Ethan could feel the tension building as the group of mercenaries made their way out of Valeris City, the massive walls fading into the distance behind them. The warmth of the setting sun cast long shadows over the cracked, barren landscape. Out here, beyond the safety of the Federation's jurisdiction, things were different. Valeris City had its share of trouble, but it was the outposts that suffered the most, constantly at the mercy of bandits and predators. The only protection these settlements had came from mercenaries like him.
He had prepared for this mission carefully, even more so than his previous ones. It wasn't just another routine patrol; this was a trial to earn his E-rank. Ethan had spent days studying advice from Kael, the guild secretary, and strategizing with Iris, his AI companion, optimizing everything he could for the mission ahead.
With Kael's help, Ethan had rented a better laser pistol, upgraded from his usual low-tier sidearm, and a plasma knife that could pack a punch if things got too close for comfort. On top of that, he'd invested in an energy shield armor, a bulky but reliable piece of gear designed to deflect incoming fire. He also bought a few specialized gadgets such motion sensors, some smoke, EMP and plasma grenades, as well as a basic hacking module. To further enhance his preparedness, he also purchased a pair of cheap but effective high-tech binoculars, capable of long-range scanning and thermal imaging. They would be invaluable for keeping a watchful eye on the horizon during the mission.
Kael had told him, "Always be ready for the unexpected, Ethan. A well-prepared mercenary is one that comes back alive."
That advice echoed in his mind now as he moved through the dimming light, his senses attuned to every subtle shift in the surroundings.
The team he was assigned to was a motley crew of hardened mercenaries, each bringing their own skills and quirks to the table. Ethan, however, kept mostly to himself, observing their personalities as they made their way toward the remote outpost. Rourke, the grizzled veteran of the group, had a face like weathered stone and a voice to match. Every word he spoke came with a dose of cynicism, especially when talking about the Federation's lack of care for the outposts.
"They leave these places to rot," Rourke muttered, his eyes scanning the terrain as they walked. "Mercs like us are their quick fix. Cheap and disposable."
Ethan didn't argue. He knew better than to expect anything from the Federation at this point. His time on Kynara had shown him that outposts like Ridgefall were the neglected underbelly of a much larger system, left vulnerable to bandit raids and monsters. But it was in these cracks that mercenaries like him thrived.
At Rourke's side was Kara, the team's scout, always moving ahead of the group, eyes sharp and alert. She was quiet but efficient, like a predator waiting to strike. The youngest of the group, Dax, was bouncing with energy, barely able to contain his excitement. His attitude was reckless, a stark contrast to Ethan's measured caution. Dax reminded him of some young coworkers he used to know back on Earth, who were brash and eager to prove themselves with little regard for the consequences.
"Man, I've been waiting for a mission like this!" Dax exclaimed, his grin wide as they moved through the twilight. "Finally, some real action!"
Rourke gave him a withering look. "Keep it together, kid. You'll get your action soon enough."
Ethan glanced at Dax but didn't say anything. He'd seen this kind of overconfidence before, and it never ended well. It wasn't that Dax didn't have potential, but in this line of work, getting ahead of yourself could be fatal. Ethan had learned that long ago.
The last member of the group, Leena, was the team's medic. She was calm and composed, her eyes betraying little of what she might be feeling. She checked her equipment constantly, methodical and precise, ready for whatever the mission might throw at them. Ethan respected her quiet professionalism.
As the mercenaries reached the outskirts of the outpost, it was clear that the situation was worse than they had anticipated. The settlement was a crumbling mess. The walls were barely standing, and the handful of settlers they encountered looked haggard, worn down by years of fending off threats with little support.
The leader of the outpost, a wiry man with deep lines on his face, met them with a tired expression. His voice was hoarse, likely from barking orders to a dwindling workforce.
"We've been seeing more bandits than usual, circling like vultures," he said, his voice tense. "They're waiting for the right moment to strike. We've got nothing left to fight them with."
Ethan surveyed the area with a practiced eye, his mind already calculating the defensive positions they could take, the weak points in the settlement's perimeter, and the likely approach the bandits would use. This wasn't just a random raid waiting to happen; it felt coordinated, deliberate. He could sense the danger looming.
The team quickly fanned out, setting up a defensive perimeter around the settlement. Ethan activated his motion sensors and placed them strategically around the vulnerable parts of the walls, ensuring they would be alerted the moment anything moved in the vicinity. Kara scouted ahead, while Rourke and Dax took up positions on the high ground. Leena set up her med station near the center, her calm demeanor putting the settlers at ease.
As night fell, the tension in the air grew thicker. Ethan stood on a low ridge, using his newly acquired binoculars to scan the horizon. The stars provided little comfort. Beside him, Kara kept her gaze locked on the shadows beyond the outpost.
"You sense it too?" she asked, her voice low.
"Yeah," Ethan replied. "It's too quiet. They're out there, waiting."
Kara nodded, her expression grim. "They'll come when they think we've let our guard down."
Ethan didn't doubt it. This was the kind of mission where a single mistake could lead to disaster. He had seen signs of criminal activity while completing his recent missions in Valeris City, with the Black Sun Syndicate lurking in the shadows. Out here in the frontier, it was anyone's guess how far their influence extended.
His thoughts were interrupted by a crackle in his earpiece. Rourke's gravelly voice came through.
"Stay sharp. We've got movement."
Ethan's eyes narrowed as he scanned the horizon again with the binoculars. Something was coming.
The night was about to get a lot more dangerous.