Roland squinted through the airplane window at the ocean below, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Because… this flight was headed straight for Night City.
After squeezing a nice profit out of Shuda Xu, Roland hadn't hesitated before booking his ticket. If he wanted to grow stronger and climb higher in this world, there was no other path.
He glanced around at the passengers in first class—most wore bright, expensive outfits, the very image of privilege.
"Five million eddies… Guess technology really does pay," he chuckled quietly, shaking his head.
He knew he'd sold the blueprint for less than it was worth, but it couldn't be helped. The fact that someone had even bought it meant his gamble had paid off—and luck had been on his side.
Still, five million eddies was no small sum. For the average person here, it was an amount they'd never see in their lifetime. After all, the monthly salary for ordinary folks was barely twenty-five hundred eddies.
"One blueprint worth an Arasaka Tower raid, huh? Tsk… but come to think of it, Arasaka probably hasn't even set up in Night City yet..."
Roland rubbed his chin, already planning what to do after arrival. The main storyline was still far off, meaning the system's rewards would likely be limited for now. After selling the blueprint, he'd have to take it slow and plan carefully.
First priority: secure a place to live. Then figure out transportation. And, of course, buy a Trauma Team membership—since he didn't have combat Cyberware yet, staying alive took precedence.
Adding up the costs… a Trauma Team Platinum Membership alone would run at least a million eddies. A decent apartment would cost tens of thousands, maybe even over a hundred thousand a month.
And for transportation? A two-hundred-eddy jeep? Don't make him laugh—he wouldn't dare drive one even if someone gave it to him.
Curious, Roland looked up info on the "Excalibur." According to its specs, the car's price equaled the lifetime earnings of a normal person—times fifty-two.
After seeing the number, Roland felt oddly comforted. This was the real world, not some game where you could snag one for a hundred grand.
"Guess five million eddies won't last long after all..." he sighed with a wry smile.
Then he remembered what the system had said: Essence wasn't earned only by following the story. Changing history itself could also grant rewards.
That principle had already played out—selling the weapon blueprint and the Viper Gang's misfortune had both earned him a modest return.
[Remaining Blue Essence: 50,000]
"Now then... time for some real rest."
Roland closed his eyes and waited for the plane to land.
...
"I have to admit… this place feels strangely familiar."
Stepping into Night City, Roland took in the scenery with a smile. It was his first time physically here, yet he already felt like a long-time resident. Still, the city differed from the one he knew—Arasaka Tower, for instance, hadn't even been built yet.
Massive ads glowed overhead, singing the city's praises and selling every product imaginable. Around him, new arrivals buzzed with excitement, faces full of hope—convinced Night City was where dreams came true.
Roland shook his head. Give them some time, and they'd learn soon enough—this was a city that devoured people whole.
A paradise for the rich, a hell for the poor.
Scanning his surroundings, Roland's cybernetic eye flickered as he booked a private ride to Charter Hill in Westbrook. No special reason—just that it was safer, and money stretched further in places like that.
He had to admit, though: in daylight, Night City looked almost welcoming—at least to outsiders. A glittering, high-tech dream full of opportunity. But come nightfall, they'd all see its real face.
Roland shook off the thought and quietly contacted an "old friend."
"Welcome to Delamain Chauffeur Service. We provide only the best transportation. Please confirm your destination... Fare calculated... Your vehicle is en route. Please wait patiently."
"Long time no see, Del."
A smile crept across Roland's face.
"My apologies," replied the synthetic voice, "but I don't seem to have any records of you in my database?"
"I meant it feels like we've known each other forever. Good to see you again, Del."
"Thank you for the compliment. I quite like that nickname."
At this stage, Delamain's taxi service hadn't yet reached its peak—it was just one of many in Night City. But soon, it would rise rapidly.
"Maybe I should buy some Delamain stock," Roland thought to himself. "Not a bad investment."
He knew the broad strokes of this world's future. Avian Extermination Act had already passed, and next came the Unification War—a major conflict that would end with Arasaka's return to the city's stage. Maybe there'd be a way to profit from it.
Before long, the Delamain car pulled up. Roland climbed in, instructing it to take him to a top real estate agency. He needed a proper place to stay.
During the ride, he also contacted the Platinum Trauma team to purchase a membership contract, transferring two million eddies directly into his medical account. The service representative's attitude instantly turned enthusiastic.
As the car moved through the neon streets, Roland browsed through weapon blueprints—these would shape his future business and company plans. But before that, he had to buy one more system upgrade.
[Lissandra Assistant Function: Monthly fee 10,000 Blue Essence – Limited-time discount!]
Without hesitation, Roland purchased it. Convenience and security were worth every drop. In a cyberpunk world like this, netrunners were what he feared most.
Eventually, he planned to acquire a PROJECT-series template with netrunning capabilities—so he could face rogue AIs or top-tier netrunners on equal footing, instead of waiting helplessly to be attacked.
He also noticed a "Lucky Draw Chest" in the Essence Mall—10,000 Essence per pull, random rewards, no guarantees. Tempting, but well beyond what he could afford right now.
Though called an "assistant," the Lissandra function was just that—an assistant. It wouldn't fight or steal data for him. Otherwise, the corporations of this world would soon experience a nice little "source code shock."
Moments later, Roland spotted a blueprint that matched exactly what he wanted.
[Czech II Smart Pistol]: Famous for its high precision and low cost, this handgun is perfect for home defense and close-quarters street fights. It trades some firepower for accuracy and safety—but underestimate its punch, and it'll teach you a painful lesson!
If he planned to start a company, breaking into the high-end market would be suicide for now. Targeting the low-end, practical sector was smarter—and this pistol was the ideal flagship product.
[Price: 5,000 Blue Essence]
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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