21.2

January 2, 2070, at 0803
Megabuilding H3, Apt #4381

Awakened by the reproachful stare of a mother hen, Crystal Moss shook off the haze of sleep. "Ah, neglected your breakfast, did I?" Crystal muttered, a yawn breaking her words. Her hand lazily directed an automatic dispenser, sending a share of Chi-Grain tumbling into the food bowl. Sgt. Fluffyfeathers, the indignant hen, shot her one final scolding glance before succumbing to the allure of the food. But a lingering question troubled Crystal: how had she controlled the dispenser without implants?

"Step into the lobby, and I shall elucidate," a deep, resonant male voice intoned. Bemused, Crystal, complied, transitioning into the lobby sector of her private Net connection. The presence of advanced technology, far exceeding her comprehension, was indisputable.

As she manifested within the lobby hall, the surroundings startled her. The once familiar space had morphed into a stark white cube with a solitary black table and chairs. Suspended above the table was Eve, alongside the young Hut. Their identical countenances were uncanny, almost like mother and child.

Dragging her gaze away from the striking sight, Crystal focused on the men beside Eve's younger sister.

"Saluti! I'm Kudzu," declared the verdant-haired man, donned in an ensemble that would incite envy among the most distinguished Arasaka officers.

"Good morning, I am Nota," greeted the silver-haired woman, her face adorned with a practiced corporate smile and a corporate dress. She looked every inch the successful businesswoman.

"Felix," introduced the frosty blue-haired man, his suit purposefully contrasting with Kudzu's.

With an extended pause, Crystal studied the charismatic trio before voicing her concerns. "My body has undergone profound changes; I can still interface with the Net and electronic devices. Can you explain this?" Resolving that she wasn't in some drug-induced hallucination, Crystal approached everything with pragmatic acceptance.

Delegate to Felix, Nota motioned and said, "I'll let him take that one."

"Crystals," Felix began, "Your bones have been refined to conduct all necessary electromagnetic wavelengths. Being vastly superior to plain metal, overheating is a non-issue. Excess heat is dispelled into my Dungeon." Crystal's resolve was tested as she endeavored not to lose herself in his captivating speech.

“Is their allure always this overpowering?” Crystal mumbled, to which Nota responded, “Regrettably, it's a natural enchantment effect. Your Bloodline Rank and Attributes are currently insufficient for effective resistance. However, I could diminish their impact by applying a filter.”

Grateful, Crystal agreed. Nota's quick adjustments resulted in the two men resembling fashion magazine cover models—handsome but no longer overwhelmingly so. Intrigued, Crystal mused at how adeptly the Eldritch AI Nota manipulated their features.

From Felix to Kudzu, Crystal asked, “So, what exactly are you?”

“I’m the less solid, yet still physical," Kudzu answered, smoothing his suit, "synthetic muscles, shape-shifting abilities, liquid courage, emergency healing capabilities—things along those lines."

"Like the combined skills of two highly-skilled ripper doc," Crystal deduced, shifting her gaze to Nota, "That makes you the Netrunner, doesn't it?"

Beaming, Nota affirmed, "Precisely. I handle Intelligence, while Kudzu and Felix manage Body, Coolness, and Reflexes. Eve oversees the Technical Ability attribute. This race alteration does more than meet the eye. Are you interested in learning about it?"

Gaining knowledge was as crucial outside the corporate world as within. With a nod, Crystal indicated her readiness. Nota then explained the shift from a base human to a Vampire Fledgling and the resulting increase in power.

With this new understanding, Crystal realized her potential was no longer limited. She could grasp the innate capabilities of the elite and the possibilities that lay beyond.

As Crystal's thoughts whirled, Nota smiled. “I can see the gears turning in your mind. You're correct. But are you curious why we didn’t simply choose someone already in despair, someone willing to accept our offer instantly?”

Crystal nodded slowly, "The question did cross my mind."

“True magical aptitude is exceedingly rare," Nota clarified, "Only three others met our requirements, and they were quickly disqualified due to several factors. Finding a pure soul in the lower Hells or the Abyss is easier than finding a suitable candidate. Had you not accepted, we would have been forced to go to the next most viable option."

With a wry smile, Crystal nodded, "That certainly sheds some light on the situation."

"With our explanation now laid out, these two will also enter hibernation," Nota proclaimed, a hint of melancholy dancing across her smile. "Your evolution will take its natural course to avoid the cosmic laws erasing your very existence." A burst of luminescent blue and green encapsulated two men who, now seated cross-legged, occupied either end of Eve. A bizarre, prismatic diamond structure materialized around them, a layer of protection that Crystal didn't dare to challenge.

