cornbringer

Star Wars: Chapter 10

Added 2024-05-01 03:55:00 +0000 UTC

I was still in shock at how… seemingly fluid the martial arts I had learned were.

I had never practiced them before, but here I was, moving as if I always knew how to do the moves.

Left.

Right.

Kick.

Punch.

I was honestly looking forward to punching someone. Then again maybe it was best to avoid direct confrontation on a planet where Palpatine is, it was certainly within my interests to avoid that old nutsack-looking bastard.

Sighing at the thought, I cracked my neck, and opened my shop.

[Energy Shield - Basic: 1000 credits.]

One thing I had discovered a few days ago was that the store had a few items from Halo. Yep, the game.

The addition of Halo items to the store was something of an enigma, likely a glitch or a crossover from another layer of whatever multiverse mishap had brought me here. The familiarity of these items from a game I knew back on Earth gave me a strange sense of comfort, despite everything.

I scrolled through the list, noting other items that might come in handy:

[Plasma Pistol: 750 credits.]

[Overshield: 1500 credits.]

[Active Camouflage Module: 2000 credits.]

I didn’t have enough credits to buy the shield and the active camouflage, but I had enough to buy the overshield device, and the basic shield.

There was also the holy grail of the store right now.

[Mjolnir Powered Assault Armor - Legendary: 100,000 credits.]

[SPARTAN I - Serum: 15,000 credits]

[SPARTAN II - Serum: 20,000 credits]

[SPARTAN III - Serum: 35,000 credits]

[SPARTAN IV - Serum: 20,000 credits]

The serums could all be used, and each one gave the user a massive increase of stats. Like, a massive one. Then, there was the armor.

The Mjolnir Powered Assault Armor sat at the pinnacle of my store’s offerings, a legendary item that not only promised superior protection but also came with enhancements that could turn any wearer into a formidable warrior. Yet, with a price tag of 100,000 credits, it was more a dream than a feasible goal, at least for now.

Unless I wanted to risk it… robbing a bank.

[Energy Shield - Basic: 1000 credits.]

[Overshield: 1500 credits.]

Given my financial constraints, I focused on what I could afford, basic protection. The Energy Shield was a must-have, providing a basic layer of defense against physical attacks, something I couldn't afford to be without. The Overshield, though more expensive, would enhance the shield's effectiveness, an essential upgrade for someone without seasoned combat skills in a universe as dangerous as this one.

I transferred the credits for both items. The familiar chime of the system confirmed the purchase, and I immediately felt the weight of the Overshield and Energy Shield in my inventory.

Activating the Energy Shield, I watched as a faint blue glow encircled me, the shield's energy humming softly around my body. Then, integrating the Overshield, the glow intensified, the hum growing steadier and more robust. It was a simple setup, but it drastically improved my chances of survival.

The best part was, no one would be able to see the shield unless they tried to harm me. Which was honestly a big benefit.

I smiled, with this in my hands what could possibly go wrong… and I jinxed myself didn’t I?

Just as that thought crossed my mind, a sharp crack echoed through the air, shattering the early morning calm. Instinctively, I ducked into an alley, pressing my back against the cool stone wall. Peeking around the corner, I spotted a figure cloaked in dark, nondescript robes, a bounty hunter, blaster in hand, eyes scanning the crowd.

My system interface flashed a warning:

[Threat Detected: Bounty Hunter. Employer: Gardulla the Hutt.]

So, Gardulla hadn't taken kindly to my escape. As I wondered what to do, the bounty hunter fired another shot, the blaster bolt searing a bright line across the space where I had just stood.

I had to think fast. The shields I'd just bought would protect me from a few hits, but if the bounty hunter had high-grade weaponry, I wouldn't last long. I needed cover, and an escape route.

Or kill the guy, one of the two.

Hmm, I had yet to kill a sentient being, so I will try the peaceful approach for the time being.

Glancing around, I noticed a series of narrow passages and overhangs typical of Naboo architecture, perfect for losing someone. I sprinted down the alley, my new agility aiding my swift movements.

As I rounded a bend, another blaster shot zipped past, narrowly missing me and chipping the ancient stone wall beside me. I could hear the bounty hunter's footsteps now, quickly chasing after me.

"This doesn't have to end badly!" the hunter called out, voice muffled by the mask. "Just come quietly!”

Hell no, you can suck my right toe, I am not going back to that sand covered hell hole, or to that oversized bitch.

“I gave you a choice,” The bounty hunter commented, jumping above me, landing right in front of me. “Surrender, or die. I get paid anyway.”

He had yet to hit me with his weapon, so I had the element of surprise when it came to a sudden fight.

I also had a simple blaster in my possession, hiding inside my inventory. So, if I played my cards right… I could probably get the upper hand in this situation.

As the bounty hunter squared off in front of me, my fingers twitched as I readied myself for confrontation. Drawing upon the fluid Echani martial arts techniques I had just learned a few moments ago, I prepared to turn his aggression against him.

The hunter, confident and perhaps a bit too eager, fired a shot directly at me. His surprise was palpable when the blaster bolt harmlessly dissipated against the glowing blue barrier of my energy shield. His eyes widened in shock, not expecting his target to be so well-prepared.

Taking advantage of his momentary confusion, I lunged forward, my movements a blend of precision and natural instinct. I struck not with brute force, but with strategic hits to pressure points, using the Echani way of flowing with the opponent's energy.

Each hit I made was calculated, aimed at disarming rather than harming. The bounty hunter, unprepared for such tactics, tried to retreat and realign, but I wasn’t going to let him do that. If I did I would die.

Finally, with a swift maneuver, I knocked the blaster out of his hand, sending it clattering to the stone ground. The bounty hunter stood breathless and defenseless, staring at me in a mix of respect and disbelief.

"I don't want to kill you," I said, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me. "I just want to be left in peace. Tell Gardulla the Hutt that I'm not someone she can bully or buy."

Please just leave, guy. I really don’t want to kill another sentient being, I still haven’t come to terms with the fact I will have to.

The bounty hunter, rubbing his wrist where I'd applied pressure to disarm him, nodded slowly. "You've got skills, I'll give you that. But you’re still coming with me."

He’s not giving up.

With a quick mental command, I summoned the blaster from my inventory. It materialized in my hand, its weight familiar and somehow reassuring. The bounty hunter, seeing the weapon, stiffened, his eyes narrowing as he calculated his chances. He was unarmed, at least temporarily, and the realization of his vulnerability dawned on him.

"You don't have to do this," he said, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "Think about what you're doing. Killing me won't end your problems with Gardulla, it will only make them worse."

Really, you just said I had no other choice but to come with you.

I didn’t want to kill him.

I didn’t want this.

Yet, I knew that letting him go could lead to more attacks, either from him or more bounty hunters on my trail. It was a no-win scenario, where each choice led down a path lined with danger.

"I'm sorry," I replied, the words feeling hollow even to my own ears. "But I need to send a clear message: I'm not an easy target."

Without allowing myself to hesitate further, I pulled the trigger. The blaster bolt shot forward, its bright flare cutting through the dim light of the alley.

The bolt struck true, hitting the bounty hunter squarely. He grunted, the impact knocking him back against the wall. But rather than collapsing immediately, he slid down slowly, his life slipping away not in an instant but gradually, his expression one of surprise and resignation.

As he lay there, the finality of what I had done settled over me. The silence that followed was oppressive, I had killed someone else.

[Level Up!]