Valeris City sprawled before Ethan like a living tapestry, its blend of futuristic skyscrapers and rugged charm reflecting the planet's contrasting elements. The morning light painted the metallic buildings in hues of gold and bronze, while the bustle of vendors and travelers filled the air with a hum of activity. Despite the energy around him, Ethan walked with purpose, his thoughts a steady current beneath the noise.
Today wasn't about missions, battles, or strategies. Today was for reflection, a chance to step back from the unrelenting chaos of his work.
The memorial stood in the quieter northern quarter of Valeris, tucked away in a shaded plaza surrounded by towering cacti and resilient desert flora. It was a simple yet dignified structure, a polished slab of dark stone engraved with numerous names. Those who had fought and fallen in Kynara's endless struggle for survival and freedom.
Ethan approached the monument slowly, his boots crunching against the gravel path. The air here seemed heavier, as if the weight of the past lingered in the stillness. He paused before the names, scanning the etched letters until his gaze landed on a new one he knew too well: Lyra Elenara.
The memories came rushing back, the determination in her eyes as they faced impossible odds, and her final words urging him to complete the mission. Ethan clenched his fists, the ache in his chest resurfacing.
"I hope you're at peace," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the faint rustle of the desert wind.
"Paying your respects?"
Ethan turned to see Malek approaching, his rugged features softened by an uncharacteristically somber expression. Behind him, Rourke, the stoic heavy-weapons specialist, followed with his usual measured stride.
"We lost good people," Malek said, stopping beside Ethan and crossing his arms. His gaze flicked to the memorial. "Lyra... she deserved better. One of the bravest and kindest D-Rank mercenaries i had the honor to meet."
"That's why we need see this though until the end," Rourke said, his deep voice steady as always. "These men and woman sacrificed their lives because they cared. Cared about the fight, cared about us and this planet. And that's why we keep moving forward. For her, and for everyone who can't."
Ethan nodded, the weight of their words grounding him.
"We've saved lives, Ethan," Malek added, placing a hand on his shoulder. "More than we'll ever know. Remember that when the guilt starts creeping in."
Later, back at the guild hall, the lively atmosphere seemed to pull Ethan out of his somber mood. Mercenaries milled about, discussing bounties and missions, while others laughed over drinks. It was a reminder of the life they all shared, one filled with danger, camaraderie, and purpose.
Ethan found himself at a corner table, sipping a glass of water when Rourke joined him again.
"You've been carrying a lot lately," Rourke said without preamble, his gaze piercing.
Ethan set his glass down. "It's part of the job."
"Yeah, but it's not all of it," Rourke replied. "You're D-Rank now, Ethan. People look to you. They see what you've done, what you're capable of. You've got a hell of a burden, but you're handling it better than most."
Ethan regarded him for a moment, the weight of Rourke's words settling over him. "Thanks," he said quietly.
"Just don't forget to breathe every now and then," Rourke said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Even the best need a break."
As the day wore on, Ethan found himself in the training wing, observing a group of F-Rank mercenaries preparing for their first major mission. Their excitement was palpable, though tinged with nervous energy.
"Walker!" one of them called out, spotting him. "Got any advice for us rookies?"
Ethan smiled faintly, stepping closer. "I was just like you a few months ago. Watch each other's backs and stay sharp. And don't underestimate your enemies, no matter how simple the mission seems. At least that's what got me through until now."
They nodded eagerly, absorbing his words.
Another mercenary hesitated before asking, "What about... when things go wrong?"
Ethan's smile faded slightly. "Things will go wrong," he admitted. "The key is to adapt. Trust your training and your instincts. And if you make it out, learn from it. Every mistake, every success, it all makes you better."
The mercenaries thanked him earnestly, their confidence bolstered by his guidance. Ethan watched them head off, a flicker of nostalgia stirring within him. Its only been a few months since he arrived here, but it felt like years.
Valeris City's streets were alive with activity as Ethan wandered through its bustling markets and shops. Vendors hawked their wares, their voices rising above the clamor of haggling customers. Shops displayed everything from advanced gadgets and weaponry to exotic food and trinkets from distant worlds and sectors.
Ethan paused at a shop selling ammunition, inspecting the selection with a discerning eye. The vendor, a grizzled alien with scaled skin, greeted him warmly.
"Walker, right? Heard about your work against the Syndicate," the vendor said, his sharp teeth flashing in a grin.
Ethan nodded, picking out ammo for his laser pistol and a compact EMP grenade. "Just doing my part."
The vendor chuckled. "Well, keep at it. Here, 10% off just for you."
Ethan paid for his supplies, thanked the vendor and moved on, his mind still preoccupied.
He stopped at a food stand serving Kynaran cuisine, the scent of spiced meats and roasted grains drawing him in. The vendor handed him a steaming plate, and Ethan found a quiet corner to eat. The rich flavors grounded him, a small moment of solace amid the chaos.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and crimson, Ethan returned to his ship. He sat in the cockpit, gazing out at the city lights flickering against the encroaching darkness.
His thoughts drifted to the challenges ahead, the looming assault on Kaelus Ryn's canyon complex, the Syndicate's growing resilience, and the ever-present threat of loss.
But amid the uncertainty, one thing remained clear: his resolve. With that, he began preparing for the next mission, his determination as unyielding as the stars above.