Moving on from the shop, he looked into the newly unlocked inventory. Neatly organized were the items he earned from the missions.
Skipping over the rocket boots blueprint, he came across a survival kit blueprint. Rayden took a look at the description and was surprised at how comprehensive it was.
[Survival Kit Blueprint]
Provides instructions to create multi-tools, rations, shelter, equipment, and clothing to survive the harshest environments—whether molten worlds, ice worlds, toxic worlds, or even the vacuum of space.
Looking at the list of items, the blueprint provided was reassuring. For example, there were repair tools ranging from ship repairs to treating wounds and mending clothes. Mini repulse pads to help traverse unstable terrain and signal beacons were just a few of the items listed.
Already starting strong, Rayden continued to examine his items.
[Insignia Upgrade]
Can be placed on armor to create a shimmering, glowing effect on the insignia when in sunlight. It can also bioluminesce in the dark if desired. Looks cool and helps identify which clan you belong to.
"Pure aura farming," was Rayden's first thought when looking at the item. Not bad, but not super important at the moment.
[Memory Foam Boots]
Beskar boots that are lined with a special foam gel to fit snugly around your feet. The gel is both heat and cold-resistant, helps absorb moisture, and negates most vibrations in case of a fall. They will grow as your feet grow.
"Nice! No more needing new shoes for life now." These boots would definitely help in training and on the battlefield.
[Blaster/Saber Resistant Cape]
What's a Mandalorian without a cape? Made with armorweave and powdered cortosis, this cape is both stylish and functional. It can block a few blaster shots, and the embedded cortosis helps to short-circuit lightsabers.
"More aura farming, but now with a practical function." Rayden admired the stylish blue cape with silver designs running throughout. He had to admit it looked cool.
[Speeder Bike Performance Upgrade Blueprint]
Can be used to create upgrade parts to help improve speeder bikes in terms of speed, durability, engine performance, or aesthetics. Make your speeder your personal souped-up ride.
"Not bad! Could help in the future." He imagined a team of speeders outpacing others and easily maneuvering around them.
[Beskar Smithing Tools]
Comprehensive tools to assist in forging Beskar, including a forge, hammer, and other tools that allow the user to create anything using Beskar.
"I don't have much skill in forging, so I might give these to someone later." Rayden's forging skills were okay, but nothing spectacular. Plus, he wouldn't have time in the future to be forging all day.
[Tactical HUD Upgrade]
This upgrade integrates enhanced targeting reticles, real-time threat analysis, multi-spectrum scanning (thermal, night vision), and squad vitals display. It includes a motion tracker, the ability to scan through walls, and a holographic map projector.
Rayden took a moment to reread everything this new HUD could do. It was impressive, to say the least. It felt like having a cheat code on the battlefield.
[Hawkeye Scope]
A compact, variable zoom (up to 20x) with an auto-adjusting rangefinder, low-light compensation, and wind/atmosphere correction. It mounts on most blaster rifles or pistols, turning standard shots into sniper-precision kills. Can connect with your helmet.
"20x zoom! That's great. I always liked playing as snipers in FPS games back on Earth. I always chose the scope that gave the most zoom—it's easier to see their heads to pop."
[Teamwork Trophy]
A trophy to show that you can be part of a team. Good job!
"That feels like the most useless reward." Rayden looked at the trophy, noticing it was made of pure gold. "I guess I'll keep it." He found a shelf to place it on and saw the sunlight catching it just right, making it shine.
[Custom-Forged Beskar Dagger]
A Beskar dagger with the clan's insignia as the cross guard, a purple pommel with gold lines engraving his name around it. The blade is double-edged, with the top featuring reverse teeth to help tear. The blade is engraved with "Aliit Ori'shya Tal'din" (Family is more than blood).
Pulling it out, he admired its design. Rayden was impressed—the blade felt just right in his hand. The handle was larger, but as he grew, it would fit nicely. The sheath for the blade was black with a few dark gold accents. All in all, Rayden was very pleased with the dagger.
======
In the afternoon, the adults who participated in the survival challenge returned. They were given an hour and a half break before the winners would be announced.
Once the break was over, everyone made their way to the arena. Rayden and Lexi joined the crowd in the center of the arena as Varn and the other leaders took their positions on the platform.
First came the congratulatory speech, recognizing all the hard work and dedication that had been shown over the past week. Then, they announced the winners of the adult survival challenge.
Serdran came in first, followed by Knight in second, Vhar'kar in third, Tov'ra in fourth, and Drav'korr in fifth.
Cheers erupted from the crowd when Serdran's victory was announced. After a few minutes, the crowd grew quiet as everyone braced for the announcement of the final winner of the competition.
"It has been a long week, and we can finally bring this event to a close. Each clan has pushed themselves to their limit, whether in the adult or kids' divisions. You all do your heritage proud," Varn began, delivering an encouraging speech.
"But there can only be one final winner. So, without further ado, in fifth place: Drav'korr." Everyone clapped. "In fourth place: Vhar'kar, and in third place: Serdran." Most were surprised to see Serdran come in third, but they still congratulated him.
Tension filled the crowd as Varn took a dramatic pause. "Second place goes to…" People leaned forward in their seats, some holding their family's hands. "Tov'ra." After a moment of suspense, Varn announced it.
