Kai returned to his room, taking a moment to compose himself. The unexpected detour with Eliana had been one of the best experiences he’d had in years, but he reminded himself of the real reason he was here. Tomorrow would be pivotal, a day that could determine whether he could finally leave this barren planet behind.

He lay down on the soft, luxurious bed, the kind of comfort he wasn’t used to. As he closed his eyes, his thoughts drifted back to Eliana. He forced himself to stop, knowing better than to fall for someone he had just met. For all he knew, he might never see her again.

Damn it, he thought, realizing he hadn’t even gotten her contact. He cursed himself quietly and turned onto his side. What did she mean when she said she was sure we’d meet again soon?

Kai didn’t know when sleep overtook him, but the plush bed certainly helped him rest deeply. He woke to find it was just past 5 a.m., the city still quiet in the early morning light. He spent a few minutes soaking in the serene view from his window before heading to the bathroom.

Looking into the mirror, Kai saw the disheveled state he was in. His hair was a mess, and he hadn’t shaved in over a week. With meeting with Mr. Draco in mind—and the faint hope of possibly running into Eliana again—he decided to clean himself up. Tying his hair back into a bun, he carefully shaved his beard, watching as the rugged miner in the mirror took on a sharper, more polished look.

Kai made a simple breakfast and waited for someone to contact him. The call came just as he was placing the last dish in the drying rack. He wiped his hands on a towel and answered.

Five minutes later, he was in the elevator, heading down to the lobby. Kevin had returned his clothes to him, cleaned and neatly folded. Even the tiny holes in his jacket, something he’d decided to ignore long ago, had been expertly patched up.

The elevator came to a smooth stop, and the doors slid open. Kai stepped out and immediately focused his gaze on the front desk. A beautiful woman stood there, greeting clients with a polished smile. But his heart sank slightly when he realized it wasn’t Eliana, just another receptionist. Shrugging off the disappointment, he continued toward the exit.

A car was waiting outside for him. A blackout Astra Eon, a high-end model crafted by the luxury automaker Celes Dynamics, known for their sleek, futuristic designs and unparalleled comfort.

Kai stepped into the car, only to find Mr. Draco and Eliana sitting across from him. He was taken aback by her presence but masked his surprise. Eliana wore light makeup and her casual sporty attire, her posture relaxed yet composed as she sat beside her father with a pleasant smile on her face.

“Mr. Draco,” Kai greeted, nodding politely.

“Please, don’t be so formal, Kai,” Kevin said with a dismissive wave. The car accelerated smoothly. “Call me Kevin. And by the looks of it, I think you’ve already met my daughter, Eliana.”

Kai blinked, his mind reeling. Daughter? The receptionist Eliana was Kevin’s daughter—the daughter of the head of Draco Mining, one of the most powerful men on the planet. He turned to Eliana, his expression frozen in disbelief.

Eliana was the first to break the silence. “I’m really sorry, Kai,” she said softly, her voice earnest. “I didn’t mean to hide it from you. I just didn’t want you to see me differently because of who my father is. I really enjoyed our time together.”

As she spoke, any irritation Kai might have felt melted away. Her sincerity disarmed him, and he realized that if he were in her position, he would have done the same. Life in the city, especially one so tied to power and influence, was far more complicated than his own.

“That’s alright, Eliana,” Kai replied with a smile. “I understand.”

Kevin, observing their interaction, spoke with a neutral tone. “Eliana insisted on coming along for this trip into the mine. She’s quite fond of you, Kai.”

Kai glanced at Eliana, whose cheeks flushed slightly at her father’s words, and he found himself smiling again. This trip was already shaping up to be more interesting than he had expected.

Kai stepped out of the Astra Eon, shielding his eyes from the glaring sunlight. As his vision adjusted, the sight before him was nothing short of breathtaking.

"Welcome to the BlackSwan" Eliana said behind Kai.

On the landing pad stood a massive luxury starship, its design an intricate blend of sharp, angular ridges and smooth, elegant curves. The metallic hull gleamed in the sunlight, a stunning combination of polished silver and subtle gold accents that seemed almost alive as they reflected the desert light.

The ship’s rear ramp extended to the ground, where crews worked diligently to load supplies. Crates of various sizes were being carried up by workers that wear EXO-suits and loaded with precision, while small drones zipped back and forth, delivering additional cargo. The rhythmic clanking of equipment and the occasional hum of engines filled the air.

Set against the stark red sand of the barren desert and the vast blue sky above, the starship looked like a masterpiece of engineering. It was everything Kai could have asked for in a starship—elegant yet practical, with a professional crew working seamlessly to prepare it for departure. He had dreamed of boarding a ship like this for as long as he could remember, and now, that dream had finally come true.

Eliana watched as Kai inspected the ship, his eyes darting across its surface, taking in every detail as if he didn’t want to miss a single thing. She chuckled softly at how endearing he looked, like a child unwrapping a long-awaited birthday gift. She stood beside him, waiting patiently while her father engaged in conversation with the ship’s commander nearby.

