Apocalyptic Mechanist - Part 2

Alas, I can't see any reason to survive at a glance.

[Endless Starry Sky loading complete]

Huh?!

Jiang Xiao jolted upright, his face filled with surprise.

[Loading game...]

[Please note: Due to an unknown error, the default game mode is Extreme Mode: Upon death, there is no resurrection (rewards are doubled in this mode)]

[Confirmation complete. Loading system resources...]

[Player attribute dataization complete]

[Loading progress 15%...50%...99%]

[Loading game]

Chapter 2: Call Me a God of the Gaming Domain

Jiang Xiao's eyes widened, and he eagerly observed his surroundings.

It loaded, so what now?

No 'ding~'? At the very least, a stand-in would be nice!

Perhaps it was the effect of the Endless Starry Sky system, but Jiang Xiao suddenly felt the colors of his surroundings become slightly richer. Immediately, his gaze involuntarily fixed on the table not far away.

That terminal smart computer.

[DF-1 Smart Terminal: Household holographic terminal produced by Yangfeng Group; 1200hz, 32k resolution]

Search information?

Seeing the familiar format of the entry, Jiang Xiao realized with a jolt that loading the game meant turning him into a player?!

He decisively said, "Personal interface!"

[Player: Jiang Xiao] [Level: None] [Talent/Ability: None] [Source Energy Affinity: Extremely Weak (Base AFK Speed: 1 EXP/h)] [Source Energy Strength: 1 (3/15)] [Spirit Energy Strength: 1 (No ability, locked)]

As expected, it's the most basic player interface of Endless Starry Sky!

The system's level classification is the same as the Interstellar Alliance's—primarily based on Source Energy and Spirit Energy strength to divide ranks.

The parentheses after the strength values indicate the experience points needed to increase each point of strength. Currently, fifteen experience points are needed to increase strength by one point.

The detailed classification is Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 up to Tier 5, and above that is Champion-level, and so on. Within each tier, based on the degree of evolution, they are roughly divided into Normal, Elite, and Peak stages.

Within the same tier, reaching 50% evolution degree makes one Elite, and Peak is 90%!

Specifically, the judging standard for Espers is Spirit Energy strength, while for Source Energy Martial Artists, it's Source Energy strength, also known as Life Strength. As long as either reaches 10 points, one can become a Tier 1 powerhouse.

Tier 2 is 50 points.

Reaching 30 points makes one a Tier 1 Elite.

There is a significant difference between each point of strength, with the specific difference varying from individual to individual.

However, no matter how different they are, the strength difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 creatures is far more than tenfold, and the actual combat power difference is even greater.

There are quite a few Tier 1 Martial Artists on the Doran. It's easy for a single person to eliminate four or five fully armed interstellar soldiers from a nascent civilization. Keep in mind, those interstellar soldiers are each an enhanced Captain America!

Furthermore, all Espers have good Source Energy cultivation talent, as not all abilities are suited for combat.

"Fortunately, the AFK cultivation function is working normally," Jiang Xiao said gleefully after looking at his panel, not disappointed.

Ten days. Relying solely on basic AFK cultivation is enough to push his Source Energy Strength to 10 points, though it's still not entirely stable.

Besides basic AFK cultivation, according to Jiang Xiao's understanding, Source Energy cultivation diagrams of different levels can bring different bonus experience points, but unfortunately, he doesn't have any.

It doesn't matter.

The most basic AFK function alone can make him a Tier 1 Martial Artist within ten days, let alone the other functions of Endless Starry Sky!

Heh! That's great, kids. It's a satisfying game!

Jiang Xiao couldn't help but feel smug, "As expected, ambitious people have good luck!

I, Jiang Xiao, have come this far entirely on my talent and hard work!

Starry Sky, activate all functions for me!"

[Loading...]

"?"

No! Dude!!

Jiang Xiao felt as if struck by lightning. It took him several seconds to react, and his entire body slumped.

"I'm so stupid, really. I only knew it was a cheat, but I forgot its name had 'starry sky' in it..."

"Prisoner 114-514, do you require a psychologist?" the mechanical voice of a mechanical soldier came from outside.

"I appreciate the offer."

"You're welcome."

Prison life was incredibly monotonous.

