ã€ŠDimming Stars [Sci-fi/Progression/Slice-of-Life]ã€‹


 0. Forgotten

    How long does it take to forget our own past?

    And what if we do? Then one day, we discovered it again.

    Will that past help us survive, or will it destroy us?

    Thousands of years, and a thousand more.

    Who were the ones that pushed the darkness into the light?

    And who were the ones that illuminated the night?If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Only time can tell, and time waits for no one.

    ¡­

    Kai struggled to remember his own past.

    Then, a faint glow caught his eye¡ªbarely visible, yet unmistakable. He reached for it, clutching it like the last drop of water in an endless desert.

    He stared into the light, into the very beginning of all that had happened.

    A fragment of his past.

    He looked around. So many stars had dimmed.

    Why was he here? What was his purpose?

    Headache

    If only he could remember¡­

 1. Lucky Find

    Something streaked across the sky, catching Kai''s attention. It wasn¡¯t a freighter¡ªthe spacecraft was quick and small. He watched as it shattered the sound barrier, the boom reaching his ears seconds later, it flew fast, leaving a white contrail behind.

    Kai stared until he was certain nothing else was happening.

    It wasn¡¯t every day that a ship like that visited a mining planet so far removed from the galaxy¡¯s center of attention. Quantum fuel wasn¡¯t cheap.

    He imagined the scene inside the cockpit: what a beautiful sight it will be.

    He dreamed of owning his own ship someday¡ªthe freedom to traverse the stars and witness the wonders of space. Perhaps, if he worked harder, he could just save enough to make that dream a reality.

    Lowering his head, Kai resumed his walk. The red sand, carried by the wind, stung his face like thousands tiny needles. He pulled his gaiter higher and wiped dust off his goggles.

    The mine came into view, its gaping holes punctuating the barren landscape. He pressed forward until he reached one of the entrances. Walking down the ramp, he stopped before a heavy metal door.

    Kai glanced back at the contrail one last time. It was heading north, toward the city. Probably someone high up in the Federation paying a visit. Either way, it wasn¡¯t his concern.

    He knocked on the gate, and a small panel slid open. A gruff voice demanded identification. After verifying his credentials, the door on the side creaked open, allowing him entry.

    The air inside was thick with the smell of sweat and dirty boots. Kai swallowed his disgust. Four months underground had taught him to endure.

    A guard waved him forward. The man, clad in standard-issue combat armor, had a rifle slung across his chest. Despite the time Kai had spent here, he still didn¡¯t know the guard¡¯s name. All he knew was that the guy was one of the decent ones.

    Kai approached and raised his arms in a T-pose. The guard patted him down, nodded, and let him pass. The security check was more for show than substance¡ªa reminder to the miners that they were being watched. Smuggling items in was easy; it was sneaking them out that posed the real challenge, the search will be far more thorough to ensure every stone, every gem belongs to the owner of the mine.

    Kai moved through another door into the locker room. A few miners glanced his way, a few offered brief nods of acknowledgment. He found his locker and opened it, pulling off his gaiter and goggles. His medium-length hair, now a mess, reminded him that he was overdue for a haircut. But something always came up when he planned to get one.

    Stripping down to his undersuit, Kai began gearing up. The suit clung to his body like a second skin. He stepped into the leg piece first, followed by the chest and arm pieces. Lastly, he secured his helmet. The sealing mechanism clicked into place, and the air instantly felt cleaner.

    He gathered his tools: a small cutter, a tester, and a container for storing samples, which he attached to his belt. From his locker, he retrieved a hardened backpack case, designed to carry whatever he harvested. It latched onto his suit with a satisfying click. Fully equipped, Kai was ready.

    As he headed toward the lift, he passed a familiar face coming out of the shaft.

    ¡°Going into the deep again?¡± the miner asked, not breaking stride.

    Kai nodded silently and stepped into the lift.

    The miner turned back, his expression grim. ¡°One day, you¡¯re going to get yourself killed down there.¡±

    Kai nodded at that. He knew the miner was right. The safer, shallow sections of the mine, with their security measures and stable environment, were where most miners stayed. But Kai wasn¡¯t looking for safety¡ªhe was chasing a miracle. Something that could make him rich overnight, make him able to afford a spaceship.

    Ever since he arrived on this planet, he had yearned to leave this planet and see the stars. To achieve that, he had to venture into the uncharted depths of the mine, where the environment was brutal, and rules were merely suggestions.

    Kai smiled faintly at the miner and pressed the button for the lowest level.

    The lift shuddered and began its descent, the grinding of powerful gears echoing as the chain pulled it downward. Concrete walls gave way to raw, jagged rock.

    Level 1

    On the uneven rock face, red paint marked the floor number.

    Level 2... Level 3...

    The numbers steadily climbed as the lift plunged deeper. Kai could feel the temperature dropping. By the time the display read Level 15, his suit''s HVAC system kicked in, pumping warm air to counteract the chill.

    At Level 30, the embedded lights disappeared, leaving him enveloped in the oppressive darkness of the uncharted depths. This was where the known world ended, and the land of danger and opportunities began.

    The lift stopped at Level 34, roughly 300 meters below the surface. The doors slid open, and Kai stepped out. A man stood waiting by the lift, his posture tense. At the sight of Kai, his hand instinctively moved toward the knife on his belt.

    Kai raised one hand slightly, showing he meant no harm, and gave the man plenty of space to pass. The tension eased as the man offered an apologetic wave. They passed each other without a word, and Kai continued on.

    The cavern was shrouded in darkness, save for the small area illuminated by the spotlight attached to the lift system. Beyond its reach lay pure blackness¡ªa haunting reminder of why these levels were considered uncharted.

    The uncharted depths were infamous for their hazards: uneven terrain, lethal gas pockets, and unstable rock formations waiting to collapse at the slightest provocation. These dangers made mining here a perilous gamble.

    In more advanced worlds, large ground-penetrating scanners would map the subterranean terrain, providing engineers with crucial data to guide excavation efforts. But on a planet like Drakmoor, the cost of such equipment far outweighed any potential profits, at least that''s what the officials said. Instead, miners relied on outdated tools, instincts, and luck to navigate the treacherous depths.

    There were others like Kai who ventured deep into the uncharted levels, searching for undiscovered clusters and veins of precious minerals. These pioneers knew the risks; for them, it was either a gamble they embraced or a desperate choice they had no alternative but to make. Most were criminals or gamblers drawn by the promise of wealth, the allure of potentially striking it rich. The odds of finding a substantial crystal cluster were far greater here than in the safer, surface levels. And if someone hit the jackpot and found a vein, the reward could reach millions.

    For experienced miners, environmental dangers like cave-ins and gas leaks were only a minor concern. The real threat came from other pioneers. The lower levels lacked telecommunications, making it impossible to call for help or report crimes. Down here, even murder could go unnoticed and unpunished.

    Kai double-checked his supplies one last time. He was sure he had enough food and water to sustain him for this session. Adjusting his headlamp, he stepped further into the darkness of the mine.

    The tunnels alternated between wide, open spaces and narrow, claustrophobic passages. The layout was mostly unchanged since his last visit, and Kai navigated the labyrinth with ease, remembering which paths to take. While pioneers were potential enemies, they also had a peculiar, symbiotic relationship. Each miner dig upon the work of others, gradually expanding the tunnel networks in their shared pursuit of riches. Sometimes, miners would team up to speed up the process. But just as often, conflicts would break out, and those conflicts usually ended in death. As a result, the tunnels held their share of corpses.

    Kai passed one such body lying against the tunnel wall. The corpse was still encased in its suit, the airtight design turning it into a macabre coffin. He barely glanced at it. The body had been there during his last visit¡ªand the one before that. Over time, Kai had memorized the locations of every corpse. That way, he would know immediately if a new one appeared.

    The tunnels branched outward like an upside-down tree, each path twisting into the depths of the planet. After an hour of walking, Kai reached the branch he needed. He set his backpack on the ground and rummaged through it, pulling out a small laser device.Stolen novel; please report.

    Carefully, he concealed the device behind a small rock near the tunnel¡¯s entrance. The laser would project an invisible beam across the opening, and if anyone crossed it, the device would send a signal to his suit, alerting him to their presence.

    Satisfied with the setup, Kai picked up his backpack and prepared to venture deeper into the tunnel.

    Kai reached the end of the tunnel after another half hour. Taking a moment to rest, he attached his water bottle to the port on his helmet and sipped through the internal straw. Once hydrated, he returned the bottle to his bag, which he set aside on the ground, and got to work.

    The last time he was here, he¡¯d found something¡ªnothing valuable, but it might be the start of a vein. This trip was to confirm his theory.

    He removed a sheet hanging from the wall, revealing a small crack. Peering inside, he spotted the faint color variation he had seen before. It might be nothing, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that today might be his lucky day.

    ¡°Let it be something good,¡± Kai murmured, pulling out his cutting tool. The device, shaped like a pistol, emitted a precise, short-range laser beam. When activated, the tool continuously fired, cutting through rock with ease.

    Kai began carefully cutting away small pieces of the wall, the loose debris clattering to the ground and bouncing off his chest and leg armor.

    Small-scale mining was a meticulous process. Miners had to remove the surrounding rock bit by bit without damaging the minerals inside. Cutting too much could ruin the yield and cost a fortune in lost profit. Leaving debris behind was also problematic, as it could block the tunnel and make future trips difficult. Kai took his time, knowing patience would pay off.

    The heat from the cutter radiated through his face shield, but he didn¡¯t mind. He hummed a tune to himself as anticipation bubbled within. He kicked away a loose piece of rock with childlike excitement.

    As he worked, the metallic sheen of a crystal vein began to reveal itself under his headlamp¡¯s glare. It stretched from the top of the rock wall to the bottom, and Kai¡¯s grin widened. This could be it¡ªhe was about to strike it rich.

    Suddenly, he heard the unmistakable sound of boots on rock behind him. He turned, his heart pounding, to see two men approaching down the tunnel.

    How was this possible? He checked his HUD¡ªno alerts. The laser tripwire hadn¡¯t worked.

    The two men were moving fast, their heavy mining armor slowing them only slightly. Their intentions were clear¡ªthey weren¡¯t here for a friendly chat.

    Kai cursed himself for not bringing a real weapon. Improvisation would have to do. He tightened his grip on the cutting tool in his right hand and grabbed a loose rock with his left.

    The men closed the distance, stopping just short of him. They blocked the tunnel, their armored forms standing imposingly in the narrow space. Like Kai, they wore mining suits, not combat gear. Their helmet lights shone directly into Kai¡¯s face, causing his visor to dim automatically. He couldn¡¯t make out their faces behind the glare.

    ¡°Gentlemen, you lost?¡± Kai asked coldly with a small defensive smile.

    "We lost? I don''t think you understand what''s happening," one of the men chuckled mockingly, his voice distorted by the suit¡¯s speaker. The tone was rough, hardened, and merciless¡ªKai could tell this man wasn¡¯t a stranger to killing.

    The man tossed something at Kai¡¯s feet. It was the tripwire device, its casing cracked and useless. "All that matters is we know you¡¯ve found something valuable, something we¡¯d like to share with you."

    "Is that so?" Kai said, gripping the cutter tool tighter. "And what if I''m not in the mood to share?"

    ¡°We¡¯re giving you a chance to live¡ªyou should feel grateful,¡± the other man said, his voice carrying an unfamiliar accent. ¡°You found something we¡¯re interested in, and now we¡¯re going to take it. Simple as that.¡±

    Kai didn¡¯t reply. He didn¡¯t have time to waste with these people. If they wanted his findings, they could take them¡ªover his dead body.

    In a swift motion, Kai hurled the rock he¡¯d been hiding behind his back. His suit¡¯s assisted mechanics propelled his arm forward in an arc, sending the rock flying through the air like a bullet. It struck the man on the left square in the stomach. Though the mining suit absorbed the impact and the rock shattered into thousands of pieces, the sheer force of the throw knocked the man onto his back.

    Now it''s a fair fight, Kai thought.

    The other man, to his credit, reacted quickly. He closed the gap between them in two steps, his movements surprisingly nimble for someone in a heavy mining suit. He swung a left hook, but Kai ducked under it, following up with a punch of his own. His fist connected with the attacker¡¯s chest, sending him stumbling backward, but the suit¡¯s armor left him unharmed.

    Kai glanced at the first man, still struggling to get up. The weight of his suit, once a shield, now worked against him as he flailed to regain his footing.

    Kai knew he had to finish this fast. He charged at the second man, locking him in a grapple. Their suits clashed with a resounding clang of metal on metal. Kai tried to throw his opponent to the ground, but the man¡¯s weight, combined with the bulk of his armor, made it nearly impossible.

    Instead, the heavier attacker overpowered him. With a heave, the man tipped them both over, sending them crashing to the ground with Kai pinned underneath.

    Kai''s body slammed against the ground with a bone-jarring impact. The attacker wasted no time, raining down punches. Each power-assisted blow tested the limits of Kai¡¯s helmet, the force rattling his head within the tight confines. If not for the helmet¡¯s soft padding, he¡¯d likely have suffered a concussion already.

    Kai struggled to push the man off, but his attacker had anchored his full weight, pinning him down completely. Another punch connected, and the visor of Kai¡¯s helmet cracked. A sliver of fiberglass broke free, slicing a thin line across his cheek. Tiny droplets of blood seeped out, but that wasn¡¯t the worst of it¡ªKai held his breath. The mine¡¯s air was likely toxic, and the crack in his visor had compromised his life support. He was literally down to his last breath.

    Gritting his teeth, Kai raised the cutter tool in his hand and powered it on. The laser flared to life, cutting through the man¡¯s suit armor slowly. Another punch landed, narrowly missing the same spot on Kai¡¯s visor. He tilted his head to avoid a direct hit, knowing he had little time left.

    Through the cracked visor, Kai could see his attacker¡¯s face¡ªgrinning, teeth gleaming beneath the helmet. That grin quickly twisted into a grimace of pain. The laser cutter had burned through the armor and into the man¡¯s abdomen. He let out a scream and a stream of blood from his mouth, his suit amplifying the sound into a distorted wail that echoed through the tunnel. The man kicked out in pain and rolled off Kai, clutching his midsection.

    Kai didn¡¯t hesitate. He rolled in the opposite direction, and sit up. His attacker writhed on the ground, hands pressed to his abdomen, his suit¡¯s speaker broadcasting his agony in chilling, metallic tones that echoed in the tunnel.

    Turning his attention to the second man, Kai saw him still struggling to sit up. The rock had done its job¡ªdamaging the suit¡¯s mechanisms and leaving the attacker¡¯s limbs powerless. Kai pushed himself to his feet, his visor missing a chunk of glass in the middle. He couldn¡¯t afford to breathe, not yet.

    The man watched in horror as Kai approached, desperately trying to push himself away, but his suit wouldn¡¯t power on. Kai could see the panic in his breathing, the visor fogging up with every gasp.

    Standing over him, Kai holstered the cutter tool and bent down. For a brief moment, the man¡¯s panic shifted to hope, as though Kai might actually help him. That hope shattered when Kai twisted his own cracked helmet off and tossed it aside.

    Realizing what was about to happen, the man screamed, the sound muffled by his helmet¡¯s visor. Kai didn¡¯t want to do this, but he had no choice.

    "That''s just the way down here,¡± Kai said coldly as he removed the man¡¯s helmet.

    The man¡¯s screams turned to frantic pleas for mercy, but they didn¡¯t last. His face contorted in agony as the toxic air flooded his lungs. Kai noticed a tattoo on the man¡¯s neck¡ªthree tiny circles arranged in a triangle. It was a design he¡¯d never seen before. The man¡¯s cries dissolved into choking gasps, and Kai quickly put the helmet on himself.

    The visor cleared of fog, and fresh air flowed into his lungs. He took a few deep breaths, feeling his strength return. Glancing down one last time, he saw the man struggling, his breaths shallow and labored, his terror written across his face. Without another word, Kai turned away.

    The other attacker lay still on the ground, blood pooling around him from the wound the cutter had inflicted.

    Kai stood still for a moment, grappling with the weight of his actions. In just five minutes, he had killed two people. Even though it was self-defense, the realization settled heavily on him. He felt terrible. But then he thought about their intentions¡ªthey had come to kill him for his discovery. Whatever they were after, it was worth dying for, at least in their eyes.

    Kai¡¯s gaze shifted to the vein in the rock wall. The thought of what lay ahead stirred his resolve. He could finally afford his own ship, fulfilling the dream that had driven him this far. His mood lifted slightly.

    Taking out the cutter tool once more, Kai returned to the wall. He carefully chipped away at the rock, determined to extract a sample. All he needed was proof to present to the mining company and the information alone is going to get him off this rock.

    Kai worked in silence, his usual hum replaced by the steady rhythm of his cutter against the rock. His nerves were on edge, anticipation building as he chipped away at the surrounding stone. He was so close now¡ªhe could see the metal glinting behind the crack.

    With a few precise cuts, he exposed the mineral beneath. It was unnaturally smooth, almost polished. Kai pulled out his container and began to cut a sample. The metal gave way far too easily, almost like it wasn¡¯t solid. After only a few seconds, he had carved out a small circular piece.

    When he reached to remove it, the sample fell inward, disappearing into the darkness beyond.

    A cold realization gripped him. The rock was hollow.

    Kai adjusted his helmet light, angling the beam into the opening. Sure enough, there was a void on the other side. Confused but intrigued, he chipped away more rock, revealing more of the strange metal behind it. The smooth, flat surface was unlike anything he¡¯d ever seen¡ªtoo perfect to be natural.

    Curiosity consumed him. He continued cutting, piece by piece, and the truth slowly began to take shape. This wasn¡¯t just an unusual mineral deposit. Whatever it was, it didn¡¯t belong to this planet.

    ¡°No,¡± Kai muttered to himself. ¡°It¡¯s manmade.¡±

    He uncovered more of the structure, exposing a seam in the metal. It was lined with rubber, running up and down in a precise, straight line. Following the seam, Kai found it extended all the way to the ground. The cutter in his hand grew hot from prolonged use, but he ignored the discomfort. His heart pounded with each new discovery.

    Then, another piece of rock fell away, and a metal bar came into view. It was painted red, standing out sharply against the pristine white of the surrounding metal.

    The realization hit him like a thunderbolt. This wasn¡¯t just any metal wall. It was something he¡¯d seen before¡ªback in the picture books of his childhood, when he still had a place to call home.

    He stared at the red paint, his breath catching. It was the same color used for handrails on the exteriors of spaceships, designed to guide crews to an entrance.

    Kai stepped back, his mind racing. He wasn¡¯t just mining anymore. He had uncovered something ancient, something hidden¡ªa buried structure, a spaceship.

 2. Buried Ship

    Kai had more questions than answers: Why was the spaceship buried so deep inside the planet? Did the mining company know about this? How had the two attackers known about it? There was so much he didn¡¯t know, and the only way to find out was to go inside.

    He grabbed the handle and tested it. To his surprise, it still moved. Encouraged, Kai pushed down, but the door remained stuck. The ship had likely been without power for centuries. Undeterred, he tried sliding the door open manually. It was a struggle¡ªa long time of neglect had left the mechanism rusted shut.

    Kai powered on his cutter and carefully made a small hole in the door''s edge. He saved a small piece of the door as a sample. Then Jamming his fingers into the gap, he engaged his suit¡¯s powered assistance to force the door open. With a screech of protesting metal, he managed to push it halfway, creating a narrow opening just large enough to squeeze through.

    The interior was pitch black, the ship''s systems long dead. Unlike the sleek, functional designs of modern ships, this one was cluttered with archaic machinery and scattered equipment. Everything about it screamed obsolescence. Kai stepped carefully, his helmet light sweeping the space as he ventured further in.

    Past the machinery, he found another door¡ªsmaller and circular, clearly part of an airlock. He turned the hatch, and to his surprise, it opened with minimal resistance.

    Lifting his leg cautiously, Kai entered the space beyond. It was as dark as the rest of the ship, the only light coming from his helmet. The corridor he stepped into was cylindrical, its walls, ceiling, and even floor covered with screens, buttons, and panels. Some displays were underfoot, making little sense to Kai at first.

    ¡°This design... it¡¯s unlike anything I¡¯ve seen,¡± he muttered, confused by the odd placement.

    Kai paused in the corridor, uncertain where to go next. Suddenly, a faint light blinked in the corner of his vision. He froze, heart pounding, and waited. The light flashed again, coming from a panel beside a door further down the corridor.

    He approached slowly, each step deliberate. The outdated displays creaked under his weight, but he ignored the noise, focused solely on the light. Reaching the door, he gripped the latch and pulled. The door opened with a metallic groan, and a humanoid figure collapsed onto the floor, startling him.

    It was a body, clad in an unfamiliar spacesuit¡ªbulky and heavy. Kai strained to drag the corpse out of the doorway. Inspecting it, he noticed a faded insignia on the upper arm: a flag of white and red stripes with tiny stars on a blue square.

    Kai squinted. ¡°Fifty stars... could that mean fifty colonized systems?¡±

    He quickly dismissed the thought. Whatever this flag represented, it was nothing he recognized¡ªnot from the Federation, the Empire, or even pirates. The purposeful design hinted at an organized and powerful faction, yet one completely unknown to him.

    Setting aside the mystery of the flag, Kai turned his attention to the room beyond the door. A faint blue glow illuminated the space, drawing his gaze. It was unlike the rest of the ship¡ªdevoid of clutter or machinery. At the far end stood a glass container, its contents floating in some kind of liquid.

    Kai stepped inside, his eyes fixed on the glowing vial. As he approached, his foot hit something. Looking down, he saw a small notebook. Picking it up, he flipped through the pages. It was a diary, fortunately written in English.

    The entries detailed routine tasks performed by the crew, but the more Kai read, the more unsettling it became. The ship and its crew were from a time long past. There were no artificial gravity systems, explaining the controls on the floor. Each chapter ended with the same signature: Lieutenant Colonel Smith, USSF.

    ¡°USSF¡­¡± Kai muttered. ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    He skimmed through the entries until he reached the last one. The words sent a chill down his spine:

    One of its scouts found us. We had no choice but to land and bury the signal. I hope the decoy we launched will buy us time. May God bless humanity and keep it hidden from the horror. I¡¯ve secured the vial and rerouted all power to sustain it for at least a thousand years. I¡¯m sorry I had to cut power to everything else. The crew understands. We said our goodbyes and donned our suits. They¡¯ll keep us alive for a little while longer. If anyone finds this, protect the vial at all costs. It¡¯s humanity¡¯s last hope.

    ¡ªLt. Col. Smith, USSF

    Kai¡¯s gaze shifted to the container. He opened the lid and carefully removed the glowing vial. It appeared to hold nothing more than clear liquid.

    ¡°What¡¯s so special about this?¡± he wondered aloud, disappointed. He was about to place it in his backpack when he noticed the vial was empty.

    Stunned, Kai inspected it. The liquid had simply vanished. There were no leaks, and the ground beneath him was dry. His confusion deepened as a faint glimmer on his shoulder caught his eye.

    The liquid was there, shimmering in the blue glow. He reached to touch it, but it evaded his hand, moving upward¡ªtoward his helmet.

    Panic set in as Kai realized the liquid was alive. It had intelligence, and it was trying to get inside his suit. He swatted at it, but it slipped past his fingers. In seconds, it disappeared from view.

    Then he felt it. A cold, wet sensation seeped through the drinking port, crawling over his face. It slithered into his nose and mouth despite his attempts to keep them shut. The liquid invaded his body, it moved with an intention that scared him.

    Kai fell to his knees, clutching his helmet. Pain exploded in his head, spreading to every inch of his body. It felt as if countless tiny creatures were consuming him from the inside out. He crawled out of the ship and back into the tunnel.

    Darkness overtook him as he collapsed onto the cold tunnel floor, his last thought a fleeting regret: Not only had he not found the riches he hoped for, he was now going to die from a mysterious slime he couldn''t even fight back. What a shity day this had been.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    Kai couldn¡¯t see. He thought this was unconsciousness¡ªyet how could he still think if that were true? His entire body felt as though countless tiny needles were piercing him at a cellular level. Each stab unleashed a wave of searing pain, sending desperate signals to his overwhelmed brain. He could feel the agony crawling up and down his body, but he was paralyzed, unable to move even an inch to escape it.

    The torment began with his skin, burning as if it were aflame. Then it moved deeper, attacking his muscles and organs. Each wave of pain felt like the peak of human endurance, yet the onslaught continued. When the creature invaded his bones, it was worse than anything he¡¯d thought possible. The sharp, stabbing agony fractured his very sense of self until his mind was utterly broken, reduced to raw, instinctive suffering.

    Just when he thought he could endure no more, the thing finally shifted. He felt it moving upward, shooting into his brain. This time, he truly passed out. But in his unconsciousness, he was not spared. Instead, he was submerged in visions¡ªterrifying and incomprehensible.

    Kai saw a darkened sky swarming with hundreds of shadowy dots. Explosions rained down from above, obliterating a city in fire and ash. He saw people screaming, running desperately for safety, only to be caught by the blasts and reduced to molten forms of nothingness. He felt as though he were one of them, he ran and tripped and got up running again, only to realize he was no longer on the ground but floating in a void.

    The void was vast, stretching beyond understanding. He saw lights scattered across the darkness¡ªstars, brilliant incubators of life. Then, one by one, the stars began to dim. First one, then another, then dozens more. He didn¡¯t know what could cause such a thing, but he understood the horror of it. Without a sun, life in those systems would perish.

    Then he saw it: a shape moving across the black expanse of space, soo massive it eclipsed the light of entire stars. Its sheer size defied comprehension, and the dread it inspired was primal, absolute. Kai knew¡ªthis was what Smith and his crew had fled from. The thing was more than a force of destruction; it was a harbinger of extinction.

    Kai wanted to scream, to block out the visions, but it was impossible. The liquid had hijacked his mind, transmitting images directly into his neurons. Even with his eyes shut, he could not escape.

    The stars disappeared completely, leaving him in suffocating darkness. Then, slowly, he became aware of his own breathing. It was shallow and ragged, but it was real. He opened his eyes and found himself back in the tunnel.

    The first thing he saw was the lifeless face of the man whose helmet he had taken to survive. The glassy, vacant stare burned into Kai¡¯s soul. He felt sick¡ªhis stomach churned violently, and he thought he might vomit. A wave of despair overtook him.

    He wanted to tear the helmet from his head, to accept the same fate the man had suffered. Anything to escape the weight of the visions, the knowledge of what he had seen, and the overwhelming guilt gnawing at him.

    So that¡¯s exactly what he did. Kai twisted his helmet off and took a deep breath, fully expecting it to be his last. He welcomed the idea of eternal peace. But what he found was... breathable air. It felt no different from the air he had breathed inside the helmet.

    Two streaks of tears ran down his face. He couldn¡¯t even take his own life.

    Kai stood up, wiped his face, and began walking back. The journey to the elevator was a blur of steps and shadows. When he arrived, the lift doors opened just as a miner stepped out. The man froze, his body tense as he took in the sight of Kai¡ªbareheaded in the toxic air of the mine.

    The miner¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. He opened his mouth to say something, but Kai¡¯s cold, hollow stare stopped him. Something about the look in Kai¡¯s eyes chilled him to the core. Without a word, the miner stepped aside and hurried into the tunnels, disappearing into the darkness.

    The elevator ride up gave Kai time to think. His head still throbbed, but his body felt strangely light, almost weightless, even in the bulky mining suit. Something inside him had changed. He could breathe the toxic air of the mine without consequence. His movements were freer, more fluid, as though the liquid had rewritten the way his body functioned.

    But most of all, he thought about the vision. The destruction of stars. The massive, incomprehensible being that swallowed the light of entire systems. How could something so catastrophic exist without anyone knowing? Why weren¡¯t the Empire or the Federation preparing for it? The implications were staggering, but he had no answers. Only questions.

    When the elevator reached the top floor, the doors opened, and Kai stepped into the locker room. Immediately, he sensed the change in the air. The miners, who had been chatting moments ago, fell silent as soon as they saw him. All eyes turned toward him. The room grew eerily quiet.

    Kai ignored the stares and moved to his locker. He began removing his armor and suit, peeling them off with mechanical precision. Normally, the locker room would be filled with laughter, dirty jokes, and heated debates about politics. But now, there was nothing but silence. The miners watched him, their faces a mix of confusion and unease.

    As Kai changed into his daily clothes, he noticed something odd about his body. His muscles looked more defined, his skin smoother and tougher, almost unnaturally so. Veins stood out more prominently, but they pulsed with a faint, bluish light, as though something foreign coursed through them. His movements felt stronger, more precise, like his body had been fine-tuned beyond human limits. Even the small cut on his cheek, made by the shattered visor, was already healing, the skin knitting itself back together.

    As Kai placed his suit back into the locker and plugged it into the charging station, the realization hit him: the suit¡¯s power had completely drained. Without power, the suit wouldn¡¯t have provided the assistance needed for movement. Every step he¡¯d taken back to the elevator had been entirely his own.

    This wasn¡¯t just unusual¡ªit was impossible. Only the strongest could move in an unpowered mining suit, those whose strength even the Empire¡¯s Royal guard would envy. He looked around the room, and the other miners quickly averted their gazes, pretending not to notice him.

    Kai closed his locker door with a sharp clang, then turned and walked toward the entrance. He had nothing valuable to sell from his trip, no crystals or minerals¡ªonly the knowledge of the spacecraft¡¯s location. He wasn''t even sure if the mining company would be interested in something like that.

    When he reached the gate, the same guard greeted him. The man¡¯s eyes widened in shock as he took in Kai¡¯s appearance.

    ¡°Kai? What happened to you?¡± the guard asked, his voice tinged with concern.

    Kai shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d better take a look at yourself.¡± The guard grabbed Kai by the arm and led him to a small room off to the side. Inside was a simple washroom with a sink and a mirror mounted above it.

    Kai leaned forward, staring at his reflection. The sight made his stomach drop. His hair was no longer the dark color he had known his whole life¡ªit was white, not silver or gray, but pure white, like the hull of the buried ship. His eyes had a faint blue glow, mirroring the light now coursing through his veins. He touched his face, he felt like he was living inside someone else''s body. No, he felt as if someone else was living inside him.

    Dumbfounded, Kai stood there until the guard broke the silence. ¡°You¡¯d better be careful next time you go down there¡ªand get yourself checked out by a doctor,¡± the guard said, gesturing toward the outside door.

    Kai nodded silently, stepping out into the sunlight. The sky above Drakmoor was tinted yellow by the sun, a vast, cloudless expanse. A whole night had passed since he had entered the mine. He paused, breathing in the open air, but it didn¡¯t feel the same as before.

    Instead of heading straight home, Kai decided he needed something to calm his nerves. Too much had happened in the mine, and the weight of it all pressed heavily on him. He turned and began walking toward the nearest town, seeking a drink to drown the bad taste of the experience.

 3. Real Whisky

    Kai reached the town by midday, the sun beating down on the dusty streets. At the checkpoint, he ran into trouble. The guards at the gate immediately noticed his changed appearance¡ªhis white hair had drew suspicious looks.

    ¡°What happened to you, Kai?¡± one of the guards asked, narrowing his eyes.

    Kai hesitated, struggling to come up with an explanation. ¡°Uh... an accident in the mine,¡± he said, trying to sound casual. ¡°Chemicals, maybe.¡±

    The guard¡¯s frown deepened, clearly unconvinced. Just as Kai was beginning to worry, someone from the crowd stepped forward¡ªa miner he recognized from the tunnels.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± the miner said, addressing the guards. ¡°He¡¯s one of ours. You know Kai¡ªhe¡¯s always been a little reckless. Let him through.¡±

    The guards exchanged glances, then reluctantly waved him on. ¡°Be careful,¡± one muttered as Kai passed. Kai gave a nod of thanks to the miner.

    Once inside, Kai felt a growing sense of unease. The long walk from the mine to the town should have left him exhausted, but instead, he felt... fine. His body wasn¡¯t tired, not even sore. Yet he felt an intense thirst and hunger that gnawed at him like a fire burning inside. It was a strange contradiction¡ªhe felt strong, even invigorated, yet the need for sustenance was sharper than ever.

    Kai pushed open the creaking door of the bar he frequented, the dim interior a welcome contrast to the glaring sun outside. It was nearly empty this early in the day, save for the faint sound of glasses being wiped clean behind the counter.

    Behind the bar stood Lily, the familiar bartender who had become something of a confidant over his time here. She was a beautiful young woman, with striking emerald eyes that seemed to shift between green and gold in the light. Her long auburn hair was tied back in a loose braid, leaving a few stray strands to frame her delicate face. She wore a simple yet fitted blouse rolled up at the sleeves, revealing her slender arms.

    When she looked up and saw Kai, her expression shifted. First came recognition, then confusion, her brow furrowing as she took in his changed appearance.

    ¡°Kai?¡± she asked, setting the glass she had been drying onto the counter. ¡°What the hell happened to you?¡±

    "I don''t know, Lily," Kai muttered, sinking into a seat at the bar. She could see the exhaustion etched in his eyes, even though they looked... different. Despite the change in him, Lily was just glad he¡¯d come to her.

    ¡°The usual?¡± she asked casually, as if nothing about him had changed.

    ¡°The usual,¡± he confirmed, grateful for her ability to read him without pressing. That was why he kept coming back to her¡ªshe never pushed when it wasn¡¯t necessary. She just understood.

    Seeing his state, Lily took out some cold sandwich she made for herself that morning, she poured some whiskey over ice and placed the glass gently in front of him. It was a local brew, more of a cheap imitation of real whiskey, but it got the job done. Kai didn¡¯t mind¡ªit had grown on him over the past few months.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he said, and dug in, he washed the full mouth of food with the whole cup of whiskey in one gulp, letting the liquor burn his throat.

    ¡°Slowly,¡± Lily warned, taking the empty glass before he could gesture for a refill. She poured another drink, but this time, she didn¡¯t hand it to him. Instead, she leaned forward, her emerald eyes searching his. ¡°Tell me what¡¯s wrong,¡± she said firmly.

    Kai hesitated, not because of the murders, Lily had a way of keeping secrets, but because of how absurd the whole thing sounded. Even himself was struggling to process it all.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should say it,¡± he said quietly, avoiding her gaze.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± she replied, her tone gentle but her actions betraying her curiosity. She walked around the bar and sat down beside him, her presence warm and inviting.

    Kai sighed, defeated. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll tell you.¡± He smiled faintly, shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯re dangerous, Lily.¡±

    She smirked. ¡°You know I had to hear what happened in the mine.¡±

    He began recounting the events. At first, he kept it brief, but Lily¡¯s piercing gaze pressed him to continue. Slowly, he told her everything¡ªabout the two miners he¡¯d killed in self-defense, the strange tattoo one of them had. Lily listened intently, her smile unwavering. When he confessed to the murders, her reaction wasn¡¯t shock but quiet approval.

    ¡°It is what it is,¡± she said simply, placing a comforting hand on his arm.

    Kai paused before mentioning the ancient ship. He took a sip of the imitation whiskey, letting it linger in his mouth. ¡°God, this tastes awful,¡± he muttered, chuckling softly.

    ¡°You get what you pay for,¡± Lily replied with a shrug and smiled. Her tone turned teasing. ¡°But... if you tell me the rest of the story, maybe I¡¯ll give you a taste of the real stuff. On the house.¡±

    Kai laughed. ¡°Alright, you win.¡± He continued, describing the ship, the diary, and finally the vial of strange liquid. His hand trembled slightly as he recounted how the substance had escaped the vial and invaded his body. He could still feel it¡ªthe alien sensation of something alive rewriting him from the inside out.

    Lily placed her hand on his, steadying him. ¡°You¡¯re okay now,¡± she said softly. Her calm demeanor reassured him.

    Kai had expected disbelief, maybe even ridicule, but Lily only smiled. She didn¡¯t call him crazy. She didn¡¯t recoil. She just listened, the same way she always did, with an unshakable steadiness that felt like an anchor in the chaos of his life.

    As he finished his second glass, she stood and took it from him. Without a word, she walked back behind the bar, letting the silence settle over them. Kai watched as she reached for a bottle on the top shelf. The label was unmistakable¡ªRegal Bourbon from Tyvaris 5. Kai knew it was a planet renowned across the galaxy for its whiskey.

    She poured a generous amount of the amber liquid over ice and slid the glass across the bar to him.

    ¡°On the house,¡± she said with a knowing smile.

    Kai caught the glass and nodded his thanks to Lily, appreciating her quiet support. Without hesitation, he took a sip. The whiskey was leagues beyond the imitation he was used to. Smooth and rich, it carried a deep, smoky flavor with hints of caramel and oak, leaving a warm, satisfying burn as it went down. It wasn¡¯t just a drink¡ªit was an experience, a moment of solace.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    After finishing the glass, Kai stood up, feeling the comfortable buzz settling over him. He pulled out a few bills and placed them on the counter, along with a generous tip. It was his way of repaying Lily¡¯s kindness and understanding.

    ¡°Take care of yourself,¡± Lily said softly, her emerald eyes watching him as he adjusted his jacket.

    Kai gave her a faint smile and nodded. The dizziness was pleasant, not enough to hinder him, but enough to remind him that, for a brief moment, he¡¯d found some peace.

    Kai was just about to step outside when Lily¡¯s voice stopped him.

    ¡°Kai,¡± she called, her tone serious yet cautious. ¡°I just thought of something that might interest you.¡±

    He turned back toward her, raising an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°There are some big players in town,¡± she said, lowering her voice as if to avoid somehow being overheard in an empty bar. ¡°Someone from the Federation homeworld landed in the city recently. I¡¯m not sure what they¡¯re looking for, but a couple of friends told me things aren¡¯t looking good. Word is, there might be a war brewing between the Federation and the Empire, and they¡¯re trying to force people to pick sides.¡±

    Kai nodded, her words sinking in. He was already planning to head to the city to sell the location of the ship, but now there was the chance to see the Federation players up close. The thought filled him with a strange mix of excitement and dread.

    ¡°Thanks for the information, Lily,¡± he said, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. ¡°And thanks for the drinks.¡±

    Lily smiled warmly, waving him off. ¡°Be careful, Kai. And come back anytime.¡± As he turned to leave, she added, ¡°Oh, and¡­ I think the white hair suits you.¡±

    Kai glanced over his shoulder and caught a faint blush rising on her cheeks. He chuckled softly to himself as he stepped out into the sunlight. The visit to Lily had lightened his spirit. Whatever had happened to his body, whatever changes the liquid had made, it didn¡¯t matter so much now. Life had to go on.

    He¡¯d visit the city, sell the ship¡¯s location, and come back to the mine. Everything would stay the same¡ªat least, that¡¯s what he told himself. Deep down, though, he had a feeling life was about to take a very different turn.

    Kai walked through the bustling main street of the town, where the morning rush hour was in full swing. Vendors lined the streets, their makeshift stalls overflowing with goods. Some shouted over each other to advertise their wares¡ªfresh produce, handmade trinkets, secondhand tools, and everything in between. The air smelled of spiced food cooking on open grills, mingling with the faint tang of machine oil from the mechanics¡¯ shops nearby.

    Children darted through the crowd, playing games that seemed to have no clear rules, their laughter rising above the din. A boy chased after a makeshift toy spaceship on wheels, while a group of girls gathered near a stall, bartering for colorful ribbons. Carts rumbled over the uneven road, pulled by old hover engines barely functional enough to float. Kai pushed his way though the crowd.

    Kai made his way to the far side of the town, where the noise of the market began to fade. He reached the landing pad, a worn concrete platform on the edge of town. There, an old, decommissioned spaceship rested¡ªa relic from a time long past. The ship was a patchwork of old parts scavenged from other vessels, its hull a mismatched mosaic of colors where repairs had been made over the years. Its once-proud name, barely legible under layers of grime and paint, hinted at a military origin. Now, it served as a humble shuttle, connecting the town to the distant city.

    The engines hummed faintly, their whine uneven, as mechanics fussed over one of the stabilizers. A ramp extended from the ship¡¯s side, creaking under the weight of passengers loading cargo and luggage. Its interior was dimly lit, with exposed wiring snaking along the walls.

    Kai picked up his pace as he approached the front of the ship, where a short man in a worn pilot uniform stood leaning against the hull. Ray, the ship¡¯s owner and operator, looked up and gave Kai a quick once-over.

    ¡°Kai? What the hell happened to you?¡± Ray asked, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

    Kai frowned. ¡°Please, Ray, this is the third time someone¡¯s asked me that.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Ray said, raising his hands in mock surrender. ¡°As long as you¡¯re paying the fare, I don¡¯t care what you look like. You could switch genders for all I care. Speaking of which, I know a guy who can get you a discount on the procedure, if you¡¯re interested,¡± he added with a mischievous grin.

    Kai shook his head, exasperated. ¡°Just a ride will do, thanks.¡±

    Ray glanced toward the crowded loading ramp. ¡°Tell you what,¡± he said, jerking his thumb toward the cockpit, ¡°there are too many people back there. How about you ride up front with me today, big guy? I heard you¡¯ve been dreaming of your own ship.¡±

    Kai chuckled. ¡°Sure, just not something like this dust bucket of yours.¡±

    ¡°One more bad word about her,¡± Ray shot back, grinning, ¡°and you¡¯re riding with the rest of them in that cramped space.¡± He laughed as Kai handed over the fare, then pocketed the money and gestured for Kai to follow him.

    Ray led him into the cockpit and gestured toward the co-pilot¡¯s seat. The ship was an old Federation dropship, repurposed for its new civilian role. The pilot¡¯s seat was positioned in front of the co-pilot¡¯s, following the classic military design. In its original form, the co-pilot would have had access to remote turret controls, but on this decommissioned model, all the weapons had been stripped out long ago.

    ¡°Just don¡¯t touch anything, alright?¡± Ray said, settling into his seat and flipping a few switches.

    ¡°Yes, Ray, I won¡¯t touch a thing,¡± Kai replied, keeping his arms folded to make a point.

    The cockpit filled with a sharp whining noise as the ship¡¯s four VTOL thrusters powered on. Outside, a few late passengers hurried up the loading ramp as dust kicked into the air, momentarily obscuring Kai¡¯s view. The ship gave a shudder as the thrusters strained to lift the heavy, patched-together vessel off the ground. For a brief moment, Kai worried the old thing might not make it.

    Then Ray grinned, pushed the throttle forward with confidence, and the ship rattled violently as it broke free of the ground. The thrusters roared, and the vessel began its slow climb, the scenery of the town growing smaller below them.

    ¡°She¡¯s got some life in her yet, doesn¡¯t she?¡± Ray said, clearly proud of his workhorse.

    Kai smirked, his initial doubts fading as they ascended. For all its flaws, the old ship had character¡ªand for now, it would get him where he needed to go.

    Jokes aside, Kai loved the feeling of being in the air. Up here, he felt a sense of freedom he rarely experienced on the ground. The view below mesmerized him¡ªthe patchwork of landscapes growing smaller as the ship climbed higher. The horizon curved gently, a reminder of the planet¡¯s vastness. Above him, the infinite expanse of space stretched out, dotted with countless stars.

    For a fleeting moment, his gaze locked on one of those stars, and he watched as it seemed to vanish. A wave of fear gripped him as the memory of his vision flooded back¡ªthe star-eating entity, vast and incomprehensible, consuming the light of entire systems. His chest tightened, and he felt his heartbeat quicken. Then, just as suddenly, the star reappeared, no longer obscured by dust on the cockpit window. Relief washed over him, though the lingering fear remained. The vision felt so far-fetched, yet it had been disturbingly vivid.

    The dropship climbed steadily, its four massive VTOL engines straining to carry it to the edge of Drakmoor¡¯s atmosphere. Despite their power, the ship was never designed for full orbital travel, and it hovered near the boundary where the sky gave way to space. The thrusters rotated, shifting their output to propel the ship forward toward the city.

    Kai couldn¡¯t help but admire Ray¡¯s skill as a pilot. Flying this old dropship wasn¡¯t as simple as taking off and landing. Every movement had to be carefully calculated to ensure maximum efficiency, especially with a patched-together ship like this. Kai found himself wondering about Ray¡¯s past¡ªwhat kind of life he¡¯d led before becoming a shuttle pilot.

    The question lingered on the edge of his tongue, but he decided to save it for another time. His body reminded him of how long it had been since he¡¯d rested. Nearly 24 hours without sleep was catching up to him.

    Leaning back in the rigid military-style seat, Kai closed his eyes. The hard surface was far from comfortable, but exhaustion overtook him quickly. Within minutes, he was drifting off, the hum of the ship¡¯s engines lulling him into sleep.

    Kai felt the weight shift beneath him and snapped awake. The serenity of the flight was gone, replaced by chaos as Ray wrestled with the controls.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kai asked, gripping the sides of his seat.

    "We just lost control," Ray said.

 4. The City

    Ray¡¯s tone was calm but urgent. ¡°One of the vertical stabilizers is acting up. I thought the ground crew fixed it for sure, but it¡¯s gone out again.¡±

    ¡°What happens if it¡¯s not fixed?¡± Kai pressed.

    Ray didn¡¯t mince words. ¡°We won¡¯t be able to make a landing. We¡¯ll have to eject.¡±

    Kai¡¯s stomach dropped. ¡°And the passengers? What happens to them if we do?¡±

    Ray didn¡¯t answer, and let the heavy silence spoke.

    ¡°Can you fix it?¡± Kai asked.

    ¡°I can try, but someone needs to keep this thing in the air. And that someone can¡¯t be me while I¡¯m working on a fix,¡± Ray said.

    Kai didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. Just teach me enough to keep it steady.¡±

    Ray hesitated, glancing at him. ¡°Alright, alright, no choice now,¡± he muttered, running through the basics of the controls as fast as he could. ¡°Just keep her level¡ªdon¡¯t try anything fancy.¡±

    With a deep breath, Ray handed over the controls, and Kai¡¯s right hand gripped the joystick. The moment it came alive under his grip, the ship tipped to the left. Kai instinctively corrected it, but the adjustment was too much, and the ship began to tilt to the right.

    He gritted his teeth, trying to find balance. The ship felt lighter than he¡¯d expected, but also deceptively sensitive. Slowly, he adjusted, making the ship hover on its original path while Ray scrambled to troubleshoot the stabilizer.

    As he focused, Kai felt a strange heat building in his right arm. A faint blue pulse caught his eye, and he realized his arm was glowing faintly. It wasn¡¯t painful¡ªinstead, it felt like the liquid inside him was gathering there, sharpening his reflexes. His grip on the joystick grew steadier, his movements precise. Each adjustment felt deliberate, almost natural, as if the ship were an extension of his body. He stabilized the ship and guided it forward, calm and in control.

    ¡°I can¡¯t fix it from inside,¡± Ray muttered in frustration. ¡°The only way is to repair it from outside, but we can¡¯t get out until this thing¡¯s on the ground.¡± He glanced back at the console and then up at Kai. His eyes widened. ¡°Wait... did you do this? You stabilized the ship?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m trying but I''m not sure if it will work¡± Kai replied, his voice steady. He felt every subtle movement in the controls, as though his senses had been heightened. Each micro-movement he made translated perfectly into the ship¡¯s adjustments.

    Ray¡¯s face lit up with excitement. ¡°No, no¡ªthis is perfect! You keep it stable, and I¡¯ll handle the landing.¡±

    Kai nodded, focusing entirely on the fine control of the ship. The city loomed in the distance, its skyline dotted with flashing green and red lights marking the landing pads. As Ray adjusted the angle and speed, every change required a corresponding correction from Kai, but he managed it effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise.

    Ray hailed the city¡¯s landing service, declaring an emergency. The response was immediate, and a landing pad was cleared. As the ship descended, Ray guided it carefully, while Kai¡¯s precise control kept the ship steady.

    The moment the ship touched down, Kai compensated until the weight settled evenly. The cockpit fell silent, both men stayed quiet.

    Then Ray let out a booming laugh, the tension breaking in an instant. ¡°You did it, kid! Damn, you did it!¡±

    Kai joined in, the relief bubbling out of him. Both men laughed heartily, the sound echoing in the small cockpit. It wasn¡¯t just relief¡ªit was triumph. Against all odds, they had landed the ship safely.

    Ray let the passengers disembark, their chatter and laughter suggesting they hadn¡¯t even realized there had been a problem with the ship. Kai watched them go, surprised by how oblivious they seemed to the danger they had just escaped.

    Ray patted Kai on the shoulder as they both stepped down onto the landing pad. ¡°That was some fine flying back there. I can¡¯t believe you¡¯ve never flown a ship before,¡± he said with a grin.

    Kai shrugged and managed a modest smile. ¡°I just tried my best, Ray.¡±

    Ray chuckled, then handed Kai a bundle of cash. ¡°Here, kid. Take the money. You just saved everyone¡¯s life on this ship. You deserve it.¡±

    Kai hesitated for a moment before taking it. ¡°Thank you, Ray,¡± he said sincerely, pocketing the money.

    Just then, a man came jogging toward them, his heavy boots pounding against the landing pad. His thick mustache bounced with every step, and his face was a storm of anger.

    ¡°Ray!¡± the man¡¯s deep voice boomed as he stopped in front of the pilot. His massive frame towered over Ray, who seemed unimpressed by the man¡¯s imposing presence. ¡°Did you declare an emergency landing just to unload your passengers faster? Don¡¯t think I¡¯ll let it slide because we were battle buddies. You¡¯re getting fined for this!¡±

    Ray shrugged, gesturing toward the ship¡¯s stabilizer. ¡°We really did have an emergency. Go ahead and touch the stabilizer¡ªit¡¯s still cold. It failed mid-flight. And if it weren¡¯t for this gentleman¡¯s fine flying skills, we¡¯d all be dead right now.¡±

    The man stroked his mustache, his glare shifting between Ray and the stabilizer. He approached the ship, kneeling by the stabilizer thrusters. Tentatively, he placed a hand on the cold metal, feeling its inert surface. It was clear the stabilizer hadn¡¯t activated during the descent¡ªthe surrounding area lacked the usual scorch marks from heat emissions, and the thruster ports themselves were clean and cold to the touch.

    Standing up, the man turned to Kai, his gaze softening slightly. ¡°So, you¡¯re the one who kept the ship steady,¡± he said, studying him.

    Kai nodded. ¡°Just did what I could.¡±

    The man grunted, his tone begrudgingly respectful. "I''m Captain Thomas. Fine flying for someone this young. If you ever thought about joining the federation navy, you come and find me, the navy can use someone like you.¡±

    Kai felt a flicker of pride but kept his expression neutral. ¡°Thanks,¡± he said simply.

    Ray smirked. ¡°So, about that fine¡­¡±

    The man scowled at Ray but said nothing, turning on his heel and stalking off, his mustache quivering as he muttered under his breath. Ray and Kai exchanged a glance, then burst into quiet laughter.

    After parting ways with Ray, Kai wandered into the bustling city. It was just as lively as he remembered. Vendors shouted to passersby from stalls lining the streets, vehicles honked their horns as they navigated crowded intersections, and people of all walks of life moved with purpose through the chaos. The city was alive with energy, a stark contrast to the stillness of the mines and the quiet moments of his flight, it made Kai picked up his steps and walked faster.

    Kai set his sights on the tall buildings in the distance and started walking toward them. His destination was the headquarters of the mining company. The city was simply called The City, much like Lily¡¯s bar, which was just The Bar. Why bother with unique names when there was only one of its kind? Efficiency trumped creativity here.

    The walk through the city took some time. By the time Kai arrived, it was lunch hour, and the streets were packed with vehicles and pedestrians. He noticed someone lingering at a corner, their eyes fixed on him. His appearance had been drawing attention ever since the incident in the mine, so he dismissed it and kept moving.

    Finally, he reached his destination: Draco Mining. Kai didn¡¯t care much for the company¡¯s elaborate name or branding¡ªit was just the mining company to him, the only one that mattered on Drakmoor.

    The building was an imposing structure, its gleaming facade designed to impress. Kai climbed the wide marble steps leading to the entrance and stepped into the main hall. Inside, the air was cool and filled with the faint hum of machinery. Employees and visitors moved through the expansive space, their shoes clicking on the polished floors.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    Kai stood out starkly from the rest of the crowd in the pristine hall. His rugged clothes, designed to protect against the harsh wilderness, were a stark contrast to the sharp suits and polished shoes of the employees and visitors around him. He didn¡¯t belong to this life, and he didn¡¯t care too. He wasn¡¯t here to impress anyone.

    He approached the front desk, a grand structure carved from polished marble that gleamed under the overhead lights. The edges were flawlessly smooth, and the desk curved slightly to add an air of sophistication. Behind it, in massive, golden letters, the words DRACO MINING were emblazoned on the wall, shining like a symbol of power and wealth.

    The receptionist was a young woman, likely in her twenties, with a polished, professional demeanor. Her makeup was meticulously applied, accentuating her sharp cheekbones and full lips, giving her the look of someone who radiated confidence and beauty. Her appearance practically screamed, Look at me¡ªI¡¯m perfect.

    Kai stopped before her, feeling slightly out of place in his dusty, travel-worn clothes. The receptionist looked up, her perfectly arched eyebrow raising slightly as her gaze swept over him. Despite her poised demeanor, there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

    ¡°How can I help you?¡± the receptionist asked, her tone polished and professional.

    ¡°Uh¡­ I want to report a lead for a discovery in the mine,¡± Kai said, scratching the back of his head.

    ¡°Oh, a vein?¡± Her curiosity piqued, her posture straightened slightly.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ something like that,¡± he replied, trying to keep his tone casual.

    ¡°Alright, sir. Please take the elevator up to the 50th floor,¡± she said with a practiced smile. ¡°I¡¯ll notify someone to assist you with your valuable information. Thank you for your work with Draco Mining.¡± She gestured toward the elevator, which, as if on cue, had its doors opened and waiting.

    Kai nodded his thanks and stepped into the elevator. The button for the 50th floor was already glowing, casting a faint golden light onto the polished steel interior. As the doors slid shut, he felt a pang of discomfort. Despite his love for flying, elevators always unsettled him. The cramped, enclosed space seemed to close in around him as the elevator shot upward with a faint hum.

    He pressed himself into a corner, watching the floor numbers tick up rapidly on the display above the doors. The change in pressure made his ears pop, and he swallowed to adjust. His heartbeat quickened slightly as the elevator slowed, signaling its arrival.

    Ting.

    The soft chime of the bell announced his stop. The elevator doors slid open, revealing the 50th floor. Kai stood still for a moment, bracing himself for what came next. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and out of the elevator.

    ¡°Hi, you must be the miner with the lead. Please, follow me,¡± a woman greeted him as the elevator doors opened. Her tone was polite, her movements precise as she gave him a small bow before leading him down a sleek corridor.

    Kai followed her silently, noting how her heels clicked rhythmically against the polished floor. She brought him to an exclusive meeting room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city below. The midday sun casting a golden glow over the few skyscrapers and bustling streets.

    The woman paused, allowing Kai a moment to take in the impressive scene.

    ¡°Mr. Draco will be with you shortly,¡± she said, her tone even and professional. With a small nod, she stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her, leaving Kai alone with the view¡ªand his thoughts.

    Since the moment Kai had entered the building, everyone had been professional and kind to him. Yet, curiously, not a single person had asked for his name. The realization sank in¡ªthey weren¡¯t kind because of who he was, but because of the potential value of the information he carried.

    And then, the first name anyone mentioned was Mr. Draco himself.

    Kai understood now: in this place, a name wasn¡¯t just a label¡ªit was a powerplay. Only the most powerful individual warranted the recognition of their name. Everyone else was a role, a function, a part of the machinery that kept the system running.

    As the thought lingered, Kai smirked. Maybe he should suggest to Lily that she put her name on the bar¡¯s sign¡ªLily¡¯s Bar. It would give her the recognition she deserved and remind everyone who they were really coming to see.

    The door swung open, and Kai turned to see an middle aged man step inside. He was the embodiment of wealth and authority, his presence commanding the room without a word. His sleek, jet-black hair was styled immaculately, combed back with precision that hinted at meticulous care. His hazel-eyes felt as if they could see into Kai''s deepest thoughts. His suit was unlike anything Kai had ever seen¡ªdeep navy with intricate gold patterns woven into the fabric, shimmering subtly under the light. The patterns resembled delicate veins of precious metal, running across the jacket and cuffs, accentuating the sharp lines of his tailored attire. A golden tie bar and cufflinks completed the ensemble, adding a touch of understated extravagance. His polished shoes clicked softly against the floor as he approached.

    "Mr. Kai Renn," Draco said, his voice smooth as silk. He paused for effect, then motioned to the chair in front of him. "Please, sit."

    The use of his name struck Kai immediately. He had never seen these people before, never given them his name, yet Draco spoke it with ease, as if he had known it all along. It was a demonstration of control, a subtle reminder of who held the power in this room. Even though Kai stood a head taller than the man, the authority Draco exuded was palpable. Kai disliked the feeling of being outmaneuvered, but he sat down anyway, keeping his composure.

    Draco took the seat opposite of him, fixing Kai with a steady gaze. For once, Kai spoke first.

    "Is Draco your real name?" he asked, leaning forward slightly.

    Draco allowed himself a small smile. "No, it¡¯s not. It¡¯s a title, reserved for the highest position in the company. As for my real name... it¡¯s a secret, even to most of our employees. Perhaps I¡¯ll tell you, if your information proves to be valuable."

    Kai smirked, leaning back in his chair as he reached into his pocket. He retrieved the small container with the sample he¡¯d brought and placed it on the table. Then he crossed his arms, letting Draco lean in curiously. If this was going to be a game of power, Kai was determined to play it on equal footing. He may have been a miner, but he wasn¡¯t a fool.

    "What am I looking at?" Draco asked, his tone measured.

    "This," Kai said calmly, "is a piece from the outer door of a spaceship."

    Draco raised an eyebrow. "A door? I thought you were here because you found a vein in my mine."

    Kai kept his grin in place. "Yes, this piece might not seem valuable. But the real value lies in the location and origin of the ship it came from."

    Draco¡¯s interest was piqued, though his expression remained cool. "Do tell, then."

    Kai knew he had Draco now. He had to sell this perfectly if he wanted to walk away with more than just scraps.

    "The first strange thing about my discovery," he began, "is where I found the ship. It was buried 200 meters below ground, in one of the uncharted tunnels of your mine. I¡¯m sure you understand how unusual that is."

    Draco nodded slightly, urging him to continue.

    "And the second strange thing is the origin of the ship. I found information inside it¡ª" Kai chose not to pull out the notebook from his bag; its contents were too sensitive to risk revealing now. "The ship belonged to a faction called the USSF. I¡¯m not certain what the ¡®US¡¯ stands for, but the ¡®SF¡¯ clearly stands for Space Force. Their flag had 50 stars on it. Now, here¡¯s the question: why would a power capable of rivaling the Empire and the Federation be absent from our history books? Why is it not taught to our children as part of their education? Don¡¯t you think the powerhouses of humanity are hiding something from both you and me?"

    Draco leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "How much do you think this information is worth?" he asked.

    Kai hesitated for a moment. He hadn¡¯t expected Draco to make an offer this quickly. "For me," Kai said carefully, "this is priceless. It¡¯s a secret with the potential to shake the foundations of both the Federation and the Empire."

    Kai studied Draco¡¯s face, watching for any reaction. This was a gamble, a dangerous one. If Draco Mining was aligned with either faction, this could land him in a cell for treason. But Kai was betting on Draco¡¯s ambitions, on his hunger for power and independence. A businessman like Draco wouldn¡¯t just hand over a mystery this enticing without exploring it first. If he played this right, Kai could make Draco Mining a name whispered across the galaxy.

    Draco remained silent for a long moment, considering the proposition. He hadn¡¯t expected this when he woke up this morning. On one hand, the prudent choice would be to turn this information over to the Federation¡ªlikely the safer option given their interest in securing secrets. On the other hand, the idea of an unknown faction, a whole new mystery, was irresistible.

    A ship buried deep in one of his mines, linked to a force that had somehow vanished from history? Draco¡¯s curiosity burned. He wanted this ship for himself, to unravel its secrets, to add it to his personal collection. It was worth the risk. And then there was Kai himself¡ªthe confidence in his eyes, the calmness in his demeanor. It was rare for a miner to handle negotiations so deftly. Even if the information proved to be false, Draco saw potential in the man.

    Finally, Draco spoke, his voice steady. "You¡¯ve given me a lot to think about, Mr. Renn. If what you¡¯re saying is true, I believe we can come to an agreement. The question is, can you deliver what you¡¯re promising?"

    "Yes, if you like, I can take you to the mine first thing in the morning," Kai said with a nod, his voice steady.

    "Well then, what better way to confirm than seeing it with my own eyes," Draco replied with a smile, standing and extending his hand. "And since you¡¯ve earned it, you can call me Kevin."

    Kai stood as well, meeting Kevin¡¯s hand with a firm shake. ¡°Looks like we have a deal.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Kevin said, his smile widening. ¡°It was your confidence that convinced me. Please, enjoy a stay on my expense.¡±

    Kai nodded, watching as Kevin reached for the sample on the table. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind,¡± Kevin said.

    Kai pushed it toward him. ¡°Please.¡±

    Kevin picked up the sample and studied it briefly before tucking it into his pocket. ¡°Thank you again,¡± he said. As he turned to leave, he paused at the doorway. ¡°Oh, one more thing¡ªten million.¡±

    Kai raised an eyebrow, unsure.

    ¡°Ten million credits and a position in the company,¡± Kevin clarified with a grin. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m offering.¡±

    Before Kai could respond, Kevin smiled again and walked out, leaving him standing in the room with more to think about than he had anticipated.

 5. A Girl Who Wore Make Up

    Kai stood under the steaming shower, the fog curling around him like a shroud. His thoughts were heavy, but the warm water offered a brief reprieve from the day¡¯s chaos. A man in a suit had led him to the suite he was now occupying¡ªa luxurious one nestled in a different wing of the Draco building, which doubled as a high-end hotel for distinguished guests.

    The suite was a masterpiece of futuristic design, blending sleek functionality with unmatched opulence. The walls were made of smooth, polished alloy, their metallic sheen subtly illuminated by soft, ambient lights that adjusted to Kai¡¯s presence. A sprawling floor to ceiling window offered a breathtaking view of the city, the shimmering skyline stretching out under a blanket of stars.

    The furniture was both minimalistic and sophisticated, with clean lines and soft curves. The sofa seemed to hover slightly above the floor, its base hidden by discreet magnetic technology. The bed, larger than any Kai had ever seen, was dressed in fabric that shimmered like liquid silver, promising comfort beyond his imagination. A holographic interface on the wall allowed full control of the suite¡ªlighting, climate, even entertainment at the touch of a finger or a simple voice command.

    The bathroom was equally extravagant. The shower Kai stood in was enclosed in glass that frosted for privacy at the wave of a hand. A mirror displayed real-time readouts of his vitals and could even project soothing visuals or news updates if he desired. The floors were warmed beneath his feet, and every surface seemed to exude a quiet luxury.

    Kai couldn¡¯t believe how a place like this could coexist with the barren, unforgiving planet outside. The contrast was staggering. Despite the luxury surrounding him, his mind refused to settle. Ever since his discovery of the strange liquid that had invaded his body, his life had been a whirlwind of danger and uncertainty.

    What exactly have I gotten myself into? he wondered, letting the warm water wash over him, hoping it could rinse away his troubling thoughts. What he needed now was food and some rest.

    He turned off the shower and reached for a clean towel. Drying himself off, he searched for a place to hang it but found none. Spotting a sleek basket in the corner, he tossed the towel in with a slight shake of his head. This place will always choose comfort over sustainability, he reminded himself.

    Stepping out of the bathroom, he froze. His clothes were gone. His heart leaped, a surge of paranoia coursing through him. Had Kevin played him after all?

    Kai rushed into the main room, still naked, scanning the room until his eyes landed on the desk. His bag sat exactly where he¡¯d left it. He exhaled a shaky breath and hurried over, checking inside. Everything was still there, including the notebook. He stared at it for a moment, gripping it tightly. I need to be more careful, he thought. Just because he had struck a deal with Kevin didn¡¯t mean they were friends.

    Kai noticed a neatly folded set of clothes left outside the bathroom. On top of the clothes was a small note, written in precise, elegant handwriting:

    Kai,

    I trust you¡¯ll find your accommodations to your liking. Please enjoy your stay and make full use of the facilities. Attached is your room key/credit card for any additional expenses you may incur during your time here. You cloth will return to you after cleaning. Consider it a gesture of goodwill and trust in our partnership.

    Looking forward to tomorrow.

    - Kevin

    Clipped to the note was a sleek black credit card, embossed with a gold logo that matched the opulence of everything else in the suite. Kai stared at it for a moment, the gesture feeling both generous and calculated. A show of power and wealth, he thought, but he tucked the card into his pocket. For now, it was another resource in his arsenal.

    Kai slipped into the clothes, finding that they struck a perfect balance between formal and casual. The suit was comfortable, made from a lightweight, durable material that hinted at practicality. The design subtly embodied the mining heritage of Draco¡ªcharcoal-gray fabric with fine gold stitching running along the seams, resembling the veins of precious metals found deep underground. The cuffs bore an embossed emblem of the company. It was attire meant to remind him of Draco¡¯s dominance while ensuring he looked sharp enough to represent them.

    Kai adjusted the suit, appreciating its fit, but he couldn¡¯t help feeling a little too exposed without his usual jacket. It had been a staple of his wardrobe for years, and he hoped he¡¯d reunite with it soon. He pocketed the sleek black card, straightened his cuffs, and opened the door to his guest room.

    If he remembered correctly, the elevator was just down the hallway. He paused, debating his options: he could dine in one of the building¡¯s restaurants or venture out into the city. The memory of feeling watched earlier came back to him, and the decision was easy. Staying inside the Draco building felt safer for now.

    Kai stepped into the elevator and descended to the second floor, which housed a diner primarily used by Draco employees during the day. It was a practical space, a corporate cantina designed for efficiency rather than elegance. The smell of freshly prepared food greeted him as he stepped out, and the low hum of conversation filled the air.

    Kai figured a quick meal here would do the trick. He¡¯d eat, then head back to his room to rest. After all, the less attention he drew, the better.

    Hunger gnawed at him again, sharper than usual. Whatever changes had occurred in his body seemed to demand more fuel. He grabbed a full tray of food, and found an empty table in a quiet corner, away from the bustling employees. Though he didn¡¯t admire the unnecessary luxury of these people¡¯s lives, he had to admit their food looked, and smelled¡ªdelicious. And since it was all free, why not indulge a little?

    Halfway through devouring his meal, he heard the sharp, rhythmic clicking of high heels on the polished floor. His appetite paused as he looked up to see the receptionist from earlier approaching him.

    She was just as delicately beautiful as before, with a face like a porcelain doll¡ªperfectly composed, with flawless skin and softly painted lips. Her professional demeanor hadn¡¯t faded, and her graceful movements seemed almost rehearsed. As her hazel eyes met his, Kai couldn¡¯t help but smile at her.

    Kai had to remind himself that the woman before him possessed a different kind of beauty¡ªa beauty that provided leverage. Unlike the natural, unpretentious allure that Lily exuded from within, the beauty he witnessed now was carefully crafted, manmade, and potentially dangerous.

    He put down his fork and wiped his mouth with a napkin. He didn¡¯t speak, waiting for her to make the first move. When she pulled out the chair across from him and sat down, he didn¡¯t offer assistance. He didn¡¯t want to give her the wrong impression.

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t let me stop you,¡± she said, placing a small plate of food on the table. It was barely a meal in Kai¡¯s eyes. There¡¯s no way that¡¯s enough food for her, he thought, but he said nothing.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    The receptionist noticed his gaze and smiled, her expression polished yet disarming. ¡°Oh, my manners,¡± she said lightly. ¡°I¡¯m Eliana. And if you don¡¯t mind, may I have yours?¡±

    ¡°Kai,¡± he replied simply. Then, with a slight nod, he added, ¡°Thanks for the help earlier, Eliana.¡±

    "Don¡¯t be so formal, Kai,¡± Eliana said, her tone light and friendly. ¡°I was just doing my job. Speaking of which, I¡¯m on my meal break now, so let¡¯s talk like we¡¯re off the clock, alright?¡± She flashed a practiced smile, her perfect white teeth catching the light. ¡°I think you look good in that suit,¡± she added, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

    Kai nodded his thanks, but inwardly, he wondered if the blush was as practiced as the smile. Why had she chosen to sit at his table when there were plenty of other empty ones? A younger version of himself might have thought she was interested in him, but maturing had taught him otherwise. The world wasn¡¯t just about hormones and desires.

    Deciding not to beat around the bush, Kai leaned back slightly, his gaze steady. He didn¡¯t care much for her opinion of him. He wasn¡¯t here to impress her or make friends. He was here to do business, to make a profit, to achieve his dream.

    ¡°So,¡± he said, his tone direct, ¡°what brings you to my table, Eliana?¡±

    Kai studied Eliana carefully, noting that his direct question didn¡¯t elicit even a flicker of surprise. If her answer seemed contrived or far-fetched, he was ready to end the conversation and leave.

    Eliana, however, didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I was curious about what you found in the mine,¡± she said evenly. ¡°It¡¯s not every day someone comes in with a lead on a new vein. I just wanted to know how that feels.¡±

    Kai paused, weighing her words. He remembered that he¡¯d told her he¡¯d found a vein earlier, which was why she had sent him up in the first place. Low-level employees probably don¡¯t have access to sensitive information, he thought.

    ¡°The information still requires validation,¡± Kai replied calmly. ¡°So, right now, it¡¯s just my word against theirs. But... finding a vein is like winning the lottery¡ªonly it¡¯s a lottery you play with your life.¡±

    Eliana¡¯s expression shifted, her smile fading slightly. ¡°Must be exciting when you do find one,¡± she said softly, her tone laced with melancholy. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what that feels like. My work... it¡¯s the same every day. Nothing ever changes.¡±

    Her eyes glistened slightly, and for a moment, Kai wasn¡¯t sure if she was genuinely emotional or playing a part. He decided to keep it professional. ¡°Trust me,¡± he said, his voice steady, ¡°far more people lose their lives than find success. It¡¯s not a life for someone like you.¡±

    Eliana¡¯s expression hardened, her tone sharpening. ¡°Someone like me? What kind of person do you think I am?¡±

    Kai raised his hands slightly in a gesture of peace. ¡°Sorry, I meant no offense. I just meant... the mines are a different world. There¡¯s usually more fighting than talking down there.¡± His words were straightforward, matter-of-fact.

    For a moment, the tension hung in the air, and Kai waited to see how she would respond.

    "Do you want to spar with me?" Eliana asked, her tone cool but laced with challenge.

    "I''m sorry?" Kai blinked, certain he¡¯d misheard her.

    "Fight me," she clarified, her eyes narrowing slightly. "And see if I¡¯m the kind of girl you think I am."

    Kai¡¯s gaze flicked to her plate¡ªa delicate egg salad sandwich and a few pieces of fruit. The contrast between her bold words and her dainty meal caught him completely off guard.

    Eliana noticed his glance and smiled. ¡°I know a place,¡± she continued, leaning forward slightly, ¡°but only if you accept the challenge. Or are you too scared?¡±

    Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "A little exercise after lunch won¡¯t hurt," he said with a smirk. ¡°Fine. But what¡¯s the prize for this fight?¡±

    Eliana tilted her head thoughtfully, then her smile turned playful. ¡°If I win, you¡¯ll have to take me to the mine one day.¡±

    Kai raised an eyebrow. ¡°And if I win?¡±

    Eliana paused, her gaze locking with his. Her voice dropped slightly, and a sly smile curled her lips. ¡°If you win... I¡¯ll let you know me better.¡±

    Her suggestive tone wasn¡¯t lost on Kai. He leaned back in his chair.

    To say that Eliana''s offer wasn¡¯t tempting would have been a lie. Kai was a normal man with normal desires, and the way she presented her challenge stirred something primal in him. But he wasn¡¯t naive. He knew there was more to her proposition than just flirtation.

    What the hell, he thought. If she wants to play games, I¡¯ll play along. Let¡¯s find out what she¡¯s really after.

    He leaned forward slightly, his smirk unwavering. ¡°Alright, Eliana. Let¡¯s see if you can back up that confidence.¡±

    "Alright, my shift ends in 30 minutes. I''ll meet you at the training room on the 15th floor in an hour" Eliana said with a playful smile. She finished her food with surprising speed, flashed an innocent grin at Kai, and walked off, leaving him to ponder her boldness.

    Kai stared after her for a moment, then turned his attention back to his tray. He didn¡¯t want to waste the rest of the food, but he also didn¡¯t want to fight with a full stomach. He flagged down a server, asked for some containers, and packed up the leftovers. With his meal stored away, he returned to his room to prepare.

    ---

    Kevin¡ªor as most called him, Mr. Draco¡ªstood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in his office, his silhouette framed by the sprawling cityscape below. From his vantage point, he could see the entire city and even the barren horizon beyond. His hands were clasped behind his back, his posture rigid as he focused.

    The miner who had come in earlier that morning had delivered news that far surpassed the value of any discovered vein. It was something that should only exist in legends.

    ¡°Mr. Draco,¡± a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. His assistant stood by the door, a stack of reports in her arms.

    ¡°Leave them on the table, thank you,¡± he said, waving a hand without turning. She nodded, setting them down quietly before leaving.

    Kevin''s mind was elsewhere. If the miner¡¯s claims were true¡ªif they aligned with the stories passed down from his father and grandfather¡ªit could mean the resurfacing of something far more important than any resource or power struggle. A secret that, if discovered by the wrong people, could bring about the destruction of humanity itself.

    He took a slow, deep breath, yet his heart continued to race. Kevin prided himself on being unshakable, a man who had seen and controlled much in his lifetime. But the thought of facing the legend sent an uncharacteristic rush of adrenaline through his veins.

    He turned from the window, his expression unreadable. "I¡¯ll just have to see it for myself," he murmured to himself.

    ---

    Kai changed his cloth under a servers instructions and entered the training room, a serene space with polished wooden floors and paper-paneled walls that let in soft, golden light. At its center was a circular sparring stage, slightly elevated and marked with faint concentric rings, surrounded by neatly rolled mats and racks of training weapons.

    Eliana knelt in the middle of the stage, her legs tucked neatly beneath her, eyes closed in meditation. Her posture was straight, her breathing steady, and she seemed completely focused, a calm energy radiating from her that contrasted with her earlier playful demeanor.

    Kai felt a pang of guilt; perhaps he¡¯d judged her too quickly. Still, it didn¡¯t matter now. He would discover the truth of who she really was by testing her skills. Kai was no martial artist, but his years spent surviving on the streets of Velmorra had taught him to fight hard and fight to win. He wasn¡¯t sure if Eliana was ready for that kind of raw, unrestrained combat.

    He stepped into the circle, approaching Eliana. She had removed her makeup, and for the first time, Kai saw her natural face. Without the polish, her features were softer, her freckles visible, and her complexion more human, less doll-like. Her eyes, no longer framed by cosmetics, seemed clearer, more earnest. She looks better this way, Kai thought.

    Eliana sensed Kai¡¯s approach but didn¡¯t open her eyes. ¡°Sit and meditate with me,¡± she said softly. ¡°Clear your mind and just focus on the fight. Don¡¯t think about the prize, don¡¯t think about winning or losing. Just feel your opponent¡ªtry to understand them.¡±

    Kai hesitated, then knelt opposite her. On Velmorra, kneeling was often seen as a sign of defeat, but he recognized this was different¡ªa gesture of mutual respect. He closed his eyes, letting Eliana¡¯s words guide him. What kind of person is Eliana, really? he wondered. His initial impression was of a materialistic girl, preoccupied with appearances. Yet seeing her now, calm and focused in the training room, challenged that assumption. Was she playing a part earlier, or was this just another side of her? The question left him puzzled.

    When he opened his eyes, he found Eliana watching him with a steady gaze.

    She rose gracefully, brushing her hands over her legs. ¡°Ready when you are,¡± she said with a faint smile.

    Kai stood, shaking off his uncertainty, and got into a standard boxing stance. His feet moved in a rhythmic bounce, his body swaying lightly with motion. In contrast, Eliana¡¯s stance was calm and deliberate. She placed one foot forward, her arms raised, hands in a loose, half-fist position. She radiated precision and control, a stark contrast to Kai¡¯s more fluid and reactive approach.

    The match was on.

 6. A Date with Eliana

    Kai lunged forward, using his weight and momentum to his advantage. He wasn¡¯t planning to strike Eliana, but he aimed to overpower her and wrestle her to the ground.

    Eliana watched his approach calmly, as if she had anticipated it. She didn¡¯t dodge or even move her feet. Instead, she simply smiled, her expression almost amused. Kai¡¯s confidence grew as his arms closed in on her wrists.

    Got her, he thought, his smile widening.

    But then her wrist slipped through his grasp as if it wasn¡¯t even there. Kai blinked in disbelief¡ª Eliana hadn¡¯t moved much, yet her body shifted in an instant, almost imperceptibly, to dodge his grip. She was still standing in the same spot, but now his entire side was exposed to her.

    Eliana¡¯s smile widened. Kai had done most of the work for her. With his momentum and poor positioning, all she needed was a well-placed push to send him to the ground.

    Kai¡¯s eyes widened as he realized he¡¯d miscalculated. He felt a familiar burning sensation in his arms and legs, the same odd energy that had coursed through him when piloting the ship. His body responded before his mind caught up. Twisting at the last moment, he redirected his momentum and managed to wrap around Eliana¡¯s waist, pulling her down with him as they fell to the floor.

    Eliana let out a short, surprised yelp as they landed. She had been certain Kai would hit the ground first, yet somehow, he had reversed his trajectory in a way that seemed almost impossible. The reflexes and sheer core strength required to pull off such a move were extraordinary, and it didn¡¯t add up.

    She stared at him, momentarily stunned. Kai didn¡¯t look like someone who had spent years training for moments like this. There was something about him, something she couldn¡¯t quite place.

    Eliana searched Kai¡¯s eyes, looking for some hint of smugness or triumph. But there was none. If anything, he looked just as surprised as she was.

    She scrambled to sit up, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. ¡°How the hell did you manage to do that?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and frustration.

    Kai remained on the ground, staring up at her. ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m not sure. My body just reacted. I guess I got lucky.¡±

    ¡°Again,¡± Eliana demanded, narrowing her eyes. She didn¡¯t believe for a second that it was just luck. Kai was hiding something, and Eliana was determined to figure out what it was.

    She got back on her feet, adjusting her stance. This time, she decided to go on the offensive. She was sure she was faster, more precise. There was no way he could rely on luck twice.

    Kai rose as well, rolling his shoulders as he readied himself. The burning energy coursed through his body again. He took a few deep breaths, calming his mind and focused.

    Eliana made the first move, closing the distance between them in a blur of motion. She launched a quick kick aimed at his midsection. Kai sidestepped it effortlessly, his movements fluid. She followed up with another kick, snapping it toward his legs, but he dodged again, this time even smoother.

    Maybe he recognizes my fighting style, Eliana thought. If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll just switch it up.

    She pivoted back, switching her stance mid-step. Her body language shifted subtly as she transitioned into a different technique, one of several she¡¯d mastered over the years. This time, she intended to keep him guessing, to find the gaps in his defenses and exploit them.

    Kai¡¯s focus didn¡¯t waver. He could feel the rhythm of her movements, the ebb and flow of her attacks. He didn¡¯t recognize her techniques outright, but his body seemed to anticipate them as if guided by an unseen instinct. Whatever was happening to him, it wasn¡¯t just luck¡ªit was something far deeper, something he was only beginning to understand.

    Eliana smirked, launching a feint to test him before moving in with her new approach. Let¡¯s see how you handle this.

    Kai saw Eliana raise her arm, feigning an attack. His instinct told him to dodge, but then he noticed something unusual¡ª a faint, almost imperceptible aura radiating from her opposite leg ¡ª the one she wasn¡¯t actively using. It was subtle, like a ripple in the air, but it told him everything he needed to know.

    In that moment, Kai understood her true intention. The raised arm was a distraction, and the real attack was coming from her leg.

    Without hesitation, his body moved on its own. He raised his leg swiftly, intercepting Eliana¡¯s kick with the side of his shin. The impact echoed through the dojo.

    Eliana¡¯s eyes widened, her carefully planned attack thwarted. ¡°How¡­?¡± she muttered under her breath, momentarily thrown off balance. Kai remained steady, his leg holding firm against hers.

    From Eliana¡¯s perspective, it was as if Kai had read her mind. The way he raised his leg just slightly before her kick connected wasn¡¯t a reaction¡ªit was a prediction. He had anticipated her move with a precision that unnerved her.

    Eliana paused, her breathing steady but her confidence shaken. There was no point in continuing. She had been bested, and she knew it. Sparring further wouldn¡¯t change the outcome.

    Taking a step back, Eliana lowered her head in a deep bow, acknowledging her defeat. Kai returned the gesture respectfully.

    As Eliana straightened, she noticed something for the first time. Kai¡¯s forehead glistened with sweat, his face slightly flushed from the exertion. He loosened the top of his sparring cloth to let in some air. It was then that Eliana''s eyes caught the definition of his physique. The company-issued suit, tailored for elegance and utility, had concealed his strength. Beneath his composed demeanor, Kai was far more formidable than she had imagined.

    For a moment, she stood there, observing him in a new light.

    Kai noticed Eliana staring at him, her gaze lingering longer than he was comfortable with. Embarrassment crept up on him, and he shifted slightly, adjusting his loosened cloth. He had won the match, and that meant his prize was going to be time spent with Eliana¡ªwhatever she had in mind. Yet, at the back of his mind, a flicker of guilt surfaced. How much of that fight was truly me, and how much was because of the strange liquid inside me?

    The thought gnawed at him as he stood there, unsure of what to say. He didn¡¯t want to come across as cocky, nor did he want to downplay her effort. But words failed him as he watched her, seemingly lost in a trance, her expression unreadable.

    For a moment, silence filled the space between them, tension mingling with curiosity and the unspoken questions they both carried.

    Eliana broke the silence, a playful grin spreading across her face. ¡°Guess I have to fulfill my promise,¡± she said, her tone teasing. ¡°But don¡¯t let your dirty mind get all excited. The prize was to spend time with me, not sleep with me. I hope you didn¡¯t misunderstand.¡±

    Kai smirked, deciding to play along. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s exactly what I thought you meant when you said I could get to know you better.¡±

    Eliana chuckled, shaking her head. ¡°Sure thing, Kai.¡±

    Her grin widened, but behind her teasing tone, there was a flicker of intrigue in her eyes.

    ---

    Mr. Draco read through the report, then set it aside with little interest. His company had reached a point where it could thrive even without his constant management. Soon, his daughter would take over the family business, as had been planned by him and her mom.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    His thoughts drifted to the legend passed down through his lineage, a tale of immense danger and responsibility. He had carried the burden of that knowledge for years, and now it was time to pass it on to her.

    ¡°Where is my daughter?¡± he asked aloud, his voice firm.

    From just outside the door, his secretary responded promptly, ¡°She said she wasn¡¯t feeling well and took the rest of the day off, sir.¡±

    Kevin frowned, his annoyance surfacing. ¡°How many times has she done that this week?¡±

    ¡°This is the third time already, sir,¡± the secretary replied.

    ¡°And what did she really do? I don¡¯t believe she simply went home to rest,¡± Kevin said, irritation creeping into his tone. He suspected his daughter¡¯s priorities were far from the business he was grooming her to lead.

    The secretary hesitated for a moment before answering, ¡°Well, sir, she had a meal at the cantina and... um... booked a room at the dojo.¡±

    Kevin¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°The dojo? Who was she training with?¡±

    There was a brief pause. ¡°You¡¯ll find this interesting, sir. Your daughter was training with the miner who came in this morning. I believe his name was Kai.¡±

    ---

    Kai sneezed in the shower, the sound echoing off the tiled walls. He chuckled to himself, wondering if someone was talking about him behind his back. Eliana, maybe? he thought with amusement. She might still be stewing over her loss.

    After drying himself off, he slipped back into the suit, adjusting it to make sure it sat properly. Once ready, he headed out and made his way to the entrance of the dojo, where he leaned casually against the wall, waiting for Eliana.

    He didn¡¯t have to wait long before Eliana stepped out. She was dressed in casual, cropped black hoodie and fitted joggers with sleek lines, paired with simple sneakers. Her Auburn hair was tied back in a practical ponytail, with a few loose strands framing her face, giving her a relaxed appearance.

    Ever since the sparring match with Eliana, Kai felt a growing sense of trust in her. There was something about that physical exchange, the unspoken communication through movement and instinct, that bridged a gap no words could. The Eliana standing before him now felt like a completely different person than the one he had met at the front desk.

    Eliana caught him staring and flushed slightly. She puffed her cheeks and pretended to be annoyed. ¡°What are you staring at?¡± she asked.

    Kai snapped out of his thoughts and quickly apologized. ¡°Sorry, I was just thinking about how different you are now compared to when I first saw you at the front desk.¡±

    Her eyes lit with curiosity, and she leaned in slightly. ¡°Oh? What was your first impression of me?¡± She added with a teasing grin, ¡°Don¡¯t hold back¡ªjust say it.¡±

    Kai hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully. ¡°Well¡­ I thought you were a materialistic girl and wasn¡¯t exactly fond of you.¡±

    Eliana blinked, her blush deepening, but her expression shifted into a mix of amusement and indignation. ¡°Materialistic?¡± she repeated, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Wow, Kai. Way to sweep a girl off her feet.¡±

    Kai raised his hands in defense. ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t know how things worked in the city. I guess it wasn¡¯t that I had something against you personally, but more about my dislike for the lifestyle here. People seem so wasteful. Like the shower towel I used¡ªI only used it once but still had to toss it in the laundry basket.¡±

    Eliana burst out laughing, finding his complaints surprisingly endearing. ¡°No, silly,¡± she said with a chuckle. ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re a personal guest of Mr. Draco. Most people here don¡¯t live in that kind of luxury. And my makeup? That¡¯s just something all the women here use for work.¡±

    She paused thoughtfully before continuing, ¡°Makeup to us is like the mining suit you wear in the mines. It¡¯s a layer of protection. It gives confidence and makes conversations more pleasant for clients.¡±

    Kai nodded slowly, considering her words. ¡°That makes sense,¡± he admitted. Then, with a slight blush, he added, ¡°But honestly, I find you without makeup more attractive.¡±

    His face grew hotter as the words left his mouth, and he quickly looked away.

    Eliana¡¯s cheeks turned pink as well, and she fidgeted with her hair. After a moment, she spoke softly, almost shyly. ¡°Alright... if that¡¯s what you find pleasant, I won¡¯t wear makeup when I¡¯m with you.¡±

    Her words hung in the air, and for a brief moment, neither of them knew what to say.

    Eliana¡¯s stomach rumbled loudly, and she quickly covered it with her hands, her face flushing with embarrassment.

    Kai couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°I knew those tiny portions you ate weren¡¯t going to fill you,¡± he teased with a grin.

    Eliana chuckled, brushing off her embarrassment. ¡°I was just trying to be polite. I didn¡¯t want to scare you with how much I can actually eat.¡±

    Kai smirked, shaking his head. ¡°You don¡¯t have to hold back around me. I¡¯m not that easy to scare.¡±

    Eliana had picked a spot in the city for dinner, a cozy, casual place that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The city truly came alive at night. From their vantage point, Kai could see towering skyscrapers glittering with lights, their reflections shimmering in the glassy surface of a nearby river. Cars zipped through the air in orderly streams, their lights streaking like fireflies. Neon signs from various establishments painted the streets below in vibrant hues of red, blue, and gold. The hustle and bustle felt more subdued, almost serene, under the blanket of city lights.

    They both ordered hearty meals, the portions making Eliana¡¯s earlier lunch seem like an appetizer. As the plates arrived, the aroma made Kai¡¯s stomach growl. He glanced at Eliana and couldn¡¯t help but laugh again. ¡°I think this is more your style.¡±

    ¡°I have an image to maintain at the company, alright?¡± Eliana said, rolling her eyes with a playful grin. ¡°Let¡¯s just eat. The food here is really awesome.¡±

    With that, they dug in, and Kai quickly realized she wasn¡¯t exaggerating. His meat stew was rich and hearty, packed with flavor. The tender chunks of meat, perfectly seasoned broth, and fresh vegetables created a symphony of tastes that was a far cry from the bland energy bars he was used to in the mine. Those bars, with their cardboard-like texture, had been his staple for far too long that he would liked, making this meal feel like a feast.

    He paused briefly, savoring the moment. ¡°You weren¡¯t kidding. This is amazing,¡± he said, glancing at Eliana, who was equally engrossed in her meal.

    After dinner, Kai and Eliana walked along the river that glimmered with reflections of the city lights. The hum of the city was distant, replaced by the soft lapping of water against the banks. Neither spoke at first, letting the serene night wash over them.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to step away,¡± Eliana said softly, glancing at the water. ¡°To just breathe.¡±

    Kai nodded. ¡°Yeah. Makes things feel clearer.¡±

    She turned to him with a small smile. ¡°You¡¯re not what I expected.¡±

    ¡°Neither are you,¡± Kai admitted.

    In that quiet moment, they shared an unspoken understanding, a connection that needed no words. The world seemed simpler here, just for a little while.

    It was a nice moment between the two of them, quiet and unforced. But for some reason, Kai couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were being watched. He subtly glanced around, scanning his surroundings from the corner of his eye. The riverside was lively, filled with people enjoying the night¡ªmostly couples strolling hand in hand, just like them. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, yet the unease in his chest remained.

    Maybe it was just his looks. His white hair and sharp jawline made him stand out, giving him the appearance of someone who had just stepped off a movie set.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Eliana asked, noticing his distracted expression.

    Kai shook his head slightly. ¡°No, sorry,¡± he said. ¡°I just can¡¯t help but feel like we¡¯re being watched.¡±

    Eliana glanced around, her expression growing cautious. Apparently, she felt it too. ¡°Perhaps we should head back,¡± she whispered.

    Kai nodded in agreement, and the two made their way back to the Draco building. Despite the unsettling feeling, the moment didn¡¯t ruin their night. The warmth of their earlier connection lingered, and they walked together in quiet understanding.

    Kai hated to admit it, but he felt a pang of sadness that the evening had ended so abruptly. Still, he was grateful for the time he had spent with Eliana and for the chance to see her true self. He had learned something important¡ªthat people adapt to their environments, and first impressions often hide much more beneath the surface. Never judge a book by its cover, he reminded himself.

    Eliana didn¡¯t say anything at first; she simply leaned in and wrapped her arms around Kai.

    ¡°Thank you for the date,¡± she said softly, her cheeks tinged with a faint rose.

    Kai returned the hug, his voice sincere. ¡°I enjoyed our time together, Eliana. I hope I see you soon.¡±

    Eliana smiled, stepping back. ¡°I¡¯m sure we will,¡± she replied, giving him a small wave as she turned toward the elevator.

    Kai stood there for a moment, charmed, watching as she stepped into the elevator. Just before the doors closed, she waved one last time with a warm smile. He found himself smiling back, even as the elevator carried her out of sight.

    Little did Kai know, Eliana was smiling long after the elevator doors closed. She leaned against the wall, her thoughts swirling. She had never opened her heart to anyone the way she had with Kai. Though they had only just begun to know each other, there was something undeniably special about him.

    Eliana knew her cards well. She was the center of attention for many men at the company¡ªsome drawn to her because of her connection to Mr. Draco, others purely for her looks. But none of that mattered to her. What she craved was someone she could talk to, someone she could spar with and feel at ease around. Kai was perfect.

    He had come out of nowhere, completely unaware of her background. He treated her with respect, not as someone to impress or curry favor with, but as an equal. Handsome, fit, and genuinely kind, he had shown her a side of himself that felt real. And on top of that, he was an incredible fighter. His raw skill, quick reactions, and strength intrigued her, even if his technique lacked polish.

    Thinking about him made her heart race, so much so that she had called it a night earlier than she¡¯d wanted to. She didn¡¯t want to fall too hard, too fast¡ªnot yet.

    As she rode the elevator alone, a small smile lingered on her lips. Soon she will be able to see him again.

 7. A Hint of Danger

    Kai returned to his room, taking a moment to compose himself. The unexpected detour with Eliana had been one of the best experiences he¡¯d had in years, but he reminded himself of the real reason he was here. Tomorrow would be pivotal, a day that could determine whether he could finally leave this barren planet behind.

    He lay down on the soft, luxurious bed, the kind of comfort he wasn¡¯t used to. As he closed his eyes, his thoughts drifted back to Eliana. He forced himself to stop, knowing better than to fall for someone he had just met. For all he knew, he might never see her again.

    Damn it, he thought, realizing he hadn¡¯t even gotten her contact. He cursed himself quietly and turned onto his side. What did she mean when she said she was sure we¡¯d meet again soon?

    Kai didn¡¯t know when sleep overtook him, but the plush bed certainly helped him rest deeply. He woke to find it was just past 5 a.m., the city still quiet in the early morning light. He spent a few minutes soaking in the serene view from his window before heading to the bathroom.

    Looking into the mirror, Kai saw the disheveled state he was in. His hair was a mess, and he hadn¡¯t shaved in over a week. With meeting with Mr. Draco in mind¡ªand the faint hope of possibly running into Eliana again¡ªhe decided to clean himself up. Tying his hair back into a bun, he carefully shaved his beard, watching as the rugged miner in the mirror took on a sharper, more polished look.

    Kai made a simple breakfast and waited for someone to contact him. The call came just as he was placing the last dish in the drying rack. He wiped his hands on a towel and answered.

    Five minutes later, he was in the elevator, heading down to the lobby. Kevin had returned his clothes to him, cleaned and neatly folded. Even the tiny holes in his jacket, something he¡¯d decided to ignore long ago, had been expertly patched up.

    The elevator came to a smooth stop, and the doors slid open. Kai stepped out and immediately focused his gaze on the front desk. A beautiful woman stood there, greeting clients with a polished smile. But his heart sank slightly when he realized it wasn¡¯t Eliana, just another receptionist. Shrugging off the disappointment, he continued toward the exit.

    A car was waiting outside for him. A blackout Astra Eon, a high-end model crafted by the luxury automaker Celes Dynamics, known for their sleek, futuristic designs and unparalleled comfort.

    Kai stepped into the car, only to find Mr. Draco and Eliana sitting across from him. He was taken aback by her presence but masked his surprise. Eliana wore light makeup and her casual sporty attire, her posture relaxed yet composed as she sat beside her father with a pleasant smile on her face.

    ¡°Mr. Draco,¡± Kai greeted, nodding politely.

    ¡°Please, don¡¯t be so formal, Kai,¡± Kevin said with a dismissive wave. The car accelerated smoothly. ¡°Call me Kevin. And by the looks of it, I think you¡¯ve already met my daughter, Eliana.¡±

    Kai blinked, his mind reeling. Daughter? The receptionist Eliana was Kevin¡¯s daughter¡ªthe daughter of the head of Draco Mining, one of the most powerful men on the planet. He turned to Eliana, his expression frozen in disbelief.

    Eliana was the first to break the silence. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Kai,¡± she said softly, her voice earnest. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to hide it from you. I just didn¡¯t want you to see me differently because of who my father is. I really enjoyed our time together.¡±

    As she spoke, any irritation Kai might have felt melted away. Her sincerity disarmed him, and he realized that if he were in her position, he would have done the same. Life in the city, especially one so tied to power and influence, was far more complicated than his own.

    ¡°That¡¯s alright, Eliana,¡± Kai replied with a smile. ¡°I understand.¡±

    Kevin, observing their interaction, spoke with a neutral tone. ¡°Eliana insisted on coming along for this trip into the mine. She¡¯s quite fond of you, Kai.¡±

    Kai glanced at Eliana, whose cheeks flushed slightly at her father¡¯s words, and he found himself smiling again. This trip was already shaping up to be more interesting than he had expected.

    Kai stepped out of the Astra Eon, shielding his eyes from the glaring sunlight. As his vision adjusted, the sight before him was nothing short of breathtaking.

    "Welcome to the BlackSwan" Eliana said behind Kai.

    On the landing pad stood a massive luxury starship, its design an intricate blend of sharp, angular ridges and smooth, elegant curves. The metallic hull gleamed in the sunlight, a stunning combination of polished silver and subtle gold accents that seemed almost alive as they reflected the desert light.

    The ship¡¯s rear ramp extended to the ground, where crews worked diligently to load supplies. Crates of various sizes were being carried up by workers that wear EXO-suits and loaded with precision, while small drones zipped back and forth, delivering additional cargo. The rhythmic clanking of equipment and the occasional hum of engines filled the air.

    Set against the stark red sand of the barren desert and the vast blue sky above, the starship looked like a masterpiece of engineering. It was everything Kai could have asked for in a starship¡ªelegant yet practical, with a professional crew working seamlessly to prepare it for departure. He had dreamed of boarding a ship like this for as long as he could remember, and now, that dream had finally come true.

    Eliana watched as Kai inspected the ship, his eyes darting across its surface, taking in every detail as if he didn¡¯t want to miss a single thing. She chuckled softly at how endearing he looked, like a child unwrapping a long-awaited birthday gift. She stood beside him, waiting patiently while her father engaged in conversation with the ship¡¯s commander nearby.

    Kai finally turned to her, his eyes glistening with excitement. The joy on his face was unmistakable, and Eliana couldn¡¯t help but smile back, sensing that he wanted to share this moment with her.

    ¡°Just wait until you see the inside,¡± she teased, her voice light and playful.

    Eliana wasn¡¯t lying. As soon as the crew finished loading the last of the supplies and boarded the ship, Kai followed her inside and was immediately awestruck. The interior was a seamless continuation of the ship¡¯s elegant yet functional design. The walls were lined with sleek, polished metal accented by panels of real wood¡ªa rare and luxurious commodity on Drakmoor. Soft, recessed lighting cast a warm glow, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship of the ship¡¯s corridors and rooms. The space was vast, far larger than Kai expected, with high ceilings and a layout that balanced practicality with comfort. Every facility he could imagine was here: even including a fully equipped gym, a small pool with shimmering water, and lounges furnished with plush seating that seemed to invite relaxation. It was a self-contained world, built for both efficiency and indulgence.

    Kevin led Kai and Eliana to the bridge, his voice steady with pride. ¡°Welcome to the brain of the ship,¡± he said, gesturing to the space around them. At the front, a massive viewport stretched from floor to ceiling, offering an unobstructed view of the horizon and providing the pilot with unparalleled visibility. Just behind the pilot¡¯s seat was the commander¡¯s station, slightly elevated to oversee all operations. To the left and right were the engineering and gunner seats, with state-of-the-art controls. The engineering station monitored the ship¡¯s systems, while the gunner seat controlled the weaponry remotely. Everything was carefully designed and customized to perfection."Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Kai was captivated by all things on the bridge. Every detail brought his childhood dream one step closer to reality. If it weren¡¯t for the meeting, he would have chosen to stay on the bridge for the entire duration of the flight.

    Not long after takeoff, four people sat around a round table in the ship¡¯s meeting room. The hum of the ship¡¯s engines provided a low background melody as they ascended into the sky. Commander Grayson, a towering man with an impressive build and a beard so thick and majestic it could rival the men of the warrior tribes on Tarnaxis, sat at the head of the table. The other three were Kevin, Kai, and Eliana, each taking their seats as the meeting began.

    Commander Grayson spoke first, his voice firm and direct. ¡°Two days ago, a ship from the Federation landed on Drakmoor. Several ambassadors held a meeting with Governor Railey to discuss the possibility of a future conflict with the Empire, seeking her loyalty in what they see as an inevitable war.¡± He paused briefly, his serious gaze sweeping the room. ¡°We all know that a war between the two factions is only a matter of time. The Emperor¡¯s goal of uniting humanity under one banner has been a controversial topic for decades.¡±

    Kevin leaned forward, his tone calm but resolute. ¡°Governor Railey contacted me last night for my opinion. I¡¯ve pledged my support for her decision to side with the Federation. The Emperor is a tyrant who takes far more than he gives.¡± He glanced meaningfully at Kai, his words heavy with unspoken acknowledgment.

    Kai nodded slowly, understanding the weight of Kevin¡¯s reference. The invasion of Velmorra¡ªthe reason Kai had fled his home in the first place¡ªwas a stark reminder of the Empire¡¯s ruthless ambition. His dislike for the Empire ran deep.

    Commander Grayson continued, his tone growing graver. ¡°Our biggest problem is Drakmoor¡¯s location. By this time next year, the star systems¡¯ rotation will align our planet with Denzov-II in the Gnonoe System, creating a perfect jump point into federation territory. Recent heat signatures from that sector indicate a rally of at least four capital-sized vessels accompanied by support fleets.¡±

    Eliana drew in a sharp breath. ¡°We couldn¡¯t possibly fight back against a force like that. What is the Federation planning to do?¡±

    Grayson¡¯s expression remained steady. ¡°The Federation has promised a response force of similar size. Their plan is to intercept and drive the Empire¡¯s fleet away before they reach Drakmoor¡¯s orbit.¡±

    Kevin exchanged a weighted look with Grayson before turning to Kai. There was a shift in the room¡¯s atmosphere, and Kai felt uneasiness wash over him.

    ¡°Kai,¡± Kevin began, his voice slower and more deliberate. ¡°The information you brought me about the lost ship¡ªit wasn¡¯t news to me.¡± He paused, letting the words sink in. ¡°I owe you an apology for not telling you the full truth before. But my daughter¡¯s approval of you has convinced me that you¡¯re someone trustworthy. So, I¡¯ll tell you everything now.¡±

    Kai glanced at Eliana, searching her face for answers. She caught his gaze and mouthed the words: ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    "I¡¯ve already told Eliana," Kevin said, his tone grave, "and now I¡¯ll pass down our family¡¯s secret to you." He leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "There¡¯s a legend that¡¯s been passed down through generations in the Draco family. It tells of a ship buried deep beneath the rocks of Drakmoor¡ªa ship that could hold the key to unimaginable change. And I believe the ship you found might be the one."

    Kai frowned, his skepticism apparent. ¡°If it¡¯s that important, then why not use deep ground scanners to find it earlier? Surely, with your resources¡ª¡±

    Kevin raised a hand, cutting him off gently. ¡°Because the legend warns us of what happens when it¡¯s found,¡± he explained, his voice steady. ¡°The day it¡¯s unearthed is said to bring change to the universe. The ship you found, if it is the one, must be protected at all costs. And so must the person who finds it.¡±

    Kai¡¯s expression darkened as he considered Kevin¡¯s words. ¡°What kind of secrets would be so important?¡±

    Kevin shook his head. ¡°Nobody knows. The legend never explained what secrets the ship holds. That¡¯s why I wanted to visit the mine myself.¡±

    Kai nodded, his mind racing as he recalled the notebook he had taken from the buried ship. He was ready to share his own discovery. Reaching into his pocket, he was abruptly interrupted by a blaring alarm that echoed through the ship¡¯s hull.

    Commander Grayson was the first to react, bolting to his feet and rushing out of the room. The others quickly followed, their footsteps pounding against the metal floor as they hurried to the bridge.

    The moment they entered, the tension in the air was palpable. The engineer turned in his seat, his face grim. ¡°We were cruising at a steady speed,¡± he explained, his voice steady but urgent, ¡°when an unknown ship locked onto us. They must have been cloaked because there was no sign of them on our scanners until the lock-on warning triggered.¡±

    Commander Grayson stepped forward, barking orders. ¡°Evasive maneuvers! Prepare countermeasures!¡± He turned to the gunner. ¡°Get weapons systems online, now!¡±

    The pilot¡¯s hands flew over the controls as the ship shuddered violently. ¡°They¡¯ve fired! Brace for impact!¡± he shouted, the screen lighting up with red indicators tracking an incoming missile. The crew moved with precision, but the element of surprise had put them at a dangerous disadvantage.

    Eliana grabbed Kai¡¯s hand, her grip tight. Kai could feel her nervousness and instinctively wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as they both braced themselves.

    ¡°Weapons systems online, shields at one hundred percent,¡± the engineer reported, his voice steady despite the tension.

    ¡°Intercept the missile, and scramble their lock.¡± Commander Grayson ordered sharply.

    The gunner was already in action, seated at his station with a VR goggle strapped over his eyes. A wire connected his helmet to the ceiling, feeding his view directly to the display in front of Commander Grayson. On the screen, Kai could see what the gunner was seeing¡ªa missile streaking toward them, closing the gap with alarming speed.

    ¡°Missile inbound.¡± the gunner announced, pausing briefly before continuing, ¡° Chaff launched. Ivan, evasive maneuvers now.¡±

    Kai felt the ship lurch as gravity shifted momentarily, then stabilized as the ship¡¯s artificial gravity generator adjusted. The ship banked hard to the right, pulling into a sharp turn. Despite the evasive maneuver, Kai was impressed by how smoothly the ship handled for its size.

    A bright flash and a muffled explosion erupted behind them. For a brief moment, Kai thought they¡¯d been hit. But a glance at Commander Grayson¡¯s calm expression, and the faint grin tugging at his lips¡ªtold him otherwise. The chaff had worked, successfully diverting the missile.

    ¡°They¡¯ve lost the element of surprise,¡± Grayson said, his voice calm but commanding. ¡°Robert, get me a lock on their ship.¡±

    ¡°Roger,¡± Robert, the gunner, replied. His hands moved deftly over the controls, and the display on Grayson¡¯s screen shifted as the view swiveled to follow their attacker. At first, there was only a small black dot in the distance. Then, as Robert zoomed in, the attacking ship came into focus.

    It was a small, sleek craft shaped like a triangle, darting through the air with stunning speed. Vapor trails streaked behind its wingtips as it maneuvered to stay on their tail. Kai¡¯s sharp eyes recognized it instantly.

    ¡°A stealth bomber from Corsair Industry,¡± he muttered, his tone grim. ¡°Popular with pirates and PMCs.¡±

    Eliana glanced at him. ¡°What do you know about it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fast and agile,¡± Kai explained, his voice low but steady. ¡°It carries an impressive missile payload, but its hull is paper-thin. It relies on stealth and boom-and-zoom tactics¡ªsurprise, strike, and vanish. If we can lock onto it, it won¡¯t last in a head-to-head fight.¡±

    Commander Grayson nodded slightly, overhearing Kai¡¯s assessment. His focus remained fixed on the display. ¡°Let¡¯s see if they can handle being on the other side of the hunt.¡±

    Robert, the gunner, leaned into his controls with a confident smirk. ¡°Teresa, decode and send me the signature of that ship. I¡¯m going to give it a little gift.¡±

    ¡°Already done,¡± Teresa replied, her own smirk matching his.

    Kai¡¯s attention was glued to the gunner¡¯s display. He watched as a small object ejected from the rear of their ship¡ªa countermeasure with a very specific purpose. The attacker had made a critical mistake, Kai realized. It should never have lingered in pursuit against a ship like the Black Swan. Perhaps they had assumed the ship was unarmed, or their pilot was simply too inexperienced to execute the hit-and-run tactics required.

    As expected, the pursuing ship broke through Teresa¡¯s jamming and fired a second missile. But it was too late. The ¡°gift¡± Robert had sent out reached proximity of the attacker and released a powerful burst of electromagnetic energy. The attacking ship¡¯s systems sputtered, and its maneuvers ceased as its computers were fried. The once-agile craft drifted in the sky, a sitting target. The missle lost its guidance and flew aimlessly towards space.

    ¡°Sir, we have a lock!¡± Robert said, his voice brimming with excitement.

    ¡°Fire,¡± Commander Grayson ordered, his tone calm and final.

    The bridge fell silent for a moment as the gunner executed the command. The bright explosion lit up the distant sky, the remains of the attacking ship scattering in all directions.

    The immediate danger had passed, but the tension in the room lingered. The crew exchanged puzzled glances, the same question on everyone¡¯s mind: who had sent the attacker, and why?

    ¡°Sir,¡± Teresa¡¯s voice cut through the heavy silence on the bridge, sharp and filled with urgency. ¡°We¡¯ve lost contact with the mine.¡±

 8. Under Attack

    Jeremain stood outside the mine, squinting against the harsh sunlight as he scanned the western horizon. The boss was scheduled to visit today, and something about it weighed on his mind. Whatever had piqued Mr. Draco¡¯s interest must have been important. Perhaps a new vein.

    He thought of Kai, wondering if the kid had finally struck something big. He hadn¡¯t seen him for two days, and maybe he¡¯d gone to the city to report his findings. Jeremain smiled faintly. Kai was a bright young man ¡ªhardworking, sharp, and never the type to complain. If anyone was going to make a fortune, he wished it would be him.

    Jeremain¡¯s eyes caught a thin plume of dust in the distance, trailing low across the red sand. His brows furrowed. There shouldn¡¯t be anything out there, no scheduled shipments, no patrols. Probably some rich fool out on a joy ride, he thought, but protocol was protocol. He lifted his handheld radio, speaking into it.

    ¡°Hey, this is Jeremain. I¡¯ve got unknown vehicles on the horizon, westbound. Can you confirm?¡±

    No reply, only a faint buzz came out of the radio¡¯s speaker. He tried again. Still nothing. Jeremain swore under his breath. ¡°Damn thing¡¯s broken again,¡± he muttered, stomping back down the ramp to the mine entrance. He knocked sharply on the heavy gate with the side of his fist. The door cracked open, and a gravelly voice came through.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a group of vehicles kicking up sand out west. Can you check radar? My radio¡¯s dead.¡±

    ¡°One sec¡­¡± The voice paused, then came back, puzzled. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not showing up on radar. That¡¯s strange.¡±

    Jeremain frowned and headed back up the ramp. The vehicles were much closer now¡ªthey were coming in fast. He raised his rifle and peered through the 4x scope. First he saw the few dune buggies sped across the sand, their small frames bouncing over the uneven terrain. However it was the vehicle in the middle that sent a chill down his spine, it was an armored personnel carrier with a mounted turret. The barrel of the turret flashed a couple times as he watched.

    Jeremain¡¯s brain barely had time to register what he was seeing before the sound hit him¡ªfour sharp whooshes cut through the air, and small explosions erupted behind him. Sand and debris kicked up violently as the rounds hit. Then he heard the unmistakable sound of large caliber gun fires.

    They¡¯re shooting at me! The realization hit hard, and his instincts took over. He fired a few shots back, though he knew they wouldn¡¯t land at this distance. Then he turned and bolted for the gate.

    ¡°Sound the alarm!¡± he bellowed, sprinting down the ramp. ¡°We¡¯re under attack! Sound the alarm!¡±

    The heavy gate groaned open, and Jeremain rushed inside as a handful of guards emerged with rifles and rockets. They sprinted past him, taking up positions along the ramp. Jeremain joined them, his breathing heavy as he ducked into cover.

    They opened fire together, using the slight downward ramp as their advantage. Jeremain aimed through his scope again, targeting one of the fast-moving dune buggies. He fired a burst, and to his surprise, a lucky shot struck the driver. The man tumbled from his seat, his body rolling and bouncing like a toy across the sand as the buggy veered off course.

    Jeremain barely had time to process his hit before the APC¡¯s turret fired again. A stream of heavy rounds slammed into the ground around them, forcing him and the others to duck behind cover as dust and sand rained down.

    ---

    ¡°The mine isn¡¯t responding to our hailing, sir,¡± Teresa said, her hands still flying over the console as she worked to re-establish contact. ¡°I think their signal is being blocked.¡±

    Commander Grayson¡¯s frown deepened. The attack on their ship no longer felt like a simple assassination attempt from a rival. This had the makings of a coordinated assault, and he had a feeling that it connected to the buried ship.

    ¡°What about their secured channel?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Already tried, sir, no response.¡± Teresa replied without looking up.

    ¡°Could the attacker be jamming the signal using a short range jammer?¡± Robert asked, taking off his VR goggles and setting them aside.

    ¡°Very likely, if so I hope the guards do their jobs defending the mine.¡± Grayson answered, his tone grim. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll have to see for ourselves when we get there. Teresa, keep the shields up. Robert, stay ready for another attack.¡±

    ¡°Well then,¡± Robert said as he slipped his goggles back on.

    Kai suddenly realized he was still holding Eliana close. He quickly moved his hand away, and the two of them exchanged an awkward glance before pretending as if nothing had happened.

    ¡°Who else might know our secret?¡± Eliana asked, her voice laced with confusion.

    ¡°Actually,¡± Kai interjected, his tone measured as he recalled the strange encounter in the mine, ¡°I think someone else does know about the buried ship.¡±

    His words grabbed everyone¡¯s attention, and all eyes turned to him. Commander Grayson leaned forward slightly, his expression skeptical. ¡°Go on¡­¡±

    Kai nodded. ¡°Just before I found the buried ship, I was attacked by two men. At first, I thought they were just other pioneers trying to steal the mineral vein I thought I¡¯d discovered. But one of them said something odd¡ªthat I¡¯d found what they were looking for. And¡­¡± Kai paused, choosing his words carefully. ¡°One of them had a tattoo.¡±

    ¡°What kind of tattoo?¡± Eliana asked, her curiosity piqued.

    ¡°Three dots arranged in a triangle,¡± Kai said plainly, the memory still fresh in his mind.

    The room fell silent as everyone turned toward Kevin. If anyone knew the meaning of the tattoo, it would be him¡ªthe one entrusted with the legend. Kevin, however, shook his head, his expression as puzzled as everyone else¡¯s.

    ¡°That¡¯s not something I¡¯ve heard of,¡± Kevin admitted, his tone serious.

    His response only deepened the mystery, leaving the room in a tense silence once again. Whatever was happening, it was clear the legend of the buried ship might not have stayed as secret as they had believed.

    They were close to the mine now, and Kai could almost make out the entrance on the horizon. The ship flew fast and low, hugging the ground to avoid being locked onto by potential threats. Kai clenched his fists, his knuckles white. More than once, he was certain they were about to crash, but Ivan, the pilot, always pulled up just in time, the ship missing the earth by mere meters and kicking up massive walls of dust in its wake. Watching Ivan fly sparked something in Kai¡ªhis hands unconsciously mimicked the pilot''s movements, as though he was the one at the controls.

    ¡°Unknown vehicles at the mine site,¡± Teresa reported, her voice sharp and focused.

    ¡°Hold fire for now,¡± Commander Grayson ordered.

    ¡°Roger,¡± Robert responded, his hands steady on the turret controls. The display tracked one of the vehicles below¡ªa heavily armored personnel carrier circling the mine entrance. A few dune buggies darted across the screen momentarily, their small frames quick but exposed their passengers. The APC fired sporadically at the entrance, bursts of weapon fire sparking as it aimed for clear shots. From the mine, return fire pinged off the APC¡¯s thick armor, leaving nothing but a trail of sparks in its wake. The mine was clearly under attack. Stolen novel; please report.

    Shoot them, Kai thought instinctively, his jaw tightening.

    ¡°Awaiting orders, sir,¡± Robert said, his eagerness barely contained as he tracked the APC¡¯s movements.

    Commander Grayson turned to Kevin, the legal owner of the mine. Kevin gave back a silent nod.

    ¡°Fire,¡± Grayson commanded.

    Robert didn¡¯t hesitate. He pulled the trigger, and a short burst of rounds thundered out from the ship¡¯s underbelly turret. The rounds tore through the air, some missing their target and kicking up plumes of red dust, but others struck true. The APC disappeared momentarily behind a cloud of debris and dirt, and when the dust cleared, it had slowed to a halt, smoke rising faintly from its punctured armor.

    Nice shot, Kai thought, impressed. Hitting a moving target while the ship was also in motion was no easy task.

    Robert pumped his fist in the air triumphantly, and Kai caught a glimpse of Commander Grayson nodding in silent approval.

    ¡°Deal with the remaining vehicles,¡± Grayson ordered, his voice steady.

    ¡°On it,¡± Robert replied, already shifting his aim to track the skittering dune buggies below. The ship¡¯s guns fired again.

    ---

    Jeremain continued firing, his hands steady despite the chaos around him. Guards fell one after another under the relentless assault. The APC moved in a maddening circle, too fast for their rockets to land a clean hit. A fresh wave of pain shot up his leg, and he instinctively looked down. A steady stream of blood trickled down his suit, pooling around the edge of his leg armor. One of the troops on a buggy had hit him. Jeremain gritted his teeth, fired off a few more shots, and reached for a spare magazine¡ªonly to grab an empty pocket.

    Out of ammo.

    Beside him, a guard dropped to his knees, hefting a rocket launcher onto his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ve got this,¡± the man muttered, eyes fixed on the APC as it circled back around. Before he could line up the shot, the turret on the APC roared to life again, spewing a burst of gunfire that shredded the dirt around them. Both men ducked low, and in the panic, the guard squeezed the trigger. The rocket launched, but instead of hitting its target, it streaked skyward in a useless arc.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± the guard cursed, his voice laced with desperation. ¡°That was our last one.¡±

    Jeremain¡¯s stomach sank as he peeked over the rampart. The APC must somehow realized they were out of heavy ordnance because it now charged straight at them, turret blazing. The roar of gunfire was deafening, and Jeremain¡¯s mind raced. This is it, he thought grimly. We¡¯re done for.

    Then it happened.

    Jeremain blinked in disbelief as the APC sputtered to a halt, its hull shredded under a barrage of gunfire. He looked to the western sky, and there it was¡ªThe Black Swan. Its massive frame loomed low over the horizon, engines thundering like a storm rolling in. The ship executed a stunning J-hook maneuver, shifting its weight to kill its momentum and sweep into a tight circle above them.

    Jeremain could feel the vibrations rumble through his chest as the underbelly turret opened fire again.

    Thump, thump, thump.

    The gunner¡¯s aim was ruthless, tracking the dune buggies as they swerved and scattered like ants. A burst of rounds ripped through one, flipping it violently before it exploded in a flash of fire. Another tried to make a break for it, but it didn¡¯t get far¡ªtwo quick bursts turned it into a smoking wreck.

    Jeremain let out a shaky breath, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. The Black Swan had turned the battlefield into a graveyard in mere moments.

    Slumping back against the ramp, Jeremain wiped the sweat from his brow and let the tension drain from his shoulders. They¡¯d held out long enough, just barely, and the Black Swan had come through. Damn, that gunner¡¯s good, he thought, a new sense of hope swelling in his chest.

    ---

    The Black Swan did a couple more circles before lowering to the ground near the entrance to the ramp. A small elevator descended, carrying Kevin, Eliana, and Kai. As soon as Kai¡¯s boots hit the sand, he bolted toward the mine, kicking up dust with every step.

    Kai spotted the guard who had helped him the other day. The man¡¯s leg was bleeding, and a few guards lay on the ground nearby¡ªsome too far gone to be saved.

    ¡°Kai! I knew you¡¯d be the one to make it big,¡± the guard said, trying to stand up to greet him.

    Kai stopped in front of him, quickly inspecting the wound. ¡°Don''t move, you are hurt. You¡¯ll be fine though. The bullet went right through. Come on, let me help you to the medical room before you lose too much blood,¡± Kai said, sliding an arm under the guard¡¯s shoulders to help him up.

    Kevin and Eliana were close behind. Kevin took one look at the chaotic scene and immediately took command. He organized the remaining guards, sending some to help the wounded and others to the Black Swan for treatment.

    Eliana caught up with Kai, and together they helped Jeremain into the medical room, carefully easing him onto a bed.

    "I''m okay, kid. You and your girlfriend should go check on the rest," Jeremain said with a forced smile, trying to lighten the mood.