At the announcement, there were two reactions from Tov'ra: they yelled in disbelief, "Ahh!" and "What?!" Meanwhile, members of Clan Knight cheered at the top of their lungs.
On the holoboard around the arena, the final points and calculations were displayed. This was done to eliminate any accusations of foul play, even though most would not dare to question the results, as they would be met with scorn for not accepting their loss honorably.
Rayden and the other kids from Clan Knight erupted in cheers upon hearing that their clan had valiantly triumphed in the entire competition.
"Good job, Ray!" Lexi congratulated him, her bright blue eyes sparkling with joy for him.
"Thanks, Lexi! And don't worry, even though your clan placed third, you were one of the best in our division," Rayden said, his voice earnest as he tried to console her, sensing the hint of disappointment clouding her joy.
"Really?" Lexi asked, her brow furrowing slightly as sadness lingered from her clan's placement. Yet, Rayden's earnest compliment began to chip away at her gloom, a flicker of happiness illuminating her expression.
"Of course! I'd say you were the second best, right after me," he teased, a playful grin spreading across his face, combining both jest and fondness.
Lexi could tell he was joking, but the competitive spirit within her sparked a playful fire. She ground her teeth mockingly and exclaimed, "Rayden!" with mock indignation before starting to run after him, her laughter mingling with the cheers of their fellow clan members.
Realizing he had pushed the joke a little too far, Rayden turned around, his laughter ringing out as he dashed through the throngs of excited children and adults alike. The vibrant colors of their clan banners fluttered behind them, creating a kaleidoscope of movement.
George, along with the other spectators, chuckled and shook their heads as they watched the two of them racing around.
After being chased for what felt like an exhilarating thirty minutes, Rayden finally surrendered, a broad grin still plastered across his face. Lexi tackled him to the ground, her fingers darting to tickle him mercilessly until he cried out in laughter and surrendered completely.
Overcome with mirth, the two lay on the grass, their sides heaving as they laughed under the fading sunlight. The air was alive with the sounds of celebration as families busily prepared for the night's grand bonfire party, the scent of roasted meats and sweet treats wafting through the air.
They chatted and shared stories, their voices blending with the joyous noise around them, until their parents called them back, signaling it was time to prepare for the evening's festivities.
Back home, with only a few hours left until the bonfire party would officially begin, Rayden's curiosity got the better of him. He turned to his parents and asked, "What happens now?"
"While everyone else is busy preparing for the party, we'll be having important discussions with the other clan leaders about the true purpose of this event," Elyse replied, her expression serious as she brushed a stray hair from her face.
"What do you mean, Mom?" Rayden inquired, his brow furrowing. He knew this competition was about showcasing the strengths of each clan and forging alliances for the imminent civil war, but he had a sense there was something deeper at stake.
"Submission, son," Varn interjected, his tone grave yet composed. "Each clan agreed that whoever won would not only become the dominant clan but also the leader of the House we will form together."
"Even though we had come to this agreement beforehand, all the clans were imbued with their own confidence in victory, so it may take some negotiation to finalize the deal." Varn's words held the weight of importance.
"What's there to talk about?" Rayden asked, genuinely curious as it seemed straightforward that the other clans would swear their loyalty without hesitation.
Elyse stroked his hair in a soothing gesture and replied, "There's much to discuss, sweetheart. We need to outline each clan's roles and responsibilities, determine a plan for resolving disputes, and establish whether they will need to pay tribute to us in some way, as well as what the dominant clan must provide in return. Additionally, we must decide where we will all reside as a new collective."
"Each clan has its own territory and home, and most are reluctant to give it up—except for Tov'ra, as they have always lived a more nomadic lifestyle."
"Can I join in the discussions?" Rayden expressed his eagerness, seeing an opportunity to learn and complete the bonus part of his last mission.
Elyse exchanged a glance with Varn, and with a shared smile, Varn said, "We were planning to bring you anyway, as all heirs will be present too." His heart swelled with pride, pleased that his son was so interested in the critical negotiations that lay ahead.
====
The talks took place in the main hall, with each leader and heir sitting around the table. Rayden and the other heirs mostly remained quiet; this was a time to learn and observe as their parents negotiated.
Most were aware of each other's goals, but there were a few hiccups to address, primarily concerning tribute and future living arrangements.
As with most Mandalorian clans, they earned their livelihoods through mercenary and bounty hunter work. Each clan's members already contributed a portion of their earnings to their clan. If they were required to give more in tribute, it would financially strain them.
While listening to his parents discuss these matters, Rayden pondered the droid production line and various blueprints. Lowering his head in thought, he considered who could best produce each blueprint.
Tov'ra could handle the production of survival kits, as they would be more skilled in that area due to their nomadic lifestyle. Vhar'kar, with their natural inclination for experimentation, could take on the speeder bike performance blueprint. Utilizing this, they could develop items to enhance other machines, including ships, if possible.
Drav'korr could be responsible for the rocket boots, while Serdran might not have a task for now, although that could change in the future. However, he doubted they would mind, considering their clan's focus on fighting and espionage.
Rayden's own clan would oversee the droid production line. With each clan assigned a specific product to produce, they could use a percentage of the profits to pay tribute.
To streamline this process, they could establish a company, with each clan managing a department, while Clan Knight would serve as the head.