Kai finally turned to her, his eyes glistening with excitement. The joy on his face was unmistakable, and Eliana couldn’t help but smile back, sensing that he wanted to share this moment with her.

“Just wait until you see the inside,” she teased, her voice light and playful.

Eliana wasn’t lying. As soon as the crew finished loading the last of the supplies and boarded the ship, Kai followed her inside and was immediately awestruck. The interior was a seamless continuation of the ship’s elegant yet functional design. The walls were lined with sleek, polished metal accented by panels of real wood—a rare and luxurious commodity on Drakmoor. Soft, recessed lighting cast a warm glow, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship of the ship’s corridors and rooms. The space was vast, far larger than Kai expected, with high ceilings and a layout that balanced practicality with comfort. Every facility he could imagine was here: even including a fully equipped gym, a small pool with shimmering water, and lounges furnished with plush seating that seemed to invite relaxation. It was a self-contained world, built for both efficiency and indulgence.

Kevin led Kai and Eliana to the bridge, his voice steady with pride. “Welcome to the brain of the ship,” he said, gesturing to the space around them. At the front, a massive viewport stretched from floor to ceiling, offering an unobstructed view of the horizon and providing the pilot with unparalleled visibility. Just behind the pilot’s seat was the commander’s station, slightly elevated to oversee all operations. To the left and right were the engineering and gunner seats, with state-of-the-art controls. The engineering station monitored the ship’s systems, while the gunner seat controlled the weaponry remotely. Everything was carefully designed and customized to perfection."

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Kai was captivated by all things on the bridge. Every detail brought his childhood dream one step closer to reality. If it weren’t for the meeting, he would have chosen to stay on the bridge for the entire duration of the flight.

Not long after takeoff, four people sat around a round table in the ship’s meeting room. The hum of the ship’s engines provided a low background melody as they ascended into the sky. Commander Grayson, a towering man with an impressive build and a beard so thick and majestic it could rival the men of the warrior tribes on Tarnaxis, sat at the head of the table. The other three were Kevin, Kai, and Eliana, each taking their seats as the meeting began.

Commander Grayson spoke first, his voice firm and direct. “Two days ago, a ship from the Federation landed on Drakmoor. Several ambassadors held a meeting with Governor Railey to discuss the possibility of a future conflict with the Empire, seeking her loyalty in what they see as an inevitable war.” He paused briefly, his serious gaze sweeping the room. “We all know that a war between the two factions is only a matter of time. The Emperor’s goal of uniting humanity under one banner has been a controversial topic for decades.”

Kevin leaned forward, his tone calm but resolute. “Governor Railey contacted me last night for my opinion. I’ve pledged my support for her decision to side with the Federation. The Emperor is a tyrant who takes far more than he gives.” He glanced meaningfully at Kai, his words heavy with unspoken acknowledgment.

Kai nodded slowly, understanding the weight of Kevin’s reference. The invasion of Velmorra—the reason Kai had fled his home in the first place—was a stark reminder of the Empire’s ruthless ambition. His dislike for the Empire ran deep.

Commander Grayson continued, his tone growing graver. “Our biggest problem is Drakmoor’s location. By this time next year, the star systems’ rotation will align our planet with Denzov-II in the Gnonoe System, creating a perfect jump point into federation territory. Recent heat signatures from that sector indicate a rally of at least four capital-sized vessels accompanied by support fleets.”

Eliana drew in a sharp breath. “We couldn’t possibly fight back against a force like that. What is the Federation planning to do?”

Grayson’s expression remained steady. “The Federation has promised a response force of similar size. Their plan is to intercept and drive the Empire’s fleet away before they reach Drakmoor’s orbit.”

Kevin exchanged a weighted look with Grayson before turning to Kai. There was a shift in the room’s atmosphere, and Kai felt uneasiness wash over him.

“Kai,” Kevin began, his voice slower and more deliberate. “The information you brought me about the lost ship—it wasn’t news to me.” He paused, letting the words sink in. “I owe you an apology for not telling you the full truth before. But my daughter’s approval of you has convinced me that you’re someone trustworthy. So, I’ll tell you everything now.”

Kai glanced at Eliana, searching her face for answers. She caught his gaze and mouthed the words: “Don’t worry.”

"I’ve already told Eliana," Kevin said, his tone grave, "and now I’ll pass down our family’s secret to you." He leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "There’s a legend that’s been passed down through generations in the Draco family. It tells of a ship buried deep beneath the rocks of Drakmoor—a ship that could hold the key to unimaginable change. And I believe the ship you found might be the one."

Kai frowned, his skepticism apparent. “If it’s that important, then why not use deep ground scanners to find it earlier? Surely, with your resources—”

Kevin raised a hand, cutting him off gently. “Because the legend warns us of what happens when it’s found,” he explained, his voice steady. “The day it’s unearthed is said to bring change to the universe. The ship you found, if it is the one, must be protected at all costs. And so must the person who finds it.”

Kai’s expression darkened as he considered Kevin’s words. “What kind of secrets would be so important?”

