A Deeper Understanding
After completing the modifications on Jack's 'Golden Ruthless Ladies,' David felt an even deeper understanding of weapon enhancements.
The experiment had been a success.
But he wasn't stopping there.
Without wasting time, he opened his holo-comm and sent a message.
"Lucy. Get to Victor's clinic ASAP. Got something for you."
Jack's Emotional Outburst
Before David could catch his breath, Jack suddenly grabbed his hand with both of his own.
His eyes were shining—hell, were those tears?!
"David, you're a real brother!" Jack's voice trembled.
David blinked. "...Uh?"
"You think of ME first, even before your own girl?!" Jack clutched his chest dramatically. "Damn it, hermano! If I wasn't straight, I'd marry you!"
David felt his soul leave his body for a second.
"...Jack. Please. Stop."
"From now on, my life is yours, mano!" He wiped his eyes. "Through mountains of fire, rivers of blood—one word from you, and I won't even blink!"
David awkwardly patted his shoulder.
"That's... great, buddy. But uh, shouldn't you be spending time with Misty instead?"
For a second, his cybernetic brain seemed to be processing new data.
Then—his eyes widened in realization.
"Shit. You're right. Misty's waiting for me!"
Jack grabbed David in a crushing hug.
"Jack, stop saying that!"
Then Jack sprinted out the clinic, leaving behind only the faint scent of motor oil and desperation.
David let out a deep sigh.
"...That was exhausting."
But at least he'd gotten rid of Jack before things got weirder.
Before David could enjoy his small victory, Victor approached him.
The ripperdoc looked... unusually serious.
"David. I need a favor."
David raised an eyebrow.
Victor scratched the back of his neck, then pointed at the Hex Gem fragments on the workbench.
"Can you leave me a piece? I wanna study it."
David's expression shifted.
Jack had reacted with excitement.
He looked fascinated. Hungry.
The way only a true scientist does when they find something unknown.
David folded his arms.
"Vic... you saw what happened when I used those gems, right?"
Victor nodded. "Yeah. That's why I need to study it."
David exhaled sharply.
"Listen, Vic. I'm not saying no, but let's be real—this isn't a normal power source. If you screw up? You could blow up this entire clinic. Hell, Misty's shop too."
His curiosity fought against common sense.
David stared at him. "You sure you wanna risk that?"
Then—Victor sighed heavily.
He ran a hand down his face. "Damn it. You're right. That's too much heat."
David patted his shoulder.
"Look, don't be too disappointed. Once I stabilize the tech, I'll mod something for you. Then you can test it safely."
Victor's eyes widened.
"Wait—you'd do that for me?"
"Why not? You're basically an honorary member of the team already, right?"
Victor stared at him—then grinned.
"You're a crazy bastard, David. But I like how you think."
"Glad to hear it, Vic. Now let's get Lucy's gear ready."
The sound of a fast-moving Kusanagi motorcycle filled the alley.
A few seconds later, Lucy stepped into the clinic.
"David, what's so urgent?"
Her platinum-blonde hair framed her sharp, violet eyes.
She still had that calm, unreadable expression—but David could tell she was curious.
He smirked. "I got an upgrade for you."
Lucy raised an eyebrow.
David gestured toward the workbench.
"Your nano-blades. Hand 'em over."
Lucy hesitated—then pulled them from her holster and passed them to him.
"What are you planning?"
Upgrading the Nano-Blades
David immediately got to work.
First—he dismantled the blades, laying out their intricate parts.
The sleek, monomolecular edges glinted under the clinic's lights.
Lucy leaned against the wall, watching with folded arms.
David picked out two small Hex Gem fragments.
"Alright, here's the plan—" he explained.
"Your nano-blades already cut through most materials. But by adding these Hex Gems as an energy source, I can enhance their edge density—making them even deadlier."
Lucy's eyes flickered with interest.
David continued his modifications—
He carved tiny slots into the blade's core, embedding the Hex Gems carefully.
Using a fine-tuned micro-laser, he linked them into the internal power circuits.
A soft blue glow pulsed from the blades as they powered up.
David's grin widened.
"Now for the real test."
He picked up a thick slab of reinforced steel from the scrap pile.
Then, with a flick of his wrist, he activated one of Lucy's blades.
The moment the Hex-infused edge touched the metal—
It sliced through like butter.
A perfect, clean cut.
Lucy pushed off the wall, eyes sharp.
David handed the blades back.
Lucy twirled them expertly in her hands, then tested a few precise strikes.
Each movement was faster. Sharper. More fluid.
She looked at David—really looked at him.
"This... is incredible."
Lucy sheathed the blades and stepped closer.
Her voice was softer now.
"You didn't have to do this."
David shrugged. "I want my crew to be the best."
A small, rare smile crossed Lucy's lips.
"Then I guess I owe you one."
"I'll keep that in mind."
With Victor officially joining their ranks and Lucy's weapons upgraded beyond their limits,
David knew one thing for certain—
Night City wouldn't know what hit it.
And this was just the beginning.
How will Lucy's new blades perform in the field?
What kind of modifications will David attempt next?
Will Victor's curiosity lead him into dangerous territory?
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