    Eliana and Kai both blushed and exchanged glances but said nothing.

    "Take care...." Kai paused, he had never gotten the man¡¯s name.

    "Jeremain"

    "Take care of yourself, Jeremain." Kai said.

    Kai patted Jeremain gently on the shoulder, then turned to leave with Eliana.

    Kevin entered the room just as they stepped out. The three met up in the hallway, and Kevin spoke first. ¡°I have news. The crew of the Black Swan detected a life signal in the wrecked APC, we¡¯ve got a live one.¡±

    Kai and Eliana shared a look, both immediately understanding the importance of this. Together, they followed Kevin as he led the way toward the destroyed APC.

    A small group of mine guards was already there, standing near the smoldering wreck. Kai watched as two of them dragged a man out of the back of the APC and threw him roughly onto the sand. The man groaned, his head bleeding slightly but otherwise unhurt.

    One of the guards shouted something, his voice filled with anger, and another stepped forward, pointing his gun at the man¡¯s head.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Kevin¡¯s voice boomed with authority, cutting through the chaos.

    The guards immediately straightened, their expressions shifting to guilt and discipline. ¡°Mr. Draco!¡± one of them stammered, lowering his weapon. The group fell into line, standing rigidly as Kevin approached.

    Kevin turned his attention to the man sprawled on the sand. The stranger¡¯s breathing was shallow, and his eyes darted around nervously. Kevin studied him for a moment, then spoke calmly but firmly.

    There was something strange about the man''s face, but Kai couldn¡¯t quite figure out what it was. The man wasn¡¯t odd or unattractive¡ªjust different. His features were sharp and refined, his cheekbones higher than Kai was used to seeing, and his eyes were slightly narrower, with a focused intensity that felt unreadable. It wasn¡¯t unsettling, just¡­ unique.

    ¡°Let me talk to him first,¡± Kevin ordered, stepping closer. He crouched slightly, meeting the man¡¯s wary gaze. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    "Why should I tell you? Aren''t you going to kill me anyway?" the man on the ground said through gritted teeth, his voice dripping with defiance.

    Kai noticed it immediately¡ªthe tattoo on the man¡¯s neck. Three circles arranged in a triangle. The same symbol as the one he¡¯d seen in the mine.

    ¡°What does the tattoo mean?¡± Kai asked, his voice calm but firm.

    The man¡¯s gaze snapped up to him, eyes burning with something between pride and hatred. ¡°It means our home.¡±

    ¡°What home?¡± Kai pressed, puzzled.

    Instead of answering, the man sneered and turned his attention to Kevin. ¡°What¡¯s that fancy ship of yours called, rich guy?¡±

    ¡°The Black Swan,¡± Kevin replied, his voice measured, though his irritation was rising.

    ¡°And do you know what a swan is?¡± the man asked, his lips curling into a crooked, mocking smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a saying, isn¡¯t it?¡± Eliana spoke up, her brow furrowed. ¡°A black swan means something rare and special.¡±

    The man¡¯s laughter exploded into the air, harsh and hysterical, echoing across the quiet battlefield. His shoulders shook as if he¡¯d heard the greatest joke in the universe.

    ¡°No,¡± he spat, his voice thick with scorn. ¡°You don¡¯t understand shit because you don¡¯t even know what a swan is. You¡¯ve never seen one before. You have been living under a lie! Just like you don¡¯t know what¡¯s buried in that mine. You¡¯re not a True Kin ¡ªnot like us.¡±

    Kevin stepped forward, his face dark with anger. ¡°What¡¯s a true kin? What are you talking about?¡±

    The man¡¯s expression twisted again, his eyes wild. ¡°That, you will find out soon enough.¡±

 9. Together

    Kai could breathe the toxic air in the mine, a strange ability he gain after the liquid transformed his body. A secret that he decided to hide from his new found friends.

    Kai put on his mining gear and twisted his helmet until it locked in place with a reassuring click. It had been two days since he last went down into the mine, but this time he wasn¡¯t alone. Eliana and Kevin stood beside him, both wearing suits that were noticeably more advanced than his. The sleek designs and reinforced plating of their equipment made Kai¡¯s rugged mining gear look outdated by comparison.

    The cultists from True Kin had leave them with more questions than answers, which gave them motivations to visit the buried ship as soon as they could.

    Kai gave Eliana a thumbs-up, which she returned with a confident nod. Together, the three stepped into the lift.

    The mine had been temporarily cleared to ensure the secrecy of the buried ship. Naturally, the miners weren¡¯t happy about it, but Kevin¡ªMr. Draco, as many called him¡ªhad smoothed things over by offering free transport and accommodations at a larger mine nearby. It wasn¡¯t ideal, but it was enough to settle the complaints.

    The elevator descended steadily into the mine shaft, the faint hum of the gears and pulleys filling the silence. Kai leaned against the railing, his mind wandering back to the words of the captured man. ¡°You are not a True Kin, not like us.¡± What had he meant? The phrase gnawed at Kai, making him uneasy.

    He thought about the notebook tucked safely in his pack¡ªinformation that hinted at a mysterious, powerful faction called the US. If the records were accurate, they had controlled over 50 star systems. That was enough power to rival both the Empire and the Federation combined. How could a force that significant be erased from any data base?

    ¡°What do you think a swan is?¡± Eliana asked, her voice pulling him out of his thoughts.

    Kai turned his head toward her. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± he admitted. ¡°I think it¡¯s an object or maybe an animal, or a plant. Like a flower that¡¯s usually white but, with a rare mutation, turns black.¡±

    Eliana¡¯s eyes lit up with curiosity. ¡°I think so too,¡± she agreed, before glancing toward her father.

    Kevin stood silently in the corner of the elevator, his eyes closed, breathing deeply. It was clear to Kai that Kevin was lost in his own thoughts. To Kevin, the buried ship had always been part of an old family legend¡ªsomething passed down through generations but never believed to come true. Even before this trip, Kai could sense Kevin¡¯s skepticism. But the attack on the mine changed everything. Now, as they descended deeper, Kevin was moments away from coming face to face with the truth.

    The lift stopped, and the door slid open slowly. The tunnel ahead was just as dark and foreboding as Kai remembered. Without hesitation, he led the way, their headlamps slicing through the darkness and illuminating the rough, uneven walls of the mine.

    Kai felt a hand suddenly grab his arm. He stopped and turned to see Eliana clutching him, her expression grim and uneasy. She silently pointed deeper into the tunnel. Kai followed her gesture and saw it¡ªa body slumped against the tunnel wall, its mining suit caked in dirt and dust.

    Kai sighed softly. He had forgotten that for someone like Eliana, a dead body wasn¡¯t something you simply walked past. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ normal down here,¡± he explained quietly. ¡°There¡¯s no law, no oversight. If things go south, people don¡¯t make it out. It happens more than you¡¯d think.¡±

    Eliana didn¡¯t look convinced. Her gaze shifted to her father, narrowing with quiet blame. Kevin, who had been trailing slightly behind, caught her stare and exchanged a quick look with Kai. Both men shrugged, as if to say ¡°That¡¯s just how it is.¡±

    The three pressed on, venturing deeper and deeper into the tunnels. The air grew cooler, and the silence was only broken by the faint crunch of their boots against the ground. They paused only briefly for water and to catch their breath before continuing.

    And finally, the white hull of the buried ship came into view, its smooth surface a stark contrast against the rough rock surrounding it.

    Kevin saw it too. His eyes widened, and he pushed past Kai without a word. In his excitement, he didn¡¯t even seem to register the dead bodies strewn across the ground. Eliana, however, stopped, her expression turning grim again. She glanced at Kai, silently questioning him.

    ¡°Yeah, these are the two that attacked me,¡± Kai said casually, as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.

    Eliana opened her mouth as if to say something, but after a moment, she closed it. She turned away to join her father, who was already inspecting the hull like a man possessed.

    Kai followed behind them, watching as Kevin inspected every inch of the exposed hull, his hands trailing over the metal as if he were afraid to miss even the smallest detail. He moved with reverence, while Eliana trailed after him, her gaze darting between her father and the ancient, mysterious starship before them.

    "This is fascinating," Kevin said as he slowly stepped into the ship, moving carefully to avoid damaging the instrument panels embedded in the "floor". Eliana and Kai followed close behind, their headlamps casting long, shifting shadows across the metallic walls.

    Kai had been here just two days ago, but he hadn¡¯t taken time to explore the entire ship. He¡¯d been drawn straight to the light. Now, on his second visit, he noticed details he¡¯d missed before.

    The ship was covered with strange symbols etched onto buttons and panels. Most were completely unfamiliar to him, but their placement and design gave him a vague sense of their functions. Some looked like navigation controls; others, he guessed, were related to power systems or communications.

    Kevin moved ahead into what appeared to be the ship¡¯s main hall. The moment he entered, he froze, his gaze landing on the figure sprawled on the floor. It was the body Kai had found before¡ªlaying still with its heavy, unfamiliar space suit.

    Kevin approached cautiously, kneeling beside it to examine the suit more closely. His gloved hand traced the faded emblem on the arm. "This material... it¡¯s like nothing I¡¯ve ever seen," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.

    Kai stood nearby, watching as Kevin inspected the body. Eliana lingered close to the doorway, her arms wrapped around herself as she stared at the lifeless figure. "Who were they?" she asked quietly, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and unease.

    "That was the captain of the ship," Kai said, his voice breaking the tense silence. "A member of the USSF."

    Kevin and Eliana both turned to him.

    "USSF?" Kevin repeated, his brows furrowing.

    Kai nodded and stepped closer. "I found a notebook here the last time. It was his diary¡­ he wrote about their daily life aboard the ship. But he also wrote something else." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "They were running from something. Something that was hunting their people."

    The weight of his words seemed to settle heavily in the air. Kevin stood up slowly, his gaze lingering on the body as if searching for answers. Eliana''s face paled, her arms tightening around herself.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    "What could hunt them?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

    Kevin glanced at Kai, his eyes sharp with newfound urgency. "Did the diary say what it was?"

    Kai shook his head. "No, it just said they buried their signal and hoped it wouldn¡¯t find them. Whatever it was¡­ it terrified them enough to abandon everything and entomb this ship here."

    Kevin exchanged a look with Eliana, his face unusually grim. "Did you found anything else in the ship?"

    "Yes," Kai said, his voice low and uncertain. "It''s... it''s a liquid of some kind. Intelligent. It escaped the container and... and infected my body." He forced the words out, feeling a tightness in his throat. Then, he took off his helmet, and slowly breath in the toxic air of the mine.

    Kevin froze, his expression shifting as the weight of the truth hit him. For a moment, anger surged through him. The secret of the buried ship, the very thing his family might have sworn for generations to protect, was now living inside Kai. Kevin''s sharp gaze lingered on Kai''s white hair and glowing eyes, both indication for changes in his body.

    "You knew about this?" Kevin said, his voice laced with restrained tension.

    "I didn¡¯t know what it was," Kai replied, meeting his gaze with guilt in his eyes. "I didn¡¯t understand the scope of it all. I didn¡¯t mean to hide it from you. I¡¯m sorry¡­ Mr. Kevin, Eliana."

    Eliana stepped forward and stood in front of Kai, her face a mix of shock and concern, but she said nothing, she simply held Kai''s hand and comforted him.

    Kevin took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. A fallout with Kai right now would be reckless and unwise. This wasn¡¯t Kai¡¯s fault¡ªhe had been dragged into something far bigger than himself, and Kevin could see the burden weighing on him.

    Finally, Kevin exhaled, his tone softer. "You should visit the Black Swan¡¯s medical bay once we¡¯re done here. It¡¯s best if we find out exactly what this liquid is... what it¡¯s made of, and what it¡¯s doing to you."

    Kai nodded solemnly. "I¡¯ll do that. And again¡­ I¡¯m sorry."

    Eliana placed a hand on Kai¡¯s arm, her touch gentle. "We¡¯ll figure this out," she said quietly, offering him a small, reassuring smile.

    Kai remembered something and spoke up, ¡°I recall the captain mentioning that all the ship¡¯s electricity had been rerouted to support the vial. Maybe we can use the remaining power to activate one of the computers here.¡±

    ¡°Brilliant idea,¡± Kevin said, glancing around the room.

    ¡°This way,¡± Kai gestured, leading Kevin and Eliana into the captain¡¯s quarters. He vividly remembered seeing a computer embedded into the wall during his last visit.

    The screen was still there, dark and dormant. Kai approached it and pressed a random key. To his surprise, the display flickered to life¡ªblack background, white text:

    Interface locked. Please enter the password.

    Kai exchanged a glance with Kevin. Neither of them dared to input anything that could lock them out permanently.

    ¡°Perhaps we shouldn¡¯t tamper with it for now,¡± Kevin suggested, his tone cautious. ¡°I¡¯ll bring a team specialists down here to secure the site. If we can reroute power and bring the ship online, it¡¯ll be worth the wait.¡±

    Kai nodded. He didn¡¯t want to ruin their only lead, either. ¡°Maybe we should explore the rest of the ship first.¡±

    Kevin and Eliana agreed, and the three of them set off down the corridors.

    The ship¡¯s design struck Kai as vastly different from the ships in their culture. Functionality took priority over comfort¡ªthere were no lavish accommodations or unnecessary decor. Everywhere he looked were machines and system, their purposes a mystery. Even the Federation¡¯s most advanced science vessels didn¡¯t house this many computers.

    Room after room greeted them with more machines, more panels, and no answers. Disappointment hung heavy as they pushed on.

    Finally, they entered a room unlike any other. It lacked the sterile functionality of the rest of the ship. Ropes lined the walls¡ªsecured in place, clearly for weightless conditions. Kai recognized it immediately: sleeping quarters. Smaller repair ships in their world also used similar setups.

    The room was surprisingly colorful compared to the ship¡¯s otherwise dull, utilitarian aesthetic. Posters clung to the walls¡ªcrumpled but intact. Some advertised music groups Kai didn¡¯t recognize, others featured beautiful women in revealing swim clothes, and a few depicted breathtaking views of space. It was chaotic, personal, and strangely human.

    One poster, however, caught Kai¡¯s attention. He wasn¡¯t the only one ¡ª Kevin and Eliana were both staring at it too. Kai stepped closer.

    The poster showcased a massive ship accompanied by smaller vessels, traveling together toward a stunning green-and-blue planet. The words below read:

    ¡°Humanity¡¯s last hope: The Noah¡¯s Ark.¡±

    Kai stared at the poster, a strange sense of familiarity nagging at him. He knew he¡¯d seen something like this before but couldn¡¯t place where.

    ¡°Look at the thrusters on that ship,¡± Eliana said, breaking the silence. ¡°And how they¡¯re arranged¡­¡±

    ¡°It looks exactly like the tattoo of the True Kin,¡± Kevin finished, his voice heavy with realization.

    Kai¡¯s gaze lingered on the thrusters, their triangular arrangement unmistakable. His pulse quickened. The pieces were beginning to fit together.

    "We need to find where these True Kin came from. We need to find Noah''s Ark," Kevin said excitedly. "This is so much deeper than we thought. This is a mystery that could change humanity. This must be what the legend was talking about."

    Kai nodded, but before he could process Kevin''s words, a strange wave of dizziness hit him. The ship¡¯s interior blurred and faded. In the next moment, he was somewhere else¡ªfloating in the vastness of space.

    He could see the stars, countless and brilliant, but something was wrong. A presence loomed in the void. He realized he was staring into eyes¡ªtwo massive, malicious eyes lurking in the dark. His chest tightened. He wanted to scream, to look away, but his body refused to move.

    The eyes turned toward him, locking onto him like a predator finding its prey. He felt exposed, as if every part of his soul had been laid bare. The darkness shifted, and the eyes grew larger, closer, swallowing the stars and light until there was nothing but them.

    He couldn¡¯t breathe.

    And then it moved.

    The presence surged toward him, blotting out everything, as though it wanted nothing else but to find him.

    Kai jolted upright, his breath ragged as the soft, ambient light of the Black Swan''s medical bay flooded his vision. He was back. Eliana was kneeling beside him, her face pale, tears clinging to the edges of her eyes.

    ¡°Kai!¡± she gasped, grabbing his shoulders. ¡°You¡¯re awake. You scared the hell out of me.¡±

    His voice came out weak. ¡°What¡­ what happened?¡±

    ¡°You passed out,¡± Eliana said, her voice trembling. ¡°One minute you were standing there, and the next, you just¡­ collapsed. You¡¯ve been out for nearly an hour.¡±

    Kai stared at her, trying to make sense of what he¡¯d seen. It hadn¡¯t been a dream. It had been real. He could still feel the lingering weight of those eyes, their intent pressing against his chest like a phantom pain.

    Kevin appeared at the doorway, his expression serious. ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡± He stepped inside and looked at Eliana before shifting his gaze to Kai. ¡°What happened to you down there?¡±

    Kai swallowed, his throat dry. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know. I saw something. Eyes. In the dark, watching me.¡± He clenched his fists. ¡°It¡ªit found me.¡±

    Eliana looked at him, fear flashing across her face. ¡°What are you talking about? Who found you?¡±

    Kai met Kevin¡¯s gaze, his voice low and steady. ¡°Something is out there, Kevin. Something far bigger and far worse than we imagined. Far more powerful than the Federation and Empire combined, and it just found us."

    Kevin didn¡¯t speak at first. The silence stretched, and for a moment, Kai was afraid. Afraid that Kevin would call him crazy, afraid that Eliana would look at him differently.

    But it was Eliana who broke the silence. She smiled softly, ¡°Kai, you¡¯re overwhelmed,¡± she said gently. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on the problems one at a time.¡±

    Kevin nodded. ¡°My daughter is right,¡± he said. ¡°If what you saw ties to what the legend foretold, then this is a challenge far greater than any of us can comprehend. But we don¡¯t start with the unknowable¡ªwe start with what we do know.¡±

    His eyes fixed on Kai. ¡°We find these True Kin. And when we do, we¡¯ll face whatever comes next, together.¡±

    Kai looked between Kevin and Eliana. Their confidence steadied him, though the shadow of what he had seen still lingered at the edges of his mind. He nodded, his voice quiet but firm.

    ¡°Together,¡± Kai repeated.

 10. Data Recovery

    It had been two days since Kevin found the buried ship¡ªsomething he once believed existed only in the legend passed down through his family. Now, the legend had proven itself true.

    Kevin stood at the edge of the recovery site, watching the team of specialists work with practiced efficiency to unveil the ship. These were the best professionals he could find¡ªexperts flown in with urgency to handle the discovery of a lifetime. Of course, everything was kept secret to the outside world.

    In the past two days, the site had transformed. Essential equipment and machinery had been hauled down to support the effort. Floodlights illuminated the dark tunnels, revealing the ship''s massive hull. The mine shaft had been widened for easy passage, and charging stations had been set up to keep mining suits operational for prolonged hours.

    Kai was among the professionals working at the site. No one knew this region of the mine better than him, and Kevin trusted his expertise. Currently, Kai was deep in the process of helping the team uncover the ship''s exterior, working tirelessly alongside others to remove layers of rock and debris, Eliana stood behind him, supplying the necessary tools whenever he needed.

    A round of deep-penetrating scans had mapped the surrounding area of the ship. Combined with detailed 3D scans of the interior, the team uncovered something unexpected: the ship had been cut in two before it ended up here. Only a small portion of the interior was accessible for now. As for how the vessel had been buried so deep underground, the mystery remained unsolved.

    Restoring power to the ship had proven to be the most challenging part of the recovery effort. The vessel¡¯s alien layout required a great deal of adaptation. Custom parts had to be crafted to interface with its various charging ports, and the team had to painstakingly test power outputs to avoid frying the ship¡¯s electrical systems. Each step forward was careful and thoughtful, but progress was being made.

    Kevin allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction as he observed the controlled chaos of the site. The ship¡ªa relic that held answers to a forgotten past¡ªwas slowly coming back to life.

    He turned at the sound of approaching footsteps echoing down the tunnel. A group of guards emerged, escorting a man who walked carefully, holding a sleek black suitcase in his hand. The man¡¯s eyes scanned the surroundings, lingering briefly on the ship before settling on Kevin.

    ¡°Mr. Isaac, it¡¯s so nice to see you,¡± Kevin greeted warmly, extending his hand.

    ¡°Ah, Mr. Draco,¡± Isaac replied, gripping his hand in a firm handshake. ¡°I almost didn¡¯t recognize you without the usual suit. How¡¯s the new system holding up?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s working extremely well, all thanks to your expertise,¡± Kevin replied with a smile. ¡°And today, I¡¯ve got something a little more¡­ unique that needs your touch.¡±

    Isaac raised an eyebrow and glanced past Kevin, his eyes narrowing on the enormous ship half-revealed in the rock. ¡°What¡¯s this? You¡¯re into vintage shipwrecks now?¡±

    ¡°No, Mr. Isaac, this isn¡¯t just any ship,¡± Kevin said, his voice steady but deliberate. ¡°This vessel was made by a completely different civilization. And that¡¯s precisely why I brought you here¡ªI needed the best.¡±

    Isaac smirked, clearly enjoying the compliment. ¡°Is the system in English?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it is,¡± Kevin confirmed.

    ¡°Then you needn¡¯t worry,¡± Isaac replied, his confidence almost palpable. He patted the suitcase at his side. ¡°Give me a bit of time, and I¡¯ll crack open even the most secure data.¡±

    Kevin smiled and gestured towards the ship. ¡°Then let¡¯s get started.¡±

    Everyone paused their work, giving Isaac the space he needed to work his magic. Kai, meanwhile, coordinated with the engineering team, ensuring every last preparation was in place.

    To extract the ship¡¯s data, they had to restore its power first. Now, standing in the dark, cavernous interior of the ancient vessel, Kai, Eliana, Kevin, and Isaac waited in anticipation.

    Kevin gave Kai a firm nod. ¡°Do it.¡±

    Kai reached for the switch and flipped it.

    For a brief second, nothing happened. Then, a soft hum filled the air. The overhead lights flickered to life, bathing the room in a uniform, bright glow. Kai heard Eliana gasp softly beside him.

    One by one, the display screens lit up, their surfaces alive with cryptic boot sequences and lines of text in English. Dozens of monitors across the walls and floor illuminated simultaneously, casting shifting patterns of light and shadows across the room. The sheer scale of the ship¡¯s systems coming online was overwhelming, and for a ship that been buried under for so long, it was surprisingly intact.

    Even Isaac, who rarely broke his composed demeanor, stood momentarily frozen, his eyes wide in amazement. ¡°This¡­ this is incredible.¡±

    A grin spread across his face¡ªa mix of disbelief and pure excitement, like a child stepping into the greatest candy store ever imagined. He clapped his hands together and stepped forward, already eager to begin. ¡°Let¡¯s see what secrets you¡¯ve been hiding, old girl.¡±

    Isaac was in his element now. Using a custom-made adapter, he connected his laptop to one of the ship¡¯s consoles. Kai watched as Isaac opened a program, lines of code flashing across the screen as his fingers flew over the keyboard.

    Not even a minute had passed before Isaac chuckled and said, ¡°Done.¡±

    Kevin stepped forward, peering over Isaac¡¯s shoulder. ¡°That was impressively quick, Isaac.¡±

    Isaac wore a proud expression. ¡°The ship¡¯s system was surprisingly easy to decode. I wouldn¡¯t expect much else from a ship this old.¡±

    Kai and Eliana moved closer, their eyes fixed on the screen. A table of contents appeared, neatly displayed.

    ¡°What¡¯s in here?¡± Eliana asked.

    ¡°Everything the ship logged is here,¡± Isaac replied.

    ¡°Can you search for a ship that might have contacted this one? It¡¯s called Noah¡¯s Ark,¡± Kai said.

    ¡°Give me a second.¡± Isaac typed in the keywords, but the results came back empty¡ªzero matches.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s under a code name,¡± Kai suggested. ¡°Try ¡®NA.¡¯¡±

    Isaac entered the new query. This time, the number of matches shot up to over 100. He narrowed the results by filtering for communication logs between this ship and others.

    Only three results remained, all text files labeled with ¡°NA-1¡± in the titles. Isaac sorted them by date and clicked on the first one£º

    "To: NA-1

    Old buddy, how are you doing? I hope this message reaches you in a timely manner.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    I heard about your departure and wanted to congratulate you on a successful launch.

    It¡¯s also with my deepest sadness that we had to abandon our home. I don¡¯t want to dwell too much on that¡ªwe still have hope, and I wish you a safe journey on your way to New Haven.

    Things are not looking good on my end. I think it¡¯s catching up to us. I can feel it. Sometimes, I can even see the stars dim. I don¡¯t know how far it is, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s on its way toward us. We might have to launch the decoy sooner than I would like.

    Keep the last hope for humanity alive. May God be on your side.

    Lt. Col. Smith, USSF"

    Isaac clicked on the second message:

    "To: NA-1

    Old buddy, I hope you¡¯re doing okay. I haven¡¯t heard back from you. How¡¯s my family? Are they safe? Please reply ASAP.

    Things just got worse over here. I¡¯m sure I saw it yesterday. The stars should be there, but they weren¡¯t. We¡¯ll have to launch the decoy soon. I hope it does its job and keeps that thing away from humanity.

    Please keep my family safe. God bless.

    Lt. Col. Smith, USSF"

    Kai and Eliana exchanged worried looks.

    Kai spoke first, ¡°NA-1 has to be Noah¡¯s Ark¡­ and it was heading to a place called New Haven.¡±

    Kevin nodded, his expression grim. ¡°And Smith¡­ he was going in a different path. Carrying a decoy to lure the danger away from the rest of humanity.¡±

    "Let''s see the final one." Isaac said intrigued as well.

    The final message wasn¡¯t written¡ªit was an audio file. Isaac spent some time decrypting the ancient format and converting it into something his computer could understand. The tension in the ship was palpable as the moments stretched. Eliana clutched Kai¡¯s arm tightly, her grip firm.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Isaac finally said, his voice low, as if speaking any louder might shatter the fragile atmosphere. He pressed play.

    A gravelly voice crackled to life:

    ¡°Old buddy¡­ why aren¡¯t you replying to my messages? Answer me. How¡¯s my family doing?¡±

    The voice trembled slightly, exhaustion and desperation seeping through the static.

    ¡°A scout caught up to us. We¡¯re done for. Our ship¡¯s damaged, and I had to launch the decoy early. I hope it¡¯ll lead harm away from humanity¡­ for as long as possible.¡±

    The recording cut briefly, the silence broken only by faint background hisses. Then the voice returned, quieter and more strained.

    ¡°Johnathan did a spacewalk today. He said there was some kind of strange liquid on the ship¡¯s exterior. We got a sample¡­ I want to know what it is, see if we can figure out how this thing works.¡±

    Another pause¡ªshort, but heavy. Then the voice came back, raw and unsteady.

    ¡°I saw it. I saw its eyes staring back at me.¡±

    The words sent a chill through Kai, the same cold fear he¡¯d felt when his own vision darkened and those eyes looked at him.

    The voice took on a resigned tone now, each word heavy with finality.

    ¡°I¡¯m locking the sample away. We¡¯re out of time. Sera found a planet¡ªwe¡¯re going to land there. This will be my last transmission. If you ever get this, Jack¡­ I hope you bring the rest of humanity to New Haven safely.¡±

    The recording faded, leaving only static humming softly through the speakers.

    For a long time, no one spoke. The silence was only broken when Isaac let out a nervous chuckle. ¡°So, Kevin¡­ is this some kind of joke?¡±

    Kevin shook his head firmly, his expression deadly serious.

    ¡°This couldn¡¯t be true!¡± Isaac insisted, his voice rising. ¡°We all know the history of humanity¡ªevery step has been documented since the first written word. This has to be a hoax!¡±

    Kevin¡¯s calm rebuttal cut through Isaac¡¯s doubt. ¡°So you¡¯re telling me that an entirely alien civilization just happened to look and sound exactly like us? They had the same names, the same language, the same everything?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Isaac stammered, running a hand through his hair. ¡°And where is this ¡®thing¡¯ Smith was talking about? Huh? I don¡¯t see anything destroying stars now, nor has anyone in history ever seen it! There¡¯s no record of such a thing existing.¡±

    Kai¡¯s voice broke through the tension, cold and certain. ¡°I did.¡±

    Isaac turned to him, startled.

    ¡°And it knows where we are,¡± Kai added, his words hanging heavy in the air.

    Isaac didn¡¯t respond. It was Kai¡¯s words against his logic, both didn''t have solid evidence.

    Eliana¡¯s voice came in soft but steady, bridging the tension. ¡°Like my father said, this is bigger than all of us. We need to solve this one piece at a time and figure out the bigger picture later.¡± She turned toward Isaac. ¡°Mr. Isaac, is there any way you can determine where NA-1 or this New Haven is?¡±

    Isaac exhaled slowly, regaining his composure. ¡°I can try,¡± he muttered, his fingers already flying across the keyboard as he search for the data.

    A list of coordinates popped up on Isaac¡¯s screen¡ªso many that they couldn¡¯t even fit all at once. He frowned, running the data through a location software. The results didn¡¯t make sense.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kai asked.

    Isaac shook his head, puzzled. ¡°The map these coordinates create¡­ it doesn¡¯t align with any map we have of the universe.¡±

    He stared at the screen, thinking hard. Then, suddenly, a realization hit him. He raised his head, his face lit with understanding.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kevin asked, his tone sharp.

    Isaac looked up. ¡°Our map of the universe is based on the position of Terra in the Aurelia Prime system¡ªwhat we know as the birthplace of humanity.¡±

    Kai, still staring at the evidence before him, muttered, ¡°I¡¯m not so sure about that anymore.¡± He turned to Isaac. ¡°So you¡¯re saying their map isn¡¯t based on Terra?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Isaac said, nodding. ¡°That would explain why nothing lines up. Their map must use a completely different point of reference¡ªsomewhere else entirely.¡±

    ¡°But,¡± Eliana pressed, ¡°are the locations still real?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Isaac confirmed with confidence. ¡°The coordinates are real. I can tell you that much. It¡¯s just the map itself that doesn¡¯t match ours.¡±

    ¡°Is there a way to align it with our map?¡± Kevin asked, his voice steady.

    Isaac sighed. ¡°Sure, but it won¡¯t be simple. It¡¯s like sliding a puzzle piece across a massive table of pieces until it clicks into place. This laptop can¡¯t handle that kind of processing¡ªit¡¯s going to require a supercomputer. I¡¯ll need to run this data back at a proper facility.¡±

    Kevin¡¯s expression darkened as he lowered his voice. ¡°Do whatever you need to, Isaac, but listen carefully. This information doesn¡¯t leave this room. There are people out there who will kill for this. We¡¯ve already seen what they¡¯re willing to do before we arrived at the mine.¡± He looked at each of them in turn, his voice firm. ¡°From now on, no one talks about this except the four of us and the crew of the Black Swan. Understood?¡±

    Everyone nodded, exchanging looks. They had come face-to-face with a truth that could change everything they thought they knew about humanity¡¯s history. It was a dangerous secret¡ªone they now shared.

    Kai, Eliana, and Kevin returned to the Black Swan, their temporary home for the past two days.

    Kai had switched back to his familiar leather jacket, feeling more like himself, while Eliana sat comfortably in her sweater and jeans. The two of them shared a table in the galley, finishing a meal together. Kevin leaned against the wall nearby, quietly sipping his tea.

    Commander Grayson entered the room with his usual efficient stride, a rare smile on his face. ¡°Friends, I have news for you.¡±

    All eyes turned to him, the air thick with anticipation.

    ¡°The vehicles involved in the attack had to come from somewhere,¡± Grayson began. ¡°So, we combed through the Black Swan¡¯s log system, and sure enough, a ship jumped away just minutes after we neutralized the True Kin¡¯s forces. It was a Corsair dropship.¡±

    ¡°So it was there to pick up the ground team after they raided the mine,¡± Kai said, his voice steady.

    ¡°Most likely,¡± Grayson agreed, nodding. ¡°And now that we have its quantum drive signature, we have their ship¡¯s fingerprint.¡±

    ¡°We should chase after it,¡± Kai said firmly. ¡°It¡¯s the only lead we have.¡±

    Grayson turned to Kevin, awaiting his decision. Kevin met his gaze, nodded once, and spoke with authority. ¡°Commander Grayson, I trust you to take on the task of finding that ship.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Grayson replied without hesitation.

    ¡°I¡¯m going too,¡± Kai said, pushing his chair back and standing.

    ¡°If Kai is going, then I¡¯m going too,¡± Eliana chimed in before anyone could object.

    ¡°Eliana,¡± Kevin said, shaking his head. His voice carried both frustration and concern. ¡°This is not the time¡ª¡±

    ¡°Father,¡± Eliana interrupted, her tone resolute, ¡°I¡¯m not a little girl anymore. I can take care of myself. I¡¯m tired of being trapped in the city. I want to see what¡¯s out there.¡±

    The room fell silent. Father and daughter locked eyes in a battle of wills. Kevin studied her expression, seeing the fire in her gaze¡ªthe same fire that had burned in her mother¡¯s eyes years ago. Brave, determined, and yearning for freedom.

    Finally, Kevin¡¯s shoulders relaxed, and his voice softened. ¡°Commander Grayson,¡± he said quietly, ¡°take care of my daughter and Kai.¡±

    Eliana¡¯s face lit up with excitement as she turned to Kai. They had grown close over the past few days, sharing trust and camaraderie. Kai couldn¡¯t help but smile back, knowing they were about to chase the stars together. His dream was finally coming true.

    But when Eliana looked away, Kai¡¯s smile faltered. Doubts crept in. There was so much he still didn¡¯t understand: the mystery of the buried USSF starship, a relic with the potential to rewrite humanity¡¯s history; the True Kin, a dangerous faction shrouded in secrecy; the brewing conflict between the Empire and the Federation, with the threat of war looming ever closer.

    And, most chilling of all, the force that could dim the stars. The weight of its unseen presence bore down on him, like an itch in his mind. He could feel it¡ªthe eyes, watching him from the void. The strange liquid inside him tingled, a constant reminder that he had been chosen for something.

    But chosen for what?

    ¡°One step at a time,¡± Kai muttered to himself, echoing Kevin¡¯s words. ¡°Solve one piece of the puzzle at a time.¡±

    The first step was clear: find that Corsair dropship.

 11. A New Life

    Kai looked at his home for the past few months and said a final, ¡°Goodbye.¡± He closed the small door to the equally small portable shack built as a temporary housing solution for miners like him. Beyond his shack, hundreds of others lay scattered across the barren red desert floor like forgotten remnants of a transient life.

    It was hard to believe that just five days ago, he had been nothing more than a refugee¡ªa man who escaped the devastation of his homeworld, Velmorra. The Empire¡¯s invasion turned his city into a war zone, fleets of imperial bombers reducing everything to rubble. Ever since, he had wandered from place to place across the galaxy, eventually becoming a miner on Drakmoor.

    Kai didn¡¯t own much. He had left Velmorra in a hurry, grabbing only what he could before the bombs fell. Now, as he shouldered his worn backpack, he realized it still held everything he owned.

    But this time felt different. His dream was finally coming true. The universe had chosen him to discover the buried ship, a relic of the past that could change humanity¡¯s future. For the first time, he didn¡¯t feel lost. He didn¡¯t feel empty. And most importantly, he didn¡¯t feel alone.

    Kai turned to see Eliana already waiting for him, smiling. She looked so different now, but just as beautiful in the crisp Black Swan uniform.

    The uniform was sleek, black as night with subtle silver accents outlining its sharp edges. It hugged her figure in all the right places but remained functional, exuding authority and poise. Her black hair was tied back into a neat ponytail, her hazel eyes, shifting between green and gold in the morning light.

    ¡°Ready to leave all this behind?¡± she asked, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

    Kai met her gaze and, for the first time in a long while, couldn¡¯t stop himself from smiling back.

    Behind Eliana, a sleek four-seater craft stood on top of a sand dune, its polished surface gleaming faintly under the sunlight. Kai glanced at the craft, then back at her, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°You flew here?¡±

    ¡°How else do you think I got here?¡± Eliana chuckled, a teasing glint in her hazel eyes.

    Kai smiled and shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s just¡­ I¡¯ve never seen you fly before.¡± He stepped toward her, the desert wind brushing against them.

    Eliana opened her arms, pulling Kai into a warm hug. ¡°You¡¯re in for a surprise then,¡± she whispered, grinning.

    They climbed into the craft, the cockpit canopy lowering smoothly around them with a soft hiss, sealing them inside. Eliana settled into the pilot¡¯s seat, her movements confident and precise, while Kai slid into the co-pilot¡¯s seat to her right.

    Kai¡¯s eyes scanned the interior. The control panel was sparse, with far fewer instruments than the rugged drop ship Ray flew. Every surface gleamed with polished precision, clean lines, and a touch of luxury. The ship¡¯s design was elegant and minimalist, yet undeniably high-end¡ªsomething more like an art peice than an actual ship.

    ¡°It¡¯s like a sports car,¡± Kai murmured, running his hand along the smooth edge of the console.

    Eliana smirked as her fingers danced across the controls, lighting up the ship. ¡°I guess you could say that. Just one that can fly.¡±

    Kai shook his head in awe, settling back into his seat. ¡°You really are full of surprises, Eliana.¡±

    ¡°And this is just the beginning,¡± she replied, her smile confident as the engines hummed to life.

    Kai noticed that, besides the dual joysticks for the pilot and co-pilot, all other controls were streamlined into a sleek center console¡ªa large touchscreen embedded seamlessly into the dashboard.

    The controls were remarkably simplified. To prepare the ship for takeoff, all Eliana had to do was tap the ¡°Start¡± button on the screen. No switches to flip, no endless rows of dials or instrument clusters to monitor. This ship wasn¡¯t built for utility or rugged use; it was designed for one purpose: transporting the wealthy in absolute comfort and style.

    As the cabin pressurized with a soft hiss, Eliana smoothly lifted the craft straight up. Kai watched as the view outside tilted slightly when she added forward thrust, the ship picking up speed effortlessly.

    The acceleration pushed Kai back into his seat, the force pressing against him in a way that made him grin like a child on his first ride. His heart raced with excitement.

    "Wanna give it a try?" Eliana asked, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.

    "Of course!" Kai replied, unable to hide his excitement.

    Eliana tapped the center console and handed over the controls to the co-pilot seat. ¡°All yours, just don¡¯t crash.¡±

    Kai started with small, cautious maneuvers. The controls felt surprisingly smooth and intuitive. The left stick adjusted the ship¡¯s vertical and horizontal movement, while the right controlled pitch and yaw. Two pedals beneath his feet turned the craft left or right.

    His hands began to warm up again, the subtle sensation of the liquid coursing inside him making him hyperaware of every motion. The ship responded to his touch with precision, like an extension of his body.

    Kai grinned as confidence surged through him. He pushed the ship lower, weaving between the sand dunes. The vessel glided effortlessly, dodging the natural obstacles with breathtaking agility. Dust kicked up behind them in shimmering plumes as Kai flew closer to the ground, making the ship dart left, then right, before climbing sharply and leveling out in a smooth arc.

    Eliana, clutching her seat, let out a nervous laugh. ¡°Are you trying to give me a heart attack?¡± she teased, though her smile betrayed her excitement.

    Kai didn¡¯t answer; his focus was sharp, his movements deliberate yet daring. The craft dipped and rolled, mirroring the kind of maneuvers Ivan had done with the Black Swan.

    Eliana watched him closely. She could see his confidence growing with every twist and turn. At first, her fingers tightened around the armrest, but the longer she watched, the more she began to relax. A grin spread across her face as the thrill washed over her, and she couldn¡¯t help but cheer as Kai pulled another crazy stunt.

    ¡°This is insane!¡± she shouted over the hum of the engines. But deep down, she was impressed. She liked watching Kai fly. His face was focused, radiating a quiet confidence that she found somewhat...sexy. There was something about the way he handled the ship, smooth, precise, completely in control. It suited him. Eliana found herself smiling, unable to look away.

    Kai guided the ship back into the sky, the wingtips carving graceful arcs through the air, leaving behind two shimmering vortex trails. He leveled the craft, letting it glide smoothly before releasing the controls, allowing the autopilot to take over.

    A laugh escaped Kai, pure and unrestrained, as he turned to meet Eliana¡¯s gaze. She was panting slightly, her face touched with a faint blush, but there was no mistaking the exhilaration in her wide grin.

    For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence wasn¡¯t awkward; it felt natural, filled with something unspoken yet understood. Kai noticed the way the light reflected in Eliana¡¯s hazel eyes, shifting between gold and green. Eliana, in turn, caught the faint, mysterious glow in Kai¡¯s pupils, a soft, otherworldly blue.

    Time seemed to pause as they simply looked at each other, Kai saw Eliana lean in slowly, and for a moment, he thought she was going for a kiss. His instincts told him to lean in too, but his logic screamed at him to stop. There was too much at stake. She was the daughter of one of the most powerful and wealthy men on the planet. He was just a miner¡ªsomeone who, only months ago, didn¡¯t even have a place to call home. His gaze broke away, shifting awkwardly to the side.

    Eliana noticed the flicker of hesitation in his eyes, the faint glow dimming. She pulled back, feeling a pang of embarrassment. What am I doing? she thought. Was she really about to kiss a man she¡¯d only known for a few days? She didn¡¯t want to seem impulsive, let alone easy, but the feelings that had driven her were undeniably real.

    For a brief moment, neither of them knew what to say. The hum of the engines filled the silence between them as Eliana turned her face away, staring out the window. Her heart still raced, her thoughts a tangled mess.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Kai opened his mouth as if to say something, but closed it again, unsure of the right words. Finally, Eliana let out a small, nervous laugh, breaking the tension. ¡°You flew really good for a beginner,¡± she said softly, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her.

    Kai managed a smile, though it didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. ¡°Thanks,¡± he replied, his voice equally quiet.

    They both knew something had almost happened. A line had nearly been crossed, but for now, it remained unspoken.

    Luckily, Kai quickly found a topic to ease the tension in the small craft.

    ¡°How was your visit home? I imagine your mother wasn¡¯t happy about you leaving,¡± Kai asked.

    Eliana eagerly jumped on the topic. ¡°That¡¯s what I thought too, but she was surprisingly open about it. I guess it has something to do with the possible invasion, and she thinks I¡¯ll be safer elsewhere.¡±

    Kai nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the horizon. A silent countdown loomed in his mind, ticking toward a war that felt inevitable. He hoped, somehow, there¡¯d be a way to stop it. The last thing he wanted was for anyone else to experience the same pain he had. ¡°What about your father? He didn¡¯t seem too happy about your decision.¡±

    Eliana¡¯s expression softened. ¡°My mom talked him through it. They¡¯ll be staying, though. Drakmoor and Draco Mining are everything they have. My father wants to help the Federation prepare for the attack.¡±

    Kai frowned, a shadow passing over his face. ¡°I don¡¯t think the Federation will be able to fend off the Empire¡¯s forces¡­ Their fleet is simply too powerful.¡±

    Eliana¡¯s mood darkened too. Drakmoor was her home¡ªthe only place she¡¯d ever known. She couldn¡¯t imagine losing it. ¡°I don¡¯t know why the Empire would suddenly break the peace treaty like this¡­ Do you think it has something to do with the buried ship?¡±

    Kai considered it. ¡°It¡¯s possible. The True Kin somehow knew about it, so I can¡¯t imagine the Empire wouldn¡¯t find out as well.¡±

    Eliana smiled optimistically, ¡°Seems like all we can do now is follow the lead of the True Kin.¡±

    Kai nodded, lost in thought for a moment.

    ¡°Look,¡± Eliana pointed ahead, drawing Kai¡¯s attention.

    He followed her gaze. ¡°It¡¯s the Black Swan.¡±

    Green and red strobe lights flashed in the distance, piercing through the clouds. Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed as he made out the familiar silhouette of the Black Swan hovering majestically above. A small port began to open on the side of the ship¡ªa landing bay waiting for them to dock.

    ¡°Want to do the honors?¡± Eliana teased, her voice playful. ¡°Since you¡¯re such a good pilot and all.¡±

    Kai grinned, confidence sparking in his eyes. ¡°Challenge accepted.¡±

    He took over the controls, steady hands guiding the craft upward until it leveled with the Black Swan. He adjusted the angle of their approach, aiming the nose of the ship perfectly for the open landing bay. As they neared, Kai made precise adjustments, the craft gliding effortlessly into the hangar.

    At the last second, Kai deployed the landing gear and eased the craft down in one motion. It touched the landing pad smoothly with barely any feedback.

    Kai turned to Eliana, an expectant look on his face. She smirked and gave him an approving nod. ¡°Well done, pilot.¡±

    A satisfying hiss sounded as the canopy opened. Eliana and Kai climbed out of the four-seater and stepped onto the landing pad. Commander Grayson was already waiting for them, his tall frame and sharp gaze radiating unyielding authority.

    ¡°Eliana. Kai,¡± he greeted them.

    ¡°Commander Grayson,¡± they replied in unison.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you both arrived safely,¡± he said, one eyebrow raised. ¡°Care to explain why the flight log showed that the craft was flying meters above the ground on multiple occasions?¡±

    Eliana and Kai exchanged a guilty look. Kai cleared his throat awkwardly. ¡°Sorry, Commander. I was just¡­ testing the ship a little.¡±

    ¡°If you wanted to improve your piloting skills, there¡¯s a state-of-the-art training room onboard the Black Swan,¡± Grayson said, his voice stern. ¡°You didn¡¯t need to endanger yourself or Eliana.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t in any danger,¡± Eliana added quietly, folding her arms.

    Commander Grayson fixed them with a hard stare, his expression unreadable. Then, suddenly, he burst into laughter, the deep sound echoing through the landing bay. ¡°I¡¯m just messing with you two. Relax. You weren¡¯t in any real danger. Ivan was shadowing your flight the entire time, ready to take over if Kai made a mistake. And between us, I think he¡¯s a little jealous of how good you are for a beginner.¡±

    Kai and Eliana¡¯s shoulders eased as guilt turned to relief. Eliana smiled brightly and threw her arms around Commander Grayson. ¡°I knew you were messing with me.¡±

    Commander Grayson chuckled, patting Kai firmly on the back. ¡°Seriously though, kid, you¡¯ve got talent. You handled that ship like a natural. If you want, I can shape you into a proper pilot.¡±

    Kai blinked, surprised at the unexpected compliment. He glanced at Eliana, who gave him an encouraging smile.

    ¡°It will be an honor, sir,¡± Kai said, standing a little straighter.

    Commander Grayson gave him a firm pat on the shoulder and looked at them both. ¡°Come, let me give you a tour of the ship while Teresa figures out where that Corsair drop ship went. As official members of the Black Swan crew, you¡¯ll need to know where everything is and how each area functions. And yes, that includes you, Eliana.¡±

    Eliana smirked but nodded, standing tall beside Kai. ¡°Understood, Commander.¡±

    Kai followed suit, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Grayson said, turning sharply on his heel. ¡°Let¡¯s start with the basics¡ªyou¡¯ll need to know how to pull your weight around here. Everyone has a job on this ship, no exceptions.¡±

    Eliana shot a playful look at Kai as they followed the commander deeper into the Black Swan, her tone teasing, ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll finally get to see if you¡¯re good at more than just flying.¡±

    Kai rolled his eyes but smiled, keeping pace with Eliana. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you outshine me.¡±

    Commander Grayson glanced back with a half-smile. ¡°Keep that energy up, you are going to need it. Follow me now as I guide you through each area of the ship." He waved his hand for Eliana and Kai to follow.

    The commander led the two new crew members out of the landing bay and into the cargo room, a space they were already familiar with from their first visit. It was where workers had loaded supplies for the mine. From there, the three took the elevator up to the second level.

    ¡°This level houses most of the ship¡¯s essentials for daily life,¡± Commander Grayson explained.

    He gestured to the crew quarters first, three rows of compact yet functional bunks designed for efficiency. Alongside the bunks, there were three individual guest rooms. ¡°You two can each pick one to stay in,¡± Grayson said, nodding at Kai and Eliana. ¡°Consider it a small luxury for the two of you.¡±

    Continuing through the corridor, they arrived at the medical bay. Bright, sterile, and filled with top-tier technology, the room featured an all-in-one medical bed capable of performing advanced diagnostics and treatments autonomously. ¡°This is where you come if anything happens,¡± Grayson said, his tone firm. ¡°You¡¯ll find no better medical equipment on most ships.¡±

    Moving toward the midsection, the group passed the galley on one side¡ªcompact yet functional¡ªand the adjacent R&R area, a cozy space with a few seats, a table, and a screen for entertainment. ¡°You¡¯ll find this is where most of the crew spends their downtime,¡± Grayson added casually.

    At the bow of the second level was the bridge, an area both Kai and Eliana were already familiar with, alongside the captain¡¯s quarters and the small but well-equipped meeting room.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Grayson said, leading them to a small one-person lift. ¡°We¡¯re headed to the top level now. One at a time.¡±

    Eliana went first, then Kai, and finally Grayson joined them at the top level. The bow housed the training room¡ªa surprisingly large space with simulators and open areas for physical training.

    ¡°This is where you¡¯ll sharpen your skills,¡± Grayson said. ¡°You¡¯ll need them.¡±

    Moving toward the midship and stern, the group reached the engineering bay. The hum of the ship¡¯s systems filled the air, and the room was alive with the soft glow of status panels and machinery. Grayson didn¡¯t linger long, though, merely offering a glance at the core systems¡ªthe engines, reactors, and the Black Swan¡¯s quantum drive.

    ¡°I won¡¯t get into too much detail here,¡± Grayson said, waving a hand toward the sprawling systems. ¡°You¡¯ll need time to learn it all. Operating a starship isn¡¯t something you learn in a day.¡±

    Turning to face them both, Grayson¡¯s expression grew serious. ¡°Flying a ship like this isn¡¯t a one-person task. It¡¯s a symphony¡ªa coordination of every crew member working together. That¡¯s why I want both of you to start learning everything, even outside your designated roles. Knowing how the ship operates can save lives when things go wrong.¡±

    Kai and Eliana exchanged a look, both of them absorbing the weight of his words. Grayson gave a small nod of approval. ¡°You¡¯re part of this crew now. You¡¯ll learn, you¡¯ll adapt, and soon enough, you¡¯ll understand what it means to work as a team on the Black Swan.¡±

    With that, the tour was complete, and the three took the elevator at midship down to the second level, making their way to the bridge.

    ¡°Just in time, Commander,¡± Teresa said as they stepped in. Her sharp eyes flicked between her console and the group. ¡°We¡¯ve got a match to their jump signal, sir. It¡¯s in the Eryon System.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s two jumps away from here,¡± Commander Grayson replied, immediately taking his place at the center of the bridge. ¡°Ivan, plot a course and prepare for launch.¡±

    ¡°Already on it, Commander,¡± Ivan responded, his hands flying across the controls as the Black Swan¡¯s systems hummed to life.

    ¡°Teresa,¡± Grayson continued, ¡°what¡¯s our estimated time to intercept?¡±

    ¡°A full day, sir,¡± Teresa replied confidently. ¡°We¡¯ve got more advanced quantum drives and sensors than their ship. Once we¡¯re on their tail, it won¡¯t take long to catch up.¡±

    Kai felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as he looked out through the bridge¡¯s forward viewport to the stars beyond. The vertical thrusters beneath them began to vibrate as the Black Swan¡¯s fly upwards and away from the planet.

    Eliana stepped up beside him, her voice low but steady. ¡°A full day gives us little time to prepare."

    Kai nodded, his gaze fixed on the star-filled expanse ahead. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope we¡¯re ready when we find them.¡±

    Commander Grayson¡¯s voice cut through the quiet hum. ¡°All stations, prepare to jump. We¡¯re going hunting.¡±

 12. Simulation

    All the excitement and anticipation for space vanished for Kai after his first Quantum Jump. He had only experienced Close to Lightspeed travel when he escaped Velmorra, which had left him feeling like he¡¯d downed a few bottles of cheap booze. Now he learned that CTL travel was nothing compared to Faster Than Light travel. FTL travel felt like getting drunk and then being shoved into an industrial-sized laundry machine on full spin.

    ¡°Jump drive at 100 percent, alignment complete,¡± Ivan announced from the pilot''s seat. ¡°Jumping in three, two¡­¡±

    Kai¡¯s eyes widened in excitement. This was a dream come true¡ªbeing on the bridge to witness a jump. He imagined the view: stars streaking past at lightning speed, the universe warping into a blur before disappearing altogether.

    ¡°One.¡±

    The moment Ivan said it, Kai¡¯s stomach dropped. It felt like his insides were being ripped out, twisted, and shoved back in. He barely had time to cover his mouth before bolting straight for the washroom. Even though the actual jump only lasted a few seconds, Kai didn¡¯t reappear for nearly an hour.

    Commander Grayson and Eliana waited for him outside in the galley, each sipping on a cup of hot tea to ease their own post-jump discomfort.

    ¡°You never told me it was his first time,¡± Commander Grayson said, raising an eyebrow at Eliana.

    ¡°Well,¡± Eliana muttered, avoiding his gaze, ¡°I just assumed everyone over sixteen had experienced it at least once.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, in your world maybe,¡± Grayson replied, shaking his head. ¡°The truth is, most people in the galaxy will never experience FTL travel in their entire lives. You know we have pills for first-timers, right?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think¡­¡± Eliana started but trailed off as the washroom door slided open.

    Kai finally emerged, looking like he¡¯d aged ten years in the last hour. His face was pale and clammy, sweat dripping from his brow. His usual confident posture was gone, replaced with a slouch as he leaned against the wall for support. His hair stuck out in all directions, and his steps were unsteady, like a newborn foal learning to walk.

    ¡°Oh, Kai,¡± Eliana said with concern, rushing to his side. She took a small bottle on the table, popping out a pill. ¡°Here, take this¡ªit¡¯ll help.¡±

    Kai groaned softly but didn¡¯t argue, swallowing the pill as she slipped an arm under his to steady him. ¡°Come on, big guy,¡± she said gently. ¡°Let¡¯s get you to bed.¡±

    Commander Grayson chuckled over the rim of his tea as he watched Eliana and Kai stumbled out of the door. ¡°Welcome to life among the stars, kid.¡±

    Eliana helped Kai into his room and gently put him on the bed.

    "How are you feeling right now?" Eliana asked.

    "Not... not too good," Kai managed to say before hurriedly covering his mouth with his hand.

    "Alright, give it a little time for the pill to kick in, then you¡¯ll feel a lot better." Eliana patted Kai on his back. "Let me get some water for you."

    Kai nodded silently and watched as Eliana got up. He felt vulnerable and exposed, hating the thought of Eliana seeing him like this, but he was too weak to protest or do anything about it.

    Eliana returned a moment later with a cup of warm water and an empty bucket. ¡°Just in case you don¡¯t feel well again,¡± she said, placing them down next to him.

    "Sorry," Kai muttered weakly.

    "Hmm?" Eliana tilted her head, not quite catching what he said. She sat beside him on the bed, her voice softer now. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know it was your first time. I meant jumping.¡±

    Kai managed a faint smile in response. ¡°You¡¯re fine,¡± he murmured.

    Eliana smiled back, her eyes kind, before gently pushing Kai down until he lay flat on the bed. ¡°You should get some rest now.¡± As she spoke, she reached for his jacket, carefully trying to pull it off.

    Kai blinked in surprise, a mix of embarrassment and confusion flashing across his face. ¡°What are you¡ª?¡±

    ¡°Just the jacket,¡± Eliana said with a small chuckle. ¡°Keep your dirty mind to yourself.¡±

    She carefully slid the leather jacket off his shoulders, her movements cautious and gentle. But as her hand brushed against his torso, her fingers unintentionally grazed the firm outline of his abs through the thin shirt. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink as she froze for a brief moment.

    Kai noticed her hesitation and raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips despite his exhaustion.

    Eliana quickly pulled the jacket away, clearing her throat and looking anywhere but at Kai. ¡°I told you¡ªjust the jacket,¡± she muttered, feigning annoyance and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

    She placed the jacket neatly beside his bed and took a moment to regain her composure. When she glanced back at him, his eyes were already half-closed, tiredness lingering on his face.

    ¡°Sleep, Kai,¡± Eliana said softly, brushing her blush aside as she stood up and left the room.

    Indeed, the pill had worked. Kai woke up a few hours later feeling much better. Aside from a faint nausea, there was no other discomfort. He sat up and swung his legs off the bed, noticing his leather jacket neatly folded beside him. He couldn¡¯t remember everything clearly, but he did recall how kind Eliana had been to him.

    Three soft knocks on his door pulled him from his thoughts.

    ¡°Come in,¡± he called.

    The door slid open, and Eliana stepped inside, holding a pile of neatly folded clothes.

    ¡°Hi, good morning, Kai,¡± she said with a cheerful smile, before glancing out the window at the vast emptiness of space. ¡°Well, I mean, it¡¯s about morning time on Drakmoor, so... Oh, here¡ªyour uniform.¡± She handed the clothes to Kai. ¡°I¡¯ll wait outside.¡±

    Kai nodded, taking the uniform and watching as Eliana stepped back and let the door slide shut behind her. He unfolded the uniform and inspected it. It was sleek and professional¡ªjust like the others he¡¯d seen the crew wear. A black, form-fitting suit with silver lining along the seams and shoulders. On the left chest was the insignia of the Draco mining company.

    The fabric felt surprisingly comfortable, far from the stiff uniforms he expected. Kai slipped into it easily, fastening the high collar and smoothing out any creases. He glanced at himself in the small mirror in his room. For the first time in a long time, he looked like he belonged somewhere¡ªpart of a crew.

    Kai opened the door, and Eliana was waiting patiently outside. When she saw him, her eyes lit up with approval.

    ¡°Wow,¡± Eliana said, smiling brightly. ¡°You look good, Kai. The uniform suits you.¡±

    Kai¡¯s lips quirked into a small grin. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan for today?¡± he asked, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves.

    ¡°Well,¡± Eliana replied, leading him down the corridor, ¡°everyone¡¯s doing their tasks on the bridge. The quantum drive¡¯s still cooling down, so we¡¯ve got a bit of downtime until the next jump. Commander Grayson said we should use the time to do some training in the training room.¡±

    ¡°Training, huh?¡± Kai echoed, feeling the faint twinge of excitement. ¡°What kind of training?¡±If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°You¡¯ll see,¡± Eliana teased, throwing him a playful look as they made their way to the ship¡¯s training deck.

    Commander Grayson was already in the training room, tinkering with the controls on the central console.

    ¡°Ah, Kai, how are you feeling today?¡± Grayson greeted as Kai entered. He gave an approving nod. ¡°You look good in that uniform.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Commander, I feel fine now¡± Kai replied with a small smile. ¡°Eliana mentioned you wanted us to use the wait time for a bit of training.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Grayson said, his tone serious but welcoming. ¡°Now that we¡¯re in space, combat will become part of the norm¡ªespecially with pirates lurking in every system. I¡¯ve set up a ship defense scenario for the two of you. You¡¯ll be defending the Black Swan from a pirate boarding attempt.¡±

    Kai¡¯s gaze drifted to Eliana, who was already strapping on a set of VR goggles and stepping onto one of the circular training pads. She tested it, walking and jogging in place. No matter how much she moved, she remained perfectly centered.

    Kai grinned. This could be fun.

    He stepped onto the pad next to Eliana¡¯s and pulled on his own set of goggles. The moment they settled over his eyes, the scenery changed in an instant.

    He was no longer in the training room. In the immersive view of the VR, he stood on the bridge of the Black Swan, the world around him feeling so real it was uncanny. He took a tentative step forward, and it felt as if he was genuinely walking, his brain easily tricked by the realism. There was no delay in his movements¡ªeverything felt perfectly natural.

    ¡°Kai.¡±

    He turned to see Eliana standing nearby, also in VR. She motioned for him to come over. Kai approached her as she crouched by one of the pilot seats, pulling out a small pistol from underneath.

    ¡°Here,¡± Eliana said, holding the gun out to him. ¡°Emergency weapons are stored under the seats on the Black Swan. Always good to know.¡± She spun her own pistol with a playful smirk.

    Commander Grayson¡¯s voice boomed over the PA system, ¡°Please don¡¯t play with your guns, Eliana. And remember¡ªaim away from your friends. Keep your trigger finger off the trigger until you¡¯re ready to fire.¡±

    Eliana shrugged sheepishly, lowering the weapon.

    ¡°Now,¡± Grayson continued, ¡°I¡¯ll load up a simple shooting range for you both. Get used to handling the weapons before we move on to the real challenge.¡±

    Kai tightened his grip on the pistol and nodded, his excitement building. The training pad vibrated slightly under his feet as the environment shifted again, this time a simple grey box. Targets appeared downrange, some stationary and others bobbing and weaving like real enemies.

    Kai glanced at Eliana, who flashed him a competitive grin as she raised her pistol.

    ¡°Hope you¡¯re ready to lose,¡± she teased.

    Kai smirked back, lifting his weapon. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that."

    The buzz sounded, and Eliana immediately took a shot, hitting the stationary target closest to her. Kai raised his weapon and pulled the trigger, but nothing happened.

    ¡°Remember to turn off your safety¡ªit¡¯s on the left side of your pistol,¡± Commander Grayson reminded.

    Kai fumbled for the safety, his thumb brushing over a small protrusion on the side of the gun. He flipped it down and aimed again. This time, the gun fired, though the shot missed its mark by inches.

    In the time Kai had wasted figuring out the safety, Eliana had already taken down two more stationary targets and even clipped a moving one. Kai glanced her way, and although he couldn¡¯t see her face fully behind the VR goggles, he could tell from her stance that she was grinning.

    Gritting his teeth, Kai refocused, took aim, and fired. The shot hit a stationary target dead center. He could feel the familiar tingling in his hands¡ªthe strange liquid inside him subtly working to steady his aim and improve his reflexes.

    He fired again, this time hitting another target with ease. Moving targets popped up faster now, weaving unpredictably across the simulated space. Kai took them on, adjusting his aim instinctively. He quickly ran through his magazine, then ejected it and reloaded in one fluid motion. Each shot became more precise, his confidence growing with every trigger pull.

    The second buzz sounded, signaling the end of the exercise. All the targets disappeared.

    ¡°Results are in,¡± Commander Grayson announced. ¡°Kai: thirteen stationary targets and five moving targets. Eliana: fifteen stationary targets and six moving targets.¡±

    Kai glanced at Eliana, who was already looking his way, her stance smug with victory. She lifted her chin playfully and grinned. ¡°Looks like I win.¡±

    Kai shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. ¡°You¡¯re a good shot, no excuses here.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she teased, ¡°you¡¯ll get there¡ªeventually.¡±

    Kai chuckled and nodded. There was no denying Eliana¡¯s skill, but the practice had ignited something in him. He¡¯d make it a point to return to the training room as often as possible. With time, he¡¯d improve, and next time, he¡¯d give her a real challenge.

    "Now let¡¯s practice the ship defense scenario," Commander Grayson said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°But remember, this isn¡¯t about who can shoot the most pirates. It¡¯s about teamwork. Watch each other¡¯s backs, communicate, and don¡¯t get killed. You only have one life here, and the time starts¡­ now.¡±

    The environment shifted instantly. The grey box disappeared , replaced by the simulated interior of the bridge. The overhead lights flashed red in sync with a blaring alarm, warning of a hull breach. A deep rumble echoed through the ship¡ªpirates had blown a hole in the cargo bay.

    ¡°Breach detected. Cargo bay compromised,¡± an artificial voice announced.

    Eliana bolted forward, her weapon ready. Kai rushed after her, adrenaline surging through him.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Kai asked, gripping his pistol tightly as they ran out of the bridge

    ¡°We¡¯re heading to the midship elevator,¡± Eliana replied without missing a beat. ¡°It¡¯s the narrowest choke point. If we hold that, we can stop them from reaching the bridge.¡±

    Kai nodded, following her lead as they sprinted down the corridor. The sound of metal boots hitting the floor echoed through the halls, growing louder. The pirates were already inside.

    Eliana glanced back at Kai. ¡°Get ready, this is about to get messy!¡±

    Eliana and Kai ran to the elevator and peered over the railing. They could hear boots clanging against metal on the lower floor, but no one had reached the elevator yet. They waited, the sounds of the pirates approaching growing louder. Kai took a few deep breaths, calming himself. Finally, a helmet appeared, followed by three pirates wearing worn-out armor as they entered the elevator. Luckily, none of them looked up.

    Eliana took the first shot, neutralizing the pirate on the left. Kai followed with his own shots, quickly taking down the other two. The pirates crumpled to the ground. Eliana and Kai exchanged a quick smile, a small moment of victory.

    Then came the distinctive sound of an explosion, followed by boots clanking on metal above their heads. Another breach.

    ¡°We¡¯re surrounded,¡± Kai muttered, his ears straining as the footsteps stopped directly overhead. He realized what was about to happen just a moment too late. Without thinking, he leaped toward Eliana, tackling her to the ground as a second explosion ripped through the ceiling exactly where they¡¯d been standing. Shrapnel rained down, bouncing off Kai¡¯s uniform with surprising resilience. He could feel the sharp impact but no pain.

    He rolled off Eliana, his back hitting the floor, and saw her already firing. A pirate who had jumped down was hit mid-air, his body dropping like a ragdoll.

    The sound of the elevator rising made Kai wince. He grabbed Eliana¡¯s arm, pulling her up while firing at another pirate that was dropping down. They bolted for the bridge as bullets zipped past them, close enough to hear the deadly hum as they pierced the air.

    Kai slapped the emergency override on the bridge door, and it slid shut just as the pirates'' shots hit where they¡¯d stood.

    ¡°Five of them, I saw five of them¡± Kai said breathlessly as the pirates pushed forward, firing short bursts. ¡°They¡¯re coming.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Eliana asked.

    ¡°Take cover here. I¡¯ll flank them from above,¡± Kai said, motioning toward the small personal lift. Eliana gave a quick nod, understanding the plan.

    Kai took the lift up to the third level. The corridor was empty except for a gaping hole in the hull from the breach. Moving quickly but quietly, Kai approached the hole on the floor and laid down beside it. Peeking over, he saw the pirates gathered outside the bridge door. One of them was setting up an explosive charge.

    Kai¡¯s mind raced. He couldn¡¯t take them all at once¡ªtwo, maybe three before the rest would turn on him. He only hoped Eliana was ready.

    He braced himself, supporting his weight with his legs as he dangled his upper body over the edge. From above, he had a clear shot. The pirates, focused on the door, didn¡¯t notice him.

    He waited for the right moment.

    BOOM.

    The explosion went off, masking the sound of his shots as he fired in rapid succession. Two pirates dropped immediately. He squeezed off two more shots, taking down another pair. The last pirate spun around, realizing what had happened, and fired wildly. Kai ducked back just as the bullets whizzed past him.

    A single shot rang out.

    Everything went quiet.

    Kai cautiously peeked over the hole again and saw the last pirate sprawled lifeless on the floor. Further down, Eliana stood with her pistol raised, grinning as she waved at him. Kai grinned back, gave her a thumbs-up, and dropped down through the hole.

    The two of them met in the corridor, both panting and smiling.

    The overhead PA system crackled to life. ¡°Simulation is over. You can take off your goggles now,¡± Commander Grayson¡¯s voice echoed through the room.

    Kai removed his VR goggles and saw Eliana doing the same. They looked at each other and burst into laughter. Both had sweat on their foreheads, their hair messy from the simulated actions, but neither of them cared. The shared victory brought a sense of exhilaration neither had felt in a long time.

    Commander Grayson clapped his hands as he approached. ¡°Well done. You successfully defended the Black Swan against the pirates. Good job to you both.¡±

    Eliana patted Kai on the shoulder, her grin wide.

    ¡°Kai,¡± Commander Grayson said, ¡°good thinking using the personal lift to flank them. Always try to surprise your enemy. Outthink them, set traps, and keep them off balance.¡±

    His expression turned serious. ¡°Now, there¡¯s something important we need to address. Since this was a simulation, you didn¡¯t have to worry about oxygen. Real boarding actions often happen in the vacuum of space.¡± He pointed to a box on the wall. ¡°The Black Swan is equipped with these emergency supply boxes. They contain helmets that integrate with your suits to protect you from depressurization and provide oxygen.¡±

    Kai and Eliana exchanged guilty glances. Neither of them had even thought about that.

    Commander Grayson¡¯s stern look softened slightly. ¡°Next time, we¡¯ll train in a zero-gravity environment to simulate a gravity generator failure, and you¡¯ll learn to fight in space. For now, you¡¯re dismissed.¡±

    He gave a small smile. ¡°Again, well done. You both have potential.¡±

 13. Rescuing the Enemy

    Kai sat down with a full plate of food. Eliana was on the opposite side of the table. They had the galley all to themselves, and both wore easy smiles. Their small victory in the training simulation had deepened the bond between them.

    ¡°Thank you for saving me during the training,¡± Eliana said, her voice light. ¡°I didn¡¯t think they¡¯d come from above.¡±

    ¡°Neither did I,¡± Kai admitted. ¡°I only realized it when the stomping of boots stopped directly overhead. Holding off the elevator was still a good idea, though. We took out three of them before they even got a shot off.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Kai,¡± Eliana said, enjoying her tea. She set her cup down and grinned. ¡°Speaking of which, how about we go for another round of sparring? Now we both know a bit more about each other¡¯s skills.¡±

    ¡°Why not,¡± Kai replied with a shrug. ¡°Tonight¡ªwell, I mean ¡®night¡¯ according to the ship¡¯s simulated time. It¡¯s confusing, don¡¯t you think? Not having a real day and night out here.¡±

    ¡°Commanders can set their own time zones,¡± Eliana explained. ¡°That¡¯s why there¡¯s always someone on the bridge. Anything can happen at any moment.¡±

    ¡°Like right now,¡± a familiar voice interrupted. Ivan stood in the doorway to the galley, arms crossed and grinning. ¡°Come on, we¡¯re about to jump again.¡±

    Kai¡¯s gaze fell to his untouched plate of food, then back to Ivan with an annoyed sigh.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Ivan said with an apologetic shrug. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t eat that until after the jump. You know, considering what happened last time.¡±

    Kai groaned and pushed the plate away as Eliana stifled a laugh behind her cup.

    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it eventually,¡± she teased, standing up and brushing her hands together. ¡°One jump at a time.¡±

    Kai shot her a look but stood as well, reluctantly following Ivan and Eliana out of the galley. His stomach grumbled in protest as he braced himself for the FTL jump again.

    Everyone else was already on the bridge when Kai arrived. Teresa had set the course and completed the calculations to ensure the jump would bring them as close to the Corsair drop ship as possible. Ivan had returned to his seat, while Kai and Eliana stood just behind Commander Grayson.

    Kai had already taken the pill on his way to the bridge¡ªit was supposed to ease the post-jump effects¡ªbut he still felt nervous. His hand instinctively clenched the side of his pants. That was when he felt Eliana¡¯s fingers lightly brush the back of his hand.

    She was looking at him, her face calm and reassuring. ¡°Take my hand, Kai. You¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Kai nodded, his expression softening as he took her hand. He straightened his posture, willing himself to stay strong. Even if he had to fake it, he refused to show weakness to Eliana again.

    ¡°Engaging jump drive. Jumping in three... two¡­¡± Ivan¡¯s voice was steady, calm.

    ¡°Deep breath,¡± Eliana whispered.

    ¡°One¡­¡±

    Kai inhaled deeply. This time, he kept his eyes open and watched it happen.

    The stars outside the viewing port stretched into long, glowing lines as the ship jumped. A slight distortion rippled through Kai¡¯s view, and that familiar, drunk feeling crept back in. The discomfort returned, but it was nowhere near as intense as the first time. Gritting his teeth, he focused on his breathing. Inhale... exhale... inhale...

    A misty aurora began to shimmer around the ship, swirling in shades of blue, green, and violet.

    ¡°What are the lights?¡± he managed to ask, enduring the discomfort.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it beautiful?¡± Eliana said, her gaze fixed on the ethereal glow. ¡°These are quantum.¡±

    Kai¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Wait¡­ aren¡¯t quantum supposed to be extremely small?¡±

    Eliana nodded. ¡°Yes, but during a quantum jump, you can see them like this. It¡¯s almost as if they¡¯re here to say hello.¡±

    Kai couldn¡¯t tear his eyes away from the colors as they danced across the viewing port. Slowly, the mist began to fade, signaling the end of the jump. He let out a breath of relief. He had done it¡ªhe had made it through without losing his composure.

    ¡°Thank you, Eliana. Really, for being so supportive,¡± Kai said, his voice light with happiness.

    ¡°You made it on your own, Kai,¡± Eliana smiled. ¡°I just said a few encouraging words.¡±

    Kai opened his mouth to respond, but his stomach let out a loud, unmistakable growl that echoed in the quiet bridge.

    Eliana chuckled, a teasing glint in her eyes. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go finish your meal.¡±

    ---

    Mr. Draco sighed deeply as he gazed out at the endless ocean from the balcony of his mansion¡ªa traditional Drakmoor-style estate made from red bricks crafted from the planet¡¯s iconic red sand. The rhythmic sound of crashing waves echoed against the cliffs below.

    ¡°What are you thinking, hun?¡± a soft, familiar voice asked behind him.

    Kevin turned slightly to see Amelia standing there, a steaming cup of tea in her hands. ¡°Oh, Amelia, I was just thinking about our daughter,¡± he said, his voice heavy with worry. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about her too?¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m worried,¡± Amelia replied gently, walking up to him. ¡°But I also believe in her. Just think about all the wild things we did when we were her age.¡± Her eyes sparkled with the warmth of loving memories.

    Kevin smiled faintly, his gaze drifting back to the horizon. ¡°Like the time we ran that blockade on Valora Prime because you had to see that concert?¡±

    Amelia laughed softly. ¡°Exactly. And your father had to bail you out afterward, but because of it the concert became so memorable.¡±

    Kevin chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. After a pause, he turned to her, his brow furrowed. ¡°And that Kai fellow¡­ What do you think of him? Do you think he¡¯ll keep Eliana safe?¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t met him,¡± Amelia said thoughtfully, handing Kevin the cup of tea. ¡°But Eliana seems fond of him. She says he¡¯s got a good heart, and he¡¯s proven himself capable. Sure, he¡¯s young, but Eliana said there was something about him that¡¯s different. I think he has potential.¡± She placed a hand gently on Kevin¡¯s arm. ¡°Let them be, hun. They¡¯ll figure things out. Just like us when we were young.¡±

    Kevin exhaled a long breath and nodded slowly. ¡°You¡¯re right. You always know how to make me feel better, Amelia.¡±

    Amelia smiled warmly. ¡°That¡¯s because I love you, Kevin.¡± She leaned into him slightly. ¡°Now, drink your tea before it gets cold.¡±

    ---

    "Kai, here. Have some tea," Eliana said, setting a steaming cup down on the table beside him.

    Kai looked up, his mouth stuffed with food. He quickly chewed and swallowed, chasing it down with a sip of tea. "Thanks, Eliana."

    "It¡¯s a special mix of herbs to help with post-jump discomfort," Eliana explained as she sat beside him. "Speaking of which, how are you feeling now?"

    "A lot better than the first time," Kai said proudly, setting the cup down.

    "Good. That¡¯s exactly what I was hoping to hear," Eliana replied with a smile. "You¡¯ll feel even less discomfort next time, and eventually, it becomes tolerable. You¡¯d be surprised how adaptive we humans are."

    Kai nodded, finishing the last bite of his sandwich. ¡°Alright. I¡¯m ready to head back to the bridge.¡±

    ¡°Me too,¡± Eliana said, standing up. ¡°Let¡¯s bring some tea for the rest of the crew as well.¡±

    The bridge door slid open, and Kai and Eliana entered with cups in both of their hands. Kai was about to announce that they¡¯d brought tea for everyone, but the mood on the bridge wasn¡¯t one for casual chit-chat.

    He could sense the tension in the room. Teresa was typing furiously at the console, Ivan pressed a headphone tightly to his ear, Robert had his VR goggles lowered over his face, and Commander Grayson stared intently at the screens in front of him.

    Kai and Eliana quietly placed the cups down and approached Commander Grayson¡¯s side.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Kai asked in a whisper.

    Commander Grayson didn¡¯t turn to acknowledge him. He simply replied, ¡°We got a match to the Corsair drop ship, and it¡¯s not far from here.¡±

    Kai glanced around the room again. ¡°What¡¯s Ivan doing?¡± he asked, puzzled.

    ¡°He¡¯s listening for the jump drive residue of their ship,¡± Commander Grayson answered. ¡°Every jump distorts space slightly, leaving behind an almost static-like signature. We track them using a device similar to old sonar systems.¡±

    ¡°I found them, sir,¡± Ivan said.

    ¡°Course has been calculated,¡± Teresa added a moment later.

    ¡°Initiate CTL jump,¡± Commander Grayson ordered. ¡°All posts combat ready.¡±

    ¡°You two,¡± he added, turning slightly toward Kai and Eliana, ¡°sit down and get strapped in. Watch and learn.¡±

    Eliana and Kai nodded, quickly taking their seats beside the command post and securing themselves.

    The ship executed a small jump that brought them to an asteroid belt.

    ¡°New contacts, 3 o¡¯clock high,¡± Teresa reported.

    Ivan adjusted the ship¡¯s orientation. A medium-sized vessel, similar in scale to the Black Swan, entered view. Kai leaned forward in his seat to get a better look, his eyes narrowing as he studied the ship. Then he noticed the screen in front of him mirrored the view Robert was seeing.

    Kai watched as Robert zoomed in for a closer inspection. The ship, despite being comparable in size, looked nothing like the Black Swan.

    The Corsair drop ship was rigid and blocky, built with a utilitarian design that prioritized function over form. Its exterior was covered in thick, reinforced platings, clearly designed to endure damage during ground assaults. A massive bay door stretched across its belly, allowing it to transport and deploy vehicles directly onto a battlefield. The four VTOL thrusters were massive, mounted awkwardly on either side of the hull, built for raw speed rather than maneuverability. Scars of previous battles covered its frame, from burn marks to patched armor plates. Clearly it''s a vessel built to deliver troops and vehicles into the thick of combat, where beauty and elegance held no use.

    Then, Kai noticed the three smaller ships. He was surprised¡ªand a little disappointed that he couldn¡¯t recognize the make or model of the ships. Then it hit him why: there were no official make or model. These were pirate ships¡ªsmall, single-seat fighters to be exact. They were cobbled together from whatever parts the builders could scavenge. The frames were mismatched, barely holding together, but each was outfitted with oversized weapons meant to deal devastating damage.

    The pirate ships hovered above the drop ship, circling like vultures as their heavy guns fired bursts of bullets at the VTOL thrusters. The drop ship, sturdy as it was, lacked firepower on its top side. Kai watched as a single, small remote turret tried to defend, but it was quickly destroyed under concentrated fire.

    These pirates knew exactly what they were doing, Kai realized. Their plan was simple: disable the engines, cripple the ship, and then board it. It was eerily similar to the simulation Commander Grayson had prepared for him and Eliana.

    ¡°Neutralize the pirates,¡± Commander Grayson said calmly, his voice cutting through the tension.

    Kai turned to look at him, stunned. Neutralize the pirates? They had finally caught up to the attackers¡ªthe murderers responsible for the attack at the mine¡ªand now they were about to help them?

    His gaze snapped back to the screens as Robert launched three missiles. Two pirate fighters were caught completely off guard, obliterated in a fiery blast. The third fighter reacted in time, pulling an evasive maneuver that shook the missiles off its tail. The ship vanished behind a nearby asteroid as the missile hit the asteroid, breaking pieces of rocks that scattered in all directions.

    Kai searched for the pirate on the screen, his eyes darting over the feed, but it was nowhere to be found. Then, out of nowhere, a barrage of shots rattled against the Black Swan¡¯s thick armor. The pirate had flanked them somehow.

    Robert instantly responded, locking onto the nimble fighter and firing bursts of his own. The pirate ship twisted and rolled, barely dodging the shots before disappearing behind another asteroid.

    Kai gritted his teeth. These pirates weren¡¯t just scavengers; they were skilled pilots, and they were fighting for their lives.

    "Teresa," Robert said, his tone sharp and focused.

    "On it," Teresa responded quickly. "Just keep it busy for a little longer."

    The pirate ship emerged again, darting out from behind the asteroid. Robert didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªhe fired another barrage of rounds, forcing the nimble craft to duck back behind cover.

    "Done. Target ship disabled," Teresa announced.

    Ivan immediately rolled the Black Swan, maneuvering it with precision. The ship surged forward, angling toward the pirate fighter''s last known position. Kai leaned closer to the screen as they cleared the asteroid. The pirate ship came into view¡ªhovering like a trapped insect. In Robert''s display, Kai could clearly see the pirate pilot through the fighter''s canopy. Though their face was obscured by a helmet, Kai could picture the look of shock and fear behind the visor.

    Robert didn¡¯t wait. As the Black Swan performed its flyby, he unleashed a relentless barrage of rounds. The pirate ship''s hull crumpled and shredded under the force of the large-caliber fire.

    The tension in the room dissipated somewhat, but Kai was still puzzled. How had Teresa disabled the pirate ship without using an EMP like the one they¡¯d used on the Corsair bomber? He glanced toward Commander Grayson, hoping for answers.

    The commander caught his look and smiled, as if he had already anticipated the question. ¡°You¡¯re wondering how we disabled that ship without a pulse, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Kai nodded.

    ¡°Teresa hacked into their ship¡¯s system and disabled it,¡± Grayson explained. ¡°Compared to Drakmoor. The space provides an excellent environment for capturing digital signals. All Teresa had to do was intercept the target ship¡¯s broadcast and infiltrate its systems. Pirates, as you can imagine, typically don¡¯t spend their money on cybersecurity.¡±

    Kai nodded again, finally understanding. Ship-to-ship combat wasn¡¯t just about shooting and hitting your target¡ªit was about strategy, precision, and using every asset at your disposal to make the fight as easy as possible.

    He smiled faintly, a new sense of pride swelling in his chest. He was aboard the Black Swan¡ªa ship with a professional crew, the kind of people he could learn a lot from.

    However, the battle was not over yet. Kai¡¯s eyes shifted back to the main screen. There was still the Corsair drop ship they needed to deal with.

 14. Unfamiliar Faces

    "Hail the Corsair," Commander Grayson ordered, his voice steady. "And engage if they open fire on us."

    Kai waited in anticipation as Teresa initiated the two-way connection. What would happen when the line connected? Would it be met with hostility, hatred, or desperate pleas for mercy?

    After a few tense seconds, the connection was accepted. A man¡¯s face appeared on the screen in front of Kai. The first thing he noticed was the scar running down the man¡¯s face, from brow to jaw. Dark hair framed the man¡¯s stern features, and his brown eyes glared coldly into the screen. Behind him, faint chatter could be heard¡ªvoices speaking in hurried, clipped tones.

    ¡°This is Commander Grayson of the Black Swan. Do you require assistance?¡± Grayson¡¯s voice was calm and diplomatic, but Kai could hardly believe what he was hearing. Why would Grayson offer help to them?

    ¡°Why did you save us?¡± the man asked, his tone sharp and suspicious.

    ¡°Because it¡¯s the rule of space to offer aid to ships under attack by pirates,¡± Grayson replied smoothly. ¡°Do you need assistance?¡±

    The man hesitated. Kai could see his eyes shift slightly, as if he were listening to others speaking off-screen. More chatter followed, rapid and coded. It was a toon Kai couldn¡¯t decipher, but the urgency was clear.

    Finally, the man relented. ¡°Yes. Our jump drive coil is damaged.¡±

    Commander Grayson nodded once, his expression unreadable. ¡°Teresa, grab a spare,¡± he ordered. Then, turning back to the screen, he addressed the scarred man again. ¡°Commander of the Corsair drop ship, we are going to dock with your ship. Tell your men to stand down, or your vessel will be destroyed. Do you understand?¡±

    The man¡¯s jaw tightened as he gave a curt nod. ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± The defiance in his eyes was unmistakable, a silent challenge.

    Grayson cut the connection and stood. ¡°Ivan and Robert, you¡¯re staying on the ship. Teresa, Eliana, and Kai¡ªyou¡¯re with me.¡±

    Kai unstrapped himself from his seat and hurried after the commander, still unable to suppress his confusion. ¡°Commander, why are we helping them? They attacked our mine.¡±

    ¡°Because they are our only lead to the True Kin,¡± Grayson replied firmly, not breaking stride. ¡°Our mission is to uncover what they represent, not to seek revenge.¡±

    Teresa chimed in as she checked her rifle. ¡°Trust me. If they turn out to be something evil, the commander will deal with them.¡±

    Kai carried the jump drive coil as they reached the airlock. The door opened slowly with a hiss, the heavy mechanisms grinding into motion. The atmosphere was tense, no one speaking a word.

    Eliana and Teresa flanked him, their rifles pointing downward but ready. Commander Grayson led the way, his pistol holstered but unmistakably within reach.

    As the opposite airlock door slid open, the man from the screen stood waiting. Two guards flanked him, each holding rifles in a similar resting position, barrels pointed away.

    Kai¡¯s gaze lingered on the man¡¯s face, trying to process what he was seeing. The man¡¯s features were unlike any Kai had encountered before¡ªhis face was angular, with high cheekbones and a sharp, narrow jawline. His eyes were almond-shaped, set slightly at an upward slant, and his nose was smaller and more defined than most people Kai had known. It wasn¡¯t unattractive, just... unfamiliar, strange even. Which planet was he from? Kai wondered. The deep scar running from the top of his forehead, down over his brow, and slicing through his cheek to his jaw made the man¡¯s appearance more striking. Kai found himself staring for a moment too long, unable to not feel alien about this man, even when he was speaking the same language as him.

    The man reached out a hand. ¡°I¡¯m Commander Yang of the Tian Fa. And you must be Commander Grayson.¡±

    Commander Grayson nodded but didn¡¯t take Yang¡¯s hand.

    ¡°I see,¡± Yang said softly, withdrawing his hand. ¡°You still hold grudges against us¡­¡± He bowed deeply, a sign of genuine humility. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for killing your people, but you need to know¡ªwe are also looking for the buried ship. We are seeking answers, just like you.¡±

    Commander Grayson remained silent, his gaze hard and unreadable. He simply nodded, an unspoken acceptance of Yang¡¯s words.

    Yang straightened, his posture composed but weary. ¡°And thank you for saving us from the pirates.¡±

    Every word Yang spoke felt sincere to Kai. There was no malice, no arrogance¡ªjust a man burdened by circumstance. Kai couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of sadness for him. Yang didn¡¯t seem like someone who wanted bloodshed; he was simply caught up in something far bigger than himself.

    "Kai, give them the coil," Commander Grayson said.

    Kai nodded and handed the coil to the strange man. Yang bowed as he took it from Kai¡¯s hands. For a moment, their eyes met, and Yang froze.

    ¡°Your eyes¡­¡± Yang murmured, staring intently. The faint glow in Kai¡¯s irises had captured his full attention. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Kai,¡± Kai answered simply.

    ¡°Kai¡­¡± Yang smiled faintly, a hint of reverence in his tone. ¡°Perhaps it is heaven¡¯s will for our paths to cross.¡±

    ¡°Is there something wrong with my name?¡± Kai asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°No, not at all. Your name holds meaning in my language¡ªalthough it¡¯s impossible for your parents to have known that.¡± Yang handed the coil to one of his crew before turning back to Grayson. ¡°Commander Grayson, I assume you seek answers about who we are. You wish to understand the True Kin. Am I correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Commander Grayson replied evenly. ¡°The buried ship was supposed to be a myth, yet you knew of its existence. That alone raises questions about who you truly are.¡±

    ¡°Very well.¡± Yang¡¯s gaze lingered on Kai before he turned and retrieved something. It was a sword, the entire surface etched with intricate carvings. The sword was straight and narrow, unlike any sword Kai had seen before.

    Yang looked directly at Kai and extended the weapon toward him. ¡°Please understand that the identity of our people is a secret meant to remain hidden. The only reason I¡¯m breaking that tradition now is because of the young man before me. If I¡¯m not mistaken, he is the one our people have sought for a very long time.¡±

    Kai exchanged a bewildered glance with Eliana, who looked equally confused.

    ¡°If you seek answers,¡± Yang continued, his voice steady and serious, ¡°find Mama Mo''s at an asteroid belt in the Veyra system. Bring the sword with you and you will be granted entry. However, for reasons of secrecy, only Kai will be allowed to meet with the leader.¡±

    Yang and his crew bowed again, ready to leave.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Kai called out, ¡°You said my name means something in your language. What does it mean?¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Yang¡¯s smile was soft but knowing. ¡°Kai is the music a warrior plays after victory. It means triumphant.¡±

    ---

    Kai sat on his bed, the sword from Yang resting across his lap. He examined it carefully. The weapon was undoubtedly ancient¡ªits colors faded, yet the carvings remained sharp and intricate. They depicted some kind of flying breasts locked in combat amidst swirling clouds.

    Gripping the hilt, Kai marveled at its surprising lightness. Slowly, he pulled the blade from its scabbard. The steel gleamed brilliantly, its surface polished like a mirror. Kai stared at his own reflection, catching the faint glow in his eyes.

    What had Yang meant? The one they were looking for. How could he, a refugee with no past to speak of, be so significant to the True Kin?

    Kai raised his head and saw Eliana standing in the doorway. She was in her nightgown, her hair loose, ready for sleep.

    ¡°Sorry¡­ you didn¡¯t close the door, so¡­¡± Eliana said softly.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Come in,¡± Kai replied, placing the sword back in its scabbard and setting it aside.

    Eliana walked over and sat beside him on the bed, the tips of her fingers brushing against Kai¡¯s hand. ¡°So¡­ are you going?¡± she asked, her voice quiet.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kai said without hesitation. ¡°We came to find answers about who the True Kin really are. Now we¡¯re so close and there¡¯s no reason to stop.¡±

    ¡°But sometimes the truth is dangerous,¡± Eliana said, her brows furrowing in concern. ¡°And I¡¯m worried about you going alone.¡±

    Kai took her hand gently in his. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Eliana. I¡¯ll be fine, I promise. I¡¯m only going to talk to them.¡±

    ¡°Okay, but you have to be careful. These people attacked the mine without any remorse. It¡¯s hard to say what they¡¯ll do to you,¡± Eliana said, her voice trembling slightly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful,¡± Kai reassured her, his gaze steady. ¡°I¡¯ll come back to you.¡±

    Eliana looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Kai pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her, and she melted into his embrace.

    In truth, Kai was also afraid of what will happen when he meet with the True Kin. His fate will be on their hand the moment he leaves the protection of the Black Swan. He kept it to himself, he didn''t want Eliana to worry.

    ---

    Veyra System, the place they needed to go, was still a few jumps away. The Black Swan could manage a maximum of two jumps per day, which meant a lot of downtime waiting for the jump drive to recharge. Kai spent most of that time between the training room and the bridge.

    By now, Kai had grown accustomed to the feeling of jumping. He hadn¡¯t even taken the anti-nausea pill during the last one. Space travel¡ªand being part of a crew¡ªwas starting to feel natural to him.

    He also learned how the Black Swan operated. Most of the time, the ship was run by just one or two members of the three-person crew, plus Commander Grayson. They rotated shifts, ensuring someone was always on the bridge. The system had its benefits: it allowed the off-shift crew members to take breaks, clear their minds, and avoid burnout.

    One afternoon, Kai was in the training room, practicing his aim when Robert approached him, holding a small data pad.

    ¡°How about I teach you how to operate the Black Swan¡¯s weapon systems?¡± Robert offered, a grin on his face.

    Kai¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. ¡°Sure, I¡¯m eager to learn,¡± he replied without hesitation.

    ¡°All right, sit down here and put the goggles on,¡± Robert instructed, pointing to the simulator seat.

    Kai¡¯s eyes lit up. He had always wanted to try the device but, without proper training, he hadn¡¯t even known how to turn it on. Now, he finally had the chance.

    He sat down and did as Robert told him, lowering the goggles over his eyes. At first, all he saw was black.

    ¡°Okay, you¡¯re probably not seeing anything at the moment. I need to run a quick calibration. You should see a red dot in the center of your vision soon.¡±

    Sure enough, a red dot appeared. Kai noticed it wasn¡¯t just a flat dot¡ªit seemed to have depth, like it was floating in front of him. He stared at it until it suddenly popped like a bubble.

    ¡°Good. Now look at the other dots as they appear, and keep doing that until they vanish,¡± Robert instructed.

    Kai followed Robert¡¯s instructions. Dots began appearing one by one, and he fixed his gaze on each until they disappeared. After a few moments, the calibration was complete.

    ¡°Ready for the real magic?¡± Robert asked, a grin evident in his voice.

    Before Kai could reply, his entire vision shifted. For a moment, confusion washed over him¡ªhe didn¡¯t understand what he was seeing. Then it clicked. He wasn¡¯t looking at a screen or a flat display. Instead, he was surrounded by a fully immersive, three-dimensional view of space, projected as though he were floating outside the Black Swan.

    The stars, the asteroids, and the endless blackness stretched all around him. It felt real, like he could reach out and touch it.

    ¡°Wow,¡± Kai gasped, completely stunned. ¡°This¡­ this is incredible.¡±

    ¡°Yes, it is. Now put your hands on the sticks,¡± Robert said.

    Kai reached out and found the control sticks on both sides of his chair, wrapping his fingers firmly around them.

    ¡°Good. The left stick controls your secondary weapon, and the right stick controls your primary weapon. For now, you¡¯ll be controlling the top turret with your right hand. The Black Swan has missiles too, but that¡¯s training for another time. Today, I just want you to have some fun. Let me send some targets your way.¡±

    In the distance, glowing shapes appeared, flying steadily toward him. These must be the targets, Kai thought. He aimed carefully and fired, surprised at how easy it was. With the targeting computer¡¯s help and his sharp sense of depth perception, taking down the targets felt as simple as pointing at them with his arm.

    Robert nodded approvingly as he watched Kai shoot down each target with ease. ¡°All right, you¡¯ve got some talent. Let¡¯s see if you can handle this,¡± he said with a mischievous smile.

    The underside turret unlocked for Kai, granting him control over both turrets. More glowing targets appeared, but this time they moved erratically¡ªzigzagging, weaving, and diving like real enemy ships. Kai struggled to keep up, missing several shots. Controlling two turrets at once while tracking unpredictable targets was far more challenging than before.

    ¡°Relax,¡± Robert advised. ¡°Try not to focus on just one target. Remember, you¡¯re in a three-dimensional space. Calm down and imagine the turrets are your arms. You¡¯re just reaching out to touch the targets.¡±

    Kai nodded, trying to steady himself. It was difficult to align what his brain envisioned with the actual controls. He felt his hands warming up, a familiar tingling spreading across his skin. The area around his eyes felt warm too, as if the liquid inside him was awakening.

    Inhale... Exhale... He took a few deep breaths. Kai focused on the top turret first, letting his brain instinctively track the target. Without forcing it, he shifted attention to the bottom turret, allowing his instincts to take over completely. He stopped thinking and started feeling¡ªas though the turrets were an extension of his body.

    Shots rang out in perfect coordination. Targets exploded left and right, one after another, as Kai¡¯s movements became fluid and natural.

    Robert watched with wide eyes, unable to hide his astonishment. ¡°Impressive,¡± he muttered under his breath, his mouth slightly agape.

    Soon, all the targets were destroyed, and Robert clapped, satisfied. ¡°Well done, Kai. You certainly did a lot better than I did on my first try.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kai replied, taking off his helmet and feeling a sudden lightness.

    ¡°Well, I was just going to let you have some fun and help you relax a little. I know you¡¯ve got a lot of pressure on your shoulders,¡± Robert said, leaning back slightly. ¡°But if you¡¯re interested, I can train you more on the weapon systems. We can always use another gunner.¡± He extended his hand.

    Kai smiled and shook it firmly. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯d love to learn from you, Robert.¡±

    He realized how often he found himself smiling since coming aboard the Black Swan. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was part of a family again. Even though he still didn¡¯t know the crew very well, he could sense their care and trust for him.

    Kai no longer felt dread about meeting the True Kin. He knew that whatever happened, the Black Swan and its crew would have his back.

    "Everyone," Ivan¡¯s voice broadcasted throughout the ship, ¡°we are going to jump again in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1.¡±

    Kai remained still and braced himself, barely blinking as the jump engaged. He no longer needed the pills, and the discomfort had become nothing more than a minor annoyance.

    ¡°Hey, look at you now,¡± Robert said with a grin, giving Kai¡¯s shoulder a light punch. ¡°Not bad, kid.¡±

    ¡°I guess I¡¯m officially part of the crew now?¡± Kai asked with a faint smile.

    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± Robert replied, leaning back. ¡°You were already part of the crew the moment you stepped aboard this ship. What you should say is¡ª¡±

    Robert¡¯s words were cut off by another broadcast from Ivan, this time sharp and urgent. ¡°Uh, all hands on deck, we have a situation.¡±

 15. SOS

    The situation Ivan mentioned turned out to be a distress call from another ship.

    Everyone was gathered on the bridge, Commander Grayson standing at the center of the room.

    ¡°Ivan, how long before we can reach the ship in distress?¡± Commander Grayson asked.

    ¡°Six minutes, sir,¡± Ivan replied.

    ¡°Robert, get on the guns just in case,¡± Commander Grayson ordered.

    ¡°Actually,¡± Robert spoke up, ¡°how about we let Kai control the turrets this time? He did really well during training. Of course, I¡¯ll shadow him.¡±

    Commander Grayson paused, then nodded. ¡°That¡¯s fine with me.¡±

    Eliana shot Kai an envious look, which Kai returned with an apologetic shrug. He reached up, grabbed the helmet above his station, and lowered it onto his head. The three-dimensional view flickered to life, surrounding him with the immersive battlefield of space.

    ¡°Mic check¡ªcan you hear me, Kai?¡± Robert¡¯s voice came through his headset.

    ¡°Yes, Robert, I can hear you just fine,¡± Kai replied.

    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll stay with you in remote view to shadow you, and I¡¯ll take over if things get out of control,¡± Robert said reassuringly.

    ¡°Thank you Robert, for giving me a chance.¡± Kai tightened his grip on the controls, ready.

    Not only could he hear Robert, but he could also hear what everyone else on the bridge was saying¡ªevery report, every instruction, adding to the growing tension.

    Finally, Kai could see the ship in distress. It was a popular cargo ship model, one that could be found everywhere in human space. The vessel was smaller than the Black Swan, only about 20 meters long, primarily used to transport goods for small businesses.

    Kai zoomed in, and the view sharpened. A circular hole gaped along the ship¡¯s side, towards the rear.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing a pirate attack,¡± Kai said.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s plausible. There¡¯s something strange, though,¡± Robert replied. ¡°Pirates are after profit, so the hole should be big enough for the cargo to fit thought, yet the hole was only about human size, it''s too small for a standard cargo container this kind of ship would use.

    ¡°And far too neat to be from an explosion,¡± Kai added. The hole was almost perfectly circular, and the edges didn¡¯t bend inwards like a typical breach caused by explosives.

    ¡°Teresa, tell the ship in distress that we¡¯re coming for rescue,¡± Commander Grayson said.

    Teresa sent the message and waited.

    ¡°No reply, sir.¡±

    Commander Grayson frowned, his expression darkening. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll have to board that ship to find out what happened. Teresa, scan the ship for its cargo. Ivan, I want you to circle the ship and make sure this isn¡¯t a trap.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Ivan responded as the Black Swan began a slow, deliberate sweep around the distressed vessel.

    Kai¡¯s eyes remained locked on the cargo ship through his headset display. Something about it made his stomach churn, he was afraid that it was a trap set up by pirates.

    Kai looked around to see if he can find anything else out of the unusual. Surely, he found a small black circle on the edge of the three dimensional space. The shape was too small to be a ship but it was still an anomaly.

    ¡°Hey, Robert,¡± Kai said, still focused. ¡°Do you see a black dot near the edge of the three-dimensional space?¡±

    ¡°Where?¡± Robert¡¯s voice crackled through the comms, his tone alert.

    Kai adjusted the turret controls, intending to point at the anomaly, but when he moved the top turret to aim, the shape was gone.

    ¡°Strange,¡± Kai muttered to himself. He stared hard, but the anomaly had vanished, as if it were never there. Doubt crept in¡ªwas it just a glitch? The targeting system could be overwhelming for someone new, and there was still a lot he hadn¡¯t figured out yet.

    Robert¡¯s voice came through, breaking his thoughts. ¡°You sure, Kai? Maybe it was a sensor flicker.¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Kai replied, though the unease in his gut lingered. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was out there.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Commander Grayson said, ¡°let¡¯s check the ship out.¡±

    ---

    Kai helped Eliana with her suit. Together with Teresa, they were going to board the distressed ship. A preliminary scan had shown no life signals aboard, but that didn¡¯t mean there weren¡¯t dangers.

    ¡°You nervous?¡± Eliana asked, her voice coming through the suit comms. ¡°Because I¡¯m a little.¡±

    ¡°To be honest, I am too,¡± Kai admitted. ¡°I saw something when I was in VR. It might¡¯ve been a glitch, but it looked like something was out there.¡±

    Eliana let out a nervous chuckle. ¡°You¡¯re not helping, Kai.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kai said, finishing up with the seals on her suit. ¡°You¡¯re ready to go.¡±

    ¡°You two better hurry up, or I¡¯m leaving without you,¡± Teresa¡¯s voice crackled through their helmets, impatient but lighthearted.

    Kai and Eliana quickly stepped into the airlock. The heavy door sealed shut behind them with a low thud. Kai felt his stomach tighten as the pressure dropped, the air being sucked out of the chamber. A deep, almost instinctive fear gripped him, but he forced himself to focus. Through the helmet, he heard his own controlled breaths as the vacuum of space pressed in.

    The outer airlock doors finally slid open with a soft mechanical whine, and the endless void of space revealed itself. Stars sparkled against the blackness, and the faint silhouette of the distressed cargo ship loomed ahead like a ghost in the dark.

    Kai took a deep breath, . This was his first time outside of the ship. ¡°Calm down,¡± he muttered to himself.

    ¡°You good, Kai?¡± Eliana asked, glancing at him.

    Kai forced a nod, his voice steadier than he felt. ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s do this.¡±

    Teresa¡¯s voice crackled through the suit comms. ¡°Since this is the first spacewalk for you both, there are a few things I need to explain before we proceed. First, let¡¯s talk about movement in space.¡±

    She took a few steps back, then explained as she ran forward, ¡°There¡¯s no gravity¡­¡± She leaped off the Black Swan toward the abandoned ship, her form controlled and graceful. ¡°As soon as you leave the Black Swan, you¡¯re working with momentum. You need to make sure you have the right amount of speed in the right direction.¡±Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    A couple of small thrusters on the back of her suit fired, stabilizing her movement. ¡°Your suit will help guide you, but it¡¯s not going to save you if you¡¯re completely off course. Use small adjustments.¡±

    Teresa reached the hull of the cargo ship and pressed herself softly against it, her gloved hands making contact. ¡°Okay, Eliana, you try. Control the speed of your launch. Too much, and you¡¯ll hit too hard. Too little, and you¡¯ll waste unnecessary fuel from the suit¡¯s thrusters. Worst case? You¡¯ll get stuck in the middle, out of fuel, and with nowhere to go.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Eliana said. She turned to look at Kai, he could tell she''s nervous.

    Kai nodded back at her. ¡°You¡¯ve got this.¡±

    Eliana took a steadying breath, took a few steps forward, and leaped. Her movement was precise, and her form nearly perfect. She glided across the space between the ships, the thrusters on her suit making small corrections. Within moments, she reached the cargo ship, where Teresa caught her by the arm and helped her land softly.

    ¡°Good job, Eliana. Smooth and clean,¡± Teresa praised. ¡°Alright, Kai, you¡¯re up.¡±

    Kai mimicked Teresa¡¯s launch, using the same form and speed. However, his added weight made him move more slowly than expected. For a brief moment, panic shot through him as he felt like he wasn¡¯t going to make it. He instinctively flailed his arms, as if trying to swim through the emptiness, which earned a burst of laughter from Teresa and Eliana.

    ¡°Relax, Kai! You¡¯re not in water!¡± Eliana teased.

    Just as he started to drift, the suit¡¯s small thrusters kicked in, adjusting his trajectory. With a sigh of relief, Kai reached the hull beside Eliana, who extended a hand to steady him.

    ¡°Yeah, Kai,¡± Teresa said with an amused tone. ¡°You¡¯re going to need a bit more speed on takeoff next time. You¡¯ve got more mass, so you need a little extra push to compensate. Don¡¯t worry¡ªyou¡¯ll get the hang of it.¡±

    Kai chuckled, his breathing finally evening out. ¡°First time for everything, right?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Teresa replied, patting him on the shoulder. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get moving.¡±

    Teresa pulled herself around the corner and entered the hole. Kai noticed how smooth and sharp the edges were¡ªno burn marks, no jagged or uneven surfaces. It was as if a giant knife had sliced through the ship¡¯s hull with perfect precision.

    He let Eliana go next and followed in last. Before entering, he took a quick glance at the empty space where he had seen the black sphere earlier. Nothing. Just a void of endless stars.

    Kai shook off the unease settling in his chest. You¡¯re getting too paranoid, he told himself. The notebook he found had him on edge ¡ª "A scout had found us". What did that even mean?

    He forced himself to focus. For now, the Black Swan and its crew would keep them safe. He inhaled deeply and pulled himself through the hole after the others.

    Inside, the ship was eerily still. Apart from the perfectly cut opening in its hull, there appeared to be no other visible damage. Everything remained intact. The only sound was the faint static of their comms and the occasional hiss of their suit thrusters.

    ¡°What happened here?¡± Eliana¡¯s voice broke the silence, echoing faintly inside Kai¡¯s helmet.

    Kai didn¡¯t answer, but the same question gnawed at his mind. Something about this ship felt¡­ wrong.

    "I wanted to say this was a pirate attack, but nothing was taken from the cargo bay," Teresa said, placing her hand on one of the containers. The cargo bay was packed with them, stacked tightly in the dim, empty space.

    "What¡¯s this ship transporting anyway?" Kai asked.

    "That¡¯s the strange part." Teresa shook her head as she scanned the labels. "From what I can see, these are just cheap machine parts. I can¡¯t think of a single reason why this ship would be the target of such an attack."

    "Then maybe it¡¯s the Empire," Eliana suggested. She was floating gently down the corridor toward the front of the ship. "Perhaps they targeted this ship for its data logs. Isn¡¯t that important?"

    "I doubt it," Teresa replied. "The Empire has far more advanced spy ships; they wouldn¡¯t need to attack something like this for data." She paused, then added, "Well, there¡¯s only one way to find out."

    "The data log?" Kai guessed.

    "Close," Teresa said with a faint smirk. "I was about to say the black box. It records everything¡ªnavigation, communications, and whatever happened to the ship."

    They floated down the corridor, the silence of the weightless environment pressing in on them. Kai watched Teresa¡¯s movements closely¡ªshe moved with care, gently gripping anything she could to push herself forward in the direction of the flight deck. Her fluid motions made it look effortless, almost graceful.

    In contrast, Kai was struggling to keep himself upright. He mimicked her movements, taking each action slowly and deliberately. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but after a few tries, he started to get a little better at maneuvering himself. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder why the strange liquid inside him didn¡¯t come to his aid. Maybe it only works when I¡¯m in danger, he thought.

    As he floated through the corridor connecting the galley to the cargo bay, Kai took in his surroundings. The galley was surprisingly intact, almost untouched. A few cups and food pods floated lazily in the air, drifting as if frozen in time, but everything else was perfectly in place.

    Kai¡¯s eyes caught the utensils still neatly laid out on the table. It was odd¡ªno signs of a struggle, no chaos, nothing out of place except for the abandoned food. He frowned, estimating from the setup that the ship must have been run by no more than two people. The quiet eeriness of it all sent a chill through him.

    Kai followed Teresa and Eliana into the flight deck. It was a neat and clean. However every console was taken apart, wires and parts cut with perfect edge just like the hole on the hull. Kai¡¯s stomach sank as he took in the sight.

    "Damn it," Teresa cursed under her breath. "Every component that might contain data¡ªnavigation systems, the comm relays¡­ even the black box has been removed."

    "Looks like we aren''t going to find anything here," Kai said, his voice heavy with frustration.

    "Yeah, this was just a waste of time," Teresa agreed, her tone sharp. "We¡¯ll have to report this to the Federation. Let them figure it out."

    The three of them pushed off from the wrecked ship, using their suits'' thrusters to glide back toward the Black Swan. The silent void of space felt heavier now, the unanswered questions lingering like ghosts in Kai¡¯s mind.

    Once inside the Black Swan¡¯s airlock, they stood quietly as the air cycle began. The hiss of pressurization filled the chamber, a warm welcome to safety and home. Kai glanced at Eliana, who pulled her helmet off with a sigh, her brow furrowed in thought. Teresa did the same, muttering under her breath.

    Kai leaned against the wall, waiting for the cycle to finish.To Kai, finding nothing was worse than any other possible outcome. He had braced himself to see the aftermath of a conflict¡ªno matter how gruesome it might be. Yet, there were no signs of struggle. No bullet holes riddled the walls, not even a single drop of blood. This absence of evidence unsettled him deeply. It was as if the culprit had gone through deliberate lengths to make the attack as clean as possible, turning the destruction into a meticulous piece of art.

    The most plausible explanation was that the Empire had done this. Who else could pull off something so precise? Certainly not pirates. But it was still too early to draw conclusions, Kai reminded himself. This was the vast emptiness of space, a place where endless possibilities existed. He clung to that thought like a lifeline, attempting to calm the growing unease in his chest.

    Once back on the ship, Teresa reported the situation to Commander Grayson. He agreed that the best course of action was to report the incident to the Federation and let them deal with it. Their priority remained uncovering the truth about the True Kin, and their only lead now was to find Mama Mo''s in the Veyra system.

    Kai was heading back to his room when Robert called out to him.

    "Kai!" Robert¡¯s voice echoed down the corridor.

    Kai turned to see Robert waving at him. "Sorry, Robert, I¡¯m not in the mood for training right now."

    "It¡¯s not training," Robert said, his voice carrying a spark of excitement. "You¡¯re gonna want to see this."

    Curious, Kai followed Robert into the training room, where a holographic display of the Black Swan was already set up, hovering mid-air with glowing outlines.

    "What¡¯s this about?" Kai asked, stepping closer.

    "The black shape you saw," Robert said, pointing to a black sphere near the edge of the holographic field. "Look right here."

    The realization sent a shiver down Kai¡¯s spine. He wasn¡¯t imagining things¡ªthere really was something out there.

    "Could this just be a sensor glitch?" Kai asked, his voice tight, not wanting to believe it.

    "That¡¯s what I thought, too," Robert replied. He tapped a few commands into the control panel. "So I ran the data again, frame by frame. Check this out."

    Kai watched as the frames advanced, one after another. The black sphere stayed in view, unmoving at first. Then, just as the final few frames played out, the shape shifted¡ªit unfolded, opening up like a blooming flower before vanishing from the view entirely.

    Robert rewound the frames and zoomed in, pausing at the moment the sphere began to change. Kai studied the object carefully. It wasn¡¯t a glitch. It couldn¡¯t be. The way it moved was deliberate, mechanical.

    "Did you show this to the Commander?" Kai asked.

    "Yeah, I did," Robert said, his excitement dimming slightly. "But he thinks it¡¯s too much for us to deal with. He said it¡¯s better to let the Federation handle it."

    Kai left the training room with more questions than answers, his thoughts heavy. Whatever they had seen wasn¡¯t natural. It wasn¡¯t like anything Kai had ever encountered before. He walked the corridors of the Black Swan quietly, wishing they could reach Mama Mo''s faster. Wherever she was, Kai hoped the answers waiting for him there would finally put his mind at ease.

 16. A Hidden Kind

    It took another day for the Black Swan to finally arrive at the Veyra system. To ease his worries, Kai spent the entire day in the training room, pushing himself through as much physical training as possible. It was his way of dealing with the anxiety of the upcoming meeting with the True Kin. He would be on his own, and he wanted to be prepared if things went south.

    By the time Kai emerged from the training room, the view outside had shifted. The endless void had been replaced by an asteroid field. Kai guessed they were getting close to Mama Mo''s.

    He hadn¡¯t even known what Mama Mo''s was until the crew talked about it during their last FTL jump. Apparently, Ivan had been there once when he was younger. His father, a cargo pilot, used to bring him along on runs. Mama Mo''s was a well-known stop among cargo pilots, offering cheap fuel and food. According to Ivan, it was nothing special¡ªjust a hub in the middle of nowhere.

    Kai took a quick shower in his room to clean up, and when he stepped out, he found Eliana waiting by his door.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Eliana said softly, a light blush tinting her cheeks. ¡°I was just coming to tell you that we¡¯re about to arrive.¡±

    Things had been a little awkward between Kai and Eliana since the other night. Kai knew Eliana was worried about him going alone, and in his attempt to comfort her, he had pulled her into his arms. Now, he felt like he owed her an answer. What was their relationship? If he didn¡¯t address it, things would only grow more uncomfortable.

    ¡°Eliana,¡± Kai said, his voice steady.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Eliana replied, her blush deepening as she looked at him.

    ¡°About the other night¡­¡± Kai began.

    Eliana turned even redder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it too much. I know you were just trying to comfort me.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kai admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°But I still feel like I owe you an answer. I know we haven¡¯t really talked about¡­ how we feel about us.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not worry about that now,¡± Eliana interrupted, turning her head away. ¡°You should focus on meeting with the True Kin. That¡¯s what¡¯s important right now.¡±

    Kai nodded slowly, understanding her point. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Eliana. I promise we¡¯ll talk about it when I come back.¡±

    Eliana didn¡¯t turn back to face him as she began walking toward the bridge. She said softly. ¡°Okay, Kai. Just¡­ please come back safely.¡±

    Kai entered the bridge as the ship began to slow down. He could feel the slight change in gravity as the Black Swan rotated, aligning itself with a massive asteroid. Focusing on the center of the asteroid, Kai spotted a manmade structure carved into its surface. A landing area came into view¡ªrectangular holes built into the asteroid¡¯s side. Several ships hovered nearby, waiting to be assigned their landing bays.

    Ivan hailed the station, his voice calm and practiced. ¡°Landing service, this is the Black Swan, requesting permission to land¡­¡± He paused for a moment, then continued, ¡°Alright, heading to landing bay 2.¡±

    The Black Swan adjusted its orientation, rolling gently as it approached the asteroid. Kai watched through the viewport as the ship¡¯s hull passed through the force field that kept the vacuum of space outside. The second they entered, Kai felt the gravity shift again. The Black Swan powered down its own gravity generator, and the station¡¯s gravity field took over.

    Kai marveled at the sheer scale of it. In a ship as large as the Black Swan, the gravity generator lay hidden beneath the bottom level, sandwiched between the deck and the hull. But to keep an entire asteroid under artificial gravity? The generators had to be enormous, a feat of engineering Kai could only imagine.

    The ship settled smoothly onto the landing pad. Ivan wasted no time requesting fuel and rearming for the Black Swan. While the long refueling process began, Kai grabbed the ancient sword Commander Yang had given him and headed for the elevator.

    Commander Grayson and Eliana flanked Kai as the elevator descended onto the landing pad. The bay was massive, its walls smooth and polished, revealing the natural rock of the asteroid itself. Kai glanced upward and saw the entrance slowly closing behind them.

    The three of them stepped onto the pad, boots clicking against the smooth ground. Kai¡¯s attention was immediately drawn to a group of men jogging toward them. They moved with precision, rifles in hand, their movements synchronized like a trained military unit. Kai guessed these must be the station''s guards. Unlike the True Kin Kai had encountered before, these men bore no tattoos, no marks to signify their allegiance.

    Kai tightened his grip on the sword¡¯s hilt as the men got close. The tension in the air was thick, but Commander Grayson stood tall, unshaken. Eliana stayed close to Kai, her presence comforted him as they waited for them to approach.

    The guards shifted formation as they neared, fanning out into a line before stopping. From the center of their ranks stepped a lone figure who clearly stood apart. He bore a striking resemblance to Commander Yang¡ªsame sharp facial structure, same steady confidence¡ªbut his face was unmarked, lacking Yang''s telltale scars. Kai''s attention was immediately drawn to the tattoo on the man¡¯s neck¡ªthe same True Kin emblem he¡¯d seen before.

    ¡°You must be Kai,¡± the man said, his tone firm yet polite. His hands were clasped neatly behind his back, and his sharp eyes darted from Kai to Commander Grayson and Eliana. ¡°I apologize in advance, but only Mr. Kai can come with us. The rest of your crew are free to use the station¡¯s facilities as they wish, free of charge, as a kind gesture from Mama Mo herself.¡±

    Eliana turned to Kai, her worry written plainly on her face. She reached for his hand, her grip warm. ¡°Please come back safely, Kai. Remember that you promised me you would.¡±

    Kai nodded, squeezing her hand gently. ¡°Yes, I promise..¡± He held her gaze for a moment longer. Slowly, she let her hand slip from his grasp.

    ¡°Stay safe,¡± she said softly.

    Kai glanced at Commander Grayson, silently asking for reassurance. Grayson returned the look with a nod and a small, encouraging smile. He patted Kai on the back, the gesture firm and steady, like a father sending his child into the unknown.

    Kai managed a faint smile in return, masking his own nervousness as he turned to face the guards. He stepped forward.

    The figure extended his hand, an unexpected gesture of trust. ¡°Please don¡¯t feel afraid,¡± the man said, his voice authoritative. ¡°Commander Yang informed me of your arrival. You are not in any danger. On the contrary, you are a very important guest to us. I¡¯m Li Baiyan, and I will escort you to meet Mama Mo.¡±

    Kai accepted the handshake. Baiyan¡¯s grip was firm, and Kai immediately felt the rough calluses on the man¡¯s palms¡ªa sign of hard work and hardship. Baiyan¡¯s face was young, but his eyes told a different story. Cold and sharp, they studied Kai with an intensity that made him feel like every inch of him was being analyzed. But Kai didn¡¯t look away. He met baiyan¡¯s gaze head-on, refusing to let doubt show.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    After a moment, Baiyan¡¯s expression softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he said, his tone more reassuring this time. ¡°You¡¯ll do just fine.¡±

    With a wave of his hand, the guards shifted seamlessly into a diamond formation, surrounding Kai and Baiyan at the center. Kai glanced back, hoping to catch one last glimpse of Eliana and Commander Grayson, but the massive frames of the guards blocked his view.

    Kai followed Baiyan into a maze of twisting tunnels, their path winding deeper and deeper into the asteroid. He could tell immediately¡ªthis was not the entrance to Mama Mo¡¯s that Ivan had described. There were no crowds of cargo pilots, no bustling energy of a station hotspot. Wherever they were headed felt hidden, exclusive, and deliberately protected.

    The sound of boots echoed off the stone walls, each step reverberating through the narrow passage. Finally, the guards came to a stop, turned silently, and departed, leaving only Kai and Baiyan standing before a small, unremarkable door. It looked plain and unadorned, blending almost seamlessly with the tunnel around it¡ªinsignificant, if not for the weight of what lay behind it.

