Original subtitles

I thought I'd just get a summer job, but

I ended up as an interstellar mercenary.

A new journey is about to begin.

>> We're deep in the primeval jungle. Stay

hidden.

Here they come. Three shadow cats. Watch

out for their claws.

>> Bring it on.

Star guidance art activate.

In real combat, your energy flow gets

disrupted by your heartbeat and tense

muscles.

This kid, he actually turned guidance

art into instinct mid battle.

Lynch

>> move.

One slash, beheaded. Two slashes,

instant kill. He's only been learning

guidance arc for a few days.

>> Monster. He's a monster. This combat

talent is insane. Honing your skills in

life or death situations. Beats any

training.

>> First time here, Ant? You've already

killed three shadow cats. You've outdone

90 of all rookies here.

>> I just feel combining guidance art with

combat is smoother than I thought. Of

course, guidance art was born for

combat. 100 drills in the training room.

Can't match one real fight here.

>> Good kid. You've improved again already.

>> After 6 hours of brutal fighting, your

accuracy hasn't dropped. It's only

gotten sharper.

>> Lynn, buddy, over here. Top up your

energy.

>> Something's off. Something's coming.

A beast hide.

>> Must be something worse. Chasing these

beasts.

That's That's

the crimson blood sucker. How did they

get here?

>> Run.

>> Damn it. They're too fast. If we don't

do something, we'll be chewed down to

bare bones in 3 minutes max.

>> Blackstone cliff ahead. No way out.

>> No escape.

I'm dead either way. I'll take these

beasts down with me.

>> It's useless.

>> There are too many. They'll leave

nothing at all.

>> Get behind me.

Lynch,

you actually have a fighter you can

summon out of thin air.

>> It's the Federation's latest flash

fighter. Just how many aces are you

hiding? Just a little something for

self-defense. Set course for Hunter's

Fortress.

Lynn Shiao, the strength you showed

today, it really makes me itch for a

fight. So, what do you say? Want to hop

into the neural link chamber and spar

with me?

Sure. I'd also like to see what you're

made of, brother Steelbone.

>> Lyn Shia, in the virtual world, I won't

hold back.

Take this.

Impressive strength,

but a bit slow.

Brother Steelbone,

you lose.

Throat ceiling strike. Your speed and

explosive power have already far

surpassed the limits of a two-star

mercenary.

>> To think it was settled in an instant.

Steelbone is notoriously tough among

strength type mercenaries.

>> As expected from Steelbone's

recommendation, this stard tastes really

good.

>> Steelbone, you've had a long face since

earlier. What's wrong?

>> Lyn Sha, do you think the insectoids are

scary? They're just beasts acting on

instinct. They're vast in number with

enough firepower. They're not

unbeatable. That's because you've never

seen an insecttoid with a brain.

>> Bugs. They're just a bunch of beasts

acting on instinct. No matter how many

there are, they're just a disorganized

mob.

>> What do you mean?

>> A few days ago, I sent a friend to Mount

Laai on Earth. We found an insecttoid

queen. Is very likely incubating inside.

An insecttoid queen is an extremely

unique being. Every queen's birth comes

with the fall of a civilization. They're

not like those beasts that only know how

to bite and tear. They say the queen has

breathtaking beauty enough to beguile

the weak-minded. Even worse, they can

command all nearby insecttoids, making

them fearless and coordinated in battle.

They'll faint and flank. They'll use

weak cannon fodder to drain your ammo.

Then they'll use their most elite

warriors, tear through your defenses

where you least expect it. They also

have powerful psychic abilities. A fully

mature insectoid queen can use psychic

corruption to directly turn nearby

intelligent beings into her slaves and

collapse entire civilizations from

within. Intelligent insecttoids are the

nightmare of all civilizations. Is there

no way to destroy the queen? Once the

queen is fully hatched, killing her is

nearly impossible. By then, Earth will

be their first stronghold for their

expansion into the solar system.

Not just Earth, the entire solar system

will be beyond saving. Just like my home

world. Lynchia, the end of the earth is

if that thing fully awakens.

>> Not a single bone in the entire

>> solar system will stay whole.

Then we need to kill her before she's

fully awake.

That's the Zur Queen. She was born a

ruler that can destroy civilizations.

Now's our best chance. while she's not

fully hatched yet.

>> Since you've decided, we'll go to the

wilderness zone tomorrow for the final

life or death trial.

>> Incredible.

>> Your control over power is way above

Sarank

compared to this kid. My brute strength

is just child's play.

>> Brother, that's the punk. They only got

three of them. Let's take him out now.

No one will know.

Brother Schwa, great news. A desert

black scorpion, badly injured by two

star mercenaries, is fleeing our way.

Desert black scorpion, a top predator,

is valuable all over. Its venom sack

fetches a fortune on the black market.

That kid, Lynch, we're not killing him.

What's the rush, Skinny Monkey? Your

lousy star coins can't even buy one drop

of black scorpion's venom. First, get

the venom sack. Then, we deal with this

kid.

Good hall today. Let's go. It's too

dangerous here at night.

>> Wait, something's coming.

>> That's a desert black scorpion.

>> How did it get so badly hurt? Now it's

weak. Finish it off,

brother. Schwep. This guy's crazy. He's

actually challenging the desert black

scorpion alone. Don't move. Let him wear

it out. He's just helping us. Drain this

beast's last strength.

Once this punk is worn out by Black

Scorpion, I'll take everything man and

goods all in one.

Brother Schwe, how can this kid be so

fast?

Damn it. This kid's definitely hiding

his strength. But the desert black

scorpions dying counterattack

aren't that easy to fend off.

One strike. He actually took down Desert

Black Scorpion without a scratch.

Brother Schwe, this isn't even the power

a twoar mercenary should have. Should we

still make a move?

You've been watching for so long.

Haven't you had enough,

kid? You're pretty good,

but some fortunes are too big for a new

two star like you to swallow.

Sniper

target locked. Pretty quick.

Let's see how many times you can dodge.

C-class energy sniper rifle.

It's a band weapon. You really went all

out to get me. Good. Hand over the

poison capsule. And we'll leave your

body intact. If you want it, come get it

yourself.

Lyn Sha, over here. Get on the fighter

quick.

Lynch, watch out behind you.

>> This firepower, that rifle's worth at

least 200,000 star coins.

>> Your hand.

>> Take him away. Hurry,

>> Lynch. We leave together.

>> Leave me alone. See you back at the

fortress.

>> You scumbags. I got the poison capsule

right here. Come get it if you dare. The

kid's in the woods. Forget those

cripples. The capsule's on him. After

him. You can't get away. Where do you

think you can hide?

>> We're leaving first. Hang on.

Chase me all night for against one. Even

with an energy sniper.

Before I was out in the open, you had

the advantage hunting me from the

shadows. But now that we're deep in the

woods, now it's my turn.

Skinny, hasn't a broken hand taught you

enough? I'll start with you,

Lyn Sha.

You better hope I never find you.

Congrats. You found me.

Skinny, get down. I'll take over.

He's asleep.

useless when it matters.

Skinny, just in time. Got a light.

Second one.

Help. Someone help me.

There's a cry for help here. That's so

creepy. It hurts so much. Please help

me. Fine. What if it's really a person?

>> Help.

Help. It hurts.

So, it's a lure worm. Disgusting trick.

Please pull me up.

I can't feel my legs.

So cold.

Still trying this trick. I

help me.

How come there are hundreds of lure

worms? Something's wrong. Something must

have happened around here.

Looks like a spaceship crashed nearby.

It's a Federation bio research vessel.

The lure bugs in the valley escaped from

here.

A three-star mercenary, a battleh

hardened warrior, yet killed with a

single blow and pinned right here.

It's a storage ring.

a storage ring. It comes with a flash

seven star fighter. It's worth 1.5

million star coins. A B-grade battle

axe, star shatterer, worth 1.5 million

star coins. Five vials of C-grade gene

optimization serum. It's worth 500,000

star coins. So, this is the foundation

of a three-star mercenary. A colossal

fortune. All mine now.

What's this?

A father heading home to give his

daughter a gift. Let me see you off.

Your gift. I'll find a way to get it to

your daughter. As for the rest of the

stuff in the ring, consider it my travel

fee.

Rest in peace.

Permissions

reset. Welcome, new master. Flash 7 star

fighter ready.

I can't let these bugs harm anyone else

anymore. Fire.

Set course for Hunter's Bastion.

>> Order received. Course altered. I don't

know who's after me.

But we'll meet again soon.

Check out that fighter. Shining seven. I

saw a model at the trade center last

time. It was priced at over a million.

Anyone who can afford this must be at

least a top tier three star. Maybe it's

some big shot fourstar here on business.

A two star mercenary flying a million

credit fighter. You've got to be

kidding.

>> Lynch, where have you been? You

disappeared all night. We thought you

>> We found out who attacked you. It was

the Bloodblade squad.

>> They're really strong. They're all top

fighters among two star mercenaries. And

that guy, Skinny Monkey, was your old

enemy. He probably hired the bloodblade

squad.

>> Skinny Monkey is dead. And I took out a

Bloodblade squad member while I was at

it.

>> You You actually took out two of their

top fighters all by yourself.

>> Besides Bloodblade himself, only three

are left. I'll deal with them sooner or

later.

