55,000 Eurodollars is only a small amount for a Pacifica Fixer, but the fat black man was willing to pay for it.
Taking out the shard and slamming it on the table, Dexter DeShawn finally realized the images shown in the water basin after his reason returned. Since it wasn't a holographic projection, it meant the Wizard in front of him really had power, rather than being a charlatan or some kind of fraud.
Dexter DeShawn finally realized what he had encountered.
"Little De, is it alright if I call you that?"
Even though the other person looked much younger than him, the big fat black man still nodded hurriedly:
"As you wish."
"Since your future has appeared in the Water Mirror, if it is not changed, it is destined to be something you must go through,"
Dexter's palm subconsciously tightened.
"But it's not entirely without a chance for salvation."
Asa changed the subject.
"Changing someone else's fate carries great risk for a Wizard. A Wizard is just an observer, not a participant."
Asa tone was leisurely,
"If you truly want to change your fate, you must pay a corresponding price."
"Then what is the price? Whether it's money, women, or power, just say the word, and I'll handle it all for you."
"How could it be that simple? Turning the tide of fate requires the faith of those in high positions. In other words, you need to contact more people and bring them into the fold of destiny."
Dexter DeShawn understood now. Wasn't it just asking him to drag more people into this?
And the Wizard meant the more people, the better?
"Besides that, are there no other requirements?"
Dexter DeShawn couldn't believe it. This price was too simple; it was just introducing business to the diviner.
As a Pacifica Fixer, which high-ranking person didn't he know?
At the same time, he could test this Wizard's true abilities!
"Just watch, I'll get this done for you."
"Very well, Little De. I'll wait for your news."
Asa gave a gentle wave of his hand, and Dexter DeShawn felt as if he were being pushed by something. He involuntarily stepped backward, even though there was nothing in front of him.
When he came to his senses, he was already standing at the entrance of the Old Dad Divination Shop.
The shop door was closed, and his subordinate at the door looked at him in surprise, saying:
"Boss, when did you get combat Cyberware?"
"You didn't see clearly just now either?"
A truly divine man!
With a burning heart, the big fat black man suppressed his excitement and signaled his subordinate to follow him as they left.
...
After seeing the big fat black man out, Asa stretched.
This way, taking a roundabout route and clearing Night City as a Wizard wasn't impossible. Anyway, he still had many cards to play.
As long as he saved the lives of important plot characters and slowly won them over, there was no need to rush the rest.
With the pause technique, even if a nuke went off, he could leave this world before the explosion.
I can do whatever I want!
Near the end of the day, getting a job like this felt pretty good. It was the biggest income since the shop opened.
While considering whether to meditate in the shop for the night or go home, there was another knock at the door.
Someone else?
The door opened, and it turned out to be Jackie Welles, whom he had met once a few days ago.
"Something the matter?"
Asa asked.
"Uh, I just saw two fierce-looking guys come over. You're okay, right?"
The two-hundred-pound muscular man seemed quite bashful.
It seemed the gift he bought earlier was somewhat useful?
This sudden kindness—of course, Asa knew it was because he had given the other party a book earlier. After confirming he wasn't an enemy, these people from Heywood subconsciously started looking out for their own.
How should he put it? Asa didn't dislike this situation.
"Thanks, I'm fine. Actually, today was the biggest job since I opened."
"Holy crap, those two looked like bad news. They actually came to you for a divination?"
At this time, Jackie Welles didn't know how much of a connection he would have with that three-hundred-pound fat black man in a few years—or rather, whether that plot would even happen anymore.
At this moment, Jackie was only curious about Asa revenue for the day.
As far as he knew, Misty's Esoterica rarely had visitors, mostly just old regulars.
Fortunately, Viktor waived most of the rent for Misty; otherwise, this place probably wouldn't have survived.
"Not more, not less, about 55,000 Eurodollars," Asa answered honestly.
"Holy shit!"
Jackie Welles shouted, attracting the attention of passersby on the street.
"Holy shit, brother, are those two suckers, or are you just bullshitting?"
Asa curled his lip. He knew no one would believe the truth.
"Fine, it was actually 5,000 Eurodollars."
Asa went with the flow.
