After leaving the Afterlife, Johnny Silverhand lit a cigarette while seated inside Delamain's vehicle.
"You look a little upset," V teased from the passenger seat. "What, were you hoping things would pick up again between you two?"
V, having access to Johnny's memories, naturally knew about his history with Rogue.
"She's... different now," Johnny muttered as he started the engine. "That fiery temper of hers has cooled. She's... calmer."
"Well yeah, it's been fifty years," V replied. "People change. They grow."
"It's more than just growing. It's like... I can't read her anymore."
"Ha! If you could read her back then, she'd be dead now."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"After seeing your memories, it's obvious—you're reckless."
"You recklessly charged into Arasaka, recklessly tried to save your girlfriend, and recklessly blew up Arasaka Tower. Every plan you had was chaotic, unpredictable—and usually ended in disaster. Honestly, I think you're even unluckier than me," V chuckled.
Johnny sneered. "Still better than someone who just runs when things go south."
But V didn't take offense. He smiled and shrugged. "Maybe. But that's probably why you became a legend."
Johnny glanced over.
"You're direct, fearless, and real. You hate the world as it is—especially the corporations that chew people up and spit them out. And that raw passion? It's rare."
Johnny gave a dry laugh. "Should I be flattered?"
"Hell yeah! You're Johnny Silverhand. You should be proud. So quit overthinking. You were never the type for strategy. Just knock down anything in your way!"
Johnny flicked his cigarette out the window, revving the engine. "Damn right. To hell with thinking. Let's burn this city down—again!"
---
Jack Welles's Apartment
Inside Jack's room, Viktor finished his examination and let out a long sigh of relief. He turned to the small crowd gathered and smiled.
"Jack's going to be just fine. He just needs rest."
A cheer rippled through the group. In the center, an elderly woman with silver-white hair—Mrs. Welles—clutched her chest and began to cry, overwhelmed by the news.
Beside her, Misty, dressed in soft blue, held her hand and gently patted her back. "That's wonderful, Mrs. Welles. Truly."
The atmosphere was warm and joyful. Friends and relatives exchanged high-fives, embracing in celebration.
"Alright, let's step outside," Viktor said gently. "Let him rest peacefully."
The group nodded and began to file out. Viktor followed last, alongside Misty and Mrs. Welles.
"It's too bad V couldn't make it," Misty remarked. "She would've been thrilled."
"I left her a message," Viktor replied. "She'll come when she can."
Suddenly, Mrs. Welles stopped in her tracks and turned to Misty. "Misty, I'd like a word with Dr. Viktor—alone."
Misty hesitated, then nodded and stepped away quietly.
Viktor raised a brow. "Is something wrong?"
Mrs. Welles fixed her gaze on him. "Who gave you the advanced neural repair fluid?"
"That... was V," Viktor answered.
"No." Mrs. Welles's tone sharpened. "I had someone investigate. That formula is strictly regulated—it's never been available to the public. Only top-level corporate personnel can access it. V couldn't possibly have obtained it."
Viktor remained silent.
Mrs. Welles wasn't just any old woman. She was respected in Heywood, a beloved figure whose kindness had earned her powerful friends and loyal followers. Even the Valentinos showed her respect.
Despite activating her entire network, she had been unable to secure the medicine to save her son. Yet, somehow, a street-level runner like V had acquired it in mere days.
The conclusion was clear—there was someone else backing V and Viktor. Someone from a megacorp.
"There's someone behind her," Mrs. Welles said. "Isn't there? A corporate insider?"
Viktor glanced toward the celebrating group of friends, then looked back at her, sighing deeply.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Welles," he said. "I can't tell you. The fewer people who know, the safer everyone is. If the truth gets out... Jack won't be the only one at risk. We all could die."
Mrs. Welles's eyes widened.
Everyone... could die?
---
Elsewhere, V had received news of Jack's recovery and felt a surge of relief. But she couldn't act on it—not yet. She was still under surveillance, and the last person she wanted to run into was Leon Black.
"It's really him..." V muttered internally, anxiety bubbling up.
Johnny scoffed from within her consciousness. "You're this shaken up over a random Arasaka grunt?"
"He's not just some grunt," V said sharply. "Leon Black is dangerous."
Johnny, ever the rebel, didn't recognize the name. In his eyes, if someone wasn't a key player in the Arasaka nightmare, they were insignificant.
"You'll see," V warned. "You'll know what he's capable of."
Johnny smirked. "Why wait? Let me take control. I'll go down there and stir things up."
"No way! I'll end up dead in ten minutes."
As V and Johnny bickered inside her mind, Leon Black had just completed his transaction.
He received a sleek Braindance headset from Leileike, a street vendor with sharp eyes and a crooked grin.
"This is a top-tier portable Braindance unit," Leileike said proudly, holding out the device. It looked like a pair of slim, high-tech headphones, but with see-through display lenses in place of earpieces.
"Thanks," Leon said, examining the unit. His eyes caught a subtle engraving—"JA"—etched into the side.
He smirked. "They were confident enough to leave a signature. Cute."
Leileike laughed. "Of course! With the price you paid, I found the best Braindance editor in all of Night City."
Leon arched an eyebrow. "The best, huh? I'll be the judge of that."
"I promise you, Mr. Black. I tested it myself. Worth every eddie!"
Leon nodded. "Good. I'll let you handle the rest. But do it fast."
"Of course, of course! I'll be in touch the moment it's ready!"
Leon turned and slid into his car.
V, hidden and watching from a distance, narrowed her eyes. She was planning to grab Leileike for interrogation—but someone beat her to it.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)