Reborn as a Space Mercenary: From Salaryman to Galactic Legend

The sharp, antiseptic scent of the infirmary stung Ethan's nostrils, dragging up an unwelcome sense of déjà vu. His gaze drifted to the sterile white walls, the dim, flickering lights, and the soft hum of medical devices, a setting he had always despised. In his previous world as a salaryman back in Japan, trips to the hospital were a bitter reminder of his overworked existence. He had once been so consumed by his job that he'd ignored the warning signs of burnout until he nearly collapsed at his desk.

"This isn't so different," he muttered under his breath, though his situation now couldn't have been more removed from the dreary cubicles of Tokyo.

The med-tech, a stout man with a no-nonsense demeanor, ran a scanner over Ethan's shoulder, the device emitting a soft blue glow. Ethan winced slightly as it passed over the bruised tissue, remnants of his last battle still fresh.

"You're lucky," the med-tech grunted, his voice gruff but not unkind. "A few more centimeters, and that laser bolt would've done more than just singe you. You need to take better care of yourself, Walker. You're no use to anyone if you keep pushing yourself like this."

Ethan nodded absently, his mind wandering. In his past life, this would have been the part where a doctor would sternly lecture him about work-life balance, advising him to rest and take things slow. The irony wasn't lost on him that even in this new world, rest seemed like a distant luxury.

"Ethan Walker, the indomitable D-Rank mercenary," came a familiar voice from the doorway. Kael entered the infirmary, his stride steady despite the weight of years evident in his graying hair and scarred hands. He nodded to the med-tech before pulling a chair over to sit beside Ethan.

"How's the shoulder?" Kael asked, his sharp eyes assessing Ethan as if gauging more than just his physical state.

"It'll hold," Ethan replied, rotating his arm gingerly. "Not the worst I've had."

Kael chuckled dryly. "That's the problem with you young ones, always brushing things off. You've come a long way, Walker. Not many rise through the ranks this quickly. The way you handled Vela's operation and previous missions after being promoted is impressive."

Ethan's expression darkened. "The last operation came at a cost. We lost good people out there."

Kael's tone softened. "We always do. This line of work isn't about avoiding loss; it's about making sure those losses mean something. Learn from it. Carry it with you. That's what separates the seasoned from the reckless."

Ethan nodded slowly. Despite his gruff demeanor, Kael always had a way of cutting through the noise and offering perspective.

The guild hall was alive with activity when Ethan stepped out of the infirmary. Holographic mission boards hummed with light, displaying lists of contracts and bounties, while the chatter of mercenaries filled the air. Some were veterans, sharing drinks and swapping war stories against the Syndicate and bandits, while others were younger, nervously huddled in groups as they prepared for their first missions.

Ethan walked through the bustling hall, drawing subtle nods and murmurs from those who recognized him. A group of E-Rank mercenaries caught his attention, their conversation halting as he approached.

"That's him, isn't it?" one of them whispered, a wiry young man with fiery red hair.

The man stepped forward, his voice uncertain but filled with admiration. "Walker, right? The one who took down Vela's supply lines?"

Ethan paused, his gaze steady. "That's me."

The group exchanged glances, awe evident in their expressions. "Man, that was incredible," the red-haired mercenary said. "You've been taking on Syndicate operations like it's second nature."

Ethan shook his head, his tone humble. "It's never just one person. It's a team effort, and it always comes with a price. Don't forget that."

The young mercenaries nodded, chastened but inspired. Ethan offered a faint smile before continuing toward the exit, their admiration a reminder of how far he'd come.

Nara's Nest was a haven of warmth and familiarity, its soft lighting and rustic decor offering a reprieve from the cold steel of the guild hall. The smell of spiced meats and freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the murmur of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses.

Ethan slid into a corner booth, ordering a simple meal and a drink. As he waited, a familiar figure approached. Kara, a mercenary he hadn't seen since his early days as an F-Rank.

"Well, if it isn't the rising star of Valeris," Kara teased, dropping into the seat across from him without waiting for an invitation. Her short black hair framed a face that still carried the same confidence and poise he remembered.

"Kara," Ethan said, a genuine smile breaking through his usual stoicism. "It's been a while."

She smiled back. "Yeah, it has. D-Rank now, huh? Not bad for the rookie who almost got killed at Ridgefall Outpost."

Ethan chuckled despite himself, the memory of their chaotic first mission together flashing through his mind. "I like to think I've improved since then."

They spent the next few minutes reminiscing, their laughter cutting through the cantina's ambient noise. But as the conversation shifted to more recent events, Kara's tone grew somber.

"You've changed," she said, her gaze steady. "Back then, you were nervous, unsure despite the calm facade. Now, it's like you're carrying the weight of the world."

Ethan didn't respond immediately, his eyes distant. "A lot's happened. It's not just about surviving anymore. It's about making sure this planet has a future."

Kara nodded, raising her glass. "To the fighters who make it happen."

They clinked glasses, a quiet camaraderie settling between them.

As the night wore on, Nara herself approached Ethan's booth. The cantina owner's kind eyes and warm smile carried a maternal quality that put everyone at ease. She placed a fresh drink on the table, her tone gentle.

"You've worked hard, Ethan," she said. "You're one of the few active D-Ranks around here who is making a difference so many look up to your actions and words now."

"Thanks, Nara," Ethan replied, though his voice lacked enthusiasm. "Doesn't feel like i have made much of a difference though."

Nara sat down across from him, her gaze warm. " But you did, many people in my cantina and on the streets speak highly of your actions against the Black Sun Syndicate. You and the guild give us hope, which makes a whole lot of a difference than before."

Ethan listened quietly, her words striking a chord.

"You've come a long way, Ethan," Nara continued. "Don't lose sight of why you started. The work you're doing matters, more than you might realize."

Her words settled over him like a blanket, comforting but heavy with responsibility. "Thanks, Nara," he said softly.

As Ethan stepped into the cool night air of Valeris, the city's lights cast a faint glow against the dark sky. He took a deep breath, his thoughts drifting between the past and the battles yet to come.

In his previous life, he'd worked himself to exhaustion for a company that saw him as expendable, just so he can make a living. Here, he strives for something far greater than just money, for the lives of people who depended on him, for a future worth believing in.

He clenched his fists, his resolve solidifying. The Black Sun Syndicate's days were numbered.