The salesman was taken aback when he heard Jiang Hao's words.
Jiang Hao was still wearing his school uniform, which meant he was starting his campaign as a student.
Although surprised, the salesman quickly regained his composure thanks to his professionalism and patiently explained the situation to Jiang Hao.
"In the Awakened Association, the lowest-ranked planets are first-level planets.
However, even a first-level planet may contain Black Iron- or even Brass-level combat units."
"During the campaign, the Awakened Association only provides the most basic business support. It assumes no responsibility for any problems you encounter during your expedition."
"So, are you sure you want to begin your Star War?"
The salesman's explanation also attracted the attention of the surrounding passersby.
After all, judging by Jiang Hao's appearance, he had only just awakened. Starting a Star War at this point meant he was either a genius...
...or a fool.
Jiang Hao did not waver.
"I need a first-level planet that is rich in resources, preferably a mining planet."
He stated his requirements.
As for why he did not choose common planets such as warrior or knight civilizations, it was because their martial arts and cultivation methods were useless to him.
Seeing that Jiang Hao had made up his mind, the salesman stopped trying to persuade him.
"Please wait a moment, sir. I'll look for a suitable planet based on your requirements."
A short while later, the salesman returned.
"According to your request, there are thirty-five suitable planets. Based on your current situation, the Awakened Association recommends these eight."
The salesman displayed the list of recommended planets.
As a superpower that had existed for countless years, the Awakened Association naturally operated with remarkable efficiency.
Looking through the summaries, Jiang Hao noticed that although all eight planets possessed mineral resources, none of them were particularly abundant.
"Among the first-level planets, which one has the richest resources?" Jiang Hao asked.
The salesman skillfully brought up the information on another planet.
"A first-level mining planet. It possesses a technological civilization that has not yet declined."
Jiang Hao looked at the introduction and muttered,
"Although this is officially classified as a first-level planet, it is extremely rich in energy crystals. Even after its Awakened ruler died, its civilization continued to develop. It could barely be considered a second-level planet."
"It may even be officially upgraded to a second-level planet before long."
The salesman nodded.
"In the past, many Awakened were attracted by its abundant resources. However, every one of them failed, and some even caused the planet's civilization to regress."
After hearing the explanation, Jiang Hao finally made his decision.
"I'll take this one."
"Wouldn't you like to think it over again? If the civilization regresses because of your campaign, it will greatly affect your final assessment one month from now, so..."
"I've made up my mind."
Looking into Jiang Hao's determined eyes, the salesman knew there was no point trying to persuade him further. He had seen many customers like this before.
He secretly sighed.
A moment later, he said,
"Mr. Jiang Hao, your shuttle has been assigned to Track Seven. Simply proceed through this passage, and it will automatically transport you to the space above Planet Zhaka. The docking period is seventy-two hours."
"Since this is your first campaign, the Awakened Association will waive the fee. Future campaigns will be charged accordingly."
The salesman smiled.
Jiang Hao knew that every campaign initiated through the Awakened Association required payment in Star Coins.
A first-level planet cost 10,000 Star Coins.
Hearing the salesman's explanation, Jiang Hao nodded and walked through the passage ahead.
After he left, the salesman shook his head.
"Still too young."
Kaza Star — Outside the Peace Circle Fortress
The Peace Circle was a safe zone established by the rulers of Kaza Star.
Outside its borders lurked not only wild beasts but also ruthless bandits. However, these bandits usually robbed travelers of their belongings rather than killing them.
A fierce wind swept across the wasteland, carrying clouds of yellow dust into the sky.
Ten lizardmen rode modified motorcycles through the storm, led by their boss, Karisha.
"Boss, our Wild Lizard Gang hasn't made a single score in ten days. I don't know what's happening to Kaza Star. Every year gets worse. On this cursed planet, running into travelers is already considered good luck."
One of the lizardmen complained.
"The environment keeps getting worse. Even being a bandit is becoming a starving profession. It's ridiculous."
Karisha also had a headache over the current state of Kaza Star.
They were bandits—the wolves in the eyes of ordinary people.
But what people didn't realize was that even wolves often went hungry before finding prey.
"Boss! Someone's up ahead!"
At the shout, three figures gradually emerged through the swirling sandstorm.
"Travelers?"
The Wild Lizard Gang instantly became excited, as though injected with adrenaline.
Their eyes turned blood-red.
Karisha twisted the throttle.
The bandits brandished their weapons, their vertical pupils locked onto the figures ahead.
Today's prey had finally appeared.
"Didn't we fire a signal flare? Why haven't those three stopped?"
"Boss, everyone knows what bandits are like these days. Of course they wouldn't stop."
One of the subordinates answered quietly.
"Shut up! What nonsense are you talking about?" Karisha barked.
"I'm Karisha, the Benevolent Elder! I free people from this hopeless world. Isn't that kindness?"
His subordinates were speechless.
Soon, the three travelers on their battered motorcycles were forced to stop.
"Why were you running?"
Karisha casually rested the machine gun on his shoulder as he questioned the elderly lizardman before him.
"We... we have no tribute left to pay, so we could only..."
Karisha froze.
After all that effort...
They had just robbed a bunch of paupers.
"Leave the motorcycles. You can go."
"Please don't! Without the motorcycles—"
Before the old lizardman could finish speaking, a deafening gunshot echoed across the wasteland.
One of Karisha's subordinates had fired.
Seeing the old lizardman suddenly lunge toward Karisha, he had assumed it was an attack.
"What are you doing?" Karisha roared.
"How could you waste a bullet?"
"Use that tiny brain of yours! Bullets are worth more than those three lives."
"Use a knife! A knife!"
The subordinate froze for a moment before quickly understanding.
Moments later...
The three lizardmen lay dead in pools of blood.
Just then, another subordinate shouted,
"Boss! There's someone else over there!"
Karisha immediately perked up.
Business had come again.
"What's going on?" he muttered.
"They don't have scales... and their tails are so short."
Then, memories from more than ten years ago suddenly resurfaced.
His pupils contracted.
"Intruders!"