Not long after, Leo's first cyberware bill was ready.
[Public Network Neural Link, Arasaka Type-1 Network Dock, Kiroshi Type-3 Optics, Biotech Type-2 Biomonitor, and Surgical Fees – Total: 35,000 Eurodollars.]
Leo frowned. "Vik… something's off."
"What?"
"You charged me too little. The personal terminal and that full-body checkup? Not to mention the 200 eddies you lent me."
"Most people complain about getting overcharged. Only you would whine about a discount." Vik chuckled. "The terminal comes with the neural link. I'm not about to bill you twice. And that checkup? Consider it on the house—you're a big spender, after all."
"Thanks, Vik."
With some effort, Leo made his first digital transfer. Despite fumbling through the interface, he finally managed.
[You are transferring 35,200 Eurodollars to Viktor Vektor. Confirm?]
[Confirmed.]
[Transaction Complete.]
"No installments, no debts. Just like that. Haven't had a customer like you in a while."
Vik handed Leo two small bottles.
"Red one's a stimulant. Keeps your nervous system stable while your body adjusts to the implants. Two puffs now, and another two an hour later. Blue one's painkiller and anti-inflammatory. Every four hours, no more than three doses a day. Only take it if you actually feel pain."
"A full service experience, huh?"
"You know it."
Leo took the inhalers, pressing down twice on the red one. A fine mist burst forth, flowing through his nostrils. It was oddly warm, like mint and metal.
Next came the blue one—harsher, bitter, making him cough.
"I'll check on you in a week. If all's well, we can talk about more implants. Shouldn't delay your March classes."
"March?"
Vik nodded. "You're an Arasaka Academy student, aren't you?"
Leo blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "How… did you know?"
"A rich kid, skipping the fancy corpo cities to come here? Night City's only got one school worth that kind of trouble. People say an Arasaka diploma is like a golden ticket to the top."
Leo couldn't argue with that. And yet, knowing what Arasaka had planned…
Relic. The chip of immortality.
If Saburo Arasaka got his way, the upper echelons would live forever, while the poor remained trapped in the endless cycle of corporate exploitation.
That chip… it can't stay in their hands.
"Arasaka…"
Leo whispered the name, his eyes burning with determination. A plan was already forming in his mind—a year from now, Konpeki Plaza would become the stage for his rebellion. He'd build his own crew, his own empire, and bring the old man to his knees.
"Hey, you good?" Vik's voice cut through his thoughts. "You were spacing out."
"Ah… yeah. Just lost in thought."
"Good. Then get lost somewhere else. I've got another client."
Leo followed Vik's gaze to the doorway, where a broad-shouldered figure stood, peeking inside like a curious bear.
Instinctively, Leo activated his Kiroshi optics, zooming in.
The man had his hair tied up in a tight bun, with a tuft of hair like a little black disc on top. Combined with his warm, open face, he looked both imposing and approachable—a gentle giant.
Jackie Welles.
Leo's heart skipped a beat. The friendliest soul in Night City, gone too soon in the game's story. Yet here he was, alive and well.
Vik gave an exasperated sigh. "Told you three times already, Jackie. New customer. Go hang out with Misty."
Leo tore his gaze from Jackie. "Sorry, Vik. My bad. I'll head out."
As he approached the exit, his pulse quickened. Meeting Jackie felt surreal. How could he stay calm?
The two locked eyes. Jackie, curious, tilted his head.
Leo's smile came naturally.
"Leonardo DiCaprio. Just call me Leo."
He extended his hand—an old-world gesture, awkward in the streets of Watson.
Jackie blinked. "Uh…"
Then, with a grin, he clasped Leo's hand firmly.
"Jackie Welles. Good to meet you, amigo."
But Jackie couldn't help but notice something—Leo's grip lingered, and there was an unsettling warmth in his eyes. Like he was staring at an old friend.
Too friendly. Too familiar.
Jackie's grin wavered. Does this guy have some kinda thing for big guys like me?
"Leo?"
Vik's voice rang out, snapping Leo from his daze. Memories of a funeral and a tearful farewell clashed with the vibrant man standing before him.
"Ah, sorry. Just got a little dizzy. New implants and all."
He patted Jackie's shoulder as if trying to ground himself.
"We'll talk later."
"Uh… sure."
Jackie watched Leo leave, still confused. He turned to Vik.
"So who the hell was that? He acted like he knew me."
Vik shrugged. "Beats me. But if he starts writing your biography, let me know."
---
Read Up To 30+ Advanced Chapters in pat/reon.com/KyokaSuigetsu