Chapter 60: Cyber Monster's Surgery Schedule

[ctOS Development Progress:] [Traffic monitoring model completed. Traffic diversion AI algorithm developed.] [Cross-dimensional data transmission channel opened. Current access level: 20%] [The lab has made a breakthrough, Technology Points +500] [Current Technology Points: 800] Upon arriving at the Pacific Pier, the three of them sat on a bench by the river, watching the factory across the way belch smoke. Just a moment ago, Leo had hacked into the traffic network of this district using the connection node that Chesson had with the Valley's transportation network. After uploading the final piece of data, Skye had successfully completed the development of the traffic diversion AI. This wasn't an overly complicated task—though in this world, developing such an AI is risky, especially since general AI isn't well-received. If AI development does happen, it's typically military AI. Corporations like Arasaka and Militech prefer to mess with the Blackwall, excavating old net data for technological breakthroughs. With this tech, Leo wouldn't have to calculate the traffic network status himself; he could just use the AI to "summon" a suitable dump truck from afar. The "Cross-dimensional data transmission channel" currently has a low bandwidth, but it's quite useful, just enough for Leo to use the daemon: Dump Truck Iaido. More importantly, this feature is free. "Not bad... Without the protection of a dump truck, I always feel a bit insecure." In his mind, Leo envisioned all the heavy vehicles running across the Valley's traffic network, giving him a deep sense of security. When not using this daemon, Leo would selectively transmit the operational data generated during their actions to the other world for processing, then send the results back to this world and relay them to various facilities. As a result, it would lead to gaps in their movement data in cyberspace, making it impossible for even the most skilled hackers to track what doesn't exist. "Hey, what are you thinking about? You seem lost in thought." V nudged Leo. At this moment, the three of them were sitting on a bench by the river, watching the smoking factory while waiting for Chesson. Leo popped an immunosuppressant—his nerves had been slightly on edge after writing the daemon into the network access hub. "I was thinking... maybe after this job, we should take a break." "Can't handle it anymore?" Jackie asked with concern. "If you're not feeling up to it, remember, your health is the most important. Or you could just lie back like other hackers while V and I handle the action. Now that we've got some cash, we can buy the best hacking gear." "That might still be a bit short." Leo shrugged. "You can't just buy top-tier hacking gear—and I meant that we might need to lay low for a while." V didn't say anything but glanced at Leo. The three of them watched the sunset, simultaneously letting out a long sigh. Anyone who saw them might think they were just three workers reflecting on life. "Let's finish this job first—looks like the people inside have left." "Mom, it seems like the new term will require a system upgrade." "I know, let the doctor check you out first." In the clinic, a cyberware doctor wearing only a lab coat was performing a cyberware check on a young boy. Sitting nearby was a red-haired woman with a single ponytail. She looked quite young, but the maternal aura she exuded was strong. After the doctor finished with the boy, he lit a cigarette and glanced at the woman sitting there. "Martinez, upgrading to a new system will cost a lot." "I know." The woman rubbed her temples. "It's funny how I find myself hoping that the war between Valentinos and 6th Street will kill more people." "Arasaka Academy's tuition isn't cheap, in more ways than one." The cyberware doctor glanced at the boy on the operating table. "I have some pirated software that could work in a pinch." "No." Mrs. Martinez shook her head. "Enough. He's about to wake up." The boy opened his eyes, and after resting for a while, mother and son left the clinic. As they were leaving, three people approached from the opposite direction—causing the woman to tense up: The short man had been staring at her for a while. Fortunately, nothing happened. However, she didn't notice that her son was also staring at someone—the biggest of the three. After walking a distance away, the boy curiously asked, "Mom, that looked like someone from the Valentinos. How did they sneak in?" "Don't ask, just keep walking!" Martinez and her son? Leo was staring for a reason. The mother and son who just left had hairstyles identical to those of the mother and son from the anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. The woman was even wearing an NCPD outsourced cleanup crew's yellow-and-white striped jacket. V jabbed Leo hard. "So it turns out you're into that type? Can you focus for a bit?" "I... Sigh, never mind." "Closed for the day, folks." The cyberware doctor was about to return to his exciting Braindance clips when Jackie's towering figure suddenly loomed in front of him, snapping him to attention. "Uh, I only deal with cyberware here. I have nothing to do with any firefights." "If I say it's related, then it is. A few days ago, 6th Street brought in a tough guy, a real cyber-monster. I heard they got him a bunch of military-grade cyberware. Ring any bells?" "Gentlemen..." The doctor raised his hands and forced a smile. "Patient information is confidential..." Bang! A bullet hit the wall. The doctor swallowed hard and pointed to a computer on his workbench. "Thanks for cooperating." Leo walked over, pulling out a small bag of dismantled cheap cyberware from his jacket. "Free disposal service for you. Consider it a tip." "Uh, thanks? Could you hurry up? I don't work overtime." Leo quickly accessed the computer and found the recent surgery records. It was clear that this doctor, despite not having a license, attracted many Santo Domingo residents due to his low fees. Leo nodded. "Alright—tell me that person's name." "James Norris—6th Street will kill me, so please hurry." James Norris? The cyberpsycho from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners? Opening the surgery records, the list of implants certainly lived up to the title of "cyber monster." "Wow, reinforced tendons, bionic joints, steel bones, heavy-duty subdermal armor, neural co-processors, enhanced hormones, external compound eyes, integrated thoracoabdominal structure, Sandevistan... My God, V, your favorite Mantis Blades—this guy has three of them, one on his hand, two on his knees, plus an arm-mounted projectile launcher. And it's not enough—he came in this time to upgrade and overclock everything to the max, like he's got a death wish. Is he trying to assassinate Saburo Arasaka or something?" "Where'd this guy come from?" Out of curiosity, Leo asked a few more questions. The cyberware doctor scratched his head, looking quite desperate: "I heard he used to be a corpo soldier, then after the war, he became a merc in the Pacifica, doing odd jobs. When things went south in Pacifica, his partner got killed, so he joined 6th Street—that's all I know. Can you hurry?" V frowned. "Leo, don't you think this guy seems a bit too eager?" Eager? Leo had noticed but initially thought the guy was just trying to rush them out. But soon, Leo realized the real reason. "Surgery appointment: January 12th, 7 PM." "Appointment made by: Sergeant." "Patient: James Norris." "Surgery details: Sandevistan upgrade, replacement, and tuning." "Notes: New, untested cyberware." And the current time is... January 12th, 7 PM. "Damn it... Jackie, V, we need to move—now." Screech. Outside, the sound of vehicles pulling up signaled that trouble had arrived. "Ugh," the cyberware doctor took a few steps back, looking quite troubled. "I told you to hurry. Now you're in trouble." "Yes, quite the trouble—want to knock yourself out with anesthesia, or should I do it for you?" The cyberware doctor quickly grabbed the anesthetic from beside the operating table and gave himself a dose. The amount was enough to keep him asleep until tomorrow.