The Weight of Survival

Planet Walker, a colony in the outer reaches of the galaxy, boasted cities still in their infancy. The vast majority of its population consisted of immigrants from beyond the star system.

This nascent colony, brimming with abundant resources, effortlessly drew in a multitude of opportunists. Much like the era of “New World exploration,” the colonization of a new world inevitably allowed some to seize immense profits, transcending their origins as destitute wanderers to become distinguished pioneers.

Before these burgeoning interests were fully divided, overt conflicts and covert plundering severely tested the cities’ capacity for maintaining public order. Nak City, a prime example of these new settlements, still had rudimentary infrastructure, yet it had already attracted tens of millions of immigrants.

The reason for this influx lay in several colossal mineral veins located near the city. These were no ordinary deposits, but rare crystal mines vital for advanced technology and military-industrial production. While the Federation Government temporarily held a monopoly on mineral production, numerous private syndicates vied for control of these resources, hoarding them to resell at exorbitant prices for immense profits.

They would, of course, meekly surrender control of the mines the day the Federation’s iron fist finally descended. But that day had not yet arrived.

Consequently, a peculiar scene unfolded. Outside Nak City, a surging tide of mutated insects threatened to overwhelm the Federation Army’s defenses. Meanwhile, within the city, violent incidents proliferated, and public order deteriorated by the hour.

Ming Yu, clad in her Federation uniform, strode openly through the streets, drawing countless scrutinizing gazes. Unlike before, the eyes of most onlookers held no lust, only a hidden current of apprehension. Their focus remained fixed on her uniform, with hardly anyone sparing a glance for her face.

She had hoped her uniform would dampen others’ reactions to her appearance, yet she still garnered intense attention. She couldn’t fathom why. Ming Yu felt a pang of regret for failing to persuade Ye Qing to accompany her. Without a guide, she simply followed the flow of people, gradually moving away from the military camp until she arrived before a uniquely shaped building.

From its exterior, the structure resembled a colossal snake burrowing out from underground. A menacing serpent’s head exposed itself above the surface, its maw split wide in a gaping, blood-red mouth. This metallic serpent’s gaping mouth appeared to be the entrance. Ming Yu silently mused, intrigued, as she followed the crowd, eager to venture inside.

Then, she was stopped.

In front of the security gate within the main hall, a young man with a tattooed head and bleached hair called over several companions. They immediately notified their superiors, their expressions tense, as a subtle scent of gunpowder permeated the air. The bleached-haired man offered a fawning smile, his head slightly bowed, adopting a submissive posture as if to avoid being recognized. He rubbed his hands together, wheedling:

“Ahem, esteemed officer, it’s not that we wish to trouble you, but we have orders from above… Please wait a moment; our boss will be here shortly.”

A deep apprehension was palpable in the man’s tone. Ming Yu could sense it, though she didn’t understand why. ‘Do I look that frightening?’

“No, no, of course not,” he stammered.

Just as the man pondered how to placate the Federation officer before him, a bald man, heavily augmented with cybernetics, strode to his side. He clapped the bleached-haired man on the shoulder, signaling for him to step aside.

“Mr. Wu…”

“Well done. Go take a break.”

Wu Ke chuckled, then looked toward the Federation officer before him. His gaze instantly sharpened, settling on the insignia on her shoulder. ‘A Federation Second Lieutenant?’ His expression froze slightly.

“Respected Lieutenant, are you here on a mission, or…?”

“Lieutenant? Are you referring to me?” Ming Yu’s expression was somewhat peculiar.

“Of course.”

Wu Ke’s eyes also grew a little strange. Upon hearing this, Ming Yu nodded slightly, saying casually: “What kind of mission do you think would bring me here?”

‘What kind of mission do you think would bring me here?’ she thought. It was something everyone understood, so why even ask? The Federation military always concocted grand excuses when seizing strategic resources. Who knew what trouble they were brewing this time?

In Wu Ke’s perception, the Federation fleet’s perilous galaxy-wide sweeps were unseen. The Federation Army’s sacrifices to secure territories were unseen. The only thing visible was the Federation Military Police monopolizing mining resources. This was the prevailing attitude among those who came here to profit: everyone bustled for gain.

Wu Ke forced a smile, his eyes turning unfriendly. Observing his reaction, Ming Yu grew increasingly certain of her suspicions. Ye Qing and the others seemed to be unpopular with the local residents.

If the people here had such grievances about her military uniform, then she simply needed to have Vera change her attire. With this thought, Ming Yu temporarily retreated, found a secluded spot, and summoned Vera.

‘Vera, are you there?’

‘How would you like to change? Provide me with a template.’

‘Hmm, let me see…’ Ming Yu scanned the crowd on the street, quickly settling on a casual outfit, complete with a hooded jacket and a classic black mask.

In mere moments, a mysterious woman once again blended into the crowd. This time, Ming Yu passed through security without incident, entering deep into the serpent’s head.

A massive lift platform immediately came into view. ‘Does this lead underground?’ She stood at the edge of the lift platform, feeling the vibrations beneath her feet. Her body descended with the platform, and it took several minutes before it slowly decelerated and came to a halt.

The lift platform’s gate slowly rose, revealing a glimpse of an underground city as brightly lit as the surface. Ming Yu gazed at the light source in the dome; its brilliance rivaled starlight, causing her eyes slight discomfort. Soon, the crowd on the lift platform surged out, exiting through another massive metallic exit and excitedly scattering in all directions.

Ming Yu was carried along by the crowd to the side of the street. The architecture here differed greatly from the surface; the designs were unique and full of character. When the crowd had mostly dispersed, only a few people remained, unsure where to go. At this moment, a group of long-waiting “guides” surrounded them. Even the mysteriously dressed Ming Yu found several young men and women approaching her.

“Madam, is this your first time in the underground city? I can swiftly show you around and explain the city’s situation. The price is also very reasonable—only three hundred Federation credits.”

“This lady, I’m the same as him, but I only need two hundred and fifty Federation credits.”

“Hey, buddy?”

“What is it?”

Just as the two young men stared at each other, several more bids rang out.

“I only need two hundred! Pick me, pick me!”

“One hundred and fifty.”

“One hundred…”

The two young men who had initially quoted prices left in indignation, followed by one bidder after another, until only two girls, one older and one younger, remained by Ming Yu’s side.

Having silently watched the farce unfold, Ming Yu was somewhat bewildered, but she certainly couldn’t let all the guides leave. She agreed to the request of the older girl. Although she didn’t even have a single Federation credit on hand, that didn’t mean she couldn’t pay. At worst, she could borrow some from Ye Qing.

However, Ming Yu hadn’t expected that after she agreed to the slightly older girl, the other girl, who looked only fifteen or sixteen, would not leave..