Little Chinatown, Afterlife Bar.
The neon lights flickered as usual, music thumping through the air.
"Drink! The same as yesterday!"
Rebecca's enthusiastic voice cut through the noise as she raised her hand.
David grinned and nodded. "Got it."
He moved behind the bar with practiced ease, hands dancing over bottles as he mixed the drink.
Mann leaned back, his gaze sharp. "David, how much do you know about the job we took at the biotechnology company?"
David's hands didn't pause as he continued mixing the drink. He looked up, feigning surprise. "Biotechnology? You took that job today?"
His eyes flicked to Sasha, who was quietly observing him. "Looks like you finally took my advice."
If Mann's team hadn't listened to him and brought Sasha along, she would've been in serious trouble. But since she was sitting there unharmed, his warning must have worked.
Mann's brows knitted together. "David, cut the crap. I'm asking how much you know about biotechnology, not for you to play mind games."
David shrugged, pouring the drink into a glass. "I don't know much about your job or biotechnology in general." He slid the drink to Rebecca with a smile. "But in Night City, big companies are all the same—shady as hell."
Rebecca's eyes sparkled as she took the drink. "Thanks! Hiss... Ha! It's delicious!"
"Hey! Can you keep it down?" Pyrrha scolded. "Mann's trying to have a serious conversation here!"
Rebecca rolled her eyes. "So what? If it weren't for David's warning, Sasha and I might not have made it back today."
The bar fell silent.
Rebecca leaned back, crossing her arms. "Aren't we here to thank him?"
Mann's face tightened, his pride clearly wounded. He couldn't deny that David's advice had saved Sasha, but as the leader, it was hard for him to openly admit it—especially since David was the same guy who was also vying for Lucy's loyalty.
Mann cleared his throat. "Yeah... I suppose I do owe you one, David." He looked over at Lucy, his expression hardening. "But that doesn't change the fact that Lucy's situation is still unresolved."
He straightened up. "Lucy, I still believe it makes more sense for you to join our team."
"That's right!" Pyrrha chimed in. "Don't be fooled by David's looks!" She jabbed a thumb at him. "He's got no prosthetics, no team, nothing! We've got mechanics, firepower, hackers—everything you'd need. We're the perfect team!"
She waved her arms dramatically, pointing at David. "And look at this guy—skinny as a twig! Sure, he beat that Beast Gang goon last night, but that was just luck."
The rest of the team chimed in.
"Yeah, Lucy, come with us," Qiwei said, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "I wouldn't mind giving up my spot as the top hacker if you join."
Dorio grinned, slapping Mann on the back. "Hahaha! Mann would be thrilled to have you with us, Lucy."
David watched them, admiring the loyalty they showed to each other. He understood now why their team was so tight-knit. Even Qiwei was willing to step down to make room for Lucy.
It was rare to see such cohesion, especially in Night City.
Lucy looked from Mann's team to David, a playful smile curling on her lips. "Wow, such a complete team wants me? I feel so special."
David saw the mischief in her eyes and smirked. "Well, if you join me, our team would be just as perfect."
Pyrrha nearly choked. "What team? You mean the so-called 'David' team? You and that big-headed guy? Please, that's not a team—that's a drinking club."
A loud voice boomed from the entrance. "Yo, hermano!"
Everyone turned to see a huge man with a buzzed head and a broad grin striding toward the bar.
David's eyes lit up. "Jack!"
Jack Wells clapped David on the back, his voice carrying through the room. "I knew you were working tonight, so I stopped by for a drink!"
David laughed. "Perfect timing, Jack. Meet Lucy—our new hacker."
Jack's eyes widened. "Oh-ho! What a beautiful chica!" He extended a large hand toward Lucy. "Jack Wells, born and raised in Heywood. Glad you're joining us!"
He threw David a knowing wink. "You've got good taste, hermano."
Lucy hesitated, caught off guard by Jack's enthusiasm, but shook his hand anyway. "Lucy."
Pyrrha's voice broke in. "Wait a minute! Since when did Lucy agree to join your team?!"
David turned to Pyrrha, a sly grin on his face. "Who said there are only two of us? With Lucy, that makes three. Oh, wait..." He looked at Jack. "Didn't you mention another friend?"
Jack's face brightened. "Oh yeah! I was just talking to her today! She's working at Arasaka now, but she's a hell of a shot." He patted the gun at his hip. "She even got me this 'Arasaka JKE-X2 Kenshin.' She could be our gunsmith."
David's eyes narrowed. "An Arasaka employee? What's her name?"
Jack leaned back with a satisfied grin. "Her name is V."
Silence fell over the bar.
David's eyes widened. He had heard whispers about a rising star in Arasaka—a girl with a reputation for being fearless and resourceful.
"V, huh?" David repeated, his mind already racing with the possibilities.
Jack slapped him on the back. "I knew you'd like her! I'll set up a meeting. Our team's gonna be legendary!"
David looked at Lucy, who was watching him curiously, her piercing eyes trying to read his thoughts.
He grinned. "Looks like our team just keeps getting better."
Lucy's lips curved into a smile. "Yeah... maybe I did make the right choice."
Mann and his team watched in stunned silence, realizing that David wasn't just some aimless kid. He was building his own crew—right under their noses.
David leaned against the bar, confidence radiating from him. "Guess the 'David' team isn't just two people anymore."
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