Cyberpsychosis is not merely a condition caused by prosthetic modifications—it's a process in which quantitative changes lead to qualitative transformation.
The number of cybernetic enhancements a person installs is only one factor. The true cause lies within the environment they live in. Prosthetic modifications act as a catalyst, an inducement rather than the root cause.
Simply put, having cybernetic implants does not necessarily mean someone will descend into cyberpsychosis. Even a single implant can trigger the condition, depending on the individual's psychological resilience and the world around them.
This affliction is born from the harsh realities of life in a cyberpunk society. While implants affect a person's neurological functions, they are not solely responsible for the loss of humanity. It is the reliance on technology, the detachment from emotions, and the dehumanization caused by a mechanized world that truly push individuals toward cyberpsychosis.
Under prolonged exposure to cybernetic enhancements, people begin losing their fundamental human traits—empathy, morality, and self-awareness.
Peter learned all of this from a data chip he retrieved in a mission. Though Mann had not yet reached a critical point, Peter feared that if his reliance on prosthetics continued unchecked, he would inevitably lose his humanity.
He would become yet another victim of cyberpsychosis.
The Warning
"Mann, listen to me. The people who succumb to cyberpsychosis are not necessarily weak-willed," Peter said calmly. "It's about how much they let their implants define them. I know you think you're in control, but the more you depend on them, the more you risk losing yourself."
Mann scoffed, crossing his arms. "Peter, you're overthinking this. I've completely mastered my prosthetic body. I've been using it repeatedly, and I don't feel the fatigue I used to. I can handle it."
Peter sighed. "I just hope you remember to hold onto your humanity, Mann. Stay grounded, and never forget to keep your empathy intact."
He didn't push further. At the end of the day, the choice was Mann's. If the time ever came when Mann crossed that line, Peter knew he might have to put him down himself—if the Terrorist Mobile Squad didn't get to him first.
---
Nightfall – Afterlife Bar
"This is the security access card for the biotechnology company. It'll get you through the entrance and past the first level of security without raising alarms. But once you break through the door's lock and enter the office, the security bots will activate within minutes. However, I trust a few minutes will be more than enough for you."
A man in a sleek suit slid two access cards across the table.
Mann smirked, picking up one of the cards. "No problem. We're professionals. This job will be over before they even know we were there."
The suited man narrowed his eyes. "Yesterday, you mentioned you had only one hacker. Why is there a second operative now?" His gaze landed on Peter, who sat quietly at the side.
Mann didn't miss a beat. "Don't worry about that. He's an external asset we brought in. He's got top-tier hacking skills."
The man in the suit stared at Peter for a moment, a flicker of recognition in his eyes, but he let it go. He was just a mercenary—whatever happened beyond this job wasn't his concern.
"Fine. Just remember—stealth is the priority. If you mess this up, don't expect me to clean up after you."
Mann nodded. "Understood."
He then turned to Sasha. "You're going in with Peter. Be careful, got it?"
Sasha glanced at Peter, her expression unreadable. "I can handle myself."
Mann relaxed slightly. He trusted Sasha—she was always careful and methodical. She wouldn't take unnecessary risks.
Or so he thought.
What Mann didn't realize was that sometimes, when a person had been chasing the truth for over a decade, they were willing to risk everything.
"Peter, just don't slow us down," Mann said, before turning his attention to the job ahead.
Peter smirked. "I'll be fine. Worry about yourself."
---
Outside the Biotechnology Facility
As they approached the entrance, Sasha suddenly turned to Peter. "Peter, you shouldn't be here. This mission is more dangerous than it seems."
Peter raised an eyebrow. "Didn't take you for the sentimental type."
Sasha shook her head. "I'm serious. I came here prepared to die if necessary. You don't need to get caught up in this."
Peter sighed. "I made a promise to Mann. Besides, I know how to take care of myself. If things go south, I'll prioritize survival. Happy now?"
Sasha hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Fine. Just don't do anything reckless."
With that, the two swiped their access cards and entered the facility.
---
Inside the Biotechnology Facility
The hallways were dimly lit, filled with the faint hum of machines. Sasha and Peter moved carefully, avoiding security cameras and patrol routes. The real guards were still monitoring the building from the control room—if they were spotted, alarms would go off immediately.
When they reached the office door, Sasha turned to Peter with a serious expression. "Listen. If things go wrong, I'll hand you the data, and you get out first. Don't argue. Do you understand?"
"Sure," Peter said casually.
His expression, however, was anything but compliant.
Truthfully, he was just as interested in the medical data this company was hiding. If he could, he planned to copy some files for himself.
Sasha quickly hacked the access panel, unlocking the door—but the system's alarms triggered immediately.
She rushed to the terminal inside, removing her coat to reveal a sleek hacking suit underneath. Connecting her gear to the mainframe, she began downloading the target data while searching for another file—one she had spent years trying to find.
Her fingers moved rapidly across the keyboard. Then, her breath hitched.
[Continued use of this medication will lead to progressive neurological degeneration.]
[Side effects have been concealed from the public.]
[The product will not be recalled.]
Sasha's hands trembled. These were the drugs that had slowly drained the life from her mother. She had watched as her once-strong mother became frail, reduced to a shell of herself before finally passing away, buried in a nameless grave in Night City.
Her expression hardened.
She had come here for revenge.
"Sasha!" Peter's voice broke through her thoughts. "We need to move. Now."
She took a deep breath and pulled a chip from the system, tossing it to Peter. "Take this and leave. I still have something to finish."
Peter caught the chip but didn't move. He smirked and placed it back in her hand. "I made a promise to Mann. I'm not leaving you behind."
Sasha gritted her teeth. "Damn it, Peter! You promised me you'd get out!"
Peter turned, raising his weapon. "You can yell at me after we get out of here."
Gunfire erupted outside the office.
Sasha's heart pounded.
"Peter! What the hell is happening?!" Mann's voice crackled through her earpiece. "Why am I hearing gunfire?!"
Peter grinned, stepping toward the fight. "I'll explain later."
Then he vanished into the chaos.
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