Ethan leaned back in his chair aboard his ship, feeling the weight of his recent promotion settle in. The guild system had ranked him up to Rank E after the last mission, and with it came a wealth of new opportunities and responsibilities. The notification from the guild still blinked on his information tablet, a constant reminder that the stakes had just risen.
"I've compiled the list of available missions for your new rank," Iris, his ship's AI, chimed in. Her voice was as smooth as ever, though a hint of anticipation tinged her tone. "You now have access to higher-tier jobs, including some bounty hunting contracts and more lucrative transport missions."
Ethan scrolled through the newly unlocked options, his eyes narrowing as he studied the details. Escort missions, supply runs, and caravan protection jobs were all available, but it was the bounty hunting missions that caught his attention. They were a step up in difficulty and danger, but the payouts were substantial.
"Bounties, huh?" Ethan mused aloud. "Could be interesting."
"Indeed," Iris responded. "Bounty hunting contracts are high-risk, high-reward missions. They range from simple captures of low-level criminals to extremely dangerous targets with powerful allies."
Ethan kept scrolling, feeling a sense of excitement building. "Anything tied to the Black Sun Syndicate?"
Iris paused for a moment before answering. "Not directly, though some of these bounties could have connections. The Syndicate is deeply embedded in Kynara's underworld, and many of the individuals on these lists operate on the fringes of their influence."
He sighed, knowing that going after the Syndicate would take time. He wasn't ready to face them yet, not without better gear and more experience. The last mission had taught him that much.
"Let's not jump into that just yet," Ethan said, closing the mission tab for now. "I need to gear up before I take on anything too crazy. Rank E means I've earned a bit of respect, but I'm still a long way from being ready for those kinds of threats."
"I agree," Iris said. "Now that you have some credits, it would be wise to invest in your own equipment. Renting gear was a cost-effective solution, but long-term, it's inefficient. I've compiled a list of shops in Valeris City that offer high-quality armor and weapons suited for your combat style."
Ethan stood up, stretching his arms. He glanced at the balance on his information tablet, 325,000 credits. While it was a decent sum, he still needed more to repair his ship. "I don't know, Iris. That's a lot to spend. I still need to get the ship fixed."
"True, but consider this," Iris replied. "Investing in high-quality gear now will improve your performance in upcoming missions. With better weapons and armor, you'll be able to tackle higher-risk jobs, which means larger payouts. In the long run, this investment could lead to significant returns."
Ethan frowned, weighing her words. He had always been cautious with his credits. "But more than half of my total-"
"Think of it as a necessity," Iris interjected. "The new gear will enhance your abilities, and you won't need to replace it for several ranks. The more effective you are, the more credits you'll earn. It's a strategic move, Ethan."
He sighed, still feeling reticent. "I guess you're right. But I don't want to end up broke if something happens to my ship."
"Repairs can wait a little longer," Iris assured him. "You need to prioritize your readiness as a mercenary. Besides, with your new gear, I'll bet you'll finish missions faster, and you'll be able to save up for repairs in no time."
Ethan considered this. Her arguments made sense, and the idea of being under-equipped for his next job made him uneasy. "Okay, let's do it. I'll head into the city and see what they've got."
Valeris City hummed with activity as Ethan made his way through the crowded streets. It was a bustling hub of commerce, with traders, mercenaries, and civilians alike going about their business. The variety of alien species made for a colorful scene. Some towering over the humans, others scurrying around on multiple limbs, all adding to the chaotic energy of the city.
Ethan's destination was a gear shop recommended by Iris: Vector's Armory, a well-known establishment frequented by mercenaries and bounty hunters. The shop stood on the edge of a busy marketplace, its neon sign flickering above the entrance.
As he stepped inside, a wave of cool air greeted him, along with the sight of rows upon rows of weapons, armor, and gadgets. Everything from energy pistols to plasma blades lined the walls, and holographic displays showcased the latest in mercenary tech.
Ethan's eyes scanned the gear, feeling a rush of excitement. He had been renting equipment for too long, now it was time to build his own kit.
"Iris, based on my fighting style and the data you've gathered, what do you recommend?" Ethan asked quietly, his hand hovering over a display of plasma short swords.
"I've compiled a list of suitable options," Iris replied, her voice filtering through his earpiece. "Your combat data suggests you excel with light, fast weapons and gadgets that allow for strategic maneuvering. I would recommend investing in dual laser pistols for your primary weapons, paired with a plasma dagger for close-quarters combat. They're lightweight and efficient, providing a balance of speed and lethality."
Ethan nodded, picking up a plasma dagger. The handle fit comfortably in his grip, and with a press of a button, the blade hummed to life, glowing a soft blue. "Feels good," he muttered, testing the weight in his hand.
"There's also a set of light energy armor that would suit your needs," Iris continued. "It includes a helmet which i can connect to my systems for real-time data and analysis. The helmet features a heads-up display (HUD) offering night vision, heat vision, UV vision, and more. This armor provides significant protection without sacrificing mobility, ideal for someone who prefers to analyze and strategize during combat."
Ethan's gaze shifted to a sleek set of light energy armor displayed nearby. It wasn't as bulky as some of the heavier suits, but it looked durable enough to withstand a few heavy hits. He tapped on the display, pulling up the stats: reinforced chest plating, built-in energy shields, and thermal resistance. Perfect for someone like him who preferred agility and adaptability.
"I'll take the armor, the laser pistols, and the plasma dagger," Ethan said, making his way to the counter. "And those grenades over there. I could use some tactical options."
The shopkeeper, a burly man with cybernetic implants, nodded as he processed the transaction. "Good choices. You'll be set for just about anything with this kit. Your gear will be automatically transported to your ship at the dock once the payment is processed."
Ethan smiled as the man handed over the confirmation of his order. He could feel the weight of the new gear in his hands, a tangible representation of his progress.
As he left the shop and made his way back to his ship, the anticipation of testing his new equipment surged within him.
Ethan stood in front of the mirror in his quarters, adjusting the fit of his new energy armor. It felt right. Light, flexible, but solid where it counted. The plasma dagger and dual laser pistols sat neatly in their holsters, and a variety of grenades and tools lined his utility belt. Things like smoke bombs, EMP charges, thermal grenades, a holographic emitter and a hacking tool for good measure.
Iris' holographic form flickered to life beside him. "Now that you've equipped yourself with more suitable gear, your efficiency in combat will likely improve. Are you ready to test everything?"
Ethan's grin widened. "Let's fire up the simulation. I'm ready."