069. Vanlenkov Autonomous State (Part 2)
Li Aozi didn't spend long on his simulation management game, not because he lacked the secondary professions of [Politician], [Emperor], or [President] needed to unlock several modules, or because he had too few citizens and donations to do anything substantial.
"We've entered the Vanlenkov Autonomous State's jurisdiction, Leoz."
Just as Flanna finished speaking, the ship's intercom suddenly crackled to life:
"VKR-163/569 vessel, this is Vanlenkov-Ort Port navigation control. You have entered our identification zone; state your purpose."
Looking out the window, Li Aozi immediately noticed a hollow, rotating spherical fortress. Numerous pipes branched like delicate veins, connecting the outer layer to the core.
The centrifugal force generated by its rotation to produce gravity was an old-fashioned setup, suggesting the State's technology was somewhat underdeveloped. Few ships were moving around, most traveling in battle sequences of three to five ships, their chain-structured anti-air firepower neatly arranged, ready to fire at any moment due to the fortress's gravitational pull.
"An FZP-199 'Skeleton'? What an ancient ship," Flanna muttered curiously. "It must be over a hundred years old, meaning for Vanlenkov, at least five generations have passed."
Li Aozi, intrigued, asked, "You know about military vessels?"
"Before my family fell from grace, I received some noble education." Flanna waved her hand dismissively. "Not worth mentioning; brings back too many tears."
Li Aozi didn't bother probing further.
In his memory, there was no Flanna in future versions; she likely wasn't an important character, or maybe she died soon after, much like Yavanna.
Speaking of Yavanna, things had been rough for her lately.
She was an ordinary 22-year-old, a Law IV agent, living her days by clocking in, until she was suddenly reassigned to the front lines.
She had pursued Li Aozi into space, only for him to escape—quite the tragic, unrequited tale.
After leaving Blue Star, her father was released from prison and became a national leader. She lost her "Princess" status and now found herself in outer space, weaving and working like some resilient, self-sufficient pioneer.
After some thought, Li Aozi figured it was because he had introduced her to Dozenshin.
While Li Aozi's mind wandered, Flanna was deftly handling the port's inquiries.
"We're freelance mercenaries from the Valkyrie Fortress, returning from a commission and stopping for supplies. Here are our documents, permanent residency proof from Valkyrie Fortress, and our webpage with the Freelance Mercenary Alliance…"
Flanna projected the Valkyrie Fortress insignia. Vanlenkov quickly verified it and responded:
"Acknowledged. Your documents are verified. We will issue entry documentation for your vessel. Submit it before docking."
"Got it, got it. I'm familiar with this process."
Flanna spoke as she adeptly filled out various document details. These mercenary city-states were part of the Interstellar Alliance and used a unified ID system.
"Here's our passenger information."
"One freelance mercenary without national ties, one special interstellar citizen under political asylum. All clear."
Flanna breathed a sigh of relief:
"Good, everything's smooth this time—no issues."
Li Aozi, curious, asked:
"I thought Vanlenkov was a relatively friendly autonomous State. Why, is there something else to consider?"
"Well, it's not exactly that." Flanna thought for a moment, then said, "Mr. Leoz, you know Vanlenkov is a mercenary city-state, right? These people have almost no production capability; it's essentially a giant weapons factory and security contractor. So their social customs can be..."
"Tough, right? I get it. All mercenary city-states are like this. The Star Abyss is vast, and not every civilization has the resources to build its own interstellar fleet. Larger mercenary groups can't handle full-scale wars, so mercenary city-states emerged—a space for nations and civilizations with martial prowess but without labor skills or land to fill this niche."
Li Aozi wasn't surprised. He'd dealt with mercenary city-states before. These folks were serious; pay them well, and they'd even consider going up against Society.
"Though mercenary city-states are fearsome, Vanlenkov has a rather unsavory... let's call it a cultural issue."
Flanna put on a wry smile:
"Vanlenkov's main inhabitants are Vanlenkov Abominations. You know, alien species differ from standard races; they collect others' body parts to graft onto themselves. So you can imagine how rampant things get in their stronghold. While they're diligent fighters, visiting here takes some courage. Definitely avoid conflict."
Elsewhere, extortion might mean monetary losses, but in Vanlenkov, you could end up losing half your life.
"We're just here to seek refuge, resupply, and rest briefly," Li Aozi said calmly. "Starports must abide by interstellar treaties, allowing for temporary docking and resupply. They have no grounds to trouble us."
