Aluora still felt a bit sad about Pierre's impending departure, but she managed to force a smile. Gelub, on the other hand, seemed incredulous, almost indignant. To him, it was unthinkable that his new friend was really planning to leave the planet to study on a world as backward as Tepes, in the Orc galaxy.

“Are you really going to leave all this behind? To go to Tepes?” Gelub shook his head in disbelief. “You know, that place isn’t even on most intergalactic travelers’ maps.”

Pierre chuckled softly and nodded. “I know, I know. Tepes isn’t exactly the center of the universe… but this journey is necessary. The Treon Academy of the Alliance is the only place that sparks my desire to study what I’m aiming for; universal history, advanced magic, and archaeology.”

Gelub continued to find humor in the idea. “It’s hard to imagine someone like you fitting in at such an… elitist academy.” He gave Pierre a questioning smile, teasing him.

Aluora, however, seemed genuinely intrigued. “Archaeology? Are you really going to study ancient civilizations? That sounds fascinating!”

Pierre’s eyes lit up with her interest, excited to have someone share his passion. “Yes! Archaeology is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the past. Without it, we can’t understand how civilizations rose, evolved, or why they fell. Every artifact is a piece of a much larger puzzle.”

Gelub interrupted the conversation with a mischievous grin. “Speaking of ancient civilizations… how about a farewell at the *Hungry Comet*? We can work and have fun together in these last few days before you leave. A toast to old and new worlds.”

Pierre hesitated for a moment, frowning slightly. After what happened the last time he was at the *Hungry Comet*, he didn’t feel comfortable going back. The chase, the accident… everything was still too fresh in his mind. He took a deep breath and responded with a wry smile. “You know, Gelub, the 300 coins they pay for working there barely cover the cost of a drink.”

“And besides, going back and working for that amount feels… disproportionate. Something is off about it. Workers are being exploited for a fraction of what the service is truly worth, while the rich drink and toast… It makes me uneasy.”

Aluora and Gelub exchanged glances, understanding Pierre’s frustration. Gelub grimaced slightly but quickly returned to his usual enthusiasm. “Oh, I get it, Pierre. But listen… tonight will be different. Special guests will be there. It’s a unique chance to see the Zerg nobility up close! Who knows, you might even learn something new about… I don’t know, the society you love to study so much?” He winked, trying to persuade Pierre.

“And,” Gelub continued, now more animated, “a baron will be there! He’s reserved a huge space at the *Hungry Comet*, and he made an interesting request: none of the staff should cover their faces.”

Pierre raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Not cover their faces?”

Gelub nodded, smiling. “Exactly. The baron wants to see who’s serving him. I’m not sure why, but I imagine it says something about the extravagant tastes of the nobility. It’s going to be quite a night.”

Pierre sighed, still hesitant, but he couldn’t ignore his friends' excitement. “Alright. I’ll go, just for a few days. But only for you two.”

---

That evening, as Pierre prepared for work, he looked at himself in the mirror, adjusting his uniform. He realized that tying his hair into a high samurai bun would be more practical and stylish. It would keep his hair out of his face while serving, and avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Simple, yet effective.

When they arrived at the *Hungry Comet*, Pierre, Aluora, and Gelub immediately noticed that the atmosphere was different. The baron’s entourage, who were already there, were extremely demanding. They observed every detail with sharp, sometimes even critical eyes.

“I thought the nobility only cared about fine wines and fancy dinners,” Pierre murmured to Aluora as he served a table. “But it seems like they have a keen eye for every little detail of the service.”

“It makes sense,” Aluora replied, glancing at the elegant and haughty group. “They’re used to having everything perfectly tailored to their liking.”

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As the night progressed, Pierre noticed how some of the nobles' gazes followed his every movement, analyzing each gesture, and looking for any potential mistake. He stayed focused, trying not to feel intimidated. Still, he could feel the weight of their expectations, and at one point, his thoughts returned to the words he had said earlier about the exploitation of workers.

Hou Jun, the Zerg Baron from the royal family of Planet Conrone Central, was present at the *Famished Comet*, not as a simple patron, but on a special mission on behalf of his nobility. Though he was receiving all the luxury and exclusivity the venue had to offer, Hou Jun couldn’t shake the feeling that he and his companions were being seen as some kind of exotic attraction, almost alien, in the eyes of everyone.

Across the room, Koo Looj, the owner of the *Famished Comet*, watched the scene with enthusiasm. For him, the presence of Zerg nobility in his establishment meant more than just status; it was the perfect opportunity to elevate the bar’s reputation. Sure, there were unusual demands, like changing the uniforms of his staff, but the benefit of attracting the attention of the upper class outweighed any inconvenience. Seeing how people reacted to the presence of Baron Hou Jun and his soldiers, Koo Looj felt that he was on the right path.

All of those accompanying Hou Jun were elite soldiers, ready to assist him in his secret mission. For the first time, Hou Jun had the honor of participating in an operation under the direct supervision of Zimmer Sommerfeld, the feared Duke of Sologard.

