{Apartment 0923, Megabuilding H10, Little China, Watson}

{2 Hours later}

...

I leaned my head against the metal headboard and closed my eyes. As a copious amount of knowledge gets downloaded into my brain again, this time, the amount of information I had available was much more sophisticated and vast. Apart from the basic syntax that was a little different, most of the basics of creating algorithms and subroutines were swimming around in my brain.

'Wow, it's so similar yet so different. The basics of coding are the same, but the way in which these algorithms function takes so much data from the preexisting structure of neural codes.' I rubbed my head as I tried to assimilate all of this new knowledge, which conflicted with the rules that I was taught in college.

For example, the RAM slots were so easily simplified as numerical, but compared to my previous knowledge, these RAM slots are 100 times more powerful than the RAM of my own gaming rig. With the knowledge about how programming works, the packets of incompressible data started to make sense when comparing the two different yet intertwined skills; it became clear that most of the cyberdecks now function as an extension of the brain itself.

In my old world, where the world of Cyberpunk was nothing more than a game, humans tried to model computers after our own brains. Somewhere along the way, the inventors seemingly ignored the part where you try to create components based on the human mind and decided to directly link into the brain to use its almost inexhaustible power to do calculations.

'Now I understand how someone could fry their brains due to data overload and die from the NET. In case of an attack, while being jacked into the NET, the thing that is being overloaded with data and algorithms is our own brains.' This frightening reality appeared after I combined my knowledge of the two realms of programming and netrunning.

'I'm going to need an upgraded Cyberdeck and OS that can correctly handle the load of even harsh attacks... maybe some ICE, too,' I concluded as I put the Braindance wreath away. Countless syntax and calculations were running in my mind as I slowly got up.

Intrusion Countermeasures Electronics, or ICE for short, is a form of shield: security programs that protect computerized data from being accessed by hackers or from our brains being melted by malfunctioning code or data. Level 1 in Netrunning skills allowed me to code the most basic ICE with countermeasures for some of the most common bodyhacks.

'I still can't believe that the easiest way to kill someone is to force their OS to calculate the highest available Prime number. A seemingly inexhaustible task, as it forces almost all nonprotected cyberdecks to overheat...' I was aware of the search for this number, as it had cryptography applications and even hashcode generation. To avoid repeating random numbers was the entire purpose of those codes, which had value in cyber security.

'I wonder if something like this is present in this world too...and if so, what if a Corp starts targeting civilians in mass in order to further their research, using their minds to through unauthorized calculations...' I pushed that horrific through my mind. I already had to deal with the AIs slipping through the black wall that would have access to my mind since, surprise, surprise. My Cyberdeck gave direct access to it.

'Come to think of it. Alt could read V's thoughts and knew all that she had experienced. Was she already going through V's mind then, toiling through their brain, which was nothing more than code to the soulkilled residue of Alt.'

With more knowledge of how the world functions, I began noticing things that seemed farfetched in the game. As multiple of these connections were made, I realized how Songbird or So Mi could interact with V's relic directly and appear directly in front of her. Mikoshi was already one of the darkest things about the cyberpunk universe, and now I can understand how it came to be and how they could go about converting a brain into an engram.

Not having the protection of any ICE feels more like a daunting subject, even though my cyberdeck came with some of the basic protections. But it can't protect me from quickhacks like suicide, right?

'On someone's whim, I might end up dead. Nobody would look twice toward me. The NCPD is a joke...' My paranoia, which had dialed down a little after my walk around the Megabuilding, returned with full force. I looked outside my window, and the sun was slowly going down, still there was enough light for another trip, and I dusted my ass as I walked straight toward the door.

I knew I might be able to talk my ass out of stepping out again if I delayed, so I walked out of the apartment and went straight to the elevator. I held my breath in preparation for the corpse, but apparently, it had been moved. I don't know if there was a disposal service like that or whoever the killer was paid someone to clean up the scene.

Still, with one less problem out of the way. When it happened, I walked around the bend and over beside the atrium.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

*Bang*

A loud gunshot rippled through the air. I froze as I caught sight of a madman firing a pistol at another, blood gushing out of the fallen body as the red-haired man continued to unload his gun onto the fallen body. This time, my eyes didn't zoom in on the wounds of the fallen; still, the bizarre situation hit me in the face as I took a step back.

*Bang**Bang**Bang**Bang*

Gunshots and murder weren't that uncommon in Night City. I have even heard them as part of the background noise several times now, but this was too close. As the man began looking around, my legs decided to move, and finally, I ducked behind the cover. The wall at the entrance gave me sufficient space to duck behind as I took out the loaded Lexington.

