Looking at the three tarot cards David had drawn, Misty froze, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"This… How is it possible to draw these three cards together?" she murmured.
Sensing her shock, Jack quickly asked, "Misty, what's wrong? Do these cards have bad meanings?"
"Yeah, Misty, I've never seen you this surprised during a reading," Victor added, raising an eyebrow. "What do they mean?"
Misty took a deep breath, calming herself. Only then did she begin to interpret the cards.
She pointed to the first card David had drawn—the Magician.
"This card represents your past," Misty explained, her gaze steady. "The Magician symbolizes your innate creative ability and limitless potential. However, this potential requires a strong will and a clear purpose. Without proper guidance, it can lead to disastrous consequences. Overall, this card reflects your past as one filled with untapped potential and hidden strength."
Her voice was calm, but the weight of her words hung heavy in the air.
Next, she indicated the second card—The Sun.
"This card represents your present," she continued. "The Sun's rays shine upon all things, granting them vitality and life. This card reflects your strong sense of teamwork, cooperation, and extraordinary creativity. It suggests that you are on the path to discovering the truth—illuminating both your purpose and those around you."
David listened quietly, his expression unreadable. Yet, a flicker of curiosity sparked in his eyes as Misty moved to the third and final card.
"This," she said, pointing to The World, "represents your future."
Unlike before, her voice held a tremor of excitement—and perhaps a trace of fear.
"Compared to the past and present, the future is the most elusive," Misty continued. "But this… David, you are the first person I've ever seen draw The World as their future card."
At those words, the entire room seemed to still. Even Victor and Lucy exchanged looks of disbelief.
Misty's gaze returned to David, her eyes searching his as if trying to see the future hidden within him.
"The World signifies the end of a cycle—a culmination of all your efforts. Soon, you will achieve what you've set out to do, reaching a higher level of existence," she explained. "More than that, The World embodies the power of creation—the ability to harmonize opposing forces and bring balance to chaos. If you stay true to your purpose, David, you will have the power to create a world of your own. To build something beyond what anyone in Night City could imagine."
Silence followed her words. Even the hum of Victor's clinic seemed distant compared to the implications of Misty's interpretation.
Jack was the first to break the silence, letting out an excited laugh.
"Hah! See? I told you this guy's special!" He clapped David on the shoulder, grinning ear to ear. "Even Misty's cards say he's destined to be a legend! Just you wait—our team, led by David, is gonna make history in Night City!"
Victor, still skeptical, rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Come on, Misty… Are you sure you didn't misread the cards?"
"I've never been wrong in my readings," Misty replied calmly, her voice steady with conviction. "And with a combination like this? There's no room for doubt. David has the power to change the world."
Victor glanced at David, studying the young man's face as if searching for some sign of the extraordinary. Yet, all he saw was a calm, collected expression—nothing that hinted at world-changing power.
Finally, Victor let out a wry chuckle. "Well… I guess time will tell."
Jack seized the opportunity, leaning toward Victor with a mischievous grin. "Hey, since it's basically confirmed David's gonna change the world, how about you join our team as our logistics doc?"
Victor snorted. "Oh, I see how it is—you just want free implants and medical care, huh?"
"C'mon, old man, think of it as supporting the future!" Jack shot back with a laugh.
Victor shook his head, amused. "I think I'm good where I am for now. But hey—if you ever need anything, you know where to find me. Doesn't matter if you're broke; I'm always open for credit. No way I'm letting another ripperdoc get their hands on your crew's eddies."
"Appreciate that, Victor." David gave him a genuine nod of thanks.
Victor waved it off with a smirk. "Don't mention it. We're all just trying to make a living."
Meanwhile, Lucy had remained quiet, her gaze flicking between David and the tarot cards still laid out on the table. Despite herself, she couldn't help but wonder: Could he really be the one to change this city… or even more than that?
Sensing her gaze, David turned toward her. "How are you feeling? Any better?"
Lucy's breath hitched as their eyes met. Quickly looking away, she nodded. "Yeah… I'm fine now."
David raised an eyebrow but didn't press the matter. Instead, he simply offered a faint smile. "Good. Take it easy for a while, just in case."
After finishing their coffee, the group eventually rose to leave.
Victor watched from the doorway as David, Jack, and Lucy stepped out onto the streets of Night City, their figures disappearing into the neon haze.
"Do you really think it's possible?" he asked, not looking back.
Misty stood beside him, her eyes distant as if peering beyond the present moment.
"I don't know…" she admitted softly. "But if anyone has a chance, it might be him."
Victor frowned. "Why are you so sure?"
"Because the energy surrounding him is… unlike anything I've ever seen." Misty's voice lowered, as if speaking a secret meant only for the city itself. "It's so powerful that it doesn't feel human."
Victor said nothing, but the faintest chill ran down his spine.
Elsewhere, in the Kabuki District—Headquarters of the Tyger Claws
Inside a dimly lit hall adorned with red lanterns and holographic dragons, a group of Tyger Claws knelt in perfect rows before their leader, Takeshi Juzan.
Seated at the head of the hall, Juzan surveyed his men with a cold gaze. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the faint hum of cyberware.
"Boss Yokō of Arasaka has issued a death order," Juzan announced, his voice calm but sharp as a blade. "The mercenary named David—eliminate him at all costs."
The gathered gang members pounded their fists to the floor in unison. "Hai, boss!"
Juzan's lips curled into a grim smile. "For the pride of the Tyger Claws, failure is not an option."
He gestured to the crates stacked against the walls. "Inside are the latest weapons and cyberware provided by Arasaka. Gear up—tonight, we strike."
The men moved swiftly, anticipation crackling in the air like static electricity.
"No matter how skilled that foreigner from the Dragon Kingdom is," Juzan added coldly, "tonight will be his last."
"Tyger Claws—UNRIVALED IN THE WORLD!" the men shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the hall.
As they prepared for battle, the neon lights of Kabuki flickered like the city's heartbeat—fast, restless, and hungry for blood.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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