However, Jackie Welles still couldn't believe it. This was a divination shop, after all, not a mercenary job where you put your life on the line. 5,000 Eurodollars could hire a famous legendary mercenary to do a job for you.
In 2077, of course.
Jackie Welles lowered his voice and said:
"Alright, brother, I shouldn't have pried into your earnings. What do you say? Let's go grab a drink sometime and get to know each other better."
"Sure, how about the Afterlife Bar?"
"Whoa, you actually know about the Afterlife Bar? That's Queen Rogue's turf."
"As a Wizard, isn't it normal to know these things?"
"That's different. You're not someone who lives by the sword, after all."
Jackie Welles looked Asa over carefully.
"You don't have that blood-soaked vibe. You look like a young master from a wealthy family. Seriously, you aren't some corporate heir out here experiencing life, are you?"
"I'm a Wizard, through and through."
Asa shrugged.
"As for the specific setting of a Wizard, you can read the novel I gave you, 'The Witcher', it's written in there."
"What's that called? Cosplay?"
"Roleplaying is only fun when you get into it, isn't it?"
The two became more familiar as they chatted.
"Brother, how are we getting there?"
Having decided to go for a drink at the bar, the two decided to head out immediately.
It was just that Jackie Welles had a motorcycle, while Asa didn't have a vehicle yet.
"In a private car, of course. As they say, if you drink, don't drive; if you drive, don't drink."
Asa always aimed to be a law-abiding citizen.
He pulled out his phone and made a call. A black and white sedan drove in from the corner and stopped in front of the Old Dad Divination Shop.
"We're taking this car."
Jackie Welles, stunned, gave a thumbs up:
"Impressive."
It was actually a Delamain car.
For safety and travel requirements, Asa had signed up for a yearly membership with Delamain early on. He didn't lack money and could spend it freely.
"You know, Night City isn't safe. As an ordinary person, I have to find ways like this to ensure my safety while traveling."
Asa spread his hands.
Without further ado, the Delamain car started up.
The Afterlife Bar was located in the southern part of Chinatown in Watson, inside a fenced-in high-rise courtyard, in a basement on the B1 level.
When they arrived, it was already 8 PM. Luxury cars and all sorts of vehicles filled the courtyard.
Stepping out of the car, Jackie remarked:
"So this is what it feels like to ride in a private car. I really want to experience its lux—"
"Ahem, time to go in."
Asa interrupted Jackie's death flag in time.
The bouncer at the bar entrance gave Asa and Jackie Welles a quick glance and let them in.
Passing through the curtain, a deafening sound immediately hit them.
Among the crowd, it was like a massive gathering of chrome-heads and street kids. Multicolored hair and Cyberware flashed with neon colors. The booths were almost full, leaving only a row of seats in front of the bartender.
"Holy shit, this is where the real legends hang out."
Jackie Welles spoke loudly, afraid Asa wouldn't hear him.
Asa looked around, his gaze landing accurately on a white-haired old woman talking on the phone in a distant booth.
Standing there was the Queen of the Afterlife, a legend of Night City, the most powerful Fixer in Night City, the uncrowned king of the underground—Rogue Amendiares.
And Johnny Silverhand's old flame.
Asa looked away.
"That's a real big shot, right?"
Jackie said.
"Yeah, she truly is. But she's also just a house dog living in the past, unable to escape."
"Do all you Wizards talk in such riddles?"
"It's called staying in character. Don't you get it?"
"Whatever. What are you drinking?"
Asa was pulled to the seats in front of the bartender by Jackie Welles.
"A new face. What'll it be?"
The bartender came over and asked. At this time, the bartender wasn't the transgender person from the plot yet, but just an ordinary black-haired man.
"Let me introduce you. This is a friend I just met, a Wizard! Asa, Lang!"
"Asa. You can just call me Lang," Asa said casually.
The bartender wasn't surprised at all. This city never lacked people with flexible employment.
"Hello, Wizard friend. Want something?"
Asa gaze went past the bartender to the top of the liquor cabinet behind him, where the Samurai band logo was clearly visible.
"I'll have a 'Johnny Silverhand'."
Asa said.
"Sure, one special tequila mix."
The bartender said.
"Looks like you really know your stuff. I guess I don't need to explain."
Jackie felt a bit deflated since he didn't have a chance to show off.