Kevin shook his head. “Nobody knows. The legend never explained what secrets the ship holds. That’s why I wanted to visit the mine myself.”

Kai nodded, his mind racing as he recalled the notebook he had taken from the buried ship. He was ready to share his own discovery. Reaching into his pocket, he was abruptly interrupted by a blaring alarm that echoed through the ship’s hull.

Commander Grayson was the first to react, bolting to his feet and rushing out of the room. The others quickly followed, their footsteps pounding against the metal floor as they hurried to the bridge.

The moment they entered, the tension in the air was palpable. The engineer turned in his seat, his face grim. “We were cruising at a steady speed,” he explained, his voice steady but urgent, “when an unknown ship locked onto us. They must have been cloaked because there was no sign of them on our scanners until the lock-on warning triggered.”

Commander Grayson stepped forward, barking orders. “Evasive maneuvers! Prepare countermeasures!” He turned to the gunner. “Get weapons systems online, now!”

The pilot’s hands flew over the controls as the ship shuddered violently. “They’ve fired! Brace for impact!” he shouted, the screen lighting up with red indicators tracking an incoming missile. The crew moved with precision, but the element of surprise had put them at a dangerous disadvantage.

Eliana grabbed Kai’s hand, her grip tight. Kai could feel her nervousness and instinctively wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as they both braced themselves.

“Weapons systems online, shields at one hundred percent,” the engineer reported, his voice steady despite the tension.

“Intercept the missile, and scramble their lock.” Commander Grayson ordered sharply.

The gunner was already in action, seated at his station with a VR goggle strapped over his eyes. A wire connected his helmet to the ceiling, feeding his view directly to the display in front of Commander Grayson. On the screen, Kai could see what the gunner was seeing—a missile streaking toward them, closing the gap with alarming speed.

“Missile inbound.” the gunner announced, pausing briefly before continuing, “ Chaff launched. Ivan, evasive maneuvers now.”

Kai felt the ship lurch as gravity shifted momentarily, then stabilized as the ship’s artificial gravity generator adjusted. The ship banked hard to the right, pulling into a sharp turn. Despite the evasive maneuver, Kai was impressed by how smoothly the ship handled for its size.

A bright flash and a muffled explosion erupted behind them. For a brief moment, Kai thought they’d been hit. But a glance at Commander Grayson’s calm expression, and the faint grin tugging at his lips—told him otherwise. The chaff had worked, successfully diverting the missile.

“They’ve lost the element of surprise,” Grayson said, his voice calm but commanding. “Robert, get me a lock on their ship.”

“Roger,” Robert, the gunner, replied. His hands moved deftly over the controls, and the display on Grayson’s screen shifted as the view swiveled to follow their attacker. At first, there was only a small black dot in the distance. Then, as Robert zoomed in, the attacking ship came into focus.

It was a small, sleek craft shaped like a triangle, darting through the air with stunning speed. Vapor trails streaked behind its wingtips as it maneuvered to stay on their tail. Kai’s sharp eyes recognized it instantly.

“A stealth bomber from Corsair Industry,” he muttered, his tone grim. “Popular with pirates and PMCs.”

Eliana glanced at him. “What do you know about it?”

“It’s fast and agile,” Kai explained, his voice low but steady. “It carries an impressive missile payload, but its hull is paper-thin. It relies on stealth and boom-and-zoom tactics—surprise, strike, and vanish. If we can lock onto it, it won’t last in a head-to-head fight.”

Commander Grayson nodded slightly, overhearing Kai’s assessment. His focus remained fixed on the display. “Let’s see if they can handle being on the other side of the hunt.”

Robert, the gunner, leaned into his controls with a confident smirk. “Teresa, decode and send me the signature of that ship. I’m going to give it a little gift.”

“Already done,” Teresa replied, her own smirk matching his.

Kai’s attention was glued to the gunner’s display. He watched as a small object ejected from the rear of their ship—a countermeasure with a very specific purpose. The attacker had made a critical mistake, Kai realized. It should never have lingered in pursuit against a ship like the Black Swan. Perhaps they had assumed the ship was unarmed, or their pilot was simply too inexperienced to execute the hit-and-run tactics required.

As expected, the pursuing ship broke through Teresa’s jamming and fired a second missile. But it was too late. The “gift” Robert had sent out reached proximity of the attacker and released a powerful burst of electromagnetic energy. The attacking ship’s systems sputtered, and its maneuvers ceased as its computers were fried. The once-agile craft drifted in the sky, a sitting target. The missle lost its guidance and flew aimlessly towards space.

“Sir, we have a lock!” Robert said, his voice brimming with excitement.

“Fire,” Commander Grayson ordered, his tone calm and final.

The bridge fell silent for a moment as the gunner executed the command. The bright explosion lit up the distant sky, the remains of the attacking ship scattering in all directions.

The immediate danger had passed, but the tension in the room lingered. The crew exchanged puzzled glances, the same question on everyone’s mind: who had sent the attacker, and why?

“Sir,” Teresa’s voice cut through the heavy silence on the bridge, sharp and filled with urgency. “We’ve lost contact with the mine.”