Chapter 52: Viktor’s Scrutiny

patreon.com/Masterworks951

-------------

As soon as they left Wakako's shop, Kitagawa Hiro broke his silence, finally voicing the concern that had been written all over his face.

"Lin-kun," Hiro started, his brow furrowed in worry as he glanced at the bag Lin Mo was holding. "Are you really planning on implanting both the Sandevistan and the Kerenzikov into yourself?"

Lin Mo, still holding the bag containing the coveted cyberware, gave Hiro a casual smile, clearly unfazed by the concern.

"What's the issue with that?" Lin Mo asked, swinging the bag lightly in his hand, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Hiro didn't return the smile. Instead, his tone grew more serious, reflecting his genuine concern. "It's not about questioning your decision. But given your age... are you sure your body can handle the side effects of these high-end implants?"

In the world of Cyberpunk, where cyberware has become as commonplace as fashion accessories, the implantation of advanced cybernetic enhancements was no trivial matter. Pushing your body to its limits with top-tier hardware came with heavy risks. And these two—Sandevistan and Kerenzikov—were particularly notorious for pushing the body to the brink.

Lin Mo chuckled lightly, shaking the bag for emphasis as if the cyberware inside was just another tool, nothing more. His tone was laced with confidence, if not outright defiance.

"If I can't handle the side effects of these, then no one in this city can."

He looked at the implants again, the sleek design of the Sandevistan and Kerenzikov glinting under the soft light. His gaze was calm, even a bit arrogant, like a warrior confident in his strength, unwilling to back down from any challenge.

After his conversation with his sister the previous night, Lin Mo had learned a great deal about cyberware, and his confidence wasn't misplaced. While most people had to rely on sparse data, vague warnings, and trial and error, Lin Mo had the advantage of the simulation's database. It gave him insights that most people couldn't dream of having.

The simulation had provided detailed information on the Sandevistan, right down to its most intimate mechanics:

[Dynalar Sandevistan Mk.3:

Produced by Dynalar Technologies, this third-generation Sandevistan is optimized for peak neural performance. Unlike the fourth-gen models, it utilizes older time-dilation tech, sacrificing full-scale speed for longer usability. Time perception is slowed by 50%, with an extended duration of 16 seconds and a cooldown of only 15 seconds. Far exceeds any similar model on the market.

Required Attributes: 12 Reaction.

Failure to meet attribute requirements results in significant side effects.*

Current Reaction: 10. Time perception slowed to 25%. Recommended daily use: 13 times.]

When Lin Mo first received this information from the simulation, it had confirmed his assumptions about his limits and capabilities. The implant wasn't just some cutting-edge tech to him—it was a tool, and he knew exactly how to wield it without overstepping his boundaries.

Still, despite Lin Mo's confidence, Hiro's face remained troubled.

"Confidence is fine, Lin-kun, but... I just don't want to see you hurt yourself." Hiro's tone grew more earnest. "These implants—especially speed enhancements like Sandevistan and Kerenzikov—are a double-edged sword. Yes, they can turn you into a force of nature, but the toll they take on the body... It's not something you can ignore."

Lin Mo raised an eyebrow, curious now. "You sound like you're speaking from experience."

Hiro's eyes clouded over, his thoughts clearly drifting to another time, another place. "When I was with the Tyger Claws, there were plenty of guys who thought they could handle it. They installed the latest speedware, believing it would give them the edge in close combat. And for a while, it did. But it never lasted."

Lin Mo's mind flashed to the game—those samurai-like Tyger Claws warriors, zipping around with their katanas, only to be cut down in the blink of an eye. High-risk, high-reward.

Hiro's voice lowered, growing grim. "The side effects—the constant strain on your nervous system—those guys couldn't handle it. They thought they were invincible... until they weren't."

Lin Mo nodded, understanding. He could see why Hiro was concerned, but he also knew that Hiro didn't have access to the simulation's data. He had no idea that Lin Mo was better equipped than any of those Tyger Claw goons.

"You make a good point," Lin Mo said, nodding thoughtfully. "But I'm not going in blind here. I know my limits, and I'm not planning to push them until I'm ready."

Hiro sighed, relenting. "I trust your judgment, Lin-kun, but please, be careful with that tech."

Lin Mo offered him a reassuring smile. "I will."

________________________________________

Later that day, in the dingy back alley of Doc Viktor's clinic, the atmosphere was anything but calm.

Viktor, the battle-hardened ripperdoc known for his no-nonsense attitude, stared Lin Mo down like a disapproving father. He had seen it all in Night City, from reckless solos to overconfident mercs who thought they could handle anything.

But nothing annoyed him more than watching someone about to make a foolish decision. And right now, Lin Mo was standing in front of him with a foolish decision in hand.

"No way. Absolutely not. Do you even understand the risk, kid?" Viktor growled, his voice stern, eyes hidden behind his tinted glasses.

In the low light of the underground clinic, the glow of the surrounding surgical lights made the old ripperdoc look even more menacing than usual. The Sandevistan and Kerenzikov in Lin Mo's hands seemed to glint mockingly.

Viktor sat down heavily in his chair, spinning slightly as he glared at Lin Mo. "You think these are toys? Something you can just slap into your spine and walk away from?"

Lin Mo stood silently, letting the tirade wash over him. In truth, he had been expecting this. Viktor was a seasoned ripperdoc—he had patched up countless edgerunners over the years. He knew the risks, the toll that high-end cyberware could take on a body, especially one as young as Lin Mo's.

But Viktor didn't know about the simulation. He couldn't know how thoroughly Lin Mo had prepared for this.

Still, standing in front of Viktor, Lin Mo felt like a kid being scolded by a parent.

"These things can screw up your nervous system for life if you're not careful," Viktor continued. "Sandevistan's no joke, and Kerenzikov's just as bad. You put too much strain on your body, and you'll be another burnout lying in some alley, twitching like a broken machine."

Lin Mo suppressed a sigh. This is going to take a while.