22.5

January 10, 2070, at 0631

Heywood, The Glen, Basketball Court #2

Crystal slid onto the bench beside Padre, neon from nearby holo-ads casting a luminescent glow over the ongoing basketball game. The city's dim lumens didn't faze her more than mortality. The visible frustration of the guards orbiting them? Soothing to her nerves like sweet synth music. Nights with Judy, exploring the unknown terrain of their relationship had become her solace, and Padre's early summons today felt like a system glitch.

But she held her peace because if Padre demanded a face-to-face in these streets, it was raw data too risky for the virtual streams.

"Back off," Padre commanded his guards with a mere side-eye. They retreated like good-coded programs. He then produced a chrome Rubrik cube lookalike from his pocket, which illuminated and danced with colors as he manipulated it before resting it between them. “Listen, chica, hit pause. And don't even think about more side gigs for that metalhead, Delmain.”

“Issues, Padre?” Crystal quipped her darkened shades sliding down to reveal haunting crimson eyes.

“The kind that can't be debugged with brute force,” he replied, a rogue smirk touching his lips.

She raised a brow, “Maybe you’re just not using the right software?”

But Padre's solemn shake of his head doused her sass. “Arasaka's got a bounty on your body. Ten mill eddies just for a byte leading to you,” he intoned, sending a cold shock through Crystal’s veins. The surprise chilled the blood in a body like frosted ice. This wasn't just a system error; this was a full-on crash. Is she could handle the Old Net-tech rumor hunters, but Arasaka and Militech going after her? This was way off her radar.

“Truth?” she ventured, searching Padre's face. It was a mask of stone tinged with sadness.

He nodded, then dropped another payload: “With the Unification War on max heat, neither Arasaka nor Militech would typically be sniffing around tales of Old Net-tech, a Shadow Shroud, or even drones mimicking farm animals. But things ain't typical.”

“Right. Unification is heating up.” she mused, connecting the dots. The scales of the war teetered delicately, and her tech might tip the balance. It was no wonder that both corporate titans were interested. She should have planned for this in hindsight.

"They're hunting for you, chica," Padre admitted resignedly. "And they've got the eddies to incentivize the chase."

Her eyes dilated. “You didn’t rat on me?” The genuine shock was unmistakable. “Why the hell not?” Loyalty be damned, ten mills was retirement fund-level money.

Padre leaned back on the bench, the city's neon painting him in shadows and light. "I could feed you some lines about Valentinos staying true. But the real reason? You're a survivor, and survivors have long memories. I don’t want to wake up one day choking on my blood, that’s all. It had nothing to do with honor, just fear."

She quickly adjusted her shades, shielding the moisture threatening her eyes. With all his underworld ties, the Padre remained steadfast, an anomaly of antiquated ideals. He could have easily betrayed her and reaped the profits. Crystal wouldn’t have even known the trap was closing until it was too late. Vanishing wouldn’t have been complex with that kind of bounty. Instead, he had given her warning, warning that even Sgt. Fluffyfeathers hadn’t known yet.

“Remember this,” Crystal said, voice thick with emotion. “Someday, you’ll need an impossible favor. When that day comes, use this dead drop. No strings.” A message box with a coded number in the Net was sent to the Padre.

He cast a glance skyward; the cosmos lost in city glare. “Deal, hermanita.”

Her gaze iced over. “I don’t trade in luck, just debts. Arasaka and Militech? Reminiscor qui me sanguine debes.” With corporations like the Big Two on her tail, laying low was no longer in the cards. Before they found her, she'd make them pay in eddies and blood. Overwhelming deterrence was the only path forward.

Time to boot up Operation Ascendance.

Crystal exited from Padre's territory, sending a cryptic ping to Sgt. Fluffyfeathers, her trusty feather-coded ally, activates her digital vanishing act. She launched a high-tier anti-trace protocol by maneuvering through Noir City's neon-lit streets. She was thorough, ensuring either chrome goons or meat puppets didn’t stalk her.

Judy was bottomless in the cyber sea, jacked into her Braindance rig at the apartment, cooking fresh digital ecstasy. Crystal’s ping pulled her back to meat space, and one look at Crystal's stormy crimson eyes told Judy there was trouble.

