Qie Xieling pulled up the black cyberpunk face mask the man had given to him and secured it over his face. Its cold touch brought him a sense of security as he stepped onto the grimy streets of this desolate planet. The sight before him was quite disheartening. It was a sprawling dump with homeless souls scattered about, their presence a haunting reminder of the harsh realities they faced. Some lay motionless, their bodies numbed by the grip of addiction.

Some resembled walking corpses with their bones outlined underneath their skin. The towering skyscrapers that surrounded the streets cast long shadows, obscuring the feeble rays of sunlight that struggled to pierce through the bleakness. Neon lights flickered and buzzed, beckoning passersby into dimly lit establishments like brothels and bars that thrived in this underworld.

As Qie Xieling walked, his eyes caught a glimpse of a holographic display showcasing his own face, boldly declaring him as the once most-wanted man in the Zeden Coalition. The display was a stark reminder of the life this character had lived, the trouble he had stirred, and the enemies he had slaughtered. Now, however, he was a fugitive believed to have been eliminated and on screen, the general boldly declared victory while being interviewed. His elimination had been broadcast for all to see the fallen villain.

Qie Xieling’s lips twitched seeing Bi Yu announcing to the Coalition this body had been disintegrated to pieces. He felt something stir within him something rather sinister.

He looked away while rubbing his chest trying to calm the unexpected storm brewing within him. A thin, weathered old man seated on the ground locked eyes with him, a glimmer of recognition flickering in his gaze. Qie Xieling’s heart skipped a beat, uncertain if he had been spotted or if it was merely a trick of his imagination. He swiftly pulled his hoodie tighter around his face, concealing his features, and quickened his pace, determined to avoid any unwanted attention.

As he disappeared into the bustling crowd, he embraced the anonymity his mask provided, hoping it would shield him from the prying eyes of those who would recognise him as his face was plastered everywhere.

He turned the corner and continued down the decrepit street, the stench of despair and destitution filling the air. The dilapidated buildings and littered sidewalks painted a grim picture of the great disparity between the rich and the poor.

As he continued walking, his communicator buzzed, alerting him that he had reached his destination. He looked ahead and noticed a long line of desperate individuals standing outside a dimly lit nightclub. They seemed as though they shared his purpose which is seeking employment amidst the bleakness.

Joining the line, he patiently waited while observing the comings and goings of people for what felt like an eternity. The hours dragged on, and weariness began to seep into his bones. Doubt crept into his mind, questioning whether this whole thing was worth it.

Finally, his turn arrived, and he stepped into the nightclub but judging by the faces that left this place it didn’t look good. As he entered, his presence caused heads to turn, curious gazes falling upon him. There were so many people scattered around the establishment clad in

futuristic gear with an emblem of a skull and bones worn by one of the most infamous intergalactic pirates.

A voice broke the silence, dripping with amusement and accompanied by the giggles of girls. "You’re in the wrong place. The brothel is two doors over," mocked one of the individuals, his words laced with a tinge of arrogance. The girls around him giggled, their shyness contrasting with the crassness of the situation.

Qie Xieling’s brows furrowed as he stared at the face hidden in the shadows. He suddenly cursed underneath his breath having realised who it was. He was honestly hoping that Bo Ailun would be on his side again like in the previous world but it seemed not.

Another person, seemingly in agreement, spoke up, their voice echoing through the room. "We are recruiting warriors, not playthings," they declared, their words carrying a hint of mockery. Qie Xieling couldn’t understand what about him made him look like he would be best suited for a brothel. He ignored their remarks and approached the counter where a burly man with cybernetic enhancements stood, scanning him with suspicious eyes.

"I’m here for the job," he stated firmly, trying to exude confidence despite the nerves bubbling within him.

Bo Ailun gestured to the armed guards to throw him outside while saying, "I said the brothel is two doors over or maybe you are mentally challenged and can’t understand my fuckin words."

Qie Xieling stood firm, his eyes meeting his gaze. Again he vowed to beat the heck out of Bo Ailun for abandoning him twice in this stupid game.

With a steady voice, he chuckled softly while taking off his face mask, "Do I qualify now."

The room instantly fell into a momentary silence with everyone staring at his face some in shock and others in disbelief. Qie Xieling knew that his face had captured their attention.

The man at the bar sized him up, his mechanical eye whirring as it analysed him. After a moment, he grunted and nodded towards a door at the back of the club. "Go through there. The boss will see you."

Qie Xieling sneered at Bo Ailun before following the instructions. He passed the occupied tables and entered a dimly lit hallway. The air was heavy with the scent of smoke and something more illicit. As he walked, he could still hear muffled sounds of music behind him, but the noise dampened as he neared the end of the corridor.

He reached a door guarded by two imposing figures, their arms crossed over their chests. They glanced at him with stony expressions, but one of them beckoned for him to enter.

"The boss is waiting for you. Don’t keep him waiting," the guard warned, his tone laced with a subtle threat.

Nodding in acknowledgement, Qie Xieling pushed the door open and stepped into a room bathed in crimson light. There, behind a massive desk, sat a man with the of his chair back towards him.