"Didn't expect this from you guys—you've actually got guts. You even went toe-to-toe with that psycho Adam Smasher? That's interesting. And you survived? No, wait… you even blinded him. So why didn't you finish the job and kill him?"
That was the first thing Johnny Silverhand said to Karl and the others after being brought back home and jacked into the Net to begin processing modern-day data.
"Because we're afraid of dying," Karl replied.
He glanced at the dog sitting on the couch. "Afraid of ending up like a certain Mr. Silverhand—torn to pieces."
"Is that the only damn line you know how to say?" Johnny snapped. "I was actually about to give you credit for having some balls."
"No need," Karl replied coolly. "What I'd rather see, Mr. Silverhand, is you quickly adapting to the capabilities of your current body. If that combat potential gets wasted, it'll take you a very long time to pay off your debt."
"And what exactly do you expect me to do in this body, huh? Leap at people and bite them? Bark like crazy while yelling 'I'm Johnny Silverhand!' and go around snapping at strangers?"
"You've already done that," Karl said without missing a beat.
Johnny's attitude—his obvious disdain for Qiuqiu's body—prompted Karl to remind him, "Let me be clear, Mr. Silverhand. This body you're in is actually more capable than your original one. Sure, it wouldn't last any longer than you did against Adam Smasher, but it's more than enough to tear through a standard ops team."
Johnny's holographic projection raised an eyebrow. "So you're saying I was weaker than a dog when I was alive?"
"I've reviewed your records—extensively," Karl said. "The data Rogue gave me didn't include a single mention of you being able to fight. Oh wait, there was one file… a report about you getting your ass handed to you by a bunch of street thugs. Want me to pull it up?"
Johnny went silent.
He always acted like a badass, but deep down he knew his own limits. He might never admit he got beaten up by a bunch of thugs, but standing in front of people who had fought Adam Smasher head-on and lived to tell the tale, bragging would've been a joke.
So, realizing he couldn't compare with Karl in terms of combat ability, Johnny shifted his focus back to the Net, continuing to absorb data.
After all, fifty years had passed. He had to catch up—like how Rogue had become the Queen of Afterlife, what Kerry had released over the decades, and where the hottest bars in Night City were these days.
Sure, his current body—a dog—couldn't smoke or drink, but Johnny had full faith in Rogue. Even if she couldn't get him a cloned body anytime soon, she could probably find sensory mods compatible with his canine frame.
He hadn't had a smoke in over fifty years. Given the chance, he'd definitely indulge.
As Johnny quieted down, Karl checked his phone.
There were new messages—from Kerry and Rogue.
Johnny already had their current numbers and comms. If they wanted to reach out, they could message him directly. So these updates weren't just friendly check-ins. They were subtle requests: keep an eye on Johnny, don't let him start running wild in his current form.
Not that it seemed necessary.
Turns out, Johnny Silverhand cared more about appearances than they'd expected. The fact that Kerry and Rogue had seen him as a dog was already mortifying enough for the notoriously self-centered rocker. He had no desire to go around barking, "I'm Johnny Silverhand!" in public.
He was being unusually well-behaved.
Karl had actually been planning to lock him up if he started acting out again—just to keep him from charging off to fight Adam Smasher and ending up trying to bite solid chrome. But instead, Johnny was sitting quietly, absorbing data about the current world. That was unexpected.
The fiery rebel who had attacked Arasaka Tower twice—who always seemed ready to erupt like a volcano—was now quietly processing information.
In that way, he reminded Karl of Senno Arasaka. Both men could display a surprising level of composure when it came time to act.
But that also meant Johnny's calmness was just the prelude to something big.
Karl had no intention of babysitting. If Johnny tried anything suicidal, he'd restrain him—for the sake of Kerry, Rogue, and the money Johnny owed. But if whatever he was planning was actually interesting…
Then maybe he'd stick around and see what the old legend had in mind.
Beep-beep.
Mid-thought, Karl received a new message.
Hanako: Karl, apologies for the delayed response. I've been busy.
Karl read the message and checked the time of her last reply.
Four hours ago.
For Hanako, that was definitely slow.
But Karl understood why.
Saburo Arasaka's death was a monumental event within the corporation.
With Senno's ascension, internal purges had begun.
Those loyal to Saburo had either pledged allegiance to Senno, gathered around Hanako, or turned to Michiko—watching and waiting. Amid all this power reshuffling, Hanako herself was seizing the opportunity to carve out her own domain.
She was swamped.
The fact that she still managed to reply to Karl at all meant she was making a serious effort.
Karl: No worries. I'll message you gradually over the next few days. Just reply when you have time.
He sent it and waited a moment. No reply. She was clearly back to work.
Karl scrolled through the rest of his messages.
Maki had sent an update—Takemura Goro had ordered her to stay home. She was buried in study prep. Her last message was a photo of her review notes.
Exams were coming. David had been grumbling about the same thing recently.
Then came—
Blanca: Saburo Arasaka really did die at the perfect time. Things between Arasaka and Militech are super tense. I've been slammed, but finally had time to reach out. You alright, Karl? What was it like seeing Saburo die with your own eyes?
Karl: A bit more satisfying than I expected.
Blanca: So the rumors are true. You really were there when he died. I want to meet tomorrow.
Karl: A meeting?
Blanca: Got a job for you.
Karl understood instantly.
That was Blanca's style.
Karl: I'll be there.
On the other end, Blanca saw his immediate reply and let out a sigh.
That was Karl's style.
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🔥🦾 CYBERPUNK: THE RELENTLESS 🦾🔥
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