cyberpunk: Travel to 2075

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READ CHAPTERS UPTO 172

The one who came to deliberately tease David and Gaius was a young man with blue, fish-shaped hair. He wore a neat Arasaka Academy uniform and was followed by two others—one fat and one thin. They exuded the temperament of corporate lackeys.

Gaius's eyes caught the obvious traces of bionic leather connection on the right side of Karl's cheek. For someone with bionic skin implants, it was easy to erase these traces. Perhaps he left them intentionally.

Karl didn't notice Gaius's gaze. The blue-haired boy was clearly targeting David. He walked up to David and, relying on his slightly taller stature, looked down at him.

"Hey, David, I thought you'd embarrass yourself in class today. But you surprised me—you updated the teaching software and even got new equipment. That must have cost quite a bit, huh?"

"That's none of your business, Karl," David frowned. He clearly wasn't comfortable dealing with this classmate.

"I never gave you permission to call me by my name so casually... but considering you're poor, I can understand your lack of manners."

Karl stepped closer, invading David's space.

"Don't worry, I'm not here to mock you for being poor—that's a fact, not something that needs highlighting. What disgusts me is your attitude, David."

"I don't have time for this, Karl."

"Exactly, that attitude," Karl scowled, his eyes locked on David. "You act like you don't care, like it's natural for you to do well without trying. Do you know how sickening it is to see you excel effortlessly while the rest of us struggle?"

"I don't see how that's my problem."

David was baffled by Karl's outburst. "You work hard, and that's your business. I don't see why you care so much about me."

"It's your very existence that forces us to care. Do you know how many of us get scolded by our parents because our grades aren't as good as yours? They say, 'We've hired the best tutors, provided the best conditions, yet you're still worse off than a poor boy from Santo Domingo.' Your presence is an eyesore."

From their conversation, Gaius pieced together what was happening. A bunch of corporate kids were pressured by their parents because, despite having every advantage, they couldn't outperform David. This top-down pressure made them resent David, who was simply doing his best.

Gaius thought to himself, This is typical Arasaka Academy—ostracizing anyone who doesn't fit in. Some things never change, even in 2075.

"This is your problem, not mine," David replied firmly. He didn't particularly like Arasaka Academy, but he stayed because of his mother's wishes. Now, with Gaius offering him a chance to support his family, leaving was not an option.

"Hmph... I didn't expect to make you drop out just by talking," Karl sneered. As the school bell rang, he added, "You'd better not get caught selling illegal BD wreaths, David. Remember, that's grounds for expulsion."

With that, Karl and his followers hurried back to class, not wanting to be late and risk lowering their scores.

David watched them leave, then turned to speak to Gaius, only to see his back.

Don't worry. Just stick to selling legal BD wreaths, and you'll be fine. If you're nervous, I'll show you the ropes after school.

That was the message Gaius left via comms. As for why he didn't say it in person? Class had started, and punctuality was second nature to Gaius.