>> The Bloodlade crew are notorious mad

dogs. Be careful when you go out from

now on.

>> I know. You guys rest up first. I'll go

sell the desert black scorpion venom

sack. Then we split the money.

Hey kid, you killed my brother. How dare

you come back?

Any problem? Don't play dumb with me.

Hand over the venom sack. I'll pretend

it never happened. Otherwise, once you

step out of the fortress, I guarantee

you won't last a day. Who the hell are

you people? You don't deserve to talk to

me. You're asking for it. Don't think

just because you're in the fortress. We

can't do anything to you. Fine, kid. You

got guts. We'll see about that.

>> Item: Desert Black Scorpion Venom Sack.

Integrity 98. High activity. Total

1,975,000 star coins transferred to your

account.

Almost 2 million star coins. That's my

money. Lyn Shia, I'll never let you get

away with this.

Easy. Are you trying to peel off my

skin, too?

>> I'm being as gentle as I can.

>> Those bastards didn't mess with you. Did

they?

>> But they were livid. The venom sack sold

for 1.97 million. We'll split it three

ways.

>> No way. You took down that scorpion

alone. We didn't help at all.

>> Exactly. We can't take this money. Blood

Blades after me, which means he's after

all three of us. Take the extra money

and buy better gear. Otherwise, sooner

or later, something bad will happen.

I've been a mercenary for nearly 10

years, risking my life. All I saved

isn't as much as. I've earned these two

weeks with you.

>> You can say that again. At this rate, I

can retire early, go back to my home

planet, and buy an estate to live out my

days.

>> Retirement's still a long way off. We

won't have peace until we deal with that

fly bloodblade first. Back to base 7.

We'll get stronger. Then we'll wipe out

Bloodblade and his fly.

So, the family info is hidden. Looks

like I'll have to dig it up later.

Bclass battle. Starbreaker. Appraisal

complete. Buyback price 1 million star

credits. Confirm transaction. 1 million

star credits received. 2,200,000 star

credit. Since those bloodblade scum want

to play, I'll use this cash to arm

myself to the teeth. B-class ghost suit,

polymer liquid metal, maxed out defense,

1 million star credits. C-class hunter

chainsaw blade, high strength alloy,

100,000 revolutions per minute. High

frequency vibration, 150,000 star

credits. Payment successful. Total

1,150,000 star credits spent. Gear is

just external. Blood blade. Once I'm

done evolving, you're all dead.

Start with 3x gravity.

Not enough. 10 x

more. 15x.

Same as usual. One by one is too slow.

To get stronger, push to the limit in

one go.

Huh?

[snorts]

>> 20x gravity. I can adapt now.

>> Warning. Federation mining zone 0117 is

under attack by an unidentified

creature. All mercenaries, rally

immediately.

>> Know what we're playing with this time?

>> Mecca. One Mecca each for this mission.

What unknown creature needs this much

firepower?

>> Who cares? Maybe it's a big one. Small

ones wouldn't deserve these beauties.

Everyone, curb your curiosity. A

rebellion has broken out on mining star

number 17. They're not unidentified life

forms. They're the planet's natives, the

rockmen. On average, rockmen are over 3

m tall. Their bodies are as hard as

alloy steel plates. Quell the rebellion.

That's your only objective. All

personnel board now. System selfch

check. Move out.

Target locked. All units attack.

The mining area is completely destroyed.

No signs of life.

Target spotted. Fire at will.

Why are you rebelling? You're all

Federation Latins, executioners.

Explain. You mercenaries came here

saying you'd recruit our strongest young

men to serve the Federation as glorious

warriors. Our children, our proudest

young ones. They followed those liars.

Since then, there's been no word at all.

We asked everywhere, searched

everywhere. We finally found out they

were never sent to the army. They were

sold as slaves to the dark reef sector,

becoming gladiator slaves for the rich.

Do you have proof for what you said? The

proof is our missing children. I'm

telling you, the ones who bought our

kids are relatives of Federation

Insiders.

I'll check this out. Until I get back,

keep your people in line. No more rash

moves.

>> Incoming private comm requests. Do you

think we've become the villains in this

story? Is this how the Galactic

Federation treats its vast species? The

Federation is too vast. Among billions

of civilizations, there are always

parasites hiding in the shadows.

>> The Withering Sector incident decades

ago. A fleet commander-in-chief colluded

with

>> the Insecttoids were money leading to

three planets and tens of billions of

lives devoured by them. We're just

mercenaries. If the Rock people charge

again, passive defense only. Don't stick

your neck out. Break their legs, but

don't hit vital spots.

>> Understood, Captain. Yet, you be

careful, too.

Hold your fire. Passive defense only.

This isn't as simple as we thought. Kill

these Federation lap dogs.

Rock people, listen up. The Federation

has confirmed traces of your people in

the Dark Reef sector. A special

investigative team will be dispatched

immediately. On my authority as deputy

commander of the seventh mercenary

corps, I guarantee the Federation will

give you justice, scum who abducted your

loved ones. The mercenary coalition will

hunt them down to the end. Justice?

We've heard enough lies from

mercenaries. This time is different. How

is it different? Sharper guns or more

polished lies? The difference is I don't

want my men dying here for those

parasites fighting a desperate battle

against parents who just want their kids

back.

Fine, we'll wait. But if you fail to

deliver

next time, all the rock people will

stand here.

We will fight to our last man. You will

pay blood for blood.

>> All units, return to the transport ship.

Good thing nothing really happened. Do

you know how many stonekin are on that

planet? 8 billion. If it really comes to

a fight, forget the mission.

>> Even getting out alive would be a

problem.

Stonekin bodies can withstand bolter

fire. Even such powerful beings are

traded like cargo. If one day Earth

faces this too, what will I do?

The Galactic Black Market sells

everything, not just Stonekin. Even

royalty from small civilizations get

kidnapped for the right price. Some

mercenaries target civilizations with no

interstellar backing. Hit and run.

>> Does Earth count as having no

interstellar standing?

>> Earth joined the Federation

less than 20 years ago. No fleet of its

own. No interstellar influence

>> out there. Earthlings are no different

from Stonekin in many places. So, I have

to move faster before anyone sets their

sights on Earth.

>> Don't overthink it. In time, you'll

understand. This universe is cruer than

any book you've ever read.

>> You brat, you finally made it back from

the mining planet. My bones are almost

rusted solid.

>> Brother Steelbone, how are your

injuries?

[snorts] Almost healed. Those bloodblade

scum. I'll definitely snap their necks

with my own hands. Don't be rash. Leave

this to me. You want to strike first?

>> Yeah, I bought the information. I know

where all four of them are since they

want to kill us. No need to be polite to

them.

>> I'm really getting old.

>> It's not that you're old. We just can't

keep up with him. If we go, we'll only

slow him down. Those scum are no

pushovers. The four of them fight in

sync. Dirty and brutal. Lyn Sha is

alone. He knows what he's doing. All we

can do is wait here for him. That kid

always surprises us.

>> If only I could improve half as fast as

him.

Damn, these beasts are getting harder to

kill. Stop complaining. The crystal

cores from these are great quality.

Worth a few thousand. Too bad that kid

Lynn Shia got away last time. The venom

sack slipped right through our fingers.

We'd be living the good life by now. Cut

the crap. Lynn Sha screwed up our cash

flow. When we catch him, I'll skin him

alive. Number two, come with me to the

old data center ahead. Number three and

four, find a spot nearby to process the

crystal cores. Don't attract any

monsters.

They're gone. Perfect. Let's start our

revenge with those two.

Damn, I lost big time on this trip. This

crappy crystal core isn't even a bite

for boss.

What's the rush? We'll kill a few more,

stash them, and not tell the boss.

Problem solved. You're a sly bastard.

So, how do we split it? 70 to 30 split.

I take 70. I did all the heavy lifting.

[ __ ] If I hadn't found its weak

spot, you wouldn't have landed that

shot. 50 to 50. [ __ ] You found the

weak spot. I blew its leg off. You just

finished it with a stab. You call that

finding a weak spot? 60 to 40 split. I

get 60. You get 40. Last time against

Black Scorpion, I had your back while

you slacked off. Don't pull that [ __ ]

with me this time.

B-class combat suit. How is that

possible? Where'd you get the money?

Two left

blade. Number two,

Shiwega. I heard Battle Axe thinks

highly of that Ling guy. Lauu is already

dead. It's not worth holding this deadly

grudge.

What do you know? In the mercenary

trade, once you make an enemy, it's to

the death. Mercy is the one thing you

can never afford. It's either him or us.

Who's there? Get out here now.

Lyn Sha, it's you. You little punk. I

wasn't even looking for you yet. You

just walked right into your own death.

>> You just said either he dies or you all

die. I agree. Kill a few useless

nobodies.

You really think you're invincible?

Today I'll show you exactly how high the

bar is for two armors.

Please die.

Ah, don't kill me. All my money is

yours. All my savings and my intel. I

know plenty of secrets.

>> When you were hunting me down, did you

ever think this day would come?

>> Don't kill me, Lyn Sha. I'll give you

all my savings and intel on secret

ruins. All of it. Just let me live. I'll

be your slave.

