The Giant Corporations that Started in Night City

Chapter 66: The Legendary Fixer

"V, looks like you're on the rise. But let me give you some advice—try to steer clear of Night Corp as much as possible. Everyone says AI is the future of corporations, but I'm not so sure about that."

"That stuff is just too weird. Even a big company like LA has to tread carefully when dealing with rogue AIs. For people like us? Best to stay as far away as we can."

Viktor was clearly uneasy about Night Corp's rampant introduction of AI. While corporate executives were busy figuring out how to exploit AI for their benefit, none of them seemed to consider the possibility of being exploited by AI in return.

In Viktor's eyes, everything had two sides. AI was a double-edged sword—equally capable of harming its wielder as it was of hurting others.

"Thanks, Viktor. I'll keep that in mind."

V nodded earnestly. He took Viktor's words seriously and fully intended to avoid AI whenever possible—it was just too dangerous.

---

In front of Viktor's clinic, at Misty's Esoterica.

Misty noticed Jackie Welles grinning ear to ear and couldn't help but ask, "Jackie, you seem really happy today. Did something good happen?"

Having grown up in the same neighborhood as Jackie, Misty, his childhood friend, could easily tell when he was hiding something.

"Hey, I'm happy every day! That's the only way to live, right? Gotta keep it light!" Jackie chuckled. "But if you're asking if something good happened... well, yeah. I bumped into you!"

Though Misty felt a flutter in her heart at Jackie's smooth words, she gave a small huff and pressed on.

"Don't try to fool me. Every time you and V team up, it's because you've taken on some job."

"I bet this time you're either going to pick a fight with someone or swipe something from somewhere, right?"

Jackie was taken aback. Misty really was sharp—almost Einstein-level. It was as if nothing could escape her keen intuition.

"Well, alright, I'll tell you the truth."

Jackie confessed, "I recently got a big job from a fixer. If this works out, I'll be the first legendary merc to rise out of Heywood. The Valentino boys will be so proud of me!"

Becoming a legend in Night City had always been Jackie Welles' dream, and now he was just one step away.

Seeing Jackie so excited, Misty asked worriedly, "Will it be dangerous?"

She didn't care whether Jackie became a legendary merc or if others admired him. The only thing that mattered to her was Jackie's safety. As long as he could visit her every day, she'd be content.

Jackie gently held Misty's hand and reassured her, "Don't worry, babe. V and I are like ironclad tanks—bullets even take a detour to avoid us. We'll be fine."

Misty smiled softly, then slipped a small object into Jackie's palm. Looking into his eyes, she said, "This is a little gift from me. It's just for the two of us. Don't tell anyone, okay?"

"What is this? A chip?" Jackie asked, examining the tiny biochip with curiosity.

"Don't worry about it. Just slot it in. And don't you dare sell it—I'll be checking regularly!"

"If I find out it's gone, you better believe I'll kick your ass."

Misty knew Jackie had a habit of sharing his spoils with V, his inseparable partner. But this chip was one of a kind, and she wasn't bold enough to ask Li Ang for another one.

"Relax, babe. I'd never sell anything you gave me."

Jackie immediately slotted the chip into his neural port. Just as Misty was about to say more, V emerged from Viktor's clinic.

Seeing Jackie and Misty holding hands and chatting affectionately, V scratched his nose awkwardly and teased, "Jackie, maybe you should move in with Viktor. That way, you two can pine for each other all day."

Embarrassed by V's remark, Jackie coughed twice and quickly changed the subject. "So, V, how are you feeling?"

"Don't worry. At least for now, I'm not dying." V waved dismissively.

"You better not die, V. If you do, we can kiss our chance at fame goodbye."

"Speaking of which, when are you going to tell me about this big surprise of yours? Don't tell me you're stringing me along."

Hands in his pockets, V glanced at Jackie and replied, "Of course not. Let's talk in the car."

With that, Jackie bid Misty goodbye and returned to the car with V. Jackie was clearly trying to keep the details of the job under wraps, wary of anyone overhearing.

"V, this gig is huge!"

Jackie couldn't hide his excitement as he described how important this job was. It was obvious he had complete faith in its success.

"Dexter DeShawn. He's the fixer for this gig. You know, the 'Fat Jesus' of the Afterlife, three hundred pounds of pure swagger, rocking a golden cyberarm. The real deal—a legendary fixer!"

"DeShawn…" V murmured. He'd heard of this fixer, who had supposedly retired. It was surprising to hear he was back in action, offering them a job.

To be honest, V wasn't all that interested in the job. What he really wanted was to join LA Corp and land a stable, legitimate gig. The Infinity cycle of violence was growing tiresome. Spending time with Viktor, Misty, and Jackie like this wasn't so bad.

But being a legend in Night City had always been Jackie Welles' dream. As his best friend, V didn't want Jackie to have any regrets.

"Alright, we'll take the job. But just this once," V agreed.

"Hahaha! V, I knew we were on the same wavelength!"

Elated, Jackie quickly called Dexter DeShawn to set up a meeting. Within minutes, V and Jackie were climbing into a Rolls-Royce Phantom, where they met their fixer.

Dexter DeShawn was exactly as Jackie had described—three hundred pounds of bulk, with a gold-plated cyberarm and the aura of a nouveau riche.

He puffed on a thick Cuban cigar, the smoke forming dense clouds that made V want to cough, though he forced himself to hold it in.

(Show your support and read more chapters on my Patreon: [email protected]/psychopet. Thank you for your support!)