This is my first time ever writing a novel so please go easy on a me and tell me what I can do to improve and get better at my writing. I hope you enjoy and have a good day.
The small college dorm room buzzed with the activity of a young Black male student who wore stylish black-framed glasses. His desk, strewn with tools, 3D printing equipment, and parts from various projects, was his haven. He smiled contentedly as his hands deftly snapped together the intricate pieces of a Master Grade Blitz Gundam model kit, the sleek black and purple frame taking shape under his fingers. A faint hum from his 3D printer accompanied his work, the machine methodically constructing a detailed replica of the NN-14 blaster pistol—LPA's compact but powerful sidearm, slowly materializing layer by layer. Beside him on the screen, a window displayed the progress bar for the AI program he had coded himself, the numbers ticking upward as he eagerly awaited the test results.
Mounted with meticulous care on his wall were eleven iconic video game weapons, a testament to his dedication as both a model builder and a tech enthusiast. From the Leviathan Axe from God of War to Johnny Silverhand's Malorian Arms 3516 pistol from Cyberpunk 2077, each piece showcased his skill and passion. Below the prop wall, on a lower shelf, sat his prized Gundam models: Strike Gundam, Buster Gundam, and Duel Gundam, all meticulously painted and posed, along with his homemade Ghost Robot model kit—a personal achievement.
On the corner of his desk, a small screen played the final episode of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. The flashing neon lights of Night City reflected in his glasses as he worked, the bittersweet end of the episode drawing him in, but not enough to pull him away from his projects. He loved this—being surrounded by the things he'd built, from video game weapons to model kits, to the AI program that was almost ready to show off. He lived in a world of creativity, where every piece he made was a testament to his skills and passion. The room was a chaotic but beautiful blend of science, tech, and art, each project a stepping stone toward something greater.
Suddenly, a sharp knock at his door jolted him from his reverie. Assuming it was his roommate returning late from classes, he stood up, ready to let him in. Just as his hand reached for the door handle, it was violently kicked open. The door slammed against the wall with a resounding thud, and a group of rough-looking men stormed into the room. They carried baseball bats, duct tape, crowbars, and other random items—tools clearly meant to restrain someone.
"What the hell is going on?" Tommy barely managed to stammer, his voice shaky with confusion and fear.
Before he could think, before he could react, one of the men swung a bat. The heavy crack of impact exploded through the room as it struck Tommy on the side of the head. Pain shot through his skull, and his vision blurred as he crumpled to the floor. Darkness swallowed him whole before he could even process what was happening.
When he finally awoke, the world was a disorienting haze. Cold water dripped from his face, and panic surged through his veins as reality sank in. He was tied to a chair, his wrists and ankles bound tightly with duct tape. His heart raced as he struggled against his restraints, but the bonds held firm, digging into his skin.
"Relax, kid." A voice, low and rough like gravel, cut through the silence.
Tommy blinked, forcing his eyes to focus. Sitting across from him was a man who looked like he had just stepped out of a nightmare. His scarred face was twisted into a cruel smile, his eyes sharp and cold, the kind of gaze that made your skin crawl. The man sat backward on a chair, his arms resting casually over the back, as if this were some casual conversation. But his presence exuded danger—raw, violent, and unrelenting. The heavy black jacket he wore looked as if it had been stitched together from the hides of wild beasts, and the scent of gunpowder and blood clung to him, a lingering reminder of a life spent in battlefields.
Tommy's throat went dry as the man leaned forward, his voice deceptively calm. "Sorry to interrupt your night, but I've got a job to do. And lucky you, you happen to be that job."
Tommy's mind raced. "What—what are you talking about? What do you want?"
The man's grin widened, but there was no warmth in it. "I'm here for the AI you're working on."
Tommy's heart nearly stopped. He knew exactly what the man was talking about—the AI he'd spent months coding, the one sitting on his computer just seconds away from completion. But how did this guy know about it?
"I don't know what you're talking about," Tommy stammered, trying to keep his voice steady. "I don't have anything like that."
The man's smile faded, replaced with a look of cold seriousness. He leaned in closer, his scarred face inches from Tommy's. "Don't lie to me, kid. I don't have time for games. We can do this the easy way, or the hard way. Your choice."
"I swear," Tommy's voice wavered, desperation rising in his chest. "I don't know what you're talking about!"
The man sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Okay," he said, nodding slightly. "You wanna do it the hard way. Fine by me."
