Deep within the european continent, inside a centuries-old castle, thick stone walls muffled the outside world's clamor.
Several senior partners of the european Banks sat around a fireplace, holding precious wines from Bordeaux's finest vineyards.
The flickering fire cast dancing shadows on their elegant suits, and the distant silhouette of the Alps was faintly visible in the twilight.
"A barbarian's game." A silver-haired senior partner gently swirled his crystal glass, his tone conveying an innate sense of superiority. "Such crude acts of violence will only plunge the capital market into unnecessary panic."
The younger partner sitting opposite him leaned forward slightly: "But let's not forget, during the Fourth Corporate War, it was precisely this 'crudeness' that created unprecedented opportunities for us.
At that time, we provided critical financing to both Arasaka and Militech through channels in Switzerland and Liechtenstein."
The firewood in the fireplace crackled softly.
Everyone present was familiar with that history: it was the european Banks' ingenious capital maneuvers that prolonged the war long enough for them to acquire significant stakes in both giants through debt-to-equity conversions.
Even the orbital strike that ended Bartmoss had the shadow of the european Space Agency, influenced by them, behind it.
The flames in the fireplace flickered, casting swaying shadows on the ancient carpet.
The younger partner put down his wine glass and leaned forward slightly.
"The current situation indeed bears similarities to the Fourth Corporate War," he said, tapping his fingers gently on the back of his chair. "Our people in Tokyo have sent the latest report; Arasaka is urgently mobilizing global funds.
Their weakness has been fully exposed, and this is the best time for us to extend a helping hand."
The German partner, who had remained silent, slowly raised his eyes. His neatly trimmed beard gleamed silver-grey in the firelight.
"The technology displayed by this emerging power is indeed more disruptive than Bartmoss' back then," his German accent added weight to each word. "We should emulate the success we achieved with Arasaka, and through appropriate investments and cooperation agreements, integrate this new force into our network of influence as well."
The younger partner immediately chimed in: "We can operate through a holding company registered in the Cayman Islands. We'll provide support in the name of R&D funds, while requiring the other party to use core technology patents as collateral."
He paused briefly, glancing at the tablet in his hand. "Meanwhile, our special fund established in Luxembourg has already begun to massively short the stocks and bonds of Arasaka-affiliated companies."
The silver-haired partner slowly nodded, his fingertips gently caressing the stem of the crystal glass.
"Have the Zurich team prepare a complete proposal," his voice was gentle but unequivocal. "Remember, we must treat this opportunity like a fine wine: patiently wait for it to fully ferment, opening it at the most opportune moment to savor its perfect flavor."
He elegantly sipped the deep red liquid in his glass and continued: "Inform our old friends at the Bank of Japan and in Washington that the european Banks is willing to provide the necessary liquidity support for 'maintaining global financial stability.'"
A faint smile appeared on his lips. "Of course, all of this will come at an appropriate price."
The firewood in the fireplace crackled softly, and the old grandfather clock on the wall chimed the hour.
Outside the castle, the silhouette of the Alps gradually blurred in the twilight, while the conversation inside continued, each decision potentially stirring new waves in the future.
Outside the castle, the Alpine night sky was dotted with stars.
And within these ancient stone walls, a new financial storm was brewing.
These european bankers still believed that in this world, the most powerful weapon was not a plasma cannon, but fluid capital; the most fatal blow was not the destruction of buildings, but the erosion of confidence.
—
Meanwhile, in a private salon on the Left Bank of Paris, another group of people associated with the european Banks was holding a more clandestine gathering.
They included a former EU Commissioner for Competition, a retired Deputy Governor of the Banque de France, and several lobbyists with close ties to major european defense companies.
"It's time to restart 'Project Helios'," a middle-aged man in a bespoke suit said in a low voice, his fingers gently caressing the crystal glass.
"Project Helios?" The young lady sitting opposite him, Sophie Renault, who had only recently entered this inner circle, frowned slightly. "Please forgive my ignorance, is this…"
"No need to apologize, dear Sophie," the middle-aged man offered a knowing smile. "It's a name that has been dormant. During the Fourth Corporate War, when various factions clashed openly, we initiated Project Helios.
Simply put, it's a comprehensive strategy to ensure the maximization of european interests through unconventional means."
He paused briefly, surveying everyone present: "At the time, we realized that simply providing funds, while yielding short-term gains, couldn't guarantee long-term influence. Therefore, in specific situations, we would take more direct intervention.
For example, when an uncontrolled variable appeared…"
Another older participant took over, his voice low: "Like that netrunner named Bartmoss. His abilities began to threaten the stability of the entire financial system.
So, through our special channels at the ESA, an orbital kinetic weapon was deployed.
Official records would show it as a 'test error,' but in reality, it precisely eliminated the threat."
Sophie's pupils contracted slightly: "So that famous orbital strike…"
"Was an early practice of Project Helios," the middle-aged man nodded gently. "Now, this mysterious force that has appeared in Night City, its technological prowess has clearly exceeded the scope of conventional commercial competition.
If we cannot bring it under our control, we must at least ensure it doesn't fall into the hands of our adversaries."
"The core of the plan is simple," the elder explained. "Through our network of agents across continents, we evaluate, make contact, and, if necessary, employ special measures.
All actions will be conducted through layers of subcontracting and intermediaries, ensuring complete separation from the european Banks' name."
Sophie mused: "So, we not only continue to operate in the financial markets, but also prepare to take more direct action?"
"When necessary, yes," the middle-aged man took a sip of wine. "But remember, in Project Helios, we are always the shadows behind the scenes. Let the Americans flaunt their military might, let the Asians display their technological ambitions.
As for us, we only need to make the most precise interventions at the most critical moments."
The flames in the fireplace suddenly flickered, casting dancing shadows on everyone's faces.
This night, Project Helios was reactivated after years of dormancy, and this time, its target was a mysterious force capable of destroying Arasaka Tower.