New 1-player game. Need advice/ideas, Got a mage and an AI NPC ... Options

[PatB]

What was originally suppose to be a 2-players game with an AI NPC to handle the matrix world has now become a 1-player game (still with the AI). The remaining player will do an elven mage (think straight mage who's as good with conjuring and sorcery), so I need to come up with runs that'll handle only that character on the meat world.

Just to top it off, we're both new at SR (I actually did play the previous 3 editions a long time ago). I've been on this forum for a few months and I've heard (but never tested) how deadly the system is.

Bottom line, I need run suggestions that will allow both the GM and the player to test the system, have fun with it, and challenge the player without bringing always be at death's door. One parameter I'd like to keep out is hiring goons - we'll already have enough challenge player this wonderful new system.

Thanks in advance.