Chapter 7: Victor, the Cybernetic Doctor

Following the guided route through an alleyway marked by an iron gate, Karl arrived at a basement-converted ripperdoc clinic. He politely greeted the middle-aged man with black hair who was sitting in front of a computer, watching a boxing match.

"Excuse me, hello."

"A customer?"

Hearing the voice, the man—wearing glasses and possessing sharp, angular features that conveyed a sense of steady composure—turned his head. He saw Karl and Oliver, who was following close behind.

"In this city, you are the first customer I have ever met with such manners."

Viktor the ripperdoc’s gaze swept over Oliver before resting on Karl.

*A young man who hasn't undergone any modifications.*

As an experienced ripperdoc, Viktor could tell at a glance that Karl had no cyberware installed, which led him to accurately guess the reason for their visit.

"Are you planning to install a cyberdeck?"

"Something like that... Doc, what models of cyberdecks do you have, and what are the prices?"

Oliver stepped in to ask on Karl's behalf, ready to pull Karl away if the price was too steep.

"I have a Militech Paraline operating system for 5,000 eddies, and a Raven Microcyber Mark I for 7,500 eddies."

Hearing the price, the corner of Oliver’s mouth twitched. "Doc, these operating systems... they aren't all brand new, are they?"

Oliver had told Karl earlier that he had managed to scrape together over 3,000 eddies, thinking it would be more than enough for a cyberdeck. But that was based on the assumption that he would be buying second-hand, outdated parts. If this ripperdoc was charging this much, it could only mean the gear was brand new. If he were the type to sell old junk at retail prices, he wouldn't be able to stay in business in a poor neighborhood like Watson.

"I’m not some gang-affiliated ripper or a damn organs-thief. Of course, I only carry legitimate cyberware here."

Viktor casually picked up a certificate from the side and showed it to them; it was indeed a valid ripperdoc license.

"Well, that’s a problem..."

Oliver’s eyes flickered as he checked his savings, only to find he had 1,400 eddies.

*Even with this, it’s not enough.*

Oliver had considered that ripperdocs might overcharge for used or old gear and had been ready to walk away, but he hadn't anticipated the seller offering only brand-new, legitimate stock.

A ripperdoc shop that only sold new, legitimate goods—this wasn't Pacifica, where the locals had the "racial talent" and the help of gang hackers to constantly loot high-quality gear. A normal ripperdoc should at least offer some compatible used parts, right?

However, precisely because of Viktor’s statement, Oliver decided then and there that even if he had to borrow money, he would ensure his new teammate got his cyberdeck here. The reason was simple: ripperdocs who dealt in used or old cyberware were usually in bed with the Scavengers. Anyone who could openly claim to only stock legitimate goods clearly didn't associate with that scum. At the very least, he could be sure of the surgical safety; he wouldn't have to worry about going under anesthesia only to wake up in a Scavenger bathtub with his organs harvested.

He immediately typed out a message to his sister.

*Sis, help! Send 500.*

"Five thousand, huh..."

Hearing the price and catching the change in Oliver’s expression, Karl, who was short on cash, counted his own eddies. He found he had 3,200 total—still 1,800 short of the Militech Paraline.

*I looted a gang member, and I still can't afford a cyberdeck?*

"Ping."

*Where the hell are you? Your location isn't in Santo Domingo.*

Oliver saw the deposit hit his account—not 500, but 5,000.

*Thanks, Sis. Met a friend out here. I’ll be back later. Love you.*

*You brat, only saying sweet things when you need money... I won't be back in Night City for another two days. Make sure you get home early.*

*Got it.*

After finishing the exchange with his sister, Oliver was about to tell Karl the good news, but Karl had already placed his 3,200 eddies on the table next to Viktor and was turning to walk outside.

"Wait a moment, Dr. Viktor. This is 3,200 eddies. I’ll be back with the rest of the money shortly."

Pulling back the slide of his Lexington to ensure the chamber was clear, Karl prepared to find some trouble outside. Given the frequency of shootouts in this city, he should have some luck soon.

"Wait, Karl!"

"Hold on, young man."

It was Viktor who joined Oliver—who felt his companion was acting far too impulsively—in stopping Karl.

The ripperdoc watched as Karl turned back. With a relaxed tone, he gestured toward the pile of eddies, some of which were still stained with blood. "This is enough. It’s not like I don't haggle. Why the rush? I’ll take 3,000 from you and install the Militech Paraline. That’s fair, right? Take the 200 back."

"Oh, you can haggle?"

"Of course."

A smile appeared on Viktor’s face. He said to the stunned Oliver and Karl, "I was actually curious why neither of you tried to haggle and just accepted my price right away."

"I... I just didn't know you could haggle with a ripperdoc..."

Trying to appear seasoned in front of Karl, but actually having had all his own cyberware upgrades handled by his sister, Oliver was doing this for the first time too. Upon hearing it only cost 3,000, he quickly transferred the money back to his sister while pulling Karl over to Viktor.

Viktor stood up and, after scrutinizing Karl from head to toe, spoke. "Judging by how he addresses you, you’re Karl, right? How old are you? Have you had any major surgeries before?"

Karl decided to answer based on his current appearance. "Eighteen. As for surgeries, never."

"So, a pure-blood, then?"

"Yes."

"That means the surgery might take a little longer, and you’ll need some time to adapt afterward. Everyone has a first time, no need to be afraid. I’ll give you proper anesthesia. Do you want to be completely under, or do you want to feel the procedure?"

Even with the pain suppressed, there would still be some sensation.

Karl pondered this for a moment and decided that feeling the surgery might be an experience worth having, so he chose the latter.

"Alright then. Get ready. Prepare yourself for the knife, and I’ll prep the medical equipment. In a few hours, I’ll make a new man out of you."

Ten minutes later, as Karl lay down on the specialized table, the surgery began.