I could tell I was nervous, but my hands remained steady as I gripped the weapon. A strange calmness took over me. My feet stopped shaking as I waited, in anticipation of what was going to happen.

I heard him move, thankfully away, before I heard him run away. The crime could be a cold-blooded murder, revenge, or plenty of other things, but I didn't feel like deciding something like that right now. I peeked over and found an empty atrium. Ignoring the blood that was pooling around the body, I ran over to the other side. Not wanting to seem like the suspect, I hesitated to put away my gun but then decided against it. A few more rushed footsteps brought me to the other end of the corridor, and thankfully, the lift was already there and empty.

'Fucking something is going my way.' I thought as I jumped into the elevator and punched the ground floor on the panel. The doors slammed shut, and the elevator started moving. I ignored the news channel that was on repeat as I watched the crime scene ascend. With each tick, I gained some distance from the hot zone, and after finally crossing the gates of the 5th floor, I took a sigh of relief.

'That had been too close, what the fuck are people doing shooting each other in the middle of the day.' I cursed, but the elevator finally arrived on the ground floor after an awfully long time. I walked out of the elevator as a couple of NCPD officers were waiting to get on it; they seemed to be in a hurry, so I stepped out of their way and walked out. In front of me was another elevator through which the redhead killer walked out.

Before he could recognize me, I walked away, not intending to cause a scene. The thought of reporting the man to the authorities didn't even cross my mind as I walked toward the entrance. The stalls dotted the entrance, and I ducked behind one of them, avoiding the line of sight, and waited for the man to walk away. The little game of cat and mouse didn't go unrewarded as another notification appeared in front of me, one that I did like but not in the circumstances I got it in.

...

[100 {Stealth} Exp gained]

[{Stealth} skill created at Level 0]

...

'It so wasn't worth it,' I thought as I calmed my heart down, even though deep down, I knew it was. Sneaking around was an integral part of my plans, the constant harassment of the world I could do without. Steeling my resolve, I walked past the stand. It was one of the mechanics, but I think it had something to do with repairs, as there was nothing on sale yet.

'Woow... okay, so everything might not be so bad...' I thought as I looked at the ass in front of me. It was a nice distraction, one I really wanted to enjoy for a while.

My eyes were drawn to a blond girl. She had a high ponytail. Several golden artifacts that were like a chain going down her backside. A blue dress that attracted attention from everyone, one that was a few inches short, and she likely would have an episode of dress malfunction if she bent down to retrieve something. My eyes remained glued to her dancing ass before the sound of a passing train interrupted me.

'Wait, the train system is active; I could have taken that straight from my apartment.' I cursed, but there shouldn't be a stop next to Vik's clinic, which should be close by. I turned right and pulled over my map. The Ripper doc was marked on the map, but there was no option to create a waypoint. I followed the path that was a little difficult to make out from the 3-D map, and I arrived close enough that the icon was showing on my minimap. I closed the main map and crossed the street.

I walked past the empty alley and arrived in front of a small shop, 'Misty's Esoterica and Chakra Harmonization.' Steeling my nerves, I stepped forward. The hustle and bustle of the city washed away, and the calming sound of flute and wind chimes entered my ears. Candles and masks adorned with Chinese script adorned the adjacent walls as my arrival was noticed.

'''Chakra Harmonization'''

'''1 Hour/14.99E$'''

A blue neon sign held the rates of her service. The woman in question was the only one who helped V, untainted by the treacherous waters of Night City even after years had passed.

"Hellooo~, I haven't seen you before." Her tone was soft and musical, and her eyes were lit with intrigue. Her hair was cut short and bleach blond. Thick makeup adorned her eyes, and a chocker remained tightly fixed on her neck. A pendant with a hexagon in the middle and another necklace were worn over a dark blue dress. Fishnets stretched across her legs, and heeled boots protected them.

'Misty, one of the genuinely nice people in Night City, at least I hope that's the case.'

"Yeah, I'm new around the neighborhood, and someone pointed me here to look for a trusted ripper. Sorry if I walked into the wrong place and disturbed you." I apologized and kept to my story; I don't know if Vik would even take me as a client; he was especially closed off for being one of the best ripper docs, according to the game.

"Don't be a gonk. You're welcome into Misty's shop anytime." She smiled at me, her eyes scanning my body for a while before asking, "So, who recommended you here?"

'So this is not going to be as easy as I thought it would be. Misty supposedly gatekeeps the riff-raff out; this must be her feeling me out.'

...

I hesitated briefly before saying, "My father did... before..."

I looked away, and I knew I had a high chance of passing from how she took a step toward me.

'Will I gain an acting skill?'