Global Crossing: Empire of Stars

Lin Zhichen nodded. If he had already reached the expert level of Draftsman and could draw a Battleship Blueprint, he could then mass-produce Particle Light Spear Blueprints.

That would be the time for him to exert his greatest influence.

"Let's cultivate them for now. With my talent, it won't take long for him to be useful," Lin Zhichen recalled the Draftsman beside Dr. Will. After so much effort, he had recently reached the expert level.

This kind of strategic profession had a very high difficulty in skill improvement. If it were the first batch of Army NPCs, they would have had more than one or two Grandmaster-level tactical skills in this amount of time.

"The central control room on the fifth floor of the base, which was also the former residence of the pirate high-ranking officials, has the most complete ecological cycle system, a Hydroponic Farm sufficient to supply fifty thousand people, and also the most important energy core of this base," Wu Tianyi said.

"What I mean is, this floor will be temporarily preserved as the residential area for the high-ranking officials of the corps."

Lin Zhichen nodded. "The Hydroponic Farm also needs some upgrades. Let's see if we can cultivate dedicated Spirit Planters to prepare for the large-scale cultivation of Psionicists."

Refining Essence into Qi consumed a lot of Psionic Plants, so preparations had to be made in advance.

"Big Brother, isn't that too wasteful?" Wei Peng complained. "Those are Psionicists! Don't give me a few. Our army needs such talents!"

"Forget it. You have Transformers, what else do you need Psionicists for!" Link rolled his eyes.

"Psionic Warships can only exert their greatest effect when paired with Psionicists. Our corps has plenty of Psionic Warships, we just lack people to pilot them, understand?"

"That's right. Although we obtained 32 NPC Psionicists this time, there really aren't any extra," Lin Zhichen nodded.

"A Hydroponic Farm capable of providing Psionic Plants for over a thousand people requires at least 10 Psionic Apprentices dedicated to its care. I plan to set one up temporarily. The rest will be trained as Captains to cultivate talent for future Psionic Warships."

"Hmph, such a grand undertaking," Wei Peng pouted but didn't say anything more.

Compared to the already sufficiently hidden underground base, strengthening the fleet was the most optimized choice.

"Alright, since the plan is already made, let's execute it step by step," Lin Zhichen said with a smile. Wu Tianyi's planning had directly laid out what they needed to do for the foreseeable future.

He had to admit, having a deputy who was proficient in internal affairs when managing a large force saved him a lot of trouble.

The solar system, in the deep darkness of space, a micro-fleet was heading towards the Kuiper Belt.

Among them, a giant ship with a length of over 18 kilometers was the most eye-catching. In comparison, the frigates and destroyers escorting the giant ship were as insignificant as hyenas around an elephant.

Suddenly, a ripple appeared in the nearby space, and the "Tengshe" emerged from the depths of space.

Half an hour later, the escort fleet, which had dispersed into the surrounding starry sky, witnessed another marvel. The small "Tengshe" and the 18-kilometer-long "Megalodon" simultaneously descended, slowly disappearing into space.

Several light-years away, in the airspace near Dakan I, the "Tengshe" and the "Megalodon" appeared simultaneously, completing a space journey that would have originally taken several months in a short period.

This was the value of Space Jump, equally useful for traveling or combat.

After several back-and-forth jumps, the Meteor Mercenary Group's fleet was mobilized to the Dakan System. The "Megalodon," docked in the outer space orbit of Dakan I, had already begun its work.

Within its massive hull, a huge industrial base operated. Various materials and alloys were forged, and finished products were placed and uniformly transported into Transport Ships, then sent to the underground base.

Meanwhile, in the outer space orbit of Dakan I, a Particle Light Spear that had already been produced was being integrated by a Transformer.

The original starship form rapidly disintegrated, separating into an octopus-like mechanical monster that entangled itself with the Particle Light Spear.

Wherever it went, the external interfaces of the light spear were covered by the Transformer's body. When everything was completed, a circular, disc-shaped steel Fortress floated in space.

"Not only the Particle Light Spear, but also three '007' type Electromagnetic Cannons. They should be the original Ship Cannons on the frigates," Link quickly discerned.

"More than that. According to the AllSpark's introduction, it can fully activate frigates, even enhanced versions of frigates are within its activation range," Wei Peng pointed to one of the Transformers.

"Look at that one, it's the earliest Transformer. It can now be equipped with 5 small turrets, two more than the initial model!"

"As expected of silicon-based lifeforms, they can grow on their own," Wu Tianyi exclaimed. "In my opinion, the growth limit of these Transformers is probably the fifth-generation frigate!"

What was the concept of a fifth-generation frigate?

The ship alone had 48 turrets. Although they were all small turrets, with the enhancement of Grandmaster-level skills, their power was close to that of large turrets. In terms of firepower, even a standard Battleship couldn't compare!

"Zzzzt~"

Energy surged, and an invisible force field appeared, aiming its muzzle at the star. A scorching ray shot out from the star and entered the muzzle.

This type of main cannon, which drew energy from the star using a Gravity Field, could only achieve such an effect when equipped with Blazing Star Radiance.

In just one minute, this Particle Light Spear was fully charged, but it did not fire directly. Instead, it used the gathered energy, constrained by the Gravity Field, to convert it into Energy Coins—essentially solidified energy blocks.

"One Energy Coin per hour, 24 units a day," Wu Tianyi smiled.