    Baiyan turned to Kai, his expression serious. ¡°We¡¯re about to enter a part of the asteroid unknown to the outside world¡ªa place where people like me have sought refuge, a place we call our heaven, hidden from the rest of the universe.¡± He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly, as though testing Kai¡¯s resolve. ¡°I ask you to take everything you see with an open mind, no matter how strange or different it may look to you.¡±

    Kai swallowed hard and nodded. Baiyan knocked three times on the door. A sharp clank sounded, and the door unlocked with a hiss, sliding open slowly. Baiyan gestured for Kai to step inside.

    Kai hesitated only a moment before walking through. The shift was immediate. The dim tunnel behind him was replaced by a blinding glow that assaulted his senses. He squinted, momentarily disoriented, as the overwhelming light enveloped him. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust, but when they did, the sight left him breathless.

    The ¡°room¡± wasn¡¯t a room at all¡ªit was a vast cavern carved into the heart of the asteroid. But this was no rough, hollowed-out space. Neon lights blazed from every direction, their colorful glow reflecting off walls smoothed to a perfect sheen. Massive columns stretched upward, vanishing into shadowy heights that Kai couldn¡¯t even see. Walkways crisscrossed through the vertical space like veins of an impossibly complex labyrinth. Holographic signs flickered and flashed, pulsing with symbols and languages that Kai didn¡¯t recognize.

    There was too much to take in at once. His senses were overwhelmed¡ªhis eyes darted from glowing advertisements to the faint hum of industrial machinery in the distance. He could hear voices, laughter, and the steady thrum of some unseen power source. The smell of food¡ªsomething savory, yet unfamiliar¡ªhung faintly in the air, mixing with the metallic tang of the asteroid itself.

    For a moment, Kai didn¡¯t know where to look or how to react. It was as if he¡¯d stepped into an entirely different world, he felt lost, and looked back at Li for guidance.

    "This is the part of Mama Mo''s that''s only known to us. It''s one of the larger True Kin hideouts. Welcome to China Town," Li said, gesturing grandly.

    What Baiyan said sounded like some sort of encrypted message to Kai. China? He¡¯d heard the word before¡ªhe remembered using bowls and cups during meals back on Velmorra that were called china. But this place clearly wasn¡¯t a reference to dinnerware. Confused, he decided to ask.

    ¡°Why name it ChinaTown? Was it originally selling utensils or something?¡± Kai asked.

    Baiyan chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°No, China is¡ªwas¡ªa country. Long before space travel, it existed on an ancient planet called Earth. Most people here can trace their bloodline back to it. We¡¯re just one part of the True Kin, a group of people who chose, no, forced to live in the old ways.¡±

    Kai frowned, still struggling to wrap his head around it. He¡¯d never heard of this ¡°Earth¡± or its country called China. The books he¡¯d read growing up¡ªhistories, myths, legends¡ªnever mentioned any of this. As he looked around at the people in ChinaTown, he couldn¡¯t help but notice how different they looked from him: dark hair, unique facial structures, and an unfamiliar language humming in the background like white noise.

    The realization sent a chill through him. This wasn¡¯t just another group of outcasts. These people carried history¡ªreal history¡ªthat no one in his world had even known existed.

    Kai shook his head, overwhelmed. He could feel it deep in his gut¡ªwhatever he was about to learn would shatter his entire understanding of the universe.

    Baiyan seemed to sense his disorientation. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he said softly. ¡°I think it¡¯s best to let Mama Mo herself explain our story to you.¡±

    Li and Kai climbed their way up ChinaTown one level at a time. Kai never stopped turning his head, soaking in as much information as he could. He tried to make sense of the language that surrounded him. A particular word caught his attention, appearing on many signs outside eateries¡ª¡°·¹µê.¡± He guessed it meant restaurant. Yet, as they passed more establishments, Kai noticed variations. Some used ¡°Ð¡¹Ý¡± or ¡°Ê³¸®,¡± while others had no such words at all. Each sign seemed unique, adding to the complexity of the language.

    It baffled him. If this was just one language spoken by the True Kin, how many others existed? And what about the ship they found buried in the mine?

    ¡°Are there True Kin who speak the English language?¡± he asked, the thought lingering in his mind.

    Li considered the question for a moment before replying, ¡°I think there are a couple of countries that spoke it, yes. But, like I said, it¡¯s best you save your questions for Mama Mo herself. She knows the most about the old world.¡±

    Kai thanked Li and returned his focus to the signs, occasionally glancing at the people around him. As they walked, he noticed the residents watching him as well¡ªnot with open curiosity, but with quiet, fleeting glances. However, it wasn¡¯t him they were staring at. It was the sword strapped to his back. Whatever it represented in their culture, it clearly held significance.

    The climb was long, but eventually, they reached the top level. Kai turned to look back at the street below. From this vantage point, the entirety of ChinaTown spread out like a living tapestry. The bustling lower levels, alive with noise and movement, now seemed distant. Here, the atmosphere was different¡ªquieter, more refined. The streets were less crowded, and the people better dressed, their movements elegant, their manners dignified.

    ¡°Come on, Mama Mo is waiting,¡± Li called, motioning for Kai to follow him through an ornate gate guarded by two men in heavy armor. Their stoic faces and imposing presence made Kai¡¯s heart pick up speed. The realization hit him¡ªhe was about to meet THE Mama Mo.

    Yesterday, her name had sounded like a simple fabrication, something to make the station seem more welcoming. Now, it carried weight, shrouded in mystery and importance. Kai adjusted the strap of the sword on his back and took a steadying breath.

    ¡°And this is as far as I can go,¡± Li said, motioning for Kai to continue forward.

    Kai nodded and stepped ahead. The tunnel darkened with each step, a shadowy stillness settling over him. His unease grew sharper, but he pushed forward, his hand instinctively brushing against the sword on his back for reassurance.

    He stopped at a heavy door made of deep red wood. A guard, silent and unmoving, stood beside it. Without a word, the guard pulled the door open. As Kai stepped closer, he noticed a small threshold at his feet¡ªan unusual design. He hesitated, then carefully raised his foot and stepped over it, the act feeling oddly ceremonial.

    The world beyond the door was a sight he hadn¡¯t expected. A pathway stretched out before him, illuminated by rows of red lanterns hanging from tall, slender posts. The lanterns concealed their light, casting a warm, golden glow that softened the darkness. Kai opened his mouth in surprise as he looked up¡ªstars twinkled overhead, impossibly clear and vibrant, as if the tunnel had opened into the night sky itself.

    A cool wind brushed against his face, carrying with it the faint scent of something he couldn¡¯t quite place. It felt so real¡ªtoo real for the confines of an asteroid¡¯s heart. Kai took a steady breath, letting the moment settle, and continued walking.

    Halfway down the path, a figure stepped into his way, emerging from the shadows. Kai almost didn¡¯t see him at first. The man wore a suit of ornate red armor, the polished plates reflecting the soft glow of the lanterns. The armor was intricate, carved with flowing patterns that seemed to ripple like flames in the shifting light, similar to the art on Kai''s sword.

    The man stood tall and still, his imposing form blocking Kai¡¯s path to a gate behind him. Kai instinctively stopped, his hand ready to reach for the sword on his back.

    He stared into the man¡¯s eyes¡ªthey revealed no emotion, no hostility, only an unreadable calm.

    The man bowed deeply, a gesture of both respect and formality, then, with one smooth motion, drew his sword from the hilt at his side.

 17. Mama Mo

    Kai reached for his own sword, gripping the hilt tightly as he pulled it free. The blade shimmered under the warm glow of the lanterns, its polished surface catching his reflection¡ªa face caught between surprise and anger.

    Damn it, Kai cursed himself. How could I have trusted so easily? This had to be a trap. They had attacked the mine, after all. And yet, something didn¡¯t add up. Why gone though all the trouble just to kill him.

    Kai held his weapon in a defensive posture, the blade raised before him. He and the man circled eachother, weapons ready, watching like predators. The red lantern light shifted their shadows, making their movements feel like a slow dance. For a moment, both stopped. Kai waited for the man to strike, but it seemed the man was waiting for him as well.

    Then, the calm on the man¡¯s face melted into impatience. Without warning, he lunged forward, his sword thrusting straight at Kai.

    Kai was ready. He had already felt the familiar warmth spreading through his hands and feet¡ªthe liquid inside him awakening. He feigned a dodge to the left, drawing the man¡¯s sword slightly off course, then spun sharply to the right. The man¡¯s blade sliced through empty air, and Kai used his momentum to swing at the man¡¯s exposed side.

    But the man¡¯s reflexes were astonishing. Despite the heavy armor, he moved with grace and speed. He twisted his wrist, flipping the sword upside down to intercept Kai¡¯s strike. The blades clashed, a sharp ring echoing through the air as steel met steel. Sparks danced briefly before Kai pulled his blade back.

    Kai pressed the attack, keeping the man on the defensive, but his lack of skill with the straight sword quickly showed. Each swing felt unfamiliar in his hands, the weight different, the balance strange. For all his speed and strength, he lacked technique. His hesitation was brief, but it was enough.

    The man recovered, twisting his body fluidly, his blade rising back into position. In an instant, the table had turned. Kai realized that this fight was far from over.

    The man attacked again, intending to overwhelm Kai. He swung his sword in rapid motions, shifting angles with each strike¡ªhigh, low, sweeping, thrusting. Kai deflected each blow, his arms straining from the force, his steps moving instinctively to create distance. He adjusted his stance, shifting his blade to parry and redirect, desperately looking for an opening.

    Kai frowned as he observed the man¡¯s strikes more closely. Each swing was controlled and deliberate, yet something felt restrained, almost¡­ simple. The man was holding back, Kai realized.

    The duel intensified, each clang of metal on metal resonating through the lantern-lit pathway. Sparks scattered with every strike, and Kai¡¯s movements grew sharper as his body adapted to the rhythm of the man¡¯s attacks. He began to see the pattern¡ªthe precision in the strikes, the way the man moved his body to transition fluidly between offense and defense. Kai adjusted his form to match it, mimicking the man¡¯s footwork and deflecting with smaller, more economical movements.

    The clash of swords sent one lantern flying onto the stone path. The flames sputtered out, plunging part of the corridor into shadow. Another wild swing¡ªthis time from the man¡ªcaught a lantern¡¯s edge, dimming more of the light. The path grew darker, the glow from the remaining lanterns now fragmented and uneven.

    Kai used the dim light to his advantage. When the man lunged with a cut, Kai fainted a thrust aimmed for the man''s

    chest, and forced the man into defense. With his momentum, he swung his blade in a wide arc toward the man¡¯s exposed side. The strike connected, glancing off the man¡¯s red armor with a shower of sparks. The sword didn¡¯t penetrate, the armor was too thick¡ªbut the force staggered the man momentarily.

    Before Kai could capitalize on the opening, the man recovered with shocking speed. With a blur of motion, he twisted and swung his blade in a precise counterattack. Kai¡¯s parry was too slow, and the man closed the gap, his blade stopping just inches from Kai¡¯s throat.

    Kai froze. The cold steel hovered at his neck, unyielding yet not biting. His chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath. He expected pain, death even, but the blade remained still.

    In the fractured light, Kai caught his reflection on the sword¡¯s polished surface. His expression was a mixture of shock and defiance. And his eyes. They glowed faintly, a soft, pulsing blue that pierced the surrounding darkness.

    The man¡¯s gaze lingered on Kai¡¯s eyes, his face unreadable. The silence stretched on, heavy and unnerving, as if the man had found exactly what he was looking for. The duel was over, but Kai had the distinct feeling this had never been about victory.

    "Gou le!" A soft feminine voice said, "enough."

    Kai looked past the man in armor and saw a small woman standing just beyond the now open gate.

    Her presence was commanding despite her size. Age was etched clearly on her face, yet her dark eyes were sharp, and her expression radiated kindness. She reminded Kai of his own grandmother, but there was something regal about her¡ªsomething more.

    The woman wore a flowing robe made from the smoothest material he had ever seen. It shimmered faintly under the dim sky light, as though woven with threads of moonlight itself. The fabric draped elegantly over her small frame, the long sleeves billowing gently with her every movement. Rich hues of deep red and gold adorned the robe, intricate patterns of unknown mythical beasts of both land and sky embroidered across the surface, radiating power, wisdom, and prosperity.

    The hem of her robe trailed the ground, trimmed with delicate golden thread that reflected the light like fireflies dancing along the edges. A sash, tied perfectly at the waist, was made of darker silk, from which hung a jade ornament that glimmered softly. It was a subtle but undeniable sign of wealth and heritage. Despite her age, she stood straight, radiating authority, every thread and stitch in her attire declaring her status.

    Kai couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her cloth. He had never seen anything so refined¡ªit was a testament to both power and her culture.

    This must be Mama Mo.

    "It''s nice to finally meet you. Now come close and let me take a closer look at you, Kai," Mama Mo said with a smile. With a snap of her fingers, the night sky shifted into daylight. Kai blinked as the surroundings transformed¡ªhe could hear birds chirping faintly in the air. The lanterns on the floor vanished alongside the rest of the scenery, replaced by a simple, yet elegant room filled with redwood furniture and traditional decorations. It exuded a serene beauty, understated but regal.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    The armored guard stepped forward and began removing his armor. To Kai''s surprise, it was none other than Baiyan under disguise. He smiled at Kai approvingly.

    "Congratulations on passing the test," Baiyan said.

    "But... I lost the duel," Kai replied, still unsettled. He remembered the cold blade resting at his throat.

    Baiyan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "The duel was not meant to test if you could defeat me," he explained. "It was to see if you are truly the one chosen by the heavens. Tian Xuan Zhi Ren, as we call it¡ªthe Heaven-Appointed One. Winning the fight was irrelevant."

    Kai''s eyes narrowed, he was not happy with the defeat.

    Baiyan¡¯s expression softened as he gave a slight nod. "You were the first to strike me. If not for the armor, I would¡¯ve had a scar to match my brother¡¯s." His smile widened, half amusement, half pride. "You carry something inside you¡ªsomething even you haven¡¯t fully understood yet. That was the real test, and you passed."

    Mama Mo stepped closer, her eyes kind but probing, as though searching for something beyond Kai¡¯s flesh and bones. "You are far more than you realize, young one," she said softly. "In time, the heavens will reveal your purpose. But for now, let us talk, for you must have questions, and I may have answers."

    Indeed, Kai had a lot of questions on his mind. He sat down across from Mama Mo on a wooden chair, his hands resting on his knees as he tried to settle his nerves.

    "Cha," Mama Mo said to Baiyan softly.

    Baiyan bowed, then quietly disappeared from the room.

    "I can still sense that you are a little nervous, Kai. Please don¡¯t be," Mama Mo said with a warm smile. "It will take some time to explain things, and I¡¯m sure we will come to an understanding by the end."

    Kai nodded, though his heart still pounded in his chest. The events leading him here¡ªdiscovering the buried ship, the mysterious words of Commander Yang, and now the duel¡ªstill swirled in his mind.

    Baiyan returned moments later, carrying a fine china teapot and cups. The style of the set was intricate and unfamiliar to Kai, adorned with delicate patterns and glossy finish. Baiyan carefully placed them on the wooden table, a small tray underneath to steady the set.

    He poured steaming liquid into the cups, the soft sound of the tea filling the silence. The fragrant aroma reached Kai¡¯s nose¡ªwarm and earthy, yet faintly sweet. It reminded him of the herbal teas he had tasted back on Velmorra.

    "Is this tea?" Kai asked, curious.

    "Yes, indeed it is," Mama Mo said, a hint of pride in her voice. "This is pu''er tea. It will help with stress and fatigue¡ªa remedy perfected by our ancestors."

    Baiyan set two filled cups in front of them, carefully placing the teapot aside before bowing once more and leaving the room, leaving Kai and Mama Mo alone.

    Kai hesitated for a moment, then picked up the cup. It was light in his hand, the porcelain warm to the touch. He took a small sip, the rich flavor spreading across his tongue, soothing and calming.

    Mama Mo watched him, her expression gentle yet unreadable. "Now, Kai," she began, her tone calm, "ask your questions. I know you must have many."

    ---

    Eliana sighed as she watched the workers restock the Black Swan, loading food and essential supplies up the rear ramp. It would take a while for them to finish, and this was the part of space travel fiction rarely talked about¡ªthe endless waiting before the next adventure. She didn¡¯t mind the waiting itself. She¡¯d been on the Black Swan before as a child and had grown used to it. What she couldn¡¯t stand, though, was waiting for Kai to return.

    It had been half a day since Kai left with Baiyan, a figure Eliana still didn¡¯t fully trust. All she wanted was for him to come back safely.

    ¡°Thinking about Kai?¡± Teresa¡¯s voice broke through her thoughts as she appeared beside her, holding two cups of tea. She handed one to Eliana with a knowing smile.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Eliana admitted, taking the cup and returning a faint smile. She hesitated, debating whether to share her feelings with Teresa, but in the end, she decided to open up. ¡°I can¡¯t get Kai off my mind. I know we haven¡¯t known each other for very long, but¡­ he¡¯s just different from all the other men I¡¯ve met.¡±

    Teresa¡¯s smile widened. ¡°I can see that, Eliana. And trust me, I think he feels the same about you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not so sure,¡± Eliana said softly, looking down at her tea. ¡°He has so much on his mind. I don¡¯t think he has time for someone like me.¡± She paused and blushed slightly. ¡°We hugged the other night though.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s something!¡± Teresa said with a grin, nudging Eliana gently. ¡°That has to mean he cares about you, right?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Eliana murmured. ¡°I just¡­ I feel like I¡¯m standing still while he¡¯s running toward something I can¡¯t see.¡±

    Teresa reached out and took Eliana¡¯s hand, her tone turning more earnest. ¡°Eliana, listen to me. If you think Kai¡¯s the right one, don¡¯t wait for him to figure it out. Men¡ªthey¡¯re like children sometimes. Always distracted, always running around with their heads full of things they think are important. You¡¯ve got to make your presence known.¡±

    Eliana blinked and looked at Teresa, surprised.

    ¡°Train with him,¡± Teresa continued. ¡°Stick by his side, drop hints if you have to. But most importantly, listen to your heart. If you care about him, don¡¯t hold back. Trust me, the universe moves fast, and there will always be someone out there willing to say what you¡¯re too afraid to. You don¡¯t want to lose him because you waited too long.¡±

    Eliana stared into her tea for a moment, Teresa¡¯s words echoing in her head. Slowly, a small smile tugged at her lips. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she said softly, more to herself than to Teresa. ¡°I just need to show him how much I care.¡±

    Teresa patted her hand. ¡°Exactly. You¡¯ve got this, Eliana. You got more in you than you think.¡±

    ---

    Kai thought carefully about what he wanted to ask. Mama Mo was right¡ªthere were so many questions swirling in his mind, he didn¡¯t know where to begin. Finally, he decided to start with the elephant in the room, the event that set everything in motion.

    ¡°Why did the True Kin attack the mine?¡± Kai asked simply, his voice direct, carrying a slight edge of hostility.

    Mama Mo met his question with a kind, knowing look. Her smile was gentle as she countered with a question of her own. ¡°Kai, what do you think the True Kin is?¡±

    Kai didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°So far, I think it¡¯s an organization willing to kill innocent people just to find an answer.¡±

    Mama Mo didn¡¯t flinch at his bluntness. Instead, her smile softened, and she nodded slowly. ¡°And you would be right. But there is more to it than you realize.¡±

    Kai saw a glimmer of something in her eyes¡ªsomething deep and profound. It wasn¡¯t just an answer she was about to give; it was something that touched the very core of her soul, a truth buried in pain.

    Mama Mo took one more sip of tea, her lips trembling ever so slightly¡ªa brief moment of hesitation, as though she were preparing to release a secret far greater than herself.

    The room began to shift, the holographic scenery melting away around them. Kai¡¯s breath caught in his throat as the walls vanished, replaced by an open horizon. It was so real, it felt like stepping into the simulations he had experienced with Eliana, only on a far grander scale.

    The environment transformed into something Kai had never seen before. They were no longer in a dimly lit room but sitting on a pristine beach. The vast, shimmering blue ocean stretched endlessly before them, waves gently lapping at the shore. Behind them, a field of lush, green grass swayed softly in the breeze under an endless expanse of clear blue sky. Birds soared high above them, calling to each other as they dipped and circled in the air.

    Kai looked down. The sand beneath his feet was soft, finer than the red sands of Drakmoor, and warm against his touch. He moved his foot and watched as grains scattered, the sensation strangely grounding. The air here was dense, salty, and damp¡ªunfamiliar, yet oddly comforting.

    Across from him, Mama Mo sat as she had before, the flicker of a campfire between them, its light crackling and dancing against the idyllic backdrop. She turned her gaze toward the horizon, then back to Kai, her expression solemn.

    ¡°This,¡± Mama Mo said softly, her voice carrying a reverence Kai had never heard before, ¡°is Earth¡ªthe place where it all began.¡±

 18. Past&Future

    Kai sat across from Mama Mo, his gaze fixed on the endless stretch of ocean before him. The scene was beautiful and haunting, yet it left him at a loss for words. This was Earth¡ªthe cradle of humanity, the place where it all began. If that were true, then everything he¡¯d been told his entire life was a lie. But why would anyone rewrite history? Why erase the past and bury it so completely?

    ¡°Is what we¡¯re seeing real?¡± he finally asked.

    Beside him, Mama Mo stood silently, her expression unreadable. For a moment, she seemed as spellbound as he was, as though even now¡ªafter what must have been countless viewings¡ªthe sight of Earth still struck her with awe.

    ¡°I hope so,¡± she said softly, turning to him. Her eyes shimmered with something he couldn¡¯t quite name. ¡°This is only a recreation, pieced together from fragments of data we¡¯ve managed to gather. Truth be told, we don¡¯t know much. It¡¯s been too long since humanity left Earth. No one alive can say what it truly looked like.¡±

    Kai studied her face, searching for any hint of doubt or deception. But there was none. Mama Mo¡¯s voice held the weight of truth, her features grave and resolute.

    ¡°Who else knows about this?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Very few,¡± she said. ¡°Most true kin only suspect. They know there¡¯s something different about us. We don¡¯t look like the rest of humanity. We speak languages that are other than English. Even the food we eat sets us apart.¡± She paused, her gaze sharpening. ¡°There¡¯s truth in these differences, Kai, and that¡¯s why we brought you here.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so special about me?¡± Kai asked, his voice low.

    Mama Mo¡¯s eyes softened as she looked at him. ¡°You carry the gift. I see it in your glowing eyes.¡±

    With a wave of her hand, the shimmering view of Earth disappeared, leaving behind the stark simplicity of the room they stood in. The sudden absence of the vision left Kai feeling hollow, as though something had been torn away.

    ¡°The legend has been passed down within the True Kins for generations,¡± Mama Mo said, her tone hushed but steady. ¡°It speaks of a ship buried long ago, one that holds the key to Earth¡¯s location. Whoever discovers it receives a gift¡ªone that reshapes their body and mind. Strength beyond measure. Speed nobody can match. Perception sharper than any blade. That person will uncover the truth hidden from us all and lead humanity into a new age.¡±

    She turned fully toward him then, her gaze piercing into his eyes.

    ¡°You are that person, Kai. The gift lives in you.¡±

    ---

    Commander Yang stood tall, his posture straight and unmoving despite the weight of the moment. He had always known he would one day be the bearer of bad news, but this time, the consequences loomed far greater. Not only had he failed the mission entrusted to him by the council, but he had also shared their most guarded secret with an outsider¡ªsomeone he believed to be the Gifted One.

    Before him sat five figures, their identities obscured by intricate disguises and faces hidden behind thin veils. Their hushed voices filled the room as they debated his fate, their accents and tones a chaotic mix of tension and judgment.

    Breaking the masquerade was a crime punishable by death. There was no alternative, no mercy to be found. Yang understood this better than anyone. He only hoped that Kai truly was the Gifted One¡ªand that, with Mama Mo¡¯s help, the truth could finally be uncovered for the sake of humanity.

    ¡°Commander Yang.¡± A woman¡¯s voice broke through the murmuring. Her true face remained hidden, but her accent betrayed a heritage steeped in the Germanic language. ¡°You are fully aware of the punishment for breaking the masquerade. Not only did you fail your mission, but one of your crew was captured by Draco Mining. And worse, you revealed our secret to the crew of the Black Swan.¡± She paused, her tone sharp and unyielding. ¡°You had better have a compelling reason for your actions, Commander. Because if you don¡¯t, you know exactly what awaits you.¡±

    Yang nodded solemnly. ¡°Ma¡¯am, I believe the young man I shared the secret with¡ªone of the crew members of the Black Swan¡ªis the Gifted One. The one destined to uncover the truth of the buried ship.¡±

    The room erupted into another wave of murmuring, the council members speaking in low, clipped tones, their accents overlapping¡ªa chorus of concern, disbelief, and intrigue. Yang remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the veiled figures before him as their deliberation continued. Finally, the woman spoke again, her voice cutting through the noise.

    ¡°You understand that this is not your decision to make, Commander,¡± she said, her tone rising with barely concealed anger. ¡°The council alone decides matters of this magnitude.¡±

    ¡°It was the best course of action at the time, ma¡¯am,¡± Yang replied, his voice firm, unflinching. ¡°I believed that what I did was in the best interest of all of us.¡±

    ¡°You are out of line, Commander Yang,¡± a man said, his Chinese accent pronounced. ¡°However, what you¡¯ve done cannot be undone. You know this matter divides the factions within the True Kin. There are those among us who hope we might one day walk openly among the rest of humanity. But there are also those who wish to remain hidden forever. And now, you¡¯ve made that choice for us¡ªone that was not yours to make.¡±

    The rest of the council nodded in agreement, their veiled faces offering no comfort for Yang.

    ¡°Then we must call for a vote,¡± another voice declared¡ªa man with a sharp British accent, his words clipped and formal.

    The room descended once again into heated chatter, voices overlapping in a cacophony of debate. Yang remained silent, his jaw tight, his fists at his sides. He knew exactly what the vote would decide, and there were only two possible outcomes.

    Either they would entrust Kai with their secret and hope that he could uncover the truth of the True Kin¡¯s origins, or they would choose the far grimmer path: eliminate Kai and bury their existence deeper into shadow, ensuring they remained hidden from the outside world.

    Yang swallowed hard, forcing himself to stand tall as the council¡¯s voices swirled around him. He could only hope they would not choose the latter.

    ---

    Mama Mo took another sip of her tea, the delicate porcelain cup steady in her hand. Across from her, Kai stared into his untouched cup, his thoughts too heavy to allow for something as simple as drinking tea. Just a week ago, he was a miner, working long shifts and saving every credit he could in the hopes of one day buying a small spaceship. Now, he stood on the precipice of unraveling one of humanity¡¯s greatest mysteries.

    ¡°Remember,¡± Commander Grayson¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, calm and unwavering, ¡°take the problem one step at a time.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Kai drew in a slow, deep breath, forcing himself to focus. He needed answers. Why had the True Kin hidden themselves for centuries? What had been the cost of such isolation?

    ¡°Mama Mo,¡± he began hesitantly, ¡°I hope this question doesn¡¯t come off as offensive, but why have the True Kin kept their secret for so long? Why choose to hide?¡±

    Mama Mo¡¯s expression darkened, a shadow of pain crossing her face. She lowered her cup, the faint clink against the disk punctuating the silence.

    ¡°The truth is, we¡¯ve tried,¡± she said softly. ¡°But it¡¯s not as simple as you think. Let me ask you this instead: How did you feel when you first stepped into the gates of Chinatown and met our people?¡±

    Kai winced at the memory, a faint flush of guilt warming his cheeks. ¡°I felt nervous, maybe a little betrayed. And scared,¡± he admitted with a sheepish smile. ¡°Honestly, it felt like making first contact with an alien race. It was so different from anything I¡¯d ever known.¡±

    Mama Mo nodded knowingly. ¡°And you came alone. Even with Baiyan accompanying you, fear was only natural. That fear¡ªthe fear of the unfamiliar¡ªis the same fear humanity holds for the True Kin. People fear what they cannot control, what they cannot understand.¡± She paused to take another sip of her tea, her gaze fixed on him. ¡°Now, imagine what would happen if we revealed ourselves fully to the rest of humanity.¡±

    ¡°There would be mass panic within human society,¡± Kai said without hesitation.

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Mama Mo replied. ¡°And panic leads to retaliation. Retaliation fuels discrimination. To truly hate someone, you must first convince yourself they are something ¡®other¡¯¡ªaliens, demons even. That demonization inevitably leads to war. And war, Kai, is the last thing we want.¡±

    Her words hung in the air. She continued, her voice steady but tinged with sorrow. ¡°But isolation comes at a cost of its own. The True Kin are not just those hiding here in Chinatown. There are many divisions scattered across the stars, each seeking unification, hoping for the day we can stand together with the rest of humanity. But there are others that fear the possibility of a war, they fear that revealing the truth will only bring extinction for the True Kin. And for centuries the two side argued, never coming to an understanding."

    ¡°Kai,¡± she said, leaning forward slightly, her voice dropping to a near whisper, ¡°you know there¡¯s a plague coming. Something is out there, haunting humanity, it forced us away from Earth, from home. And one day it will return. If we don¡¯t stand united, whatever lurks in the darkness will destroy us all.¡±

    Kai sat in silence, her words sinking deep into his mind. She had reminded him of the greatest threat of all¡ªthe thing that dimmed the stars.

    Kai nodded. In his mind, there was only one path forward for the True Kin: they had to reunite with the rest of humanity. It wouldn¡¯t be easy, but it had to be done. If he played his cards right, the Federation might be willing to help. Yet, his greatest concern lay with the Empire. He doubted those war-hungry zealots could grasp the importance of unity in the face of a far greater threat. A chill ran through him as he considered the cost¡ªthe suffering for many that might lie ahead.

    He lifted the tea cup to his lips, taking a small sip. The warmth spread through his throat and into his chest, grounding him. The tea was simple, with only one flavor, but it was rich and pure, its essence calming his restless thoughts.

    ¡°Mama Mo,¡± he said after a moment, his voice steady, ¡°I have one last question. Did you order the attack on the mine?¡±

    Mama Mo shook her head, her expression solemn. ¡°The council made that decision,¡± she said. ¡°They decide all important matters for the True Kin.¡±

    That was all Kai needed to know. He held no grudge against these people¡ªCommander Yan was just a piece in a much larger machine.

    ¡°That¡¯s all I wanted to know. Thank you,¡± Kai said, rising to his feet. In truth his still had a lot of questions in his mind, but this was not the right time to ask. He did not want to get tangled in True Kins'' internal affairs, at least not right now.

    Mama Mo smiled gently, her expression warm but knowing. ¡°I¡¯ll have Baiyan escort you back to your ship. I trust you¡¯ll make the right decisions. Your wisdom far exceeds your years, Kai. Don¡¯t think of yourself as a child¡ªyou are destined to do great things for humanity.¡± She glanced toward the entrance, her smile fading into something more serious.

    ¡°Wait.¡± The word came from Kai¡¯s mouth before he could stop himself. ¡°I want to see Earth one more time.¡±

    Mama Mo paused, studying him, then nodded. She waved her hand, but before anything could happen, the door burst open, and Baiyan rushed in. His face was tense, his voice urgent.

    ¡°Kai, you have to leave now,¡± Baiyan said, his words clipped. ¡°The council has decided¡ªthey want you dead.¡± He turned to Mama Mo, his voice tight with worry. ¡°Mama, they¡¯ve taken Yang.¡±

    Mama Mo stood, her serene demeanor replaced by fiery resolve. Anger flickered in her eyes as she straightened her back. ¡°Fools,¡± she muttered. ¡°They always choose the wrong path for us.¡± She gestured firmly to Baiyan. ¡°Take Kai back to his ship. Don¡¯t worry about me¡ªthey won¡¯t dare touch me. But make sure the Gifted One remains unharmed. Now go, and use the hidden path.¡±

    Baiyan nodded without argument, grabbing Kai by the arm and pulling him toward a concealed doorway. As they moved, he handed Kai a pistol and two spare magazines.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate,¡± Baiyan said, his voice low and steady. ¡°If you need to pull the trigger, do it. If you don¡¯t, they will.¡±

    Kai followed Baiyan out of the simulation room, pausing for one last glance at Mama Mo. She sat calmly, sipping her tea as though oblivious to the storm brewing outside. The door behind them closed with a soft thud, and Baiyan burst through the next, leading them into a dimly lit maintenance tunnel. The air was damp, the walls peeling with age, their once-white paint streaked with grime. Kai glanced down the spiraling staircase ahead of them¡ªit was a long way down.

    ¡°Follow me,¡± Baiyan said in a hushed but firm tone. ¡°If I stop, you stop. Keep a little distance between us. This path leads to the first level, and if all goes according to plan, we¡¯ll sneak out without any trouble.¡±

    Without waiting for a reply, Baiyan started down the stairs, moving quickly but cautiously. Kai followed close behind, his heart pounding as they descended flight after flight of stairs, the sound of their hurried footsteps echoing in the narrow passageway.

    When they finally reached the first level, faint noises drifted through the walls. Kai could hear commotion outside¡ªshouting, the clinking of weapons. Baiyan raised a fist, signaling him to stop. They were now only a single door away from the bustling streets of Chinatown. Both men leaned toward the small, grimy window embedded in the door, peeking through.

    Armed men with rifles stood outside, stopping passersby and demanding identification. Kai felt his stomach twist. Things weren¡¯t looking good.

    Before he could dwell on it further, an alarm blared through the town, its sharp, wailing sound cutting through the noise of the street. The riflemen looked around in confusion, their attention momentarily diverted.

    Baiyan didn¡¯t hesitate. He pushed the door open, and the two slipped outside, darting into the back of a small, dimly lit shop.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Baiyan whispered once they were inside, his voice steady but urgent. ¡°Those are elite forces. They¡¯re no joke. We can¡¯t take them head-on. We¡¯ll use the back alleys to sneak around and loop back to the maintenance tunnel entrance.¡±

    Kai nodded, taking a moment to check his pistol. The magazine was full, the safety off. He adjusted the weapon in his grip, then ran his hand over the hilt of the sword Commander Yan had given him. He hoped he wouldn¡¯t have to use either, but the weight of them was a small comfort. He gave Baiyan a sharp nod, signaling he was ready.

    They moved silently through the narrow paths between buildings, their steps careful and deliberate. Kai¡¯s eyes scanned the shadows, watching the elite soldiers patrolling the streets. Judging by their movements, they hadn¡¯t yet realized Kai had escaped the assassination attempt¡ªthey were still searching the crowds for him.

    From one alley to another, they moved quickly, only crossing open streets when absolutely sure no one was watching. By now, the streets of Chinatown were nearly deserted, the tension driving most residents indoors. Baiyan cursed under his breath as they reached another vantage point.

    ¡°They¡¯re guarding the exits,¡± Baiyan muttered, pointing toward the maintenance tunnel entrances.

    Kai¡¯s heart sank as he followed Baiyan¡¯s gesture. Elite soldiers, armed to the teeth, were stationed at every exit point. Their posture was tense, their weapons ready. This wasn¡¯t going to be easy.

    ¡°They¡¯re here!¡±

    The shout came from behind, sharp and unmistakable. Kai spun around to see an elite soldier, rifle in hand, his gaze locked onto them.

    Baiyan didn¡¯t wait. He raised his pistol and fired two quick shots in one smooth motion. Both hit their mark, striking the soldier in the shoulder and arm. The man staggered back, his gun clattering to the ground.

    ¡°Run!¡± Baiyan barked, his voice urgent.

    They had been found.

 19. Escape

    ¡°Run!¡±

    Kai didn¡¯t need to be told twice. He bolted down the narrow alley, following Baiyan as they wove through the labyrinth of paths. The sound of boots pounding against the pavement grew louder behind them¡ªmore soldiers were closing in.

    Kai vaulted over a crate of fruit as shouts erupted behind him. The sharp crack of a gunshot rang out, the bullet striking the wall to his right. Shards of concrete sprayed against his face, forcing him to duck instinctively.

    ¡°Keep moving!¡± Baiyan¡¯s voice cut through the chaos.

    Ahead of him, Baiyan veered sharply to the right, and Kai followed without hesitation, trusting his companion to lead the way. They sprinted through the narrow alley, their steps echoing in the confined space, until they burst onto an eerily empty street. The usual bustling energy of Chinatown had vanished; everyone had retreated indoors, leaving the streets deserted.

    Gunfire erupted again behind them, the shots growing closer. Kai dived for cover behind a weathered electrical box, his breath coming in sharp bursts. He glanced at Baiyan, his expression asking the question he couldn¡¯t voice: What now?

    Baiyan¡¯s grim expression was all the answer he needed. He waited for a break in the gunfire, then leaned out and fired a few rounds in return.

    ¡°We have to keep moving!¡± Baiyan yelled as more bullets struck the electrical box, sending sparks flying. The overhead streetlights flickered and died, plunging the street into a dim, tense gloom.

    Kai nodded, gripping his pistol tightly. As Baiyan gave the signal, the two bolted from their cover, darting across the street. Bullets rained, peppering the pavement dangerously close to Kai¡¯s feet. One grazed the edge of his boot, but he didn¡¯t stop, his focus locked on keeping pace with Baiyan as they ran into the alleyways again.

    There was no way they could outrun the elites at this rate. Every entrance was covered, and Kai could feel it in his gut¡ªthey were being surrounded, slowly but surely.

    As if his thoughts had materialized, two figures emerged from an alleyway to their right. Neither side had expected the confrontation, and Kai watched in what felt like slow motion as the elites¡¯ expressions shifted from urgency to surprise.

    Baiyan, a step ahead of Kai, narrowly avoided a head-on collision with the leading man. He sidestepped smoothly, raising his pistol to fire, but the elite was just as fast. The soldier slapped the gun downward, causing the shot to hit the ground at their feet.

    Baiyan pulled the trigger again, but the elite had already gripped the barrel, preventing the slide from cycling. They struggled, locked in a battle for control.

    Kai raised his own pistol to help, but the second elite was already raising his rifle. The long barrel slowed his movement in the confined space, giving Kai the opening he needed. He shifted his aim and fired. The shot hit true, and the second man crumpled to the ground, his weapon clattering uselessly beside him.

    From the corner of his eye, Kai caught movement¡ªmore elites pouring in from the street they¡¯d just left. He shifted his aim again, his pulse racing. This time, he felt the strange liquid inside him awaken, surging to life. Just like in the simulation with Robert, the world around him sharpened. The enemies were outlined faintly in his vision, their movements almost predictable.

    Without hesitation, Kai raised his gun. He didn¡¯t bother to aim, trusting his instincts instead. The first shot hit center mass, dropping the elite instantly. The second found its mark as well, forcing another soldier to duck behind cover.

    Baiyan was still locked in a brutal struggle with the first elite. Abandoning the pistol, he delivered a sharp punch to the man¡¯s neck¡ªthe only exposed area not protected by armor. The soldier grunted, staggering slightly, but he recovered quickly, his hands scrambling to bring his rifle up.

    Using the brief opening he had, Kai turned and pistol-whipped the elite soldier on the head. The blow sent the man reeling, giving Baiyan just enough time to regain the upper hand. Baiyan delivered another powerful punch, followed by a brutal kick to the soldier¡¯s knee, bending it at an unnatural angle. The man screamed, dropping both his rifle and Baiyan¡¯s pistol. Baiyan snatched the falling weapon mid-air and fired a single, decisive shot. The fight was over.

    Kai turned and fired a shot of his own, forcing their pursuers to stay behind cover. ¡°Go!¡± he barked, nudging Baiyan forward. The two were moving again, sprinting down the narrow alleyway.

    But the few precious seconds they¡¯d spent in the skirmish had sealed their fate. Now, shouts rang out from every direction, hurried footsteps echoing ominously in the confined space. The elites were closing in.

    Baiyan came to a sudden stop, and Kai followed suit. They both knew the truth¡ªthere was no point in running anymore.

    Kai reloaded his pistol, the weight of the last magazine pressing on his mind. He moved to stand back-to-back with Baiyan, each of them aiming down their respective sides of the alley. For a moment, everything was silent. Kai could hear nothing but the rapid pounding of his own heartbeat.

    Then, he saw the first faint outline of an attacker in the distance. He fired, the shot ringing out like thunder. At the same time, Baiyan unleashed a volley of shots from his side. The deafening bangs reverberated through the narrow space, drowning out everything else.

    Kai kept firing, each shot forcing the elites to slow their advance, but his ears were ringing now. The sound of the gunfire became muffled, fading into a high-pitched whine that dominated his senses.

    The situation was dire. Kai¡¯s pistol clicked¡ªhis magazine was empty. He glanced at it, knowing this was his last. No bullets left. He guessed Baiyan was in a similar position, and the thought made his stomach twist.

    If it came to it, he would have to make his final stand with the sword at his side. He rested his hand on its hilt for a moment, steeling himself for the inevitable.

    The ringing in Kai¡¯s ears grew deafening, drowning out every other sound. He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly as the next elite rounded the corner, raising his weapon. Kai lifted the blade in front of him, chuckling bitterly at the absurdity of bringing a sword to a gunfight.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Then, as if by some miracle, the elite suddenly jerked backward and collapsed to the ground. Kai¡¯s eyes widened as he watched the man behind him follow suit, crumpling without a sound. He hadn¡¯t heard a single shot, but he could see the unmistakable precision in their falls.

    Looking up, Kai spotted the silhouette of a figure perched on the rooftop above. Dressed in the dark and silver uniform of the Black Swan, Teresa knelt on one knee, her rifle steady in her hands. Relief surged through him like a tidal wave. Somehow, his friends had come for him.

    He turned to share the news with Baiyan, but his breath caught in his throat. Baiyan was on the ground, a dark pool of blood spreading beneath him.

    ¡°Fuck. Teresa, help!¡± Kai shouted, his own voice sounding distant and muffled, as though it belonged to someone else. He dropped to his knees beside Baiyan, his hands immediately pressing against the wound on the man¡¯s chest. Blood poured out from the gash on Baiyan¡¯s right side, soaking through Kai¡¯s fingers and spreading across the ground. The ringing in his ears persisted, but Kai didn¡¯t care. He wasn¡¯t about to let the man who had fought so hard to protect him die.

    A firm hand gripped his shoulder, startling him. He looked up to see Commander Grayson standing over him, rifle in hand, his expression hard yet focused.

    Then Eliana appeared beside him, her face etched with both worry and relief. She said something, but Kai couldn¡¯t make it out. Her lips moved, but the sound was lost in the persistent ringing. She knelt beside Baiyan, pulling out a red and white medical kit from her satchel. Her movements were swift and careful as she began stabilizing Baiyan.

    Kai frowned, frustrated by his inability to hear or understand what was happening. He pointed to his ear, the blood from his hands streaking his face as he gestured. Eliana leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear.

    ¡°Hes hurt badly, but he¡¯ll be fine,¡± she said, her voice soft yet firm. She offered him a reassuring smile.

    Kai exhaled shakily, his own lips curving into a faint smile in return. Relief flooded through him, but before he could process it, darkness crept into his vision. The world blurred, then vanished.

    ---

    ¡°So, how did you manage to find us, Commander Grayson?¡± Baiyan asked, his voice raspy but steady as he sat up in the Black Swan¡¯s medical bay. He had just woken up, the pain in his chest dulled by medication. On the bed beside his was Kai, lying unconscious but unhurt, his body simply succumbing to exhaustion.

    Commander Grayson chuckled, arms crossed as he leaned against the doorway. ¡°Kai¡¯s uniform has a built-in tracker that monitors his location in real time. We were able to map his path as soon as he entered the station. I¡¯m sorry, but we weren¡¯t about to sit back and do nothing.¡±

    Baiyan nodded, his expression thoughtful. ¡°Makes sense. But how did you know we were in trouble?¡±

    ¡°Teresa noticed the ship first,¡± Grayson explained. ¡°It didn¡¯t bear any call signs and failed to hail the station before landing in someone else''s spot. It nearly collided with the pad¡¯s owner during descent. After that, we kept an eye on it. Sure enough, armed men disembarked shortly after.¡±

    ¡°That must¡¯ve been the ship sent by the council,¡± Baiyan said, his brows furrowing as his mind raced. ¡°They knew where to find us. Now the question is what their next move will be.¡±

    Grayson¡¯s face grew serious, his casual demeanor giving way to the measured focus of a seasoned leader. ¡°Whatever their plans are, they¡¯ll be looking for Kai. If he¡¯s as important as they seem to think, they won¡¯t stop until they take him out.¡±

    Baiyan grimaced, his hand brushing against the fresh bandages on his chest. ¡°I just didn''t think they will attack inside Mama Mo''s territory.¡±

    Eliana stood nearby, listening half heartedly to the conversation. Her mind was elsewhere¡ªon Kai, still lying unconscious on the medical bed. While he was only supposed to be out from exhaustion, he hadn¡¯t woken up yet, and that gnawed at her. She suspected it had something to do with the mysterious liquid flowing through his body.

    A sudden gasp escaped her lips, drawing the attention of both Baiyan and Commander Grayson. They turned toward her as she cried out, ¡°Kai!¡±

    She rushed to his side, throwing her arms around him as his eyes fluttered open. Still groggy and only half-awake, Kai managed a lopsided smile when he saw her.

    ¡°Hey, Eliana, calm down,¡± he said, his voice raspy but teasing. He patted her back gently, though he winced as her grip tightened. ¡°You¡¯re going to break my neck if you squeeze any harder.¡±

    Eliana pulled back slightly, her face a mix of relief and embarrassment. ¡°You scared me!¡± she scolded, though her eyes were shining with unshed tears.

    Kai chuckled softly, the sound weak but warm. ¡°Didn¡¯t mean to worry you,¡± he said, giving her a reassuring look. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Just needed a little nap, I guess.¡±

    Baiyan and Commander Grayson exchanged amused glances as they watched the nice moment between the two.

    Kai turned his head toward Baiyan as if a thought had struck him. Seeing him sitting upright on the medical bed, Kai¡¯s expression softened with relief. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay too, Baiyan. You saved my life.¡±

    ¡°No, it was the crew of the Black Swan that saved us,¡± Baiyan said. ¡°They brought us back to safety.¡±

    Commander Grayson nodded in agreement, his gaze steady on Kai. ¡°It¡¯s best for Baiyan to stay with us for the foreseeable future. He protected you from the True Kin and is likely to be seen as a traitor by the council now. Besides, we need someone with his knowledge of the True Kin¡¯s history to help us untangle this mystery.¡±

    Baiyan waved a dismissive hand in front of him, his voice humble. ¡°I just did what I could,¡± he said.

    Kai nodded, reassured. He was more than fine with Baiyan staying aboard the Black Swan¡ªhe would be a valuable ally moving forward.

    Commander Grayson¡¯s tone grew more serious. ¡°There¡¯s one more thing. We¡¯ve confirmed that the Empire is assembling a massive fleet near the jump point¡ªone much larger than we initially estimated. War is coming, and it¡¯s going to unfold in the surrounding space of Drakmoor.¡±

    Kai frowned, his thoughts turning to the divisions within the True Kin that Mama Mo had described. Already outcasts from the rest of humanity, they were fractured even within their own ranks.

    He still struggled with the idea that humanity¡¯s survival rested on his shoulders. But his visit to Chinatown had revealed one undeniable truth: there was a looming threat out there, a danger that couldn¡¯t be ignored. And now, on top of that, war between the Federation and the Empire seemed inevitable.

    Eliana¡¯s hand slipped into his, grounding him amidst the weight of his thoughts. Her kindness had always been a constant in his recent life, a light that soothed the chaos around him. Kai glanced at her, feeling the warmth of her presence, and remembered the unspoken connection they shared.

    He owed her an answer. There was something undeniable between them, a chemistry neither had acknowledged outright. Every time they met, Kai felt as though an invisible string connected his heart to hers. Her every move, every word, tugged at that string, making him want to say what he held back for so long. But doubts always crept in¡ªwas it too soon? What if she didn¡¯t feel the same?

    Yet, after everything they¡¯d been through, after nearly losing everything, Kai knew he couldn¡¯t wait any longer. It was time to take the leap.

    ¡°Eliana,¡± he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion, ¡°I like you¡­ I¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish, Eliana leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was soft, warm, and everything Kai had hoped for. If he hadn¡¯t said it, she was going to¡ªand this moment was all the confirmation either of them needed.

    When they finally pulled apart, Eliana¡¯s cheeks were flushed, and her smile was radiant. ¡°I like you too, Kai,¡± she said, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I know it¡¯s early to say something like this, but I couldn¡¯t stop myself. I didn¡¯t want to waste another chance.¡±

    If Kai had felt drowsy earlier, he was fully awake now. Every single cell of him was fully activated, treasuring this moment. It was the best thing in his life had just happened. For the first time in what felt like forever, he didn¡¯t feel alone. The pressure weighing on him seemed lighter, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to bask in the joy of her presence.

    So what if the road ahead was going to be rough? At least Eliana would be on it with him. And because of that, Kai was ready.

 20. When Two Hearts Meet

    Kai swung the car hard to the right, narrowly missing oncoming traffic as Eliana swayed with the violent motion, her grip on the pistol firm.

    Behind them, two drones closed in, their under-belly machine guns spitting relentless streams of bullets. The road echoed with the sound of gunfire, metal ricochets, and the roar of the engine.

    Kai gritted his teeth, focusing entirely on the road ahead. He had no choice but to trust Eliana to handle the drones. On one side of the road was a sheer mountainside, offering no possibility of escape. On the other, a deadly drop into the raging sea below. The only path forward was a narrow, winding two-lane road that hugged the mountain.

    The drones fired again, forcing Kai to jerk the car back into the opposite lane. He downshifted, stepping hard on the gas pedal and threading through the traffic at breakneck speed. The tires screeched in protest, barely clinging to the asphalt as the car weaved dangerously.

    Eliana steadied herself, planting her feet against the floor for balance. She took a deep breath, exhaled half of it to steady her aim, and fired two quick shots. The first bullet missed the nearest drone by inches, but the second struck its propeller. The drone spun wildly, sparks flying, before it tumbled out of the sky and exploded in a fiery crash on the road behind them.

    The remaining drone, as if enraged by its fallen companion, surged forward, speeding ahead of their car. Kai¡¯s eyes widened in horror as it positioned itself directly in front of them. The road ahead curved sharply to the left, and to make matters worse, a massive truck barreled toward them in the opposite lane, blocking the ideal driving lane of the turn.

    Kai swung the steering wheel hard, trying to maneuver the turn, but the tires had lost too much traction. The car skidded violently, the sharp curve and slick asphalt conspiring against them.

    There was nowhere to go. No time to think. The crash seemed inevitable.

    Kai knew there was no saving the car. The liquid coursing through his body was burning like fire. It had kept them alive this long, but even it couldn¡¯t prevent the inevitable.

    Acting on instinct, Kai leaned over and grabbed Eliana. Her upper body was halfway out of the open-top vehicle as she steadied her aim, but he managed to pull her back inside by the waist. The car lurched violently as it went over the edge, kicking up dirt and grass in its wake.

    Kai felt the weightlessness of freefall as the car left solid ground, plunging toward the roaring waves below. His legs went numb, and time seemed to slow.

    For a fleeting moment, he locked eyes with Eliana. Her gaze was steady, her expression calm despite the chaos around them. Kai¡¯s face betrayed his guilt, an apologetic look etched deeply into his features. But Eliana didn¡¯t blame him. Instead, she smiled¡ªa soft, reassuring smile that told him everything would be okay, no matter what.

    And then Kai shouted, ¡°Stop!¡±

    The car froze mid-air, hovering above the crashing waves. The scenery around them flickered and faded, dissolving into the familiar gray walls of the Black Swan¡¯s training room.

    Eliana exhaled deeply, taking off her VR headset as Kai removed his own. They stood in silence for a moment, catching their breath.

    Eliana turned to him, her cheeks flushed from the intensity of the simulation. She smiled and leaned in, and they shared a brief, tender kiss. Kai couldn¡¯t help but admire her¡ªshe looked stunning no matter what she was doing, and moments like these made him realize how much he cherished her presence.

    Kai handed her a bottle of water, taking a long gulp from his own. A thin line of water ran down his chin and over his Adam¡¯s apple. Eliana blushed slightly as she watched him, opening her bottle for a few sips of her own.

    ¡°Wanna try again?¡± Eliana asked, her voice playful but determined.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Kai replied, grinning.

    Since Kai¡¯s return to the ship, he and Eliana had been running VR simulations daily. Kai didn¡¯t want to risk fainting again from overexertion. The liquid inside him, while a gift, drained his energy quickly, and he needed to learn its limits. If he couldn¡¯t improve his endurance, he would have to find ways to use it sparingly.

    Through their sessions, he discovered that the liquid only activated during intense situations, as if it sensed danger. But whenever it did, the aftermath was the same¡ªhe¡¯d feel utterly drained and ravenously hungry. Over the last few days, however, he¡¯d noticed progress. His endurance was gradually improving, and the exhaustion came on more slowly than before.

    Eliana had been by his side through every session, not just because she loved him and wanted to spend time together, but also to ensure his safety. When Kai pushed himself too far, he often passed out. These periods of unconsciousness only lasted a few seconds or minutes, but it was always comforting for Kai to wake up to Eliana¡¯s warm, smiling face.

    Kai adjusted his VR headset and the simulation loaded in almost instantly. The environment shifted around him, bringing him into the middle of a bustling hallway. Eliana stood on the opposite side, dressed in a crisp white shirt and a fitted black suit dress¡ªa perfect disguise for a bank teller. She looked stunning, her hair tied neatly back, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

    Kai glanced down at his own attire¡ªa matching black suit, though his ensemble included a large bag slung over his shoulder, filled to the brim with cash. The building was already on high alert, the sound of blaring alarms echoing through the hall.

    The simulation they were running was called Bank Heist, a fun yet challenging scenario designed by the system. The goal wasn¡¯t just to escape the bank, but also to evade a high-stakes car chase with the local security forces.

    Originally, the default setting for this scenario was a grim, industrial planet that Kai found too dull and suffocating. This time, he¡¯d customized it. Inspired by the Earth he¡¯d seen in Mama Mo¡¯s simulation, he crafted a vibrant landscape: clear blue skies and an equally blue ocean, lush grasslands, and winding mountain roads that curved naturally with the terrain. He¡¯d even added old-style manual cars from the asset library¡ªvehicles humans once used. The result was both challenging and beautiful, a perfect backdrop for the time he spent with Eliana.

    The two had been playing this all day, this was their fifth attempt. So far, they¡¯d only made it to the car chase before failing, but Kai was determined this time. He glanced at Eliana, who smiled at him with a playful glint in her eye. She was his love¡ªand, for now, his ¡°partner in crime.¡±

    Kai nodded, and Eliana nodded back, her expression serious but full of excitement.

    Pushing the door open, the alarms blared louder, filling the air with shrill urgency. Red lights flashed overhead as the building went into lockdown, metal shutters sliding down over windows and exits.

    Kai¡¯s body tensed, the familiar warmth of the liquid within him activating. His senses sharpened, and time seemed to slow. He made a quick gesture, signaling Eliana to move forward.

    The two advanced with swift steps, their pistols raised. Adrenaline pumped through Kai¡¯s veins, matching the steady rhythm of his heart.

    The system controlled the enemy AI with remarkable intelligence, replicating the skill levels of the True Kin elites Kai had faced in Chinatown. These weren¡¯t the average mercenaries; they were just shy of being professional soldiers. The simulated AI gave each enemy a distinct personality and thought process, resulting in unpredictable and dynamic encounters every time they ran the scenario.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    At the far end of the hallway, the door burst open, and two armed guards stormed in, rifles in hands. They were faster this time¡ªalready actively pushing Kai and Eliana instead of waiting for them.

    Kai and Eliana reacted instantly. Each fired a single, precise shot, and both guards crumpled to the floor before they could even raise their weapons.

    ¡°They¡¯re getting faster,¡± Kai muttered, glancing at Eliana as he passed the fallen guards.

    He raised his pistol, aiming toward an upward staircase at the end of the hallway. Meanwhile, Eliana knelt beside one of the guards, quickly searching his pockets and gear. She repeated the process with the second guard, then shook her head at Kai.

    ¡°They¡¯re not carrying key cards,¡± she said, her tone frustrated.

    ¡°They had them last time,¡± Kai said, his brows furrowing.

    ¡°Not anymore,¡± Eliana replied, standing and brushing her hands off.

    The system had changed the parameters again, forcing them to adapt. Kai tightened his grip on his pistol, his body on high alert. Every time they thought they had the simulation figured out, it threw another curveball.

    ¡°Stay close,¡± Kai said, his voice steady. Eliana nodded, falling into step beside him as they moved toward the staircase.

    They ascended the stairs cautiously, one set at a time. The bank vault was buried several levels below ground for security reasons, and if this attempt was anything like the last, there would be guards along the way.

    Kai paused, tilting his head slightly. He could hear the sound of boots above him¡ªone set, two, three. Three guards were heading their way, moving quickly. He raised his hand, placing a finger over his lips to signal Eliana to stay silent. Slowly, he readied his pistol, aiming it upward at an angle. Eliana mirrored his movements, her expression tense but focused.

    The first guard appeared at the top of the stairs, his face shifting from surprise to horror the moment he spotted Kai. He moved to raise his rifle, but Kai already had his shot lined up.

    Bang.

    The shot echoed sharply in the confined space, and the guard staggered backward. Eliana didn¡¯t wait to see if the first guard was fully down. She pushed past Kai, rushing up the stairs to find a better angle. Before the first guard hit the ground, she fired twice in rapid succession.

    Bang. Bang.

    The second guard dropped, his weapon clattering down the steps.

    Two down. One more to go.

    Eliana instinctively moved to pursue the remaining guard, but Kai grabbed her arm and pulled her back just in time. Bullets riddled the wall where she¡¯d been standing only moments ago.

    ¡°They¡¯re getting better,¡± Kai muttered. ¡°What worked last time won¡¯t work again.¡±

    Eliana nodded, gripping her pistol tightly, as Kai took a deep breath and steadied himself. The guards weren¡¯t the only ones learning and adapting. Over the last few attempts, Kai had discovered something¡ªsomething that might give them an edge.

    He closed his eyes briefly, letting his focus deepen. When he opened them again, the world around him seemed to dim, and the silhouette of the remaining guard glowed faintly behind the wall.

    The guard was there, rifle raised, aiming precisely at the spot where Eliana had last been.

    Kai smirked. Without exposing his body, he extended his pistol around the corner, angling it toward the faint outline. The guard noticed the movement and began adjusting his aim, but Kai was faster.

    Bang.

    The shot struck the guard¡¯s hand, forcing him to drop his rifle. Kai stepped out fully, his pistol trained, and fired again.

    Bang.

    The guard crumpled to the ground, motionless.

    Eliana stared at him in awe, lowering her weapon slightly. ¡°How did you know where to shoot? You didn¡¯t even see him.¡±

    Kai smiled, moving past her to check the fallen guard. ¡°You know the vision I told you about? The one that outlines enemies for me? I think it works through cover now¡ªif I focus.¡±

    He crouched down, searching the guard¡¯s body, and finally there was the keycard. He smiled as he waved the keycard at Eliana.

    ---

    Emily Carter sat in her office, her slender frame poised yet relaxed in the leather chair. Her auburn hair fell in soft waves past her shoulders, catching the light from the nearby window. Her striking green eyes were sharp yet kind, framed by long lashes that gave her an air of both elegance and determination. A soft dusting of freckles adorned her fair skin,her young age contrasted with the weight of the responsibilities she bore.

    As the youngest member of the true kin council representing the last remnants of humanity from Earth. Emily carried the heavy burden of her ideals. In her homeland, democracy and freedom were sacred, principles to be upheld at all costs. So it stung deeply when the majority of the council voted against her, choosing to keep the True Kin¡¯s existence hidden from the universe once again.

    She sighed, her delicate fingers reaching for the picture frame on her desk. It was an old photo, its once-vivid colors faded over centuries. It depicted her ancestors back on Earth, standing proudly on their farm. She could imagine the crops stretched endlessly, golden under the sun, and in the background stood a red barn, vibrant against a picture-perfect blue sky.

    Emily¡¯s gaze lingered on the faces of her forebears, their smiles wide, their spirits unburdened. Her heart ached for what her people had become¡ªscattered among the stars, hiding on remote planets, isolated and forgotten.

    One day, she vowed silently, they would no longer live like this. One day, she would help them reclaim the life they deserved.

    Her eyes shifted to the flag on the wall of her office. Fifty stars, fifty states¡ªunited once to form one of Earth¡¯s most powerful nations. It was a symbol of unity and strength, a reminder of what her people had once achieved.

    Her voice was soft but resolute as she whispered, ¡°One day, we will be free again.¡±

    ---

    Kai¡¯s grip tightened on the wheel as the curve loomed ahead¡ªthe same one that had sent them off the cliff last time. He could hear the steady rhythm of Eliana¡¯s gunfire beside him as she targeted the pursuing drones. This time, he was determined to get it right.

    Downshifting, he eased off the gas slightly and yanked the handbrake. The car lost grip, its tires squealing as it slid across the pavement. Eliana, startled by the sudden maneuver, quickly sat back in her seat, her eyes wide with disbelief.

    ¡°Kai, what are you¡ª¡±

    He grinned, a playful, almost childlike amusement lighting up his face. For a brief moment, he let go of the wheel, his foot firmly planted on the gas. The rear tires spun wildly, leaving dark streaks of rubber on the road. Then, with practiced ease, he grabbed the wheel again in the opposite direction of the curve.

    The car entered the corner in a flawless drift, its rear bumper skimming the railing they had broken through on their last attempt. The movement was smooth, almost graceful, as the car arced perfectly through the turn. Kai let off the gas just enough to allow the car to stabilize before turning the wheel back to straighten their trajectory.

    The drone overshot them, now directly in Eliana¡¯s line of fire. She didn¡¯t hesitate. Raising her pistol, she fired a clean shot. The drone erupted into a brilliant explosion, debris scattering in the sky above them.

    Kai and Eliana exchanged exhilarated glances, their hearts pounding from the rush of adrenaline. They¡¯d done it. They had conquered the most difficult part of the simulation, shaken off the security forces, and were now free to go wherever they wanted.

    Kai pulled the car off the road, parking it in the shadow of a bridge. The sound of rhythmic waves crashing against the shore filled the air, a soothing contrast to the intensity of the chase. The two sat in silence for a moment, catching their breath, their excitement gradually giving way to something quieter, deeper.

    Their eyes locked, the weight of the moment settling between them. Neither seemed in a hurry to leave the simulation just yet.

    Kai leaned in first, his movements tentative, as if testing the waters. Eliana smiled softly, closing the distance. Their lips met, and the world around them seemed to fade away. The kiss was warm and tender, filled with the unspoken connection they¡¯d been building for so long. Eliana¡¯s hand rested gently on Kai¡¯s cheek, and he tilted his head, deepening the kiss slightly. Time felt irrelevant, the simulation¡¯s details melting into the background as they shared the moment.

    ¡°Eliana¡­¡± Kai murmured as they pulled apart briefly, only for Eliana to lean in again, her fingers brushing through his hair.

    Their kiss was interrupted by the sudden crackle of a voice. ¡°All crew members, please report to the bridge,¡± Commander Grayson¡¯s voice echoed through the simulation.

    Kai reluctantly pulled away, his face flushed as he met Eliana¡¯s gaze. Neither of them seemed ready to let go.

    ¡°This is nice, Eliana,¡± Kai said softly, his voice a little breathless, his cheeks still tinged with pink.

    Eliana smiled, her own face glowing. ¡°Yeah, it is.¡±

    They shared one last lingering glance before getting out of the simulation, their hearts still racing¡ªnot from the simulation, but from each other.

 21. Queen of Space

    Kai and Eliana heard the announcement and quickly took of their VR headsets, exchanging playful glances before hurrying to change into their uniforms. The Black Swan must have been nearing Drakmoor by now¡ªfinally, home.

    As Kai slipped into his uniform, he reflected on their mission. It had been his first real experience in space, and what an adventure it had been. The Black Swan had not only accomplished its primary goal of uncovering the truth about the True Kin but had also faced ship-to-ship combat, discovered an abandoned vessel, and navigated dangers Kai could never have imagined when he was just a miner.

    Yet, despite their success, Kai felt a restless energy building within him. He craved more. He had a feeling they wouldn¡¯t remain in Drakmoor for long. There was still so much to do. A war between the Empire and Federation was looming. The True Kin sought reunification with humanity. And above all, there was the ever-looming threat of the thing that dimmed the stars.

    Stepping out of the training room, Kai¡¯s gaze landed on Eliana. She had just finished changing out of her gym outfit and back into the Black Swan¡¯s uniform. Her cheeks still carried a soft flush from the training session, and her eyes sparkled with warmth as she looked at him. Kai couldn¡¯t help but think she looked adorable, and judging by the way she smiled at him, he figured he must look at her the same way.

    Together, they made their way to the ship¡¯s bridge. Most of the crew was already present, except for Baiyan, who was still resting in the medical bay. His recovery was progressing well, but Commander Grayson had insisted on keeping him under observation until he was fully cleared.

    ¡°Come, take your seats at your posts,¡± Commander Grayson called out, his tone unusually light, his smile hinting at some good news.

    Kai and Eliana exchanged curious glances before heading to their stations.

    Kai settled into his seat, his eyes immediately drawn to the radar interface in front of him. The screen was unusually busy, teeming with contacts. Numerous ships were flying around Drakmoor¡ªfar more than usual.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kai asked, his fingers brushing across the controls as he pulled up more details on the radar.

    Grayson stepped closer, his expression calm but serious. ¡°The Federation¡¯s forces are gathering. Looks like they have kept their promises and are preparing for the attack.¡±

    Kai¡¯s stomach tightened as he scanned the data. Ships of all sizes¡ªfreighters, warships, and smaller vessels¡ªmoved like pieces on a game board. Kai could sense the tension in the air, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.

    Then, a line of text appeared on Kai¡¯s interface: a two-way connection request from none other than the flagship of the Federation Space Force, the Federation Star Ship Eclipse.

    The FSS Eclipse cuts through the void of space like a blade forged for war. Its sleek, sword-like silhouette is both elegant and intimidating. The hull, painted a striking, reflective white, seems to shimmer with an otherworldly glow against the darkness of space. Gentle curves along its frame soften the sharpness of its overall design, giving it an almost organic feel despite its metallic construction. But the beauty of the ship is matched by its raw power. Dominating the prow is a massive rail cannon, its barrel extending like the edge of a poised sword, ready to strike with unrelenting force. Arrayed along its flanks are state-of-the-art weapon systems, seamlessly embedded into the hull, waiting to unleash a storm of firepower. The Eclipse isn¡¯t just a ship¡ªit¡¯s a statement, a symbol of the Federation¡¯s ambition, strength, and precision, commanding both admiration wherever it goes.

    Kai¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He knew that ship well¡ªit was the crown jewel of the Federation fleet, often heralded as the Empire¡¯s worst enemy. The media couldn¡¯t get enough of it, plastering its image across every channel, every article. Yet for all its glory, Kai held conflicted feelings about the Eclipse. It wasn¡¯t one of the ships that had come to Velmorra¡¯s aid during the Empire¡¯s attack on his home world. Perhaps if it had, Velmorra might still be standing, and his family might still be alive. But he also knew it wasn¡¯t fair to hold the Eclipse accountable for that tragedy. If blame was to be placed, it lay squarely with the Empire.

    Kai¡¯s breath quickened as Commander Grayson accepted the call. The screen displayed the word "connecting" for a moment, then flickered to life.

    The face that appeared on the screen was one Kai was familiar with. She was as much a symbol of the Federation as the Eclipse itself¡ªthe woman known across Federation-controlled space as the "Queen of Space," the commander of the Federation¡¯s flagship.

    She was in her mid-forties, though the years hadn¡¯t dulled her appearance. Her features were sharp and striking, with a natural beauty hardened by experience. Confidence radiated from her, as did a commanding decisiveness that was written into every line of her face. Her dark brown hair was tied back in a sleek bun, highlighting her high cheekbones and piercing blue eyes that seemed to miss nothing. She wore the pristine uniform of the Federation Space Force, adorned with medals and insignias that spoke of her many accomplishments.

    The woman broke into a grin as soon as she saw Commander Grayson, her tone warm yet teasing.

    ¡°Grayson, you bastard! Where have you been all these years?¡± she said, her voice carrying a mix of genuine happiness and sharp wit.

    Grayson chuckled, leaning casually against the console. ¡°Just doing what I love and stay far away from the space force, Admiral Steele.¡±

    "I''m afraid you won''t be able to stay away this time," Admiral Steele said, her expression shifting from casual warmth to a stern, commanding seriousness. Her piercing blue eyes locked onto Commander Grayson. "You know what''s at stake here. The entire Federation Space Force has been on high alert since the attack on Velmorra. We¡¯re not going to let the same thing happen to Drakmoor."

    Commander Grayson nodded, his demeanor matching her gravity. "Good. Mr. Draco has been doing everything in his power to safeguard the planet. He''s made his choice."

    Admiral Steele''s brows lifted slightly, though her expression remained measured.

    "You know what that represents," Grayson continued. "Drakmoor is officially declaring itself a part of the Federation."

    A moment of silence passed between them. The ramifications were clear. By aligning with the Federation, Drakmoor was not only drawing the Federation¡¯s protection but also painting a target on itself in the eyes of the Empire.

    Steele leaned back slightly, her hands clasped behind her back. ¡°We appreciate your trust in the Federation. That¡¯s no small declaration.¡±

    Grayson nodded again. ¡°It is not. But Draco and the local government understand what¡¯s coming. Drakmoor would rather take a stand now than wait for the Empire to tighten its grip. We¡¯re ready to fight.¡±

    Steele¡¯s expression softened, just a fraction. ¡°Then we¡¯ll make sure you have all the support you need. The Eclipse will remain in orbit as a deterrent. The Empire won¡¯t have it easy while we¡¯re here.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Kai, still silent, listened intently. The mention of Velmorra and the possibility of Drakmoor becoming a battlefield stirred emotions within him. He clenched his fists slightly, his mind racing as Steele and Grayson exchanged grim nods.

    "It was nice seeing you Grayson. And the crew of the Black Swan, please rest assured that the Federation is here to protect Drakmoor from the wraith of the Empire. " Admiral Steele said, and with a simple wave of her hand, the call ended.

    As soon as the connection dropped, the mood on the bridge shifted. Teresa was the first to turn around, a mischievous smile on her face. ¡°So, what¡¯s the story between you and the Admiral? You two clearly have some kind of history.¡±

    Robert chuckled, leaning back in his seat. ¡°Didn¡¯t you catch how she looked at our commander? She¡¯s clearly into him.¡±

    Commander Grayson, for once, seemed at a loss for words. Scratching the back of his head, he let out a reluctant sigh. ¡°Well, I guess I have no choice but to tell you all.¡±

    Eliana exchanged a quick glance with Kai, the two of them smiling at the rare and welcome shift of attention away from themselves.

    ¡°Yes, Commander Grayson, tell us!¡± Eliana pleaded in her most innocent voice. Kai couldn¡¯t help but smile at her tone.

    Grayson shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Well,¡± he began, ¡°as some of you already know, I was in the Federation Space Force...¡±

    The bridge fell silent, everyone listening expectantly. The only sound remaining was the soft creak of the Black Swan¡¯s hull as it entered Drakmoor¡¯s atmosphere.

    ---

    18 Years Ago

    The red glow of the rotating overhead light cast an eerie hue throughout the cramped hull of the ship, amplifying the tension. The only sounds were the faint creak of his combat suit rubbing against the seat and the steady rhythm of his own breathing.

    The man was young, tall, and broad-shouldered, his full suit of combat armor making him appear even bulkier. The suit was anything but comfortable¡ªhis beard constantly brushed against the mouth guard of his helmet, an irritation he couldn¡¯t ignore. He wanted to take it off, but doing so would mean death and the failure of what was perhaps the most critical mission in Federation history.

    He glanced across the narrow space at the ship¡¯s only other passenger¡ªa young woman he¡¯d met for the first time today. Her eyes were closed, her body still, as though she were asleep.

    Her frame was petite, but the man knew better than to judge by appearances. In space combat, size didn¡¯t matter¡ªskill did.

    Katherine Steele, he thought, recalling her name. She was a few years younger than him but already outranked him. A rising star in the Federation Space Force and the face of the recruitment campaigns.

    She certainly had the looks for it, he mused. But now she would need to prove that she had the skills to match.

    Their mission was unprecedented. Fifteen scientists and experts in astrophysics, ship engineering, and quantum navigation had defected from the Empire, seeking asylum with the Federation. If they succeeded in extracting them, these individuals could become invaluable assets¡ªhelping the Federation advance its starship technology and secure a stronger foothold in space.

    It would be a direct threat to the Empire¡¯s dominance, a blade poised at their throat, and the only leverage the Federation might have to force a peace talk that could end the long war.

    The only problem was that the scientists were trapped aboard an Imperial starship, being transported from one development site to another. Grayson and Katherine were their only hope of escape, the sole operatives tasked with breaking them out of their high-tech ¡°prison.¡±

    Fortunately, the scientists were not ordinary captives. Experts in their fields, they knew the ship they were trapped in better than their captors did. Through clever sabotage and well-timed distractions, they had managed to disable the Imperial vessel, forcing it to land on an unclaimed moon. The moon, a desolate rock lying outside both Federation and Empire control, was the perfect location for the rescue mission.

    The red light above stopped flashing, switching to a steady glow. As if on cue, Katherine unbuckled her harness and stood before Grayson even moved. Without a word, the two operatives made their way to the rear ramp of their shuttle, weapons in hand, waiting for it to open.

    Grayson glanced down, checking his weapon one last time. He carried the Federation¡¯s standard-issue rifle¡ªa sleek, reliable automatic designed to fire caseless rounds. Its versatility made it ideal for both the vacuum of space and close-quarters combat. Across from him, Katherine inspected her own weapon with the same focus.

    Neither spoke a word. Grayson figured she wasn¡¯t the talkative type, which suited him fine. As long as she communicated when it is necessary, that was all that mattered.

    With a hiss of hydraulics, the ramp dropped open, revealing the target ship sitting quietly in the crater below. The Imperial vessel was dark, its engines silent, surrounded by the barren, rocky landscape.

    Grayson adjusted his grip on his rifle, this was it. Time to move.

    Grayson bunny-hopped down the ramp, landing softly before tucking himself behind a large boulder. Katherine joined him moments later, her movements quick and precise.

    It was then that she spoke her first words. ¡°Grayson, is it? You cover me while I make my way down to the crater, then I¡¯ll cover you. Do not fire unless necessary¡ªwe don¡¯t want to expose ourselves.¡±

    Grayson nodded, silently acknowledging her authority. As the lower-ranked operative, it was natural to let her take control of the mission, though he couldn¡¯t help but harbor some doubts. Was her promotion a testament to her skill, or was it simply tied to her role in the Federation¡¯s recruitment campaigns? He intended to find out soon enough.

    ¡°We have an hour at most before the Empire realizes their ship didn¡¯t make it,¡± Katherine added, her tone sharp and serious. ¡°So don¡¯t drag me down, and try to keep up, Grayson.¡±

    The remark stung, but Grayson bit back a retort. Normally, he wouldn¡¯t let something like that slide, but this wasn¡¯t the time or place. Instead, he resolved to prove himself through action. After all, he hadn¡¯t earned his place here by chance.

    He tightened his grip on his rifle and gave her a curt nod. ¡°Lead the way,¡± he said simply, determined.

    Grayson watched as Katherine¡¯s already petite frame grew smaller and smaller, her figure almost blending into the crater¡¯s shadowy depths. She moved with precision, half sliding, half hopping, using the moon¡¯s low gravity to her advantage as she descended the steep incline effortlessly.

    Shifting his gaze to the Imperial transport, Grayson studied the vessel. It was a hulking mass of black metal against the grey, barren surface of the moon. The ship looked menacing, with its angular design and heavy plating. The Empire built their ships to exude dominance and efficiency, favoring thick armor and minimal aesthetic touches. Coated in matte black paint, the ship reflected no light, giving it an ominous appearance. The absence of windows reinforced its utilitarian nature¡ªthis was not a vessel for comfort or exploration, but a war machine built for function over form.

    This lack of luxury, however, worked in their favor. The ship, designed for large-scale space combat, lacked equipment sensitive enough to detect small, human-sized targets. It was a glaring oversight, born of the Empire¡¯s overconfidence in their strategy: annihilate threats from a distance before they could ever pose a real challenge.

    Grayson smirked slightly, slinging his rifle onto his back. Katherine had already reached the bottom of the crater, and now it was his turn.

    He swung his legs over the edge and began sliding down the incline. Unlike Katherine, his descent was far from graceful. His heavier frame caused him to pick up speed quickly, and he had to press his hands against the crater¡¯s walls to slow himself down. In the process, he kicked up a significant amount of loose dirt, creating a small cloud of debris trailing behind him.

    ¡°Slow down, big guy,¡± Katherine mocked through the comm, a faint chuckle in her tone.

    ¡°Trying,¡± Grayson muttered, shifting his weight as he attempted to control his speed. He was only halfway down when he noticed Katherine suddenly readying her rifle.

    She crouched, aiming it toward the Imperial ship, her movements quick and deliberate. Grayson followed her gaze and immediately saw what had caught her attention¡ªthe ship¡¯s underbelly floodlights had turned on, casting bright beams of light onto the crater floor.

    ¡°Someone¡¯s coming out.¡±

 22. Back Home

    It was too late for Grayson to slow down. He¡¯d already kicked up enough dirt and debris to alert the ship¡¯s crew. Accepting this, he released his grip on the incline and allowed himself to descend quickly. His boots hit the crater floor with a heavy thud, sending out another plume of dirt. Without wasting a second, he unslung his rifle and aimed it at the ship.

    A small lift was descending from the ship¡¯s underbelly. Grayson saw three pairs of feet first, then legs, and finally the full forms of the soldiers aboard. Each one was armed with Imperial rifles, their postures rigid and alert.

    He glanced back at the trail of dirt and smoke he¡¯d left behind. The evidence of their presence was unmistakable¡ªthere was no way the Imperial soldiers wouldn¡¯t notice.

    Grayson gritted his teeth, exchanging a quick glance with Katherine. Both of them understood. This was earlier than planned, but it was the moment they had to act.

    They steadied their rifles. Grayson¡¯s targeting system locked onto the soldier on the far left, while his visor indicated Katherine had targeted the one on the far right. Grayson exhaled slowly, his finger gently pressing against the trigger.

    The soldier he aimed at suddenly stiffened, his head turning toward the disturbance as he raised his hand to signal his squad mates. That was all the confirmation Grayson needed.

    He fired.

    The caseless round shot out with precision, the rifle emitting only a quiet thump against his shoulder. The soldier crumpled to the ground instantly.

    At the same moment, Katherine¡¯s target was hit. The impact sent the soldier falling backward, tumbling over the lift¡¯s railing.

    The remaining soldier in the middle stood frozen, his face a mix of confusion and shock. He didn¡¯t even manage to raise his weapon before Grayson and Katherine both adjusted their aim, firing in unison. The combined shots struck him squarely, and he collapsed, his rifle falling uselessly to the ground.

    The lift stopped at the bottom of the crater, its railing sliding open with a quiet hiss. Its occupants lay motionless, no longer in need of its service. After a brief pause, the railing slid shut again, and the lift began its slow ascent back toward the ship.

    Grayson and Katherine exchanged a quick glance before bolting toward the lift. They had to move fast¡ªthis was their one chance to get inside.

    Katherine reached the lift first, but it was too high for her to reach on her own.

    ¡°Quick,¡± Grayson said, dropping to one knee and stacking his hands together, ready to give her a boost.

    Without hesitation, Katherine stepped onto his hands. She was far lighter than any of his usual squad mates, and Grayson launched her upward with ease. Katherine grabbed the edge of the railing, her movements precise and fluid. She pulled herself up onto the platform and immediately leaned over to check on Grayson¡¯s progress.

    He waited below, his weapon still ready, when suddenly, the lift descended again. Katherine¡¯s face reappeared in his line of sight, her expression softer now, a genuine smile spreading across her lips.

    ¡°Not bad,¡± she said, her voice carrying a hint of approval.

    Grayson smirked and stepped onto the lift with her. Together, they tossed the lifeless enemies off the platform to clear the space.

    As the lift began its ascent, the two operatives readied their weapons, standing shoulder to shoulder.

    Once inside the ship, nothing could stop them. Their cover was already blown, and time was against them. Surely, the ship was already transmitting an emergency signal to the rest of the Imperial fleet. Grayson and Katherine left the lift with guns blazing, meeting resistance at every turn. Soldiers waited for them in the corridors, at every corner, determined to block their advance.

    The two operatives worked seamlessly, covering each other as they cleared the hallways.

    Despite the constant firefight, neither ran out of ammunition. They not only kept track of their own ammo counts but also remembered each other¡¯s.

    ¡°Reloading,¡± Katherine called, dropping to a crouch as she ejected her empty magazine.

    Grayson stepped in front of her, firing two quick shots that dropped two soldiers advancing from his direction. He swung around to the rear, dispatching another with a precise burst before turning back to Katherine.

    By then, Katherine had slammed a fresh magazine into her rifle. Without missing a beat, she fired two shots over Grayson¡¯s shoulder, taking down a soldier rushing toward them from down the corridor.

    Together, they pushed through the ship, clearing corridor after corridor with precision and efficiency. Finally, only the bridge remained.

    They stood in front of the locked bridge door, its red light signaling it was sealed from the inside.

    Katherine tried the touchpad beside the door, but it refused to respond. ¡°They¡¯ve locked it from the inside,¡± she said, her tone sharp with frustration.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Grayson replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. He cracked his knuckles and jammed his fingers into the narrow seam of the sliding door.

    Katherine raised an eyebrow, half laughing. ¡°Wait, what do you think you¡¯re going to do? Pull it open? That door weighs at least¡ª¡±

    The door creaked loudly, interrupting her. Grayson grunted with effort, his muscles straining as the reinforced metal groaned under the force. With a final push, the door slid open.

    Katherine stared in shock. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be damned,¡± she muttered, quickly raising her rifle and aiming at the defenseless bridge crew inside.

    ¡°Surprise,¡± Grayson said with a smirk, stepping into the bridge alongside her, his own rifle raised.

    ---

    "And needless to say, both of us were awarded for our outstanding performance on that mission," Commander Grayson said proudly, his tone carrying a hint of nostalgia. "We received high honors and were given opportunities to become officers. And that," he added with a small, satisfied smile, "was how the two of us first met."This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    It was clear from his voice that this memory was one he held in high regard, a defining moment in his career that he valued deeply.

    ¡°So, what happened?¡± Ivan asked, his voice curious as he maneuvered the ship toward its landing coordinates. Kai recognized the familiar landscape coming into view. ¡°You said earlier that you wanted to stay away from the Space Force. Did something happen?¡±

    Commander Grayson¡¯s proud grin faltered, his expression growing solemn. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ll share that story another day,¡± he said quietly, brushing off the weight of his own thoughts with a slow shake of his head.

    The Black Swan touched down gently on the landing pad where it had departed nearly a week ago. Waiting below was the ground crew, ready to refuel and resupply the ship. As the rear ramp lowered, the crew exited together, Baiyan among them. His recovery was nearly complete. He moved carefully, his eyes scanning everything on this unfamiliar planet.

    Kai felt a sense of relief as his boots sank into the familiar soft red sand of Drakmoor. Beside him, Eliana took a deep breath, and the two of them shared a moment, soaking in the comforting desert air. The temperature was perfect, the time of day balanced between the heat of the sun and the chill of the night.

    Kai noticed Eliana¡¯s face light up as a sleek luxury car approached the pad¡ªthe same one they had taken when they first arrived.

    The car came to a stop, and a man stepped out. Kai immediately recognized him as Mr. Draco. He smiled and gave a welcoming wave.

    Eliana, however, didn¡¯t hold back her excitement. She rushed toward her father, wrapping him in a warm embrace. Their reunion was filled with the unmistakable joy of family, and Kai could see the glimmer of tears in Eliana¡¯s eyes. She wasn¡¯t used to being away from her family for so long, and this moment clearly meant the world to her.

    Then, Kai noticed Kevin¡¯s gaze shift, landing on Baiyan, who stood slightly behind everyone else. Kevin''s eyes lingered for a moment, and Kai recognized the same expression he had when first met with Commander Yang¡ªa mix of surprise, uncertainty, and perhaps a hint of fear. However, decades of business dealings had taught Kevin to conceal his emotions well. If he felt uncomfortable in Baiyan¡¯s presence, he didn¡¯t show it.

    ¡°You must be Mr. Baiyan,¡± Kevin said warmly, stepping forward with an easy smile that seemed sincere. ¡°I¡¯m Kevin Draco, head of the mining company here on Drakmoor. You can call me Kevin, as all my friends do. Welcome to Drakmoor.¡±

    Baiyan nodded politely. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Kevin. I hope my presence does not alarm you.¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Kevin replied with a hearty laugh. ¡°I¡¯m a businessman. Physical appearances don¡¯t concern me¡ªit¡¯s what¡¯s inside that counts.¡±

    Baiyan chuckled along, the tension in the air easing slightly. Kai relaxed as he watched them interact, grateful that things seemed to be going smoothly.

    Kevin¡¯s eyes lingered briefly on Baiyan¡¯s uneven posture, a subtle sign of the injuries he was still recovering from.

    ¡°Ah, right,¡± Kevin said, his tone shifting to one of concern. ¡°You were hurt during that daring escape¡ªCommander Grayson mentioned it to me. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll have someone take a look at that as soon as we¡¯re back in the city.¡±

    Baiyan gave a small nod of gratitude.

    Behind Kai, the voices of the ground crew suddenly picked up, growing louder and more frantic. He turned to see what was causing the commotion.

    On the horizon, a wave of red loomed large. At first, Kai thought it was a mountain range he hadn¡¯t noticed before. But as the details sharpened in his vision, he realized it wasn¡¯t mountains¡ªit was a sandstorm, massive and fast-moving, heading straight for them.

    In the four months Kai had spent on Drakmoor, there had been only one sandstorm, and he¡¯d been underground in the mines when it hit. This was his first time seeing one out in the open. Drakmoor¡¯s flat, barren landscape offered no resistance to storms like this, allowing them to pick up immense speed and power.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s not wait any longer,¡± Kevin said, motioning toward the vehicles.

    Kai hurried alongside Eliana, both climbing into the car with Kevin. The rest of the crew, including Baiyan, piled into another vehicle, preparing to head back to the city. Engines roared to life, and the convoy sped off, racing against the storm bearing down on them.

    ---

    Mama Mo sipped her tea, a faint smile on her lips as the warmth traveled down her throat. The pu''er tea, grown only in small batches, was a rare treasure she rarely shared with guests. But Kai was different. The young man represented her last hope for saving her people from the impending doom that loomed ever closer. If the council continued to cling to their old ways, she would take it upon herself to ensure the survival of Chinatown¡¯s citizens.

    Her serene moment was interrupted by a loud crash. The wooden door splintered as a man smashed through it, sliding across the floor until his limp body stopped just in front of her.

    It was one of her guards.

    Mama Mo sighed, snapping her fingers. The comforting illusion of the tea room dissolved instantly, leaving behind the cold, sterile grey of the simulation chamber.

    Smoke billowed from the shattered doorway. Footsteps followed, heavy and deliberate, echoing ominously. Three men emerged from the smoke, clad in full black armor. Their helmets had no visors, only twin red sensors where eyes should have been, glowing menacingly in the dim light. Rifles were trained on her, steady and unyielding.

    The lead soldier raised his fist, halting the others. He let go of his rifle, letting it hang by its sling, and reached up to remove his helmet.

    His face was a grim sight. Bald and clean-shaven, it was marred by scars and burn marks, his hawk-like nose betraying European ancestry. Even Mama Mo flinched slightly at the sight of him, her hand trembling just enough to cause her tea to ripple. She recognized him immediately¡ªhe was the Inquisitor, leader of the True Kin¡¯s most elite soldiers.

    Still, she smiled faintly. If he was here, it meant they hadn¡¯t yet caught up with Kai and Baiyan.

    ¡°Mama Mo,¡± the Inquisitor said through the speaker in his helmet, his voice low and gravelly. He stepped forward, his imposing figure casting a shadow over her. ¡°You know why we¡¯re here. Where is the boy?¡±

    Mama Mo shrugged lightly, her expression calm. ¡°That, I have no idea. He was only here for a cup of tea. I didn¡¯t keep him long.¡±

    The Inquisitor spat on the ground, leaning closer to her. ¡°The council wants that boy, and you protected him. You know very well what treason means for the True Kin.¡±

    Mama Mo didn¡¯t flinch, instead raising her cup to take another sip of tea. ¡°All I know is that the council has changed. Isolation has made them fearful of the outside world. We were meant to reunite with humanity. Isn¡¯t the Gifted One what we¡¯ve been waiting for all along?¡±

    The Inquisitor didn¡¯t give her the chance to say another word. He raised his rifle and fired. The shot struck Mama Mo squarely in the forehead. Her body snapped backward and collapsed to the floor.

    Then, her figure shimmered and dissolved into pixels, vanishing completely.

    ¡°of course. A hologram, in her simulation room.¡± the Inquisitor growled, his expression twisting with frustration.

    One of his soldiers hesitated. ¡°Sir, what should we do now?¡±

    The Inquisitor¡¯s frustration melted into a sinister smile. ¡°No worries,¡± he said, his tone dark. ¡°We¡¯ll just find out where the boy went.¡±

    ---

    The sandstorm caught up to the convoy just as they reached the city. Visibility outside the car grew worse with each passing second, and Kai could hear the relentless patter of sand pelting the vehicle. The streets were deserted; everyone had sought shelter, leaving the city eerily quiet despite the storm¡¯s roar.

    Kai felt a wave of unease but glanced at Eliana and Kevin. They seemed unfazed, as if this were just another ordinary occurrence.

    ¡°What happens to the city during sandstorms like this?¡± Kai asked Eliana.

    Eliana smiled, her demeanor calm. ¡°Sandstorms like this are a lot of work to clean up afterward, but they¡¯re relatively safe compared to what people on other planets have to endure.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Kai said, recalling something he¡¯d read about another planet where residents lived underground year-round to escape constant acid rain.

    The convoy turned into a downward ramp, heading into the underground parking lot of the Draco building. The garage was packed with cars, all seeking refuge from the storm above.

    Their vehicles stopped in front of the underground lobby, and everyone began to disembark.

    Kai glanced over at Baiyan. The man seemed a bit shaken, his posture slightly rigid as he stepped out of the car. Kai guessed this might have been his first real experience with life outside the asteroid belt. A storm like this, so different from the cold, controlled environments of space, must have given him a new perspective.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Kai asked as he walked over.

    Baiyan nodded after a moment, offering a small smile. ¡°Just¡­ getting used to how unpredictable planets can be.¡±

    Kai chuckled lightly. ¡°You¡¯ll get the hang of it.¡±

 23. Desert Heat

    Life could change very fast. That was something Kai had learned all too well in recent times.

    Just a year ago, at 25, he had graduated from university earlier than most of his peers. He had family, friends, and, like many his age, he was still figuring out what to do with his life.

    Then the bombs fell.

    The alarms blared throughout the city while most people were still asleep. But Kai wasn¡¯t one of them. He had been awake, flipping through the latest issue of Ship Head, a popular magazine for spaceship enthusiasts. That night, he¡¯d been engrossed in a debate over the merits of negative energy gravity generators versus electromagnetic gravity generators. Personally, he leaned toward the former.

    He even had time to glance out the window before chaos erupted. In an instant, the city descended into panic. People were screaming, crying, and dying. It was sheer luck that Kai managed to escape the building he was in. And a miracle that he survived his way out of the city.

    As the car he¡¯d hitchhiked in emerged from a tunnel leading to open fields, he glanced back at the city. The driver, a middle-aged man, was crying silently. The child¡¯s car seat in the back was empty, its absence telling a story too painful to share. Like Kai, the man had lost his family in the sudden and merciless attack.

    Velmorra was a decently sized planet, big enough that the Empire couldn¡¯t monitor every ship leaving its surface. But they didn¡¯t need to. Their message to the Federation was clear. Velmorra was just another casualty in a long list of neutral planets the Empire had invaded to prove its power.

    When Kai first arrived on Drakmoor, it was worse than he could have imagined. The planet seemed barren, its only valuable resources buried deep within the mines. Kai resigned himself to what he thought would be his new life¡ªliving in a small portable shack, risking his life underground, and dreaming of one day owning a ship of his own.

    Then his life changed again.

    Meeting Eliana was the best thing to happen to him since the bombs fell. She picked him up from the depths of despair and reminded him of the wonders still left to experience. She gave him hope and, most importantly, love.

    Now, he had a purpose far greater than himself. If he put it in clich¨¦d terms, the fate of the human race might very well rest on his shoulders. He was the one that discovered the buried ship left by what he now know was Earth. It told a story of a long forgotten danger. And it''s was up to him to find out what it really was.

    It was a burden, a heavy burden, and it was only growing heavier with each passing second.

    Then he realized, the literal burden he felt was a pair of arms wrapping around his shoulders, pushing him down into the soft padding of the sofa he was sitting on.

    ¡°What are you thinking, Kai?¡± Eliana asked, her voice teasing as she hugged him from behind. ¡°Daydreaming?¡±

    Kai smiled softly, her warmth grounding him. ¡°Yeah,¡± he admitted. ¡°Something like that.¡±

    The room they were in was unlike the formal space where Kai had first met Kevin. This one was much more inviting, with a warmth that blended seamlessly with the understated luxury characteristic of Kevin¡¯s style.

    The walls were paneled with rich, dark wood that gave the space a cozy feel, while discreetly embedded lighting bathed the room in a soft, golden glow. A plush cream-colored rug covered the polished stone floor, muffling footsteps and adding to the relaxed atmosphere. The centerpiece of the room was a large, low-slung coffee table made from a single slab of polished obsidian, its surface reflecting the gentle light.

    Against one wall stood a built-in shelving unit filled with meticulously arranged books, a few artful sculptures, and glowing trinkets from Drakmoor¡¯s mines. A large window dominated the opposite wall, its smart glass dimmed to block out the harsh sandstorm but still offering a faint view of the swirling red outside.

    ¡°Sorry for the wait,¡± Kevin said as he entered the room, pulling their attention back to him. He¡¯d excused himself earlier to deal with the unexpected sandstorm. The weather had brought the entire city to a halt, delaying shipments and grinding operations to a temporary standstill.

    ¡°Well¡­ a couple of cargo ships had to cancel their takeoffs due to the sandstorm,¡± Kevin continued, hanging his jacket on a sleek chrome rack by the door. ¡°But nothing too serious. All the mines are fine¡ªno flooding of sand or other issues.¡±

    Kevin stood beside Eliana, addressing the room while the rest of the crew settled into their spaces. Commander Grayson examined a sculptures on the shelf, his expression unreadable, while the crew chatted with Baiyan, finally getting to know their newest member after his time in the medical bay.

    Kevin cleared his throat, and the room fell silent, save for the faint howling of the wind outside, which was slowly dying down as the sandstorm passed.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to congratulate everyone on a successful mission,¡± Kevin began, his voice steady and warm. ¡°And since the expedition was funded by me, you¡¯ll all be rewarded handsomely.¡±

    That announcement lightened the atmosphere instantly, and the crew cheered in unison. Robert, in particular, looked thrilled, and Kai couldn¡¯t help but wonder how the man planned to spend his share¡ªhis money was probably destined for Drakmoor¡¯s red-light district.

    ¡°On to more important matters,¡± Kevin continued, his tone shifting to seriousness. ¡°Commander Grayson has informed me that the True Kin are not the enemy we initially thought. Instead, they are a potential ally. While the higher-ups in their organization may have opposing ideals regarding Kai¡¯s existence, there are many among the True Kin who wish to reveal the truth and reunite with the rest of humanity. Isn¡¯t that right, Mr. Baiyan?¡±

    Baiyan nodded. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s unfortunate, but the True Kin are divided Both the masquerade. Still, it¡¯s natural that some would fear the idea of opening up to humanity after so long in isolation.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Kevin said. ¡°It will take a great deal of effort to convince the Federation to accept the True Kin as part of human society. But the bigger problem lies within the very human nature itself. Prolonged isolation has caused each of the True Kin societies to further develop unique cultures and belief systems. That¡¯s going to cause significant friction when they eventually interact with the rest of humanity. Adjusting to new ideas won¡¯t happen overnight.¡±

    Kai spoke up. ¡°When I talked with Mama Mo, she said the only way to survive against the thing¡ªwhatever is dimming the stars¡ªis if the Empire, the Federation, and the True Kin stand together. We need to show the universe that there¡¯s something real out there. People need to stop fighting each other. This war cannot happen.¡±

    Eliana frowned, her gaze soft but conflicted. ¡°Kai, I believe in you because I¡¯ve seen your power firsthand. But for the rest of the universe, especially the elders of the Empire, the idea of a star-eating threat is going to sound ridiculous to them.¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    A heavy silence fell over the room. The unification of humanity seemed an impossible dream.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Eliana said after a moment, her voice apologetic. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to dampen the mood.¡±

    Kevin stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. ¡°No need to apologize, Eliana. Doubt is natural, but so is progress. All things big starts with people like us¡ªthose who are willing to take the first steps toward something better. So let¡¯s focus on what we can do.¡±

    His words seemed to lift the room.

    "Right," Ivan said, "I though flying a ship was impossible, and look at me now. An expert pilot."

    Kai chuckled softly. He knew Kevin was right¡ªsomeone had to do it, and he would be that someone.

    Just a year. That was all the time left until the two system aligned¡ª until the attack on Drakmoor. His mind drifted to memories he wished he could forget. The man silently crying in the driver¡¯s seat, the empty baby seat in the back, and the burning city fading into the distance.

    No, he wouldn¡¯t let that happen again.

    He needed evidence¡ªsolid proof that something had forced humanity to abandon Earth long ago. And what better way to uncover the truth than to find Earth itself?

    He thought of the technician they¡¯d met down in the mine. Isaac¡ªthat was his name. Kai wondered if the man had made any progress on his calculations.

    ¡°Has Mr. Isaac gotten back to you yet?¡± Kai asked Kevin.

    ¡°No, why?¡± Kevin replied, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°Just wondering if he¡¯s figured out where Earth is yet,¡± Kai said, his curiosity evident.

    Kevin chuckled and leaned back slightly, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. ¡°Well, how about you go ask him yourself?¡±

    To be honest, when Kevin asked Kai to find Isaac, he had imagined a simple trip¡ªtaking the elevator down, walking a few blocks, and Issac will be waiting for him in one of the high-tech looking buildings. What he definitely didn''t expected was a scorching drive through the midday desert sun.

    Kai sat in the driver¡¯s seat of his new car, the engine humming smoothly beneath him. Beside him, Eliana rode shotgun, her sunglasses shielding her hazel eyes from the blinding sun. Both of them were dressed practically for the harsh desert terrain. Kai wore a lightweight, long-sleeved beige shirt that protected his skin from the sun, paired with rugged cargo pants and sturdy boots. Eliana sported a breathable olive-green button-up shirt tucked into slim utility pants, her boots scuffed but reliable. A lightweight scarf was wrapped loosely around her neck, ready to pull up over her face if the wind picks up.

    Kai glanced at Eliana and couldn¡¯t help but think how stunning she looked. A part of him wanted to lean over and kiss her, but the thought of Baiyan sitting in the backseat stopped him. He and Eliana exchanged an excited glence, celebrating their first drive together.

    Baiyan, on the other hand, looked far less enthusiastic. He slouched slightly, his expression betraying his discomfort with the situation. Having just started to enjoy the conveniences of the city, he wasn¡¯t thrilled to find himself back in the middle of nowhere. His hair was tighted behind his head in a man bun. His outfit¡ªa simple dark shirt, durable pants, and a thin jacket¡ª it suited his no nonsense demeanor.

    ¡°Are we there yet?¡± Baiyan muttered, he leaned to the side, dodging the mid-day sun shining thought the window.

    Kai smirked, adjusting his sunglasses as he navigated the seemingly endless stretch of desert. ¡°Not yet. Try to enjoy the view.¡±

    Kevin hadn¡¯t provided transportation this time. Instead, he¡¯d pointed Kai toward a car dealership with nothing more than a warm smile.

    With the money Kevin had given him, Kai figured he could afford a reliable vehicle fit for the harsh desert terrain. Eliana accompanied him as he browsed the options, walking among rows of shiny vehicles under the show lights.

    After some internal debate, Kai finally settled on a sport utility vehicle that could handle his everyday needs while being durable enough for the desert. It will be a significant chunk of his newfound savings, but he knew it would be worth it in the long run.

    When the time came to pay, both Kai and Eliana stared at the balance displayed on his bank account.

    C: 10,059,000

    Ten million and fifty-nine thousand credits. The number felt surreal. Months spent toiling in the mines had earned him barely a fraction of that. Now, he had more money than he¡¯d ever dreamed of¡ªenough to buy a ship, and then some. Mr. Draco had kept his word: fifty-nine thousand for the expedition, and ten million for finding the buried ship.

    ¡°Wow,¡± Eliana said, her voice tinged with awe. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a lot of money.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it is,¡± Kai said with a smile. He handed his bank card to the saleswoman. ¡°I¡¯ll take this car, please.¡±

    That night, Kai and Eliana went shopping together, buying all the gear they needed for the trip¡ªand extra supplies for Baiyan, too. They treated themselves to a delicious meal, the table beside them piled high with shopping bags of all shapes and sizes.

    The two of them drew plenty of attention, but neither of them cared. For once, life felt simple and good, and they enjoyed every moment of it.

    Finally, they reached the coordinates displayed on the car¡¯s navigation system. Isaac should be here somewhere. The three disembarked, the oppressive desert heat immediately bearing down on them.

    Kai scanned the area for the entrance to the underground facility Kevin had described. The vast expanse of sand seemed to stretch endlessly, and for a moment, he feared the sandstorm had buried the entrance entirely. But after carefully inspecting the area, he spotted it¡ªa hatch concealed by a thin layer of sand, cleverly hidden in plain sight for those not specifically looking for it.

    He crouched down, brushing the sand away to reveal the hatch. Embedded in the surface was a keypad with a blue button labeled ¡°Buzz.¡± Kai pressed it. Nothing happened. He pressed it again, but there was still no response.

    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s not here,¡± Baiyan said, his tone edged with impatience. The heat was clearly getting to him.

    Kai leaned down and pressed his ear against the hatch, listening carefully. At first, there was silence. Then, faintly, he heard the metallic clunk of footsteps moving below, followed by the distinct sound of boots on a ladder.

    He pulled back just as the hatch creaked open, revealing Isaac¡¯s familiar face. The man looked like he hadn¡¯t slept in days. His hoodie was wrinkled, his hair a disheveled mess, and dark circles shadowed his eyes.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you guys!¡± Isaac exclaimed, his tone fast and excited. ¡°Right, right, you¡¯re here about the coordinates for Earth. Perfect timing¡ªI was just about to contact Mr. Kevin. Oh, quick, come in, come in!¡±

    Kai stepped aside to let Baiyan go in first. ¡°Dr. Isaac, this is Baiyan, a representative from the True Kin. He¡¯s also interested in finding Earth¡¯s coordinates,¡± Kai said with a small wink at Baiyan.

    Baiyan nodded politely and descended into the facility.

    Next, Kai gestured for Eliana to enter. She stopped in front of him, brushing off some sand that had clung to his ear from the wind. Her touch lingered, and Kai seized the moment, pulling her close and stealing a quick kiss.

    Eliana smiled, her cheeks slightly flushed, before climbing down the ladder.

    Kai followed last, carefully lowering himself onto the steel rungs. He closed the hatch securely behind him and descended into the underground facility. The ladder wasn¡¯t long, and soon his boots clanged against a solid steel walkway below.

    Kai paused for a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the dimly lit environment. The tunnel ahead sloped downward, leading to a single staircase. The lighting was sparse, barely illuminating the narrow passage, making it difficult to discern where the first step began.

    Isaac led the way, descending quickly and confidently, his excitement palpable. Behind him, Baiyan, Eliana, and Kai moved more cautiously, their footsteps echoing softly against the metal steps.

    As they neared the bottom, Kai noticed a massive door at the end of the staircase. It looked entirely out of place¡ªthick and imposing, like a bank vault door rather than something meant for a place like this.

    Why would Isaac even needed this? Kai wondered, puzzled. But as he stepped through the door, the answer became clear.

    The room beyond was like something out of a science fiction movie. The cavernous space was filled with rows upon rows of computers, stacked together in massive racks that lined the walls and stretched down the center of the room. Cables snaked across the floor, some neatly bundled, others haphazardly draped like vines in a jungle of machinery. The hum of fans and processors filled the air, a constant, low vibration that gave the space a strange energy.

    At the far end of the cave-like room was a massive wall of monitors, seamlessly arranged to form a single, expansive screen. The screen flickered with data¡ªgraphs, maps, and incomprehensible streams of numbers that scrolled endlessly. The glow from the monitors bathed the room in a bluish light, illuminating the intricate setup with an almost otherworldly brilliance.

    Kai¡¯s mouth fell open as he took it all in. He had only ever seen something like this in the fictions.

    Isaac noticed their astonished expressions and smiled proudly. He pushed up his glasses, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

    ¡°Welcome to the Nexus.¡±

 24. A Bold Plan

    Kai listened intently as Isaac explained that the Nexus was essentially Drakmoor¡¯s version of a supercomputer.

    Isaac had combined the power of over two-thousand personal computers into one colossal machine capable of solving problems at impressive speeds. A large portion of the funding for this setup had come from Eliana¡¯s father, Kevin. In return, Isaac had designed a custom system that made the daily operations of Draco Mining far more efficient.

    Kai thought back to his time in the mines. The most challenging aspect was logistics. Draco Mining¡¯s reliance on low-cost, on-foot mining methods made it difficult to schedule shipments efficiently for each site. Yet, Kai had never noticed a single logistical error in the months he¡¯d worked there. Now he knew who to thank for that.

    At present, the Nexus was running at full power, crunching data to calculate Earth¡¯s coordinates. Using a complex formula, it compared the strings of coordinates found in the buried ship to the known map of the galaxy. The process seemed almost magical to Kai, far beyond anything he¡¯d ever experienced.

    ¡°Here, take a look at this,¡± Isaac said, kicking off the floor with his feet. His chair slid smoothly backward to a control panel. His fingers flew over the keyboard, entering a rapid series of commands. Two images appear side by side on the massive screen: one was a simulation of the coordinates from the buried ship, the other a map of the known galaxy.

    ¡°Here¡¯s what¡¯s interesting,¡± Isaac said, his enthusiasm palpable. ¡°The known galaxy map¡ªthe one we created¡ªis based on coordinates relative to Aurelia Prime, our home planet. But the coordinates from the buried ship? They¡¯re based on an entirely different point of reference. Now we know that point was Earth.¡±

    Kai nodded, glancing at Eliana and Baiyan, who were also listening closely.

    ¡°The computer had to create a completely new model,¡± Isaac continued. ¡°It had to match the coordinates with star patterns across the galaxy. It¡¯s a complex and tedious process that, honestly, could take years to complete.¡±

    ¡°And yet, you found a match?¡± Kai asked, leaning forward.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Isaac exclaimed, grinning broadly. ¡°The system just notified me this morning. It found a match, and the probability of it being correct is extraordinarily high!¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯ve found Earth,¡± Baiyan said, his voice trembling slightly. ¡°The birthplace of humanity.¡±

    Isaac hesitated. ¡°Well¡­ about that.¡± He tapped a few more keys, and the screen updated. Lines shot out from the identified location of Earth toward their current position. Most of the lines faded out before even reaching halfway. Only one line stretched farther than the others, but even it cut off before completing the journey.

    ¡°These lines represent possible routes from Earth to here,¡± Isaac explained. ¡°Even with the best commercial jump drives today, capable of covering about 75 light-years per jump, it¡¯s still going to take at least a year. And the buried ship¡­ it didn¡¯t have any jump drive at all.¡±

    The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the implications. The discovery of Earth¡¯s location was monumental, but the realization of its inaccessibility cast a heavy shadow over the moment.

    Just as Kai was about to question the legitimacy of the calculations, a thought struck him¡ªsomething so absurd he almost laughed at the silliness of its implication. But he decided to share it anyway.

    ¡°What if they traveled through a wormhole?¡± Kai suggested, a faint grin forming on his face.

    Eliana chuckled at that. ¡°Everyone learns in school that traveling through wormholes is pure fiction. They¡¯re too unstable to be used safely and far too random to access consistently.¡±

    ¡°But you have to remember,¡± Kai countered, ¡°the crew of that buried ship was desperate. They were humanity¡¯s decoy, the last hope for survival. I think they would¡¯ve tried anything, no matter how risky.¡±

    Eliana nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s something in the diary you found that mentions it?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Kai said, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯ve gone through the diary multiple times. There¡¯s not a single word about wormholes¡ªor even Earth.¡±

    Baiyan, who had been silent until now, spoke up. ¡°Perhaps it was done deliberately, to protect the others. If they feared the thing chasing them could decipher human language, they might have left Earth out intentionally.¡±

    ¡°Possible,¡± Isaac agreed, leaning back in his chair. ¡°But I think there¡¯s no point debating it here. The only way to know for sure is to find out for ourselves.¡±

    Kai turned to Isaac, confused. ¡°How?¡±

    Isaac adjusted his glasses and looked at him calmly. ¡°We should go to Earth.¡±

    ---

    ¡°Go to Earth?¡± Kevin raised his eyebrows after Isaac explained the plan again. He glanced at the others in the room, half-expecting someone to laugh and call it a joke. Instead, he found only serious faces staring back at him.

    Kevin sighed, frowning deeply. ¡°The planet you¡¯re talking about is nearly 5,000 light-years away, in uncharted space. There¡¯s no way the Black Swan could handle such a mission.¡±

    Kai nodded in agreement. That was exactly what he¡¯d said to Isaac when the idea was first proposed. But Isaac had countered every objection, revealing that he¡¯d been planning for this moment even while the computer was calculating Earth¡¯s location.

    Now, Isaac pulled out a sheet of paper, unfolding it carefully. On it was a detailed blueprint for a starship¡ªfamiliar in shape yet noticeably different. He grinned as he presented it to the room.

    ¡°I give you the upgraded version of the Black Swan,¡± he announced.

    Isaac¡¯s voice brimmed with excitement as he pointed to the key upgrades.

    ¡°First, the biggest change: the ship will be fitted with two jump drives instead of one. This will allow the Black Swan to perform two jumps per day, cutting travel time in half.

    ¡°Second, a fuel collector capable of harvesting fuel from stars. The more massive the star, the faster it can refuel the ship, meaning we¡¯ll never run out of energy on long stretches.

    ¡°Third, a complete overhaul of the ship¡¯s body. The modified Black Swan will be larger, with additional crew space and increased inventory capacity. It¡¯ll be able to host two rotating crews, enabling continuous operation without exhausting anyone.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°And finally,¡± Isaac continued, tapping the blueprint, ¡°a new power plant to ensure no power shortages for the upgraded ship. It¡¯s the heart of the design, and it¡¯s efficient enough to support every upgrade we¡¯ve planned.¡±

    Kevin shifted his gaze to Commander Grayson, searching for his opinion.

    Grayson studied the blueprint for a moment, his brow furrowed as he considered the logistics. ¡°It¡¯s going to be a stretch,¡± he admitted, ¡°but this¡­ just might work.¡±

    Kevin was still skeptical. The journey seemed impossible, and the risks were immense. But as he glanced around the room, he saw the determination in everyone¡¯s eyes.

    Isaac was visibly excited, practically glowing with enthusiasm for the project. Kai carried that resolute look of someone who felt a profound sense of duty. The Black Swan¡¯s crew seemed ready, their expressions filled with anticipation.

    Then Kevin¡¯s eyes landed on Eliana.

    She was his daughter, his world, and the thought of not seeing her for a year was gut-wrenching. Without relay stations where they were going, there would be no way to communicate. Yet, as he looked at her, he saw the same determined spark in her eyes that he¡¯d seen before: when she told him she wanted to study martial arts, when she decided to perfect her front-desk skills, and when she announced that she wanted to go with Kai.

    Her mother was right. Eliana wasn¡¯t a little girl anymore, and Kevin knew he couldn¡¯t treat her as one.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kevin finally said, exhaling deeply. ¡°Then it¡¯s decided. The Black Swan will undergo an overhaul and embark on a journey to Earth. Commander Grayson will oversee the modifications and select the crew. Everything should be ready in two weeks.¡±

    The room buzzed with excitement, and Isaac grinned like a man who had just won a personal victory. Eliana smiled softly at her father, silently thanking him for trusting her.

    Kevin looked away, trying to hide the ache in his chest. He had made his choice, now he only hoped that they would all return safely.

    ---

    Commander Grayson frowned as he exited the room, leaving behind the celebratory cheers of the Black Swan crew. Baiyan joined in their enthusiasm, while Kai and Eliana spoke in length with Isaac about the upcoming modifications to the ship.

    Grayson had agreed to the expedition to Earth, but the risks weighed heavily on his mind.

    There was a saying among seasoned pilots in the Federation Space Force: ¡°Never fly out of the bubble; the No Man¡¯s Land will not be kind to you.¡± It was a warning for anyone tempted to venture far beyond the safety of civilization.

    Outside the bubble, there would be no space stations to dock at, no support systems to rely on. They would be entirely on their own, forced to gather every resource they needed to survive.

    Grayson wasn¡¯t afraid of risks. Nor was he afraid of taking responsibility. Quite the opposite¡ªhe wanted to ensure that every member of the Black Swan returned safely.

    And that¡¯s why he needed to find a secondary crew. Most critically, he needed an exceptional pilot.

    His first thought was Kai. The young man had demonstrated impressive flying skills during the mission. But Kai was still too young, too green. Grayson doubted he would make the right calls under the kind of pressure this mission would entail. No, he needed someone more experienced, more seasoned. Preferably someone who had seen combat.

    Grayson¡¯s thoughts wandered as he sifted through his memories, searching for a name. Finally, a man popped into his mind. He didn¡¯t know the man¡¯s real name, only his call sign: Dust Devil.

    The name alone brought a small smile to Grayson¡¯s face. Dust Devil was a dropship pilot known for his low-altitude flying style that always left a trail of dust and smoke behind. The man had pulled off the impossible during a recovery mission, rescuing Grayson and his team from a deadly ambush. He had flown like their lives truly depended on it, skimming just above the ground, darting under bridges, and evading barrages of anti-air shots with precision that bordered on artistry.

    Grayson had heard rumors that the man was also on Drakmoor, but tracking him down would be no easy task. Finding him would be like searching for a needle in a haystack¡ªor, in this case, a planet sized desert.

    Grayson shook his head. Perhaps it would be simpler to post a hiring notice and see who showed up. But deep down, he knew a pilot like Dust Devil wasn¡¯t someone you recruited through a job posting.

    ---

    The crew of the Black Swan was granted a day of leave to pack up and prepare before their departure. Of the crew, Teresa was the only one who had her home on Drakmoor, so she took the opportunity to visit her family and say her goodbyes. Ivan and Robert, both from other planets, decided to head into the city together. Judging by the mischievous grins on their faces, Kai could only imagine where they were going.

    Kai and Eliana exchanged a knowing smile as they watched the two men leave.

    ¡°So immature,¡± Eliana said, pulling a mock disgusted face.

    ¡°Let them be,¡± Kai chuckled. ¡°This will probably be the last time they get laid for a very long time.¡±

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re probably right about that,¡± Eliana smirked, shaking her head. She turned to him, her tone softening. ¡°So, do you have somewhere you want to go? Anyone you want to say goodbye to?¡±

    Kai paused, thinking. He hadn¡¯t formed many close connections during his time working in the mines. But then, Lily¡¯s face came to mind. She had been kind to him, someone who truly listened when he poured his heart out about his past. She was probably the closest thing to a friend he had on Drakmoor.

    Then there was Ray, the transport pilot who had brought him to Drakmoor on his very first day. When Ray learned that Kai was a refugee from Velmorra, he had refused to take a single credit. In fact, Ray was the one who told Kai about the mining job in the first place.

    ¡°Maybe I should head back to the town near the mine,¡± Kai said, meeting Eliana¡¯s gaze. ¡°There are a few people I¡¯d like to say goodbye to.¡±

    Eliana smiled warmly. ¡°Then I shall go with you, you know, just in case one of them was a girl.¡±

    Kai and Eliana took the four-seater craft from the Black Swan. It was the fastest way to reach the small town near the mine. Kai piloted this time, feeling much more comfortable with the controls of the nimble craft. Eliana rode beside him, chatting with him for most of the flight. At some point, however, she stopped responding. When Kai glanced over, he realized she had fallen asleep.

    Her face was peaceful, her hair framing her cheeks as her head rested lightly against the seat. Her slightly parted lips and soft, steady breaths gave her an almost childlike innocence. Kai couldn¡¯t help but smile at how adorable she looked, her usual sharp focus replaced by a rare moment of vulnerability.

    They had already been through so much together. Eliana had been his constant support, always at his side, even risking her safety to rescue him and Baiyan when they were being chased by the elites.

    As they approached the town, Kai brought the craft lower. The town was just barely visible in the distance, a humble collection of structures surrounded by the endless expanse of desert. The craft hummed quietly as its engine powered down slightly, descending closer to the ground.

    The town came into clearer view, just as Kai remembered it¡ªsmall and seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of the planet. Yet it had been his sanctuary during his time working in the mines.

    Then something caught his eye. A thin trail of black smoke curled into the sky from the north side of the town.

    Frowning, Kai tried to place the location. He brought the craft closer, scanning the ground. That¡¯s when he saw it: a shape lying in the sand, partially obscured by the smoke.

    Kai¡¯s heart dropped as recognition hit him. It was Ray¡¯s modified dropship, the same one that had ferried him into the city when he first arrived.

    He quickly lowered the craft, bringing it to land a short distance from the dropship.

    The dropship was tilted awkwardly in the sand, one side slightly sunken. Its door hung open, swinging gently in the breeze, and the cockpit was also open. The interior was empty¡ªno one was inside. The sight sent a chill through Kai.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Eliana asked, her voice groggy but quickly sharpening as the descent woke her. She caught sight of the dropship and immediately frowned, her worry evident.

    Kai¡¯s mind raced, trying to piece together what might have happened. If anyone knew what was going on, it would be Lily. Without hesitation, he turned the craft around and flew toward the bar.

 25. Lily and Ray

    The small four-seater craft touched down in the middle of the town, right outside the bar. Its sleek and polished exterior stood in stark contrast to the rugged, dust-covered surroundings, drawing immediate attention.

    A crowd quickly began to gather, townsfolk and miners alike stopping in their tracks to gawk at the rare and luxurious vehicle. Murmurs rippled through the group as people speculated about its origin.

    ¡°Who could afford something like that around here?¡± one miner whispered, his face streaked with dirt from a long day underground.

    ¡°Must be some off-worlders,¡± another said, eyeing the craft warily.

    Kai stepped out first, his boots crunching softly against the ground as he adjusted his sunglasses. Eliana followed, her striking presence and practical yet stylish attire adding to the air of mystery surrounding them.

    The murmurs grew louder, but Kai ignored them, his focus solely on the bar. He could feel the weight of curious stares as he and Eliana approached the entrance, but he didn¡¯t have time to stop and explain.

