Newcomer Assistance Program, Free or Discounted?

Wang Zhen was not the type to wait idly for a rabbit to bump into a tree stump.

Wang Zhen preferred to hang a fresh, succulent, and delicious carrot on every single tree stump in the forest!

Then, he would set up a lounge chair nearby, tuck a sack under it, and lie there quietly waiting for the rabbits to arrive.

Therefore, even though he knew he would receive a guaranteed Golden Blind Box after the next plot world, he didn't truly believe it would be one of these specific technologies. Or rather, Wang Zhen felt there was a high probability it would be some other ability involving Alchemy!

"These technologies are quite excellent, but unfortunately, we can't use them for the time being," Wang Zhen said with a hint of regret.

In truth, what Wang Zhen wanted most were Jewelcrafting and Alchemy from World of Warcraft!

One could craft jewelry and gems, while the other could brew various potions; both were technologies that could significantly boost his strength, and they would serve as a perfect expansion to his own Alchemy.

"The technologies I've marked are the most suitable for you. What I want are Blacksmithing, Leatherworking, and Engineering from World of Warcraft. These three can manufacture equipment on the mystical side!" Tifa stated her thoughts directly.

World of Warcraft Blacksmithing: 2 Grade C side-story quests, 5,000 reward points.

World of Warcraft Leatherworking: 2 Grade C side-story quests, 5,000 reward points.

World of Warcraft Engineering: 1 Grade B side-story quest, 5,000 reward points.

After carefully reviewing the data Tifa handed over, Wang Zhen understood why she wanted to exchange for these three. They formed a simple yet complete system that could be expanded upon from the ground up. For Tifa, who positioned herself as the logistics manager and all-around housekeeper, these technologies were indeed highly practical.

Wang Zhen nodded slightly, agreeing with Tifa's assessment, but unfortunately, his pockets were far too empty.

"Our household isn't wealthy enough. We have the reward points, but not enough side-story quests. It's good that you're ambitious, but we can't afford it. We'll have to wait until the next plot world, where I'll strive to farm more side-story quests," Wang Zhen said calmly.

"No problem. I just feel that my current technology is at a bottleneck. Either I transition to the mystical side for mystical manufacturing, or I pursue a technological leap to the interstellar era, but that requires too much additional knowledge," Tifa said, looking somewhat frustrated.

The high-achieving Tifa clearly didn't want to stagnate to the point where Wang Zhen had to re-transmute everything she produced as a logistics manager. If it were just loading a Transmutation Circle, she could accept it, but having to re-refine weapons and equipment was a bit of a slap in the face.

Tifa naturally didn't want to fall behind Wang Zhen's pace, but keeping up was proving to be quite difficult!

"Tifa, you could look into the Warhammer World. It's a complex, hodgepodge world. The things inside are chaotic and messy, but there are some good items. Just like the Plasteel, Ceramite, and Bolter you found before..."

"Warhammer World? Alright, I'll go look up the data right now!" Unlike the previous Selene, Tifa didn't look for it in the same place; instead of searching the Warhammer World directly, she began scouring the world of computer games.

Wang Zhen watched the back of Tifa as she hurried back to her workshop and couldn't help but shake his head slightly. Although she had changed her appearance, she was essentially a different person; her values and her way of thinking were entirely different.

1,000 reward points—it was worth it!

Wang Zhen didn't know what kind of technology Tifa could dig out of the Warhammer World this time, but the technologies she had found in World of Warcraft were indeed quite good.

Just as Wang Zhen was pondering what else he needed to prepare, someone knocked on the door.

"Knock, knock, knock..."

Wang Zhen opened the door to find Zhang Jie, with Zheng Zha following behind him.

What was going on?

Wang Zhen was a bit bewildered. Wasn't the meeting supposed to be in a few days?

Was it that urgent?

"Wang Zhen, you really are a shut-in! I haven't seen a shadow of you for two days! Even Zheng Zha only holed up in his comfort zone for one day. Are you really that desperate, kid?" Zhang Jie maintained his usual frivolous and unreliable demeanor, though his cold eyes didn't match his tone at all.

"I'm tired! Too tired. Once I lie down, I don't want to get up! Besides, we have ten days; is there any need to be in such a rush?" Wang Zhen said casually.

"Brother Zhang said our performance in this plot world was too poor, and we can't have that happen in the next one," Zheng Zha added.

"Poor? That's not right, is it? Those who performed poorly already died in the Alien I plot world. I only got 1,000 reward points in the Resident Evil plot world, so there's no way the word 'poor' could be slapped on my forehead, right?" Hearing Zheng Zha's words, Wang Zhen sneered and retorted.

"Uh... sorry, actually, it was my performance that was too poor," Zheng Zha sighed and said dejectedly.

"Forget it. I'm just bringing it up. After all, in the last plot world, all fifteen newcomers died, and even Zhan Lan perished. Too many people dying at once is disadvantageous for us. So, I suggest we discuss whether we should protect the newcomers a bit more in the next plot world—at least, we can't have another total wipeout, right?" Zhang Jie lit a cigarette and proposed.

"If that's the case, then I agree. Also, I can offer 'buy now, pay later' terms and provide some initial weapons and equipment at a low price. That way, the newcomers will have some security and a bit of motivation," Wang Zhen interjected.

"You're still charging? Wouldn't it be better to give them away for free?" Zheng Zha's intelligence had been melted away by the Loli, so his words left people speechless.

"Free? We aren't close, so why should I give them away for free? I'm offering a newcomer discount only because of you and Zhang Jie; otherwise, I wouldn't even bother providing this service! Cold weapons plus armor for 100 reward points, firearms plus bulletproof vests for 200. Take it or leave it!" Wang Zhen curled his lip and said.

"Wang Zhen's plan is good. And the fact that you thought of making your own equipment shows you've thought this through quite thoroughly. That's good; in a hellhole like the Infinite Space, you have to be thorough!" Zhang Jie stopped Zheng Zha and expressed his approval of Wang Zhen's self-sufficient approach.

"Alright, that's the matter. Since we have a plan, everyone should go back to arranging their own affairs. We'll meet again in eight days! Then we'll head to the next plot world together." After saying this, Zhang Jie pulled Zheng Zha away.

"That old fox, he just brought Zheng Zha here to probe my secrets, didn't he? Probe all you want. In ancient times, Alchemy was actually technology. Even if it belongs to 'black technology,' it's still technology! As the saying goes, the end of science is metaphysics. When it comes to modern and future technology, there are countless things that qualify as black technology." Wang Zhen watched Zhang Jie and Zheng Zha leave and muttered to himself.

"Thanks to that old fox Zhang Jie, I just remembered what I was missing!"