Upon returning to his quarters, Yang Ying began processing the official documents submitted by the base's various departments. Department heads had already appended their recommended actions to these files; all that remained was for the highest-ranking officer to review and sign them. Yang Ying trusted their loyalty implicitly, assured that any thought of self-enrichment at the base's expense was unthinkable.

The documents covered everything from delineating territories for the construction of a new supply depot, to budgeting for silicon ore and gas—the deficit in the latter requiring replenishment from the Palm Interstellar account. They also detailed production schedules for the coming period, prioritizing the manufacturing sequence for various components, alongside a myriad of other trivial matters.

Once the paperwork was cleared, it was time for Yang Ying's leisure. His usual choice was to review the news digests compiled by Kevin from the network, keeping abreast of current affairs.

Next came the sessions for Rubik’s Cube training and swordsmanship. During this dedicated period, Yang Ying’s consciousness traversed to the Floating Continent to train under the tutelage of the Protoss.

In addition to Psionics and swordsmanship, Yang Ying was currently learning various unique Protoss disciplines, such as the Templar’s Psi Storm and Cloak, as well as the Dark Templar’s ability to phase out of visibility.

The illusion that had fooled the Bai Yuan cultists back on Earth was not Yang Ying’s own creation; it had been cast upon him by a High Templar. While Yang Ying still couldn't manifest the illusion correctly, his progress was remarkably swift.

Psi Storm fascinated him the most. This field of lightning, generated by sheer mental force, possessed devastating offensive power across a wide area. Used judiciously, it could inflict massive damage upon foes. This was the skill Yang Ying had focused on most recently, now capable of summoning small arcs of lightning within a meter of radius—though still leagues away from a true High Templar's storm.

As for the Dark Templar’s Cloak, he wasn't in a rush. His optical camouflage suit served as an adequate substitute. The cloaking technique, which bent light using psionic energy, would only prove essential in emergencies when there was no time to change attire.

On the other hand, the powers utilized by the Archons demanded a level of mastery far beyond Yang Ying's current capacity.

Work, training, sleep—this formed the simple rhythm of Yang Ying’s existence.

The next day, Kalia reported on the progress of the investigation.

“The identity of the contract issuer is exceptionally well-concealed; we won’t discover it in a short time. However, we have determined why the mission has gone unclaimed until now. The client is being targeted by a pirate faction with considerable influence. All well-informed mercenary groups in Gray Harbor refuse to touch this hot potato. As for the less informed groups, they simply lack the necessary strength, and even when approached, their offers were rejected by the client.”

Yang Ying, glancing at the news brief while listening, suddenly lifted his head. “Has the client not attempted to hire several mercenary groups for a joint operation?”

Kalia replied, “They have tried, but these coalitions quickly fall apart. On the last occasion, just as they were about to depart, two mercenary groups suddenly withdrew, triggering a cascade that caused the others to pull out as well. Based on our intelligence analysis, someone is actively sabotaging the client’s recruitment efforts by threatening the hired mercenaries.”

“Which pirate group is that formidable?” Yang Ying inquired.

Kalia’s expression shifted to one of amusement. “It’s a group we’ve dealt with before: the Shark Pirates.”

Yang Ying’s brow arched slightly. “That pirate faction hasn’t left yet?”

“They’ve merely relocated,” Kalia clarified. “Intelligence from our Observers indicates they are currently cruising the star systems near Gray Harbor.”

Recalling that the mission had been posted a week prior, Yang Ying leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, and mused with a faint smile, “It seems that before they encountered us, the Shark Pirates had already set their sights on our anonymous client.”

“That is highly probable.”

“But does the anonymous client truly believe that three small frigates are sufficient to deal with the Shark Pirates, who possess capital ships?” Yang Ying opened his eyes and asked.

“According to the data, the client’s vessel is a fast freighter, with a standard payload capacity of fifteen hundred tons. However, it is currently loaded with five hundred tons less cargo, which boosts its speed beyond standard specifications. Calculations put its velocity at roughly 60V, which matches the speed of the Shark Pirates’ fastest light warships.”

Here, V stands for a unit of speed, also known as V1, where one V is equivalent to the first cosmic velocity. Sixty V is approximately 480 kilometers per second.

Generally speaking, fighters are faster than warships; light warships are faster than medium warships, and medium warships are faster than capital ships. This is because as a warship's volume increases, the rate of mass gain outpaces the rate of engine power increase, resulting in reduced maximum velocity. Naturally, this is the general rule, and exceptions occur in reality.

Yang Ying stood up, pacing a couple of steps. “So, the requirement for three light frigates is to ensure they won’t drag down the escape effort?”

“I share the same assessment as the Commander. Do you feel this mission is worth taking?” Kalia asked.

“Take it, of course we take it,” Yang Ying decided firmly. “The Valkyrie is fast enough, and the Ghost Fighters have been proven in actual combat; they are reliable.”

Since nuclear fusion engines have become commonplace, even smaller units like fighters can support long-distance travel in space, with the exception of specialized carrier-based craft where operational range is not the primary concern.

Kalia stepped back slightly, bowing his head. “If that is your decision, then allow me to arrange contact with the client and finalize the mission acceptance.”

Kalia’s efficiency was commendable; within an hour, he had arranged a remote holographic conference with the client.

Yang Ying had a holographic comms unit on his desk, and the meeting commenced before it.

The client had completely wrapped his face in a scarf, leaving only his eyes visible—eyes that betrayed caution and apprehension.

“Are you the commander of the Tran Mercenary Group?” His voice, distorted by a voice modulator, sounded deeply peculiar. His entire posture was rigidly upright, giving an air of meticulous formality.

Yang Ying leaned back securely in his chair. “I am the Head of Security for Tran Corporation, but if you must call me the Tran Mercenary Group, that is also acceptable.”

The client’s tone was severe. “You should be aware of my requirements: three light frigates, they must be fast, definitely above 60V.”

Yang Ying nodded. “That presents no problem whatsoever.” The Valkyrie’s speed exceeded the requirement by more than double.

The client continued, “We need to depart as soon as possible. Because of the week’s delay in Gray Harbor, the deadline for delivering this cargo ship is fast approaching. Can we leave tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow is fine. Our mercenary group is eager to move quickly as well. Let’s meet tonight,” Yang Ying said with a smile. This haste was because the ancient legion’s warship would not remain stationary indefinitely; the sooner they left, the fewer variables there would be. Besides, with the travel time accounted for, the date for the reception would soon arrive.

“Very well, we meet tonight. But please ensure you and your subordinates do not become overly curious about our identities.”

The client was adamant, demonstrating a firm insistence on discretion. He then transmitted the meeting coordinates via the network. After Yang Ying confirmed receipt, the communication ended.