"So, sir, may I ask what your purpose is?"
Wang Dong asked.
The middle-aged man struggled to sit up.
"I was stabbed in the heart by the Jin family's Heart piercer Dagger.
If not for my near–elite-level body, I'd have died before I could inject the stimulant.
It's good you understand the Jin family's nature. That'll save us a lot of time.
But let me give you a piece of advice: however terrible you think they are, the Jin family is ten thousand times worse—more vile, more shameless, more perverse, and more disgusting than you can imagine."
Wang Dong nodded slightly, sincerely agreeing.
In his previous life, he hadn't taken the Jin family seriously enough.
Or rather, he had—but his strength had been too limited to act accordingly.
"I must say, you've done impressively well," the man said, evaluating Wang Dong.
"Your quick reaction in the face of danger, your composure after recognizing the situation, your calm in the presence of overwhelming force… Even among privileged elites, few youths measure up."
Wang Dong gave a slight bow in gratitude.
"You flatter me. I still have a lot to learn. For instance—how did your battleship appear beside me so suddenly?"
The man pulled the corner of his mouth upward—perhaps a smile.
"My name is Yuan Shu. This is my battleship, the Battle Axe.
She's a Spark Warship.
And you, young man, what's your name?"
Wang Dong bowed again. "Mr. Yuan, it's an honor. I'm Wang Dong.
So the Battle Axe is a Spark Warship. Then the phenomenon I witnessed earlier—was that the function of a Ship Module?"
Yuan Shu raised an eyebrow.
"Wang Dong… So you know about Spark Warships. That's rare. For someone in such a remote sector to have that kind of knowledge—it means you're aiming high."
Wang Dong folded his arms and sighed.
"Yes. Spark Warships—the pinnacle of military power in human civilization.
The foundation of authority for the elite ruling class.
Owning one has always been my dream."
Yuan Shu smiled with difficulty. "Then congratulations. Your dream is about to come true."
Wang Dong frowned. "Mr. Yuan, I don't understand—what do you mean?"
"Exactly what you think. I'm going to die soon.
You and I are the only ones on this battleship. Before I die, I will transfer captain authority to you.
You will become the next captain of the Battle Axe!"
Wang Dong smiled bitterly. "Mr. Yuan… can I refuse?"
"Obviously not."
Yuan Shu moved his hand slightly, puzzled by Wang Dong's reluctance.
"But I wouldn't mind hearing your reason. I don't want to die with doubts."
"Ever since I learned about Spark Warships, I've dreamed of owning one," Wang Dong said, shaking his head.
"But I had a plan.
I'd work as a miner, save money, then leave this country for the Federation.
There, some elite academies offer upward paths for civilians.
If you graduate with distinction, they might grant you a Spark Warship.
It's difficult, but I had confidence—at least a 30% chance.
Getting one now would save me twenty years of effort. Of course I'm tempted—deeply tempted!
"But it's too soon.
Too sudden.
I'm completely unprepared—mentally, skill-wise, politically.
Mr. Yuan… do you understand?"
Yuan Shu fell silent.
On the surface, it looked simple: Yuan Shu dies, Wang Dong inherits the Battle Axe, instantly rising to prominence.
But could it really go so smoothly?
Yuan Shu, now a mortal enemy of the Jin family, was certain to die. Wang Dong knew it. Yuan Shu knew it. So did the Jin family.
If Wang Dong inherited the Battle Axe, would the Jin family spare him?
Of course not.
"'Vengeful beyond reason'—that's the Jin family's motto."
As Yuan Shu had said, the Jin family had long been watching him and the Battle Axe.
Even boarding the ship would mark Wang Dong for death.
Becoming its captain? Instant kill order.
And it wasn't just the Jin family.
Any faction learning that a civilian had gained a Spark Warship would come for him, eager to seize it.
Which brought up Wang Dong's second point: background, or influence.
To wield a Spark Warship, one needed qualifications.
Those could be ability—renowned expertise, a proven commander.
Or status—a noble heir, a senior official.
Or power—corporate moguls, regional warlords.
Even a playboy with powerful parents might get by.
But an interstellar miner like Wang Dong?
Clearly unqualified.
Hopelessly so.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]