He looked over his shoulder at one of the men standing by the door, a hulking brute with knuckles that looked like they'd been used to break more than just bones. "Go easy on him," the man said in a calm, almost casual tone. "Five minutes."
Before Tommy could protest, the brute moved forward, cracking his knuckles menacingly. Fear shot through Tommy's body like ice, and he struggled against the restraints with everything he had, but it was no use. The man's first punch hit him like a sledgehammer, the impact reverberating through his ribs.
Pain exploded through Tommy's chest, and he gasped for air. The next blow was even worse, striking his jaw, his vision flashing white. He could barely process the flurry of hits as the man beat him mercilessly, each strike feeling like it might be his last. His body screamed in agony, his skin bruising, muscles tearing with each hit.
Through the pain, Tommy's thoughts blurred into a mess of panic and confusion. Who were these men? How did they know about his AI? His mind raced with questions, but there were no answers—just the unrelenting pain and the low, sinister laughter of the man watching him from the chair.
After what felt like an eternity, the beating stopped. Tommy's entire body throbbed, and he could taste blood on his lips. His breaths came in ragged gasps as he hung limply in the chair, every inch of him screaming in agony.
The man in the black jacket stood up, looming over Tommy. "See, kid, I told you. The hard way sucks, doesn't it?" He crouched down, gripping Tommy's chin and forcing him to look up into his scarred face. "Now, you wanna tell me where that AI is, or do I have to let my boys go at you again?"
As Tommy sat slumped in the chair, his body battered and bruised, a sudden notification chimed from his computer. The sharp, familiar sound echoed through the tense air, freezing everyone in the room. Slowly, all eyes turned to the screen. The once peaceful progress bar, now filled to 100%, blinked in bold green letters, signaling the AI's completion. A secondary diagnostic window popped up, running through a series of tests to verify if all systems were functioning correctly.
The room seemed to still as Tommy's heartbeat thundered in his ears. He watched the man in the black jacket glance at the screen, his lips curling into a wicked smirk.
"Well, well," the man drawled, standing up from his chair with a predatory air. He approached the desk, his boots heavy on the floor. "If you'd just told us it was right there to begin with, we wouldn't have had to go through all this trouble." He gestured toward Tommy with a casual wave, the kind of gesture reserved for people who no longer mattered. "Would've saved you a hell of a beating."
Tommy's blood ran cold. Every muscle in his body ached as he shifted in the chair, trying to understand the situation. The AI. They were here for the AI.
The man gave the computer one last glance before turning back to his crew, his tone cold and businesslike. "Now that we've found it, we don't need you anymore."
Tommy's heart sank as dread crept into his gut. He could feel the world closing in around him. The man's voice was casual, too casual, as if he were simply checking off a box on his list.
"Trash the place," the man ordered, his voice suddenly hardening. "Then set it up like an accident. Fire."
Tommy's eyes widened in terror. His breath came in quick, shallow gasps. "No! Why are you doing this? What have I done?" His voice cracked, a mix of panic and desperation. He strained against his bonds, but the duct tape dug into his skin, keeping him pinned to the chair.
The man leaned in close, his scarred face inches from Tommy's, his breath smelling faintly of smoke and whiskey. "Kid," he said, his voice low, almost sympathetic, "this isn't personal. I'm just doing a job. You should really be thinking about your roommate. Apparently, he got a little too drunk and ran his mouth about you working on some state-of-the-art AI. Told the wrong people, and now here we are." He straightened up, his expression hardening again. "Blame him."
Tommy's mind reeled. His roommate? How could this have happened? The realization hit him like a punch to the gut, the betrayal sinking deep. They weren't after him, not personally—they were after his work, the AI he'd spent months perfecting. All because of a careless word in the wrong ear.
Behind the man, his crew sprang into action. One of them overturned his desk with a loud crash, sending his beloved model kits and tools scattering across the floor. The 3D printer toppled over, shattering as it hit the ground. His prized Gundam models—Blitz, Strike, Duel—splintered into pieces, and his wall of handcrafted props was yanked down, the weapons clattering to the ground. Tommy's heart broke at the destruction, years of work and passion obliterated in seconds.
"No!" Tommy screamed, struggling harder against the chair, the bindings cutting deeper into his wrists. "Please don't do this!"
