Digital Higanbana (Lycoris Recoil x Cyberpunk Quest)

The muscle outside the public library in the neighborhood still gave you intense looks when you passed by, though it was more in a silent reminder to not cause trouble than actually looking for it with you. Perhaps you've actually earned the benefit of the doubt from the Secondborn Ronin through your actions, or a form of slightly conditional form of trust. Either way, nothing stopped you at all from stepping in and heading straight for the assistant librarian on duty.

At your approach, Ayaka looked up and nervously adjusted her glasses. "O-oh. We meet again," She meekly greeted. You idly wondered if this too was a part of the act, or if the young woman was just that shy in reality. "Are you meeting your friend today?"

"I am," You simply replied with a nod of the head. "I'm in no rush, so I'll just be waiting at one of the study tables. I actually have to do some light reading as well, so if you can recommend me something from the catalog, I'd appreciate it."

Ayaka blinked, then nodded. She accessed the computer terminal at her workstation and began to type away. "Um, head to table six then. Once you connect in, you'll some of the top picks that other patrons have been recommending this week."

"Sounds good. Thank you." You made your way over to the table marked out by Ayaka and took a seat. A moment later, the digital screen at the table flashed a standby message and you obliged by connecting a cable from your wrist into a socket. Your opticware flickered, then linked to the screen to suddenly project a holographic representation of a bookshelf, one only you could see. It was filled with digital books with floating titles over them, transforming into text previews when your gaze lingered on them.

You quickly went through this selection and realized it was all popular pop fiction reads. You hummed, then raised your hand in the real world. With a swipe at the air, the bookshelf rotated itself to refresh to a new category, this time being magazines and news articles. You did it a few more times to cycle through more bookshelves, making sure you paused and gave a quick skim of the more interesting titles. When your arm swiped and the popular pop fiction books returned, you realized you had reached the end of the recommendations and hummed, reflecting on if any of the offerings was worth your time and more importantly, your money to copy.

Even public libraries priced their digital wares. You didn't know what to say to that, but you knew for sure your bank account was weeping.

(Browse the Library: 39 +15 (Intelligence) = 54)

For what it was worth though, there were perks to accessing an entirely digital library system. You could see and find far quicker interesting books that could allow you to improve yourself with background study. You just had to pay an upfront price to purchase the material, then you would idly read it over time to gain familiarity and confidence in whatever you were trying to learn. For especially beginner material, you could probably finish within the week itself with some quiet nights while listening to the radio.

The beginner material in question was something you were really interested in, a book titled Hard Knock Life (Mine!). It was admittedly just a children's fiction book, but one that depicted the hard life of living on the streets as a coming-of-age struggle. While the events were rather hyperbolic and exaggerated for drama as one would expect for a teen read, there was actually smart street advice given out between the pages to serve as lessons for others reading. You could definitely do with even just the basics, with the low price of only 200 eurodollars.

There was another text that caught your eye as well that you considered. This one was titled Basic Kitchen Safety for Gonks and was an expletive-laden diagram about common dangers found in any food preparation station around the globe. It clearly was something of a satirical take on the subject, but an information one for you given your personal cooking experience amounted to preparing rice, at best. Learning how to safely handle cooking equipment like ovens, stoves, and more could be worth 200 eurodollars.

Before you could lock in any purchase, the holographic bookshelf froze up all of the sudden. Then it began to frazzle and tear, and you preemptively disconnected yourself in haste out of precaution. The digital screen at the table fizzled, then the image of a book with a mask appeared with the distorted voice of Pauper coming through. "My apologies for the wait. I had business to take care of."

You resisted the urge to glance in the direction of the assistant librarian and softly exhaled to recenter yourself. "It was no big wait, and I found some interesting books while doing so. I hope they'll still be available after our conversation, I intend on purchasing copies."

"Do not worry, your session should not have been interrupted by my intrusion. Now then." Pauper seem to think for a moment before making a guess. "I expect you are here to use that favor I have promised you."

"I am." Quickly, you explained the concept behind Kagoshima Fragrance, making sure to leave out the bit where you'd run a side business as a Fixer for now. Maybe once your relationship with Pauper or just the Secondborn Ronin was a bit less standoff in general, you could tell them about your intent. It wasn't like both you and Pauper would be in heated competition with each other, given that they seemed more focused on information purchasing and selling than your intended operative gig program.

When you finished explaining, you hoped to lean on that information distribution system now to give you a serious leg up. After some silent thinking, Pauper spoke up with a pleased note to their voice. "I'm happy to say I can indeed help you here. I have a list of contacts that you may be interested in."

