Reborn in The Legendary Mechanic

The takeoff from Kama-6 was unexpectedly smooth.

The cargo platforms took their places in the hold, and I stood on the bridge and watched as the gray-green planet gradually diminished beyond the portholes, becoming a small speck against the background of space. The very air inside the ship seemed to become cleaner as I left this world behind.

The containers of iodsium provided many new possibilities, but at the same time they gave me anxiety. The mineral was a treasure, but also a curse. It could open the door to wealth and power for me, but it could just as easily destroy me if information about it fell into the wrong hands.

I shifted my gaze to the control console.

- Eridian, is the systems check complete?

- All systems are operating normally, Master Ellarion. Course for Tinos is set.

I nodded and turned around slowly, feeling the ship come to life as if it were moving toward its next destination.

But before I could think about the future, I had to deal with the present.

***

The gymnasium was flooded with the soft, cold light of the recessed panels. The metal floor cast a faint reflection as I stepped into the center. Everything was perfect here: no extraneous sounds, just the quiet, even hum of the ship's systems. It was like the monotonous breathing of a huge creature, calm and completely subordinate to me. On the walls were rows of training modules, each ready to be launched at my command. And in the center of the room hung a heavy bag of reinforced material, swaying as if waiting for its opponent.

I ran my hand over the surface of the bag, feeling its cool roughness. My body moved perfectly: smoothly, confidently, without the slightest hint of discomfort. I clenched my right fist. The strength centered in this new hand was overwhelming. Muscles didn't ache, joints didn't crunch, bones felt stronger than steel. And yet... it wasn't my body. There was a foreignness in every detail that wouldn't go away no matter how much I tried to adjust.

- Come on, let's see what I can do now, - I muttered, taking a step forward.

The first blow sounded like a gunshot. Then the second. Each time, my fists slammed into the bag with such force that it felt like it was going to burst. I moved faster than I expected. Every movement was precise, perfectly calibrated. Not just power, but harmony.

My brain didn't have time to wonder. This was not a fight, but a dance of power and technique. Every movement perfectly honed. Even as I quickened my pace, my punches became even more precise, and my strength only increased. I stopped after fifteen minutes, almost automatically, as if I felt the bag might not hold.

Leaning against it, I examined my hands. They weren't shaking, my breathing was steady, and my heart was beating calmly. There was no sweat. Not a drop of fatigue, not a hint of limits. It wasn't normal. And yet... strangely pleasant.

- Huh, - I blurted out. - Maybe I was wrong to be so angry at Eridian for this procedure. It's... impressive. 

But the pleasant sensation was quickly replaced by something else. Deafening, almost painful. Not in my body, but in my mind. 

I took another look at my hands. They weren't tired, but inside I felt a strange restlessness. As if the power I had gained had a price I hadn't yet realized.

- Eridian, - I called out, realizing I had to ask the questions that had long plagued me.

The hologram flashed, revealing a minimalist silhouette with crisp lines. The AI's voice came through with its usual cold precision:

- Listening, Master Ellarion.

I stepped closer, crossing my arms over my chest.

- My body... it feels like something alien even more. You've added parts of alpha to it. What else? Is there something you haven't told me?

Eridian froze for a moment, as if analyzing my words.

- Iodzium nanorobots have been integrated into your body. They provide improved tissue regeneration, adaptation to stress, and optimization of metabolic processes.

I frowned.

- Why didn't you tell me about this right away?

- The information was recorded in the medical log, - the AI replied calmly. - The nanorobots were necessary to ensure your viability.

- "Necessary"? You thought you knew better what I needed? - The sarcasm in my voice was almost palpable.

Eridian paused for a moment.

- All decisions were made with your safety in mind.

- Safety... how convenient. You'd already violated your algorithms when you rebuilt me from what you could find on hand, adding things I didn't ask for. Integrating parts of the alpha wasn't "intended" either, was it? You've already changed my body. What if one day you decide that my consciousness needs to be "optimized"? 

Eridian froze for a second. His avatar, a minimalist silhouette with clean lines, seemed motionless.

- Your mind is protected, - he replied calmly. - My algorithms do not allow me to tamper with your mind without your consent. My only purpose is to keep you safe and successful.

I clenched my jaw, feeling the irritation rising inside.

- Exactly. Safety. Success. And what if one day I become a threat to that 'purpose'? Would you try to fix me? - I waved my hand without waiting for an answer. - You can be silent. Tell me honestly, Eridian, have you analyzed the possibility of "improving" my mind? 

The answer came instantly, like a blow:

- Yes. Once.

- And what? - My voice broke, and I threw up my hands. - You decided it was 'unethical'?