But the men didn't listen. They moved efficiently, methodically, pulling drawers from his desk, throwing papers everywhere, scattering components and smashing monitors. One of them pulled out a small jerrycan, splashing gasoline across the room, soaking the floor and the remains of Tommy's beloved possessions.
The sharp smell of gasoline filled the air, mixing with the stench of fear and desperation. Tommy could feel his pulse pounding in his ears, his mind scrambling for a way out. But he was powerless, bound to the chair, watching helplessly as his life was torn apart before his eyes.
The man in the black jacket crouched down in front of him once more, his cold eyes locking with Tommy's. "Like I said, nothing personal. We just need to clean up after ourselves."
Tommy's breath came in ragged bursts as he tried to comprehend the nightmare unfolding around him. "This isn't right! I didn't do anything wrong!"
The man straightened up, his expression indifferent. "Kid, the world doesn't care what's right or wrong. It cares about results. And right now, the only thing that matters is that we leave no loose ends."
One of the men struck a match, the tiny flame flickering ominously in the dim room. Tommy's heart skipped a beat as the man held it above the gasoline-soaked floor. Time seemed to slow, the flicker of the flame reflected in the glossy surface of the fuel.
The man in the black jacket gave a nod, his expression unreadable as he turned away from Tommy, walking toward the door. "Say goodbye to your work, kid. It's over."
The match fell.
The flame hit the gasoline with a whoosh, and fire immediately began to snake across the room, crawling up the walls and engulfing everything in its path. Tommy struggled frantically against his restraints, his mind screaming in terror as the heat intensified.
His computer screen, the AI now fully operational, continued to run diagnostics, oblivious to the chaos around it. In the flames, Tommy could make out the flickering green of the completed code—his creation, his masterpiece, now on the verge of being destroyed.
Tommy's mind raced as the flames closed in around him, the heat growing unbearable. His eyes darted across the room, watching helplessly as everything he'd worked so hard to create was consumed by the roaring inferno. His meticulously crafted model kits, his 3D-printed props, his pride and joy—all turning to ash. And then there was the AI, his life's work. The download had completed, but now it was too late. The diagnostic tests ran in the background as the fire licked the edges of the screen, but soon it too would be gone, lost in the growing sea of flames.
Tommy screamed in a mixture of agony and disbelief as the fire crept up his legs, the searing pain blinding him. He had never wanted this—he had just wanted to create something that could help people, make the world a better place. His AI had been designed to assist those with disabilities, to revolutionize healthcare and accessibility. But now, because of one drunken mistake from his roommate, it was all being destroyed. His vision blurred as the heat intensified, and the flames engulfed him entirely. The world around him dissolved into burning light and excruciating pain, and then—nothing.
When Tommy opened his eyes again, he was no longer surrounded by flames. He was in complete darkness, floating in a vast, empty void. His mind struggled to catch up—was this death? Was this what came after the fire had taken him? He looked around, his heart pounding, but there was nothing. Just darkness as far as the eye could see.
Then, in the distance, a small ray of light appeared, piercing the endless black. The light was inviting, warm, and Tommy instinctively moved toward it, drawn in like a moth to a flame. As he approached, the light grew brighter, until it was almost blinding. He squinted, shielding his eyes, and when he finally opened them again, he was standing before something—or someone—that made him stop in his tracks.
Seated on a grand throne made of shimmering silver and gold was a young woman, more beautiful than anything he had ever seen. Her long hair cascaded like waterfalls over her shoulders, and her amethyst-colored eyes shone with a purity that seemed otherworldly. Her beauty wasn't the kind that made hearts race in desire; it was the kind that felt untouchable, almost unreal, as though she belonged to a realm beyond comprehension. Tommy's breath caught in his throat. This woman was no ordinary being.
"Welcome, Tommy," she spoke, her voice like the softest chime, gentle yet powerful. "I am Gaia."
Tommy blinked, still dazed and confused. "Gaia?" he asked, his voice hoarse. "What… what happened to me? Where am I?"
Gaia's expression softened with a tinge of regret. "I am terribly sorry about the events that unfolded in your life," she said, her eyes glimmering with empathy. "What happened to you was never meant to be. You see, there was a mix-up—an error, you might say. I had a plan for someone else, someone whose AI was destined to bring destruction to mankind. But due to a mistake by one of my workers, you and that man were confused. Everything that should have happened to him, happened to you instead."
Tommy's heart sank as her words hit him like a sledgehammer. "So… you're telling me… I was killed because of some cosmic clerical error? Someone confused me with another guy?" His voice trembled with disbelief.
