Sss—
The worn-out automatic door slid open.
David stepped into the small apartment. After glancing around, he dropped onto the couch.
This… used to be his home.
The "safe zone" Gloria had mentioned referred to areas of Night City where PROJECT security forces were permanently stationed and conducted round-the-clock patrols.
Outside those zones, things weren't nearly as safe.
Night City's tourism had recovered, even becoming more popular than before. But most people understood that only those designated safe zones were truly safe for visitors.
As for the rest…
Although PROJECT patrols did exist, they didn't cover everything, and there were clear gaps in their schedules.
If dangerous activity wasn't caught on the spot, no one would be arrested, unless someone reported it or it was picked up by surveillance.
Because of that, these areas had become hiding grounds for certain groups.
Scavengers.
Under Roland's orders, Night City had launched a severe crackdown on Scavenger gangs, but some still slipped through. And from time to time, new ones entered the city from outside.
After all, to those who didn't know better, Night City still looked like a paradise for them.
Knock knock knock.
As David lay on the couch, looking at the Braindance in his hand, someone knocked on the door.
He frowned.
He didn't remember knowing anyone around here.
Still, he got up and opened the door.
Standing outside was a man in a black uniform, with bold letters across his vest.
NCPD.
A cop?
David blinked in confusion.
The officer seemed to notice and spoke first.
"Kid, where's your family?"
"Uh… I live here alone."
The officer paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Sorry. By the way, did you hear anything unusual last night? Or see anyone suspicious?"
"Did something happen?"
David asked, curious.
"Yeah… someone had some bad luck last night."
The officer didn't elaborate further.
"Oh. I wasn't here last night, so I don't know anything."
"I see. Just be careful. Things haven't been very peaceful around here lately."
After the reminder, the officer left.
These old high-rises didn't have surveillance systems. Unless something serious happened, PROJECT wouldn't step in. Cases like this were usually handled by the NCPD.
Because of that, many residents joked that NCPD were just security guards cleaning up after PROJECT.
That didn't sit well with a lot of officers.
And in many cases, PROJECT forces arrived first, leaving little for NCPD to do.
Especially MaxTac.
They were the ones most dissatisfied.
In a way, they had lost a major outlet for their aggression, and recently, their temper had only gotten worse.
When they did get deployed, things got brutal.
The scenes were anything but pretty.
Buzz.
A call suddenly came through David's channel.
The moment he saw the name, his expression froze.
Gloria.
Without hesitation, he rushed into the bathroom, turned away from the mirror, and answered.
"Mom, what's up?"
Gloria didn't respond right away. She narrowed her eyes and stared at him in silence.
Only after a bead of sweat rolled down David's forehead did she speak.
"David, I told you before I left. Don't leave the safe zone."
"I didn't."
He shot back immediately.
"I have your location. Don't argue. Your allowance is cut for a week. Now go home."
David instantly deflated.
"…Got it."
"I've told you this so many times."
Gloria sighed and continued lecturing him until someone called her name.
"Alright, I have to get back to work. Don't make me worry. Go home. And if I catch you again…"
She narrowed her eyes.
David nodded rapidly.
The call ended.
He let out a long breath, shrugged, and headed out after tidying up.
Ever since his mom became mid-level staff at PROJECT Corporation, she'd become way more intimidating…
"Hey kid, where you headed in such a hurry?"
The moment he stepped out, several tall figures blocked his path.
Hearing that tone, David sighed.
He looked up at them, and data flickered through his eyes.
"Ahh!"
A scream rang out.
David slammed forward, knocking one of them aside, and bolted.
"Boss, you okay?"
"Boss, you alright?"
"Idiots! Stop standing around and go after him! Can't you see how valuable his cyberware is?!"
The man clutched his eye, roaring in pain.
David sprinted down the stairs, gasping for breath.
No way he was waiting for the elevator. That would get him killed.
What he used just now was netrunning.
Something he had learned during training, though he'd never told his mom.
After running for a while, he slipped into a corner and waited.
When he saw them run past, he finally relaxed and grinned.
"Yes. Lost them… this netrunning stuff is seriously useful…"
He steadied his breathing and cautiously stepped out.
Click.
"Kid, you run pretty fast, huh?"
The cold press against the back of his head froze his smile instantly.