KyokaSuigetsu
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Chapter 25: V: "Damn Rich People..."
🕑 Added 2025-04-01 03:16:11 +0000 UTC"Oh, right. Jack."
Leo paused and turned around—
[You are about to transfer funds to an unknown account. Please confirm your action.]
[Confirm.]
[Transfer amount: 10,000 Eurodollars. Awaiting recipient confirmation…]
Jack blinked in confusion. "What's this about, mano?"
"A salary advance—for your recovery. Get some good meds, maybe a decent bulletproof vest, or whatever gear you think you need."
"Man… You rich guys really are different. An advance, huh? Never heard that before. Usually, fixers pay you after the job… assuming you survive."
Jack hesitated for a moment, then accepted the transfer.
"Alright. Not gonna lie, mano, I'm a bit strapped for cash. I'll take the offer."
[Transfer successful. 10,000 Eurodollars deducted from your account.]
Leo didn't linger on it. With V by his side, they bid farewell to Jack and left the bar. His wallet was lighter by ten grand, leaving him with around 111.5k Eurodollars. But that was fine—money's just a tool, and tools are meant to be used.
Night City was filled with dangerous and unreliable people, which only made trustworthy companions like Jack and V all the more valuable.
After exchanging brief farewells with Mama Welles, they stepped outside. The moment they left the bar, the distinct blend of smoke and chemical odors hit them. The thick city air wasn't exactly pleasant, but compared to the suffocating atmosphere inside, it was oddly refreshing.
"So, what's next?" V asked, hand instinctively resting on the grip of her pistol, ready for any trouble. "Tell me your plan, and I'll help you work through it."
Leo thought for a moment. "I need a weapon. I mean, even the kids around here seem to be packing heat."
"Yeah… you're not wrong." V looked like she wanted to say something in defense of her home turf but quickly gave up. "This is Night City. Guns are just part of the lifestyle."
"Got a recommendation? Which store, what type of weapon?"
"No clue? You didn't think this through at all?"
Leo nodded.
V sighed. "Damn rich people…"
"That's where your expertise comes in." Leo grinned. "Come on, V. You're the local. Help me out. I've never even fired a gun before."
"Wait… seriously? Never?"
"Not once."
V looked genuinely shocked. Sure, she knew things were a lot more peaceful in the East, but this level of innocence?
Then again, looking at Leo's clean-cut appearance and demeanor, she wasn't that surprised.
"Alright, alright. Smart money's on a smart gun. Dumb-easy to use. You just point in the enemy's general direction and let the gun do the rest. Bullets will find their target on their own."
"Sounds perfect."
"Downside is, they're expensive as hell. Ammo costs a fortune. But hey, you're loaded. You won't care."
Leo scratched his head. "Problem is… I don't have a smartlink implant."
V groaned. "Are you kidding me?"
She resisted the urge to punch him—barely.
"Okay… fine. Basic is best. A classic kinetic pistol. Low maintenance. Point and shoot. Even a complete amateur can handle it."
"Sounds good to me."
"Great. You're lucky. Those things are everywhere."
"I also want a shooting range nearby. I'll need the practice."
V rolled her eyes. "Of course you do. Demanding much?"
Despite her grumbling, she quickly thought of a place. It wasn't exactly luxurious, but it was convenient.
"My apartment building in Watson has a small gun store with a practice range. Simple, easy. Perfect for a rookie like you."
Leo's eyes lit up. The Megabuilding? The legendary 'H10' from V's story?
"Let's go then."
"How do you wanna get there? Got a ride?"
"Do I look like I own a car?" V shot back dryly.
Leo studied her. Worn leather jacket, old cargo pants, combat boots… everything about her screamed edgerunner. Not the type to drop cash on luxuries like a car.
"Your stare's getting real disrespectful."
Leo quickly averted his gaze. "Alright, alright. We'll take a cab."
A couple of taps on his holo-display and he had summoned a Delamain.
V, meanwhile, kept her hand close to her weapon, scanning the street like a hawk. Professional to the core.
In under two minutes, the sleek black vehicle arrived. Its polished exterior gleamed under the neon lights. The stark contrast to the grungy street made it stand out like a sore thumb.
"Fancy," V muttered.
Leo opened the door, gesturing grandly. "After you."
V snorted. "You think I don't see all the eyes on us? They're looking at you, not me. Get in."
With an exaggerated shrug, Leo climbed in. V followed, slamming the door shut.
Clang.
The heavy metallic sound caught V's attention.
"Huh. This thing's armored. Bulletproof cab?"
"Exactly, ma'am," came a cheerful, synthetic voice. The Delamain avatar, bald and well-dressed like a corporate chauffeur, appeared on the car's screen. "Delamain vehicles are fully armored, equipped with run-flat tires, and designed to ensure your safety even in… unpredictable situations."
"Choose Delamain. Leave your worries at the door."
V shook her head. "Damn rich people…"
The screen flickered, and Delamain's digital avatar bowed politely. "Esteemed client Leonardo, I have prioritized your trip. I reassigned a pending ride to ensure your wait was minimal."
Leo smirked, giving V a sideways glance. "Now that's service."
"Pfft. Whatever, corpo boy."
Delamain's calm voice continued. "Please confirm your identity and your desired destination."
"Watson, H10 Megabuilding."
"Destination confirmed. Enjoy your ride, sir."
