Meteor Fall Master in the 'Starry Abyss'
Chapter 430 - 69. Valenkov Autonomy (Central)

Chapter 430: 69. Valenkov Autonomy (Central)

Li Aozi’s simulation game didn’t last long, not because he lacked secondary professions like "Politician," "Emperor," or "President," which resulted in many modules being locked, nor because of the scarce population and tributes that made it nearly impossible to do anything.

"We have entered the Valenkov Autonomy’s territory, Leoz."

Just as Flana finished speaking, the ship’s broadcast suddenly came on:

"VKR-163/569 ship, this is the Valenkov-Ort Port navigator. You have entered our identification area, state your purpose."

With a glance out the window, Li Aozi immediately noticed a rotating hollow spherical fortress, with numerous pipes connecting the outer layer and the core like fine veins.

Generating gravity through centrifugal force from rotation was a very classical approach, indicating that the city’s technology needed development. There weren’t many ships passing by, most traveled in groups of three or five in combat formations. The chain anti-aircraft firepower drawn by the fortress’s gravity was neatly arranged and ready to fire at any moment.

"FZP-199 ’Skeleton Soldier’?," muttered Flana curiously: "What an ancient ship, it must be over a hundred years old. For Valenkov, it has been at least five generations."

Li Aozi was curious and asked, "You understand military ships?"

"Before my family’s decline, I still received some noble education." Flana waved her hand, "Let’s not talk about it, it’s too sad."

Li Aozi didn’t bother to inquire further.

In his memory, in future versions, there was no such person as Flana, presumably not an important character, similar to Yawen, who didn’t live long.

Speaking of Yawen, she had been rather unlucky recently.

At a plain 22 years old, she was a Fourth Rule Agent, living a normal clock-in-and-out life, when she was suddenly transferred to the front line.

She chased Li Aozi into space, only for Li Aozi to take off. In any other script, this would equate to losing the love of her life and facing ruin.

She left Azure Star shortly before her dad was released from prison and directly became the leader of a nation, losing her status as the ’Elder Princess’ and had to toil on alien planets.

Li Aozi pondered for a long time and finally concluded it was because he introduced Du Zexin to Yawen.

While his thoughts wandered, Flana was handling the inquiry adeptly.

"We are Free Mercenaries from Valkyrie Fortress, fulfilling a commission and are stopping for supplies on our return journey. Here are our documents, our permanent residence proof from Valkyrie Fortress, and the Free Mercenary Alliance webpage..."

Flana exhibited the Valkyrie Fortress’s identification, and Valenkov quickly completed their check and responded:

"Confirmed, your documents have been verified. We will send related entry forms to your ship, please submit them before entering the harbor."

"Got it, got it, I’m familiar with your process."

Flana, while speaking, skillfully began signing various document contents. These mercenary city-states all joined the Interstellar Alliance, sharing a unified set of identification documents.

"Here is our passenger information."

"One stateless Free Mercenary, one special interstellar citizen seeking political asylum, no problem."

Flana breathed a sigh of relief:

"Luckily, everything is normal this time, without any issues."

Li Aozi was curious:

"I remember Valenkov as a relatively friendly autonomy. Are there any issues?"

"Uh, not exactly." Flana thought for a moment and said: "Mr. Leoz, you know Valenkov Autonomy is a mercenary city-state, right? These people basically have no production capability, they are essentially a large-scale armaments factory and security firm. So their customs can be quite..."

"You mean they have a fierce nature? I understand. All mercenary city-states are like this. The Starry Abyss is vast, and not all civilizations can develop their own interstellar fleets. Large mercenary corps can’t handle full-scale wars, thus the mercenary city-states emerged. These are nations and civilizations that are like-minded, militarily capable but lacking in work skills and land, filling this ecological niche."

Li Aozi wasn’t surprised; he had dealt with many mercenary city-states, and these people truly acted on matters, especially when well compensated—they’d even dare to challenge society.

"Though mercenary city-states are daunting, Valenkov has a particular... considering it a cultural issue would be appropriate, I suppose."

Flana wore a bitter smile:

"Valenkov is predominantly inhabited by Valenkov Aliens. As you know, alien species differ from regular species; they collect body parts from others and graft them onto themselves... Imagine how rampant this is at their headquarters. Though they are fierce warriors, coming here requires a bit of courage, and we must avoid conflicts with them."

Elsewhere, corruption means robbery, but in Valenkov, one could lose their life.

"We are only here for asylum, resupplying briefly and then leaving." Li Aozi said calmly. "Star Harbor adheres to interstellar conventions, and temporary docking and supply give them no reason to trouble us."