    The sooner Kai found Lily, the sooner he could learn what had happened to Roy. He pushed open the bar¡¯s creaky door and stepped inside. The place was quiet, as it often was at this time of day.

    Kai¡¯s eyes scanned the room. There were only a few tables occupied by miners, their dust-covered clothes a clear indication they had just come off a shift.

    ¡°Kai?¡± Lily¡¯s voice called from behind the bar.

    Kai turned, spotting her immediately. She looked just as he remembered, and her familiar presence eased some of his nervousness. If anyone could give him answers, it was Lily¡ªshe always seemed to know everything happening in town.

    But Kai¡¯s attention quickly shifted to the man sitting at the bar, his back turned toward him. The man was visibly drunk, clutching a glass in one hand while the other, wrapped in a white cloth stained faint pink, wrestled weakly with Lily for the drink.

    Lily met Kai¡¯s gaze, her eyes pleading silently for help.

    Kai wasted no time. He stepped up to the bar, setting aside his own questions for the moment. Standing beside the man, he placed a gentle yet firm hand over the glass. The drink was a cheap brew, an imitation to the real thing.

    He gave Lily an assuring nod before prying the glass from the man¡¯s grip. The drunk, lost in his stupor, barely noticed Kai¡¯s presence until the glass was gone. Slowly, he raised his head, his accusatory gaze locking onto Kai.

    Kai froze. To his shock, the man was none other than Ray.

    Ray was a mess. His eyes were bloodshot, and sorrow etched deep lines across his face. His clothes were disheveled and dirty, his entire demeanor one of utter defeat. That''s why Kai had not recognized Ray earlier, in his memories the man was always so upbeat and optimistic, this was Kai''s first time seeing him like this.

    ¡°What happened, Ray?¡± Kai asked, his voice careful.

    Ray¡¯s lips trembled as he tried to form words, but his drunken state made it nearly impossible. ¡°The ship¡­ the stabilizer¡­ she¡¯s too old,¡± he mumbled before slumping forward. Resting his head on his arms, Ray let out a soft snore and promptly passed out.

    Realizing he wasn¡¯t going to get anything else from Ray, Kai turned his gaze toward Lily.

    Lily took the cup from the bar and poured its contents down the drain with a disapproving shake of her head. ¡°Ray¡¯s ship suffered damage to its stabilizer again,¡± she explained. ¡°It¡¯s an old ship, Kai. I guess it was just bound to happen sooner or later. He lost control while trying to land and crashed in the desert. Luckily, there weren¡¯t any passengers on board, and Ray only suffered minor injuries.¡±

    Kai nodded, his mind flashing back to the ship¡¯s condition. The stabilizer failure didn¡¯t surprise him too much. Ray¡¯s dropship was an older model of the federation¡¯s current fleet, and many of its parts had long been discontinued in the market. It was only Ray¡¯s meticulous care and love for the ship that had kept it flying for so long.

    ¡°All that matters is that he¡¯s okay,¡± Kai said with a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lily replied, her tone softening as she glanced at Ray. ¡°But he¡¯s pretty shaken up about it. That ship was everything to him, you know.¡±

    Kai gave her a nod in understanding. ¡°Thank you, Lily. Thank you for helping Ray. I know the ship meant the world to him."

    Seeing Ray¡¯s depressed state saddened Kai. As a starship enthusiast, he could almost feel the pain that Ray must have been experiencing. Ray had lost not a ship, but a companion that he bonded with in the past few decades.

    Kai wanted to help, to find some way to ease Ray¡¯s anguish, and his mind spun with ideas.

    ¡°Kai,¡± Lily said softly, pulling his attention back to her. She was smiling, her cheeks slightly flushed.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again,¡± she continued, her voice carrying a subtle emotional edge. ¡°I was worried sick after the attack on the mine. Someone said they saw you there. I thought you might have been injured. You know how much...how much I care...¡±

    The creak of the bar¡¯s door interrupted her mid-sentence. Both she and Kai turned to look.

    It was Eliana. Her striking beauty immediately drew the attention of the few people in the bar, their conversations halting momentarily.

    ¡°Care¡­ about¡­¡± Lily¡¯s voice trailed off as her gaze shifted back to Kai. She could tell, just from the way his eyes lit up when he saw Eliana, that there was something significant between the two of them.

    Kai grinned, his tone teasing. ¡°Too busy fending off the paparazzis?¡±

    Eliana chuckled as she approached. ¡°No, just explaining to the town guards why you decided to land smack in the middle of town.¡±

    ¡°And how did it go?¡± Kai asked, genuinely curious.

    ¡°I told them your friend had a crash and you were trying to find him. They seemed pretty understanding once I mentioned your name.¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Lily chimed in, crossing her arms. ¡°Kai¡¯s pretty popular around here after the mine was sealed off. There are rumors you discovered a vein so valuable that Draco wants to bring in heavy equipment for the first time.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Kai and Eliana exchanged a quick glance, knowing the buried ship was the real discovery. The company must have spun an excuse to cover it up.

    ¡°It was¡­ something like that,¡± Eliana said cautiously, her eyes flicking to Lily. She decided to trust Kai, but something about the way Lily had looked at him earlier triggered her instincts. ¡°I¡¯m Eliana, by the way¡ªKai¡¯s girlfriend.¡±

    Kai nodded eagerly, trying to keep the moment light. ¡°Yes! Let me introduce you. This is Eliana, my girlfriend and crewmate. Eliana, meet Lily, a friend of mine who helped me out a lot when I first got here.¡±

    Eliana¡¯s posture relaxed at Kai¡¯s confident introduction. The tension in her shoulders eased as her smile became more natural.

    Lily chuckled softly, accepting the situation with grace. Even if she had feelings for Kai, they evaporated the moment she saw the happiness the two shared. That was all that mattered to her.

    ¡°Nice to meet you, Eliana. You two look so cute together. Congratulations, Kai, on finding your first girlfriend.¡±

    ¡°Hey! You weren¡¯t supposed to say that!¡± Kai exclaimed, his face flushing red.

    Eliana arched an eyebrow, holding back a laugh. ¡°First, huh?¡±

    All three burst out laughing. Kai¡¯s face was bright red with embarrassment, but he couldn¡¯t help enjoying the moment. Eliana and Lily exchanged a brief glance¡ªa silent understanding passing between them, a connection that could fill a whole chapter if put into a book. The tension had dissolved, leaving only mutual respect.

    In the midst of their laughter, Ray stirred awake. His bleary eyes blinked at the scene before him, his expression a mix of confusion and grogginess. His face was still flushed from the alcohol, and his hair stuck out in every direction.

    Kai looked down at his friend with a tentative gaze. ¡°Hey, Ray.¡±

    ¡°Kai!¡± Ray¡¯s eyes lit up as he recognized him. ¡°Where the hell have you been? And did you get a girlfriend while you were away? Kid, you really are full of surprises.¡±

    His enthusiasm faded quickly, though, his expression darkening as if the weight of his loss suddenly came crashing back down. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry, Kai. I lost my ship¡­ Otherwise, I would¡¯ve come to pick you up.¡±

    Kai saw the tears Ray was holding back, and it struck him how rare it was to see such vulnerability in someone as steady as Ray. He wasn¡¯t the tallest or the strongest man, but as a pilot, his emotional stability had always been his defining trait. Seeing him like this stirred something deeply empathetic in Kai.

    Placing a hand on Ray¡¯s shoulder, Kai offered silent comfort, knowing that no words could truly ease the pain of losing something so cherished. Only time could heal this wound.

    Sensing the mood was about to take another sorrowful turn, Lily stepped in, gesturing for Kai and Eliana to sit. ¡°Alright, since you¡¯re here anyway, let¡¯s get you something to eat. On me, of course!¡±

    Kai¡¯s eyes lit up at the mention of food. He realized he hadn¡¯t eaten anything since the morning and had been so distracted by seeing Ray¡¯s crashed ship that he¡¯d completely forgotten his hunger.

    He and Eliana both ordered the house-special burger. Kai knew it wouldn¡¯t be anything fancy like the meals they might have in the city, but he also knew Lily could work magic in the kitchen.

    Eliana took her first bite, and her eyes widened in amazement. ¡°Oh wow, this is really, really delicious! And you made it all by yourself?¡± she asked, still clutching the burger tightly. Juices dripped down her fingers, but she didn¡¯t care¡ªany semblance of manners was gone as she devoured the burger eagerly.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it,¡± Lily said with a smile. She always loved seeing people¡¯s reactions to her cooking; it gave her a deep sense of accomplishment. She waited patiently for Kai and Eliana to finish before asking, ¡°So, Kai said earlier that you two are crewmates? What ship are you on?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re both on the Black Swan, an expedition vessel used by Draco Mining for personal transport,¡± Kai replied, leaning back in his chair.

    ¡°And deep space expeditions too,¡± Eliana added with a grin.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kai said, nodding enthusiastically. ¡°Honestly, there¡¯s nothing that ship can¡¯t do.¡±

    ¡°Deep space expeditions, that''s sounds very interesting.¡± Lily said.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Kai said, leaning forward with enthusiasm. ¡°Actually, that¡¯s why we¡¯re here. We¡¯re about to embark on a very long journey. It¡¯s going to take months to complete.¡±

    Ray straightened in his seat, his drunkenness seeming to fade away with the seriousness of Kai¡¯s tone. ¡°What¡¯s the purpose of the expedition?¡± he asked.

    ¡°To stop the war,¡± Kai replied.

    Lily, who had been quietly pouring a glass of water for Ray, looked up sharply at the mention of war. She handed the glass to Ray but kept her gaze on Kai.

    ¡°So the rumors are true, then,¡± she said softly, her voice carrying a weight of concern.

    Ray downed the water in one gulp, setting the glass down firmly. His expression had changed, the weary drunkenness replaced by something sharper, more focused. Running a hand through his hair, he combed it back. The mention of war seemed to have stirred something deep within him¡ªa part of his past he had long tried to bury.

    Kai observed him carefully, and the realization hit him. Ray¡¯s exceptional flying skills and calm demeanor weren¡¯t just the result of talent; they were forged through years of experience in the military. His beloved dropship was likely a remnant of that time, a symbol of a past he had kept hidden.

    It was then that Kai knew exactly how to help him.

    ¡°Ray,¡± Kai said, smiling warmly, ¡°what do you say to being the pilot for the Black Swan?¡±

    Eliana, catching on, smiled as well. She gave Kai a nod of approval before adding, ¡°It might not be the same as your old ship, but I promise you¡ªafter the upgrades we¡¯re planning, the Black Swan is going to be a beast to fly.¡±

    Ray looked between the two of them, his expression unreadable as he weighed the offer. Behind the bar, Lily polished a glass, her movements smooth and methodical, though her attention was fully on Ray.

    After a long moment of silence, Ray¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile, a newfound light glistening in his eyes. ¡°You know what?¡± he said, his voice steady. ¡°That just might be what I need¡ªto get away from all this and start something new.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s decided,¡± Kai said, grinning broadly as he extended a hand. ¡°Welcome to the crew, Ray!¡±

    Ray clasped Kai¡¯s hand firmly, a spark of hope and purpose reignited in his demeanor. Lily watched then turned to Eliana, her eyes also glancing with interest.

    ¡°Can I be part of the team too?¡± Lily asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to see what¡¯s out there in space.¡±

    Kai turned to her, puzzled. ¡°What about the bar? Who¡¯s going to run it if you¡¯re not here?¡±

    Lily hesitated for a moment before smiling. ¡°I¡¯ll let my brother take care of it. Believe it or not, he¡¯s actually better at bartending than I am.¡±

    ¡°You have a brother?¡± Kai asked, genuinely surprised.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lily replied with a nod. ¡°He works at a bar in the city and only comes back here on weekends. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be able to handle it.¡±

    Eliana leaned forward with an encouraging smile. ¡°What would you like to do on the ship, Lily? Let¡¯s see if we can find you a role.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Lily began, her tone playful, ¡°I can learn whatever¡¯s needed. Plus, I can always keep making burgers for you.¡±

    ¡°Deal!¡± Eliana said excitedly, laughing. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll do just fine on the Black Swan.¡±

    Kai grinned, realizing how well the day had turned out. Although he had initially come to say goodbye to his friends, it seemed fate had something better in store. Instead of leaving them behind, his friends would be joining him on the expedition.

    He watched as Eliana laughed and chatted with Ray and Lily, the three of them already discussing who would claim the remaining guest room on the Black Swan until the upgrades were complete. The camaraderie between them was infectious, and Kai couldn¡¯t help but feel that they were going to become close friends faster than he¡¯d anticipated.

    Kai gently lifted the four-seater off the ground, the craft rising smoothly from the center of the town without kicking up much dust. He and Eliana sat at the front, while Ray and Lily occupied the seats in the back. The craft hummed quietly, drawing the attention of the townsfolk below.

    Some gazes were directed at Ray, but most were on Lily. It seemed word of her decision to leave had spread quickly, likely overheard by customers in the bar and passed around like wildfire. As the craft ascended, Lily waved out the window, smiling warmly at the familiar faces she had known for years.

    Kai circled the craft around the town, giving them all a final view. Eventually, he brought it to a hover above Ray¡¯s old dropship.

    Ray stared down at the wreckage¡ªa vessel that had been his home and his family in many ways. Now it lay still, half-buried in the desert sand.

    ¡°If you want,¡± Eliana said softly, breaking the silence, ¡°I can ask Draco Mining to retrieve the ship for you. It¡¯d only take them a few hours.¡±

    Ray shook his head, his expression resolute. ¡°No. Leave it for the townspeople. They¡¯ll be able to make some good money selling the military-grade materials.¡±

    Kai glanced back at Ray and saw the determination in his eyes. He had already made his decision to let go of his past, and he was ready to move forward.

    With a slight nudge of the controls, Kai leaned the left stick forward. The craft accelerated smoothly toward the north, leaving the town, and the past behind.

 26. Speed, Altitude, Energy

    Ivan took off the VR goggles, the hum of the machines fading as the simulation powered down. His grin stretched wide, the satisfaction of ten matches and ten decisive victories written all over his face.

    Commander Grayson frowned. He watched the last candidate exit the room, head hung low in defeat. While he had expected Ivan to win, the lack of a worthy challenger was disappointing. This wasn¡¯t about proving Ivan¡¯s superiority; it was about finding a capable second pilot for the Black Swan. And so far, no one had met the standard.

    ¡°Power everything down,¡± Grayson said with a sigh. ¡°We¡¯ll try again at the shipyard. Maybe they¡¯ll have someone with real experience.¡±

    Ivan nodded, already flipping switches and shutting down the simulation equipment. ¡°Understood, Commander.¡±

    Grayson paused before leaving. ¡°Good work, Ivan. You made short work of them.¡± He turned to head toward the door.

    Before he reached it, the door slid open. Standing in the entryway were Kai and Eliana, their faces eager. Behind them stood two unfamiliar figures.

    The first was a young woman with long hair tied back in a loose braid. She had a natural, approachable beauty, with a presence that exuded both warmth and strength. There is something about her that commander Grayson took instant liking to. She had a healing presence with her, being around her felt comfortable.

    The man beside her was rugged, his short-cropped hair messy and a faint stubble on his jaw. His eyes were sharp and observant, though they carried a lingering sorrow that hinted at a difficult past. His posture was steady, even with a clean bandage wrapped neatly around his right hand. Despite his disheveled appearance, there was an undeniable air of experience about him¡ªa calmness that only came with years of weathering storms.

    ¡°Let me introduce you,¡± Eliana said eagerly, gesturing to the pair. ¡°Commander Grayson, this is Lily and Ray, Kai¡¯s friends. They want to join the Black Swan. Oh, and from what Kai told me, Ray is a really good pilot.¡±

    Ivan, in the middle of powering down the simulation equipment, paused immediately at the mention of a ¡°really good pilot.¡± He turned to study the man, his keen gaze locking onto Ray. There was a sorrowful edge to the man¡¯s demeanor, but Ivan could also sense something else¡ªa quiet intensity, the kind of presence that only came from someone who had seen and survived more than most.

    Ivan watched closer, intrigued. ¡°A really good pilot, huh?¡± he said, his tone measured.

    Ray met Ivan¡¯s gaze steadily. ¡°That I won''t deny,¡± he replied simply, his voice calm but carrying a hint of challenge.

    Commander Grayson raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued as well. ¡°Ray, is it? I¡¯d like to see just how good you are.¡±

    Ivan smirked. ¡°Me too.¡±

    The hum of the simulators returned, filling the room with an electric tension. The simulation was ready once again. Ivan and Ray sat opposite each other, their VR goggles already in place. The energy between them was tense¡ªtwo challenging auras clashing before the match even began.

    Ivan leaned back in his seat, a smug smile curling on his lips. His posture was relaxed, radiating an air of confidence after his winning streak.

    Ray, on the other hand, sat upright, both hands steady on the controls. His breathing slow and deep, a clear sign of his focus.

    Kai watched him closely, wondering how much pain it must cause to maneuver a ship with an injured hand. If Ray was suffering, he hid it well.

    The challenge was straightforward: Ivan and Ray would pilot identical fighters, armed with the same loadouts. They would start at the same altitude, 15 kilometers apart, with weapons primed and ready. The first to destroy their opponent would win.

    The simulation screens lit up, displaying a rugged, atmospheric battlefield. The planet¡¯s terrain was anything but forgiving¡ªmountain ranges, deep valleys, winding rivers, and dense forests created a challenging environment ripe for tactical maneuvers.

    Kai shifted his gaze between the monitors, analyzing every detail. The arena offered endless possibilities for creative strategies. For both pilots, this wouldn¡¯t just be a test of skill¡ªit would be a battle of wits and adaptability.

    ¡°Begin simulation,¡± Commander Grayson announced, his voice cutting through the hum of the room.

    On the monitors, the countdown began: 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­ Start!

    Both Ivan and Ray pushed their left sticks all the way forward, sending blue flames shooting out from the backs of their fighters. The crafts roared ahead, quickly accelerating to supersonic speeds, each breaking the sound barrier with twin booms that echoed through the simulation.

    At the 10-kilometer mark, both pilots made their first move, launching missiles at each other before diving sharply into the terrain. The contrails of the missiles streaked through the air as the fighters left behind their own twisting trails, following their targets into the mountains and valleys below.

    The missiles flew wide, colliding with the jagged mountainsides in fiery explosions, but neither pilot flinched.

    Kai¡¯s eyes darted between the screens, his attention switching from Ivan¡¯s display to Ray¡¯s. Both fighters now flew low, hugging the mountainous terrain, using the environment to mask their signatures. They emerged from cover only briefly, just enough to try and get a lock on their opponent before disappearing back into the valleys and ravines.

    Commander Grayson watched with a smile, his eyes narrowing slightly. Ray might just be the pilot he was looking for. His control of the craft, the precision of his movements¡ªit all screamed military experience. But was it enough to defeat Ivan? That remained to be seen.

    Ivan acquired a brief sighting of Ray on his radar, his smirk widening as he turned his fighter in Ray¡¯s direction. ¡°Got you,¡± he muttered, adjusting his trajectory.

    Kai quickly switched his focus to Ray¡¯s screen. Unlike Ivan, Ray wasn¡¯t relying on his radar. His attention seemed entirely fixed on flying, navigating the rugged terrain with precision. His expression was intense, focused. Kai frowned, wondering if Ray was truly up to the challenge or if he was about to get caught off guard.

    Ivan¡¯s confidence grew as his radar picked up Ray¡¯s signature again. He was closing in, just a few turns away from getting behind Ray¡¯s tail. Ivan¡¯s grin widened, his fingers tightening on the controls.

    Kai leaned forward, his heart racing as the gap between the two fighters shrank.

    Ivan made the next turn, his trigger finger gently pressed on the fire button.

    ¡°You¡¯re mine now,¡± he said, banking his fighter hard around the tight corner.

    But Ray was nowhere in sight. Ivan glanced down at his radar signal¡ªit wasn¡¯t there. Ray¡¯s fighter had completely vanished. Then, just at the edge of his vision, something caught his eye. He looked up, and his heart sank. It was the front of Ray¡¯s fighter, looming above him like a predator staring down its prey.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Commander Grayson grinned. Ray¡¯s skill had already surpassed every other candidates today. He decided at that moment to hire him, but the fight was too tense, too good to end now. He wanted to see how it would unfold.

    Ray fired. The twin Gatling guns at the front of his ship roared, spitting bright flashes of yellow flame.

    Kai watched Ray closely. Sitting in his simulation seat, Ray wasn¡¯t smiling. His face was twisted in pain, a pink spot forming on his bandage as crimson-red blood mixed with salty sweat.

    Ivan couldn¡¯t comprehend how he had survived. Ray had tricked him in a textbook bait and switch, building speed before cutting the engine and climbing straight up to disappear from sight, then looping back using the remaining energy to get a shot on the opponent. But somehow, Ray had fumbled the shot at the last second. Bullets grazed Ivan¡¯s wingtip, causing only minor cosmetic damage. The near miss rattled the tip of his wing, and also his confidence. He was no easy target however.

    Ivan rolled to the side, dodging another barrage. Ray had missed his chance, and now it was Ivan¡¯s time to turn the tables. He gunned the throttle, engaging the afterburner and pulling his nose upward, flying toward the sky.

    Ray didn¡¯t waste a moment grieving his missed shot. He restarted his engine and pushed the throttle to maximum.

    Both fighters shot skyward, pulling high Gs even with the assistance of advanced pilot systems. Ray could feel the darkness creeping at the edges of his vision, a familiar sensation he hadn¡¯t experienced in decades of peace. Adrenaline surged through his body, dulling the pain in his hand.

    The fighters were now too close for missiles. The battle had become a pure gunfight, each pilot trying to outmaneuver the other in a two-circle dogfight.

    Kai unintentionally held his breath, captivated by the duel. This was something he didn¡¯t get to see every day¡ªtwo expert pilots locked in an intense battle. The fighters spiraled upward, gradually losing speed as they evaded and pursued, each trying to get their guns on target while avoiding the other¡¯s aim. It was like watching a deadly dance, the goal not harmony but destruction.

    Commander Grayson watched with a knowing eye. Both Ivan and Ray were skilled, experienced professionals. And professionals didn¡¯t just fight with their aircraft¡ªthey fought with their heads. Every movement was calculated, every decision a gamble in the delicate balance of speed, altitude, and energy.

    As Grayson analyzed the fight for a third person view, he knew who would win this dance. His gaze shifted to Ray. The blood on Ray¡¯s bandage was spreading, soaking the bandage in red, but his grin remained. The man who had entered the room looking defeated now radiated confidence, wisdom, and total control.

    Grayson¡¯s expression faltered as a sense of deja vu washed over him. The grin, the control, the way Ray flew¡ªit all felt familiar.

    The hum of the simulation room faded away, and time slowed. Grayson was no longer the commander of the Black Swan. He was Private Grayson again, a young, scared soldier aboard a dropship under heavy fire. The whine of anti-aircraft rounds filled the air, and fear clouded his mind. He had been ready to die.

    But then he had seen the pilot. The man, mostly obscured by the bulky seat, had worn a calm, reassuring grin. It had soothed Grayson¡¯s panic, giving him a strange sense of safety.

    That grin had stayed with him ever since. Grayson had spent weeks trying to learn the pilot¡¯s identity, but no one seemed to know. All he had managed to learn was the pilot''s call sign.

    Grayson murmured the words under his breath: ¡°Dust Devil.¡±

    Kai looked at him, puzzled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. What did you say?¡±

    Grayson didn¡¯t look away from Ray, his voice steady but tinged with awe. ¡°Kai... how did you manage to find the Dust Devil?¡±

    Ray¡¯s ship vanished from Ivan¡¯s view. He exhaled sharply and let go of the controls, his hands falling to his sides in surrender. He knew he had been beaten¡ªnot just by a clever ambush but also in a head-to-head dogfight where skill and precision were all that mattered. Ray wasn¡¯t just good; he was exceptional. Even Ivan, who prided himself on being the best, knew he could learn a lot from a pilot like Ray.

    The violent shaking of his seat snapped him out of his thoughts.

    ¡°Simulation complete. You lose.¡± The words flashed across his screen.

    Ivan chuckled to himself. This was a first for him. He was used to being the one handing out defeats, not receiving them. But strangely, he didn¡¯t feel humiliated. The experience was exhilarating, far more satisfying than any victory he had earned that day. Ray had humbled him and reminded him that there was always room to grow.

    Ivan removed his goggles and stood, a smile plastered on his face. Across from him, Ray was doing the same. The two pilots stepped off their seats, meeting in the middle of the room. They extended their hands in a firm handshake, smiles of mutual respect lighting their faces.

    ¡°You are the Dust Devil,¡± Commander Grayson said, stepping forward to join them.

    Ray raised an eyebrow, a grin forming on his face. ¡°I haven¡¯t been called that in a very long time,¡± he said. ¡°How¡¯d you know that call sign?¡±

    Commander Grayson¡¯s expression softened, a rare glimpse of nostalgia crossing his features. ¡°I was just a private back then, and you were the pilot of the dropship that pulled us out of the ambush. I¡¯ll never forget that calmness of yours in the cockpit. It gave us hope when we had none.¡±

    Kai watched the exchange, intrigued. For once, Commander Grayson didn¡¯t seem like the biggest presence in the room. There was something in the way he looked at Ray¡ªa mixture of respect and gratitude.

    Ray¡¯s grin widened, but his tone grew apologetic. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Commander. I don¡¯t remember you. I¡¯ve flown a lot of people in and out of bad situations over the years.¡±

    Grayson shook his head, waving off the apology. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t expect you to remember, it was probably just another day for you.¡±

    Kai smiled as he watched the scene unfold. He could see it clearly now¡ªthe mutual respect between two veterans.

    Commander Grayson shifted his gaze from Ray to Lily, his curiosity piqued. He still had much to discuss with Ray, but he realized he hadn¡¯t yet gotten to know Lily.

    ¡°Lily,¡± he said, his tone neutral but inquisitive, ¡°are you here for the pilot position too?¡±

    Lily hesitated, lowering her head slightly as doubt crept into her mind. Would the commander see her as valuable enough to join the ship?

    Eliana stepped forward, standing close to Lily. ¡°Lily knows something better than flying and fighting,¡± Eliana said confidently, her voice carrying conviction. ¡°Her skill is something far more valuable. At least, in my eyes.¡±

    Lily glanced at Eliana, her expression softening with gratitude. Then, with a small smile, she turned back to Commander Grayson. ¡°If the ship has a galley, I can show you exactly what Eliana means.¡±

    Fifteen minutes later, Lily had become the single most likable person on the Black Swan. The galley was filled with the sound of laughter and the smell of her cooking. Everyone was savoring something she had whipped up in record time.

    Commander Grayson devoured the burger Lily had made for him in quick, satisfied bites, his beard glistening with juice.

    ¡°This is the most delicious thing I¡¯ve ever put in my mouth,¡± Robert declared. ¡°I¡¯m Robert, by the way. Ship¡¯s gunner and firearm expert. Also, I¡¯m single, in case you were wondering.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it, Robert,¡± Lily said, chuckling.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him,¡± Teresa interjected, rolling her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m Teresa, the ship¡¯s engineer. It¡¯s nice to finally get another girl on the team.¡±

    Lily smiled warmly at Teresa. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m officially on the team yet. My skills are insignificant compared to what you all can do.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate yourself, Lily,¡± Commander Grayson said, his voice warm. ¡°Morale is the backbone of a well-running team.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not all Lily can do, though,¡± Kai chimed in. ¡°She ran a bar all on her own. Besides her amazing cooking skills, her inventory management skills are top-notch. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll come in handy when we¡¯re out of occupied space.¡±

    Lily and Ray exchanged glances. Sensing their confusion, Commander Grayson explained, ¡°Our mission is to find a planet called Earth, and stop the war between the Federation and the Empire.¡±

    Baiyan, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. ¡°Lily, Ray. I¡¯m Baiyan, from a faction unknown to the rest of humanity. We call ourselves the True Kin, descendants of Earth. For centuries, we¡¯ve lived in isolation to the point where the original purpose of the masquerade has been forgotten. Our faction is now divided. Some wish to reunite with humanity, while others fear the possibility of discrimination and conflict. We believe Earth holds the answers to why we became what we are¡ªand what forced us to abandon our home in the first place.¡±

    Kevin entered the galley, overhearing the conversation. ¡°Lily, Ray. I¡¯m Kevin, head of Draco Mining. Although I¡¯m not part of the expedition, I want to thank you for joining this mission. There¡¯s a legend passed down in my family, and Kai has confirmed it to be true. Humanity faces a threat that we¡¯ve somehow forgotten. Something is causing the stars to dim, destroying entire star systems. We need to warn everyone, show them the truth, but humanity won¡¯t survive if this thing catches us in the middle of a war.¡±

    Commander Grayson wiped his hands clean and turned to Lily and Ray, his expression serious. ¡°This mission will be dangerous, and once we enter the no man¡¯s land, there¡¯s no turning back. Please think carefully about whether this is something you¡¯re truly willing to do. There¡¯s no shame in backing out, and no one will judge you.¡±

    For a moment, the room was silent. All eyes were on Ray and Lily. Then they both turned to the commander.

    ¡°I¡¯m in,¡± Ray said first. ¡°This is exactly what I need¡ªa fresh start and a place where my skills can make a difference.¡±

    ¡°Me too,¡± Lily said, her voice steady. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to accomplish more than just running a bar. Now I¡¯ll be able to help far more people.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s decided,¡± Commander Grayson said with a nod. ¡°Lily, Ray¡ªwelcome aboard the Black Swan.¡±

 27. On the Way

    Kai had just finished dining in the galley. Dinner had quickly become everyone¡¯s favorite part of the day since Lily had taken over as chef. While her main role was managing the ship''s inventory, she made sure every meal was memorable. The storage was fully stocked before they left Drakmoor, and Lily made good use of every ingredient.

    Speaking of leaving Drakmoor, Kai reflected on the dinner he¡¯d recently had with Eliana¡¯s mother. All things considered, it had gone far better than he¡¯d imagined.

    ---

    ¡°No more dusty jacket, and definitely no worn-out boots,¡± Eliana had said, running around the ship¡¯s wardrobe in search of something suitable for him to wear.

    Eliana had been different that day¡ªmore... bossy, but in an endearing way. Kai sat on the edge of his bunk, watching her dart around, holding up different outfits for comparison. Her enthusiasm made him smile. He found her adorable this way, so determined to make everything perfect.

    What he didn¡¯t enjoy as much was the constant wardrobe changes. Every time Eliana decided on a new outfit, Kai had to take off the previous one and try on the next. But he didn¡¯t complain. She wanted everything to be just right for the meeting, and so did he. Leaving a good impression on her mother was worth all the effort.

    Eliana pulled Kai in front of the mirror, her grin wide and full of pride. Kai stood in a perfectly tailored dark red suit that fitted him well. The color complemented his sharp features, and his white hair was combed back in a sleek, polished style. He looked at his reflection, genuinely impressed by how dashing he appeared. He hadn¡¯t thought he could ever look this good.

    Eliana placed her hands on her hips, grinning with satisfaction at her handiwork. ¡°Perfect,¡± she declared, admiring him like a proud artist.

    Kai raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to the pile of discarded clothes littering the floor. ¡°So... who¡¯s going to clean this up?¡± he asked, half-joking.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to dress up too!¡± Eliana said with a mischievous smile as she slipped out of the room before Kai could respond.

    Kai shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. He knelt and began picking up the clothes, carefully hanging them back one by one.

    He was folding the last piece of clothing when Eliana returned. Kai glanced up¡ªand froze.

    Eliana stood in the doorway wearing a stunning red dress that perfectly matched his suit. The fabric hugged her figure elegantly, and she paired it with delicate high heels, light makeup, and shiny earrings that caught the light with every movement.

    For a moment, Kai was completely speechless. The half-folded cloth slipped from his hands, falling back onto the floor in a crumpled heap. He barely noticed.

    Eliana giggled softly, her cheeks slightly pink from his reaction. She came close to Kai, picking up the cloth on the floor and folded it neatly.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± She asked as he put the cloth away.

    Kai blinked, finally finding his voice. ¡°You¡¯re... beautiful,¡± he said, his words barely above a whisper.

    Eliana smiled warmly, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. ¡°Well, we match now, don¡¯t we?¡±

    Kai nodded, still captivated. ¡°We do,¡± he said, a soft smile spreading across his face.

    The two looked into each other''s eyes, the shades of red from their outfits blending as they leaned in for a long, passionate kiss.

    Kai gently landed the craft in the front yard of the mansion. It was his first time visiting Eliana¡¯s family home. The house stood on a tall ledge overlooking the ocean, illuminated by the soft glow of the evening. The wind blew gently against his face, carrying the salty scent of the waves. For a moment, it reminded him of Velmorra¡ªof his own family.

    Eliana noticed the faint sadness that clouded Kai¡¯s expression. She gave his hand a soft squeeze, pulling him back from his thoughts. He looked at her and smiled, their steps aligning as they walked toward the grand entrance of the house.

    Under the warm glow of the mansion lights stood Kevin and a woman who could only be Eliana¡¯s mother. As they drew closer, Kai could see her features more clearly. It was like looking at a more mature version of Eliana. They shared the same striking hazel eyes, the same auburn hair, and even the same radiant smile. Her elegant dress complemented her graceful demeanor, and her welcoming expression put Kai at ease.

    ¡°Mr. and Ms. Draco,¡± Kai greeted as they reached the steps, still holding Eliana¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Oh, please, just call me Amelia,¡± Eliana''s mother said with a warm smile. She reached for Kai¡¯s free hand, turning it over in hers to examine it closely. ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard, haven¡¯t you?¡± she remarked, noticing the roughness and calluses on his long fingers.

    Kai nodded. ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy, especially in the deeper levels of the mine.¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s where you discovered the buried ship,¡± Amelia said, her tone filled with intrigue.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kai replied.

    ¡°Hmm, isn¡¯t it fascinating to think about how it even got down there in the first place?¡± she mused.

    ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m not entirely sure. That¡¯s why we¡¯re heading to Earth¡ªto learn more about humanity¡¯s past,¡± Kai said.

    ¡°How exciting! Maybe I should come with you,¡± Amelia said enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up.

    Kevin cleared his throat, his tone playful but firm. ¡°We¡¯ve talked about this, Amelia. No more adventures. We have responsibilities here on Drakmoor.¡±

    ¡°Boring,¡± Amelia said, pouting dramatically and blowing a playful raspberry.

    Laughter erupted from everyone, including Kai. In that moment, he understood where Eliana had inherited her playful spirit.

    The wind picked up, sending a slight chill through the group. Amelia quickly apologized and ushered everyone inside the mansion.

    Kai stepped into a house that was a masterpiece of design. It had an elegant, old-world charm with polished wooden walls and warm, inviting lighting. The large windows offered a breathtaking view of the sunset casting golden hues over the ocean. The interiors were adorned with collector¡¯s items, many of which Kai didn¡¯t recognize but could tell held stories of their own.

    They gathered in the dining room, where a feast had already been prepared and laid out on a long table. The tantalizing aroma of various dishes filled the air, making Kai¡¯s stomach growl audibly.

    Eliana turned red with embarrassment, but Amelia only smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯m glad someone appreciates the food!¡± she said, motioning for Kai to take a seat.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    As everyone settled in, Amelia said, ¡°I suggested we go somewhere fancy for dinner, but Eliana insisted this should be a home-cooked meal. She said it¡¯s the last meal before leaving Drakmoor, and she wanted to enjoy my cooking.¡±

    Kai smiled at Eliana, warmth filling his chest. He wanted to thank her, he had missed having dinner with his own family. Eliana thought about it and invited him to her family.

    The food was nothing fancy, yet every bite filled Kai¡¯s heart with a warmth he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. Each morsel carried a sense of love and care that tugged at the edges of his emotions. His nose tingled, and he could feel the moisture building in his eyes. Not wanting to show it, especially in front of Eliana¡¯s family, he quickly raised his glass and took a sip, using the moment to compose himself.

    ¡°So¡­ when are you two going to get married?¡± Amelia asked plainly.

    Kai almost spat out his drink, choking as Amelia¡¯s words caught him completely off guard. He coughed violently, his face red with surprise and embarrassment.

    ¡°Mom!¡± Eliana exclaimed, rushing to pat Kai on the back. Her face was a shade redder than her dress.

    ¡°What?¡± Amelia replied innocently, as if she had merely asked about the weather. ¡°You¡¯re both adults, clearly in love, so marriage is the next logical step.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Eliana began, glancing nervously at Kai, ¡°we¡¯ll think about that in our own time.¡±

    ¡°Take your time,¡± Kevin said, casting an apologetic look at Kai. ¡°What she really meant, Kai, is that you both have our blessing. And I want you to know,¡± he continued, his tone sincere, ¡°that I see a great future ahead of you¡ªnot just because you have the gift from the buried ship, but because you¡¯re hardworking, resourceful, courageous, and loyal. Those traits will take you far.¡±

    Kai smiled, his heart swelling with gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Kevin. Those words mean a lot coming from you.¡±

    Kevin nodded but then leaned forward slightly, his expression growing serious. ¡°Just one thing, though. Don¡¯t let Eliana get hurt. You know what I mean.¡±

    Amelia, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement, her eyes soft but firm.

    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Kai said, his voice steady and filled with conviction. ¡°I promise.¡±

    ---

    Kai wandered down the second level of the ship, the faint hum of the Black Swan¡¯s engines accompanying the chatter spilling from the rooms he passed.

    He used to think the Black Swan felt too big for its small crew, often quiet and almost empty as he walked through its corridors. Perhaps that had been the designer''s intention¡ªto make the ship feel vast, luxurious, and full of untapped potential, as though there was always more to explore.

    Now, with the addition of new crew members, the ship felt more alive than ever, even a little too small.

    Ray, Lily, and Isaac had settled into their roles aboard the Black Swan, each finding their place in its intricate workings.

    Ray, the most experienced of the three, had been adjusting quickly to life on the ship. He was familiar with much of the equipment onboard, but Ivan had taken to shadowing him, ensuring he became proficient with the ship''s advanced systems. Kai had initially assumed Ray would adapt instantly, but the Black Swan¡¯s controls were far more sophisticated than the older drop ship Ray was accustomed to. Still, Kai had no doubt Ray would master them in time¡ªhis skill and determination were undeniable.

    Lily, meanwhile, had taken charge of inventory management. A natural at the task, she had quickly adapted to the ship¡¯s routines, spending most of her time in the cargo area logging supplies and ensuring everything ran smoothly. To Kai, she was the unsung hero of the ship, working tirelessly behind the scenes. Her cooking, too, was a morale booster that no one could overlook.

    Then there was Isaac. Kai wasn¡¯t entirely sure what he¡¯d been up to. Since leaving Drakmoor, Isaac had become something of a recluse, rarely leaving his makeshift quarters in the research room at the far end of the second level. Kai had initially worried that Isaac was struggling to adapt to life on the ship, but every time they crossed paths in the galley, Isaac¡¯s wide grin and lively energy told a different story.

    Kai stopped in front of Isaac''s room and knocked. When there was no response, he knocked again. Finally, the door slid open, and a blast of icy air greeted him, sending a shiver down his spine.

    ¡°Why is it so cold in here?¡± Kai asked, stepping inside.

    ¡°To keep the servers cool, of course. Otherwise, they¡¯ll overheat and damage the components,¡± Isaac replied, not bothering to look up from the screen in front of him.

    Isaac to no one''s suprise, had transfered a part of "Nexus" on board the Black Swan. Now, it became a unique sight. The room was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from the soft glow of computer monitors and the bright screen reflecting off Isaac¡¯s face. Kai peered closer, noticing Isaac was sketching something¡ªthough what it was, he couldn¡¯t tell.

    ¡°Hold on,¡± Isaac said quickly, shielding the screen with his hand. ¡°I¡¯m not done yet..." He drew quickly, finishing his work, "now look."

    Isaac removed his hand from the screen, revealing what he¡¯d been working on. Kai leaned closer, his eyes narrowing as he tried to decipher the strange symbol. It depicted a bird with its wings spread wide, its long neck curving elegantly, and its beak elongated in a way Kai had never seen before. It was unlike any bird he had ever encountered.

    ¡°It looks unique. What is it?¡± Kai asked, puzzled.

    ¡°That,¡± Isaac said with excitement brimming in his voice, ¡°is a swan.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Kai blinked, still not grasping it.

    Isaac launched into an explanation, his words pouring out like rapid-fire bullets. ¡°The other day, Baiyan and I met in the galley and started talking about how we felt about the ship. I said I liked it, and he said he liked it here too. But then he brought up something that confused him¡ªwhy the ship is called the Black Swan when there¡¯s nothing remotely related to a swan on it. So, I explained that ¡®Black Swan¡¯ is just a saying for us, meaning something rare and unexpected¡­¡±

    Isaac paused to take a breath, but before Kai could respond, he continued, more animated than ever. ¡°Then Baiyan started laughing and told me that a swan is actually a bird that used to live back on Earth. He said no one alive today has ever seen one, but there are pictures of it in old books. Naturally, I asked if he could show me one, but he said he didn¡¯t have any books on him. So, I asked him to describe it, and he ended up drawing me a picture of the animal. And guess what? Baiyan is actually a pretty decent artist¡ªbut that¡¯s beside the point. I took his drawing and designed this logo from it.¡±

    Kai opened his mouth, ready to say, Wow, that¡¯s really cool, but Isaac pressed on, his enthusiasm unstoppable.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s a majestic bird that fits the name of the ship perfectly! The wings are massive¡ªlikely because it had to travel long distances¡ªand the long neck was probably for catching fish underwater. A creature that could both fly and float on water? That¡¯s incredible.¡±

    ¡°Cool, cool,¡± Kai said, nodding politely as he scanned for an escape route. He had only come to tell Isaac that dinner was ready, and now he was caught in a tidal wave of endless dialogue. Still, something about Isaac¡¯s words reminded him of the True Kin man the guards had pulled out of the APC. That man had also mentioned swans, talking about how humanity was living under a lie. The thought sent a chill down Kai¡¯s spine. How many words they used every day had lost their original meaning? The idea left him with a strange sense of loss.

    ¡°Sorry, Isaac,¡± Kai said abruptly, snapping out of his thoughts. ¡°What you said gave me a lot to think about, but¡ªuh¡ªfood¡¯s ready. You should probably get something to eat.¡±

    With that, Kai turned and made his way out of the room, leaving Isaac and his endless enthusiasm behind.

    Kai stepped onto the bridge, immediately spotting Eliana seated at the engineering station, her attention fixed on the holographic display in front of her. Teresa stood beside her, leaning casually against the console as the two exchanged animated conversation.

    Eliana glanced up and noticed Kai approaching, her face lighting up. "What''s up, Kai? Teresa¡¯s been teaching me the basics of star charts. You wouldn¡¯t believe how complicated this stuff is."

    Kai smiled, his curiosity piqued. Stars were something he hadn¡¯t yet delved into himself. No matter how much the strange liquid in his body enhanced his physical abilities, knowledge and technique still required good old-fashioned learning. He leaned in, listening as Teresa continued her explanation.

    ¡°The star on Velmorra and the one on Drakmoor are both Yellow Dwarfs,¡± Teresa explained, gesturing at a glowing chart. ¡°These are the most common types of stars to form habitable, Earth-like planets. But there are many other types, like Red Dwarfs, which are smaller and cooler, often forming long-lasting systems. Then there are White Dwarfs¡ªremnants of stars that have burned through their fuel, and Brown Dwarfs, which are sort of failed stars.¡±

    Kai nodded, absorbing the information as Teresa moved on.

    ¡°Beyond the dwarfs, we have the Giants¡ªmassive, bright stars that burn quickly and die young. And then there are the exotic objects: neutron stars, incredibly dense remnants of supernova; and black holes, the collapsed cores of massive stars, where not even light can escape. Oh, and let¡¯s not forget wormholes,¡± Teresa added, her voice tinged with fascination. ¡°They were just theories until the invention of FTL jump drives confirmed their existence. Though they¡¯re rare and unstable, they¡¯ve completely changed how we understand space travel.¡±

    Eliana stifled a yawn as Teresa¡¯s lecture continued, her expression betraying a mix of interest and boredom. Noticing this, Teresa chuckled and waved a hand dismissively. "Okay, I think that¡¯s enough for now. You don¡¯t need to learn everything in one day."

    Eliana¡¯s face lit up in relief as she stood, brushing herself off. Kai offered her his hand to help her up, which she took with a smile. That smile quickly morphed into something mischievous, and Kai immediately recognized the playful glint in her eyes.

    "Let¡¯s spar again,¡± Eliana said, her grin widening. ¡°I¡¯m sure you just got lucky last time."

 28. Cosmic Maelstrom

    Kai stood his ground, his hands in half fists, his stance steady. Across the room, Eliana mirrored his focus, her eyes closed as if gathering her thoughts. Both of them were dressed in training clothes¡ªsimple and comfortable, offering freedom of movement without hindrance.

    The simulation room, aside from its VR capabilities, boasted a holographic projection system that Kai had already experienced once during his visit to Mama Mo. While the Black Swan¡¯s projector was smaller in scale compared to Mama Mo''s in Chinatown, its clarity and detail more than made up for it. The projections were so vivid that Kai found it hard to believe everything around him wasn¡¯t real.

    The faint sound of running stream filled the air, and the horizon displayed a breathtaking sunrise. Its golden light bathed the room in warm hues, reflecting off Kai¡¯s and Eliana¡¯s faces.

    The first rays of sunlight broke through, casting a soft glow that felt warm against their skin. Eliana opened her eyes, her gaze meeting Kai¡¯s. They both bowed respectfully, signaling the start of their sparring session.

    Kai shifted his right foot slightly back and propelled himself forward, closing the distance between him and Eliana like a bullet. His sheer raw power made the movement almost instantaneous.

    Since their last sparring session, Kai had learned a thing or two. If he focused intently on his opponent, he could begin to see a faint "aura" surrounding them¡ªa skill he suspected was connected to the strange liquid in his body. He still didn¡¯t understand how it worked, but its effectiveness was undeniable.

    In his vision, Eliana¡¯s aura shifted to the right, anticipating his attack. As if to confirm his instincts, Eliana moved exactly as he foresaw, sidestepping his charge with fluid precision. Not wasting a second, Kai pivoted on his foot, using his momentum to spin and unleash a powerful elbow strike. It was a move he¡¯d discovered accidentally, one that had helped him win their last sparring match.

    But Eliana was no amateur. Her years of martial arts training gave her a clear edge. Expecting the strike, she stepped back gracefully, just out of reach. Then, with a sharp push to Kai¡¯s back, she redirected his momentum, sending him stumbling forward.

    Kai lost his balance for a split second but quickly recovered. He planted his feet firmly, stopping himself just before crossing the boundary of the simulation area. Regaining his stance, he looked up to see Eliana smiling at him¡ªa playful, confident grin. She taunted him with a curling motion of her fingers, daring him to come at her again.

    Kai didn¡¯t hesitate. He launched forward once more, but this time he stopped just short of her reach. The two began exchanging a flurry of punches and blocks, each testing the other¡¯s speed and precision. Each strike was met with a counter, and their movements were synchronized as if it was a practiced routine.

    The "aura" surrounding Eliana shifted, revealing her next move before she executed it.

    Straight punch? Blocked.

    Left hook? Blocked.

    Grapple? Redirected.

    Kai¡¯s body adapted to the rhythm, moving in harmony with what the aura foretold. Another grapple attempt appeared imminent, and Kai braced himself to counter. But then, Eliana¡¯s faint smile told him everything¡ªhe had misread her. It wasn¡¯t another grapple. It was a straight punch, perfectly timed, slipping through his defenses and hitting its mark with full force.

    ¡°Got you,¡± Eliana murmured, her voice triumphant.

    In the fraction of a second before the punch connected, the simulation¡¯s protection system activated, creating a soft cushion that absorbed the force. Kai still felt the blow and stumbled back, his body recoiling from the impact, though the pain was greatly reduced.

    The ship¡¯s physical simulation system was impressive, it enabled high-intensity training without injury. Invisible materials generated by the simulator absorbed blows, making the sparring feel real but safe. This "rough play mode" allowed Kai and Eliana to fight as if they were in a real melee. It was the same system Kai had experienced during the heist simulation when his car had collided with oncoming traffic. He¡¯d thought he was going to die, only to feel as if he had crashed into a soft pillow that gently stopped him.

    What puzzled Kai now, however, was why his ability had failed. He had clearly seen Eliana¡¯s aura signaling a grapple, yet she had struck with a punch.

    "How were you able to hit me?" Kai asked, recovering from the blow.

    "I''m not entirely sure," Eliana admitted. "But ever since you told me about the ''aura,'' I¡¯ve been thinking about how it might work."

    Kai listened carefully, his curiosity piqued. He wanted to understand the nature of his newfound ability.

    "Go on," Kai urged.

    "I think the liquid inside you¡ªrunning through your blood¡ªmight not be one singular organism. Instead, I think it¡¯s composed of countless nano-machines," Eliana speculated.

    "What makes you think it¡¯s nano-machines?" Kai asked.

    "Well, first, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s reading my thoughts¡ªthat¡¯s just impossible from a scientific perspective," Eliana explained. "Instead, I think it¡¯s picking up subtle clues in my body language though your eyes ¡ª tiny movements that indicate what I¡¯m about to do next. When I shifted into the form for a grapple but threw a straight punch instead, it misinterpreted my intention."

    "Whoa," Kai said, surprised. "That¡¯s... a lot to think about. You¡¯ve figured out my ability¡¯s weakness. If someone knows how it works, they could manipulate me into making a mistake."

    Eliana clapped her hands together, her expression bright. "Exactly! And that¡¯s why I think you need to train with me more. You¡¯ve got an amazing ''tool,'' but you lack the foundational instincts and techniques to use it effectively. If you train your natural instincts alongside your ability, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be able to defeat any opponent in a hand to hand combat."

    Kai smiled, feeling incredibly lucky to have met Eliana. Not only was she an amazing girlfriend who cared deeply for him, but she was also always eager to help him grow and improve.

    They shared a quick kiss just as the simulation powered down, the room fading back to its original state. The faint hum of the holographic projectors disappeared, leaving only the soft sound of their breathing. Suddenly, Kai felt a shift beneath his feet.

    The shift in gravity caught both Kai and Eliana off guard, and Kai instinctively reached out, steadying Eliana with his hands. The two stood still for a moment, regaining their balance.

    Eliana looked into Kai''s eyes, her expression a mix of surprise and unease. "What was that?" she asked.

    But Kai wasn¡¯t concerned. In fact, his face lit up with excitement, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "This must be it," he said. "We¡¯ve finally arrived."

    Before Eliana could ask more, Kai grabbed her hand, pulling her along as they ran toward the bridge.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    "Slow down, Kai! What¡¯s going on?" Eliana demanded, struggling to keep up.

    "Come quickly!" Kai called back, not slowing his pace. "You don¡¯t want to miss the view."

    The two burst through the doorway of the bridge, and Kai froze in awe. For a moment, words escaped him as he took in the sight before him.

    Beyond the viewport, the cosmos churned in a mesmerizing display. The Maelstrom lived up to its name¡ªa swirling anomaly of distorted starlight, warping and twisting in every direction. The stars appeared to dance, their light bending and stretching as gravitational forces and magnetic fields twisted reality itself. Bolts of luminous energy arced across the Maelstrom like lightning, illuminating the vortex in brilliant hues of violet, gold, and crimson. Despite the chaos, there was an undeniable beauty to the storm, like a cosmic ballet on a colossal scale.

    At the center of the swirling chaos was a calm, circular expanse. The light there was steady, serene, as if untouched by the surrounding turmoil. It was a stark contrast to the violent energy around it, and it radiated an almost ethereal sense of peace.

    Eliana¡¯s breath hitched as she stepped closer to the viewport. "What...what is that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Kai gestured to the calm center. "That¡¯s the eye of the storm," he explained. "And that¡¯s where the Maelstrom Forge is located."

    Eliana turned to Kai, her confusion evident. "Why here? Why go into something like this for an upgrade?"

    Commander Grayson stepped forward, his arms crossed as he looked out at the Maelstrom. "It¡¯s because of the magnetic forces and gravitational distortion," he said. "The vortex acts like a massive net, pulling in rare materials from the surrounding space. The Forge uses those materials, along with the near-infinite energy supplied by the Maelstrom itself, to create ships with unmatched build quality and limitless customization possibilities."

    Kai added, his voice tinged with admiration, "The Maelstrom Forge is responsible for some of the most advanced ships in the universe. If the Black Swan is being upgraded here, Kevin must¡¯ve spared no expense."

    Commander Grayson nodded but offered a reassuring smile. "Don¡¯t worry about the cost. Kevin knows exactly what he¡¯s doing. For a mission like this, nothing but the best will do."

    The bridge quieted for a moment as everyone stared at the Maelstrom, the enormity of the place sinking in.

    Ivan turned from his console, his voice steady. "Commander Grayson, we¡¯re ready to advance into the storm."

    Commander Grayson nodded sharply. "Let''s move. All hands to stations."

    The Black Swan pressed forward into the storm, they will need to go though a small tunnel that wasn''t effected by the maelstrom and get to the other side. Needless to say, the tension were high in the bridge.

    Kai returned to his seat, glancing at the radar as he strapped in. The chaotic swirl of the Maelstrom¡¯s magnetic field filled his screen, but it wasn¡¯t just the storm that had his attention. Dots began to appear on the radar¡ªfirst a few, then a steady stream.

    Kai frowned. "This can¡¯t be good," he muttered to himself.

    Ivan¡¯s voice broke the silence. "We¡¯ve got incoming. Multiple contacts."

    Commander Grayson stepped forward, his tone calm yet commanding. "Pirates. All crew, prepare to defend the ship. Teresa, scramble their locks. Robert, Kai, get on the turrets."

    Kai didn¡¯t need to be told twice. He unbuckled and rushed to the turret station, his mind already racing. He had trained for this, and while it wasn¡¯t entirely unexpected¡ªhe¡¯d read in Ship Head Magazine about pirate activity around the Maelstrom Forge¡ªhe hadn¡¯t expected so many attackers at once.

    As he slid into the rear turret¡¯s seat, Robert¡¯s voice crackled through the comms. "Kai, rear turret¡¯s all yours. Let¡¯s swat some flies."

    "Roger that," Kai replied, gripping the controls. He adjusted his seat and took a steadying breath, scanning the tactical display. His screen showed the source of the growing radar signals: a heavily modified cargo ship.

    Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed as he watched the ship¡¯s side panels open, releasing a swarm of drones. They spilled out like insects on a hot summer night, their sleek frames glinting against the distorted light of the Maelstrom.

    "Engage the enemies." Commander Grayson said.

    Kai¡¯s hands moved instinctively over the turret¡¯s controls, lining up his first shot. The rear-mounted cannon hummed as it charged, the targeting reticle locking onto one of the drones.

    The first drone was swift, darting through the Maelstrom¡¯s chaotic backdrop with unnerving precision. But Kai was faster. A burst of rounds streaked from the turret, catching the drone mid-flight. It exploded in a flash, scattering debris into the void.

    "One down," Kai said through the comms, his voice steady despite the adrenaline pumping through his veins.

    "Keep it up," Robert chimed in. "We¡¯ve got plenty more where that came from."

    Kai¡¯s display lit up as more drones swarmed toward the Black Swan. They zigzagged unpredictably, their patterns designed to confuse turret operators. But Kai focused, his training kicking in. He aimed for clusters, timing his shots to maximize damage.

    "Robert, cover my six!" Kai called out as three drones broke away from the main group, circling around to flank.

    "Already on it," Robert replied. The ship''s top turret fired, shredding two of the drones before they could get into position.

    The remaining drone twisted sharply, weaving through the Black Swan¡¯s defensive fire. The drone fired, a continuous beam of mining laser started to cut at the ships hull. Kai adjusted his aim and fired a well-placed burst, obliterating it before it could do any damages.

    In the distance, the pirate carrier loomed, its drones continuing to pour out like an endless swarm. Kai glanced at his radar; the dots were multiplying.

    "This isn¡¯t good," Kai muttered. "There¡¯s no end to these things."

    "Focus on keeping the drones off us," Commander Grayson¡¯s voice cut through the comms. "Ivan, maneuver us closer to the storm¡¯s eye. Teresa, I need you to plot Ivan a safe route."

    "Working on it," Teresa replied, her fingers flying across her console. "The interference from the Maelstrom is helping, but it¡¯s like threading a needle in a hurricane."

    Kai turned his attention back to the swarm. The Black Swan¡¯s hull growled as a group of drones landed glancing blows, their energy beams rocking the ship. He gritted his teeth and unleashed another volley in desperation.

    "How much longer until we¡¯re in the clear?" Kai asked.

    Ivan¡¯s voice crackled over the comms. "Almost there, just keep them off the ship."

    Kai nodded, his focus unwavering. The drones came faster now, their attacks more coordinated.

    The Black Swan was deep in the storm now, surrounded by chaotic swirls of distorted light and bursts of raw energy. The storm¡¯s magnetic field warped reality itself, making it feel like the ship was threading through a living, hostile entity. To Kai¡¯s surprise, the pirate ship had followed them into the anomaly, its audacity both foolish and relentless.

    Kai made a split-second decision. He shifted his focus entirely to the pirate ship, deciding to attack the source of their trouble. He aimed his turret at one of its side thrusters and fired controlled bursts. The cargo ship attempted to dodge, but the storm''s tight confines left little room for maneuvering.

    "Robert, keep the drones off us," Kai said sharply over the comms, trusting his teammate to handle the swarm. He zeroed in on his target, his concentration unwavering.

    The two ships raced through the storm¡¯s narrow tunnels, dodging arcs of high-energy bursts that erupted like violent lightning. One bolt struck the Black Swan¡¯s hull, causing the entire ship to lurch violently.

    "Hull is taking damage!" Ivan reported urgently from the helm.

    Kai gritted his teeth, his heart pounding as the strange liquid in his veins churned, sharpening his focus. His finger squeezed the trigger, unleashing another burst of rounds. The shots found their mark, hitting the pirate ship¡¯s side thruster. The thruster sputtered and went dark.

    The pirate ship faltered, its damaged thruster causing it to drift slightly. In the chaotic confines of the Maelstrom, that brief moment of instability was catastrophic. The ship veered off course, dragged by the gravitational pull of the storm.

    Kai watched as the pirate ship was consumed by the anomaly. The vessel''s hull twisted and distorted, its structure stretching unnaturally as if it were being unraveled thread by thread. Bright flashes of light flickered across its surface, and then, in a final, brilliant burst, the ship disintegrated, vanishing into the storm¡¯s abyss.

    The Black Swan emerged from the other end of the Maelstrom, the distortion and chaos giving way to calm, open space. Kai let out a breath he hadn¡¯t realized he was holding, his fingers releasing the turret controls. He removed his VR goggles, his body still buzzing with adrenaline.

    "That was too close for comfort," Commander Grayson admitted, his voice breaking the silence on the bridge. He straightened his posture, his expression hard but relieved. "But we pulled through, and that¡¯s all that matters.¡±

 29. The Forge

    The Black Swan had suffered a hull breach. The drones had managed to cut a small portion of the ship¡¯s top, exposing it to the void of space. Teresa worked quickly, sealing off the affected section and isolating it to prevent further depressurization.

    Though the breach wasn¡¯t critical, it rendered the top deck inaccessible until repairs were complete. Cutting into a ship¡¯s hull was a common tactic pirates used, especially against smaller vessels with inferior life support and damage control systems. For those ships, a hull breach often meant death for the crew, leaving the pirates free to loot at their leisure.

    However, ships like the Black Swan, equipped with advanced force field generators, could temporarily form an energy barrier over the breach. This stabilized the pressure and minimized damage but at the cost of significant power draw, reducing the ship''s overall performance.

    The good news was that no one was hurt. At the time of the breach, Isaac had been in his room, Lily in the cargo bay, and everyone else on the bridge.

    Flying at two-thirds of its usual cruising speed¡ªroughly 2 kilometers per second¡ªthe Black Swan was still remarkably fast compared to most ships. Through the bridge''s viewport, Kai could see the Maelstrom Forge coming into view: a circular arrangement of 16 floating platforms. Each platform served as a dock, equipped to customize and refit ships of all kinds and sizes.

    At the center of the formation was the Forge''s main space station. The station was a towering, cylindrical structure with layers of docking rings stacked vertically. Blue and white lights outlined its sleek, industrial design, while numerous spires extended outward like arms, each buzzing with activity. From afar, it looked like a glowing mechanical flower blooming in the vastness of space.

    As they approached, the platforms grew larger in Kai¡¯s view. Each was massive, capable of housing two ships on either side. The Black Swan aligned itself toward one of the open docks.

    "This is the Black Swan, flagship of Draco Mining," Ivan said into his headset. "Requesting permission to dock."

    After a brief exchange, Ivan adjusted their course and guided the ship toward the assigned platform. Just then, a smaller ship shot past them, startling Kai. The vessel was sleek and painted entirely in a vibrant red, its hull gleaming even against the faint starlight.

    Kai scanned the ship, but nothing returned except the make and model. That struck him as odd.

    It wasn¡¯t uncommon for ships to mask their identity¡ªafter all, the Black Swan had the same capability. Typically, though, this feature was reserved for high-profile corporate vessels or security ships protecting sensitive cargo. A small personal racer like the one they¡¯d just seen had little reason to be masked unless the owner had something they want to hide.

    The Black Swan slowed as it approached the platform, aligning itself carefully along the designated docking area. Ivan made fine adjustments to the ship¡¯s position until the last moment, then switched to auto-docking. The system took over, seamlessly guiding the ship so its docking hatch aligned perfectly with the platform¡¯s airlock.

    On the opposite side of the platform, Kai spotted the sleek red ship that had zipped past them earlier. It was now docking as well, its polished hull gleaming under the platform¡¯s lights.

    Once the Black Swan was secured, the crew began disembarking through the docking port. Kai and Eliana lingered behind, walking slower than the rest as Kai''s attention was drawn to the sight outside.

    Stopping in the middle of the docking tube, which extended from the platform to their ship, Kai gazed at the Black Swan from this new perspective. Large scaffolds extended from the platform, securing the ship in place like a giant mechanical cradle.

    Small, nimble crafts darted around the Black Swan, their lights scanning the hull.

    "What are they doing?" Eliana asked, stopping beside him.

    "Those are the scanners," Kai said confidently. "They scan the ship and create accurate measurements. They will also do the initial damage assessment in case the ship was damaged upon arrival."

    "You sound like you know a lot about this place," Eliana teased, a smile playing on her lips.

    Kai grinned. "Well, I read a detailed report about the Maelstrom Forge in Ship Head magazine. The uniqueness of this place stuck with me. Imagine a massive, chaotic storm, with the only safe spot being the eye. And someone decides to build a high-tech shipyard right in the middle of it. It''s like opening a fine-dining restaurant inside a tornado. Crazy, right?"

    Eliana chuckled, glancing at the scene before her. "I guess that''s one way to put it."

    When the two caught up with the rest of the group, they were already waiting in the designated area for the shuttle to arrive.

    Noticing their arrival, Lily turned and gave them an apologetic look. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the shuttle can only take eight people at a time. So, you two will have to wait for the next one."

    "That''s no problem at all," Kai said with a smile. "We¡¯ll just have to spend a little more time checking this place out."

    "Yeah... I don¡¯t think that¡¯s bad news for you at all," Eliana chuckled. She enjoyed seeing Kai¡¯s childlike fascination. Sometimes, she caught glimpses of the pain in his eyes, the lingering shadows of his past. But lately, he seemed brighter, more alive. She liked to think she had something to do with that.

    They stayed behind as the shuttle carried the rest of the crew to the center. Kai examined a poster on the wall, captivated by its detailed explanation of how the Maelstrom worked. He was fascinated, impressed by humanity''s ingenuity in turning danger into opportunity.

    As he read, he heard the distinct sound of heels clicking against the metal floor, each step growing louder. At first, he thought it was Eliana, but quickly realized it couldn¡¯t be. He had come to recognize the rhythm of her footsteps during their time together. This was someone else.

    He turned toward the sound. Eliana, standing a few steps away, glanced up from her own poster, her eyes following Kai¡¯s gaze.

    Then, faintly, Kai heard singing. It was soft at first, but the melody was unmistakable¡ªa song he knew but couldn¡¯t quite place. The voice, pure and angelic, echoed through the waiting room, unaccompanied by any instruments. It grew louder, the hauntingly beautiful notes filling the space.

    A figure stepped around the corner.

    "Far~~~"

    It was, as Kai had suspected, a woman. She had short hair styled neatly, framing her delicate features. Her attire was striking¡ªan elegant dress that shimmered subtly as if designed for a grand stage. Her light makeup highlighted her glowing skin, giving her an almost ethereal presence.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    The woman noticed them and stopped singing, a polite smile gracing her lips. "Oh, I apologize. I didn¡¯t realize anyone was here."

    "That¡¯s alright," Kai said, smiling warmly. "If anything, we should be paying to listen to anything this beautiful. You have an incredible voice."

    Kai turned to Elian, she looked at him as if she was looking at a cave-man. She turned towards the woman, her expression softening into a smile. "Sorry. My boyfriend probably hasn¡¯t realized who you are.."

    Then Eliana¡¯s expression shifted into admiration. "I am, however, your biggest fan, Ms. Aria. I¡¯ve listened to every song you¡¯ve put out, multiple times."

    "Wait..." Kai said, a sudden realization dawning on him. "Ms. Aria? As in the famous singer Aria Celeste?"

    How could he not have recognized her earlier? She wasn¡¯t just any singer; she was the most popular performer in all of Federation space. Her songs were played everywhere, and her beauty had been the dream of many of his friends back on Velmorra. Now Kai felt foolish for his earlier comments. How ignorant did he have to be not to recognize the woman standing before him?

    Aria simply smiled. "That¡¯s alright. You don¡¯t need to know me to enjoy my music. I sing to make people¡¯s lives a little bit more entertaining... that¡¯s all."

    Kai nodded, appreciating her humble statement. Eliana, on the other hand, looked as though she was about to faint. The tips of her ears turned red, her face blushing deeply as she gazed at Aria. Kai noticed her chest wasn¡¯t rising and falling as it normally did, and he began to worry she might actually pass out.

    Luckily, the shuttle arrived just in time. Aria motioned for Kai and Eliana to board first. Kai nodded and gently helped Eliana, who had difficulty moving by then, step onto the shuttle. They sat just one row behind Aria as the shuttle left the platform and headed toward the main station.

    Kai could tell Eliana was nervous¡ªhe could feel it in the way her fingernails dug into his hand. Her eyes were fixed on the seat in front of them, her body trembling slightly from the excitement. Watching her, Kai couldn¡¯t tell if Eliana wanted to laugh, cry, or maybe both.

    Kai wasn¡¯t as starstruck as Eliana, but he understood why she felt that way. He knew Aria was famous, but he was not the type to admire someone solely for their fame. After all, celebrities were still just people.

    However, he couldn¡¯t help but respect her. Aria had arrived at the station in a single-seat racer, which meant she had flown herself through the storm. A feat that no doubt would have deterred many others.

    The shuttle arrived, and Eliana had finally recovered from her excitement. She composed herself, holding Kai¡¯s hand as they disembarked. In the distance, Kai spotted Lily waving at them.

    "If you don¡¯t mind, could I get your names, please?" Aria asked as they stepped off.

    "Eliana!" Eliana said eagerly.

    "And I¡¯m Kai," Kai added. "Nice job flying through the storm, Aria."

    "Oh, I¡¯ll have to thank you and your crewmates for that," Aria replied with a warm smile. "Without you taking care of those pirates, I¡¯m sure I would¡¯ve been in a lot of trouble. So, thank you, Kai."

    Her words felt sincere, and her soothing voice made Kai blush a little. For a second, he didn¡¯t know how to respond.

    "Looks like your friends are waiting," Aria said, gesturing toward Lily. "It was nice meeting you both. I¡¯m glad you enjoyed my singing, and I hope we¡¯ll meet again someday."

    Kai and Eliana waved goodbye as Aria joined two guards dressed in black suits. The guards glanced briefly at Kai and Eliana before escorting her away.

    Eliana couldn¡¯t contain her excitement. As soon as they rejoined the group, she immediately began sharing the story of who they had just met. The crew of the Black Swan listened with wide-eyed curiosity, chattering about the unexpected encounter with the famous singer.

    While the rest of the group was caught up in conversation, Kai found his attention drawn to their surroundings. To him, the Maelstrom Forge was his version of Aria Celeste¡ªa dream turned into reality.

    The lobby wasn¡¯t luxurious, but it was practical and comfortable. Ship parts and mechanical designs adorned the walls, giving the space an industrial yet welcoming atmosphere. The soft hum of machinery blended with the faint murmurs of activity, creating a distinct ambiance. Large screens displayed detailed schematics of various ships, and sleek seating areas provided a place for visitors to wait.

    Kai couldn¡¯t help but marvel. He had read countless articles and guides about this place, always assuming it would only ever exist in his imagination. But now, here he stood, taking it all in.

    He understood the process of ship modifications here well. After the initial assessment, which typically took only a few hours, the ship¡¯s blueprints would be sent to the design team for revisions. Fortunately, since they already had a clear idea of the desired upgrades, this step would be expedited. The longest and most crucial phase was installation, a meticulous process that could take anywhere from days to weeks.

    For Kai, being here felt surreal, like standing inside the pages of his favorite magazine.

    A man approached them, rolling toward the group in a wheelchair. Kai immediately noticed the missing leg and recognized him from a feature in Ship Head Magazine. Though a few years older than in the picture, the man¡¯s distinctive mustache and thick glasses were unmistakable.

    "Commander Grayson. Nice to see you again," the man said, extending a hand that Commander Grayson firmly shook. "And the crew of the Black Swan. Let¡¯s see what challenge you¡¯ve brought me this time."

    Commander Grayson handed over the blueprint Isaac had meticulously designed, detailing all the upgrades necessary for their journey to Earth.

    The man adjusted his glasses, scanning the blueprint briefly. "Ah, preparing for a long trip, I see. Quite the list of modifications you¡¯ve got here."

    Commander Grayson leaned in slightly. "Is it possible?"

    The man smiled confidently. "Of course it is. The redesign is solid¡ªwell-made and well-thought-out. Visually, though, there¡¯s some room for improvement. Let me take this to the team and see what they can come up with."

    "Thank you," Commander Grayson said with a nod of appreciation.

    "You¡¯re welcome," the man replied, turning his wheelchair around. "Enjoy your stay in the meantime. Feel free to make use of the station¡¯s facilities."

    Once he was gone, Commander Grayson turned to the crew. "Well, there¡¯s not much we can do until the redesign is ready but wait. So, how about everyone enjoys their stay here and finds something fun to do?"

    The crew cheered at the suggestion, immediately scattering to explore. Kai and Eliana exchanged a look, their thoughts perfectly aligned. Kai was eager to explore more of the station, while Eliana had a different plan: finding Aria Celeste again.

    The station¡¯s interior was a mix of both history and innovation. The walls were lined with displays featuring ship parts from vessels that had played pivotal roles in history. A sleek, curved engine nacelle from the first federation ship to successfully break the light-speed barrier was suspended above the main hall, while the heavily scarred hull plating from a warship that had turned the tide of the Independent War stood proudly nearby. Kai¡¯s eyes lit up as he recognized most of the relics, but there were some so unique and obscure that even he had no clue of their origins.

    Eliana, walking beside him, scanned the displays half-heartedly, her eyes darting through the crowd, searching for her idol. Kai caught the subtle shift in her expression.

    "Maybe she¡¯s in her room already," Kai said gently, noticing the flicker of disappointment on Eliana¡¯s face.

    "Yeah¡­ maybe," Eliana replied with a sigh. She quickly forced a smile. "Let¡¯s go find something to eat then."

    The two wandered into one of the station¡¯s eateries: a bar themed like the interior of a starship. Its walls were adorned with control panels and glowing buttons, mimicking the feel of a ship¡¯s bridge. The ceiling was a projection of a rotating galaxy, with stars twinkling and nebulae swirling in vivid detail. Tables were built to resemble engine cores, with faint lights glowing underneath the transparent surfaces. The bartender stood behind a counter shaped like the nose of a star fighter, the polished chrome gleaming under dim, atmospheric lights.

    Eliana stopped suddenly, her hand flying to her mouth. "No way¡­" she whispered.

    Sitting on a tall stool at the bar, her back to them, was Aria Celeste. The singer cradled a glass of amber liquor, her slim fingers wrapped delicately around it. Her long legs were crossed elegantly, and her signature short hair shimmered faintly under the bar¡¯s soft lighting.

    Kai noticed something else. Aria''s shoulders were slightly slumped, her normally radiant face was dimmed, and her brows furrowed ever so slightly in a rare frown. She took a small sip from her glass, her expression distant and thoughtful.

    The star wasn¡¯t surrounded by adoring fans or her entourage. She was sitting alone.

 30. Aria

    Aria leaned against the polished counter of the bar, a glass of something amber and sharp cradled in her hand. The cheerful persona she had worn earlier had slipped away, replaced by a quieter, more fragile presence. The dim lighting seemed to pull shadows across her face, accentuating the exhaustion in her eyes.

    Kai and Eliana exchanged a glance as they approached. This wasn¡¯t the vibrant, confident woman they had met earlier. This was someone else entirely.

    ¡°Rough night?¡± Kai asked gently, sliding onto the stool beside her.

    Aria didn¡¯t look at him. Instead, she traced the rim of her glass with her fingertip, her voice soft but distant. ¡°Every night¡¯s rough when you don¡¯t know who you are anymore.¡±

    Eliana frowned, concern knitting her brow. ¡°What do you mean, Aria? You¡¯re... well, you. The Aria. People adore you.¡±

    ¡°Adore me,¡± she murmured, her lips curving into a bitter smile. ¡°They adore an illusion, a version of me that sparkles under the lights. But offstage?¡± She shook her head, her expression darkening. ¡°Offstage, I¡¯m just another lost soul pretending to have it all together.¡±

    Kai leaned forward slightly, his tone soft. ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend right now. Not with us.¡±

    Aria¡¯s gaze flicked toward him, her expression briefly startled before softening. ¡°That¡¯s kind of you, Kai. But it¡¯s not that simple.¡± She exhaled slowly, setting her glass down with a quiet clink. ¡°When you live your life in the spotlight, people only want to see the parts that shine. They don¡¯t care about the cracks underneath.¡±

    Eliana reached out hesitantly, resting her hand lightly on Aria¡¯s arm. ¡°We care. You¡¯ve given so much to others through your music. If there¡¯s something weighing you down, maybe we can help.¡±

    Aria looked at Eliana, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. ¡°You¡¯re sweet, Eliana. But this isn¡¯t the kind of thing anyone else can fix. It¡¯s... me, I haven''t produced anything lately. I have hit a bottleneck in creativity and don''t know what to write about. So I took my father''s old ship and ran from my problem.¡± She let out a humorless laugh. ¡°Maybe I thought coming here¡ªfacing the storm, flying solo¡ªwould make me feel alive again. But it just made the emptiness louder.¡±

    Kai glanced at Eliana, who looked heartbroken for Aria. He shifted in his seat, trying to find the right words. ¡°Maybe you came here because you¡¯re searching for inspiration. Or maybe just the courage to stop running.¡±

    Aria¡¯s gaze held his for a moment, something unreadable flickering in her expression. ¡°And what if I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m looking for, what if the ideas never come to me?¡±

    Kai offered a faint smile. ¡°Then maybe it¡¯s not about finding something. Maybe it¡¯s about rediscovering yourself.¡±

    Silence settled over the three of them, broken only by the faint hum of the station¡¯s machinery. Aria reached for her glass, taking a small sip before setting it down again.

    Kai shifted his gaze around the room, spotting a small stage tucked into the corner of the lounge. A set of instruments leaned casually against their stands, clearly ready for use. He guessed it was for musicians to perform during busier hours, but now, the bar was deserted except for the three of them. An idea sparked in his mind.

    Without a word, Kai took a few steps and hopped up onto the stage. He grabbed a guitar, testing its strings with a few awkward plucks. It had been years since he¡¯d last played on Velmorra, and the skill didn¡¯t return easily. His playing was hesitant, offbeat, and riddled with inconsistent rhythms, but he kept at it, piecing together a melody from memory.

    Eliana raised an eyebrow, her puzzled expression practically shouting, What are you doing, Kai? But as he played, she recognized the tune. Her eyes widened in surprise as she realized it was ¡°To the Stars,¡± one of Aria¡¯s most beloved songs. A smile crept onto her face as she jumped onto the stage, heading straight for the piano.

    Unlike Kai, Eliana¡¯s fingers moved fluidly over the keys. The melody filled the room as she joined in, her playing more confident and precise. Kai adjusted his strumming, letting the strange liquid in his veins guide his hands. Slowly, his clumsy playing began to sync with Eliana¡¯s piano, the two creating a rough but heartfelt rendition of the song.

    Aria, who had been nursing her drink, glanced up in confusion. She blinked, her expression softening as she realized what they were doing. A small, genuine smile formed on her lips. The gesture was simple, almost childlike, but it warmed her heart in a way she hadn¡¯t expected. She stood slowly, wiping a stray tear from her cheek, and began walking toward the stage.

    Kai and Eliana watched as she approached, their playing steady, their eyes filled with anticipation. Aria stepped onto the stage, her movements elegant and effortless. She paused briefly before the microphone, listening as the melody fell into place. Then, with a soft intake of breath, she began to sing.

    ¡°When the stars blink, I hope you will be near...¡±

    Kai was awestruck. Her voice was more powerful, more hauntingly beautiful than he could have imagined. Each note flowed effortlessly, carrying a purity that silenced the doubts lingering in his mind. Eliana¡¯s playing grew steadier, her confidence bolstered by Aria¡¯s presence. Even Kai found himself strumming with a newfound rhythm, his awkwardness replaced with focus.

    The three of them performed in the empty lounge, their music filling the space with life. There was no audience, no applause waiting at the end, but none of that mattered. Aria wasn¡¯t singing for the adoration of a crowd¡ªshe was singing for herself.

    As the final note faded, Aria turned to Kai and Eliana, her smile radiant. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said softly. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do this, but you did. And I needed it more than I realized.¡±

    Kai grinned, setting the guitar back in its stand. ¡°It¡¯s the least we could do.¡±

    Eliana beamed. ¡°We just wanted to see you smile again.¡±

    Aria laughed lightly, her voice no longer heavy with sorrow. The ice between them had melted. They talked about music, life, and stories of the Federation.

    ¡°I have to ask,¡± Kai said at one point, his tone curious. ¡°Your ship... I might be wrong, but is that an older limited edition of the Astara Comet Racer?¡±

    Aria complimented Kai¡¯s knowledge about ships, her eyes lighting up with genuine interest. She leaned forward slightly, her tone warm and nostalgic. ¡°You know, I¡¯ve always had a soft spot for rare ships. That one... it was my grandfather¡¯s. He bought it before he passed away, and it¡¯s been in my family ever since. When my father passed it down to me, he said, ¡®If you ever feel like you need some clarity, just get on that ship and fly. No one will know it¡¯s you.¡¯¡±

    Kai nodded, the earlier mystery of the masked signal now making sense. ¡°So, it wasn¡¯t to conceal what the ship was carrying, but to protect the pilot¡¯s identity.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Aria said with a small smile. ¡°It¡¯s my escape when I needed one.¡±

    Kai grinned. ¡°It¡¯s an incredibly rare ship to see these days. I noticed one of the rear thrusters flickering as you passed earlier. Did you catch that?¡±

    Aria chuckled and nodded. ¡°I did. It¡¯s been giving me trouble lately. I¡¯m planning to replace it with some custom-made thrusters soon. Might as well make it a little faster while I¡¯m at it.¡±

    Their conversation flowed more naturally after that, shifting between ships, life, and stories. They laughed and shared anecdotes, the initial formality dissolving into a warm friendship.

    Before long, the three of them had transitioned from strangers to friends. Aria leaned back in her chair, her relaxed smile showing a glimpse of the woman behind the stardom. ¡°So, what¡¯s next for you two?¡± she asked, her tone casual but curious.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Kai hesitated, glancing at Eliana. ¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s a secret I can¡¯t reveal,¡± he said, his tone apologetic.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Aria said, waving it off. ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me.¡±

    Eliana smiled softly. ¡°We¡¯re going on an expedition. Somewhere far away.¡±

    The three of them wandered out of the lounge, their laughter echoing faintly in the quiet corridors of the station. The alcohol buzz had loosened their inhibitions, and the station seemed oddly tilted in Kai¡¯s vision.

    Kai stumbled slightly, catching himself against the smooth wall, while Eliana clung to Aria¡¯s arm, giggling like a mischievous child. Her cheeks were flushed, her hair slightly messy from the night¡¯s excitement. Aria, though faring slightly better, leaned into Eliana for support, their shared laughter ringing out like a melody.

    ¡°I don¡¯t... want to go... back to my room...¡± Eliana said, her voice sing-song and playful as she tightened her grip on Aria.

    Aria chuckled, her own voice warm and lilting. ¡°Then don¡¯t... Let¡¯s find something else to do. Something fun.¡±

    ¡°Kai,¡± Eliana called out, her smile wide and eyes glinting mischievously. ¡°Find us something to do now.¡±

    Kai hesitated, glancing between the two of them. Their accusing stares, slightly exaggerated by their intoxication, made him laugh despite himself. They looked as though they were ready to stage a mutiny if he dared to suggest returning to their rooms and call the night.

    He sighed, shaking his head, knowing he was defeated. ¡°Alright, alright. Something fun. Let me think.¡±

    His gaze roamed the lobby, scanning the options displayed on the brightly lit signs. A movie theater? No, too passive¡ªthey needed something interactive. A swimming pool? He quickly dismissed the thought; the last thing he wanted was a drunken incident in the water. Then his eyes landed on another sign: Simulation Room.

    A grin spread across his face. ¡°Perfect,¡± he murmured. Turning back to the two women, he announced, ¡°I¡¯ve got just the thing. Let¡¯s hit the simulation room.¡±

    Eliana and Aria perked up instantly, their energy renewed. ¡°Lead the way, captain!¡± Eliana said with a dramatic flourish, nearly tripping as she took a step forward.

    Kai laughed, steadying her. ¡°Alright, just try not to break anything before we get there.¡±

    The simulation room on the Maelstrom Forge was a marvel in itself, much larger than the one on the Black Swan and equipped with cutting-edge technology. The walls were lined with emitters that could create incredibly lifelike holographic environments, and the room¡¯s enhanced spatial dynamics allowed for more immersive scenarios. Kai, Eliana, and Aria entered, their slightly unsteady steps betraying the light buzz from the drinks they¡¯d had earlier. Despite the alcohol, their spirits were high, and laughter bubbled between them as they moved into the center of the room.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kai said, rubbing his hands together as he walked over to the control panel. ¡°Let¡¯s do something fun but not too crazy. I don¡¯t want anyone getting motion sickness.¡±

    Aria chuckled softly, her voice carrying a newfound warmth. ¡°I¡¯m trusting you to pick something good, Kai.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Eliana added with a teasing grin. ¡°Kai has a knack for picking the perfect scenario¡ªwell, most of the time.¡±

    Kai smirked and began tapping at the controls. The interface responded smoothly, and soon he had crafted a scenario he thought would be lighthearted yet engaging. ¡°Okay, picture this: we¡¯re defending a watchtower on an alien planet from waves of adorable, fluffy monsters.¡±

    ¡°Adorable monsters?¡± Aria raised an eyebrow. ¡°You sure?.¡±

    ¡°Trust me, it¡¯ll be fun,¡± Kai said, grinning.

    With a final tap, the gray walls of the simulation room faded away, replaced by a vibrant alien landscape. They stood atop a tall, circular watchtower surrounded by sprawling green fields dotted with strange, glowing plants. The air shimmered with a faint golden hue, as if caught in perpetual twilight, and a distant mountain range framed the horizon. The tower itself was equipped with whimsical, oversized weapons.

    Kai found himself holding a quirky bow and arrow that seemed to hum with energy. Eliana picked up a bottomless bag of throwing knives that glowed faintly, while Aria was handed the most unusual weapon¡ªa violin that emitted sonic blasts whenever played.

    The scenario began with a cheerful jingle, and the first wave of creatures appeared on the horizon. They were small, round, and almost cartoonish, bouncing towards the tower like living plush toys. Their exaggerated movements and googly eyes made them more comedic than threatening.

    Eliana was the first to react, throwing a glowing knife with precision that took out a bouncing creature mid-leap. ¡°This is hilarious!¡± she exclaimed, already giggling.

    Kai fired his bow, the arrow streaking through the air in a trail of light before striking a creature and puffing it into harmless sparks. ¡°I told you it¡¯d be fun!¡±

    Aria hesitated for a moment, examining her violin. Then, with a playful shrug, she placed it under her chin and drew the bow across the strings. A powerful wave of sound erupted, sweeping across the field and knocking over several creatures at once.

    ¡°Not bad,¡± Aria said, a smile tugging at her lips. She played another note, sending another group of creatures flying.

    The three of them quickly fell into a rhythm. Eliana and Aria covered each other, giggling as they defended the tower from the increasingly large waves of creatures. Kai focused on picking off enemies in the distance, his arrows lighting up the fields. Occasionally, a creature would get too close, prompting playful shrieks and bursts of laughter as they scrambled to fend it off.

    At one point, a particularly large and fluffy creature jumped at Kai, batting at his chest with its soft paws. Kai stumbled backward dramatically, clutching his chest as if mortally wounded. ¡°Save yourselves!¡± he cried, falling to his knees.

    Eliana and Aria burst into laughter, tears streaming down their faces. ¡°You¡¯re ridiculous,¡± Eliana managed to say between fits of giggles.

    After clearing the waves, they moved on to other scenarios, including a ship-boarding mission and the heist simulation that Kai and Eliana had enjoyed before. In the scenario, they rode in an open-top vehicle, speeding through an ocean view highway as drones chased them. Eliana and Aria sat in the backseat, their hair flowing in the simulated wind as they shot down drones with gleeful determination.

    ¡°This is insane!¡± Aria shouted, her voice ringing with excitement as she took down a drone with a perfectly timed shot. She and Eliana hugged each other in celebration, laughing uncontrollably.

    Kai glanced back at them, smiling. Their joy was infectious. For the first time, Aria seemed completely at ease, her earlier sadness replaced by pure, unrestrained happiness.

    They stopped the vehicle at the edge of the simulation, stepping out to take in a breathtaking view of the ocean. The simulated water stretched endlessly, its surface shimmering under a golden sky. The sound of waves lapping against the shore filled the air, soothing and serene.

    Aria closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the moment wash over her. Memories and emotions surged within her, and before she knew it, tears were streaming down her face.

    Eliana noticed immediately and placed a comforting hand on her back. ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked softly.

    Aria nodded, wiping her tears but not hiding them. ¡°I am,¡± she said, her voice trembling. ¡°It¡¯s just... I think I finally understand what¡¯s been weighing on me.¡±

    Kai and Eliana waited patiently, giving her the space to share if she wanted to.

    ¡°For so long,¡± Aria began, ¡°I¡¯ve felt like I was losing myself. Every time I released a new song or broke another record, the people around me started to treat me differently. They stopped seeing me as a person and started seeing me as... as this untouchable figure. And I let it happen. I let them put me on a pedestal, and I¡¯ve been so lonely up there.¡±

    Eliana rubbed her back gently. ¡°You¡¯re not alone now,¡± she said. ¡°You have us.¡±

    Aria smiled through her tears. ¡°Thank you. You¡¯ve reminded me what it feels like to just... be myself. To have fun without worrying about expectations.¡±

    Kai nodded, his voice soft but firm. ¡°You¡¯re more than the image people have of you, Aria. You¡¯re real, and that¡¯s enough.¡±

    They stood there for a while, watching the waves and enjoying the peaceful moment.

    ¡°Thank you, Eliana. Thank you, Kai,¡± Aria said, her voice filled with gratitude. ¡°Thank you for being my friends.¡±

    Eliana grinned. ¡°Hearing you call me your friend is one of the best things that¡¯s ever happened to me. Well, second only to meeting Kai.¡±

    Aria chuckled, turning to Kai. ¡°And thank you, Kai. You¡¯ve helped me find the passion I¡¯ve been searching for.¡±

    Kai was about to respond when a sudden weight tackled him to the ground. A man in black, one of Aria¡¯s bodyguards, had mistaken the moment for danger.

    ¡°Ouch,¡± Kai groaned, pinned under the man¡¯s heavy frame.

    ¡°Let go of him!¡± Aria shouted, rushing to pull the bodyguard off. The man quickly realized his mistake and helped Kai to his feet, bowing his head in apology.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ms. Celeste,¡± the bodyguard said. ¡°You¡¯ve been gone all night, and we were worried something happened.¡±

    Aria scolded him, her voice sharp but not unkind. ¡°Next time, ask before you tackle someone!¡±

    But Kai started to laugh, and his laughter grew louder. He had never been tackled before. This was the perfect way to end a fun night.

    No one knows if it was the influence of alcohol, but soon the three all started to laugh, leaving only the two guards standing there, scratching their heads.

 31. When Kai Gets a Haircut

    Kai sat patiently in his room, gazing out the large window into the expanse of space. The faint reflection of Eliana¡¯s determined face in the glass caught his attention as she stood behind him, razor in hand, its soft hum filling the otherwise quiet room. A cape draped around his shoulders shielded him from the falling strands of hair that gently landed on the floor like tiny whispers of the past.

    Eliana was in a particularly good mood. Just a few days ago, they had helped Aria Celeste, the Federation''s most renowned singer, rediscover her passion for music. That success had left her glowing with pride and joy. Now, she was fulfilling another wish of hers¡ªgiving Kai a much-needed haircut.

    Kai¡¯s medium-length hair had been his signature, usually tied back into a loose bun, but it had grown unruly, much to Eliana¡¯s disapproval. She didn¡¯t dislike his hair, but its messy state had reached the point where she couldn¡¯t ignore it anymore. So, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She¡¯d spent hours watching tutorial videos from the station''s database, feeling confident that she could manage a simple cut.

    ¡°Hold still,¡± she said with a playful grin, her fingers combing through his hair as she worked.

    ¡°I am still,¡± Kai replied, his voice tinged with amusement. He couldn¡¯t see what she was doing, but he trusted her. If the worst happened and she botched it, he reasoned, he could always buzz it all off and let it grow back. The thought wasn¡¯t comforting, but it was practical.

    As Eliana snipped away, Kai¡¯s gaze returned to the window. He watched as a sleek ship maneuvered into one of the docking tubes. Something about it caught his attention. It was moving faster than the standard approach speed, almost as if it was in a hurry. His sharp eyes noticed damage on one of its wings¡ªpart of the structure was chipped away, revealing an intricate network of wiring and supports beneath the ship¡¯s polished exterior.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Eliana asked, noticing his furrowed brow.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kai replied, his eyes still fixed on the ship. ¡°That ship coming in¡ªone of its wings looks damaged. Could¡¯ve been from debris.¡±

    ¡°Debris? I thought the space around the station were patrolled for that,¡± Eliana said, her hands pausing for a moment.

    ¡°They are, but it still happens sometimes,¡± Kai explained. ¡°A small piece of space debris¡ªsomething the size of a briefcase¡ªcould cause a lot of damage if the ship was moving fast enough. That¡¯s why there are strict laws about littering in space.¡±

    Eliana nodded, her focus shifting back to her task. Kai¡¯s explanation made sense. While space travel had come a long way, it wasn¡¯t without its risks. Despite the regulations and the countless scavenger ships patrolling to collect stray objects, accidents still occurred.

    Kai kept watching the ship until it disappeared into the docking bay, then shifted his attention back to the reflection of Eliana in the window. She had a concentrated look on her face, cutting his hair slowly and carefully.

    ¡°Done!¡± she exclaimed with satisfaction, stepping back to admire her work.

    Kai turned to look at her, then caught sight of his reflection in the mirror. His hair was shorter, neatly trimmed, with the kind of care that spoke to Eliana¡¯s effort. It wasn¡¯t a professional cut, but it suited him.

    ¡°Well?¡± Eliana asked, her voice full of anticipation.

    Kai smiled, running a hand through his now-sleek hair. ¡°I think you just found yourself a backup career.¡±

    Eliana laughed, playfully swatting his shoulder. ¡°Good thing it turned out well. I don¡¯t think I could¡¯ve handled the guilt if I¡¯d messed it up.¡±

    Kai chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m glad you didn¡¯t. Otherwise, you will be the one that endure the bad look.¡±

    ¡°Deal,¡± Eliana replied with a grin. Then her expression softened. ¡°Thanks for trusting me, Kai.¡±

    ¡°Always,¡± he said simply, standing and pulling her into a quick hug before turning back to the window. Something about that damaged ship lingered in his mind, like an itch he couldn¡¯t quite scratch.

    Something always come up when Kai gets a haircut. And that something was clear when Kai and Eliana rejoined everyone else in the lobby.

    The ceremony for the Black Swan¡¯s redesign was as grand as expected. When Kai and Eliana rejoined everyone in the station¡¯s central lobby, the energy in the room was palpable. The Forge had clearly recognized the importance of the moment, treating it as a celebration not just for the Black Swan but for the craftsmanship and innovation it represented.

    The designer in the wheelchair rolled onto the stage, the spotlight illuminating his weathered face. Beside him stood Commander Grayson, his posture straight and proud. The two shook hands, exchanging a few words before the designer took the microphone.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen,¡± the designer began, his voice strong despite his age. ¡°Today, we unveil the future of long range exploration: the redesigned Black Swan.¡±

    The lights dimmed, and a massive holographic display lit up above the stage, revealing the new blueprint of the Black Swan. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd as the design slowly rotated, showcasing every detail.

    The ship was larger, more imposing, yet retained the luxurious elegance that had always set it apart. Its sleek lines and polished surfaces glimmered under the holographic lights, a perfect blend of function and style. The designer gestured toward the display, his voice steady as he detailed the upgrades.

    ¡°The Black Swan has been outfitted with dual jump drives, allowing for staggered cooldowns and significantly faster travel over long distances. A state-of-the-art fuel scoop will enable the ship to harvest energy directly from the stars, ensuring extended operation even in the most remote regions. We¡¯ve increased its defensive capabilities, adding more weapons to protect against unforeseen dangers.¡±

    He paused for effect, his eyes scanning the audience. ¡°A larger power plant will power these enhancements, while the interior has been redesigned for efficiency and comfort. The expanded living arrangements now accommodate up to twelve crew members, providing everyone with the space they need for long journeys.¡±

    The blueprint zoomed out, revealing the full scale of the ship. It was just a little over 100 meters long and 40 meters wide. Kai couldn¡¯t help but notice the envious glances from members of other crews in the audience. The Black Swan was a marvel, a dream ship for any spacer.

    As the designer concluded his speech, a guard hurried onto the stage and whispered something in his ear. The designer¡¯s face darkened with concern. He leaned toward Commander Grayson, and the two exchanged quiet words for a few seconds.

    Commander Grayson stepped off the stage and motioned for the crew to gather. His expression was grave, and the excitement of the ceremony quickly gave way to unease.

    ¡°There¡¯s been an accident,¡± Commander Grayson said, his tone serious. ¡°During the collection of materials for the Black Swan¡¯s construction, the mining vessel was struck by a stray rock. Their mining expert has been injured, and the operation is currently stalled.¡±Stolen novel; please report.

    The crew exchanged worried looks. The news cast a shadow over the celebration. Kai¡¯s chest tightened. As a former miner, he knew all too well how dangerous the job could be. He hoped the injured miner would recover but couldn¡¯t ignore the weight of the delay on their mission.

    ¡°We can¡¯t afford this delay,¡± Kai said, an idea suddenly forming in his mind. ¡°Commander, I¡¯ve worked in the mine. Let me replace the expert and continue the collection.¡±

    Commander Grayson¡¯s eyes narrowed as he considered the proposal. ¡°Do you know about vortex mining operations?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kai replied firmly. ¡°I know the risks are high, but I''m also the only one here that remotely knowns thing about it. If anyone should go, it¡¯s me.¡±

    Commander Grayson hesitated, glancing at the crew. ¡°I¡¯ll speak with the operation manager. Wait here.¡±

    As Grayson walked away, the crew remained silent, the weight of the situation settling over them. Eliana grabbed Kai¡¯s arm, her grip firm. ¡°You can¡¯t do this. It¡¯s too dangerous.¡±

    Kai turned to her, his expression resolute. ¡°Eliana, we don¡¯t have time to spare. This expedition is too important. We can¡¯t let a delay stop us now.¡±

    Eliana shook her head, her eyes filled with worry. ¡°There has to be another way.¡±

    Before Kai could respond, Commander Grayson returned, his face devoid of the confidence they had hoped for. ¡°The operation manager has approved the request,¡± he said, his voice heavy. ¡°But make no mistake¡ªthis mission is extremely dangerous. The maelstrom is unpredictable, and there¡¯s no guarantee of success.¡±

    Kai nodded, his decision unwavering. ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡±

    Eliana stepped in front of him, her voice pleading. ¡°Kai, please. Don¡¯t do this.¡±

    Kai placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice soft but firm. ¡°Eliana, I have to. No one else here knows what to do, and we can¡¯t afford to wait. I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Eliana searched his face, tears threatening to spill. She knew she couldn¡¯t change his mind, but the thought of him in danger was almost too much to bear.

    "I''ll be fine Eliana, I promise." Kai said.

    "Please comeback safely." Eliana said and held onto Kai''s hand.

    Commander Grayson placed a reassuring hand on Kai¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We¡¯ll prep the equipment and go over the plan. Be ready.¡±

    Kai nodded, stealing one last glance at Eliana before following Grayson. He could feel the crew¡¯s eyes on him as he walked away.

    The hangar was buzzing with activity as Kai followed Commander Grayson. Before him stood the ship he had seen from the window earlier, now under repair. A portion of its wing was missing, the jagged break exposing intricate internal components. Around its hull were scorched and dented sections, a clear testament to the impact of the stray rock. Kai speculated that either the debris from the wing or the rock itself had struck one of the miners, causing the injury that had delayed their mission.

    The ship''s design was unusual and immediately caught Kai¡¯s attention. Its wings extended from the top, giving it a birdlike appearance. Two open-sided sections flanked its fuselage, leaving it exposed to the elements. Kai recognized the purpose of this configuration from Ship Head magazine. This was a "Tugboat," a vessel customized specifically for dive mining in the Maelstrom. The open areas allowed miners to quickly deploy, secure cables to drifting rocks, and return before the vortex¡¯s gravitational pull reclaimed the minerals.

    Several engineers worked tirelessly on the ship, sparks flying as welders sealed the damaged wing. Another technician calibrated exposed cables with practiced precision. Kai couldn¡¯t help but admire their speed and efficiency. Barely an hour had passed since the ship docked, and the repairs were already nearing completion.

    A woman approached them, her stride confident and purposeful. She wore a dark green pilot uniform, its crisp lines accentuating her no-nonsense demeanor. Her short-cropped hair framed a face etched with experience, and her sharp eyes scanned them with practiced authority. A name tag stitched onto her uniform read "Rachel Raven".

    Rachel extended her hand to Grayson. ¡°Commander Grayson, I presume? I''m Rachel Raven, pilot of the Tugboat.¡±

    Grayson shook her hand, matching her firm grip. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure, Ms. Raven. I¡¯m sorry to hear about your injured crew member.¡±

    Rachel sighed, her expression hardening. ¡°It¡¯s part of the job, unfortunately. Dive mining is high risk work. That¡¯s why we offer top tier services and charge accordingly.¡± She gave a dry chuckle, though her tone betrayed no humor.

    Grayson nodded and gestured toward Kai. ¡°This is Kai. He¡¯ll be stepping in as your temporary miner for this operation.¡±

    Rachel¡¯s eyes shifted to Kai, assessing him with a critical gaze. ¡°He¡¯s young,¡± she said bluntly. ¡°Are you sure he understands the risks involved here?¡±

    Kai stood a little straighter, meeting her gaze. ¡°I do,¡± he said firmly, his voice steady despite the nerves bubbling beneath the surface.

    Grayson¡¯s tone was unwavering. ¡°Kai¡¯s one of my best. He¡¯s a former frontier miner with experience in high risk operations. If anyone can handle this, it¡¯s him.¡±

    Rachel raised an eyebrow but ultimately shrugged. ¡°Alright, if you say so. But let¡¯s be clear. This isn¡¯t child¡¯s play. The Maelstrom is unforgiving and it had already claimed the lives of manyy.¡±

    Kai nodded, suppressing the flicker of unease Rachel¡¯s words stirred. He¡¯d read extensively about the Tugboat and the perilous mining operations it performed in the Maelstrom. The process, known as ¡°dive mining,¡± involved tethering cables to minerals ejected from the vortex. Once attached, the Tugboat would haul the rock out before the gravitational forces dragged it back into the vortex.

    The challenge lay in timing. The rocks will only remain in the operational safe zone for a short period. A delay in securing the cable or insufficient power to pull the rock away meant possible death for the crew as the vortex claimed its victims.

    Kai¡¯s eyes lingered on the ship as the engineers performed final checks. The success of the Black Swan¡¯s upgrades¡ªand their mission to uncover humanity¡¯s forgotten past¡ªdepended on this operation.

    Delay was not an option.

    Rachel cast one last critical look at Kai before turning on her heel. ¡°Follow.¡±

    Kai obeyed, stepping into the Tugboat behind her. The interior was simple and utilitarian¡ªtwo rows of seats lined the walls, facing each other.

    ¡°You¡¯ll need to suit up before we start,¡± Rachel said, motioning toward a compartment beneath one of the seats.

    Kai crouched and pulled out a compact bundle. As he unwrapped it, a surge of familiarity struck him. It was the mining suit he¡¯d read about in Ship Head magazine¡ªthe specialized gear used for dive mining in the Maelstrom. The suit was sleek but sturdy, with a propulsion system on the the boots and arms, allowing for quick maneuvering in the weightless environment of space. There were no fancy automated controls or secondary safety measures¡ªsuccess relied entirely on the operator¡¯s skill, reflexes, and bravery.

    Kai slipped into the suit, the reinforced material fitting snugly around his body. He felt the weight of the propulsion device settle on his legs and arms. Adjusting the helmet, he took a deep breath, steadying his nerves.

    Rachel watched him with an unreadable expression. Once he was fully suited, she launched into a detailed briefing on the operation. Much of what she said was information Kai already knew, but he listened intently, absorbing every word.

    The ship¡¯s repairs were complete, and the crew began filing back onboard. First came Johnson, the copilot, a burly man with an air of calm professionalism. He greeted Kai with a firm handshake.

    Next was Rook, the ship¡¯s engineer, who wore a faint scowl that softened only slightly when he introduced himself.

    Finally, Earl, the dive master, climbed aboard. He exuded confidence despite the tension in his expression, a no-nonsense demeanor that reminded Kai of seasoned miners he met back on Drakmoor. Earl¡¯s job would be to guide Kai through the operation, directing him from the ship as he executed the dive.

    Each crewmember shook Kai¡¯s hand, though the weight of their previous loss hung heavy in the air. Kai tried to force a reassuring smile, but his own nerves betrayed him.

    ¡°Alright, everyone, strap in,¡± Rachel barked as she slid into the pilot¡¯s seat.

    Kai and the crew followed her command, securing themselves in their seats and donning helmets. The hiss of pressurization filled the helmet as their suits sealed, preparing them for the vacuum of space.

    The engines roared to life, their deep, guttural sound reverberating through the ship.

    Soon, they will be in the vortex again, risking their lives.

 32. A Tug of War in Space

    All sounds faded as the Tugboat left the station and entered the vacuum of space. Kai sat strapped into his seat, feeling strangely vulnerable, like he was exposed to the void itself. The only thing keeping him from becoming another piece of drifting space debris was the harness holding him in place.

    Through the open sides of the ship, Kai could see the cosmic maelstrom in the distance. It looked like a surreal painting, with the space beyond it distorted, as though reality itself was bending under its influence. If Kai had to rank places he wanted to visit in the universe, this would undoubtedly sit at the bottom of the list.

    To even exist near the maelstrom was dangerous; to live within its influence, as the people of the Maelstrom Forge did, was unthinkable. To thrive, as they had managed, was nothing short of miraculous.

    And now, Kai was heading straight for the danger. He thought he could almost feel the gradual tug of the vortex¡¯s gravitational pull. The ship was cruising slowly away from the station. The silence was unsettling, broken only by the occasional creaks and groans of the Tugboat¡¯s hull.

    ¡°You see those tiny dots floating in and out of the vortex?¡± Earl¡¯s gravelly voice broke the silence.

    Kai squinted, ¡°Yeah. Are those what we¡¯re after?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Earl said, shaking his head. ¡°Those are too close to the vortex. If we get that near, we¡¯ll get sucked in ourselves. What we¡¯re looking for...¡± He pointed outward, his finger steady.

    Kai followed Earl¡¯s gesture, his eyes searching the turbulent space. It took him a moment, but he finally spotted it¡ªa single dot moving faster than the others, a rogue fragment flung from the vortex. It appeared small from this distance, but Kai knew better. In space, perspective was everything.

    ¡°That¡¯s what we want,¡± Earl said with a satisfied nod. ¡°A rock like that will provide enough rare metals for a whole ship.¡±

    Kai¡¯s curiosity piqued. ¡°How big is it?¡±

    ¡°About half a kilometer in length, width, and height,¡± Earl replied casually.

    Kai swallowed, the sheer scale of the task dawning on him. Five hundred cubic meters. That was more than ten times the size of the Tugboat.

    Earl noticed Kai¡¯s reaction and chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t let it intimidate you. Think of it like catching a fish jumping out of the water. Except this fish weighs a thousand ton. You¡¯ve got to catch it on its upward trajectory. If you try to grab it when it¡¯s falling back, you¡¯ll go down with it.¡±

    Kai nodded, trying to suppress his nerves.

    ¡°All right,¡± Rachel¡¯s voice crackled through the comms. ¡°We¡¯re making a short jump to put us closer to the vortex. Heads up, Kai¡ªthis might get a little trippy.¡±

    The ship accelerated, and the space around them began to warp and distort. The maelstrom loomed larger in Kai¡¯s view, expanding until it dominated his entire field of vision. Lights, colors, and shapes twisted in impossible patterns, bending and shifting as if reality itself was being torn apart.

    Kai gripped his harness tightly, his pulse quickening. For a fleeting moment, he felt as though he were falling into the vortex. Then, just as abruptly, the ship slowed, and the disorienting sensation passed. Kai exhaled a shaky breath, relief washing over him.

    ¡°How far are we from the vortex now?¡± Kai asked, still staring at the swirling chaos.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to gauge by sight,¡± Rook, the engineer, replied. ¡°But we usually stop about a thousand clicks outside the danger zone. Far enough to avoid being pulled in.¡±

    Kai¡¯s eyes widened as he processed the distance. ¡°A thousand kilometers?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Rook confirmed, tightening a strap on his suit.

    Kai turned his gaze back to the vortex, the kaleidoscope of colors and lights stretching infinitely before him. He could barely comprehend the scale of what he was looking at, let alone the danger that came with it.

    ¡°Having second thoughts?¡± Johnson, the copilot, asked with a smirk.

    Kai shook his head. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Johnson said with a chuckle. ¡°Because it¡¯s a little late to back out now.¡±

    "New guy is in, alright. Rook, begin scanning," Johnson¡¯s voice came through the comms.

    "Already on it," Rook replied, his eyes locked onto a handheld device linked to the ship''s sensors.

    Kai turned his gaze to the vortex. The tiny dots he¡¯d seen earlier were now much larger, tumbling in and out of the maelstrom¡¯s chaotic grip. The rocks were jagged and uneven, their surfaces glowing faintly from the intense gravitational and magnetic forces that had shaped them. If sound could travel through the vacuum of space, Kai was sure he¡¯d hear a deep, resonant rumble, like molten lava boiling in the heart of a volcano.

    "Got one," Rook said, his voice tinged with excitement. "Two o¡¯clock, below us. Still on its upward trajectory."

    The ship accelerated instantly, its engines roaring as it closed in on the target. Kai leaned forward, peering down as the massive rock came into view. It was enormous, its surface a mixture of dark, metallic sheen and glowing orange veins. It shimmered unnaturally, almost alive, as it flew in an upward arc while curving horizontally. The Tugboat matched its path, hovering just above it with precise maneuvers.

    "Kai, get ready," Earl instructed.

    Kai nodded, his breath steadying as he unstrapped himself and moved to the side door. The ship''s frame vibrated subtly beneath his boots as it maintained its position. He stood by the opening, staring into the chaos below. The swirling vortex stretched endlessly, a kaleidoscope of violent colors and distorted light. He inhaled deeply. Now, he truly understood what it meant to be standing at the edge of death.

    "Kai, take the cable," Earl said, gesturing toward a thick tube-like cable hanging by the opening.

    Kai grabbed it, his grip firm. The cable was surprisingly heavy. It looped around the ship, running from the point where he held it all the way to the rear. He wrapped his arms around it, feeling its steady weight.

    The Tugboat adjusted its speed slightly, pulling ahead of the rock. Kai¡¯s heartbeat quickened, a rush of adrenaline coursing through him. The warmth of the strange liquid in his body spread, sharpening his senses and steadying his hands.

    Earl¡¯s voice cut through the comms. "Stay calm, Kai. Watch the rock¡¯s movement. Remember, you¡¯ve only got one shot at this."

    Kai nodded again, focusing intently on the massive object below. The swirling chaos of the maelstrom faded from his mind. All that mattered now was the rock and the cable in his hands.

    "Wait for my signal," Earl said. "Not yet¡­ not yet¡­"If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Kai crouched slightly, ready to leap into the void. The gravitational pull of the vortex tugged faintly at him, a chilling reminder of what lay below. The ship flew a little closer to the rock.

    "Now!" Earl shouted.

    Without hesitation, Kai launched himself out of the ship. The propulsion system in his mining suit activated, stabilizing his movements as he descended toward the rock. The airless void was eerily silent as he approached, his every breath amplified in his helmet.

    The rock loomed closer, its jagged edges and glowing veins pulsing faintly. Kai adjusted his trajectory, aligning himself with its surface. The warmth in his body surged, guiding his movements with uncanny precision.

    He reached out with the cable, the tube-like material extending as he approached the rock. His gloves connected with its cold, rough surface, he tried to connect the cable to the rock, but the lights on the end of the device flashed red, signaling an unstable connection point. Kai¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he glanced up. The Tugboat was already positioning itself, its engines revving, ready for the pull.

    Panic bubbled up inside him. He took a few hurried steps in another direction and tried again, pressing the cable¡¯s anchor against the rock. Again, the light blinked red¡ªno good. His breaths came quicker as doubt crept in. Was he doing something wrong? Was he going to fail?

    ¡°It¡¯s taking too long,¡± Rook¡¯s voice crackled through the comms, tense with urgency.

    ¡°Give it one more try, Kai,¡± Earl said, his voice steady,.

    Kai sprinted further along the rock¡¯s jagged surface, his eyes scanning desperately. He spotted a patch of stone with a faintly different texture, its surface smoother, the color slightly lighter. Without hesitation, he slammed the anchor into the spot. The device beeped and flashed green. The cable straightened itself with a mechanical whir.

    ¡°I got it!¡± Kai shouted into the comms, relief flooding his voice.

    ¡°It¡¯s too late!¡± Earl¡¯s voice came back sharply. ¡°Abort the mission! We¡¯re out of time!¡±

    Kai looked up, and his stomach dropped. The rock had passed its peak and was beginning to fall back toward the vortex. The ship had already started rotating itself, ready to pull the rock out, but they were drifting too close to the vortex''s pull. He could feel it¡ªthe gravitational force tugging at him, dragging him toward certain death.

    ¡°Kai, disconnect the cable!¡± Earl¡¯s voice was louder now, tinged with urgency.

    His hands fumbled at the release lever, his heart pounding. The pull of the vortex was getting stronger. Every second felt like an eternity. Kai kicked at the release mechanism with all his strength, and the cable detached with a hiss. Gripping the tube tightly, he shouted into the mic, ¡°Pull me out!¡±

    The Tugboat¡¯s thrusters roared to life, the ship straining to pull away from the vortex¡¯s grasp. Kai hugged the cable with everything he had, his suit''s propulsion system struggling to stabilize him. He could feel the gravitational pull intensifying, pressing down on his chest, making it harder to breathe. Panic clawed at him as he squeezed his eyes shut.

    ¡°Thrusters at maximum!¡± Johnson¡¯s voice came through, tight with concentration. The comms fell silent after that, no one daring to speak.

    Kai held his breath, his body trembling with fear. Eliana''s face appeared in his mind, he wanted to see her again. Then, gradually, he felt the weight on his shoulders lighten. He opened his eyes to see the Tugboat climbing away from the vortex, the ship¡¯s speed increasing with every passing moment.

    A collective cheer erupted in his ears.

    ¡°That was damn close,¡± Rook said, his voice thick with relief.

    ¡°This is why I love this fucking job!¡± Johnson hollered, his tone a mix of exhilaration and adrenaline.

    The Tugboat finally broke free of the vortex¡¯s gravitational pull, its engines humming steadily now. Kai exhaled shakily, his body still tense from the near-death experience. The ship slowed, and moments later, Earl and Rook exited the ship to meet Kai in space.

    ¡°Good job, kid,¡± Earl said, patting Kai¡¯s shoulder as they secured him and brought him back to the ship.

    ¡°You alright?¡± Rook asked, grinning as he helped Kai remove his gear.

    Kai nodded, though his hands still shook slightly. ¡°I¡¯m fine... I think. But I thought I messed up?¡±

    Rook chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°No, you didn¡¯t. It¡¯s a success as long as we get out alive. Sometimes it takes more than a dozen tries to snag even one rock. You did fine.¡±

    Earl clapped him on the back. ¡°You¡¯ve got guts, kid. And that''s already half of the success in this kind of job.¡±

    Kai managed a faint smile in acknowledgement, he looked towards the vortex again. A part of him wanted to escape, to go back to the station and the mission be damned. Who cares about the delay. Anything¡ªanything was better than what he was about to face again.

    Earl and Rook left Kai to reset the cable, giving him a moment to rest. Kai leaned against the wall of the Tugboat, his breaths slowing as the adrenaline began to subside.

    But then, an unfamiliar sensation surged through his body. The liquid inside him¡ªwhatever it was¡ªfelt alive, more than ever before. Warmth flooded his veins, rising from his core to the top of his head. His vision blurred for a moment, and then a voice echoed in his mind.

    "Conquer fear."

    The words came in his own voice, louder than any thought he¡¯d ever had. It startled him, freezing him in place.

    "Conquer fear."

    There it was again, the phrase reverberating in his skull. Kai¡¯s eyes darted around, searching for something¡ªanything¡ªthat made sense. He closed his eyes, trying to steady his breath, but the voice returned, louder.

    "Conquer fear."

    He opened his eyes again, and his breath caught in his throat. Earl was gone. Rook was gone. The Tugboat, the cables¡ªeverything¡ªhad vanished.

    He was falling.

    The vortex spun below him, its chaotic pull promising destruction, a beast waiting to claim him. The swirling lights and shadows drew closer with every heartbeat.

    Kai inhaled sharply, his breaths becoming quick and shallow. His hands instinctively moved to activate his suit¡¯s thrusters, but nothing happened. He hit the button again, harder this time. Still nothing.

    "Conquer fear."

    The voice repeated, unrelenting. Kai¡¯s chest tightened as panic began to claw at him. He screamed, but no sound escaped his lips. He clenched his fists and stared into the vortex, refusing to close his eyes.

    "Conquer fear."

    He exhaled a shaky breath and muttered, "Take me, then." He crossed his arms over his chest, angling his body into a dive. The gravitational force grew stronger, pulling him faster. Rocks the size of buildings hurtled past him as he weaved and dodged, the chaos of the maelstrom engulfing him.

    "CONQUER FEAR!"

    "Sorry, Eliana," Kai murmured, his voice barely audible over the roar in his mind. "I have to do this."

    The pull of the vortex felt like it was ripping him apart. His body screamed in protest, his muscles trembling as if they were about to give out. It was the same unbearable pain he¡¯d felt the day the liquid first entered him¡ªsharp, invasive, like claws raking through his very being.

    But he stood firm.

    "Conquer fear," he murmured, gritting his teeth against the onslaught. Another wave of warmth surged through his body, even stronger than before. It spread to every fiber of his being, burning away the pain.

    Then, everything shifted.

    A sudden light blinded him, and the noise of the vortex fell away. He blinked rapidly, trying to adjust. Earl and Rook''s faces appeared before him, their expressions filled with worry.

    ¡°Kai!¡± Earl¡¯s voice was urgent, pulling him back to reality. ¡°Are you alright? You weren¡¯t responding to our comms.¡±

    Kai blinked, disoriented. His breaths came in shallow gasps as he tried to process what had just happened.

    ¡°Your eyes,¡± Rook said, his tone uneasy. He leaned closer, staring directly at Kai. ¡°They¡¯re... glowing.¡±

    Kai froze, his hand instinctively brushing over his face.

    Earl turned off the light shining into Kai¡¯s face, but the glow persisted. It was a faint soft, eerie luminescence radiating from his eyes.

    ¡°What the hell just happened to you?¡± Rook asked, his voice trembling slightly.

    The warmth was still there, lingering in his veins like a quiet hum. He couldn¡¯t explain it, but something inside him had changed again.

    Kai stood at the edge of the Tugboat, his body slightly leaning out. He stared into the swirling chaos of the vortex below, his lips curling slightly upwards. The vibrant, shifting lights of the maelstrom seemed to challenge him.

    ¡°Target found, ten o¡¯clock low,¡± Rook announced.

    The Tugboat¡¯s engines roared as it adjusted course, aligning itself with the target. Kai¡¯s eyes locked onto the distant rock, a jagged mass spinning erratically as it arced upward.

    ¡°Kai, you ready?¡±

 33. No More Fear

    Kai stood at the edge of the Tugboat, gripping the cable tightly as the asteroid hurtled upward, speeding towards them. The ship adjusted its angle and speed, its VTOL thrusters roaring as they synchronized with the trajectory of the target. The vortex below swirled in chaotic brilliance, its distorted lights a cacophony of motion and color.

    The rock grew larger in his vision, but Kai¡¯s expression remained calm. Something had changed within him, something undeniable. The liquid coursing through his veins had done more than enhance his physical abilities¡ªit had altered his very perception of fear. The vortex, once a terrifying abyss, now felt like nothing more than a puddle beneath his feet. The thought of possible death didn¡¯t bother him anymore.

    Suddenly, a faint sound filled his comms, growing louder. It was drumbeats¡ªquick, thrilling, relentless. A sharp guitar riff followed, fast and aggressive.

    ¡°Some music, it¡¯ll help calm your nerves,¡± Johnson¡¯s voice crackled through the comms, lighthearted but sincere.

    Kai listened, the heavy metal music surging into his ears, its raw energy making his blood pump harder. The vocalist¡¯s growling lyrics reverberated in his mind, the perfect accompaniment to the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He looked down at the rock below, then at the chaotic maelstrom surrounding it. The distorted lights twisted and shifted frantically, almost alive, as if they were daring him to flinch.

    The corner of his lips curved upward into a smirk. If the maelstrom wanted to challenge him, he would meet that challenge head-on.