Please. I'll ask you again. When you

were hunting me down, did you ever think

this day would come? I guess not. I

agree with what you said earlier. Fight

to the death. So just die. No.

>> Among this batch of rookies, Lynch is

the best. It only took him a little over

a week to pass the twostar trial. We

haven't seen this at base 7 in years.

Instant burst power over 10,000 kg.

Speed 120 m/s. Just reached two star.

Already this level. Just reached three

star. Already this level.

>> Having such a talent under your command.

It's infuriating. All my twostar

mercenaries just slack off. What dumb

luck did you stumble into? No matter who

he works for, data shows this kid has

huge potential. He might surpass

everyone here someday. Look, his growth

curve is almost vertical. At this rate,

give him another 6 month. Even three

star won't be a problem. You mean we put

him in the base director candidate

program. He's barely been here.

>> Time isn't the issue. Strength is at

this young man's growth rate, he'll be

on our level sooner or later. Instead of

promoting him, then why not give him a

chance now? Tens of thousands of twostar

mercenaries here are in this position

making an exception to promote a rookie

will be hard to win everyone over since

when do mercenaries win people over with

words open the trial spire all two star

mercenaries can join the top after 3

days becomes the candidate

simple and fair. Isn't this too

aggressive? You know how tough the trial

spire is. If you can't make it through,

you're not qualified. The base director

position was never met for the week.

>> Get over here. I've got amazing news.

>> What is it?

>> Big Shots at the base just announced the

trial spire is opening. All two star

mercenaries can join. Rankings close in

3 days. Rewards based on rank. The top

prize is listed as a mystery grand

reward.

>> All two star mercenaries. That's tens of

thousands of people. Getting to the top

takes more than just talk.

Kid, you in or not? How do I enter?

>> The trial spire is in Simspace. Just

wear this neural headset. I have to warn

you in there. Everyone's physical stats

are equal. The system will let you

choose the pain simulation level.

Remember, never set it to 100. If you

die at 100 pain, neural feedback hits

your brain directly. At best, mental

trauma. At worst, it'll turn you into an

idiot.

>> She's not scaring you. No one wants to

taste that twice. Understood.

>> Okay, let's go.

>> Lin Shiao, twostar mercenary, trial

tower, floor zero, unranked.

Please select pain simulation level 30.

Pain settings complete. Please select

your initial weapons and equipment. I'll

take the chainsaw blade and composite

shield. Equipment selected. Target 100

hoppers.

Mission eliminate all.

Look,

>> Mad Man Barton just broke into the top

1,000.

>> Cleared floor one in 3 minutes.

>> Barton's nothing. Phantom Blade Sophia

hit over 800 kills in 245.

>> Why isn't Lyn Xiao's name showing up

yet? Don't tell me he hasn't entered

yet.

>> Relax. Data sync takes time.

>> Rank 9,987 Lang Sao points 100. There he

is.

>> Rank 8,754. Lenjhao. Points 100. What's

going on? The system's got a bug. Not a

bug. Points are still 100. So, he's

still on floor one. His clear time was

just too short.

>> 17 Lo points 100. Clear time 1 minute

40s.

>> I knew it. I knew this guy was

something.

>> Len Shao really is full of surprises.

Points 200. Someone cleared the second

floor.

Bloodworm. More vicious than leapers.

Their aggression doubles when they smell

blood.

Against these brute force enemies,

shields are nothing but a burden.

Congratulations. You've cleared the

second floor of the trial tower. Time

exactly 5 minutes. Rating perfect.

>> Those damn bugs were crazy.

>> Trials tower leaderboard seventh place.

Lynn South 200 points.

>> First floor in 1 minute 40 seconds.

Second floor in 5 minutes. How the hell

did he do that?

>> This Lynn Shia shot up to seventh place.

What the hell kind of monster is he?

>> He cleared the second floor in 5

minutes. I can't go to the third floor.

I'm just not strong enough. That's it.

>> Going in there is just suicide. Let's

just watch from here. See how far Lynn

Sha can go.

Warrior buck. These are tough ones.

Nine left.

Congratulations. You've successfully

passed the third floor of the trial

tower. Time 1,030.

Rating perfect.

>> Double first.

>> How is that possible? 10 warrior bugs

guard the third floor. They're the bog's

elite units,

>> kid. Not bad.

>> I almost didn't make it out. 10 warrior

bugs swarmed me. Nowhere to hide.

>> Going to the fourth floor.

>> I'll tackle the fourth floor after a few

days training. I've hit my limit on the

third. Going in now is suicide.

Now it's the stage for you few

remaining. We two barely passed the

second floor.

It's an emergency. Long story short,

let's get in the car.

>> Okay,

take a look at this first. A day ago, a

deep space probe detected a comet in the

solar system. Its speed far exceeds the

theoretical limit of any known comet.

We activated a top level alert and

tracked it non-stop with all our

telescopes and satellites. A few hours

ago, it arrived near the moon and

stopped.

We can now confirm 100 that it's not a

comet.

But it's a spacecraft from beyond Earth.

It's about 300 m long. It's just sitting

there. No movement, no communication

signals.

>> It's like it's watching us, so we can't

read its intentions. All space related

military units are now at highest.

>> Combat readiness, but we all know

against advanced alien technology.

Earth's existing weapons might be

nothing but a joke.

>> Comrade Liao, you're the only one of us

who's contacted extraterrestrial

civilization, the top brass wants your

opinion. What should we do? Static

observation is the worst case.

We completely lose the initiative.

Rather than wait to be judged, we should

go find the answers ourselves. Give me

some time. I'll go contact them.

Target locked. No engine fluctuations or

heat signatures. Requesting

communication. Have them state their

purpose.

>> Request sent.

Intelligent life in such a remote

galaxy.

That's really unexpected. What's your

purpose here?

We come from the horn civilization four

light years away. Hundreds of millions

of years ago, our ancestors did

ecological stocking across primitive

star systems. This planet was one of

those ancient stocking sites. We're just

here to retrieve the pets our ancestors

stocked.

A very cute kind of creature. In your

Earth language, they're called

dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs? On our home world, a top

quality T-Rex pup can fetch a fortune.

The style breeds like Stegosaurus and

Triceratops. are ideal companions every

family longs for. This planet is one of

the horn civilization's most valuable

living assets. I'm afraid you'll be

disappointed.

>> What do you mean?

>> Dinosaurs all went extinct 65 million

years ago.

Now the intelligent species on Earth is

human.

>> What did you say? Say that again. What

happened to our dinosaurs? They're

extinct. All of them gone. Impossible.

That's the most precious treasure our

ancestors left us. How could a tiny

primitive planet wipe them out? Where

have you taken them?

>> It wasn't us. 65 million years ago, an

asteroid roughly 10 km wide struck

Earth. A global ecological disaster

wiped out. Over 90th species, including

the dinosaurs.

>> Nonsense. At least come up with a better

lie. I'll make every insect on this

planet pay with their lives for our

property.

>> Enough, Tag. Sorry, my companion here

has a bit of a temper, especially when

it comes to assets. But Tag is right

about one thing. Even if we can't accept

extinction, your presence here speaks

volumes.

A starship capable of interstellar

travel, one bold enough to initiate

contact. Your civilization isn't as

primitive as we thought. Just say it

plainly.

We don't like pointless conflict, but we

dislike bad deals even more now that the

pets are gone.

This planet has lost most of its value

to us.

Now I want to know what compensation can

humanity offer for the great loss of our

horn civilization.

Earth doesn't accept any form of

coercion and we won't pay for the

dinosaurs extinction. If you want equal

business with Earth,

welcome. But if you want this as a

colony, no.

Who do you think you are? A worm that

just learned to walk upright. Dares

bargain with us? You think you alone can

stop the Jao Star civilization?

Two star cosmic mercenary. This suit is

a ghost type combat suit. It's worth

over a million star coins. Stop. Do you

want to get us killed?

>> Boss, why did you hit me?

>> Sorry, Hunter Cosmic Mercenary. We

didn't know this planet was your home

world. My companion failed to recognize

your eminence and offended you. We don't

mean to make enemies of the mercenary

alliance. We'll leave immediately.

>> Oh, didn't you just demand compensation

from Earth?

>> Your Excellency, this is purely a

misunderstanding. We never meant to

offend your home, let alone make enemies

of the Great Mercenary Alliance. We're

leaving now. Right away. Why are you

just standing there? Activate the jump

drive.

>> Remember, this isn't your hunting

ground, nor your colony. Never let me

see you near the solar system again.

>> Yes, we understand. Hunter won't do that

again.

Lucky for them, they ran fast.

Interstellar law. Sure enough, strength

is the only truth.

Comrade Lynsha, how are things? It's

done. They're gone. They won't be back.

>> Gone just like that.

>> The universe is vast, but it has its

rules. Except for Outlaw Star Pirates.

Most civilizations must operate within

the rules. They can't afford the

consequences of breaking the rules.

Great.

Thanks to you. You've helped Earth again

this time. You flatter me, Elder Chen.

In a few days, phase one of the

Moonbased project will officially

launch. With the controlled nuclear

fusion technology you brought back,

we've made a breakthrough. We can

conduct the first test in at most 3

months.

>> That fast.

>> Lynch, with your help, humanity is about

to enter a whole new era. We're not far

from becoming a space fairing

civilization.