"Yes, I know. We’ll stay briefly, avoiding disembarking, and they won’t bother us." Flana nodded.

"Yeah, as long as we stay on board, no problems should arise..."

Li Aozi casually agreed, holding his nonexistent cheek with one hand and casting a meaningful gaze into the void.

——No problems?

If there were no problems, how would he complete his task?

Flana, meanwhile, diligently signed various documents, submitted materials, and prepared for off-planet docking for supply transfer via pipes.

While Flana was busy inventorying supplies, Li Aozi’s figure flickered and vanished into a spacetime ripple.

The next moment, he appeared inside Valenkov Autonomy’s starport. Gravity distorted the light around him as he teleported and stealthily moved without detection, given that these mercenaries lacked the technology to detect his infiltration.

A short while later, Li Aozi boldly appeared in Valenkov’s residential area.

Valenkov Aliens came in all shapes and sizes. Their primitive forms somewhat resembled upright people, but as they grew and ascended the pathway, Valenkov Aliens became increasingly monstrous.

The streets were lined with lions with four human arms and two snake tails, trout people with crystal scales and deer antlers, and other forms that defied biological engineering.

In comparison, a headless Li Aozi didn’t stand out in the crowd; if anything, he appeared rather conservative.

Li Aozi first found an ATM and inserted Olavir’s information docking card. After a few screen flickers, Olavir’s gloomy face appeared.

"Hey, Old Ao." Li Aozi greeted: "How’s the Radonuo farmland?"

"It’s confirmed—140 billion acres of arable land, sufficient radioactive material, slow crustal activity, and only some sandworms on the surface that can’t even grind stone tools."

Olavir spoke unemotionally, but his excitement was evident:

"I can only say... perfect. It’s nothing but perfect! No civilization has discovered it; I can legally occupy and transform it—when will you come back? I must thank you properly, Leoz."

"I fear I’ll be out for two days."

Li Aozi answered truthfully.

Olavir was Valkyrie Fortress’s best agent. As a Longevity Breed, he lacked tricks and conspiracies and could be trusted.

"Two days? More likely longer. Your fight with Liue has affected the route. A Kappa Rank expert from a Star Cluster Level civilization commented that you two don’t seem to belong to this rank; despite not causing much destruction, your momentum was as frightening as returnees from Starry Abyss."

Olavir clicked his tongue in wonder:

"How did it go, Leoz, is everything in order? I see you’ve lost your head. If it’s not performance art, it means you followed the same pathway as Liue."

"It’s done. Currently, I’m at Valenkov Autonomy to resupply before departing." Li Aozi curiously asked: "How is Liue?"

"There’s been an invasion of society recently, your insight seems accurate. Besides, Mr. Liue is a citizen of a narrative-level civilization. What can happen to her? She apologizes in short videos, they can’t deport her."

Olavir immediately caught Li Aozi’s earlier statement:

"Wait, did you say you’re where?"

Li Aozi’s nonexistent mouth curled.

"Valenkov Autonomy." Li Aozi said innocently: "Is there an issue?"

"No, why would you even think of going there? That place is so complicated. Despite being an autonomy, the actual situation is quite intricate, with deep entanglements..."

Olavir pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked:

"Wait, I heard you fought Liue. Who won?"

"I did." Li Aozi answered straightforwardly, arms crossed.

"Alright, Leoz, Konstantin won’t be able to pay the next installment for another week, you must be tight on money now."

Olavir probed step by step. Usually, Li Aozi wouldn’t mind chatting for more details, but now he had no time to waste.

"I am a bit tight. So, what job do you have for me? Just say it." Li Aozi asked under false pretense: "Why did you think of me? I’m just an ordinary Gamma Rank individual now."

Olavir admired Li Aozi. Talking with intelligent people was satisfying.

"Liue’s strength is at Delta Rank, with her unpredictable spacetime abilities making her a top-tier warrior within her rank. Defeating her indicates your potential is similar."

Olavir explained:

"But the main reason is that you came to Valenkov Autonomy. This place isn’t for just anyone."

Li Aozi purposely struck a frivolous pose:

"Why do you say that? It’s just a neutral alien autonomy. At most, the people here are fierce and malignant. Flana told me they like disassembling body parts."

"If you think that way, it means their propaganda has worked on you."

Olavir’s tone sank:

"Those are stereotypes, which are deliberately created."

"Flana said they are warlike, daring not to fear death."

"What if I tell you these aliens aren’t skilled at warfare?"