Chapter 35: Pioneer Contract

Ren wasn't entirely sure about the purchasing power of EndCoins yet. Still, he figured that as options, the listed items couldn't differ too much in value. That being the case, it seemed wise to prioritize items that appeared rarer.

The 'Free Attribute Points' option was straightforward. According to the description in the EndSpace, he could allocate these points at the Enhancement Hall to directly improve his base stats.

He was definitely going to pick Option A.

Sure, he could grind his stats through training, but when free points were handed to you, why refuse?

Next, Ren examined the details of the title rewarded to him.

[Title: Fearless One]

Rating: B+ (E- ~ SSS+)

Origin: Achieved in the derivative world of "Bleach." By graduating from the Shin'ō Academy in record time and fearlessly challenging a Captain, the legend of your courage spread throughout the academy.

Effect: While equipped, the explorer's Strength attribute is permanently locked at +1. This bonus applies across all ranks.

PS: Only in the derivative world of "Bleach," this title grants an additional 1,000 base Reputation.

Evaluation: I turned from a reckless fool into the 'Fearless One'.

Ren's lips twitched as he read the description. This space really had a way of roasting people. Why not just call me a meathead outright instead of 'Fearless One' with fancy wordplay?

Grumblings aside, he had to admit the title was solid. A permanent +1 Strength at any rank was a simple but significant bonus. It also conveniently compensated for his current lack in that department.

From his limited gaming knowledge, titles like this weren't easy to come by. After some thought, he decided to check it off.

The remaining options were trickier. Loot boxes? From his experience with shady corporate-developed games, anything random was always a gamble.  [T/N - Genshin Trauma]

As for the Minor Legacy Crystal, he wasn't sure of its exact value.

Moreover, he had doubts about relying on external power-ups. If the space trains you up, does it really feel the same as earning it yourself?

After pondering for a while, Ren ultimately chose the crystal. Random loot felt too unreliable.

With Options A, E, and F selected, the rewards were his.

Just as Ren was about to relax with a shower, the EndSpace issued another prompt.

[The EndSpace invites Explorer #404040404 to become a Pioneer. Do you accept?]

"A Pioneer?" Ren mulled over the term. He recalled what the space had mentioned when he was first summoned—his contract conditions could improve or worsen depending on his performance in the trial world.

Was this 'Pioneer' position an upgrade or a downgrade?

[The EndSpace selects the most talented explorers to sign contracts and conquer unsynchronized worlds. These individuals are known as Pioneers.]

As if reading his thoughts, the space's voice continued.

[Please review the Pioneer Contract.]

A floating screen appeared before him, displaying lengthy terms and conditions detailing the Pioneer's responsibilities and privileges. Ren skimmed for the important parts:

[Clause 26 of the New Terminus Regulations: Except in special circumstances, Pioneers cannot be sent to worlds with difficulty levels lower than their mark.]

[Pioneers are dispatched to higher-difficulty worlds with stringent mainline missions to synchronize new worlds into the EndSpace.]

[During Space Wars, Pioneers cannot refuse conscription (all exemption items and medals will be voided). Victory rewards in Space Wars are exceptionally lucrative.]

[In special cases, Pioneers may act as Arbitrators to execute rogue explorers (only when regular Arbitrators fail repeatedly).]

[Pioneers gain access to the exclusive Honor Shop, where they can use merit points to exchange for various items.]

[Explorer Mark privileges are elevated by one rank.]

High authority, high responsibility. High risk, high reward.

It was clear: Pioneers were sent to the toughest worlds to face the deadliest challenges.

Sounds like my kind of gig.

"Sign me up," Ren declared confidently.

[Contract established. Your original explorer number has been replaced with a false identifier to protect your privacy and safety. Welcome, Pioneer #008. We look forward to your conquests in new worlds.]

With the contract sealed, Ren noticed a change in the Explorer Mark on his wrist. The once pale green insignia had deepened into a dark purple hue, adorned with intricate, mystical patterns.

According to the space, the mark was visible only to him, ensuring his identity remained protected in the derivative worlds.

-----

Feeling refreshed after his shower, Ren donned a new outfit and opened the door with anticipation.

Sunlight poured through a massive web of vines, casting dappled shadows across the floor. As he inhaled deeply, the air felt purer than anything he'd experienced before—so clean it was almost intoxicating.

In his time, severe pollution had forced many places to require breathing masks. In some areas, corporations even sold air for profit, leaving the poor to suffocate.

Ren glanced around and realized he was standing atop a colossal vine. Behind him, the 'door' he'd walked through was a slender, violet leaf.

The vine was bustling with people dressed in wildly varied outfits.

Ren's wide-eyed curiosity gave him away instantly. He looked every bit the country-bumpkin.

"Hey, newbie, first time in EndSpace?"

A burly man with a dark face approached Ren, exuding a sense of familiarity. "Just cleared your first trial, did'ya?"

Ren nodded. "Any advice?"

"The trial world must've scared the hell out of you, huh? Don't worry. Now that you're in the EndSpace, you're safe….for now," the man said with a grin. "Getting pulled into this place is bad luck, sure, but life's all about moving forward, isn't it? Let me tell you, if you want to survive here, intel is everything…"

At this point, the man rubbed his fingers together in an unmistakable gesture.

"How much?" Ren asked bluntly. He understood the importance of information. Being new to this place, he was as good as blind and could use a guide to get his bearings. However, if the guy thought he could fleece him, he was sorely mistaken.

The dark-faced man's grin widened, unable to hide his excitement. "Not much, just 500 EndCoins. Trust me, the information is worth every coin. Ask around the first-tier zone, and they'll all tell you Black Whirlwind's the guy with the best intel!"

"Fifty. Take it or I'll find my own way."

Ren locked eyes with the man, his gaze unwavering. He might be bold, but he wasn't a fool. His exceptional performance in the main quest's first phase only rewarded him with 3000 EndCoins. Judging by that, most average-explorers barely made 1,000 Coins in their first trial world, and this guy was clearly trying to rip him off.

Black Whirlwind's face froze awkwardly for a moment, as if weighing his options.

When Ren turned to walk away, the man quickly stepped in front of him. "Alright, alright! You win—50 it is!"

Grumbling to himself, Black Whirlwind began explaining the basics of the EndSpace, driven by the philosophy that earning even a little was better than nothing.