Chapter 20: Financial Ruin
Klaus continued guiding Briar through the streets until the sun dipped below the horizon.
As night fell, the Imperial City revealed its true vibrance. Neon lights flickered to life, casting an otherworldly glow over the skyline. The once orderly and subdued streets became a stage for a different kind of life that screamed of indulgence and secrecy.
This wasn't strange as the Imperial City was a place of freedom, but the young Awakened couldn't afford to linger any further.
With MaxTech patrolling the streets, there was no telling what might happen if they suddenly decided to scan civilians.
A specialized division of the Imperial City Police Department, MaxTech existed solely to hunt down Cyber Rogues and Ascendants who had turned criminal or lost their minds. Gaining the power of an Awakened didn't mean one was invincible, especially not the newly awakened Apprentices, who were still vulnerable to a well-placed bullet.
If Briar was discovered, there was no way he could protect her, himself included.
Certainly, a fight would be inevitable, and while he might be able to take down one or two officers, an entire squad was a death sentence, especially with all of them gunning for him.
According to his intel, MaxTech was outfitted with top-of-the-line weaponry: the Aegis M-22 Cyclone (Pistol), the Havoc M-300 Cerberus (Shotgun), and the Aegis MK-IV Striker (Rifle). And that was just the tip of the iceberg. Their cyberware made them even deadlier, such as the Subcutaneous Ballistics Mesh for enhanced durability, NeuroOptix for real-time tactical overlays, and the infamous Veloxistan, which was the ultimate reflex-enhancement system!
How the hell was he supposed to fight against that kind of busted combination?
A bead of sweat rolled down his temple. He shook his head and placed that thought at the back of his head.
By the time, the two reached their destination, the place seemed almost desserted.