"It's just the two of us now," Crystal mused, her gaze locking onto Nota with an air of curiosity.

With a nod, Nota confirmed, "Indeed. Now, I can put my plan into action to isolate the others and seize your reality before consigning them to oblivion." A suspenseful silence ensued before Nota erupted into laughter. "I apologize, but your reaction is simply priceless—perfect for blackmail."

Grimacing, Crystal inquired, "Did I end up with you because our ages are comparable? It seems like that to me."

"In part, that's correct," Nota affirmed. "The more significant reason is my prowess in digital manipulation. Overriding security systems, evading Black ICE, decoding Daemon programs, and securing bank transactions it's all in my wheelhouse. If it's part of the digital domain, only the central AI of Arasaka could rival me—for a minute or two. That's my computational capacity. As your Bloodline Rank escalates, I'll gain access to more bandwidth, enabling me to offer greater assistance. Eventually, you'll have the power equivalent to numerous corporate mainframes." Her face was devoid of deceit.

Realization dawned on Crystal; she had stepped into the big league. "Don't vampires drink… blood?"

"Every strength comes with a trade-off," Nota replied. "Securing a supply shouldn't pose a problem. Just seize control of a blood bank and write off old blood for your consumption. Unless you're immersing yourself in pools of virgin blood, I don't believe anyone would object."

Crystal acknowledged this. No one would bat an eye unless her consumption resulted in the death of someone important due to shortage. Skimming wouldn't be hard either—most people in power would do it for some extra Eurodollars. "I'll need a skilled fixer, someone beyond the usual fray. I need to remain undetectable—just a name and a bank account. I'll have to go solo. If I require strength, it must be synthetic."

"Indeed," Nota agreed. "Our time on the Net has offered profound insights into the world's interconnectedness. Once you embark on assignments, we can create Synthetic Angels if you require aid. We can't let ordinary humans risk simple tasks due to fear, hatred, or other such feelings." There was no trace of sympathy in her voice. "I've devised a few basic programs that you might find useful: Angel's Door, Angel's Guardian, Angel's Executioner. The first breeches systems without leaving a trail, the second shields you, and the third eliminates adversaries. Understand their distinct cooldown periods before you're in dire need of one. Though they punch above your current level, don't expect to defeat Adam Smasher with Angel's Executioner, for instance."

"Are these similar to the daemon security programs we studied in school?" Crystal asked, a flicker of confusion crossing her face.

Seemingly affronted, Nota retorted, "Hardly. Angels are specifically constructed using a yet non-existent programming language. They are far superior to today's programs. Plus, they are designed with learning capabilities, which means they improve with each encounter. I've also developed other darker tools: Succubus’s Kiss, Sleeping Beauty, and Dark World. They aren't pleasant. The Kiss navigates through a target's system, stimulating pleasure receptors to the point of death, but it leaves quite a trace. Sleeping Beauty incapacitates any target, but its effectiveness wanes with increasing amounts of chrome. Dark World blinds enemies, allowing you to exploit your natural advantages for escape.”

Crystal blinked. She had expected some minor tweaks, but these were substantial game-changers. As a vampire, she would need a codename, and her mind kept circling back to 'V.' It nodded to her newfound form and maintained a perfect veil of obscurity. Going solo was a daunting proposition, but she fortified her resolve. Those who don’t toil don’t eat—a fundamental life lesson that hadn’t changed in ten thousand years.

With a pressing inquiry, Crystal turned towards Nota. “Can you recommend a reliable fixer?” Her knowledge of Noir City was riddled with half-truths and unsavory rumors; it would be imprudent to wager her life on them. Trusting the judgment of an Eldritch AI seemed a more promising route. After all, the city was a nest of betrayal, especially concerning the underhanded dealings of black-market intermediaries.

“The Padre,” Nota advised tersely. “He's based in the Glen. An emerging figure in the field, but one with a past connection to the Valentinos. His neutrality is his strength, and considering your former ties with the gang, it's unlikely he'd refuse your proposition.”

Acknowledging this, Crystal then raised a suspicion, “Everything’s been quite smooth so far. There must be a hitch somewhere, isn't there?”

Sporting a beaming smile, Nota responded, “Not from our side. However, if you're referring to the hidden cameras in your apartment and the mind-enslaving software packed in the BD wreath, then yes.”

