【Interstellar Contract Magician】Ruyuanke

Chapter 407 [Empire] Mentor

I spun around and found Nightingale standing before me. It had been a long time since we'd met alone. Nightingale always carried a touch of mystery and uninhibited energy, and today he was as casual and relaxed as ever. He stood before me, and upon seeing me in that expensive, couture suit, he seemed to smile.

"You really stole this outfit, didn't you?" He laughed a little exaggeratedly, a playful glint in his eyes. "Hahaha, I never thought you could dress so formally." His words were full of obvious teasing, seemingly oblivious to my embarrassment.

I pulled my sleeves uncomfortably, trying to cover up some parts that didn't fit me, my face slightly red. "Dan Qi gave it to me," I responded indifferently. Although I felt that this explanation was a bit pale, it was better than admitting that I was completely unprepared.

Nightingale didn't seem surprised by this answer. He raised an eyebrow, his eyes a little amused. "Oh? So it's him." There was a hint of a meaningful smile in his tone, as if he had known about the relationship between Shan Qi and me for a long time.

"You're really... always so frivolous." I shook my head. Although I expressed my dissatisfaction, I couldn't hide my inner helplessness. He always gave me such a complicated feeling, like a frivolous and naughty boy, but sometimes I felt like he saw through everything.

"Haha, don't be so nervous, I was just joking." Nightingale restrained her smile a little, walked closer to me, and her eyes suddenly became serious. "Why are you here? This street is not a good place, especially with the way you are dressed... It's not suitable."

I looked around. The atmosphere on the high-ranking mercenary streets was indeed unusual. There was a sense of potential danger in the air, as if conflict could break out at any moment. Nightingale was right. I felt particularly out of place here.

"I'm just taking a stroll," I answered simply, a little hesitantly. Actually, I didn't know why I ended up here, but it seemed I was drawn in by the atmosphere of this street, or perhaps drawn in by some inexplicable force.

Nightingale smiled slightly, as if he could see what I was thinking: "Want to find something to do?" There was a hint of provocation in his words, but I knew he was not joking.

I didn't answer, just nodded. Nightingale saw through my hesitation and smiled. "In that case, I'll take you to see the fun here." His tone was relaxed, but it always carried that kind of irresistible magnetism.

"No need, I just..." I wanted to refuse uneasily, but he interrupted me before I could finish.

"Trust me, now that you're here, don't even think about leaving." Nightingale's words were like an order. He turned and walked deeper into the street. "Follow me and see what you can find here."

The nightingale's smile also seems to hide a secret that I have not yet discovered.

I slowly followed Nightingale deeper into the street and felt that the atmosphere around me was completely different from before.

This was the neighborhood where high-ranking mercenaries operated, a world away from the familiar streets near the mission hall. The streets there were more open and bustling, giving off a sense of normalcy and danger, while here, there was a calm and composed atmosphere. Everyone seemed like a veteran who had weathered countless life-or-death battles, their every move exuding a unique aura.

Although I'd just received my "entry ticket," officially allowing me to participate in higher-level mercenary missions, compared to these true veterans, I was still a novice high-level mercenary. Although I'd experienced some missions, compared to those truly experienced high-level mercenaries, I seemed particularly green. Nightingale could see this, and he couldn't help but smile, as if he were looking at a child who had just learned to walk.

"You just got your 'ticket,' didn't you?" He tilted his head, a subtle sense of relief in his eyes. "Everyone on this street is an elite. It's not easy to survive." His tone was no longer as relaxed as before, but instead held a warning that could not be ignored.

I nodded, not daring to argue. He was right. Although I was once a member of a mercenary group, this level of the game was just beginning. The people here weren't just in it for the money, not just for the missions, but for some higher purpose, some belief they believed was worth fighting for. Behind each person, perhaps, there was a deep and complex story that I couldn't yet understand.

Nightingale seemed to have seen through my thoughts long ago. He patted my shoulder and encouraged me: "Don't worry, although you are a novice, at least you have the courage to come this far. And," he paused and smiled, "now, I am your mentor."

I was stunned for a moment; I hadn't expected him to say that. Nightingale had always been a casual, carefree person, but I hadn't expected him to suddenly take on the role of "mentor" so seriously. Furthermore, he wasn't referring to just any mercenary mentor, but a high-level one. The knowledge and experience in that field was clearly beyond my comprehension.

He is going to lead me on the next journey.

"From now on, you are my apprentice. Follow me closely and don't fall behind." Nightingale's voice was low and confident. "There are many challenges on this street that you dare not imagine. The real test has just begun. All you can do is try your best to survive. Leave the rest to me."

I nodded, a strange excitement and anticipation rising within me. It seemed that while this path was fraught with danger, it was also filled with possibility. And Nightingale, as my current mentor, might be able to lead me further, to a higher level.

I followed Nightingale deeper into the streets, toward a world I had never truly known.

Nightingale had been so kind as to treat me to a rare "fine meal." When the waiter brought me the roasted Zerg hind legs, I nearly vomited. The strange-looking dish, resembling some kind of insect leg, sent shivers down my spine just thinking about its taste. While I knew mercenaries' eating habits differed from those of ordinary people, I hadn't expected Nightingale to actually order it.

