"Heavy Hearts"
The club's ornate English sign looked a little thin in the daylight—its real charm wouldn't shine until nightfall.
Heavy Hearts was famous for its ancient Egyptian pyramid design and the green beam that pierced the sky after dark. Its security was just as well known—for being rough.
No one could quite explain why this building dared to stand alongside the Black Sapphire as one of Dogtown's few landmark structures.
Maybe because Mr. Hands' office was located somewhere in its upper floors?
After all, someone had to handle business in this lawless zone.
The two guards at the entrance inspected the kinetic rifle strapped to Liam's back.
"Sorry. House rules. You'll have to leave that with me."
Liam shrugged. "Fine."
One of the guards tapped the comm device behind his ear. "He's here."
That would be Hands. The guard generously returned the pistol at Liam's waist—apparently Mr. Hands didn't think anyone in Dogtown could threaten him with just a handgun.
After the security door unlocked, Liam steadied his emotions and cleared his throat, preparing for his first meeting with this "big shot."
You could get away with disrespecting no-name fixers.
But with someone like Mr. Hands—already established—one careless sentence could tank your standing. Now that he'd shed the Barghest skin, if Liam wanted to survive in Dogtown, Mr. Hands was his first hurdle.
Of course, if Liam planned to become a Glitter-snorting gambler passed out in some black market alley, none of this would matter.
But Colonel Hansen was still looming overhead.
He needed to be at 100%.
Ding—
Heavy Hearts wasn't very tall. On the third floor, a classical luxury corridor lined with soft carpets led to Mr. Hands' office.
Liam stopped at the door and gently knocked on the wood-scented automatic panel.
"Come in, my friend. No need for such rigid formality."
Hands' real voice was stronger than it had sounded over holo-call.
Liam pressed the door control.
The interior resembled a high-end European suite, with a sunken lounge area in the center. Mr. Hands sat quietly on a sofa, reading a book.
"Mr. Hands." Liam greeted him softly, standing respectfully by the sofa to await his "sentence."
[Character: Mr. Hands]
[Affiliation: Dogtown, Pacifica]
[Affinity: -10]
[Development Value: Extremely High.]
[Milestone Reward: Affinity reaches 0 → Body +2, Obtain Epic "Tech Sniper Rifle – Nekomata," Manufacturer: Tsunami]
Right. The system offered no additional guidance now. His beginner perks were officially over.
Complaints aside, Liam carefully studied this fixer he had "never met."
What he didn't understand was—
Why was Mr. Hands' affinity toward him so low?
Had Hands already investigated the original owner's long list of ugly misdeeds?
Still… that stage reward was tempting.
After all, above Epic-tier weapons, only Iconic/Legendary remained. Tsunami's tech sniper rifles were known for solid cost-performance.
Mr. Hands closed his book and shifted his gaze slightly toward Liam's arm.
"It's difficult to believe that someone with such crude modifications would be Colonel Hansen's 'confidant.'"
Great. My chrome was getting judged again.
As for Hands calling him Hansen's confidant—
That left Liam completely puzzled.
A "confidant" shouldn't that be the Barghest boss lounging inside Black Sapphire, partying every day with endless stacks of cash?
He'd just been kicked out of the Barghests yesterday. The label made no sense.
Mr. Hands stood up and spoke leisurely:
"Have you ever heard a story? On the African savanna, buffalo are incredibly strong. Though lions are called the kings of beasts, when facing a herd, they don't attack recklessly. Both sides lock eyes, each ready to give everything."
"And you, my friend—you are the lion released to circle me."
Liam was quick-witted. He didn't want to deepen Hands' negative impression.
"I think the Colonel just can't swallow the loss of that shipment. You know how it is, Mr. Hands. In Night City, it's not exactly convenient for the Barghests to investigate openly."
"As for me, I'm just an assistant. Not some 'lion.' I'll follow your lead."
Hands hadn't expected his little provocation to be defused so cleanly. His gentle smile returned.
"Very good. You are indeed a likable young man."
"What Hansen intends to do is still unclear. But you must tone down that military style of yours."
"Here, you need to learn how to deal with fixers and cyberpunks. Work under me first. We'll see what results you can produce."
Liam nodded. The first clash had been smoothed over.
Hands leaned forward on the sofa, fingers interlaced, staring at him.
"I'm not like you young people. I have family. A daughter. Certain matters must be handled cleanly. Unnecessary trouble must stop at Dogtown's gates."
"Especially considering your identity—and Colonel Hansen's."
"I understand, Mr. Hands," Liam replied.
"Obedient. Adaptable. Now we'll see if you can actually deliver."
Hands' eyes gleamed. Liam felt the data transmission begin—text flashing across his vision.
"We have some old acquaintances. Cyberpunks from the city who don't intend to let this matter slide."
"But everyone's just trying to make a living. No need to make it ugly. Review the files. You'll handle it."
Liam opened the file in his mind's eye and froze.
[Name: Sasha Yakovleva]
So, in 2075, that tight-knit, doomed crew of Edgerunners was already making a name for itself in the city.
"Know her? Or is she an old friend?"
Mr. Hands' perception was razor-sharp. Even the slightest change in Liam's expression hadn't escaped him.
Liam lied. He shook his head slowly.
"I'm just surprised. Someone so young already has over a dozen charges filed with the NCPD."
"Netrunners don't care about age. Their minds move faster than yours or mine. Anyone in a hotsuit is a 'troublesome person' by definition."
In the file image, Sasha smiled sweetly—even flashing a peace sign in footage intercepted by the NCPD.
"Whether you know her or not—that's your secret. I won't pry." Hands didn't pursue it further.
"Go find a netrunner friend of mine in Dogtown. The guy knows a few offensive and defensive tricks. As long as nothing traces back to you or Hansen, everything's negotiable."
"If they find nothing, that crew will eventually drop the matter."
Another contact pinged into Liam's system. All mission details were contained within the briefing shard Hands had provided.
"Oh—and my 'lion,'" Hands teased lightly, "take a look at the braindance on the table. Get a sense of things. At the very least, understand what the Colonel wants you to pay attention to."
Liam picked up the braindance wreath without hesitation.
A burst of dazzling light flooded his vision—
And his senses plunged rapidly into another perspective…