Ray’s tone was calm but urgent. “One of the vertical stabilizers is acting up. I thought the ground crew fixed it for sure, but it’s gone out again.”

“What happens if it’s not fixed?” Kai pressed.

Ray didn’t mince words. “We won’t be able to make a landing. We’ll have to eject.”

Kai’s stomach dropped. “And the passengers? What happens to them if we do?”

Ray didn’t answer, and let the heavy silence spoke.

“Can you fix it?” Kai asked.

“I can try, but someone needs to keep this thing in the air. And that someone can’t be me while I’m working on a fix,” Ray said.

Kai didn’t hesitate. “I’ll do it. Just teach me enough to keep it steady.”

Ray hesitated, glancing at him. “Alright, alright, no choice now,” he muttered, running through the basics of the controls as fast as he could. “Just keep her level—don’t try anything fancy.”

With a deep breath, Ray handed over the controls, and Kai’s right hand gripped the joystick. The moment it came alive under his grip, the ship tipped to the left. Kai instinctively corrected it, but the adjustment was too much, and the ship began to tilt to the right.

He gritted his teeth, trying to find balance. The ship felt lighter than he’d expected, but also deceptively sensitive. Slowly, he adjusted, making the ship hover on its original path while Ray scrambled to troubleshoot the stabilizer.

As he focused, Kai felt a strange heat building in his right arm. A faint blue pulse caught his eye, and he realized his arm was glowing faintly. It wasn’t painful—instead, it felt like the liquid inside him was gathering there, sharpening his reflexes. His grip on the joystick grew steadier, his movements precise. Each adjustment felt deliberate, almost natural, as if the ship were an extension of his body. He stabilized the ship and guided it forward, calm and in control.

“I can’t fix it from inside,” Ray muttered in frustration. “The only way is to repair it from outside, but we can’t get out until this thing’s on the ground.” He glanced back at the console and then up at Kai. His eyes widened. “Wait... did you do this? You stabilized the ship?”

“I’m trying but I'm not sure if it will work” Kai replied, his voice steady. He felt every subtle movement in the controls, as though his senses had been heightened. Each micro-movement he made translated perfectly into the ship’s adjustments.

Ray’s face lit up with excitement. “No, no—this is perfect! You keep it stable, and I’ll handle the landing.”

Kai nodded, focusing entirely on the fine control of the ship. The city loomed in the distance, its skyline dotted with flashing green and red lights marking the landing pads. As Ray adjusted the angle and speed, every change required a corresponding correction from Kai, but he managed it effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise.

Ray hailed the city’s landing service, declaring an emergency. The response was immediate, and a landing pad was cleared. As the ship descended, Ray guided it carefully, while Kai’s precise control kept the ship steady.

The moment the ship touched down, Kai compensated until the weight settled evenly. The cockpit fell silent, both men stayed quiet.

Then Ray let out a booming laugh, the tension breaking in an instant. “You did it, kid! Damn, you did it!”

Kai joined in, the relief bubbling out of him. Both men laughed heartily, the sound echoing in the small cockpit. It wasn’t just relief—it was triumph. Against all odds, they had landed the ship safely.

Ray let the passengers disembark, their chatter and laughter suggesting they hadn’t even realized there had been a problem with the ship. Kai watched them go, surprised by how oblivious they seemed to the danger they had just escaped.

Ray patted Kai on the shoulder as they both stepped down onto the landing pad. “That was some fine flying back there. I can’t believe you’ve never flown a ship before,” he said with a grin.

Kai shrugged and managed a modest smile. “I just tried my best, Ray.”

Ray chuckled, then handed Kai a bundle of cash. “Here, kid. Take the money. You just saved everyone’s life on this ship. You deserve it.”

Kai hesitated for a moment before taking it. “Thank you, Ray,” he said sincerely, pocketing the money.

Just then, a man came jogging toward them, his heavy boots pounding against the landing pad. His thick mustache bounced with every step, and his face was a storm of anger.