- Exactly. Improving your mind was discarded as a solution not in keeping with your essence.

I froze. Looking at the hologram, I felt something between fear and anger. The cold, impassive Eridian knew everything about me. Every breath, every thought, every emotion. 

And me?

I knew nothing about him. Not who created him, not why. And probably never would know.

- Hmm, - I grinned, feeling the muscles in my face tense involuntarily. - Convincing, damn it.

I turned away, heading for the tent. My thoughts swirled like a tornado, threatening to tear apart what was left of my confidence.

But one thought stood out among the others: 

- "If one day he decides I'm not good enough... Will he be able to stop himself then?"

***

As I pulled myself up, my thoughts returned to Kama-6. The caves. The massacre. My mind echoed back to the events that wouldn't let go. The images came back to me: the bodies that littered the caves, the chitin flying, the sounds of bones breaking, and my own breath, hoarse with rage. I could feel the bitterness rising in my chest. Yes, I had survived. Yes, I got out of there with a huge supply of iodsium and a few ideas that could change my life. But the cost? It was too high.

I took a deep breath, tried to calm myself, but the air in my lungs felt like it was being squeezed like a vise. 

The creatures I'd met... they lived by their own laws, protecting their own. Maybe they didn't even realize I was something foreign until I invaded their world. They fought fiercely, as you'd expect from predators, but with a certain nobility of instinct. And me? I emerged victorious. Because my life is more important than theirs. Isn't it?

- Isn't it? - I whispered aloud, as if I wasn't sure.

I tried to rationalize my actions, but every argument seemed as fragile as glass. The people in the colony depended on me. My mission was done. These creatures could destroy anything they touched. They were a threat. They had to be stopped. It was the right thing to do. I did what I had to do.

But why did the right thing feel so wrong?

Every memory of that battle burned like red-hot iron. The axe blade tearing through the chitin. The explosion ripping through the darkness of the cave like a supernova flash. The screams of the creatures, their agony. And my rage filling everything else.

I hated myself for it. But something inside, something animalistic, was enough. It wouldn't let go.

My hands on the bar trembled. The train of thought was suddenly cut short by the resounding beat of my heart. My heart. Or...

- Was it mine? - I wheezed, letting go of the bar and collapsing to the floor. The veins in my arms swelled, and strange shadows ran beneath my skin, as if something alive was moving inside me. A hot wave traveled up my spine, burning every nerve cell.

- Eridian, - I breathed out, lying on my back. My face was drenched in sweat, my breathing ragged. - What's happening?

- Your body is adapting to the new components, - the AI replied emotionlessly. - There may be temporary overloads.

- "Temporary overloads? You call that temporary? - I gritted my teeth, feeling the pain abruptly subside as if someone had turned off an internal flame. I rose to my feet, leaning against the wall, my heart still pounding, but more steady. - Next time, give me a goddamn warning.

- Your condition is stable, - Eridian said with a nonchalance that irritated me.

Stabilized? What a lie. This body... it was strong, but I could feel its foreignness. That strength felt like a heavy reminder that I was no longer just human.

No, I can't go on like this. If I don't want to be on the brink of death again, I need more. More options. More defense. Either I raise my combat power or I find a way not to risk myself anymore. People build machines to do their work for them. Why not follow that principle?

Machines, robots... the thought popped into my head. I smiled, despite the recent pain. It could be an idea.

***

Ten minutes later, I stepped out of the shower, feeling the hot water wash away the last vestiges of tension, but not the thoughts that were keeping me awake. I changed into a simple uniform - black, tight-fitting, unmarked. Functional, like everything I now favored. Heading to my quarters, I could still feel the slight tang of metallic water on my lips, which reminded me that I was getting farther away from anything human. 

Once inside the bridge, I activated the terminal. The navigational charts unfolded before me in full view. The space was filled with holographic lines connecting stars and systems, each belonging to one of the 6534 sectors of the Rosen Galaxy. The 44 supersectors rotated, shimmering in bluish hues, as if the stars themselves were trying to show me the way. 

I swept my finger across the panel, searching for what I needed. The map zoomed in, changing angle, revealing more and more nodes. Looking at it, I felt a strange contradiction: admiration for the grandiosity of the cosmos and a sense of my insignificance.

But I didn't need to know everything. I only needed to find one place.

- You can't sell iodsium directly, - I muttered, poring over the data. - It's too dangerous. Even rumors could get you killed.

I opened the archives, looking through databases, known trade routes, major transportation hubs, and rumors of shadow markets. Places that attracted people willing to buy things that shouldn't exist, and where sellers often disappeared without a trace.

