Chapter 36 — "Playing for Time"
(Act 2 — The Hunt Begins)
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Location — Jig-Jig Street, Watson
Neon flickered against puddles of oil and rain as Alaric stepped into the heart of Night City's underbelly.
Takemura waited by a rusted vending machine, arms crossed, jaw tight.
"You came alone."
Alaric shrugged, hands in his coat pockets.
"Didn't think I needed backup to meet a disgraced Arasaka bodyguard."
Takemura's eyes narrowed.
"You joke… but I am hunted. As are you."
Alaric's expression hardened.
"Not them. Judy. Evelyn. They stay out of this."
Takemura gave a sharp nod.
"Your women… they are not part of this business. I respect that."
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[System Update — Main Quest Activated: "Playing for Time"]
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"I have a lead," Takemura continued. "But it is dangerous. We must meet with a fixer — Wakako. She may help… if you impress her."
Alaric chuckled.
"Good thing I'm great at impressions."
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Location — Wakako's Parlor, Westbrook
Wakako sat like a queen on her faded throne, eyes sharp, mouth set in that predatory smile.
"You… are the talk of the Afterlife, Alaric."
Alaric gave a slow smirk.
"Flatter me, and I might ask you to dinner."
Wakako chuckled darkly.
"Oh, I doubt you could handle me."
Takemura shifted beside him, clearly uncomfortable.
Wakako leaned forward.
"Yorinobu is in hiding. But I know a man who can bring you closer. You will owe me, of course."
Alaric met her gaze head-on.
"Fine. Who's the target?"
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[Quest Updated — Meet with "Oda"]
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Later, as they left the parlor, Johnny materialized beside Alaric, arms crossed, his smirk ice cold.
"Working for fixers… running with corpo dogs… That's your grand plan?"
Alaric didn't break stride.
"My plan is surviving. And making sure no one touches what's mine."
Johnny snorted.
"Sure. Keep telling yourself that, hotshot."
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