Back in his makeshift clinic, Kai was already engrossed in his RPG system. The new skills and perks were a testament to the hard work he'd put into the high-risk surgery. Seeing all these options was overwhelming, but he needed to approach this logically. It was time for an upgrade.
Opening the 'Skills' tree, he contemplated his choices. 'Engineering' intrigued him, its crafting and modification possibilities promising. 'Biohacking' was equally appealing, a skill that could boost the effectiveness of implants and, potentially, save lives. 'Blades' was an outlier, a combat skill that didn't immediately fit with his medical background, but it could be a lifesaver in the ruthless world of Night City.
Kai divided his skill points between 'Engineering' and 'Biohacking,' with a single point allocated to 'Blades.' This way, he'd improve his surgical capabilities while not neglecting his personal safety. Confirming his choices, he watched as his attributes changed, a small satisfaction growing in him as he saw his proficiency in these skills rises from zero to one.
Then, he turned his attention to the 'Perks' tree. 'Crazy Science' offered a boost to his Engineering skill, whereas 'Slow and Steady' would increase his endurance. The latter was tempting; the demanding nature of his work meant he often found himself operating on minimal sleep and under intense pressure. But 'Crazy Science' was an immediate boost to his newly chosen skill, which could give him an immediate advantage.
After a moment of contemplation, he went with 'Crazy Science,' reasoning that enhancing his engineering skill would eventually lead to more efficient operations and perhaps less strain on his physical health.
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With his decisions made, he could feel a change, almost as if his mind was adjusting to its new capabilities. He felt an inexplicable sense of clarity when he thought about the inner workings of the cybernetics. It was as if he'd unlocked a door to a room filled with knowledge. His body, too, felt different. His hands seemed steadier, more assured.
He turned to Rhea, who had been watching him silently. "Time for a test run?"
Rhea nodded, leading him to a table where several broken cybernetic parts were laid out. If Kai was right, he could fix these. If his skill upgrade worked as it should, he would understand the engineering behind these complex pieces better than he ever had.
Sitting down, he picked up the first piece, a faulty neural booster. As he examined it, he felt his new skills at work. Where he had previously seen a maze of wires and chips, he now saw a map. He knew what each component did and its role in the larger construct. He understood where the fault lay and how to fix it.
Hours passed as he worked on the parts, each fix fueling his confidence. He was faster, more efficient. The RPG system was a tangible aid now, transforming him into the Ripper Doc he'd always aspired to be.
Rhea, who had been observing his progress, finally broke the silence. "You've done it, Kai. You've leveled up, truly."
Kai paused, looking at his friend, then at the parts he'd repaired. He had. He'd done it. The satisfaction he felt was overwhelming, not just from the immediate success but from the potential he'd unlocked.
"System Upgrade" was not just a metaphor for the advancement in his skills and perks. It was a paradigm shift for Kai, a testament to his potential, resolve, and evolution as a Ripper Doc. The possibilities were endless now, and he was just getting started. Night City wasn't ready for him, but it would be soon.