Ethan leaned against the sleek bar of the Merary Guild, a hub of activity that pulsed with a mix of tension and camaraderie. Holo-dispys flickered overhead, showg an array of missions, while the low hum of versation and the king of gsses created a backdrop of stant he air was thick with the st of syic drinks and the metallig of maery, an intoxig blend that hi the life he had chosen.

  Kael, the guild's secretary, was a figure of authority behind the front desk, sharp business attire that trasted with the rugged meraries surrounding him. His fingers danced over the holographiterface, and his sharp gaze flicked up to meet Ethan's, assessing the newer with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

  "So, rookie," Kael began, his voice steady and low, "what else do you want to know about Valeris City?"

  Ethaated, the weight of the guild's structure still fresh in his mind. "I o uand the situation here. What's going on with Kynara? And what about this Asheor?"

  Kael leaned ba his chair, a faint smile pying at the ers of his lips. "Kynara's a mixed bag. Ohriving trade hub, now it's a shadow of its former self. The Asheor is often wless, a wild frontier where the strong survive and the weak... well, they don't st long. But Valeris has some sembnce of order, thanks to the guild and the Federation patrols. Just keep your wits about you; whispers of u are everywhere."

  "U?" Ethan echoed, feeling a chill run down his spine. "What kind of u?"

  "Different fas vying for power," Kael expined, his tone shifting to one of gravity. "Some want to take back trol from the mercs, while others seek to capitalize on the chaos. It's a game of survival out here. Trust is a luxury."

  Ethan nodded, abs the weight of Kael's words. "Do you offer services like repairs or restog supplies? I o make sure my ship is ready for anything."

  Kael raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You've got a keen sense for business. We help with that. There are meics who patch up your ship, and we've got access to FTL fuel and ser mo. Just remember, it es at a price."

  "Uood," Ethan replied, a flicker of hope igniting within him. "What about quick jobs for F-rank meraries? Anything that doesn't involve violence?"

  Kael sidered this, his expression thoughtful. "There are always jobs needing doing. Deliveries, esc goods, scouting missions. They won't pay as much as bat jobs, but it's safer and a good way to build your reputation."

  " you point me in the right dire?" Ethan pressed, eager to find his footing in this chaotiiverse.

  "Sure thing," Kael said, pulling up a list of opportunities on his holographiterface. The s glowed with a variety of missions, eaore intriguing tha. "Here are sur jobs. They're not too dangerous but keep you busy. Just be smart about it."

  Ethan leaned in, sing the options. Each job felt like a ce to carve out a niche for himself, a way to blend into the fabric of this plex city. "Thanks, Kael. This helps a lot."

  Kael nodded, his demeanor shifting slightly. "Remember, it's not just about making money. It's about making es. The more people you know, the easier it gets out here."

  Ethan absorbed this, realizing the truth in Kael's words. In a pce like Valeris City, alliances could be as crucial as any on. "Got it. And what about the local fas? Should I be wary of anyone in particur?"

  "Depends on who you cross paths with," Kael warned, his eyes narrowing. "Keep an eye on the Bck Sun Syndicate. They've been making waves retly, and their influence is growing. Just stay clear of trouble."

  "Noted," Ethan replied, the weight of his new reality pressing down on him. He had a lot to learn, but he was ready to dive in. The path ahead was uain, but each step felt like a step closer t his owiny in Valeris City.

  As he turo leave, Kael's voice called after him. "Good luck, rookie. You'll ."

  Ethan offered a determined smile, a spark of ambition igniting within him. The shadows of Valeris City may have been daunting, but he was ready to face whatever y ahead.