Valerie stepped forward, her voice steady but with an unyielding insistence: "Jackie and I can choose to pledge our loyalty, but you, boss, previously promised us a settlement fee. I want to see that money."
She looked directly into Osiris' crimson optical lenses. "After all, this is blood money. We need to die for a worthy cause, don't we? And I remember you, boss, promised gold."
Jackie subconsciously tugged at her sleeve, whispering, "V, isn't now not the time to talk about this...?"
Valerie shook off his hand, her gaze unwavering.
Osiris' synthesized voice was unperturbed: "The promise is naturally valid."
A Servitor, standing by, stepped forward and placed two unassuming silver-gray metal crates on the ground.
The moment the clasps sprang open, the entire workshop seemed to brighten.
The neatly stacked gold bricks inside reflected the cold light of the overhead lamps, the heavy gold almost overflowing from the crates.
"Damn..." Rebecca's gasping sound came from behind Maine.
Even the usually composed Dorio leaned forward involuntarily. Maine's mechanical fingers unconsciously tapped on his arm guard—they had indeed received more valuable cybernetic enhancements, but this most primitive symbol of wealth still made these street mercenaries' hearts pound instinctively.
"Damn it," Pilar whispered to Maine, "This is enough to buy half of Kabuki."
Kiwi clicked her tongue softly, while Lucy silently calculated the black market value of the gold.
Osiris took in everyone's reactions, then spoke flatly: "Precious metals are merely industrial raw materials with decent conductivity to me." His optical lenses swept over Maine's crew. "If you prove your worth, such resources are inexhaustible."
These words caused a few restrained gulps in the workshop.
Rebecca's eyes were already shining as she tugged at Maine's arm, only to be gently restrained by Dorio.
Jackie let out an exaggerated whistle, his eyes wide.
He had seen many illicit deals on the streets in his life, but the scale of wealth before him still surpassed his imagination.
"Let me touch it, this is real gold, damn it!" he muttered, eagerly squatting down and grabbing the handles of the crate with both hands.
As he pulled with all his might, the expected sight of the crate lifting did not occur.
Instead, Jackie's face instantly turned crimson, and the veins on his thick arms bulged. The crate seemed welded to the ground, not moving an inch.
He lost his balance, stumbled backward, and almost fell onto his backside.
Just as the heavy metal crate was about to crash down with terrifying weight, potentially tearing his arm, the still Servitor beside him reached out with inhuman speed, its steel fingers firmly supporting the bottom of the crate, silently returning it to its original position.
Jackie gasped for air, staring incredulously at the crate of gold bricks, then at the equally heavy crate next to it, his face a mix of shock, lingering fear, and the dizzying sensation of being utterly overwhelmed by immense wealth.
He wiped his face vigorously, then turned to Osiris, all his previous hesitation and tension replaced by a mix of gratitude and fervor.
"boss! Say no more!" He thumped his sturdy chest, his voice cracking slightly with excitement. "My life, Jackie Wells, is yours from now on!
I've been on the streets of Night City for half my life, helped so many fixers, but damn it, all of them combined aren't as substantial as one of your crates of gold! From now on, if you say east, I, Jackie, won't even glance west!"
His declaration carried the unique street-savvy charm of Heywood District, direct and fervent; the weight of that ton of gold had truly crushed all his doubts.
Valerie said nothing. She silently squatted down, picked up a gold brick, and weighed it in her hand.
The cold, solid feel was undeniably real.
She looked up at Osiris, her gaze flickering complexly for a moment, then settling into calm.
"Jackie and I are the same," her tone became decisive. "In Night City, one gold brick like this is enough to make countless people risk their lives. For our two lives, to get so much, we've made a profit. We accept this deal."
Her analysis was still rational, but she was equally impressed by this far-beyond-expected, almost absurd "advance payment."
Such a generous employer was practically an urban legend in Night City.
Osiris nodded slightly, his crimson optical lenses recording the two's distinct yet convergent reactions.
"Value is defined by me," he stated flatly. "The potential you have shown, and the services you may provide in the future, are worth this investment."
David took a deep breath, looked up at Osiris, his young face devoid of longing for gold or fear of the alien world, only a nearly stubborn purity: "Mr. Archmagos, you promised that if I served you, you would teach me how to cure my mother, right?"
"Yes," Osiris replied without delay. "The core of the agreement is the granting of knowledge. Based on your obedience and service, you will acquire the necessary medical knowledge and operational skills to completely cure your mother's injuries. Simultaneously, during her recovery, she will receive proper living support."
"That's enough," David replied almost immediately, a look of relief on his face. "I agree. As long as I can learn the knowledge to save my mother, I'll do anything."
His motivation was simple and direct; gaining the ability to save his mother was his sole core concern.
Osiris' crimson optical lenses lingered briefly between David and Lucy, his processing core instantly analyzing the subtle biological signals and interaction patterns between them.
"I've noticed the connection between you two," his synthesized voice sounded steadily, as if stating an observation. "The Mechanicus does not prohibit such long-term stable relationships based on biological instincts. In some cases, it has even been proven to help maintain the physiological and psychological stability of members."
These words made David and Lucy both freeze. The young man nervously averted his gaze, his ears slightly red; Lucy subconsciously crossed her arms.
"However, David Martinez," Osiris' tone did not shift in the slightest, remaining cold and objective, "your primary task is to complete the standardized educational protocol I have designed for you.
You have one year to master the foundational knowledge I impart. Failure to pass the final assessment will be considered an investment failure, and the agreement to transmit advanced medical knowledge will automatically terminate."
He paused slightly, making his subsequent words exceptionally clear.
"At that time, to compensate for resource depletion, your nervous system will be connected to a specific entertainment interactive interface. This body will be transformed into a 'virtual idol' vessel conforming to public aesthetics, and through continuous performance activities, you will repay your debt in the most direct way."
"Therefore," Osiris' conclusion carried undeniable logic, "until you prove your learning ability, it is best to concentrate all cognitive resources on your studies. The priority of emotional modules must be secondary."
These emotionless words made David's face turn completely red, and Lucy also turned her face away. A subtle atmosphere, a mix of embarrassment and tension, filled the air.
As for Morris, she didn't need to speak. She simply stepped forward and bowed slightly, her actions demonstrating her already firm and unwavering stance.