Chapter 5

This is the continuation of the story.

"Sure is crowded here as always..."

After completing the ship overhaul that I had to do for the previous mission, I headed to the Mercenary Guild's Pout Space Sector, Planet Its branch of the Galactic Empire.

While not as large as the main headquarters on the Imperial Star Hein, it's still a fairly big guild.

The reason I came here is simple: to look for a job.

I input the code number of the request displayed on the bulletin board into my terminal and take it to the reception desk.

There, I listen to the details and decide whether to take the job or not.

Of course, I head straight for the reception desk where the old man is, and no one is in line.

If I were to line up at the beautiful receptionist's desk,

"Hey! Don't you dare line up here, you scum! Know your place!"

I'd get punched.

Even if I were lucky enough to get served and only talk about the job,

"Hey, you! Can't you see she's uncomfortable? Get lost!"

I'd definitely get punched.

Anyway, I headed to the usual old man's reception to take on a nearby, low-level pirate suppression mission.

"Here you go."

"Ah, it's you. Another low-level pirate suppression mission? You're as boring as ever."

This old man at the reception is Antonio Loans.

A former mercenary, dark-skinned, bald, and muscular, he's the complete package.

Actually, he's the guild master.

But no, he's just a regular staff member at this reception.

"Being boring is fine. It's better than gambling and dying. Besides, even a low-level pirate suppression can be deadly if you let your guard down."

"True. It's the number one reason newbies die."

While I keep saying it's low-level, the pirates won't hesitate to kill us, so we can't let our guard down.

Still, if we don't underestimate them, the mission is relatively easy because their equipment is often poor.

"But, can you wait a moment with this request?"

Usually, he would start the explanation right away, but today he didn't.

"Why?"

"Actually, a noble lady is recruiting guards for a long-term move, and they asked for 50 people. They're one short."

"So you want me to fill the numbers?"

"Right. The pay isn't bad, and with 50 ships, the chances of being attacked are low."

"I'll pass. That's definitely going to be trouble!"

As a reinforcement in battle, sure, but 50 guards is way too many!

It's like asking to be attacked.

Besides, with that many people, there's bound to be some protagonist-type characters.

"Don't say that. If we don't have the numbers, it's a problem for us too. The noble lady has set the date for tomorrow. Plus, she's quite beautiful, apparently."

Beautiful noble ladies are usually trouble.

Even if she's a good person, her surroundings are usually filled with bad people.

So, no matter what, I'm declining.

"That's your problem. Besides, if she's beautiful, I'll decline even more!"

I requested to register for the low-level pirate suppression mission.

"Alright. I'll give you the details now."

The old man Loans sighed and started the procedure.

While we were talking,

"Hey, you!"

Someone called from behind.

What is it? It's pretty rude to interrupt when someone is discussing a mission.

I turned around and got punched in the face.

The one who punched me was a tall, slender guy in his late teens with a confident expression, androgynous features, and a clean, sporty, and elegant outfit.

But right now, he had a look of intense anger.

Who is this guy?

Fortunately, I didn't fall or kneel, but what the hell, getting punched out of nowhere?!

I've never met this guy before, and I don't remember doing anything to him.

The handsome guy, after punching me, immediately said,

"Why aren't you taking the request when a woman is asking for help? Are you even a mercenary?

The client is a woman who is anxious because she needs 50 guards, so she came to the mercenary guild for help!

Refusing her is a disgrace to mercenaries! Quit now! You spineless, creepy otaku!"

He insulted me.

Ah, I see.

This guy thinks mercenaries are 'heroes who help the weak and defeat the strong.'

He probably won't listen to anything I or the old man Loans say and believes his beliefs are absolute.

While I was wondering what to do, the old man Loans spoke to this hero.

"Let's not cause trouble in the guild. Also, you're a soldier, and he's a knight. He's your senior, and it's his choice whether to take or refuse a mission."

The old man Loans warned him sternly, but

"I'm definitely stronger than this guy, so I want a promotion right now!"

The hero laughed at me, ignored the old man, and was completely drunk on his own words.

"Then, will you take the last spot for this mission?"

"Of course!"

He slammed his guild card and terminal on the counter.

"Go to the designated location by the time specified. No tardiness allowed."

While giving this warning, the old man Loans started the procedure.

By the way, the mercenary guild has six ranks based on contributions, from bottom to top: Soldier, Castle Guard, Knight, Bishop, Queen, and King, corresponding to the ranks of chess pieces.

The card colors are: Soldier (green), Castle Guard (yellow), Knight (blue), Bishop (white), Queen (red), and King (black).

By the way, up to Knight, you can be promoted based on contributions alone, but to become a Bishop, you need to pass an exam.

By the way, I'm a Knight, as the old man Loans mentioned.

I don't plan to take the exam because it's troublesome, and I don't want the attention.

While I was thinking about this, the hero glared at me and said,

"Well, the client will be happier without a spineless, creepy otaku like you. And if you show up in front of me again, I won't hold back!"

He insulted me and left.

"What's with that guy... ouch..."

The old man Loans explained to me, who was holding my sore spot,

"He's a new recruit, but he's already succeeded in several big missions. He's a promising elite."

"Why didn't you fight back or argue?"

"Because he wouldn't listen to me. Even if I reported the violence in the guild, his female fans would defend him, and the people who make decisions might be replaced by his female fans."

In his mind, I'm probably just a low-level enemy in a villainous organization.

He might even pull out a gun or try to ruin me socially.

"I agree with you there."

"Anyway, can I take this job now?"

I handed my wrist terminal to the old man Loans.

"Well, that's how it is."

Sighing, the old man Loans started the procedure.

That's how it's going.

If you feel the direction is off, I want to end it early.

Due to some circumstances, updates might be a bit slower this year.

I apologize for the inconvenience.

Please feel free to share your opinions, impressions, and any typos you notice.