Cyberknight: One Path

⁕ Sea of Broken Shards (part 3)

McCree strolled through the busy streets of Light City, trying his best to hide his face from the cameras. Turning from one of the streets, he fell straight into the middle of a massive intersection with giant holographic billboards everywhere. This was the core essence of Light City: A city which doesn't know night or day with its astronomical amount of shines in every corner. After pushing past the crowds of civilians all dressed in cyberpunk attire, McCree reached an unnoticeable door which led to an underground bar.

Ignoring the people gathered on the dance floor, McCree marched straight to a private showroom guarded by two bodyguards. As McCree approached, the men immediately stepped up to stop him.

[Guard 1] - "Back off, buddy! This room is occupied! "

Said the guard as he aggressively pushed McCree on the chest.

[McCree] - "I'm askin' for a meeting with Ivanovich. Tell the bossman I have information useful to his interests. "

Said McCree as his left hand pressed against his gun below his poncho.

[Guard 2] - "Don't bullshit me, mother fucker! What does a random cowboy like you have to offer to justify Ivanovich wasting his time on you? "

[McCree] - "We keepin' this short and simple, partner. I used to work for the Allied Forces, and I've got critical details about Ivanovich's son. If ya ain't convinced, this here is my proof! "

Said McCree as he showed the crystals on his right arm to the guards.

The second guard quickly showed a silent look of acknowledgement as he noticed McCree's augment. Meanwhile, the first guard looked confusedly at McCree's arm.

[Guard 1] - "What's that supposed to prove? "

[Guard 2] - "We'll let you know Ivanovich's response. Have a seat and a drink for the moment being. "

Said the guard as he pulled his partner to the side.

[Guard 1] - "What? I don't get it! "

Whispered the guard to his friend.

[Guard 2] - "Cyberknights. Since the empire's collapse, these wizards have been popping up everywhere looking for work. These crystals they got have some crazy, unnatural power. "

[Guard 1] - "What the fuck? So what? You'd bother Ivanovich for this prick? We don't even know who he is or if we can trust him! "

Said the guard, outraged.

[Guard 2] - "We need this man! You wonder why we are slowly getting fucked up by Seratov's gang... Well, guess what, they got a cyberknight warrior of their own. If we can convince this guy to join us, the boss will be beyond happy. We can finally level the playing field. "

Said the guard firmly with an enthusiastic look on his face.

As McCree took a seat at the bartender's stand, he silently pulled a tablet out of his poncho and took a look at the information he had written down on Inanovich. This place was truly an unknown boundary for him to cross into. Never has he set foot in this bar, and he could already feel the eyes staring at him from every corner of the establishment. His bargain was, by this point, held by hopes and prayers. He could only rely on the information he could remember about Ivanovich while still working under Jagger. Initially, Ivanovich was to be dealt with as a part of the Lynching Games, but he was spared due to his role in Light City's stability. After all, Jagger needs the major cities in his Empire not to fall into chaos right after his ascension.

Suddenly, McCree felt a shiver down his spine as he suddenly noticed an increase in the number of people around him. Though they all appeared to be just civilians, McCree could almost taste their eagerness to drop their innocent facades the moment he made a mistake. He was in hostile territory, but to back away now would only guarantee his death.