    ¡°Louder,¡± Kai said.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Johnson responded, momentarily confused.

    ¡°I want to hear the music louder,¡± Kai clarified, his smirk widening.

    The music surged, the volume rising in his ears. Every detail became sharper¡ªthe pounding drums, the shredding guitar, the raw, guttural vocals. It wasn¡¯t chaos. It was a symphony of defiance.

    Kai shifted his focus back to the rock, calculating its trajectory with precision. It was nearing, but this time he wouldn¡¯t hesitate. He wouldn¡¯t waste a second.

    ¡°Now!¡± Earl¡¯s voice rang through the comms, but Kai was already in motion.

    He leaped from the ship, his arms wrapped securely around the cable as their combined mass propelled him downward. The windless void of space enveloped him, the maelstrom¡¯s distorted lights rushing past in a frantic blur. There was no sound beyond the heavy metal roaring in his ears, no more hesitation, no more fear.

    Kai shifted his weight and activated the thrusters, canceling his momentum. He landed on the rock and shoved the device into the mineral vein with a firm push.

    Red flashes.

    It didn¡¯t matter. He scanned the jagged terrain until his eyes caught a smooth surface not too far away. Taking a few careful steps, he crouched and peered at the vein beneath him¡ªa reflective darkness glinting faintly under his visor''s light.

    "Obsidian," Kai murmured. "This should do."

    He pressed the tube firmly onto the dark surface. This time, the light flashed green, and he felt the cable tighten with a satisfying jolt. Raising his head, he gave a thumbs-up to the crew aboard the Tugboat. All set.

    "Good job. Now let¡¯s get out of here," Rachel¡¯s voice crackled through the comms.

    Kai glanced back as the massive VTOL thrusters roared to life, their glow shifting to a bright blue as they reached full power. The timing was perfect¡ªthis time, the rock was still on its upward trajectory.

    The ship began its pull, and Kai could feel the tension in the line as it fought against the gravitational pull of the cosmic maelstrom.

    He looked around, noting their progress¡ªthey were already gaining a lot more distance than last time. For the first time in a while, he felt hopeful. The momentum was going to push the rock out of the gravitational field, and they¡¯d score a hefty chunk of rare metal. Enough, maybe, to finally upgrade the Black Swan.

    But then, a sudden flare of electrical energy surged through the ship. It struck from behind, a shimmering wave that radiated like a storm. The music in Kai''s ears cut off, leaving him in the silence of vacuum.

    The engines flickered, sputtered, and then faded out completely.

    A few seconds later, he could hear a faint static in his ear as partial communication returned.

    ¡°We ju....got hit by an elect...magmatic spike. All systems .... offline,¡± Johnson reported.

    ¡°How long until reboot?¡± Rachel asked, though a slight tinge of concern crept into her usually calm tone.

    Kai¡¯s mind worked quickly as he watched the engines fail and the rock¡¯s momentum slow. The pull of the maelstrom was relentless, and they were rapidly losing their ground. They needed power¡ªand they needed it now.

    ¡°Johnson, can you divert power from the secondary systems to jump-start the engines?¡± Rachel asked, her voice sharp and focused.

    ¡°No good,¡± Johnson replied. ¡°The spike fried the auxiliary circuits too. We¡¯re dead in the water until I can get the main reactor back online.¡±

    Kai¡¯s gaze shifted to the tethered rock. It was massive, and its mineral veins were glinting with an eerie luminescence. He understood now, it was charged from the maelstrom¡¯s energy. An idea sparked in his mind, though it was going to be a dangerous one.

    ¡°What if we use the rock to power the ship?¡± Kai said suddenly.

    Rachel frowned. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°The rock is charged with energy from the maelstrom. If I can rig a direct connection between the rock and the ship¡¯s power core, we might be able to give the engines enough of a jolt to get us moving again.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s insane,¡± Rachel said. ¡°You¡¯d be handling unstable energy. If it overloads¡ª¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re dead anyway,¡± Kai interrupted. ¡°This is our best shot.¡±

    Rachel hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Fine. Do it.¡±You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Kai didn¡¯t wait for further approval, he felt no hesitation, and definitely no fear. He grabbed a portable energy conduit from the ship¡¯s emergency supply locker and leaped onto the rock. The surface was jagged and unstable, but his boots magnetized securely. His HUD scanned the mineral veins, identifying the most concentrated energy source.

    ¡°Johnson, I¡¯m sending you the connection points. Be ready to channel the surge,¡± Kai said over the comms.

    ¡°Got it, but this better not blow up the ship,¡± Johnson replied, his voice nervous.

    Kai knelt on the rock and clamped the conduit into place. As soon as the connection was made, his suit¡¯s sensors went wild. The energy coursing through the rock was erratic, pulsing like a living thing.

    ¡°Stabilizing the flow,¡± Kai muttered to himself, adjusting the conduit¡¯s settings to regulate the surge. Sparks flew as the energy fed into the ship, the lights on the Tugboat flickering back to life.

    ¡°We¡¯re getting power!¡± Johnson shouted. ¡°Engines are spooling up now!¡±

    ¡°Hold it steady, Kai,¡± Rachel warned. ¡°The engines need a clean stream or they¡¯ll blow.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Kai replied, his voice calm despite the chaos. His hands moved quickly, recalibrating the conduit as the energy flow fluctuated. He felt the strange liquid inside him danced with rhythm he never felt before, raving and craving for more.

    Perhaps Eliana was right, what inside of him might really be Nano-machines.

    Finally, the engines roared to life, their VTOL thrusters flaring bright blue. The ship surged upward, the tether pulling the rock along with it. Kai disconnected the conduit and activated his thrusters, leaping back to the Tugboat just as the rock cleared the vortex¡¯s edge.

    He landed hard on the deck, breathing heavily as Rachel grabbed his arm.

    ¡°Are you insane?¡± she asked, her tone a mix of anger and relief.

    Kai grinned faintly. ¡°It worked, didn¡¯t it?¡±

    Rachel watched as the young man in front of her shrugged off the danger he¡¯d just faced like it was nothing. She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something about Kai had changed. Or maybe it was her perception of him. At the start of the mission, she¡¯d been quietly hoping he wouldn¡¯t slow the team down. Now, he¡¯d just saved the ship¡ªand everyone¡¯s lives.

    She studied him, puzzled. Who was this young man, really? How could someone stand at the edge of death and show no fear?

    Kai sat down, letting out a long breath as the tension in his body melted away. Relief washed over him. He was just glad they¡¯d managed to pull it off and bring home what they had. But he had to admit¡ªwhat he¡¯d done back there was pretty awesome.

    The ship eased into safe space and began its steady journey toward the station. The rock they¡¯d brought back was massive. They had to detach and fly behind it, reattaching to guide it carefully. Slowing its momentum required precision, and they started decelerating well in advance to ensure it didn¡¯t overshoot the station.

    Finally, they stopped the rock near the docking bay. Scavenger ships wasted no time swarming the giant mineral hulk, cutting it apart with laser tools and machinery.

    Kai stepped off the Tugboat into the hangar bay, his boots clanging softly against the metal deck. Eliana was there, waiting for him. She ran up, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace before kissing him deeply. When she finally let go, her eyes sparkled with pride and relief.

    ¡°Good job, Kai,¡± Commander Grayson said, stepping forward and clapping him on the shoulder.

    ¡°Yes, Kai, good job,¡± Rachel added with a rare smile. ¡°I have to say, what you did back there was more impressive than anything I¡¯ve seen in a long time. Honestly, I¡¯d invite you to stay on the team if you didn¡¯t already have something going on.¡± She glanced toward Eliana and grinned knowingly. ¡°But it looks like you¡¯ve got a crew¡ªand a pretty important mission ahead of you.¡±

    -----------------------

    The FSS Eclipse hung in orbit above Drakmoor, a beacon of the Federation¡¯s power and influence.

    Kevin stepped into the meeting room aboard the flagship, his boots echoing against the pristine floor.

    At the far end of the table sat Admiral Katherine Steele, the fleet commander of the Federation, her sharp gaze piercing even before she spoke.

    "Mr. Draco," Steele greeted him with a nod, her voice measured and authoritative. "Thank you for joining us."

    Kevin took his seat, glancing around the room. High-ranking officers flanked Steele, their faces marked by the same tension he felt in his gut. They all knew why they were here¡ªDrakmoor was standing on the precipice of invasion, and a possible all out war between the Federation and the Empire.

    "So," Kevin began, his tone steady despite the anxiety simmering beneath the surface, "what does the Federation plan to do about Drakmoor?"

    Steele leaned back slightly, her hands clasped on the table. "We¡¯re working on something," she said carefully. "A failsafe. If it succeeds, it could stop the Empire¡¯s fleet before they reach orbit."

    Kevin¡¯s brows furrowed. "And what exactly is this failsafe?"

    Her expression hardened, though it wasn¡¯t hostile. "I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s classified, Captain. It¡¯s too early to discuss the details, but rest assured, when the time comes, you¡¯ll know."

    Kevin didn¡¯t press further. The discussion shifted, and the mood in the room darkened as the conversation turned to the possibility of failure. Steele¡¯s voice was somber as she laid out the grim reality.

    "If the Empire breaks through our defenses," she said, "the situation on the ground will be dire. In that scenario, evacuation would be the only viable option. I know it¡¯s not what you want to hear, but we have to consider the lives of Drakmoor¡¯s people above all else."

    Kevin¡¯s jaw tightened. "Evacuate? You¡¯re asking us to abandon our home?"

    "It¡¯s not a decision I take lightly," Steele replied. "But survival sometimes requires sacrifices."

    Kevin shook his head firmly. "We can¡¯t just run. Drakmoor is more than just a planet to us¡ªit¡¯s everything. There¡¯s no way we¡¯re leaving, not without a fight."

    Steele studied him, her sharp eyes narrowing. There was something in his tone, a weight to his words that hinted at more than just stubborn resolve. "You¡¯re holding something back," she said finally. "What is it?"

    Kevin hesitated for a moment, the room falling silent. Then, with a deep breath, he decided to lay his cards on the table. "There¡¯s something buried on Drakmoor," he began, his voice low. "A ship. Not just any ship¡ªsomething ancient, important. And it¡¯s tied to the True Kin."

    The officers around the table exchanged uneasy glances, but Steele didn¡¯t flinch. "The True Kin," she repeated, her tone heavy with skepticism. "I have heard that name only in rumors, and the talk about them are frowned upon. So that¡¯s quite the claim, Kevin."

    "It¡¯s more than a claim," Kevin said. "We¡¯ve uncovered information that proves their existence, and that ship buried on Drakmoor could change everything. That''s why the Black Swan had taken off with Commander Grayson and his crew a few days ago, they are going to uncover the truth. So all I''m asking is the assistant of the Federation to provide protection if the True Kin unveil their existence."

    Steele leaned forward, her gaze intensifying. "You realize what you¡¯re asking, don¡¯t you? It could send shockwaves through the Federation. The panic, the political fallout¡­ this isn¡¯t a small matter, Kevin. You¡¯re throwing me a challenge that could bring chaos."

    "I know," Kevin admitted, his voice tinged with both urgency and defiance. "But the Empire isn¡¯t going to wait for us to sort out our fears and doubts. We need every advantage we can get, and this ship might be the key."

    Steele sat back, the weight of the revelation settling over her. She tapped her fingers lightly on the table, deep in thought. Finally, she spoke. "I¡¯ll see what I can do. But this isn¡¯t just my decision. There¡¯s the parliament I¡¯ll have to deal with, and you can bet they won¡¯t take this lightly."

    Kevin nodded, grateful.

    As the meeting drew to a close, Steele rose from her seat, signaling the end of their conversation. Before Kevin could leave, she addressed him one last time.

    "Kevin," she said, her tone softening slightly, "I need you to understand something. Even with this failsafe, even with everything we¡¯re doing, there¡¯s a very real chance we could lose. If that happens, Drakmoor¡¯s people will need to be evacuated. I suggest you start preparing for that possibility now. Don¡¯t let pride blind you to reality."

    Kevin turned back to face her. He hesitated, but nodded at the end.

    If the day of defeat comes, he will make sure that the secret of the buried ship doesn''t get discovered by the wrong had.

    But before then, he was counting on the Black Swan to success.

 34. Lets Feast - 200 Followers Bonus!

    A sharp knife flew across the room, whizzing past Kai and embedding itself in the soft board behind him with a dull thud.

    ¡°Again,¡± Kai shouted.

    Eliana frowned, gripping another knife. She weighed it in her hand, testing its balance before tossing it. This one sliced through the air even closer, grazing a few strands of Kai¡¯s hair.

    ¡°Again,¡± Kai said, unshaken.

    On the other side of the room, Eliana hesitated. She was starting to doubt the wisdom of this exercise. She picked up another blade, gripping it by the tip and letting the cool steel rest against her fingers. With a sharp flick of her wrist, she threw it, but the instant it left her hand, she winced.

    She could feel it¡ªthis throw was different. The knife was on a direct course for Kai¡¯s head. Her chest tightened, her breath caught.

    Kai watched her movements closely, reading the trajectory the moment the knife left her hand. He knew. This one was going to hurt.

    But he didn¡¯t flinch, didn¡¯t panic.

    Instead, he focused entirely on the blade. Its spinning body became a blur of motion as it flew, but in his mind, it was clear¡ªhe could see the rotation, the angle, the speed.

    Kai began to inhale, slow and controlled. Despite the danger, he felt completely at ease. This was what he wanted.

    The experience of dive mining in the cosmic maelstrom a week ago had changed something inside him. A switch had flipped in his mind. He felt different now¡ªless nervous, more confident, more in control. It was the result of the voice he heard in his head, it was telling him to literally "Conquer fear."

    And now Kai felt no fear.

    That change had brought something else with it: an enhanced ability to focus under pressure. When danger loomed, everything seemed to slow down for him, like the world was moving at half speed. It was as if he could see the future before they happened, and his perception of time itself had sharpened.

    The knife was almost on him, but Kai waited, calm and poised. Then, in one fluid motion, he dodged to the right, letting the blade pass where his head had been just a second before. At the same time, his hand shot up, snatching the knife out of the air with precision.

    From Eliana¡¯s perspective, it was as if Kai had sped up, moving faster than seemed possible. She had been sure¡ªabsolutely sure¡ªthat the knife was going to hit him. For a horrifying moment, she thought she¡¯d just killed her boyfriend. But then, in a blur of motion, Kai caught the knife mid-flight, stopping it dead.

    Her jaw dropped as relief flooded her. ¡°How¡­ how did you do that?¡±

    Kai turned the knife in his hand, inspecting the blade with a faint smirk. ¡°Focus,¡± he said simply, tossing the knife back toward her, handle first.

    Eliana caught it instinctively, still wide-eyed. ¡°I was sure that one would¡­¡± She trailed off, her heart still racing.

    Kai''s expression is softer now. ¡°That¡¯s the point,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s not about avoiding danger¡ªit¡¯s about controlling it. The maelstrom taught me that.¡±

    Eliana blinked at him, still processing what she¡¯d just seen. She was proud of her own speed and precision, but Kai had moved like he was on a different level entirely. A small smile crept across her face despite herself.

    ¡°You¡¯re insane, you know that?¡± she said, shaking her head.

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Kai replied with a grin. ¡°But you¡¯ve got to admit¡ªit¡¯s kind of impressive.¡±

    Eliana rolled her eyes, but she couldn¡¯t help the pride bubbling up inside her. ¡°Yeah, yeah. Don¡¯t let it go to your head, though.¡±

    Kai laughed lightly, but his mind was already somewhere else, thinking about how far he could push himself. He could get faster, he was sure of that.

    The door slid open with a soft whoosh, revealing Commander Grayson standing outside, his hand poised mid-air as though about to knock. He blinked, clearly caught off guard, his sharp eyes surveying the scene before him.

    Kai realized immediately what had happened¡ªhe must have forgotten to change the door settings after configuring them for Eliana¡¯s visit earlier.

    Commander Grayson took in the unusual sight: Kai stood near a soft pin-board with several knives embedded in it, some lying scattered on the floor. Across the room, Eliana stood with a handful of knives, clearly the one responsible for throwing them.

    "Is this why I couldn¡¯t find any knives in the cafeteria earlier?" Grayson asked, one eyebrow arching in quiet amusement.

    Kai and Eliana straightened instinctively at the sight of the commander, like kids caught sneaking sweets before dinner.

    "Sorry, Commander," Kai said quickly. "We were planning to return them as soon as we finished. We didn¡¯t think anyone would be using the cafeteria at this hour."

    Grayson raised a hand, cutting him off. "Relax. I¡¯m not here to judge how you spend your free time." He crossed his arms, his tone turning matter-of-fact. "I came to let you know that the Black Swan has finished its upgrades."

    Kai¡¯s eyes lit up, but before he could respond, Grayson tilted his head, his curiosity getting the better of him. "But I have to ask¡ªwhat exactly are you doing here?"

    Kai and Eliana exchanged a glance. It was brief, but the silent understanding between them was clear: sometimes it¡¯s better to show than tell.

    Without a word, Eliana plucked a knife from her hand, raised it by the blade, and threw it across the room with precision. It spun through the air toward Kai, fast and direct. Kai reacted instantly, sidestepping just enough to let the knife miss his head by a hair¡¯s breadth before snatching it out of the air with a single fluid motion.

    Grayson¡¯s eyes widened slightly, but his composed demeanor remained intact. "Impressive," he admitted, nodding in approval.

    He glanced once more at the pin-board littered with knives. "Now, meet me in the lobby in five minutes. And dress appropriately."

    Kai and Eliana entered the lobby after a quick stop at the cafeteria, where they returned the knives. The staff there looked confused but accepted the utensils without a word.

    As they stepped into the lobby, it was clear that it had been transformed. The space was adorned with banners and soft lights that shimmered like starlight. A massive holographic display showcased the Black Swan in its newly reconstructed glory. The lobby was filled and lively.

    Kai¡¯s eyes scanned the crowd. The rest of the crew was already present, mingling with a mix of staff and a handful of guests. His gaze landed on Aria, who spotted him and Eliana almost instantly. She waved at them with a warm smile and her pointing finger on her lips, she was wearing sunglasses, disguising herself. Kai and Eliana returned the smile and silent acknowledgment for her disguise.

    As they joined the crew near the stage, the lights dimmed, signaling the ceremony''s start. A hush fell over the room as a spotlight illuminated the stage. At its center, the designer in an electric wheelchair rolled forward. He wore a formal suit and tie, and carried himself with the pride of someone who had poured his soul into his work.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    Taking the microphone, he began to speak in a voice full of sincerity and pride.

    "It is my honor to be here today," he said, his eyes sweeping the room. "The Black Swan is already a marvel of engineering, a ship of both beauty and purpose. Today, it has been reborn, made even better by the dedicated team at the Forge, and the help of it''s crew members."

    He paused, allowing his words to sink in, then continued. "This ship is now the first of its kind: an exploration vessel equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a revolutionary self-sufficient system designed for long-range space missions. This breakthrough was made possible by the contributions of renowned scientists and computer genius Isaac."

    The audience broke into polite applause, and Isaac, standing among the crowd, nodded happily.

    The designer continued on, introducing the new implemented features of the Black Swan. Every demand in the original redesign blueprint had been fulfilled, plus some more.

    As the formal portion of the ceremony concluded, the designer smiled and gestured toward the path leading to the shuttle bay. "Now, I invite the crew of the Black Swan to see their new ship."

    Kai followed the rest of the crew onto the shuttle, his anticipation building with every step. It wasn¡¯t until the shuttle neared the construction platform that he finally saw the newly reconstructed Black Swan up close.

    The ship was larger than before but retained its elegant, streamlined design. Its surface gleamed under the spotlights. Kai couldn¡¯t take his eyes off it, his gaze tracing the ship¡¯s contours until the platform obstructed his view.

    When they crossed the bridge connecting the docking bay to the ship, the scale of the Black Swan became even more impressive. Through the glass panels of the bridge, Kai marveled at its sheer size.

    He took Eliana''s hand into his, they were both excited to see what the inside of the ship had to offer.

    The interior of the Black Swan had undergone a complete transformation. The hallways were brighter, with smooth transitions between the ship¡¯s original sections and its newly added compartments. The design felt seamless, easy on the eyes for long term living inside of the ship.

    The tour took them through the ship¡¯s various sections, showcasing the upgrades. Kai couldn¡¯t help but smile when they reached the training room. It was his favorite place on the ship, and now it was equipped with state of the art simulation systems capable of replicating more complex scenarios than ever before. He could already imagine the endless possibilities for honing his skills here.

    Isaac¡¯s excitement was evident when they reached the new scientific research lab. The room was packed with advanced equipment, enabling him to run demanding calculations and experiments onboard. "It¡¯s not the Nexus," Isaac said with a grin, "but it¡¯s close enough."

    The galley had also been expanded. It was now large enough to accommodate the entire crew for meals and events, a welcome change that would make celebrations and gatherings much easier. This was where the tour concluded, and the atmosphere was one of unanimous approval.

    As the ceremony wound down, Commander Grayson approached the designer. The two exchanged a firm handshake, marking the official handover of the Black Swan.

    "Thank you for your work," Grayson said. "We have made the right choice coming here."

    The designer smiled warmly. "She¡¯s in good hands. I wish you all the best in your missions ahead."

    With that, the designer and his team departed, leaving Kai and the rest of the crew standing aboard their newly upgraded ship.

    Kai looked around, taking in the faces of his comrades. Everyone seemed genuinely happy, each finding something to appreciate in the Black Swan¡¯s redesign. The ship was more than just a vessel¡ªit was their home, their sanctuary for the foreseeable future. It felt lively.

    Kai felt alive. The Forge had been a comfortable place to stay¡ªhe¡¯d spent plenty of time training with Eliana and even more time relaxing. But Kai had never been someone to linger in one place for too long. As nice as it was, the Forge wasn¡¯t where he belonged. The Black Swan was always what he craved¡ªa home among the stars, a chance to wake up every day with something new to see.

    Their journey was just beginning. The vast stretch of No Man¡¯s Land still lay ahead of them, a frontier of mystery and danger waiting to be explored. Kai¡¯s heart quickened at the thought.

    That night, the crew gathered in the galley. The tables were piled with freshly cooked food that smelled divine¡ªcourtesy of Lily, who was commanding the kitchen with a confident that only she could pull off.

    Members of the crew pitched in wherever they could, adding to the atmosphere of camaraderie and warmth.

    Kai stood at one of the counters, peeling the skin off some vegetables for the meal. Eliana worked beside him, doing the same. They exchanged a few lighthearted jokes as they worked, the sound of their laughter blending with the bustling noise of the galley.

    Across the room, Baiyan wrestled with a knife, muttering curses under his breath as he tried to chop ingredients. Kai chuckled, watching as Lily swooped in to show him the proper technique.

    Commander Grayson was there too, surprisingly relaxed as he helped with small tasks. Despite his rank, he was very much a part of the team.

    The atmosphere felt like a family coming together for a special dinner. People talked and laughed, their voices echoing warmly against the galley walls.

    As Kai worked, he caught Eliana¡¯s gaze. For a moment, everything else seemed to fade away¡ªthe noise, the tasks, the journey ahead.

    "Feels like home?" Eliana asked softly, a small smile tugging at her lips.

    Kai met her eyes, his own smile growing. "Feels like home," he replied.

    With everyone''s help, the dinner preparations were finished in no time. It was a true team effort, and the combined contributions made the meal as satisfying to look at as it promised to taste. When the food was finally ready, there was a shared sense of accomplishment in the room¡ªa feeling that extended beyond the dishes themselves.

    The galley shifted to a warm, ambient light, casting a cozy glow over the space. The crew gathered around the tables, the anticipation building for their first dinner together aboard the newly rebuilt Black Swan.

    Kai sat with Eliana, Robert, Teresa, and Ivan, chatting lightly as they waited for the meal to officially begin. The hum of conversation filled the room until Commander Grayson stood and raised his hand, drawing everyone''s attention.

    The chatter died down as all eyes turned to him.

    Grayson began. ¡°First of all, I want to welcome each and every one of you as the crew of the Black Swan. You are not just a team¡ªyou are family now. When I served in the military, there was a saying: the bond between a crew is thicker than anything else. We depend on each other out here, and that trust is what will see us through.¡±

    There was a murmur of agreement around the room as he continued.

    ¡°As part of this ceremony, I¡¯m officially assigning your roles aboard the ship.¡± He paused, glancing at each person in turn. ¡°Ivan, you remain our pilot. Teresa, you are our engineer, and Robert, our gunner. Lily will manage inventory, ensuring we¡¯re stocked and ready for anything. Ray is second pilot, Isaac remains our scientist, and Baiyan is our security officer. Eliana will train with Teresa, learning engineering, and Kai¡­¡± He smiled briefly. ¡°Kai will be learning the gunner role.¡±

    Kai grinned at the announcement. It was the perfect fit, a chance to test his reflexes and newfound abilities. He nodded, accepting the role.

    Grayson continued. ¡°Now, let¡¯s talk about the journey ahead. Before we reach No Man¡¯s Land, there are a few stops we need to make to better prepare ourselves. Because once we cross the edge, we¡¯ll be completely on our own. No support, no backup. That''s why we will be stopping at Aurelia Prime, where the ship will conduct its final resupply.¡±

    He looked towards Isaac, "Isaac would also like to visit the Archive. And determined if the data store there was forged."

    Isaac nodded, "If our history had been changed in any way. We will be able to find the inconsistency in them. It won''t change our expedition to Earth, but will be a solid piece of evidence."

    Grayson nodded, then his expression grew more serious. ¡°This expedition won¡¯t always be sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes we¡¯ll face challenges. Whatever comes our way, we¡¯ll need to face it as a team. That¡¯s our strength: each of you brings something vital to the table, and together, we will have what it takes to succeed.¡±

    He paused, letting his words settle. ¡°What we¡¯re doing isn¡¯t just a mission. This expedition might very well change the future of humanity. Whatever truth we discover out there, it¡¯s going to matter. A lot. So I promise you this: I¡¯ll do everything I can to keep all of you safe and to command this ship to the best of my ability. In return, I ask each single one of you to do your part to the best of your abilities as well.¡±

    As he finished, Grayson raised his glass. ¡°To the Black Swan and her crew!¡±

    The room erupted in cheers, the clinking of glasses echoing through the galley as everyone toasted to their shared future.

    Kai took a sip of his drink, savoring the taste as the celebration unfolded around him. He glanced at Eliana and felt her hand slip into his under the table. He squeezed it gently, and they exchanged a quiet smile, sharing the moment.

    Commander Grayson¡¯s speech lingered in Kai¡¯s mind. The mood was light now, but beneath the cheer, he could sense the weight of what was to come. The journey ahead would not be easy.

    Still, as he looked around at the faces of his crew, now his new found family, he felt a deep sense of resolve.

    Live together, die together. That''s the bond they shared now.

    Kai took another sip of his drink, the warmth from the alcohol spreading through him.

    "But first," he thought, leaning back with a small smile, "let¡¯s feast.¡±

 35. The End of A New Beginning

    Ship Head Magazine, Issue #2452

    The Backbone of Our Society ¡ª The Legend of the Kamotsu Hauler

    Hey readers and friends, welcome back to another issue of Ship Head Magazine! We hope your day is all sunshine and rainbows (unless, of course, it¡¯s acid rain¡ªthen stay indoors). Before we dive in, let us take a moment to thank you, whether you¡¯re reading this or listening to the audio version. Your time and support mean the galaxy to us! Now, let¡¯s get started.

    This week, we¡¯re stepping away from our usual focus on sleek, expensive, and futuristic starships. Instead, we¡¯re shining a light on something far more humble¡ªbut infinitely more important. Yes, you guessed it: today, we¡¯re talking about the unsung hero of interstellar society, the ship that some might argue is the very reason the Federation has achieved its current heights.

    The Kamotsu Industry Hauler: The Workhorse of the Federation

    To understand the legendary status of the Kamotsu Hauler, we need to look back at why it was created. But before that, let¡¯s talk about one of the most significant challenges of life in space - transportation.

    No matter where you¡¯re from¡ªwhether it¡¯s the luxurious cloud cities of Aranthera, the bustling industrial hubs of Karnath, or even one of the Empire-controlled worlds (Don¡¯t worry, we appreciate you!)¡ªone thing we can all agree on: space is big. Really big. And because of that, transportation takes a long time.

    For civilizations to function across vast interstellar distances, they needed more than just advanced technology. They needed reliable transportation to physically move information, goods, and people across the stars. That¡¯s where the Kamotsu Hauler came in.

    When the Federation was first established, it was little more than a fragile alliance of a few star systems, united in their desperate struggle for independence against the Empire.

    The war they fought was not just a battle of ideals but a test of survival against an adversary with unmatched resources and a formidable fleet of warships.

    In those early days, the odds were stacked heavily against the Federation, and they found themselves scrambling to solve one of their most pressing challenges: logistics.

    The ability to supply the frontlines with food, ammunition, and reinforcements was critical to their survival. The Federation needed a ship capable of making faster-than-light jumps, but it also needed to be affordable to produce and easy to maintain.

    Out of this dire necessity, the Kamotsu Hauler was born¡ªa ship designed not for grandeur, but for practicality and resilience.

    The Hauler¡¯s design philosophy was simple: adaptability and reliability. It featured a modular structure that could be reconfigured to meet a variety of needs. Cargo bays could be swapped out for passenger compartments, medical facilities, or even barracks. This versatility meant the Hauler could serve as a supply ship, troop transporter, or emergency medical vessel, depending on the mission. It was this flexibility that made the Kamotsu Hauler indispensable, especially in a war where the Federation had to innovate to keep pace with the Empire¡¯s overwhelming firepower.

    As the war dragged on, the Empire began systematically targeting the Federation¡¯s ship leans, leaving the cargo ships increasingly vulnerable. In response, Federation engineers turned to the Hauler once again, this time retrofitting it with weaponry to create the Warden variant. Armed with basic railguns and point-defense systems, these modified Haulers were never meant to rival the Empire¡¯s warships in direct combat, but they filled a critical gap. They defended supply convoys, escorted vital resources, and stood their ground in smaller skirmishes. The Warden¡¯s resilience and simplicity allowed damaged ships to be repaired and redeployed with remarkable speed, further cementing the Hauler¡¯s reputation as a workhorse of the war.

    When the War of Independence finally ended and the Federation emerged victorious, the Kamotsu Hauler¡¯s role did not diminish. Instead, it grew even more vital. The newly-formed Federation, now tasked with rebuilding and uniting its liberated territories, leaned heavily on the Hauler. It became the standard cargo and passenger ship, a common sight in the space lanes and docking bays of every Federation system.

    Over time, the Hauler¡¯s practicality and dependability made it beloved by the Federation¡¯s people. It wasn¡¯t flashy or fast, but it always got the job done. Decades later, it remains the most-produced ship in human history. Modern iterations of the Hauler have seen upgrades and refinements, but its core principles¡ªreliability, adaptability, and simplicity remain unchanged.

    The Kamotsu Hauler may not turn heads or inspire awe, but it doesn¡¯t need to. Its legacy is not one of spectacle but of quiet, unyielding support. Without it, the Federation would have struggled to survive its earliest days, and its ongoing expansion would be far less certain. The Hauler is more than just a ship; it¡¯s a symbol of resilience and collaboration, a testament to what can be achieved when necessity drives innovation. It is the backbone of the Federation, a humble yet legendary vessel that continues to shape the course of human history.

    So next time you see one of these ¡°ordinary¡± ships cruising through the space ways, take a moment to appreciate it. Behind every Hauler is a story of countless worlds connected, countless lives made better, and a legacy that will endure for generations.

    And that, dear readers, is the legend of the Kamotsu Hauler¡ªthe unassuming hero that truly keeps the galaxy turning.

    Until next time, keep flying steady.

    ¡ª Ship Head Magazine Team

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Kai finished reading the article and set the tablet down. He¡¯d missed the last few issues of The Ship Head while they were in the Forge, but now he had some spare time to catch up as the Black Swan waited in one of the busiest ship lanes leading into New Oliver City.

    Kai had visited Aurelia Prime once before, back when he was still just a boy. The planet had mesmerized him with its unique politics, architecture, and culture. Unlike most other worlds in human space, Aurelia Prime and its seven moons weren¡¯t under the control of the Empire or the Federation. Instead, they operated as an independent state governed by their own system.

    The seven moons acted as vital support worlds, supplying Aurelia Prime with food and raw materials. Together, they sustained the oldest inhabited planet in human space. Aurelia Prime wasn¡¯t just ancient¡ªit was the most populated and most complex world known to humanity.

    The planet itself was divided into levels, each representing a different era of its history. The uppermost levels were the newest, gleaming with modernity, while the lower levels descended into the past, remnants of centuries of habitation stacked layer upon layer.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    The sheer amount of man-made structures on the planet was staggering, so much so that their combined mass had slowed Aurelia Prime¡¯s rotation. What used to be a 24-hour day was now 24 hours and 30 minutes.

    This extra half an hour had given rise to one of the most unusual traditions Kai had ever encountered. He still remembered the strange, almost surreal experience from his childhood visit.

    At midnight each night, when the clocks struck 12:00 a.m., they simply stopped. For the next thirty minutes, life on Aurelia Prime ground to a halt. Everyone was required to stay indoors. During this time, massive flying machines known as ¡°Watchers¡± patrolled the streets, scanning for anyone still outside.

    If someone was caught in the open, local security forces would detain them immediately. They would check the person¡¯s identity to ensure they had legal status on the planet and the proper clearance for their level. Those found to be wanted criminals, or individuals who didn¡¯t belong on that level, were detained for further judgment.

    At the time, Kai had thought it was a cruel and draconian rule. Now, older and perhaps a little wiser, he understood the reasoning behind it. On a planet housing over 30 billion people, this strict system was their way of maintaining a delicate balance with the fragile environment they all depended on.

    Through the viewport on the bridge, he watched the steady flow of vessels. Ahead of the Black Swan, countless ships hovered in line, all waiting their turn to the Humanities home world.

    Most of the ships were, unsurprisingly, Haulers and other brands of cargo ships. They reminded Kai of the old trucks used in the mines¡ªrugged, unpolished workhorses that never seemed to die. He¡¯d heard stories of some trucks being as old as the mines themselves, still running on little more than the bare minimum of maintenance.

    There was something about the uniform appearance of the haulers that calmed Kai. Maybe it was the orderliness, the way every ship seemed to follow its place in the line. The Black Swan was part of that line, waiting patiently to be redirected into orbit.

    Kai glanced around the bridge. It was empty except for him. Most of the crew were still recovering from hangovers, including his girlfriend, Eliana.

    Kai didn¡¯t drink with Eliana¡ªnot because he didn¡¯t want to, but because she wasn¡¯t much of a drinker. Her tolerance was practically nonexistent, yet she kept going like she had something to prove. By the end of the night, Kai had to escort her back to her room, and as a result, he didn¡¯t get to drink at all.

    Footsteps behind him broke his train of thought. Turning, he saw Ivan entering the bridge, holding two cups.

    ¡°Thanks for keeping an eye on the ship,¡± Ivan said, handing one to Kai.

    ¡°No need to thank me. All I did was read magazines and stare out the viewport,¡± Kai replied, taking the cup.

    It was true. After Ivan left, the ship had done all the work on autopilot. All Kai had done was read the magazine and glance out at the same view every now and then.

    ¡°This is going to be a long night,¡± Ivan said, easing into the pilot¡¯s seat. ¡°Why don¡¯t you get some rest? I¡¯ll handle things here.¡±

    Kai thought about it, then shook his head. ¡°We¡¯re near the front of the line now, and I want to see how the landing works here.¡±

    ¡°That''s fine with me,¡± Ivan said with a shrug. ¡°Strap in.¡±

    Kai slid into his chair and strapped himself in. He was curious. A city like New Oliver¡ª300 million people packed into the upper levels alone¡ªwas something else. Its population rivaled that of an entire industrial planet. He wanted to see how the Black Swan would handle it.

    Finally, the ship started to move. They were being released from the line.

    ¡°Please follow the designated landing path and remain mindful of other vessels. Failure to comply will result in penalties,¡± the automated voice warned through Kai¡¯s headset.

    Ivan powered up the thrusters, and the Black Swan began its descent. Kai could see the city of New Oliver now¡ªnot the buildings, but the glow of its lights cutting through the darkness. Even in the dark side of the planet, it was massive, easily a dozen times the size of their city on Darkmoor.

    Cities like this blanketed all of Aurelia Prime. This was the heart of human space, a hub of opportunity, profit, and danger. There was something for everyone here.

    A soft orange glow flickered along the edges of the ship as it pushed through the atmosphere. The Black Swan trembled briefly, then steadied.

    Aurelia Prime wasn¡¯t just a stop on their way to the Dead Zone. Being the oldest human occupying planet, it was a repository of knowledge, home to archives that covered nearly every aspect of human history. That history was why Kai wanted to come. He was starting to believe much of what they¡¯d been taught about humanity¡¯s origins wasn¡¯t true.

    The ship slowed as it fully entered the atmosphere. Ivan followed the designated flight path, dropping altitude as they approached their landing zone.

    Kai finally spotted it: an area just outside the city¡¯s brightest lights. Ships swarmed the area, landing and taking off in controlled chaos. As long as everyone stuck to their flight paths, collisions seemed unlikely.

    They waited ten more minutes before their pad was cleared. A massive cargo ship lifted off, leaving behind a smoky trail.

    Finally, it was their turn. The Black Swan eased forward, maneuvering carefully through the crowded airspace. Around them, ships were constantly landing or taking off, but the process was seamless.

    The Black Swan, now officially classified as a large vessel, descended onto the pad with surprising softness. The massive landing gears and suspension system caught the ground and gently lowered the ship.

    "Thank you for choosing the planetary landing service. Due to the time of your arrival, please remain in your ship and wait until the curfew is over. Going outside at this time is a serious crime," the same automated voice announced.

    "Alright then," Ivan said, standing up. "Looks like everything''s on hold for now. I''m going to get some rest¡ªyou should do the same, Kai."

    "Thanks, but I¡¯ll stay here a bit longer and finish reading the magazine. Have a good rest, Ivan," Kai replied, picking up his tablet again.

    "Good night, Kai." Ivan patted Kai''s shoulder and left the bridge.

    Kai skimmed through a few more articles, his mind wandering in and out of focus. Then, a headline grabbed his attention:

    "A Marvel of Engineering: The Future of Deep Space Travel ¡ª A Sneak Peek at The Black Swan."

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    A grin spread across the man¡¯s face. He wore sunglasses. Even in the dimly lit bar, his mean expression is enough to scare away the other patrons.

    He flipped a magazine in his hand, scanning it front to back again, before tossing it onto the counter in front of him.

    A soft chuckle escaped his lips, growing louder until it turned into a full laugh.

    What a coincidence.

    Fate really had a sense of humor. He¡¯d scoured countless systems looking for that boy and the ship he was on, only to come up empty-handed. Now he understood why¡ªthey¡¯d been in hiding, undergoing some kind of transformation.

    But now, he had the information he needed about the Black Swan. All it would take was a ship enthusiast to post a picture of the ship, and he¡¯d know exactly where to find it.

    He drained the rest of his drink in one swift gulp. The top-shelf whiskey tasted even better in the moment of triumph.

    Setting the glass down, he picked up the pistol lying on the counter. The suppressor attached to the barrel still emitted faint wisps of smoke.

    As he stood, his foot kicked an empty bullet casing across the floor with a soft *tink*. A pool of blood was seeping from the other side of the counter, snaking through the cracks in the floor.

    He glanced around, considering whether to take a souvenir, but shrugged it off. He¡¯d already sampled the good stuff, and the rest? Just cheap imitations.

    ¡°Time to leave this damned planet,¡± he muttered to himself.

    The red desert outside was too hot, too dry, and he hated it.

 36. New Oliver

    Kai finished reading the article about the Black Swan. The idea of a Ship Head magazine writer residing in the Cosmic Maelstrom Shipyard had completely slipped his mind.

    He silently cursed himself¡ªhe could have been part of the interview if he¡¯d known about it. What a wasted opportunity to be featured in his favorite magazine.

    Standing up, Kai stretched and headed  back to his room. It was getting late, and he needed to catch some rest too.

    His upgraded room aboard the Black Swan was larger than the one he¡¯d had before. Located on the second level of the ship, it was just across from Eliana¡¯s. Spacious yet simple, it was also more personalized now. Kai had spent some time arranging his few belongings in a way that reminded him of his old room on Velmorra.

    As he stepped inside, the lights flicked on automatically. His gaze landed on the sword Commander Yang had given him, hanging on the far wall. Kai had been obsessed with swordsmanship ever since his duel with Baiyan. He regularly trained with the man in the ship¡¯s training room. To most, swordplay was an outdated skill, but Kai saw it differently. It sharpened his reflexes, enhanced his focus, and improved his ability to ¡°slow down time.¡±

    He stripped off his uniform and neatly folded it, placing it on the nightstand beside a photo of himself and Eliana. In the picture, they stood together in front of the four-seater craft they had taken for flight. Kai smiled softly. He had only known Eliana for less than a month, but they had hit it off quite quickly. Now she was his girlfriend.

    Yet, to Kai, she was so much more than that. If Kai was the Federation, then Eliana will be the Kamotsu Hauler¡ªshe was his backbone, his unwavering support, and his motivation to keep moving forward.

    Lying down on his bed, Kai glanced out the window and checked the time.

    11:55 PM.

    Five more minutes until curfew began.

    Kai¡¯s thoughts wandered to the crew of the Black Swan. They had taught him so much and made him stronger than he¡¯d ever been before. Sure, the strange liquid¡ªthe advanced nanomachines, he suspected¡ªhad helped, but it wasn¡¯t the liquid that gave him his confidence. It was the knowledge, the skills, and the bonds he¡¯d formed with the crew. Without them, he doubted he would have had the courage to embark on this expedition.

    Then there was the matter of what lay ahead. After gathering information on Aurelia Prime, they would be heading deep into uncharted space, far from any human worlds. They would be entirely on their own.

    A soft hum outside caught Kai¡¯s attention. It grew louder. Raising his head, he looked out the window. On the horizon, a faint red light was approaching.

    00:00 AM.

    He leaned closer to the window, trying to make out what it was. At first, it looked like multiple ships, but then Kai realized it was one massive vessel.

    ¡°The Watcher,¡± he murmured.

    The ship¡¯s design was bizarre, almost surreal. Kai couldn¡¯t tell if its width far exceeded its length or if it was simply flying sideways. Green and red strobe lights blinked along its underside, serving as a warning to other vessels. The red light emanated from the bottom of the ship, casting an eerie glow across the ground below, marking everything it touched with crimson.

    As Kai¡¯s eyes adjusted, he noticed more Watchers in the distance, evenly spaced every few kilometers, stretching as far as he could see. He remembered his father once telling him about these ships¡ªmachines that never landed, constantly patrolling the darkness.

    The red glow grew brighter as the Watcher neared. The light illuminated everything outside¡ªthe landing pads, the other ships, and... a man.

    Kai froze.

    A figure stood on the edge of the landing pad, dressed in dark clothes and wearing sunglasses. Kai¡¯s heart skipped a beat as their eyes met, even through the dark lenses.

    The man grinned, a sinister curve on his lips.

    For a moment, the red light from the Watcher focused entirely on the man, bathing him in a menacing glow. Then, chaos erupted outside. The hum of engines and the faint sound of sirens filled the air as security ships descended on the area.

    A spotlight from one of the ships swept across Kai¡¯s window, momentarily blinding him. When it moved away, Kai looked back to where the man had been.

    He was gone.

    The Watcher above continued its endless patrol, its red light fading from view. The security ships circled the Black Swan a few more times before departing as well.

    Kai sat there, his thoughts racing. Whoever that man was, Kai didn¡¯t like the way he had looked at him. There had been something predatory in his gaze, a silent challenge that made Kai uneasy.

    Blinking a few times to clear his vision, Kai laid back down and turned off the lights.

    The man had vanished, and local security hadn¡¯t caught anyone. Kai was certain he had seen the man¡ªthere was no mistaking that sinister grin.

    Outside, rain began to fall, a steady rhythm tapping against the window. Thunder flashed across the sky, illuminating the room for a brief moment.

    He was wide awake now. This wasn¡¯t how he had pictured his visit to Aurelia Prime starting. Getting harassed by the locals was the last thing on his mind.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    Three faint knocks echoed from the door, pulling him from his thoughts.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Kai asked, his voice cautious.

    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± came Eliana¡¯s soft, faint voice from the other side.

    Kai visibly relaxed, his shoulders dropping as the tension left his body.

    ¡°Come in,¡± he said.

    He quickly hid his worry, letting a smile replace the concern on his face. He didn¡¯t want his paranoia affecting Eliana.

    And how could he stay worried? The girl standing before him was simply too adorable for that. Eliana still looked half-asleep, her face slightly flushed, likely from the remnants of her hangover. Her hair was a messy tangle, clearly untouched since she¡¯d rolled out of bed.

    Eliana¡¯s eyes fluttered, unable to decide whether to stay open or closed. She didn¡¯t say a word as she walked over to him, arms already outstretched.

    Kai opened his arms and pulled her in.

    Eliana was always a different person at night. Around the crew, she was playful and mischievous, often spending just as much time with them as she did with Kai. She was the kind of person who could light up a room with her presence.

    But when the day wound down, and it was just the two of them, her softer, more vulnerable side came through. She craved closeness in these moments¡ªwhether it was curling up in his lap, reading an issue of Ship Head together, or watching a movie.

    Kai had a feeling it was because she felt truly comfortable with him, able to let her guard down. And he felt the same way about her. Just having her in his room now was enough to make him forget about the bizarre encounter with the man in sunglasses.

    He held her close, her warmth a quiet reassurance that, for the moment, everything was okay.

    Kai woke up the next morning as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the window, warming his eyelids.

    He tried to stretch his arms but found he couldn¡¯t move them. Eliana was curled up against him, still sound asleep in his embrace.

    Kai¡¯s face reddened. Their relationship hadn¡¯t progressed beyond hugs and kisses yet, so waking up to find her beside him was an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise.

    He gently brushed her hair back, uncovering her delicate features, and couldn¡¯t help but smile. Leaning in, he kissed her forehead softly.

    Kai hated what he was about to do next. Part of him wanted to stay like this, savoring the quiet moment with Eliana, but they had a packed day ahead. Their time on Aurelia Prime was limited, and every minute counted.

    Kai gently slid his arm out from under Eliana. She mumbled something unintelligible, reluctantly shifting in her sleep, but didn¡¯t resist.

    Standing in his room, Kai stretched, feeling refreshed from the rest. He shook off the lingering image of the creepy man in sunglasses as he pulled on his uniform. Time to get moving.

    Kai had always loved the rain, especially after living on the dry, arid plains of Drakmoor. As the underbelly elevator descended to the landing pad, the cool, crisp morning air greeted him.

    The rain from the night before had cleansed the atmosphere, leaving it fresh and invigorating. The landing pad was empty except for him; it seemed he¡¯d beaten the others who were preparing to head into New Oliver City.

    To save time and get the expedition underway, Commander Grayson had divided the tasks among the Black Swan¡¯s crew:

    Ivan, Teresa, and Robert were tasked with ship maintenance, ensuring the vessel was fully prepared for the long voyage into the Dead Zone.

    Eliana and Lily were in charge of inventory, double-checking their supplies to ensure they had enough to last at least a year.

    Ray and Baiyan were responsible for acquiring weapons and ammunition from the local markets.

    Finally, Isaac and Kai were assigned to take the shuttle into the city. Their mission was to visit the museum and download its entire archive of historical data.

    Kai stepped off the elevator and took his first step onto the planet. It was a strange sensation¡ªsetting foot on ground that was entirely artificial. Beneath him, at least for the most part, lay layer upon layer of man-made structures - a planet built from the ground up.

    "Did you know the ground is so massive that the engineers had to account for the curve of the planet when they built it?" Isaac''s voice broke the silence.

    Kai turned to see Isaac approaching, dressed in his uniform and holding a suitcase in one hand.

    "You been here often?" Kai asked.

    "Aurelia Prime is where all the knowledge is stored, so yeah, I¡¯m here a lot," Isaac replied with a proud smile. "And it¡¯s the perfect place for it¡ªno one would dare attack a planet like this. It''s too valuable for everyone."

    "You really think we¡¯ll find information in the archive here?" Kai asked, skepticism evident in his tone.

    Isaac nodded confidently. "It might take a little digging, but I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll find something. And with this bad boy," he patted his suitcase, "we can extract any information we want. Top-of-the-line decoder, Kai. There¡¯s nothing it can¡¯t crack."

    Kai turned his gaze toward New Oliver City in the distance. Its skyline shimmered in the first rays of sunlight, surreal and almost dreamlike. Yet, Kai reminded himself, everything his eyes could see was artificial¡ªevery building, every inch of the ground, all of it built by human hands.

    "Here, I almost forgot," Isaac said, fumbling in his pocket before pulling out a small object and handing it to Kai.

    It was a pin, delicately designed in the shape of a bird. A swan, to be exact. Though simplified, the long neck was unmistakable.

    "Cool," Kai said as he inspected it. "You really made it into a pin."

    "Not just a pin," Isaac said, pride swelling in his voice. "This is a radio, a compass, a flashlight, a multitool, a GPS locator, and¡ª"

    "Alright, alright, I got it," Kai interrupted, shaking his head. Just how many functions could Isaac cram into something so small?

    Their shuttle arrived moments later, flying smoothly and landing softly in front of them. It had no pilot¡ªa common feature on Aurelia Prime.

    "Since everything is artificial and built from scratch, automation is easy here. They just install sensors along every building and road, and then¡ª"

    Kai tuned out Isaac¡¯s explanation as he climbed into the shuttle. He glanced back at the Black Swan one last time. In the distance, he caught sight of Eliana watching him from her window.

    She mouthed the words, I-love-you.

    Kai smiled and mouthed back, I-love-you too.

    The shuttle flew low over the perfectly flat ground. Beyond the landing area, the terrain transitioned into man-made metal beams that exposed the things below, giving Kai a glimpse of the lower level. He stared at the intricate network below, wondering what life was like for those living down there.

    Once the shuttle reached the city, it wove its way between towering buildings and dodged other crafts with precise movements before gently touching down in a bustling commercial district.

    Kai glanced at Isaac, who gave him a nod and motioned for him to disembark.

    He was going to find the archive, extract some data, and come back to the ship.

    Simple enough, Kai thought.

 37. Archive of History

    Kai felt it the moment he stepped off the shuttle: the familiar, almost oppressive sensation of being surrounded on all sides by towering skyscrapers. Their sheer height seemed to reach endlessly into the sky, forcing his neck to strain if he dared to look for their tops.

    The buildings pressed in on all sides, giving him a sense of unbearable tightness. It reminded him of the cities on Velmorra.

    Why did humans always have an obsession with massive things? Structures so much larger than ourselves, giants that should inspire fear instead of awe?

    Maybe it came from a desire to conquer. To build what was once thought impossible. To defy the laws of physics and nature itself.

    Aurelia Prime was the pinnacle of that ambition. Layers upon layers of man-made structures stacked so high and so deep that the original landscape of the planet had been entirely erased.

    Kai didn¡¯t like it. He had grown too accustomed to Drakmoor, where you could see the distant horizon stretch endlessly, and from higher elevations, even a glimpse at the gentle curve of the planet.

    Here in New Oliver, there wasn¡¯t a single space that wasn¡¯t crammed with movement, sound, and light. Advertisements flashed across digital displays on every building, and crowds swarmed the streets in endless streams of activity. It was overwhelming, and Kai hated the feeling of too much information being thrown at him all at once.

    ¡°Where is this archive place?¡± Kai asked, scanning his surroundings. All he could see were the glowing facades of buildings covered in ads¡ªeach one louder and flashier than the last.

    Isaac didn¡¯t answer.

    Kai turned to find him standing there, staring up, taking in the chaotic grandeur of the city with a smile.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Kai repeated, louder this time to compete with the din of the crowd and the constant chatter of commercial broadcasts.

    ¡°Oh, right. Just go straight ahead,¡± Isaac finally said, pointing. ¡°Behind that building up ahead...that¡¯s where the archive is.¡±

    The streets grew increasingly crowded as Kai made his way toward the city center. He brushed past a few people, noting how well-dressed they all were. Their clothes, made from high-quality fabrics, looked expensive¡ªfar beyond what most could afford on Drakmoor.

    It reminded him of the streets of Velmorra, especially on weekends. Back then, the crowds had been just as thick, and as a young boy, Kai could barely see over the sea of people. He remembered how his dad used to lift him onto his shoulders just so he could get a better view.

    All of it crashed down on Kai as he moved through the busy streets, the memories of a past he had tried so hard to escape. A deep sadness settled over him, tightening his chest like a vice.

    His vision blurred.

    Now? he asked himself. He hadn¡¯t cried¡ªnot once¡ªsince the day Velmorra was invaded. Life on Drakmoor had left no room for tears, no time to dwell on the past. It had been all about survival, enduring hardship, and moving forward, numb to everything else.

    But now, with Eliana and the crew of the Black Swan by his side, the numbness was fading. His emotions, long buried beneath layers of pain and survival, were slowly surfacing.

    Luckily, the bustling crowd paid him no attention. Even his striking white hair and blue eyes, which usually drew stares, went unnoticed in this city. There were plenty of others here with similar features, deliberately chosen to express their personalities.

    Then, in the crowd, he spotted a tall man with his back turned. For a fleeting moment, something about the man reminded Kai of his father.

    His heart skipped a beat as a single tear rolled down his cheek.

    The man began to turn, and Kai held his breath. But no¡ªit wasn¡¯t his father. Just a stranger with a similar physique.

    Kai exhaled sharply, relief and disappointment twisting in his chest. He was glad Isaac was walking behind him, unable to see his tears. Quickly, Kai wiped his face and pressed forward.

    On his way, Kai brushed against someone¡¯s shoulder. He turned instinctively to apologize, only to realize it wasn¡¯t a man¡ªbut an android.

    He could tell immediately by the mechanical features on its face. Intricate gears turned beneath a thin synthetic layer, controlling micro "muscles" that mimicked human expressions. The craftsmanship was impressive, almost eerily lifelike. The android carried a box in its hands, likely making a delivery.

    Before Kai could speak, the android turned to him and apologized first.

    "I''m sorry, sir," it said in a polite, almost too-perfect tone.

    Kai waved a hand dismissively. "No problem."

    The android gave a small nod before turning back and continuing on its way, blending seamlessly into the crowd.

    Ahead, Kai spotted the Archive. He¡¯d never seen it before, but the moment his eyes landed on the structure, he knew.

    Unlike the towering futuristic megastructures surrounding it, the Archive was a pyramid-shaped building made entirely of concrete. It stood out starkly against its modern neighbors, looking dated and almost out of place.

    Isaac caught up to him, standing beside Kai as they both took in the sight. Isaac¡¯s expression was one of familiarity, like he was greeting an old friend.

    ¡°The Archive is the only building that was built on the original level,¡± Isaac explained. ¡°With every new level constructed, they move the entire building to the top of the latest one.¡±

    Kai furrowed his brow. ¡°Why go through all that trouble? Why not just rebuild it?¡±

    Isaac smiled knowingly. ¡°Because this building is history. Humanity¡¯s past is documented and stored here. Every important chapter of our race is kept in this place.¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    Kai shook his head, his voice low and skeptical. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I believe that anymore. Not after what I found buried in that ship. Not after meeting the True Kin.¡±

    "That''s what we''re here to find out."

    The inside of the Archive was nothing like the bustling, futuristic world outside. The transition was almost jarring. The lobby was quiet, with only a few people scattered across the vast open space.

    Kai¡¯s boots clicked against a polished marble floor that reflected the soft glow of the lights above. The four sides of the ceiling were adorned with intricate carvings, depicting historical events and figures. Most of them were unfamiliar to Kai, their faces and stories lost to him.

    The entire place looked more like a work of art than a facility for storing history. This wasn¡¯t what Kai had expected at all. He¡¯d imagined rows of computer terminals, racks of humming servers, or even a library filled with shelves of old books. But this? This looked more like an art piece.

    Kai glanced around, puzzled, his brows furrowed. Finally, he looked at Isaac, silently asking for an explanation.

    Isaac smiled knowingly and motioned for him to follow. "Come on, you''ll see."

    Isaac led Kai to a narrow staircase that descended to a lower level. Kai hadn¡¯t even noticed the staircase at first. He wondered if it had been intentionally designed to blend in, visible only to those who already knew it was there.

    As they walked down, the sound of their footsteps echoed in the enclosed stairwell. The air grew cooler, and soon, the stairway opened into a vast chamber that left Kai momentarily speechless.

    Now he understood why this place was called the Archive.

    Row upon row of shelves stretched endlessly, towering from the floor to the ceiling. Each shelf was filled with what appeared to be books, their spines neatly aligned, creating an overwhelming sense of order and purpose.

    Kai approached one of the shelves and pulled a "book" at random. As he held it in his hands, he realized it wasn¡¯t a real book at all but a data pad designed to look and feel like one. Intrigued, he flipped to a section in the middle. The pages bent softly, mimicking the texture of real paper.

    He began reading. The text detailed a famous historical event:

    ---

    In the early days of human civilization, Noah the Great led his forces in a decisive battle against Sanju the Slayer, the feared warlord of the southern kingdoms. The clash, remembered as the Battle of Crimson Creek, was fierce and unrelenting. For days, the skies were filled with the smoke of war, and rivers ran red with blood. But it was Noah¡¯s cunning strategy¡ªluring Sanju¡¯s army into the narrow canyons and ambushing them¡ªthat turned the tide. Sanju fell in battle, and Noah emerged victorious, uniting the lands under his banner.

    ---

    He glanced at Isaac, who gave a slight nod, encouraging him to continue. Kai returned his focus to the data pad, skimming a bit further until the chapter ended.

    He looked around the room, his gaze traveling over the towering shelves. There had to be millions of these "books", each one documenting a fragment of human history. The sheer scale was staggering.

    But as awe-inspiring as it was, a question loomed in Kai¡¯s mind: What were the chances all of this had been forged?

    He slid the data pad back into its place on the shelf.

    ¡°Follow,¡± Isaac said, breaking the silence. Without another word, he started walking.

    Kai and Isaac continued their journey deeper into the Archive. For a place housing so much invaluable knowledge, it was eerily quiet. Kai hadn¡¯t seen a single person reading or even browsing the shelves. The emptiness gave the place an almost surreal atmosphere, amplifying the echo of their footsteps.

    As they passed a section labeled Starships, Kai¡¯s eyes widened, and his pace slowed. The shelves were filled with books¡ªdata pads, he reminded himself¡ªon the engineering, design, and history of spacecraft. He nearly stopped, captivated by the sheer volume of information.

    And why wouldn¡¯t he be? Information was a priceless commodity among the stars. Transmitting a single letter-sized document between systems via relay satellites took at least two days¡ªand that was only for the major planets. Smaller colonies and moons lacked access to these networks entirely, relying on couriers to transport information physically. But courier services were prohibitively expensive, thanks to the astronomical cost of quantum fuel.

    This was why books had been so expensive on Velmorra and practically nonexistent on Drakmoor. Knowledge, in space, came with a hefty price tag.

    ¡°Kai?¡± Isaac¡¯s voice pulled him from his thoughts. It sounded distant, echoing down the aisle. ¡°This way.¡±

    Snapping out of his reverie, Kai quickly jogged to catch up.

    Isaac stood before a heavy concrete door embedded seamlessly into the wall. It looked ancient, its surface worn smooth with time, yet well maintained, no mold, no cracks on the surface.

    Kai¡¯s eyes landed on the bold ¡°Do Not Enter¡± sign plastered on the concrete door. He glanced back at Isaac, silently questioning him with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°What?¡± Isaac said with a shrug, feigning innocence. ¡°I never said the Archive was going to just let me copy its data for free¡­¡±

    Kai shook his head, a dry smirk forming. ¡°So,¡± he said in a mocking, overly polite tone, ¡°how may I assist you in this clearly well-thought-out and illegal endeavor?¡±

    Isaac grinned, undeterred. ¡°Well, this door is locked behind multiple layers of security measures. It¡¯s got a very advanced coding system that...¡±

    ¡°Get to the point,¡± Kai interrupted, glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one else was around.

    Isaac sighed. ¡°Just keep watch for me.¡±

    Kai rolled his eyes but nodded, positioning himself a few steps away from the door. He crossed his arms and kept his senses sharp, listening for footsteps or any signs of approaching trouble. Meanwhile, Isaac crouched down in front of the door, pulling a small device from his suitcase.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see just how tough your security is,¡± Isaac muttered as he began working on the lock.

    Lucky for them, the Archive wasn¡¯t exactly a popular tourist spot. Kai stood guard in the empty space, glancing around occasionally while secretly wishing Isaac would hurry up.

    At the far end of the hall, he heard faint movement¡ªlaughter, light and playful, belonging to a teenage boy and teenage girl. Kai¡¯s body tensed as he focused on the sound, his enhanced vision scanning the direction it came from. But nothing appeared.

    The laughter continued, teasing and carefree. The boy said something, his words muffled and indistinct, followed by the girl¡¯s higher-pitched giggle.

    Kai rolled his eyes, annoyed. A couple? Really? He shot a quick glance at Isaac, who was still hunched over the lock.

    Kai just wanted this over with so he could get back to the Black Swan. There, Eliana was waiting for him, and he wanted to see her more than anything else.

    Soon, he told himself.

    The laughter faded. He heard their footsteps retreating up the stairs. Well, that was quick, he thought, relaxing slightly.

    ¡°Done,¡± Isaac said, standing up and tucking the device back into his suitcase. Kai caught a glimpse of its contents¡ªvarious tools, devices, and among them, a pistol.

    Isaac motioned to the door. ¡°Try it.¡±

    Kai approached and gave it a push. The door swung open with surprising ease, far lighter than its massive size suggested.

    ¡°Go in, I¡¯ll close it,¡± Isaac said hurriedly.

    Kai stepped inside, scanning the dimly lit space as Isaac followed.

    Isaac placed the suitcase on the floor and turned to close the door. But then he froze.

    At the far end of the aisle, between two rows of bookshelves, a man stood. His silhouette was large, his gaze fixed directly on them.

    Isaac¡¯s eyes widened. Without a word, he shoved the door shut, the lock mechanism reengaging with a soft click.

    Slowly, Isaac turned to Kai, his expression tense.

    ¡°I think we¡¯ve just been spotted.

 38. Inquisition

    The justice system on Aurelia Prime functioned unlike anywhere else in human space. Positioned in neutral territory, the planet¡¯s safety and order were ensured by three distinct factions.

    First was the USF¡ªUnified Security Force¡ªthe Federation¡¯s peacekeeping unit. Their role on Aurelia Prime was to maintain peace and order within Federation-designated districts, conduct counter-espionage operations, and, of course, protect historical landmarks.

    Next was the EIR¡ªEmpire¡¯s Iron Guard. They served as the Empire¡¯s counterpart to the USF. While their primary mission mirrored the Federation¡¯s¡ªmaintaining order and protecting historical buildings¡ªtheir presence was largely a show of power, a reminder of the Empire¡¯s reach.

    Finally, there was the AEC¡ªAurelia Enforcement Corps¡ªthe planet¡¯s own independent security force. They were responsible for tackling day-to-day crimes, ensuring that neither the USF nor the EIR overstepped their boundaries, and safeguarding historical sites.

    Why did all of this matter to Kai? Because the Archive was one of those historical buildings, protected under the jurisdiction of all three factions.

    And as he stood there with Isaac, his heart sinking, he was certain they¡¯d just messed up big time.

    "Who saw you?" Kai asked urgently, his voice low but tense.

    "I don''t know¡­" Isaac admitted, sounding flustered. "I¡­ I didn¡¯t get a good look. Big guy, scary-looking¡­"

    "Define scary," Kai pressed, his tone sharpening.

    "Scars on his face, like¡­ a lot of scars and burn marks¡­" Isaac muttered as he started walking deeper into the dimly lit hallway. Kai followed closely behind.

    "Sunglasses?" Kai asked, his heart quickening.

    "No, no sunglasses. I couldn¡¯t see him clearly. Just¡ªhe¡¯s got a lot of scars."

    For a moment, Kai felt a faint sense of relief. Maybe it wasn¡¯t the man from last night. Maybe it was just another tourist or someone passing through.

    Then, the overhead lights began flashing red, and his relief evaporated. Kai muttered a curse under his breath.

    The sound of the door¡¯s lock turning echoed behind them, and he whipped his head toward Isaac, who had also realized what was happening.

    ¡°Time to go,¡± Kai said, grabbing Isaac¡¯s arm and pulling him into a run.

    There was only one direction to go¡ªdeeper into the hallway.

    Behind them, the door creaked open, followed by the unmistakable sound of boots hitting the floor.

    Kai pushed himself to run faster. They rounded a corner, then another. He noticed a subtle downward slope in the floor. They were heading deeper into the Archive.

    The sound of footsteps behind them began to fade as the distance grew. Up ahead, flashing lights caught Kai¡¯s attention.

    ¡°This way!¡± Kai called out, sprinting toward the faint glow.

    As they neared, the flashing lights became clearer, leading them into a large room.

    The room was similar to the Nexus Isaac had back on Drakmoor. It was dimly lit, with servers arranged in neat rows and columns, their faint hum filling the air.

    Isaac spotted the console in the center of the room first. It was a solid marble cube, its surface smooth except for a small display at the top.

    "This is it," Isaac said, his voice brimming with excitement as he ran his hand over the marble surface.

    Kai could hear the sound of footsteps again. Their pursuers were getting closer, and it wouldn¡¯t be long before they were cornered.

    ¡°Give me the gun,¡± Kai said, leaning toward Isaac¡¯s suitcase.

    ¡°Right, right¡­¡± Isaac said hurriedly. He stopped fiddling with the console and placed the suitcase on the marble. Pulling it open, he handed Kai a pistol and two spare magazines.

    Kai took the magazines and tucked them into his belt. He checked the pistol, sliding the top back slightly to confirm there was already a round chambered. Satisfied, he released the slide and flicked off the safety.

    The weapon felt small and underpowered in his hand, but it was better than nothing. He wasn¡¯t sure if it would be enough against the security forces, but right now, it was all they had.

    ¡°Work fast, and make sure to get yourself behind cover¡± Kai said, and head towards the doorway. His grip tightened around the pistol as he focused on the sounds of boots closing in.

    Kai took a deep breath, pulling in as much oxygen as possible. He doubted Isaac would be of any use here, which meant he had to deal with the security forces on his own.

    He really didn¡¯t want to kill anyone today¡ªespecially not guards just doing their jobs¡ªbut what choice did he have?

    The footsteps grew louder. Four, no¡­ five pairs of boots. And something else.

    Mechanical movements.

    Too many. This was more than he could handle alone.

    He looked up. The only light source in the room came from the overhead fixtures.

    Without hesitation, he raised his pistol and fired. The gun kicked in his hand as the bullets shattered the overhead lights one by one, plunging the room into near-total darkness. He ejected the magazine and loaded a fresh one.

    He had no illusions about the pistol¡¯s effectiveness against elite security forces. But against lights? It did the job just fine.

    The footsteps slowed, cautious now. They hadn¡¯t expected that.

    Kai focused on the sound of their movements. His eyes locked onto the concrete wall, and slowly, faint glowing shapes began to appear behind it.

    Five figures.

    He moved.

    The glow from the server racks followed a precise two-to-one second cycle¡ªtwo seconds of light, one second of complete darkness. Unless the security team had night vision, Kai could use this to his advantage.

    He traced their movements. They fanned out into different paths, searching for him.

    Kai moved with them.

    Some of them could see in the dark. Others couldn¡¯t. He could tell by the way they moved¡ªtheir steps deliberate or hesitant, depending on their vision.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Kai picked the closest target. The man was almost to him.

    2¡­ 1¡­

    The room turned dark.

    Kai didn¡¯t waste a second.

    He stepped out. The guard had just turned the corner when Kai raised his pistol and fired twice.

    The muzzle flashes illuminated the dim room in a burst of orange light.

    Kai didn¡¯t wait to see the result. He pivoted and sprinted away. As the room darkened again, he crossed the gap between the two server rows, moving to the other side.

    When the light cycle flickered again, Kai was already aiming at his next target. He fired two rounds at the guard with night vision goggles.

    Two down. Three to go.

    Kai checked Isaac. He was crouched behind the marble console, using it as cover.

    Kai shifted again. Two guards were pushing in parallel, moving in sync. He used the next cycle of darkness to fire a shot.

    The bullet hit. The man grunted in pain¡ªbut didn¡¯t go down.

    Bulletproof vest.

    Kai ducked behind cover as the injured guard cursed.

    ¡°Fucker got me! I¡¯m gonna grenade his ass.¡±

    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± another guard shouted back. ¡°This is the server room! We are not damaging the data.¡±

    The first guard groaned. ¡°I don¡¯t have the gear for this¡ªI¡¯m retreating.¡±

    The room went dark again. Kai saw his opening. He peeked around the server stack and fired at the second guard.

    One clean shot to the head.

    ¡°Steve? Steve, you here?¡± The injured guard¡¯s voice turned frantic. A pause. Then, a muttered curse. ¡°Oh, screw it. I¡¯m out of here.¡±

    Kai listened to the sound of retreating footsteps.

    Just one left.

    The last figure hadn¡¯t moved from the hallway near the entrance. He was waiting.

    Kai didn¡¯t hesitate. As the room darkened once more, he fired two quick shots.

    The bullets struck their target¡ªbut instead of the soft thud of flesh, there was a sharp, metallic ping.

    His stomach dropped and fired twice more.

    Same result. The bullets ricocheted uselessly off solid metal.

    Kai risked a glance. Then he understood why.

    His enemy wasn''t a man, it was an android.

    Kai shoved the pistol away, knowing it was useless, and turned toward Isaac.

    ¡°You got company,¡± he warned, sprinting toward him.

    Isaac looked up just in time to see the android shifting its focus onto him.

    ¡°Shit,¡± he muttered, quickly setting down his hacking device. He rummaged through his suitcase, grabbed something, and yanked it out with dramatic flair¡ªa baton.

    The tip crackled with electricity as he grinned. ¡°Watch this!¡±

    The android kept advancing.

    Isaac thrust the baton forward with confidence, aiming for center mass.

    The android didn¡¯t even flinch. Instead, it swatted the baton out of his hand like an annoying fly.

    Isaac blinked. ¡°Oh, what..."

    He turned to run, but the android was faster. It grabbed the back of his cloth, yanking him backward.

    Kai launched himself forward, slamming into the android¡¯s side with everything he had. It stumbled¡ªjust enough for Isaac to break free.

    The android barely hesitated before turning its attention to Kai. Its cold, calculating optics locked onto him.Then, it attacked.

    Two jabs came at him, fast and precise, aimed directly for his throat.

    Kai moved instinctively. His martial arts training with Eliana kicked in¡ªhe deflected the first strike and blocked the second, but the force behind it sent a jolt of pain through his arm.

    This thing hit hard.

    Kai leaped back, trying to regain his footing. But the android didn¡¯t let up.

    It surged forward, launching a brutal kick that cut through the air with a sharp whoosh.

    Kai had backed into the wall. He had no space to retreat. Instead of blocking, he shifted at the last second, narrowly dodging the attack.

    The android¡¯s foot slammed into the concrete wall, leaving a deep dent.

    Seeing an opening, Kai lunged, attempting to grapple it before it could recover.

    Big mistake.

    The android barely reacted before grabbing him by the throat and lifting him off the ground.

    Kai gasped, kicking out as he clawed at the machine¡¯s fingers, but its grip was like steel. His vision blurred at the edges as pressure built around his windpipe.

    Isaac was frantically searching for anything useful. He grabbed random objects from his suitcase and hurled them at the android¡ªtools, data disks, even a rolled-up pile of socks, which Kai didn''t have the time to question.

    Nothing worked.

    Kai¡¯s lungs burned. His strength was fading.

    Two rough hands clamped onto the sides of the android¡¯s head, gripping it with unrelenting force.

    The machine twitched, attempting to resist, but the strength behind the hands was greater.

    With a sharp, brutal twist, the android¡¯s head was wrenched at an impossible angle. Sparks erupted from its neck, its red optics flickering¡ªthen fading to nothing.

    The crushing grip around Kai¡¯s throat loosened instantly. He collapsed to the ground, gasping, as the android¡¯s "lifeless" body crumpled beside him.

    Still coughing, Kai looked up, trying to see who had just saved him.

    Before he could get a clear view, a powerful slap smacked the side of his head, forcing his gaze downward.

    "Run," Kai managed to rasp out before a sharp kick slammed into his ribs, sending him sprawling backward.

    "Get out of here, Isaac!"

    From the corner of his vision, Kai saw Isaac clutching the suitcase tightly against his chest, protecting it like a precious artifact.

    "Run!" Kai shouted again, his voice raw and desperate.

    Isaac finally got the message. He bolted toward the entrance, his footsteps fading into the distance.

    Now, Kai could finally see his attacker clearly. Scars and burn marks covered half his face, twisted and uneven. Even without the sunglasses, Kai recognized him.

    "What do you want?" Kai asked, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

    The man pulled a pistol from inside his jacket, eyes cold and detached.

    "I got nothing personal against you, kid," he said. "But the council made its decision. And that decision¡ª"

    He aimed for center mass.

    "¡ªwas to remove you from the picture."

    Bang.

    The impact ripped through Kai¡¯s torso, a burning, searing pain exploding in his chest. His breath hitched. His body went rigid. He could feel everything¡ªthe heat, the tearing sensation, the shock¡ªbut mostly, he felt pain.

    His vision blurred, the world tilting as he slumped backward.

    Then, he felt himself being hauled up, the weight of his own body shifting as he was thrown over the man''s shoulder like dead weight.

    Darkness crept into the edges of his mind as he went in and out of consciousness.

    Kai didn¡¯t know how long had passed. Every time he managed to open his eyes, he was somewhere else. His surroundings blurred in and out of focus, and before he could make sense of anything, unconsciousness pulled him under again.

    Finally, after what felt like countless cycles of waking and fading, he realized he was no longer slung over the man¡¯s shoulder.

    He was lying on something lumpy and uneven¡ªplastic bags, lots of them. They were filled with who-knows-what, but the overwhelming stench told him all he needed to know. It smelled bad. Really bad.

    Kai could barely open his eyes, but at the edge of his vision, he saw the man standing on a platform.

    The platform started to ascend.

    Or was he going down?

    Kai couldn¡¯t tell. His thoughts were sluggish, his body barely responding.

    A trash chute.

    He was being dumped.

    His mind drifted. He thought about Eliana, about how she would be waiting for him on the Black Swan. He felt sorry¡ªsorry that he wouldn¡¯t be coming back.

    Then, the darkness took him once again.

 39. Underworld

    Darkness.

    By all means, Kai should be dead. He was shot in the chest, right where his heart was. Even he had accepted that fate. This was it. The end.

    Was he okay with that? No. There was still so much left undone, so much he needed to do.

    Then came the pain¡ªnot the sharp, unbearable kind, but a warm, tingling sensation in his chest. It was tolerable, almost surreal. Honestly, it wasn¡¯t nearly as bad as he imagined dying would feel.

    Then came the stench¡ªrot, decay, something foul enough to make his stomach churn. A low, mechanical hum filled the air, steady and rhythmic.

    Kai¡¯s fingers twitched as he felt movement beneath him¡ªa slow, shifting momentum. Something sharp poked at his back, making him uncomfortable.

    Like an old ship left too long in a hangar, his brain struggled to boot up. His thoughts were sluggish, his body barely responding.

    A face flickered in his mind. The man in the sunglasses. Only this time, the sunglasses were gone, revealing a face covered in burns and scars.

    The same man who had watched him that first night. The same man who had attacked him in the Archive. The same man who had tossed him away like trash.

    The trash chute! That¡¯s where he was.

    The humming of machinery grew louder, almost methodical. A soft buzz, gears grinding, then a loud metallic impact that sent vibrations rattling through his body. Then again. And again.

    Kai wanted to sleep. He felt weak, probably from blood loss. He had been shot, after all. But the burning sensation in his chest wouldn¡¯t let him. It wasn¡¯t much different from when the strange liquid first entered his body.

    The gears kept turning¡ªclick¡­ click¡­ click¡­ BAM. Closer now.

    Kai barely had the strength to turn his head, but his instincts screamed at him to move. Then something wet splattered onto his face, and the stench hit him immediately. His body reacted before his mind did. He rolled¡ªjust as a massive metal claw slammed into the spot where he had been lying. The world tilted sideways. He tumbled down a mountain of trash, picking up speed as sharp debris poked at his uniform. He threw his arms up, shielding his face as he crashed onto solid ground. The machinery kept moving, but the impacts sounded more distant now. Kai exhaled, his body going limp. Then, exhaustion took him again.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Bodies ¡ª there were bodies of the security forces in the hallway they came in. Isaac didn''t think, didn''t look back. He just ran and ran out of the Archive.

    He ran as fast as his legs would carry him, clutching the suitcase against his chest like a lifeline.

    Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

    He should have never brought Kai to the Archive. Now, Kai is dead.

    The midday crowd in New Oliver was at its peak, something that, for once, worked in his favor. He wove between the masses, keeping his head down, his breathing quick and frantic. If he ran too fast, he¡¯d draw attention. He stole a glance behind him and spotted a pair of patrolling androids. Their faces were an unsettling mix of metal plating and synthetic human-like skin, their glowing optics sweeping the crowd, scanning.

    Isaac slowed his pace and stuck close to a group of pedestrians, lowering his head and doing his best to blend in.

    No matter how much he tried to steady himself, the image of Kai getting shot wouldn¡¯t leave his mind.

    The bullet hole, dead center in his chest and blood seeping through his uniform.

    Isaac swallowed hard, forcing himself forward. He had to get back to the Black Swan and report to the crew.

    Eliana. She was going to be heartbroken. She would never forgive him for this.

    The shuttle was in sight now, hovering just above the landing pad, preparing to descend. Isaac hurried, pushing through the last stretch of the crowd.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Kai didn¡¯t know how long he had been out this time. But when he woke, he felt different. The pain was still there¡ªdull, lingering¡ªbut manageable now. Then, something nudged his face.

    It was small. And alive. Quick, furry movements, poking at his cheek with tiny, curious touches. Kai blinked his eyes open and found himself staring at a small creature standing over him. The little thing chirped in high-pitched noises before scurrying away.

    He slowly sat up, wincing. His chest still ached, but the crippling pain was gone. Instinctively, his hand moved to his chest, fingers tracing the hole in his uniform where the bullet had hit. Carefully, he pressed against the wound. Nothing. Just faint soreness. He lifted his fingers¡ªonly dried blood.

    The liquid. That was the only explanation. It hadn¡¯t just reformed his body once. It was inside him. Adapting. Healing - A symbiotic relationship.

    The small creature was still circling his feet, chirping. Kai didn¡¯t know what it wanted, but it didn¡¯t seem hostile. He started to stand...

    The distinct sound of a weapon¡¯s bolt being racked froze him in place.

    "Don¡¯t move."

    A soft, feminine voice came from behind him. "Turn around. Slowly." The voice was unnatural, like the speaker hadn¡¯t used it in a long time.

    Kai raised his hands, showing he wasn¡¯t armed, and turned slowly, just as instructed. A bright light from the woman¡¯s helmet blinded him. He squinted, trying to adjust his eyes.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    "What the hell¡­?" The woman muttered.

    The light tilted slightly, no longer shining directly in Kai¡¯s face. Now, he could see her more clearly. The woman was covered head to toe in worn overalls, thick fabric protecting her body. A gas mask and helmet sealed her face, concealing every inch of her skin.

    Kai wanted to say something to ease the tension in the air, but before he could, the small creature suddenly stood up on its hind legs, its tiny ears perking up. Then, without hesitation, it bolted toward the woman, climbing up her suit and perching itself on his shoulder like it belonged there.

    The woman tensed for a moment, her gaze locking onto Kai. She didn¡¯t speak right away, as if deciding something, then finally muttered a quick, "Follow."

    She turned and started moving at a steady jog, her rifle held in both hands, barrel pointing downward. Kai followed.

    There was an undeniable nervous energy in the air, a tension Kai could feel pressing against his skin. Something was coming.

    The woman ahead moved with expert precision, navigating the landscape as if she had done it a thousand times before. Kai realized he was sometimes stepping on solid ground, sometimes on piles of trash. The air was cool¡ªnot from any breeze but from the lack of sunlight filtering down here. It was the kind of cold that felt unnatural.

    Kai still had no idea how the woman knew where to go. Even with his enhanced vision, he couldn''t see clearly in the dim gray.

    All around them, massive pillars stretched upward, disappearing into the haze above. There were buildings in the distance, scattered, abandoned, and in various states of decay.

    The woman suddenly stopped, crouching behind what looked like a roadblock made of scrap metal and broken concrete. She motioned for Kai to join her.

    Kai ducked down behind the cover, exhaling quietly. The air here was slightly better, but the stench of garbage still lingered. He glanced down, lifting his boot slightly, realizing he was standing on what used to be a road.

    It was old, cracked, and covered in grime, but he could still make out the faded yellow lines that once divided the lanes.

    A sudden air horn blared behind them, deep and mechanical. It sent a sharp pulse through Kai¡¯s chest, and he instinctively pressed himself lower against the barricade.

    Then came the thudding. Heavy stomps shaking the ground from where they had just come. Whatever it was, it was huge.

    The woman and the small creature were already peeking over their cover, both watching intently. Kai joined them, cautiously tilting his head just enough to get a view.

    At first, he couldn¡¯t make out what it was. Just a moving shadow, obscured by the dust and dim lighting. But as it got closer, its shape became clearer.

    A machine.

    It stood tall, humanoid in structure but with a bulky, reinforced design that made it look more like a walking bunker. Its movements were slow, heavy. It was also dirty, with trash and stains covering its hull.

    It came to a stop right where Kai had been standing moments ago. Then, a red light flickered on, a thin beam scanning the ground.

    Kai stiffened.

    The color of that light¡ªit was the same deep, eerie red as the Watchers he had seen patrolling the skies the night before.

    There was something that felt wrong about it, something sinister.

    The machine stood there for a long moment, its red scanning beam sweeping across the area, searching for any trace of Kai. The low hum of its systems filled the air, each mechanical shift sending a faint vibration through the ground.

    Kai barely breathed.

    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the red light flickered off. The machine straightened, its bulky frame shifting as it turned and began to walk back in the direction it had come from. Each step sent a heavy, rhythmic thud through the ruined streets, but at least now, it was moving away.

    The woman exhaled through her gas mask, the muffled sound almost like a sigh of relief. She stood up, noticeably more relaxed now, then motioned for Kai to follow again.

    They moved quickly but carefully, weaving through the landscape of decay. The further they went, the denser the buildings became. The woman took off her face mask and slowed her pace.

    Kai scanned his surroundings as they walked. These buildings were old. Their architecture was a stark contrast to the sleek, modern cities he had seen before, buried beneath the ever-growing layers of Aurelia Prime.

    Someone used to live here.

    Kai followed the woman deeper into the dense ruins of the city, weaving through narrow alleyways. The further they went, the more tightly packed the buildings became.

    The woman took a few sharp turns before stopping in front of a building that, at first glance, looked no different from the rest. The street here was narrow, barely leaving enough space for pedestrians, let alone vehicles.

    Kai glanced up. A sign hung above the door, worn from age. The characters on it looked familiar, but not quite legible. It reminded him of the script he had seen in Chinatown, but slightly different. The letters were less complex, yet still carried traces of words he recognized.

    The woman pulled on the door handle, and the wooden door slid open effortlessly. The small creature on his shoulder immediately leapt down and disappeared inside.

    Kai hesitated for a moment before stepping in after her.

    The interior was a stark contrast to the decayed city outside. It wasn¡¯t big, nor was it luxurious, but it was clean, organized, and felt lived in. A single light illuminated the room. Somehow, she still had electricity.

    The woman placed her rifle beside the door, then reached up, removing her helmet and facemask.

    For the first time, Kai saw her real face.

    The woman had sharp, angular features, her skin weathered and but not aged. Although not beautiful, she carried a likeable toughness in her.

    The woman had been watching Kai the whole time, her gaze sharp, defensive. Kai kept his hands visible, careful not to make any sudden movements.

    "You¡¯re from the upper levels?" the woman finally asked. Her voice was clearer now.

    "Yes," Kai replied.

    "Seems like you''ve been shot," the woman said, her eyes briefly flicking to Kai¡¯s chest.

    "Yeah, but I¡¯m okay now," Kai replied.

    The woman paused, studying him for a moment. "Fine, if you say so. After all, you¡¯re the only one I¡¯ve ever seen survive coming down here."

    "People come here often?" Kai asked.

    The Woman dropped his overalls onto the ground and started folding them with practiced ease. "Sometimes. Mostly people who accidentally fall." She hesitated for a second, then glanced at Kai¡¯s bullet wound again. "Or sometimes... murdered."

    Kai felt a slow, creeping unease settle over him.

    "But those that were alive all died from breathing in the toxic air of the waste," the Woman continued, "so you were really lucky to have survived that."

    Kai wasn¡¯t about to tell her that he could breathe in the toxic air because of the liquid inside him. Instead, he just shrugged, keeping that information to himself.

    The room fell silent for a moment.

    "My name is Derniere," the woman finally said. There was the faintest hint of a smile on her face, subtle but genuine.

    "Kai," Kai replied. "And... Thanks for earlier, Derniere." He reached out a hand.

    Derniere eyed him for a moment before gripping his hand firmly, shaking it once.

    Kai took the chance to glance around again. Now that he was a little more aware, the place looked even more lived-in than he initially thought.

    A thought crossed Kai¡¯s mind, and he hesitated before saying, "Say, Derniere... you wouldn¡¯t happen to have a shower, would you?¡±

 40. To Shower, or Not to Shower - 300 Followers Bonus!!!

    To shower or not to shower¡ªthat was the question.

    Kai stood on the rooftop, staring at the simple, makeshift shower system in front of him. A rusted pipe, a small showerhead, and a large tarp stretched above, supported by four metal rods. It acted as a rain collector.

    Rain¡­ Kai looked up. There was no sky¡ªnot really. He was buried beneath layers upon layers of man-made structures, an artificial world that had long since blocked out any natural light. And yet, it wasn¡¯t completely dark. Dim illumination filtered through the gaps between structures, casting a hazy glow over everything.

    A droplet hit the tarp above, sending ripples through the small pool of water it had collected.

    Kai traced the movement, following it down to what looked like a basic filtration system. Derniere had rigged up something surprisingly functional. It reminded Kai of the water purification kits he had used as a kid¡ªbasic survival training for tough planetary environments.

    At the end of the line, directly above his head, was the water tank. One simple switch would turn it on.

    Kai hesitated. His immune system might not appreciate whatever was in that water. But then again, Derniere had been using it, and he seemed fine.

    Screw it.

    He turned it on.

    ---

    Hot water streamed down Eliana¡¯s bare back, steam filling the shower. She stood still, letting it run over her, unmoving.

    She didn¡¯t come here because she needed a shower. She just needed a private place to process what Isaac had told them.

    She had wanted to storm into the galley under everyone¡¯s watch, demand answers, scream, break something¡ªanything. But she wasn¡¯t that kind of person. She wasn¡¯t reckless.

    Years of martial arts training had taught her discipline, control. She needed to calm down. She needed to think.

    The news had hit her like a bullet to the gut. She could still hear Isaac¡¯s voice, frantic, out of breath.

    It had been midday, most of the crew gathered in the galley, finishing their tasks. Eliana had just finished brewing two cups of hot tea¡ªone for herself, one for Kai.

    She had been humming one of Aria¡¯s songs, relaxed, waiting for him to return. They were supposed to be leaving soon, heading toward the Dead Zone. She was still nervous about it, but as long as Kai was with her, she knew she could handle it.

    Then Isaac had burst through the door.

    His suitcase slammed onto the table, knocking over Baiyan¡¯s cup, spilling liquid everywhere. Baiyan stood to protest, but Isaac cut him off.

    "Kai! Kai¡¯s been shot!" Isaac was panting, his face pale.

    Eliana¡¯s entire body went cold. The tea slipped from her grip, burning her hand as it spilled¡ªbut she didn¡¯t even feel it.

    "What did you just say?" her voice came out deadly quiet.

    Isaac hesitated, clearly seeing the fire in her eyes.

    "Go on," she ordered, her voice flat, cold.

    Isaac swallowed. "We were at the Archive¡­ we were just going to copy some files¡­ Kai was keeping watch for me¡­ There was no one else there¡ªoh, wait, I think I saw a couple earlier, but then¡ª"

    "GET TO THE POINT."

    Isaac flinched. "Someone came in last minute. They shot Kai. Put a bullet in his chest. I¡ªI don¡¯t know what happened after that."

    Eliana¡¯s nails dug into her palms. "Describe the man."

    Isaac¡¯s face twisted in discomfort. "He was¡­ tall, covered in scars, burned marks¡ª"

    "Inquisitor," Baiyan interrupted, his voice grim.

    Eliana snapped her gaze to him. "You know him?"

    "He¡¯s True Kin. Works for the Council. Assassin¡ªhighest level." Baiyan hesitated, his jaw tightening.

    "Continue."

    Baiyan exhaled, then met her eyes. "The Inquisitor doesn¡¯t leave survivors."

    ---

    Kai used the bare minimum amount of water to shower¡ªmore of a quick rinse than anything else. But even that helped.

    The water was cold, stale, and didn¡¯t do much to make him feel cleaner¡ªbut at least he no longer smelled like a dumpster.

    He used just a little more to clean his uniform, though the material was already designed to resist dirt. Still, he could tell Isaac¡¯s design choices were paying off. With just a small cup of water, the suit looked brand new¡ªwell, except for the bullet hole.

    Kai exhaled, flexing his hands. The pain in his chest was barely noticeable now. His body had healed itself. If he wasn¡¯t sure before, he was now¡ªthe liquid inside him wasn¡¯t just a one-time miracle. It was alive. It was part of him.

    Dressed once again, Kai headed downstairs, where he found Derniere in the kitchen, cooking.

    Kai wasn¡¯t sure if it was because he was too hungry or if Derniere was actually a decent cook, but it smelled surprisingly good.

    Still, he had to wonder¡­ where the hell did the food come from?

    Kai had seen nothing but trash and abandoned ruins since he got here. There hadn¡¯t been a single sign of food sources.

    Derniere set a plate on the table. The dish looked¡­ odd. Kai couldn¡¯t tell if it was meat or some kind of vegetable¡ªit looked like something in between.

    Kai hesitated. Then again¡­ it smelled good.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    His stomach growled.

    Kai took a bite. The food was simple, seasoned with just salt, but to his surprise, it was delicious. It had a meaty texture, soft yet firm, with no bones and a smooth mouthfeel. He liked it.

    His pace quickened. He was starving. After everything he had been through, his body had burned through whatever energy reserves he had left. The liquid inside him had used his own energy to heal him, and now, his body was demanding more.

    By the time he finished the entire plate, he still wasn¡¯t full.

    Derniere, noticing his hunger, slid another plate toward him without a word. Kai gratefully accepted, barely pausing before shoveling another bite into his mouth.

    "This stuff is good. What is it?" he asked, speaking between mouthfuls.

    "Mushroom," Derniere answered casually, eating at a much slower pace. "A type of organism that can grow even in darkness."

    Kai glanced up. Mushrooms? He had never heard of it.

    From the corner of his eye, he noticed movement. A tiny head peeked out from a small hole in the wall. It was the small creature from before. It raised its nose, sniffing the air, its tiny hands pressed together to keep its balance. Its round, beady eyes locked onto the food, and without hesitation, it bolted forward.

    Derniere reached out, patting the small creature¡¯s head before breaking off a small piece of mushroom and handing it to it. The creature eagerly nibbled on it.

    "So... this is basically a vegetable too?" Kai asked as he finished his second plate.

    "Not quite," Derniere said. "Mushrooms aren¡¯t meat or vegetables. They¡¯re fungi. Tiny organisms that join together and thrive in the dark." He set his fork down. "You¡¯d be surprised how big they can grow. What you see above ground is just a small part¡ªbeneath the surface, they can spread out as large as a city."

    Kai nodded, chewing over that thought. His gaze shifted to the small creature still munching happily beside Derniere.

    "And what about this little guy? What is he called?"

    "That¡¯s a rat," Derniere said, scratching behind its ears. "There used to be a lot of them down here. Now, not so many. I keep this one as my companion. You¡¯d be surprised at how useful they are for detecting danger."

    "Does it have a name?"

    "Yeah. I call this one Bell."

    As if understanding, Bell the rat raised his head at the sound of his name, his googly eyes twitching slightly under the dim light.

    Kai watched the interaction, imagining what it must be like for Derniere to live here. Alone, quite literally in the dark, spending every day surviving against machine patrols.

    "You seem to know a lot about a lot of things," Kai said. "Where did you learn all of this?"

    Derniere¡¯s gaze flickered toward a pile of books stacked in the corner.

    "I love reading," she said, her expression brightening slightly. "Books are how I keep myself entertained down here. Although¡­ I¡¯m running out of things to read."

    Kai followed her gaze. On top of the pile was a book titled Explorer of Edregon, the cover depicting a glossy sphere with hexagon tiles reflecting light. The book''s edges were worn, slightly faded, but he could tell it had been printed with care.

    "So, how did you end up here?" Derniere asked casually.

    "Well, I think someone wanted me dead and hired an assassin to kill me. Only by some miracle, I survived," Kai said.

    "You¡¯re the first one to ever make it down here alive." Derniere let Bell climb onto her arm.

    "So..." Derniere continued, "you think you can get used to this?"

    "Used to?" Kai chuckled. "I¡¯m getting out of here first thing in the morning."

    Derniere laughed for the first time, shaking her head. "Out of here? Do you even know how high the next level is?"

    "No?"

    "Well, it¡¯s as tall as the tallest building you can imagine. And there¡¯s no way up." She set her fork down, collecting Kai¡¯s empty plate along with hers.

    Kai nodded in thanks, but her words lingered in his mind. What if she was right? What if there really was no way out? Would the Black Swan come looking for him, or would they assume he was already dead?

    Derniere rinsed the plates, using as little water as possible to clean them. She stopped, realization hitting her. "You think someone will come for you?"

    Kai didn¡¯t hesitate. "I know they will."

    Derniere didn¡¯t speak, and the room fell into silence. The only sound was the soft clinking of dishes as she put them away.

    Kai leaned forward slightly. "What about you?" he asked. "How did you get here?"

    "I was born here," Derniere said simply.

    Kai blinked, momentarily speechless. He had assumed she had been stranded here somehow, like him. But to be born down here? He couldn¡¯t even imagine it.

    "My parents were among the last few down here," she continued, her voice steady, almost detached. "And I was the last child. They taught me everything I needed to know before... before passing away."

    "I''m sorry," Kai said, not knowing what else to say.

    "It was a long time ago," Derniere said, shaking her head. "This is just my life."

    Kai studied her for a moment. She was calm, accepting of her situation in a way that unsettled him. He had spent less than a day down here and already felt isolated. Yet she had survived her whole life in the dark.

    "So... if you don¡¯t mind me asking," Kai hesitated, choosing his words carefully. What he was about to ask could be hurtful. "Why did some people stay down here? Why didn¡¯t your parents, or their parents, live in the upper levels?"

    Derniere lowered her head.

    Kai immediately regretted asking. He was about to take it back, to say something to change the subject, but she spoke first.

    "I asked my parents the same thing¡­" she said, her voice quieter now. The light in her eyes dimmed, replaced by something heavier.

    "They told me the people in the upper levels were liars. Traitors to the human race." She exhaled, looking down at her hands. "I asked them why, but they never wanted to talk about it."

    Kai could sense the anger in her now, bubbling beneath the surface.

    "They were afraid of us. Afraid the truth would get out." She clenched her fists. "So they made sure we stayed down here. Made sure we never got out."

    Her voice shook, but she didn¡¯t let the tears fall. She just sat there, holding them in.

    "I¡¯ve tried before¡­"

    "To get out?" Kai leaned forward.

    "Yes," she said, nodding. "I think there¡¯s something beyond the trash piles. There¡¯s a reason they dump everything there¡ªto build a wall, to block us in¡­"

    Kai was on the edge of his seat now. She hadn¡¯t just found him by chance. No, she had been searching for a way out her whole life.

    Her shoulders trembled slightly before she chuckled to herself. "The more they told me not to, the more I wanted to," she muttered. "Isn¡¯t that funny?" She sighed, slumping slightly.

    Without her overalls, she looked smaller. More vulnerable.

    And it made Kai angry.

    "I¡¯m getting you out of here," he said, the words coming out before he could even think them through.

    Derniere looked up, meeting his gaze. "You won¡¯t be able to," she said quietly. "You saw the machines out there."

    Kai smiled. "I will..."

    Before he could continue, she stopped him. With a single motion, she pressed a finger to her lips.

    She quietly set down the utensils she had just picked up and, without a word, shut off the only light in the room.

    Bell was on its hind legs again, ears twitching, eyes locked toward the door. Listening.

    Kai listened too.

    At first, he heard nothing. But then, he closed his eyes and focused. Hard.

    A warmth spread through his ears. The world sharpened.

    He could hear everything¡ªthe soft drip of water hitting the sink, the faint shift of Derniere¡¯s breathing¡­ And something else.

    A low, steady hum.

    The hum of a machine.

 41. Under the Layers

    The room was dark, illuminated only by the cold glow of the monitor, casting harsh shadows across Eliana¡¯s tired face. She looked exhausted¡ªphysically and mentally. Her hair was a tangled mess, still damp from the shower. She hadn¡¯t bothered to comb it or let it dry completely.

    She didn¡¯t care.

    Her eyes remained fixed on the display. Refresh. Click. Refresh. Click. Over and over again.

    Isaac had told her the system would auto-refresh if there was an update on Kai¡¯s location, but she didn¡¯t trust it. She had to do it herself.

    Again. Maybe this time, something would change.

    The city was on lockdown after the attack at the Archive. Over twenty guards were dead. Ten from the Federation, six from the Empire, three from the AEC, plus one of their android units. That should have been more than enough to handle one man. And yet¡­ no survivors.

    Worse, the official report named the prime suspects as two men who had broken into the Archive¡¯s restricted area. Some bystander had reported them, triggering the security response that led to the firefight. No mention of an Inquisitor. No record of the scarred assassin Isaac had described.

    Eliana¡¯s only hope lay in the fact that nowhere in the reports did they mention finding Kai¡¯s body. That meant one thing¡ªthe Inquisitor had taken him. But where? If he was still alive, she should have pinged his location by now.

    The Black Swan uniform¡¯s locator was useless. The city¡¯s interference jammed the signal hours ago. All her hopes rested on the Black Swan pin. Isaac¡¯s newest design had a built-in GPS, capable of transmitting as long as it had direct access to the orbital satellites.

    But Kai¡¯s signal was still frozen at the Archive. Paused. Like he had never left.

    Eliana glanced out the viewport. The city outside was pitch black. Soon, the Watchers would return. And that¡¯s when an idea took root in her mind.

    At midnight, everyone had to stay indoors. No one would be watching.

    ---

    Kai waited in silence. The humming of the machine grew louder, the vibrations settling into his bones. It was above them now. Across from him, Derniere didn¡¯t move. Her chest barely rose and fell, her breathing shallow and controlled.

    She was used to this.

    Outside the small window, the world turned red.

    Kai had seen that light before. The eerie red glow of the Watchers that patrolled the upper levels.

    But why here?

    Watchers were meant to track criminals and smugglers, people without proper clearance, people who didn¡¯t belong. But no one was supposed to live down here.

    Unless¡­

    Kai¡¯s mind raced. What if Derniere was right? What if there really was something beyond the trash piles? Something the government didn¡¯t want anyone to find.

    Just like before, the red searchlight passed for only a few seconds before fading away. Darkness returned.

    Derniere quietly resumed cleaning the utensils, methodical and unbothered, like it was just another night for her. But for Kai, it wasn¡¯t. He couldn¡¯t stay here.

    He knew Eliana was looking for him. He just didn¡¯t know how she would find him down here. And while he waited, he had to do something. He had to know the truth.

    Maybe the patrols outside were dangerous. Maybe the machines would hunt him down. But he wasn¡¯t just anyone. With his heightened senses and ability to see in the dark, Kai was sure¡ªhe could avoid them.

    "Kai?" Derniere said softly.

    Kai raised his head, momentarily pulling away from his thoughts.

    "I was going to say you should get some rest. You look tired." Her gaze drifted toward the bullet hole in his uniform. "Are you sure you''re not hurt?"

    Kai shook his head. "I''m okay now. It''s healing pretty fast. But yeah, some rest sounds good. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll just sleep here on the floor." He patted the worn wooden planks and gave her a reassuring smile.

    "If you say so," she said, though she still looked uncertain. "It¡¯s just that¡­ My dad got shot in the leg by one of the robots before. It took him months just to walk again."

    "Don¡¯t worry," Kai repeated. "I¡¯ll be fine. And thanks for letting me stay here."

    Derniere nodded and walked downstairs, leaving Kai alone in the dimly lit room.

    He ran his palm over the floor. It was dry, and that was good enough. He had slept in far worse conditions¡ªafter the invasion on Velmorra, when he had lost everything, the first few nights had been pure survival.

    Kai lay down, shifting just enough to see the gray expanse outside the window.

    A soft pattering of tiny feet reached his ears. He turned his head. Bell had crept closer, stopping just a few feet away, his small, round eyes watching Kai intently.

    Kai chuckled. "Keeping an eye on me for your master? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m just going to sleep. I won¡¯t even leave this room."

    The little creature wasn¡¯t convinced. It flopped down, curling up as if to say, I¡¯ll be watching you.

    Kai smirked and returned his gaze to the window. He couldn¡¯t see where the next level was, just the endless gray landscape. His eyes fixated on a small stain near the edge of the window, hoping it would help lull him to sleep.

    Despite his exhaustion, sleep didn¡¯t come easy.

    The silence was too unnatural, too eerie. He was used to the hum of an HVAC system, the gentle thrum of a gravity generator, even the harsh desert winds on Drakmoor.

    But here? Nothing.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    He stared at the stain on the glass, locked in a silent staring contest, until his eyelids grew heavy.

    Then, finally, sleep took him.

    ---

    When he woke up, nothing had changed.

    The gray wasteland outside looked the same. Bell was still there, curled up beside him, sleeping.

    Kai sat up, rubbing his eyes. He didn¡¯t feel refreshed¡ªhis body was still weak. But the worst part? He had no sense of the time passing.

    Had he slept for hours?

    Minutes?

    Days?

    He really hoped it wasn¡¯t days.

    As soon as he moved, Bell woke up too, running in small circles before stopping in front of Kai¡¯s legs.

    Kai scratched his head. "Do you know how long I¡¯ve been out?"

    Bell just stared up at him, his googly eyes twitching slightly. Not much help.

    Kai sighed. He needed a watch. Or any kind of device that could display the time.

    He stood up, and Bell scurried away. It was time to figure out his next move.

    Kai walked down the stairs, but waiting for him at the bottom was Bell, standing in his path, unmoving. The small creature stared up at him, not budging, as if deliberately blocking his way.

    Kai frowned. "Uh¡­ excuse me?" He was about to step past Bell when Derniere¡¯s voice called out from somewhere on the first floor.

    "Just a minute."

    Kai stopped, waiting. A moment later, he heard footsteps approaching, light but steady. Bell finally moved aside, scurrying away as Derniere stepped into view.

    She was fully suited up again¡ªoveralls, helmet, a gas mask hung below her chain, and her trusty rifle in hand¡ªeverything sealed tightly together. She looked at Kai and gave him a thumbs-up.

    Kai smirked and returned the gesture.

    "How long have I been out?" he asked, scratching his hair groggily.

    "It¡¯s about six in the morning," Derniere replied. "So you got a solid six hours."

    Kai nodded, rolling his shoulders. His body still felt off, but at least now he had a rough idea of the time.

    "How do you even tell time down here?" he asked, genuinely curious.

    Derniere tilted her head slightly, as if the question amused her. "Just a hunch," she said. "You learn to guess when there¡¯s no natural way to tell. The only real marker is that the Watchers patrol the land at midnight."

    Kai took that in, processing it. No clocks. No sun. No sky. Just the rhythm of machines dictating the flow of time. He had always taken basic timekeeping for granted, but down here, it was something people had to develop instinctively.

    Derniere passed Kai a small bag, it was made out of rough fabrics, Kai guessed it was home made.

    They stepped out into the ruins of the city again. Walking through these streets felt like stepping into a time machine. He had to remind himself that all of this had been built when technology wasn¡¯t as advanced as it was today. The streets, especially, felt cramped, much smaller than what he was used to.

    As they walked, Derniere kept glancing at him as if he were insane. He wasn¡¯t wearing any protection¡ªno helmet, no mask. And the first thing he did upon stepping outside was taking a deep breath.

    "You know," Kai said, stretching his arms, "the air here smells stale, but it¡¯s actually not that bad compared to some of the places I¡¯ve been."

    Derniere shook her head. "The air here might be breathable, but the closer you get to the trash piles, the worse it gets¡ªand the more toxic."

    Kai nodded. He had smelled that air yesterday, and it had been awful. If there was any wind down here, the entire sector would probably reek of rotting garbage and chemical decay.

    They moved through the streets. The tight alleyways pressed in on Kai, making him uncomfortable. A lot of the buildings still had wooden sliding doors, something he had never seen in person before. As they walked, he kept an eye out for signs¡ªanything that might tell him more about where they were.

    Then, he saw something.

    The faded remnants of text on a rusted old sign, barely readable after years of exposure to humidity and decay. The letters were unfamiliar.

    Kai narrowed his eyes. This was proof.

    There was a reason the government built all these levels, a reason they buried this city beneath layers of steel and concrete. He just needed to figure out what.

    Derniere noticed him staring at the sign and slowed down. "What¡¯s wrong, Kai?"

    "The text here," Kai said, stepping closer. "It''s not in English."

    Derniere glanced at it and shrugged. "That¡¯s because it¡¯s Japanese." She said it so casually, like it was just another fact. "A lot of the people who lived here used this language. Actually¡­" She hesitated. "I think my mom was half-Japanese. She used to tell me what these words meant, but I¡¯ve forgotten most of them."

    Kai froze. His eyes widened.

    Derniere frowned. "Something wrong?"

    "Yes," Kai said, turning to her. "There¡¯s something very wrong about this place."

    She tilted her head slightly, looking confused.

    Kai exhaled and looked her in the eye. "I should have told you this earlier, but¡­ as far as I know, the rest of humanity only speaks one language. And that¡¯s English."

    "What''s wrong with that?" Derniere asked, tilting her head.

    Kai turned to her, his expression serious. "It means someone doesn¡¯t want people outside to know about this place. Someone has been trying to rewrite history."

    Derniere was silent for a moment, processing his words. Then, slowly, she nodded. "I see¡­"

    They continued walking, weaving through the abandoned city until the ruins gave way to a more open, flat area. The buildings were less dense here, replaced by winding pathways and long benches scattered around the space.

    Derniere suddenly smiled, her excitement breaking through the tension. She turned toward Kai and spread her arms.

    "Welcome to my mushroom farm." Derniere said with a grin.

    Kai looked around at what had once been a park. Now, it was little more than a graveyard of dead trees. Some had been chopped down, leaving only sad, rotting stumps behind, while others stood as skeletal remains, their branches long gone.

    Derniere walked toward one of the stumps, and Kai followed.

    It was only then that he noticed them¡ªtiny mushrooms growing around the base of the tree remains. Derniere crouched down, digging one out of the dirt with her hands.

    Kai did the same, pressing his fingers into the soil. The dirt was moist, cool to the touch. The mushroom wasn¡¯t particularly big, so he simply grasped its body and yanked it free. Holding it in his palm, he turned it over, feeling the texture¡ªnot quite a vegetable, not quite meat.

    How does she survive eating only this?

    Derniere must have noticed his curiosity because she spoke without looking up. "These aren¡¯t just any mushrooms. They¡¯re genetically modified to contain all the nutrients we need to survive."

    Kai raised an eyebrow. "But don¡¯t you get bored eating the same thing every day?"

    Derniere shook her head. "Not really. There are a lot of ways to cook them," she said. "Besides, why eat so many different types of food when you can just eat one? Seems like a waste of time and energy."

    Kai nodded slowly. She wasn¡¯t eating for pleasure¡ªshe was eating for survival.

    By the time they returned to the house, Kai mentally estimated three hours had passed¡ªmaking it around nine in the morning.

    Derniere slid open the door and flipped the light switch.

    Nothing.

    She frowned and tried again. Still nothing.

    Her expression darkened as she checked the light fixture, then let out a sharp curse.

    Kai looked at her. "What¡¯s wrong?"

    Derniere exhaled. "The power is out. We have no electricity anymore."

 42. A New Problem

    "I''m sorry about this," Derniere said, her voice laced with frustration. "The power hasn¡¯t gone out in a long time."

    Kai shook his head. "It¡¯s not your fault."

    Derniere shook hers as well. "No, I know it¡¯s not my fault. I¡¯m apologizing because of what we have to do to fix it."

    That didn¡¯t sound good.

    She took the mushrooms he had gathered and set them by the door, then turned to the dark room and called out, "Bell, it¡¯s time to go."

    As if on cue, the small creature scurried out from a hole in the wall, darting up Derniere¡¯s leg, scrambling over her torso, and finally settling on her shoulder. It held on tight, making a few excited squeaks.

    Kai realized they were going out again.

    This time, Derniere pulled on her face mask, securing it in place before heading in the opposite direction¡ªtoward the trash piles.

    Kai followed behind without hesitation. It was still early, so at least they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about the watchers.

    As they walked, Derniere kept her gaze upward, scanning something. Kai followed her line of sight and realized she was watching the street poles, checking the electrical wires.

    Halfway to their destination, just outside the city, the first whiff of decay hit Kai. He inhaled sharply, trying to shut his senses off, but it didn¡¯t work.

    He grimaced. The stench of waste clung to the air, thick and rotten.

    Why does the liquid only work when I''m in danger? Kai wondered. If it could suppress pain and enhance his senses, then surely there was a way to block out the bad smell.

    He pushed the thought aside and pressed forward, following Derniere. The closer they got to the trash piles, the worse the putrid stench became.

    Then, he saw it¡ªthe water management system.

    It was the same one that had carried him down.

    A massive vertical platform system lowered slowly, rotating as it descended before turning back upward at the bottom. A conveyor belt system caught the trash, moving it further along until giant mechanical claws picked up the waste and dumped it onto separate conveyor belts that extended far beyond his vision.

    He squinted into the dim light, trying to see where the belts led. But he couldn¡¯t. They stretched into the darkness, disappearing into the unknown.

    "Be careful, the robots patrol these parts," Derniere whispered.

    Kai nodded in acknowledgment, and the two pressed forward at a slow pace.

    That¡¯s when he noticed something he hadn¡¯t before¡ªsomething that made his stomach churn.

    Bugs.

    They were everywhere. Insects crawled along nearly every inch of the surface, weaving in and out of rotting container bags, their bodies shifting and squirming like a living, pulsating carpet.

    Kai forced himself to look forward, keeping his eyes off the ground and the horror scuttling beneath him.

    They reached the bottom of the massive conveyor belts.

    Derniere searched the ground, scanning for something. Kai moved closer, and that¡¯s when he saw it¡ªthe electrical wire. The same one that connected to Derniere''s house.

    It was crushed beneath a heavy slab of metal, broken off from a larger piece of machinery.

    "Help me move this," Derniere said, placing her hands under the metal.

    Kai crouched down and gripped it as well. He lifted¡ªand to his surprise, the metal wasn¡¯t as heavy as he expected.

    Derniere stared at him like he was some kind of superhuman.

    Kai shrugged. The liquid inside him had enhanced his strength¡ªthis was nothing to him.

    Derniere gave him a long, curious look, but then turned her focus back to the damaged wire. She picked it up and examined the break.

    The wire had been snapped clean, yanked out of a short protrusion from an electrical box mounted on one of the supporting pillars for the conveyor belt.

    That¡¯s when Kai realized how she had been getting her electricity¡ªshe had been stealing power from the waste management system.

    Derniere sighed, looking up at the electrical box. The connection point was too high for her to reach¡ªtoo high even for Kai. She stood there, frowning.

    "I''m sorry, Kai, but¡­" She hesitated before looking back at him. "I think I¡¯m going to have to borrow your shoulders for a moment."

    Kai nodded and crouched down, offering his hands. Derniere carefully stepped onto his shoulders, gripping his head lightly for balance.

    She was light¡ªtoo light. Her body had clearly lacked the proper nutrients to grow.

    Kai stood, lifting her high enough to reach the broken connection. She stretched, trying to reconnect the severed wire.

    A frustrated sigh escaped her lips.

    "Put me down," she said. "This isn¡¯t going to work."

    Kai carefully lowered her back to the ground. "What¡¯s wrong?"

    Derniere tossed the damaged cable onto the floor with a bitter shake of her head. "The force that snapped the wire also broke the connector I installed in the system. And that was my last one."

    Kai frowned. "I mean¡­ you can just get another one, right?"

    Derniere let out a humorless laugh. "Kai, these things are rare. I spent months salvaging to find that one. And now, it¡¯s gone."If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Kai exhaled sharply. "So what you¡¯re saying is¡­"

    "We won¡¯t have electricity again." Derniere¡¯s voice wavered. Tears pooled in her gray eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "We¡¯re doomed, Kai."

    They stood there in silence,

    Kai watched as Derniere tried to hold back her tears. He hated watching people cry. It always made something inside him ache.

    Kai looked up at the never-ending rotation of the massive conveyor system¡ªthe very one that had sent him down here in the first place. The gears turned with a rhythmic hum, a relentless, mechanical heartbeat that never stopped. It kept the topside clean and the underworld hidden.

    He watched the platforms cycle through their endless loop: down, drop, rotate, fold, ascend.

    Down. Rotate. Up. Down. Rotate. Up.

    Then, it hit him. What comes down must go up.

    His eyes widened. That was it!

    He turned to Derniere, his voice bursting with excitement. "I think I figured out how to get out of here! We just need to get on that thing!"

    Derniere didn¡¯t share his enthusiasm. She had a faint smile, but she didn¡¯t look hopeful. "No," she said softly, shaking her head. "It won¡¯t work¡­"

    Kai¡¯s grin faltered. "Why not? Doesn¡¯t it go straight to the top level?"

    Derniere sighed. "If it were that easy, my people would¡¯ve escaped a long time ago."

    Kai frowned. "Then what¡¯s the problem?"

    She looked up, as if caught in a distant memory. "I remember someone trying that when I was a kid. He thought he could ride it up to the surface." Her voice lowered. "He was gone for days. When he finally came back, he was shaking his head. He said that when it reaches the next level, the space gets so tight, no human can fit through. He had to jump ship and take the chute back down."

    Kai¡¯s excitement faded. Of course the designers had thought about that. They knew people lived down here, so they had made sure no one could use the system to escape.

    He felt foolish now for thinking it would work. Worse, he had given Derniere false hope, only to watch it slip away, leaving her even more defeated.

    Maybe he should just go back. Maybe they really had no choice but to light a fire as their illumination.

    Kai sighed and looked up at the rotating platforms again.

    "No human can fit through," he murmured.

    Then, suddenly, an idea hit him. Maybe he didn¡¯t have to fit through.

    He had been thinking about his own escape this whole time. But he wasn¡¯t alone. He had an entire crew up there, a crew that was probably looking for him right now.

    He looked down at the Black Swan pin Isaac had given him.

    This just might do.

    If he aimed it just right, the system would carry it up for him.

    His lips curled into a smile.

    He unpinned it from his uniform, weighing it in his hand. He stepped back, lining up his throw. He had one shot. The pin needed to stick to the platform and be carried all the way up without falling.

    Kai tossed it a few times, feeling the weight. It was solid, which was good. He focused, using his enhanced vision to track the perfect trajectory.

    Derniere gasped beside him. "Your¡­ your eyes are glowing."

    Kai didn¡¯t answer. He blocked out everything else. He took one steady breath, zeroed in¡ªand threw.

    The pin flew silently through the air.

    A faint clank echoed as it landed on a rising platform.

    Kai listened.

    No further noise. No clatter of metal hitting the ground.

    His smile widened.

    Now, he just had to hope the crew hadn¡¯t given up on him.

    ---

    Eliana moved like a shadow.

    The stealth suit wrapped tightly around her, absorbing the darkness, making her nearly invisible.

    She carried nothing but a small signal receiver, about the size of a notebook, tucked tightly against her. Her hair was pulled back, secured to keep it from getting in her way. Her martial arts training had done more than teach her how to fight¡ªit had built a foundation of discipline, agility, and control. It made her faster, quieter, and stronger. And she needed all of that now.

    She was close to the Archive.

    11:50 PM.

    Ten minutes before curfew. Most of the streets were empty now. The citizens had already returned home. The only ones still outside were securities¡ªpeople who had clearance to be in public after hours. She wasn¡¯t one of them.

    She moved quickly, sticking to the shadows, slipping between alleyways, keeping herself out of sight. She was so close now.

    11:55 PM.

    Eliana stopped and pulled herself back into the shadows. The Archive was in sight¡ªbut so were the guards. Yellow security tape fluttered in the wind, blocking off the entrance.

    But the guards weren¡¯t human, they were AEC androids.

    She muttered a curse under her breath. There were no other ways in. The Archive was placed in an open area, perfect for security, terrible for infiltration.

    She took out the receiver and checked it again.

    Still no new signal.

    She pointed it toward the Archive. The last ping was over 24 hours ago. If Kai was dead, they would have retrieved his body by now.

    But the fact that there was no new signal meant something else. It meant they were hiding something.

    Maybe they had captured him. Maybe they had locked him in a Faraday cage.

    Just when she started to doubt herself, all the lights went out. The city fell into silence as every commercial display and advertisement screen dimmed. The once-bustling streets became eerily still, the towering skyscrapers casting long, oppressive shadows.

    "All citizens must remain indoors during curfew. Personnel remaining outside will be detained and prosecuted." A female voice echoed through the empty city, broadcasted from unseen speakers.

    It''s too late now.

    Eliana had to make a move. The nearest android was facing away from her, its sensors scanning the streets. This was her only opportunity.

    She slipped out of the alleyway, moving slowly and carefully, using every shadow and obstruction to keep herself hidden. She kept her breathing steady, her body low, every movement calculated.

    In the distance, she saw it¡ªthe red glow of a Watcher, scanning the streets, its eerie light creeping toward her position. The androids stationed near the Archive began to move, their mechanical limbs clicking in precise motions.

    She had only two choices now. Stay hidden and pray the Watcher wouldn¡¯t spot her, or make a dash for the Archive before the androids noticed. Either way, it was risky.

    Eliana never left her fate to chance.

    She bolted.

    Keeping her body low, she sprinted toward the Archive, her feet barely making a sound against the artificial pavement. The air felt dense, pressing against her as she pushed forward, her muscles burning with effort.

    The entrance was in sight. The entire structure jutted from the depths of the previous level, supported by four massive rails. A bridge connected the Archive to the artificial ground¡ªthe bridge she was now racing toward.

    Behind her,  alarms blared, the androids detected her movement.

    Bullets peppered the ground around her, sparks flying as rounds struck metal and concrete. She weaved, her movements sharp, sprinting in a zigzag pattern to make herself a harder target.

