Cyberpunk: Becoming a Legend from Dogtown

The only time Emma felt truly alive each week was on her way to the club.

The sudden change in her social standing left her feeling like she no longer belonged in the city's "elite circles."

She maintained a composed exterior but craved validation.

Once the wife of a corporate executive, Emma knew the importance of "status" better than most.

Those days felt like a dream—she loved freedom, and Hands had given her exactly that.

But now? Freedom was a distant memory. She was trapped in the gilded cage Hands had built, wary of his enemies and everyone else.

Westbrook was the perfect choice for "fallen" corporate wives like her. The elites from North Oak and Charter Hill still considered Westbrook ideal—a fitting substitute for Corpo Plaza.

Her Thrax 388 Jefferson luxury sedan, wrapped in flashy gold, was her favorite.

The car cruised over the Kabuki River Bridge, heading down Japantown's bustling streets. Emma adjusted her hair, ensuring she looked flawless.

Hands' business now stretched from Pacifica to Dogtown, and while finances weren't her concern, status was.

A fixer, no matter how successful, was still just a middleman—never high society.

"Ma'am, we're almost there," her bodyguard informed her, navigating through the dense Japantown crowd, forcing the car to crawl forward.

Emma nodded. "As long as we're on time."

She relished the attention her car drew—corporate suits and business types loved flaunting their luxury rides in Westbrook, provided they could afford enough security to keep gangs like the Mox or Tyger Claws from tagging them.

Screech—

Emma's body leaned forward slightly as the car braked. The bodyguard glanced at her through the rearview mirror.

"Damn kid ran in front of the car. Fucking—"

Emma raised a finger to her lips, signaling for silence. She hated swearing.

Outside the bulletproof glass, a young man in an oversized leather jacket, a rifle bag slung over his shoulder, smiled warmly and bowed in apology.

Emma, resting her chin on her hand as they waited for the light, didn't mind admiring a handsome face.

Sure, any ripperdoc could craft whatever appearance you wanted these days, but most opted for bold, edgy styles—protruding cyber-eyes or half-mechanical faces covered in bizarre patterns. This guy, with his deep eyes, sharp features, and subtle implant lines, suited her taste perfectly.

"Hmm, looks like Japantown finally learned some aesthetics."

The bodyguard kept silent. His first-day rule: never engage in small talk with the lady.

As the young man disappeared around the corner, Emma refocused.

"Oui, mon chéri?" she answered her call in fluent French.

"Things aren't safe lately. You shouldn't be out," Hands' voice warned.

Emma scoffed. "Hmm? Is it my fault some punk embarrassed you? Mr. Hands, dear, your problems aren't mine."

"Remember, that test-tube baby from the clinic was my biggest compromise."

"I never wanted marriage."

Hands sighed. "Fine, fine. Do what makes you happy. But I'm sending another team of bodyguards. Nothing's more important than your safety."

Emma hung up, more irritated than before.

Two traditional Germans living together—it felt like unseasoned Italian stew: colorful, yet bland.

Sometimes, she fantasized about a merc kidnapping her (in a way that can't be described), just so Hands would send someone to rescue her.

At least it'd be a change of scenery.

As for the braindance club? Just a show for the public—to prove she was still thriving.

As the tallest building in Japantown, Arasaka often hosted events here, ensuring top security.

The club sat at the top floor. Emma waited for the bodyguard to open the door, stepping out gracefully in a thigh-high slit dress, tailored from a Corpo Plaza boutique to highlight her figure.

"Tell Hands' people not to wait like idiots by the elevator upstairs."

Tonight, she planned to drink until everything faded away.

She glanced up at the building. A flashy sports car pulled up beside her, and out stepped a bold figure—Lizzy Wizzy (see note), whose cybernetic features were strikingly prominent.

A stage elf whose performances defied "imagination" and brimmed with creativity.

"Ma'am, your dress is stunning."

Dogtown's funds had supported Lizzy Wizzy's rise, and as the wife of Dogtown's shadowy fixer, Emma knew how to charm women.

Emma raised her social mask, smiling flawlessly as she joined the laughter and chatter of the elite inside the club.

Her bodyguard, now at ease, drove around to the back entrance where she'd later leave for Dogtown.

"Fuck, dumbass woman. There goes my bonus this month."

Not my fault, it's that punk's fault. The bodyguard fumed.

Emma had practically drooled over that punk—definitely a pretty boy.

No choice. Emma never forgot a grudge. A single brake? 300 eddies gone. Unbearable, but what choice did he have?

Wait, isn't that the punk?

There, crouching by a steaming manhole cover, was the same young man. The bodyguard grinned wickedly. Getting his 300 eddies back would be easy.

Lin Yue, watching from the corner of his eye, noticed the bodyguard exiting the car. The cameras nearby made it hard to act just yet.

Closer… just a little closer.

Lin Yue watched the bodyguard approach, fists clenched.

Perfect time to test these new implants. Dogtown street fighting isn't for show.

"Hey, punk, stop right there."

Lin Yue stood, hands open innocently, as the bodyguard grabbed his collar.

"You little shit. You know how much you cost me?"

"Huh? I don't even know you," Lin Yue replied, slowly backing out of the camera's view.

"1,000 eddies. Pay up. Call the cops? NCPD won't get here before I put you down."

The bodyguard snarled.

Lin Yue grabbed the man's wrist.

"Relax."

A surge of strength caught the bodyguard off guard. This punk was too strong. He reached for his gun—

But Lin Yue pinned that hand down too.

Vik's implants are this good? Didn't even get top-shelf gear…

Must be that this guy's just trash.

Lin Yue drove his knee into the bodyguard's gut and elbowed the side of his head with a crack. The bodyguard crumpled instantly.

Dragging him into a nearby alley, Lin Yue changed into his suit, pocketed the guy's cigarettes, and even tossed a newspaper over him.

On the security feed, the "bodyguard" lit a cigarette and headed for Emma's car, slipping into the back seat unnoticed.

---

[Note]

Lizzy Wizzy, the Dogtown DLC star, performed in the Jade Dragon with V and Song So Mi present. Her shows are intense—often simulating cardiac arrest on stage, with live resuscitation. Fans love it.

In Cyberpunk 2077, V meets Lizzy at a motel to handle a gig involving her manager boyfriend (suspected of cheating, but wasn't). Struggling with multiple personality disorder, Lizzy… well, she killed him.

Great music, though. I'll add her soundtrack when possible.

...

[Check Out My Patreon for 30+ Extra Chapters!!!]

[p.a.t.r.e.o.n.com/rosewhisky]

[+150 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]