KyokaSuigetsu
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Chapter 28: Kids Make Choices, Adults Take It All!
🕑 Added 2025-04-01 03:17:36 +0000 UTC"No problem!"
Wilson peeked left and right, confirming no other customers were around.
"Come on in—the good stuff's inside."
V raised an eyebrow as he unlocked the heavy security door. "Wow, hell froze over. Since when do you let people into your precious armory?"
Wilson shrugged. "Not never. Big clients get the VIP treatment. And trusted regulars… like you."
"You never invited me before."
"Maybe check your bank balance first? What's the point if you're just gonna drool over guns you can't afford? My floors are clean enough."
"You fu— Ugh."*
V bit back the curse, swallowing her pride for a chance to ogle the arsenal.
Once the door opened, she shoved Leo in first like a human shield.
Wilson locked up behind them, scanning the area.
"Good. No desperate junkies tailing us. Last time I sold to those bastards, I had to remove the mag mid-deal. Cheap fucks would shoot me over 500 eddies."
Grumbling, he led them into the armory.
The encrypted vault door hissed open, unleashing a wave of gun oil and cold steel.
Leo pinched his nose—while V's eyes literally gleamed.
"Holy shit. Enough guns here to arm a gang war."
"Meh. Half are scrap or black-market junk. Need rebuilding." Wilson waved dismissively. "But our friend L deserves premium. Let me show you real quality."
He pressed a hidden switch. Gears whirred, revealing a second, smaller vault.
This time, he didn't invite them in—just ducked inside and emerged with a sleek, locked case.
Three security latches later, pristine handguns gleamed under the lights.
"Feast your eyes!"
"Factory-fresh. Flawless."
Wilson grinned like a shark. "Go on, L—handle 'em! Don't worry, they don't bite. Yet."
Leo's fingers itched.
Guns. What man didn't love these symbols of power?
But which to pick? Maybe scan them first with his Kiroshi?
Then—inspiration. V was a vet. She'd know.
He followed her gaze to one pistol: midnight gray, sleek as a panther.
The moment he picked it up, Wilson launched into a sales pitch:
"JKE-X2 Kenshin. Hand-tuned by Arasaka's best. One in a hundred. Comes pre-loaded with Punch-Through and Close-Quarters Optics."
"Elegance and lethality—like it was made for you! Well?"
Leo nearly nodded—until V fake-coughed like a sniper's warning shot.
"Ahem!"
"Gun's fine. Price won't be. Plus, tech weapons aren't beginner-friendly."
The spell broke. Leo hesitated.
She was right. Even the best tool was useless if it didn't fit.
And Wilson? Total hustler. One nod, and the price would triple.
Never admit you love something before haggling.
Wilson groaned. "I didn't quote yet! Since when am I a scammer?"
V slowly nodded.
"You backstabbing— Ugh." He mock-glared. "Fine. Name your price."
"18.8k."
"PFFT—"* V lost it. "Ohhh, this is a white elephant, huh? Stuck on your shelf forever?"
Wilson clutched his chest, theatrically wounded.
"I hate poor people… Why did I let that supplier con me into this 'showpiece'?!"
Leo watched, amused. The man grumbled but didn't rage. Decent guy.
He fiddled with the Kenshin, already decided.
V's eyes hadn't left it. Starving for it.
Bribing a merc? Worth the eddies.
But not yet. He needed misdirection—then ambush her with the gift for max impact.
He set the Kenshin down, glancing at V for guidance.
She grabbed another pistol. "M-10AF Lexington. Militech. Solid, but not exceptional."
"Sharp as ever, V." Wilson rebooted his pitch. "But custom-tuned! Added CQO Optic. Perfect for newbies."
V nodded. "Lexington's balanced. Good starter. Price?"
"8,888! Lucky number, big fortune!"
Wilson's grin threatened to leap off his face.
V immediately shook her head.
"Call me Daddy and it's still overpriced."
"It's new! Smell the factory oil!"
"Overpriced."
"It's not some junk like your duct-taped piece!"
"Over. Priced."
She moved to return it.
"Maybe we should check the bargain bin. Newbies don't need premium."
Wilson gnashed his teeth. "Philistine! Fine. L—friendship discount. 7,777. Lucky!"
Leo looked to V.
"Fair. Not cheap, not a rip-off."
He slowly nodded.
Wilson lit up. "Knew you weren't like these bums! Free ammo—shoot 'til you're sick of it!"
But Leo wasn't done.
He picked up the Kenshin again.
"Ohhh? Second thoughts? First love's hard to quit!" Wilson rubbed his belly. "Maybe… renegotiate? Slap on a grip mod, and even you can handle it!"
Leo eyed both guns.
From their banter, he pieced it together:
Lexington = "Quality" (Tier 2 / Green)
Kenshin = "Exceptional" (Tier 3 / Blue)
Mid-game trash, really. But prices seemed lower than in-game.
"Both. 24k. Friends?"
"DEAL!"
Wilson slammed the counter. No hesitation.
Leo blinked. Shit. Could've haggled harder.
But pride demanded follow-through.
[Transfer to: Wilson | 24,000€$]
[Confirmed.]
The eddies vanished instantly.
"OHHH— YES!"* Wilson belly-slapped, hauling out an ammo crate. "On the house! Come anytime, bestie!"
V sighed, green with envy.
Her dream gun—handed to a rookie who couldn't even hold it right.
Waste. Absolute waste.
But what could she do? Broke was broke.
Then—
THWACK.
She caught the Kenshin mid-air.
"Take it. Can't have my bodyguard packing trash."
Leo scoffed at her peeling, tape-wrapped pistol.
V's chest ached. She wanted to defend her old partner…
But this was a Kenshin. *Overcharged, wall-piercing beast.
Compared to that? Her no-name piece was… lacking.
Watching her dazed expression, Leo grinned.
Mission accomplished.
Kids make choices. Adults?
Take it all.