"I heard the Federation also has light films specifically for collecting solar energy, spanning hundreds of thousands of square kilometers. In a month, they only get tens or a hundred units of Energy Coins. Their efficiency isn't even comparable to our main cannon!"

"It's different. Solar light films receive solar energy and have efficiency issues. Blazing Star Radiance directly devours stellar matter, which is much more overbearing than light films," Lin Zhichen chuckled.

"Otherwise, why would they say technology is the primary productive force? This main cannon alone generates enough Energy Coins each month to equip one and a half frigates!"

"Beep beep~"

As they spoke, his holographic wristband rang. He looked down and saw a familiar caller.

"It's rare for a beauty to think of me; my heart is filled with joy," Lin Zhichen teased as he opened the communication.

"You really know how to keep your cool," Conilia's half-body projection rolled her eyes cutely. "I have some bad news for you. Someone is investigating the source of NZT-50."

"Sounds like a problem on your end?" Lin Zhichen's tone was indifferent, showing no emotion.

Conilia sighed. "It is indeed my fault. That's my business rival. We were evenly matched, but then NZT-50 appeared, giving me an advantage in commercial competition. She couldn't stand it and started investigating the source everywhere. I took precautions and temporarily diverted her attention to the Anlan Tribe, but in her current state, she probably won't rest until she finds you."

"Heh, it's good you found me. More channels means more friends," Lin Zhichen said with a subtle expression.

"You're really honest. You turn your back on people after you get what you want," Conilia pouted. "Don't blame me for not warning you, the family behind that person has major influence in the military. They're not as easy to deal with as I am."

"How much longer can you keep it up?" Lin Zhichen asked. He found this woman quite appealing and had no intention of changing collaborators anytime soon.

"Three months, maybe even less than three months," Conilia shook her head.

"That should be enough, but I'll need some help," Lin Zhichen said. "A large amount of mineral raw materials, and some high-end metallurgical equipment.

Most importantly, military fortress blueprints. From military spaceports to interstellar fortresses. A space fortress would be even better!"

"Don't dream! Blueprints for military fortresses are strictly controlled by the military. Forget a level 3 space fortress, we don't even have a level 2 interstellar fortress!" Conilia said irritably.

"The Anlan Tribe's military and your Human Federation's military have signed agreements. For any sensitive equipment, whether it's finished products or blueprints, whether selling or buying, agreements must be signed.

If we're caught engaging in private sales, we'll both be in trouble!

However, mineral raw materials and metallurgical equipment are easier. Send me an address, and I'll have them delivered no matter where you are."

"Then what do you suggest? My secret base is already built, but its defenses are severely lacking. If a powerful enemy attacks, all my efforts could be in vain," Lin Zhichen spread his hands, tossing the problem back.

"If that's the case, I'll give you access to the Federation's black market," Conilia replied after a moment's thought.

"You know, where there's profit, there's competition. Everyone looks respectable on the surface, but who knows what goes on behind closed doors.

There are always people who need controlled items on the market but lack legitimate channels, and are willing to pay a high price. That's how underground black markets emerge."

"I understand. Send it to me," Lin Zhichen replied.

The communication ended, and a URL was quickly sent, along with complex encryption codes.

"Big Brother, do we only have two months left? 0.1" Wu Tianyi and the others, who had been listening in, grew serious. If this information were exposed, a massive storm would follow.

"Two months is actually enough," Lin Zhichen said casually as he entered the verification code.

"It wasn't necessary before. If we really can't find suitable targets on the black market, we can always search this galaxy. We'll just raid a few more rebel bases. I don't believe we won't find military port blueprints."

The black market in the Interstellar Era is different from its predecessors, existing in the form of a dark web. To gain access, one needs not only complex security authentication but also reliable recommenders.

With the recommendation certificate provided by Conilia, Lin Zhichen quickly registered a new identity and accessed the mysterious network.

Immediately, the countless pieces of information displayed in the holographic projection dazzled them.

"Psionicist NPCs on a tearful clearance sale! Apprentice-level: 1 person for 5000 Energy Coins, Warrior-level: 1 person for 100,000 Energy Coins!"

"Tachyon Crystal price drop promotion! 30 Energy Coins per unit, no limit. Cash on delivery, honest dealing."

"Anlan Tribe's beautiful women, skilled in soft voice and gentle body techniques, only 1000 Energy Coins! Don't miss out."

"Bsd-1099 Superalloy secret formula, with industrialized assembly line design Blueprint included! One set for 200,000 Energy Coins. Serious inquiries only, lowballers get lost!"

Watching the messages scroll across the screen, they were stunned.

Is this what the legendary, mysterious dark web looks like?

It's like a bustling marketplace!

"Look for information on military ports and fortresses!" Lin Zhichen searched. Soon, with keyword searches, several virtual shops appeared before them.

He casually clicked on one shop and saw rows upon rows of blueprints. The sight made their hearts skip a beat.

"Holy crap, there are even Titan blueprints?!" Link wiped away nonexistent drool, his voice filled with a tenderness usually reserved for a goddess.

Heaven forbid, he had never shown such tenderness to any woman.

"Big Brother, look at this!!" Wei Peng's expression was one of extreme shock, as if he had been startled by something.

Lin Zhichen turned to look, and his gaze sharpened.

"Sky Pillar Fortress Blueprint

Specifications: 95 kilometers

Construction Requirements: Interstellar Fortress Upgrade"