Hello, Shia. What are you up to? Free

eating breakfast? Stop eating. I found a

great place. A new Taekwondo dojo just

opened in the city. Top-notch equipment.

All coaches are retired provincial team

athletes. Come sign up with me. Didn't

you just get a gym membership last

month? That's different. Working out is

just brute force. Taekwond do is

technique. It's a martial art, you know.

Fine. Send me the address.

What do you think? I got pretty good

taste, huh? I don't get what's worth

learning about taekwond do. If you want

to learn martial arts, I can just teach

you. How could that be the same? This is

proper combat skill. All the coaches

here are black belt masters.

Whoa. Isn't that Jangha?

>> The one who's always jealous of you.

What a coincidence. Enemies are bound to

meet. Huh? When did that punk learn

taekwond do? And he's already a black

belt now.

>> Oh, look who it is. If it isn't Lynn

Shia. What? You got nowhere to go? After

the college entrance exam. So, you came

here to join the fun?

>> None of your business. You're way too

nosy. H sorry, but I actually do have a

say here. My dad's a shareholder here.

This isn't a place for riffraff.

So, you're here to sign up for taekwond

do. Fine. Fight me. If you can last one

minute against me, I'll have the coach

register you. Otherwise,

go back where you came from and stop

embarrassing yourselves. I'll take you

on today. I'm not wasting time on

someone like you. All Braraw and no

brains. It's Lin Shia. I want to fight.

I don't want to fight you.

>> What? Scared already?

>> This could get you hurt. [snorts] Or

worse, someone could die.

Haha.

Hear that? He said someone could die. Oh

my god. Does he really think he's that

tough? Haha. If you're too scared, just

say so. Don't make such lame excuses.

That's really pathetic. I'm a taekwondo

black belt. I know how to control my

strength. I promise I won't kill you.

This is a dojo where the strong train,

not a place for cowards like you.

>> Shia, just let it go. I know you're

pretty strong, but Jeang has a taekwond

do black belt. You can't beat him. You

won't know until you try.

>> Have you decided yet? If you really

can't, you two kneel and beg for mercy

now. I'll let you off and even wave your

tuition. How about that? Haha.

>> Fine. If you insist on playing,

I'll play along.

>> Let's play fine, as you wish. But talk

is cheap. What if someone gets hurt and

starts screaming for cops and

compensation?

How boring would that be?

Sign this. If anyone gets hurt, even

broken bones aren't the other's fault.

You're on your own. You dare.

>> Don't go too far.

Can we start?

>> Lyn Sha, are you crazy signing this with

him? He's a black belt. He's trained for

years. You're so thin. What if he really

hurts you?

Still time to back out. Just admit

you're a coward. Say to the camera, "I'm

a coward. I lost to Jean Ha's father and

we'll call it quits. Then post the video

to the high school class group so

everyone can see your glory.

Say it. Come on. Say it. Just say it and

it's over. Losing face is better than

losing your life.

Just let him be. Since you're so gutsy,

I'll sweeten the pot. If you win, I'll

give this lifetime VIP card to Jeangi.

You can come here anytime, but if you

lose, you crawl out of this gym.

Every time you see me, you have to call

me brother. How?

>> A black belt bullying a newbie. So

shameless. Never mind. Just watch the

show. That kid really signed it. Is he

out of his mind?

>> I know him. He's Lin Sha. We went to the

same high school. He used to get winded

running just 1 kilometer in PE.

>> That's even worse. Jean Ha won bronze at

the city youth tournament. Lynsha, we

fell for this guy's trap.

>> Bold. I like it.

>> Be careful. If it's too much, just

forfeit. I'll apologize if I have to.

Don't worry. We'll see who ends up

apologizing.

>> This is your last chance. Admit defeat

now and we'll call it even. You don't

want to end up lying on the ground

waiting for an ambulance,

>> bro. How? Cut the crap. Kick his ass.

I'm already recording. Let's make him go

viral. Come on.

How'd he dodge all that?

Since when has Shiaoy been this badass?

How How could he catch that? All that

talk and this is it.

What kind of monster is he?

Get up. I told you. Things like this can

get you hurt. You insisted on fighting.

Don't get cocky, Ling Shiao. I I

apologize.

I apologize. I am sorry.

Let's go.

Oh, don't forget the VIP card. Just send

it to Jeang Way. I'm done with Earth

stuff. Time to loosen up.

Trial Tower leaderboard. First place

Thor. First place Ling Sha. Level three.

Floor four. Entering trial tower. Please

select a level. Fourth floor. Equipment

selected. Generating scene.

Target. Bloodthirsty lizard. Quantity

100. Mission eliminate all.

Bro, what do you think his chances are?

>> The fourth floor's challenge isn't

combat, it's attrition.

Swamp toxins constantly drain your

stamina. Lethirsty lizard attacks cause

constant bleeding. Combined, no one can

get through. Not even him.

>> All 30 of your failures came after the

boss showed up. You were exhausted.

Unless he has more stamina than you, he

won't clear it either.

>> Kill 28.

Kill 49. Look everyone, we're almost at

the 50th. Thor's 30th failure. He fell

right here.

Tiny insect become my meal.

opening.

Such tough muscle. Can't cut through at

all. I almost lost my grip on the blade.

That alpha lizard is really tough. Even

Lynn Sha is injured. If Lynn Sha bleeds

out here in this swamp, he might not

make it.

>> Look, it's just a matter of time before

he loses and gets hurt. He made the same

mistake you did, trying to take the

alpha head on.

>> No, I feel like he's different.

>> If this keeps up, I'm dead. I have to

use the alpha lizard to make them kill

each other.

He's using their strength against them.

>> He's using the alpha to clear out the

minions. If this keeps up, Lynch might

actually clear the fourth level.

>> Heavy. Three kills. 89 kills.

Once I take you down, the rest of the

lizards are nothing.

Not enough.

I got to hold on. Almost there. Almost

got it.

98 kills, 99 kills, unstood kills.

Congratulations, Challenger Lingo.

You've successfully cleared the fourth

level of the trial tower. Time 19

minutes 58 seconds.

Lin Shao really cleared the fourth floor

of the trial tower. He's now the

strongest below three star mercenaries.

To actually, you don't have to. I lost.

>> You're giving up just like that? That's

not like you.

>> It's not giving up. It's facing reality.

No amount of effort can bridge the gap

between him and me. His judgment,

adaptability,

and reckless execution in combat. I

can't do that.

This high-intensity combat is really

exhausting. Even with a virtual helmet,

it's still too tough to handle.

Someone's looking for me at a time like

this.

Sit.

You cleared the fourth floor in 1958. My

first attempt took a full 37 minutes, my

second 31. It wasn't until my 23rd

attempt that I barely got it under 20

minutes. You know what that means? Just

luck, kid. The lizards I ran into

weren't too bright. If those lizards

weren't smart, the fourth floor wouldn't

have stopped 99 of mercenaries. You got

a huge advantage and still act like it's

nothing. I didn't call you here to hear

you being modest. I've got business with

you. Let me fill you in. At B7, we have

four chiefs and one main committee

leader. A spot has opened up. One of our

chiefs is retiring soon. We've discussed

it. We want to pick the top trial tower

performer as reserve chief. interested.

I'm only a two star. There are tons of

three star mercenaries in the base. It

shouldn't be my turn. Star rating is

just a rank. Thor's also a two star. She

got stuck on the fourth floor 30 times

and you cleared it first try. That's the

difference. I know you have concerns,

but first hear me out on the benefits of

being a reserve chief. You can decide

after that. Okay, tell me. First, let me

tell you why we're making you the

reserve chief. Ice Scorpion values, your

potential. Volcano had concerns you

couldn't command respect, but with your

trial tower results, he has nothing to

say. As for me, I've watched you go from

a rookie

to clearing the fourth floor. That kind

of growth speed, I haven't seen another

like that in 15 years at first, the

supervisor provides a fixed salary,

enough for you to live comfortably.

Second, your purchasing access at the

mercenary alliance mall will be upgraded

directly to three star level. Equipment,

potions, and ship mods, all at insider

discounts. Third, most importantly, with

your new status, you'll have higher

authority at base 7.

You can even recruit promising new blood

into the mercenary alliance. Recruit new

blood. Yes, you'll be authorized to

recruit talent. You can pick promising

people from your home planet, grant them

probationary mercenary status, and bring

them here.

Is there a limit on slots? H, as I

expected, you think of others, not

yourself. I knew you'd ask that. 10

slots per year. Total 10 slots is

plenty. Don't celebrate too soon. The

Federation doesn't feed dead weight. If

your recruits can't go from probation to

full mercenary in a month, they're out

and you'll be the one losing face.

Understood.

>> This promotion isn't for free. Before we

officially announce this, you need to

complete a mission first.

>> What mission?

>> Remember the Rock Tribe incident?

>> I remember.

>> All those young Rock Tribe members were

abducted to the Reef Star Zone as

gladiator slaves.

After that, the Federation did send an

investigation team to Reef Star Zone.

But the investigation hit resistance.

The trafficked rock tributes still

haven't all been found. The real

mastermind is hiding in the shadows.