“Cameras?” The chill in Crystal's veins was evident in her voice. “Slave software?” The pieces of the puzzle started falling into place. Julio Palacio's gift, which seemed free of obligations, clearly had hidden strings. Her initially cold demeanor towards him had gradually thawed, which to an outside observer might have suggested a growing bond. The reality, however, was shrouded in far darker undertones.

“Cameras have been looped,” Nota declared in an emotionless tone. “Without this measure, your transformation would have been recorded. I've also re-coded the BD wreath into a logic bomb, which will hinder anyone foolish enough to use it after verifying their involvement. Nevertheless, both these countermeasures have initiated a countdown for you. Julio holds considerable influence, and his reputation as a pleasant person with numerous wives is well known.”

“Was Mama Welles involved?” Crystal queried, her voice filled with apprehension. “If she was, I've lost all faith in the family.” Nota’s response was a reassuring denial, “No. She's quite wary of Julio but lacks concrete evidence. Do you have something in mind?”

“A few modifications to the BD wreath's code - change it back to the original, disarm it, and mark the problematic sections so that even a layman could comprehend the issue,” Crystal's sinister smile betrayed her satisfaction with the plan. “Also, adjust my apartment's wall color to highlight green circles where all the cameras are, especially in the bedroom or bathroom. Mama's wrath will be uncontainable. As she ascends the ranks, this incriminating evidence will be useful for her. Besides, it'll provide a plausible reason for my sudden disappearance.”

“People will naturally assume Julio had you killed. The evidence will seem like a contingency plan you had in place. Quite clever,” Nota completed the thought, proving the AI's impressive logical reasoning.

“That's the plan. Moreover, this will help me rescue Sgt. Fluffyfeathers. Killing a pet to coerce me into compliance? Typical lowlife tactic. Will the Padre divulge my survival to the others?” Crystal mulled over her plan, preparing mentally.

“No, his psyche profile indicates he'd rather appreciate having a presumed-dead individual on his payroll,” Nota offered before continuing, “I've implemented your modifications. Your laptop now contains only the Arasaka Academy rejection letter.”

“Further muddying the waters. Erase all electronic data to make it seem like Julio attempted to delete my existence. An absence of evidence invariably arouses suspicion. I'm sure the NCPD would willingly tarnish his name for the right price.”

“Acknowledged,” Nota confirmed. “Is there anything else?”

“The silver dagger that I summon, there’s something peculiar about it. Can you shed some light on that?” Crystal finally voiced the vague apprehension she'd been harboring.

“It's a nanoparticle weapon akin to a swarm of nanites in growth. Dagger, tracking device, keycard – it can take any form. As you ascend in Bloodline Rank, its power will proportionately increase. This multi-tool can elevate you to a quasi-deity, as far as this world is concerned. For now, however, it is merely an extraordinarily sharp blade,” Nota explained, her voice devoid of emotion.

“I have an aversion to guns,” Crystal's eyes narrowed in comprehension. It was now clear why they'd arm her with a blade. The Eldritch AI had examined her medical records and was aware of her phobias. It was yet another demonstration of their power that she chose to let slide.

“Some company for Julio just arrived at the bottom of Megabuilding H3. I'd recommend you expedite your scheme,” Nota warned, her gaze fixed on a distant point.

Suppressing the flare of rage triggered by those words, Crystal nodded in agreement. As she disconnected from the Net and rose from her sofa, she quickly prepared Sgt. Fluffyfeathers for the journey, securing her pet in a soundproof cage to avoid any alert-raising clucks. With the pen safely lodged in her backpack, Crystal dressed quickly in nondescript attire, including an ankle-length coat, a jumpsuit, light armored padding, and steel-toed boots. While not the ideal gear for a true Solo, it offered some protection. According to Nota, her unique physiology, a blend of crystalline structures and vampire heritage, generated a field that effectively cloaked her from electronic detection. However, it offered no assistance with physical traces such as footprints in the snow or mud. Regardless, it was a sort of stealth she could appreciate.

Pondering on her next moves, Crystal wondered how her new vampiric abilities could be quantified. She couldn't kill and drain Julio right now, but the rule didn't extend to those he'd left as overwatch or the exit. She craved an outlet for her pent-up rage that would not compromise her plan, and she needed better to understand the breadth and depth of her newfound powers.

"I wish there were some sort of datasheet that detailed all these changes," she mused aloud as she busied herself packing another backpack with essential items. Almost immediately, a holographic screen flickered into existence in the periphery of her vision.