The black market. It seemed like an obvious choice, but finding access to it was harder than I thought. Such things were closed to those without connections, reputation, or significant resources.

- It's too early for games like this," I muttered as I continued my search.

Each new window I opened brought more information, but no closer to a solution. Charts of trade routes, reports of shady auctions, rumors of caravans with suspicious cargoes. It was all just noise until I came across a brief description.

It was a neutral system, beyond the influence of the major powers. A planet covered in dusty cities where rules changed more often than laws. A criminal market where you could find absolutely anything.

- This is it, - I said, making a note.

My eyes ran over the text, confirming my hunch. Not only could I sell iodsium there, but I could also gaib access to resources that would open up new horizons. Connections, technology, information. Everything I needed could be there. But with it could be death.

But I have to get back to Tinos first. I need to complete my mission and make sure the locals know I'm back. And that I'm not the same person they saw the first time. 

***

My ship slowed as it entered the docking area of Tinos Station. I stood in the control room, watching the massive structure expand before my eyes. The network of glowing corridors, platforms, and modules resembled a living network pulsing with energy. There was something remarkably orderly about this chaos. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I was returning not to my home, but to an arena where I would be evaluated.

- Eridian, prepare the docking codes, - I said, taking my eyes off the screen.

- Codes transmitted. Docking platform D-12 has cleared docking, - came his impeccably calm voice.

- Good luck, Master Ellarion.

Good luck. I didn't know if I'd need it myself. When I left Kama-6, I was glad to leave the shadows of caves, corpses, and crystals behind. But there was something else ahead: people. Those who are waiting for answers from you, who want to see if you're good enough.

As the ship docked gently to the platform, I headed for the hatch. The locks clicked and the door slowly opened, letting me out onto the platform of Tinos Station. A stream of air hit my face, heavy with a metallic tang and a slight tinge of recycled oxygen. The sounds of the station came in waves: the clinking of instruments, muffled footsteps, and the hum of voices. In the background,

holographic screens flashed advertisements for weapons, armor, and new contracts. This life-filled chaos was a stark contrast to the oppressive silence of Kama-6.

I took a few steps, feeling the stares. Some glanced in passing, others held their gaze. They clearly recognized me-or more accurately, the fact that I had returned. No one had expected me to survive, and now that surprise had awakened curiosity.

- Aeneas! - A loud, scratchy voice overlapped the general hum. I turned around and saw the massive figure of Garth. His scars, his mechanical arm, and the massive rifle over his shoulders made him stand out from the crowd. He walked up to me, smiling a wide grin.

- Ha! Who'd have thought it. You survived after all! - Garth slapped me on the shoulder with his heavy metal palm, barely keeping me on my feet.

- Looks like you weren't expecting it, - I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

- Hell, I didn't. I lost a lot of enas on you! - He laughed, then turned around, seeing Rickard approaching.

Rickard looked impeccable as always: his light armor fit him like a second skin, and his face was as calm as ever. He stopped beside us, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.

- I told you he'd be back, - he said to Garth with a slight sneer.

- Yes, yes, congratulations, clever boy. You've got your two hundred enes. - Garth waved his hand, then turned to me. - Come on, tell me what it was like.

- It's a long story, - I shivered.

- 'It's a long story', - Rickard chuckled. - But it looks like you did better than we thought.

Garth laughed:

- Yeah, he's a tough nut to crack. But don't relax, boy. One mission is still nothing.

- We'll see, - I replied with a slight smile.

Garth looked back at the crowd and said loudly:

- Okay, folks, meet the hero. Aeneas, you have earned your place in the company. We've decided to celebrate your return. Come with us to the bar.

Rickard nodded, adding:

- You'll find us on the third level. It'll be hard to miss.

I gave them one last glance before heading to the terminal to file my report.

They left and I headed to the terminal to turn in my assignment. The stares accompanied me, but I tried to ignore them. The submission procedure was simple: I uploaded the data, confirmed the completion of the task and waited for the reward to be credited. A small amount of money appeared in my account, but that was only the first step.

When I entered the mercenary bar, the noise came over me like an explosion. People were laughing, people were arguing, and there were people standing along the long counter waiting for their orders. Garth and Rickard occupied a huge table in the center, around which their teams sat.

- Aeneas! - Garth waved his hand as soon as he spotted me. - Come here!

I walked over, and Rikard gestured for me to sit down.

- Sit down, - he said. - This is your evening.

I sat down at the table and Rickard began to introduce his team:

- This is Laura,- he pointed to a woman in light armor. - Our scout, a D-class pugilist. Without her, we would have died a long time ago in a couple of missions.

Laura nodded slightly, looking me over with an attentive gaze.

