NetWatch

The heat dissipation fin is a cooling component attached near the spine, replacing the skin.

Although Leo's heat dissipation fin isn't particularly large, it's definitely considered high-end modification.

The entire component covers the upper rear side of the thoracic region, around the scapula area.

When activated, it stands upright like the fin of a dinosaur, revealing its full structure. The inner part is infused with coolant, flowing through bioplastic tubes akin to capillaries, clinging along the artificial spine and extending to the brainstem area.

This setup transfers heat from these cybernetic components to the cooling fin, which disperses it into the air.

In extreme cases, the fin can be swapped out for immediate heat exchange.

As for the two external mechanical arms, Leo has to admit that cyberpunk-world arm mechanics are somewhat outdated.

Each arm has four joints, all capable of 360° movement, but compared to octopus arms, they're practically industrial waste.

Still, for Leo, they're top-tier external arms available within his choices.

The arms attach to an exoskeleton wrapped around his waist, with a limited range of movement that barely allows them to support his posture rather than combat.

But with these arms, Leo can carry an additional pair of toolboxes and perform on-the-spot technical modifications more effectively.

One of the main advantages is that these arms can hang onto webs, dispersing the pulling force across the exoskeleton, allowing Leo to free his hands while clinging to vertical surfaces with magnetic equipment if needed.

[Heart of Evolution: The AI-induced melancholy has been cleared.]

The AI attached to him seems to disdain these arms as well.

The exoskeleton's indicator lights flicker, unmoving.

The AI residing inside it still hasn't noticed that Leo knows of its existence, remaining motionless, pretending to be a compliant arm.

Unmoving in sadness: "Why can't it be as free as before?"

After examining the rest of his components, Leo is a bit at a loss.

Handling AI is rather complicated.

Upon inspecting his cybernetic system's software, Leo observed abnormal data flows but lacked the experience to extract the AI.

Besides, it's hard to say what would happen if he tried to wrestle with the AI within his own cyber system.

Better to warm up first.

Leo, equipped with the exoskeleton, could move with ease, without showing any signs of its neural connection.

All he needed was a coat.

Leo promptly opened an Apparel's online shopping interface—

It was time for new clothes.

The new outfit should ideally be black, and snug against his skin to enhance daily cooling while concealing the exoskeleton and mechanical arms underneath.

The mechanical arms usually help him carry boxes, with each arm capable of supporting up to 15 kilograms, given Leo's condition.

Victor looked at the now lively Leo and couldn't help but remark,

"Who would've thought that the boy who once struggled to stand can now handle 30 kilograms of weight."

He packed up his tools, sat back at his table, and took a sip of his drink—now was time to relax.

"Technology changes lives; this is only the beginning, but I'll need to start working out more since this thing is quite heavy."

"Why don't you just replace muscles and bones?"

Replacing them might not be compatible with my limited cyber points.

"My condition's a bit complicated, so I prefer external cyber modifications."

"If anyone else said that, I'd think they were trying to convince Jackie and V to do the work while they upgraded themselves."

Victor unexpectedly lit a cigarette. "Want one?"

"No thanks, smoking's bad for health. You don't usually smoke—why now?"

"I keep the clinic clean and fresh—smoking's unhealthy, after all.

Today, though, I need it to calm my nerves, just this once."

Victor took a puff, a touch sentimental. "Never thought I'd see the day."

"This is just a regular day," Leo donned his coat.

The coat felt a bit tight, not designed for Leo's current state, stretched awkwardly by the mechanical arms.

"Maybe to you it is," Victor took another look at Leo's exoskeleton.

It had been modified using a base module that Leo had brought in.

Victor didn't want to dwell on why Leo knew exoskeleton modifications—he simply knew.

He glanced at the paused boxing match on his screen and suddenly asked, "Ever thought about retirement?"

"I used to imagine myself on a luxurious sky cruiser, the wind in my face, lounging in a chair with my legs up, soaking up the sun."

"Don't anymore?"

"Now retirement's too far away, so all my brainpower has to focus on the present. Sometimes, though, I still indulge, adding new details each time I dream about it."

Initially, Leo just wanted to survive—longer than six months.

Then he upgraded his secondary heart, injecting it with lizard serum, allowing him to live longer—up to a year or two.

Now, with experience in lizard augmentation components and a better circulatory system, barring major issues, he could live at least three years.

Of course, if unlucky, things like cancer could change that.

Victor took a puff of smoke, swallowing it instead of exhaling, quietly watching the paused video of two fighters on the screen, lost in thought.

Leo glanced at the video too, just as a glaring red error popped up on his cyber system—

[Error: Your network access license has been revoked!]

[Code: NIGHTCITY-CYBNET-DCX55369]

[Error: Your network access license has been revoked!]

[Code: NIGHTCITY-CYBNET-GHI78955]

[Error.]

[Please comply with the Netwatch protocols for secure internet use; all illegal online activities will be severely punished!]

[Please contact local Netwatch to turn yourself in!]

Even as an outlaw in the cyber age, Leo took precautions to avoid connecting to public networks whenever possible. But as a netrunner, he always maintained a minimal link for situational awareness.

Now, every access code was blocked—

In a heartbeat, the vast, intricate web of Night City closed to him completely. Though physically within this city, he felt as if he were stranded on an isolated island.

The world around him remained vivid, yet without a network, it felt shrouded, almost surreal.

[Heart of Evolution: Slight panic from the complete network shutdown has been cleared.]

Fizz—

His artificial eye flickered, a message emerging from the dark web.

[Contact: Netwatch Agent #1254]

[Netwatch Agent #1254: Hey, Burger King, let's have a chat.]

[Netwatch Agent #1254: Just you and me, about some netrunner business—your friends don't need to come.]

". Victor, that's it for today. I'll head out now."

"Oh, sorry, got lost in thought."

"No worries—I need to get some exercise."

"Alright, take care; see you next time."

Leo left the clinic, closing the door behind him.

[Netwatch Agent #1254: Walk straight, then turn right.]

[Burger King: I know the way. Just send the address.]

At a nearby street stall, a hacker draped in a black coat retrieved some money from a vending machine nearby.

The machine had been hacked long ago, redirecting people's deposits into his account.

Click—

The chair beside him was pulled back, and Bryce casually sat down.

"Hey, boss, something to eat?"

The owner glanced at Bryce, then at the netrunner sitting there, hesitating.

The hacker had just completed a transaction: 400 eddies credited.

Noticing the movement beside him, he looked impatiently at Bryce, "Moron, can't you see someone's here? Beat it."

Zap!

Before the words had even settled, an electric arc erupted from the brain interface at the hacker's nape, his skin searing.

Bryce gently nudged the guy—keeping him from slumping onto the table.

After all, someone would need the seat soon.

The body hit the ground, causing unidentified fluids to splatter and extinguish the flames.

Ignoring the horrified onlookers, Bryce picked up the menu:

"Burger King? You're selling burgers here now? Business is booming."

"Hey, boss, can you help move this guy? Someone will be by soon to take care of it."

(End of Chapter)