Based on Luo Lin's and the others' descriptions, Cipher had already developed a basic grasp of this world on the journey back.
Supernatural powers and cutting-edge technology coexisted in this universe. Nevertheless, cybernetic augmentation—altering one's body with mechanical implants—was incredibly uncommon despite the great degree of technological advancement.
This was due to the fact that five strong conglomerates tightly regulated all technological advancement and resources:
Arasaka Heavy Industries — in charge of the military industry, heavy machinery, security systems, and armed forces.
Genesis Technologies — responsible for bioengineering, medicine, gene editing, and biological augmentation.
Cyber Logistics — controlling the global logistics network, information superhighway infrastructure, and drone fleet management.
Apex Entertainment — dominating media, entertainment, neural-interface content, and virtual reality.
And finally, the Anomaly Management Authority (AMA)—an independent government agency tasked with monitoring, registering, researching, and moderating supernatural phenomena within the city.
Here's the kicker:
In the eyes of the government, a person who had undergone cybernetic modification was no longer considered a "complete" human being; hence, their human rights were effectively forfeit. This belief gave rise to a hierarchy of discrimination: cybernetically augmented individuals were actively hunted down by the agency.
However, due to humanitarian concerns, the AMA instead banished these individuals to the Pit Bottom District, where they would be forced to live among trash and scrap metal instead of executing them wholesale.
Supernatural ability users, on the other hand, were treated very differently.
Genetically modified humans and ability users were actively encouraged by the AMA, in contrast to cybernetically enhanced people who were treated like street rats. The agency believed that internal alterations, such as those involving DNA, cells, and the like, accounted for developing human potential.
As a result, most technology here was focused on military, supernatural abilities, and genetics.
Their current location—the Pit—had originally served as a landfill for the Cloud District and Hive District. But over the years, habitation and modification conducted by exiled cybernetics gradually transformed the area from a mere wasteland into a sprawling slum.
'This world really does have that classic cyberpunk vibe… No wonder the system's earlier rewards were all tech-related items,' Cipher mused to herself.
Following Luo Lin's explanation, Cipher sensed a significant increase in her comprehension of this reality.
"Cipher, by the way, your ears and tail."
"Well? How about them?"
Cipher was brought back to reality by Luo Lin's voice, which prompted an automatic response.
"Have you previously undergone genetic modification? You are unlike anyone I have ever seen in real life.
After pausing as if seeking the appropriate words, Luo Lin finally muttered three syllables:
"Kemonomimi."
"I'm not really sure how to explain it," Cipher replied with a slight shrug. "All I know is that my ears and tail are part of my body—and I can even control them."
There was no possibility that she had undergone any genetic modification because she had only recently entered this world. 'Ugh, if only there were other catgirls around… then I wouldn't stand out so much.'
Despite her internal frustration, Cipher maintained a positive demeanor when describing her feline characteristics to Luo Lin. She even flicked her fluffy tail across the back of her palm playfully.
The smooth, velvety feel caused Luo Lin's cheeks to blush unexpectedly. Then, realization struck: 'Why did I ask such a question to someone who's lost her memory?! That was so dumb!'
"Sorry, I forgot you lost your memory!"
After blurting out an apology, Lou Lin quickly hurried away as if wanting to leave her embarrassment behind.
"I really don't mind…"
But Lou Lin pretended not to hear, marching stubbornly at the front of the group.
"We're here."
Cipher looked up and saw a weathered signboard above a doorway. The faded letters barely legible, yet still readable: "Mercenary Guild."
"The Mercenary Guild is where people from the Pit come to earn money," Luo Lin explained while pushing the door open. "All kinds of jobs, commissions, and employment opportunities can be found here."
The moment the door swung open, however, a wave of pungent, low-grade alcohol fumes assaulted Cipher's nose, aggressively invading her senses.
The overpowering stench made her instinctively cover her nose and take a step back.
Lin Wei, walking beside her, froze for a moment, then quickly realized Cipher must not like the smell of alcohol.
Truth be told, Lin Wei didn't like it either—but after so many visits, she'd grown used to it. Without a word, she bent her head and rummaged through her satchel, quickly pulling out something resembling a mask.
"Here, Cipher. It won't block the smell completely, but it should help a bit."
She handed the mask over.
"Thanks, Xiao Wei!" Cipher exclaimed gratefully. The moment she saw the mask, her alcohol-burned nostrils practically cried out in relief. She snatched it eagerly.
"No problem. Just remember to give it back when we leave," Lin Wei murmured, seeming slightly flustered by the thanks. She quickly lowered her head again and hurried inside after Luo Lin.
Cipher was about to follow—but froze mid-motion as she tried to loop the mask over her ears.
Wait… I've got two sets of ears… Which means… I don't actually have human ears at all! How am I supposed to wear this?!
She stared at the mask for a moment, then could only hold it over her nose with one hand like a towel — barely making it work.
As for tying it around her head? One look at the mask's stiff straps told her it was impossible.
Once inside the guild hall, she spotted Luo Lin and Lin Wei waiting for her up ahead.
Before she could say anything, Luo Lin approached with an awkward smile.
"Sorry, Cipher—I forgot to mention that the Mercenary Guild actually makes most of its money from selling alcohol, so… the smell isn't exactly pleasant."
Cipher shook her head to show it was no big deal—but as she glanced around, she noticed the place was filled either with drunkards or hurried mercenary teams rushing in and out. There was no sign of Xiong Lei.
"Where's Xiong Lei?" she asked, puzzled.
"Da Xiong went to turn in our mission."
That only confused her more.
"But… aren't you the team leader? Why is Xiong Lei handling the submission?"
The moment the question left her lips, Luo Lin's head dropped, her expression instantly clouded with dejection.
Cipher froze, suddenly worried she'd accidentally stepped on a sore spot.
"Because there's an unspoken rule here… When you turn in or accept a mission, the strongest person in the team has to do it. Otherwise, the guild will test your ability first — only if you pass will they let you accept the job."
"My strength isn't as great as Da Xiong's… and I don't exactly look intimidating, either. So to avoid unnecessary trouble, we always send him whenever we pick up or finish a mission…"
"That's… that's utterly ridiculous! I've never heard of such a system before!"
Cipher was speechless. Even after reading countless novels in her past life, she'd never encountered anything this absurd.
"Wait—don't say it out loud!" Lin Wei hissed urgently, trying to stop her.
But it was too late.
A nearby mercenary, halfway through a swig of cheap liquor, overheard her words and burst into mocking laughter.
"HAHAHAHA! You think that's ridiculous? That's just how things work here—might makes right!"
"Typical of someone brought in by 'Spark'—all of you are just a bunch of soft-handed girls! Listen up, sweetheart: down in the Pit, the only rule that matters is who's got the biggest fists! The strong make the rules—that's how it's always been!"
He took another gulp of his drink before sneering, "If you think the rule's so stupid, go challenge the people who made it! Beat them, and you can rewrite the rules yourself!"
"But let's be real—you losers are just a bunch of weak chumps. Even that one man in your team is as pathetic as you women, he'd rather follow your orders than to join a real team like ours, the Wolf Fangs! Hell, he might as well just cut off his useless junk of his already—what good is it anyway?!"
"You girls should just stay in bed with your legs spread wide open, waiting for real men like us to—!"
★ ★ ★
T/N: I was wrong. I thought this fic was in cyberpunk, as in the game, cause one of the conglomerates was named after Arasaka, but it seems the name was just borrowed. Also, I meant to release more chapters, but my internet has been dead the past few days. I'll try to make it up with you all once it's back to normal.