"Judith Stark, civilian, no criminal record" Her mother's exasperated sigh brought her back to reality.

"Arya, when are you going to stop scanning me? It's been a week since you got your Kiroshi. I haven't earned a criminal record in the meantime."

For the anniversary of these 12 years Arya had received her first chrome. A brainport, a Kiroshi mk1 eye system and a memory booster. She had chosen to have gold-colored cybernetic hardware installed that ran along her length in tribute to her father. Unfortunately for her mother her new hobby was scanning everyone around her, and memorize as many things as she could thanks to her booster.

"Did you take what you needed?" Arya rolled her eyes.

"Yes I had some burritos and sodas"

"You know your dad hates you buying those burritos"

"Well, you can't always find the ingredients to make them yourself."

"Don't talk about it in front of your dad. He's too passionate about Mexican food"

"A burrito is only good if it's made with love, mi hija" says Arya imitating her father, her mother's laughter followed.

"It's time to go. I'm not worried about you, don't forget you have to take the subway home. I'll be at work until late tonight. Vinny is having another party sales. I hate those things."

"Okay, see you later" Arya said getting out of the car. She turned to City Hall and entered the building. The lobby was huge and almost empty this early in the morning. She walked towards an office. A woman who looked more like a robot than a human greeted her. The woman's smile didn't reach her eyes when she spoke to her.

"Hello, how can I help you?"

"I would like to take the graduation exam." the woman then raised her eyebrows.

"Ready to work already?"

"No, I want to take university courses." replied Arya The woman looked at her dubiously.

"Wait while I check your ID. Done. Room.1, first door on the right," she said, indicating a hallway.

Arya walked towards the indicated door which opened automatically.

She found herself facing an individual room. An armchair, a table and a computer. Against the wall was a food and drink dispenser. Next to it an opening was visible which certainly led to a toilet. Arya quietly settled into her chair and turned on the computer. "Welcome to the graduation exam. Please click on the logo to begin."

The education system was marked by inequalities. the children of the corporations went to schools, the others followed online courses. But the only way to validate these online courses was to participate in the end-of-study exam held at the town hall. The exam consisted of three levels: primary, college, high school. It was not mandatory to complete all three levels to have a certificate. The level of certificate found among the inhabitants of night city was mostly college level and often only the first year. The exam was not popular because even though passing all three levels opened the door to university courses, people could not go to the more advanced courses reserved for future corporate employees.

But that didn't bother Arya. She wanted to take as many college courses as she could.

She clicked on the logo to begin.

"The exam will start in 5, 4, 3,2,1. Welcome to the level 1 exam..."

So passed the next six hours.

"Congratulations you have completed the 3 levels, please go to the reception to receive your results."

Arya slowly left the room, tormented by a migraine. She had stared at the screen too long. She walked over to the clerk who had greeted her in the lobby. the woman's eyes shining indicating that she was receiving her results. For the first time the woman's professional mask cracked. She gave Arya a surprised look.

"Congratulations, you received over 90% passing on the exam. You are eligible for university courses. A pack including your results and available courses will be sent to you soon."

Arya soon received a notification. She had a new message.

"Thank you" Arya said before leaving the hall.

She felt the woman's eyes on her back until she left the building.

Unfortunately, even outside other eyes scrutinized her and those seemed more hostile.

Arya nonchalantly walked towards the subway, but the problem remained.

She was followed.

She discreetly turned her head to scan the crowd. Suddenly one profile stood out from the others.

"Kane Randall, Thug, 6th Street Gang Member"

He was not alone.

Arya quickened her pace, disappearing into the crowd.

"Papí, I'm being followed"

"Pedro and Sebastian?"

"Disappeared." His father sighed

"I can't reach you. The members of 6th street are attacking one of our bars. Now I know why. You remember Ziggy. I had planned to give you this present for your birthday but there was some adjustments to make. Go to him and tell him that you are coming to pick him up. Take care of yourself mi hija." he said before hanging up.

The "Night city motores" sign flashed in the distance.

Arya quickened her pace. Her time was limited.