Reborn as a Space Mercenary: From Salaryman to Galactic Legend

Ethan crouched low on the ridge, the chill of the night air biting at his skin. The stars shimmered above, providing a faint glow as he peered through his high-tech binoculars, scanning the perimeter of the outpost below. The quiet of the night was deceptive, but he knew better. Bandits were out there, lurking in the shadows, and tonight they were poised to strike.

"Movement ahead," he whispered, lowering the binoculars just enough to let his eyes adjust to the darkness. The silhouettes of bandits flitted between the trees like wraiths, their whispers carried away on the wind. "They're getting closer."

Rourke, a seasoned mercenary with a weathered face, slid in beside him. "How many?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

"Looks like at least a dozen," Ethan replied, adrenaline kicking in. "They're spread out, but if they hit hard...."

"They'll catch us off guard," Rourke finished, his expression grim. "We need to set up a perimeter now."

Kara, the group's scout and strategist, crept up behind them, her brow furrowed in concentration. "We can't let them take us by surprise. Dax and Leena need to flank left while we draw their fire."

Ethan nodded, steeling himself for the confrontation ahead. This mission was unlike the mundane tasks he'd completed in Valeris City; tonight, they faced the threat of violence. This is was real danger that could cost them everything.

As they shifted into position, the tension in the air became palpable, thick with anticipation. They could hear the faint sounds of the bandits approaching, their low murmurs and the crackle of twigs underfoot sending chills down Ethan's spine.

"Keep your heads down," Rourke reminded them, glancing back toward the dim glow of the campfire that flickered in the distance. "No sudden movements until they're in range."

The night grew still, every rustle in the underbrush echoing like a thunderclap. Ethan's instincts screamed at him to stay alert. Suddenly, a shout pierced the darkness.

"Ambush!" Dax's voice rang out, panic breaking the stillness.

Without warning, blaster fire erupted from the treeline, lighting up the night with lethal brilliance. Plasma bolts sizzled through the air, and chaos ensued as the bandits charged, their forms emerging from the shadows with deadly intent.

Ethan dove for cover behind a boulder, his heart pounding in his chest. The sounds of explosions and shouts filled the air as the mercenaries scrambled to defend themselves.

"Get down!" Leena cried, her voice steady as she took cover beside him. "We need to regroup!"

Ethan felt a surge of determination as he ducked behind the rock, returning fire with his laser pistol. The familiar hum of energy echoed in the night as he aimed for the nearest bandit, sending a bolt of plasma flying through the darkness.

"Flank left!" Rourke barked, his voice commanding amidst the chaos. "We can't let them surround us!"

Ethan nodded, adrenaline pushing him forward as he maneuvered through the debris of the outpost, dodging the incoming fire. The bandits moved with ruthless efficiency, their numbers overwhelming.

"Dax!" Ethan called, spotting the young mercenary struggling against a bandit who had closed the distance. "Get behind cover!"

But before Dax could respond, another bandit lunged at him from the shadows. Time slowed as Ethan's heart sank, realizing the danger unfolding before him.

"Watch out!" Rourke yelled, but Ethan was already on the move.

He surged forward, firing his pistol as he raced to Dax's side. The bolt struck true, sending the bandit sprawling back. Dax stumbled but quickly regained his footing, panting heavily, a mix of fear and exhilaration in his eyes.

"Thanks, man!" Dax gasped, adrenaline flooding his system. "I thought I was done for!"

"Stay close!" Ethan urged, his gaze darting to the other mercenaries as they fought to maintain their ground. "We need to hold them off!"

But as the chaos intensified, Ethan's heart raced for another reason. He felt a pang of dread settle deep within him, a sinking feeling that clawed at his gut. This wasn't just another mission; it was a life-and-death struggle.

Suddenly, in the heat of the battle, Ethan's shot went wide, grazing a bandit who had darted too close. The bandit fell, and in that moment, the gravity of his action crashed down on Ethan. He had taken a life. A flicker of horror washed over him, accompanied by an overwhelming rush of guilt.

A torrent of memories surged through his mind. His previous life on Earth, where death was an abstract concept, something he observed through a screen rather than experienced firsthand. He felt sick, the reality of his situation colliding violently with his desire to survive.

But he couldn't afford to falter. Gritting his teeth, Ethan forced himself to focus. He wasn't just fighting for himself anymore; he was part of a team, and they were relying on him. The flicker of guilt was quickly replaced by a steely resolve. He would honor this life he had taken by ensuring the safety of his comrades.

As they pressed forward, Ethan felt the weight of the night pressing down on him. The bandits were relentless, and they had the advantage of surprise. The night was alive with blaster fire, and every moment brought them closer to the edge of chaos.

As they regrouped, Ethan took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. The battle was far from over, and the outcome was uncertain. But one thing was clear: this mission would test them in ways they had never anticipated.

"Fall back!" Kara shouted, her voice strained as they all sought refuge behind the walls of the outpost. "We can't let them breach the defenses!"

Ethan could feel the urgency of the situation. The bandits were pressing in, and the stakes had never been higher. He had to survive, not just for himself, but for the team he had started to care about.

With renewed determination, he readied his weapon, focusing on the battle at hand. The chaos around him roared louder, but he was resolute. He would not let this be the end