Chapter 9 - Uncharted Territory

As Rodgraim looked at the energy ore steadily entering the Aether Dominion, a faintly encouraging smile began to spread across his face.

This shipment of ore would ensure that he did not have to concern himself with a lack of energy for the ship before they reached the next space station.

Luo Feng observed the process closely; he understood this volume of energy ore to be valued at least hundreds of millions of star coins.

For someone so fresh to the life of an interstellar voyager, Rodgraim had built up a huge fortune—a position Luo Feng never once found himself in when he was trying to flee from the interstellar pirates.

In a galaxy where most voyagers were scared of pirates and did everything possible to avoid them, Rodgraim was unique. Instead of running away, he had lured and hunted down the very pirates who were raiding other interstellar voyagers.

Luo Feng, one who had seen hundreds of thousands of voyagers in his lifetime,hadn't expected such temerity.

He fancied the shock of the infamous Crocodile Pirate group when they were taken down by a young voyager who hadn't even ventured out of the solar system.

Luo Feng gave Rodgraim a look of admiration. "Among all the voyagers I have met during my many years, Captain Rodgraim , you are the most promising,"

he said sincerely with respect. "One day, your name will resound across the sea of stars."

Rodgraim took the praise without complaint. Armed with the defenses and firepower of Aether Dominion.

He knew one day he would make a mark in the galaxy.

However, Rodgraim was also pragmatical. To achieve his goals he needed to accumulate materials gradually.

In interstellar traveling, three things were relevant: money, energy, and ships.

With the required energy secured for some more time, he could now focus on gathering the required financial means for the sustenance of his journey.

Interstellar travel was expensive.

Rodgraim knew that the upkeep for the Aether Dominion and buying whatever supplies they needed would consume a great amount of star coins.

The reward for killing the Crocodile Pirates, though able to keep a few captains going for a decent period of time, could not be said for him.

The Aether Dominion required immense upkeep, and this fortune would only go so far.

Rodgraim pointed to Luo Feng and said, "Brother Luo Feng, do not be fooled by appearances.

The energy and star coins devoured by the Aether Dominion in a day are simply tremendous."

He then asked Luo Feng, with rich experience, if he could give him some advice on how to accumulate money.

Luo Feng had roamed and trained for hundreds of years before being posted head of the Pluto Outpost.

People even spoke of him visiting the inland sea although he never confirmed the rumor.

A few drinks later, Luo Feng relaxed with Rodgraim and thought about his demand.

"Evidently, it takes money, energy, and ships to navigate interstellar."

"If you're interested in making real money, go to the Golden Galaxy," he advised. "It's got the biggest trading post in the open sea.

There, you can buy coordinates of unknown ships and explore those coordinates, often earning quite a lot of money.

And if you get lucky, you'll find an undamaged ship. Shippers will give you top dollar to recover them," he said.

Rodgraim was excited, eyes lighting up at the idea of a place like the Golden Galaxy. Luo Feng continued, "This is not information to be shared with just anyone.

The unpublished ship coordinates can prove deadly- due to some pirates who use them to lure in the unsuspecting voyager.

But if it were you, then I wouldn't know who'd rob whom."

With that, Rodgraim raised his glass in thanks. After the two exchanged a few more words, all the ore had been loaded onto Aether Dominion.

That would mean the Aether Dominion's energy needs would be met indefinitely.

Once on board the bridge,Rodgraim opened the interstellar map and took in the expanse of the universe.

Here, the sea of stars was divided up into regions and galaxies.

The Golden Galaxy and the Sun Galaxy, for example, were both in the Alpha sector.

Rodgraim planned his route to the Golden Galaxy; he saw he had to cross five galaxies to get there.

So he planned out his next destinations, starting with Proxima Centauri and then Arcturus.

Target locations: Proxima Centauri. Arcturus.

Coordinates determined.

Preparation for space jump.

The Aether Dominion activated its space-jump mode.

Rodgraim did up his seatbelt and was ready for a journey across a galaxy at near-light speed.

The Aether Dominion vanished instantly from the solar system.

Inside,Rodgraim watched as the lights above him became a colorful stream as the ship travelled through the space tunnel.

A minute later, the Aether Dominion emerged from the tunnel.

[Space transition complete. Cooling down in process…]

Rodgraim saw through the corner of his vision an emerald-green planet far away: Arcturus of the Proxima Centauri system.

This is where most travelers first stopped by because its unexplored woods were open for hunting meat.

However, the visitors feared the interstellar laws, and so they did no damage to the natural environment of the planet.

Rodgraim pushed the Aether Dominion further into the planet's atmosphere, scanning in the green jungles which cover the surface.

Below, enormous dinosaur-like creatures roamed the dense jungle, scattering as they caught a glimpse of the gigantic shape of the Aether Dominion overhead.

Rodgraim muttered, "You can't do anything here without a bodyguard."

He activated his tech watch and commanded, "Wake up the Predator!"

[Waking up the Predator…

The system began activating all 1,000 Predators he had purchased with his last check-in.