I just saved you from another death flag, and you're unhappy?
"Of course. Who doesn't know the greatest rockerboy of the 21st century?"
Asa said:
"Maybe he was also a terrorist, or a dream-chasing, anarchist thought leader, but it's undeniable that he's a legend, right?"
"Kid, you like Johnny Silverhand that much?"
A woman's voice suddenly came from behind.
"Hello, Ms. Amendiares."
Asa turned and looked at Rogue, who had walked up behind him at some point, along with her group of mercenary friends.
She was an elderly woman, and even her Cyberware couldn't hide the marks of time. But her side-shaved long hair and heavy eye makeup still showed her strength.
"It's not about liking or disliking. It's because of his spirit of rebellion. Rebellion is the most precious thing in this era, isn't it?"
"Blind rebellion only brings more destruction. Even a rotten order is better than chaos."
Rogue said pointedly.
Hearing this, Asa laughed:
"That's still better than betraying everything and being a lapdog, spending the rest of your life in guilt and regret, isn't it?"
"You're interesting, kid. What's your name? This drink is on me."
Hearing this, Rogue didn't show any sign of anger. Instead, she generously treated Asa to a drink.
What Asa was referring to was the fact that after Rogue and Johnny blew up Arasaka Tower in 2023, Rogue eventually submitted to Arasaka.
"Asa. You can just call me Lang. Here's my card."
Asa took out a small card, like the ones stuffed in love hotel toilets. It didn't have many patterns, just his name, occupation, and shop address.
"Interesting."
Rogue took the card and looked Asa up and down. Seeing that he was a natural human, the look in her eyes deepened.
"Enjoy yourself."
Like an elder, she patted Asa on the shoulder, and she and her group turned to leave.
Only after Rogue and the others were far away did Jackie dare to speak:
"Holy shit, brother, you're incredible. You actually talked to Queen Rogue, damn."
"I believe you're someone who can handle big jobs now."
Jackie gave a thumbs up.
However, Asa didn't look very happy. Instead, he sighed softly and downed the spicy special tequila in his glass.
The system didn't trigger again. This system really needs to be criticized. How could it think Ms. Rogue is too old?
Even though she has a son, and maybe even grandchildren, she's still an important female plot character.
Losing a gold mine made Asa heart ache, and the spicy Johnny Silverhand in his hand lost its flavor.
While a frustrated Asa was sighing, he suddenly heard a voice like music:
[Important female plot character discovered: Sasha Yakovleva. Establish a bond with her to receive a reward.]
Hmm, her?
Asa turned his gaze to the side and saw three people walking out from the back of the booths. Leading them was a tall, powerful man, followed by a muscular woman of ambiguous gender, and finally a slender hacker girl with a bob haircut.
Asa mind raced. He watched as the three from Maine's crew passed by him. Just as the last one, Sasha, was passing, Asa suddenly stood up.
"Hello, girl."
The hacker girl, who seemed to have something on her mind, was startled. She looked left and right before pointing at herself, as if to say, "Me?"
"Yes, young lady."
Asa eyes filled with pity,
"Don't let hatred blind your eyes. When you are lost, feel free to find me. I will provide guidance."
Like a compassionate shepherd looking at a lamb, Asa handed out a business card, but it was caught by a pair of large black hands.
"Boy, don't harass my teammate."
Maine stood in front of Dorio and Sasha. His voice was gentle, his gaze steady, looking at Asa like he was a fledgling child showing off.
Asa turned his gaze to Maine. He didn't let go of the card but instead said:
"As it happens, you too."
"I can feel the soul of a newborn calling out to you. It seems to be saying..."
"Are you lost, unable to make a promise to your future child?"
Hearing this, Maine felt like he'd been struck by lightning.
He and Dorio were very close, but he had always hesitated about starting a family.
Both of them lived lives on the edge. How could such parents give a child a hopeful future?
Even Maine didn't know how to answer Asa words. He wanted to say it was none of his business, but looking at Asa eyes, he abandoned the thought.
Secretly stopping the psychological suggestion, Asa said:
"Well, alright. It seems my words have touched the depths of your souls."
He then took out two more cards and handed them to Dorio and Sasha.
The two took them blankly. On the cards was written:
Asa, Wizard.