Rebecca sighed, but she did as he suggested, stepping aside to contact Pilar.

A few minutes later, after finishing her call, she jogged back toward Ethan.

Trying to sound casual, she asked, “Wanna take a walk?”

Ethan glanced around.

Despite the usual city trash scattered across the ground, this park was cleaner than most of Night City.

It was quiet.

And judging from Rebecca’s expectant gaze, she really wanted him to say yes.

A moment later—

He nodded.

Rebecca’s face lit up instantly.

She didn’t even try to hide her happiness.

Under the dim glow of the streetlights, they wandered through the winding trails of the park.

Eventually, they reached a high vantage point, where they could look down at the entire park from above.

From here, under the neon lights of Night City’s skyline, the colors of the park seemed almost surreal.

The way the city’s holographic ads reflected on the trees and pavement gave everything a dreamlike quality.

Ethan leaned against the railing, gazing out at the view. “Do you like it here?” he asked, his voice quiet.

Rebecca paused, as if lost in thought. For a moment, her expression turned unreadable. Then— She pouted, trying to downplay her emotions.

“Eh. It’s alright, I guess.” She crossed her arms. “Better than the shitty industrial district I live in.”

Ethan glanced at her.

“What were you thinking about just now?”

Rebecca hesitated—then turned toward him, her eyes sharp and serious.

“I was thinking… have we met before?” Her tone wasn’t playful.

It wasn’t a joke. She was serious.

“I feel like we have,” she continued. “I might’ve forgotten, but you remember, don’t you?”

“Otherwise, how the hell did you know who I was before we even talked?”

Ethan met her gaze. Her bright crimson eyes searched his for an answer. Of course, he hadn’t met her before. But… Did that really matter?

He smiled. “You’re right.” Rebecca’s eyes widened.

“I knew it!” she beamed with triumph.

“But,” Ethan added, “the past doesn’t matter. What matters is the future.”