Z-74 Jetpack.
If my memory was correct, this was a piece of equipment that only appeared in Ark's mid-to-late-stage content.
Meaning, no matter how many contribution points or credits I had, there was absolutely no way to acquire it at this point in the game.
"...You're giving this to me?"
"Yes."
"...For free?"
Every favor comes with a price.
Even if it was from someone repaying a lifesaving debt.
"Well... I'd like to say yes, but—this is actually still in development. If possible, I'd like you to gather real combat data for it. Would that be, okay?"
A Z-74 Jetpack in exchange for some field data?
That was practically a steal.
No, it was basically free.
'She just needs an excuse.'
Even as Director of the Special Purpose Weapons Lab, Maybell couldn't just hand out an advanced prototype like this without justification.
Especially since the Z-74 Jetpack hadn't even been formally deployed yet.
But data collection was a perfect excuse.
No matter how well-designed a piece of equipment was, real-world testing was a necessary step.
In other words—
Maybell Pilgrim was bending the rules just to give this to me.
There was no reason to refuse.
"Fine. I accept."
"Great! Thanks."
To anyone watching from afar, it might have looked like we were just playing along with each other.
She gave me a "test unit."
I gave her "combat data."
A mutual farce.
"Alright, let me explain a few things about the Z-74 Jetpack—"
"No need."
"...Huh?"
Maybell blinked in confusion.
She was probably expecting me to listen to a full lecture about it.
But knowing her, that "lecture" would go on forever.
So, I cut her off before she could even start.
"The voice of the soul has already told me everything."
"...What?"
Maybell looked baffled for a second—
Then let out a laugh.
"Haha… oh, right. I forgot that's just how you are."
She nodded in understanding.
"Still, let me give you some key points. The Z-74 Jetpack is designed for semi-permanent use. It has a limited energy reserve, but if left unused, it automatically recharges over time."
"Even while you're using it, it slowly replenishes energy. If you manage it carefully, you could use it all day."
"The two main tactical functions of the Z-74 Jetpack are: flight and acceleration. Of course, those are just the basic uses—its applications are as broad as your imagination."
"Flight is exactly what it sounds like. It propels you into the sky. Isn't that amazing? Humanity has always dreamed of flying, and among personal-use equipment, this is the only seriou—"
Yeah, I knew it.
Even after agreeing to keep it brief, she just kept going.
I had no intention of listening to this for the next several hours.
"...That's enough. I'll figure out the rest on my own."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
If I stood here any longer, I'd still be listening to her when the next wave arrived.
I had too much to do to waste time like this.
'Not like she gave me a discount on the upgrade anyway.'
Not that I would've listened even if she had.
"You're leaving, then?"
"Yeah. Got work to do."
"Alright, alright. Can't hold back a man on a mission. See you next time."
"Yeah."
Maybell looked a little disappointed that she couldn't talk more about her beloved invention.
But I had no doubt she'd try again in the future.
I just hoped that future never came.
"Later."
With Z-74 Jetpack and BLT-47 Plasma Launcher secured, I left the Special Weapons Lab.
"Take care."
As I stepped out into the main hall, the receptionist at the front desk gave me a polite farewell.
I nodded briefly in response and walked out of the lab.
"…Whew."
["…Why are you grinning like an idiot? It's disturbing."]
"I'm not."
["You're still doing it."]
"…Ahem."
Esther spoke up.
["So… are we heading outside Ark now?"]
"Not yet."
["Huh? Why?"]
"I still have business inside Ark."
["…What kind of business?"]
"I'm going to meet Lieutenant Colonel Banol."
Esther's expression shifted.
["Ugh. Why him?"]
"You know him?"
["Of course. That bastard constantly got in our way—uh, I mean, that's not important."]
"We'll see soon enough."
["You always say that. Ugh, whatever. I shouldn't have asked."]
"You're learning."
["AACK!"]
Ignoring Esther's frustrated scream, I made my way toward Red-17 Gate.