“Ray!” the man’s deep voice boomed as he stopped in front of the pilot. His massive frame towered over Ray, who seemed unimpressed by the man’s imposing presence. “Did you declare an emergency landing just to unload your passengers faster? Don’t think I’ll let it slide because we were battle buddies. You’re getting fined for this!”

Ray shrugged, gesturing toward the ship’s stabilizer. “We really did have an emergency. Go ahead and touch the stabilizer—it’s still cold. It failed mid-flight. And if it weren’t for this gentleman’s fine flying skills, we’d all be dead right now.”

The man stroked his mustache, his glare shifting between Ray and the stabilizer. He approached the ship, kneeling by the stabilizer thrusters. Tentatively, he placed a hand on the cold metal, feeling its inert surface. It was clear the stabilizer hadn’t activated during the descent—the surrounding area lacked the usual scorch marks from heat emissions, and the thruster ports themselves were clean and cold to the touch.

Standing up, the man turned to Kai, his gaze softening slightly. “So, you’re the one who kept the ship steady,” he said, studying him.

Kai nodded. “Just did what I could.”

The man grunted, his tone begrudgingly respectful. "I'm Captain Thomas. Fine flying for someone this young. If you ever thought about joining the federation navy, you come and find me, the navy can use someone like you.”

Kai felt a flicker of pride but kept his expression neutral. “Thanks,” he said simply.

Ray smirked. “So, about that fine…”

The man scowled at Ray but said nothing, turning on his heel and stalking off, his mustache quivering as he muttered under his breath. Ray and Kai exchanged a glance, then burst into quiet laughter.

After parting ways with Ray, Kai wandered into the bustling city. It was just as lively as he remembered. Vendors shouted to passersby from stalls lining the streets, vehicles honked their horns as they navigated crowded intersections, and people of all walks of life moved with purpose through the chaos. The city was alive with energy, a stark contrast to the stillness of the mines and the quiet moments of his flight, it made Kai picked up his steps and walked faster.

Kai set his sights on the tall buildings in the distance and started walking toward them. His destination was the headquarters of the mining company. The city was simply called The City, much like Lily’s bar, which was just The Bar. Why bother with unique names when there was only one of its kind? Efficiency trumped creativity here.

The walk through the city took some time. By the time Kai arrived, it was lunch hour, and the streets were packed with vehicles and pedestrians. He noticed someone lingering at a corner, their eyes fixed on him. His appearance had been drawing attention ever since the incident in the mine, so he dismissed it and kept moving.

Finally, he reached his destination: Draco Mining. Kai didn’t care much for the company’s elaborate name or branding—it was just the mining company to him, the only one that mattered on Drakmoor.

The building was an imposing structure, its gleaming facade designed to impress. Kai climbed the wide marble steps leading to the entrance and stepped into the main hall. Inside, the air was cool and filled with the faint hum of machinery. Employees and visitors moved through the expansive space, their shoes clicking on the polished floors.

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Kai stood out starkly from the rest of the crowd in the pristine hall. His rugged clothes, designed to protect against the harsh wilderness, were a stark contrast to the sharp suits and polished shoes of the employees and visitors around him. He didn’t belong to this life, and he didn’t care too. He wasn’t here to impress anyone.

He approached the front desk, a grand structure carved from polished marble that gleamed under the overhead lights. The edges were flawlessly smooth, and the desk curved slightly to add an air of sophistication. Behind it, in massive, golden letters, the words DRACO MINING were emblazoned on the wall, shining like a symbol of power and wealth.

The receptionist was a young woman, likely in her twenties, with a polished, professional demeanor. Her makeup was meticulously applied, accentuating her sharp cheekbones and full lips, giving her the look of someone who radiated confidence and beauty. Her appearance practically screamed, Look at me—I’m perfect.

Kai stopped before her, feeling slightly out of place in his dusty, travel-worn clothes. The receptionist looked up, her perfectly arched eyebrow raising slightly as her gaze swept over him. Despite her poised demeanor, there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

“How can I help you?” the receptionist asked, her tone polished and professional.

“Uh… I want to report a lead for a discovery in the mine,” Kai said, scratching the back of his head.

