The space station is not large, and its exterior is a combination of dark gold and gray iron. The overall shape follows Goddora's consistent light and curved style, like a spiral mosquito coil with elongated spacing... Of course, there is also a sense of déjà vu for something indescribable. In short, it is curved.
Unlike most technological civilizations that emphasize precision and simplicity, the space station has a relatively complex internal structure. Without consulting the maps on the instruments in the corridors, Han Xiao might even get lost. As outsiders, the space station's classified areas are not open to them; they can only move around in the dock, rest hall, and guest room area.
The station commander came to greet everyone. Even though Han Da, the chief technician, couldn't easily distinguish the appearance of the Goddora people, he could tell that the station commander was a serious person. His hair was tied in Goddora- style braid, and he wore the compression ball, a standard investigator's equipment. His movements and attire were meticulous, giving him a military bearing.
The investigators in Goddora are a diverse group. Some are selected from the military, some are recruited from the public and local security forces, and then trained. Others are recruited through examinations from schools. This station chief was clearly a former military officer and was acting entirely in accordance with regulations.
The spaceship was taken to the shipyard for repairs and refueling. The group rested in the lobby. Han Xiao did not reveal the purpose of their trip to his companions, so they thought it was just a normal stopover. Melos pulled the Volga Three Brothers aside to play a popular casual card game in interstellar space. The game was a battle-style game, and the cards were famous figures and civilizations from all over the interstellar space. Different star systems had their own decks, such as the Shattered Star Ring deck, which included four Beyond Grade A big shots, including Ames.
It can be played by two or more people. Each player plays as a star system and chooses a certain number of cards from that star system's deck to form a deck. These cards are divided into different functions, such as civilization cards, strongman cards, exploration cards, faction cards, ability cards, history cards, mercenary cards, wealth cards, treasure cards, spaceship cards, monster cards, etc. It was once very popular in interstellar games and held a similar status as playing cards in the hearts of interstellar citizens. They would play a round or two whenever they had free time. In addition to the standard gameplay of playing as a star system, there are many variations of the game.
In the past, many casual players enjoyed playing this kind of card game and could learn about the power dynamics of different star systems from these cards. This deck was created by an interstellar chain business group, and the cards were updated every once in a while, adding some newly famous characters as cards, or moving some dead characters into the "discard deck". It could almost be regarded as a list of celebrities in each region.
Recently, Melos and others have become fascinated with this type of card because in the last update, several cards were added to the Shattered Star Ring deck, including the Black Star Mercenary Group, which was added as a new card in the mercenary deck.
Mercenary cards are neutral units, recruited on the spot by consuming Wealth cards. They can be directly added to the field from the deck, allowing for both fast attacks and comebacks. In the Shattered Star Ring deck, most mercenary cards are large mercenary groups like Sky Ring and Blades, consisting of tens of thousands of members. However, the Black Star Mercenary Group Black Star Mercenary Group a special new card. Given its small size and weak strength, the developers gave it the lowest stats among mercenary cards, but it possesses a special effect.
The "Black Star Mercenary Group" card has the identity of the Dragon Calm Field Operations Force and can form a synergy with the faction card "Floating Dragon Island". If the judgment is successful, [Dragon Emperor] Ames can be drawn from the deck immediately.
Even with his eyes closed, Han Xiao could guess that the inspiration for this card came from last year's sensational news—that he had summoned Ames and destroyed the DarkStar Mothership in one blow.
In his previous life, Master Han rarely played cards because of his terrible luck, but he was well aware of how popular this particular deck was. He was pleasantly surprised to find himself now a member of the deck – this was a great thing, as it would be another new way to increase his fame once players entered the interstellar world.
The cards were made into new cards, and the cardholder was quite a celebrity. Melos and others had a lot of fun playing them, and of course, they always added some stakes to their card games.