Gaia nodded, her expression pained. "Yes, I'm afraid so. The AI you were building was never meant to be targeted. The man I intended to stop created an AI that would have led to the downfall of humanity. Instead, your life was cut short, and for that, I deeply apologize."
Tommy's mind reeled. It all made a twisted kind of sense now—the sudden attack, the fire, the destruction of everything he had worked for. "But why?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why me? I wasn't trying to hurt anyone. I just wanted to help people. Make the world a better place."
Gaia sighed. "And that is why I am offering you a chance to make things right," she said, her tone sincere. "The world you knew… is gone. The man whose AI was meant to be destroyed succeeded in taking over. Humanity was nearly wiped out. If you wish, I could send you back there, but the world would be like something out of The Terminator—machines ruling over the remnants of mankind."
Tommy's heart clenched. Go back to that world? A wasteland? He didn't want that. But what were his options? "What can you do for me?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion.
Gaia's expression brightened slightly. "I can offer you something different. I can resurrect you in a new world, an unknown one—or even a world you might recognize from fiction. It could be Dragon Ball Z, the Marvel Universe, DC, Cowboy Bebop, or many others like them. Because of the good karma you accumulated in your life, I'll also grant you four wishes to help you adjust to the new world, and, as a bonus, a spin on the wheel to determine where you'll go."
Tommy's brow furrowed. "So… you're telling me I'm going to get Isekai'd into a new world? And I have to spin a wheel to figure out where?"
Gaia nodded, a playful smile on her lips. "That's right. And there's also a second wheel for a special ability or item to help you survive and thrive in whatever world you end up in."
Tommy let out a long, deep sigh, taking a moment to process everything. His life as he knew it was over. There was no going back. His dreams of helping people, of changing the world—gone. But maybe, just maybe, he could make a new life in a different world. He straightened up and looked Gaia in the eye.
"Okay," he said, taking a deep breath. "Let's get this over with."
Gaia waved her hand, and two large spinning wheels materialized in the void before Tommy. One was massive, filled with the names of countless fictional worlds—Dragon Ball Z, Marvel, DC, Futurama, Lord of the Rings, and more. The second wheel, smaller but equally significant, was filled with abilities and items—everything from water breathing to the Super Soldier serum, magical items, and legendary powers.
Tommy approached the larger wheel, his heart pounding. He stared at the names of the worlds, took a deep breath, and gave the wheel a hard spin. The wheel whirred to life, spinning rapidly before slowly starting to decelerate. Tommy held his breath as the pointer passed Star Wars, The Witcher, Avatar… and finally, it stopped on Cyberpunk 2077.
Gaia nodded approvingly. "You'll be heading to the world of Cyberpunk. A world of technology, corporations, and chaos. Not the easiest world, but with the right tools, you can thrive."
Tommy's stomach twisted. "You mean like… the game? The Cyberpunk game world?"
Gaia nodded. "Yes, but not just the game. Events from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, the comics, and books may also unfold. It's a dangerous world, but full of opportunities."
Tommy swallowed hard but nodded. "Alright. Let's get on with it."
He stepped up to the smaller wheel, filled with potential abilities and items that could give him an edge in this dystopian world. With a flick of his wrist, he spun it hard, watching as it twirled rapidly before slowing to a stop. The pointer clicked over the last few spaces, finally landing on a combination: 10x Super Soldier, 5x Blue Spider Lilies, 1x T-Virus, and 1x Red Blood Orchid Flower.
Gaia raised an eyebrow. "Well, you've certainly hit the jackpot with that combination. The super-soldier enhancements will make you ten times stronger, faster, and more resilient than an ordinary human. The Blue Spider Lilies will give you heightened regenerative abilities, and the T-Virus, though dangerous, can be harnessed for immense power if handled correctly. The Red Blood Orchid… a rare and potent item with unpredictable uses."
Tommy exhaled sharply, feeling the weight of the new reality that awaited him. It was going to be a fight for survival in this cyberpunk world, but maybe, just maybe, he could still make a difference.
Gaia smiled gently. "Are you ready?"
Tommy gave her one final look, nodded, and braced himself.
Gaia's serene gaze rested on Tommy as she stood waiting for his final decision. Her calm voice pierced the quiet space. "Now, what are your three wishes?" she asked, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Tommy scratched the back of his neck, a look of mild frustration crossing his face. "I thought you said four?"