“Oh, a vein?” Her curiosity piqued, her posture straightened slightly.

“Yeah… something like that,” he replied, trying to keep his tone casual.

“Alright, sir. Please take the elevator up to the 50th floor,” she said with a practiced smile. “I’ll notify someone to assist you with your valuable information. Thank you for your work with Draco Mining.” She gestured toward the elevator, which, as if on cue, had its doors opened and waiting.

Kai nodded his thanks and stepped into the elevator. The button for the 50th floor was already glowing, casting a faint golden light onto the polished steel interior. As the doors slid shut, he felt a pang of discomfort. Despite his love for flying, elevators always unsettled him. The cramped, enclosed space seemed to close in around him as the elevator shot upward with a faint hum.

He pressed himself into a corner, watching the floor numbers tick up rapidly on the display above the doors. The change in pressure made his ears pop, and he swallowed to adjust. His heartbeat quickened slightly as the elevator slowed, signaling its arrival.

Ting.

The soft chime of the bell announced his stop. The elevator doors slid open, revealing the 50th floor. Kai stood still for a moment, bracing himself for what came next. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and out of the elevator.

“Hi, you must be the miner with the lead. Please, follow me,” a woman greeted him as the elevator doors opened. Her tone was polite, her movements precise as she gave him a small bow before leading him down a sleek corridor.

Kai followed her silently, noting how her heels clicked rhythmically against the polished floor. She brought him to an exclusive meeting room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city below. The midday sun casting a golden glow over the few skyscrapers and bustling streets.

The woman paused, allowing Kai a moment to take in the impressive scene.

“Mr. Draco will be with you shortly,” she said, her tone even and professional. With a small nod, she stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her, leaving Kai alone with the view—and his thoughts.

Since the moment Kai had entered the building, everyone had been professional and kind to him. Yet, curiously, not a single person had asked for his name. The realization sank in—they weren’t kind because of who he was, but because of the potential value of the information he carried.

And then, the first name anyone mentioned was Mr. Draco himself.

Kai understood now: in this place, a name wasn’t just a label—it was a powerplay. Only the most powerful individual warranted the recognition of their name. Everyone else was a role, a function, a part of the machinery that kept the system running.

As the thought lingered, Kai smirked. Maybe he should suggest to Lily that she put her name on the bar’s sign—Lily’s Bar. It would give her the recognition she deserved and remind everyone who they were really coming to see.

The door swung open, and Kai turned to see an middle aged man step inside. He was the embodiment of wealth and authority, his presence commanding the room without a word. His sleek, jet-black hair was styled immaculately, combed back with precision that hinted at meticulous care. His hazel-eyes felt as if they could see into Kai's deepest thoughts. His suit was unlike anything Kai had ever seen—deep navy with intricate gold patterns woven into the fabric, shimmering subtly under the light. The patterns resembled delicate veins of precious metal, running across the jacket and cuffs, accentuating the sharp lines of his tailored attire. A golden tie bar and cufflinks completed the ensemble, adding a touch of understated extravagance. His polished shoes clicked softly against the floor as he approached.

"Mr. Kai Renn," Draco said, his voice smooth as silk. He paused for effect, then motioned to the chair in front of him. "Please, sit."

The use of his name struck Kai immediately. He had never seen these people before, never given them his name, yet Draco spoke it with ease, as if he had known it all along. It was a demonstration of control, a subtle reminder of who held the power in this room. Even though Kai stood a head taller than the man, the authority Draco exuded was palpable. Kai disliked the feeling of being outmaneuvered, but he sat down anyway, keeping his composure.

Draco took the seat opposite of him, fixing Kai with a steady gaze. For once, Kai spoke first.

"Is Draco your real name?" he asked, leaning forward slightly.

Draco allowed himself a small smile. "No, it’s not. It’s a title, reserved for the highest position in the company. As for my real name... it’s a secret, even to most of our employees. Perhaps I’ll tell you, if your information proves to be valuable."

