The desert winds swept around Ethan as he neared Valeris, the city rising like an iron fortress against the barren horizon of Kynara's wastelands. The steady hum of the hover truck accompanied his thoughts as he approached the city gates, still unsettled by his encounters with the Black Sun Syndicate. The refugees he had dropped off earlier weighed on his mind. He had seen the fear in their eyes, a reflection of the growing chaos spreading across Kynara.
As he entered Valeris, the city's defensive barriers shimmered faintly, protecting its inhabitants from the harsh conditions outside. Valeris wasn't a stronghold, but it was a place where mercenaries, traders, and survivors from across the planet could find refuge. The streets were busy with activity, but there was an underlying tension in the air, a sense that things were getting worse.
Ethan parked his hover truck near the Guild headquarters, a blocky structure fortified by steel walls and surrounded by armed guards. Even here, in the heart of Valeris, the threat of bandit raids and Black Sun attacks was ever-present. He made his way inside, passing through the heavy entrance doors into the bustling Guild lobby, where mercenaries of all ranks gathered to accept assignments or report on completed missions.
He spotted Kael behind the front desk, the Guild secretary busy as usual. Kael was older than most mercenaries, his graying hair and lined face evidence of years spent working in this dangerous line of business. His sharp eyes scanned the screens in front of him, tracking job requests and managing the chaos of the Guild's operations.
Ethan approached, waiting for Kael to finish speaking with another mercenary before stepping forward. When Kael noticed him, he raised an eyebrow but didn't seem particularly surprised.
"Back so soon?" Kael asked, his tone carrying a hint of sarcasm. "I thought that run would take longer. Did everything go smooth out there?"
Ethan handed over his information tablet, transferring the mission data directly to Kael's console with a tap of his fingers. "Had a detour. Ran into some refugees. Got the supplies delivered and helped them reach safety."
Kael glanced at the details on his screen, his usual disinterested expression fading slightly. "You picked up strays along the way? Not a bad thing, but unusual for a low-level supply run like yours."
"Things are getting worse out there," Ethan said, his tone serious. "I ran into bandits who were well-armed, organized. They were with the Black Sun."
At the mention of the Black Sun, Kael's expression darkened. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple. "Yeah, you're not the first to mention them. The Syndicate's movements have been getting bolder, and it's not just the outposts they're targeting anymore."
Kael tapped a few keys, finalizing the transaction and processing Ethan's payment. "You've been around long enough to know this, Ethan. When supply routes start getting hit like this, something big is going on. The attacks aren't random."
"I need another mission," Ethan said, cutting straight to the point. "Something more than a routine supply run and with a bigger pay."
Kael raised an eyebrow, but there was a hint of respect in his eyes. "You're a Rank E, Ethan. Not exactly the top dog around here, and most missions worth your time get snapped up by the higher ranks. But if you want something with more risk, I've got one for you."
Ethan nodded, keeping his tone steady. "What is it?"
Kael tapped his console again, pulling up a mission brief. "It's another supply run, but this one's different. Military-grade supplies for an outpost on the fringes of Kynara. Far from Valeris, and close to where we've lost contact with several outposts. Bandits and Black Sun attacks are more frequent there. It's a high-risk route."
Ethan considered the offer. "Why hasn't a higher-rank mercenary taken it yet?"
"Because it's a death trap," Kael said bluntly. "The last few supply runs didn't make it. The Syndicate's forces seem to be targeting that route specifically. But if you're looking to prove yourself, this is your shot."
"I'll take it," Ethan said without hesitation.
Kael nodded, his fingers dancing across the console as he logged Ethan's name for the mission. "You'll need to upgrade that truck of yours, though. You're not going to survive this run without some serious firepower and defenses. The outpost is near rough terrain, and we've heard rumors of ambushes."
Ethan knew the risks, but this was the opportunity he needed to move up the ranks. "When do I leave?"
"Tomorrow morning," Kael replied. "Gives you a little time to prepare. Check the guild's depot for a better fortified hover truck. And one more thing," he added, lowering his voice slightly, "word is, this isn't just about supplies. There's talk that the Syndicate's working with someone, maybe even some Federation official."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Corruption? In the Federation?"
Kael shrugged, but his tone was serious. "Could be. The way the Syndicate's been operating is too precise, too organized. It's starting to feel like they've got help from someone high up. But that's just rumor for now."
Ethan nodded, absorbing the information. If the Black Sun Syndicate was working with a Federation official, it could explain why they were able to move so freely, hitting targets with precision. It also meant that this mission might be more dangerous than anyone realized.
"Thanks, Kael," Ethan said. "I'll be ready."
"Stay sharp out there," Kael warned. "And don't get yourself killed. These kinds of missions have a way of getting messy fast."
Ethan turned and left, heading toward the depot where he'd rent an upgraded truck. As the sun began to set over Valeris, the city's defenses glowed in the fading light, a fragile shield against the growing chaos outside. Whatever the Black Sun Syndicate was planning, Ethan knew it was only the beginning. And if Kael's suspicions were right, things were about to get a whole lot worse.