【Interstellar Contract Magician】Ruyuanke

Chapter 338 [Empire] I Want to Become an Adult

Nightingale was taken aback, clearly not expecting my sudden request to take on the mission. He paused, as if considering the implications of my words. Then, he narrowed his eyes, as if sensing a slight change in the determination I couldn't conceal.

"You're not going to bother with those... less-than-perfect green beans anymore?" His tone was playful, yet also slightly provocative. He clearly didn't fully understand my current state of mind, assuming I'd still be dwelling on those "failures" with the plants.

I just shook my head slightly, a look of determination flashing in my eyes: "I don't want to waste time on those unimportant things." I paused, took a deep breath, and said more firmly: "I have more important goals."

Nightingale didn't ask any more questions, as if he'd sensed something unusual in my tone. He simply smiled and waved his hand, "Since you've made up your mind, let's go to the quest hall. We need to take on a few more major quests today and try to accumulate enough merit as soon as possible."

"Yeah." I nodded, my eyes becoming more focused.

Inside the hovercraft, the air was slightly silent. I gazed out the window at the city scene gradually fading into daylight, but my heart was already filled with an urgent desire. Yes, I must grow as quickly as possible, accumulate enough merits, and rapidly improve my strength, so that I could achieve that goal far beyond the stars.

The Orc Alliance, he was there waiting for me, and even though we hadn't seen each other for a while, he was always in my heart, like an indescribable pull.

"You seem more anxious than usual." Nightingale suddenly broke the silence, her eyes swept over me sharply, with a hint of teasing at the corner of her mouth, "Who is the person you are looking for?"

I didn't answer him immediately. Instead, I lowered my head, gently gripping the laptop in my hand, pretending to check the mission information. In reality, I already had a clear plan and goal in mind: no matter what, I was ready to leave this empire and find the person who was so important to me.

Nightingale didn't seem to want to force an answer from me. He chuckled and began to adjust the hovercraft's navigation system. The atmosphere in the car returned to his usual relaxed and casual state, as if the confusion and inquiry from before had dissipated.

"In that case," Nightingale turned and glanced at me, "how do you plan to quickly accumulate merits through these missions? You know, to do that, you have to accept some high-risk missions, and most of these missions will be dirty."

I took a deep breath, a firm look flashing in my eyes: "I don't care."

"Haha, you're really suited to doing those 'hard jobs'." Nightingale smiled and sped up the car. "However, since you're in such a hurry, I'll find you some difficult tasks. But remember, after completing these tasks, you must bear the corresponding consequences."

I nodded without saying anything. In the mission hall, on the mission board, various mission information flashed, several of which clearly displayed the words "high difficulty" and "high risk." All of this was within my expectations. To accumulate merit faster, I had to put in more effort, sometimes even risking my life to complete the "dirty" work.

However, I have already set my goal in mind, a firm will that cannot be shaken. No matter how difficult it is, I will not back down until the day I can stand in front of him again and tell him - I am back.

"We're almost there, get ready." Nightingale's voice rang out in the carriage, interrupting my slightly hazy thoughts.

I nodded, silently preparing for the next mission. The rules of this world are simple: the strong survive, the weak are eliminated. I must become stronger, not only for myself, but also for him who once fought alongside me.

Outside the hovercraft window, the city's outline gradually became clear. We were about to enter the mission hall and begin a new round of challenges. I closed my eyes and silently told myself: "Everything starts from now."

These days, I've barely set foot in school. Missions pile up, the challenges grow increasingly difficult, and my body and spirit are already exhausted. But every time I see my merit points climb, a subtle sense of satisfaction rises in my heart. My mind is practically numb, and every mission, from receiving it, to executing it, to completing it, seems like a mechanical cycle.

I have become accustomed to this rhythm, like a warrior who has lost his emotions, running only for the goal.

At night, I'd always curl up alone in the small, makeshift room I'd rented, or in a shabby warehouse in a remote corner. The days of sleeping in the open and starving no longer bothered me; they had become a part of my life. All social interaction had been reduced to mechanical notifications of missions being issued and brief reports of results.

I no longer thought about what happened in school, nor did I think about the unfinished courses, and I no longer worried about the unsprouted mung bean.

It was like I'd created a no-go zone for myself, avoiding anything related to the past. Focusing solely on the mission ahead and the achievements I was accumulating, I almost forgot even my school identity. That piece of paper, like a random shopping receipt, no longer mattered.

However, when I finally looked at the flashing light computer on my wrist and saw that I had jumped from a junior mercenary to an intermediate level 5, my heart couldn't help but be touched.

All of this happened so quickly and so suddenly. Those who once underestimated me probably noticed long ago that I was no longer the newcomer entering this world.

Yet, despite this, I couldn't forget my original aspirations, and I kept reminding myself of them. I'd already accumulated considerable merit, and I was getting closer to adulthood. However, the thought of leaving the Empire and traveling to the other side of the galaxy to find him brought a wave of uncertainty back to me. Yes, I was growing stronger, faster, but also increasingly lonely.

"What should I do?" I sighed silently and looked down at the computer screen.

Every time you accept a mission, you will see different options and objectives flashing on the mission bar. These missions seem simple, but they are only simple in appearance.

At my level, most of the missions I choose involve some dark areas or dealing with some less-than-compliant organizations. Every choice is full of unknowns and risks, but it is also these risks that bring opportunities to quickly accumulate merit.

But it is inevitable to encounter some things. I thought I was just tightening a screw, but it turned out to be the work of building a rocket.

"What are you thinking about?" Nightingale suddenly appeared beside me, his tone mixed with a hint of impatience and a hint of concern. Since I've become increasingly busy, he seems to have become a shadow in my missions, sometimes giving me some advice before I start, and other times just observing from the sidelines.

"Nothing." I raised my head, forced the confusion in my eyes to suppress it, and smiled faintly, "I'm just thinking about what to do next."

"You look just like those foolish kids who are eager to become famous." He sneered, but his eyes were sharp and observant. "Why are you so eager to accumulate merits?"

I didn't answer directly, but pursed my lips. Perhaps it was to escape, or perhaps it was just to achieve my goal sooner. But right now, I couldn't let him see my vulnerability, couldn't let anyone see the insecurity deep within me.

"To make myself stronger." I answered simply, my eyes calm and determined.

Nightingale didn't seem to ask any more questions. Instead, she smiled softly and said, "You are already very strong. The next mission is up to you to choose."

His meaning was clear—no matter how high-risk or challenging the task, he believed I could handle it easily. Gradually, he seemed to get used to my rapid growth, no longer questioning me as before, and even occasionally showing a hint of appreciation.

I didn't respond, instead looking down at the mission panel again. One mission, marked "Extreme Difficulty," caught my eye. It involved an interstellar bandit organization. The reward was extremely generous, but the danger was also extremely high. Completing it would almost instantly elevate me to the next level, into the ranks of a higher-level mercenary.

"Do this task." I suddenly spoke, my voice low and decisive.

Nightingale was stunned and stared at me for a moment. "Are you sure? This mission involves dancing on a tightrope. So, you're planning on going on stage to collect your tip?" He was a little sarcastic, but more of a warning. "Don't rush into that 'adulthood' now. Don't put yourself in too much danger."

I smiled slightly, with a barely perceptible coldness in my eyes: "I'm ready."

Nightingale didn't seem to say anything else, just glanced at me before turning back to prepare for the next leg of her journey. I knew clearly that I was the only one who could bear all these dangers. To find him, to escape this complex world, I had no way out.

"Are you ready?" Nightingale asked, turning around.

I nodded and said, "Let's go."