Looking at the chip Aventurine had pushed toward him, Byrne felt as if thorns were pricking his back. At this moment, this seemingly tiny chip felt like a sharp blade hanging over his head.
Although Aventurine hadn't said it explicitly, Byrne knew well the price of failure. If he were lucky enough to return after failing, he would be treated as useless. Setting aside whether he could keep his current rank, there would likely be no chance of promotion for the rest of his life. Actually, that would be a relatively good outcome—at least he would be alive. The more terrifying possibility was that he would be submerged in the deep seas of Lusaka, just like the fleet that had gone to mine the Azure Crystals several Amber Eras ago.
However, like two sides of a scale, the rewards on the other end were indeed magnificent compared to the danger of the mission itself. A P36 rank, the status of a core reserve executive, and a massive amount of Credit Points. Aventurine was right; for Byrne, this was indeed an opportunity—a chance to truly establish a firm foothold in the Strategic Investment Department.
But behind this opportunity lay a massive gamble.
Aventurine sat calmly in his chair, resting his cheek on one hand as he watched Byrne. He didn't seem inclined to hurry him, acting like a patient angler waiting for the fish to bite.
After an intense mental struggle, Byrne reached out and picked up the chip from the table. To hell with it, I'm going all in.
All or nothing.
"Director Aventurine, I accept this mission."
Aventurine nodded. "Very good. You didn't disappoint me."
With that, Aventurine tapped a few times on the holographic panel on the desk. A pale blue light projection immediately appeared before Byrne, displaying the detailed coordinates of Planet Lusaka and an encrypted data package.
"These are the star chart coordinates for Lusaka. Although most information regarding the fleet was lost to the deep sea during that disaster, a few records were fortunately transmitted back then. They should offer you some help."
Byrne's intelligent optical computer synchronized and received the data. The materials popping up on his panel contained only a few blurry photos of the fleet, several short voice recordings, and a small amount of text logs.
After accepting the data, Byrne looked at Aventurine. "Rest assured, Director. I will give my all to find the Azure Crystals."
Aventurine said, "Good. I have already arranged a dedicated exploration vessel for you, along with an elite squad. You will depart tomorrow morning at nine o'clock sharp from Planet Nova's spaceport."
"The squad leader is named Natalie; she will assist in your operations. However, I must remind you that Natalie's primary objective is to find and safely return the Azure Crystals. Your safety is only a secondary priority. If you attempt to abandon the mission midway or act in a way that harms the Corporation's interests, she has discretionary power. If necessary, she can deal with you directly."
Heh, truly worthy of Aventurine of Stratagems. This security squad was both a helping hand and a set of eyes meant to monitor him. But at this point, Byrne had no way back.
A glint of approval flashed in Aventurine's eyes as he waved his hand. "Go now. Go back and prepare well. Familiarize yourself with the data and get into the right state of mind."
"Yes, Director Aventurine."
Byrne rose, bowed slightly, and turned to walk toward the office door. However, before he could reach the exit, Aventurine's voice sounded from behind him.
"Wait a moment, Byrne."
Byrne paused and looked back. He saw Aventurine place a metal box on the table. "Take this before you go. If you encounter a problem you cannot solve, this thing will help you."
Byrne's gaze shifted to the uniquely styled metal box. He asked curiously, "Director, what is inside this?"
Aventurine replied instantly, "A Curio."
The word "Curio" made Byrne freeze for a moment. According to the world-building of Star Rail, Curios were miraculous items that spanned Amber Eras, coming in vast varieties with diverse functions.
Byrne returned to the long table and examined the box. It was very compact, only slightly larger than a cigarette case. The surface was engraved with fine dark patterns. Judging by the material, it was certainly not a metal commonly found on Planet Nova. As he got closer, he could faintly perceive a weak energy fluctuation.
"Director, what does this Curio do?"
"You don't need to know right now. When you reach Lusaka and encounter trouble you can't resolve, open it then. You will understand naturally."
What is this? Being so mysterious... it's like a 'silk pouch' plan prepared in advance by a strategist.
"Thank you, Director Aventurine."
Although Byrne grumbled inwardly, he respectfully picked up the metal box.
"Go on. Keep that chip safe for me. Give it back when you return after completing the mission."
"Understood, Director."
Byrne bowed once more and, this time without stopping, walked out of the office. The moment the door closed, he slowly let out a breath of relief. Today was his day off, so Byrne left the office building directly and returned to his residence. He urgently needed to find a quiet place to unlock and familiarize himself with the encrypted data while organizing his thoughts.
Back at the apartment, Byrne opened his optical computer and began browsing the materials Aventurine had sent. He knew he had to be fully prepared. After all, he couldn't afford to lose this gamble with Aventurine.
All or nothing.
After Byrne left, Aventurine's gaze shifted back to the model of Planet Lusaka. At that moment, the holographic image activated again, but this time it was an interstellar voice call.
Once connected, an avatar appeared on the projection—Jade, one of the "Ten Stonehearts."
"Aventurine, regarding the Lusaka matter, have you found a candidate?"
"If it weren't for the rule set by Diamond that the Ten Stonehearts cannot personally participate in the competition, I would certainly have chosen myself. But no matter—I have found the most suitable candidate besides me."
After saying this, Aventurine transmitted Byrne's profile over.
Two minutes passed before Jade spoke again. "Aventurine, you've actually entrusted such an important mission to a P25 junior employee. Aren't you afraid he won't return?"
Aventurine smiled thinly. "Lady Jade, are you questioning my eye for talent, or are you questioning my luck in gambling?"
Jade's avatar swayed slightly, her tone carrying a hint of teasing. "Heh. Truly a gambler from Sigonia. But Aventurine, I must remind you: Topaz has already lost. We cannot let the Marketing Development Department win this round for Lusaka."
Aventurine said confidently, "Lady Jade, you know me. The higher the risk, the higher the reward. I am a child blessed by the Mother Goddess. I will win. I will keep winning."
"Very well. I shall wait and see—just like the first time I redeemed you. Don't disappoint me, Kakavasha."
With that, the communication was cut.
The moment the link severed, the smile on Aventurine's face faded. He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, pressed his right hand against the glass, and closed his eyes.
"May the Mother Goddess close Her eyes for you three times... keep your blood pulsing, your journey ever peaceful, and your schemes never exposed."