【Interstellar Contract Magician】Ruyuanke

I have a feeling I'll be pulling another all-nighter tonight, and I don't know how many nights I'll have to work on this task. I definitely have to go back to school during the day.

Nightingale noticed that I frowned slightly, as if I was thinking about something. "It seems that your time management skills need further improvement." He said lightly, with a hint of ridicule in his tone.

I gave him a wry smile, knowing full well he had a point. "Yeah, this task looks much more complicated than I imagined. I might have to work overtime for a few nights."

Nightingale nodded, her gaze still steadfast. "The life of a high-ranking mercenary is never easy, especially when you're just starting out. It's these challenges that allow you to grow rapidly."

I looked down at the to-do list in my hand, feeling a surge of pressure. Having to juggle the heavy workload of schoolwork while also completing challenging mercenary missions was undoubtedly a real test for me. "But I still have to go back to school during the day. Is this schedule really feasible?"

Nightingale took a step closer, her gaze gentle yet powerful. "The key is finding balance. Time management isn't just about scheduling time; it's about using every minute efficiently and effectively. You need to learn how to maximize your output within a limited time."

I looked up, my eyes meeting his, and felt the unshakable confidence emanating from him. It was nightingale time again. "I'll do my best. It's just that sometimes I feel like I'm trapped between two worlds, unable to breathe."

He patted my shoulder gently, as if giving me some invisible strength. "Don't forget, you're not fighting alone. Lin Hao has your back. With him, you don't have to face all the pressure alone. Teamwork is one of the most important skills for a high-level mercenary."

I nodded, feeling a little relieved. "Thank you, Nightingale."

Nightingale smiled slightly, a gentle glint in her eyes. "This is my duty, to help you go further on this path. Now, go back and prepare. The specific details of the mission will be further explained in tonight's meeting."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility on my shoulders grow heavier, yet at the same time, I felt a surge of motivation. "Okay, I'll get it ready as soon as possible."

Nightingale nodded, turned and left the cafe, leaving me standing alone on the cold street, with a lot of thoughts in my mind.

After returning to school, I tried my best to adjust my state and arrange my time reasonably, so as to complete my studies and prepare for the upcoming tasks. Lin Hao, my "apprentice", also began to slowly integrate into our team. Although he was still green, his learning ability and adaptability were truly impressive.

A few days later, Nightingale gathered us for final preparations before the mission. In the mission hall, everyone was busy adjusting their equipment and reviewing mission details. Nightingale approached Lin Hao and me, looking at us gravely. "This mission is of great importance. The missing researcher may hold crucial information, perhaps even connected to a larger conspiracy. You must remain vigilant and cooperate."

Lin Hao and I nodded earnestly, sensing the importance of the mission. "We won't let you down," I replied, my tone filled with determination.

Nightingale smiled slightly and turned to the control console. "Then, let's get ready to go. Remember, teamwork and communication are the keys to success."

As the mission began, our hovercraft slowly drove out of the mission hall and headed for the missing researcher's last known location. The city at night, illuminated by the lights, looked particularly grim, the streets sparsely populated, as if the entire world was waiting for some unforeseen event to occur.

During the mission, Nightingale frequently explained tactics and precautions to us, while I tried my best to memorize every detail. Although Lin Hao was young, his calmness and focus made me excited about his future.

It was already late at night when we arrived at our destination. It was an abandoned research facility, overgrown with weeds and looking particularly desolate. Nightingale motioned for us to stop the car and whispered, "There may be important information hidden here, but there are also unknown dangers. Stay vigilant and work together."

We donned night vision goggles and approached the building silently. The lock on the door was rusty, but Nightingale, with his vast experience, easily opened it. We entered and found it had been abandoned for years, and the air was filled with a stale smell.

After further exploration, we found clues to the missing researcher in a laboratory. His research involved a new energy technology, possibly linked to some high-level authority. But just as we were about to investigate further, we heard footsteps downstairs.

Nightingale signaled us to stop, telling Lin Hao and I to disperse and hide. He quickly analyzed the situation, judging that other forces might be involved. We held our breath, trying not to make any noise, waiting for the situation to develop.

A battle of power, trust and betrayal is quietly beginning.

And I, as a novice who has just entered the ranks of high-level mercenaries, am moving towards my own destiny step by step.

The group caught my attention immediately. The leading cyborg was tall and imposing, his cyborg parts seamlessly integrated into his muscular form, seemingly enhancing his strength and endurance. His eyes gleamed a cold blue, exuding an inviolable majesty.

The several aliens behind him each had their own characteristics. Some had silver-white skin and eyes of unusual colors; some had long ears and sharp claws. Their overall appearance was neither ferocious nor weird, but extremely mysterious.

Nightingale stood up immediately, his gaze locked with the leading cyborg, unflinching. "Who are you? What's going on here?" His voice was deep and powerful, carrying a hint of undeniable authority.

The cyborg sneered, its mechanical parts humming softly. "We are the guardians of this area. Any attempt to disturb us will be stopped." His tone was calm, yet threatening.

"Guardians?" I looked at Nightingale suspiciously, a wave of nervousness rising in my heart. Clearly, these people were not ordinary mercenaries; there was a deeper power hidden behind them.

"We have no ill intentions. We are simply here to investigate unusual activity in this building." Nightingale remained calm and approached. "If you have evidence that suggests a threat exists here, please show it to us."

The leading cyborg shook his head contemptuously. "The information we have shows that there is nothing unusual here. But you entered without permission, so we have the right to take action." After that, the energy weapon in his hand slowly lit up, and the aliens around him also took fighting stances.

I nervously gripped my weapon, feeling the sudden increase in tension around me. Nightingale calmly adjusted his stance, as if anticipating this moment. "It seems the other party doesn't trust us," he whispered, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "We need more information to prove our innocence."

At that moment, the cyborg made a subtle gesture, commanding the aliens behind him to disperse and form a circle. I could sense a sense of oppression in the air, as if a fierce conflict would erupt at any moment.

"Don't worry," Nightingale said to me softly, "We can try to communicate and understand their true intentions." He took a step forward and extended his hand in a peace gesture, "We are not enemies. We just hope to cooperate and solve the problems here together."

The leading cyborg hesitated, as if weighing the pros and cons. After a moment, he slowly sheathed his weapon, his gaze still stern. "Alright, we'll give you a chance. But if you make any more moves, we won't be so merciful."

As he gave in, the tense atmosphere eased slightly. The aliens gradually laid down their weapons and stood aside to watch. Nightingale and I breathed a sigh of relief, but deep down, we remained vigilant.

"So, what information do you have?" Nightingale continued to ask with a sharp look in her eyes.

The cyborg nodded, turned, and led us to a nearby rest area. "This is where some advanced research was once conducted. Recently, there have been unusual energy fluctuations. We suspect they may be related to alien technology. Are you investigating this as well?"

Nightingale and I exchanged a glance, confirmed our intentions, and nodded. "Yes, we found clues about the missing researcher, and they might be related to the research here," I replied.

The leading cyborg pondered for a moment, then gestured for us to sit down. "If you have evidence, you can share it with us. Cooperation is the best way to resolve problems."

Nightingale smiled slightly, agreeing, "Of course, we also hope to work together to uncover the truth." He pulled some documents from his bag and handed them to the other party. "This is the relevant information we currently have. I hope it will be helpful to you."

The two sides began to exchange information and the atmosphere gradually became harmonious.

This is just the beginning.

Nightingale's gaze was firm and penetrating, as if he were pondering his next move. I sensed his resolve, and I also understood that as a novice high-level mercenary, I must remain vigilant and learn how to survive and thrive in complex situations.