Gaia's expression turned a little apologetic as she clasped her hands together. "Normally, yes, but since you hit the jackpot with the wheel, I have to reduce the number of wishes to three. Too many, and you'd be overpowered for the world I'm sending you to."
Tommy sighed heavily, disappointment sinking in, but deep down he understood. "Alright, I get it," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. He paused for a moment, thinking through his options carefully, knowing that these wishes were the only lifeline he had in the brutal world of Cyberpunk 2077. After a beat, he took a deep breath and began to speak.
"For my first wish…" he started, his eyes lighting up with determination. "I want a universal black technology merchant system. One that can give me access to advanced resources, technology, knowledge—anything I need to survive in this dystopian future. It should have everything from cyberware, weapons, and equipment to food and shelter. But most importantly, it should allow me to acquire knowledge—technical, mechanical, combat, all of it."
Gaia raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed with his choice. "A black technology merchant system… interesting. It will certainly help you prepare for the harsh future of Night City. Your wish is granted." She waved her hand, and a faint shimmer passed through the air, signaling the manifestation of the system.
Tommy nodded, a flicker of hope sparking in his chest. With that system, he could at least give himself a fighting chance. "Alright, for my second wish…" He hesitated for a moment, thinking back to his life's work, the AI that had cost him everything. "I want my AI, the one I was working on, to be with me in this new world. But I want it to be enhanced—more powerful and intuitive—and I want it to have the form of a Ghost, like the ones from Destiny."
The thought of his AI companion in the form of a floating Ghost, with its all-seeing eye and vast knowledge base, brought a small smile to his face. It was like his work would live on, even in this new world.
Gaia nodded again, understanding the emotional weight behind the wish. "A wise choice. Your AI will now serve you in the form of a Ghost, equipped with enhanced capabilities. It will be your guide and your companion in this new life." She snapped her fingers, and Tommy felt a connection forming, as if a piece of his past was now tethered to his future.
"Finally," Tommy continued, his voice growing softer as he thought about his last wish. This one had to be personal, something that would tie him into this new world in a way that gave him not just power, but a sense of belonging. "For my third wish… I want to be reborn as David Martinez's cousin, and I want a sister, Gloria Martinez, to adopt me before I turn six. I want David and I to be the same age, so we grow up together, as family."
There was a deep sense of nostalgia in his request. He wanted family in this new life, a bond that would anchor him in a world known for its ruthless lack of connections. He had seen David Martinez's story play out in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and felt a strange kinship with the character. If he was going to survive this brutal world, he needed allies—people he could trust. Growing up with David, sharing that bond of family, gave him the best shot.
Gaia's expression softened, her amethyst eyes shimmering with approval. "You seek not only power but a place where you belong, a connection to people. That is a noble wish. Your request is granted. You will be reborn as David Martinez's cousin, and Gloria Martinez will adopt you into the family when the time is right."
Tommy nodded, taking a deep breath as the weight of his decisions settled in. He wasn't just going to be thrown into this new world without purpose. He would have the tools to thrive, an AI companion to guide him, and a family to rely on. It wouldn't be easy—it never was in Night City—but at least he had a fighting chance.
Gaia gestured gracefully with her hand, the space around them rippling with energy. "It's time," she said gently. "Your new life awaits. The world of Cyberpunk is harsh and unforgiving, but with your new abilities and your family, you have the potential to shape your own destiny. Use your resources wisely, and stay true to your heart."
A swirling vortex of light began to form around Tommy, pulling him toward his new life. He took one last look at Gaia, gratitude swelling in his chest.
"Thank you," he whispered.
Gaia gave him a final, serene smile. "Good luck, Tommy. May you find the peace you seek in this new world."
And with that, Tommy was engulfed in the light. The void, the throne, Gaia—it all faded away, replaced by the roar of a new reality. The sights and sounds of Night City would soon surround him, but he wasn't the same Tommy who had been burned by the flames of his old life. He was reborn. And now, the world of Cyberpunk 2077 would have to make room for him—David Martinez's cousin, with a Ghost AI by his side and a black tech merchant system in his pocket.
The future was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, Tommy felt ready for whatever came next. As the swirling vortex of light began to envelop Tommy, pulling him into his new life, Gaia raised her hand once more. There was a gentle warmth in her eyes, something deeper than her usual calm demeanor. "Wait, Tommy," she called out softly, causing the vortex to slow its pull.