I could've gone directly to Banol's office, but it was more convenient to go through Lieutenant Imosha first.
And maybe check in on her while I'm at it.
Lieutenant Imosha was a competent officer.
With experience in the Black Line, she would eventually rise to high command within Ark.
Building a good relationship with her early would only be beneficial.
"Alright. Let's go."
*
"You're here."
Red-17 Gate.
When I arrived, Lieutenant Imosha was buried in work.
She was overseeing the post-wave cleanup, coordinating supplies, and ensuring the front lines were reinforced.
Even though Ark had survived the wave relatively well, a wave was still a wave.
There were casualties to process.
Defenses to rebuild.
Preparations to make for the next attack.
"You look busy."
"Ah, it's fine. I can spare a few minutes. What brings you here?"
"I need to meet with Lieutenant Colonel Banol."
Imosha raised an eyebrow.
"The Lieutenant Colonel?"
"Yeah."
"If you don't mind me asking… why?"
"It concerns Ark's security. You'll hear the details from him later."
"Ah… I see."
She looked disappointed.
Since I had come all this way, I decided to shift the conversation.
"How's the situation?"
"…Considering the scale of the wave? Not bad. To be honest, we were on the verge of collapse."
"I see."
She hesitated.
"…Actually…"
"What?"
"…Never mind. Forget it."
But I already knew what she was going to ask.
"How long has it been since you slept?"
"W-What? Why does that matter?"
"Lack of sleep leads to bad decisions in combat. You're not a machine. You need rest."
"But I—"
"If you were going to say 'I can't afford to,' don't."
I cut her off.
"You have soldiers under your command. If you collapse, they suffer."
Imosha stared at me, wide-eyed.
Her emotions whirled—but I pretended not to notice.
"…Alright. I'll get some rest."
Just then, a ping sounded from her wrist device.
"Ah—Lieutenant Colonel Banol just responded. He's ready to see you."
"Good."
* * *
Becoming an officer in Ark's military.
It wasn't just an enlistment offer—it was a direct recommendation to the Ark Officer Academy.
A fast track to high command.
'He's not just trying to recruit me—he's trying to put me in power.'
I swirled the whiskey in my glass, deep in thought.
A direct recommendation from Lieutenant Colonel Banol wasn't a light thing.
The Officer Academy was where Ark's future commanders were trained.
Most people had to spend years proving themselves before they even got the chance to attend.
But I?
I was being invited in.
An outsider.
A former exile.
And now… a potential officer candidate.
I chuckled.
"You're really pulling out all the stops, huh?"
Banol smirked.
"You deserve it."
He leaned forward, eyes sharp.
"Ark needs people like you—people who can think, adapt, and most importantly… win."
I set down my glass.
"I refuse."
Banol exhaled through his nose, as if he'd expected that answer.
But he still smiled.
"You really don't want to make this easy for me, do you?"
"You already knew my answer."
"I had a hunch."
Banol refilled his glass, swirling the amber liquid.
"But I had to try."
I didn't blame him.
This was his job.
Ark needed strong leaders.
And I?
I was already proving my worth.
Banol took a slow sip before setting the glass down with a soft clink.
"…Fine."
He leaned back, crossing his arms.
"If not an officer, then a mercenary contract it is."
I smirked.
'Finally.'
Banol let out a low chuckle.
"You're persistent, I'll give you that."
I shrugged.
"I just know what I want."
"Then let's talk business."
Banol pulled out a holo-pad, activating it with a flick of his finger.
The blue light cast shadows across the room as terms and conditions scrolled by.
"Your contract will be semi-independent."
Banol explained, voice even.
"You won't take direct orders, but you'll be assigned missions based on Ark's needs."
"Your payment will be in credits or contribution points, depending on the mission."
"And, of course…"
Banol looked up.
"You'll have full access to Ark's military-grade gear."
Bingo.
I reached out and tapped the holo-pad.
"Deal."
Banol smiled.
"Welcome aboard, Mercenary Marcus."