Someone doesn't want the investigation

to continue. Our mercenary alliance

can't easily directly intervene in the

Federation's internal affairs. But

you're different. You haven't officially

taken office yet. Your identity is

clean. Besides, I'm new. I won't draw

much attention. It'll be easier to get

things done, right?

>> That's why I say talking to a smart

person is a breeze. I need you to go to

Reef Star Zone, find those kidnapped

rock people, and bring them back. Can

you do it? When do I leave? The sooner

the better. Gear up on your own. We'll

get you a new fighter. Here are the

coordinates.

Be careful. The Reef Star zone isn't

under Federation jurisdiction. There's

only one rule there. or might makes

right.

>> Got it. I'll go prepare.

>> Come back alive. You're the new blood

I've got my eye on. Don't make it all

for nothing.

>> The Rock Clan tricked are still held

captive on a private planet. It's

already been reported, but the process

is slower than a turtle.

>> By the time those bureaucrats sign the

papers, the Rock Clan will already have

mutinied. Many will die. But I can't use

my real identity for this mission. I'd

be targeted by the mastermind behind

this. I have an idea. Change your

identity. Go undercover as a space

pirate. Space pirate. Mercenary Lynn

Shiao must stay at the base. The one

landing in the DRRA system will be a

notorious unrestrained space pirate.

>> Does this count as a license to kill?

>> You can see it that way. Vile scum like

that gets cleaned out when needed.

Space pirates kill for no reason.

Target dossier. Dela system. Cray

family's private planet. Objective:

rescue the entire rock clan. Authorized

to eliminate all obstacles. Reward

50,000 star credits.

The Cray family's private planet. Truly

luxurious.

Quick, quick, my dear little fishies.

Run faster or I'll shoot.

Your aim is terrible. Watch me.

Boring. What's the fun of killing these

fishermen? Kill them and bring in new

slaves.

What's wrong, baby? Damn. What are they

scared of?

You animals.

Time for payback.

and skulls. This the Star Pirates. How

could they be here? This is a federal

officials private planet. Star pirates

can't find it. But this guy not only

found it, he broke in. Don't panic.

There's just one lone star pirate. We'll

kill him.

Kill me,

you bunch of blood sucking trash.

Run.

Please, please spare me. Is it fun

picking on the weak? Now it's your turn.

You're free. Now run for your lives.

Quick, useless gum.

>> Slit his throat.

>> Wait, darling. That fisherman is already

at his limit. The minotaur's advantage

is strength and endurance. He's just

toying with his prey. I bet his next

strike will snap that fisherman's neck.

I only care about my bet. I've already

bet 100,000 star credits on him.

Win. Damn. Lost again.

You revel in sin. Then burn to ashes

with your sins.

Who are you? An overseer. It's our break

time now. Overseers can't just walk in.

I'm not an overseer. I'm here to rescue

you. Sent by your elders. Rescue us.

We'll never trust any mercenaries again.

We were tricked out of our homes by

people like you.

They said we'd be warriors for the

Federation. So, what happened? We were

stuffed in the cargo hold. We woke up

here.

This is the clan chief's totem stone. It

has blood marks from the elders. The

chief is alive. They're looking for us.

>> Your elders asked me to bring this. I'm

here to take you home.

It's no use. We can't escape. High

energy turrets on the perimeter. Patrol

drones in the sky. Any move we make will

get us slaughtered.

Don't worry about any of this. I'll stir

things up here. When the chance comes,

you just run.

This must be what they use. The burrow

beast for mining.

What's wrong? What happened?

from now on.

I'm giving you back your freedom.

This is the chance you told me about. If

we go out there, we'll be riddled with

bullets. Exactly. We can't beat them. We

never should have trusted you. I'm done

wasting words on you. Die here or go

home.

Your choice.

Follow him. Even if we die, we'll die on

our way home.

They're rebellious slaves. Shoot to

kill. Fire. Watch out. It's high energy

particle guns.

Stay behind me. Don't look back.

Too slow. System failure.

Is this divine power?

Snap out of it. Let's go.

What now? They'll be after us soon. How

do we get off this planet?

Come on, let's go home.

Good job, kid. Faster than I expected. I

blew up that mining outpost on the way.

That's fine, right? It was an illegal

private mine. Blowing it up is no big

deal. Besides, this whole thing was done

by space pirates acting alone. Mercenary

Lin Shiao is now at base 7 sweating it

out in Jong Lee training room. Who knows

he was even here. You know, I don't

know.

Great benefactor. Your kindness. The

Lithos will remember it for generations.

Your advice. We will also carve it into

every legacy stone. A trivial effort for

you. It's just a trivial effort. But for

us, it's our race's survival. You may

not understand what continuation means

to our people. All of us were born from

our ancestors bodies after a century of

waiting. Every young person is more than

just a life to us. The ones you saved

are the foundation of our future for

centuries to come. This is the origin

stone of our clan. It can't provide

energy directly. But when placed in your

cultivation space, it will subtly

transform your body. This is the most

precious thing we can offer. Please do

accept it. It could be a small stepping

stone on your path to becoming strong,

>> kid. Fortune smiling on you. It's

priceless for a rookie like you.

You three, this gift is too much to a

benefactor. No gift is too heavy. We

just hope that when the Lithos face

disaster again, we'll have a friend like

you who will listen to our voice for

this stone's sake. I accept this

generous gift. I can't speak for the

Federation, but I give you my personal

word as Lin Shao. As long as the Lithos

stay in line, you'll have a place in

Federation territory.

The chief candidate will be announced

soon. Don't stress too much. Just keep

doing your thing. Sometimes doing

nothing beats rushing around in vain.

>> I took out quite a few people this time.

You're not going to settle the score

later, are you?

>> Relax. The lithos matter involved

Federation higher-ups. It was a hot

potato. You handled it cleanly. No one

can trace it back to you. The top brass

is very satisfied. So, the candidate

position is secured. It's all set. Ice

Scorpion and Volcano have nothing to say

now with your trial tower feet and the

Lithos rescue. Your track record speaks

for itself.

Oh man, I only got to sleep at 6:00 a.m.

Why are you bugging me about the job

search? How's it going with your

thoughts?

All those summer jobs either say I have

no experience or pay too low. I'm ready

to just give up. I've got a job. Pays

really well. Not sure if you've got the

guts. Shiaoy, are you serious? We don't

do anything illegal. It's not illegal,

but it could be life-threatening. Do you

want to try? Are you serious?

Life-threatening? After all we've been

through, don't joke with me. Hauling

bricks at a construction site is just

work injury at worst, but you've gone

straight to the end. I'm not joking.

High risk, high reward. Show me first.

If this really pays big, I'm all in. Get

changed. 2:30 p.m. I'll take you

straight to the central stadium to sign

up.

Holy crap. What's going on? It's a gang

shootout. Are we in the wrong place?

These guys look scarier than all the

security guards at my dad's factory put

together.

They're here.

These nine are the selected elite

soldiers. After getting the notice,

several top domestic teams were urgently

assembled. These elites were selected

through various competitions. Snow

leopard commandos took three spots. The

remaining six are also the best of their

respective special forces.

Let me be clear. I'm only responsible

for getting you through the door.

Whether you pass the basic test after

that is entirely up to you.

What's that? Looks like something out of

sci-fi movie.

This is the gene optimization serum.

Drink it and your physique will get a

permanent boost. Your baseline fitness

is already above average. With this, you

should have no problem passing. The

probationary mercenary assessment.

Let me be blunt. After drinking it,

the gene transformation will be

extremely painful. If you make it

through, it's your good fortune.

If you can't, no one will blame. Is this

thing safe? Risky, but the payoff is

bigger. You want to step into the

universe. Without it, you don't even

qualify to enter.

Good. As expected of special ops

handpicked from all over. You're all

tough.

This my strength has at least tripled.

This is just the beginning. I can't hold

the portal open for long. Everyone

ready?

Let's go.

Wait, I'm not ready yet.

Help.

Where is this?

Galactic Federation mercenary base

number 7. Permanent garrison over 1

million about 40,000 lighty years from

Earth. We're currently in my quarters.

Oh crap. Shouty. So this summer job you

mentioned is working as an interstellar

mercenary.

What's our next task? You need a guide

to show you around. I've brought two

friends here. They'll help you settle in

quickly.

>> Introduce yourselves. Sealbone, my

friend.

>> So, these are the hometown friends you

told me about.

>> They all look pretty sharp. Next,

they'll show you around the base, our

facilities and rules.

>> Don't worry, leave it to us. We'll show

you around first.

>> Thank you,

>> Lynch. Is this the highpaying job you

mentioned?

Space mercenary.

You can't be serious. This can kill you,

right? People die, but risk and reward

are always equal. Mercenaries are

essentially armed groups that risk their

lives for the Federation, for wealth,

for honor, or just to survive.

Taking high-risk missions is routine.

But I'm not ready.

I didn't bring you here to force you

into anything. Once Mang Kai and the

others settle in, I'll send you back to

Earth. But don't you want to experience

a completely different life before

college starts?

Stop. Quick, turn it off.

I can't take it. Shia, I'm only 19. My

life's just begun. Honestly, I don't

want to die.

>> I understand.

I brought you here to see if you're

interested. If you're not, that's fine.

Get up. Since you're here, before you go

back, at least try some food you can't

get on Earth.