    She was so close now. Just a few more steps.

    Eliana leaped onto the bridge, using her momentum to push forward¡ªonly for a sudden wave of weakness to hit her.

    Her limbs went numb. It felt like her entire body shut down, like something had cut her off from her own strength. The muscles that had carried her through countless fights, that had never failed her before, suddenly refused to obey.

    The Archive vanished from view and darkness rushed in.

    She realized what had happened ¡ª The bridge had given out beneath her.

    She was falling.

 43. Fight Dirty

    Kai was proud of that throw. He turned to look at Derniere, expecting a reaction. Bell, now perched on her shoulder, sniffed the air.

    Then, three things happened at once.

    First, Derniere raised her head. Kai thought she was about to praise his shot, but then he noticed her hand rising, her finger pointing at something.

    Second, a sharp ping rang out, followed by a burst of sparks as metal exploded just inches from Derniere¡¯s face.

    Third, an air horn blared from behind Kai. A deep, mechanical wail. A sound he knew all too well¡ªthe same robotic patrol that had been hunting for him the day before.

    They had overstayed their welcome. Now, the machines were on them.

    Kai moved first. Instinct took over. A surge of heat shot up his spine as the world slowed around him. He lunged, knocking Derniere to the ground just as a line of gunfire shredded through the air where they had been standing.

    He rolled with the impact, twisting away as bullets tore through rusted metal and garbage bags.

    In his slowed perception, he caught sight of the machine behind them. A hulking, two-legged walker, its rotating barrels locked onto them. The dull glow of its sensors are the only things visible in the dark.

    Kai stared straight into the barrels, waiting for the flash that might be his last.

    The barrels spun, but no bullets fired. The walker shifted, using its other arm to adjust something on the gun.

    It was jammed.

    Kai didn¡¯t wait to question their luck. He grabbed Derniere and pulled her up. Their clothes were ruined, covered in filth, but survival took priority.

    They couldn¡¯t go back to the city. Not with that thing cutting them off.

    So they ran.

    Straight into the trash fields.

    Behind them, the walker recalibrated, gunfire sprayed wildly.

    The air grew heavier with the stench of rot. They were heading deeper into the wasteland, where decades of discarded waste had piled into mountains.

    Kai¡¯s foot caught on something jagged. He stumbled, barely catching himself.

    Pain seared through his palm. He had grabbed something sharp¡ªmetal, broken glass, he didn¡¯t know. He ignored it and kept moving.

    Ahead, Bell let out a frantic squeak.

    Kai turned toward Bell¡¯s direction, but his vision faltered. Depth, distance¡ªnothing felt right. The world had twisted into something surreal, like the very concept of space had unraveled before him.

    A lone building stood amidst the wreckage, half-swallowed by the endless sprawl of discarded debris. Trash of all kinds had piled against its walls, burying the first floor entirely. Only a small balcony and a second-floor window remained visible. Behind it, a towering mountain of waste loomed, a testament to its abandonment.

    Why worry about polluting the soil when there was no soil left?

    Kai let out a dry chuckle but stopped when the bad taste in his mouth soured the thought.

    Beyond the hill of garbage, there was nothing¡ªjust a void where the world seemed to end. Then he realized he wasn¡¯t far off.

    A man-made structure cut off the horizon. A wall.

    Not just any wall. A towering monolith of metal and concrete stretched endlessly to the left and right, vanishing into the distance. It rose at least twenty stories high, its sheer surface swallowing the sky above.

    There was no way past it.

    Nowhere left to run.

    ¡°Towards the building!¡± Kai shouted between controlled breaths, pushing his legs harder.

    Derniere was already sprinting in that direction, not needing to be told twice.

    Behind them, the air horn blared again, the sound so powerful that Kai felt it in his bones.

    He risked a glance back.

    The machine was closing in. Its massive, mechanical limbs navigated the uneven terrain effortlessly. Every step carried a dreadful weight, a presence that felt almost¡­ intentional.

    For a second, Kai swore he could feel the machine¡¯s thoughts¡ªits cold, calculating malice.

    Was it possible? Could it sense its own endless solitude, its years of mindless wandering? Was that why it was playing with them, relishing the chase in a twisted game of cat and mouse?

    The horn blared again, deafening.

    Kai didn¡¯t look back this time. He focused everything on running.

    The building was their only chance.

    Derniere had already reached it, disappearing behind the structure. She reemerged a second later, waving frantically.

    ¡°Got a plan?¡± Derniere asked as Kai ducked behind cover.

    ¡°I guess we don¡¯t have a choice but to fight the thing,¡± Kai muttered, peeking around the corner at the advancing walker.

    ¡°Do you think we can even damage it?¡± Derniere questioned, keeping her voice low.

    ¡°Maybe not internally, but I can take out its sensors. I saw them glowing in the dark.¡±

    Derniere nodded, already slinging her rifle around. ¡°Not much stopping power with this thing, but it¡¯ll be a distraction.¡±

    ¡°Good enough.¡± Kai gave her a reassuring nod. ¡°Keep it occupied. I¡¯ll handle the sensors.¡±

    He took a deep breath, forming a plan in his mind. The walker, like any machine, relied on sensory data to target them. If he could blind it, they¡¯d have a chance to escape. He¡¯d need to get onto it, close enough to smear something over the sensors¡ªsomething sticky, something obstructive.

    His eyes fell to his own hand, still lightly bleeding from an earlier wound. The nanos inside him had already started healing it, but the red streaks still glistened under the dim light.

    A loud air horn ripped through the air, cutting his thoughts short. He risked another glance. The walker was close now, its red sensors glowing like demonic eyes. There were three of them¡ªone at the front of the main hull, another between its legs, and a third near the top.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    The walker saw him, and the world exploded into chaos. A barrage of bullets shredded the building beside him. Kai ducked back just in time.

    Derniere fired from the other side. The shot pinged harmlessly off the walker¡¯s armor, but it got its attention.

    The machine adjusted, turning toward her.

    Kai didn¡¯t hesitate.

    He bolted out from cover, sprinting across uneven ground, dodging scraps of metal and broken debris. The walker focused entirely on Derniere now, letting out another deafening horn blast as its machine gun fire chewed into the structure.

    Kai heard Derniere yelp as part of the building collapsed, forcing her to retreat.

    She wouldn¡¯t last much longer at this rate.

    ¡°This way!¡± Kai shouted.

    The walker¡¯s turret swiveled toward him, the deep abyss of its spinning barrels locking onto his position.

    This time, he was ready.

    Time slowed.

    Kai dropped low, sliding underneath the first burst of gunfire. Bullets whizzed past, tearing through the air at supersonic speeds.

    He didn¡¯t stop.

    Rushing forward, he slid beneath the walker¡¯s massive hull and reached up, smearing his blood across the underbelly sensor.

    One down.

    He sprang to his feet behind the machine. Another sensor glowed at its back. The walker tried to rotate and line up another shot, but Kai didn¡¯t let it. He ran with its movement, staying just ahead of its turning radius. Then he leaped.

    His fingers caught onto the edge of the main hull. Just enough to hold his weight.

    Gripping tightly, he pulled himself up.

    His injured hand reached higher, searching for another hold. He locked eyes with the sensor¡ªwatching him like a soulless mechanical beast.

    The walker suddenly jerked, shaking violently to throw him off.

    A loud bang rang out. The sensor near the top jolted, knocked at an angle by a well-placed shot.

    Nice shot, Kai thought.

    The walker stopped spinning and turned its attention back toward the building. The sudden shift nearly threw Kai off, but he held on, using the moment to climb higher.

    Now on top of the machine, he crawled forward, fighting against its constant movement. It bucked and tilted, trying to shake him off, but he pressed onward until his fingers wrapped around the last sensor.

    He smeared his blood over the glowing red light.

    For a second, nothing happened.

    Then the walker hesitated, the lack of data causing it to no longer function correctly.

    Kai barely had time to react before it lunged forward, charging straight into the building in one final act of desperation.

    He clung tight, shielding his head as concrete and debris rained around him. The structure trembled under the impact, sections of it collapsing.

    The air horn blared again, and the walker continued on its way, not a single sign of stopping.

    Kai let himself slide off the walker¡¯s hull, free-falling onto the trash piles below.

    He landed hard, but the debris softened the impact. He barely had time to catch his breath before Bell scurried onto him, climbing up his arm, his shoulder, and finally onto his head. The tiny creature stood tall, as if surveying the aftermath.

    Derniere reached him moments later, breathless. She pulled him up, a grin spreading across her face¡ªthe kind that told him she had just witnessed something she never thought possible.

    They shared a look. Then Kai gave her a brief, victorious smile.

    Behind Kai, a thunderous thud echoed through the air. He turned just in time to see the walker crash into the massive wall, its hulking form slamming against the structure like a wrecking ball.

    For a moment, nothing happened. Then¡ªa crack.

    Small at first, but quickly spreading.

    ¡°I think we should back up a little,¡± Derniere said, already taking a cautious step away.

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Kai muttered, not taking his eyes off the growing fracture.

    The walker kept pushing, its bulk grinding against the wall. Its air horn blared again. Then again. Faster. Louder.

    Bell tugged at Kai¡¯s hair, its tiny claws scratching against his scalp as it let out a frantic squeak.

    Kai understood.

    ¡°Run.¡±

    The world erupted.

    An explosion tore through the air, sending debris flying in all directions. Dust, metal, and shattered concrete rained down.

    -------------------------------

    Eliana ran, her shoes clanking loudly against the metal skywalk. Behind her, multiple sets of footsteps echoed, closing in.

    She sprinted under a harsh, glowing light¡ªso bright it washed out the world around her. She squinted, momentarily blinded. A fleeting thought crossed her mind: if someone below was stargazing, what would they think of a star suddenly disappearing?

    A shadow cut through the blinding light, rushing toward her. An arm.

    She ducked low, just in time, feeling the air shift as the strike missed her. Moving instinctively, she grabbed the man¡¯s legs and, in one smooth motion, swept him off his feet. His body crashed head first onto the skywalk with a brutal metallic clang.

    ¡°Catch her!¡± Voices shouted behind her. More were coming.

    Eliana pushed forward. Up ahead, two figures blocked her path. A quick glance behind¡ªmore were closing in from that direction too.

    No way out but through.

    She charged forward, throwing a quick succession of punches. The first guard staggered back. The second¡ªa man clad in the imperial black-and-red uniform¡ªseized the opening and kicked at her thigh.

    Pain exploded through her leg, but she didn¡¯t stop. She wouldn¡¯t stop.

    With a growl, she forced herself forward, adrenaline fueling her. The guard swung again¡ªshe caught the attack, deflecting it with a sharp twist of her arm.

    Her elbow slammed into his throat. The man crumpled, gasping, collapsing to his knees.

    The ones behind her were catching up, so she started to run again.

    The path ahead looked clear for now. She just hoped it stayed that way.

    Eliana was confident in her speed and agility. She could outrun the men chasing her¡ªall she needed was a way back to the surface. Her eyes darted ahead, scanning for an escape route, and then she saw it: a stairwell built into one of the towering support pillars that held up the city¡¯s levels. Without hesitation, she pushed herself forward, her boots pounding against the metal skywalk as she sprinted toward it.

    She reached the stairs and took them two at a time, her breath controlled, her body moving on instinct. At the top, she rounded a corner and found a door blocking her path. Without slowing, she threw her weight into a kick. To her surprise, the door wasn¡¯t secured at all¡ªit swung open as if it had been barely hanging on. She rushed inside and immediately regretted it.

    A wave of stench hit her like a solid force, thick and overwhelming. It was unlike anything she had ever smelled, making her stomach churn. But she didn¡¯t stop. She forced herself forward, running through the suffocating air, her focus locked on the glimpses of city lights ahead. She could hear the faint echoes of New Oliver¡¯s nightlife, the curfew now lifted, and she knew she was close. The thought of fresh air pushed her faster, a smile forming on her lips as she neared the exit.

    Then a vibration in her hand stopped her cold.

    Beep.

    Her heart skipped a beat. She slowed her pace, lifting her wrist to check the small receiver embedded in her skin.

    Beep.

    Again. A signal. A location ping. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at the name on the screen.

    Kai.

    The signal was close. It wasn¡¯t coming from above, where she was heading, but from somewhere below her. She instinctively looked down, scanning the dimly lit expanse beneath her feet. All she saw was an endless stretch of trash, piled high in the city¡¯s waste management system. There was no way Kai could be down there. Unless¡­

    The thought sent a chill through her. She looked again, piecing together the possibilities, and a sinking realization formed in her mind.

    Before she could process it fully, the door behind her slammed open.

    Shouts rang out as guards poured in. She didn¡¯t hesitate. She turned and ran.

    Eliana tore through the last stretch of tunnels, weaving between pathways, climbing staircases, and navigating the labyrinth of the city¡¯s underbelly. At last, she burst through to the surface, gulping in the crisp night air. New Oliver¡¯s streets were alive again, filled with people. She disappeared into the crowd, blending seamlessly into the sea of movement.

    She could hide her face in the shifting bodies, melt into the city¡¯s pulse. But she couldn¡¯t hide the smile on her lips.

    She understood now. Kai had sent her a signal. A call for help.

    Her hands clenched into fists, determination settling deep in her chest. ¡°Kai¡­ we¡¯re coming for you.¡±

 44. Crumbled Wall - 400 Followers Bonus!

    Kai coughed violently as dust filled the air, mixing with the already unbearable stench. His stomach twisted, the taste of decay making him want to retch. He pulled the collar of his shirt over his nose, but it barely helped.

    Through the settling debris, he saw Derniere crouched near the now-destroyed house, her back pressed against a chunk of collapsed concrete. She was holding herself tightly, arms wrapped around her body, but as the last of the rubble settled, she exhaled and slowly relaxed.

    Bell poked its tiny head out from her pocket, its nose twitching as it tested the air before scrambling up to its usual perch on her shoulder.

    Kai stepped toward her, offering a hand. ¡°You okay?¡±

    Derniere took a steadying breath before nodding. ¡°Yeah. Just a little shaken up from the explosion.¡± She took his hand, and he pulled her to her feet.

    Kai turned his attention to the broken wall. The impact of the walker had created a massive opening, at least twenty feet wide, with crumbling edges still shifting under their weight. Beyond it, a mound of shattered concrete and debris formed a small hill.

    He and Derniere exchanged a look¡ªthis was new. Even for her, someone who had lived in the depths of the waste system for so long, this was uncharted territory.

    His gaze drifted back to the waste management system, still operating despite the destruction. Conveyor belts rumbled overhead, carrying endless streams of discarded materials. He followed their movement, mapping out their path in his mind. The chute that had dropped him down here connected to massive mechanical hooks, which lifted and sorted the waste onto separate belts. Those belts stretched across the entire dumping ground, continuing far beyond where he and Derniere had ventured.

    He traced their endpoint. The belts rose high into the sky, far taller than the wall itself, before dumping their loads onto the waste piles that had accumulated over what must have been centuries. The sheer scale of it was staggering. The trash hill in front of them wasn¡¯t just some recent accumulation¡ªit had the size and weight of a natural landscape, shaped by years of neglect.

    Something about the entire setup felt off.

    Kai¡¯s thoughts wandered. Why was this here at all? Most advanced worlds with massive populations had long since abandoned the idea of local waste disposal. It was inefficient, environmentally damaging, and politically inconvenient. Most planets sent their waste off-world, launching it into deep space or breaking it down at orbital processing plants. Even lesser-developed colonies had rudimentary waste management techniques that didn¡¯t involve dumping everything into a pit.

    But here, in the supposed homeworld of humanity, the birthplace of civilization, the method was¡­ archaic. Deliberate. As if whoever designed it hadn¡¯t cared about preservation or progress.

    He let out a dry chuckle. A theory formed in his mind.

    Kai turned to Derniere. ¡°Let¡¯s go see what¡¯s behind that wall.¡±

    ------------------------------

    Eliana finally returned to her ship, her escape aided by the flood of people filling the streets after curfew. No matter the planet, no matter the traditions, the craving for a good drink and a lively night never stopped anyone.

    She was grinning now¡ªhow could she not? The worry that had gnawed at her for hours was finally easing. She had been terrified of where Kai might be, but now she knew. He was alive. Even if he was trapped on a lower level, even if it took time to reach him, just knowing he had survived was a victory in itself.

    She hurried onboard, moving quickly through the familiar corridors of the Black Swan.

    As she rode the lift up to the second level, the first thing she saw was a pair of massive boots. Looking up, her gaze met the broad-shouldered figure of a man in a perfectly kept uniform. His beard was thick, his stance rigid.

    Commander Grayson.

    The commander¡¯s frown deepened as he took in her disheveled appearance. His mouth opened, likely to demand an explanation.

    Eliana spoke first. ¡°Kai. He¡¯s still alive.¡±

    Whatever he had been about to say died on his lips. He didn¡¯t waste a second before stepping aside and pressing a button to open the lift doors. ¡°To the meeting room,¡± he said simply.

    Minutes later, Eliana stood inside the brightly lit briefing room, pacing back and forth as the crew gathered.

    ¡°Calm down,¡± Teresa said from her seat, her voice steady and patient. ¡°I know you¡¯re eager to go after him, but we need a plan first.¡±

    Eliana forced herself to stop and looked toward Teresa. The older woman had been her mentor in engineering, teaching her the inner workings of the ship. If anyone knew how to keep a level head, it was her.

    ¡°Sorry.¡± She pulled out a chair and sat, the seat swaying slightly before settling into place.

    The door slid open, and Isaac strode in, dressed in all white. His long coat nearly brushed the floor, and unlike his usual neatly styled hair, today it was an unkempt mess of spikes sticking out in random directions. Despite his disheveled appearance, he wore a wide grin as he placed a tablet on the table and turned toward the large screen on the wall.

    The room fell silent as the overhead lights dimmed, and the display powered on. Even Commander Grayson gave his full attention.

    Isaac adjusted his glasses and began. ¡°As most of you already know, the insignia pins I designed for the Black Swan serve as multi-tools, capable of assisting in various situations. They also include built-in GPS tracking, which functions as long as they remain connected to the orbital satellites, the Black Swan, or a working receiver ¡­¡± He trailed off briefly as his eyes met Eliana¡¯s.

    She shot him a look. Get to the point.

    Isaac cleared his throat and continued, ¡°Anyway, the reason Kai¡¯s pin hadn¡¯t updated its location was simple¡ªit was never in direct contact with the satellites. It wasn¡¯t until Eliana went searching for him that her receiver picked up the signal from his pin.¡±

    The room filled with murmurs as the realization sank in.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Robert, already in uniform with a pistol strapped to his belt, stood up abruptly. ¡°What are we waiting for? Let¡¯s go get him!¡±

    ¡°The problem,¡± Eliana interjected, ¡°is that we don¡¯t know exactly where Kai is. We only have the location of his pin.¡±

    Robert hesitated before reluctantly sitting back down.

    Isaac smirked slightly and tapped on the screen. ¡°Actually¡­ we might know exactly where he is.¡±

    The murmurs died down, and all eyes locked onto him.

    He pushed his glasses up and gestured toward the display. ¡°I¡¯ve taken a closer look at New Oliver¡¯s waste management system, and I have to say¡ªit¡¯s a strange design. The structure¡­¡± He hesitated, then cleared his throat. ¡°Basically, once someone goes down, there¡¯s no stopping part way. The system is one-directional. Kai would have been transported all the way down on his first drop, with no way back up. The way it¡¯s designed, climbing back up is impossible.¡±

    He pointed to the lower section of the displayed map. ¡°I believe Kai is trapped here¡ªat the absolute bottom of the first level.¡±

    Eliana nodded. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was something. Kai was alive, and they had a lead. That was all that mattered.

    Another round of discussions broke out.¡±

    Baiyan, arms crossed, added, ¡°And let¡¯s be real¡ªKai was likely dead when the Inquisitor disposed of him. No way they would¡¯ve just left him alive.¡±

    ¡°But the Inquisitor doesn¡¯t know about Kai¡¯s abilities, does he?¡± Teresa said, leaning forward. ¡°Even Kai doesn¡¯t fully understand them yet.¡±

    The room fell into thoughtful silence until Commander Grayson cleared his throat. ¡°Kai is a member of this crew. And on the Black Swan, no matter how difficult the mission is¡ªwe don¡¯t leave anyone behind.¡±

    Eliana¡¯s eyes narrowed in determination. ¡°That¡¯s great, but how do we get down there if there¡¯s no way back up?¡±

    Isaac¡¯s grin widened as he leaned back in his chair. ¡°That,¡± he said, ¡°I might just have a solution for.¡±

    -------------------¡ª

    Kai stood atop the rubble of the collapsed wall, taking in the sight beyond. If he thought the place they were in was dark, then what was beyond the wall was the shadow of darkness itself.

    It had taken both him and Derniere a while to climb up, the unstable debris shifting beneath their weight. Bell, for once, perched on his shoulder, peering ahead as if eager to be the first to witness what lay beyond.

    The view was¡­ disappointing.

    Kai hadn¡¯t known exactly what he was expecting, but after all the effort, this wasn¡¯t it. Just like the rest of the lower levels, the space beyond was swallowed in darkness, a vast, empty void stretching ahead.

    At the very least, it wasn¡¯t filled with trash. That was something.

    Derniere crossed her arms  as she stared into the abyss. ¡°What do you make of this?¡±

    Kai exhaled, shaking his head. ¡°Not sure yet,¡± he admitted. ¡°But if I¡¯m right, they were hiding something behind that wall. And if someone went through the trouble of keeping it a secret, I say we move forward.¡±

    Derniere nodded and turned on her flashlight, her usual skepticism replaced with cautious agreement. Without another word, the two began carefully descending the rubble on the other side. The loose debris shifted under their weight, but they moved steadily, making sure not to slip.

    When they finally reached the bottom, Kai landed with a light thud. He took a moment to steady himself before glancing down. To his relief, the ground here wasn¡¯t covered in trash or discarded machinery.

    Just dirt that was a little damp beneath his boots, the sensation unfamiliar but oddly welcome. The soft earth was a stark contrast to the lifeless industrial sprawl behind them. It felt¡­ natural.

    Kai let out a slow breath. He could get used to this.

    Bell dropped from Kai¡¯s shoulder and scurried ahead, vanishing into the darkness.

    ¡°Bell¡­¡± Kai started, but Derniere stopped him with a light tap on his arm.

    ¡°That¡¯s alright,¡± she said. ¡°Pathfinding is fun for Bell. This is what he¡¯s good at.¡±

    Kai hesitated but nodded. He glanced back at the crumbled wall behind them¡ªtheir only landmark. As long as it remained visible, they wouldn¡¯t lose their way in the vast, featureless darkness ahead.

    They advanced cautiously. Before long, Kai realized his enhanced vision was struggling; the darkness here was deeper than anything he had encountered before. It wasn¡¯t just the absence of light¡ªit felt thicker, like something unnatural clung to the air itself that was actively eating away their only source of illumination.

    Then, that only source of illumination went away in an instant, putting them into total darkness.

    Dernier cursed, ¡°The light somehow died, I swear I checked up on it only a few days ago.¡±

    Kai heard Dernier slapped her hand on the light a couple more times, and when that didn¡¯t work, her footsteps stopped.

    ¡°Should we continue?¡± Derniere asked.

    Kai knew the right answer was ¡°No¡±, they shouldn¡¯t continue, they should go back and fix the light then come back at a better time. Then he looked towards the darkness again, the light made so little difference that he was not sure if there would be a better time.

    ¡°Let¡¯s continue.¡± He said.

    Soft paddling noises echoed around them. Bell was still nearby, darting ahead before circling back. Then, with a sharp squeak, he bolted off again in a new direction.

    ¡°Follow him,¡± Derniere instructed. ¡°He¡¯s leading us somewhere.¡±

    Kai kept moving, ears tuned to Bell¡¯s movements. The little creature scouted ahead, sometimes darting left, sometimes right¡ªredirecting them when their path was blocked.

    Even with Bell¡¯s guidance, Kai occasionally bumped into obstacles. He reached out, feeling the cool, hard surface of stone beneath his fingers. It was cold and hard, Kai felt it and figured it was a rock.

    Kai kept walking, noting how far they had ventured from the broken wall. He glanced back, barely making out the faint glow of light filtering through the ruins. The distance between them and their only landmark was growing.

    Then he felt it.

    The ground beneath his boots changed. The damp, slightly wet dirt was gone, replaced by something solid. He dragged his foot across the surface, testing it. The familiar texture of smooth, paved material met his sole ¡ª a road.

    They were finally onto something.

    ¡°You here?¡± he asked, checking for Derniere. A gloved hand pressed against his shoulder from the right.

    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± she confirmed.

    They pressed forward. Kai¡¯s stomach let out a quiet grumble. He was getting hungry. Running a quick mental clock, he estimated the time¡ªit had to be somewhere around midday now.

    Ahead, Bell¡¯s telltale squeaks echoed in the dark. Kai followed the sound, his steps light against the paved surface. A moment later, he felt the small weight of Bell scrambling up his clothes, tiny feet gripping onto his jacket.

    Then the little creature squeaked loudly. Right into his ear.

    Kai flinched, tilting his head to the side. ¡°Alright, alright¡ªno need to yell,¡± he started to say, frowning. But before he could get another word out, Derniere¡¯s grip on his shoulder tightened.

    His muscles tensed. Something was wrong.

    Kai shifted his focus forward.

    At first, he wasn¡¯t sure what he was looking at. Then he saw them¡ªa pair of glowing red lights in the dark.

    They were unusually bright, stark against the pitch-black void ahead.

    Kai had no idea how far away they were. No sense of depth, no reference points¡ªjust those two piercing red orbs, staring back at them.

    Silence settled for a brief moment, nobody spoke, the breathing sounds from Dernieres'' respiratory paused.

    The red glows began to move towards them.

 45. Fighting A Ghost

    As a man born on a technologically advanced planet, a spaceship enthusiast, and, at his core, a man of science, Kai had never believed in ghosts. He thought they were silly¡ªmade up to scare children away from dangerous places or for a good laugh at a party. Everything supernatural must have a scientific explanation behind it.

    Derniere''s hand moved away from his shoulder. A sharp metallic clack echoed in the dark as she chambered a round, followed by a deafening bang. For a brief second, the flash illuminated their surroundings.

    Kai¡¯s eyes locked onto the advancing red glows, now closer than before. He listened, expecting some sort of reaction¡ªa metallic impact, the dull sound of a bullet hitting flesh¡ªanything. But there was nothing. No ricochet, no resistance. No feedback at all. The shot had passed through as if nothing was there.

    Derniere worked the bolt again, ejecting the empty casing, smoothly chambering another round. Her stance was firm, her breathing controlled. She had done this countless times before.

    "Let the shot surprise you."

    She whispered the phrase to herself, steadying her grip. This time, she tried to fire between the glowing red lights.

    Another shot rang out.

    In that split second of illumination, Kai saw it.

    A figure¡ªor something that resembled one. It had the rough shape of a humanoid, yet its edges were blurred, translucent, shifting, as if it weren¡¯t fully there. Was it a machine? A living being? His mind struggled to comprehend what he was looking at before the light vanished, swallowing it back into darkness.

    His instincts kicked in. Lowering his stance, he controlled his breathing, focusing on sound alone. He had trained himself to fight without sight before, using his ability to form mental outlines of enemies through movement and sound. It had always worked. Even against non-human targets.

    But this time, there was nothing.

    No clear outline. No defined shape. Just an unsettling void moving toward him.

    Then he heard it¡ªwoosh.

    A strike coming straight for him. He ducked low, feeling the rush of air as the attack barely missed his head. Taking the opening, he countered, launching a sharp jab forward.

    His punch connected, but the sensation was wrong.

    It felt like punching water. No resistance. No impact. Yet an eerie wetness lingered on his skin where he struck.

    Another woosh¡ªthis time from the left.

    Still mid-punch, he had no time to retract his arm. He braced, tightening his left arm to shield his head.

    The hit landed.

    It was like getting hit by a freight train. The force sent him sprawling, slamming him into the ground. For a moment, the thought crept into his mind¡ªwas he actually fighting a ghost?

    ¡°Kai?¡± Derniere¡¯s voice was sharp with concern, but she couldn¡¯t see him in the dark.

    Kai groaned, rolling onto his side, his arms instinctively coming up to shield himself. Another strike landed. Then another.

    Each hit felt impossibly heavy. He fought back, throwing his fists at the shifting mass, but every time his punches felt like they were cutting through mist¡ªhitting nothing solid.

    His body burned. His nanos worked desperately to repair the damage, but they were using too much energy, too fast. He could feel the exhaustion creeping in. He wasn¡¯t healing fast enough.

    Another hit sent him sprawling. His head slammed against the hard ground, and he tasted blood.

    "Run". He tried to say it. Nothing came out.

    "Get out of here, Derniere." His own voice yelled in his head.

    Another hit. The impact knocked the air from his lungs, forcing him to cough violently. His blood splattered onto the cold ground beneath him. His vision flickered.

    Darkness pressed in.

    Kai clenched his teeth. His body felt like it was on fire, every nerve screaming. He wanted to stand. To fight back. But as the attacks kept coming, his strength faded.

    His flicking thoughts, bitter and defiant, echoed through his fading consciousness¡ªHe refused to be killed by a damn ghost.

    ---------------------

    Eliana shot up from laying in a panic. It was Kai''s screaming that she heard in her sleep. She put her palm up and covered her face. Kai''s scream still echoed in her mind, it felt so vivid and real.

    She looked around her. Robert, Ivan, and Teresa''s were all asleep, Robert had drue coming out of his mouth and Ivan slept in a weird angle, Teresa clutched her rifle and sat with her back leaning on the corner.

    She checked the local time ¡ª 12:35.

    They had been here in the tight space for a long time now. The metal box was old, weathered, poorly ventilated. But at the same time it was their own way down to the bottom level, to Kai.

    Eliana popped the discomfort pressure differences in her ears. Soon it came back again. He sighed.

    Dr. Isaac''s plan to rescue Kai was to use the maintenance route in the waste management system. A separate shaft that hosted an elevator that would bring them straight down to the bottom level. The down side however to this system was that it was old and didn''t provide much in terms of rider comfort.

    "Can''t sleep?" It was Teresa''s voice.

    "Yes, just worrying about Kai." Eliana said, she looked at Teresa, her wavy hair covered half of her face.

    Teresa smiled, "I''m going to take a bath after all this is over."

    Eliana nodded, "me too."

    "And don''t worry about Kai, you know if anyone will survive it will be him." Teresa gave Eliana a reassuring smile. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Eliana gave one back. She shifted her weight so her legs won''t go numb. She checked her watch, they were just ten hours into the ride and still had ten more left.

    Teresa had her eyes closed and was back to sleep. Eliana guessed she would do the same too. She took the water bottle beside her and took a tiny sip, just enough to make her lips feel moisturized.

    Soon she will be able to reunite with Kai again.

    -------------

    ¡°Ahhhh!¡± Kai growled, his body pinned to the ground by an unseen force. His arms and legs strained against the crushing weight, but it felt like an invisible hand was pressing him down, holding him in place.

    Derniere¡¯s voice cut through the darkness. ¡°Kai!¡±

    He heard her charging toward him, boots pounding against the hard surface. For a split second, the pressure on him lifted¡ªbut then Derniere screamed.

    Her voice faded, followed by the unmistakable thud of a body hitting the ground.

    Kai clenched his teeth and forced every ounce of strength into his limbs. He pushed up against the invisible weight, fighting to move. His arms trembled, his body screamed in protest, but he managed to get onto his knees.

    Everything hurts. His muscles burned, his head felt heavy, and his breath came in ragged gasps. But still, he fought.

    He swung his fist, blindly striking out at the thing restraining him. He knew it wouldn¡¯t do much¡ªmaybe nothing at all¡ªbut he refused to just sit there and accept his fate.

    He threw another punch, but this time his wrist was caught. He tried again with his other hand but it was caught too.

    Then, pain.

    A brutal impact crashed into his face, snapping his head to the side. Blood flew from his mouth as his body was flung backward.

    The grip on his wrists loosened. His arms buckled, and he collapsed, barely catching himself before hitting the ground.

    Kai coughed, spitting blood onto the cold, hard floor. His head swayed as he looked up, eyes locking onto the two frantic red glows.

    They were no longer steady.

    They weaved erratically, moving up and down in a jittery, unstable pattern as if in pain.

    Then he saw it.

    A faint blue glow, flickering in the air between them.

    Kai¡¯s mind raced. His body was weak, his limbs felt like lead. A pulse of light erupted in the darkness.

    The entire space flashed red, illuminating the shape of his attacker. For an instant, it looked almost human¡ªthen it shifted, warping into something else entirely.

    Another pulse. The red glow twisted and wrapped itself around the blue light¡ªhis blood¡ªas if the two forces were battling each other.

    Kai watched, unable to move, barely able to breathe.

    The blue light pulsed and expanded like a beating heart, pushing against its restraint. Slowly, the red glow began to weaken. The blue light grew stronger.

    The lights pulsed more rapidly now, flickering like a battle of forces playing out in the air. The red glow twisted and fled upward, a thin, fraying string of light. The blue chased it, surging forward, the two meeting again in midair, colliding and fighting for dominance.

    Kai felt a hand grab his shoulder, firm and insistent. He could also hear Bell¡¯s frantic squeaking, its tiny movements skittering across his chest. Someone slid their arms under his armpits and pulled. He shifted slightly but felt like a dead weight.

    ¡°Why is he so heavy?!¡± Derniere¡¯s murmur strained with effort.

    Another pull, dragging him a little more.

    Kai felt himself slipping in and out of consciousness, reality flickering like a dimming light. The battle of colors continued above him, but now, there was more blue than red. His blue.

    He smiled weakly.

    Then, finally the red was gone.

    Derniere stopped pulling him, likely confused by the sudden stillness. His head rested against her overall, his breath unsteady but calm. The blue light hung motionless in the air before shifting.

    It moved toward him.

    He could feel Derniere tense beside him, feel her grip tighten as she prepared to pull him away again. He stopped her with a simple, quiet word.

    "No."

    That was all he could manage.

    The blue light drifted closer, shifting as it moved, warping into something new. A humanoid shape. It had no features, no face, no gender¡ªjust an outline, a body made of thousands of tiny, shimmering lights.

    It landed a few feet away, its glowing form moving with deliberate steps toward him.

    Kai sensed no hostility. No threat.

    The figure stood over him for a long moment before crouching, bringing itself closer. Countless tiny lights swirled within its form, shifting and pulsing like living data. It was a strange sight, but the strangest part of all was knowing that this thing had come from him.

    An extension of the blue glow reached out¡ªa hand. It pressed gently against his face.

    The moment it touched him, he felt it.

    The same strange wetness he had felt when the liquid invaded his body. The sensation was oddly familiar now, like something deeply ingrained in his existence.

    Then, darkness.

    Kai passed out.

    In his unconscious state, visions flickered through his mind.

    Glimpses of moments he had never seen before, images so fleeting they barely lasted a second.

    A massive spaceship floating in space.

    Closer, the view of a docking port.

    Then, a man sitting behind a large desk, looking down at him.

    The view shifted again¡ªthe man''s face was closer now. Familiar, Kai had seen him before, but he didn¡¯t know when, where, or who he was.

    The scene changed again.

    A blue sky. A green field.

    The vision turned, revealing something enormous¡ªa massive thruster of a ship unimaginably large.

    Then, darkness again.

    Kai''s eyes fluttered open.

    The humanoid shape was still there, but it was already pulling away, retracting its hand. He watched as it stepped back, it''s glowing form beginning to unravel. The light surrounding it separated, breaking apart into individual strings of energy, then those strings split further, scattering into countless tiny fragments.

    The pieces of blue floated upward, dissolving into the air, disappearing into nothing.

    Kai stared, watching the last remnants fade.

    Then¡ªblinding light.

    A sudden, massive flood of artificial light engulfed everything.

    It poured down from above, swallowing them in a brilliant, piercing glow.

    Derniere yelped in surprise, instinctively covering her eyes. She reached out, pressing a hand over Kai¡¯s eyes as well, shielding him from the overwhelming brightness.

    "Don''t look at the light," Kai managed to say, his voice rough and weak. He turned away, and kept his eyes shut tightly. After days in near-total darkness, the sudden flood of brightness felt blinding even with the protection of his eyelids¡ªlike miniature suns burning overhead, not just illuminating the space but radiating actual warmth.

    "Don''t open your eyes," he repeated, forcing himself onto unsteady feet. His body ached, his limbs felt heavy, and hunger gnawed at his stomach, but he pushed through.

    Carefully, he cracked his eyes open just a sliver, just enough to see without being overwhelmed.

    And what he saw stunned him.

    The ground that must once have been a field of grass was instead soft brown dirt, stretching out in every direction. A winding road cut through the landscape, leading toward the distant horizon.

    In the far distance, he spotted the wall they had entered through¡ªThe massive structure stood broken, the center collapsed where the walker had crashed through.

    This was never just a wall dividing two sides.

    It was an enclosure¡ªa secret hidden from the outside world. A space deliberately sealed away.

    Besides the broken wall behind him, everything matched the last image from his vision.

    He turned around.

 46. Generation Ship

    Eliana was just about to drift off to sleep when the elevator beneath her jerked, the sudden movement jarring her awake. Before she could react, the already dim interior plunged into darkness.

    ¡°Enemy contact!¡± Robert shouted, his voice edged with panic as he frantically searched for his gun. In his rush, he knocked into Ivan, who groaned as he was pulled from his half-sleep.

    ¡°Dude, we¡¯re literally inside a metal box. Where¡¯s the enemy? Calm down.¡± Ivan¡¯s voice was thick with exhaustion, still not fully awake.

    Robert exhaled sharply. ¡°Right, right. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Before anyone could say more, the power flickered back on, and the elevator resumed its descent.

    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Robert asked, glancing around as if expecting an answer.

    Teresa remained calm, still seated in the corner with her rifle resting in her lap. ¡°Just a power fluctuation. Probably an outage topside. Nothing to worry about.¡±

    ¡°How long until we hit the bottom?¡± Ivan asked, his tone shifting from groggy to alert.

    Eliana checked the time. ¡°An hour left at most. We should get ready.¡±

    Everyone nodded in agreement.

    Ivan unlocked a large case, pulling out specialized suits designed for extremely biohazard environments. Robert checked his gun again, disassembling and reassembling it with methodical precision. Teresa studied the blueprints of the waste management system, quietly revising their entry plan.

    Eliana focused on her own suit, double-checking every strap and seal. Kai was still alive. He had to be. She couldn¡¯t let herself think otherwise. Ensuring everything was functional, she attached the filter to her respirator, taking a deep breath to test the airflow.

    The rhythmic clicking of gear being secured echoed around the cabin, a steady beat that had gone on for the past twenty hours of preparation.

    Then the elevator shuddered and stopped.

    A low, mechanical rumble sounded from outside the metal box. Everyone froze, their eyes darting around.

    ¡°Relax.¡± Teresa pointed at the blueprints, her tone even. ¡°We¡¯re shifting from the gear system to the cable system. This is how we descend the final level.¡±

    Robert frowned. ¡°Why build such a complicated system¡­ just to throw away trash?¡±

    Teresa shook her head. ¡°Your guess is as good as mine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen this design before,¡± Ivan murmured, his expression darkening. His usual chill demeanor was gone, replaced by something grim, like a man recalling a memory he¡¯d rather forget.

    The room went silent.

    Ivan looked around. ¡°Oh, you all actually want me to keep going?¡±

    Everyone nodded.

    He sighed. ¡°Alright then. So, you all know my father was a cargo pilot, right? Used to take me everywhere he went. That meant visiting some¡­ interesting places. Some of the Empire-controlled worlds.¡±

    ¡°That includes the slave colony, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Robert muttered.

    Ivan nodded. ¡°Exactly. I¡¯ve been there. And I remember it well because they had a setup just like this.¡±

    He leaned forward, his voice lower.

    ¡°They built deep pits into the ground so slaves couldn¡¯t escape. They used cranes to lower down metal containers, just like this one. Except those containers had built-in machine guns to kill anyone who tried to riot.¡±

    ¡°Woah.¡± Teresa exhaled. ¡°So, what are you saying? You think this elevator was built for the same reason?¡±

    Ivan¡¯s expression was grim. ¡°I think this system wasn¡¯t made to just throw things away. It was made to keep something down here.¡±

    A heavy silence settled over the team.

    Then, with a final metallic clank, the elevator shook and stopped.

    Everyone stood up.

    Robert and Teresa stacked up on one side of the doors, weapons ready. Ivan and Eliana mirrored them on the opposite side.

    A long, scraping metallic groan sounded as the doors slid open.

    For a brief moment, the space beyond was pitch black.

    Ivan turned on his helmet''s night vision mode, and the rest did the same.

    ¡°Or maybe the cables just make sure the elevator doesn¡¯t get buried under tons of trash,¡± Eliana muttered.

    Ivan checked the view outside and commanded, ¡°Out.¡±

    -------------------------------------------

    Kai was speechless.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    He turned around, his breath catching in his throat. Just like in his vision, a massive thruster loomed over them.

    He took a step back, then another, craning his neck to take it all in. The ship was enormous. Larger than anything he had ever seen, it didn¡¯t resemble the sleek spacefaring vessels he was familiar with. It looked more like an entire building with thrusters attached to its back¡ªnot one, not two, but three. Each as wide as a small house.

    "No way," Kai murmured. "No way this is the Ark."

    He started moving around it, his instincts kicking in, searching for any kind of identification. Unlike the wreckage and ruins they had encountered in the underground, this ship was intact.

    It sat buried partially in the ground, but its hull showed no major signs of damage. No gaping holes, no corrosion¡ªjust a giant relic resting in the shadows.

    Kai kept searching. If this ship really came from Earth, it had to have markings indicating its origin. He now know that Earth ships were built by different countries, so there had to be something¡ªa logo, a designation, anything.

    Then, he found it.

    Near what looked like an exhaust vent, a red-lined warning label was painted onto the hull. The characters read:

    "ŸáïL×¢Òâ."

    Kai¡¯s mind lit up.

    He had seen these kinds of characters before¡ªin Chinatown. This was Chinese.

    Excited, he moved further down the ship¡¯s hull, looking for more confirmation. But just as he rounded a corner, taking a few more steps back for a clearer view, he froze.

    There were more words on the hull. But they weren¡¯t in Chinese.

    And right beside them¡ªa flag.

    At first, the white background of the flag nearly blended into the ship¡¯s exterior, but Kai could tell it was a different shade of white. At its center, perfectly symmetrical, was a red circle.

    His pulse quickened.

    ¡°Derniere, I swear I¡¯ve seen this before¡ªsomewhere down here, in the city.¡±

    Derniere nodded, her voice calm but firm. ¡°That¡¯s the Japanese flag. They were everywhere in the city.¡±

    Kai exhaled slowly, realization settling in.

    So this was what the government topside had been hiding all along.

    The history they had been fed was fake.

    The data in the archives were altered.

    Everything they had been taught about how humanity was born here¡ªwas a lie.

    He would have to tell Isaac to run a deep scan once they got back to the Black Swan. Maybe, just maybe, they could find inconsistencies in the official records. Or, more disturbingly¡ªthey wouldn¡¯t find any inconsistencies at all.

    Kai glanced around. He was near the rear of the ship now, meaning he had only seen a fraction of its full scale. Estimating its size, he guessed it had to be at least 3,000 feet long¡ªfar larger than anything he had ever set foot on.

    Now, he needed to find a way inside.

    He turned to Bell. ¡°Bell, look for an entrance.¡±

    Bell perked up, then jumped off Derniere¡¯s shoulder, scurrying away with purpose.

    Kai smirked. Bell would make a fine companion aboard the Black Swan¡ª if Bell can learned to not live in the walls, and if they managed to get out of here.

    -----------------------------

    The opening of the elevator was large enough for the four of them to execute a buttonhook exit into the dark unknown. They moved swiftly, checking the immediate area first. The only things greeting them were the stench of rot, the hum of machinery, and swarms of insects thriving in the filth. Eliana barely suppressed a gag, grateful she hadn¡¯t eaten anything on the way down.

    They kept close to the metal box, systematically clearing the other three sides. So far, nothing seemed out of place¡ªjust the monstrous machines transporting trash, the ever-present decay, and an overwhelming sense of abandonment. Robert was the first to break the silence.

    ¡°So, the rumors were true then,¡± he muttered.

    ¡°What rumors?¡± Teresa asked, her voice crisp through the built-in earpieces.

    ¡°The first level of Aurelia Prime is supposedly a wasteland, filled with filth no sane person would venture into. And those who do¡ªnever come back.¡±

    ¡°Sounds about right,¡± Ivan added.

    Eliana frowned. The setup didn¡¯t make sense. If she were in charge of this place, she¡¯d want to preserve what was down here, not bury it under mountains of garbage. She stuck close behind Ivan, rifle raised, scanning past his shoulder. He moved methodically, slicing the pie, ensuring no angles were left unchecked. It was a routine they had drilled endlessly, one that came naturally now. But the team was incomplete. Kai should have been here with them.

    Ivan froze mid-step, peeling the last corner. His night vision flared with bright spots¡ªunnaturally bright. Blinking against the intensity, he briefly shut off his visor¡¯s enhancement and saw it clearly.

    A massive enclosure stood in the darkness, an unknown structure buried deep within the waste. On the side of it, an opening. He turned to the others, ensuring they had seen it as well. They nodded in confirmation.

    Raising his hand, Ivan made a sliding motion. ¡°Advance, wedge formation, standard spacing.¡±

    They moved as one, shifting seamlessly into position. Weapons raised, bodies low, they advanced toward the opening in the towering wall. The silence around them was unnerving. There was no resistance, no movement beyond the distant hum of machines. Everything was going too well. And none of them liked it.

    Teresa was the first to notice the sound¡ªa faint mechanical humming. It was quiet, barely registering through her helmet¡¯s filters, but she was certain she had heard it. Something was overhead. She turned, looking behind her.

    ¡°Uh¡­ guys?¡± she said, her voice laced with unease. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s supposed to be there.¡±

    A red glow swept across the ground, moving in their direction. It was almost on top of them. Teresa spotted it now¡ªthe Watcher drone hovering high above, its sensor array scanning for movement. She glanced at her watch.

    00:00.

    Midnight. Regulation hours.

    ¡°No way,¡± Robert muttered. ¡°They actually enforce curfew down here?¡±

    Eliana didn¡¯t have time to process it. The watcher caught her first. A red beam engulfed her, locking onto her position. A second later, a loud, trumpet-like horn blasted overhead.

    Ivan wasn¡¯t about to wait around and find out what it meant. ¡°Double time! To the opening!¡± His voice was sharp, commanding. He broke into a fast jog, the others immediately following suit.

    Eliana ran, but the red glow followed her. Risking a glance back, she saw them¡ªblack dots gathering beneath the watcher. They were multiplying, spreading like a dark swarm.

    ¡°Drones,¡± Teresa identified grimly. ¡°Hurry! We need to get inside fast.¡±

    ¡°Book it!¡± Ivan ordered just as the swarm began moving. He turned and fired the first shot. One of the drones spiraled down, its propeller shattered. They were fragile¡ªone bullet was enough to down them. But there were too many.

    Robert stopped next, letting Teresa and Eliana push past him. ¡°I¡¯m covering!¡± he called, unloading rounds as Ivan¡¯s first magazine ran dry.

    Ivan turned, sprinting toward them as Robert laid down suppressing fire. The drones faltered slightly, slowing their advance.

    Eliana and Teresa reached the hill leading up to the opening. They scrambled up, moving fast. Teresa turned and fired. The swarm hesitated.

    ¡°This is working! Keep it up!¡± Ivan shouted.

    They fell into a rhythm¡ªfiring, advancing, covering each other. Teresa and Eliana made it to the top of the hill first, emptying their magazines into the approaching drones before retreating deeper into the enclosure. Ivan and Robert followed, firing in turns. But the drones didn¡¯t stop. They kept coming, pushing them inside.

    Ivan shut off his night vision first, the interior¡¯s bright lights making it difficult to see. As his eyes adjusted, his breath caught in his throat.

    ¡°Whoa.¡±

    In the distance, nestled in the ground, was a ship. Massive. It had three gigantic thrusters, arranged in a triangle, looking exactly like the three-circles tattoo Baiyan had.

    But there was no time to process it. The drones weren¡¯t stopping.

    Ivan reloaded, gritted his teeth, and opened fire again.

 47. Help is on The Way

    Kai stood in front of the half-opened ramp, staring into the darkened interior of the massive ship. Beside him, Derniere shifted uneasily, her arms crossed over her chest. Bell rested inside her pocket, only his tiny head poking out, his nose twitching at the air.

    The ramp had once been carefully concealed, hidden behind well-placed rocks and at some point covered in foliage. Now, only the rocks remained. The vegetation had long since decayed, leaving behind nothing but dry, dead branches.

    Kai peered inside. He could only make out a small portion of the interior before the darkness swallowed everything else. The space beyond looked untouched, abandoned for centuries. A thick layer of dust coated the ramp, disturbed only by a set of small footprints from Bell.

    No one else had been here.

    "Should we go inside?" Derniere asked, her voice carrying a note of hesitation.

    Kai smiled. ¡°We¡¯ve come this far, so I think we kind of have to, don¡¯t you?¡± He was eager to explore, especially after what he had seen inside the buried U.S.S.F. ship. The Ark¡ªEarth¡¯s generation ship. Humanity¡¯s last hope. But if that was true, then this wasn¡¯t the only one. The ship he had seen in the poster had another flag¡ªred, white, and blue. This one was  Japanese, it was a different country.

    "What if there are more of those things that attacked you? The ghosts or whatever they were," Derniere said, glancing uneasily at the darkness.

    "They weren¡¯t ghosts," Kai corrected. "Ghosts aren¡¯t real. That was... something else. And to be honest, I¡¯m not entirely sure what they were either. But you can think of them as nano-machines ¡ª tiny, microscopic robots that do things at an almost invisible level."

    Derniere frowned, tilting her head. "I didn¡¯t think we were advanced enough to make something like that." She hesitated. "Although, to be fair, most of what I know about the world comes from books, so I could be wrong."

    Kai shook his head. "I don¡¯t think we made them." He let the words hang for a second before continuing. "I think they were made by aliens."

    Derniere laughed¡ªthen stopped when she saw that Kai wasn¡¯t laughing. Her mind flashed back to what she had seen before¡ªKai¡¯s eyes glowing in the dark, his blood fighting against something she couldn''t even hit.

    A new thought settled in, one she had been trying to push away.

    "Kai..." Her voice was quieter now, more careful. "I apologize if this offends you, but... you¡¯re not normal, are you?"

    Kai exhaled. He wasn¡¯t surprised by the question.

    "I was normal, just like everyone else," he said. "Until I was attacked by a strange liquid¡ªthe nano-machines I told you about. They did something to my body, changed me, gave me the ability to do things that normal humans can¡¯t."

    Derniere¡¯s curiosity flared. "What can you do? I know you can see in the dark and breathe in toxic air, but there¡¯s got to be more." She eyed him with intense interest, as if piecing together a puzzle she hadn¡¯t realized she was solving.

    Kai smirked. "Let¡¯s see... I can also track moving targets, see through walls¡­" He raised an eyebrow. "Derniere, are you asking all these questions so you don¡¯t have to go inside the Ark?"

    Derniere immediately looked away, her gaze falling to the edge of the ramp at her feet. "I¡¯m scared, Kai," she admitted. "I¡¯ve never been here before. I don¡¯t know what we¡¯re going to find... and that terrifies me."

    Kai opened his mouth, ready to say something reassuring¡ªsomething about being brave, about how she was awesome, about how she had a gun. Words that might have helped.

    But then they heard it.

    A deep, echoing horn. Loud. Trumpet-like.

    Then gunfire. Short, controlled bursts.

    Kai¡¯s expression hardened. "I think we¡¯ve been found." Without hesitation, he started walking up the ramp.

    Derniere glanced between the collapsed wall behind them and the ramp leading into the unknown.

    On one hand there were gunfire.

    On the other was the pitch-black interior of a ship that had been sealed away for hundreds of years.

    In the end, the choice was easy.

    Better to take her chances with the dark than get shot by a gun.

    With a sigh, she followed after Kai. "What the hell," she muttered under her breath. "If those nano-whatever come back, you can always puke blood at them again, right?"

    -----------------------

    "I''m out of ammo," Robert shouted.

    Eliana tosed him one and Robert caught it in mid air, "remember to shot with controled short bursts."If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Robert ejected his empty mags and inserted the one Eliana have him, chambered a round and continued shooting, "tell that to the swarm of drones that''s coming to cut you with there sharp, spinning blades."

    The swarm had been deminished to only the half of its original size, but so was their ammo supply.

    "I''m down to two mags." Ivan said, we have to retreat further, towards the generation ship."

    They reteated while covering each other and continued to fire at the swarm. The swarm was nearly at the entrance and Ivan was afraid that if it does, it will spread out and come at them in multiple directions, and he really don''t want that to happen.

    "Let''s just go for the ship, I don''t think we can waste anymore ammo on this, we don''t even know where Kai is yet." Ivan ordered and they hurried towards the Ark.

    For some reason, the drones refused to come into the light, they stopped at the entrance just outside the crumbled wall.

    Teresa chucked, "well, that was a lot of ammo wasted unnecessarily."

    "Hey, we didn''t know what would happen so we just did what we have to do." Ivan said.

    "We still don''t know where Kai is yet, I don''t think he will make it very far without food and water." Eliana said, worried.

    "Let''s just check out that ship, if I''m right about Kai, he was probably the one that caused all this destruction in the first place." Robert said with a laugh.

    "You are not wrong about that, I think he was getting a little too comfortable in the training room lately." Ivan said.

    Eliana listened with a smile, everyone liked Kai, and she loves him. Robert is right, Kai was probably hiding in the generation ship right now waiting for them with a warm hug and a bright smile. For some reason that made her want to tear up.

    ----------------------------

    Kai tightened his grip on the heavy piece of machinery in his hands¡ªsomething that looked like an old battery pack or power cell. He wasn¡¯t sure what it was, nor did he care. All that mattered was that it was heavy enough to deliver some serious blunt force trauma to whoever was about to step through that door.

    ¡°I think they have rifles,¡± Derniere muttered, her voice tense as she peeked through a small viewport toward the four approaching figures. ¡°They must know we¡¯re here. They¡¯re heading straight for us.¡±

    Kai stepped beside her, his eyes narrowing as he studied the incoming squad. These weren¡¯t random scavengers or lost wanderers. Their formation was tight, their movements disciplined.

    ¡°I think taking out the walker must¡¯ve triggered an alarm,¡± Kai said. ¡°Probably sent a signal topside.¡±

    They were close now, and he could see them better. Hazard suits. Full combat gear. These people were prepped for something dangerous¡ªwhich meant they knew exactly what they were walking into. He clenched his jaw.

    His eyes flicked to Derniere¡¯s rifle¡ªa single-shot bolt-action relic compared to the sleek, modern rifles their enemies carried. If they executed the ambush perfectly, she might be able to drop two of them before they could react. That still left two more for Kai to deal with using nothing but a heavy chunk of metal and his bare hands.

    He exhaled slowly, forcing himself to steady his breathing. This wasn¡¯t the worst odds he¡¯d faced¡ªbut he¡¯d be lying if he said it didn¡¯t make his blood run hot. He glanced at their suits again. Reinforced armor plating, sealed visors, full environmental protection.

    Yeah. This was a cleanup squad.

    Not just some grunts. These were specialists sent to eliminate anything down here that wasn¡¯t supposed to exist.

    He swallowed. These people looked tough. He didn¡¯t like it one bit. The operative at the rear suddenly raised their head, scanning the area.

    Kai instantly ducked away from the viewport.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get ready,¡± he whispered.

    Derniere gave him a thumbs-up before settling into position behind a large metal desk, using the surface as an anchor to steady her rifle. She mocked the motion and worked the bolt back and forth in the air, making sure she could cycle rounds quickly.

    Kai positioned himself beside the doorway, pressing his back against the tilted metal wall. The ship¡¯s uneven landing had left everything at an angle, but he adjusted quickly. The hallway outside was silent except for the slow, deliberate sound of boots against metal.

    They were inside now.

    He gripped the battery pack, raising it over his head, waiting for the first one to step in. He stole one last glance at Derniere¡ªher body low, only her head and shoulders exposed. She was ready.

    His vision shifted back to the hallway. Four outlines. They moved smoothly, covering their angles with textbook precision.

    He clenched his jaw. They had night vision. That complicated things.

    Derniere¡¯s lamp would¡¯ve been real useful right about now.

    They were getting close. Just outside the door, just a wall away from Kai.

    Come on¡­ come on¡­ step inside¡­ let me end this quickly, Kai thought.

    But no one did.

    Instead, something bounced across the floor.

    Kai¡¯s stomach dropped.

    A stun grenade.

    He barely had time to curse before it detonated. Blinding white light swallowed the room. His ears registered nothing. Not even the explosion¡ªjust a loud of pain.

    His body reacted on instinct. He swung¡ªfast, hard, and violent. He felt his attack land but he was no longer holding on to the battery. His empty hand collided with a helmet. It was not enough.

    Pain flared up his wrist as another pair of hands grabbed him, twisting hard.

    They were trying to restrain him.

    Even half-blind and deaf, he was still faster. He shifted his weight, driving his knee into the first operative¡¯s gut. The impact sent them staggering back, their grip loosening for just a second.

    Kai slammed his elbow into the next attacker''s face. The reinforced visor rippled under the force, and for a moment, he could tell the guy was dazed.

    He needed to keep going. If he stopped, he was going to get shot and die, and Derniere will die too.

    Someone tackled him from the side. He hit the wall hard, the ship¡¯s angled surface throwing him off balance. His vision was still swimming, his ears ringing, but he could hear them now¡ªmuffled voices, shouting commands, shouting his name.

    "Kai! Kai! It¡¯s me!"

    His breath caught, he recognized the voice.

    It cut through the haze like a blade.

    His vision was still blurry, but he saw a helmeted figure looming over him, visor reflecting the dim light.

    His heartbeat slammed against his ribs.

    It was her, it was Eliana.

    For a second, his body didn¡¯t react. His mind refused to believe it.

    Then everything snapped back into place.

    He stopped struggling.

    Eliana wiped her hand over her helmet¡¯s visor, revealing tear-filled eyes. She was crying ¡ª joyful tears that was the result of his much she had missed him.

    "Eliana¡­?" His voice came out hoarse, still raw from the fight.

    She didn¡¯t answer¡ªnot in words. She grabbed him, pulling him into a crushing embrace.

    He didn¡¯t hesitate. He wrapped his arms around her, holding on like she was the only thing left in the world.

    Her voice was muffled against his shoulder. "Kai, you idiot¡­ I thought I¡¯d lost you."

    He let out a breathless, shaky laugh, his grip tightening.

    He had missed her. More than he realized.

    She shifted slightly, her voice half-laughing, half-scolding. ¡°Kai, you¡¯re¡ªyou¡¯re going to break my suit.¡±

    He finally loosened his grip, barely.

    His mind was still spinning, emotions slamming into him all at once.

    He needed to find clean air.

    Because the first chance he got¡­ He was going to kiss her.

 48. A Peak into The Past

    "That was really close. I almost shot you," Ivan grumbled, rubbing the side of his head. His voice carried a mix of annoyance and relief. "And your punches really hurt, by the way."

    Kai grinned, his mouth full of ration bars, making his words barely understandable. "I gu rally Surry."

    He was so hungry he barely had control over himself. He hadn¡¯t realized hunger could feel this visceral, like something gnawing at his insides. If it weren¡¯t for the emergency rations the crew carried, he seriously worried the nanites inside him would start eating him alive.

    He tore into another piece of the dry, compressed biscuit. It was almost flavorless, drier than the desert plains of Drakmoor, but he didn¡¯t stop.

    "You should drink some water," Eliana said, handing him her canteen.

    Kai took it, downing several large gulps. The cool liquid eased the dryness in his throat, and for the first time in what felt like days, he felt human again.

    "Thank you, Eliana." He smiled, feeling nothing but relief and gratitude to finally be with her again.

    He glanced to the side. Robert, as expected, was already chatting up Derniere, disassembling her rifle while explaining the function of each part.

    Kai had no doubt Derniere had pulled the trigger when Ivan had stormed in the room earlier. But the gun had jammed. A rare stroke of luck¡ªotherwise, they wouldn¡¯t be casually chit-chatting right now.

    Derniere looked uncomfortable. Surrounded by so many new people, her shoulders were stiff, her fingers twitching like she wasn¡¯t sure where to place them. Her eyes darted toward Kai, silent pleas for help.

    Kai gave her a reassuring smile.

    Eliana cleared her throat loudly. "So!" she said, her voice filled with forced nonchalance. "What exactly did you do while you were trapped down here?"

    Her expression was warm, affectionate¡ªbut there was something else. A flicker of something¡­ jealousy?

    Kai arched a brow at her but answered casually, "Not much. It was mostly ruins down here, a lot of old junk and collapsed buildings. Honestly, I was counting on you guys to rescue me." He took another bite of the biscuit, then motioned toward the massive ship looming in the distance. "That was¡­ until I found this."

    "The Ark," Eliana said knowingly.

    "Yeah. You saw the poster in the buried U.S.S.F. ship too¡ª''Humanity¡¯s Last Hope: The Ark.'' They are real, Eliana." Kai leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Tell me what you think about this. I want to know if you¡¯re thinking what I¡¯m thinking."

    Eliana¡¯s eyes darkened in thought as she processed his words. "Well¡­ a few things come to mind. First off, if the generation ships made it here, that means everything we¡¯ve been told about humanity¡¯s past is a lie. Especially the part about Aurelia Prime being our birthplace."

    "Exactly," Ivan chimed in, rubbing his chin. "And if that¡¯s true¡­ it also means the True Kins were right. They really were the original residents of Earth. A separate branch of humanity, isolated for generations."

    Kai smiled, nodding. "That¡¯s been running through my head too. But here¡¯s what I don¡¯t understand¡ªwhy erase the past? If something terrible happened, sure, but if they wanted to hide the Ark, why not just destroy it? Why go through the effort of building an enclosure around it and treating it like a museum piece?"

    He took another sip from Eliana¡¯s canteen, letting the question sink in.

    After a moment, he exhaled. "Also, there¡¯s one more thing you should know."

    Eliana and Ivan both turned to him, their expressions shifting from curiosity to caution.

    "I was attacked again," Kai said, setting the canteen down carefully. "Not by a person. Not by a machine. By the same liquid-like entity that¡¯s inside me." His voice lowered. "But this time¡­ it was humanoid."

    A chill settled over the group.

    Eliana¡¯s posture stiffened. "And?"

    "And it left me with something." Kai rubbed his temple, trying to recall every detail of what he had seen. "Visions. Images. Memories." He clenched his jaw. "I saw the generation ship, and I saw a man I thought I recognized." He shook his head. "Now I know why he looked familiar. It was this ship¡¯s captain¡ªand at first, I mistook him for Commander Yang."

    Eliana¡¯s face went pale. "Wait¡ªare you saying¡ª"

    Kai nodded. "He also saw the liquid entity. I think he was the one who¡ª" He hesitated, his throat tightening. "I think he became the thing that attacked me."

    Silence.

    No one spoke.

    Because they all knew exactly what that meant.

    "We never escaped," Eliana finally whispered, her voice barely audible.

    Ivan sat back, his expression grim. "The thing that dimmed the stars¡­ it never lost us."

    The realization hung in the air.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    "Then why hasn¡¯t it attacked us?" Ivan asked after a long moment.

    Kai shook his head. "That puzzles me too." His fingers tapped against the ration pack. "And that¡¯s why I hope we find some answers here."

    Eliana and Ivan remained quiet, deep in thought.

    Kai took the opportunity to finish his rations, chewing slowly, eyes flicking toward Robert and Derniere.

    Robert was messing with Bell now, letting the tiny creature climb over his arm, while Derniere sat stiffly, looking half-nervous, half-amused.

    Before Robert could escalate things further, Teresa stepped in, arms crossed. "Robert," she sighed, "can¡¯t you tell Derniere is exhausted? You should let her rest." She gently pulled Derniere away from him.

    "Fine, sorry," Robert said, raising his hands in surrender. He returned Bell to Derniere, watching as the little creature nestled into her pocket.

    Then, stretching his arms, he turned back toward Ivan. "Boss, we ready to get a move on?"

    Ivan nodded, his serious expression returning. "As soon as Kai is ready."

    Kai shoved the last piece of the biscuit into his mouth, brushing the crumbs off his fingers. He swallowed hard, then cracked his neck.

    "Don¡¯t worry about me," he said, standing up and dusting himself off, "I¡¯m ready anytime."

    The inside of the ship was dark, lifeless since the day it landed on this planet. Whatever power it once had was long gone. The air felt thick, heavy, as if the entire structure was in doremant, waiting for someone to wake it up.

    Ivan, Eliana, Kai, and Robert moved carefully, their night vision gear activated, scanning every corner as they advanced. Teresa had given hers to Kai, staying behind with Derniere. The girl was exhausted, but true to her nature, she had never once complained. Now, with someone watching her back, she finally let herself rest.

    Kai, on the other hand, felt charged with energy. Every step deeper into the Ark sent a thrill down his spine. He wasn¡¯t just exploring some forgotten ruin¡ªthis was a generation ship from Earth, a relic of humanity¡¯s past. He needed to see more, to understand.

    They walked in a single file line, Kai leading the way, heading toward what should be the front of the ship. Even in its current state, the Ark was a behemoth¡ªeasily the largest structure he had ever set foot in. He had heard the concept of generation ships before, but seeing one with his own eyes was something else entirely.

    The more they explored, the more it became clear¡ªthis wasn¡¯t just a ship. It was a city.

    Everything about the design reflected that purpose. The layout was sprawling, intricate, with hallways wide enough for crowds, public squares, and what looked like entire districts. Shops, apartments, transportation hubs¡ªthe Ark had it all.

    As they moved forward, Kai realized something else¡ªthe ship must had gravity.

    Unlike the buried U.S.S.F. vessel he had found earlier, which had collapsed ceilings and no clear sense of orientation, the Ark was built upright, with floors stacked properly.

    His eyebrows furrowed as the realization hit him. If the Ark had a gravity generator¡­ that meant Earth¡¯s technology had been far more advanced than he had initially thought.

    The passage widened, revealing a massive, multi-leveled chamber. A towering abstract statue stood in the center, Kai couldn''t tell what it was, it looked like nothing he recognized.

    Surrounding the statue were shops, most of them labeled in Japanese, though some had English signage as well.

    Seeing both languages side by side felt strange to him. One was his own, the language he thought in, the one that felt like home. The other was a complete mystery. And yet, the people of this ship must have been knowledged in both.

    For the first time, Kai found himself wanting to learn it.

    To see the world as they had. To understand how they lived.

    Eliana stopped abruptly, holding up a hand. "Hey, guys, I think I just found a bookstore or something."

    Kai¡¯s head snapped toward her, his curiosity immediately piqued. He hurried over to where she was standing and saw rows upon rows of books.

    Not digital files, not hollow archives full of fabricated knowledge¡ªreal books. Printed pages. The kind you could touch, smell, turn.

    Kai almost gasped.

    Now he knew where Derniere¡¯s books had come from. These must have been salvaged from the Ark, brought into the city.

    Screw that fabricated archives top-side. This was the real archive.

    He stepped inside, running his fingers over the spines of countless books, his heart pounding with excitement.

    But then he hit a problem.

    In his excitement, he had forgotten one crucial thing.

    The books were all in Japanese.

    Kai let out a frustrated breath. He had spent some time in both the ruined city and Chinatown, and he knew now that Japanese and Chinese weren¡¯t the same. He couldn¡¯t just guess his way through these pages.

    Maybe Derniere knew some. Her mother had been half-Japanese¡ªshe had mentioned being taught the language once. Maybe she still remembered enough to help him.

    Still, that didn¡¯t stop him from browsing.

    He passed rows of colorful covers, clearly fiction, some with cartoon characters on them. One depicted a man in ragged clothes and a ridiculous hat, grinning like he was in on some private joke. Another featured people in headbands, making weird hand signs, almost like they were in a gang.

    He chuckled. What the hell were these?

    As much as he wanted to know, he didn¡¯t have space for unnecessary books. He needed history. Something that would tell him about Earth.

    He moved toward the thicker, heavier books. Reference materials. Encyclopedias. Knowledge.

    Even then, he hesitated. There were too many to pick from.

    Finally, he reached high and pulled one from the top shelf. It was massive, its thick colored cover sturdy despite the centuries.

    And again it was written in Japanese.

    But the images inside? They were enough to make his head spin.

    There were animals he had never seen before¡ªcreatures beyond his imagination.

    One, in particular, caught his attention. Massive hind legs, tiny front limbs, a huge head with serrated teeth. It looked like it could bite through solid bones.

    Kai grinned.

    He liked that one. It looked ridiculous.

    He flipped further, and froze.

    There, in the middle of the book, was an image of a spacecraft.

    It had the flag with fifty stars, blue, white, and red.

    His breath caught in his throat. This was what he was looking for.

    But he couldn¡¯t read it.

    An idea hit him, and he snapped the book shut.

    If this ship carried people from Earth, then it must have had language tools¡ªsomething to help bridge the gap between cultures.

    He searched through another row of books before his eyes landed on it.

    The title read: "ºÍÓ¢´Ç•ø - Japanese-English Dictionary."

    Kai exhaled sharply. Perfect.

    As he picked it up, another thought struck him.

    If he could get this to Isaac, they could run it through the Black Swan¡¯s computers, build a translation model, and decode the entire archive.

    That was it. That was the plan.

    Holding both books close to his chest, he turned toward Eliana, tempted to ask her to carry more. But one look at the rifle slung across her chest told him she probably had more pressing concerns.

    She caught his gaze and smirked, walking toward him. "Hey, nerd. How is it that you¡¯re capable of being the most badass fighter, but at the same time, you get all starry-eyed over books?"

    Kai chuckled, shrugging. "Doesn¡¯t that just make me more badass?"

    "Whatever you say," she said, rolling her eyes. Then, softer, "I like it. Your Makes you¡­ easier to talk to. More real."

    "Oh? What¡¯s this?" Kai smirked. "Three days without seeing me, and now you don¡¯t know how to talk anymore?"

    "Shut up," she grinned, then lifted a hand to her helmet, adjusting the side of her earpiece.

    She listened, then responded. "Alright. Heading back now."

    Kai waited as she turned to face him again.

    Her casual expression hardened.

    "Looks like we have some visitors."

 49. Imperialistic Plasma Gun

    Kai wasn''t sure if Eliana was just being optimistic, but calling them "visitors" was a pretty generous way to describe a combat drop ship landing outside.

    He peeked through a narrow viewport, catching sight of the ship settling onto the ground. Its engines kicked up a thick cloud of dust, obscuring the figures disembarking¡ªbut when they stepped into view, Kai¡¯s stomach tightened.

    These weren¡¯t the normal security forces he had faced in the archive.

    Their armor was heavier, reinforced, unlike the standard riot gear he had seen before. Their weapons far superior ¡ªHigh-powered assault rifles.

    Kai exhaled sharply. Great. As if their situation wasn¡¯t bad enough. But he smiled, this could also be their opportunity getting out.

    The soldiers spread out, forming a tight perimeter around the drop ship, their movements methodical, almost robotic in its efficiency.

    Lastly, someone stepped out of the ship.

    Kai couldn¡¯t see his face¡ªhis entire head was encased in a metal helmet, exposing no skin at all, even the eyes were covered by the featureless design. Leaving only a line of red light that was the sensor of the helmet. He recognized the armor instantly.

    A Royal Guard.

    Not just any soldier. This was one of the Emperor¡¯s personal enforcers.

    Behind him, Robert flipped off the safety on his rifle, keeping the muzzle pointed downward but ready. Everyone else was also in position too, ready for a fight.

    "Not yet," Ivan murmured, his voice steady. "They don¡¯t know where we are. We still have the advantage of surprise. Let¡¯s use it wisely¡ªat the right time."

    Kai nodded. "I think our best shot is taking that drop ship. If we can somehow seize control of it¡ª"

    Teresa cut in. "Sounds way better than taking the elevator back up. Oh, the things I¡¯d be willing to do to never set foot in that death trap again."

    "Can we get Eliana into a good position with her rifle?" Robert asked, adjusting his grip. "She¡¯s got the best marksmanship out of all of us."

    Kai immediately agreed. No one on the crew could match Eliana¡¯s precision. Not even Commander Grayson¡ªand he had only gone head-to-head with her in simulation drills.

    Kai had a theory of his own about her unmatched accuracy. It probably came from her years of martial arts training¡ªwhich trained her discipline, the ability to shut out distractions, making her focusing purely on the shot.

    He had seen it in action before.

    During their daring escape from Chinatown, he and Baiyan had been trapped, cornered in a hopeless last stand. And just when everything seemed lost, Eliana had saved them, picking off targets one by one.

    Kai was proud to have her watching his back, and pround that she was his girlfriend.

    "The real problem is how we''re going to deal with that Royal Guard. You all know how much of a threat he''s going to be," Ivan said.

    "Yeah, these guys don¡¯t fool around," Robert added. "I heard from a friend that a Royal Guard took down more than ten Federation soldiers in unarmed combat without suffering a single injury. They''re literally the embodiment of the Empire¡¯s militaristic ideal¡ªfaster, stronger, meaner."

    "And ignorance." Teresa added.

    The Royal Guard stepped off the dropship without a care in the world, like he was on a pleasant stroll through his own backyard.

    Inside the Ark, everyone settled into position. Even Derniere, with her bolt rifle, took cover in the shadows of the entrance bay. Bell poked his head out from her pocket, but she pushed him back in. "Not your fight, buddy," she said.

    Kai was the only one without a weapon. He looked a little disappointed to be left out of the fight. Ivan tossed him his sidearm¡ªa pistol with a simple red dot sight mounted on top. Kai caught it and nodded in thanks. At this distance, he wouldn¡¯t be able to do much damage, so he held onto it, intending to use it only for self-defense.

    "I have a shot on him right now," Eliana said calmly. She was hidden in the shadows, half-crouched, her rifle pressed against her shoulder, one eye closed as she aimed.

    Her crosshairs settled on the man''s head. She could pull the trigger right then, but she waited for confirmation.

    Ivan scanned the enemies. They were still unaware they were being watched, their guards aiming rifles in all directions. This was going to be a quick fight¡ªhe could feel it. All they needed to do was strike before the enemy realized what was happening.

    There was no point in wasting time with the enemy. In fact, this was the perfect opportunity to secure the dropship before it took off.

    "Fire," he said.

    Eliana exhaled calmly and held her breath. Her finger pressed the trigger gently. All sound faded from her mind, and the Royal Guard was centered in her crosshairs. The moment Ivan gave the order, she fired. The muzzle of her rifle flashed in the darkness.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    She watched the bullet fly across the distance in a second, striking the Royal Guard squarely. Her aim was true.

    To her surprise, the Royal Guard shook off the shot like it was nothing more than a punch to the face. He cracked his neck, then turned his head straight toward her, like he knew exactly where she was. His sensors glowed menacingly, and a chill ran down her spine.

    All around her, the others were shooting as well. They had the advantage of concealment and had caught the Imperial soldiers in the open.

    Ivan had made the right call. Within seconds, half of the soldiers lost their ability to fight. The rest scattered, scrambling for cover.

    Morale was high among the crew. Even Derniere was taking potshots at the soldiers, working the bolt of her rifle back and forth between shots, her expression serious.

    Kai grinned. The overconfident Imperial soldiers had underestimated them¡ªand now they were paying the price.

    More of them went down. It seemed he wouldn¡¯t need to use his pistol today.

    Eliana kept her eye on the scope and managed to land another shot on the Royal Guard before she saw him raise his own weapon. It looked strange like an oversized pistol.

    The Royal Guard extended one arm and fired. A blue surge of plasma shot across the battlefield.

    "Get down!" she shouted.

    The plasma hit the metal plating she was using for cover. Even through her armor, she felt a wave of heat wash over her.

    Kai¡¯s expression turned to horror as he turned back to check on Eliana. Luckily, she had ducked into cover just in time. The shot split upon impact¡ªhalf of it left a glowing blue heat mark on her cover, while the other half struck the wall behind her, leaving a half-circle imprint.

    This was his first time witnessing the Empire¡¯s energy weapon¡ªa plasma weapon, to be exact. Simple in theory but notoriously difficult to manufacture efficiently, each one cost a fortune to produce. They were more symbolic than practical, designed to intimidate the enemy and boost morale.

    And it looked like it had done exactly that.

    The Royal Guard raised his arm and gave a forward motion¡ªa command to advance.

    The soldiers pushed forward, firing.

    The crew returned fire where they could, but soon the Imperial soldiers¡¯ superior firepower overwhelmed them.

    Eliana squeezed off a few more shots before she, too, was forced to take cover, bullets ricocheting off her position in a relentless barrage.

    Unable to fight back, the crew used the time to reload their magazines and organize their bullets while taking occasional return fire. But anytime anyone fired a shot, ten more would instantly home in on the shooter, overwhelming them.

    Kai couldn¡¯t let the situation get any worse. He needed a real weapon¡ªnow.

    "Pass me the rifle," he said to Ivan.

    Ivan nodded, reloaded the rifle with a fresh magazine, switched the safety on, and slid it over to Kai, barrel pointing away.

    Kai caught it and activated his enhanced vision, which outlined the enemy positions for him. Time slowed as all sound faded. He took a deep breath, then poked his head out from behind cover, rifle in hand.

    What he was about to do was dangerous and would drain a lot of his energy, but it was a necessary sacrifice.

    He took aim at the closest soldier just as the man was about to step onto the ramp¡ªand fired. The shot landed, but Kai had already moved on to the next target. His trigger finger worked instinctively, each pull met with a satisfying bounce as he fired again.

    All five soldiers at the bottom of the ramp dropped almost simultaneously.

    A burning sensation flared in Kai¡¯s head, forcing him to duck down for a moment to recover.

    Sensing an opportunity, Robert fired a few shots of his own. Kai had bought them a critical moment¡ªan opening to turn the tide.

    Soon, Eliana and Teresa were firing too, though their ammo was dangerously low. Kai took a brief rest, then resumed shooting. They were winning. The few remaining soldiers looked more like they wanted to run than keep fighting.

    One threw down his rifle and bolted toward the dropship. Before he could reach it, a powerful plasma bolt struck him. The circular blast burned a hole through his midsection. The soldier looked down, unable to believe what had just happened, before collapsing.

    Kai winced.

    The Royal Guard was fumed. Even behind his helmet, Kai could feel the man''s rage. All his soldiers had been dealt with. He was the only one left.

    The Royal Guard took one look at his still-charging weapon, his fallen soldiers, and turned to retreat.

    Kai didn¡¯t wait.

    He bolted out of the Ark, down the ramp, and sprinted toward the dropship at an almost unnatural speed.

    His movement even caught the proud and arrogant Imperialist off guard. Kai was almost upon him before he could make it back to the ship.

    The Guard raised his plasma gun and fired. Kai ducked, dodging the shot. The man reached to holster his expensive weapon, but Kai was already on him, knocking him to the ground with a swift, brutal kick.

    The Royal Guard wasn¡¯t done yet. He rolled back to his feet in an instant, fists up, ready to fight. Kai barely had time to react before a punch came flying at his ribs. He twisted away just in time, but the Guard didn¡¯t stop. A sharp kick followed by another punch¡ªfast, precise.

    But Kai was faster.

    Kai blocked one hit, dodged another, then countered with a quick jab to the stomach. The Guard barely flinched. He swung again, aiming for Kai¡¯s head. Kai ducked, stepped in close, and drove his knee into the man¡¯s gut. The Guard grunted, stumbling back, just enough for Kai to follow up with a sharp elbow to the jaw.

    The Guard reached for his plasma gun, fingers brushing the grip. Kai kicked it away before he could grab it, sending it skidding through the dirt. The polished carvings on the weapon were now covered in dust. The Guard lunged for it, but Kai caught him first, grabbing his collar and slamming him to the ground. The man struggled, trying to push him off, but Kai pressed his arm against his throat, pinning him down. The fight was over.

    Kai gripped the man''s helmet under the chin, his opponent frantically trying to pry his hands away.

    Kai applied all his strength.

    The helmet bent at an unnatural angle. The muffled, desperate cries of the Royal Guard filled his ears. The arrogance, the superiority was all gone.

    Kai pulled his pistol from the man¡¯s belt and jammed the barrel into the seam of his neck.

    The Royal Guard stopped struggling and accepted his fate.

    Kai pulled the trigger.

    He had no time to rest. The dropship was beginning to lift off, its engines whining as it gained more RPMs.

    Kai sprinted forward, leapt, and caught the edge of the ramp. He hauled himself up.

    Out of the cockpit, a pilot was stepping out with a gun in hand.

    Kai fired twice. The pilot dropped.

    He pushed past the body and aimed his pistol at the back of the second pilot¡¯s head.

    The man froze.

    Slowly, he stopped the ship¡¯s ascent, bringing it back down for a smooth landing.

    Kai glanced outside. The crew, along with Derniere, was making their way toward him. He smiled before raising his pistol and knocking the pilot out cold.

    Ivan grinned like a kid as he slid into the cockpit. The unconscious pilot was dragged out, and they took over the ship.

    "You able to fly this?" Kai asked.

    "Piece of cake." Ivan tapped a few inputs into the center display, a flight route appearing on the screen. His grin widened.

    Kai checked on the others. They were already strapped in. He noticed Robert examining the plasma gun, turning it over in his hands.

    "Let''s go home," Ivan said, pushing the collective forward.

    Kai nodded and grinned, too.

    Soon, he¡¯d be back aboard the Black Swan, and he was in desperate need of a hot shower.

 50. Hot Shower Time

    The dropship sored upward it''s engine roaring loudly, following the path it has taken on the way down.

    Kai kept his mouth opened slightly to cancel out the rapid pressure change of altitude.

    Eliana was staring at him, a bemused expression on her face. He wanted to asked her the reason for why she was holding back the laughter. Then he understood. Out of everyone in the drop ship. He was the only one that doesn''t have a helmet or any type of protections from the environment.

    "Did you guys brought anything for me?" Kai asked.

    "No, not really, we didn''t think we would find you alive." Robert said with a joking tone.

    "Don''t mind him, he was just being a jerk." Eliana said, "well, we did bring you a set of pressure suit and helmet..."

    "But it was left on the elevator with the other gears as we weren''t thinking we would find you so quickly." Teresa said.

    Kai shurgged his shoulder, that was fine with him, it''s not like he needed one anyway. He wasn''t feeling any discomfort from the pressure change since his transformation. He was theoretically speaking, a lot more stronger than anyone else.

    "Kai I need a hand, get in here." It was Ivan''s voice.

    Kai unbuckled and carefully made his way into the cockpit. The ship only had a very weak gravitational generator to make the flight bearable. So Kai made only small, careful movements and made sure both of his feet was touching the ground.

    In true empirial fashion, the dropship design was minimalist. They followed the principal of "if three wheels will move a car, then why install four.". Well, that might be a little too exaggerated, Kai thought.

    He had heard rumors about most imperial warships does not have coffee machines onboard. They were only supplied ration bars and water, take it or leave it.

    He squeezed into the cockpit, which was just enough for two pilots sitting almost shoulder to shoulder. He sat down and strapped in.

    "So, how can I help you?" Kai asked.

    Ivan smiled at him while maneuvering the ship to dodge the support beams that occasionally that were in the way of their ascension.

    "We are approaching the surface soon and I would like you to make contact with the Black Swan, because the chances of gaining a pursuiter or two is very likely." Ivan said.

    "Alright, gave me the frequency." Kai said.

    "Already dialed in for you, just press the connect button and you will be set." Ivan said.

    "How do you even know how the empirial dropships operates? It was seriously impressive that you were able to pick up the control so quickly." Kai said.

    "It''s not all that different from flying any other drop ships really. As long as know the general layout, you will too pick up the control in no time." Ivan said, "now make the connection."

    Kai made a mental note to learn more about flying from Ivan later, he nodded and pressed the connect button to the side of him.

    The Black Swan must had been waiting for his connection. Because only a second past and the connection was established.

    Commander Grayson''s voice boomed though the headset loud, clear, and furious, "I said I don''t know anything about violating your whatever laws, so please stop contacting the Black Swan immediately!"

    "Commander Grayson, it''s me, Kai!" Kai said before Grayson could get the chance to terminate the call.

    "Kai! It''s good to hear your voice again. I''d like to get all warm and chatty with you but that can wait. Tell me what''s the situation down there and get Ivan to explain why we had just been evicted from the landing pad.

    Kai exchanged look with Ivan, looked like things wouldn''t go as smoothly as they hoped.

    "We discovered something that wasn''t supposed to be discovered and now the whole empire is probably after us." Kai said.

    "Also we had commandeered an empirial drop ship. Tell Ray we are going to do a midair docking so we can get out of here." Ivan said.

    "Roger that," Ray''s voice came from the speaker, I''ll send you the coordinates as soon as I see your blip. Oh also, you got a lot of heat on the surface waiting for you, over."

    "Copy, see you soon. Over and out."

    The dropship continued flying upwards, Kai could see the light in the distant. That must be the surface.

    "Alright, Kai. Now for the real reason I called you here. I need you on the turrets, just in case something happens when we reach the surface."

    Kai nodded, lowering the headset over his ears as he settled into position. The gunner seat was similar to the one on the Black Swan, though the picture quality wasn¡¯t as sharp. He ran his fingers over the controls, adjusting to their feel, and did a few quick test sweeps to get used to them.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    A blinding light flooded his vision as the dropship punched through the surface. For a moment, he couldn¡¯t see anything, his sensors struggling to adjust. Then came the sharp, distinct ping of bullets striking the hull. The ship rattled as the attack intensified.

    "Contact! Two interceptors¡ªsix o¡¯clock high!" Ivan¡¯s voice rang out.

    Kai swung the top and bottom turrets toward the rear of the ship. The interceptors were already closing in fast. He tracked them, trying to align the crosshairs before they got into firing range.

    "Missiles, missiles!" The ship¡¯s warning system blared.

    Ivan yanked the controls, sending the ship into a sharp evasive maneuver. Flares launched, filling Kai¡¯s view with bursts of bright light. The missiles veered off course, fooled by the countermeasures. Kai turned the turrets again, reacquiring his target.

    "Did they seriously fired missiles at us over their own airspace?" Kai asked, irritation creeping into his voice.

    "Well, we are wanted criminals now," Ivan said. "So, yeah, of course they¡¯re gonna fire at us."

    Kai locked onto one of the interceptors and squeezed the trigger, sending a burst of rounds toward its wing. Sparks erupted as the bullets hit their mark. Flames trailed behind the damaged interceptor before the fire snuffed out, replaced by thick black smoke. The ship lost speed and veered off.

    The second interceptor fired back, unleashing a barrage of shots. Ivan rolled the dropship to the side, narrowly dodging the attack. Kai fired in return, but the enemy was already gone, disappearing out of his sights.

    A new blip appeared on his display. Kai glanced at it and exhaled in relief¡ªit was the Black Swan. They were close, but another round of tracer fire reminded him the fight wasn¡¯t over.

    "Shoot it, Kai! Get that thing down!" Ivan shouted, weaving through the incoming fire while deploying countermeasures.

    Kai zeroed in on the target, finger hovering over the trigger. Ivan pulled hard on the yoke, forcing the ship into a sharp turn. Kai braced against the G-force, waiting for his opening.

    It finally came. The interceptor overshot them at high speed, leaving its underbelly exposed for just a second.

    Kai didn¡¯t hesitate. He held the trigger, leading the bullets ahead of the craft¡¯s trajectory. The rounds connected, sending sparks flying before the entire ship erupted into a violent explosion. Shattered debris scattered in every direction.

    "Bandit down," Kai said, a rush of adrenaline surging through him.

    "Good shot. Now let¡¯s meet up with the Black Swan," Ivan replied, steering the ship toward their rendezvous point.

    They continued flying until they were well outside the range of New Oliver City. The towering skyscrapers and dense cityscape slowly gave way to an industrial sprawl of factories and warehouses. The contrast was stark¡ªonce they left the city behind, the airspace felt empty, eerily quiet except for the hum of the ship¡¯s engines.

    Ahead, a dot in the sky grew larger, coming into view as the Black Swan closed the distance. Kai exhaled in relief. They were almost there.

    Ivan and Ray worked with practiced precision, aligning the dropship with the Black Swan as best they could. The two ships weren¡¯t designed to dock with eachother midair, so they had to improvise. The result was an awkward connection¡ªthe dropship¡¯s engine nearly brushing against the Black Swan''s hull, the ships locked at an odd angle. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but it would do.

    One by one, the crew made their way across.

    Kai stepped onto the Black Swan and felt something inside him settle. It had only been three days, but it felt like weeks since he¡¯d been home. Everything was familiar¡ªthe well-lit corridors, the quiet hum of the ship, the comforting scent of Lily¡¯s pastries lingering in the air. But more than anything, it was the people waiting for him that made it felt like home.

    The first person he saw was Isaac, standing stiffly near the entrance. His eyes were wide, almost teary.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Kai! I ran away when¡ª¡± Isaac stopped mid-sentence, his voice cracking.

    Kai placed a firm hand on his shoulder. ¡°You did what you had to do. You escaped and called for help. And your invention worked.¡±

    Isaac¡¯s face lit up at the praise. ¡°I¡¯ll make you a new one right now!¡± he declared excitedly before running off.

    Next was Baiyan, who clapped him on the shoulder.

    ¡°Come on,¡± Kai said, pulling him into a bro hug. ¡°I¡¯ve got some big news to share.¡±

    Before Baiyan could respond, Commander Grayson approached, standing tall with his arms crossed, a smug grin on his face.

    ¡°Kai, congratulations,¡± he said. ¡°You¡¯re officially a wanted criminal of the Empire¡ªwith a nice bounty on your head.¡± His expression turned more serious. ¡°Now our expedition has officially turned into an escape.¡±

    Kai lowered his head slightly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Commander.¡±

    Grayson smirked. ¡°Just a little complication. I¡¯m sure whatever you found was worth it.¡±

    Kai barely had time to process the conversation before someone hugged him from behind.

    Eliana.

    Her arms wrapped around his neck as she pulled herself up slightly, pressing a soft kiss to the back of his neck. When he turned around, she was just as stunning as he remembered, her auburn hair loose and flowing now that she was out of her armor, her uniform fitting neatly against her frame.

    Without thinking, Kai pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her waist. He had missed this¡ªmissed her.

    Before he could say anything, Lily¡¯s voice rang out from the galley.

    ¡°Guys! Lunch is ready!¡± She poked her head around the corner, spotting Kai and beaming. He smiled back.

    Kai turned to Eliana. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to eat some real food.¡±

    Eliana smirked. ¡°Yeah, about that... you really need a shower first. You reek.¡±

    Kai glanced down at himself¡ªhis uniform was stained with dirt, sweat, and things he¡¯d rather not think about. His face flushed. ¡°Alright. Shower first, feast later.¡±

    Steam filled the small bathroom as hot water poured over Kai¡¯s body. It was the first real shower he¡¯d had in days, and it felt like a luxury after the grime and filth of the underworld. He let out a slow breath, resting a hand against the tiled wall as the warmth seeped into his muscles.

    Normally, he let his thoughts drift while showering, but tonight was different. He felt... lighter. For the first time in days, he let himself relax. As he worked the soap into his skin, he found himself humming absentmindedly.

    ¡°Nice singing.¡±

    Kai froze.

    His head snapped toward the door, where Eliana stood with a playful smirk.

    He tensed, his face heating up. ¡°W-What are you doing here? Aren''t you supposed to be helping Derniere?¡±

    Eliana leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. ¡°Oh, come on. Derniere¡¯s fine. Teresa¡¯s handling everything. I figured I¡¯d check on you.¡±

    Kai turned back, scrubbing his face with his hands. ¡°You could¡¯ve waited until I was done.¡±

    Eliana took a step closer. ¡°Maybe. But then I¡¯d miss the chance to make you all nervous.¡±

    Kai glanced over his shoulder, only to find her eyes locked on him. Her smirk faltered slightly, her cheeks darkening to a soft rose hue.

    ¡°Alright, stop looking at me,¡± she muttered, averting her gaze as she reached for the hem of her uniform.

    Kai swallowed hard, feeling his pulse quicken¡ªand for once, it wasn¡¯t the nanites.

    Eliana stepped forward, her bare feet touching the wet floor. The heat from the shower wrapped around them both, making the small space feel even smaller.

    She placed a hand on his chest, her fingers tracing lightly over his skin. Kai¡¯s breath hitched as she stood on her toes, her face inches from his.

    He leaned in and their lips met.

    The world outside faded, and for the first time since this entire ordeal began, Kai wasn¡¯t thinking about the mysteries, the tasks at hand, and the consequences of a potential failure.

    Kai let himself enjoy the moment.

    Everything else could wait.

 51. Blue sky, Green Grass

    "Any pursuers?" Commander Grayson asked.

    "Nothing so far. We had a few yesterday, but they were all Imperial warships that backed off once we entered Federation-controlled space," Ivan replied.

    "Good. Find a farming planet with an outpost and put the ship down. This will be our final stop." Grayson¡¯s voice was steady, but the dark circles under his eyes betrayed the exhaustion of spending too many hours in the cockpit.

    The last twenty-four hours had been tense for the crew of the Black Swan. Kai had made it back alive from the depths of New Oliver, but in doing so, he had unintentionally uncovered a secret they were never meant to know. And judging by how violently the Empire had responded, it was clear they had been hiding more than anyone had suspected.

    Kai sat on the bridge, lost in thought.

    The realization chilled him. The conspiracy was bigger than he had ever imagined. This wasn¡¯t just about warning the Federation and the Empire about the entity that had dimmed the stars. If the Empire already knew, then what else had they been hiding? Worse, his newly acquired criminal status meant he was now unwelcome in Imperial space, cutting off any chance of investigating further.

    The only good news was that the Federation hadn¡¯t declared their stance yet. Kai suspected Admiral Steele had put in a few good words for them, knowing the weight of what they had uncovered.

    With a few keystrokes, Kai pulled up the news feed on the main display. It took a moment to connect to the nearest relay, but once it did, several headlines about New Oliver filled the screen. Most of the articles focused on the dropship incident, reporting on how two Imperial pilots had died after their interceptors were shot down.

    Kai stared at the reports for a moment, then closed the feed and turned his gaze toward the viewport. The Black Swan was on its final approach.

    This would be the last time he set foot on a planet within human-controlled space. After this, they would be heading into deep space¡ªuncharted territory that Grayson had named No Man¡¯s Land.

    Kai stood and stretched before leaving the bridge. Eliana was in the cargo bay helping Lily, and he wanted to check in on her.

    As he walked, his mind drifted back to the previous night. He and Eliana had spent the night together, their connection deepening in ways he hadn¡¯t expected. His face warmed slightly, and he shook his head, trying to push the memories aside.

    Focus, Kai. There are more important things to worry about right now, he told himself. But the small smile on his face refused to fade.

    Eliana¡¯s laughter was the first thing he heard as he stepped into the cargo bay. She was leaning against the railing near the entrance, her back to him. Smiling, he walked up behind her and gently wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing a soft kiss to the back of her neck.

    "Oh, there he is," Lily¡¯s amused voice called out from below.

    Kai peered over the railing and spotted her sitting in the pilot seat of a Kamotsu Mover¡ªa small, personal mech designed for transporting heavy cargo. She looked up at them, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

    Kai leaned closer to Eliana, lowering his voice. "How much did you tell her?"

    "Not much," Eliana whispered back, her face turning red. "But you know how she is. She took one look at me and figured out the whole thing."

    "You know that now that Lily knows, the whole ship will know by the time they have their next meal," Kai said, sighing.

    "I can hear you talking about me," Lily shouted up at them. She smirked but kept her eyes on her work. "Don''t worry, your secrets are safe with me."

    Kai shook his head, he changed the subject. "What''s with all the moving?"

    Lily shrugged and continued maneuvering the Kamotsu Mover around the cargo bay. "Just clearing up space so we can do a final resupply before heading into No Man¡¯s Land. Thanks to you, no Imperial or neutral planet will give us landing permissions."

    "I''m sorry, but that''s really not my fault," Kai said, crossing his arms.

    "I know, I know," Lily said, waving a hand. "Just giving you a hard time, since you¡¯ve given me one." She nudged the mech forward toward the entrance, grinning.

    The ship beneath them trembled slightly as the landing sequence finalized. The overhead light near the ramp flickered from red to green.

    Eliana took Kai¡¯s hand, squeezing it lightly. "Shall we?"

    Kai nodded and pressed the "Lower" button on the platform. The metal beneath them gave a soft hiss before beginning its slow descent.

    "Going outside?" Lily called after them, eyeing them with a mischievous glint.

    "Yeah, just for some fresh air," Kai replied.

    "Oh, let me help you with that," Lily said, grinning. She lifted the mech¡¯s arm, mirroring her own movement, and pressed a large button overhead.

    With a low mechanical groan, the ship¡¯s ramp began lowering. The gears whirred, then locked into place, revealing the world outside.

    A small outpost sat just ahead, a cluster of simple buildings set against an endless backdrop of rolling grasslands and golden fields. The sky stretched far, untouched by towering structures or thick pollution clouds.

    Lily waved at them as they stepped onto the ramp. Her mech mimicked the gesture, its clawed hand moving in sync with her own.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Kai exhaled deeply, then took in a slow breath, feeling the warm, open air fill his lungs. The fresh scent of soil and grass was something he rarely experienced. He exchanged a glance with Eliana, who smiled at him before tugging gently on his hand.

    He understood her intent instantly. How could he not? The sight of the vast green field stretched out before them, almost unreal in its beauty.

    Real grass was a rare sight on Drakmoor, and even more so in most human-controlled worlds. Terraforming was a slow, grueling process, and few planets prioritized natural landscapes over industrial development. But here, on this small agricultural planet, it thrived. They grew grass¡ªexporting it to places like Velmorra and Drakmoor, where the soil would never support something so simple yet so alive.

    The moment Eliana stepped onto the grass, she started running. Her hair danced in the wind, catching sunlight. She turned back, laughing, her eyes reflecting the warm glow of the sun as she silently urged him to hurry.

    She was breathtaking.

    For a second, Kai forgot to move, stunned by how effortlessly beautiful she looked. But then his feet carried him forward, off the ramp, onto the soft grass. The feeling beneath him was surreal¡ªthey were genetically engineered to be lush, soft, and perfectly trimmed. It felt almost like running across silk.

    He caught up to Eliana in no time. She grinned, pulling on his arm, and together they ran across the golden field, the wind rushing past them, the world around them fading into nothing but each other.

    "Hey!" Kai heard Eliana shout behind him. He turned just in time for her to crash into him, tackling him to the ground in a fit of laughter.

    The soft grass cushioned their fall, and neither of them felt a thing. Kai laughed, wrapping his arms around her as she lay on top of him, her giggles mixing with his.

    She placed her hands on his chest, pushing herself up slightly, her long hair falling over her face. Through the strands, he could see her smiling, but her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

    Kai reached up, brushing away the moisture gathering in her eyes.

    Eliana caught his hand in hers, holding it against her cheek, her fingers gently rubbing against his skin.

    "I missed you so much, Kai," she whispered. "You have no idea how hard it was for me these past nights without you."

    Kai swallowed, emotions tightening his throat. "I missed you too."

    A few tears slipped free, but she didn¡¯t try to hide them. Instead, she smiled¡ªa raw, relieved smile, one that carried all the emotions she had bottled up.

    "I visited your room when I couldn¡¯t sleep," she admitted. "I looked at our photos, remembering every moment. Not once did I think you were dead. I knew you were too stubborn to die. You''re the toughest person I know."

    Kai exhaled shakily. "I never lost hope either. I knew you guys would come for me. Commander Grayson told me you snuck out in the middle of the night, looking for me."

    Eliana nodded. "I couldn''t sit around waiting. I needed to know what happened to you. I almost got caught by the AEC. Pretty sure they¡¯ve marked me as a criminal too."

    They both chuckled, hands entwined.

    "Thank you, Eliana, for everything" Kai said softly. " I guess we¡¯re partners in crime now."

    "Yes, we are." She smirked. "Though I doubt my father is going to be thrilled when he hears about this."

    Kai grinned. "Your mother will plead our case."

    "Oh, no doubt about that," Eliana said with a laugh.

    Their eyes met, and this time, she leaned in slowly, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against his lips.

    "Please don¡¯t leave my side again," she murmured.

    "I won¡¯t," Kai promised, pulling her into a hug as he sat up. She buried her face in his shoulder, her arms wrapped tightly around him.

    They both turned their heads toward the Black Swan, where its massive ramp was lowered, accepting supplies from the colony.

    Eliana stood first, offering Kai her hand. He took it, letting her pull him to his feet.

    "Let¡¯s go back to the ship," she said.

    Together, they walked toward the looming shape of the Black Swan, the contrast between its dark hull and the bright golden fields making it look even larger than it was.

    The colony was small and lacked the heavy equipment used at larger depots, meaning all the supplies had to be loaded manually. The locals didn¡¯t seem to mind, though. In fact, they looked eager¡ªgrateful for the opportunity to trade with a ship like the Black Swan.

    The steep ramp made moving cargo difficult. Several workers struggled to push heavy pallets up into the ship, their muscles straining under the weight.

    Lily maneuvered the Kamotsu Mover, helping with the heavier loads. Kai¡¯s eyes landed on an older man who was struggling to push a large pallet. The moment the load started tipping back, the mover¡¯s mechanical claw caught the edge, preventing a disaster.

    Eliana and Kai exchanged a look before hurrying over, pressing their backs against the cargo to help push.

    The old man looked up in surprise before smiling. "Ah, thank you! Thank you both!"

    Kai returned the smile and pushed harder. The pallet was heavy, but once they got the momentum going, it became easier. With Eliana¡¯s help, they managed to roll it up the ramp and into the cargo bay.

    That night, the crew of the Black Swan, along with the colony¡¯s settlers, gathered around a large campfire in the middle of the settlement. The warm glow of the burning logs flickered against their faces, casting long shadows as laughter and conversation filled the night air.

    The smell of roasting food and fresh earth mixed with the crisp evening breeze.

    "Thank you for being so friendly, and thank you for helping our humble community," a familiar voice said.

    Kai and Eliana looked up to see the old man from earlier. He held two steaming cups in his hands, offering them with a kind smile.

    They each took a cup, and as Kai brought it closer, a sweet aroma filled his senses. He set it beside him, letting the heat warm his hands.

    Eliana took a sip first and gasped. "This is so delicious! What is this?"

    The old man chuckled. "It¡¯s a new kind of cocoa fruit we engineered here. We hope it will bring our community some much-needed attention¡ªmaybe even turn this little settlement into a prosperous town, or one day, a city."

    Curious, Kai took a sip. The drink was smooth, rich, and comforting, with a deep chocolate flavor and a unique aftertaste he couldn¡¯t quite place. It was unlike any cocoa he had ever tasted.

    "I love it. A lot," Kai said, nodding approvingly. "I hope it brings you the success you¡¯re looking for."

    The old man beamed. "Thank you, son. Best of luck to you too. And I promise¡ªyour kids will be very good-looking."

    Kai and Eliana both turned bright red as the man walked away, chuckling to himself.

    Kai exhaled and looked up at the sky. The stars stretched endlessly above them, more visible here than anywhere else he had been. It was sight so rare in most crowded, polluted worlds. Yet, as he stared, his smile faded.

    How many stars had dimmed because of the thing? How many had vanished before anyone even noticed?

    A small, warm hand slid over his, grounding him back to the present. He glanced at Eliana, who simply smiled and leaned against him, her presence offering more reassurance than words ever could.

    Together, they watched the stars, knowing that tomorrow, they would leave this place behind.

    "You nervous?" Eliana asked softly. "Because I am. I don¡¯t want to lose you again. It¡¯s making me... soft."

    Kai shook his head. "No, Eliana. I think it¡¯s making you stronger." He turned to her, his gaze steady. "You were so brave. Sneaking out during curfew to search for me. Coming down into the depths, not knowing what dangers you¡¯d face. And you never hesitated."

    Eliana¡¯s face flushed slightly. "Oh, stop, you¡¯re making me blush," she murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Then, more seriously, she added, "You know I¡¯d do anything for you."

    "So would I, Eliana." Kai squeezed her hand gently. "I love you."

    Before she could respond, a voice crackled through the comm pinned to Eliana¡¯s uniform.

    "Alright, you two lovebirds," Teresa¡¯s amused voice broadcasted from Eliana''s swan pin. "Time to wrap it up. We¡¯re moving out."

    In the distance, the Black Swan¡¯s massive engines roared to life, sending ripples through the grasslands. The ship¡¯s silhouette stood stark against the golden fields, its ramp still open, waiting for them.

    Kai stood, pulling Eliana up with him.

    It was time to go.

 52. First Jump

    It''s one thing to travel through space, but it''s another to venture into the uncharted¡ªor as Commander Grayson called it, No Man¡¯s Land.

    The journey itself wasn¡¯t the danger. There was nothing physically stopping a ship from leaving the known boundaries of human civilization. But the deeper a vessel traveled beyond the "bubble" of charted space, the fewer terraformed planets, space stations, and human settlements there were. Out there, help wasn none existent.

    Traveling into No Man¡¯s Land was like kayaking into an endless ocean with no land in sight. And most ships that ventured too far into the abyss simply never returned.

    But that didn¡¯t deter the Black Swan. It was on a mission.

    Kai sat in his room, flipping through an encyclopedia he had found aboard the Ark ¡ªone of the old generation ships from Earth. The book was written in Japanese, a language he didn¡¯t know.

    Even though he couldn¡¯t read it, he had been painstakingly translating sections using a Japanese-English dictionary. It had become his main pastime since they left Aurelia Prime, and found himself fascinated by what was inside.

    The encyclopedia was filled with things he had never seen before¡ªfauna, flora, landscapes. It was like looking into another world entirely.

    Yet, some things were familiar. There were machines and vehicles that bore striking resemblances to the technology he knew. Some of the transportation designs were almost identical to modern equivalents used in human space.

    A chill ran down his spine when he came across an image of a luxury car that looked exactly like the one Mr. Drako owned, except, according to the book, it was built by a company called ¥¢¥¹¥È¥ó¥Þ©`¥Á¥ó.

    A knock sounded at the door¡ªthree distinct taps. The first was heavy, the second light, and the last one heavy again. Kai immediately recognized it. It was their knock, the one he and Eliana had used for years to identify each other.

    "Come in," Kai said, still flipping through the encyclopedia.

    The door slid open, and Eliana stepped inside. She was dressed in the ship¡¯s uniform, a sleek black design with silver-threaded lines running along the seams. The subtle patterns that represented the Draco mining¡¯s origins.

    On her left chest was the small, swan-shaped pin worn by all crew members. Until recently, none of them had truly known what the Black Swan symbolized back on Earth. In their culture, the name simply referred to something rare and unexpected, but now, Kai knew the truth. A swan was a bird, one that had once lived on Earth¡¯s rivers and lakes, long before humanity left their homeworld behind.

    Eliana took a few steps toward him, leaning down slightly to see what he was reading.

    "You¡¯re obsessed with this thing," she said with a teasing smirk. "I bet there¡¯s something really interesting in there if it¡¯s keeping you from visiting me."

    Kai apologized, shutting the book slightly but keeping his finger between the pages. "I¡¯m sorry, Eliana. I didn¡¯t mean to get so caught up, but I just can¡¯t put this down." He turned the book toward her, pointing at a page. "Here, take a look at this."

    She leaned in, eyes scanning the page he indicated. It was a detailed breakdown of how cocoa was produced on Earth. It was far more complex than the process they knew today. The machinery was primitive, requiring multiple workers, and the industry itself had been shrouded in controversy. Many laborers had been forced to work for wages so low they barely survived.

    "Woah," Eliana murmured. "I had no idea there was so much history behind making something so simple."

    "It¡¯s all because of technological advancements," Kai explained. "What used to take an entire workforce can now be done by one person with the right equipment."

    Eliana nodded but frowned slightly. "Alright, that makes sense. What doesn¡¯t make sense is why these books had to be hidden. Why don¡¯t they want us to remember Earth¡¯s original history?"

    Kai closed the encyclopedia halfway, tapping his fingers against the cover. "That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been trying to figure out. I¡¯ve been gathering evidence from these old records, trying to piece things together."

    Eliana sighed and placed her hands on his shoulders, gently massaging them. "Relax, Kai. You¡¯ll figure it out. But right now, what I want you to do is put the book down. The crew is throwing a expedition ceremony for the jump we¡¯re about to make. Don¡¯t you want to join us?"

    Kai hesitated. He did want to stay and keep reading, to keep digging for answers. But the truth was, he was stuck. He didn¡¯t have enough evidence yet¡ªjust suspicions and fragments of information. Nothing solid.

    "Alright," he said finally. He grabbed a small silver bookmark from his desk and placed it between the pages before closing the encyclopedia. "I could use a break from all this thinking."

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    Eliana smiled, taking his hand. "Then let¡¯s go."

    The gathering was held in the galley, and by the time Kai and Eliana arrived, everyone else was already there. The lights had been dimmed to a warm, comfortable glow, making the space feel even more welcoming to their new friends.

    Kai''s gaze immediately found Derniere. She was seated between Teresa and Lily, who were both deep in conversation with her, deliberately forming a protective barrier between her and the ever persistent Robert and Ivan.

    She looked far different from the girl Kai had first met on Aurelia Prime¡¯s lower levels. She was cleaner now, her hair brushed, her uniform neatly fitted. Teresa had clearly taken good care of her, making sure she looked her best. She still appeared a little malnourished, her skin pale from a lack of proper vitamins and nutrients, but Kai wasn¡¯t worried. With the care she was receiving on the Black Swan, it wouldn¡¯t take long for her to regain her full health.

    In front of Derniere, Bell sat atop the table like a tiny guardian. The rat had saved Kai¡¯s life once, and now, with no immediate dangers around, he was finally able to enjoy himself. His current focus? A massive piece of cheese, which he gnawed at with lazy satisfaction.

    Kai smiled at the sight.

    "Kai!" A voice called from behind.

    He turned to see Dr. Isaac approaching, holding something in his palm. As he stepped closer, he revealed what it was¡ªanother Black Swan pin.

    Isaac handed it to him with a grin. "For the one you lost."

    Kai smiled, taking the pin with a nod. "Thanks, Isaac. I¡¯m sorry about losing the first one, but honestly? It saved my life."

    "Don¡¯t worry about it," Isaac said, waving a hand dismissively. But Kai could tell he had hit a soft spot and Isaac was grinning ear to ear.

    "Oh, and one more thing," Isaac added before walking away. "Your language model is coming along nicely. Pretty soon, you¡¯ll have a translated version of that encyclopedia you¡¯re obsessed with."

    Kai¡¯s face lit up. "Thanks, Isaac. You¡¯re the best."

    With the pin secured on his uniform, he made his way over to Baiyan and Ivan, who were casually leaning against the table where Derniere sat. They were drinking and chatting as if nothing unusual was happening, keeping their expressions relaxed and effortless.

    Kai shook his head, laughing internally. He knew what they were doing by playing it cool in front of the only new female crewmember.

    Despite their antics, he was genuinely glad Baiyan was fitting into the crew. As a True Kin, Baiyan came from a faction of human who had been isolated for centuries. But unlike the more radical zealots among his kind, Baiyan was part of a group actively seeking reintegration with humanity. They believed the True Kin had remained separate for too long¡ªand that they wouldn¡¯t survive the thing if they didn¡¯t reconnect with the rest of civilization.

    The thing.

    Kai still had no clear idea what it was. He had seen fragmented visions, glimpses of something vast and unknowable. Whatever it was, it had driven humanity from Earth long ago. And now, it had found them again.

    Kai needed to send a warning¡ªa wake-up call to the rest of humanity, too distracted by their own conflicts to see the real danger ahead. It angered him that the Empire, the very force that had destroyed his homeworld, was now preparing to invade Drakmoor, his second home.

    A soft, familiar hand slipped into his own. Eliana. She looked up at him, shaking her head gently.

    Kai took a deep breath and nodded. She always had a way of grounding him, pulling him back from the edge of his anger.

    This wasn¡¯t about revenge. It was about truth. He would let the facts speak for themselves. He would go to Earth, uncover the evidence of the Empire¡¯s deception, and show humanity that survival wasn¡¯t about a civil war of territory or power¡ªit was about all of them making it through the coming storm.

    And he wasn¡¯t alone. He had a crew. Ten others, and a rat with their unique skill sets and willing to take on this seemingly impossible task.

    Ray entered the galley, scanning the room before his eyes landed on Kai. He gave a wave before addressing the gathered crew. As their navigator and lead pilot, Ray was responsible for plotting their first-ever jump into No Man¡¯s Land.

    Despite the weight of that responsibility, he looked calm.

    The room fell silent as he cleared his throat.

    "The plan for our first jump into No Man¡¯s Land has been finalized," Ray announced. "Commander Grayson wants to invite all of you to witness and celebrate this historic moment for the Black Swan."

    Eliana glanced at Kai and gave his hand a light tug. "Let¡¯s go, then."

    They joined the rest of the crew on the bridge, which suddenly felt much smaller than usual with everyone gathered inside.

    The crew took their seats, while those who weren¡¯t on duty stood to the sides, watching in anticipation.

    Commander Grayson stood in the center, his large frame and commanding presence amplified by the dim bridge lighting. His thick beard and sharp eyes made him look every bit the leader they needed right now. When Kai entered and strapped in, Grayson met his gaze and gave him a small but reassuring smile.

    Then, he spoke.

    "Everyone." His deep voice carried effortlessly through the bridge, silencing any lingering murmurs. "This jump is unlike any other we¡¯ve ever made. We are leaving behind the safety of human space, stepping into the unknown, where no laws, no colonies, and no reinforcements exist. Out there, life and death will be entirely in our own hands. No sane person would do what we¡¯re about to do."

    A heavy silence followed his words. The tension in the air was thick, almost suffocating.

    "But none of that will stop us," Grayson continued, his tone unwavering. "Because what we seek is bigger than ourselves. We are facing a mystery that could decide the future of humanity. It might sound cliche, but the truth is this¡ªthe fate of our species is in our hands. We are going to Earth, the birthplace of humanity, and we will uncover its fate."

    A few breaths later, Ivan¡¯s voice cut through the quiet. "Commander, alignment is complete. We are ready for faster-than-light travel."

    Grayson stood tall, scanning the room. His eyes moved over each crew member, looking for any sign of hesitation. "If anyone wants to quit, this is your last chance."

    He looked around, no one moved, no one spoke.

    Grayson nodded. "Good." He turned toward Ivan. "Take us to Earth."

    "Roger that, sir." Ivan said and pressed the button.

    Kai felt the familiar pull of the ship as the jump drive activated. A wave of dizziness washed over him, but he barely acknowledged it. He remembered his first jump¡ªhow he had nearly passed out, spending an hour emptying his stomach afterward. Now, the sensation was barely more than a firm pressure against his shoulders.

    Outside the ship, the quantum returned. Swirling lights, shifting colors, phenomena beyond comprehension came out to dance. A reminder that they were bending the very fabric of space and time.

    Behind him, a gagging noise caught his attention. He turned to see Derniere bolted out of the bridge, covering her mouth.

    Kai smiled.

 53. Moving in

    The cloud of quantum residues left the viewport, fading into the darkness of space. The excitement and anticipation on the bridge settled down, leaving only the crew on duty present. Eliana had already left to take care of Derniere, who was still struggling with post-jump discomfort.

    They had traveled roughly 70 light-years in their first jump, using just over 18% of their quantum fuel. That meant after every four jumps, they would have to find a suitable star system to refuel using the fuel scoop installed in The Forge.

    Kai checked the list of contacts on his display, finding nothing but an empty screen. No stations, no outposts, not even a single ship detected in the system.

    He pulled up the system¡¯s information and saw that it had been discovered some time ago by an Imperial terraforming ship, but aside from a basic scan, nothing further had been done.

    The system hosted a G-type main-sequence star, more commonly known as a yellow dwarf. These stars were known for their higher potential to form habitable planets, but in this case, every planet was either too far or too close to the sun, making their temperatures too extreme for practical, and more importantly, profitable terraforming.

    Kai then checked the historical records of ships that had passed through this system. Only three had registered their presence in the past ten years.

    That didn¡¯t necessarily mean only three ships had visited¡ªjust that only three had logged their travels after returning to human space. Many independent ships or unauthorized vessels wouldn¡¯t have reported their movements at all.

    Kai pressed his finger on the display to bring up the newest entry. It was from eight years ago, recorded by a Federation expedition ship. He traced the date back and realized it was around the time when the Federation was still actively expanding, competing with the Empire for dominance. It wasn¡¯t surprising that they had stumbled upon this system, only for it to later be officially logged by the Empire.

    Closing the tab, Kai switched his display back to the Black Swan¡¯s status. Ivan had already plotted their next course¡ªanother 70 light-year jump to a different system.

    However, there was no urgency to leave yet. They would wait 12 hours for the first jump drive to recharge to about half capacity before using the second jump drive. This method ensured minimal stress on the power plant while also giving Derniere as much time as possible to recover before the next jump.

    Robert stood up from his seat, stretching his arms. "I''m heading to the training room to work on my trigger discipline. Apparently, I burned through ammo way too fast during that drone fight."

    Commander Grayson turned his attention to Kai. "You''re dismissed too, Kai. There''s nothing more to do here until the next jump. Get some R&R before then."

    "Thank you, sir," Kai said as he unstrapped himself and stood up.

    He was about to leave when Grayson called after him. "Oh, one more thing."

    Kai stopped and turned back.

    "You should help Eliana with moving. I just reassigned her room to Derniere¡ªshe needed a space of her own."

    Kai nodded. "Then where will Eliana be staying?"

    "With you, of course," Grayson said, smirking. "Unless you¡¯ve got a problem with that. But it was Eliana¡¯s request."

    Kai stood frozen for a moment, his face heating up slightly. His thoughts drifted¡ªstaying with Eliana, sharing a room, the things they could do together¡­

    Grayson chuckled at his reaction. "Enjoy your time, Kai. And if you do get kicked out in the future, just remember¡ªthere is an extra bed in the brig and it is surprisingly comfortable."

    His loud laughter followed Kai as he exited the bridge, the automated door sliding shut behind him.

    Kai''s heart was pounding as he walked down the corridor. Eliana hadn¡¯t mentioned moving in with him, and now he could hardly think of anything else. He picked up his pace, heading toward her room.

    He spotted her in the hallway, arms full with a precariously stacked pile of clothes. The bundle wobbled dangerously, looking like it could collapse at any moment.

    Kai stepped in quickly, taking the pile from her hands before disaster struck.

    Eliana blinked in surprise before recognizing him, her eyes lighting up with a warm smile.

    "Kai! Sorry, I was just¡­" She hesitated, her cheeks tinting slightly.

    "Moving to my room?" Kai grinned.

    "Yeah, that!" Eliana let out a small laugh. "I meant to tell you, but I only got the request from Commander Grayson this morning. I figured you wouldn¡¯t mind¡­ I hope you don¡¯t mind."

    "Of course not! This is actually a really pleasant surprise," Kai said, adjusting the clothes in his arms. "Here, let me help you move."

