La Flaga Battleship

On earth, hurricanes are one of the most destructive forces of nature and in the cultivation world, their version is that of a lightning tribulation brought about by someone breaking through to either Core Formation or Nascent level.

*Boom!

*Crack!

*Zzzp!

Deafening sounds was created when the last of the lightning tribulation hit a cultivator on a meditative position.

That person is Clay who just received the lightning and channeled it throughout his meridians, then around his body, then outwards releasing it towards his surroundings.

“Finally!”

Clay looked above to observe whether those thick and dark clouds swirling above him have truly stopped bringing forth lightning. According to records, there usually are 12 to 15 lightning tribulations but he just went through 18 showers.

To a normal cultivator, those lightnings are calamity but thanks to his Dao Powers, not a single hair was damaged. He remembered when he was at Foundation Establishment that he would feel apprehension towards that colossal energy yet after breaking through, he could easily channel the destructive force away from him.

Clay took out five vials of unknown medicine and drank the contents one after the other. Whatever these medicines are made of, they are miraculous enough to propel his cultivation from Early Core to Early Nascent in a span of two months.

Counting the number of vials, he has 15 more remaining and should be enough for him to reach Peak Nascent. He is grateful Kolas took into consideration his Elemental Affinity and has given more these vials. Judging from their efficacy, if compared to pills, these probably would take him less than 100 pills to break through. The product of a million year old science can only be praised for its outstanding and remarkable effects.

Meanwhile, on one of the moons orbiting, Base 3 planet, Kolas is currently having tea with at least 19 other Ascendants. If one were to look closely, all of them are Rank 5 Ascendants.

“Is he aware that bribing any of the Masters is a ground for being severely punished?”

“Even if he is, I don’t think he would have the courage to undergo their tests. He should be lucky were giving him a head start. If he has some sense remaining in him, he will keep the ship and keep going as a reservist. Who knows, maybe we can hire his ship in the future.”

“What about the things he asked for? I hate scheming humans the most.”

“I still don’t know what he needed them for but I have picked weakened rabbits from a lab and I’ll convince him later to have it handed over after the mission. As well, I’ve already contracted trusted allies to be always with him in the captain’s bridge so it is the least of our worry. Any sign of threat, they will move to incapacitate him and take control of the cannons. At most, those guys will be penalized without jeopardizing our mission.”

“I’ve already confirmed the finalization of the purchase. Go back and prepare. We’ll meet in four months time.”

Days passed and Clay had been diligently stabilizing his Qi circulation. He thought it would take him time to break through the three stages of Nascent yet thanks to the effects of the cultivation vials, he reached the Peak of Nascent unobstructed. And after stabilizing his circulation, he spent the rest of his time observing what has formed within his dantian. There seem to be a baby-like figure floating right in front of his dormant essence flames.

He wanted to go back to his residence and ask the A.I about it but Kolas advised him to stay on spot otherwise someone would suspect he used those medicinal vials without going through proper channels.

As he was occupied with his thought, Clay felt an approaching figure and even without looking, the person is purposely releasing a portion of his aura and while Clay has yet to understand the power-scaling between Ascendants, he can tell this person is vastly superior to Colas.

Clay got to his feet and slightly bowed greeting with his kowtowed fist.

“You must be Clay Endremilas. I’m just a measly soldier task to deliver your purchase. There is no need for formalities. Sign here and drip your blood while imbuing it with your Dao.”

Similar to the process when Clay purchased the ship, he had to place his palm to be scanned on a paper- ipad then dripped a sample of his blood.

“Your ship is currently docked on Moon Base 1 of this planet and this ring shall be your proof as a captain. This would be the perfect time to name your ship. Would you like to give it a name now sir?”

Clay was surprised with the sudden question. His instruction was to stay put and stay silent when the delivery man arrives but if given a task to name his ship, at least he would name it on his accord.

“You can always name your ship but you would have to request it at any Major Bases of the Federation. Would you like to give it a name now, sir?” Seeing the newly baptized and dumbfounded captain, the Ascendant asked again.

“Yes please. La Flaga. Name it La Flaga.” Clay wanted to come up with a cooler name but the first thing that came to mind was his father back on earth. He was a pilot who died in an accident. “Are there other prerequisites for someone to become a captain?”

