Cyberpunk: Becoming a Legend from Dogtown

"Heavy Hearts"

The ornate English sign of the club appeared somewhat frail, as it was not yet time for it to exude its nocturnal charm.

Renowned for its ancient Egyptian pyramid structure and the green beam that lights up the night sky, the Heavy Hearts Club is also infamous for its rough security.

No one could explain why this building dared to become one of the few landmarks in Dogtown, just like the [Gemstone Blue]. Perhaps it was because Mr. Hands' workshop was located on the upper floors of this luxurious building?

After all, someone had to take care of business in this lawless territory.

The two security guards at the entrance inspected the kinetic rifle on Lin Yue's back. "Sorry, you'll have to follow the rules here. Hand over that piece for now."

Lin Yue shrugged indifferently. "Sure."

The guard pressed the communication button behind his ear. "He's here."

On the other end was likely Mr. Hands. The guard generously returned the small pistol at Lin Yue's waist, probably because Mr. Hands didn't believe anyone in Dogtown could threaten him with just a handgun.

After the guard swiped the access card, Lin Yue composed himself, cleared his throat, and prepared for his first meeting with this "big shot."

No matter who it was, one could afford to be disrespectful to the average, no-name fixers. But for a well-established fixer like Mr. Hands, a careless word could ruin the rapport. Shedding the skin of the Umbra Hound, Lin Yue knew that Mr. Hands of Dogtown was the first hurdle he had to overcome if he wanted to survive.

Of course, if Lin Yue wanted to be a gambler who passed out from shimmer outside the black market, he wouldn't need to go through all this trouble.

With the Colonel still looming over him, he had to be in top form.

Ding~

The Heavy Hearts Club wasn't very tall. The third floor, adorned with plush carpeting and a classic, luxurious corridor, was where Mr. Hands' workshop was located.

Lin Yue arrived at the door and gently knocked on the electrically operated door that exuded a woody fragrance.

"Come in, my friend. No need for such formalities."

Mr. Hands' voice was more robust than in the holographic call. Lin Yue pressed the door-opening button.

The room resembled a European-style, finely decorated guest room, with a sunken seating area in the middle. Mr. Hands sat quietly on the sofa, reading a book.

"Mr. Hands."

Lin Yue greeted softly and stood obediently beside the sofa, awaiting Mr. Hands' "judgment."

[Character: Mr. Hands]

[Affiliation: Dogtown, Pacifica]

[Favorability: -10]

[Development Value: Extremely High]

[Stage Reward: Favorability to 0, gain +2 to Physical, obtain Epic 'Tech Sniper Rifle · Tsumugi' Manufacturer: Tsunami]

Well, the panel indeed provided no further information. His novice benefits had come to an end.

Despite his complaints, Lin Yue carefully observed this "never-before-met" fixer. He couldn't understand why Mr. Hands' favorability towards him was so low.

Could it be that Mr. Hands had investigated the sordid past of his body's previous owner?

But the stage reward was quite enticing.

After all, above the Epic tier, there was only the [Immortal · Legendary] tier. The Tech Sniper Rifle produced by Tsunami was quite cost-effective.

Mr. Hands closed the book and glanced slightly at Lin Yue's arm. "It's hard to believe that such crude modifications would belong to Hanson's 'trusted confidant.'"

Well, Lin Yue's cyberware was once again looked down upon.

As for Mr. Hands calling him the Colonel's confidant, this left Lin Yue somewhat puzzled.

Shouldn't a confidant be the leader of the Umbra Hounds, sitting in the [Gemstone Blue], indulging in endless parties and piles of cash?

He had just been kicked out of the Umbra Hounds yesterday. This statement made no sense.

Mr. Hands stood up and spoke leisurely:

"Have you heard the story? The African savannah buffalo is very strong. Although the lion is the king of beasts on the savannah, it dares not attack a buffalo herd recklessly. Both sides will exert their full strength to keep an eye on each other."

"And you, my friend, you are the lion released to contend with me."

Lin Yue's mind was sharp. He didn't want to exacerbate the other's ill feelings on this matter:

"I think the Colonel just can't swallow the loss of the shipment. You know how it is, Mr. Hands. In Night City, the Umbra Hounds can't openly investigate."

"As for me, I'm just here to assist, not some 'lion.' I'm at your disposal."

Mr. Hands didn't expect his provocation to be defused so smoothly. A kindly smile reappeared.

"Good, you are indeed a likable young man."

"Hanson hasn't decided on a course of action yet, but you need to tone down that military style of yours."

"Here, you need to learn to deal with Fixers and Cyberpunks. Follow me for now and see how it goes."

Lin Yue nodded, successfully smoothing over their first encounter.

Sitting on the sofa, Mr. Hands clasped his hands and leaned forward, staring at Lin Yue. "I'm not like you young folks. I have a family, a daughter—you need to handle things cleanly. Unnecessary trouble must stop at Dogtown's gates."

"Especially considering your and Colonel Hanson's status."

Lin Yue replied, "I understand, Mr. Hands."

"Being obedient and adaptable is good. Now, we'll see if you can get things done." Mr. Hands' eyes gleamed. Lin Yue knew he was sending something. Sure enough, the words "transferring" appeared in his vision.

"We have some old friends—those Cyberpunks in the city—who aren't willing to let this matter slide."

"But we're all just trying to make a living. No need to make things difficult for each other. After reviewing the materials, take care of this matter."

Lin Yue looked at the hacker profile appearing in his vision and was momentarily stunned.

[Name: Sasha Yakovleva]...

So, in 2075, that united and resilient Cyberpunk squad had already made a name for themselves in this city.

"Do you know her? Or is she an old friend?"

Mr. Hands' insight was extraordinary. He easily caught Lin Yue's subtle change in expression.

Lin Yue lied and shook his head slowly. "Just surprised. Such a young girl already has over a dozen criminal records with the NCPD."

"These hackers don't care about age. Young minds work fast, and those in black suits are always trouble."

In the profile, Sasha smiled sweetly, even giving a "V" sign in a photo captured by the NCPD.

"Whether you know her or not is your secret. I won't pry."

Mr. Hands didn't intend to delve deeper.

"Find a hacker friend of mine in Dogtown. He knows some offensive and defensive techniques. As long as it doesn't lead back to you and Hanson, everything will be fine."

"If nothing comes of it, the squad will naturally give up."

Lin Yue received another contact from Mr. Hands. All the mission details were in the briefing chip Mr. Hands handed over.

"By the way, my 'lion.'" Mr. Hands joked. "Take a look at the braindance on the coffee table. Get a sense of it. At least you should know what the Colonel wants you to pay attention to."

Without hesitation, Lin Yue picked up the braindance headset. As a dazzling light filled his vision, Lin Yue's sensory perspective quickly immersed in another viewpoint...

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