"Right, we're just here briefly, and if we stay on the ship, they won't bother us," Flanna nodded.
"Exactly, as long as we stay on board, nothing should go wrong…"
Li Aozi casually agreed, resting his non-existent cheek on his hand and casting a meaningful gaze into the void.
—No problems?
Without problems, how would he complete his mission?
Flanna continued efficiently submitting various documents, gathering materials for non-docking resupply via pipelines.
While Flanna was busy inventorying supplies, Li Aozi's figure blurred as he slipped into the spacetime ripple.
In the next instant, he appeared within Vanlenkov's starport, using gravity to distort light, enabling him to teleport and cloak himself. With the mercenaries' technology, they had no means to detect his infiltration.
Moments later, Li Aozi casually strolled into the residential area of Vanlenkov.
The Vanlenkov Abominations were bizarre in appearance, resembling upright humanoids in their early forms but becoming increasingly grotesque as they grew and advanced along their Paths.
The streets were filled with creatures like four-armed lions with snake tails or trout-like beings with crystal scales and antlers—some defying any biological engineering principles.
Compared to them, Li Aozi, headless, didn't look strange at all; he almost seemed conservative.
First, Li Aozi located an ATM, inserted Orlaville's info interface card, and after a few screen flickers, Orlaville's disgruntled face appeared.
"Hey, Orlaville," Li Aozi greeted, "how's the survey on the Radon marshlands going?"
"Confirmed—140 billion acres of arable land in total, with abundant radioactive materials and gradual tectonic activity. The only surface creatures are stone-age-level sandworms."
Although Orlaville spoke without emotion, his words barely concealed his excitement:
"It's perfect, beyond perfect! No civilization has discovered it, so I can claim and develop it legally—when are you coming back? I owe you a big thanks, Leoz."
"I might be out here for two more days."
Li Aozi answered honestly.
Orlaville, the top broker in Valkyrie Fortress and a long-lived species, was trustworthy, with little room for deceit or schemes.
"Two days? Probably more. Your fight with Liuer disrupted space routes, and a Delta-tier expert from a cluster-level civilization commented that you two didn't seem of your tier. Despite causing little destruction, the impact was more intense than many Star Abyss veterans."
Orlaville clicked his tongue in amazement:
"How did it go, Leoz? I see you're headless—if it's not performance art, then it means you're on the same path as Liuer."
"The task is complete. I'm in Vanlenkov Autonomous State for supplies and will return soon." Li Aozi asked curiously, "How's Liuer?"
"Society's been invading, so your insight was spot on. Besides, Mr. Liuer is a citizen of a narrative-level civilization. What could happen to her? She posted a short video apologizing; it's not like they'll deport her."
Only after finishing did Orlaville realize Li Aozi's earlier statement:
"Wait, did you just say you're where?"
Li Aozi's non-existent mouth curved.
"Vanlenkov Autonomous State," Li Aozi replied, feigning ignorance. "Is there an issue?"
"Not exactly. But this place is complicated. Though it's an autonomous State, its real situation isn't straightforward, and the web of relations here is unfathomable…"
Orlaville thought for a moment, then asked:
"Wait, I heard about your fight with Liuer. Who won?"
"I did." Li Aozi folded his arms, answering bluntly.
"Alright, Leoz. The next payment from Priest Constan will take another week, and you must be short on cash."
Orlaville probed step by step. If it were any other time, Li Aozi would have indulged him for more information.
But now, he didn't have much time to waste.
"Funds are indeed tight. But by your tone—it sounds like you have a job lined up for me?" Li Aozi feigned surprise. "But why come to me? I'm just a Gamma-tier commoner."
Orlaville gazed at Li Aozi with admiration. Talking to smart people was indeed pleasant.
"Liuer's Delta-tier strength and her unpredictable spacetime abilities make her a standout at that level. Your victory over her proves your potential is formidable as well."
Orlaville explained:
"But more importantly, you're in Vanlenkov Autonomous State, a place few would dare visit."
Li Aozi feigned a cavalier attitude:
"What do you mean? Isn't it just a neutral alien State? At worst, they're brutal-looking and harsh-tempered. Flanna mentioned they enjoy swapping people's parts."
"If you think that way, then their propaganda has swayed you."
Orlaville spoke solemnly:
"These are stereotypes, and you should know, all stereotypes are cultivated intentionally."
"Flanna said they're warlike, fearless."
"But what if I told you that these aliens… aren't actually skilled at war?"
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