I stared at the roasted Zerg hind leg in front of me. I could almost hear the sizzling sound as it cooked. The crispy skin seemed to have sealed the soft, juicy meat inside. But no matter which angle I looked at it, it was a visual challenge. I frowned, trying to hide my discomfort.

"Why aren't you eating? This is top-quality Zerg meat, rich in nutrients and delicious." Nightingale nonchalantly cut off a large piece with her knife and fork, still stuffing a mouthful of it in her mouth, enjoying it immensely. "The texture of this meat is a bit like seafood, but with a much better texture."

I forced myself to swallow and whispered, "I'm not very hungry." In truth, I had no desire to try anything like this. I had already been planning on finding an excuse to avoid the meal, but Nightingale seemed completely oblivious to my reaction and continued to devour it.

"Hey, don't be so resistant. Try it. You won't die." He chewed with a satisfied smile on his face and a provocative glint in his eyes. "What are you afraid of? Haven't you already entered the mercenary world? This little thing shouldn't be a big deal."

I looked at him helplessly, thinking, this guy is truly a tough guy. I really respect him as a man. I bet even other high-ranking mercenaries would frown upon seeing this dish, but he ate it like he was enjoying the most delicious delicacy, not caring what others thought.

I took a deep breath and decided to give it a try. After all, as Nightingale's apprentice, I couldn't always be so squeamish. "Okay," I reluctantly picked up my knife and fork, "I'll try." But deep down, I was already prepared to spit it out at any moment.

Nightingale watched me clumsily cut off a small piece, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He said nothing, as if this was one of his ways of "teaching" me, making me learn to accept all challenges, even the most reluctant ones.

I put the piece of meat into my mouth and felt its crispy outer layer and tender and juicy inner layer. The taste was not as bad as I imagined. Instead, it was unexpectedly delicious, with a subtle seafood flavor and some strange aroma. Despite this, I couldn't help but frown.

"How is it? Is it delicious?" Nightingale glanced at me with a hint of teasing.

I nodded and swallowed the piece of meat. Although it wasn't bad, I was still thinking in my heart that I didn't want to have such a "delicacy" in the future.

Nightingale seemed to see through my thoughts and smiled gently. "This is a required course for high-level mercenaries. The road ahead won't always be so easy." His tone was calm, yet it carried a profound meaning. "Many times, challenges don't just appear on the battlefield. The challenges of life are the most testing. You must learn to adapt to all environments, even those that make you most uncomfortable."

I was stunned for a moment and realized that he was not simply teaching me a lesson, but was using this seemingly simple method to teach me how to face real difficulties and discomfort, or at least to inspire me.

I nodded slightly. Although I felt a little awkward, I gradually began to understand Nightingale's intention. On this road full of challenges and unknowns, retreating even for a moment will cause you to miss opportunities for growth, or even lose something very important. Just like this dish, many things may seem daunting, but if you actually try, you may find unexpected rewards.

So I took a deep breath, picked up the knife and fork again, and prepared to try another bite.

Nightingale looked at me with a smile. "Where's your new apprentice?" I knew he was referring to Lin Hao. I mumbled, "He's almost finished his apprenticeship. He doesn't need me anymore."

After hearing my answer, Nightingale smiled faintly, a playful glint in his eyes. He didn't seem entirely convinced, but he didn't delve into it. He simply smiled casually. "Is he almost finished his apprentice?" He slowly put down the roasted Zerg hind leg bone, his tone a touch of amusement. "It seems you have quite a bit of confidence in your little apprentice."

I forced a somewhat awkward smile and casually replied, "Yeah, he's very smart, so he should be fine." Lin Hao certainly had great potential and had made rapid progress in a short period of time, but I was still a little unsure if he could truly stand on his own. After all, he was just starting out, and facing real combat and missions, whether he could adapt to the completely different environment would require time and practice.

Nightingale looked at me, as if sensing a hint of uncertainty in my words, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "Are you worried about him?" He raised his head, looking at me seriously, his tone becoming more serious. "As his mentor, you can't just give him the goal of 'graduating'. You have to see if he can stand firm on the real battlefield. Just 'graduating' doesn't mean he's ready."

I was silent for a moment, a little hesitant. Nightingale was right. I do have a responsibility to ensure Lin Hao's growth, not just to complete my teaching duties. I've gradually become accustomed to thinking of myself as a mentor, not just someone fighting for my own survival. But this also means I have to take on more responsibility.

"You're right," I finally said, my voice lower. "But he's really talented, and he's progressing faster than I expected."

Nightingale nodded, seemingly unwilling to delve into the topic further. Instead, he casually changed the subject: "Now that you're a new senior mercenary, you should understand that sometimes your responsibility isn't just for yourself, but also for those you teach. If they can't keep up, they'll be eliminated." His tone was calm, yet tinged with a hint of ruthlessness. "You also have to learn to let go and let them bear the risks themselves."

I felt a slight jolt in my heart, feeling that these words were both somewhat weighty and imbued with a calm, even cold, wisdom. Nightingale has always left me with a mixed impression. His calmness and sharpness can sometimes seem unapproachable, but his words always inspire profound reflection. Although I privately jokingly call it "Nightingale Philosophy."

"Let go," I repeated softly, as if the word rippled through my heart. "Can he do that?"

Nightingale did not answer directly, but just smiled faintly: "Time will tell you the answer."