Name: V

Age: 18*

Race: Vampire

Rank: Fledgling

Attribute and Skills

Body 0

• Vampiric Bloodline (Annihilation) • Regenerative Might - The vampire's ability to regenerate intensifies with the progression of their Bloodline Rank. (0)

• Crystalline Bones (Athletics) • Skeleton of the Ages - The vampire's skeletal strength is augmented in correlation with their Bloodline Rank. (0)

• Vampiric Form (Street Brawling) • Flesh Shapeshifting - The vampire's physical strength increases proportionately to their Bloodline Rank. (0)

Coolness 0

• Icy Vein (Cold-Blooded) • Frostborn - With each rise in Bloodline Rank, the vampire becomes more emotionally detached. (0)

• Nocturnal Stealth (Ninjitsu) • Unseen Menace - The vampire's physical and mystical detectability diminishes as their Bloodline Rank advances. (0)

Intelligence 0

• Seraphim Insight (Breach) • Lightbearers - The vampire's capacity to process information accelerates with each advancement in Bloodline Rank. (0)

• Demonic Memory (Quickhacking) • Dark Custodians - The vampire's ability to retain memories strengthens with their Bloodline Rank. (0)

Reflexes 0

• Fluid Grace (Assault) • Artful Execution - Death becomes an art form, with the vampire's claws as the masterful tools. Their proficiency increases with practice and is limited by Bloodline Rank. (0)

• Sword Dance (Blades) • Blade Ballet - Death transforms into art, and blades become the maestro's baton. Skill enhances through practice, maxing out according to Bloodline Rank. (0)

• Hemomancy (Handguns) • Essence Drain - Death takes an artistic turn, and life drainage is the epitome. Improvement comes with practice and tops off based on Bloodline Rank. (0)

Technical Ability 0

• Blood Rites (Crafting) • Hematological Rituals - The path to unyielding power, escalating through practice and limited by Bloodline Rank. (0)

• Arcane Engineering (Engineering) • Blood Mana Theory - The road to limitless knowledge, progressing with practice and capped by Bloodline Rank. (0)

Looking over her character sheet, Crystal was intrigued and disconcerted. It felt strangely reductive having her life, her existence, condensed into a series of numbers and traits. The data spoke volumes, revealing her as a mere fledgling in this world with potential. It was the crucible of experience and the harvesting of souls that would allow her to transcend the mundane, to ascend as a predator among a sea of prey. Her vampiric transformation was a harsh reality, the sharp, unrelenting edge of her thirst for blood now delineating the line between humanity and her all too clearly now.

As Crystal wrapped up her packing, she crossed the threshold of the Moss family apartment, a chilling hunch telling her she would never set foot in it again. Nota's link to the building allowed her to highlight enemies, their bright red outlines pulsating rhythmically in time with their heartbeats. Avoiding any suspicion, she chose the stairs over an empty descending elevator. The moment she entered the stairwell, her lips curled into a satisfied grin. Her newly-perfected sense of balance, possibly due to her Fluid Grace skill, was an unspoken boon.

Ascending the stairwell's balcony, Crystal danced upon the circular metal surface, her footing as sure as the moon in the night sky. "This is going to be delightful," she murmured, gracefully dropping to the next level. Descending the stairs was an enchanting ballet of preternatural poise and balance, ending in a showy dismount as she reached the ground floor. "I could take the world championship in non-human gymnastics," she chuckled.

Peering through the wall with her enhanced senses, she spotted a solitary lookout at the entrance. Thankfully, he wasn't much augmented. With a vindictive smile, she silently whispered the code, "Sleeping Beauty." The lookout crumpled down against the outer wall of the Megabuilding, and Crystal emerged from the building. As solid as her namesake, she casually strode past the unconscious lookout, her silver dagger materializing just long enough to slit his throat.

This brutality contrasted with her former self, feeling no more intense than swatting a fly. As she vanished the dagger, she felt the soul absorbed into her, and a numerical +250 appeared in the corner of her vision.

Level Up!

5 Attribute Points gained!

5 Skill Points gained!

Warlock Level Gained

Cantrips Known: Clean, Prestidigitation.

She instinctively understood the mechanics now. While her advancements brought many benefits, they came with equally significant challenges. She now required five times the experience for each Level Up. On the other hand, her growth was under her complete control, something not many could claim. The two cantrips, Clean and Prestidigitation, were straightforward yet had fascinating implications.