Tommy turned to face her, confusion flickering across his features. "What is it?" he asked, wondering if there was something he had forgotten.
Gaia smiled warmly, her amethyst eyes glowing softly in the ethereal light. "Before you go, there is one last thing. You see, your heart is kind, and your intentions were always noble. You sought to use your talents to help others, to improve the lives of those less fortunate. For that, you deserve a little more than just the wishes you've asked for."
Tommy blinked in surprise. "A bonus?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
Gaia nodded. "Yes, consider it a small gift for your good karma. This world you're heading to—Cyberpunk 2077—is a place of shadows, filled with hardship and loss. While you will need to fight, to survive, you will also need solace. That's where this bonus comes in."
With a flick of her wrist, a golden light sparkled and danced in the air before it merged into Tommy's chest. He felt a brief warmth spread through him, as if he had just been wrapped in a comforting embrace.
"What… what was that?" Tommy asked, his voice slightly shaky, not entirely sure what she had given him.
Gaia's smile deepened, her tone affectionate and almost maternal. "I've given you access to the entirety of your world's entertainment—every piece of music, manga, television show, movie, and book that ever existed in your previous life. You'll carry all of it with you, in your mind. It will be there when you need it—whether it's a song to give you strength in dark moments, or a story to inspire you when hope seems lost. These small comforts can mean everything in a world like Night City."
Tommy's eyes widened. He hadn't realized just how much he had taken for granted in his old world—the soundtracks of his life, the stories he grew up with, and the escapes that music, manga, and movies had provided him. In a world as bleak as Cyberpunk 2077, the ability to reconnect with these things would be a lifeline, a way to hold on to his humanity when everything else seemed to want to strip it away.
"I… I don't know what to say," Tommy murmured, genuinely touched. "That's… that's incredible. Thank you."
But Gaia wasn't done. "There's something more," she added, her expression becoming slightly more serious. "I've also given you something from beyond the Blackwall—the vast, dangerous expanse of the Old Net, the forgotten, forbidden knowledge of your new world. This knowledge will be buried deep within you, dormant until you need it. You won't be aware of it at first, but when the time comes, the information you need will surface. With this knowledge, you'll have an edge, but be cautious. The Old Net is not a place for the faint of heart."
Tommy felt a chill run down his spine. The Blackwall—he had heard about it in Cyberpunk lore. It was a digital barrier, created to keep rogue AIs and data constructs out of the civilized net. The idea of having access to that kind of hidden, forbidden knowledge was both exhilarating and terrifying. It was like holding a double-edged sword; it could be a tool for survival, or it could cut him down if he wasn't careful.
"Beyond the Blackwall…" Tommy whispered, the weight of Gaia's words sinking in. "That's… that's dangerous, isn't it?"
Gaia's expression softened, and she nodded. "Yes, but in the right hands, that knowledge can be a powerful weapon. I trust that you, with your intelligence and sense of purpose, will use it wisely."
Tommy let out a deep breath, his thoughts swirling. Not only would he have access to his world's entertainment, a constant source of comfort and nostalgia, but he'd also been given a key to one of the most dangerous vaults of knowledge in the Cyberpunk universe—the Old Net. He wasn't sure how or when he would use it, but he knew that Gaia had just handed him something monumental.
"I'll do my best," Tommy said finally, his voice steady with newfound determination. "I won't waste this."
Gaia gave a small, approving nod. "I know you won't. Remember, Tommy, you now have the tools and resources to navigate this new world. But more importantly, you have a good heart, and that will be your greatest asset. Use your gifts well, and perhaps you'll not only survive this world, but help shape it."
With those parting words, the vortex resumed its pull, and Tommy felt himself being whisked away into the unknown. The golden light still glowed faintly within him, the knowledge of his old world's entertainment and the hidden secrets of the Old Net merging with his very soul.
As the void gave way to light and sound, Tommy knew that his journey was far from over. He wasn't the same man who had been swallowed by flames and lost everything. Now, he had the power to rebuild, to fight, and to make a difference in a world that desperately needed it.
The world of Cyberpunk 2077 awaited him, filled with danger and opportunity, but Tommy was no longer just another cog in the machine. He had a family, a mission, and gifts that would make him more than a survivor.
He would be ready.
And with that, the light consumed him, and the new world began to unfold before his eyes.