cyberpunk: Travel to 2075

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Thief

The first class ended at ten past eight. Still stuck in time, Gaius Brutus walked out of the classroom.

After a day of brief familiarity, other students more or less knew the names of some classmates. They remembered Gaius Brutus particularly well, a student who ran out every time after class.

Such students, who seemed not to care at all about reviewing the knowledge during the break, were seen as a waste by the other students. Didn't he feel sorry for the 10,000 euros his parents or other elders had spent on him? Didn't he want to make progress at all?

Experience Arasaka Academy was a rare opportunity. It could become a stepping stone to entering Arasaka Corporation. Even if not fortunate enough to join Arasaka, having the experience of elite education at Arasaka Academy would enhance a resume. Even in menial jobs, one could demand a higher salary. Yet, Gaius was wasting this opportunity.

For ordinary civilians at the bottom of Night City, spending 10,000 euros to enter Arasaka Academy was a significant chance. It was shameful to waste it. If Gaius were a true commoner from the bottom of Night City, he would cherish this opportunity. The only issue was, he was never Gaius, a poor boy from the Haywood neighborhood. He was Karl.

Studying hard wasn't a problem, but the knowledge at Arasaka Academy wasn't what Karl needed. The lessons on rationally planning workers were merely instructions on oppression, which Karl, familiar with the company, had already memorized. He needed to delve deeper into more detailed strategies of oppression, not waste time stealing credit from colleagues or the like.

In the Academic Affairs Office of Arasaka College, several faculty members watched Gaius leave the classroom through the surveillance cameras.

"Gaius Brutus...a street worker, unlike the other students. He's likely here to sell Black Brain Dance Wreaths. Has his evaluation come in?" one faculty member asked.

"It has. It has certain value. According to the physiological data of students in class yesterday afternoon, most male students' anxiety hormones decreased. Gaius's presence is beneficial for college management," another responded.

"So, should we indulge his behavior?" someone inquired.

"The proposal allows it, for the duration of the experience month," came the reply.

"After one month, we can accuse him of illegally selling Black Brain Dance Wreaths under Article 3, paragraph six, line seven of the Academy Regulations. We'll confiscate all his proceeds and fine him. He'll be banned from all Arasaka facilities."

"Should we draft the punishment now?"

"Additionally, if he offers to contribute to the sales channel and let our faculty manage it, his fine will be waived, and 95% of his income will be confiscated."

"Write ninety-five percent?"

"Adjustable. The penalty clause will state 50%. With our intercession, we'll let him voluntarily hand over 45%."

"Forty-five?"

"Forty is the maximum. We'll take five and split it evenly."

"Agreed."

In the eyes of the faculty, Gaius under surveillance was a soon-to-be financial gain. To increase this income, they would not only refrain from stopping him but actively enable him.

"Those idiots at Arasaka Academy must be thinking of how to get my money now," Gaius muttered.

He sent a message to Jack and Oliver: "Yesterday's test didn't trigger any warnings. By now, Arasaka's operational efficiency means tacit approval. We can purchase in large quantities. David sent a list of Brain Dance Wreath sellers. You handle the purchasing."

Jack: "Okay. I'll accompany Oliver to victor for his prosthetic eye installation. You also need kitchen utensils, right? We'll get some on the way. Be careful at the academy."

Karl: "I will. I won't be careless on Arasaka's turf. Don't forget the meat. I plan to make braised pork tonight. If you want to taste it, remember."

Jack: "I won't forget. You've mentioned it several times. Looking forward to it."

Karl: "Braised pork is a classic. There are other pork dishes, but the ingredients for those aren't clear. Braised pork needs fewer ingredients."

Jack: "Got it. The young master thinks other foods aren't good enough. Victor's been troubled by scavengers lately. They want him to accept stolen prosthetics. They've threatened him. He's not worried, but I think we should handle it even without pay. What do you think?"

Karl: "Don't ask me about cleaning garbage. It's an eyesore. Consider it exercise before dinner. Send me the scavengers' address. I'll check it in class. After school, we'll take care of them quickly."

Jack: "I'll send it later... Oh, wait. Oliver's surgery is starting, and I need to guard victor's door from the thugs."

Karl: "Contact me later."

Gaius ended the communication, intending to visit students who had ordered Brain Dance Wreaths to confirm delivery in the next few days. As he moved, someone blocked his path.

It was a girl with blue hair, a single ponytail, and purple eyes. Gaius remembered her as the girl with the Herrera GTS key he'd bumped into yesterday. Initially, he planned to use her as a gateway to Arasaka Academy, but male students with similar interests made that unnecessary.

Now she approached him. Why?

As Gaius, curious, looked down at the girl, she stared up at him and spoke a single word.

"Thief."

This was not a good word.