chapter 125

....Trust and Transformation...

"Good shot, David."

"Still far behind you, Karl."

After taking out the Tiger Claw gang member, David turned to Karl and asked, "Karl, can you recommend a mercenary team to me? I want to work as a mercenary after school."

Karl studied David's determined expression, the intensity in his eyes. He stayed silent for a moment as the gunfire outside the bunker continued. Finally, he asked, "So, you're giving up the path to becoming a corporate employee?"

David nodded. "I'm a year away from graduating from high school, and the Arasaka College undergraduate program takes two years. That means three more years to become a low-level corporate employee. And who knows how long it would take to reach a position where I could protect my mom? I can't wait that long. I need to protect her now."

"But haven't you been safe until now?" Karl trailed off, realizing the truth. How long could anyone count on luck in Night City?

"You don't need to be a mercenary to get stronger," Karl said. "That line of work is even more dangerous than your life now. You might live in the morning and die by noon. There are safer ways to grow stronger."

Karl paused, reflecting. Could David's family afford specialized training or hire bodyguards? Of course not. With a sigh, Karl added, "I could lend you money to hire someone to teach you or act as a bodyguard. You can pay me back once you make some cash."

"No, Karl," David said, shaking his head. "I've already relied on your help so much. At least for this, I want to do it on my own."

He looked directly at Karl, his voice steady. "You've helped me grow. You've opened my eyes to the truth about the corporate world. But as a man, there are things I need to face myself."

Karl smiled faintly. "What's your dream, David?"

In the past, David would have said his dream was to become a top corporate figure, as his mother wished. Now, without hesitation, he answered, "I want to protect the people I care about."

It was a simple goal, but spoken with conviction, it had an entirely different weight. David's resolve shone like gold, and Karl couldn't help but respect him.

"Are you ready for the risks? What if your mother is heartbroken if you die?" Karl asked.

"I don't want to be helpless anymore. I don't want to cry because I can't protect her. If being strong means taking risks, so be it. For once, let me be selfish."

Karl studied David for a moment, then nodded. "You've made your choice. I respect that."

However, Karl smirked and added, "But for someone who says he doesn't want to rely on us, you're still asking me to recommend a mercenary team."

David flushed, the confidence in his expression faltering. "Just this once."

"Fine," Karl chuckled. "But you owe me for this favor. A big one."

Karl considered the options. He trusted two mercenary teams, but one stood out more.

First was the Brown Squad, a team he'd met during an escort mission. They were a solid group, willing to risk everything to protect each other. However, Karl didn't know much about them or if they were even recruiting.

The other was Maine's Squad. Karl had worked closely with them and knew their efficiency and discipline. If anyone could teach David the ropes, it was them.

But there was one issue. Sending David, who didn't have any cybernetic enhancements, into their midst might not go over well.

"You'll need a prosthetic to get started," Karl said after a moment. "It just so happens I have a spare prosthetic arm I don't use anymore. It's yours if you want it. Consider it a gift, not a favor."

"A gift?"

Karl grinned. "Think of it as a reward for your first mission. Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to the squad. You'll work as a rookie and learn from them. If you do well, you'll earn their recommendation."

"And if I don't do well?"

"Then I'll owe you a proper explanation," Karl said confidently. "But I trust you'll prove yourself."

Hearing the gunfire outside gradually subside, Karl opened his comms and contacted Victor.

"Victor, do you have a ballistic co-processor available?"

[Ballistic Co-Processor]: A cybernetic enhancement that links directly to the user's optical implants and weapon system, providing real-time tracking and targeting assistance.

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