Without suspecting any conspiracy… Pierre, however, couldn’t shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong. It was as if he were prey being watched by a predator, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Maybe it was his mage’s instinct, or the years of experience working for the DGSE. Or, perhaps, it was simply the result of watching too many galactic wildlife documentaries. Either way, he couldn’t pinpoint the source of his discomfort.

The bright yellow uniform of the *Famished Comet*, which Pierre wore at that moment, with its retro vibes reminiscent of the *Power Rangers*, only heightened the strangeness of the refined environment he was in.

Then, Pierre had an epiphany. Even the Zergs, so powerful, became something different when they acquired noble titles. They turned into an elite class, almost like a different species. He now saw them in a new light—not as brutal warriors, but as untouchable aristocratic figures, above the mundane concerns that dominated the lives of common people.

While he was lost in these thoughts, Aluora discreetly approached him. She pointed to a man sitting at a distance and, in a trembling voice, whispered, “I’m so afraid of losing him.”

Surprised, Pierre asked, curious, thinking he was hearing the beginning of some epic drama: “How long have you two been together?”

Aluora smiled sadly. “Actually… (pause) we’ve never been together.”

Pierre couldn’t help but laugh. “Then why are you afraid of losing something you never had?” he teased with an amused look.

Aluora made a mock disappointed expression, pretending to be upset. “Do you have to be so insensitive?”

Pierre patted her shoulder, still smiling. “Sometimes, yes. It’s to remind you that life is too short to be stuck in fear and uncertainty. Enjoy the moment and be happy, my friend.”

The two laughed together, and the light-hearted humor of the conversation was a welcome relief from the tension Pierre had been feeling. He cherished these small moments of levity—they were, to him, the true gifts of life.

However, Koo Looj approached Pierre and Aluora with a stern expression. “What are you two doing here? Can’t you see the customers deserve extra attention?”

Pierre and Aluora exchanged confused glances. “But it’s not our turn to serve drinks,” Pierre said, trying to understand Looj’s irritation.

Koo Looj sighed impatiently. “I don’t want excuses, I want satisfied customers! Pierre, you’ll be next to serve the baron’s guests, and I don’t want to hear another word before that. Get back to work and do exactly as I instructed!”

Pierre bit his lip, feeling the pressure increase. He knew that the presence of nobles like Hou Jun brought with it an environment of high expectations. Not just in service, but in the impeccable demeanor required of everyone.

As Pierre prepared to attend to the guests, one of Hou Jun’s soldiers, who was sitting in front of a holographic screen, engrossed in some type of report, caught his attention. Pierre approached with a polite smile, trying not to show his discomfort.

“Good evening, sir,” he began, his tone respectful. “May I offer you something from our selection of premium drinks?”

The soldier looked up, sizing Pierre up for a second, before responding coldly, “Yes. Bring me something strong. Something worthy of a Zerg.”

As Pierre served the drink, the Zerg turned slowly toward him, and his presence was immediately felt. Standing over two meters tall, his powerful, muscular frame radiated a natural strength that couldn’t be ignored. Pierre, used to dealing with a variety of customers, felt for a brief moment as though he was in the presence of something extraordinary.

The Zerg’s face seemed sculpted with precision. Strong, well-proportioned features defined his appearance—a solid jawline, pronounced cheekbones, and an aura of authority that was almost tangible. His golden eyes gleamed intensely, as if they held ancient secrets or latent power. Equally golden, wavy hair fell gently over his forehead, adding a perfect blend of charm and austerity.

Pierre, aware of the man’s imposing presence, also noticed the evaluating look the Zerg cast in his direction. There was no attempt to hide the fact that he was being scrutinized—it was clear. The simple exchange of glances felt like a silent test, and Pierre, maintaining his composure, decided to break the silence with casual conversation.

“Are you just passing through the city?” Pierre asked as he finished serving the drink, maintaining a polite tone.

Zimmer, in an almost indifferent tone, replied, “Something like that. I’m here for work.” But internally, he felt a spark of curiosity. There was something about the young waiter’s unassuming yet confident demeanor that intrigued him. Pierre’s presence, his calm tone, and his confident posture, made Zimmer want to observe him more closely.

As he sipped his drink, Zimmer discreetly continued to watch Pierre. His golden eyes scanned the young man with keen interest. Pierre’s red hair, which seemed to shimmer in different shades under the *Hungry Comet*’s lights, caught Zimmer’s attention in a way he couldn’t ignore. Something about the young man’s appearance seemed out of the ordinary—for a Zerg.

Zimmer was well-acquainted with the genetic traits of his species. The Zergs, in their relentless pursuit of evolutionary perfection, had very specific physical standards. A redhead like Pierre, for instance, should have red eyes, something that was clearly missing. And if his eyes were blue, like Pierre’s, his hair should have been white or sky-blue, in line with Zerg's evolutionary traits.

“Interesting...” Zimmer thought as his eyes continued to take in the details of the young man before him. It wasn’t common to see deviations in the genetic characteristics of his species, especially in an era where perfection was so fervently sought. That alone piqued his curiosity about Pierre.

But there was something more, something Zimmer couldn’t yet clearly identify. It was as if, behind the façade of the waiter, there was a latent force, something he couldn’t fully comprehend yet. And that only heightened his interest.