“What glitched?” Judy probed, concerned.

“Arasaka and Militech. They’ve slapped a ten-mil bounty on my head,” Crystal spat out, watching Judy's reaction, which didn’t disappoint.

"Brainfried! Why?" Judy exclaimed, her confusion palpable. "They drooling over your biotech?"

“Unification war's blowing up,” Crystal intoned, grabbing Judy’s hand as she sat beside her rig. "They're scrambling for any ghost of an edge."

Panic clouded Judy's optics. To the everyday ordinary citizens of Noir City, the Corpos were omnipotent overlords. Being hunted by two? That's some dystopian plotline. “What's our move?” she quizzed, grip tight.

“Got a couple of routes. But need a straight answer, Ju-Ju. Stick with me on this dark path, or jump ahead with cryostasis?” Crystal queried.

Judy hesitated, guilt painting her features before she answered softly, “Cryo. I can't run this code as you can. I'm scared.”

Hugging Judy close, Crystal whispered, “It's okay. Easier to keep you off their radar that way. Choosing safety isn't weak; it's smart. I’m proud of you!”

Judy nodded, cheeks blushing like roses in full bloom.

Securing a cryo-pod set Crystal back fifty grand eddies, chump change in her loaded accounts. The accompanying shell shield was the same price. With Judy safely iced, courtesy of Technical Ability at twelve, Crystal armored the pod with her newly purchased Militech ShellShield MAX. Sgt. Fluffyfeathers, her tech-savvy pet, hacked its systems, ensuring no backdoor comms. Once secured in the dungeon vault, its mini-fusion power source would keep it humming for decades.

Satisfaction gave way to fury, her typically relaxed demeanor glitching momentarily. Breathe, she reminded herself, pushing down the surge of emotion.

Fluffyfeathers chirped a message as Crystal prepped her next move. Data on an Arasaka secret training camp flashed on her retina display. "No kids? For a place that's burning so many credits each month? This Netrunner Training Camp smells fishier than a corp’s promises."

Inspecting the roster deepened her suspicions. "More guards than kids. Sounds less ‘training camp,’ more ‘prison.’"

Sgt. Fluffyfeathers hopped from its perch, morphing into a hand-sized small pseudo-dragon. The mini-Quetzalcoatl feathered dragon circled for a moment before landing on her shoulder. "Been hiding that trick?" Crystal asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Long,” came the telepathic chirp. Her pet, her emotional support avian-dragon-chicken feathered ninja cybersleuth, now had a voice!

Progress!

“And you, Roundrat? Got any upgrades?” Crystal teased her little rodent friend, who only looked away, a hint of sadness in his tiny eyes. He was still just a fluffy adorable furball that could fly.

“Hang tight. You'll get it soon,” she encouraged, while F.F. was less compassionate with a blunt, “Doubtful.”

Cleaning the apartment and packaging everything was easy. She threw it into the dungeon until only her favorite chair stood facing out at the city displayed in the growing darkness.

Nota, silent for some time as dusk crept in while Crystal cleaned, chimed in, “When you reach Warlock Fifteen, Item Creation will be available. It is the earliest we could slip past the world’s rules.”

“Item Creation?” Crystal asked, confused. “Like, blood crafting?”

“It is similar to blood crafting, but only from a pre-created list. Observe.” Nota said, displaying a holographic list to Crystal in her retina. “It just costs Silver to acquire. One of those perks of being in service to a Great Old One as your Pact Patron. Her power can make such things easily.”

1. Alchemy Jug: The Alchemy Jug stands out for its distinct magical capabilities in the neon-lit streets. A Warlock or Vampire wielding it merely needs to name a liquid, and the jug will produce it. The range spans from benign substances like honey or beer to difficult ones like acid or poison. Despite its contents, the jug always weighs twelve pounds and audibly sloshes whether empty or full. (Note: DO NOT fill with Nitroglycerin unless suicidal.)

2. Adamantine Armor: This armor offers an ancient defense in a world filled with high-tech weaponry. Capable of negating critical hits, this protection means that, statistically, only one in every twenty attacks will land with devastating force. Perfect for a Warlock or Vampire delving into dangerous sectors. (Note: Armor can be cut into pieces for distribution as ablative plating, assuming you can cut it.)

