Before Kael could approach the entrance, an unusual noise caught his attention.
He could feel the ground vibrating beneath his feet, a low rumble that grew louder with each passing moment. People around him began to glance upward, their expressions shifting from curiosity to awe.
After a brief wait, a sleek private spaceship appeared in the sky, hovering just above the ground near the entrance of the RedHawk Mercenary Headquarters.
The ship was sleek and futuristic, with a polished metallic surface that gleamed under the sun. It had sharp angles and smooth curves, giving it a predatory appearance.
The spaceship maintained a steady hover, its engines humming softly as it radiated an aura of power and grace.
From the ship, a figure emerged, descending onto a platform that extended from the vessel.
The man had striking white hair that contrasted sharply with his piercing red eyes. His features were sharp and strong, exuding an aura of confidence and authority.
As he walked towards the entrance of the RedHawk Mercenary Headquarters, heads turned, and whispers began to ripple through the crowd.
Kael noticed the murmurs of intrigue among the onlookers. Some speculated about the man's identity, while others wondered what brought such a distinguished figure to the mercenary hub.
As the mysterious figure disappeared into the RedHawk Mercenary Headquarters, the crowd around the entrance began to disperse, returning to their usual activities.
The buzz of excitement faded, replaced by the normal hustle and bustle of mercenary life. Conversations resumed, and the air filled with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of weapons.
With a sense of purpose, Kael made his way to the registration lobby of the headquarters.
He approached the front desk, where an employee was sorting through a stack of papers. The woman behind the counter had a friendly demeanor, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Kael handed over the mercenary card that the burly man with scarred eyes had given him earlier.
The employee took the card, examined it briefly, and pointed to a row of chairs
"Please take a seat and wait for your name to be called," she instructed with a smile.
Kael settled into one of the chairs, his heart racing with anticipation. He watched as other potential mercenaries came and went, each one eager to start their journey
After a while, a seasoned mercenary approached Kael, a confident smile on his face.
"Kael, right? You're in!" he called out, gesturing for Kael to follow him.
"You were given a priority card, so you don't need to go through the standard tests," the mercenary explained as they walked.
Before he could receive his badge, Kael needed to register his profile in their database.
The mercenary gestured to Kael's IIS watch. "You just need to scan that and put the Application of RedHawk Mercenary in your watch.
Kael followed the instructions, scanning his watch against the device at the desk. A series of beeps confirmed his registration, and a holographic display showed his details being uploaded.
Once the registration was complete, the mercenary handed Kael a copper rank badge, its surface gleaming brightly.
"Congratulations! You're officially a Copper Rank Mercenary now," he said proudly.
"Our ranks range from Copper Rank to Star Rank. Here's a quick overview:"
Copper Rank: New mercenaries, starting their journey.
Silver Rank: Experienced mercenaries with a few missions.
Gold Rank: Veteran mercenaries, respected in the field.
Platinum Rank: Elite mercenaries with exceptional skills.
Diamond Rank: Top-tier mercenaries, known for their prowess.
Star Rank: The best of the best, renowned for their feats.
With this badge, you can now take on missions and start building your reputation. Welcome to the team, Kael!"
In a well-appointed office room within the RedHawk Mercenary Headquarters, a man and a woman sat across from each other, deep in conversation.
Both shared the same striking white hair, piercing red eyes, and tan skin that marked their lineage.
The woman exuded a mature energy, her demeanor commanding respect. Battle scars were visible on her well-toned body, hinting at a lifetime of experience in the field.
The man leaned forward, concern etched on his face as he spoke.
"Sister, my daughter wants to join your mercenary group. Please take care of her," he implored, his voice steady yet tinged with worry.
The woman, with a calm but assertive tone, replied, "You know I will. Lyra has the potential, but she must be ready for the challenges ahead."
Just as the conversation started to deepen, the door swung open, and a burst of energy filled the room.
"Aunty!" she shouted, rushing in and wrapping her arms around the woman in a warm embrace. The woman smiled, her stern demeanor softening as she returned the hug. "Lyra! It's good to see you. Are you ready for this adventure?"
Lyra stepped back, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I can't wait, Aunty! I've been training hard, and I want to prove myself as a mercenary!"
"You have what it takes, but remember, the life of a mercenary is not just about strength. It requires strategy, teamwork, and resilience," the woman advised, her voice firm yet encouraging.
After a moment of contemplation, the mature woman nodded, a hint of pride in her eyes.
"Fine, Arthur. I will take her under my wing. Lyra, welcome to the RedHawk Mercenaries! Your adventure begins now."
Lyra beamed with happiness, her heart racing at the thought of starting her journey. "Thank you, Aunty! I'm ready for anything!"
As Lyra and her aunt exchanged excited chatter about the upcoming training and missions, Arthur watched them with a mixture of pride and concern.
After receiving his Copper Rank badge, Kael felt a surge of excitement. He decided to take advantage of the features available on his IIS watch to familiarize himself with the RedHawk Mercenaries.
He browsed through various tabs, each filled with valuable information. The interface was sleek and user-friendly, showcasing everything a new mercenary might need.
Kael discovered the Contribution Shop, where mercenaries could exchange their earned points for gear, supplies, and upgrades. Exciting options included weapons, armor, and even special items that could enhance their skills.
He checked the member list, which displayed profiles of various mercenaries, their ranks, and accomplishments. It was impressive to see the diversity of skills and backgrounds within the group.
The mercenary chat feature allowed members to communicate in real-time. Kael joined a few ongoing discussions, absorbing tips from seasoned mercenaries about missions and survival tactics.
Feeling more informed and connected, Kael shifted his attention to the Mission Wall, a digital display showcasing a multitude of available missions.
The wall was mesmerizing, filled with thousands of missions available for mercenaries of all ranks. Each mission was color-coded based on its difficulty and required manpower, creating a vibrant tapestry of opportunities.
As Kael scrolled through the listings, one mission caught his eye: "Monster Hunt and Guarding Mission: 300 Mercenaries Needed!" The description detailed a newly discovered area that had been reported to harbor dangerous monsters threatening exploration teams.
Kael's heart raced at the thought of such an exhilarating mission.
Joining a large-scale hunt while protecting valuable exploration teams would not only give him a chance to prove himself but also allow him to work alongside experienced mercenaries. The reward of 500 Contribution Points and the chance to obtain Rare Artifacts piqued his interest; these items could greatly enhance his abilities and gear.
Should he sign up for this mission?