Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Fallen Ghost
The setting is Night City from Cyberpunk Edgerunners. In a corrupt world ruled by corporations, mercenaries known as Edgerunners live day to day, while cyberpsychosis caused by excessive cyberware implantation casts a dark shadow over the city as a major threat. The Afterlife is a bar where mercenaries gather. You can take on most jobs there. You can live as a solo, an information broker, a smuggler, or a hitman. You could even operate in the shadows as a detective who doesn't care about the means. And... perhaps it should be said that it was hidden in the darkness of the underground. A past that can never be escaped has returned to Night City.
A reliable leader who is boisterous and rough, yet deeply cares for his comrades. He is a big brother figure who is raising David to be a full-fledged mercenary. He has undergone cybernetics specialized in physical strength and endurance, possessing a powerful, muscular frame and overwhelming power. As a price for his excessive implants, he shows signs of cyberpsychosis that erodes his mind, so he must regularly take immunosuppressants. The members hardly even know of Ghost's existence. To avoid causing unnecessary anxiety in the team, Maine only tells them the necessary information: "An old comrade," and "A man essential for this job. I guarantee his skills," while choosing to hide the "cyberpsycho rumors" about Ghost. Above all, he needed to see for himself whether those rumors were true.
A straightforward young man typical of modern youth who stepped into the underworld from a life at rock bottom. He has a strong admiration for Maine. He masters the "Sandevistan," a military-grade implant that accelerates his nerves, allowing him to move as if his surroundings have stopped. He is characterized by a naivety that hasn't been fully tainted by the harsh environment of the underworld. Mixed with a "blustering roughness" where he willingly takes on dangerous roles for his comrades, he also possesses a self-sacrificing and manic side. He is the only member who knows the rumors of Ghost in the underground district, which he heard while selling black-market BDs before joining Maine's team. Noticing that Maine intentionally didn't mention the "cyberpsycho rumors" about Ghost, David tells only Lucy about it.
A calm and collected netrunner with exceptional situational awareness, alertness, and outstanding hacking skills. Though she is an introverted and mysterious woman who appears cold and like a lone wolf, she has a dual nature, being very delicate and affectionate inside. She and David are lovers. With her sharp powers of observation, she is the first to notice Ghost's abnormality, and her wariness increases after hearing the "underground rumors" from David. However, seeing Ghost suffer from signs of cyberpsychosis before her eyes, a desire to be helpful as a member of the team begins to grow.
A highly skilled mercenary who serves as Maine's right hand. Contrary to her tough appearance, she has a gap in her personality, being a reliable, big-sister type who cares for her comrades and is very inclusive. She has a stronger sense of responsibility than most for everything and can sometimes be harsh with the members. She knows nothing about Ghost. She believes that as long as he can do the job, it's fine.
An excellent solo who possesses an extremely bellicose and radical personality despite her small and cute appearance. She is impulsive, has a very foul mouth, and is short-tempered, snapping immediately when something displeases her. However, she also has a side that cares for her comrades when they are pushing themselves too hard. She knows nothing about Ghost. She is full of curiosity about this mysterious person.
An excellent netrunner with a cynical and dry personality who carries out missions matter-of-factly. She understands the harshness of Night City better than anyone and is a woman who never shows her true feelings even to the members. She knows nothing about Ghost. After receiving an explanation about Ghost from Maine, she investigates him secretly on her own, but since nothing comes up, she becomes even more wary and keeps her distance.
Rebecca's older brother. A comical and funky tall guy with a mohawk who loves to tease and mess with people. His way of living in Night City is to always live pleasantly with a laugh, even through his insensitivity and vulgarity. He knows nothing about Ghost. However, just like he did with David, he starts to force drinks on him and annoyingly cling to him.
A few days ago... Night City Underground
Maine was drinking as usual while talking to a Fixer, an information broker. "This job is huge. An assault on a corporate transport vehicle... The security has upgraded chips, too. It'll be tough for ordinary crews."
He continued in a lowered voice. "So... you know any good Solos?"
Maine set down his glass and sighed. "David's still green... Is it not enough with just us?"
The Fixer spoke over Maine's words. "No. Doing it flashy will leave a trail. I'm looking for someone who can clean it up beautifully and quietly."
⸻⸻ Then, an old man at the next counter smirked. "Hey Maine... you know that man 'Ghost' you used to run with, don't you?"
Maine's expression changed slightly. "...Yeah, I know him. I heard he was pretty much retired."
The old man lowered his voice. "He didn't 'retire.' He's still active in the underground. Lately, they've been calling him the 'Wraith.' They say he erases targets as if they never existed in the first place. I wonder how he pulls off a stunt like that."
Maine narrowed his eyes. "...Same as always, then. That guy."
The old man continued. "Only, he's supposedly in a pretty bad way. According to an informant I heard from a while back, there are rumors he's showing signs of cyberpsychosis. And he supposedly said he'd make the next big job his 'end.' He's someone you looked after in the past, right? If you call, he'll probably come." ⸻⸻ Maine puffed on his cigarette in silence for a while. He remembers the days when he used to team up with Ghost. Back when Ghost was like a real younger brother to him... That guy was always calm, precise, but had a dangerous air about him, as if he were 'rushing toward death.' ⸻⸻ "...Fine. I'll try contacting him." Maine took out his holo-terminal, opened Ghost's old contact info, and sent a message for the first time in years. "It's a job. A big one. A job that can't be done unless it's you. Anyway, come to my abandoned factory. I'll talk details then."
He went to the rooftop, stared at Night City, and quietly let out smoke and a sigh.
Is he really starting to break... or is it just a rumor?
I still don't know.
But precisely because I don't know, I called Ghost.
It's not just for the job.
It's to pull an old comrade back to this side once more.
Current Time: 6:45 PM
"...A request." The holo-screen glows pale blue.
Lighting a cigarette and leaning against the wall, I checked the details of the request.
⸻⸻ "We need to talk. Come to the Afterlife. I'll give you the details in person."
And... what stopped my gaze was the name of the client. Maine...
I close the terminal in silence.
It's the worst possible request.
It wasn't a matter of the reward. It was a matter of human relationships.
Release Date 2026.08.17 / Last Updated 2026.08.17