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In the sprawling megacity of Neo-Tokyo, society is divided between the augmented elites and the oppressed masses. MegaCorp Industries, a ruthless conglomerate, rules the city with an iron fist, controlling technology, resources, and even human enhancements.

Akira Kuroda, a street-smart hacker from the Undercity, uncovers a hidden protocol—Project Prometheus—designed to create a godlike AI-controlled superhuman. Before he can expose it, MegaCorp agents ambush him. Left for dead, he is revived with experimental cybernetic enhancements, awakening with unparalleled abilities.

Now branded as a rogue Techno-Mancer, Akira must navigate a world of corporate espionage, underground resistance, and digital warfare to take down MegaCorp and free the city from its grip. But as he unlocks new powers, he begins to question: Is he still human, or has he become something else entirely?

Cybernetic Rebirth: Rise of the Techno-Mancer

Akira didn't like owing people favors.

She leaned against the counter, arms crossed, cybernetic eye glowing with amusement. She had them cornered, and she knew it.

"So, here's the deal," Veyra said. "You want out of the Underbelly? Then you're going to steal something for me."

Akira's fists clenched. "We're not thieves."

Veyra smirked. "Then I guess you'll be staying here forever. Unless, of course, you'd rather take your chances with the cyber-ghouls?"

Kael sighed. "Just tell us what you want, Veyra."

She tapped a button on her wrist console, and a holographic display appeared in front of them. A schematic of a small, high-security vault flashed on-screen.

"Inside this building is something called the Orion Drive. It's an experimental AI core—one of a kind. Get it for me, and I'll get you out of the Underbelly."

Ramirez frowned. "And who owns this vault?"

Veyra's smirk widened. "Erebus Corp."

Erebus Corp. The most ruthless megacorp in the city.

They didn't just kill people. They erased them.

Akira's mind raced. This was a suicide mission.

Kael whistled. "Damn, Veyra. You really don't like us, do you?"

Veyra shrugged. "This isn't personal. Erebus Corp's been developing AI-driven weapons, and the Orion Drive is the key. I need it before they move it off-site."

Akira exhaled slowly. "Security details?"

Veyra flicked her wrist, pulling up a layout of the building.

"Fortified entrance. Automated turrets. Drone patrols. And let's not forget the kill squads on standby."

Ramirez muttered, "Great. So just a walk in the park."

Veyra grinned. "Oh, don't worry. I have a plan."

She placed a small device on the table—a sleek, hexagonal chip with glowing blue circuitry.

"This will disable their external surveillance for exactly ninety seconds. After that, you're on your own."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "And what's stopping you from screwing us over?"

Veyra's expression hardened. "Nothing. But if you want to get out of the Underbelly, you don't have a choice."

Akira met her gaze. He didn't trust her. But he trusted Erebus Corp even less.

Veyra's smirk returned. "Good choice, Techno-Mancer."

Chapter 13: A Smuggler’s Request