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Chapter 58 – Seeing Viktor Again
🕑 Added 2025-05-07 11:08:33 +0000 UTCBack at the apartment, Leo wasted no time—he suited up in protective gear and launched straight into training.
For four full hours, he used every part of his body to attack V's fists with all his might, trading hundreds of blows.
By the time they called it quits, even the invincible V was panting hard.
Of course, the price was steep—Leo himself lay sprawled on the floor like overcooked noodles, limp and lifeless.
"Anyone watching this would think we had some deep grudge... or maybe that I'm abusing you."
V walked over to the vending machine, grabbed two bottles of Watna Glacier Sparkling Water, and handed one to him.
Leo struggled to twist the cap open.
The cold water rushed down his throat and finally brought him back to life.
"Thanks, V. So… did I improve at all today?"
"That depends on what you mean by improvement." V sat cross-legged beside him. "Your combat skills and instincts won't change overnight, so not much there. But you did finally learn how to initiate attacks. That's a pretty big step."
Leo smiled, though it was still tinged with bitterness.
He remembered how their training had gone—V felt like she had perfect parry mode turned on. Every time he tried to go on the offensive, she'd time a flawless counter and send him spinning like a top...
Sensing his thoughts, V offered a rare bit of reassurance. "Don't let it get to you. My intuition works in all sorts of ways. If you ever get to the point where you can fight me evenly, then honestly, anyone without some massive physical advantage won't stand a chance against you."
"Here's hoping."
Leo took a deep breath and sat up.
The spot where he'd been lying was soaked in sweat—forming an abstract human-shaped blotch on the floor.
V glanced at it casually, then remarked, "Feeling any better after that intense workout? You looked like you were gonna get an ulcer from all the stress earlier. What, is meeting that 'big shot' really that scary?"
Leo's breath hitched. "Was I that obvious?"
"Yeah. You've been zoning out constantly—while eating, walking, even talking. Your brows haven't relaxed all day. Jack and Sasha didn't say anything, but I'm pretty sure they noticed too. Seriously…"
V paused.
"…Why don't you get me a visa? I'll go back with you. I won't even bring weapons. Surely even a top-tier big shot back home wouldn't shoot you just for showing up with a stranger, right?"
Her offer was truly tempting.
Compared to Batman or any other DC superheroes, Leo trusted V and Jack far more.
But the Singularity Gate still hadn't been cracked—he wanted to bring her, but couldn't.
"I wish I could… but for now, you'll have to stay and watch the place. Once I figure out more, maybe I can bring you next time."
V fell silent for a long while, then suddenly tossed her empty bottle with a clatter.
It bounced a few times and hit the wall.
She gripped her scalp in frustration, frowning deeply. "Taking money and doing nothing in return—that's not how I roll."
"Shouldn't that be a good thing?"
"Hell no!" She smacked the floor. "I hate this feeling of helplessness—wanting to do something, but being completely powerless…"
"That's normal. When you grow up, you'll realize this is just how society works. Eventually, every average person learns to accept it—to get used to feeling helpless."
Leo stood up and lightly patted her on the head.
"I need a shower. I'm sticky all over—it's disgusting."
As he turned to leave, he felt a tug at his pants.
Looking down, he saw V had grabbed the hem of his pants.
"You should at least wait until your sweat dries. And hey—Mr. Morality Speech, you better get used to uncomfortable things too. That's the only way to survive in this Night City cesspool."
They'd both tried to school each other… and ended up in a mutually defeated stalemate, sitting on the floor staring at each other.
Later that evening, Leo scoured the net for useful info.
V's optic implant glowed as she declared she was also researching "quick ways to get stronger."
February 21st, 2076
Misty's Esoterica
After breakfast, Leo dragged a very confused V to the shop.
"Hey Misty, good to see you again."
Leo greeted her warmly.
"This is V, my bodyguard. And Misty's the kindest person you'll find in all of Night City."
After a quick round of introductions, he left them to chat while he walked off to arrange a consultation with Viktor.
Even now, V had no idea why he'd brought her here.
Still, she was intrigued by the curious assortment of fortune-telling tools and trinkets scattered around the shop.
"Hey there, V. We haven't met before, but I've heard plenty about you from Jack. He said you're the real deal—straight outta Heywood."
V looked over at the punk-style woman whose voice carried a gentle warmth. She could feel it already—that rare kind of comforting energy.
Just as Leo had said, this person really did seem… nice.
A few casual exchanges later, V dropped the "seems" qualifier—Misty was an absolute sweetheart.
A few minutes later, Leo returned to find the two chatting like old friends.
"Sorry to interrupt—V, we've got business. You can finish the girl talk later."
"What business?" V took a few steps over before pausing. "Wait, lemme add her contact first."
Once that was done, she followed Leo out the back door.
"Where are we going? Why all the mystery…"
"To see the best ripperdoc in Night City," Leo said casually. "I'm getting some new implants. You should probably upgrade yours too—I still remember what Trauma Team said."
V slowed her steps slightly. "You could've told me earlier. I just managed to save up a bit… maybe I should wait a little longer?"
"Nope." Leo grabbed her jacket sleeve and started dragging her along. "You're not some corporate stooge—you can't turn money into more money. You want to do big things? Sharpen your claws first. If you don't have enough, I'll cover you now and deduct it from your salary later."
"…"
V followed behind him, unsure how to feel, hesitating slightly.
Bang, bang!
Leo knocked twice on the clinic's metal door. "Vik! You up yet?"
The dim interior suddenly lit up.
Viktor stepped out of the back, towel still in hand.
"Alright, alright. I'm coming. Not many folks show up this early…"
He opened the metal door using the control panel, arms wide in greeting.
"Welcome back, Leo. And you must be V—Jack and Misty have mentioned you."
