Zero said, "Master, you first need to charge the base to above 0.1%, deploy low-level Nano Engineers, and use the materials reserved by our base to create a Clone Production Pod. Then, inject Biological Raw Materials and electronic components to produce new Clones."
"Huh? The base has reserved materials too?"
Zero said, "Yes, Master. The Calamity Base watch stores the Nanomaterials needed to create a Clone Production Pod, Loot Generator, and Attribute Conversion Tower. Building each facility consumes 0.1% of the base's energy."
"So that tiny watch actually hid so many raw materials inside? That was a little absurd, but normal for a Nano Base. So the question is, how do I replenish the base's energy?"
Zero said, "At present, the base can directly absorb the following forms of energy: bioenergy, electrical energy, nuclear energy, and crystal energy. You may seek out substances carrying those forms of energy for absorption."
"Bioenergy?"
Zero said, "It means directly drawing energy from your body. Some was absorbed while the base was stationed, maintaining a stable power level. As long as you keep eating, the base can slowly recharge."
Cheng Shaofeng rubbed his stomach. "No wonder I've been so hungry. Turn that off, or it'll suck me dry sooner or later."
"Right. I understand electrical and nuclear energy, but what produces this crystal energy?"
Zero said, "Crystal energy is a special form of energy that appeared on this planet after the war. Since its carriers mostly possess crystalline structures, it is called crystal energy. It usually has high energy density, reacts gently, and is convenient for humans and other organisms to use to strengthen themselves."
Cheng Shaofeng nodded and committed it to memory.
"By the way, can't solar or thermal energy charge the base?"
Zero said, "In theory, our Calamity Base can use all forms of natural energy. However, we currently lack the relevant energy-harvesting equipment and cannot yet utilize the energy forms you mentioned."
"Fine. Then I need to figure out how to charge the base. Where can I get it?"
Eating was far too slow. Who knew how long it would take? He had to find another way first.
He began searching through the original owner's memories.
He remembered that Salt Well Town had an old diesel generator, but it was rarely used. Even the Town Chief was usually reluctant to turn it on.
Only when the town was attacked at night would they start the generator and light up the settlement.
Stealing the town's electricity would be far too difficult. If the Town Chief's men caught him, they might shoot him on the spot.
Other than Salt Well Town, a three- or four-day walk north would bring him to a large city: Cross City.
He had heard merchants in town who often traveled for business say that every household there had electricity, and the city was protected by a powerful Human Legion. It was an extremely safe place.
"But I heard Cross City's screening is especially strict. I don't have an identity, and I don't have any valuable supplies. Getting in would be difficult."
Those were the only two places he knew of that could provide a charge, and neither seemed easy to access.
"Electricity isn't convenient to obtain, and I haven't even seen the other two types of energy. So... do I have no choice but to eat?"
Just as Cheng Shaofeng was about to scratch his head, Zero said, "Master, you already have nuclear energy available."
"Where?"
Zero said, "That Radiated Material. If you have no other use for it, it can be used as an energy supplement for the base. Nuclear radiation possesses tremendous destructive power, and the energy it can provide the base is also considerable."
"Damn! Why didn't you say so earlier? Absorb it already! I was worried that keeping a ticking bomb like that beside me would get me killed someday. Just suck it up!"
"Wait, if the base can absorb this kind of nuclear radiation as energy, why didn't you absorb it immediately? Why did you spend energy to open a protective shield for me instead?"
Zero said, "In reply, Master, this Radiated Material is not only an excellent energy source, but also a high-quality material for crafting equipment. Without your permission, the base cannot directly absorb materials."
"Oh, I see. Then let's set a rule for now. If we come across an energy source that could cause Radiation Damage to me, and the base isn't fully charged, absorb it directly. If I need it, I'll tell you beforehand."
Zero said, "The base's judgment parameters have been preset according to your requirements."
"Now, absorb that Radiated Material!"
Zero said, "Please place your hand on the outside of the Radiated Material, Master."
Cheng Shaofeng held the Black Box in his hand and felt tiny pitted holes rapidly appearing on its surface.
Something invisible... entered it.
"So this is what nanobots are."
Then the azure base interface appeared before Cheng Shaofeng's eyes.
The power level began to rise slowly.
0.06% 0.07% Crack~ The Black Box in Cheng Shaofeng's hand shattered, spilling a wisp of white stone powder from within. Charging complete. Power: 1.05%
One piece of Radiated Material had charged the base by exactly 1%.
In Cheng Shaofeng's field of vision, the base's construction function lit up once more.
He could build those three facilities now.
Zero said, "Please select a construction location, Master."
Cheng Shaofeng recalled information he had heard from Salt Well Town's hunters.
Their location was considered a small mountainous area within the plains. It had mountains and water, and was called Four Mountains.
As the name suggested, it had four mountains.
Several centuries ago, they had probably been mines. Even now, large excavated holes could still be seen.
The four mountains were unsuitable for human habitation. One careless step, and someone could fall into a mine shaft.
Well Salt Town at the foot of the mountains had a good location. It backed against one mountain and produced mineral salt itself, making it easy to defend and hard to attack.
There were several other small factions in the area, but they would not be dealing with them for the time being.
As for Cheng Shaofeng's current location, it was on a small hill in the middle of Four Mountains. It was lower than the four peaks, at an elevation of roughly three hundred meters, with a fairly open view. Its downside was that the area was small and had no pre-war buildings left behind. Building a camp here would require a great deal of labor, and it would not be very sturdy.
Most settlements around Four Mountains had been established using the remnants of existing buildings.
"Building a camp won't be a problem. Players are creatures with livers built for grinding. Give them even a little reward, and they can build the sturdiest shelter."
"Right! Zero, if I choose to build here, can these facilities be dismantled and moved if I want to relocate later?"
Zero said, "Yes. Nano Engineers can achieve 100% recovery. It will only consume a certain amount of power."
"Then we're set! We have plenty of power now. Build all three structures!"
Zero said, "Understood, Master!"
Cheng Shaofeng watched three streams of silver particles fly from his wrist and circle the locations he had designated.
Very soon, the outlines of three buildings emerged, signifying the Calamity Nano Base's official settlement in Four Mountains.
"This time... African Thin Dog deserves a major merit! If he hadn't turned back and taken the Radiated Material away, I'd be worrying about energy right now."
"I knew I hadn't misjudged you, Thin Dog!"
As Cheng Shaofeng began a new chapter, night slowly fell.
At a Raider Camp.
The main force of Raiders that had gone out returned.
Soon, an angry roar rang out from the camp:
"Humans! Damn them! Roar!"
The large birds in the trees were frightened by the roar and scattered in all directions.
And deep within the Raider Camp, a faint sigh drifted through the air.
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