Chapter 21 — Ghost in the System
The Afterlife hummed with low music, thick with the scent of chrome, smoke, and bad decisions.
I pushed through the crowd — all eyes shifting my way.
Word traveled fast.
Dex backed off.
And I was still breathing.
The bartenders gave me nods.
A few mercs whispered.
Then… she stepped out of the dark.
Rogue.
Black leather, sharp eyes, arms crossed — like the city itself had decided to size me up.
"Well, well…
The man who made Dex blink."
I smirked.
"Didn't take much."
Rogue cocked a brow.
"Yeah?
You planning on making me blink too?"
I met her gaze — cool, calm.
"Only if you're into that sort of thing."
Her lips twitched.
"Careful, kid.
I've buried better than you."
I leaned in slightly — voice low.
"Bet they didn't have what I've got."
She gave a slow, dangerous smile.
"We'll see."
---
[System Notice: Rogue — Respect +30 — Interest Sparked]
---
I turned from the bar — and that's when the world flickered.
A sharp, electric jolt across my vision.
The crowd blurred — sound warping.
And then… he was there.
Johnny Silverhand.
Leaning against the wall like he owned it — arms crossed, cigarette burning between his lips.
"'Bout time you showed up," he muttered.
I stared at him — and smiled.
"Hey, Johnny."
He blinked — surprise flashing for half a second.
"You… know me?"
I shrugged.
"I know everything."
Johnny scowled.
"Bullshit."
I stepped closer — lowering my voice.
"Samurai, Arasaka Tower, the nuke, the relic, Alt…
I know how your story ends.
And how mine doesn't."
Johnny's eyes darkened — suspicion, confusion, something like curiosity behind the mask of swagger.
"…Who the hell are you?"
I leaned in — smirk sharp.
"Your worst nightmare… or your only way out."
---
[System Notice: Johnny Silverhand — Interest +10 — Glitched Curiosity Detected]
---
The glitch faded — the Afterlife snapping back to normal.
But Johnny's presence stayed — faint, watching, waiting.
I took a slow drag of my cigarette — exhaling smoke like a challenge to the city itself.
Game on.
---
Romance & Loyalty Recap After Chapter 21:
Evelyn Parker — Interest: +195 — Bonded
Judy Alvarez — Interest: +80 — Stage 3
Rogue — Interest: +30 — Curiosity Sparked
Johnny Silverhand — Interest: +10 — Timeline Awareness Triggered