Chapter 3 — Ink, Ice, and Opportunity
The thrum of bass punched through the walls as we pulled up to Lizzie's Bar — the kind of place where deals got made, drinks got poured, and bad decisions turned into worse mornings.
Jackie leaned against the car, arms crossed.
"You ever been inside?"
I smirked.
"Not yet. But I've got a feeling I'll make an impression."
[System Notice: Entering Harem Target Zone — Lizzie's Bar]
[First Priority: Judy Alvarez — Interest Level: Neutral]
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The bouncer gave me a long look — a typical "you don't belong here" once-over — but when my eyes met hers…
[Charm Check: Auto Success]
She stepped aside without a word.
Jackie gave a low whistle.
"Damn, Alaric. Teach me that trick sometime."
---
Inside, the world exploded in color — neon lights bleeding over chrome dancers and a crowd pulsing to deep bass.
But I wasn't here for the show.
My eyes locked onto the bar… and her.
Judy Alvarez.
Dark undercut hair. Full sleeve tats alive with shifting ink. Eyes like sharpened glass.
She leaned over the bar, lips pursed around a cocktail straw, tapping through holo-screens like the world was too slow for her.
The Seduction System pulsed, highlighting her figure in soft blue light — readable only by me.
[Target: Judy Alvarez — Status: Unaware — Interest Level: Neutral]
[Recommended Approach: Direct, Confident, Slightly Playful]
---
Jackie gave me a nudge.
"Go on, choom. You're already halfway to her pants."
I walked up, boots thudding softly on chrome-plated floors.
Judy didn't look up.
I leaned against the bar beside her.
"Hey."
She flicked her eyes sideways.
Gave me a once-over.
Didn't smile.
"New face."
I met her gaze — steady, confident.
"Alaric. I figured I'd come see if the drinks live up to the hype… or if I'd find something better."
Her eyebrow lifted — just a fraction.
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
I let a grin play at the corner of my mouth.
"Guess I'm waiting to find out."
[System Notice: Judy's Interest Level +10 — Reaction: Curiosity Sparked]
For a heartbeat, something flickered in her eyes — amusement, maybe.
She tapped her holo-screen off and turned toward me fully.
"Well… you've got guts. Not sure if that's good or stupid yet."
I raised my glass — a drink I hadn't even ordered appearing in my hand, the bartender giving me a wink.
"Why not both?"
Judy huffed a soft laugh.
"I'll drink to that."
Glasses clinked.
The first step taken.
---
[System Notice: Quest "Ink & Ice" — Stage 1 Complete]
Reward: +100 System Points — Passive Trait 'Heartbreaker' Unlocked — Increases First Impressions and Seduction Success Rates]
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Jackie's voice chimed in my ear.
"Damn, mano… remind me never to bet against you."
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Night City was a playground.
And I was done sitting on the sidelines.