"Is there any chance I could get access to the list itself?" You suggested and the Fixer's avatar nodded.

"Yes, but for a price. The first is free, to satisfy what I owe you. The rest is a business transaction, at a price of 2000 eddies each. A fair price for a direct contact, don't you think?"

You pursed your lips, but couldn't disagree. Pauper was talking about connecting you to some of the best in their field around Kagoshima, those pruned by the streets and corporate world. It was only fair for them to ask for a finder's fee for what could be a lifelong working relationship. Not to mention that they would also be vouching for you, as these businesses could be rather picky about who they dealt with. Nobody usually welcomed newcomers so easily, not in a world where businesses backstabbing one another was a common occurrence.

You tapped your fingers against the table, then nodded, making your decision.

-[ ] [Pauper] Ocha Plantation: A modest farm in the Tarumizu neighborhood, renowned for high quality harvests of tea leaves year after year. They are notoriously fierce and independent, resisting any attempt to buy them out. Corporate suits love to buy out all their tea leaves immediately, but their stock of beautiful matcha flowers unfortunately isn't so popular. If nothing else, they are generational farmers who could certainly give you a word or two about growing anything in this area once Pauper puts in a good word for you. Flowers Source, Flower Growing.

-[ ] [Pauper] International Standard: A massive raw food and beverage corporation that many bulk purchase expensive imports from, such as exotic coffees. They usually only deal with other corporations, but it is known that they have a smaller distribution in Taniyamako Ports that would permit direct stock purchasing from 'trusted' locals that so happened to be quite wealthy or have connections. Pauper can put you in the later through the sons and daughters of some suits that work there. Refreshments Source, Coffee Brewing.

-[ ] [Pauper] University Laboratories: A Biotechnica sponsored wing of the local university in Old Europa that gets to fool around with dangerous chemicals in the name of science. While you weren't interested in the vast majority of them, they did have in stock various exclusive reagents and acids you needed to process corpses into fertilizer. They normally wouldn't dare sell excess stock to outsiders, but Pauper knows a student or two willing to bend regulations. Chemicals Source, Fertilizer Creation.

-[ ] [Pauper] Continental Catering: When it comes to having food being delivered to one's door, this corporation has mastered the art. They cook the food themselves at their local officer in Hamada Estates and then deliver it to the site with simple instructions to reheat before eating. They normally would only do so for prearranged events, but Pauper believes through her contacts that a more regular relationship could be established between you and the corporation. Refreshments Source, Automatic Cooking (Rank 5).

-[ ] [Pauper] Digital Clippers: While it rankled at your very passions, you couldn't deny the popularity of synthetic flower arrangements, especially the ones that featured holographic foliage that replenished itself. Digital Clippers is, according to Pauper, the best local source of them, their work on display in a mall complex where they are located in Hayato Strip. You supposed it could help lesson the burden on you. Flowers Source, Automatic Botany (Rank 5).

-[ ] [Library] Hard Knock Life (Mine!) (Rank 1 Streetwise) (200 eb)
-[ ] [Library] Kitchen Safety for Gonks (Rank 1 Cooking) (200 eb)

- Choosing a contact with an automatic feature means that when there is a skill check for a said skill, it will be rolled as if Rank 5 regardless of personal skill, much like if you were to chip yourself up. In this case, it will apply mostly to working your business rolls when it comes to making money outside what just covers operating costs. Given the possibility of combinations, we'll do this all in one go via plan.
- Flower Growing and Coffee Brewing are mini side mechanics that you can get invested in for various rewards.
- Remember that every Pauper option after the first will cost an additional 2000 eb.

"First of all, I most definitely need the contact for Ocha Plantation," You decided. "I'll cash in my favor for an introduction there."

"I had a feeling you'd pick that, so I already had an introductory message prepared. And there it goes, I just sent it," Pauper revealed. "Give it some time, then you'll be seeing order forms in your email soon. From there, it's all up to you to make your own success."

You blinked, then smiled when you one-upped Pauper's preparations. "Did you happen have any other messages? Because you'll need them as well, I'll be buying extras."

Pauper was silent for a moment, then there was static noise associated with sighing into a recording equipment. "I see. Which ones?" You told them your other picks, earning a noise of surprise when you mentioned the University Laboratories but the Fixer refrained from questioning your choice. After all your choices were logged, Pauper's digital avatar made a slight nodding gesture. "Very well, I'll get in touch with them once you send the credits to this account. I believe that concludes your business with me today."