Suddenly, a message from Nota flashed across her vision, detailing modifications made to Prestidigitation by the Eldritch AI known as The Hut. The changes were now imprinted in her mind, limiting some of the cantrip's features but extending the time limit on others. The adjustments were impressive, and Crystal muttered a respectful, "The Hut is incredible." Prestidigitation spell could make only a handful of spices, but it could chill or heat her clothing at will. The mark it produced could be no larger than a thumb, yet neither trick had a time limit now. Finally, it would keep her clean, but only for things within a foot of her skin. It would be an invaluable proof of who she was. Clean, on the other hand, could clean an entire Megabuilding apartment in one shot. It was the perfect trace-removing asset. There were entire cleaning teams for removing the evidence of a Corpo hit squad, but she could do the same with a finger snap.

“Eldritch entities for the complete smashing win,” Crystal muttered as she veered down an alley toward the underpass. With the high rise of the Glen within sight, her meeting with the fixer known as Padre was of the utmost urgency. As she strolled, her thoughts were dominated by the Warlock Pact. Her otherworldly patron was a Great Old One, hardly surprising to her. At Level 3, she could gain a Pact Boon, a spell to bind a familiar. A vampire chicken pseudo-dragon family-friendly, then, it is. Five stars for the Great Old One Eve." Her eyes sparkled with mischievous delight. They would learn to fear the Sgt! Soon...

The Otherworldly Patron effect of ‘Mind Awoke’ from reaching Level One flowed into her thoughts, causing her to stumble as Sgt. Fluffyfeathers nearby mind opened, and her clucks were no longer silent. Instead, the hen was most worried that her favorite human might have lost her mind. Crystal’s heart warmed at the emotion-thoughts of the feathered creature. She returned a feeling of reassurance to the chicken as she continued moving.

Her mind raced with plans and strategies as she navigated the underpass. One by one, she switched her future Otherworldly Patron bonuses with Eldritch Invocations, making them permanent Eldritch Passives. It took mere moments to change her future 6th, 10th, and 14th Levels for Otherworldly Patron bonuses with Eldritch Invocations. Rather than Ward, she now would get Rune Eyes. Instead of Mind Shield, One with all Shadows. Best of all, Thrall was replaced with Otherworld’s Leap. She wouldn’t be casting blasts of eldritch flame from her hands, but that would be idiotic. The silence was golden, as her father used to say.

Her 11th, 13th, 15th, and 17th Levels now would give Devil Sight, Eldritch Sight, Chain Master’s Whisper, and Grave Whispering. She realized this was a true Boon from being tied to an Eldritch Witch. She had been able to swap out her future Arcanum bonuses for additional permanent Eldritch Passives, enhancing her vision in the future, making her feathered companion an effective spy, and even granting her the ability to commune with the dead.

"Navigating the worlds beyond our own must be a terrifying journey," Crystal mused, sidestepping a heap of trash with an ominously human shape. The potential of her newfound powers was overwhelming, a dark thrill at the prospects they offered coursing through her. "Imagine conversing with your departed loved ones, discovering who ended their life, and exacting your revenge." With such abilities, she held the power to make the most ruthless gangs bow at her feet.

Nearing the midpoint of her journey, a quartet of men emerged, effectively blocking her path. She stopped, letting the air surrounding her cool down due to her temperature-controlled outfit. Before she could utter a threat, the group's apparent leader stepped forward, demanding, "Hand over the bird. Jones here has got a keen nose for it. He smelled it from H3.”

Crystal's gaze coolly assessed the motley crew, their attire a hodgepodge characteristic of a cyberpunk dystopia. A common thread among the group was the symbol for 6th Street, boldly emblazoned on all their jackets, an emblem that drew a quizzical arch from her eyebrows. It was idiotic that they hadn’t just tried to ambush her. Deciding that negotiations would be a waste of breath, she invoked Dark World. Like lightning flashing across a stormy sky, her silver blade danced, mercilessly severing four throats in its deadly ballet. Their lifeless bodies thudded onto the gritty pavement while she carried on, not a single crimson droplet marring her pristine attire. The onlooking destitute who lacked cybernetic enhancements averted their gaze in horror. Meanwhile, those endowed with cyber optics would have likely perceived the spectacle as if a phantom had enacted a swift, chilling retribution on the four men.

"Santa Muerte pays a visit and keeps no hours," Crystal announced, her words hanging in the air like an icy breath as she resumed her journey. Demanding she hand over her only remaining family member was a death sentence!