Cyberpunk: Cross-dimensional Science and Engineering

"I'm sorry," V said from the side, "it seems like your only choice if you don't want to die right now is to become an ordinary civilian, and maybe live a few more years.

The good news is, after this job, you'll at least be able to afford the latest operating system for prosthetics, so you won't end up disabled."

Lille said nothing, but suddenly remembered an ending from "Shadow of the Past," the story where the legendary mercenary, V, chose to become an ordinary civilian.

Giving up his dependence, his powerful prosthetics and abilities, he chose to preserve his life. He would never again be able to fit any combat prosthetics, becoming a true civilian—

The kind that could be run over by a car or struck by a stray bullet at any moment in the game.

Laying on the surgery chair, while looking at the medical report on the tablet, Lille said:

"I choose the third option—I want to buy some things that are suitable for rookie prosthetic surgeons and hackers—the old-fashioned kind, and then get a brain-computer interface installed, along with a new prosthetic eye."

The prosthetic surgeon looked surprised:

"So you're going to use traditional technology in 2076, become a traditional technician?

You're lucky I happen to have a batch of outdated equipment that was absolutely top-notch in 2020, but now, nobody uses these.

As for the brain-computer interface and the prosthetic eye, those are indeed among the few basic prosthetics you can install. At least you'll be able to use things like 'Super Dream.'

Then I'll fit this friend with some good stuff—can we get a discount?"

"Depends on how big the list is—how about this, I'll waive the fees for removing official serial numbers. That's not cheap in Atlanta."

"Deal, it's a pleasure doing business with you, Doctor."

V standing aside was even more surprised—frankly, for a moment, V thought Lille would take the down payment for himself to get a high-end operating system—meaning a central nervous system implant.

He hadn't expected Lille to actually plan on upgrading his own bodyguard's prosthetics.

"I have to say, I've changed my opinion of you, you've got guts—so I won't hold back."

...

The brain-computer interface mainly affects the brain. It's the most basic implant in this world and the most cost-effective one for Lille.

This device allowed Lille to read some contents from the separation chips and display them on the prosthetic eye.

He went for a brand name Qilusi Eye model 2, considering the body's load he only replaced one eye. It was a cheap product, and just one was installed.

After all, he wasn't a combatant.

V was undergoing surgery, and Lille was studying his medical report in detail.

The medical examination covered many aspects, including compatibility tests for various cells—epidermal, skeletal, myocardial, renal, and others—as well as immune system strength tests and anti-allergy tests, etc.

From this report, one could glean where medical technology had advanced in 2076.

While reviewing, Lille also searched the net for information, such as the methods used for the skeletal cell compatibility tests, and so on.

It's undeniable, the prosthetic surgeon for the corporate dogs provided thorough service, without any oversight.

It took about two hours for Lille to finish reading all the reports and to broadly understand the principles, methods, and purposes of these tests—honestly, this was a very efficient process.

Especially considering he was also dealing with the pain from immune reactions.

[Affected by Creation: Prosthetic Immune Reaction (Weak)]

[Effect: Slight mental interference caused by pain and dizziness]

[Remove interference?]

[Interference removed]

Though his thoughts were no longer shaken, the pain was real and tangible, a curious sensation.

[Reading completed, Points +5]

[Prosthetic Eye Implanted: Qilusi Model 2]

[Prosthetics Implanted: Public Version of the Brain-Computer Interface]

[First implant type, increase in Points reward]

[Current Points: 50]

It seems that so-called Points are earned upon exposure to new technology.

According to the system, Points could be used to help understand and master technology. Lille thought for a moment, then generated a request in his mind.

[Universal Technology: Prosthetic Implant Surgery (Entry Level)]

[Current Study Progress: 60%]

[Technology Points needed for rapid mastery: 8]

However, if he was just aiming for the basics, given more time, he would have been able to fully master entry-level prosthetic implant surgery without the need to spend points.

Lille checked the time—it was the eighth hour since he arrived in this world.

Dawn was fast approaching in the other world.

"Hey, system, what about me in the other world?"

[In the other world, the host can perform basic activities and attempt some simple learning]

[The outcomes will be displayed here in text format.]

Shh...

The door to the operating room swung open, and V emerged, looking exceptionally fresh and alert.

"This is the surgery checklist: Subdermal armor, recoil control, enhanced tendons, Skeletal Reconstruction, Bionic Joint, Krensky, Neural Coordinator, Blood Pump, Reaction Coordinator... all are what you requested. No complex software drives for the Combat Prosthetics, and with your goods, after the discount, the total is 200,000 Euros."

"Pay in full, V, make the payment."

"It's my first time spending so much money. Feels weird, but now I'm nearly Superman. Let's go take down that..."

The prosthetic surgeon, hastily raising his hand: "Don't talk about that here, or I'll have to call the police!"

V looked over, and Lille shrugged.

"Alright, alright, I'll pay up and leave. Where's my stuff?"

...

With a bang, V closed the trunk and settled into the driver's seat.

"Now what? Do we just barge in and off that Cai guy?"

Lille glanced at the fierce female warrior: "I know the prosthetics boosted your confidence, but surely they haven't made you into a cyberpsycho, have they?"

"Speak plainly, stop beating around the bush."

"I just went over the report on Atlanta's underground forces by Kantao. I've got to say, there's really not much room for underground activity here."

"Yeah, so boring." V shrugged, "Aside from work, it's just more work. Feels like even those mixed up in the underworld are doing overtime."

"Still, I found the guy we need, Steven Note, the head of the Veterans Association. We find him, then we talk business."

"What are you on about?" V puzzled, "I thought you were talking about a gang, this what association..."

"Oh, over here their gangs are called that—haven't you learned that yet after being here so long? They're like... the Six Street Gang of Night City.

However, over here, any gang worth their salt wouldn't call themselves something-something gang—it's urban culture."

V started the car, her face expressionless: "Hmm, I'm aware, just a bit surprised by their strange naming habits. What's the business about?"

She couldn't admit that despite being here for so long, she'd only ever dealt with those XX gangs, right?

No wonder they're all broke, with more dirty work than money.

Lille didn't dwell on it and continued, "First off, we're too understaffed. We need a hacker to create a safe operational environment and Note just so happens to have the resources. And with his military backing, those Kantao folks won't be a problem for him."

"And here I thought you were some kind of hacking prodigy—able to handle a network with an old computer."

Lille shrugged: "Not yet, anyway. We still have to find this Note. Besides getting his help... we also need to have him cover us."

"Have some guy we've never met back you up?" V joked, "That sounds like a recipe for disaster, as reliable as a lightbulb in a restroom—downright suicidal. You're that sure he won't stab us in the back?"

"Don't worry." Lille watched the passing streetscape outside the window, "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse."

V looked over in surprise: "What, you want me to point a gun at his head?"

"I... I mean, there's money to be made for everyone.

It's hard for gangs here to make big money anyway. Can you believe that a significant portion of such a gang's funding comes from New America's veteran benefits..."

Lille observed the harmonious society outside the window, feeling thoughtful.

It wasn't all like Night City in 2076.

V had her reasons for struggling to get by here.