บท 5: Cyberware Upgrades and Development Path
"I'm sorry," V said from the side. "It looks like your only option, if you don't want to die right away, is to live as a regular civilian. At least you'll have a few more years. The good news is, after this job, you'll at least be able to afford the latest operating system implant, so you won't be disabled."
Leo didn't respond. Instead, his mind flashed to the story of "Shadows of the Past," where the legendary mercenary V chose to become an ordinary person at the end. She gave up her powerful cyberware and abilities to save her life, becoming a true civilian—
The kind who could be hit by a car or killed by a stray bullet at any time in the game.
Lying on the surgical chair, Leo looked at the medical report on the tablet and said,
"I'm choosing a third option—I'm going to buy some gear. I need equipment suitable for a novice ripperdoc and beginner hacker—old-fashioned stuff. And I want a neural interface installed, along with a replacement cyber eye."
The ripperdoc raised an eyebrow in surprise:
"So, you want to use traditional techniques in 2076 to become a traditional technician? Lucky for you, I happen to have some outdated equipment that was top-tier back in 2020, but no one uses that stuff anymore.
As for the neural interface and cyber eye, those are indeed among the few basic implants you can safely install. At least you'll be able to use braindances and whatnot."
"And I want you to upgrade my friend here with some quality gear—can we get a discount?"
"Depends on the size of the job—tell you what, I'll knock off the cost of scrubbing the official serial numbers, which isn't cheap in Atlanta."
"Deal, a pleasure doing business, Doc."
V was even more surprised—honestly, for a moment, V thought Leo would pocket the deposit and get himself a high-end operating system, or in other words, a central nervous system implant.
But to her surprise, he was genuinely planning to upgrade his muscle—V.
"I've got to say, I've changed my opinion of you. You've got guts—so I won't hold back."
The neural interface primarily affects the brain and is the most basic implant in this world, offering Leo the best value for his situation.
This implant allows Leo to read data from various chips and display it on his cyber eye.
The cyber eye he chose was a single Kiroshi Optics Mk.II model, a low-end, single-unit implant from a reputable manufacturer, suitable for his limited bodily tolerance.
After all, he wasn't a combat operative.
While V was undergoing surgery, Leo spent the time thoroughly studying his medical report.
The examination covered many aspects, including various cellular tests—epidermal cells, bone cells, myocardial cells, kidney cells, and more—along with compatibility tests, immune system strength assessments, and allergy tests.
The report offered insights into where medical technology had advanced by 2076.
As Leo examined the report, he also searched for related information online, like the methods used for testing bone cell compatibility.
It must be said, the ripperdoc's services for corporate clients were indeed thorough, with no oversights.
About two hours later, Leo finished reading all the reports and had a rough understanding of the principles, methods, and purposes of these tests—though to be fair, this was an impressive feat, especially considering he was enduring the pain of his immune response.
[Affected by the creation: Cyberware Immune Response (Minor)]
[Effect: Slight cognitive disturbance due to pain and dizziness]
[Remove disturbance?]
[Removed]
While his thoughts were no longer disturbed, the pain was still very real—a strange sensation.
[Completed reading, Technology Points +5]
[Cyber Eye Installed: Kiroshi Optics Mk.II]
[Cyberware Installed: NetWatch Standard Neural Interface]
[First installation of this type, Technology Points bonus increased]
[Current Technology Points: 50]
It seems that technology points are gained when encountering new technologies.
According to the system, technology points could help him understand and master technologies. Leo thought for a moment and generated a request in his mind.
[General Technology: Cyberware Implant Surgery (Beginner Level)]
[Current learning progress: 60%]
[Quick mastery requires 8 Technology Points]
However, since it was just an entry-level skill, with a bit more time, he could fully grasp the basics of cyberware implant surgery, so there was no need to spend points.
Leo checked the time—it had been eight hours since he arrived in this world.
In the other world, it would soon be dawn.
"Hey, system, what about my other world?"
[In the other world, the host can perform basic activities and attempt simple learning tasks]
[The results of your actions will be displayed here in text form.]
Shhht.
The operating room door opened, and V walked out, looking refreshed.
"Here's the surgery list: subdermal armor, recoil control, enhanced tendons, bone reinforcement, bionic joints, Kerenzikov, neural co-processor, blood pump, reaction enhancer—all non-complex, no-frills combat implants. Plus your stuff, it all totals 200,000 euros after discounts."
"Pay it all at once, V, go ahead."
"This is the first time I've spent this much money, feels strange. But now I'm practically a superhero—let's go take down that…"
The ripperdoc quickly raised his hand, "Don't say that here, or I'll have to call the cops!"
V glanced over at Leo, who shrugged.
"Alright, alright, I'll pay and leave. Where's my gear?"
With a thud, V closed the trunk and got into the driver's seat.
"So, what now? Do we just storm in and take out that Cai woman?"
Leo glanced at the fierce female warrior beside him, "I know the new implants have boosted your confidence, but you're not a cyberpsycho just yet, right?"
"Spit it out. Stop beating around the bush."
"I just went through Kang Tao's report on Atlanta's underground forces. I have to say, there isn't much room for underground activities here."
"Yeah, pretty boring." V shrugged, "It's all work and overtime, even the gangs seem to be working overtime."
"But I found someone we need, Steven Knott, the leader of the Veteran's Association. We need to find him, and then we'll talk business."
"What?" V asked, puzzled. "I thought you were talking about gangs. This association…"
"Oh, here, they call their gangs by names like that—didn't you know after being here this long? They're like… the Six Street Gang in Night City.
But here, any gang with a reputation doesn't call themselves a gang—city culture."
V started the car, her face expressionless, "Yeah, I know. Just surprised by their weird naming habits. What kind of business?"
She certainly couldn't admit she had only been dealing with those "XX gangs" the whole time.
No wonder they were all broke, doing dirty work for little pay.
Leo didn't overthink it and continued, "First, we're too few in number. We need hackers to create a secure environment for our operation. Knott has the resources, and he's likely backed by Militech. Going after Kang Tao people is no big deal for them."
"I thought you were a hacking genius—able to handle network systems with an old-school computer."
Leo shrugged, "Not yet. Anyway, we need to find Knott. Besides helping us, we need him to give us some insurance."
"Relying on someone you've never met to cover your back?" V quipped. "Sounds like a death wish. Are you sure he won't kill us halfway through?"
"Relax." Leo watched the street scenes flash by the window, "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse."
V looked at him, surprised, "You want me to point a gun at him?"
"I… I mean, we all make money.
Gangs here don't make much big money. Can you believe a significant part of this gang's funding comes from New America's veteran subsidies?"
Leo watched the harmonious society outside, filled with mixed emotions.
In 2076, not every place was like Night City.
There was a reason V couldn't make it here.
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