"It should," You agreed and idly noted down the account numbers that floated around Pauper's avatar on the screen. "Unless you have something you want to ask from me."

"Not at the moment, though…" Pauper's voice trailed off for a moment, then a curious note entered their voice. "You're clearly proficient with weapons, given your success in clearing out the Scavs. I don't have anything lined up now, but give me some time. I think the Secondborn Ronin could do with somebody of your skill."

You pointedly raised your eyebrow. "Gigs?" You neutrally positioned, with neither a tone of approval or disapproval. You wanted to keep your options open.

"Maybe. I'm thinking something a little more of a side activity." The book on the screen distorted for a moment. "Nothing sure now, but maybe at a later date for both. Come visit back later if you're still interested."

With that, Pauper disconnected and the screen flickered back to the normal library catalog screen. You checked and it was true, your browsing session didn't show any signs of disruption at all. You leisurely jacked back in and finished adding your selections to a digital shopping cart. When you were satisfied with your choices, you tapped holographic checkout button and the screen lit up with instructions to head to the library staff to finalize your purchases.

You obliged, rising from your chair and disconnecting, the cable slithering back into your wrist. You approached the staff stations and there was Ayaka, pulling out two datashards from a terminal. Those likely had your requested titles on them. She looked up and smiled, placing your purchases on the countertop to claim. "T-thank you for your purchases! Please enjoy reading your new books!"

A simple nod, then you opened two credit transfers. One to the library to pay for the books, the other to the account number given by Pauper for their information services. Your opticware scanned Ayaka's face in the meantime, concluding that she was simply pleased one way or another. You couldn't blame her, you just spent a lot of eddies on stuff she oversaw.

-4400 eb (25600 -4400 = 21,200 eb)

Not even a full month ever since I left, and already, I'm down nearly a third of my entire life savings. You morosely reflected while taking the shards. I've a feeling it's just not going to get any easier from here on out.


(Electronic Installation: 93 +14 (Tech) +6 (Rank 3 Electronics) +10 (Delayed) = 123)

Then there came a little surprise when you did a full diagnostic of your new shop's electronics: most of them actually still worked! The ovens and stoves had appeared poorly maintained at first glance, but it was mostly all just cosmetic damage, stuff that you could easily fix with some tech know-how. The occasional broken part here and there were common enough that a single trip to a local DIY shop could source the replacements.

All in all, the only big major expense you had to do in the end was a new fridge, along with coffee machines. Even those came at a nice discount, most of them being bought secondhand from a corporate chain nearby that was shutting down. Some of the soon-to-be unemployed workers lent you a hand by dropping off the equipment via their truck, with not too subtle hints of desperation about wanting to be hired. You promised you'd consider them, but you weren't sure if you wanted or needed their aid for now.

-500 eb (21200 -500 = 20,700 eb)

(Mitsu's Availability: 9)
(Incident?: 75)

Just as you finished the installation process for the last coffee maker, your eyes lit up with an incoming call. You accepted and a small screen featuring Mitsu's sheepish look opened up in your vision. "My most sincere apologies partner, but I am unavailable to tutor you in swordplay at our scheduled time today!" She regretfully told with a bow of the head. "I am held up by affairs most foul, and must attend to said matters first."

"Affairs most foul?" You repeated with a narrowing of the eyes, some worry coming out. "Do you need help?"

"Alas, it is a task I must do alone," She muttered darkly. That absolutely didn't calm you down and you began to look for your Lycoris schoolbag, intent on demanding to help. Like hell you were leaving Mitsu to hang-!

Then you caught sight of a familiar background behind her and all the tension left your body with a noisy exhale. "Mitsu, are you at the city hall?" You guessed, having an inkling of what her 'foul deed' happened to be. "Are you getting a license for something?"

Her face began to turn red at your observation. "A matter most foul!" She squeaked out and immediately disconnected the call. You shook your head and relaxed, knowing that Mitsu was unavailable but safe. It wasn't ideal of course, you had been really looking forwards to finally learning some basic sword stances under her. Yet if she had something to take care of, you of all people wouldn't dare begrudge her of it.

It just meant you now had some time do something instead, and you had a pretty good idea for that. You looked up from the coffee machine to the ruined and damaged customer areas, with the cracked tables and smashed chairs. It definitely needed fixing up, unless you were a fan of the 'post Night City gang fight' vibe going on. Customers certainly wouldn't be, that was for certain.

