"Dear viewers, this is News 54. Today, we bring you a shocking report:
According to reliable sources, Mayor Lucius Raines was the target of a horrifying incident earlier this afternoon. A cyberpsycho attempted to assassinate the mayor. While Raines initially survived, he tragically died soon after due to a heart attack brought on by extreme shock and stress.
The event has sent shockwaves through Night City. Citizens mourn the sudden loss of their mayor, a figure widely respected for his leadership and commitment to the people. His death is not only a personal tragedy—it's a loss for all of us.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice and to prevent similar attacks in the future. Meanwhile, the city government is preparing a state funeral to honor this distinguished leader."
Beep.
With the soft tone of the TV powering off, the broadcast ended.
"There's never anything good on your TV, Karl. You don't watch anything? This news report must be, what, over a month old?"
World-famous rocker Kerry Eurodyne was sprawled across the sofa in the lower floor of Karl's two-story apartment, calling out to him as he worked in the kitchen.
"And where's everyone else? Wasn't this supposed to be a Christmas get-together? Who even showed up?"
"Give it a minute, Kerry."
Karl didn't take the complaint seriously. After all, Kerry had arrived earlier than anyone else—grumbling or not, showing up early earned him a pass.
"There'll be quite a few people tonight."
"Yeah? Your merc buddies? Are they all as badass as you and Brown?"
"Well—"
As Karl thought of how to respond, Brown, busy prepping food, turned and spoke up.
"Kerry, don't lump me in with Karl. He's the top merc in Night City right now. You're flattering me way too much."
"Really? I still think you're the toughest merc I've seen, Brown. Remember Italy? That obsessed fan wanted to drag me to hell in some twisted lovers' suicide pact, and you had her on the floor in seconds—couldn't even twitch. Honestly, you reminded me of Rogue in her prime."
"If Karl had been there, he would've stopped her the moment she had the thought. My reflexes can't compete."
"Oh great, you're just complimenting each other now."
Karl sighed. With only three guys downstairs—himself, Kerry, and Brown—and T-Bug upstairs still getting ready, the rest of their squads were either out shopping or picking up guests. With nothing else to do, the conversation had turned into aimless banter.
Karl might've been lazy by nature, but today's guests were all friends—he couldn't exactly ask them to do the work. So he'd spent the morning on food prep himself, still unsure when everyone else would arrive.
Just then, the elevator display started blinking, drawing Kerry's attention.
"Looks like someone's finally here. Took 'em long enough."
"The party's tonight, Kerry. You just came way too early."
As the elevator stopped and the doors opened, an energetic voice rang out even before anyone was visible.
"Hey, we're here!"
It was Rebecca and the rest of Maine's crew.
"Yo, the whole gang's here," Karl greeted them with a nod, just as he was about to ask Maine to help in the kitchen. But something was off—headcount.
"Where's Lucy and David?"
"Elevator was too full. They're in the next group," Sasha said with a smile.
Meanwhile, Rebecca had spotted someone on the couch.
"Wait a sec—he looks super familiar. Oh my god, is that Kerry? Kerry Eurodyne?! I've heard your music!"
"Hello there, little lady," Kerry said, nodding to her.
Once his face was clearly visible, everyone from Maine's crew—except Maine himself—was completely stunned.
"No way, it's really him?!"
"Rebecca, you forgot what Brown and the others are working on lately?"
Maine, who'd been briefed beforehand, wasn't surprised. He rolled up his sleeves and headed toward Karl.
"Need a hand? Looks like you've got your hands full."
"Was just about to call you in."
The kitchen had a transparent grease-sealed enclosure, big enough for four or five people to work comfortably. With Maine stepping up, Karl directed him over to help with the vegetables.
"I'll help too," said Dorio, the team's level-headed big sister, while the younger members kept gawking at Kerry.
"Handle the chicken over here," Karl said, stepping aside to let Dorio take over. As she approached, she raised an eyebrow.
"Fresh vegetables and real meat? You guys really went all out."
"Veggies were expensive, sure. But the meat? Courtesy of a certain sponsor."
Karl's vague remark left Dorio puzzled. Just then, the elevator arrived again, and David and Lucy stepped out.
"I'm here, Karl!"
David looked around. "Where's Oliver and the others?"
"Out picking people up. Shouldn't be long."
Karl added with a smirk, "I hear you've been making a name for yourself lately. Rising merc star, huh? How's it going?"
"Nothing compared to you or Oliver—wait, is that Kerry Eurodyne?!"
Even mid-sentence, David's attention snapped to Kerry. As one of the biggest names on the planet, Kerry was easily the most famous person in the room. No wonder Maine's crew—minus Maine—was flipping out.
"Yo, first time meeting, kid," Kerry greeted him smoothly. He handled fan interactions with practiced ease.
Watching him, Karl thought: He might not know much about merc work, but damn if he doesn't have fan service down to a science.
No surprise—he was a global superstar.
And yet, watching Kerry joke around with Rebecca, Karl noticed the guy's easy smile and relaxed demeanor. Unlike most celebs, Kerry didn't act like he was on a pedestal.
He was just a guy who happened to be famous.
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🔥 Cyberpunk: The Relentless
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