3. Immovable Rod: More than just a rod, when activated, it becomes a fixed point in space. Whether suspending items in mid-air or as an unyielding barrier, it can resist up to 8,000 pounds of force. Only deactivation will move it, making it invaluable for both creative escapes and holding one's ground. (Note: Erroneous use on a moving vehicle is not advised.)

4. Wand of the War Mage: In a cityscape filled with obstacles, this wand ensures a Warlock's spells find their mark. It allows spells to bypass half cover, turning the urban jungle to their advantage. (Note: Attaching to the spine facilitates constant use.)

5. Robe of Useful Items: On its surface, an ordinary robe. However, its patches conceal a treasure trove of utilities. From the elemental – daggers and ropes – to the extraordinary, like valuable gemstones or a magical window. A must-have for any Warlock or Vampire looking for versatile tools. (Note: If you can’t determine how good this is, break your Pact.)

6. Potion of Resistance: The fast-paced dangers of the cyber world make this potion indispensable. It can effectively double its resilience in battle by granting its user resistance against a specific type of damage. Its power lies in preparing and rewarding those anticipating their enemies' moves. (Note: Divine damage can be resisted; it just hurts. Infernal same.)

7. Eversmoking Bottle: Stealth can be a game-changer in a setting of flashing neon and urban sprawl. Unleashing a 60-foot smoke cloud that grows over time, this bottle aids escapes, diversions, or shields vulnerable allies. (Note: Using this also allows for fumigation without cost. Great for beekeeping.)

8. Wand of Magic Detection: With magic and technology intertwined, this wand helps discern the mystical from the mechanical. Capable of casting Detect Magic thrice daily, it aids in uncovering hidden magical threats. (Note: For those times when only a stick is helpful.)

9. Glimmer-weave: In a world where appearance is everything, Glimmer-weave clothes offer the wearer spectacular illusory displays, from fiery auras to ethereal butterflies. Perfect for a Vampire aiming to mesmerize their prey. (Note: DO NOT use at a fashion show, it can cause mind-bending epiphanies.)

10. Winged Boots: Airborne mobility in an urban environment is invaluable. Granting flight for four hours daily, these boots offer a vertical advantage in battles or when evading adversaries. (Note: Keep track of time or else.)

11. Pipes of the Sewers: The city's grimy underbelly holds power. These pipes summon rat swarms to aid in combat, a fitting companion for a Warlock or Vampire. (Note: Must have a controlling Leader of the Pack to utilize effectively.)

12. Lantern of Revealing: Invisibility is a trick older than time. With a 30-foot radius, this lantern nullifies that advantage, revealing all hidden entities. (Note: Useful for finding the invisible rock demons that eat your car keys.)

13. Brooch of Shielding: Amidst energy guns and psi-attacks, this brooch offers immunity against force damage, a shield against the unpredictable. (Note: Absolute force will shatter this Brooch like stained glass. Nothing is immune to enough violence.)

14. Potion of Climbing: Urban exploration requires vertical mobility. This potion grants the ability to scale any surface, ensuring no place remains out of reach. (Note: Everest was no challenge.)

15. Eldritch Tattoo: Not just an emblem of power, this tattoo lets its bearer store a weapon within, drawing power from their soul to enhance its might. (Note: Only two there can be.)

16. Bag of Holding: Storage is a concern, even in the future. This bag, defying spatial logic, can store up to 500 pounds while weighing only 15. Ideal for a Warlock or Vampire amassing relics and gear. (Note: DO NOT place highly accelerated items inside and attempt to remove them.)

When wielded by a cunning Warlock who is Pacted to a Great Old One of Silver, these magical items can turn the tide of any battle, heist, or intrigue. -Eve Smith

Crystal flicked through the holographic assembly, her crimson eyes darting across streams of neon glyphs and ethereal runes. A sharp pain pulsed behind her eyes as she reached the end, making her wince. The entire list was burned into memory now. With a swift swipe, the glowing data disappeared, leaving only the dim lights of the darkening neon cityscape filtering through her window.