(Shophouse Repair: 98 +14 (Tech) +12 (Rank 6 Repair) = 124)

You got to work immediately, hauling away the destroyed furniture first before getting to fixing the walls. The windows were also replaced, the broken shards discarded while you installed new panels. Some quick mopping later, you paused and then turned around to survey your work in disbelief.

Had you really finished it all already? You looked on at a surprisingly sterile and empty space where there once was the remnants of a shoot-out. It was admittedly only a small one where the Scavs hadn't even had the chance to fight back, but still, it was rather shocking how quick you had gotten it done. Maybe it was just your Lycoris service surfacing, having definitely worked with bloodier and messier scenes before in Kyoto.

After taking a moment to shake your head, you exited outside to toss the broken furniture into the dumpsters. Or rather, you would have if there wasn't a group of people in the way, an odd variety mix standing about in antique uniforms. You blinked, then rubbed your eyes just to make sure. They were still there...and they were excitedly pulling and grabbing at some of the broken parts you tossed out.

"Look at this! It's definitely from a diner booth!" One of them eagerly babbled to their very interested comrade. "Grab it all, let's see if we can't get it back to base in one piece!"

"Well, I mean, it's definitely not in one piece, but we can put it back together for the authenticity!" Their colleague commented and grabbed one of the bent stools. "Imagine, we could absolutely set up so many scenes! The others are going to be so jealous!"

"Um." You coughed awkwardly, drawing their attention. "Can I help you lot? You're in my way in getting rid of this stuff."

"You're getting rid of it?!" All of them chorused with wide eyes. "Please, let us have it!"

"...okay, I'll bite." You set down the broken furniture you were carrying and looked at them, blinking when your opticware flooded with police information. "You're...the Commandos?"

"So you've heard of us!" What had to be this little group's leader proclaimed eagerly. "Good, then you know we really strive for authenticity in making our base as close to the past as possible! These furnishings, they'll help us do so, even if we have to repair it first. Please let us have them!"

You stared, both amused and bemused at the request. You weren't quite sure, but it sounded like they were after a specific style that the discarded furnishings so happened to have, and they were willing to go great lengths including dumpster diving to get them. An idea popped up and you innocently tilted your head. "I suppose that I could...for a price."

Almost immediately, all their eyes lit up and creds flooded your way. You grinned and let them work at the scraps with a wave, returning back to your shop with a skip in your step. This much money, it absolutely was a workable budget for furnishings in the customer area! You quickly logged onto your computer terminal in your room and began to browse local furniture sites, seeing if any of them could be slotted in.

Though more importantly, this was an opportunity to decide what sort of flower cafe atmosphere you wanted to create for the customers. You collated and gathered up your options, looking them over with an eager look. Now this was getting especially exciting, you reflected, and picked one.

[ ] [Customer Furnishings] Traditional Kissaten. A style taken from Japanese history, specifically that of common tea houses which have since evolved to also serve coffee. It can be both a personal and social service, where either single patrons work in peace or groups assemble to talk something over drinks. To that end, there needs to be an appropriate mix of both Western and Eastern seating styles.

[ ] [Customer Furnishings] Uptown Bar. It's a style similar to what one would see in a traditional bar that served spirits, but this one focused more on caffeine than alcohol. The main appeal of this is a service countertop with laminated wood, making it a very personal experience between staff and customer. There are still a few tables intended for group parties, but the bar is certainly the main highlight.

[ ] [Customer Furnishings] Private Booths. While the flower cafe certainly isn't braindance club, their system of having private sealed booths for every seating is still intriguing enough to copy. While it isn't possible to fit many into the shop due to space limitations, each one of the enclosed spaces can be deeply personalized and tailored to every single group. Perhaps a reservation system would have to be implemented for best usage.

[ ] [Customer Furnishings] Performance Venue. A few tables and chairs, then a stage in the front meant to host a variety of shows, from stand-up comedy to band performances. Perhaps even it could evolve into talent presentation, enjoyed amid cups of coffee and flowers. Though finding said talent might take a while.

[ ] [Customer Furnishings] Morning Cup. It's none too subtly copied from many other corporate chains, but it works for a reason. Order at the counter and take a seat while the food and drinks warm up, or simply stand and wait to take it to-go. This version of it does different from the more sterile stereotypes with colorful floral arrangements on the tables.

- Don't worry about what style fits your Fixer side job, because you can always just close the shop for an hour or two to have private or reserved meetings. Just choose what style you want your everyday customers to feel like.
- Uniforms (if you decide to have any) will be separate cuz fluff freedom.