“I understand your worries but it is not easy to explain. The primary reason is that, the Federation would rather rely on unpredictable methods of fighting. Everything else can be consulted to the A.I. or you can just hire a reliable Lieutenant. Do you have any more questions?”

“No, sir I do not.”

“In the name of the Federation, you are now the captain of La Flaga Battleship. Congratulations on your promotion, Captain!”

The Ascendant saluted then turned around to leave.

In the mean time, Clay looked at the purple oval-shaped ring that was just handed to him. As usual, he doesn’t know what it’s made of so he inspected it with his Qi for any hidden spatial space. On top of that, it would need two of his thumb combined to fit in.

After a quarter of an hour, he inserted in on his index finger. Just as expected, the ring automatically moved and coiled then adjusted and perfectly fitted on his finger.

“Cool!”

He was about to take it off but he felt another object approaching him. Unlike the Ascendant who came to deliver his items, the incoming person is riding a small space shuttle.

*Swish!

When the window of the flying car opened, it revealed none other than Kolas.

“I’ve come to pick you up, Captain.”

As soon as Clay boarded the shuttle, Kolas used his Qi to control an ipad and moved it in front of Clay.

“It’s a recruitment authorization. Have your ring touch that little box at the bottom.”

Clay looked at what was written.

Mission: Exploration on Astarea Forbidden Zone

Duration: 1-2 years Navarum Galactic Dating

Rewards: zero to unknown

Requirements: 20 Guardians with cultivation at least Rank 4, 1 Grade A Pilot, 1 Grade A Engineer, 1 Grade A Biologist, 1 Triangle Level Astro-Physicist of any color.

(Hidden: 23 pre-enlisted crew)

Clay is careful not to miss any hidden text that might cause him to flee or hide again. If only it were that easy to trust people, he would authorize it even without looking through its contents.

“Relax. That rings knows when you’re awake or being coerced. Just leave everything to me. And by the way, except for a physicist, I have everyone on standby waiting for your recruitment post. If no one answers to our mission post, well head over near Division 15. As for why we need a Physicist, it’s mandatory for the ship’s baptism.”

*Click

Clay doesn’t really have any options but to agree and go with the flow. If everything would lead to his death, he just hopes to be reborn on another galaxy where humans have their own place.

After an hour, the two arrived on the moon base where the ship parked.

“Fancy!” Clay paused and inwardly commented as he saw his ship. Although he anticipated a disc-shape, he was not disappointed with the 800-meter cigar shape spacecraft.

There are two elongated propulsion engines attached and two gigantic cannons underneath which extend from the middle going towards the upper portion of the shaft.

Seeing Kolas floating near the middle of the spacecraft, Clay reckoned it is the entrance and he should be the key. He activated his wings flew towards the ship.

*Clish!

A three meter metallic door and both of them entered.

“Welcome Captain. I am a Type 10 A.I. Doll installed within the ship. Do you have any pre-defined preferences you would like me to run?” A robotic sound greeted them as soon as they entered.

“Yes. Change your voice to feminine and from henceforth, you will called Alice. I shall ask when needed.”

“Understood, Captain.” The A.I. immediately responded using a feminine voice before muting itself.

Clay silently followed Kolas and after a minute, he could no longer hold his curiosity so he asked, “You seem knowledgeable about ships.”

“I have my own ship but of lower hierarchy. The difference is that your ship is installed with Luvianga Defense System primarily its cannon. It’s a type of metal with Dao resonance compatible only to those of 1ST Phase. If that’s not obvious enough, it means only you can power it up and I want you to have a feel for it as early as now.”

The two continued walking but the moment they entered the control center, Alice activated.

“Captain Clay. Someone initiated a holographic call in response to your recruitment. Would you like to entertain the call?”

“Yes, go ahead.” Clay did not need the feel for Kolas opinion and immediately agreed.

“I thank the Captain for his time.” After a second, a holographic image of man with elongated head and no visible ears. “My name is Arkoni, an astro-physicist from Ramdaman Science Conglomerate from Ramdaman Star System. If you’re not too picky and allow an emerald level. I only ask that you drop me off to any of Ramdaman Division Planets on your way back.”

It was a brief introduction but when Clay saw the emerald token Arkoni had on his hand, Clay was reminded on the golden token Professor One-Hand left him. While they differ in color, they have the same shape and design.

“You’re hired. State your location and we’ll pick you up.”

“Ha ha ha. Second Moon Base.”