They'll take you to a real alien feast

to calm you down. Then I'll send you

home after the meal.

>> Your friend is gone.

>> I saw him off. Everyone makes their own

choice. I can't ask others to risk it

like I do.

You've learned enough theory. Enough

theory. Time for real combat. We got a

cleanup mission on a planet near our

base. There are a few leftover bugs left

there. Perfect for you to practice.

Come here. One for each of you.

Does this work like the guns on Earth?

>> This is the Arkite standard rifle. The

Federation's most common weapon. 90 star

credits each. It uses electromagnetic

acceleration,

not gunpowder. Fires alloy slugs. Enough

for those star bugs. This cleanup

mission is a good chance to get you

familiar with a real alien battlefield.

>> We understand. We have a field test in 2

days.

You're my special recruits. Fail and

I'll personally pack you up and ship you

back to Earth.

This isn't a threat.

I just don't want to deliver a box of

ashes

to your family someday. Earth needs

people who as mercenaries can pry open

the door to the universe. And you are

the pioneers.

Your target 10 regular bugs as strong as

a full-grown Siberian tiger.

They'll come when they hear noise. I

won't interfere in any of your actions.

Live or die, it's up to fate.

>> You've helped us enough already.

We're soldiers, not house flowers. If

nine of us with nine guns can't handle

10 beasts, then we don't deserve to be

here.

Open fire.

Quick, bullets can't pierce their

garbage.

Aim for their joints and eyes.

Good job. Your reflexes and marksmanship

are up to standard. Looks like you'll

have no problem passing the assessment.

>> Come on, we got selected.

We aren't here to slack off.

On guard.

Focus. Fire on the head. Fire.

No use. Your guns can't pierce this

guy's carropase.

I'll handle it.

Ah.

So this is the power of comrade Lynch.

Captain, the intel's confirmed.

We bribed a Federation official and got

the travel logs of all registered

mercenaries who passed through that

sector within a month of your brother's

death. Over 17,000 records. After data

filtering and behavioral analysis, we

finally narrowed it down to these 100

people. I can guarantee the killer is

100 among them. Good.

One more thing. Speak, captain. Some

people on this list have complicated

backgrounds. These from the Star

Mercenary Corps have the whole core

backing them. If we go after all of

them, it could cause a lot of trouble.

>> It's not just a manpower issue for us.

The FBI is another problem, too.

My own brother is dead. That's the

biggest trouble I have right now.

Need I say more?

Understood. I don't want to hear about

suspects. I only want to hear that

they're dead.

Start with the first one on the list.

Kill them one by one. I don't care who

they are or what's behind them. Keep

killing until the hundth or until

someone kneels before me and admits he

did it. I'll make the arrangements

immediately.

>> I'll avenge you, little brother.

No matter who the killer is.

This guy hasn't been to the tower the

last two days, yet he's still first.

Obviously, he's the only one who cleared

level four. Who else would be first? I

wonder what the mystery grand prize for

first place is this time. I heard

someone got a small personal starship

last time. Seriously, the base is that

generous.

>> He [snorts] didn't even show up. Can't

believe he'd missed such a big event.

>> Does he even know rankings come out

today?

>> You know how he is. Once he's done with

the trial tower, he's done. I told him

there's a reward today. He said he's

training in the gravity room. No time.

>> The gravity room? Fine.

>> 50 times gravity. My legs would go weak

after 10 minutes in there.

>> And he's been in there for 2 days. So

Lynch is first. You can't even find the

rankings. Can you stop being so mean?

As usual, announcing the ranking rewards

from 1,00 to 100. First place, 10,000

star coins each. Ranks 11 to 100,

100,000 star coins each. 10th to second

place. Nine people total each gets

200,000 star coins. And these nine will

get access to the base armory and can

pick one free C-grade weapon. Segrade

weapons starting at 100,000 star coins.

Lucky you, kid.

>> I've never even touched a C-grade weapon

in my life.

As for our first place,

we'll receive no star coins.

No star coins. Then what? No money for

first place. What kind of reward is

that?

>> Could it be a B-grade weapon? No, that

costs over a million. The base wouldn't

do that.

>> Could it be a free starship? That's

still way over a million.

>> No money. Maybe status like a reserve

commander or something.

>> You're dreaming a two star as commander.

The three star vets would riot.

>> Then what could it be?

>> I can't think of anything.

>> Check out Battle Ax's face. He's holding

back a grin himself.

>> You know what? Tomahawk's in dress

uniform today.

>> He's always in combat uniform. He

changed specially for today. So what?

They can't just make him the base

commander. As the top trial champion,

you'll get a unique identity.

Reserve head of the mercenary base.

>> Backup director.

>> Did I hear that right? You must be

kidding me. Every base leader is battleh

hardened. A highly decorated three-star

merc. What's that two star got that I

don't? I've been grinding here for 8

years. Still a two star. A rookie gets

the job straight out of the gate. What

the hell is this world coming to?

>> Steelbone. Did I hear that right?

>> Lyn Xiao's the backup head. You heard

right.

>> He's only been here what? Less than a

month.

>> Went from one star to two star. And now

he's in line for deputy director. If

word gets out out of over a million

people in this base, 800,000 will want

to knock him off the rankings.

>> If I were him, I'd never leave the

gravity chamber.

I know you all have questions, but this

is a joint decision by all of us in

charge. Lyn Xiao's potential in the

trial. It's worth making an exception

for him, but according to the rules, for

Lyn Shia to be an official director, he

must be a three star M. So, we've

decided to give everyone a chance. The

trial tower will remain open. If anyone

gets a higher tower level than Lyn Sha

before he's a three star M, they can

take his place.

take his place. All I have to do is beat

him and I'm the deputy director in

waiting.

>> 100,000 star coins is nothing. A C-class

weapon is nothing.

>> We're talking about the base director

position. A meteoric rise. That kid's

talented.

>> But getting from two star to three star

takes years. Plenty of time.

>> Hell, maybe he'll never make it to three

star. That position's just waiting for

us. Oh, John, nice move. You brought out

everyone's killer instinct.

>> Potential is just potential after all.

Without weathering storms, even the best

sapling grows crooked. I gave him a

ladder to the top. Whether he can keep

his footing is up to him. This is both a

reward and a test.

>> If he survives this, the entire base 7

will be transformed because of him. And

if he can't handle it, he's just not

good enough.

>> No one else is to blame. From now on,

the trial tower is open 247. Anyone

wanting to challenge can come anytime.

This Yenclan origin stone is incredible.

I can clearly feel my strength growing

again.

Each of these four rules is tough. I

need to get stronger to keep my post as

base commander.

All set. Teams assembled. Ready to go.

>> Did you read the trial details?

>> Kill a horn bone beast. Take its horn as

proof. You must solo it with a melee

weapon. We check it habits in our

database.

>> The horn on its forehead is its fatal

weakness, but it charges fast. We need

to anticipate its moves. Fine, enough

talking.

Let's move out.

Trial rules. Each must hunt a hornbone

be solo with a melee weapon. Take its

horn as proof. Those who pass will

become official mercenaries.

Now the assessment begins.

We're off.

Yo yo L you busy man where are you

taking some rookies on their assessment

your business looks good over there

>> just the same old place all regulars let

me ask you something remember Vulture

Huh?

I remember. What's wrong? Something's

off. Just yesterday, a mercenary I know

went missing on a mission.

>> Vanished without a trace. I had someone

look into it. Whoever did it was a pro.

Wiped out all traces. Not your ordinary

revenge killing.

>> You're saying Vulture did it? Most

likely. You killed his brother, the

leader of the Three Rats mercenary crew.

Now he's coming after you like crazy.

But that 5 million stellar credit

bounty's been up for ages. They haven't

found a single trace of me.

>> A guy like Vulture, his patience ran out

long ago. He can't find the real killer,

so he's using the dumbest way.

>> What method? Better kill the wrong one.

Spare no one. He started wiping out

every mercenary in that sector back

then. Doesn't matter if you're a suspect

or just passing through. He kills first.

Kill enough people. Eventually, you'll

get the right one. That guy's a

four-star mercenary. Nobody wants to

mess with him. He's got a pack of mad

dogs working for him. They'll do

anything for money. Be extra careful on

your missions lately. Don't stay in one

place too long.

>> How many are on the list?

>> From what I found, at least 100. Several

teams are fighting over the job. They've

turned this hunt into a business. Your

face. It might already be on their to-do

list.

>> Got it.

>> What are you going to do?

>> I'll be waiting.

>> Are you crazy? That's an entire hunting

team.

>> Not some solo bounty hunter. They're in

the dark. I'm out in the open. There's

no hiding. Instead of waiting for their

next ambush, I'll wait right here on

this planet. I'll kill them one by one.

>> Have it your way. I can't argue with

you, but remember, don't you dare die.

>> Let's see who's the first to come here

looking for death.

Location confirmed. Lin Sha from the

kill list is on the assessment. Plan it

below.

Oh, this one's mine.

>> A newly registered rookie. How capable

can he be? Intel says he just got

promoted to two star mercenary.

>> I bet he's only early twostar. Early two

star. I was already two star 10 years

ago. I'll rip his head off and kick it

like a soccer ball.

>> Baldi, don't mess this up. We'll take

your cut of the stellar credits.

