Ethan stepped off the transport, the neon glow of Valeris City shimmering against the metal-plated skyline. The hum of the city, with its endless stream of air traffic and bustling streets, was a far cry from the isolated tension of the outpost. He took a deep breath, feeling both relief and a lingering weight in his chest. The mission was over, but the echoes of battle, of lives lost and decisions made, still clung to his thoughts.
His teammates walked beside him, their silence a shared acknowledgment of what they had just been through. Even though the streets of Valeris buzzed with life, the gravity of their experience remained, a quiet burden that each of them carried differently.
As they approached the Mercenary Guild, Rourke stepped ahead, his shoulders squared. As the highest-ranking member of their temporary squad, it was his responsibility to report the details of the mission. Ethan was grateful for that, it gave him a moment to process everything without the pressure of immediate debriefing.
Inside the guild, Kael, the guild secretary, was already waiting, his eyes bright with curiosity and concern.
"Back in one piece," Kael remarked, scanning the group. "Good to see you made it."
"We did, but it wasn't without complications," Rourke replied, his voice firm but controlled. "The Black Sun Syndicate was behind the attack. We managed to take down their leader and drive the rest away."
Kael's face hardened, his fingers quickly tapping against his information tablet, pulling up the data Rourke had uploaded. Holographic displays flickered to life, showing the patterns of the raid, details on the bandit forces, and the specifics of the bandit leader.
"Well, you did more than just protect that outpost," Kael muttered, his tone grim. "This confirms what we feared."
Rourke raised an eyebrow. "Feared? What do you mean?"
Before Kael could explain further, the doors to the guild's main office slid open, revealing the imposing figure of the branch master. A retired C-rank mercenary, his presence demanded immediate respect. His eyes, though aged, still held the sharpness of a man who had seen his fair share of war.
"Come with me," the branch master said without preamble, motioning for the team to follow. The weight of his voice left little room for question.
The team entered the branch master's office, where relics of past missions decorated the walls. Once they were all seated, the branch master spoke. "You encountered the Black Sun Syndicate, yes. But what you don't know is that the attack you stopped wasn't isolated."
Rourke glanced at his team, then back at the branch master. "What are you saying?"
"There were coordinated attacks on multiple outposts last night," the branch master explained, his gaze unwavering. "The Black Sun is making moves, and it's clear they're becoming bolder. Your outpost wasn't the only target."
Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. The battle they'd fought had been intense enough. Knowing it was part of a larger, orchestrated strike across the region made the scale of the threat hit home even harder.
"The data you gathered confirms what we've suspected for weeks," Kael added, his fingers still moving over his tablet, displaying various maps and reports. "This isn't just random banditry anymore. The Black Sun is organizing, expanding their influence."
The room was silent for a moment as the full weight of the situation settled over them.
"You all did exceptionally well," the branch master continued, breaking the tension. "Facing an organized syndicate like the Black Sun and coming out on top is no small feat."
"We're just glad we made it back," Rourke said. His voice, though steady, carried the acknowledgment of how close they had come to losing some of their own.
"You've earned your promotions," the branch master said, his tone lightening slightly. "Effective immediately, all of you are upgraded to Rank E."
There was a ripple of satisfaction among the group. For Ethan, it was a strange mix of relief and accomplishment. He wasn't the same man who had arrived in this universe a month ago. The struggles and battles had forced him to grow, to become something stronger than the salaryman he once was.
"There's also the matter of your reward," the branch master added. "Taking down that bandit leader was no small task. Kavik Rath was a wanted criminal by Federation authorities, and the bounty on him will significantly increase your overall payout."
Kael nodded. "You'll be compensated not only for the mission but for the bounty as well. Your payment will be transferred to your accounts within the hour."
Ethan exchanged glances with Kara, Dax, Leena and Rourke. The reward would help them prepare for future missions. Better gear, better protection. But there was also a sense of shared understanding among them. This mission had forged something deeper than just camaraderie; they had become a true team in the heat of battle.
But the branch master's next words shifted the mood once again.
"However," he said, his gaze resting on each of them in turn, "the team you formed was a temporary arrangement for this mission. Now that the mission is over, your team will officially be disbanded."
Ethan felt a pang of disappointment, though he understood the reasoning. The mission that had brought them together had ended, but that didn't mean the bond they'd formed would disappear.
Rourke, ever the composed leader, gave a small nod. "Understood, sir. But just because the team's disbanded doesn't mean we can't work together again."
Kara grinned. "Exactly. We've been through too much to just walk away now. If any of us need backup, we'll know who to call."
Leena chimed in, her eyes sparkling with determination. "And let's not forget the bond we've built. It's not just about the missions; we're a team now, and that means something."
Dax gave a light chuckle. "We survived one battle. Who says we won't take on another?"
Ethan smiled, feeling a sense of comfort in their words. The mission may have ended, but they weren't truly parting ways. The future held countless possibilities, and he had no doubt that their paths would cross again.
As they exited the guild and stepped back into the neon-lit streets of Valeris, Ethan felt a strange sense of clarity. The weight of survival still lingered, but it no longer felt like a burden. He had faced danger, fought for his life, and survived. And now, with his newfound strength and the friends he'd made along the way, he felt ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
Rourke turned to the group as they neared a busy intersection. "Drinks on me tonight," he said with a grin. "We've earned it."
Ethan chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in days. The battle was over, but their journey was far from finished.