Chapter 64
The people of Earth are a race on the brink of extinction. Though they managed to survive thanks to their ties with the Federation, the fact remains that they have become a minority.
They lost their right to inhabit their home planet, and in exchange, they gained a place and rights in the Universe, along with an extended lifespan.
What they lost wasn't just their home planet. The history and culture they had woven over generations were also left behind on Earth.
Some things had already faded into obscurity within history long before their extinction was even imagined. But the computers that had remembered far more than humans were already gone, and the precious culture now lingers only faintly in each person's heart.
"That's why I'm grateful. To that man who saved such a rare culture and the lives of my comrades."
"Hah. And you're that guy, right? The idiot who ditched Earth in a hurry and got sold off to the Divin folks."
Yeah, that's right.
The wave of destruction that struck Earth. No nation, religion, ideology, or economy could stop the countdown to extinction. Believing in heavenly messengers with white wings on their backs, the first hundred thousand fled into space.
And then, at the hands of demons pretending to be angels, they were sold off to various places.
He looked at the restraint clamped tightly around his left arm. Damn, he really screwed up.
"It was my own choice. And this body—I'm actually pretty fond of it."
"Tch. You're famous, you know. The guy who kept making demands despite being sold off."
"It's a natural right. Rights are meant to be used, aren't they?"
He was sold to an organization akin to the mafia, by Earth standards. Because of his large build and intimidating appearance, he fetched a decent price.
He was modified to adapt to the environment of the place he was sold to. The result is the body he has now.
However, all the tasks he was ordered to do were extremely vile. Believing that even evil should have its own code, he rebelled against every one of them.
In the end, the organization that couldn't handle him sold him off again, and now he lives in a prison.
"What a waste. If you'd just obeyed the organization, you wouldn't be ending up as our boss's dinner. You're tomorrow's dinner, by the way."
"Sorry, but being that monster's dinner is where I draw the line. I'm out of here."
Of course, he had no intention of dying quietly. He had been waiting for the right moment.
And that moment came. The restraints came off, and he was free. That was the signal.
"Wha—You!"
"I've got a reliable partner, you see!"
He slammed his left fist into the nose of the stunned opponent. Once he confirmed the guy had lost consciousness, he heard the sound of prison locks disengaging one after another.
His partner must have made the arrangements. Efficient as always.
While freeing the unfamiliar people who had been captured with him, he made his way out of the prison.
"Thanks for the help. I'm Kunan. You?"
"Me? Name's Viper. No need to remember it."
"Boss!"
"Nice timing, girl!"
His tiny partner came running from the far end of the corridor. In her arms was a tube about the length of her arm. Behind her was a group of armed aliens. Enemies.
He took the tube from his partner and twisted it onto his right fist. It was a custom-made beam gun, the Psionic Launcher. He aimed and fired. The swirling beam of light mowed down the aliens and gouged the wall.
"Hmph. If they want to take us down, they'll need three times as many."
"What are you basking in it for?! Boss, time to run!"
"Hey now, girl. At least let me puff my pipe."
"Just hurry up already!"
Pulled by the impatient girl, he ran through the chaos-filled ship.
Had the other unfortunate Earthlings captured here already escaped?
"We're the only Earthlings on this ship, Boss. What are you getting sentimental for?"
"Don't say stuff like that. It's a downer."
As Viper drooped from the emotional blow, the girl scratched her head in frustration.
"Ugh, seriously! I shouldn't have reacted back then!"
"Oh, there it is—my beloved ship, the Tortoise. Let's go, girl!"
"I wasn't even listening! Damn it, what was I thinking teaming up with this old man six months ago? I totally regret it!"
As his partner screeched behind him about how they ended up here, Viper let out a wry smile. Apparently, they had snuck in with a trade fleet. He'd have to thank the fleet's leader later.
"Alright, alright. You saved me again. I always rely on you."
"Your thanks always sound fake, Boss."
Still, the girl smiled too. For all her complaints, she didn't seem to dislike this strange man.
The two of them boarded the Tortoise and began the launch sequence with practiced hands. This ship, designed primarily for defense, could deflect most external attacks.
"Alright, we're taking off!"
"Aye aye!"
Viper popped his upper body out of the hatch on the ship's top and raised his right hand. Green light surged from the gun barrel mounted there. A hole large enough for the ship to pass through opened in the massive wall of the ship.
Before the ship's defense system could seal the hole, the Tortoise successfully escaped into space.
"Hell yeah! Let's get outta here, Boss!"
"I'm counting on you, girl. I'm gonna be out for a bit."
"Roger! Outta the way, outta the way!"
Perhaps due to the reckless body modification, his emotional swings were extreme—his only flaw.
Ignoring Viper, who was sprawled lazily in his seat, the girl piloted the Tortoise with finesse. After shaking off the pursuing enemy fleet with artistic maneuvers, she activated the teleportation system.
Once things had calmed down, she glanced at Viper and let out a sigh.
"Geez, that old man George is always like this. Looks aren't the only thing he's got in common with Galactic Viper."
***
Space outlaw Galactic Viper.
The title of an old sci-fi animation and comic once considered a classic on Earth.
Viper. Real name: George Gilliam.
A regular guy who loved old Earth sci-fi comics so much that he used body modification as an excuse to become the main character.
That said, the fact that this mismatched duo keeps surviving somehow suggests they're actually pretty capable.