"Jacking out of that mana created datastream's a trip," she muttered, rubbing her temples. It wasn't just some cybernetic buzzword bingo – magic was confirmed in this world. Her existence proved that without question. But it wasn't just her pulse of energy or that of her mysterious Patron. This list proved it was there for those who could access the aspect of reality.

She sat down and leaned back into her only remaining worn leather chair, illuminated by the glow of the city outside her window and the soft hum of her spiritual-cyberdeck companions. With a sly smirk, she mused aloud, "Magic in Night City? And not just mine? Things are about to get dicey."

From the shoulder, Fluffyfeathers chimed in, "Twenty."

Crystal snorted, her electric-blue eyes narrowing. "Agreed. I have enough on my plate with the recent developments.”

“Once you reach Twenty, the second Class will be accessible. At that point, I’ll have to hibernate as well.” Nota said from within her mind. “The only protection you will have in the Net will be the egg-obsessed one.”

“Eggcellent.” Fluffyfeathers said with a tiny claw gesture in her draconic form.

Crystal smirked, her fingers dancing over her conjured athame. "Let’s see who’s got the magic touch in this tech-infested town. Time to start cutting into Arasaka operations."

Exiting the apartment, she crept through the alleyways until she was close to the ocean.  In the neon-lit sprawl of Noir City, options were a luxury, and Crystal knew it.

Using a Delmain cab, now? That would be like trusting her braindance gear to a street ripper doc—plain foolish. She needed her ride for now. Cars, with their bulky frames, wouldn’t fit into her dungeon realm, too heavy. The call of a moto buzzed in her mind. Allocating thirty-thousand eddies, she initiated a funds transfer for a slick two-wheeler from Westbrook, then checked the cost of pure silver. Her eyes, ablaze with a crimson matrix code, skimmed the holographic display. In the gritty matrix of Noir City, every ping and signal mattered, even to a ghost-like her. Crystal eyed her options for purchasing pure Silver as another ping from F.F. hailed a Combat Cab.

Combat Cabs? Yeah, they were the relics before Delmain took the streets. But with the heat she was carrying and the digital shadow she was casting, calling a Delmain would be pure suicide. She needed something old-school, off-grid, for the moment. Crystal sighed as the old yellow cab-turned-tank pulled up. At least the interior was clean, and the smell was pleasant.

Crystal transferred coordinates for the driver to her chosen drop location. She had to reach Kendachi, nestled near the Arasaka Industrial Zone. F.F. had shown her the mono-blade giant wasn't just forging blades but a far darker secret: a covert cage for young net prodigies. These kids, with their insane school net scores, were being weaponized, made to trawl the depths of the Old Net beyond the Blackwall. A sick corporate ploy that traced back to Arasaka right next door to fetch pre-crash tech, all orchestrated by some corpo-suit with a dark rep.

As the cab rolled through the neon-lit underbelly of Noir City toward Santa Domingo, Fluffyfeathers spiritual cyber-deck hummed with anticipation. Sure, she could probably snag one of those kids from the clutches of the corps, even if she couldn't save the whole lot. Before rescuing them, F.F. was cooking up a badass training program. In the chrome and steel sprawl, you needed every glitch and hack at your fingertips.

Crystal couldn't be these munchkins' sugar mama, but she wouldn't toss them out without some cred-earning skills. And for their grub, digs, and day-to-day? Mama Welles always had a soft spot for street kids with a story. Especially those that could hack it like a pro.

"Damn, since when did joining the Valentinos seem more cushy than just trying to live clean?" Crystal scoffed, watching the cab's headlights dance with the neon blur of the city night.

This gig? It was just the opening act, setting the stage for the big message she was about to broadcast. And sure, there'd be some eddies in it for her. But more than that, there's nothing quite like the loyalty of those you pull from the edge of oblivion. Those types? Solid gold in the chrome world of trust.

Eden needed more than just a few Dolls and a sidekick like Judy. It needed the brave, the fierce, the ones who'd faced down the Reaper AIs beyond the Blackwall. The ones who saw the Net not as a digital playground but as the wild frontier, ready for the hunt.

As the cab pulled into Arroyo, Crystal tipped the driver and vanished into the darkness.

It was time to feed her addiction, time to slaughter and Level.