Chapter 2: So You're the Famous Johnny Silverhand?
[System tasks activated. Completing tasks will grant corresponding rewards.]
A series of prompts appeared on the translucent screen in front of Li Ang, displaying thousands of tasks. Instead of feeling like pressing obligations, they resembled optional game achievements he could tackle at his leisure.
[Beginner Task: Choose a corporate template]
[Status: Completed]
[Reward: 500,000 Eurodollars, 50 Corporate Coins]
...
[Level 1 Task: Complete your first company transaction]
[Status: Incomplete]
[Reward: 1,000,000 Eurodollars, 100 Corporate Coins, 1 Roulette Spin]
[Note: The prize pool includes items from the multiverse, such as technologies, abilities, characters, and extraordinary objects! Higher task levels mean better rewards!]
...
"This looks just like a freemium card game!" Li Ang muttered.
Despite his sarcasm, the 500,000 Eurodollars were a huge help. In a world as chaotic as the Cyberpunk universe, being broke meant being as good as dead.
With the funds, Li Ang could secure a storefront in Night City to serve as his weapon shop. Operating in the crowded black markets, rife with underhanded dealings, might have led to him getting robbed—or worse. A shop in a more respectable area was a safer bet.
He set his sights on Watson District's Little China, a bustling area under the protection of the Triads. For a young entrepreneur like Li Ang, it seemed like the perfect starting point.
...
Three days later, Little China.
In the heart of the district lay the Afterlife bar. For Johnny Silverhand, today was just another miserable day. After downing an expensive glass of classic tequila, he exited the bar, his mind buzzing.
Recently, Johnny had scored a lucrative gig from a fixer: acting as muscle for the Triads for a day. The payout would be enough to replace his worn cyberarm with a shiny new one.
Wandering down Mulan Street, Johnny spotted a newly opened weapon shop. The name on the signboard read LA Corporation Arms Company.
"Never heard of this brand before," Johnny muttered before pushing the door open.
Ding!
The bell chimed as Johnny entered. Behind the counter, Li Ang, in the midst of cleaning a firearm, looked up. His eyes widened in recognition. Holy crap! It's Keanu Reeves! No… it's Johnny Silverhand!
Li Ang quickly composed himself and greeted, "Welcome! I'm Li Ang, the owner of this shop. And you must be the famous Johnny Silverhand, right?"
Johnny, wearing his signature black shades, paused in surprise. Removing them, he asked, "You've heard of me?"
Li Ang smiled knowingly, "Of course. Who hasn't heard of Night City's legendary rebel?"
Johnny's ego swelled, but before he could ask more, Li Ang changed the subject. "So, what kind of firearm are you looking for?"
"Show me your best handguns," Johnny said, leaning casually on the counter, his tone both expectant and challenging.
Li Ang chuckled and brought out an M-76E Omaha, a sleek tech pistol with a greenish camo finish and an alloy body.
Johnny inspected the gun. Though not as flamboyant as a cowboy-style revolver, its build quality and power piqued his interest.
After testing its weight and hearing Li Ang explain its specs, Johnny nodded in approval. "Not bad, pal. Where'd you get this?"
Li Ang smirked. "That depends. Would you prefer the version where I raided a black-market warehouse? Or the one where I have connections with top-tier manufacturers?"
Johnny raised an eyebrow. "And the truth?"
"The one that gets you to buy it," Li Ang said with a laugh. "So, how many do you want?"
"Just one for now," Johnny replied, but his tone turned serious. "But you gotta level with me, pal. I need to know what I'm getting into before I walk out with this."
Li Ang leaned forward, exuding confidence. "Listen, buddy. My guns? Top-notch, cutting-edge, and guaranteed to get the job done. I don't care where they come from as long as they work. Buy from me, and you won't regret it."
Johnny studied Li Ang for a moment before a grin spread across his face. "Alright, pal. You've got a deal."