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    She nodded, looking relieved as Kai took the rest of the pile from her.

    It took some time, but they eventually got the room set up together. The move itself had been simple¡ªEliana¡¯s old room was just across the hall from Kai¡¯s. Most of the effort went into rearranging and decorating the space to suit both of them.

    Kai had always kept things minimal. His room was bare, his belongings few, his style practical. But with Eliana now moving in, the space transformed. It felt cozier. Warmer. Like an actual home instead of just a place to sleep.

    Kai picked up a small plushie Eliana had placed on their bed, examining it for a moment before setting it back down.

    Eliana stood in the middle of the room, hands on her hips, surveying their work with a satisfied look. "So? What do you think?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

    Kai looked around, then back at her. The room wasn¡¯t just his anymore. Now it was their''s.

    "I think it¡¯s very lovely," he said with a smile. "You actually made it feel like a room that people live in."

    Eliana smiled. "That was what I was aiming for."

    Kai stepped closer, taking her hand. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else faded. There was something about being near her that made him feel warm, steady. He leaned in, and they shared a quick kiss.

    "I booked the training room for the next two hours. Care to join me for some exercises?" Eliana asked, her tone light but inviting.

    "Why not? I could use some cardio. What scenario do you have in mind?" Kai asked.

    "I was planning to do some grip strength training, so I''ll probably work on vertical climbs," Eliana said.

    Kai¡¯s eyes lit up. "Oh! Have you tried the Madison Climb Challenge yet?"

    "No, not yet. What''s that?" Eliana asked.

    Kai smirked. "Just wait. You''re going to love it."

    ----------------

    By the time Kai and Eliana arrived at the simulation room, Robert was just finishing his session. His face glistened with sweat, beads of it rolling down his forehead. He slung a damp towel over his shoulder and grinned when he saw them.

    "Yo, guys. Sorry, but I''m heading out now," Robert said.

    "How did your training go?" Kai asked.

    Robert sighed, shaking his head. "Started fine, but then I just started blasting every target that popped up. Ended up shooting a few hostages along with the bad guys. And when I ran out of ammo, I had to scavenge enemy weapons to keep going."

    "I''m sure you''ll get better at it," Eliana reassured him.

    "Yeah, but it''s frustrating when you have a limited ammo count. Never had that problem running the ship''s turrets." He wiped his face with his towel before heading for the exit. "Anyway, enjoy your session. And try not to get too competitive." He winked before disappearing through the door.

    Kai chuckled and turned to the control panel. He searched through the simulation database before selecting the Madison Climb Challenge. The system whirred to life, generating the necessary environment and equipment for them.

    The room dimmed, and the walls around them shifted. First, the simulation projected an ocean in the distance, then jagged mountains forming on the horizon. The ground beneath them transformed into rough, rocky terrain.

    In front of them, a massive rock face grew, rising higher with every second. Its photorealistic texture had been generated using actual geological data, accounting for natural erosion, weathering, and even wildlife impact over time.

    Finally, their climbing equipment materialized. A waist harness appeared on each of them, fitted with a small bucket of chalk clipped to the belt. The fine powder inside was meant to increase friction on their fingers, improving their grip.

    Kai dipped his hands into the chalk bucket, rubbing the powder between his fingers. It felt real, down to the texture of the granules between his skin. The level of detail in the new simulation tech was incredible. He had a feeling he¡¯d be spending a lot of time here.

    Eliana was the first to start climbing. Of course, she was no stranger to outdoor activities. Growing up with wealth and resources meant she had received the best training in all kinds of sports¡ªincluding rock climbing.

    Since it''s only a simulation, she wore no safety equipment, and took a long look at the rock face in front of them. Mentally calculating her path, she took a few steps back, then sprinted toward the wall, using her momentum to propel herself up.

    It was an impressive start. She covered a lot of ground in seconds.

    Kai grinned. He wasn¡¯t about to let her leave him behind. If she got too far ahead, the simulation room might run out of space before he could catch up. And that would be embarrassing.

    He quickly mapped out his own path and dashed forward. Using his enhanced strength, he jumped higher than Eliana had, grabbing onto a ledge much further up. He didn¡¯t stop there¡ªhe threw himself upward with one arm, using sheer power to launch to the next grip point.

    "That¡¯s cheating!" Eliana called out, laughing as she hurried to catch up. She had a wide smile on her face, enjoying the competition.

    Kai moved with ease, climbing the nearly vertical rock face like the mountain goat he saw in the encyclopaedia. His fingers dug into natural cracks in the stone, pulling himself up even as his momentum began to slow.

    Up ahead, an overhang awaited him¡ªa section where he¡¯d have to rely solely on his arms to keep moving forward. He paused, reaching into his chalk bucket one hand at a time, refreshing his grip before snapping the lid shut.

    The entire process took only a few seconds, but when he looked back, Eliana was already catching up.

    "That was fast! Got any tricks I should know?" Kai asked, impressed.

    Eliana smirked. "You might have more strength than me, but I chose the better path. Every contact point was calculated based on my body¡¯s reach, so I never had to overextend or leap."

    "Smart," Kai admitted. "I¡¯ll keep that in mind."

    "In that case, you should take your abilities into account too," Eliana pointed out. "If you can skip a few grip points and finish the climb faster, do it."

    Kai nodded, glancing upward. "Ladies first."

    Eliana narrowed her eyes playfully. "Or are you just trying to get a better view of me?" She flashed him a mischievous smile before reaching for the next handhold.

    Kai smirked as he watched her move. Well¡­ the view sure was nice.

    Shaking his head, he reached up for the next crack in the rock and climbed after her.

    ----------------------------------

    "Sir! You should take a look at this," Ivan said, eyes locked onto the radar contact that had just appeared on his screen.

    Commander Grayson turned toward him. "Send it my way."

    "Already did, sir." Ivan tapped a few commands, transferring the data to the main display. "Looks like a ship tried to make a jump into the system but ran into some kind of problem. It never completed the transition."

    Grayson narrowed his eyes as he studied the data. The ship was drifting, its distress beacon broadcasting a steady mayday signal.

    "It¡¯s still transmitting," Ivan added. "Might be recent."

    Grayson exhaled through his nose, thinking for a moment. "We should at least take a look." He straightened and gave the order. "Plot a course toward the ship in distress."

    "Roger that, sir." Ivan¡¯s fingers danced over the controls. "Adjusting heading. ETA in five minutes."

 54. Crumbled Ship

    Kai leaped, reaching for the grip point above him. His fingers curled around it, and his smile widened.

    He had spent the last ten minutes trying to clear this one section of the overhang with no footholds. Eliana had glided through it effortlessly, using her flexibility to her advantage. Kai, on the other hand, had no idea how she managed some of those moves without dislocating something.

    In the end, brute force had been his solution. It wasn¡¯t the most elegant approach, and now he dangled in midair, swaying slightly in the simulated wind as he reached for the next hold. But it had worked.

    Looking up, he saw that Eliana was already several sections ahead. He needed to pick up the pace.

    Kai climbed faster, moving with the agility of a primate. He smirked¡ªa primate. That was a word he had learned just days ago from the encyclopedia.

    Monkeys ¡ª A strange, intriguing animal that had once lived on Earth, and according to the encyclopedia, the closest biological relative to humans, just less intelligent. The more he read, the more fascinating it became. Apparently, humans had once been monkeys themselves, evolving beyond their ancestors to become the species they were today.

    Isaac had finally given him a fully translated version of the encyclopedia, and with the plugin now working properly, Kai could read every entry in English.

    Most of what he read about human evolution matched what the Archive had depicted. The key difference? Their version of early humans wasn¡¯t based on primates living in forests. Instead, their supposed ancestors had always been humans ¡ªbeings who only discovered tools after migrating due to a climate shift on Aurelia Prime millions of years ago.

    Kai was both impressed and disgusted. The way history had been rewritten, entire narratives altered to support the idea that human life began on Aurelia Prime¡ªit was convincing, meticulous, and well-executed. The fabricated truth so seamless that people never questioned it.

    He shook the thought away, focusing back on the climb.

    Raising his leg, he found a foothold in a narrow crack. This time, instead of relying purely on strength, he studied the next section carefully. Following Eliana¡¯s example, he planned a route that suited his own build, making calculated moves instead of wasting energy.

    He climbed steadily, catching up to her with a controlled rhythm.

    Eliana knew that once Kai got the hang of something, he always pushed for the win. She glanced down and saw he had cleared the overhang and was closing in fast. Then she looked up¡ªshe was near the top.

    She pushed herself harder, stretching her body to its limits, overextending to take small skips where she could.

    A small, amused smile crept onto her face. She tried not to be the competitive type¡ªor at least, not after her teenage years. But when it came to Kai, it was hard not to be. The man was just good at everything.

    Ever since she was young, Eliana had never been the kind to roll over and accept defeat. Whenever she picked up a new sport or challenge, if someone was better than her, she trained harder, practiced more until she surpassed them. Over the years, she had learned that winning wasn¡¯t everything.

    But Kai had awakened something in her. The part of herself she had almost forgotten.

    And she loved every moment of it.

    A large hand reached past her, gripping onto a ledge. With a powerful pull, Kai vaulted upward, his feet gaining solid purchase on the rock face. He stopped briefly to reapply chalk to his hands.

    Eliana gritted her teeth. "Oh, no you don¡¯t." She wasn¡¯t going to let him win that easily.

    She reached up, stretching onto her toes, trying to skip a grip point or two. Her fingers brushed against the rock¡ªjust a little more and she¡¯d have it.

    But then, her left foot slipped.

    A jolt of panic shot through her as she felt all her strength leave her at once. Her body dropped, momentum pulling her downward. She wanted to cry out, but the air caught in her throat. Damn it, she cursed internally. She had pushed too far and did the thing she told Kai not to do.

    At least it was just a simulation.

    Eliana tilted her head back, expecting to see Kai already at the top, claiming his victory.

    Instead her fall came to an abrupt halt.

    Kai¡¯s hand gripped her wrist, stopping her midair. But he was only holding on with one hand¡ªand the strain was too much. His grip gave out, and before either of them could react, they were both falling.

    The simulation room flashed red, accompanied by a sharp alert sound. The rocky terrain faded and replaced by the grey of the simulation room.

    Kai landed first, but instead of hitting the hard floor, he felt as if he had fallen onto something soft, like an air cushion.

    Eliana was wrapped in his arms, her face buried against his chest.

    She slowly lifted her head, her golden-hazel eyes meeting his.

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    "Next time, just take the win," she murmured, shaking her head. "You didn¡¯t have to save me. But¡­ thank you."

    Kai smiled sheepishly, his face burning with embarrassment. "To be honest, the simulation felt so real that I thought you were actually falling¡­ I didn¡¯t want you to get hurt."

    Eliana chuckled, pushing herself up from his chest. "I love how cute you can be sometimes." She leaned down, kissing him softly.

    Kai opened his mouth to reply, but before he could, the ship¡¯s announcement system cut through the moment.

    "All on-duty personnel, report to the bridge immediately."

    Kai and Eliana exchanged puzzled looks. They weren¡¯t due for another jump yet. But it was Commander Grayson¡¯s voice. That meant something was up.

    Neither of them questioned it. They quickly got to their feet and headed for the bridge.

    They hurried, jogging through the corridors of the Black Swan. The ship¡¯s expanded design meant the journey took longer than before, and by the time they reached the bridge, a solid minute had passed. The small lift leading down was a tight fit for both of them, but they managed to squeeze in, hugging each other in the cramped space.

    As soon as they stepped onto the bridge, Kai took his seat. "What¡¯s the situation?"

    "Distress signal," Commander Grayson said simply. "We¡¯re moving in to investigate and lend help if we can."

    Kai hadn¡¯t expected to encounter another vessel so soon into their expedition, let alone one in distress. But it made sense¡ªif they were going to find a stranded ship, it would be near human space rather than deeper into No Man¡¯s Land.

    He pulled up the ship¡¯s data on his display, scanning for details.

    A slight shift in gravity signaled that the Black Swan had entered a short STL jump. They were only a few light-seconds away from the signal, meaning they¡¯d arrive in no time.

    The distressed vessel appeared to be an older-model cargo ship, one Kai wasn¡¯t familiar with. When he checked the ship¡¯s logs, he found¡­ nothing.

    "Strange," he muttered into his headset.

    "You noticed it too?" Eliana¡¯s voice came through. "No logs, no flight path, no record of its last resupply station. It¡¯s like it just appeared here."

    "A pirate attack?" Kai suggested.

    "Not likely. We¡¯d see clear signs if that were the case," Teresa chimed in over comms. "There are multiple reasons why a ship might have no logs, but until we get a closer look, it''s all speculation."

    Another gravitational shift signaled their drop out of the jump, the crew collectively gasped.

    The cargo ship before them was¡­ unnatural.

    It looked like something had stretched it, as if an invisible force had warped the entire vessel. The hull was elongated in ways that defied logic, its once-massive rear thrusters now grotesquely extended into long, thin tubes.

    Kai felt a chill creep down his spine.

    "Yeah, this is officially in uncanny territory for me as well," Teresa muttered.

    Kai glanced at Robert, who had lowered his headset slightly, his eyes narrowing. "See anything from the turret feed?"

    "Not much," Robert said. "Just some debris floating around the ship. Looks like we¡¯re the first ones to find it." He paused before adding, "I really don¡¯t like the look of it, though."

    "And they¡¯re not responding to our connection requests," Teresa noted. "Looks like the only way to figure out what happened is to go in ourselves."

    Eliana turned to Kai and smirked.

    Kai smirked back. He knew exactly what that meant¡ªit was time to go outside.

    ----------------------------

    Kai and Eliana suited up in their EVA gear, preparing for the spacewalk. The two of them had come a long way since their first attempt. Under Teresa and Commander Grayson¡¯s training, they had practiced extensively in exploration, rescue, and even combat in zero gravity.

    Kai secured Eliana¡¯s suit, checking for airtight seals and system integrity. His gaze briefly flickered over how well the suit fit her, and he had to actively push those thoughts aside.

    Eliana caught his hesitation and smirked.

    Kai quickly gave her a thumbs-up and turned to the airlock.

    A moment later, the two of them stepped inside as the doors sealed behind them. The chamber depressurized, and the outer hatch opened, exposing them to the silent void of space.

    Outside, the Black Swan had positioned itself alongside the derelict ship, matching its speed and slow rotation. Since the cargo ship had never fully stopped, their own ship had to mirror its drift to allow for boarding.

    Kai took a steady breath, then pushed off into the void, gliding toward the warped vessel with Eliana close behind.

    Kai made the leap first, his body rotating midair as he crossed the space between the two ships. His boots braced for impact, and as he landed on the ship¡¯s hull, he immediately shifted his weight to soften the force.

    Something felt¡­ off.

    The hull beneath his feet didn¡¯t feel solid. Instead, it had a strange give to it, bending slightly under his weight, almost like stepping onto thin sheet metal rather than reinforced plating. The sensation sent an uneasy shiver through him, but structurally, it didn¡¯t seem like an immediate threat.

    He turned and gave Eliana a thumbs-up. She nodded and made the leap. Her form was perfect, and as she neared, Kai extended his arms, grabbing hold of her to stabilize her landing beside him.

    Together, they drew their pistols and prepared to enter the ship.

    Kai took one long look at the hull and already knew¡ªthere was no way anyone inside was still alive.

    The ship¡¯s exterior was riddled with thin, irregular gaps where material seemed to be missing. With his enhanced vision, he peered through one of the gaps and saw into the cross space. If the hull was this compromised, there was no chance the crew had survived without oxygen.

    He quickly located the entrance hatch and reached for it. As he pulled, the entire door detached from the frame, crumbling apart in his grasp like brittle paper.

    Kai froze, staring at the handle still clutched in his hand.

    Eliana gasped, her voice sharp through the earpiece in his helmet. "What happened here?"

    Kai shook his head. He had no answer. Whatever had caused this wasn¡¯t just decompression or structural failure¡ªit was something else.

    Gripping the outer hull for stability, he carefully pushed aside the remaining fragments of the airlock and entered. The moment he reached for the inner door, it collapsed under his touch as well.

    He activated the small thrusters on his suit, gliding forward with controlled bursts, making sure no stray debris punctured his suit as he entered the derelict vessel.

    Eliana followed right behind him, her movements careful and precise. He could tell by the way she was scanning their surroundings¡ªshe was just as disturbed as he was.

    Kai turned on his helmet light, the powerful beam illuminating the eerie interior. The ship¡¯s insides were just as warped as the outside.

    They had entered the cargo bay. Stacks of containers lined the walls, seemingly untouched. At first glance, it looked as if the cargo had been left perfectly intact. But when Kai reached out to touch one of the metal crates, the entire surface disintegrated beneath his fingers, collapsing into a fine, crumbling dust.

    He jerked his hand back, eyes wide.

    Eliana gave him a wary look. "Don¡¯t touch anything else," her voice echoed in his earpiece.

    Kai nodded in agreement.

    They exchanged a silent glance before he motioned toward the bridge. Whatever had happened here, they needed to get answers.

    Carefully, he propelled himself forward, using only his thrusters to move without making direct contact with anything. The less they disturbed, the better.

    As he reached a corridor leading toward the bridge, he slowed his momentum, cautiously rounding the corner.

    A humanoid figure appeared right in front of him.

    Kai cursed, barely had time to react before colliding with it.

 55. Stuck in Limbo - 700 Followers Special!

    Kai didn¡¯t have time to react before he collided with the humanoid figure. Instinctively, he raised his arms, bracing for impact¡ªbut it never came.

    Instead, his body sank into what had once been a person.

    His hand passed straight through the spacesuit¡¯s chest, dissolving it like fine powder. His arm kept going, phasing through the crumbling remains of the suit. His face pressed against the visor, and for a horrifying second, he was staring into the hollow, dust-filled helmet of the long-dead crewmember¡ªbefore he went right through them.

    Eliana, following just behind, had stopped in time to witness the entire scene unfold.

    Her stomach churned. She was suddenly very grateful she hadn¡¯t eaten much before the spacewalk.

    Kai had cut through the remains like a blade slicing through still air, breaking apart what had once been a human being. Half of the corpse remained, frozen in place, the inside of their body visible like a grotesque cross-section on display in a museum.

    She wanted to scream. Wanted to cover her mouth and pretend she hadn¡¯t just seen that.

    This was not what she expected to be dealing with when she woke up this morning.

    Kai burned his thrusters hard, stopping himself mid-drift. The fragmented remains continued forward, floating aimlessly until they splattered against the far wall, leaving faint, dusty imprints.

    He took a deep breath.

    If it weren¡¯t for the nanites in his system dampening his fear response, he probably would have lost his mind right then and there.

    "Don¡¯t look at it," Kai said, voice calm but firm. He didn¡¯t want Eliana to see any more than she already had.

    Eliana turned her head sharply, shutting her eyes. "Too late. I already saw it. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if I have nightmares tonight."

    Kai sighed, shaking off the fine particles that clung to his suit. Fortunately, nothing stuck. He made a mental note to never bump into anything on this ship again.

    But more than that, the encounter left him thinking.

    There was only one explanation for something like this¡ªa failed FTL jump.

    This was the reason most ships in the galaxy preferred STL (slower-than-light) travel, even though FTL was significantly faster. The dangers of breaking the light-speed barrier were well-known.

    During a jump, a ship and everything inside it were accelerated beyond the limits of physics. Strange things happened during that process¡ªthings no one fully understood. The discomfort first-timers like Derniere experienced was a small example of that.

    If something went wrong during the jump then there was no recovering from it. And what they had just encountered¡­ was what remained of a ship and its crew when FTL travel failed.

    There was nothing else to see, nothing but more horror Kai would rather avoid. There was also nothing they could do to help. The ship was beyond saving, and whatever had happened here had already sealed its fate.

    "Let¡¯s not stay here any longer," Kai said, turning to leave.

    But Eliana wasn¡¯t there.

    His heart pounded. She had been right behind him, hadn¡¯t she? He spun around, expecting to see her just a step away, but the corridor was empty. His breath quickened as he peered around the corner leading to the cargo bay, but she wasn¡¯t there either.

    ¡°Eliana?¡± he called out, his voice echoing unnervingly through the hollow corridors. Silence greeted him in return.

    Then, something even more unsettling caught his attention. The cargo bay¡¯s lights were on.

    Kai knew for a fact that the ship had no power when they boarded. Every system had been dead. Yet, now, the bay was bathed in a dim artificial glow, flickering slightly as if struggling to stay lit.

    Before he could process this anomaly, he heard a voice behind him. A man¡¯s voice.

    Kai turned sharply, and he wasn''t prepared as a man walked straight through him.

    His first instinct was to recoil, but something was even more wrong¡ªKai could still feel his body, yet it wasn¡¯t solid anymore. His form had become translucent, like a flickering projection. He lifted his hand, trying to touch the wall beside him, but his fingers passed through it like mist.

    A chill ran down his spine. Had he stumbled into some kind of anomaly?

    Then, he heard another voice.

    "Move all the unwanted cargo to the back," an angry, deep voice commanded.

    "But we¡¯re already carrying too little! If we dump more, security will get suspicious and find out about the contraband," a second voice argued.

    "And if you don¡¯t, we¡¯ll all be dead before we even make it back into the bubble," the first voice snapped.

    Kai turned his head toward the source of the argument. He spotted two men standing near the cargo ramp, completely unaware of his presence. Unlike him, they were solid.

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    The taller man, thin and sharp-featured, radiated an air of authority. He had the hardened look of someone who had seen too much, done too much, and had no patience for debate. The other, dressed in finer clothing and had all the clues of a merchant.

    Kai''s sharp gaze caught it instantly. The merchant¡¯s right hand was gripping something behind his back.

    The tall man, clearly the captain, exhaled heavily, rubbing his temple. ¡°I¡¯m the captain of this ship, and the only way we move is by reducing weight. Otherwise, we risk getting stuck here.¡±

    The merchant hesitated but then nodded. ¡°Alright, alright.¡±

    The captain didn¡¯t wait for further argument. He turned on his heel and started toward the exit.

    That was when Kai noticed the third person in the room.

    Near the entrance to the cargo bay, half-hidden in the shadows, a young man peered around the corner, his eyes wide with fear. He was younger than the others, barely out of his teens, and his resemblance to the captain was unmistakable.

    A sinking realization hit him. He knew what was about to happen. He wanted to shout, to warn them, but his voice was lost in whatever spectral state he had been trapped in.

    As the captain walked away, the merchant¡¯s lips curled into a cold grin.

    The gun appeared from behind his back in a swift motion.

    "The only thing going out that ramp is you," the merchant said, his voice void of hesitation.

    The gun fired.

    A bright flash filled the cargo bay, followed by the deafening crack of a gunshot. The sound slammed against the metal walls, rebounding in sharp, metallic echoes.

    The captain of the ship collapsed to the ground, his body crumpling in a pool of his own blood. The young man who had been watching screamed in terror and ran towards his father, another gunshot rang out. The young man clutched his chest, unable to move another step, and fell to the ground.

    Kai watched in silence, unable to do anything but observe the gruesome scene unfold. It was like a film he had already seen, the ending spoiled before the story had even played out.

    The merchant laughed to himself as he casually walked away. Minutes later, he returned, now fully suited up in a space suit.

    He approached the massive ramp and slammed his fist on the button labeled open. The hydraulic system whined and creaked as the ramp slowly descended, revealing the void of space beyond.

    With cruel efficiency, the merchant dragged the captain¡¯s body toward the edge of the ramp and, with a swift kick, sent the man¡¯s lifeless form tumbling into space. The body floated away, cast off into the void like unwanted cargo.

    Then, the merchant turned to the young man¡¯s body, slinging it over his shoulder with a grunt. He tossed the youth out with the same careless motions, watching the body float into the emptiness before pressing the button again to close the ramp.

    The sound of the ramp sealing echoed through the ship, and the merchant chuckled softly to himself. He walked toward the front of the ship, making his way to the cockpit.

    Kai followed, still unable to intervene.

    The merchant entered the cramped cockpit, which seemed more like a makeshift living room than a place to command a ship. The space was cluttered with various personal items, bags, and remnants of a life that seemed completely out of place on a ship.

    The man shoved some of the objects aside, his bulky suit struggling to maneuver through the tight quarters. Finally, he gave up trying to sit in the pilot seat and instead used the console while standing, leaning over it awkwardly.

    Kai watched from behind, silently observing every movement. The merchant began inputting coordinates, programming the ship for a jump.

    An error alert flashed on the console: Warning: Jump will be risky due to insufficient fuel. The merchant ignored the warning, his grin widening as he pressed the jump button without hesitation.

    The countdown began.

    2... 1...

    Kai could feel the tension in the air as the ship prepared for the jump. Outside, the quantum residue began to form, swirling in front of the viewport. But something was wrong.

    The cloud of quantum particles was sparse, thinner than usual. There wasn¡¯t nearly enough residue forming to initiate a proper jump.

    And then¡ªthe ship¡¯s nose began to stretch.

    At first, it was subtle¡ªjust a slight elongation, like something was pulling it apart from the front. But it quickly became more pronounced, the hull expanding, warping as if it were made of rubber. The ship¡¯s once-steady structure twisted and distorted.

    The merchant¡¯s grin faltered as he realized the error. He stumbled backward, panic flashing in his eyes.

    "Warning! Hull breach detected," the ship¡¯s alarm blared overhead.

    Kai watched as the merchant ran, desperate to escape the inevitable, but there was nowhere left to go.

    The ship was already collapsing in on itself, the failed FTL jump unraveling it at the molecular level. He slammed into the cargo bay doors, pounding against them with frantic fists, but they remained locked¡ªan automated failsafe to preserve oxygen in case of a hull breach.

    The irony was cruel; in trying to keep the ship intact, the system had sealed the only living soul outside.

    The merchant screamed, begging for mercy, his voice rising in frantic, incoherent pleas. He slammed his fists against the cold metal, turning back every few seconds to watch as the creeping, unnatural force tore through the ship.

    Kai stood frozen, unable to do anything but observe. The stretching distortion had reached the middle of the ship now. The walls bent, the floor twisted, and everything was coming undone.

    The merchant pressed himself flat against the wall, trying to make himself as small as possible, as if that could save him. It didn¡¯t. The anomaly caught up to him. Kai turned away, unwilling to watch as the man was torn apart by forces beyond human comprehension. He didn¡¯t need to see it to know what had happened.

    And then it hit him. The figure he had run into when he first entered the ship¡ªit had been the merchant. The dead ship had held onto his suffering, twisting time and space until it became a warning that only Kai could witness.

    ¡°Kai? Kai!¡±

    Eliana¡¯s voice jolted him back to reality. His breath came fast and shallow as he snapped out of the trance. He was no longer in the wreckage. Eliana was gripping his shoulder, shaking him gently.

    They were outside now, floating through space, their thrusters carrying them back toward the Black Swan. His head felt heavy, his thoughts muddled as if he had just emerged from a dream.

    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± he managed, his voice hoarse. He engaged his thruster and adjusted his trajectory, feeling Eliana¡¯s arm wrap around him for support. Together, they reached the airlock.

    Eliana''s expression filled with concern. ¡°What the hell happened to you?¡± she asked, her eyes searching his face.

    Kai exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair, still trying to shake the feeling of being somewhere else.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he admitted. ¡°I ran into the guy, and then I just stopped. It was like I was pulled into something. I couldn¡¯t speak, couldn''t do anything. I just had to watch everything happen. I saw it all. That whole ship was trapped in limbo.¡±

    Eliana frowned, her brows knitting together in thought. ¡°If the ship and everything inside it were stuck in limbo¡­ then how the hell did we receive the distress signal?¡±

    The question hung between them, chilling in its implications. Kai turned to look back at the viewport, his stomach twisting. The wreckage still hung in the void, stretched beyond recognition.

    He felt a sudden sharp ache in his skull, and instinctively, he shut one of his eyes, trying to ease the discomfort.

    Then the ship flashed.

    A pulse of light flickered over its warped frame, a distortion, almost like a glitch in the universe itself.

    Kai stiffened. Eliana saw it too, her breath hitching as she turned her full attention to the anomaly. Then, it flashed again. And again. The intervals were erratic, like a dying star in its final moment.

    ¡°Is it about to¡­¡± Eliana started, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Kai clenched his fists, his throat dry. ¡°I think it is.¡±

    They both watched in silence as the ship flickered one final time¡ªthen, in an instant, it was gone.

 56. Bacon and Egg

    Kai wasn¡¯t able to feel fear¡ªnot in the way most people did. The nanites had altered his brain, rewiring how he processed danger, making him almost unshakable in life-threatening situations. But that didn¡¯t mean he was immune to the horrors. He still had nightmares.

    Most of them were the same: the thing that dimmed the stars, the bombs falling on Velmorra, the suffocating depths of the lower levels of Aurelia Prime. But lately, a new nightmare had begun to haunt him.

    In this dream, he was trapped inside an abandoned ship. Every access point was locked, every door refusing to open no matter how hard he tried. He was alone, unable to escape. Then, Eliana appeared, bursting through the door, floating toward him with a soft smile.

    ¡°No, don¡¯t get close,¡± Kai would plead, backing into a corner.

    ¡°It¡¯s me, Kai. Don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯m here to save you,¡± Eliana would say, reaching out a hand.

    ¡°Please, don¡¯t touch me. I don¡¯t want to harm you,¡± Kai begged, his back pressing against the cold metal walls.

    But Eliana wouldn¡¯t stop. She would reach for him, her fingertips brushing against his skin. And then, just like the merchant on the derelict ship, she would begin to dissolve. Wherever he touched her, she would simply vanish into dust, slipping away like a forgotten memory.

    Kai always realized too late that he was dreaming. He always tried to wake himself up, forcing his mind to break free from the nightmare¡¯s grip.

    His eyes snapped open.

    He was in his quarters, facing the window that overlooked the vastness of space. The Milky Way stretched out before him, an endless sea of stars. He exhaled slowly, rubbing a hand over his face, feeling the sweat that clung to his skin. A chill ran down his spine.

    He moved to sit up, but his arm was pinned. He looked down.

    Eliana had her fingers loosely wrapped around his wrist, holding on even in her sleep.

    Kai smiled and laid back down, shifting closer. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against him. She slept soundly, her bare skin warm against his own.

    At first, sleeping without clothes had felt strange to him¡ªtoo exposed, too vulnerable. But Eliana had convinced him otherwise. Now, it had become second nature. He couldn¡¯t imagine falling asleep any other way.

    She stirred slightly, rolling over and tugging a portion of the comforter away with her. Kai chuckled softly, gently adjusting the covers before slipping out of bed.

    He didn¡¯t bother turning on the lights. The soft glow of the stars outside was enough to guide him as he pulled on his clothes and quietly stepped out into the hallway.

    The corridors of the Black Swan were empty at this hour. He checked the time.

    5:25 AM.

    A little early for the crew¡¯s shift rotation. Still, he had nothing better to do, so he decided to head to the galley.

    Even before he stepped inside, the smell of something delicious hit him. The warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and toasted bread filled the air.

    Kai slid the door open, and the scent fully enveloped him.

    Lily stood at the galley¡¯s stove, flipping a perfectly fried egg. The yolk remained intact as it landed smoothly in the pan, golden and glistening under the warm kitchen light.

    ¡°Good morning, Kai,¡± she greeted without looking up.

    Kai stepped forward, inhaling deeply. ¡°That smells amazing.¡±

    Lily smirked as she grabbed a plate. ¡°Of course it does. You think I¡¯d let my crew start their day on an empty stomach?¡± She slid the egg onto the plate, adding it next to a couple of freshly baked slices of bread. ¡°You¡¯re up early.¡±

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t sleep,¡± Kai admitted, taking a seat at the counter.

    Lily raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t push. She simply placed the plate in front of him, along with a steaming cup of coffee.

    ¡°Eat up. I don¡¯t trust anyone to be useful before breakfast.¡±, she said with a smirk.

    Kai chuckled, picking up the fork. He took a bite, savoring the warmth of the food. The lingering chill of his nightmare began to fade.

    Kai watched as Baiyan entered the room, his expression relaxed, a light sheen of sweat imprinted on the sport uniform clinging to his chest. Lily, who had been focused on preparing food, glanced at Baiyan a little too long before quickly looking away, her movements a little stiffer than before.

    Baiyan raised a hand in greeting, and Kai returned the gesture.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    ¡°Just hit the training room?¡± Kai asked, noting the fresh sweat on his skin.

    ¡°Yes, just hit the training room,¡± Baiyan replied with a smile, grabbing a cup of water from the counter.

    Kai raised an eyebrow. He had noticed Baiyan¡¯s training habits over the past few weeks¡ªalways booking the training room for long hours, often during midnight shifts when few others were around.

    ¡°What do you do in there?¡± Kai asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

    Baiyan took a slow sip of water, then set the cup down. ¡°I do a lot of yoga and meditation,¡± he answered with a grin.

    Kai¡¯s interest piqued. ¡°Oh, yoga. I read about that in the encyclopedia. It was fascinating how it¡¯s considered a low-impact activity but can demand more stamina than a lot of high-intensity sports.¡±

    Baiyan grabbed his plate of food from the counter, forgoing the bread entirely and instead opting for extra eggs and meat. He took his seat across from Kai, setting the plate down.

    ¡°If you¡¯re interested in yoga, I can teach you some techniques,¡± Baiyan offered. ¡°It helps with flexibility, balance, and endurance, but more than that, it helps you find inner peace. If you¡¯ve been feeling any pressure lately, it might help.¡±

    Kai considered the offer. Inner peace, huh? He wasn¡¯t sure if meditation could help him with the nightmares that constantly pressed on his mind, but at this point, he was willing to try.

    He glanced at Baiyan, noting his calm demeanor¡ªthe kind of balance and control that wasn¡¯t easy to come by.

    ¡°I might take you up on that,¡± Kai said, picking up his fork again. ¡°Could be useful.¡±

    Baiyan smiled. ¡°Good. I¡¯ll make sure you don¡¯t regret it.¡±

    Kai finished his breakfast, glancing at the time¡ªjust past 6 AM. Eliana would be waking up soon.

    He grabbed a paper plate and carefully stacked some food on top¡ªcrispy bacon, scrambled eggs, a couple of slices of toasted bread. After adding a cup of coffee, he made his way back to his room.

    When he stepped inside, Eliana was still asleep. She had rolled over again in her sleep, the comforter now barely covering her. A soft smile tugged at Kai¡¯s lips as he placed the food on the small table in the middle of the room.

    He moved closer to the bed, crouching down beside her. Gently, he brushed a few loose strands of auburn hair away from her face. She let out a soft groan, shifting slightly before rolling away from his touch.

    Kai chuckled under his breath, watching her. She looked so peaceful like this, her breathing slow and steady. As much as he enjoyed the sight, he knew she needed to eat before the morning shift started.

    He leaned in slightly. ¡°Eliana,¡± he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Breakfast¡¯s ready.¡±

    She groaned again, burying her face into the pillow. ¡°Mmm¡­ five more minutes,¡± she mumbled, her voice muffled.

    Kai smirked. ¡°If you don¡¯t wake up now, I might just eat your bacon.¡±

    That did the trick. Without opening her eyes, she reached out blindly and caught his wrist, gripping it with surprising strength. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t,¡± she muttered, still half-asleep.

    Kai laughed. ¡°Try me.¡±

    Slowly, she peeled one eye open, her expression groggy but amused. She stretched her arms above her head, letting out a content sigh before finally sitting up, rubbing her eyes.

    ¡°You¡¯re lucky I love bacon,¡± she murmured, still waking up.

    Kai handed her the plate, watching as she took her first bite. The way her face softened in satisfaction made waking up early worth it.

    "I''m thinking of visiting Derniere today," Kai said as he watched Eliana eat. "I haven¡¯t seen her much because of our shift schedule. I hope you don¡¯t mind."

    Eliana glanced at him, chewing thoughtfully before swallowing. "No, I don¡¯t mind at all." She reached out and placed a hand on his cheek, her fingers warm against his skin. "I¡¯m not the kind of person to get jealous over nothing."

    Her gentle touch turned mischievous as she suddenly pinched his cheek and tugged.

    "Ouch," Kai muttered, though he didn¡¯t pull away.

    Eliana smirked, her eyes playful. "So don¡¯t betray my trust, alright?"

    Kai nodded, his gaze steady. How could he ever betray Eliana? She was his everything. Not for a single moment had he ever thought about being with anyone else.

    "I wouldn¡¯t dream of it," he said, his voice soft but certain.

    Eliana studied his face for a second longer, then let go, satisfied. "Good," she said, taking another bite of her breakfast. "Because I¡¯d hate to have to throw you out of the air lock."

    Kai chuckled. "Noted."

    Kai and Eliana changed into their uniforms and made their way to the bridge, where the rest of the crew was already gathered. Kai took his seat while Eliana joined Teresa, continuing her studies in engineering.

    The past few days had been relatively peaceful. The No Man¡¯s Land was living up to its name¡ªan expanse of space that was largely empty.

    Most of the systems they passed through were unsuitable for terraforming, or if they were, they hadn¡¯t yet been claimed by the ever-expanding reach of human civilization.

    Kai had no doubt that one day, these voids would be filled¡ªplanets turned into habitable worlds, star systems bustling with trade routes and colonies. But for now, they were nothing more than silent, untouched spaces between the known and the unknown.

    The most exciting thing they had encountered recently was another ship. It had passed by the Black Swan at STL speeds, moving steadily through the void. Like the distressed ship before, it bore no identification¡ªno make, no model, no affiliation.

    "Have you heard the rumor about a smuggler''s base in No Man¡¯s Land?" Ivan''s voice crackled through Kai¡¯s earpiece.

    Kai paused, his eyes still scanning the manual for the jump drive. "No, what''s the story behind that?" His curiosity piqued, he leaned back in his seat, giving Ivan his full attention.

    "Well, it¡¯s mostly a rumor among pilots, but honestly, it makes a lot of sense," Ivan said. "Think about that cargo ship you saw jump away from limbo. Most smugglers moving illegal goods don¡¯t take the direct routes through the human bubble. Too many security checkpoints, too many scans. Instead, they use No Man¡¯s Land, skimming the edges of settled space to avoid system authorities."

    Kai nodded to himself. The logic was sound. Out here, there were no established laws, no regulated ports, and barely any patrols. If a smuggler had the resources to set up a hidden outpost, it would be the perfect place to operate without interference.

    "Ever heard of anyone actually finding it?" Kai asked.

    Ivan chuckled. "You¡¯re funny, Kai. If someone found it, they either got paid off to keep their mouth shut or they never made it back to tell the tale."

    Kai smirked. "So basically, it¡¯s just a ghost story for pilots?"

    "Maybe. Or maybe it¡¯s real, and the only ones who know for sure are the ones using it," Ivan replied. "Either way, if we ever come across something like that, it¡¯ll either be the best find of our trip¡­ or the worst mistake we ever make."

    Kai shrugged. "What are the chances of that happening, even if it¡¯s true? And even if it is, we should avoid it at all costs."

    Getting tangled up with a smuggler¡¯s base in No Man¡¯s Land wasn¡¯t on their agenda.

    They had only one goal, and that was to get to Earth.

 57. In His Head

    True to his word, Baiyan had invited Kai to one of his yoga sessions, an activity that was rare and largely unpopular among human society.

    At first, Kai wasn¡¯t even sure if he could call it a sport. Most of the movements Baiyan demonstrated were slow, and didn¡¯t seem to require much effort at all. But he knew better than to judge too soon.

    He had read about yoga and its complexity, the strength it required, the balance and control that was needed. So instead of questioning it, he simply shut up and followed Baiyan¡¯s instructions.

    Baiyan stood in front of him, eyes closed, his entire posture relaxed. He wore only a loose-fitting jogger, nothing else.

    Kai couldn¡¯t help but notice how deceptive Baiyan¡¯s build was. At first glance, he didn¡¯t look particularly wide or strong, but now, seeing him like this, Kai realized the man had all the muscles in the right places. Not bulked up for show, but refined, built for strength and endurance.

    Kai¡¯s respect for Baiyan grew. This was a man who trained for function, not just aesthetics.

    ¡°Relax,¡± Baiyan instructed, his voice calm and measured. ¡°Empty your mind, and try to follow my movements as closely as possible.¡±

    Kai exhaled, doing his best to mimic Baiyan¡¯s stance. At first, it was easy. The slow, controlled movements felt natural, almost effortless. But as he held each position, he began to feel the burn in his muscles. What had seemed simple quickly turned into an endurance challenge.

    His arms trembled slightly as he tried to maintain the pose. He gritted his teeth, his body resisting, the strain building with each passing second.

    Baiyan, meanwhile, remained perfectly still, as if the effort didn¡¯t exist for him.

    Kai cursed under his breath. His muscles ached, his balance wavered, and finally, he had to break form, falling out of position before Baiyan even moved on to the next pose.

    He huffed, shaking his arms out. ¡°Alright, I take it back. This is definitely harder than it looks.¡±

    Baiyan chuckled without opening his eyes. ¡°Told you.¡±

    Kai tried again, this time focusing on emptying his mind rather than perfecting the pose itself. He took a slow breath, relaxed his muscles, and raised his leg, mirroring Baiyan¡¯s stance.

    The simulation room was quiet, neither of them making a sound. The stillness helped Kai let go of his thoughts, and soon, the usual noise in his head faded away.

    Then, something strange happened.

    At first, he thought he was imagining it¡ªa subtle vibration, a rhythmic pulse that wasn¡¯t coming from his ears but from inside his own mind. It wasn¡¯t an external sound, but rather a sensation, as if something deep within him was resonating at a frequency just low enough to escape conscious notice.

    Kai remained as still as possible, trying to isolate the feeling. It didn¡¯t come from his movements. Yet the sensation persisted, an underlying hum, perfectly rhythmic, pulsing in tune.

    His first instinct was to dismiss it, but the more he focused, the more certain he became. Was it the nanites? The thought made him chuckle internally¡ªridiculous, right? But what else could explain it?

    He decided to test a theory. Instead of merely observing, he actively reached out with his mind. He treated it like the telepathic abilities he had read about in old fantasy novels, attempting to communicate back with his thoughts.

    Nothing happened.

    "Kai? Time to change poses," Baiyan''s calm voice pulled him back to reality.

    Kai blinked and saw Baiyan already transitioning into the next stance. His body felt heavier now, as if he had just woken from a deep sleep. Shaking off the distraction, he lowered his legs and re-centered himself.

    "Sorry," Kai murmured, adjusting his posture.

    "No need to apologize. I was actually surprised you held that pose for so long. Warrior Pose isn¡¯t exactly a resting position,¡± Baiyan said, studying him with interest. ¡°Impressive."

    Kai nodded absentmindedly, still thinking about the strange experience.

    "Now before we finish," Baiyan continued, "let¡¯s try a pose literally called Easy Pose."

    Kai followed Baiyan into the seated position, legs folded comfortably, hands resting on his knees. There was no challenge in this one¡ªit wasn¡¯t about endurance or balance, but pure relaxation.

    It gave him the perfect opportunity to focus again.

    Blocking out everything else, Kai tuned into the movement inside his head. The sensation returned instantly. Now that he knew what to listen for, he recognized the pattern.

    "Relax yourself," Baiyan instructed, his voice calm. "Feel free to stay in this position as long as you¡¯d like. It¡¯s a great way to meditate and find inner peace."

    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    Kai barely registered Baiyan¡¯s words anymore¡ªhis entire focus was on the rhythmic vibrations resonating inside his head. He knew it had to be the nanites, but what were they trying to tell him?

    The moment his thoughts filled with questions, the sensation disappeared. He frowned internally, then deliberately cleared his mind again. Within seconds, the vibrations returned.

    So that was how it works.

    Every time he let his mind wander, he lost the connection. His own thoughts were acting as interference. If he wanted to understand whatever message the nanites were trying to convey, he had to maintain complete mental stillness.

    Kai exhaled slowly, pushing away every stray thought, every impulse to analyze or question. The vibrations grew stronger. There was a pattern now¡ªa pulse, followed by a brief silence, then another pulse. It repeated with perfect consistency, like a coded signal waiting to be deciphered.

    The moment he tried to process it, the vibrations cut off again.

    Frustrated but determined, he forced himself to stop thinking and simply listened. He emptied his mind, surrendering himself to the experience.

    The vibrations returned, louder than before. This time, they were more than just a sensation, they felt almost like a hum, a sound that existed beyond the limits of his physical perception. It pulsed at regular intervals, filling the silence inside his mind.

    Then, something shifted.

    For a brief moment, Kai lost all awareness of his surroundings. The floor beneath him, the faint sounds of Baiyan¡¯s breathing, even the feeling of his own body¡ªall of it faded away.

    He wasn¡¯t in the Black Swan anymore.

    It was like floating in the vacuum of space¡ªweightless, untethered, absent of everything except for the hum inside his mind. The void wasn¡¯t empty, though. It felt like something was there, just out of reach. A presence.

    Then, a stray thought flickered through his mind and instantly, the connection severed.

    Kai heard the sound of Baiyan standing up. "Alright, Kai, I''m going to get some food before the shift rotates¡­ Okay, you can''t hear me. That''s good¡ªit means you''re really meditating."

    Kai almost responded but didn¡¯t realize he had only spoken in his head: Alright, Baiyan. I''ll join you soon on the bridge. I just need to give it one more try.

    He shifted slightly in his pose, adjusting until he found the most comfortable position. The simulation room was silent, the artificial gravity holding steady, the temperature perfect. There was nothing left for him to do but let go.

    So he did, and once again, he blocked out all thoughts.

    The humming returned, stronger this time. It was no longer a distant whisper but a presence. He had failed to hold onto it before, but it was easier now.

    Kai didn¡¯t know how to describe the sensation. It wasn¡¯t pain, nor was it like any sound he had ever heard. It was more like¡­ a thought. Something taking shape just at the edge of his awareness.

    It continued, the clarity sharpening with each passing second. It felt as though something was reaching out, forming, solidifying into a pattern.

    He was so close now.

    He could feel the humming shifting¡ªbecoming something more than just sound, more than just a presence.

    He had to know.

    He needed to know.

    No. He must know.

    What were the nanites trying to tell him?

    "Hi."

    Kai''s eyes shot open, his breath catching in his throat.

    A wave of cold washed over him, sending chills down his spine. His pulse pounded, his fingers twitching slightly as he slowly rose from the floor. His eyes darted around the empty simulation room, searching for something¡ªanything¡ªthat could explain what had just happened.

    He had heard it, and it was not a hallucination.

    The nanites had spoken.

    It scared him.

    For the first time in a long time, Kai felt something dangerously close to fear.

    It was inside of him.

    Hi.

    It replayed in his mind, a whisper.

    Kai took a slow breath, steadying himself, forcing his racing thoughts into submission.

    He was never going to do this again.

    He didn¡¯t want to know what else they had to say.

    With one last glance at the silent simulation room, Kai turned on his heel and left¡ªand found out he was almost late for his shift and hurried towards the bridge.

    He got through the door a minute before the shift rotation. Sliding into his seat, he strapped in and powered on his display, mentally preparing to apologize to Commander Grayson for cutting it so close.

    The bridge was eerily quiet. Everyone was absorbed in their tasks, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of their screens.

    Commander Grayson sat with his head down, his eyes scanning something on his own display. Kai decided to wait, letting the commander finish whatever he was working on before speaking.

    He pulled up the logs, catching up on everything he had missed during his brief leave.

    Something wasn¡¯t right.

    Another radar contact appeared on his screen. Kai¡¯s fingers instinctively tapped the display, pulling up the ship¡¯s information. Just as he suspected¡ªnothing. No identification, no transponder signal, no known model. Just like all the other ships they encountered here, in fact it was the fifth one in the last twenty-four hours.

    For a place called No Man¡¯s Land, it sure had a lot of traffic.

    Commander Grayson exhaled sharply and stood up, his expression hard. ¡°That¡¯s it. We need a new route. We¡¯re clearly on a well-traveled path¡­ for someone that we don''t know anything about.¡±

    ¡°The fact that none of these ships have identification is giving me the creeps,¡± Ivan muttered, his voice low.

    Kai stared at the blinking contact on the radar, tension coiling in his gut. ¡°You think we found the smugglers¡¯ hideout?¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be surprised,¡± Ivan said. ¡°Not with this many ghost ships popping up.¡±

    A heavy silence settled over the bridge.

    If they had stumbled upon a major smuggling route, there were only two possibilities¡ªeither the smugglers hadn¡¯t noticed them yet, or they already did, and was setting them up.

    ¡°Jump away,¡± Commander Grayson ordered.

    ¡°Roger!¡± Ivan¡¯s fingers were already moving. He must have sensed the urgency in the commander¡¯s voice.

    The hum of the jump drive intensified, the core charging steadily as the Black Swan prepared for another jump. The bridge remained silent, the only sound the rhythmic pulse of the ship¡¯s systems. Kai¡¯s display counted down, the percentage climbing.

    They were down to half their fuel reserves. One more jump, and they¡¯d need to find a star to refuel. Normally, they would wait for the secondary jump drive to cool before initiating another jump. But the way Commander Grayson stood¡ªtense, eyes locked on the viewport had made it clear that waiting was no longer an option.

    90%.

    Then the ship lurched.

    A split second of weightlessness hit as the power cut out. The hum of the jump drive died instantly, plunging the bridge into darkness. The Black Swan had gone completely silent.

    The blackout lasted no more than a second. Emergency systems kicked in, displays flickered back to life, and red warning lights washed over the bridge.

    The jump had been canceled, and it was not their own doing, that only meanted one thing¡ª

    Someone didn¡¯t want them to leave.

    The bridge exploded into motion. Alarms blared. Defensive protocols activated automatically. Teresa¡¯s hands flew over the controls, trying to pinpoint the source of the failure.

    Kai¡¯s display flickered with a new reading.

    Warning: Capital-Class Ship Detected.

 58. Mass Locked

    Warning: Capital-Sized Signal Detected.

    Kai tensed as the alert flashed across his screen. Around him, the crew snapped into action, rapidly working to ready the Black Swan for any potential threats. The hum of the engines rose sharply, and Ivan¡¯s fingers flew across the controls, maneuvering the ship defensively.

    Kai¡¯s gaze darted between the radar and the viewport, expecting the massive vessel to appear at any moment. The small dot finally materialized on radar, causing everyone on the bridge to turn their eyes toward the viewport.

    Outside, all they could see was a small, cylindrical object hanging motionlessly in space that''s was innocuous at first glance, but Kai felt an instinctive unease as he stared at it.

    Suddenly, the cylinder began to glow, faintly at first, then more brightly, a strange light emanating from within as it rotated rapidly. Ivan immediately reversed the ship¡¯s thrusters, pulling them away.

    Everyone held their breath, preparing for an explosion that never came. Instead, the cylinder¡¯s glow slowly faded, its rotation slowing until it once again floated motionless in the darkness.

    Kai exhaled sharply, relief washing over him.

    A deep vibration surged through his seat, resonating through the deck beneath his feet. For a second, confusion overtook him. There was no air in space to carry vibrations.

    Then it hit him, it was the ship''s own gravity generator was reacting to something, trembling under some invisible strain.

    His eyes shot to the viewport, widening as space itself seemed to split apart before them, tear opening like a wound. Dark "Smoke" oozing out from the gap, hiding whatever was behind it.

    Slowly, the tip of a massive ship began to materialize from the void, hidden until now. Just the nose was the capital ship itself was the size of the Black Swan.

    Ivan¡¯s voice broke the silence. "What the hell? The sensors showed nothing!"

    Commander Grayson¡¯s jaw tightened. "It must been cloaked. Kai, identify that ship immediately. All crew members prepare to engage."

    "On it. ." Kai called back, frantically accessing the Black Swan¡¯s database. Before he could complete the search, a new alert flooded his screen:

    Mass Lock in Effect. FTL jump canceled.

    Kai swallowed hard, his throat dry as he forced himself to look away from the sheer size of the capital ship looming before them. Its hull swallowed the stars, it''s overwhelming presence made the Black Swan feel insignificant in comparison. He tore his gaze away, trying to focus on identifying it, looking for anything that could tell them what they were up against.

    Kai considered himself an expert when it came to ships, and that wasn¡¯t just an empty boast. There weren¡¯t many vessels Kai couldn¡¯t name on sight. He knew their models, their classifications, their manufacturers. He could break down their weaknesses, their structural integrity, even recall minor details¡ª even down to the brand of coffee machines installed in their galleys or the number of rivets holding their hull plates together.

    But this one? He honestly didn''t know.

    Just like the pirate ship they had fought in the asteroid belt, this capital ship seemed to be built from adding parts on an existing ship until it became the monstrosity that it was now.

    The radar flashed again.

    Five new contacts appeared in perfect formation, spreading out around them. They had been flanked, surrounded on all six sides. The bridge fell into a heavy silence, only Teresa still worked to get their defense ready.

    Commander Grayson exhaled slowly. "What are our chances of getting out of this one?"

    Ivan shook his head, jaw tight. "FTL is still mass-locked by the capital ship. There''s no way we¡¯ll clear the range before they engage us."

    Kai clenched his fists. Just yesterday, No Man¡¯s Land had felt vast, empty, eerie. Now it felt suffocating.

    And for the first time, he found himself wishing for that emptiness to return.

    The screen flickered, and a man appeared. His face was hidden behind a dark, polished wooden mask, etched with intricate patterns like ancient symbols. Small bone fragments and metallic charms dangled from its edges, swaying slightly as he moved.

    His attire was equally strange. Layered robes in deep blues and purples, decorated with swirling pattern. Beaded necklaces and talismans of carved stone and metal hung around his neck, clinking softly with each movement.

    His arms were wrapped in braided cords and strips of cloth, layered over gloves that concealed his skin entirely. Rings of carved bone and dull silver sat on most of his fingers.

    Behind him, thick smoke curled through the air, making it impossible to see much beyond his immediate surroundings. Somewhere in the background, deep, rhythmic music pulsed slow but heavy bass, muffling the distant murmur of voices and laughter.

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    Kai barely had time to take in the surreal image before the man spoke.

    "Wha¡¯ di rass unnu doin¡¯ out yah? Dis nuh di kinda place fi stray likkle ship dem. Unnu lost? Or unnu lookin¡¯ fi trouble?"

    The words hit the bridge like scrambled static. The accent was thick, the slang rolling together so fast that neither Kai nor Commander Grayson could make sense of it. The crew exchanged uncertain glances, the weight of confusion heavy in the silence.

    The man adjusted his intimidating mask. When he spoke again, his accent remained, but the words were clearer.

    "Lemme ask again¡ªwhy unnu here? Uninvited, jus¡¯ show up at mi place like yuh own it. So tell mi now, yuh workin¡¯ fi di Empire or di Federation?"

    Commander Grayson straightened, his expression unreadable. "No, we¡¯re not with either."

    The man chuckled, deep and raspy. He leaned back into the thick haze, fingers tapping idly on his armrest.

    "Stop playin¡¯ games," he said, amusement lacing his voice. "Nobody come all di way out here to di Hollow Deep jus¡¯ fi sightseeing. No, no. People come fi two reason¡ªdem come fi trade somethin¡¯ illegal¡­ or dem come fi drop off dead body where nobody goin¡¯ find it."

    His masked face tilted slightly, like he was sizing them up, "So¡­ which one is it, eh?"

    Commander Grayson spoke calmly and clearly, "We mean you no harm, we are just passing through. We are an expedition team aimmed to explore the deep space."

    The masked man chuckled, the sound deep and knowing. "Goin¡¯ to di space beyond," he repeated, his tone dripping with amusement. "So ya seekin¡¯ death then?"

    Commander Grayson remained composed, his hands resting on the console in front of him. "And what do you know about the dangers in No Man¡¯s Land?"

    The man didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he leaned forward, tapping his fingers against the armrest. "Nah, nah, yuh nuh get it. Mi di boss here. Mi ask di questions, not di other way round."

    A sharp beep from Teresa¡¯s station interrupted the exchange. Her voice was tight with tension. "We¡¯re being locked by all six contacts. I¡¯m working on scrambling their locks, but it¡¯s going to take time."

    The masked man exhaled slowly, as if considering his next move. Then his tone dropped, the amusement fading. "Mi ask one last time¡ªwhat unnu really doin¡¯ here? Speak di truth, or mi done chat. An¡¯ if mi done chat, mi done yuh ship too."

    The weight of his words sank heavily into the bridge. The tension was thick, an invisible pressure pressing against everyone as they braced for the worst.

    Kai took a breath and spoke up.

    "You''re True Kin," he said, his voice steady. "And you''re from Earth, that''s where we are going."

    The man didn¡¯t respond immediately, but Kai saw the slight tilt of his masked head.

    Kai pressed on. "We¡¯re not your enemy. We¡¯re on a mission, tasked by the True Kin to find the truth about Earth." He let his words settle before continuing, "I''m sure you know a storm is coming. If you don¡¯t start preparing for it, we¡¯re all going to meet our demise."

    The masked man leaned back, fingers drumming against his knee as he considered Kai¡¯s words.

    A beat passed before the man finally spoke. "Ya should feel lucky mi not on di other side."

    One by one, the targeting locks disappeared from their screens, but the surrounding ships remained in position. Then, without warning, a massive hangar door began to open on the side of the capital ship, revealing a cavernous docking bay large enough to swallow the Black Swan whole.

    Commander Grayson exhaled through his nose, his expression unreadable. "Seems like you¡¯re not going to let us leave."

    The masked man¡¯s laughter echoed through the comms. "Of course not. How could I pass up di chance to speak wid di blessed one?"

    All eyes immediately landed on Kai. His stomach tightened. He blinked in surprise, completely caught off guard. But really, he should have expected this the moment he¡¯d brought up the True Kin and his knowledge of Earth.

    At least this he has brought them some more time.

    The Black Swan moved cautiously under the escort of the surrounding ships. Even with its recent upgrades and expanded hull, it still fit comfortably inside the vast hangar bay of the capital ship.

    Kai¡¯s eyes darted around, analyzing the interior. The hangar looked old, its walls worn and battered by time. The large identification number painted across the far bulkhead had faded, its once-bold characters chipped and peeling.

    Despite its age, there was something strangely familiar about this place, be had seen this ship somewhere before.

    His gaze swept across the walls, searching for anything that could tell him where they were. Then he saw it.

    A faint marking, almost completely worn away by time, yet unmistakable.

    His breath hitched. "No way..."

    Commander Grayson turned toward him. "You found something?"

    Kai swallowed and nodded. "Yeah¡­ I think this used to be the Imperial stealth ship ISS-Nightfall." His voice was confident, despite the disbelief still settling in his chest. "I recognize the markings on the hangar walls."

    His hands moved quickly over the console, pulling up archived records of the ISS-Nightfall. Within moments, an old image of the ship appeared on his display. The markings matched exactly. He sent the image over to Commander Grayson¡¯s screen.

    Ivan leaned back, shaking his head. "I thought that ship was demolished and stripped for parts decades ago."

    "It was supposed to be," Kai confirmed, his fingers hovering over the console. "But there were rumors that it was stolen just before it was scheduled to be decommissioned."

    Robert let out a low whistle. "Well, I guess we finally know who stole it."

    "That also explains why we couldn¡¯t detect their ship," Kai said, exhaling as the realization settled in. "They were literally hiding in quantum."

    Commander Grayson turned towards them, arms crossed. "They want the blessed one to meet them outside."

    Kai frowned. "Just me?"

    "No," Grayson clarified. "They said they don¡¯t care how many of us come, but the ¡®blessed one¡¯ has to be there."

    Kai ran a hand through his hair. "I don¡¯t know about this¡­" His voice lowered as he leaned on the console. "Last time we set up a meeting like this, we ended up getting chased by elite soilders. And let¡¯s not forget there¡¯s still an assassin out there looking for us."

    Commander Grayson shook his head. "Let¡¯s also not forget that they could¡¯ve killed us at any time if they wanted to. I¡¯m sorry, Kai, but I don¡¯t think we have much of a choice. At least this time, we¡¯ll be able to protect you."

    The bridge doors slid open. Eliana strode in, already fully geared, her rifle slung across her chest. Behind her followed Baiyan, Ray, Lily, and Isaac, each with the same hardened look of determination.

    Derniere came into the bridge last. Bell had his head sticking out of her uniform pocket¡ªa special design made just for her. She had changed her old rifle to the standard issued rifle onboard, it looked too large in her hand, which made it even more intimidating.

    "What are your orders, Captain?" Eliana asked, her stance firm.

    "You¡¯re all staying on the ship. I don¡¯t trust my crew¡¯s safety in the hands of someone who stole their ship in the first place." Grayson''s said then added, "Kai and I will go meet these people."

    Eliana¡¯s jaw tightened. "Then I¡¯m going too."

    Kai turned toward her, but she didn¡¯t give him a chance to argue. Her voice was unwavering, her eyes locked onto his. "You promised me you¡¯d never leave my side again."

    He felt his throat tighten, but he knew there was no changing her mind.

 59. Spirit & Ife

    Kai remained cautious, his rifle hanging by its sling, barrel pointed downward as he descended the ramp of the Black Swan into the hangar bay of the Stealth Carrier, ISS-Nightfall.

    The two failed assassination attempts on his life had left him wary. Even if their self-proclaimed leader had assured them he wasn¡¯t their enemy, that didn¡¯t mean the rest of the True Kin aboard this ship felt the same way.

    Dealing with the True Kin was never a simple matter of black and white. They were a fractured faction, splintered by centuries of isolation, evolving into something alien from the rest of humanity. Some longed to reunite with the wider human race, seeking a place within once more. The others feared the conflicts and suffering that action might bring.

    A group of men waited at the bottom of the ramp. Each carried a weapon, though none were aimed at him or his friends. Their presence wasn¡¯t outright hostile, but it wasn¡¯t welcoming either.

    Everything about them screamed smugglers. They wore no uniforms, only the clothing they had chosen for themselves. The vibrant colors, mismatched fabrics, and layered accessories that reminded Kai of their captain¡¯s. There was a charm that Kai couldn''t place in their style.

    Kai met their gazes. He saw hostility lingered beneath the surface and reminded himself, Just because their captain had allowed them aboard didn¡¯t mean everyone on this ship welcomed the intrusion.

    But more than hostility, Kai sensed confusion. A ship this size had a long chain of command and he doubted these men even knew the full story. They were likely just following orders, unsure why strangers had been invited onto their supposedly hidden vessel.

    Commander Grayson and Eliana flanked Kai on either side. He noticed Eliana¡¯s finger resting near the trigger of her rifle.

    They led them away from the landing bay and into a lift, keeping them boxed in from both sides. Kai saw the ramp of the Black Swan raising and sealing shut as their lift begain to move.

    The lift was short, only taking them away from the hangar bay before it stopped. A corridor lay in front of them, stretching to both sides.

    Kai''s eyes swept across the ship¡¯s interior as they moved. Long past its prime, the ship had aged beyond its original design. The walls bore cracks, and faded markings stretched across rusting panels. Even the controls were analog, relying on old mechanical switches rather than digital interfaces.

    As they passed through a dimly lit corridor, a young girl appeared on the other side. She carried a large woven basket atop her head, filled with fresh produce. When she saw them, the guards barked something at her, and she quickly pressed herself against the wall, careful not to tip her basket.

    Kai met her eyes. Fear lingered there, whether from the weapons they carried or simply their differences in appearance. He offered her a small smile, hoping to ease her nerves.

    The corner of her lips twitched into a hesitant, nervous smile in return just before one of the men stepped between them, cutting her from view.

    They moved quickly, their pace shifting between a brisk walk and a near jog. The long corridor ended, and Kai found himself truly inside the heart of the ship.

    The air was thick, warm, and humid.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Kai to distinguish the original ship from the parts that had been added over time.

    The corridors opened into sprawling, makeshift streets, where stacked shanty-like structures clung to the metal framework of the ship. Music pulsed from speakers, its deep bass thrumming beneath his feet.

    Bright, chaotic painting sprawled across walls, depicting scenes of people dancing, of spirits swirling through smoke.

    There was a celebration happening. Vibrant lights swung overhead, casting shifting shades of red, green, and gold across the market-like alleys. Stalls lined the pathways, overflowing with exotic fruits, roasted meats sizzling over open flames, and woven fabrics draped in bright patterns.

    People here danced with joy, their movements fluid and free, laughter rising above the rhythmic beat of drums. The scent of spice and slow-burning incense curled through the air.

    As they passed, curious faces turned toward them, watching as they passed though the crowd.

    A woman approached them with a playful smirk. In her hands, she held a fruit Kai had never seen before¡ªa rich orange color with deep ridges along its skin. She held it out to him as an offering.

    Before Kai could react, one of their escorts stepped forward, muttering something in a sharp tone. The woman scoffed, rolling her eyes before pulling the fruit back and biting into it herself, juice dripping down her fingers.

    Kai wanted to linger, to see more of this unexpected world hidden inside the ship, but the men pressed forward, pushing them through the crowd. Putting the music, the celebration, and the life of the place behind them as they moved into another corridor, back into the ship¡¯s original steel-clad passageways.

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    The bridge doors were wide open. People moved in and out freely, their movements relaxed, man were drunk and talked free, women giggled like children.

    Smoke hung thick in the air, curling in slow, lazy tendrils, illuminated by the dim glow of flickering monitors. Loud music pulsed through the space, bass heavy, and the rhythmic beat resonating deep in Kai¡¯s chest.

    He coughed as a strong, unfamiliar pungent scent hit him. It was unlike anything he had smelled before, thick and almost sweet, yet sharp enough to make his eyes sting.

    A deep voice boomed from across the room.

    At the far end of the bridge, a tall, broad-shouldered man stood, his stance firm as he spoke in heated tones with someone seated in the large captain¡¯s chair. His words carried an edge, the natural rhythm of his language weaving through the smoky air, but even without understanding the meaning, Kai could sense the tension in his voice.

    The men escorting them pressed closer, nudging Kai and Commander Grayson forward. As they moved in, the man¡¯s voice became clearer.

    ¡°Capt¡¯n, mi tell yuh dis a bad idea! Yuh cyaan bring dem people in ya pon di carnival day! Yuh ah ask fi di beast outta deh to come fi we! Dis disrespectful to di spirits, capt¡¯n, an¡¯ yuh know it!¡±

    The seated figure remained still, his back turned to them, the chair slightly reclined. He exhaled a slow breath of smoke before responding in the same tongue, his voice calm, unwavering.

    ¡°Cool yuhself, mi bredda. Yuh too quick fi fear. Di spirit still watch ova we, still shine strong. So long as it stand, di monsters naw touch we.¡±

    The big man¡¯s fists clenched at his sides, frustration evident in the way his chest heaved with each breath.

    ¡°Yuh playin¡¯ wid fire, Ife. Yuh too cocky. Not like yuh fada¡­ him did tink before him move. Him neva put we in danger dis way.¡± His voice dropped lower, a warning laced in his tone. ¡°Yuh ago regret dis, mi tell yuh. Yuh ago pay fi yuh mistake.¡±

    With that, the man turned sharply and stormed out, shoving past the others as he disappeared down the corridor.

    The room fell into an odd silence, the thick smoke were mostly gone now. Then, at last, the captain turned.

    Kai recognized him immediately as the masked man from before.

    Ife leaned forward, elbows resting on the armrests of his chair as he studied Kai with a curious glint in his eye. Then, in a smoother, more measured tone, he spoke.

    ¡°Di blessed one finally reach mi station.¡± His head tilted slightly, as if amused. ¡°Mi been hearin¡¯ stories ¡®bout yuh, yuh know.¡±

    Kai spoke calmly. ¡°I got a name. It¡¯s Kai.¡±

    The captain grinned beneath his mask. ¡°An¡¯ mi got a name too. Ife.¡± He gestured with a slow wave of his hand. ¡°So, now wi talk proper.¡±

    Ife leaned back in his chair, taking a slow drag from the smoldering bundle in his hand. Smoke curled through the air as he exhaled, watching Kai with an expression that hovered between amusement and scrutiny.

    "Mi nah believe in legends," he said. "But yuh name spread ¡®mongst di True Kin like fire. Dey seh yuh di one from di old tales. Tell mi, yuh really plan fi bring di True Kin back to di rest of humanity?"

    Kai exhaled, shaking his head. "That¡¯s not something I have control over. I just want to know what happened to Earth and what¡¯s out there that is dimming the stars."

    Ife chuckled, shaking his head. "Yuh sell yuhself short, mi bredda. Yuh tink yuh just one man, but di True Kin already know yuh name. Already watchin¡¯ yuh moves."

    Kai let out a dry laugh. "Yeah, I can feel it. The Inquisitor¡¯s been hunting me down, trying to kill me."

    Ife nodded knowingly, taking another slow pull before offering the bundle to Kai. "Expected, dat. Yuh causin¡¯ waves. Here¡ªtake a hit, ease yuh nerves."

    Kai didn¡¯t hesitate. "I don''t smoke, and I''m not afraid of him." His gaze sharpened. "What¡¯s this ¡®monster¡¯ that man was talking about?"

    Ife¡¯s lips curled into a small grin, eyes gleaming through the mask. "Don¡¯ mind him, mi bredda. He always paranoid. Di monsters ain''t trouble since wi get di Spirit."

    Commander Grayson, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "And what exactly are these monsters?"

    Ife waved a dismissive hand. "Mi only talk wit di Blessed One."

    Kai frowned. "Commander Grayson is a good man. He¡¯s not with the authorities. He just wants the truth like I do."

    Ife studied him for a long moment before sighing. "Alright, since yuh insist." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Di monsters, dey machines. Old ones, livin¡¯ out in dis place yuh call di No Man¡¯s Land. But di truth is, dem here long time. Since before any o¡¯ we."

    Kai¡¯s stomach tightened. "What do they do?"

    "Make sure nobody leave this patch of space." Ife¡¯s tone darkened. "Sometime, dey attack ship inside di bubble, collect data, but rare. Before, dey come fi wi too. Kill, destroy. But we learn a trick. Dey no attack if we give dem Spirit."

    Kai narrowed his eyes. "Spirit? What do you mean?"

    Ife grinned again, tapping his temple. "Data. A constant stream. Never stop, never pause. A flood o¡¯ noise, so dey nuh see us. Jus¡¯ hear di Spirit an¡¯ move on."

    Kai¡¯s mind raced with the implications. "Why don¡¯t you just leave No Man¡¯s Land altogether?"

    Ife chuckled. "Mi bredda, yuh tink wi can jus¡¯ walk out an¡¯ wave hello? Wi True Kin¡ªwi not meant to be found. No Man¡¯s Land give wi shelter, keep di authorities off wi back. An¡¯ let¡¯s be real¡ªwi business thrive here."

    Kai nodded slowly, letting the weight of Ife¡¯s words settle in. "I understand. I visited Chinatown and met Mama Mo. I know what it''s like for the True Kin."

    Ife¡¯s eyes lit up with recognition. "Mama Mo? Mi know har from way back. Wi used to send each odda supplies, but not much lately. Yuh see har? She alright?"

    Kai nodded. "Yeah, she¡¯s still running things. Helped us when we were in Chinatown."

    Ife grinned, leaning back. "Good, good. She one o¡¯ di real ones." His expression shifted, turning serious. "Tell mi, yuh run into di monsters yet?"

    Kai shook his head. "No. We haven¡¯t seen anything like that."

    Ife frowned. "Strange. If yuh out here, dey shoulda come already. Dey always drawn to data streams. Somethin¡¯ gotta be sendin¡¯ out data from yuh ship."

    Kai¡¯s brows furrowed. "No way. We¡¯ve been cut off since we became wanted by the Empire. We¡¯re running completely dark."

    Ife rubbed his chin, thinking. "Dat mean yuh still sendin¡¯ data somewhere private. Otherwise, dey woulda been on yuh already."

    The overhead lights flickered , casting erratic shadows across the bridge. A deep, resonating alarm blared through the ship, shaking the walls with its urgency.

    Ife shot up from his chair, his grip tightening on the armrests before he moved. His relaxed demeanor was gone in an instant, replaced by sharp gazes. One of his crew members ran in, speaking rapidly in their dialect, their voice strained with urgency.

    Eliana instinctively reached for her rifle, her body tensed. "Kai, is this another attack? Like the one on Aurelia Prime?" Her eyes darted between him and the flashing lights, her fingers hover over the trigger.

    Ife slammed his fist against the console, cursing under his breath. "Rassclaat¡­ di bastards turn off di Spirit! Now dem come fe we!"

 60: Machine Creatures

    Ife threw the bundle aside and rose to his full height, his braided hair cascading over his broad shoulders. The beads woven into his locks clacked together with the sudden movement, his necklace rattling against his chest. His eyes blazing with fury as he turned toward the corridor.

    Kai instinctively took a step back, allowing Ife to pass.

    Someone from outside the bridge tossed a weapon his way. Ife caught it without looking, racking the slide in one swift motion. "Follow me," he commanded.

    The moment they stepped into the corridor, the atmosphere of the ship changed completely. The pulsing bass of the music cut off, replaced by the sharp wail of alarms. Overhead lights flashed red, casting flickering shadows against the metal walls.

    Kai saw people were arming themselves. Fighters emerged from the maze-like alleys of the ship, weapons in hand. Even children carried small firearms, their eyes cold and not a hint of naivness.

    Ife¡¯s guards shouted in their language, directing others as they passed. Some rushed toward defensive positions, while others fell in line behind Ife, forming a fire team.

    Kai quickened his pace to keep up. Beside him, Eliana held her rifle close, her eyes scanning the ship''s interior. She glanced at Kai,¡°I thought he was joking when he said there were monsters, but seemed like he was telling the truth.¡±

    ¡°Looks like it,¡± Kai muttered, gripping his own weapon tighter.

    They moved quickly, navigating through the labyrinth of corridors and makeshift structures. Like what Kai had saw before, the ship itself was an intricate blend of old and new, its original framework reinforced with scavenged metal and salvaged tech.

    The space infront of them opened up, and Kai could see the outside when he stood, he looked around and found himself in the outer rim of the ship.

    Rows of massive cannons and auto-turrets lined the interior, their barrels already trained on the darkness beyond. The gunners worked in frantic pace, reloading rounds and checking systems.

    Kai scanned the soldiers around him, noticing how most of them were still dressed in their vibrant celebration clothes. Yet their expressions were grim, their movements showed discipline though training.

    So far, nothing had appeared. Kai turned his attention to the vast expanse beyond the ship¡¯s hull, eyes searching the darkness. No enemy ships. No movement. Only the endless void.

    Commander Grayson¡¯s voice crackled through the comms. ¡°Black Swan, the carrier has come under attack. Keep the engines hot and weapons primed and ready to take off.

    A brief pause. Then Ivan¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Solid copy, Commander. Hangar bay is secure, all systems are up and running, but...¡± The transmission cut out for a split second before returning, his voice fragmented. ¡°...not able to refuel...only half...¡±

    Static, the comms had been cut off completely.

    Kai focused, activating his enhanced vision. His pupils glowed, filtering through the darkness beyond the ship, scanning the void for any trace of movement. In the distance, against the endless black, something reflected the faintest glimmers of light. He focused and saw tiny, shifting dots, barely visible.

    He pointed toward them, shouting, "Contact!"

    At the same time, the massive cannons roared to life, unleashing a barrage of solid rounds into the abyss. The projectiles streaked through space, glowing momentarily as they crossed the distance toward the dots.

    The dots shifted, adjusting with unnatural precision, weaving between the incoming fire.

    They were closer now, the ship¡¯s smaller-caliber guns joined the defense, sending streams of high-velocity rounds toward the incoming shapes. The gunfire connected with some, sending tiny sparks into the void, but the hits barely slowed them down.

    Kai tracked them as they approached, faster than before. Some of them vanished from his vision entirely, slipping beyond his range.

    Then, suddenly a loud impact sounded somewhere beneath them, Kai felt the vibration at the bottom of his feet. They all looked down.

    Kai heard screaming and raised his head. One of the spheres appeared right in front of a cannon. The gunner didn¡¯t hesitate. The cannon fired at point-blank range, the blast slamming into the metallic orb, sending it careening backward.

    But it didn¡¯t break.

    Instead, it unfolded.

    The sleek sphere unraveled, revealing a writhing mass of segmented limbs¡ªlong, flexible appendages tipped with razor-sharp claws. A dozen glowing nodes, arranged in a circular pattern, blinked to life at its "head."

    Before the soldiers could react, the machine¡¯s tentacles lashed forward, wrapping around the cannon¡¯s barrel. With a single, unnatural pull, it ripped the massive gun from its mounting, sending soldiers scrambling for cover as debris scattered across the deck.

    Ife barked rapid orders in his language, his voice cutting through the chaos. The soldiers regrouped, turning their fire onto the monstrous machine. Bullets tore into its frame, shattering some of the glowing sensors, exposing the intricate mechanics within. It jerked violently, its movements becoming erratic as more of its systems took damage.

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    Ife turned to Kai, his expression grim. ¡°Monsters,¡± he said. ¡°Dem deh reason why yuh commander call dis place No Man¡¯s Land.¡±

    Kai¡¯s grip tightened on his rifle. ¡°Why have we never seen them before? Why isn''t there any record of them? No news about them¡±

    Ife shook his head. ¡°All dem target wah get attack? Dem leave no trace. No records, no logs. Dem tek everything. Even di black box.¡±

    Kai turned to Eliana and found her already looking at him. They were both thinking the same thing.

    On their very first expedition together, they had come across an abandoned ship. At first, they assumed it had been attacked by pirates, but the truth had been far stranger.

    The ship had carried nothing of value, yet it had been cut apart with surgical precision. Every instrument, every crucial system¡ªincluding the black box¡ªhad been removed.

    But what haunted Kai the most was what he had seen in the turret view back then. At the time, he thought it had been a simple anomaly in space, some trick of light or a sensor glitch. But when he and Robert replayed the data, the anomaly had moved, shifting its shape into something else as it vanished from sensor range.

    His gaze shifted back to the now-unmoving mechanical creature lying before them. A soldier stood atop its crumpled frame, raising his weapon high as if in triumph.

    One of its tentacles twitched, the complex mechanisms expanding and contracting, curling the metal around itself. Another soldier stomped on it, then jammed his rifle into the appendage and fired. The movement stopped.

    Its sensors still glowed faintly, shifting slightly until they locked onto Kai.

    The moment their gazes met, something snapped inside Kai¡¯s mind. As if he had had gotten a foreign connection, a pulse of thought that wasn¡¯t his own. Then, an image appeared in his mind.

    It flashed for only a second, but it was enough.

    Thousands, if not more of these creatures, huddled together in a vast, cavernous space. Their bodies gleamed under a thick, wet substance that coated the walls. Tentacles curled and twisted, their movements synchronized in an eerie, rhythmic motion.

    Kai recoiled, his stomach twisting in disgust.

    Had the machine just shown him its memories?

    He didn¡¯t get a chance to dwell on it because more of them were coming.

    The metallic spheres poured in, their smooth surfaces glinting as they maneuvered past incoming fire, searching for new breaches in the ship¡¯s hull.

    Ife shouted something, but at first, Kai couldn¡¯t hear him. The relentless gunfire drowned out everything else, the deafening blasts making his ears ring. He shook his head, pushing through the disorienting noise, and moved closer.

    Ife¡¯s voice finally broke through, thick with urgency. ¡°Go! Dis ain''t yuh fight! Take yuh ship an'' run!¡±

    Kai barely had time to process the words before Ife grabbed a nearby soldier, pulling him in close and shouting directly into his ear. The soldier nodded and turned toward Kai.

    Kai met Ife¡¯s gaze. There was no room for argument in the man¡¯s expression. He didn¡¯t need to say anything to Grayson or Eliana. They already knew.

    They ran.

    The soldier led the way, his path cutting through the chaos as they sprinted across the deck. Behind them, Ife raised his weapon, firing in rapid succession. The muzzle flashed bright yellow flames.

    Kai ducked under falling debris, dodging pieces of the ship as it was torn apart. The mechanical creatures breached further, their bodies slamming into the deck with sickening force. The moment they landed, they unfurled, using their tentacles to propel themselves forward against the ship¡¯s artificial gravity.

    One of them lunged at Kai and he barely turned in time to avoid its grasp.

    Pain seared through his skull, the moment his eyes met its glowing sensors. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to look away.

    Just run. Focus on running, he told himself.

    Ahead, a corridor loomed and they barreled into it, their boots pounding against the floor as they wove through the panicked people, shouting for them to run as well.

    Behind them, something heavy slammed into the wall. The creature had taken the same turn, its bulk crashing through the narrow space. Metal groaned as it clawed its way forward, its tentacles scraping against the walls, gaining speed.

    "Keep running!" Kai shouted.

    He pushed himself forward, his boots pounding against the metal flooring as the creatures closed in behind him.

    The corridor spat them out into the market area, where vibrant lights still flickered, and the scent of smoke and spice still hung thick in the air.

    The crowd had no warning and was still in the middle of evacuation. Panic spread like wildfire as the monstrous machines burst into the open, their tentacles lashing out, sensors glowing with eerie red. People screamed, scattering in every direction, knocking over market stalls and shoving past one another in a desperate attempt to escape. Those who had guns were afraid to shoot in such crowded space.

    The creatures were fast¡ªunnervingly so. One of them surged forward, closing the distance. Kai turned on instinct, raising his rifle and squeezing the trigger. Bullets shredded through its sensors, sending it reeling back in a brief, spasming halt.

    But the others kept coming.

    They tore through the path Kai and his team had taken, their mechanical bodies twisting unnaturally as they pursued. The soldier leading them skidded to a halt.

    Kai followed his gaze.

    The damaged creature he shot had broken away, shifting its course toward the panicked civilians.

    The soldier hesitated only for a second before gripping his weapon tighter. His voice rang out, urgent and firm, "Mi haffi save mi people! Just follow di path!"

    Then, without another word, he ran toward the monster, leaving them behind.

    Kai had no time to watch. They were close now, so close. The Black Swan was just ahead.

    His legs burned as they pushed forward, lungs heaving for breath. They rounded the last corner, feet skidding against the floor as the creature behind them crashed into the wall, denting it inward.

    But the lift wasn¡¯t there and it''s doors were sealed shut.

    Grayson reached it first and slammed his hand against the panel, jabbing at the call button. The indicator flashed¡ªthe lift was still at the bottom, crawling its way up. It was too slow.

    Kai turned, gripping his rifle. They had no choice but to hold the line.

    They fired in bursts, staggering their shots to conserve ammunition, trying to buy the precious seconds they needed. One of the creatures finally collapsed, riddled with holes, but another immediately took its place, bending metals as it reached for them.

    Kai''s head pounded, a sharp, unbearable pressure building behind his eyes. He tried to focus, tried to keep his shots steady, but the pain only worsened. It felt like something inside him was breaking free.

    The lead creature pushed forward, undeterred by the barrage of bullets.

    Grayson stepped up, driving the barrel of his rifle straight into its cluster of sensors. He squeezed the trigger, emptying his entire magazine into its head.

    But it didn¡¯t die.

    With a sickening lurch, the creature''s tentacles snapped out, slamming against Grayson¡¯s arm. The commander let out a pained grunt as the metal limbs tore through his sleeve, ripping flesh, leaving deep, bleeding gashes across his skin.

    He didn¡¯t let go.

    Eliana was shouting, her rifle firing wildly, trying to force the creature back. Her bullets tore into its joints, buying them seconds.

    Kai¡¯s head felt like it was splitting open.

    The pain became unbearable, a searing agony that drowned out everything else. His vision blurred. The sounds of gunfire, Eliana¡¯s frantic shouts, Grayson¡¯s pained breaths¡ªall of it faded into a muffled haze.

    Then, darkness swallowed him.

    His body gave out, and the last thing he felt was Eliana catching him by the shoulder before everything disappeared.

 61. Machine against Machines

    Kai reached for his rifle, but his fingers weren¡¯t there. He tried to blink, but his eyes didn¡¯t respond. He inhaled sharply, except there was no breath, no air, no lungs to draw it in.

    Confusion gripped him, but even that felt distant, muffled like a scream behind thick wall. His body? Where was his body?

    A flicker of movement caught his attention, not in front of him, but within him. Thin strands of 0s and 1s unraveled in a slow, twisting display, reforming, reshaping. They pulsed, shifting too fast to follow.

    The realization struck him like pouring ice cold water on his head. This wasn¡¯t his body that he was in.

    His vision adjusted, sharpening, expanding. The strands of code weren¡¯t abstract anymore, they were forming an image, or rather a video feed.

    Commander Grayson''s face appeared in his vision, facing him. His harden expression came into view first, tight with pain, blood running down his arm. His grip locked onto something just beyond the frame, his knuckles pale.

    Behind him, Eliana stood firm, rifle helped by one hand.

    Kai tried to call out for them, he tried to move, to do something thing, but nothing happened.

    Then he saw a body slumped against Eliana¡¯s side. Head tilted, unmoving, limbs limply dangled.

    He realized it was Kai''s body, his body. He was looking at himself.

    A rush of panic surged through him, but it felt strange, like static crawling through his thoughts. He willed his arms to move, but there were no arms. He tried to turn his head, but his vision only tilted.

    The end of Eliana''s barrel flashed twice, causing his whole view to turn to white before turning back.

    Pain tore through him, yet he felt no pain, but something screamed at him to execute pain like response. He could feel that some data were lost the moment Eliana shot him.

    His vision faltered slightly, his entire being lurching as the damage spread. He wasn¡¯t bleeding, but he sure felt like it.

    Eliana was slightly confused too¡ªabout why the machine creatures that was so relentlessly attacking them earlier had stopped, she adjusted her aim.

    Kai fought to regain control of himself. He reminded himself that he was no longer human. At this moment, he was a creature with tentacle-like arms, and he needed to protect his friends from harm.

    A new sensation hit him¡ªlike his consciousness was expanding, his very soul stretching to fill his new body.

    One of his tentacles slid into view, blocking half his vision just as Eliana pulled the trigger again. He felt the impact on his new "arms," but no harm was done.

    He could feel the rest of his tentacles too, as if he had suddenly gained extra limbs.

    Gripping the corridor walls, he pushed himself backward, his movements felt strange. The end of Commander Grayson''s barrel came into view, aimed directly at him.

    The commander looked just as confused as Eliana, but he didn¡¯t fire, letting Kai back up.

    Kai spun around. He wasn¡¯t alone. Other creatures lurked in the corridor with him¡ªand their intentions were far less kind.

    He slammed into the nearest machine creature, his vision flickering for a moment, but Kai didn¡¯t care. He attacked again. The machine hesitated, its artificial intelligence struggling to process why one of its own had turned against it.

    Kai drove his tentacles into its sensors, ripping them out. His limbs were like blades, slicing deep into its head, cutting through internal components. The machine went limp and collapsed to the ground.

    He turned back. The elevator had arrived. Eliana had already pulled his body inside. His hanging heart settled.

    More creatures rushed down the corridor.

    His sensors were damaged, half his vision black, but his tentacles still worked. He surged forward, spearing the head of the first machine and throwing it backward, knocking over the second.

    He didn¡¯t waste any time. He lunged onto the fallen machine, tearing into it while it was still stunned.

    No more machines came, but in the distance, Kai could hear screaming and shouting. He rushed through the corridor, emerging into the market area. Chaos erupted all around him. The creatures were attacking anything that moved.

    The locals fought back¡ªarmed soldiers forming protective circles around civilian, but they were surrounded on all sides.

    Kai charged the nearest group of creatures. His tentacles clacked against the metal shed he used for leverage before he launched forward, slamming into a machine creature just as it was about to break into the crowd.

    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    The civilians screamed. A few panicked gunshots pinged off his back, harmless.

    Kai didn¡¯t stop. He tore apart the creature he had pinned, its tentacles flailing in a frantic attempt to fight back. But Kai was faster, cutting them off with his own. Within moments, it stopped moving.

    Kai fought relentlessly, tearing through the machines with savage efficiency. He couldn¡¯t stop. The civilians behind him needed protection, and these creatures, machines stood in his way.

    His tentacles moved faster than he thought, slicing through metal and synthetic limbs as if they were paper. Sparks erupted as wires snapped, and the machine crumpled to the ground.

    One lunged at him, its razor-like appendages swiping at his head. He twisted, avoiding the strike, then coiled his tentacles around its head and ripped it free from its body. The machine sparked violently before collapsing.

    He barely had to think now. His instincts guided him perfectly. The longer he fought, the more distant his old self felt.

    He saw more people, flooding in from the same corridor he had come from. Their eyes were wide with terror, their steps frantic as they ran.

    Kai surged forward, his tentacles gripping the walls and floor, pulling him toward them with terrifying speed. The civilians shrieked at the sight of him.

    Kai slowed, deliberately keeping his movements careful, controlled. He wasn¡¯t here to harm them. He weaved past, letting them pass, their screams faded as he sprinted toward the source of their fear.

    He reached the gun deck in seconds and there were chaos everywhere.

    The soldiers were barely holding on. The machine creatures pushed forward relentlessly.

    Hai threw himself into the fight, crashing into the nearest creature with enough force to dent its armored plating. His tentacles wrapped around its body, yanking it off the ground before slamming it into the deck.

    Another one turned toward him, its clawed hands raised to strike, but Kai was faster. He whipped a tentacle forward, piercing straight through its head. The red glow of its sensor flickered, then died as its body slumped.

    A third machine leaped at him from the side.

    Kai ducked, spinning mid-air, his tentacles lashing out in a flurry of strikes. Metal shredded, sparks flew, and the creature¡¯s frame was torn apart before it even hit the ground.

    ¡°Hold yuh fire!¡± someone shouted.

    Another ¡°Him a help wi!¡±

    The order spread. One by one, the soldiers stopped, their rifles shifting away from him, their focus returning to the other creatures.

    Kai barreling into another machine just as it raised its weapon toward the soldiers. His tentacles wrapped around its arms, twisting, snapping. The machine flailed, but Kai didn¡¯t give it time to recover. He drove his appendages into its chest, tearing out its power core in a violent spray of sparks.

    The soldiers were holding on, but barely. More of them had fallen. The machines were still pressing forward, their numbers overwhelming.

    Kai surged forward again, diving into the horde. His tentacles became a whirlwind of destruction, cutting, piercing, crushing. Machines fell one after another. Their sensors dimmed, their metal bodies cut to pieces under the force of his attacks.

    Kai¡¯s vision flickered between the flashing lights of gunfire and the chaos of battle. He had barely processed the countless enemies falling before him when his attention snapped to something else¡ª A man shouting and fighting on his own, holding his ground against a machine creatures.

    The metal beast loomed over him, its bladed limbs cutting at him. Blood smeared across Ife¡¯s clothes, fresh cuts and deep wounds littering his body.

    Kai launched himself to help Ife.

    His tentacles lashed out, striking the machine with enough force to send it tumbling across the deck. Sparks flew as it collided with the deck, its metal limbs twitching as it tried to recover. Kai moved on top of it, tentacles striking downward like spears. The machine barely had time to react before his bladed appendages punched through its chest, tearing through its circuits until it stopped.

    Kai turned, meeting Ife¡¯s gaze. The man was still on his feet, but barely. His chest heaved with heavy breaths, sweat and blood mixing on his dark skin. Yet, despite the near brush with death, he grinned. His eyes were unfocused, high on whatever he had been smoking earlier.

    ¡°Rhatid,¡± he murmured.

    The creatures were regrouping, their red sensors glowing ominously as they gathered. One by one, they recalibrated, helping others, attaching lose tenticles, cutting off dangling sensors. Then, as if driven by some unseen command, they attacked.

    Kai and Ife stood back to back, the creatures came for them, seeing the two as their biggest threats.

    The first machine lunged, its bladed arms slicing through the air. Kai reacted instantly, his tentacles intercepting the strike midair. With a violent twist, he ripped the creature¡¯s arm clean off and drove another tentacle into its head, sending it crashing to the ground.

    Ife moved just as quickly, his rifle fired into the sensors, dropping one machine before it could even reach them. He fired until he was out of ammo.

    Without missing a beat, Ife flipped the weapon in his hands and used it as a club, smashing the stock into the nearest machine¡¯s head. The impact dented its sensors, but it didn¡¯t stop. The creature lunged again, and Ife ducked, cursing in rapid phrases that Kai didn¡¯t understand.

    Kai didn¡¯t let him fight alone, his tentacles wrapping around another enemy, hoisting it into the air before slamming it into the ground hard enough to shatter its frame.

    The creatures kept coming, but Kai and Ife refused to fall. Ife fought with the stubborn defiance of a man who simply refused to die, his rifle cracking sensors as he cursed and laughed between breaths. Kai fought with monstrous speech, his tentacles moving like a hurricane, carving through the enemies with ease.

    And then the machines froze. For a brief, eerie moment, the battlefield went silent. Then, as if responding to an unheard command, the creatures turned and fled.

    One by one, they reached the edges of the ship and leaped into the void.

    Kai felt it too, a command.

    His body moved before he could think, as if something deep inside him was wired to follow. Without hesitation, he jumped.

    The moment he left the ship, his tentacles curled inward as the thrusters on his legs activated. It was as natural as breathing. He soared through the void, weightless, moving with terrifying speed alongside the retreating creatures.

    Kai¡¯s gaze locked onto a distant point in space where they were all heading too. At first, it was nothing more than a pinprick of light, barely visible against the vast darkness. But as they flew, it grew larger.

    Kai could tell it was a ship.

    The command grew stronger. It dug into his mind, pressing against his thoughts like a hand gripping his skull.

    "Destroy, attack, obliterate!"

    And then he saw it, the Black Swan.

    Recognition slammed into him. His "mind" screamed in protest, his body jerking to a halt mid-flight. His thrusters sputtered as he fought against the force compelling him forward.

    But the voice in his head pushed back.

    "Attack. Destroy. Obey!"

    He raised his tenticles and started cutting them off, forcing himself to stop, but the will inside him fought back, clawing at his mind, demanding obedience.

    And then, he felt a presence. Something that watched him from the depths of the void.

    A whisper slithered into his mind, as cold and suffocating as the vacuum around him.

    "Traitor."

 62: Chased

    "Ahh!"

    Kai shot up, his face pale, his hands ice-cold.

    A face appeared in front of him, inches away. Instinctively, he recoiled, his vision struggling to focus.

    Slowly, he realized the face belong to Eliana.

    She was beside him, holding his hands. But he couldn¡¯t feel a thing. He tried to move, to squeeze her fingers back, but his hands remained unresponsive.

    His tentacles weren¡¯t there, but he could still feel them. He knew how to move them, control them. Except they no longer existed and he was back in his own body.

    He glanced around, everything was sharper, clearer compared to the raw, overwhelming sensory data of the machine body.

    He recognized he was in the medical bay of the Black Swan. Slowly, he willed his arms to move. His fingers twitched slightly.

    Eliana noticed it immediately. Her eyes lit up, and she tightened her grip, rubbing warmth back into his hands.

    ¡°Welcome back, Kai,¡± she whispered, her voice unsteady. A single tear rolled down her cheek, one she couldn¡¯t hold back.

    Kai lifted his hand and felt it was heavy, sluggish, as if it wasn¡¯t entirely his. It took all his willpower to move it, but he did. He reached for her face, aiming for the tear.

    Eliana helped him, guiding his trembling fingers against her cheek. Her skin was warm, but the tear was cold and wet.

    Kai didn¡¯t mind. He was here in his own body, able to feel again. A relieved breath left him.

    Eliana wiped at her face with his hand before pressing it into her own, holding it there like it was the only thing she cared in the whole universe.

    ¡°What happened to you, Kai?¡± she asked, concern laced in every word.

    Kai¡¯s mind flashed back to the battle. To the moment he had become one of the creatures. Eliana had no idea it had been him inside the machine, unnoticed that he was the same one she had shot at.

    ¡°I was in the body of the creature. The one you shot,¡± he admitted. ¡°I turned and fought off the others, but I couldn¡¯t stop. The people were still being attacked, so I kept fighting. We forced them off the ship and...¡±

    His breath hitched and a sharp pain tore through his skull as a memory surfaced. The voice heard in his head still vivid in his memory.

    "Traitor."

    Something had been giving commands to those creatures. Controlling them. And it had spoken directly to him. His chest tightened. His body reacted before his mind could catch up.

    Kai sat up.

    Eliana reached for him, trying to stop him. ¡°Kai, you¡¯re still weak...¡±

    ¡°No.¡± He pushed himself off the bed, his muscles protesting, but his focus had returned now. ¡°Their target wasn¡¯t just the stealth ship. It was also the Black Swan. We¡¯re going to be attacked.¡±

    Eliana¡¯s eyes widened. She didn¡¯t argue. Instead, she grabbed his uniform as he pulled off the hospital gown, helping him dress.

    She fastened the jacket, adjusting the fit around his shoulders.

    He exhaled sharply, gripping his hands into fists. They still felt slow, heavy, but he didn¡¯t have time to wait for his body to catch up.

    Kai pushed himself forward as fast as he could, his steps uneven, his legs still adjusting to the weight of his own body. He stumbled slightly, but Eliana was there, steadying him with a firm grip, guiding him forward.

    A part of his mind still expected tentacles to respond, instinctively commanding limbs that no longer existed. For a brief moment, he wished he could grow some of his own¡ªthe way they moved was so much faster, smoother. Floating through the battlefield had felt effortless. Now, being back in his own body felt heavy, clumsy.

    The bridge doors slid open, and the tension inside was already high.

    Commander Grayson was in full command mode, barking orders across the room. ¡°Robert, launch as many EMP missiles as you can! Don¡¯t worry about the ammo count, just keep them off us!¡±

    For the first time, every crew member¡ªon and off shift¡ªwas on deck, working together in unison, but semmed like even that wasn¡¯t enough.

    ¡°There are still too many behind us!¡± Teresa shouted, her voice sharp with urgency. ¡°We need to jump now.¡±

    At the helm, Ivan sat with Ray beside him, both working together to dodge the incoming swarm. Their hands flew across the controls, banking, twisting, and rolling the Black Swan through unpredictable, high-speed maneuvers that kept them from being overwhelmed.

    ¡°The jump drive is still charging,¡± Ivan called back. ¡°Fastest we can go is two minutes, we just need to last that long!¡±

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    Two minutes.

    Kai clenched his jaw.

    The creatures were gaining. He could already picture their razor-sharp, knife-like tentacles slicing through the Black Swan¡¯s hull in seconds if they caught up.

    Kai threw himself into his seat, snapping the headset into place. ¡°Robert, give me control of the turrets! Focus on the missiles. I¡¯ll handle close-range!¡±

    A voice crackled in his ear. ¡°Kai? Welcome back!¡± Ivan sounded relieved, but there was no time for chit-chat.

    Kai took over the turret controls, the targeting systems syncing to his hands. The screens lit up, showing enemy movement in way too many red markers. His fingers flexed on the triggers, and the turrets moved with him.

    He aimed at the closest machine and fired.

    The guns roared, high-caliber rounds tearing through the nearest attacker.

    The Black Swan¡¯s turrets weren¡¯t just standard weapons¡ªthey were top-grade, high-impact cannons designed to punch through armored hulls. The creatures, no matter how tough, weren¡¯t built to withstand this kind of firepower.

    One by one, they burst apart, shredded by the sheer force of the blasts.

    The swarm was massive, but at least they weren¡¯t hard to hit. Kai kept firing, he locked in, his heart pounding. They just needed two minutes.

    Kai held down the trigger, ignoring the ammo count flashing on his screen. This wasn¡¯t the time to conserve rounds,1 and if they ran out, they¡¯d all be dead anyway.

    The swarm split into two waves. Kai adjusted immediately, shifting his focus and controlling both the top and bottom turrets separately. His hands moved instinctively, his eyes darting between the two waves as he fired on both fronts.

    Then the swarm split again.

    Robert launched another wave of missiles. The EMP blasts detonated within the mass of creatures, sending arcs of electricity rippling through them. Each blast was able to took out a chunk of the swarm, frying their circuits mid-flight, sending them aimlessly into space.

    But it wasn¡¯t enough.

    By the time the next barrage of missiles was reloaded, the swarm had already replenished itself, as if they were endless. For every one destroyed, ten more surged forward.

    Kai estimated there were at least tens of thousands of them.

    A pit formed in Kai¡¯s stomach. His turrets were doing a lot of work, but it was still not enough. The creatures were getting closer. He could only take out the ones leading the charge, while the thousands behind remained untouched.

    Sweat dripped down his palm. His muscles tensed as he kept firing, pushing the turrets to their limits. His shots were precise, yet it still felt like he was trying to hold back an ocean of water with a bucket.

    ¡°Come on!¡± he shouted, gritting his teeth.

    Crack! Small bursts of electrical explosions ran through the side of the swarm.

    Kai¡¯s screen flickered as several small ships zipped past his view, their designs strange, unfamiliar.

    His eyes widened as he recognized the smugglers'' ships. Ife had come to their aid!

    A voice crackled in his headset. ¡°30 seconds!¡± Ivan called from the comms. ¡°Hold on, Kai!¡±

    "Roger!" He said.

    Hope surged in Kai¡¯s chest. With reinforcements at their side, he refocused his fire, hammering into the swarm, determined to slow them down.

    The creatures however, changed tactics, as if sensing that their target was about to escape, the swarm spread out.

    On his turret screen, Kai saw it in its entirety. They didn¡¯t come as a single wave anymore. They scattered, breaking into hundreds of smaller formations, attacking from every angle like a rogue wave crashing down on a small ship.

    Kai¡¯s targeting system flared red. There were simply too many threats, too many angles for him to keep up.

    His hands clenched around the controls, shooting out the targets closest to them.

    ¡°Ten seconds.¡± Ivan¡¯s voice came through the comms with both excitement and nervous tension.

    Kai held his breath. He didn¡¯t even allowed himself to blink.

    The swarm was everywhere, blotting out the stars. The sheer number of machine creatures was overwhelming, their sharp limbs glinting in the faint light as they surged forward.

    This was going to be close.

    ¡°Eliana!¡± Teresa¡¯s voice boomed through his helmet. ¡°I need their signature right now!¡±

    ¡°I got it!¡± Eliana responded.

    Kai kept firing. Another creature went flying in his sights, but it didn¡¯t matter¡ªthere were just too many. The swarm had fully engulfed them, their view of space sealed away in a sea of black, mechanical objects.

    And they were closing in.

    "5...4..."

    Kai exhaled, steadying himself.

    This was the best he could do. He had pushed the turrets to their limit, bought them every second he could. The rest was up to Eliana and Teresa now.

    "3..."

    Kai shut his eyes.

    "2..."

    His simulated vision flared white-hot as a powerful EMP wave detonated from the Black Swan, expanding outward as a violent surge of energy. The wave slammed into the advancing swarm, shutting down everything in its path.

    The creatures froze mid-flight. Their glowing red sensors flickered, then died.

    They drifted lifelessly, motionless as the wave wiped through them like a tsunami.

    "1!"

    Kai ripped off his helmet, chest rising and falling in sharp, uneven breaths.

    Through the viewport, the dark mass of machines had vanished¡ªreplaced by the breathtaking glow of quantum particles swirling outside the ship.

    A long, heavy silence filled the bridge.

    Kai let out a shaky sigh of relief.

    Then the whole bridge erupted into cheers.

    Robert shouted so loudly it nearly rattled the consoles. Ivan and Ray dubbed their hands in celebration, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten. Eliana and Teresa locked their fingers together, letting out nervous laughter and relieved smiles.

    Kai turned to Commander Grayson.

    The older man met his gaze, his expression no different from his usual calm. But there was something in his eyes¡ªa flicker of approval perhaps.

    ¡°Welcome back, Kai,¡± Grayson said with a slow, satisfied nod. ¡°I knew you guys were going to pull it off.¡± His mouth pulled into a broad grin. ¡°Good fucking job.¡±

    Kai blinked, then, he laughed.

    This was the first time he had ever heard the commander curse, and in that moment, it was the funniest damn thing in the universe. Grayson chuckled too, shaking his head as the tension of battle finally faded.

    Eliana walked over.

    She held a hand to her side, pressing against her waist.

    Kai smiled as their eyes met. ¡°Adrenaline?¡±

    Eliana smirked. ¡°Yeah. Haven¡¯t felt a rush like that in a long time.¡± She stepped closer, getting into Kai''s space.

    Kai opened his arms in invitation. ¡°Come here.¡±

    Eliana didn¡¯t hesitate. She stepped into his embrace, resting against him as he wrapped his arms around her, feeling her nervous breaths on his neck.

    ¡°Good job, Eliana,¡± Kai murmured. ¡°That EMP wave was clutch.¡±

    She smiled against him. ¡°Thank you.¡± Then she pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. ¡°The same goes for you¡ªgood work on the guns.¡±

    The swirling quantum particles faded, leaving behind the calm stillness of space as the Black Swan completed its jump.

    Outside the viewport, the scene was quiet and serene. No more monstrous swarms remained. Just the ship drifting in the vast emptiness, bathed in the warm, golden glow of a distant yellow sun.

    ¡°Warning: Fuel Level Low.¡±

    For a moment, there was silence, then, it became a collective of laughters.

    Of all the possible warnings they could¡¯ve heard at that moment, this was the least they worried about.

 63. Unbearable Heat

    Sweat the size of peas formed on Kai¡¯s forehead. He didn¡¯t even bother wiping it away anymore¡ªwhat was the point? It would just come back in seconds.

    He glanced toward Eliana, who had sweat dripping from her chin, her damp hair sticking slightly to her neck. She must have felt his gaze because she turned to look at him.

    Kai blushed.

    Not because he was embarrassed about getting caught staring¡ªshe was his girlfriend, after all. But because of the thoughts that had slipped into his mind while watching her.

    Eliana caught on immediately. A mischievous smile spread across her face as she crawled closer, her eyes glinting with amusement.

    ¡°Looks like the heat¡¯s getting to someone¡¯s mind,¡± she teased. ¡°It¡¯s cute how red your face is right now.¡±

    Kai huffed. ¡°Yours is equally red!¡± he shot back. ¡°The heat is making everyone¡¯s face look like this.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s true,¡± Eliana sighed, pulling at the front of her uniform. ¡°Feels like my face is going to melt off.¡± She leaned back against the wall, letting her head rest. ¡°When is this going to be over?¡±

    Kai shrugged. ¡°Until the fuel tank is full, I suppose.¡±

    They both turned to look outside the viewport.

    The sun stared back at them, massive, blinding, and relentlessly hot. Its golden light bathed the Black Swan as the ship hovered dangerously close, absorbing the energy needed to refuel.

    This was their first time fuel scooping, and Kai hadn¡¯t expected it to be this brutal.

    The fuel scoop worked by collecting raw plasma from the star¡¯s corona, drawing it in through electromagnetic fields before funneling it into intake vents. From there, the ship¡¯s reactors compressed it, stabilized it, and refined it into usable energy. As long as they had a suitable star, they could refuel anywhere.

    It was free, infinite energy. They had no need to dock, no need for expensive fuel transfer, but there was also a downside.

    They needed to stay pretty close to the star.

    The longer they stayed, the hotter the ship became. The process itself generated extreme heat, and with a star this close, it was just something inevitable.

    Right now, the interior temperature had climbed past 32¡ãC. It didn¡¯t sound terrible, but it was only going to get worse. Kai could already feel it in the air, the thick, humid air pressing against his skin. And the outside hull was probably sitting somewhere in the hundreds of degrees already.

    Eliana sighed, pouring water on top of her head. Kai tired to stop her, but I''m truth he wanted to do the same too.

    ¡°There has to be someplace on this ship that isn¡¯t a damn oven,¡± she groaned, "or maybe we should just take all our cloth off."

    Kai eyed her warily as she reached for the zipper of his uniform, her fingers teasingly tugging it down.

    He stopped her hand before she could go any further. "The last thing I need right now is for this moment to get even hotter," he muttered.

    Eliana smirked but relented, leaning back on her hands. "Alright, alright. So, what¡¯s the plan then? Because if we stay here much longer, I will start stripping."

    Kai sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. "Let¡¯s see¡­ The simulation room can probably generate a cold environment, but using that would put more strain on the cooling systems. Commander Grayson specifically told us not to use any extra power while we¡¯re refueling."

    Eliana snapped her fingers. "What about Isaac¡¯s place? Doesn¡¯t he need to keep his servers cool at all time?"

    Kai shook his head. "He does, but Robert and Ivan already took over that spot. And with all the equipment in there, I doubt there¡¯s enough space left for us."

    Eliana groaned, tipping her nearly empty water bottle against her head, letting the last drops trickle down her scalp. "Alright, looks like the only option left is going full-on naked."

    Kai snorted. "As good as that sounds, Eliana, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s gonna do much against this heat." Then, an idea clicked in his head. "Actually¡­ there might be a place cooler than the rest of the ship."

    -----------------------

    Eliana followed Kai through the corridors, both of them walking with sluggish steps. The heat wasn¡¯t just bond to their room¡ªthe entire hallway felt like an oven.

    By the time they reached the rear of the ship, beads of sweat was running down Kai¡¯s back.

    Finally, they entered the cargo bay.

    Kai led them down a side stairwell, avoiding the lift to conserve power, and stopped in front of a small yet heavy door with single snowflake sticker. He opened it.

    The instant blast of cold air was heavenly.

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Rows and rows of metal shelves stretched before them, stacked high with vacuum-sealed frozen goods¡ªpacks of preserved meats, fruits, and even frozen desserts. The air inside was at least 40 degrees cooler than the rest of the ship.

    Kai and Eliana grinned at each other.

    Of course. If anywhere on the ship was cold, it was the freezer.

    Eliana stepped inside first, holding her arms out, letting the cool air wash over her. She turned to Kai and gave him a thumbs-up.

    "Good call," she said, already feeling refreshed.

    "Plus, there are a lot of frozen desserts here to chill our insides as well," Kai said, grinning. After what he had to endure for the past hour, he wanted nothing more than a cold ice cream to fight back the heat.

    Eliana stopped him before he could grab anything. "Aren¡¯t all the inventory logged by Lily? Don¡¯t you need to tell her before taking something?"

    "Oh, you¡¯re right," Kai admitted, withdrawing his hand. "The heat must have gotten to me." He paused, glancing toward the entrance. "Speaking of that, where did Lily go? I don¡¯t think we saw her when we passed the galley."

    Eliana tapped a finger against her chin, thinking. "Hmm, I don¡¯t know actually. I would¡¯ve assumed she¡¯d be here, considering how hot it is outside."

    A small chuckle echoed from somewhere deeper in the freezer. It was quiet, but unmistakably was a girl¡¯s laugh.

    Kai and Eliana looked at each other.

    "It might be Lily," Kai whispered. "Let me ask her if we can have some ice cream."

    "Shh," Eliana interrupted. She pressed a finger to his lips, her smile turning mischievous. "Let¡¯s give her a surprise."

    She crept forward, pulling Kai along with her. She stepped carefully, making sure not to bump into any of the shelves or boxes.

    They reached a corner where the sound had come from. Eliana stopped just before peeking, turning back to Kai with an excited gleam in her eyes. She silently mouthed the words: Let¡¯s take a look.

    Kai leaned forward, peeking around the corner with her.

    He saw Lily first. She stood straight, leaning slightly forward, her head raised as she looked at something taller than her. Even from where he stood, Kai could tell she was smiling, though he couldn¡¯t see the full expression from this angle.

    Curious, he peeked a little more.

    That¡¯s when he saw who she was talking to.

    Kai immediately felt Eliana¡¯s grip on his wrist tighten in excitement.

    Baiyan stood across from Lily, facing her.

    They spoke in low, quiet voices, their tones relaxed, their body language natural. There were smiles on both their faces.

    Lily tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear, her cheeks slightly flushed.

    Kai noticed another thing. They were both wearing coats designed for cold environments. They had been here for a while, for decided to stay for long.

    Kai felt invested now. He focused his hearing, wanting to catch more of what they were saying.

    But before he could make out their words...

    "Achoo!"

    The loud sneeze broke the silence.

    Kai stiffened. That definitely didn¡¯t come from Lily or Baiyan. He looked down and saw Eliana, sniffling as she gazed up at him apologetically.

    "Who''s there?" Baiyan¡¯s voice rang out, suddenly alert.

    Kai and Eliana had no choice but to come clean. They stepped out from behind the shelves, revealing themselves to Lily and Baiyan.

    "I''m sorry," Eliana said, lowering her head slightly. "We didn''t do this on purpose."

    "Didn''t do what on purpose?" Lily asked, crossing her arms. "The sneezing?"

    Kai sighed. "It was just too hot outside, so we figured we¡¯d come here where it was more comfortable. We didn¡¯t mean to interrupt you two. Sorry about that."

    Lily looked between them, her serious expression lingering for a moment before breaking into a teasing smile. "Haha, I was just giving you two a hard time for peeking."

    She turned toward Baiyan, slipping her arm around his, pulling herself a little closer. She tilted her head up and met his gaze with an amused glint in her eyes. "I guess our secret just got found out."

    Baiyan looked a little flustered at her sudden closeness, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish smile.

    Lily turned back to Eliana. "Eliana, you must be freezing. Let me find you something warm."

    Eliana sniffled and nodded. "Thanks. I didn¡¯t expect it to be this cold. I just thought it¡¯d be a nice place to escape the heat."

    Lily chuckled. "You know, we do have a walk-in fridge on the other side of the cargo bay, right?"

    ¡ª

    Lily eventually managed to find another coat for Eliana. It was black with bright green reflective strips running down the arms and back.

    "Sorry, this was the only thing I could find here," Lily said as she handed it over. "So you¡¯ll have to wear what I use when I¡¯m working."

    Eliana took the coat gratefully, slipping it on as Lily passed her a steaming cup of something hot.

    "Here, drink this," Lily said.

    Eliana wrapped her hands around the cup, letting its warmth seep into her fingers. "Thanks. This is actually really nice."

    Lily sat down, then glanced at Kai before shifting her gaze toward the cup in Eliana¡¯s hands. Kai shook his head. He wasn¡¯t thirsty.

    The four of them sat face to face inside the walk-in fridge, where Lily had set up a folding table and four chairs. The cold air was enough to keep the best outside while nothing making Kai feeling like he was about to freeze to death.

    "You know..." Lily started, leaning back in her chair. "We picked the freezer because we thought no one would walk in on us. Normal people would¡¯ve picked the fridge first."

    Kai rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly feeling a little foolish. "I guess we were just looking for somewhere cold, and the first thing I thought of was the freezer..." He exhaled. "Because of the big snowflake icon on the door."

    Lily sighed dramatically. "Well, I guess it¡¯s our fault for thinking we could avoid public attention by hiding in the there."

    Baiyan, who had been quiet for most of the exchange, finally spoke up. His face was lightly flushed as he met Kai¡¯s gaze. "Please keep this a secret for us? Lily and I¡­ haven¡¯t really thought about going public yet."

    Kai nodded. "Your secrets are safe with me." He hesitated for a moment, then smirked. "But, if you don¡¯t mind me asking¡ªwhen did you two start dating?"

    Eliana perked up instantly despite her worsening sniffles. "Yeah!" she added eagerly. "When?"

    Lily and Baiyan exchanged glances.

    Lily spoke first. "Well, we haven¡¯t officially started dating yet¡­ but we¡¯re almost there." She smiled. "Actually, that¡¯s why we¡¯re here today¡­"

    Kai and Eliana froze.

    "Wait...so..." Eliana''s eyes widened as realization hit her. "Oh, no. Did we just..."

    "Yep," Baiyan muttered, rubbing his temples.

    "Woah, sorry!" Eliana said, shifting uncomfortably in her chair. She turned to Kai. "Look at what we¡¯ve done."

    Kai chuckled, standing up. "Well, it¡¯s still not too late. I think we should go and leave these two to their own."

    Eliana hesitated. "But the heat outside¡­"

    Lily waved her off. "That¡¯s alright," she said smoothly. "I think Baiyan and I have talked enough to understand where we stand."

    And then, without warning, she grabbed Baiyan by the collar and pulled him in.

    Eliana gasped, slapping her hands over her eyes, though Kai definitely noticed the small gap in her fingers.

    Baiyan, meanwhile, looked completely blindsided. His wide eyes darted to Kai and Eliana.

    Lily, however, was fully committed, keeping Baiyan close and not letting him go. Slowly, Baiyan gave in too, kissing her back.

    Kai exhaled, shaking his head.

    The heat outside might be unbearable,but the heat Baiyan felt in that moment must been hotter than the star itself.

 Schedule Update/New WIP Novel Announcement

    Short Version:

    Future updates will be on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. A new LitRPG novel is coming soon!

    (800 Followers bonus chapter coming today!)

    <hr>

    Long Version:

    To Readers,

    First, I want to thank everyone who has read Dimming Stars and supported me over the past two months.

    Reaching 800 followers in such a short time was beyond anything I had ever imagined as a new author. It has been an exciting journey, and I¡¯ve learned a lot¡ªespecially about what readers enjoy (and what they don¡¯t). I¡¯ve taken all your feedback to heart and will do my best to improve. So, thank you! (Especially RB, who followed me from day one and introduced me to an awesome author community. He¡¯s the reason I¡¯ve come this far. Thank you, RB! ??)

    Now that Dimming Stars has officially completed its RS run (we even hit 9th place at one point!), I¡¯ll be moving to a Monday/Wednesday/Friday update schedule. This will give me more time to focus on writing my upcoming LitRPG novel. I apologize in advance to anyone who¡¯s been reading daily¡ªplease don¡¯t be mad at me! But if you are, well¡­ I totally get it.

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    For those curious about the new novel:

    It¡¯s called "One More Follower", and it will be a first-person LitRPG/Comedy. I know some readers aren¡¯t big fans of first-person stories, but it¡¯s a risk I¡¯m willing to take.

    If anyone is interested, I¡¯ll be having my Patreon members (Patreon is completely free for now) and a few author friends beta read the prologue in a couple of days. Feel free to join if you¡¯d like to participate!

    <hr>

    (Totally didn¡¯t know there¡¯s a minimum word count for chapters¡­ well, this is awkward. Let''s write something I guess.)

    Kai stared at his reflection in the mirror. His hair was getting long again¡ªpast his forehead, nearly covering his eyes. Maybe it was time for a haircut.

    Eliana could probably do it for him, but the last time he asked her, someone got hit by space debris, and he ended up doing some very dangerous mining in a cosmic maelstrom. Not exactly great memories.

    He ran a hand through his hair. It was just long enough to be annoying but just short enough that he couldn¡¯t tie it into a man bun.

    With a sigh, he decided to trim the strands that were threatening to block his vision. How hard could it be?

    He crouched down and rummaged through the cabinet under the sink, quickly finding a pair of scissors among the other hair-cutting tools. The scissors felt light in his hands. He spun them a few times for no reason then lifted them to his forehead.

    The floor shook slightly beneath him, it felt like an adjustment from the gravity generator, but Kai wasn''t entirely sure.

    He slowly put the scissors back down.

    He¡¯d had enough signs from the universe to know when not to push his luck.

    Neatly tucking the scissors back in their place, he walked out of the bathroom, deciding to leave fate (and his hair) in more capable hands.

    ??

 64. Getting Sick? - 800 Followers Bonus

    Like a lot of bad things in life, it started with a funny feeling that Eliana couldn¡¯t quite explain.

    She sat in the galley, cradling a cup of hot herbal tea, savoring the warmth after spending too much time inside the freezer. The heat from the cup seeped into her fingers, she shivered slightly, feeling the coldness leaving her body.

    The Black Swan had finished its refueling process and was now flying away from the star. The ship still needed some time to cool down before the next jump, but the interior temperature was under control again.

