"I'm sorry," V said from beside him. "Looks like, if you don't want to die right away, your only choice is to live as an ordinary civilian. At least you'd get a few more years.
The good news is, once we finish this job, you'll at least be able to afford the latest Operating System Cyberware, so you won't end up disabled."
Lier said nothing. He had suddenly remembered one of the endings in Phantom Liberty, where the legendary mercenary V chose to become an ordinary civilian.
Giving up everything she relied on-her powerful cyberware and abilities-to stay alive, never able to install combat cyberware again, becoming a true civilian-
The kind who could get run over or killed by a stray bullet at any moment in the game.
Lier lay in the surgical chair, studying the medical report on the tablet as he spoke.
"I'll take a third option. I want to buy some equipment suitable for a beginner ripperdoc and a novice hacker—the old-fashioned kind. Then install a Brain-Computer Interface for me, and replace one of my eyes with a Cyber-Eye while you're at it."
The ripperdoc looked surprised.
"So you want to work as a traditional technician, using traditional technology, in 2077?
You're in luck. I happen to have a batch of outdated equipment. It would've been absolutely top of the line in 2020, but these days, nobody uses it.
As for the Brain-Computer Interface and Cyber-Eye, those are indeed among the few Basic Cyberware implants you can handle. At least you'll still be able to use Braindances and such."
"And I want some good gear installed in this friend of mine. Can you give us a discount?"
"Depends on how big the order is. How about this? I'll waive the fee for wiping the official serial numbers. That doesn't come cheap in Atlanta."
"Deal. Pleasure doing business, doc."
V, standing beside him, was even more surprised. Honestly, for a moment, she had thought Lier would pocket the advance and buy himself a high-end operating system-a Central Nervous System Implant.
She hadn't expected him to actually upgrade the cyberware of his hired muscle.
"I have to say, I've changed my mind about you. You've got guts. In that case, I won't hold back."
A Brain-Computer Interface primarily affected the brain. It was the most basic implant in this world, and the most cost-effective one for Lier.
It let him read the contents of certain Shards and display them through his Cyber-Eye.
For his eye replacement, he had chosen a Kiroshi Optics Cyber-Eye Mk. 2 from a major manufacturer. To limit the strain on his body, he had only replaced one eye. It was a cheap model, and he was only getting one.
After all, he wasn't a combatant.
While V underwent surgery, Lier sat nearby and studied his medical report in detail.
The examination covered a great many items, including compatibility tests for various cell types-epidermal cells, bone cells, cardiac muscle cells, kidney cells, and so on-as well as immune system strength tests and allergy tests.
The report offered a glimpse into the areas where medical technology had advanced by 2077.
As Lier read, he searched online for related information, such as what methods were used to test bone cell compatibility.
He had to admit, the corporate lapdogs' private ripperdoc provided thorough service. Nothing had been overlooked.
It took roughly two hours for Lier to finish reading every report and gain a general understanding of the tests' principles, methods, and purposes. Honestly, that was remarkably efficient.
Especially considering he had to endure the bouts of pain caused by his immune response.
[Affected by a creation: immune response to cyberware (faint)] [Effect: minor mental interference caused by pain and dizziness] [Remove interference?] [Removed]
Although it no longer disrupted his thoughts, the pain was very real. What a strange feeling.
[Reading complete. Tech Points +5] [Cyber-Eye implanted: Kiroshi Model 2] [Cyberware implanted: NetWatch Standard Brain-Computer Interface] [First implant of this type. Tech Points reward increased] [Current Tech Points: 50]
It seemed he earned these so-called Tech Points whenever he encountered new technology.
According to the system, Tech Points could help him understand and master technology. After some thought, Lier formed a request in his mind.
[General technology: cyberware implantation surgery (beginner level)] [Current learning progress: 60%] [Tech Points required for accelerated mastery: 8]
But if it was only the beginner level, he could master it completely with a little more time. There was no need to spend points.
Lier checked the time. This was his eighth hour in this world.
Dawn would soon break in the other world.
"Hey, system. What happens to me in the other world?"
[In the other world, the host can perform basic activities and attempt simple learning tasks] [The results of these actions will be displayed here as text.]
Hiss...
The operating room door opened, and V emerged, looking thoroughly refreshed.
"Here's the surgical bill. Subdermal armor, recoil control, Fortified Tendons, Skeleton Reconstruction, bionic joints, a Kerenzikov, a neural coordinator, a Blood Pump, a Reaction Coordinator... everything you requested. Combat cyberware without complex software drives. Including your equipment, the total after the discount is two hundred thousand eddies."
"Pay it all up front. V, pay him."
"This is the first time I've ever spent this much money. Feels weird. But now I'm practically a superhero. Let's go kill that..."
The ripperdoc hurriedly raised a hand. "Don't say that in here, or I'm calling the cops!"
V glanced over, and Lier shrugged.
"Okay, okay. We'll pay and leave. Where's my stuff?"
With a bang, V slammed the trunk shut and climbed into the driver's seat.
"Now what? Do we go straight in and kill that Cai guy?"
Lier glanced at the fierce warrior woman. "I know the cyberware has boosted your confidence, but surely it hasn't given you cyberpsychosis yet?"
"Just get to the point. Stop going on about that stuff."
"I just read Kang Tao's report on Atlanta's underworld. I have to say, there really isn't much room for underground activity here."
"Yeah, it's boring as hell." V shrugged. "It's either work or overtime. Feels like even the gangsters are working overtime."
"But I did find the person we need. Steven Knott, the head of the Veterans Association. We'll find him, then talk business."
"What?" V asked, puzzled. "I thought you were talking about gangs. What's this association..."
"Oh, that's what they call their gang here. You've been here this long and didn't know? They're like... Night City's Sixth Street.
But around here, respectable gangs don't call themselves the Something Gang. It's a local thing."
V started the car and said expressionlessly, "Yeah, I know. I'm just a little surprised by their weird naming habits. What business are we talking about?"
She could hardly admit that, after all this time here, she had only been looking for groups with "Gang" in their names, could she?
No wonder they had all been broke, with filthy jobs, too much work, and too little pay.
Lier didn't dwell on it and continued, "First, there aren't enough of us. We need a hacker to create a safe operating environment. Nott happens to have the resources, and Militech is probably backing him. Going after Kang Tao's people won't be a problem for them."
"And here I thought you were some hacking genius who could take down network equipment with an old computer."
Lier shrugged. "Not yet. Anyway, we need to find Nott. Besides getting his help... we also need him to provide some insurance."
"Getting someone you've never met to cover your ass?" V teased. "That sounds like a death wish. Are you really that sure he won't kill us halfway through?"
"Don't worry." Lier watched the streets slide past the window. "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse."
V glanced over in surprise. "You want me to point a gun at him?"
"I... I mean, there's money in it for everyone.
Gangs here don't make much money to begin with. Can you believe a big chunk of this gang's funding comes from New America's veterans' benefits...?"
Lier looked out at the orderly society beyond the window, feeling reflective.
Even in 2077, not every place was like Night City.
There was a reason V couldn't make a living here.
If you're enjoying this book, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you can find it again next time.
Before you continue