>> When I come back with his head, that

shining star fighter will be mine.

They'll all die anyway. Mark him in

advance. Where's the next?

Comrade Lynch, we've completed the

assessment. Everyone passed.

No time to hesitate. Grab your gear,

board the fighter, and evacuate now.

Move. Yes. All hands board.

You showed up faster than I expected.

Not bad. Your reaction time. Too bad you

ran into me today. You're just a dog on

a leash, aren't you? Is that all you've

got? A rookie who just hit level two.

Just die.

This is impossible. How can a C-grade

energy gun not penetrate? What kind of

freak gear are you wearing?

You'll never know.

Arc

my hand.

Here comes the second.

No,

please don't kill me.

Too late.

Old Bear's life signal is gone. It's not

even half a minute. Was he taken out

instantly?

>> It seems we all underestimated this

fish.

>> Captain, what do we do now?

>> All hands touch down. I'll rip his head

off myself and offer it to old bear's

blade.

A clean cut, incredible force. The

attacker used a heavy cleaving weapon.

>> Captain, where is that guy? Gone.

He didn't run away. He's waiting for us

nearby.

Activate the white area signal jammer.

Cut off all external comms in this area.

Don't give him any chance to call for

backup.

Signal jamming. Just what I wanted.

Cocky little brat. All units after him.

Destroy his combat suit. Kill him.

>> Run, kid. Why aren't you running now?

Why would I run? I went through all this

trouble to lure you all here. I want you

to stick around a while longer. What do

you mean?

>> What is that?

Damn it. It's a red iron rhino herd. The

kid led us into their stampede path.

Quick, climb the tree. Forget him. Save

yourself.

Hey, Kuay is stronger than me. A

fiveon-one head-on fight is too

reckless.

I need a plan.

Such a strange scent. Where's it coming

from?

The scent comes from that fruit. Could

this be a heavenly treasure?

Something's wrong. A treasure this

obvious just left here. It must be a

trap.

Good thing I didn't rush in.

If I had, I would have been the one

dragged down.

>> This is great stuff. One bite boosts

your combat power.

>> And if I'm not mistaken, there should be

more than one plant you mentioned. More

than one. If there's really a whole

patch of those plants in that forest,

that would be a big deal. Just the three

of us aren't nearly enough.

>> You mean we should report to the base?

>> Yes. Have the base organize a team for

large scale exploration.

>> Though those rookies don't dare go deep

into the forest, but someone will. We'd

better make the first move than let

others beat us to it.

I found a trap plant deep in the jungle

of Trial Planet. Its fruit is high

energy. Its vines actively attack any

creature that gets close. I always

thought that kind of thing only existed

on sparsely populated planets. Never

thought trial planet could breed them,

too. Send people here as soon as

possible. This forest value might be far

beyond our imagination. I understand.

Keep a safe distance from those plants.

Don't let any rookies get close. I'll be

there soon. Remember, no matter how good

those fruits are, you need to be alive

to enjoy them. Don't take any risks,

>> though. Though Battle Axe warned me not

to take risks, I'm being hunted and need

to get stronger fast. I saw the whole

process with my own eyes. The bison

being dragged away. Now I have a rough

idea of the vine's attack range and

speed. I'm 70% sure I can grab the

fruit.

Got it.

Get lost.

I can feel it. My bodily functions are

really improving.

They've already picked several. Now it's

all mine.

Who?

My leg. Captain. All four fruits are in

there. After him. He can't get far.

Punk. Give me back my stuff.

I already ate them. You're asking for

it.

your strength. How did you suddenly get

so strong?

>> Now it's just you.

Kid, just you wait.

>> Lynch, where are you? Steelbone and I

are already here. People from other

bases are here, too. All here to nab the

fruit.

>> Over here. Quick, grab as many as we can

before people from other bases get here.

What the hell did you stir up?

Forget it. There are vine guards around

these fruit trees. Their attack range is

about 10 m. One draws their fire. The

other flanks to grab the fruit.

Steelbone, you're tough. Take point.

Fine, I'll be the meat shield.

>> Hurry. I can't hold them much longer.

>> [snorts]

>> people from other bases are here.

>> At least a few hundred.

They just got here. They don't know the

terrain yet. Finders keepers.

Watch out. Lyn Sha, the monster from

base 7 is nearby.

It's over, Captain. The backline got

wiped out instantly.

No, don't come any closer.

Next.

Spare my life.

Holy crap. Is he even human? One versus

five. He wiped them all out.

>> Lyn Shia, what's your actual power level

now? Stop spacing out. The main force

has landed. Hurry. Start sweeping the

forest.

>> Grab resources first. Stick with you and

we'll definitely feast.

We're claiming this tree.

Anyone got a problem?

>> Five. This one has five.

>> There's another one ahead. I just saw

it.

>> Let's hurry. Don't let base 5 beat us to

it.

Oh my god, so many high energy exotic

fruits.

>> How many orchards did they actually

raid?

Team Lin Sha from base 7 turned in 83

fruits

>> minus the 1/3 levied by the base. After

conversion, we get 54. 54.

>> A full 54. Not bad.

>> Damn.

>> I've never seen this many fruits at once

in my life.

>> Yen Gangu, 13 each. The remaining 28 are

mine. Lynch, I can't thank you enough. I

steel bone will go through fire and

water for you without flinching.

>> I won't stand on ceremony then.

>> These 10 exchange them all for star

coins.

>> 10 fruits exchanged for 2 million star

coins.

>> Please check it. Transfer received. 2

million star coins.

Such power.

Just one step away from three star

mercenary.

I need to fight to grow stronger.

Trial Tower 45 challenge begins. Current

mission: survive the desert and slay

1,000 sand form worms.

Perfect. Today you'll all be the wet

stones for my blade.

This won't work. Sand worms are too

fast. Too many. And the sand blinds me.

At this rate, I'll be worn down and

killed here.

If I can't see, then I'll use my ears.

Here they come again.

Come on. The more the better. Today,

you'll feed my blade.

Look, Lyn Xiao's ranking just moved.

He's entered the fifth floor.

>> The fifth floor is a sandworm nest

without an AoE skill. Going in a

suicide, Lyn Shiao is way too reckless.

Does he really think clearing floor four

gives him a shot at floor five?

>> Congratulations, Linda. Perfectly

cleared floor 5. Time 1 hour 40 minutes.

Clear reward obtained. 1 hour 40

minutes. How is that possible?

>> 1 hour 40 minutes. This guy cleared the

fifth floor dungeon.

>> In just an hour 40 minutes.

It seems those fruits are truly useful.

Swarm units detected infiltrating planet

CK3. Immediate extermination required.

Prevent nest establishment. Base reward

10,000 star coins. Kill reward 1,000

star coins per unit. The swarm.

Finally, here,

Captain Lynn. The air reeks of sulfur

and blood.

It's the scent of the swarm passing

through.

Stay sharp. This will be your first

mission as mercenaries. Yes, sir. We

promise we won't let you down, Captain

Lynn.

Something's off. Yes, sir. It's too

quiet here.

Fire.

This gear's power is terrifying.

If we get this gear back to Earth, no

special forces can beat us. Don't get

distracted. It's just a low-level scout.

Captain Lynn, why isn't there a single

human corpse here? The secretions are

already drying up. No signs of struggle.

Something's off. The main force pulled

out long ago. This is just an empty

shell.

It's a trap. Retreat. Ambush.

Everyone, retreat. Get out of here now.

>> [snorts]

>> Damn. Fight these bastards. Fire.

We can barely hold them. Too many.

They're about to block the exit.

Something's wrong. This bastard is

trying to trap us. A higher level hive

mind worm must be controlling them.

Anyone in my way dies.

Mankai, bring your men and stay close to

me.

More bugs. We're surrounded.

my head.

You bastard. You're dead.

Psychic spike. Too bad it doesn't work

on me

with your pathetic psychic power. You

thought you could control me?

One slash cut clean through.

The brain bug is dead. They're turning

on each other. The squad leader did it.

The swarm's in chaos. Everyone

counterattack now.

Where's the commander of this unit? Get

the hell out here now.

I'm the commander. What do you want to

do?

Why didn't you send scouts ahead?

How many new recruits died in there?

Because of your stupidity and arrogance?

I know I messed up. Get out of the

mercenary corps. Next time I see you,

I'll snap your neck myself.

That bastard. Even dead, its psychic

blast is still this strong.

Clean up the battlefield. Take whatever

supplies we can carry. Prepare to head

to Baker City.

An infestation this big can't be recent.

The mayor of Baker City must be in on

it. Captain Lynn, what exactly is that

fleshy orb thing? The brainworm's nerve

core. It'll come in handy later.

Ah, welcome heroes of the Galactic

Federation. Have those damn bugs been

driven away? Huh?

Cough. You

drop your guns. Nobody move.

This planet has a regular army. Yet you

didn't report for reinforcements.

Instead, you bypassed the blockade and

lured mercenaries here to die.

What's your game?

Give me a reason not to kill you.

Please, sir, spare me. The mayor had no

choice.

Our planet lord was controlled by the

brainworm years ago. The current lord is

just a puppet.

puppet.

Those those damn nobles fighting for

power. They covered up the news that the

Lord was controlled. They're too busy

infighting to send troops to the border.

