Chapter 90: Responsibility of Cybernetics

### Chapter 90: Responsibility of Cybernetics

"Ah, ah, ah…"

Chen Wenrui was somewhat frustrated. "Is David really going to become a cyber-psychopath just like Mann did before?"

"Why can't he just give up the heavy cybernetics and switch to lighter ones?"

He muttered to himself. However, he knew David would never abandon his heavy cybernetics. Like Mann, David was the leader of his team and their main support. Additionally, he bore Gloria's dream, Mann's entrusted responsibility, and the promise to take Lucy to the moon.

David could not afford to fail or give up. If he abandoned his powerful cybernetics, it might compromise his ability to protect his partners and loved ones, especially in the perilous Night City.

As a prominent figure in the Edge Walker group, David undoubtedly had enemies or rivals. If they learned about his downgrade in cybernetics, it could spell disaster for him and his team. Even if David had no personal enemies, his military-grade cybernetics, the "Sanwestan," made him a prime target.

The principle of "guilt by association" was well understood. David couldn't afford to downgrade because his cybernetics represented more than just himself. The responsibility he bore was heavier than his cybernetics.

Much like how some people in contemporary society take on dangerous jobs—such as high-altitude workers, truck drivers, or coal miners—because they are responsible for supporting their families, David's burdens were immense. Without such heavy responsibilities, few would risk their lives for tomorrow.

Chen Wenrui, as an adult, recognized this. But seeing David's heavy load made him feel the weight of David's existence.

[Translator: sauron]

No wonder Qing Shan Lao Thief mentioned that cyber-psychosis isn't solely due to the cybernetics' intrusion into the nervous system. The primary cause is the immense pressure and responsibility the individuals bear. This cruel capitalist world doesn't just alter human bodies with cold, unfeeling machinery but also distorts human spirit with its abhorrent values. This is the most brutal aspect of the cyberpunk world.

In this harsh era, the good and kind individuals are often overwhelmed and drowned by the ruthless tide of capitalism, leaving behind only the ruthless and calculating like Faraday.

Just as in the Three Kingdoms, where the eventual victors were not the benevolent Liu Bei but the cunning and ruthless Sima Yi, the harsh reality is that kindness and morality often become burdens in the face of the era's harshness.

Chen Wenrui continued reading through the magazines. Faraday had contacted Aohara Corporation, and the term "Cybernetic Titan" came up again. They agreed that, since military technology had rejected Faraday's conditions, he would collaborate with Aohara to investigate the hacker who deleted Tanaka's neural network data.

This raised concerns for Lucy. Fans with a god-like perspective knew Faraday had learned from Mann about Qiwei's injury and hospitalization. It was unclear whether Faraday, a high-profile intermediary, knew that the substitute hacker was Lucy.

Most fans hoped Faraday did not know, but Chen Wenrui understood that Lucy would likely be discovered by Faraday soon, driving the plot forward.

Meanwhile, Lucy, noticing David's recent anomalies, called Qiwei to check on David's status. After confirming David was fine, Qiwei shifted the conversation, asking if Lucy planned to return to the team.

"In my opinion, although David wants to wait for you, he really wants you back now," Qiwei said.

"...I understand," Lucy replied, somewhat resigned.

"Still not ready?"

"Not yet, but it's almost over."

It was evident that Lucy was not rejoining the team yet because she was clearing Aohara's tracking. She was protecting David, as the file from Tanaka's brain contained information about him.

"Is that so? Never mind, I won't press further," Qiwei said casually. "But remember, in Night City, don't trust anyone. If you're betrayed, it's your own fault."

"I taught you that, didn't I?"

"Yes... you did," Lucy responded with a light smile.

The conversation seemed routine to Chen Wenrui, who thought it was just ordinary dialogue. However, after Qiwei ended the call with Lucy, Faraday called Qiwei.

Chen Wenrui was alarmed but reassured himself that Qiwei was on their side and wouldn't betray them. Yet, even if a supporting character might not betray the main characters, it was possible that antagonistic forces would capture the supporting character to force the main team into action.

Faraday, from his perspective, might not believe Qiwei's denial about the substitute hacker's identity and could resort to extreme measures like capturing and torturing her or infiltrating her neural network for information.

Such plotlines were common in other manga. David and Lucy would likely need to rescue Qiwei, which would force them into the open. Typically, captured supporting characters sacrifice themselves to protect the main team, allowing the main characters to escape.

"Looks like that's what's going to happen next," Chen Wenrui said confidently. "Qiwei will probably be captured by Faraday."

"However... does this mean Qiwei is the next character to be sacrificed?"

He speculated.

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*End of Chapter*