Reborn as a Space Mercenary: From Salaryman to Galactic Legend

Ethan's first proper day as a mercenary began in the shadow of Valeris City's gleaming towers. The constant hum of his ship's systems reminded him that while he had taken the first step, there was still a mountain to climb. He hadn't forgotten Kael's words so he knew repairs and supplies would drain his credits quickly if he didn't get his act together.

The guild's front doors slid open smoothly, the inner halls humming with activity. A few veteran mercs exchanged hushed conversations while Kael, ever the sharp-dressed man behind the front desk, gave Ethan a quick nod as he approached.

"Right on time," Kael remarked, tapping a sleek tablet that synced with Ethan's own. "Your access to the guild's private network is now live. You'll be able to view available missions, training modules, and guild resources. Some are locked behind rank or credits, so don't get too ambitious too quickly." Kael paused, glancing up. "And remember: ship repairs and resupply services aren't free."

Ethan scanned through the tablet. The interface was straightforward and filled with mission listings, guild information, training simulations. Much of it was grayed out, inaccessible until he earned either a higher rank or enough credits. The reality of his situation hit him hard. Without a steady income of credits, his ship wouldn't even leave the atmosphere, let alone make it to space.

"The beginner's VR training is free," Kael continued, pointing to the rows of VR pods at the back of the room. "You'll need it if you don't want to burn out before your first real mission. Think of it as a safety net for rookies."

Ethan's jaw tightened. He'd already learned the basics of piloting from Iris, his ship's AI, but combat systems were a different story. This wasn't just about flying, it was about surviving.

Stepping into the VR pod, he felt a flicker of uncertainty. The hatch closed around him, the simulation snapping into place with unnerving realism. He found himself in his ship's cockpit once more, but this time, the controls were more intricate. The screens blinked with weapons systems, targeting protocols, shield management...all of it designed to turn him into a combat-ready mercenary.

"Alright, rookie," came a gruff voice over the comms. "I'm Grayson, your instructor. Pay attention, and maybe you'll survive your first mission. Let's see if you can keep up."

The training began, and at first, Ethan struggled. Managing the ship's laser cannons while maintaining shield integrity wasn't as intuitive as he'd hoped. The targeting reticle darted across the screen as he fought to keep it centered.

But then, something shifted. The controls, which had seemed overwhelming just moments ago, became... smoother. Easier. His reactions sharpened, his mind grasping the complexity of the systems faster than expected. He felt strange, almost detached, as if his instincts were taking over.

The thought nagged at him, was this some leftover from his transmigration? Or was it something else entirely? The improvement felt too sudden, too precise. Either way, he wasn't complaining.

After hours of simulated combat, Grayson's voice finally cut through the virtual haze. "Not bad, rookie. You'll need a few more sessions before you're ready for the real thing, but you've got potential."

The simulation ended, the pod opening with a hiss of cool air. Ethan stepped out, stretching his limbs, his mind still reeling from how quickly he had adapted. He couldn't shake the feeling that something inside him had changed, something that wasn't just the result of training.

Kael was waiting by the desk as Ethan walked over. "How was it?"

"Faster than I expected," Ethan said, his voice calm. "I'm picking things up quickly... too quickly."

Kael raised an eyebrow but didn't pry. "Good. You'll need that edge. But remember—improving your ship, refueling, and ammo resupply will drain your credits. If you don't hustle, you'll be grounded before you know it."

Ethan nodded. "I'll make it work."

He wandered over to the mission board next, scanning the jobs available to rookies. Most were dangerous such as escort missions through contested space, bounty hunts, and retrieval operations. Not the kind of work he wanted to jump into without getting his feet under him.

But one job stood out: a simple supply run to Ridgefall Outpost. No combat, no real risk. Just enough pay to get by and earn a few credits. It wasn't glamorous, but it was what he needed.

Ethan tapped the screen, accepting the mission. His first real step.

As he headed back toward his ship, he glanced at the city outside through the guild's wide windows. The sprawling metropolis of Valeris gleamed under the twilight, its streets filled with the sounds of life, ambition, and danger. For now, he was content to lay low, focus on the basics, and avoid drawing too much attention.

But soon enough, he'd be ready to tackle the bigger challenges this world had to offer. For now, it was time to sharpen his skills, earn his keep, and prepare for the road ahead.