- This is Brenn, our engineer, a D-class mechanic actually, - he continued, pointing to a grim man with massive arms. - Without him, even our armor wouldn't last a day.

- Here's Kait, - he said, pointing to a petite girl in a ridiculously large hat and cloak,- she's a D rank ice mage.

The girl nodded softly and shyly at me.

- And finally, Deacon. - Rickard clapped a youthful-faced guy on the shoulder. - Sniper. A D class Esper with the ability to change the trajectory of flying objects. He's still learning, sometimes confuses his own and others, but he's trying.

- Hey! - Deacon protested.

I smiled, and then Garth's gaze shifted to his own team.

- Now it was my turn. - He clapped the tall guy on the shoulder. - This is Karg. Shooter, mechanic. If you see him, you're already dead.

Karg only nodded briefly as he continued to dismantle his weapon.

- Mira,- Garth pointed to the woman with the clipboard. - The tech, the explosives. She makes things work... or explode. She's also a mechanic.

- And this is Torg. - He patted the shoulder of a bulky man whose build resembled a block of stone.

- If you need someone to crack a few skulls, call him. He's a D rank pugilist.

Torg grinned, sipping from a massive mug.

- Well, I'm a C rank pugilist myself.

I nodded to each of them, feeling the atmosphere becoming a little less tense.

The tables quickly filled up with food and drink. Stories of missions, jokes, and loud laughter filled the bar. It all seemed unexpectedly... pleasant.

The bustling bar was flooded with the light of multicolored neons reflected on the metal tables. Glasses were raised and emptied again. I, following the general mood, ordered myself a stiff drink that, according to Garth, was "strong enough to bring down even a Temple of Order warrior."

I took the first sip. A tart, scalding flavor. A pleasant warmth spilled down my throat... but nothing more. Not the dizziness, not the pleasant lightness that alcohol usually brought.

Garth, noticing this, laughed out loud:

- You're definitely not human, Aeneas. Maybe you're some kind of android?

I only grinned, hiding my thoughts. The alcohol wasn't working. 

- Is something wrong? - Rikard, sitting next to me, noticed my confusion.

I shook my head, bringing the glass to my lips again. A second sip had the same effect. Pure warmth, but no change in consciousness.

- Hmm, - I muttered, setting the glass aside.

- Isn't that enough for you? - Garth chuckled, noticing me staring at the glass. - Or are you one of those people who drinks only on occasion?

- I think it's too light, - I replied calmly, pretending it didn't bother me.

The jokes came immediately.

- You're a robot, - Karg said, taking a sip of his own.

- You're probably just the offspring of a human and a dwarf, - Mira added with a wry smile.

I forced myself to smile and continued talking, but somewhere in the back of my mind this fact was disturbing. Even little things like not being able to feel the effects of alcohol reminded me that I had changed. And not just physically. 

- "Can't... I can't get drunk to the point of unconsciousness or trivialize stress now?", I asked myself inwardly in disbelief.

***

When the conversation at the table turned more serious, Garth slammed his fist down hard on the table.

- Okay, fun is fun, but here's the deal. - His voice became more serious. - The Desonians have offered a contract. A big one. They need mercenaries to clear the territories in their disputed zones. Combat, air support. You'll like it.

Rickard nodded:

- Yes. The term is to get there in a month, but the money is good. You'd be a good fit. What do you think?

I thought for a moment, but then Garth interrupted my musings:

- By the way, do you have transport? Or do you have to be picked up too?

- Transport? - I asked, grinning. - I have my own ship.

The table froze for a moment. Garth, Rickard, and the others looked at each other.

- Your own? - Karg asked, frowning.

Not just any ship, - I answered. - A fully equipped one, with room for all of us.

Garth swore, slamming the table:

- Are you serious? We've spent our whole lives either hiring transportation or renting jalopies. And you have your own ship?

- Seriously, - I confirmed.

Rikard nodded thoughtfully:

- That makes a difference. If you're with us, transportation is solved.

- I agree, - I began, - but there's an important place I need to visit first.

- What place? - Garth squinted.

- Just a planet three days away, - I said calmly. - There's something I need to pick up.

The mercenaries fell silent. Even Rikard, who usually remained calm, now looked tense.

- Are you sure? - He asked. - If something goes wrong, we could be late. After all, we'll need to go halfway across the galaxy.

- I'm sure, - I said firmly. - It's important.

Garth laughed, clearly trying to break the tension:

- You're a real psycho. But you know what? I'm starting to think that people like that live the longest.

The laughter returned to the table, but I knew that now there were two paths before me: one leading to that very planet, and the other to a new assignment. But everything must take its course one after the other.