No matter what Xi Guang had that caused the Sin City Council to make such a huge fuss, Jiang Xiao knew only one thing.
Only with sufficient strength did one have the qualifications to investigate all this.
Chapter 26: Skill Acquired · Research Complete
It was almost noon.
Jiang Xiao, who was rapidly flipping through a massive amount of data, suddenly paused, and his eyes lit up slightly.
Mechanist Specialty Knowledge: "Basic Mechanical Turning and Milling" and "Basic Data Modeling" completed Professional Experience Points gained: 300 Spirit Energy Experience Points gained: 3,000 Professional Specialty Skill acquired: Basic Machining (Lv. 1) Basic Machining (Lv. 1 · 0/10): Efficiency of producing mechanical items +5%; nonessential loss -5% (applies to both manual work and production lines) Note: Professional Skills can only be upgraded with Professional Experience Points. Regardless of skill strength, the level cap is Lv. 10. (Skills of different qualities require different amounts of experience at the same level.) Tip: Professional Experience Points can be obtained by manufacturing machinery and studying knowledge.
"Higher production efficiency and reduced losses? Good, good, good. This is a god-tier skill for a mechanist."
However, in Jiang Xiao's view, while the skill was good, the knowledge and data in his memories pleased him even more!
Under the effects of his powerful mechanical talent, these basic materials could completely display effects beyond expectations. Combining, applying, and extending his understanding of them came naturally to him now!
At present, he had only one Professional Skill, so Jiang Xiao poured all his Professional Experience Points into it, and his Spirit Energy Intensity rose along with it.
Basic Machining (Lv. 5 · 290/320): Efficiency of producing mechanical items +15%; nonessential loss -15%
"Experience doubles with every level... Not bad."
Compared with the benefits brought by increased efficiency and reduced losses, this small amount of experience was negligible.
After eating a large pile of compressed food and taking nutritional supplements, Jiang Xiao arrived at the workbench and opened the Research Slot.
Research Slot (1/1): Private X-21 Electromagnetic Type, research progress: 99.99% (estimated time remaining: 35 seconds) Research project completed
In an instant, knowledge far more extensive than that of the Shuttle Bullet surged into his mind. However, as Jiang Xiao's Spirit Energy Intensity had increased, this amount of information did not cause him any discomfort.
Related mechanical structures, electromagnetic application modules, micro magnetic-rail acceleration modules...
Jiang Xiao's smile faded.
He could only understand one-third of the principles. Quite a lot of the lower-level basic knowledge seemed to be missing. At most, he could understand how to use them crudely, without understanding the underlying principles.
In a place like Prison Star, where sufficient equipment was unavailable, the most important thing was the principles behind the technology. Otherwise, he would not even know how to crudely simplify and weaken the technology.
Recalling the types of knowledge missing from his memories, Jiang Xiao began browsing the data directory in the terminal.
"Theoretical Electromagnetism and Applied Electromagnetism," "Conventional Energy Control and Conversion."
He had found them. Although they were basic theories and formulas from a Primary Civilization, if combined with the data and knowledge contained in the Private Electromagnetic weapon, he was confident he could enhance the Private Sniper Rifle!
Before beginning his studies, Jiang Xiao did not forget to throw that Mechanical Prosthetic body into the Research Slot.
Over the next four or five days, apart from going out at night to relax and hunt alien criminals, Jiang Xiao spent all his other time in the workshop.
Xiling came to find him once, but when she saw the tightly closed doors, she could only leave helplessly, not wanting to disturb him.
The workshop's second floor.
Jiang Xiao looked at the projection screen on the wall, nodding from time to time.
Dozens of Sin City Network Terminals and a terminal the size of a suitcase were connected beneath the wall. Judging from the screen they projected, they seemed to be calculating something.
"Theoretical modeling and data testing have both met the requirements. It's time to begin the modifications."
After making a list of materials and small substitute parts, Jiang Xiao took out his terminal and sent it to Xiling.
The most important Precision Components had already been prepared. Over the past two days, he had gathered materials from wrecked machinery and processed them using the Precision Industrial Box!
Throughout the process, he had kept the Origin Data covering the Industrial Square Box, ensuring that the Defense Ship in the sky would not detect anything abnormal. This was merely a precaution.
In fact, since the Black Mech Gang had been able to obtain the box without alerting the spaceport, they were probably not afraid of the box's data being monitored.
Moreover, the box itself did not need to be connected to a network. Real-time monitoring and analysis of the equipment's function was extremely difficult.
Still, one could never be too careful.
A short while later, Xiling delivered the parts.
"Ms. Xiling delivered them personally?" Jiang Xiao opened the door and raised a smile.
"Yes. I happened to have something to discuss with you."
Jiang Xiao took the suitcase of parts and materials in one hand, then led Xiling upstairs.
Seeing the sniper rifle scattered in pieces on the workbench in the corner, a trace of confusion and incomprehension flashed through Xiling's eyes. Was it really not too bold for a beginner to experiment on his own weapon?
"What did you want to discuss with me?"
Jiang Xiao did not stand on ceremony. He chatted while beginning to process the metal materials.