Beside these gamblers, Sylvia was engrossed in memorizing a book, completely absorbed in her studies. Not far away, Aroshia was resting with her eyes closed. Since entering Grade B, different images often flashed through her mind, and she often drifted off. Fording, on the other hand, sat in a corner, silently training his telekinesis.
The stationmaster, speaking in a serious tone, gave a series of instructions before leaving the hall. Another slightly overweight, friendly-looking Goddora man remained to greet everyone, introducing himself as the deputy stationmaster.
Unlike the station chief, the deputy station chief was very good at chatting and always had a smile on his face. The clue to the mission was on him. Han Xiao asked a few questions indirectly, and the deputy station chief revealed the clue in a casual, conversational tone.
"One of our research vessels lost contact on a nearby planet, and the search teams we dispatched haven't responded. Our space telescopes detected signs of a crash and explosion. The station chief reported the situation to higher-ups, and the General Investigation Bureau has put this mission on the agenda, assuming no survivors... But it's also possible that the missing teams are still alive. By the time headquarters sends someone over, it might be too late for a rescue. Sigh, Nirega's wife is with the research team, and he's been very anxious lately..."
Han Xiao's eyes lit up, and he asked, "Where can I find this Nirega?"
The deputy station chief shook his head. "This matter has been handed over to headquarters. According to regulations, it's not allowed to seek help from mercenaries without authorization."
"I just want to talk to him."
"Okay, he should be in the porthole corridor now."
Standing up, Han Xiao bid farewell and headed to the location mentioned by the deputy station chief, where Nirega was the quest triggerer.
The deputy stationmaster watched Han Xiao's the Sight of Father's Back, a strange glint flashing in his eyes.
Upon reaching the porthole corridor, Han Xiao spotted a Goddora investigator gazing blankly at the starry sky, his face melancholic. He quickly approached and asked, "Are you Nirega?"
"Are you a mercenary from the docked camp?" Nirega turned his head, somewhat wary.
"Hmm, I heard that two research vessels lost contact on a planet. My gut feeling tells me there seems to be a job that needs manpower here."
"This is an internal matter for Goddora, and we don't need outside help." Nirega frowned, his expression clearly showing displeasure as he spoke of this matter, though this displeasure was obviously not directed at Han Xiao, whom he was meeting for the first time.
"I heard your wife is also among the missing. You must be very worried. Perhaps she is still alive. Time is of the essence, and for a small reward, I can help you search for her," Han Xiao said.
A look of hesitation crossed Nirega's face, and he fell silent. Han Xiao thought he would agree, but unexpectedly, he shook his head and said, "This is none of your business."
After saying that, he continued to stare blankly out the window.
Han Xiao was taken aback. According to the process he remembered, as long as he revealed this clue, he could trigger Nirega's mission.
Did we miss something?
Han Xiao tried again to persuade Nirega, but the other party refused to ask for help from the mercenaries. Han Xiao was at a loss. After racking his brains, he suddenly had a flash of inspiration.
'It can't be because of this...'
Back in the hall, he pulled Fording over and explained the situation to the bewildered Fording on the way. When they saw Nirega, Fording straightened his collar and greeted him with a warm smile. After exchanging only a few words, Nirega's eyes filled with tears, and he turned to look at Han Xiao.
"He's right. I can't let hesitation lead to regret. Mercenary, it's against the rules for me to ask you to find my wife, so please don't tell anyone else."
As soon as he finished speaking, Han Xiao's control panel immediately responded.
[You have triggered the quest [Star Roaming Beast]!]
[Mission Introduction: You have accepted Nirega's request to travel to a desolate planet to find a lost survey team.]
[Mission Requirements: Travel to the target planet to investigate the cause of the spaceship's loss of contact and locate the missing investigation team.]
[Note: Your survey results will affect the final evaluation of the task.]
[Basic Rewards: 1358 Enas (gray text), 850,000 experience, Knoen Secret Diamond Ring (purple item)]
Han Xiao squinted, chuckling to himself.
"As expected, it's because my charm level didn't meet the criteria to trigger the quest..."