Two days passed in this tedium.

Jiang Xiao awoke from his sleep and immediately checked his personal panel.

[Source Energy Strength: 4 (5/15)]

Another point of strength!

He clenched his fist, already able to clearly feel the growing power within him. The effect of Source Energy on silicon-based or energy beings was unclear, but for carbon-based lifeforms, Source Energy continuously strengthened all-around physical qualities, including bone and organ strength!

When Source Energy strength reached a certain level, it could even manifest as tangible energy projected outwards!

Just then, a cold mechanical voice suddenly sounded: "Recreation time will commence in one hour. Prisoners may move freely within the common area. No conflicts are permitted during this period, or you will forfeit your recreation time for the next eight days."

Recreation time? How humane.

After washing up and eating breakfast, Jiang Xiao followed the instructions to the common area an hour later.

Besides him, over a dozen bizarre creatures were already gathered, all clearly prisoners, evident from the palpable killing intent emanating from them.

He gave them a cursory glance, and under his scan, their information was laid bare.

Not a single one was a ranked martial artist. The strongest had a Source Energy strength of only 5 points. Jiang Xiao breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.

It seemed the proportion of martial artists on the Frontier Prison Star wasn't particularly high.

Since the system's other functions were unusable, Jiang Xiao, being confined, had no room to maneuver and could only wait. This passive state had been making him increasingly anxious.

Without mingling with the others, Jiang Xiao quietly moved to the edge of the common area.

He looked out through the massive viewport at the boundless deep space, staring at the dark, yet inexplicably charming, starry sky. Jiang Xiao was momentarily lost in thought.

It was this very charm that had led him to board the Doran, though the smooth-talking captain with the beard had also played a part.

The escort ship wasn't traveling fast, maintaining a sub-light speed. Their destination was likely a nearby starport.

While this universe possessed supernatural powers, many things still followed basic principles. For instance, conventional ships couldn't reach light speed in space. To traverse astronomical distances in a short time, one either had to use the deep space network established by the Interstellar Alliance or utilize ancient Star Gates.

"Haha, I can't believe my luck! Getting assigned to KL-21 Frontier Prison Star. Our Viper Race has a large gang on KL-21. This isn't imprisonment, it's practically retirement, hahaha!"

A hoarse, sharp voice came from behind him, interrupting Jiang Xiao's drifting thoughts.

"Congratulations, congratulations! Please look out for us when the time comes, Brother." Immediately, some creatures began to fawn over him.

"Brother, have a smoke."

Turning his head, Jiang Xiao saw an ugly creature with the lower body of a snake and the upper body resembling a droplet fish, standing in the center of the prisoner group, basking in the flattery.

Jiang Xiao frowned slightly.

The Viper Race, one of the Pan-Human enemy races, even considered some humans food. They were mortal enemies.

Perhaps because Jiang Xiao was too much of an individual or simply because he was human, he quickly drew the attention of the Viper Race prisoner.

It deliberately sized him up, sneering, "I wonder what the Valar were thinking, letting ordinary humans have the ability to get into a prison star. I find even eating such a lowly race too indigestible."

"Hahahaha!!"

"Maybe he's a con artist? After all, they only know how to play dirty tricks."

Jiang Xiao's expression remained unchanged. He silently turned back to face the deep space.

Seeing his lack of reaction, the Viper Race prisoner seemed slightly disappointed and then ignored the "food" in its eyes, continuing its boisterous conversation.

"Speaking of which, compared to ordinary adult humans, young humans are obviously tastier. Last time, I and my pirate crew intercepted a small ship with over three hundred ordinary humans. Those brats under a meter tall, steamed..."

"Tsk."

Jiang Xiao glanced at the nearest patrolling mechanical soldier, his expression still impassive. He turned and walked towards the corridor.

Seeing this, the Viper Race prisoner laughed even louder, "What's the point of intelligence for such a low-IQ creature? They might as well be livestock, hahaha."

And the moment they passed each other, Jiang Xiao, who had appeared completely unfazed, suddenly exploded into action!

The distance of several meters was covered in an instant. His fist, shaped like a blade, struck the Viper Race prisoner's eye socket. The immense force shattered its facial bones like porcelain, and half his hand plunged into its brain.

Splat!