It was mainly because Xiling's tone and attitude indicated that the matter was not urgent. Otherwise, he would not have acted so casually.
Xiling did not mind. She withdrew her gaze and said solemnly, "Two days ago, the spaceport suddenly announced that it was lifting some of the restrictions on Data Technology. The Sin City Council's suppression of the Spark Gang will likely intensify. It might not be long before the Sin City Council installs a large number of intelligent surveillance devices in Sin Capital.
"When that happens, this place may become extremely dangerous. The chief asked me to find out whether you plan to relocate your base and equipment."
Lifting some of the restrictions on Data Technology?
Jiang Xiao frowned and immediately stopped what he was doing. "To what extent?"
"Roughly the level of the late Surface Civilization."
The late Surface Civilization... Was that roughly the information technology of the Earth era?
Jiang Xiao relaxed and resumed working. "There's no need. They can't do anything to me."
Over the past few days, while busy manufacturing parts, he had not forgotten to browse the other materials.
Although the restrictions meant there was no material directly focused on information technology, he had analyzed quite a few basic information technology theories from the data with his powerful learning and comprehension abilities.
He could not claim it was especially powerful, but with the Origin Data countering Surface Civilization information technology, it would not be difficult.
Xiling said nothing more. She silently stood to the side, watching Jiang Xiao move back and forth while operating the various devices.
After preparing all the required parts, Jiang Xiao solemnly walked to the workbench, picked up the handheld equipment, and began assembling and modifying the weapon.
The bodily control brought by Datafication displayed its powerful effect at this moment!
Whether welding seams or assembling Precision Components, everything proceeded in perfect order without a single mistake. The prepared parts were quickly integrated together.
Finally, a brand-new, streamlined black-and-silver sniper rifle was born beneath Jiang Xiao's hands!
Blue-violet circuits emitted a faint glow. The black-and-silver body was brimming with a sense of technology. Even the welding marks that could not be erased due to the equipment looked as exquisite as the scales of a black dragon.
Looking at the 1.3-meter-long sniper weapon, Jiang Xiao was extremely satisfied. "From now on, Old Sniper, your name is Black Dragon."
Black Dragon Sniper Rifle: Modified from the Private X-21. It possesses greater range, damage, and penetration. Its performance is slightly superior to the Private Electromagnetic X-24. When used with Shuttle Bullets, it can kill Tier 2 Regular Martial Artists. Optimal range: 3,500 meters Note: Its production cost is comparable to three X-24s. Mass production is not recommended.
Jiang Xiao could not do anything about the production cost. On Prison Star, he had to use whatever was available. The military-industrial company's deployed war machines were the only high-end materials he could access.
The problem was that they were a little too high-end.
Without the Precision Box, he could not even process them.
"What a beautiful firearm. Is this the result of your recent work, Mr. Jiang?" Xiling praised.
Putting aside its lethality, its appearance was indeed extraordinarily beautiful.
Jiang Xiao lifted the Black Dragon Sniper Rifle and smiled. "How about coming with me to test its lethality tonight?"
Xiling froze. "Where?"
"Kasar Street Block."
Chapter 27: No Way, It Really Works?
"Go directly to Kasar Street Block?"
Xiling was astonished, then hesitated. "Isn't that too risky? What if we're locked onto by an Electromagnetic Tank..."
"We'll only test the rifle outside Kasar Street Block. We might even be able to divert the Sin City Council's attention and ease some of Ms. Xi Guang's pressure." Jiang Xiao added, "As for the Electromagnetic Tanks, I have a special source energy secret technique. As long as you stay within two meters of me, Prison Star's detection equipment won't be able to find us for a short time."
There was actually such a secret technique?
By interfering with signal detection through source energy... How had I never heard of it?
Xiling was still somewhat hesitant. There was no helping it—the deterrent power of those fifteen Electromagnetic Tanks was simply too great.
At least on Prison Star, no one could take a direct hit from one of them!
However, when she thought of how Jiang Xiao dared to smuggle prohibited goods into an Intermediate Civilization, Xiling ultimately chose to believe him. With access to resources at the level of an Intermediate Civilization, it was not strange for him to possess a special secret technique she had never heard of.
Besides, Mr. Jiang had only recently begun studying the basic materials. At most, he had modified the weapon's exterior, so the disturbance it caused should not be significant.
She knew the power of the X-21 very well. It was not particularly strong, and because its technology was too complete, even an experienced mechanist would find it difficult to improve the X-21 significantly!
"Then let's go." Xiling gritted her teeth.
She could take the opportunity to see the actual situation in Kasar Street Block and find out whether she could contact Sister Xi Guang.
Seeing that Xiling had agreed, Jiang Xiao turned around and began making preparations.
This trip to test the rifle was mainly to test the weapon, but more importantly, he wanted to prove his abilities and strength as a mechanist to the Spark Gang.
For a mechanist to develop in peace, it was impossible to work alone. At present, only the Spark Gang could provide him with assistance on Prison Star. Whether he was searching for resources or obtaining intelligence, he could not do without an organization and allies.
Therefore, he needed to deepen his relationship with the Spark Gang.
Rescuing Xi Guang would obviously be an excellent opportunity.
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