Kai smirked, leaning back in his chair as he reached into his pocket. He retrieved the small container with the sample he’d brought and placed it on the table. Then he crossed his arms, letting Draco lean in curiously. If this was going to be a game of power, Kai was determined to play it on equal footing. He may have been a miner, but he wasn’t a fool.

"What am I looking at?" Draco asked, his tone measured.

"This," Kai said calmly, "is a piece from the outer door of a spaceship."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "A door? I thought you were here because you found a vein in my mine."

Kai kept his grin in place. "Yes, this piece might not seem valuable. But the real value lies in the location and origin of the ship it came from."

Draco’s interest was piqued, though his expression remained cool. "Do tell, then."

Kai knew he had Draco now. He had to sell this perfectly if he wanted to walk away with more than just scraps.

"The first strange thing about my discovery," he began, "is where I found the ship. It was buried 200 meters below ground, in one of the uncharted tunnels of your mine. I’m sure you understand how unusual that is."

Draco nodded slightly, urging him to continue.

"And the second strange thing is the origin of the ship. I found information inside it—" Kai chose not to pull out the notebook from his bag; its contents were too sensitive to risk revealing now. "The ship belonged to a faction called the USSF. I’m not certain what the ‘US’ stands for, but the ‘SF’ clearly stands for Space Force. Their flag had 50 stars on it. Now, here’s the question: why would a power capable of rivaling the Empire and the Federation be absent from our history books? Why is it not taught to our children as part of their education? Don’t you think the powerhouses of humanity are hiding something from both you and me?"

Draco leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "How much do you think this information is worth?" he asked.

Kai hesitated for a moment. He hadn’t expected Draco to make an offer this quickly. "For me," Kai said carefully, "this is priceless. It’s a secret with the potential to shake the foundations of both the Federation and the Empire."

Kai studied Draco’s face, watching for any reaction. This was a gamble, a dangerous one. If Draco Mining was aligned with either faction, this could land him in a cell for treason. But Kai was betting on Draco’s ambitions, on his hunger for power and independence. A businessman like Draco wouldn’t just hand over a mystery this enticing without exploring it first. If he played this right, Kai could make Draco Mining a name whispered across the galaxy.

Draco remained silent for a long moment, considering the proposition. He hadn’t expected this when he woke up this morning. On one hand, the prudent choice would be to turn this information over to the Federation—likely the safer option given their interest in securing secrets. On the other hand, the idea of an unknown faction, a whole new mystery, was irresistible.

A ship buried deep in one of his mines, linked to a force that had somehow vanished from history? Draco’s curiosity burned. He wanted this ship for himself, to unravel its secrets, to add it to his personal collection. It was worth the risk. And then there was Kai himself—the confidence in his eyes, the calmness in his demeanor. It was rare for a miner to handle negotiations so deftly. Even if the information proved to be false, Draco saw potential in the man.

Finally, Draco spoke, his voice steady. "You’ve given me a lot to think about, Mr. Renn. If what you’re saying is true, I believe we can come to an agreement. The question is, can you deliver what you’re promising?"

"Yes, if you like, I can take you to the mine first thing in the morning," Kai said with a nod, his voice steady.

"Well then, what better way to confirm than seeing it with my own eyes," Draco replied with a smile, standing and extending his hand. "And since you’ve earned it, you can call me Kevin."

Kai stood as well, meeting Kevin’s hand with a firm shake. “Looks like we have a deal.”

“Indeed,” Kevin said, his smile widening. “It was your confidence that convinced me. Please, enjoy a stay on my expense.”

Kai nodded, watching as Kevin reached for the sample on the table. “If you don’t mind,” Kevin said.

Kai pushed it toward him. “Please.”

Kevin picked up the sample and studied it briefly before tucking it into his pocket. “Thank you again,” he said. As he turned to leave, he paused at the doorway. “Oh, one more thing—ten million.”

Kai raised an eyebrow, unsure.

“Ten million credits and a position in the company,” Kevin clarified with a grin. “That’s what I’m offering.”

Before Kai could respond, Kevin smiled again and walked out, leaving him standing in the room with more to think about than he had anticipated.