If I hadn't called for help from the

Federation, millions of civilians here

would have become bug food.

So, you had us mercenaries pay with our

lives to fill the gap. This

I'll let you off this time. As for your

power struggles and infighting, the

Federation doesn't care. But a brain

worm on this planet is a top level

security threat. Soon the Federal Fleet

will take over here by force.

Anyone obstructing the extermination

will be treated as bug collaborators.

Think this through carefully.

4,000 stellar credits. I'm rich. Haha.

Almost died, but it was totally worth

it. Captain Lynn, good hall this time.

How much is your share?

130,000.

There's a special bounty for killing the

brainworm.

I only got 5,800.

That's not even a fraction of yours.

Mang Kai, secure the team's pay. Upgrade

your gear once we're back at base.

>> Yes, Captain Lynn.

>> Next. I'll be leaving base 7 for a

while. Train hard. I'll test you when I

get back.

>> Understood.

>> I heard you took down the brain worm

alone. Your name is all over base 7 now.

>> Just luck. Big bro Steelbone. How's your

recovery going?

>> Almost good. Lynch out. You really made

us proud this time.

>> By the way, I'm planning to leave base 7

for a while.

>> Leave? Why? With your current

reputation, you can get the best

resources at base 7.

>> I want to advance to a three-star

mercenary.

Three star. How long has it been since

you got promoted to two star?

>> Regular missions are too slow. I'm

heading to the storm ice starfield to

solo hunt 10,000 non-human creatures.

Then I'll come back and clear the sixth

floor of the trial tower.

>> You You're insane. But Stormy My

Starfield is the Federation's front

line. Leave the intel to me. I'll find

you safe routes.

>> Thanks.

All personnel attention approaching

target bone crush wasteland. Good luck

everyone.

I said this drive shaft is mine. Rule

says split evenly. You're trying to hog

it all. Mike makes right here.

Damn, that scared the hell out of me.

That guy's killing intent.

Battle merits just fell into our lap.

Make it quick.

>> [snorts]

>> 127.

Not enough. Again, if you can't even

take this much impact, how can you even

talk about exterminating the bug queen

on Earth?

You're actually escaped. All three are

probably three star mercenaries.

This big guy came from 20 km outside

town. These mercenaries want its

materials. My chance is in its lair.

There must be something good there.

Sheni, go draw them away.

At least two three star mercs dead. 13

pieces of gear. Lucky me.

Jackpot. It's a dragon armor beast egg.

I don't have time to waste with you.

Damn, he's insane.

My god, you actually stole a dragon

armor beast egg.

>> Yen, how much is this worth?

>> A perfectly viable egg like this. If

sent to the interstellar auction house,

it would easily fetch at least 2 million

star coins.

But

>> stop beating around the bush, Sister

Yen. Just say it.

>> But you've got a second option.

>> Eat it and condense your psychic power.

Then I'm not selling. Once I fully

absorb it, my psychic power will undergo

a qualitative shift. At that point, even

if I face the insect queen on Earth,

I won't be easily enslaved or

controlled.

>> I knew you'd choose that, you mad man.

Let's see if my mental power has

improved.

As expected, the neural core's attack is

just a tickle to me now.

Kid, you have the dragon egg, don't you?

Yours was the only fighter for miles

around. It showed up at that time.

Hand over the egg. It's not something

low-life scum like you deserve.

Otherwise, you won't make it out of this

star system alive.

You don't even know who I really am. You

dare come here to bluff me?

What an idiot.

Who is this guy? His intimidating aura

is terrifying. At least three star

strength.

Submitting combat merit from bone crush

wasteland.

>> Verifying combat merit.

>> Please wait.

>> Lynch out. Your combat merit qualifies

you for a three star evaluation back at

base 7.

>> I know. I'm ready to start anytime.

This distress frequency

>> is Black Hall's exclusive backup

frequency. People die every day at the

wasteland border. This is none of your

business.

>> Black Axe, the missing three star

mercenary.

>> No.

Little girl, hand over your spatial

ring. We've got no patience.

Let go. Who are you?

Kid, you made it to two star, so you're

not stupid risking your life for this

girl?

You think that's worth it? Leave your

stuff and get lost, or my blade won't

mind another drink of blood threatening

me.

Drop all your valuables

and get lost. Drop them. Drop your

weapons and spatial rings now.

Get lost.

Your father is Black Axe.

>> You You know my father.

>> I owe him a favor. Today I'm giving you

this gift on his behalf.

This is a gift your father prepared for

you. Now it's back to its rightful

owner. Sell what you're carrying when

you can. Go live a good life.

Boss, that kid stole every penny we

have. Are we really just going to let it

go?

Once that kid splits from the three

rookies. We go after him. Kill the men.

Sell the women to the black market.

>> Brilliant plan, boss. He'll never guess

we're still here.

Oh, really?

Why you? What are you doing here? Didn't

you say you'd let us go? I never meant

to let you go. I just didn't want to do

it in front of the little girl.

>> No.

Next life. Remember to be smarter.

12,000.

That's over 20,000 above the three star

standard.

Good. You've got the physical foundation

for early three star stage. Go to the

trial tower.

>> Mm. This guy, his progress scares me

every time.

>> Lyn Shia, once you clear the sixth

floor, you'll be the official base

commander.

>> You must give it your all. I know.

>> Test prep complete.

Shout, I got a spicy magazine from my

dad's bedroom. Let's find a place to

check it out together.

>> Lyn Sha,

>> are you crazy? Why did you kill Jean Ha?

Murderer.

>> He's a murderer. Get him. Don't let him

get away.

Little Sha, come turn yourself in with

me. Okay.

What did I ever teach you? How could I

have raised a son like you?

This isn't real. It's just a mental

illusion meant to break my defenses.

level six cleared.

Hi. You must be Lin Sha, right? I'm Lee.

I want to be friends with you.

>> That really hurts. Can't you be a little

gentler?

>> What do you want? Don't beat around the

bush.

>> Our base exploration team found a

Metclan ruin at the edge of the storm. I

starfield.

We detected soul steel energy

fluctuations inside.

It's said to be a cosmic strategic

material that can carry consciousness

create top tier intelligent life and

hyperlimiter mecca. With soul steel, I

can trade it with the mech clan. Of

course, if you have enough soul steel,

the mech clan might even help you. Oh,

looks like I came at the wrong time.

I'll leave.

>> No, you're just in time.

I I'll go now. Lyn Sha, let's talk

another time.

>> Kid, for the Snow Fox clan, the first

step is intimate contact. Nothing

happened between you two.

>> No way, Yen. Stop teasing me.

>> You broke the base's physical assessment

record. You're hot property now. More

people will want to be your friend. Keep

your eyes open. Don't go soft and crash.

>> What exactly is the Mech Clanley

mentioned?

The real threats in the universe come

from top clans. Below the human clan are

insect clan, mech clan, and beast clan.

>> The mech clan abandoned all flesh and

blood. A cold empire that completed

mechanical ascension. They completely

gave up flesh in exchange for eternal

life.

>> Exactly. But to create their

consciousness bodies, they need a

strategic cosmic material called soul

steel.

>> This metal's formation requires

extremely harsh conditions. It only

exists deep in the oldest, most

geologically complex planets. So this

soul steel is just iridium from Earth.

But Earth's annual Idium output is under

three tons. This is nothing. Not even

enough for the Mech Clan.

>> Giving up already?

>> I'm not finished.

>> Low production on Earth isn't scary. It

at least proves the solar system has the

potential to generate soul steel. But

don't forget, Earth isn't the only

planet in the solar system.

>> Mars.

Smart. That red dead planet, its

geological evolution is even more

extreme than Earth. Go try your luck.

But first, you need a professional

mineral detector.

>> What do you want? I need soul steel

prospecting gear. The kind that can

detect deep veins for treasure hunting.

>> Big words, kiddo.

That stuff's only for big companies. Can

you afford it?

Ah, so you're a big client. Come in.

Come in on a guest.

How about this one? More Mark III.

That's a relic from centuries ago.

And this one, Prospector, our best

seller. Don't try to fob me off with

civilian junk. I need professional gear

to pinpoint high energy soul steel

signatures.

Effective detection depth of 300 km.

Genuine original mechonoid. Make 2

million. Stellis. No haggling. The

casing's badly worn. Not sure about his

performance. 1 million. I'll take this

old relic. What? 1 million. You think

I'm some beggar? The soul steel core

alone is worth more than that.

Price is negotiable. Fine. 1 million it

is. Today this old man will count you as

my friend.

Deal. But it uses a lot of power. I need

three high-capacity energy cells as a

freebie. You'd skin a flea for its hide,

wouldn't you? You never take a loss.

The fighter enters Mars orbit.

Our

only target is soul steel. These ruins

are useless.

Gold in the interstellar age. It's just

a common metal.

10,000 star credits per gram of standard

soul steel. With this veins reserves,

damn, this is worth over a 100 million

star credits. 10,000 per gram,

8 km long, 5 km wide, 180 days.

That'll be enough.

From this day on, Earth now has what it

takes to officially step into the

cosmos.

The Swarmhive crisis is still

unresolved. Without ancestral champions

protecting Earth, I will lead humanity

down a brand new path.