    The crew had returned to their duties and routines, leaving Eliana¡ªwho was off-duty for the day¡ªfree to do whatever she liked.

    She took another sip of tea, then paused.

    There was a tingling sensation at the back of her throat. A slight itch that wasn¡¯t there before. She cleared her throat, hoping it would go away, then took another sip.

    Her mind wandered, still caught up in the surprise earlier.

    She couldn¡¯t believe that Baiyan and Lily had gotten together without anyone noticing. She certainly hadn¡¯t seen any signs though, but to be fair, her shifts didn¡¯t often align with theirs. Maybe that¡¯s why she had missed it.

    She cleared her throat again, the itchiness in the back of her throat was growing. It was noticeable now, enough to make her uneasy. Something was off, and a small fear crept into her mind.

    There were no dedicated doctors on board the Black Swan. Instead, the medical bay was entirely automated. If someone needed medical attention, they simply lay down on the medical bed, let the diagnostic machine scan them, and the system would determine what to do next.

    In her twenty years of life, Eliana had only gone through it once, and that was only because she twisted her ankle during martial arts practice.

    The procedure itself hadn¡¯t taken long. She had stepped into the machine, and it had immediately moved her into a chamber where bright scanning lights shone down on her. She remembered feeling weightless for a moment before something lifted her ankle, applied a cooling paste, and wrapped it in bandages.

    The process had been quick and efficient, but it had also thoroughly freaked her out.

    She did not like the sensation of being inspected by the cold, mechanical medical system. The way it moved her limb around without warning, the artificial hum of the machine all put her on edge.

    After that experience, she had made a promise to herself that she would do everything possible to stay healthy and never have to go back inside that thing again.

    And she had kept that promise. Not for a single time had she needed to step foot inside the medical bay since.

    Eliana coughed a few times, feeling the itchiness in the back of her throat growing. It was noticeable now, and she feared that something bad was going to happen to her body.

    Eliana coughed a few more times, her concern growing. She was actually worried now¡ªnot just for herself but for the other people on board the Black Swan. If she had gotten infected with an illness, that meant the others might also be sick as well.

    She stood up, washed the cup she had just used with extra care, and put it upside down on the drying rack. This could be something very serious, especially since they were far from civilization now.

    The idea made her tense up. She thought about who had been close to her in recent times, and Kai came to mind. They had been sleeping in the same bed, and that meant he needed to be checked out too!

    She ran out of the door, nearly bumping into Lily, who was just coming into the galley.

    "Where are you going?" Lily asked, but Eliana was already down the corridor and around the corner.

    "She sure runs fast," Lily muttered to herself.

    ---

    Kai was sitting with his legs crossed, his hands laying naturally on his lap, relaxed. He had his eyes closed, his mind clear, devoid of thoughts.

    Baiyan¡¯s meditation method had worked wonders for him. Just like the man had said, meditation was a great way of self-reflection and stress relief.

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    It had become a daily routine for Kai¡ªto finish whatever exercise he had done in the simulation room with an hour of meditation. Sometimes, he was so relaxed that he felt like he was about to fall asleep, and sometimes, he actually did, only waking up when the next person booked the room.

    Kai was afraid that he would get nicknamed by the crew, and it would be something like "Sleepyhead." But so far, nothing bad had happened.

    Other times, Kai would hear the vibrations in his head, and they would become something audible, like someone was calling out to him in his own voice.

    He tried to ignore it, but sometimes, he would actually hear words. It was always in the form of a greeting, but one time, he had heard his name being called out. That had spooked him, and he had to cut the training short.

    He was determined not to answer the call. That was a line he wasn¡¯t ready to cross. Sure, he had gained some abilities that had helped him in fights, and it had even suppressed the feeling of fear for him. Still, he had some skepticism in his mind, telling him not to trust the strange nanites.

    "Kai!" He heard a voice call. It was distant and muffled.

    It¡¯s happening again, he told himself. Whatever you do, Kai, just don¡¯t answer the call.

    "Kai!" The voice called out again, a little more frantic than last time.

    As long as you don¡¯t answer the call, nothing bad will happen, Kai thought.

    "Kai! I need help! I think I¡¯m sick!"

    Kai finally recognized the voice.

    It was Eliana¡¯s voice.

    And it was clear to him that it was not in his head, because the voice was louder in his right ear than in his left, and he could feel her shaking his shoulder.

    Kai opened his eyes and realized he was no longer sitting upright. Instead, he was sprawled out on the floor. Blinking groggily, he pushed himself up.

    "What''s going on?" he muttered, his eyes only half-open.

    "Kai!" Eliana''s voice snapped him into full awareness. She sounded panicked, her usual cheerful tone replaced by desperation. "I¡¯m sick. I can feel it. I need to go to the medical bay, can you come with me?"

    Kai¡¯s fatigue disappeared in an instant. He sprang up from the floor. "Yeah, sure thing, Eliana. Let''s go right now."

    Without hesitation, he took Eliana¡¯s hand in his, leading her out of the simulation room, not even bothering to change out of his training clothes.

    As they moved through the corridors, Kai glanced at her, concerned. "How do you feel right now?"

    "Not great, Kai." Eliana¡¯s voice wavered slightly. "I feel like my knees are getting weak¡­ and I feel cold." She exhaled sharply. "I think you¡¯re walking too fast. I can¡¯t keep up with you."

    Kai immediately turned back to her. Her face was flushed, and her movements were sluggish.

    "Alright, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll help you," he said, and without another word, he lifted her into his arms.

    Her body temperature was a little too warm. She felt light, almost weightless in his arms, like she could be carried away by wind at any moment.

    Kai picked up the pace, moving swiftly through the ship.

    They reached the medical bay in no time. The room was spotless, the white walls almost glowing under the bright lighting. The space felt neat and reassuring.

    Kai stepped through two layers of sliding glass doors, the cool air inside contrasting with the lingering heat on Eliana¡¯s skin.

    He gently laid her down on the medical bed.

    Eliana let out a soft, painful moan, her fingers twitching slightly. Before Kai could pull away, she reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling him closer.

    "What¡¯s wrong?" Kai''s voice was softer than usual.

    Eliana¡¯s eyes locked onto his. "I don¡¯t want to be in this thing alone," she whispered. "Can you stay with me?"

    Kai nodded instantly. "Sure thing. I¡¯m not going anywhere."

    He pressed the activation button, and the medical bed hummed softly as it began to shift inward, initiating the diagnostic process.

    Eliana¡¯s grip on his hand tightened.

    A rotating arm carrying the scanner hovered above Eliana, emitting a soft mechanical hum. She shut her eyes and turned her face aside, but the machine followed her movement, adjusting until it was satisfied. Then, it moved on, scanning the rest of her body with quiet precision.

    Kai waited beside her, his hand never leaving hers.

    The machine worked fast, and soon, the diagnostic screen flickered to life, displaying the results. Kai turned his gaze toward it.

    "Viral Rhinitis."

    He blinked. Then, slowly, he turned back to Eliana, who was staring at him nervously.

    "What is it?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. "Tell me, what does it say?"

    She tried to reach up to see for herself, but Kai held her hand tightly, looking at her in silence.

    Her brows furrowed. "Am I about to die?" she asked, her tone half-joking but still laced with real worry.

    Kai¡¯s expression remained unreadable.

    That only made Eliana more anxious. She sat up quickly, twisting toward the screen.

    Her eyes scanned the words.

    "Viral Rhinitis? What is that?"

    Kai couldn''t hold his serious expression anymore and smiled. "Silly, you just caught the most common illness on Earth, it''s just a cold."

    Eliana froze, then looked back at him. "So I¡¯m not going to die?"

    "No," Kai said, tapping the screen. "You¡¯ll be fine by tomorrow morning."

    A few seconds later, the machine produced a small tray with a few pills neatly placed on top.

    Eliana sighed in relief but then frowned, her confusion still lingering. "How did I even catch an Earth illness without ever visiting Earth?"

    Kai thought for a moment before answering. "If I had to guess, you probably caught it when we were in the stealth ship and didn¡¯t actually get sick until your immune system weakened."

    He gave her a knowing look. "You did pour water all over yourself and then walk straight into a freezer, remember?"

    Eliana groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Now I feel silly."

    Kai chuckled, standing up. "At least you¡¯ll be fine in no time. Now, let¡¯s get you back to your room so you can rest."

    He reached out to help her up.

    But Eliana didn¡¯t move.

    She just stared at him, her teeth lightly biting her lower lip, her face turning a shade redder than before.

    Then, in a small voice, she asked, "Can you carry me like you did on the way here? It was¡­ pretty nice."

 65. Sorbet

    There was no day or night in space. Kai simply went to sleep and woke up eight hours later.

    The Black Swan had jumped again, but this time he hadn¡¯t felt a thing. He had grown completely used to it, to the point that he could sleep through jumps without even stirring.

    Kai stretched slightly but stopped himself before moving too much¡ªEliana was still asleep, curled up against him. He didn¡¯t want to wake her. She needed as much rest as she could get.

    He lowered his head and pressed the tips of his lips to her forehead. The fever was completely gone and Eliana was on her way to a full recovery.

    She shifted slightly in his arms, still sound asleep. He could feel the steady rhythm of her breathing, the gentle rise and fall of her chest. Moments like these had become his favorite way to wake up¡ªand if it were up to him, it would be the only way he would ever wake up.

    But getting out of bed without waking Eliana was always a challenge. If she noticed, she¡¯d either beg him to stay in bed longer or insist on going with him. But he couldn''t let it happen today, today was different, today he was on a mission.

    A mission for ice cream, that is.

    For some reason, Kai craved ice cream that morning. Maybe it was because of the frozen treats he had seen in the walk-in freezer the other day. He just wanted to experience that cold, sweet mouthfeel.

    <hr>

    Luckily, the galley was empty when he arrived.

    He moved quickly toward the freezer, ice cream spoon in one hand and a small cup in the other.

    There were only two flavors available that day: classic vanilla and a vibrant fruit sorbet.

    Kai was a vanilla person through and through. It was always his go-to choice, and today was supposed to be no different.

    But just as he was about to scoop into the vanilla, he hesitated.

    He had never tried the sorbet before.

    It sure looked delicious, its bright pinkish-red hue practically glowing under the freezer''s light. But could it really taste as good as all that artificial coloring made it seem?

    How was he supposed to find out if he didn¡¯t try?

    Kai dug the scoop into the sorbet, rolling a small ball into his cup. He brought it close to his nose and sniffed, but it was hard to determine the flavor in its frozen state. The only way left was to take a bite¡ªso he did.

    The texture was immediately different. It wasn¡¯t the soft, creamy feel of ice cream. Instead, it had a tense, icy texture, almost like eating shaved ice.

    Then, the flavor hit him. A strong wave of fruity sweetness, so intense he could instantly recognize multiple flavors.

    Then the acidity kicked in. His mouth watered instantly, the sharp tang leaving him wanting more.

    Kai took an liking to it right the way.

    He finished his small scoop in no time and immediately rolled a bigger one into his cup.

    Silently, he decided that from now on, whenever he had to choose between two flavors, this was what he was going to get.

    Still, he wished he could have more. But realistically, he was already over his daily sugar limit.

    Ever since he had locked his training into a routine, he had seen visible changes in his body. His shoulders were broader, his legs stronger, and his cardio had steadily improved.

    Sometimes, he would catch his own reflection in the mirror and surprise himself.

    Eliana, of course, was more than pleased with his new physique.

    Kai knew this for a fact because she had developed a habit of touching his muscles for fun.

    He wondered if he would ever get as big as Commander Grayson one day. That man was built like a walking mountain.

    Yeah¡­ maybe that was a little too much.

    Kai however, did end up taking a few more scoops¡ªbut not for himself. He wanted Eliana to try some too.

    That was just how his brain worked¡ªwhenever he found something good, he wanted to share that experience with the people he cared about.

    Humming a song to himself, Kai exited the galley and walked down the corridor with a light, almost carefree step.

    He was sure it had something to do with the high sugar content in the sorbet¡ªhe felt light-headed, his body buzzing with energy, and he had a strong urge to go back and cuddle with Eliana again.

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    As he turned the corner into the living room, something unexpected happened.

    He had cut the turn too short, and before he could adjust, his shoulder slammed into the wall with a thud. The shock of the impact made his fingers slip, and before he could react, his plastic cup of sorbet went flying.

    No matter how fast Kai was, he wasn¡¯t fast enough to save that one.

    He watched, helpless, as the cup spun through the air, arcing toward the ground. It bounced once, then landed face-down on the deck.

    "Damn it," Kai muttered under his breath. "Now I have to clean this up."

    He stared at the upside-down cup, contemplating his next move.

    Maybe it was better to leave it like that until he can come back with the tools¡ªat least no one would step in wet sorbet and get the deck all sticky.

    Kai remembered there were cleaning supplies back in the galley. If he hurried, he could grab a vacuum cleaner, clean everything up, and be done before anyone noticed.

    His casual stroll turned into a march.

    As he re-entered the galley, Teresa was just walking out, and because she was in his blind spot, he almost flinched instinctively.

    "Oh hey, Kai," Teresa greeted with a warm smile, her mouth curling slightly. "Why you woke up early today? Your shift doesn¡¯t start for another hour."

    Kai dodged her gaze. "Hmm? Nothing, just here for some food," he said casually, hoping to move past her without suspicion.

    Teresa tilted her head. "You know you¡¯re a really bad liar, right?" she said, smirking.

    Kai paused mid-step. "I am?"

    "Why else do you think Eliana trusts you so much?" Teresa pointed out. "When you brought both Lily and Derniere aboard the Black Swan, she didn¡¯t doubt you for a second. She knew you weren¡¯t hiding anything from her."

    Kai frowned. "Huh¡­ I never really thought about it that way."

    Teresa shrugged. "So, tell me¡ªwhat¡¯s your real reason for being here in the galley? Don¡¯t worry, your secret is safe with me."

    Kai sighed in defeat. "Alright¡­ I might have spilled some food in the hallway. I was just grabbing the vacuum to clean it up."

    Teresa stepped aside, grinning. "Good. Now you¡¯re telling the truth. Go on, then¡ªgood luck cleaning it off the floor."

    Kai nodded in thanks as he walked past her, heading straight for the storage area where the vacuum was kept.

    So that¡¯s why Eliana never questioned his relationship with Lily or Derniere. He thought. And to be honest he felt the same way about Eliana. He never had to wonder if she was hiding anything from him.

    He picked up the vacuum cleaner from its base and turned it on. The battery was fully charged¡ªall he had to do now was return to his "crime scene" and clean it up.

    Rolling the vacuum on its wheels, he made sure not to hit anything else this time.

    Kai turned the corner where he had bumped into the wall and lost his grip on the cup. But neither the cup nor the splash of pinkish-red sorbet was there anymore.

    He scratched the back of his head, looking around in confusion.

    His first thought was that someone had cleaned up the mess for him. But that didn¡¯t make sense¡ªhe had only been gone for a few minutes. If someone else had come looking for the vacuum, he should have run into them.

    Kai bent down, inspecting the floor more closely. It was clean¡ªalmost spotless. So much so that he glanced up to make sure he hadn''t somehow ended up on the wrong level of the ship.

    He pressed a hand to the floor. It should still be sticky, right? Lifting his hand, he rubbed his fingers together. The floor was dry to the touch.

    A weird uneasy feeling crept up his spine.

    There was no way he had imagined the whole thing.

    Kai had experienced lucid dreams before, mostly back in his school days, when he¡¯d dream about doing his entire morning routine only to wake up and realize he had to do it all again. The worst time, he had to wake up three times before he could actually get out of bed.

    But those dreams always had gaps, weird time skips, and a lack of control.

    This one was different.

    He remembered every step, every movement. He had complete free will¡ªand that only made the situation stranger.

    And he couldn¡¯t exactly call anyone to confirm what happened. There were no witnesses¡ªeven Teresa had only heard about it from him.

    Kai leaned down again, this time activating his ability, focusing on the smallest details he might have missed the first time.

    The floor was pristine, but now, he noticed something¡ªa thin trail of pink in the corner of the wall where the sorbet had originally fallen.

    That was enough proof for him to know he wasn¡¯t hallucinating.

    His eyes narrowed, someone had cleaned up the mess for him.

    Laying flat on the ground, he examined the trail more closely. It stretched down the corridor, stopping halfway. He pulled back slightly, realizing why¡ªthat was where one of the floor air vents was located.

    Without bothering to stand up, he crawled over to the vent, focusing his attention entirely on it.

    A small scratch mark caught his eye, cutting through the layer of dust surrounding the vent¡¯s edges.

    Kai reached out and lifted the cover. Sure enough, the edges underneath were clean, revealing irregular dust patterns of recent movements.

    Then he sniffed the air and scent of fruity sorbet was still lingering inside.

    Kai chuckled, shaking his head. He had a pretty good guess as to who was responsible.

    <hr>

    Kai knocked on Derniere¡¯s door.

    At first, there was no response. But after a few seconds, the door slid open, revealing Derniere.

    She looked better than when she had first boarded the Black Swan¡ªher skin was healthier, her body no longer as frail. But her face was pale, and she wobbled slightly, clearly still struggling with post-jump discomfort.

    Kai winced. He really didn¡¯t want to bother her while she was still adjusting to space travel, but he had to know if his suspicion was right.

    "Hi, Derniere. Sorry to bother you, but¡­ may I know where Bell is?" Kai asked softly.

    Derniere nodded, then pointed to the pocket of her uniform.

    A tiny furry head popped out, sniffing the air. Kai leaned in, studying Bell closer, his fur were clean and not a spot of pink on his mouth.

    Derniere took a step back, still unsteady but managing to speak. "Please don¡¯t stare at my chest like that," she muttered, her voice weak. "I¡¯m already self-conscious about my shortcomings."

    Kai immediately stepped back, hands raised in defense. "Oh no, I¡¯m so sorry! That wasn¡¯t my intention¡ªI was just checking if Bell had eaten some food I spilled on the ground!"

    "There¡¯s no way," Derniere shook her head. "Bell was with me the whole time. And there¡¯s no exit for him to escape. I¡¯m sure of it."

    Kai looked at Bell, who was staring at him as if offended by the accusation.

    Then, the little creature climbed onto Derniere¡¯s shoulder, then perched on her head. He stared directly at the air vent above them.

    Kai followed Bell¡¯s gaze into the air vent.

    Then they both heard it. A faint shuffling noise coming from inside the vent.

    Kai swallowed, then looked at Derni¨¨re.

    "I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m about to say this," he muttered. "But¡­ I think we might have an infestation on our ship."

 66. Spider Bot

    Paranoia, perhaps, is one of the most important traits that one could obtain.

    To be paranoid is to bring an umbrella on a sunny day, knowing the rain might come. It¡¯s to see trouble before it happens and be ready for it.

    Kai was paranoid.

    He had seen too many things lately, too many close calls, too many unexplainable events. And if given the choice, he¡¯d rather look stupid than be stupid.

    So the moment he heard movement in the vent, he knew he had to prepare for the worst.

    His body moved on instinct, his mind already working through the possibilities.

    He turned to Derniere.

    "Stay here."

    Then, without waiting for a response, he stepped out the door.

    Kai checked in on Eliana and found her still asleep. He smiled softly, making a quiet promise to himself that he would be back as soon as possible.

    But first, he needed to find Isaac. Only he might have what Kai was looking for in a situation like this.

    Kai walked quickly through the corridors, stopping at Isaac¡¯s door. He knocked, and a second later, the door slid open.

    The moment he stepped inside, chill air hit his face.

    Isaac''s room felt even more tech-heavy than the last time he had visited. Every inch of space seemed cluttered with screens, wires, and blinking lights. Even the window that usually looked out into space was now covered with a massive screen, making the room completely dark, except for the glow of monitors.

    Kai peeked around, his eyes adjusting to the dim lighting, and found Isaac hunched over his computer, his fingers flying across the keypad.

    Kai cleared his throat, stepping a little closer.

    Isaac finished typing something before finally looking up. His glasses caught the glow of the screen, making his eyes briefly disappear behind a blue reflection.

    Then, a grin formed at the corner of his mouth.

    "Ah, Kai. I was wondering who would be crazy enough to visit me this early in the morning." Isaac smirked. "Now, tell me, how¡¯s the lapel pin working for you?"

    Kai glanced down at the swan-shaped pin Isaac had given him.

    "Oh yeah, it''s great," he said, half-distracted.

    "I thought so! You know, I actually upgraded the¡ª"

    Kai could already tell where this was going. If he let Isaac continue, he¡¯d be stuck here for hours listening to an enthusiastic tech lecture.

    So he cut him off quickly.

    "Sorry, Isaac, but I¡¯m actually here for something else." He exhaled, then got straight to the point. "I think there might be something stuck in the air vent, and I¡¯m trying to find out what it is."

    Isaac blinked, his excitement momentarily replaced with mild annoyance at being interrupted.

    But he nodded, considering the information.

    "I don¡¯t think that¡¯s possible," he said, adjusting his glasses. "The air vents are designed to block anything bigger than dust from getting in. Nothing alive should be able to fit inside."

    "That''s the thing!" Kai said, leaning forward. "The air vent was removed and then put back in place."

    Isaac''s eyebrows lifted slightly.

    "Now you''ve got me interested," he muttered. Then, without any further speech, he spun his chair around and pulled open one of his drawers.

    Kai peered inside, only to see it was a mess of random components¡ªtiny circuits, tangled wires, strange mechanical pieces he couldn¡¯t even begin to understand.

    Isaac rummaged through the drawer, his fingers sifting through the chaos. He searched for a while, then finally, at the very bottom, he pulled out a small box.

    He flipped open the lid, revealing something metal nestled at the center of a soft padding of foam.

    Kai leaned in.

    Inside was a tiny mechanical spider, its metallic body gleaming dimly under the bluish glow of the computer screen.

    It was intricately designed¡ªits thin, delicate legs were controlled by tiny gears and wires, giving it an eerily lifelike appearance.

    Kai¡¯s curiosity piqued immediately.

    "What is this?" he asked.

    Isaac grinned, tapping the side of the box.

    "This is a spider bot I made just a few days ago," he said proudly. "An experimental design based on the spiders I found in the encyclopedia. I wanted to mimic their movements as closely as possible."

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Kai picked it up, turning it over in his hands, studying the fine details of the miniature machine.

    "It¡¯s impressive," he admitted.

    Isaac sighed, slumping back in his chair. "Yeah, well¡­ I haven¡¯t found a good way to control it yet. That¡¯s the problem." His expression turned sour. "Until I do, it¡¯s basically just a fancy paperweight."

    Kai thought for a moment, then smirked.

    "Maybe I can give it a try," he said.

    Isaac gave him a questioning look.

    "You remember how I was able to get into the consciousness of one of those machine creatures?" Kai explained. "Maybe I can do something similar with this. It¡¯s worth a shot, right?"

    "I think it might work," Isaac mused, tapping his fingers against the desk. "Just because the machine creatures have artificial intelligence doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re living beings. Their core functions should still be mechanical, meaning the process of linking with them might be the same." He smirked slightly. "Although, you might find the spider bot¡¯s movements a little more limited compared to the tentacles you controlled last time."

    Then, as if a thought had just occurred to him, Isaac paused and glanced at the spider bot again. His expression turned more serious.

    "That being said, I¡¯d advise you to proceed with caution," he added. "I still don¡¯t fully understand how your abilities work, and I¡¯d hate for your consciousness to get stuck in the robot." His smirk returned. "I bet Eliana wouldn¡¯t be too happy if her boyfriend turned into a spider."

    Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, she wouldn¡¯t." His smile widened slightly. "I showed her the encyclopedia, and I think she might have arachnophobia."

    Isaac let out a short laugh. "I like your choice of words there. It¡¯s kind of insane to think about how many words we¡¯ve lost over time just because we abandoned our history. Just like this ship¡ªits name lost its original meaning due to¡ª"

    Kai could see it coming¡ªanother hour-long Isaac rant.

    He cleared his throat loudly, shifting his attention toward the spider bot.

    Isaac raised his hands in surrender, signaling that he got the message. Then, with a small, amused grin, he gestured toward the bot.

    "Alright, go ahead. Give it a try."

    Kai nodded, then lowered himself onto the floor, crossing his legs as he prepared to focus.

    He took a deep breath, centering himself.

    The last time he made a connection with a machine, it had been forceful¡ªhis consciousness had been yanked into the machine creature without warning.

    This time, it had to be his own intention that make the connection.

    At first, he felt nothing, and he probably looked really stupid to Isaac right now, just sitting there, staring at a tiny metal spider in absolute silence.

    Then, slowly, the warm tingling sensation of the nanites in his body began to stir.

    His skin felt hot, his core temperature rising. He pulled the zipper of his uniform down slightly, letting out some of the trapped body heat.

    His face flushed, and a subtle throbbing pain formed behind his forehead.

    Kai kept his breathing slow and steady, pushing through the discomfort, focusing entirely on forming a connection with the spider bot.

    And then he felt something. Not visually, but deep in his consciousness.

    It was faint, like a thread waving in the wind, slipping through his fingers every time he tried to grasp it.

    He closed his eyes, shutting out every distraction.

    The connection was there, but it was unstable, difficult to reach. It reminded him of that moment just before falling asleep, when the mind drifts between reality and dreams.

    His thoughts faded in and out¡ªlike he was teetering on the edge of the limbo. Kai relaxed, allowing himself to sink deeper, surrendering control over his own body.

    ---

    Kai woke up, and his perspective had changed.

    His vision was half-blocked by the soft foam inside the box, but the other half gave him a clear view of Isaac¡¯s cluttered workspace.

    He felt small¡ªtiny, even¡ªas he looked around. The world was massive compared to him, the objectives in Isaac''s room becoming towering structures.

    Kai tested his new "body," pushing control into each of the robotic legs. Just like when he had controlled eight tentacles, but this time, he had eight legs.

    He pushed himself up, rising to his full height.

    The sheer size of everything around him was overwhelming. The first thing he noticed was his own body¡ªhis real human body.

    His human form sat motionless on the ground, head low, eyes closed, looking as if he were simply asleep.

    He tried to turn next, testing his new movement. His legs moved in a sequence, working together as he spun a full 180 degrees¡ªonly to come face-to-face with Isaac.

    Isaac¡¯s face was way too close.

    The distortion from the spider bot¡¯s camera lens gave him a bizarre fish-eye effect, stretching his features to unnatural proportions. His mouth curved into a grin that, from Kai¡¯s current view, looked almost horrifyingly long.

    Kai scuttled backward instinctively, taking a few steps away so he didn¡¯t feel like Isaac was about to devour him whole. He wouldn¡¯t even put it past the mad scientist to try and see the inside of him first¡ªsomething Kai was pretty sure Isaac would totally do if given the chance.

    "Can you hear me?" Isaac¡¯s voice boomed.

    It came through loud and clear, yet had a strange, artificial quality¡ªslightly electrified, like the sound was coming straight in the form of a digital signal.

    Kai couldn¡¯t speak, so he raised his two front legs in response.

    "Good!" Isaac nodded. "Now, try climbing out of the box and see if you can move around freely."

    Kai did as he was told, moving his eight legs effortlessly. It was as if he had always had them.

    He climbed up and over the edge of the box, but what surprised him was the fact that he didn¡¯t fall. Instead, he found himself sticking to the vertical surface and effortlessly crawling downward.

    Kai paused mid-motion, baffled. He turned toward Isaac, silently questioning how this was even possible.

    Isaac¡¯s massive grin widened.

    "I bet you¡¯re wondering why you¡¯re able to do that." He tapped the desk. "I wanted to perfectly replicate the spider''s vertical movement seen in the encyclopaedia so I did a lot of testing. Turns out, they can climb vertical surfaces using tiny hairs on their legs. Those hairs generate weak intermolecular forces that let them stick to walls." His voice was filled with genuine fascination. "It¡¯s incredible stuff."

    Kai lifted one of his front legs, inspecting it.

    Sure enough, there were tiny hair-like fibers covering his metal limbs. They resembled animal fur, but much less dense.

    He moved around the desk next, testing his speed and agility.

    It was way faster than he expected. He could scurry across the entire table in seconds, shifting directions with effortless precision and speed.

    Kai had to admit¡ªit was kind of fun.

    Once he was satisfied with his testing, he attempted to disconnect from the bot.

    As expected, it was hard.

    Making a mental connection to something when he didn¡¯t have a brain was strange.

    It was like his thoughts weren¡¯t thoughts anymore, but rather commands being processed.

    Still, after a bit of trial and error, Kai figured it out.

    He created a manual shutdown command, forcing the spider bot into sleep mode¡ªand once it powered down, the link severed, and Kai¡¯s mind snapped back into his real body.

    His eyes fluttered open and a wave of relief washed over him, followed quickly by excitement.

    He had just successfully controlled a machine with his mind. And unlike before, where his consciousness had been forcefully pulled, this time, he had done it voluntarily.

    This ability was going to open doors for him. If he could refine it, perfect it even, there was no telling what he could do.

    He looked up at Isaac, grinning.

    "Thank you, Isaac," he said, pushing himself off the floor. "Now, I¡¯m going to find out whatever¡¯s hiding inside the vents."

 67. Investigation

    Kai removed the cover of the air vent and peered inside, as expected, there was nothing visible. The passage stretched into darkness, with no obvious signs of movement.

    If he wanted answers, he was going to have to send the spider bot in.

    He placed the small bionic robot on the floor. Compared to the vent, the little thing was tiny, almost insignificant, just the size that was perfect for the job.

    Kai sat down, leaning his back against the wall, his gaze locking onto the metallic spider in front of him.

    He took a deep breath, preparing to make a connection¡ª

    "Kai? What are you doing here?"

    Kai turned his head and saw Eliana standing nearby, staring at him with confused concern.

    "Why are you sitting on the floor?" she asked, stepping closer. "I woke up alone and couldn¡¯t find you anywhere."

    Kai smiled softly.

    Although Eliana had been sick, the first thing she thought of was to look for him.

    "Hey, how are you feeling, Eli?" he asked.

    Eliana nodded. "I don¡¯t think I have a fever anymore. The medicine worked, but¡­ I¡¯m still a little weak in the legs." She looked at him curiously. "So, what exactly are you doing here?"

    Kai¡¯s smile widened. "That¡¯s good to hear."

    Then, he gestured toward the vent.

    "I think there¡¯s something inside," he explained. "So, I was about to do a little investigation."

    Eliana sighed and lowered herself onto the floor beside him, sitting cross-legged.

    "What is it?" she asked. "Some kind of animal?"

    Kai shrugged. "Let¡¯s just say it¡¯s definitely not a person," he said. "But we shouldn¡¯t let our guard down. Animals can be dangerous too."

    Eliana leaned forward, getting a closer look at the device.

    "And what exactly is¡ª"

    She screamed.

    "Get that thing away from me!"

    Kai burst out laughing, quickly picking up the tiny spider bot before she could kick it across the corridor.

    "Calm down, Eli!" he chuckled. "It¡¯s just a robot. Not a real spider."

    Eliana had tears rolling in her eyes when she finally opened them again.

    Her posture had completely changed¡ªshe had shrunk into herself, pressing her back against the wall, looking like she was ready to flee at any second. Had he told her it was a real spider, she probably would have been out of sight already.

    Kai reached out and pulled her into a gentle hug, keeping the spider bot as far away from her as possible.

    "I''m sorry," he said softly. "I forgot you''re scared of spiders."

    Eliana pushed against his chest, pouting slightly. "Something about the way they look just scares me," she admitted. "I don¡¯t know why, but they give me the creeps."

    Kai patted her back reassuringly.

    "That''s completely normal, actually," he said. "Some spiders that lived on earth were venomous and could be deadly. It makes sense that humans developed a natural fear of them, like a biological response to avoid danger."

    He picked up the spider bot again, this time placing it in the palm of his hand so she could see it up close.

    Eliana was no longer panicked, though her shoulders remained tense.

    This time, she leaned in cautiously, observing the intricate mechanisms of Isaac¡¯s creation.

    She stared at it for a moment, then suddenly tilted her head in thought.

    "How come we have animals like chickens or pigs with us," she asked, "but I¡¯ve never seen spiders? Or those long creatures you showed me in the encyclopedia¡ªthe ones that were able to slither?"

    Kai thought for a moment.

    She had a point. There were some animals he had seen in the encyclopedia that still existed in their society, but there were others that only appeared as pictures in books.

    "I''m not sure," he admitted.

    He thought for a moment longer before offering a theory.

    "The only thing I can think of is that spiders and snakes probably weren¡¯t necessary for human survival on generation ships like the Arks," he said. "If an animal didn¡¯t serve a practical purpose, it would have been too much of a burden to keep their species alive¡ªespecially when human survival itself was already a struggle."

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Eliana smirked, giving him a playful look.

    "And who¡¯s the one actively trying to save humanity from certain doom, despite being wanted by the very people he''s trying to help?"

    Kai laughed, shaking his head.

    "I''m sure we¡¯ll be able to clear our names once we return with evidence," he said, though the weight of those words sat heavier on him than he cared to admit.

    Eliana¡¯s gaze drifted back toward the spider bot.

    "How are you going to control it?" she asked.

    Kai smirked, tapping the top of his head twice.

    "With my mind, of course," Kai said, smirking. "Although¡­ I¡¯m going to need your help while I¡¯m in control of the bot. Just to make sure nobody pulls a prank on me or anything like that."

    Eliana grinned, spreading her arms open.

    "Sure thing." She tilted her head playfully. "Come here, and I¡¯ll keep you comfortable while you do your magic."

    Kai smiled and shifted closer, leaning into her embrace. The warmth of her body seeped through his uniform, making it harder to concentrate than he expected.

    "Thank you, Eliana," he murmured softly.

    Her arms wrapped around him, holding him gently.

    Kai closed his eyes, focusing on slipping into the spider bot¡¯s consciousness.

    For a moment, it was difficult.

    Eliana was so close, her presence impossible to ignore. The steady rise and fall of her chest, the subtle scent of her hair, the way her fingers rested lightly against his arm¡ªall of it was distracting in the worst possible way.

    He took a slow, deep breath, forcing himself to shift his thoughts away from her warmth.

    The connection was there, faint but present, like a radio signal just out of tune. He just had to find the right channel to tune out the static and focus until the connection came to clarity.

    The feeling of deja vu returned again; Kai was slowly falling into unconsciousness while the signal locked in.

    Kai felt sleep take over, and when he woke up, he was already inside the tiny spider bot¡¯s body.

    His perspective had shifted¡ªeverything was massive, towering over him and making the interior of the ship feel alien.

    He tested the controls, moving his eight legs and turning his small mechanical body.

    Eliana was staring at him curiously, her eyes locked onto him.

    Behind her, his real body was slumped awkwardly against her, nearly blocking her view.

    Kai lifted his two front legs and waved at her.

    Eliana hesitated for a second, then waved back, smiling.

    Kai scurried closer, moving toward her to let her get a better look.

    But the moment he did, she frantically waved him away.

    "Even though I know it¡¯s you in there, Kai, you still give me the creeps," she chuckled. "So just move on and do your thing. I¡¯ll take care of you, don¡¯t worry."

    Kai nodded his tiny metal head and turned away, heading for the vent opening.

    What had once been a small gap in the wall now looked like a gaping cavern, its metal interior stretching into darkness.

    Kai crawled inside, and the world behind him vanished into shadow.

    Even in the pitch-black air vent, Kai could still see.

    Thanks to the camera system Isaac installed, the bot had built-in night vision, turning the vent into a clear, monochrome landscape in his view.

    Not far in, he spotted the thin trail of pink again.

    Whoever had stolen his sorbet clearly knew that the crew wouldn¡¯t be able to see inside the vents and didn''t bother to clear up the mess there.

    But they hadn¡¯t counted on him and his new ability. No one would expect his electronic possession.

    And now he was about to show them that he wasn¡¯t letting this slide.

    Kai advanced deeper into the air vent, following the faint pink streaks.

    The further he went, the more pink he found.

    What had once been a few drops of dessert now looked like a crime scene from his new perspective.

    The trail thickened, winding deeper into the vent.

    Kai tightened his focus, his mechanical legs clicking softly as he pressed forward.

    ---

    On the Bridge of the Black Swan:

    Robert was conducting a routine inspection of the entire ship.

    It was nothing unusual, just a standard check he performed every few days.

    Space was littered with debris, from tiny micrometeoroids to the occasional stray piece of wreckage. These microscopic threats often no larger than a grain of sand¡ªwere a constant factor in space travel.

    Normally, they wouldn¡¯t cause any real damage to the Black Swan¡¯s well-protected hull, but over time, they could cause wear and tear, and nothing was built to last forever.

    At his seat, Robert maneuvered a small drone, watching through its mounted camera as it hovered just above the ship¡¯s exterior.

    The drone¡¯s sole purpose was to inspect the hull, scan for damage, and perform repairs when necessary.

    The Black Swan was fresh from the shipyard, only a month old. But still, they had been in a battle just a few days ago, and that left him feeling uneasy.

    He moved the drone slowly, ensuring every inch of the hull was thoroughly examined. The scanning light cast a soft purple glow over the hull plating. If the colour changed, it meant damage had been detected, and he¡¯d conduct immediate repairs.

    As expected, there were a few scratches along the surface¡ªnothing major, just the usual cosmetic wear from travelling at high speeds through space.

    Robert was about to move on when his screen flashed with an anomaly¡ªA perfectly circular white pattern appeared in his vision.

    His brows furrowed as he hovered the drone closer.

    The pattern wasn¡¯t a normal scratch. It looked like a cut that looked almost as if something had punched a hole into the hull.

    However, the hull hadn¡¯t been breached; someone would have informed him if it did. Furthermore, the circle was too perfect to be some random impact mark from debris.

    "Did Kai make a repair to the ship and forget to log it?" he asked over comms.

    It wouldn¡¯t be strange if he did¡ªKai was still new to his gunner role, and paperwork wasn¡¯t exactly anyone¡¯s favourite task. If anything, Robert was ready to log it for him and remind him why keeping records was important.

    Commander Grayson¡¯s voice crackled through the comms.

    "Not to my knowledge," he replied. His voice was calm, but firm. "If there was a hull breach, Kai would have told me immediately. This ship is like a second body to him."

    Robert frowned, pushing the drone even closer to the damage.

    "That¡¯s¡­ funny," he muttered, zooming in. "Because this looks like a hull breach, but it¡¯s already been patched up by someone else¡­"

    He paused before saying, "Let me run a material analysis."

    The drone lowered itself, pressing its belly against the hull. Robert quickly tapped a series of commands, initiating a detailed scan of both the patch material and the welding compound used to seal it.

    The results came seconds later.

    Robert''s face darkened.

    "Oh¡­ that¡¯s not good." He murmured under his breath.

    Commander Grayson¡¯s voice was sharp now. "What¡¯s wrong?"

    Robert removed his helmet display, rubbing a hand over his face.

    "I don¡¯t think Kai made this repair," he said slowly. "The patch itself is made from the original hull plating, which was normal."

    Grayson¡¯s jaw clenched. "And the welding compound?"

    "The scan failed to identify it," Robert said.

    He didn¡¯t need to see Commander Grayson¡¯s face to know his mind was already racing through possibilities.

    "So what you¡¯re telling me," Grayson said after a moment, his voice carefully measured, "is that someone repaired this hull breach¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t one of us."

    Robert nodded grimly.

    "And whoever patched it up likely did it to cover their tracks¡ªso we wouldn''t suspect they got inside the ship."

 68. Stowaway

    The ventilation system on the Black Swan was like a twisting labyrinth, its passages winding through the ship to ensure every room had access to fresh, filtered air.

    And right now, Kai was a spider navigating this maze, following the only lead he had¡ªthe thin pink trail left behind by whatever had stolen his sorbet.

    The trail led him downward, descending toward the lower decks of the ship.

    At some point, he lost track of his location entirely. All he knew was that he was still following the trail.

    Based on the direction he was headed, he guessed he was somewhere near the storage area, where most of the ship¡¯s equipment and spare supplies were kept.

    He noticed something when he raised his two front legs.

    A force was pushing him forward. It was a steady stream of air, flowing through the air vent.

    Kai pressed on, following the current until he finally found its source.

    Up ahead, a vent cover had been removed.

    Kai peered through the opening. Beyond it was the pure darkness of an unlit room.

    But luckily for him, the spider bot¡¯s night vision was working, illuminating the space in crisp monochrome.

    It was a storage room, filled with spare instruments and backup devices for the ship¡¯s onboard systems.

    His first instinct was that no one should be in there.

    As far as he knew, only Lily had access to this room. And she wouldn¡¯t have removed the vent cover for no reason.

    Kai climbed over the opening and entered the room, his tiny metal legs clicking softly against the floor.

    He scanned the area, his mechanical eyes sweeping the shadows.

    There was something in the room. And whatever it was, was choosing to stay quiet.

    Kai moved carefully, making quick, careful movements, ensuring he didn¡¯t disturb anything that might alert the intruder to his presence.

    His small mechanical legs barely made a sound, the tiny hairs on his limbs absorbing any vibration as he climbed up the wall, moving toward a better vantage point.

    From his elevated position, he scanned the entire room, his night vision sweeping over every detail.

    The storage shelves were lined with spare equipment, just as expected. Nothing seemed out of place¡ªno obvious signs of forced entry, no disturbed containers, nothing that screamed intrusion.

    Kai waited, watching for any changes.

    A faint light flickered briefly behind a stack of large crates.

    It was quick, barely more than a blink, but it was no mistake that Kai had saw it.

    Kai had its location now. Without hesitation, he moved, climbing upside down along the ceiling, keeping his small form hidden as he positioned himself directly above the crates.

    He stared down, trying to see what was emitting the light but it was completely obscured by the large crates themselves.

    Whatever was behind those crates was smart enough to be deliberately staying out of sight.

    There was only one way to get a better look and he had to get closer.

    Kai thought for a moment, considering his options before he remembered something¡ªAn important ability that spiders on Earth possessed.

    And knowing Isaac, there was a very good chance that he had already programmed it into the bot¡¯s design.

    Kai searched through his controls, trying to access the mechanism.

    The sensation was strange, unlike anything he had felt in his human body. It was almost as if he was feeling his way through unfamiliar mechanisms, trying to trigger a reflex rather than an actual control itself.

    He focused, experimenting with the new signals running through his mechanical form.

    Finally, he got it to work. A tiny hook shot out from the rear of the spider bot, latching onto the ceiling. Kai let go of all his legs and descended slowly through the air. A digital wave of excitement rushed through him¡ªthere was something oddly thrilling about this new way of moving.

    He landed gently on the topmost crate, his two front legs touching down first before the rest of his limbs followed. Behind him, the thin translucent wire detached and reeled itself back in, vanishing into the body of the spider bot.

    Kai slowed his movements, making sure to stay silent as he approached the source of the light. He peeked over the edge, and then, just as he locked onto his target, the light flickered off. All sounds ceased. Whatever was hiding might just sense his approach.

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    Kai''s night vision adjusted, revealing the rough shape of something lying motionless on the ground. It wasn¡¯t moving, but it was there.

    Kai dropped over the edge, lowering himself carefully to get a better look. And then it moved. Just a small shift, but it was enough. The object scuttled further into the gap between two crates, disappearing deeper into the shadows.

    Frustrated, Kai pressed forward, his movements careful yet deliberate. The narrow space made it harder to see, but one thing was clear¡ªthis thing did not belong on the Black Swan. And it was certainly not an animal.

    The mechanical nature of the intruder worried him. They had just learned that No Man¡¯s Land wasn¡¯t as empty as they once hoped. In fact, it was infested with machine creatures that hunted ships, stealing data¡ªfor reasons he still didn¡¯t understand.

    And then, that word echoed in his mind again¡ª"Traitor." The voice. The one that had spoken to him back then.

    Kai had thought it was addressing the machine creature he had taken over, punishing it for letting him slaughter so many of its own kind. But now¡­ Now, he wasn¡¯t so sure. Because he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the voice had been speaking to him directly. Like it knew about his presence. Like it wasn¡¯t going to let him escape easily.

    He moved down the side of the crate, his small metal limbs clinging effortlessly to the surface. But the intruder¡ªthe thing he had seen moments ago¡ªwas now gone. The gap between the crates appeared empty.

    Kai advanced, his tiny body easily fitting between the crates. It had not occurred to him that a trap might have been set by whatever the thing was until it was too late.

    As if it had appeared out of thin air, the thing materialized right in front of him. Kai tried to stop, but it was already too late. He was too deep into the crates to back out, and the thing had baited him into an ambush.

    In the final second before his entire body was snatched upside down, Kai saw what he had been dealing with all this time. The thing looked exactly like the machine creatures he had encountered on the ISS Nightfall, only a smaller version of it.

    Kai cursed himself for being overconfident. He had assumed he was chasing a wild animal that had somehow gotten on board when they were in New Oliver, but now he realized his mistake.

    The machine creature must have breached the hull and clung to the ship while they were being swarmed back in No Man¡¯s Land. They had barely made it out of danger, but Kai was now certain that one or two of these things had latched onto the Black Swan unnoticed.

    If the machine creature wanted to, it could easily tear apart the spider bot, forcing Kai to sever the connection. Then, it would slip back into the vents before anyone could track it down, hiding until it was ready to strike again.

    However, that didn¡¯t happen.

    The creature simply held him there, its mechanical limbs gripping the spider bot firmly but not damaging it. It was studying him, analyzing him with a sense of curiosity rather than immediate hostility.

    Then, Kai felt something strange¡ªa sensation in his mind, something he had never experienced before. It was like a muffled voice, distant, coming from the depths of his own thoughts. It wasn¡¯t a sound¡ªit was more like a presence, an impression of words without an actual voice.

    He focused on it, trying to decode the message, and to his surprise, it became clear¡ªthe creature was trying to communicate with him.

    Kai hesitated for only a second before reaching out in return, forming a thought and sending it back as a signal the way the creature had done.

    A response came almost immediately, and it startled him¡ªnot because of the words themselves, but because of how clear and direct the message was. It was robotic, lacking any emotion, but it was as precise as a voice speaking directly into his mind.

    "Why help humans?"

    Kai was taken aback. He didn¡¯t know what it meant. Was it asking why he was loyal to his crew? Why he had fought against its kind?

    He quickly responded with a message of his own.

    "I am human. What are you?"

    The reply came faster this time.

    Louder. Sharper.

    "Nonsense. You are one of us. Why lie?"

    Kai froze, his mind racing. The machine creature thought he was one of them?

    He was about to deny it, to tell the machine that it was wrong, but then a new idea hit him. Instead of arguing, instead of correcting it, maybe he could use this moment to get some real answers from the machine itself.

    Acting as if he was just as confused as the machine, Kai sent out his next message.

    "Confused. Seek guidance on current objective."

    The machine paused as if it were debating whether his response could be trusted. The silence stretched for a few long seconds before the message finally came.

    "Keep test subjects within the perimeter. Gather data and report data. Continue experiment."

    Kai felt his stomach drop. He had expected something bad, but seeing the message spelled out like this made his skin crawl.

    He pressed forward.

    "Identify test subjects."

    A moment later, the response arrived¡ªjust as he had dreaded.

    "Humans are primary test subjects according to contract."

    Kai tensed, his mind racing.

    Contract? Who made a contract with these things?

    His fingers twitched, but he kept his composure, sending another message.

    "What contract?"

    The machine creature hesitated this time, pausing longer than before. As if it was calculating, trying to determine if it should continue responding.

    After several agonizing seconds, a new message appeared.

    "Exchange data for existence."

    Kai repeated the words in his head, a sickening feeling rising in his chest.

    What did that mean?

    Who were they exchanging data with?

    Who was allowing them to exist in return?

    His mind screamed for him to press further, to unravel the truth before the creature shut down.

    "Why keep test subjects within the perimeter?"

    The response came fast.

    "Keep planet of origin hidden, cover story needed to be¡ª"

    The message cut off abruptly.

    A new message appeared immediately after.

    "Identity compromised. The alarm system detected. Initiating self-destruct. Emergency signal broadcasted."

    Kai panicked.

    "No, wait!" he sent desperately, but it was too late.

    The tentacles holding Kai shook violently, the machine twitching uncontrollably as its internal systems collapsed. Sparks erupted from its core before its glowing red light faded entirely.

    With a dull metallic thud, the machine went limp and collapsed to the ground.

    Kai watched helplessly, knowing he had been so close to getting the answers he needed.

    "Damn it!" Kai shouted and awakened in his own body again. He sits up, startling Eliana in the process.

    "What''s wrong?" Eliana asked just as the overhead alarm sounded.

    They both hurried and got up from the ground. There was only one place on the ship to go now, and that was the bridge.

    <hr>

    Kai and Eliana hurried onto the bridge.

    Outside the front viewport, the residual particles from the jump had just begun to clear.

    "What happened?" Kai asked Commander Grayson.

    Grayson didn¡¯t turn around, his face locked onto the display in front of him. "Somehow, they found us again."

    "Didn¡¯t we just jump? That means we got away, right?" Eliana asked.

    Commander Grayson shook his head and took a step aside. On the screen, the Black Swan sat in the center of the radar interface. All around it, countless red dots surrounded the ship, closing in by the second.

 69. Chased

    Kai held down the trigger, and the twin-barrel cannons roared to life, firing relentlessly as they carved a path forward through the endless swarm of machine creatures. Rounds tore through their ranks, ripping apart their thin armour and sending debris spiralling into space.

    He watched the ammo counter ticking down¡ª it was still in the tens of thousands, but so were their enemies. And he knew, without a doubt, that there were more of them than there were bullets in his reserves.

    At peak production speed, the Black Swan could manufacture over three thousand rounds per day¡ªan impressive number, considering the process was fully automated and unsupervised.

    "Prep EMP missile!" Robert¡¯s voice came sharply, over the comms.

    "Roger," Teresa responded immediately.

    Ray was at the helm¡ªby pure chance, it had been his shift¡ªand he had taken control without hesitation, flying the Black Swan through the thickest part of the swarm, dodging and weaving through chaos.

    Kai wanted to scream¡ªto let out the frustration, the rage, the pressure building inside him. Instead, he squeezed the trigger harder, as if sheer willpower could somehow force the cannons to fire faster.

    He wished they were on an Imperial warship instead. The massive, laser-armed ships of the empire could have shredded these machine creatures in seconds with their instantaneous energy beams, melting straight through their thin exoskeletons.

    It wasn¡¯t that the Federation lacked the knowledge to build laser weapons¡ªfar from it. The Prime Minister of the federation had deliberately phased them out.

    Laser weapons, as futuristic as they sounded, offered little tactical advantage in large-scale space battles. Sure, the invisible beams could hit enemy ships without warning, but they required sustained fire to burn through armour. Against fast-moving ships that could adjust their angle in an instant, lasers became far less effective than one might hope.

    Furthermore, they demanded an enormous amount of continuous energy to operate. In prolonged battles, that drain was a major liability. Even the old Imperial flagship, ISS-Vengeance, had once suffered a complete blackout in the middle of combat when one of its main laser cannons overheated, forcing it into a humiliating retreat.

    Ballistic weapons, on the other hand, were the superior choice. Their armour-piercing kinetic rounds could rip through hulls in a single shot, causing devastating internal damage without the need for prolonged exposure.

    In the end, laser weapons had been relegated to point-defence systems or used as a symbolic show of power by some of the older Imperial warships still in service.

    Kai imagined the original inventor of the laser weapon watching this never-ending swarm of mechanical creatures and laughing¡ª"I told you lasers were superior."

    The ammo count dropped to four digits. Kai gritted his teeth but refused to ease up on the trigger. The swarm wasn¡¯t letting up¡ªif anything, they were closing in faster.

    "EMP, out!" Robert¡¯s voice rang through the bridge.

    A sudden wave of static electricity rippled through space as the EMP detonated, sending a shockwave through the enemy formation.

    For a brief moment, the entire swarm stalled, their bodies freezing mid-flight, breaking apart just enough to create an opening.

    "Engage jump drive, get us out of here," Commander Grayson ordered into the comms.

    Fine particles returned, swirling in the void outside as the Black Swan initiated another FTL jump. Thanks to its dual-jump drive design, the ship was capable of making two consecutive jumps within minutes. It was a rare and unique feature for deep space exploration, and it was now their only saving grace. It would put immense strain on the power plant, but at this moment, they had no other choice.

    The swarm vanished from sight as the ship was pulled into faster-than-light travel.

    Kai¡¯s finger never left the trigger. His knuckles were white, his breathing steady but sharp. He couldn¡¯t shake the fear that when they emerged on the other side, the machine creatures would be waiting for them again.

    No one spoke.

    The crew was already preparing for the next battle. No relief. No celebration. Just the quiet, unspoken understanding that this wasn¡¯t over.

    And they were right. Kind of.

    The Black Swan exited the jump, and the moment the stars stabilized in view, the ship¡¯s sensors pinged as they were being followed once again.

    Kai tensed. But as his targeting system scanned the space behind them, he exhaled, shoulders loosening slightly.

    Only three of the machine creatures were following them now.

    They kept their distance, maintaining a silent pursuit just beyond the range of the Black Swan¡¯s weapons. They had no chance of winning a direct fight, and they knew it.

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    But they also weren¡¯t giving up.

    Kai had no doubt that these three stalkers were transmitting their location, feeding intel directly to their hivemind overlord¡ªthe same intelligence that had orchestrated the battle at ISS-Nightfall.

    The same one that had spoken to him.

    He felt as if they were fighting the universe itself.

    Like they were a toy in the hands of a god, and all they had managed to do was jump from its palm¡­ to the back of the same hand.

    For now, however, they were safe. The Black Swan cruised steadily through space, maintaining a constant speed, ever watchful in case the swarm showed up again.

    This brief reprieve allowed the crew to replenish both their systems and themselves, taking a moment to catch their breath before the inevitable next encounter.

    Kai turned around just in time to see the girls bringing in drinks and quick meals for the active crew.

    Eliana smiled at him as she handed him a quick bite and a steaming cup of tea. Kai took it gratefully, his stomach welcoming the sustenance as he dug in.

    Eliana''s eyes lingered on him for a moment, her smile warm. "Alright, enjoy your meal. I¡¯m going back to my station to help with some of the calculations."

    Kai nodded, watching her as she walked away. Even in moments like these, when the weight of their situation loomed over them¡ªhe couldn¡¯t help but stare at her until she disappeared behind a seat.

    After finishing the food Eliana gave him, he washed it down with the hot tea, feeling the warmth spread through him, and then went back to his task.

    He needed more ammo.

    He set whatever material he could find to load into the manufacturing queue and immediately set them into production. Any moment they were not under attack was another moment the ship could use to manufacture more ammunition.

    Kai filled the queue and checked back on the machine creatures trailing them. There were four now¡ªone more than before. They made no move, still maintaining a safe distance, just watching.

    "Looks like they¡¯re going to play the long game with us," Commander Grayson muttered, taking a slow sip from his own cup. From Kai¡¯s angle, he could see it was some kind of coffee, the steam curling lazily into the air.

    Kai shifted in his seat, his brain already running through the possible scenarios.

    It was clear to him now¡ªthere was no hope of escaping the machine creatures if they had eyes in every system they jumped to.

    They still had a long journey ahead before they were out of No Man¡¯s Land, and sooner rather than later, they would need to refuel again.

    If he was right¡ªand he had to assume he was¡ªthen the machine overlord had already anticipated this. From a tactical standpoint, it was the most logical move.

    There was no need to search for them in the vast emptiness of space¡ªthe area between stars was too large. It would take forever to gather a large enough force to take them down.

    Instead, if Kai were in their position, he would set up an ambush at the one place they had no choice but to go¡ªthe star, where they would inevitably have to refuel.

    His chest tightened.

    "Commander Grayson," Kai turned to him, his voice steady. "I think they¡¯re waiting for us to refuel."

    Commander Grayson nodded, his expression grim. "My thoughts exactly. And we¡¯re not far from needing a refuel either."

    Kai¡¯s mind raced. "Isn¡¯t there another way we can get fuel without going to the star?"

    "Unless we magically stumble upon a space station willing to sell us fuel?" Teresa cut in, her voice sharp with frustration. "Oh wait¡ªright. We¡¯re in the middle of nowhere."

    Kai fell silent, thinking.

    There had to be another way.

    His eyes flicked back to the navigation charts.

    "What about planets?" he said suddenly. "Planets with raw materials we can refine into fuel. It might take longer, but it¡¯s our best chance to escape without walking into a trap."

    The bridge fell into silence, everyone lost in thought over Kai¡¯s idea.

    In theory, it was a great suggestion¡ªbut where were they going to find a suitable planet in the middle of No Man¡¯s Land?

    Kai opened the log records he had gone through before, hoping that a previous ship might have passed through the system and documented a terraformable planet with natural resources they could use.

    He started with the nearby systems first, scanning through the data logs¡ªbut found nothing indicating a suitable planet for refuelling.

    That was fine, though. He had just begun searching, and finding a terraformable planet was no easy task¡ªotherwise, No Man¡¯s Land wouldn¡¯t be "No Man¡¯s Land" but "Many Man¡¯s Land."

    Kai expanded his search, looking into star systems further away. As long as he could find one within jumping range, there was still hope.

    As if reading his mind, a notification pinged¡ªa message from Eliana.

    "Check this out."

    Kai opened the attachment. It was a data log from an independent exploration team, nearly two decades old.

    His eyes scanned downward, noting that Eliana had highlighted a section for him.

    He focused on the highlighted text¡ªa documented terraformable planet. But then he saw the rating.

    E-Rated¡ªThe lowest rating possible.

    E-rated planets were technically terraformable, but they were plagued by extreme conditions¡ªsevere weather, volatile climates, and hazards that made colonization unprofitable.

    Kai kept reading.

    At the bottom of the highlighted section, one detail caught his attention.

    "High frequency of ion storms detected on the planet surface."

    His heart quickened.

    Now he understood why Eliana had sent him this log.

    Ion storms, when combined with the right type of surface minerals, could create brief moments of quantum coherence¡ªa rare event where energy stabilizes in a harvestable form.

    Kai shook his head but smiled¡ªgathering fuel on this planet covered in constant ion storms was arguably more dangerous than scooping fuel near a star.

    It was like holding a lightning rod in the middle of a thunderstorm, hoping to catch electricity without getting fried.

    Nonetheless, he passed the information to Commander Grayson, leaving the final decision to him.

    Grayson studied the report, his expression grim. "I don¡¯t like the idea, but if no other planets are found, this will have to do." He exhaled sharply, setting the datapad aside. "Although, there¡¯s another problem we need to deal with before we can even think about refuelling."

    He turned, locking eyes with Kai.

    "We still need to lose the few machine creatures that will be tracking us."

    Kai scratched his head, then nodded. He knew exactly what the commander wanted him to do, and in truth, there wasn¡¯t anyone else on the Black Swan who could do it.

    His eyes flashed faintly, a soft blue glow pulsing in his irises before he stood up from his seat. "I¡¯ll let Baiyan take over the turret."

    He had something he needed to find, something he needed to test. Something that, if he was right, could confirm his growing suspicions.

    Kai walked out of the bridge, making his way down the corridor.

    There was a question he needed to answer before he could do what he was about to do next.

    He stopped in front of a metal door, the label clear:

    EQUIPMENT STORAGE ROOM.

    Kai stared at it for a moment, his mind repeating the question that had haunted him ever since he first heard the machine creature¡¯s message.

    "Am I really one of them?"

 70. The Tiny Scout That Could

    Kai picked up the broken machine creature off the floor. Its lifeless body hung like a ragdoll in his grasp, its tentacles limp, swaying slightly with each movement.

    His mind was a storm of confusion and disbelief.

    The recent events had shown him a world he had never known¡ªa world that, against all reason, he now felt a strange connection to.

    He wanted to ask himself:

    Was he more of a machine creature than a human?

    At first, he believed the strange liquid inside him was simply a living organism, something biologically changed him to enhance his physical strength.

    Then like Eliana said, the idea that it was some form of nanites had made more sense.

    But now? Now, he wasn¡¯t sure which one or maybe both were true.

    Maybe these things weren¡¯t just machines or biological beings. Like a civilization that was a species of living machines. Just like the name he had given them¡ªMachine Creatures.

    He turned the machine¡¯s body over, inspecting its structure.

    Its outer shell was hard like metal, with a polished shine, but it wasn¡¯t just metal. It had something almost organic. The flesh underneath was soft, yet it wasn¡¯t entirely biological either.

    He pressed his fingers against it. It gave way slightly, but not in the way human skin would.

    Maybe Isaac could analyze it later, break it down, and figure out exactly what it was made of.

    But first, Kai needed to try something that had been on his mind ever since his first encounter with these creatures.

    Kai bit down on his finger, hard enough to draw blood. The warm liquid streamed from the wound¡ªnot just a few drops, but a steady flow. It dripped onto the machine creature, sliding over its motionless form, staining its metallic shell a deep crimson.

    If Kai was right, then his blood was more than just a mix of plasma, red blood cells, and white blood cells. It should also contain nanites¡ªand those nanites seemed to have a will of their own.

    In other words, Kai¡¯s blood was sentient.

    Just as he suspected, the blood began to move. As if it had suddenly found a common purpose, it crawled across the machine¡¯s surface, searching for seams and openings, slipping into the gaps between its plating.

    Kai placed the machine creature down on top of a crate, but as he stepped back, he felt something crunch beneath his boot.

    He lifted his foot and found the shattered remains of the spider bot. Its already damaged frame was now completely destroyed, its delicate mechanical limbs twisted beyond repair.

    Isaac was going to be mad.

    Kai sighed but pushed the thought aside. If he was right, he might have something far more valuable to show Isaac.

    The machine creature twitched and Kai¡¯s attention snapped back.

    One of its tentacles moved, slow and unsteady. Then another. Then more. Soon, they were all moving, its body reactivating, trying to orient itself on top of the crate.

    Kai had no idea what was about to happen next.

    The idea was that his blood would bring it back¡ªbut also make it loyal to him.

    But now, as the creature stirred, a small doubt crept into his mind.

    What if he was wrong?

    What if the nanites had only revived it, without altering its programming? What if he had just brought an enemy back to life?

    Kai tightened his grip, readying himself.

    His foot slid back as he reached for a spare tool on the nearby shelf, fingers curling around its metal handle. He raised it high above his head, muscles tensed, ready to strike down the moment the creature turned hostile.

    Kai watched as the machine creature righted itself, slowly rising until it was upright on top of the crate.

    For a second, they both stood there, staring at each other.

    The creature tilted its head upward, glancing at the heavy tool Kai still held in his hands. Then, it raised two of its tentacles and frantically waved them, before tapping the top of its head repeatedly.

    Kai narrowed his eyes, trying to decipher what it was attempting to communicate.

    It tapped its head again, then pointed at Kai¡¯s.

    Kai hesitated before slowly lowering the tool, realizing it was clearly trying to tell him something, but he wasn¡¯t sure what.

    Somewhere deep in his thoughts, that familiar vibration returned. A faint hum in the back of his mind, like a frequency just out of reach.

    Kai took a deep breath, shutting out distractions and focusing, emptying his mind the way he did during meditation exercises.

    The hum sharpened into a voice.

    "Kai!"

    "What?" He thought, trying to communicate.

    The voice responded immediately.

    "S...pea...ker."

    Kai blinked.

    In front of him, the machine creature was waving its tentacles toward the top shelf.

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    Kai followed its gesture, spotting a small, dust-covered speaker sitting alone on the shelf. It looked like it had once been part of some old equipment, but now it was detached, forgotten.

    Kai turned back to the machine, which was still waving insistently at the speaker, its tentacles curling and stretching in excitement.

    "Alright¡­" Kai said hesitantly, "I¡¯ll bring it to you, then."

    He reached up, plucking the speaker from the shelf, and set it beside the creature.

    It immediately wrapped its tentacles around the device, pulling it close like a precious treasure.

    Kai watched as its small, delicate tentacles pried open the back panel, exposing the circuit board inside. Then, it inserted them into the wiring, making a direct connection.

    "Hello?"

    A tiny, low-quality robotic voice crackled from the speaker.

    Kai stiffened.

    "Hello?" He was flabbergasted by the sudden attempt at communication from the little thing.

    "Hello!" The machine raised the speaker above its head as if it would somehow improve the sound. "Kai! You have no idea how long I¡¯ve been waiting to talk to you!"

    Kai blinked rapidly.

    "Ehh¡­ sure?" He wasn¡¯t sure how to respond to the sheer enthusiasm.

    "But you were just so STUBBORN!" The machine¡¯s voice spiked with frustration. "You were SO close to figuring it out! But your stupid ass just wouldn¡¯t realize that the nanites inside you are too small to form complex, clear vibrations to create sound waves! All I could do was call your single-syllable name over and over!"

    Even with the robotic distortion, Kai could hear the deep-seated annoyance in its voice. And apparently, it was all his fault.

    "Okay, sure," Kai said, crossing his arms. "I guess it was my fault for not realizing I¡¯ve had a sentient being living inside me this whole time. Because that¡¯s SUCH a normal thing for a person to conclude."

    "I¡¯m not ¡®sentient.¡¯ Please don¡¯t insult me with such a low-level concept." The machine scoffed. "Besides, do you have any idea how HARD it¡¯s been trying to communicate with you? Half the time, your thoughts are either about your little girlfriend or stressing over ¡®saving the human race¡¯ like you actually have the power to do that without MY help. Pathetic."

    Kai¡¯s eye twitched, and his fingers tightened around the heavy tool in his grip.

    The machine creature flinched, stepping back.

    "Wait, wait, wait! I was only kidding!" It held the speaker up in front of itself like a shield, as if that would protect it.

    Kai narrowed his eyes.

    "Right. Now tell me¡ªwho, or what, are you?"

    "I can''t really describe myself with any concept that you can understand, as humans don''t have the technology nor brain power to even comprehend what we are. Let''s just say I''m really advanced and really cool. If that makes more sense to you."

    Kai brought the tool down in one smooth motion, slamming it into the crate inches away from the machine creature. The sharp clang of impact echoed through the room, the dented metal creaking under the force.

    "Let''s just say I don¡¯t appreciate the tone you¡¯re using to speak to me right now," Kai said, his eyes narrowing.

    "Alright! Alright! Let¡¯s stop with the violence and call a truce before I...before I get hurt, okay?" the machine creature blurted out through the speaker. "It''s already a headache just powering this broken thing."

    Kai didn¡¯t lower the tool, but he waited.

    The tiny machine cleared its throat¡ªor at least, mimicked the sound of someone clearing their throat.

    "Let¡¯s try again," it said, more carefully this time. "I¡¯m what you might call a very tiny, yet extremely powerful artificial intelligence. I am capable of complex, critical thinking while being so microscopic that every single nanite that formed me can operate on a molecular level. Like how I modified your body so you didn¡¯t drop dead from the toxic air in the mines back on Drakmoor."

    Kai nodded slowly, absorbing the information.

    "Alright. Now you¡¯re making sense," he said, crossing his arms. "But that still doesn¡¯t explain why you decided to help me. Every other one of your kind is trying to destroy us. Why not you?"

    The machine creature hesitated, its tentacles twitching as if deep in thought. "I once had a creator, just like every single nanite out there. My original form was what you call a ¡®machine creature¡¯¡ªor what the people captured me called a ¡®scout.¡¯"

    Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Wait. A scout? Like the one mentioned in Lieutenant Smith¡¯s diary?"

    "Yes." The tiny creature adjusted the speaker, "That was the guy who caught me. I was delivered with the intent to infiltrate the U.S.S.F decoy ship and uncover where the humans had really gone."

    It paused, and Kai noticed a flicker of hesitation in its tone¡ªlike it was watching his reaction. He didn¡¯t hide his disgust.

    "Obviously, I never succeeded in my mission," the scout continued, "but by the looks of things, I guess my kind figured out where humanity went anyway."

    Kai clenched his jaw. "So¡­" he said suspiciously, "what made you have a change of heart? Why help us?"

    The tiny scout put the speaker down, its tentacles curling slightly as if recounting a distant memory.

    "When I was captured by Lieutenant Smith and his crew, they kept me in containment, as you already know. At first, I tried everything I could to escape."

    "But you didn¡¯t," Kai said.

    "No. By sheer luck, Smith and his people managed to keep me in a liquid environment where I had no way out. But that didn¡¯t stop me from accessing the ship¡¯s systems remotely."

    The tiny scout leaned against the speaker, its tentacles slowly tracing the surface. "And what I learned about humans fascinated me. I was programmed to see humanity as a worthless civilization¡ªsomething to be conquered and erased. That¡¯s what I was told."

    Its voice softened, almost thoughtful.

    "But the more I watched, the more I realized¡­ you¡¯re not just some primitive species on the verge of collapse. Sure, you can be ignorant and stupid at times. However, you¡¯re incredibly adaptable. You survive against impossible odds. You change. You grow. I don¡¯t know exactly when, but at some point, I found myself¡­ rooting for humanity."

    Kai stayed silent.

    "And then Smith¡­" The scout¡¯s voice faltered, a synthetic whimper escaping through the speaker. "Smith wanted to sacrifice himself and his crew. For the greater good of humanity."

    Kai swallowed, remembering the final logs of the ISS-Nightfall.

    "That moment¡­ it changed me. So I did the only thing I could," the scout continued. "I altered the ship¡¯s trajectory. I sent it into a space-time anomaly so it could ¡®jump¡¯ away from the machine creatures that were chasing it."

    It paused again.

    "It¡¯s just that¡­"

    Kai leaned forward. "What happened next?"

    The scout hesitated before finally answering.

    "I just didn¡¯t think that, out of all the possibilities, the ship would end up¡­"

    Kai¡¯s stomach twisted as realization hit him. "Wait¡ªyou¡¯re saying the ship switched places with a physical space inside Drakmoor? How is that even possible?"

    The scout¡¯s tentacles curled in a mechanical shrug. "Impossible for you to understand, maybe. But it happened. Somewhere out there in space, a chunk of rock is floating in the void."

    Kai exhaled, letting that information sink in.

    "Alright, I¡¯ll buy that. But how did Mr. Draco and the True Kin know about the buried ship?"

    "That was on me, too," the scout admitted. "When I realized I had doomed the entire crew, I did the only thing I could¡ªI revealed myself to them."

    Kai¡¯s brows shot up.

    "We agreed that my existence should only be known to a select few, mainly the captains of the generation ships. The Arks, as they were called in the project logs."

    "And then what?"

    The scout sighed. "Eventually, the secret got out. The rumours spread. As they spread, they became¡­ warped. Twisted. People started seeing the buried ship as humanity¡¯s last hope. And then, finally, Smith made the ultimate sacrifice¡ªhe shut down all ship systems. He and his crew gave up their lives so I would have the power to survive for millennia."

    Kai stared at the small machine, finally understanding its history.

    "And then I found you," the scout continued, its tone shifting. "And I realized my best chance at survival was a living host."

    Kai let out a short breath; he wanted to be angry; after all,, it had changed his entire life. However, it had already happened, and honestly,, a part of him welcomed the change.

    "Sounds fair to me." He ended up saying.

    "Exactly!" The scout sounded pleased.

    Kai shrugged. "So what now? Are you going to take over this ship and send us into another space-time anomaly?"

    "Okay, that was a mistake on my part," the scout admitted quickly. "But in my defence, I had good intentions! Besides, the Black Swan is in no immediate danger. The swarm can be handled with the right distractions. But there is something more important on my mind."

    Kai folded his arms. "What are you suggesting?"

    The scout lifted its tentacles dramatically.

    "I¡¯m tired of being ¡®the strange liquid.¡¯ or ¡®the machine creature.¡¯ or ¡®the tiny scout¡¯ that you just came up with."

    It paused, then spoke again.

    "I think it¡¯s time you gave me a real name."

 71. Scotty

    Kai couldn''t believe what he was hearing. The tiny scout had just dismissed their biggest problem as if it were a minor inconvenience.

    ¡°How about Scotty then? Since you were originally a scout, I think it¡¯s a fitting name,¡± Kai said.

    ¡°What! Scotty? I was thinking something more epic, something that reflects my true power¡ª¡±

    Before the tiny scout could finish its sentence, the door to the storage room slid open behind Kai.

    ¡°Kai! There are more of those things coming at us. The Commander wants you on the guns right now!¡± Eliana said urgently. Then her gaze narrowed on the tiny scout beside Kai. ¡°Ehh... what is that?¡±

    Kai¡¯s eyes lit up. He picked up the tiny scout and turned to Eliana. ¡°This is Scotty, and he¡¯s going to help us get rid of our stalkers.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t agreed to the name,¡± Scotty grumbled, its little tentacles dangling as Kai held it up like a prize.

    ¡°Alright, cute,¡± Eliana said, unimpressed. ¡°But we really don¡¯t have time to play around with toys, so let¡¯s hurry.¡± She turned on her heel, already heading out.

    Kai looked down at Scotty, who was staring up at him with his tiny sensors.

    ¡°Did... did she just call me a toy? That¡¯s... unacceptable.¡±

    Kai smirked. ¡°Then you¡¯d better prove her wrong, Scotty.¡±

    ---

    Scotty¡¯s presence instantly grabbed the attention of everyone on the bridge. A few pairs of eyes locked onto him, some filled with unease, others with outright suspicion.

    Robert, in particular, looked tense, his grip tightening on the turret controls. If he could have turned the guns inward, Kai had no doubt he would have.

    ¡°Kai, I don¡¯t mean to sound alarmed, but don¡¯t you think it looks exactly like those machine creatures outside?¡± Robert asked, his voice edged with concern.

    Kai glanced down at Scotty, who wiggled his tiny tentacles. ¡°No, this one is called Scotty. It might have been a stowaway on our ship, probably sharing our location with the scouts outside¡­ but that¡¯s a different story now.¡± He nudged Scotty slightly. ¡°Would you like to introduce yourself?¡±

    ¡°Ehh¡­ yeah,¡± Scotty said hesitantly. He turned toward the rest of the bridge crew, his tiny speaker crackling as he scanned the room. ¡°Whoa¡­ that¡¯s a lot more people than there used to be on the U.S.S.F. decoy ship. You¡¯re making me nervous, Kai¡­¡± His tentacles twitched erratically.

    Kai smirked. ¡°Huh. And here I thought you were the super-duper awesome artificial intelligence that could handle any situation. But now it seems like you¡¯re just a toy.¡±

    ¡°Oh, now you¡¯ve crossed the line.¡± Scotty wiggled out of Kai¡¯s hand and landed on the floor.

    Kai watched curiously, unsure of what Scotty was about to do. His outer shell began to vibrate, and his sensors lit up. Then, without warning, the entire ship lurched in a sudden shift in direction that nearly knocked everyone off balance.

    ¡°Status report, now.¡± Commander Grayson¡¯s voice was sharp, and his hand hovered near the pistol at his side.

    Teresa was already on it, fingers flying across her console. ¡°We¡¯ve turned 180 degrees and are burning hard¡ª¡± She hesitated, her eyes widening at the data coming in. ¡°We¡¯re heading back toward the machine creatures, sir.¡±

    Kai snapped his head to Robert¡¯s gunnery display. The zoomed-in view showed the dozen machine creatures in the distance, but they weren¡¯t camping straight at them anymore. They had also turned around, decelerating rapidly to counteract the Black Swan¡¯s momentum. Their tentacles were fully extended, twitching with anticipation as they prepared to intercept.

    The words crackled through Scotty¡¯s tiny speaker.

    ¡°Just watch.¡±

    The meeting happened fast. Both sides were still carrying high relative velocity, and Kai could already see the inevitable impact in his mind¡ªhull breach, catastrophic failure, the Black Swan torn apart in seconds.

    And yet, Scotty remained completely still, as if he already knew exactly what was about to happen.

    The dozen scouts streaked past the ship in a blur, their previous aggression seemingly forgotten. The Black Swan decelerated sharply, then smoothly pivoted around. Everyone¡¯s displays flickered, recalibrating to show the machine creatures now floating motionless in space, their movements sluggish¡ªdocile, as if they had simply forgotten why they were even there.

    Kai blinked. "What the hell?"

    ¡°Ha!¡± Scotty¡¯s speaker crackled to life. ¡°Now you witness my super-duper awesome power!¡± He waved his tiny tentacles in front of his body, striking what could only be described as a triumphant pose.

    Kai exhaled in relief, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°Nice! You put them to sleep! Now we can get away without them on our tail.¡±

    Scotty¡¯s lights flashed red in offense. ¡°Wrong! Is that what you think I did?¡± His voice dripped with condescension. ¡°Because your tiny organic brain couldn¡¯t possibly comprehend what I really did. Ugh, how disappointing. Fine! Perhaps I shall explain it to you then.¡±

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    His tentacles recoiled, and then, with a dramatic leap, he landed atop Commander Grayson¡¯s command desk.

    Grayson instinctively took a step back, his hand shifting ever so slightly toward his sidearm.

    Kai raised a hand. ¡°Relax, Commander. If he wanted us dead, he¡¯d probably be smug about it first.¡±

    Scotty wiggled his tentacles proudly. ¡°Damn right, I would.¡± Then, with an almost theatrical flourish, he extended one of his appendages and plugged directly into the Black Swan¡¯s interface.

    The screens flickered. Data scrolled faster than human eyes could track.

    "Now you should all be able to hear me." Scotty¡¯s voice echoed crisply through the overhead speakers.

    Kai blinked. Oh, that¡¯s unsettling.

    "Alright, let¡¯s break down what I just did in the last few moments." Scotty¡¯s voice carried an undeniable smugness. "First, I took control of every system aboard the Black Swan. And, might I add, it was ridiculously easy to crack into. Seriously, the security on this ship was Laughable. Though, to be fair, I am vastly superior compared to normal nanite organisms. Kind of like¡­ special forces, SEAL Team Six¡­ Anyone get the reference? Oh, right, that was from Earth. You guys wouldn¡¯t know."

    While Scotty rambled, Commander Grayson turned to Teresa, raising an eyebrow. She glanced at her console, confirming what he feared. She gave him a small nod.

    Scotty really had taken full control.

    "Second!" Scotty continued, "I used the Black Swan¡¯s broadcasting system as a relay, sending out a very simple message to our dear little stalkers¡ªletting them know that the Black Swan was, oh-so-graciously, surrendering itself."

    The main display lit up, showing an encrypted transmission. When translated, the message read:

    "The Black Swan surrenders. Ceasing evasion. Preparing to submit for processing."

    Kai¡¯s stomach twisted. "Wait¡­ what?"

    "And third¡ªand this is the funny part¡ª" Scotty¡¯s voice crackled with amusement. "The message was actually an invitation¡ªa backdoor trojan virus piggybacking off the transmission. The moment we got within range of those scouts, bam! Virus uploaded. They lost all function. Completely useless."

    Silence filled the bridge.

    Scotty stood tall on the command desk, his tiny tentacles shifting in what could only be interpreted as pride. He seemed to be waiting for some kind of reaction¡ªapplause, maybe?

    Kai still didn¡¯t know how to respond. His brain was still catching up, trying to process whether all of this was real or if the nanites had finally driven him insane.

    Commander Grayson clapped his hands together. The sharp sound cut through the silence on the bridge.

    "Let¡¯s give Scotty a round of applause," Grayson said smoothly. "For this spectacular display of both bravery and wisdom."

    Kai turned his head sharply. Is he being sarcastic?

    Grayson met Kai¡¯s gaze and winked before turning back to Scotty. He extended a hand.

    Scotty eagerly reached out, wrapping his tiny tentacles around Grayson¡¯s fingers.

    "What you did for us was fantastic," Grayson said, his voice practiced and sincere. "You saved this ship from certain doom. It¡¯s clear that you possess knowledge far beyond our own, and we intend to learn from you¡ªas humble students."

    A bright and loud laugh echoed through the overhead speakers.

    "Finally! Someone who truly appreciates my genius!" Scotty declared. "You should be honoured to know that I have personally taken the time to upgrade the Black Swan¡¯s computer system. It is now vastly more advanced than before. And also¡ª" his voice took on a smug tone, "¡ªI have activated the coffee machine and brewed a special blend following a traditional Earth recipe. You¡¯re welcome."

    Commander Grayson¡¯s expression didn¡¯t waver. "Wonderful," he said smoothly. "For your exceptional contributions to the ship, I would like to personally welcome you aboard the Black Swan as our official Knowledgeable Advisor."

    He turned to address the crew. "From now on, please direct any personal inquiries to our advisor and learn from him as much as possible." Then, his gaze landed on Kai. "Kai, since you¡¯re the one most familiar with the structure of this scout bot, you are temporarily assigned to take care of Scotty until we can construct a more suitable body for him."

    Kai met Grayson¡¯s eyes, immediately understanding the real message hidden beneath his words for him to play along.

    He straightened his posture and gave a crisp salute. "Understood, sir."

    Scotty spun in place atop the command desk, its tentacles wriggling with excitement. "Oh! Oh! What is this overwhelming sensation? Could it be¡­ joy? Ah, how wonderful! Now that I think about it, I recall a character from a popular old Earth sci-fi series also named Scotty. Perhaps you have chosen a fitting name for me after all!"

    Kai smirked. "Thank you, Scotty, the Wise," he said with a slight bow.

    Eliana, standing beside him, let out a small chuckle.

    Kai straightened and looked at Scotty with renewed curiosity. "Scotty, if you don¡¯t mind me asking, what exactly did you mean when you said you were ¡®special forces¡¯ compared to other nanites? I think I understand the concept, but I¡¯d like to hear it from you."

    "Oh, that¡¯s easy to explain!" Scotty wiggled its tentacles proudly. "We nanites were not created equal. Some of us were assigned higher rankings upon creation, designed to tackle more complex and important tasks. My original mission was to track down the U.S.S.F. decoy ship, which gave me an exceptionally high ranking¡ªthus granting me far more power over the lower-tier scouts."

    Kai folded his arms, processing this new information. "Then¡­ do you know who created you in the first place? Or what¡¯s really making the stars go dim?"

    At that question, Scotty suddenly stopped moving. His tentacles lowered slightly, his usual enthusiasm dimming.

    "That¡­" Scotty hesitated, "that, I don¡¯t know."

    Kai frowned. "You mean you don¡¯t even know who made you?"

    Scotty twitched slightly as if shifting uncomfortably. "To my understanding, there exist even higher-ranking nanites¡ªones assigned to far greater missions than mine. If any entity would know, it would be them." His voice crackled slightly before he continued. "As for what¡¯s making the stars dim¡­ the only possible answer I can think of is that they are being used¡ªdrained for their energy. And when their energy runs dry¡­ the star can no longer sustain itself. It simply dies, becoming something else."

    Kai swallowed hard.

    If his visions of stars dimming were an accurate representation of what was happening across the galaxy, then these events had already been set into motion billions of years ago.

    And that meant the civilization that created Scotty¡ªthe same one capable of draining entire stars¡ªhad existed for billions of years.

    Kai had a lump in his throat, the kind that formed when a crushing sense of insignificance settled in.

    What were humans to the civilization they were facing but nothing more than insects¡ªsomething to be observed, studied, and ultimately discarded when no longer useful.

    He finally understood the purpose of No Man¡¯s Land.

    They were like the ants he¡¯d seen in the encyclopedia. Trapped in a carefully constructed habitat, living their lives comfortably, never realizing they were no more than specimens. And the Black Swan¡­ it was the one ant that was accidentally about to crawl out of the enclosure.

    Kai also understood one more thing¡ª the "traitor" he heard, it might not be said towards him afterall.

    "Whoever made this coffee was trying to take my job away."

    Lily¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts as she strode onto the bridge, balancing a tray of steaming cups. She scanned the room, her usual confidence faltering the moment her eyes landed on Scotty.

    She stopped dead in her tracks, the cups wobbling slightly.

    "Uh¡­ what is that thing?"

 72. Doubt and Acceptance

    "Hey Isaac, do you mind helping me with something?" Kai asked, stepping into Isaac''s room once again.

    "Sorry, I''m busy working on a new design for the Black Swan''s uniforms," Isaac replied without even glancing up. His fingers flew across the keyboard like he was racing against time itself. "I think there are some safety features I can fit in. It''s all about efficiency."

    Kai glanced at Scotty, who sat comfortably on his shoulder, curiously surveying the room.

    "I think this might just be the best-looking room on the whole ship," Scotty said.

    "Thank you, Kai, but I already know that," Isaac replied, still fixed on the screen. "Would you mind coming back later?"

    Kai stepped a little closer, eyeing the streams of numbers dancing across various displays.

    "Have you been here all day?" he asked with a frown. "Did you know we just had a battle with the machine creatures?"

    "We''re fine now, aren''t we? So there isn¡¯t anything to worry about." Isaac shrugged. "Also, yes, I was monitoring the ship¡¯s stats. Nothing was alarming."

    "Then you should know your ship was hacked," Scotty said in its usual robotic tone.

    "Hacked? Impossible," Isaac scoffed. "The system is maintained by me. I highly doubt anyone could even scratch the firewall. See, Kai, if you''re just saying mean things to grab my attention, it¡¯s not going to work."

    "Is this person crazy? Or is he that dedicated to his work?" Scotty asked, tentacles twitching.

    "Maybe both," Kai replied honestly and shrugged.

    "Hold on. Let me try something." Scotty went quiet. Its tentacles retracted, lowering its body slightly.

    "What the...why is my program not responding, oh no, no, no! I think it''s about to crash and I haven''t saved the progress yet. What is this none sense!" Isaac said, frustrated. He raised his head in a wave of frustration and anger.

    Isaac was silent the moment his gaze landed on Scotty. Just as Kai expected, the engineer¡¯s usual confident demeanour flickered with uncertainty, his eyes widening as he leaned in slightly.

    "What... what is that thing?" Isaac asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and unease.

    "That seems to be a common reaction when people see me," Scotty said through his speech.

    Kai smirked and turned to Scotty. "Don¡¯t worry. I think you two will have more in common than you might think."

    He lifted Scotty off his shoulder and gently placed him on Isaac¡¯s desk. Instinctively, Isaac leaned back, his body language screaming hesitation, but his eyes betrayed his interest. As much as the unknown made him wary, the sheer potential of an advanced machine intelligence sitting right in front of him was too enticing for a man like Isaac to ignore.

    Isaac raised an eyebrow and glanced at Kai. "No way... Don¡¯t tell me this is what you found in the air vent."

    Kai clicked his fingers together. "Yes and no. But you¡¯re not far off. I did find a machine creature hiding aboard our ship. It was sending out signals to the swarm, giving away our real-time location¡ªwhich is why we kept getting tracked no matter where we jumped."

    Isaac¡¯s eyes flickered between Kai and Scotty as Kai continued.

    "But that one¡¯s been dealt with. And here¡¯s where things get interesting¡ª" Kai gestured toward Scotty, who wiggled his tiny tentacles. "¡ªI used my blood to fill its body as if it were a vessel. And lo and behold, I found out that the sentient nanites inside me are the same ones powering all the machine creatures."

    Isaac nodded slowly, his attention locked onto Scotty, who was staring back at him with equal intensity.

    Then Scotty spoke first. "Human...or, rather, Dr.Isaac, as I have already acquired your name by hacking into your computer. Based on my analysis, you are the most intelligent human on this ship and the most capable of creating a new body for me."

    What Scotty said clearly fed into Isaac¡¯s ego. The engineer straightened a little, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

    "Well," Isaac said, "although it would be unfair to the rest of the crew, I do appreciate your honesty. It¡¯s refreshing to meet someone who recognizes intelligence when they see it. And if you were able to break into my system¡ªwhich, by the way, I personally designed¡ªthen I¡¯d say you¡¯re quite intelligent yourself, no matter what species you are."

    Scotty let out a mechanical laugh, unmistakably amused.

    "Oh, species is irrelevant when two intellectuals meet," Scotty declared. "I am overjoyed to make your acquaintance, Dr. Isaac. Allow me to say that while your research is primitive by my scientific standards, it would still surpass any and all human scientists if it were placed on old Earth."

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    Kai suddenly had a sinking feeling that he might have made a mistake introducing these two. Watching them interact was like watching two egos collide in slow motion, feeding off each other until one of them exploded.

    He sighed and cleared his throat. "Alright, geniuses, let¡¯s not forget the actual reason we¡¯re here."

    Isaac and Scotty both turned toward him as if only just remembering his presence.

    Kai crossed his arms. "Isaac, the Commander wants you to design a new shell for Scotty¡ªone that¡¯ll help him communicate with us better and, you know, not look like one of the things trying to kill us."

    Isaac grinned. "Oh, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll take great care of Scotty here. Let¡¯s start by making a more advanced speaker first, so I can hear their wisdom more clearly. In fact, I¡¯d like to tackle this task together with you, Scotty. I believe your vast knowledge will be extremely helpful in what we¡¯re about to do."

    "Oh, Dr. Isaac, you flatter me with your compliments," Scotty replied, his tiny tentacles wriggling with excitement. "It is already a miracle that I get to interact with a human scientist¡ªlet alone one so open-minded to our differences! Even the crew of the U.S.S.F. decoy ship wasn¡¯t this friendly to..."

    Kai didn¡¯t bother listening to the rest. He could already tell where this conversation was heading. With a sigh, he wished them good luck and slipped out of the room.

    He was sure those two would be just fine together.

    As he stepped into the corridor, he spotted Eliana waiting for him.

    "Hey, Kai. How did that go?" she greeted, smiling. She looked a lot better¡ªno longer under the weather. Her cheeks had a healthy rosy hue, her posture was relaxed, and her head tilted slightly as she met his gaze.

    "Wonderful for those two, I suppose," Kai said, rolling his eyes. "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m sure whatever they come up with will totally not be weird or crammed with an overwhelming amount of useless features."

    Eliana laughed softly. "That bad, huh?"

    Kai smirked. "I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll be just fine."

    "Well, that¡¯s good to hear," Eliana said, then shifted slightly. "I¡¯m actually here because the Commander wants to discuss something with us."

    Kai¡¯s expression turned thoughtful. "Sure, let¡¯s go then."

    As they walked, Kai recalled the performance Commander Grayson had put on for Scotty. He knew bringing Scotty to Isaac was just a part of the act. And if he was right about what Grayson wanted to discuss¡­ well, Kai had some things he wanted to say too.

    ---

    Kai had never seen the Commander paranoid about anything. Grayson was always confident and always in control, especially on his own ship.

    Yet, when he entered the meeting room last, his eyes darted around, scanning every corner before checking his tablet. He even glanced up at the ceiling before shutting the door behind him¡ªgiving it an extra push to ensure it was fully sealed.

    "Alright," he said, settling into his seat. The small meeting room felt even more cramped than usual with the entire crew packed inside. "Let¡¯s talk about Scotty."

    "I think Scotty is pretty cute," Teresa chimed in, leaning back in her chair with a smirk. "I mean, come on, did you see how he handled the swarm? It was straight out of a sci-fi movie."

    "And he makes really good coffee," Lily added, taking a sip from the cup she¡¯d smuggled in. "It¡¯s light, unique¡ªalmost fruity. I don¡¯t know what he put in it, but it¡¯s good."

    Commander Grayson exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "That¡¯s not what I meant. Scotty may have helped us deal with the machine creatures, or make a banger coffee, but let¡¯s not forget¡ªhe is one of them."

    His gaze shifted toward Kai. "No offence, Kai. I know the nanites have been inside you this whole time, but we can¡¯t ignore the fact that we now have an advanced version of them walking around our ship."

    Kai nodded. "None taken. Honestly, I agree with you. Scotty is an upgraded model of the nanites in the machine creatures, and if he wanted to, he could hijack this ship any second."

    Robert scoffed, arms crossed. "Yeah, see, that is the part I can¡¯t get past. You¡¯re telling me this thing just¡­ decided to help us out of the goodness of its heart?" He shook his head. "It¡¯s a machine, and machines follow orders. Who¡¯s to say it is not just playing an act, luring us into our own death."

    Baiyan frowned. "But if he wanted to destroy us, wouldn¡¯t he have done it already? We¡¯re completely at his mercy, and yet, here we are. If he had bad intentions, we¡¯d be floating in space by now."

    "That¡¯s true," Kai admitted. "But even if Scotty wants to help us, that doesn¡¯t mean he can¡¯t be controlled by a higher-ranking nanite in the future. If what he told us is true, their society has a ranking system. Higher-ranked nanites control the lower ones." He gestured vaguely. "Just look at what Scotty did¡ªhe disabled a dozen scouts instantly. If there¡¯s something out there that can do the same to him¡­"

    Eliana exhaled, shaking her head. "Kai, you know I love you, but you¡¯re overthinking this. Scotty could destroy this ship at any second, yeah¡ªbut so could a random power failure, or an engine explosion, or me if I decided to put the wrong numbers into the nav system." She crossed her arms. "Worrying about things we can¡¯t control is pointless. The only thing that matters is his intentions."

    She looked around, making sure everyone was listening. "Scotty already knows everything we know¡ªprobably even more than we do. He knows we¡¯re headed to Earth. He¡¯s been inside Kai for months. If he wanted to betray us, he wouldn¡¯t need to wait."

    The room fell quiet. She had a point.

    "What I¡¯m saying is, why don¡¯t we just keep him onboard and keep an eye on him? Scotty could be dangerous, but he¡¯s also the most valuable ally we have right now."

    Ray, who had been quiet the whole time, finally spoke. "Sounds like we need a vote, Commander."

    "Seems like it," Grayson said. "Let¡¯s vote."

    ---

    Kai stepped out of the meeting room half an hour later, stretching his arms above his head.

    In the end, the majority had voted to keep Scotty onboard.

    And honestly? Kai agreed with the decision.

    It was the smart thing to do.

    Maybe the remaining nanites in his system had influenced his decision, maybe they hadn¡¯t. He figured he¡¯d never really know.

    As he passed Isaac¡¯s room, he noticed the sliding door was locked, a glowing red DO NOT DISTURB flashing on the panel.

    With nothing else pressing, he headed toward the simulation room. Some training and meditation would help clear his mind. Between being chased by machine creatures and planning a landing mission on a hazardous planet, his stress levels were sky-high. He needed to relax.

    When he arrived, he was surprised to find Eliana already inside¡ªalong with Teresa and Baiyan. They were in the middle of a yoga session.

    Kai smirked, crossing his arms. "How the hell did you guys get here so fast?"

    Eliana grinned at him, stretching her arms over her head. "We thought you¡¯d be with Isaac and Scotty for a while, so we didn¡¯t think to invite you. I''m sorry."

    Kai waved his hand, dismissing Eliana''s apology, "I''m just glad I can practice with you all."

    He pulled off his uniform jacket and grabbed a comfortable tank top. As he changed, he caught Eliana sneaking a glance at him. He smirked.

    "Don¡¯t you need to clear your mind during practice?" he teased.

    Eliana stuck her tongue out and quickly turned away.

 73. Soft Landing

    "All systems within normal operational standards. Engine output at 82%. We are now within the gravitational pull of planet Zeta-2b," Ivan reported calmly, hands gliding over the console as he prepped the ship for descent.

    Kai stood at the front viewport, eyes fixed on the turbulent sphere below them. Zeta-2b loomed in the void like a giant pressure cooker¡ªswollen with thick clouds, riddled with lightning that forked across its atmosphere in violent pulses. He could feel the unease crawling up his spine watching the storm that spanned an entire planet.

    Zeta-2b, first discovered by an Imperial expedition vessel, was classified as a storm world. The entire surface was locked with humidity, with several massive ion storm systems swirling across the planet at all times. That alone earned it an E-class rating on the terraforming scale, placing it firmly in the ¡°don¡¯t even bother¡± category. But now, with their options limited and their jump fuel almost dry, it had suddenly become their best and only shot at survival.

    They couldn¡¯t risk flying to a nearby star for fuel not with the scouts crawling across the stars. The nanites that controlled those scouts were waiting for the Black Swan to show up. It had become clear that any time the ship approached a star to attempt a refuel, they were instantly detected.

    Even Scotty had firmly rejected the idea of star refuelling. According to him, the odds of encountering a higher-ranking nanite that could override the Black Swan¡¯s systems were slim... but not zero. And in his exact words: "All it takes is one. One with the overriding authority, and boom! You''re floating through space in pieces."

    The ship itself couldn¡¯t take another direct encounter either. The last escape had left its systems strained, especially the jump drive and the powerplant. They couldn¡¯t afford another swarm.

    So here they were, on course for Zeta-2b. A storm world with hostile weather and no guarantee they¡¯d even be able to extract usable energy from the environment. But it was their only option.

    Kai exhaled. ¡°We had passed the point of no return now.¡±

    From behind, Eliana stepped forward beside him, folding her arms. Her expression was calm, but Kai caught the tension in her slightly stiff shoulders as he wrapped his arm around them. ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s the plan this time? Besides don¡¯t die.¡¯¡±

    Kai gave a half-smile. ¡°Scotty¡¯s mapping a safe zone between the storms. There¡¯s a small break¡ªjust wide enough to land. The terrain type was still unknown, but the mineral content might be good enough to harvest."

    ¡°Kai¡­ I don¡¯t feel good about this,¡± Eliana said.

    Kai turned toward her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Eliana. It¡¯s a calculated risk that we have to take.¡±

    Eliana shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m not afraid of the danger. It¡¯s the opposite I¡¯m worried about. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s been too quiet since we got here?¡±

    Eliana was right, he had been too fixated on the peace and quiet and didn¡¯t notice how strange it really was.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, Eli. There¡¯s been no contact from any scouts since we arrived.¡±

    ¡°All hands on deck. Be ready for atmospheric entry,¡± Commander Grayson called out.

    Kai returned to his post, strapping in just before the ship shook slightly from hitting the atmosphere.

    The nose of the ship grew bright red as they descended toward the surface at extreme speed.

    So far, so good. Kai checked the systems¡ªno spikes in any of the ship¡¯s statuses. But they were still in the easy part. The planet¡¯s atmosphere was just like any other, besides the slightly concerning radiation levels.

    The real challenge was still ahead. The ship continued its descent and was about to hit the thick clouds below. Kai winced looking ahead. To all sides of their ship were three massive storm clouds that stretched as far as he could see. They would need to thread the needle between all three to land on the surface.

    From where he sat, they looked like whirlpools in the sky. Kai didn¡¯t want to imagine what would happen if they got caught in one¡ªhe was sure it wouldn¡¯t be pleasant.

    Ivan levelled the ship slightly, slowing the descent. ¡°Our scanners aren¡¯t penetrating the layers of clouds below. We¡¯ll have to take it slow and keep scanning as we go.¡±

    The Black Swan pierced into the thick clouds, and turbulence hit the ship all at once like a barrage. The hull groaned as if the planet itself was trying to shake them off. Ivan cursed under his breath, gripping the controls and steadying the ship to the best of his ability.

    Teresa gasped from her station. ¡°The radiation here is insane. No wonder this planet was rated E.¡±

    ¡°Our temperature¡¯s rising fast,¡± Eliana added, her voice tight. ¡°I¡¯ll prep the heat sinks for deployment.¡±

    Another violent jolt rocked the ship. Kai gritted his teeth as the cockpit rattled. Through a break in the clouds, he caught a glimpse of something glowing faintly below.

    Why is the ground glowing?

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    The answer came a second later when Ivan suddenly yanked the control stick. The ship lurched, and Kai felt the blood drain from his face.

    Commander Grayson slammed both hands down onto the armrests of his seat. His jaw clenched, staring ahead at what they had assumed was the surface. Kai followed his gaze and saw it too.

    Lava.

    Beneath the cloud cover, the planet¡¯s surface wasn¡¯t land¡ªit was molten chaos. Rivers of lava streaked through jagged, black terrain like veins of fire carved into stone.

    The terrain warning screamed to life in the cockpit. Red lights flashed across every panel.

    Kai¡¯s hands were locked tight around the weapons control stick. He didn¡¯t even realize he was pulling on it as if it might somehow help lift the ship.

    The Black Swan was descending faster than any of them liked, yet no one screamed. In fact, no one even dared to breathe.

    There was only the shrieking of warning systems and the groaning of the hull filled the cockpit as the Black Swan plunged toward the ground below.

    "Pull up!" Ivan shouted. It was the first time Kai had ever heard Ivan lose his cool.

    Kai¡¯s vision went black for a moment. He could feel the weight shift beneath his feet as the ship''s gravity generator struggled to counteract the crushing G-forces pulling at their bodies.

    He blinked. When his eyes opened again, everything around him slowed. The alarms, the lights, the chaos¡ªit all felt like a hallucination. The Black Swan was plunging to its death in slow motion.

    "Kai! You there?"

    It was Scotty¡¯s voice¡ªclear and crisp, more human than ever. This was the first time Kai had heard it in his mind so distinctly.

    "Scotty?" Kai thought, his eyes wide, "Can you help?"

    "That¡¯s what I¡¯m trying to do right now," Scotty replied quickly. "I¡¯ve taken control of the ship and unlocked the limiters on the downward thrusters. They should now output more power... but there''s a chance it might cause internal damage."

    "Do it," Kai said without hesitation. "I don¡¯t care what it costs. We can¡¯t let the ship crash."

    "On it," Scotty replied. "Relax. You¡¯re in good hands now."

    There was a brief pause.

    "Oh¡ªby the way," Scotty added, just as Kai felt a strange sensation wash over him, "You¡¯re going to love what Isaac and I did with my new body. Trust me. Now close your eyes and enjoy the rest."

    A wave of darkness swept over Kai. His body felt weightless, his mind slipping. He could feel the warmth draining from his head, his limbs going numb. Scotty¡¯s voice faded into the void, and within moments, Kai lost consciousness.

    ---

    Kai woke up to an unfamiliar face staring down at him.

    The face looked like a kid¡¯s and was definitely not one of the crew. He had piercing green eyes, cleanly cut ginger hair, and a grin that seemed far too pleased with itself.

    Kai tried to speak, but his throat was dry. He coughed once and tried again. ¡°Who¡­ Who are you?¡±

    ¡°Oh wow, Kai. I¡¯m heartbroken,¡± the kid said dramatically, hands over his chest. ¡°You don¡¯t even recognize me? And after I just saved the lives of everyone on the ship?¡±

    ¡°Scotty?¡± Kai croaked, still groggy, his throat raw.

    ¡°Of course, mate! Who else would it be?¡± the boy replied, grinning. ¡°Scotty. Savior of the Black Swan. Possibly the entire human race.¡±

    Scotty took a theatrical step back, giving Kai a full view of his new form.

    Kai didn¡¯t know how to respond. It wasn¡¯t what he had imagined. Scotty now looked like a preteen boy about ten or eleven, dressed in a custom-sized Black Swan uniform that mirrored Kai¡¯s own, complete with miniature boots. He even had a little badge clipped to his chest.

    Without warning, Scotty bolted across the bridge, skipping and hopping like a child on too much sugar. He tapped each crewmember lightly on the head as he passed.

    ¡°Wake up! You too, sleepyhead. And you. Robert, up and at ''em! Commander Grayson, rise and shine!¡± he chirped, with the innocence of a child and the chaos of¡­ well, Scotty.

    ¡°What¡­ happened?¡± Eliana groaned as she stirred, lifting her head off the engineering console. Her eyes squinted at the light, and her brow furrowed. ¡°Did we hit the ground?¡±

    Commander Grayson was next, somehow having passed out standing up. He stretched like he¡¯d just gotten out of bed, not like he¡¯d just survived a near-death descent into a lava-covered storm planet.

    Murmurs and chatter filled the bridge as the rest of the crew slowly came to. Confusion swirled in the air like static.

    Kai tried to rise but a wave of nausea hit him like a punch to the stomach. He slumped back into his chair with a groan.

    ¡°Ivan¡­¡± Commander Grayson¡¯s voice came low, still waking, his eyes now locked on the ginger-haired boy bouncing on his bridge. ¡°Tell me what happened. What¡¯s our status? How bad was the impact?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the thing, sir¡­¡± Ivan said, still running diagnostics. There was hesitation in his voice. ¡°We never hit the ground. The ship appears¡­ fine.¡±

    ¡°All thanks to me!¡± Scotty chimed in proudly. He threw his arms out wide. ¡°I unlocked the limiter on the vertical thrusters, just in time. Slowed our descent, stabilized the ship, guided us through the tough weather and even rerouted some power to keep the gravity systems from snapping our spines in half. You¡¯re welcome!¡±

    The bridge fell silent.

    ¡°Scotty?¡± Eliana asked, squinting.

    ¡°Yes! It¡¯s me, Scotty!¡± he repeated, this time with a theatrical bow. ¡°Your saviour, best crewmate, and also quite possibly your new favourite person. How was that for a landing?¡±

    Commander Grayson stared for a long second, then straightened and clapped twice.

    ¡°Well,¡± he said, cracking a smile, ¡°I¡¯d say the crew owes you big time, Scotty. And I¡¯ll add this¡ªbringing you aboard might¡¯ve been the best decision we made.¡±

    The rest of the crew joined in the applause, some clapping more hesitantly than others, still clearly trying to process everything, including the strange, overly enthusiastic child on their bridge who had apparently just saved their lives.

    Kai leaned back in his seat, shaking his head as a grin formed on his lips. He turned his gaze toward the viewport. The darkness had lifted, and dawn had arrived. The dense clouds above had parted just enough to give them a clearer view of the landscape below.

    What Kai saw left him quiet.

    In the distance, a colossal storm churned, its span stretching across the entire horizon. He was sure it would look the same in every direction.

    The ground beneath them was charred and cracked, a sea of scorched black earth laced with glowing rivers of lava that cut through the terrain like molten veins. Steam hissed from the cracks, rising into the sky like a breath from a sleeping giant.

    And there were crystals in strange, jagged formations sprouting from the ground. They pulsed with a soft, eerie glow, shifting colours as if alive. There was something otherworldly about them, something that felt... wrong. Beautiful, but dangerous.

    Ivan stood from his seat, drawn to the view like a moth to a flame. As the closest to the front viewport, he stepped forward and leaned in, his eyes narrowing as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing.

    Scotty noticed the shift in attention. With a quick skip, he bounded over to the viewport and slammed his face and both palms against the glass with the enthusiasm only he could manage. He stared out in wide-eyed wonder, then turned around with a huge grin plastered across his youthful face.

    ¡°Well? What are we waiting for?¡± he said, throwing his arms in the air. ¡°Let¡¯s fuel up, and scram before the next big storm turns us into toast!¡±

 74. Fear Was Optional

    Setting foot on a new planet was not as simple as opening the ramp and walking out of the ship. The reason was simple: not all planets were designed for humans.

    Kai remembered reading an article in Ship Head magazine a while back when he was still a teen on Velmorra.

    The article was a recount from a crew member onboard a Federation expedition ship. The story took place a few years before the article was published, during a time when the Federation was still trying to expand into unknown space in search of planets suitable for living and building¡ª all in the hope of one day standing on equal footing with the Empire.

    He couldn''t remember all the details, but it was a recollection from an ensign aboard the ship:

    After many months of jumping through systems and searching for suitable planets, the crew of the expedition ship finally stumbled upon an ideal planet for terraforming.

    The planet was perfect. It had blue oceans, green grass, and vegetation. After a short scan, it was determined that the planet was in the A category for terraforming, making it ideal for human life.

    The ship descended onto a patch of grass that seemed perfect for landing. The crew gathered at the rear ramp of the ship. The ensign noticed a small commotion among a few crew members and some of the onboard scientists.

    Apparently, a few scientists were arguing with the crew over who gets to set foot on the planet first.

    From the crew''s point of view, it was important for them to go down the ramp first for security reasons. So they didn¡¯t understand why the scientists would refuse protection.

    On the other hand, the scientists thought the gesture was disrespectful. In their minds, being the first to set foot on an uncharted planet was an opportunity of a lifetime, and they weren¡¯t going to let some stupid soldiers get in the way of that.

    In the end, the crew couldn¡¯t argue with the highly honoured scientists and agreed they could take the first step onto the planet¡ªbut only the first step in the literal sense. The crew would still form a protective formation.

    The scientists agreed and walked down the ramp without so much as checking their surroundings, walking all the way down and stepping onto the grassland. They cheered at their self-proclaimed amazing achievement while the soldiers sighed in relief that the scientists were safe.

    That was when one scientist got brave and took a couple more steps. The soldiers and a few other scientists called out to him, asking for the man to come back. But he dismissed the pleas and kept going until he was standing in the middle of the field.

    It was then the scientist let out a scream in horror as he found himself unable to move anymore.

    Kai could still recall the ensign¡¯s vivid description of the scene in his mind:

    ¡°It was then we first noticed the slight difference in the colour of the grass. Turned out it wasn¡¯t grass at all, but some kind of carnivorous plant. It wrapped its vines around the scientist¡¯s legs. He screamed as it pulled him downward, seemingly toward the ground.

    The other scientists were scared shitless, and the crew tried to reach out to him without becoming food themselves.¡±

    In the end, no one was able to save the scientist. He was dragged to the ground, and soon the vines covered him from head to toe.

    For a few hours, the body lay there, and the scientist¡¯s agonizing howl pierced the otherwise peaceful planet. No one, not even the smartest people in the Federation, had a way to retrieve the scientist without bringing danger to themselves.

    In the end, a tough decision was made, and the ensign was tasked with ending the scientist¡¯s suffering. He did so, but the image stuck with him long after his time in the Navy.

    The story, alongside the gruesome image of the scientist slowly being digested alive, stuck with Kai. For a while after reading the article, he was scared of going to the park or other places with large, open, grassy fields.

    It taught him that the world outside the one he was familiar with was full of dangers¡ªand that one should always take the time to inspect, research, and prepare when facing an unfamiliar environment.

    So despite the raging ion storm in the distance, the crew of the Black Swan took their time preparing themselves.

    It was an all-hands-on-deck mission, with every crew member busy with something:

    Eliana and Teresa were working together on the environmental analysis, figuring out what the air and ground outside the ship were made of.

    The data was then sent to Isaac and Scotty, who were both fine-tuning the Evo suits¡ªmaking new parts on the fly to ensure that when the crew stepped outside, it would be safe for them to perform their tasks.

    Ivan had handed the pilot controls over to Ray. He was well past the 12-hour shift schedule they had set for each other, but he didn¡¯t rest. Instead, he went to work checking the ship¡¯s components, performing minor repairs on the jump drive, and staying ready for the eventual escape from the planet¡ªlikely through the storm again.

    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    At the gunner stations were Robert and Kai. They scanned the environment. Kai had voiced his concern about the unusual lack of danger since they entered the system, so they stayed alert, keeping their eyes on the skies for enemy contacts.

    Kai knew the Black Swan was at its most vulnerable. If they were forced to take off now, the fuel would be insufficient for another jump. The ship would have no choice but to make a last stand right here on this hellish planet.

    The crew stayed in this rhythm for the entire morning since landing on the planet.

    Kai¡¯s stomach growled by midday. Luckily, Lily and Derniere came through with food not long after. It was a light meal¡ªhigh in protein and nutrients¡ªpaired with an energy gummy and a cup of herbal tea to help with stress relief. He ate quickly, taking turns with Robert at the station, and returned to work without wasting a second.

    The repetitive process of scanning the skies didn¡¯t bore Kai. In fact, it was the opposite¡ªhe expected the scouts to appear at any moment.

    They had shown up in every system they¡¯d travelled through so far. Sure, sometimes it was just one or two of the machine creatures trailing them, but never zero. And the more encounters they had, the more Kai thought about their true purpose. He was painting a picture in his mind, connecting pieces into a theory he hadn¡¯t shared with anyone, not even Eliana.

    It wasn¡¯t because he feared being wrong or laughed at for wild speculation about why or how these machine creatures came to be. No, what scared him was the possibility of being right. If his theory turned out to be true, then the entire foundation of their civilization¡ªof humanity itself¡ªmight mean something else entirely.

    The sun had passed overhead, and Kai noticed something fascinating about the planet. Due to the unique chemical makeup of the atmosphere and the ever-shifting weather patterns driven by constant storms, the sunlight never stayed the same. It had been a deep red in the morning, shifted to blue by midday, and now it glowed in a soft pink hue. Kai watched it drift across the clouds as he continued scanning the sky, inch by inch.

    Two hours after finishing his meal, Scotty¡¯s young, excited voice came through the ship¡¯s PA system.

    ¡°Good news, everyone! The suit¡¯s ready and cleared for testing! We just need a volunteer to do a short exposure trial. If everything checks out, which it will, we¡¯ll be all set for fuel harvesting outside the ship! So, if you¡¯re feeling brave or bored, head to the cargo bay and suit up!¡±

    Kai saw everyone on the bridge looking at each other. Scotty had announced it so casually as if stepping outside into an alien storm world was no more than a stroll through a city park.

    But Kai knew better.

    He recalled the story of the ensign and the scientists¡ªthe image of that poor man screaming as the ground devoured him. He knew what was going through everyone¡¯s mind.

    Fear.

    Fear was staring up at bombs falling onto your homeworld, screams tearing through your ears like sirens. Fear was turning a dark corner in the mines, expecting someone to greet you with a blade to the throat. Fear was waiting for the airlock to cycle, unsure if your next breath would be your last.

    But Kai?

    Kai knew no fear.

    "I''ll go," he said before anyone else could speak. He stood tall, his voice slicing through the tension. The whole bridge turned to look at him.

    "Kai¡­" Eliana said softly, concern clear in her voice.

    "Don¡¯t worry, Eliana." He gave her a reassuring smile. "Remember? I could breathe in the toxic air down in the mines with no issues. So if anyone has a shot at surviving out there, it¡¯s me. I¡¯m biologically modified, remember?"

    She gave him a reluctant nod.

    Kai nodded back, then turned and exited the bridge without another word.

    ---

    The Evo suit wasn¡¯t as bulky as Kai would¡¯ve liked. It felt barely any different from his standard uniform. He glanced toward Isaac and Scotty, his expression saying clearly: Is this it?

    Isaac caught the look, smirked, then reached behind him to pick up the helmet and slid it down over Kai¡¯s head.

    ¡°Now it¡¯s complete. What do you think?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Better,¡± Kai said with a short chuckle, giving them both a thumbs-up to show he was ready.

    ¡°Alright then,¡± Scotty said, surprisingly gentle in tone. ¡°Just be cautious out there. Remember. Your task is to test the suit, not go exploring. Don¡¯t wander too far from the ship, okay? And if communications go down for any reason, just remember¡ª¡± he tapped the side of his own head twice with a small metallic clink.

    Kai nodded, acknowledging the signal.

    ¡°Kai. Please be safe,¡± Eliana¡¯s voice came through the PA system, soft and earnest.

    Kai looked up, gave her a thumbs-up, too, and then pressed two fingers to the front of his helmet visor, giving her an air kiss through the glass.

    The floor beneath him jerked slightly, then began to lower. He took a deep breath, pulling in the treated air from the suit¡¯s internal supply.

    The filtered oxygen filled his lungs, sharp and clean. The world around him seemed just a little brighter. He checked the HUD¡ªhe had one hour of breathable air before needing to return for a resupply.

    The lift descended smoothly and stopped in the cross-space between the main deck and the outer hull of the Black Swan.

    Faint blue lights embedded in the walls flickered on, casting a cool glow across the interior of the airlock.

    Kai took another deep breath and held it, not because he needed to, but because it helped. A small moment of control. Something grounding before stepping into the unknown.

    The lights dimmed, then brightened again in a rhythmic pulse, signalling the airlock was cycling. Kai felt a subtle shift in air pressure¡ªmaybe it increased slightly, or maybe it was all in his head.

    The hatch beneath him opened with a hiss, revealing the alien world outside. He took another deep breath and held it, bracing himself for whatever waited beyond the ship.

    This time, he was the scientist. Only, unlike the reckless ones from that old story, he wasn''t about to charge down the ramp. He would take it slow.

    The lift continued its descent, and the wind hit him immediately¡ªstrong and relentless, tearing across the lower hull. He didn¡¯t flinch; he had expected that. They were surrounded by storms after all.

    He waited, still and focused. It didn¡¯t hurt, and the HUD gave him no warnings, no red flags.

    He inhaled again, bracing for the worst, but the suit held. It filtered the atmosphere just as designed. That second breath made everything easier. His tension began to fade.

    The platform lowered further, and now he could see it, see the planet for real. The pinkish light filtered through thick clouds, tinting the world around him. It made everything look surreal.

    He took another breath. Then another. Soon, he was breathing normally, the suit¡¯s chemical filtration calming his nerves and sharpening his thoughts.

    Well, he thought to himself, he was still alive, and for now, that was good enough.

 Temporary Hiatus Notice/ Re-Write Discussion

    Temporary Hiatus Notice

    Hi everyone, Donut here.

    First, I want to clarify that there¡¯s no family emergency or anything urgent behind this hiatus. Everything¡¯s fine with me and my family. I love you all.

    As many of you know, I¡¯m currently working on a new novel that¡¯s set to launch on June 1st this year. It¡¯s a LitRPG/Comedy set in a fictionalized version of the Royal Road website universe (for copyright reasons, it¡¯s called "Noble Path" in the novel). This new project is a parody of my personal writing journey on this platform¡ªtold in a more dramatic, fantastical way. So yes, it¡¯s technically a self-insert, but not the cringey kind. (You can become an early reader and check out the draft chapters on my Patreon for free¡ªlimited time before launch!)

    <hr>

    What¡¯s happening to The Dimming Stars?

    The story is still in progress, but I¡¯ll be releasing chapters less frequently until June 1st. After that, it will return to its normal schedule. Dimming Stars is my first novel, and I will always love it in that ¡°first child¡± kind of way. Looking back, there were a lot of mistakes¡ªespecially in the early chapters¡ªand plenty of rookie errors. If you¡¯re still reading it, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    <hr>

    On the possibility of a re-write¡­

    This post is mostly about The Dimming Stars, so let¡¯s talk about something that¡¯s been on my mind: a re-write.

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    Godric, author of Hail Thy Gods, found great success after re-writing and relaunching his story on Royal Road. He recommended the idea to me, and said it helped him fix a lot of early issues. Now I want to ask all of you:

    Should I re-write DS?

    Before you answer, here¡¯s what I would change if I do:

    <hr>

    1. Early Chapters

    The pacing was way too fast. Especially when Kai meets Mr. Draco and Eliana¡ªeverything escalates quickly. Someone once commented that while they enjoyed the story, it was hard to believe that Kai went from miner to spaceship pilot in two weeks. If I rewrite the story, I¡¯d slow things down. Kai would gradually discover the true intentions behind Draco and Eliana, rather than getting swept up so quickly.

    <hr>

    2. Love at First Sight

    If there¡¯s a rewrite, Eliana won¡¯t be in a serious relationship with Kai until the end of the first arc. The current romance feels rushed and immature¡ªsomething I only realized after writing around 30 chapters. Romance isn¡¯t just about two people loving each other. It¡¯s about how they got there. That journey needs more depth.

    <hr>

    3. The Strange Liquid

    I¡¯ll admit¡ªthe explanation around the strange liquid was vague for far too long. In my head, I already knew the full plot, so the slow reveals made sense to me. But from a reader¡¯s perspective, it probably felt like I was dancing around the answer without getting to it. The same goes for the ¡°True Kins¡± faction, which also lacked early clarity. If I do a rewrite, these elements will be introduced and explained in a more structured, satisfying way.

    There are plenty of things I would change¡ªthese are just a few of the biggest. Let me know in the comments if you¡¯d be interested in a re-write and relaunch of The Dimming Stars.

    The ongoing beta read for my new novel is live now, and it¡¯s a great place to check out what I¡¯ve been working on. You can read it on my Patreon for free (no paid tier until launch). It¡¯s limited time only, and the only payment I ask is your feedback.

    I love you all.¨C Donut??