Chapter 37 No Big Deal <TOC> Chapter 39 I'll Hold It Off
Translator: SumTLMan
As they chatted, Qian Su smoothly transitioned into sales mode.
“Mr. Zhou, would you like to purchase some ‘Paralysis Bullets’? Paired with the Light Blocker, they’re perfect for capturing live Light Absorber species, everyone who’s used them speaks highly of them.”
She took out a sample of a cloth-wrapped bullet head from her satchel, explaining that it can induce paralysis, making the target hit struggle to move or exert force. However, it’s only effective against creatures of D-class and below.
“We also have the ‘Light Concealing Puff,’ which can mask the Light Blocker’s glow so it won’t attract unwanted attention.”
This item resembled a large, porous sponge paired with a powder box; a shake would release a flurry of white dust. Applying it to the Light Blocker’s casing and chain line would conceal its energy fluctuations and optical reactions.
“‘Maintenance Paper’ is another must-have essential. Would you like to stock up? It’s a consumable item.”
The girl produced a roll of oiled paper, explaining it could be used to wrap and seal various devices, offering moisture resistance and insect repellent properties to prevent rust and dullness, a virtual necessity for weapon storage.
Previously, when she was testing new weapons in the Death Dunes area, the discarded items were used maintenance papers.
…
The prices of these items were all above 2 Light Seeds.
In comparison, the service fees offered by the farm machinery brothers were a real bargain, practically half-selling, half-giving, mainly to find a suitable environment to hone and apply their skills.
To be honest, Zhou Yi was interested in many of Qian Su’s products.
But with a major battle imminent, the warship of the Dead Sea Knights could surface at any moment, and Light Seeds could provide timely reinforcement for Jade Emerald City.
Zhou Yi remained unmoved, but Qian Su’s attitude didn’t change; she maintained her amiable and enthusiastic demeanor, showcasing excellent professionalism.
“Boss Qian, you’re eloquent and hardworking; your business is bound to flourish.”
“Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Zhou.”
She adjusted her hat and wiped the sweat from her forehead and neck with a towel: “I’m just an inconspicuous small merchant, running around to earn a hard living. I go wherever customers need me, that’s what being a merchant is all about.”
Zhou Yi glanced at the heavy freight truck: “It seems you usually sleep in the truck during business trips?”
“Yes,” Qian Su pointed to the vehicle: “I forgot to introduce you, this is my partner, ‘Mission.'”
Using his [Alertness] ability, Zhou Yi noticed the heavy truck emitting a faint green glow, indicating at least C-class strength. Its surface showed obvious energy fluctuations; who knew what skills it possessed?
With such a powerful companion, Qian Su could indeed travel these lands freely.
“I usually sleep in Mission’s cabin. I’ve set up a small compartment inside, so I can catch some sleep during long hauls.”
“I have another batch of goods to deliver on time, so I’ll take my leave now.”
She came swiftly and departed just as quickly.
The heavy truck turned around with a roar of its engine; its headlights pierced the night with two straight beams as it once again headed into the distance.
…
As soon as Qian Su left, Zhou Yi ordered the Warrior Crabs to install the Light Blockers immediately.
With two Light Blockers set up, three homemade charging stations began simultaneously absorbing Dead Light from the Dead Sea, concentrating energy to supply Jade Emerald City.
Charge as much as possible before the enemy arrives.
Zhou Yi also announced to his company employees that they were entering combat readiness, warning them not to leave the building.
This tense atmosphere lasted for two days and nights.
Yet, the Dead Sea remained eerily quiet.
Zhou Yi even began to suspect whether Qian Su had fabricated false news just to promote her products.
On the second night, he awaited the return of the Red Falcon.
The quad-copter drone looked much the same, except for a small black box added on top and an extra camera, bringing the total to five. Its flight remained agile and smooth.
“Mission accomplished.”
“Here are my hardware upgrades this time:”
“I replaced the charger, increasing endurance by 25%. I can now recharge during the day using natural Dead Light, allowing for longer-distance flights and searches. This upgrade cost 22 Light Seeds.”
“I upgraded the image transmission processor; effective audio-visual signal transmission range is now 20 kilometers. I can perform precise searches within a 5-kilometer diameter, scan and obtain basic recorded data of Body Seeds, and capture relatively clear images at night. This cost 12 Light Seeds.”
“I added a miniature Light Absorber Box for 2 Light Seeds.”
“I also installed a set of signal transceivers and subscribed to Recursion City’s Machine Stack Service. The installation and equipment fee was 25 Light Seeds, and the one-year service fee is 50 Light Seeds, totaling 75 Light Seeds.”
“Physical examination and maintenance cost 5 Light Seeds.”
“I customized one translator and twelve sets of transceivers for 45 Light Seeds.”
“I purchased two classified Light Absorber Boxes for 4 Light Seeds.”
“The total expenditure this time is 165 Light Seeds.”
Zhou Yi gave Red Falcon 166 Light Seeds, which it nearly exhausted.
Enhancing endurance, upgrading transmission range, improving night imaging, and adding a Light Absorber Box were all practical necessities.
However, Zhou Yi was puzzled about the machine stack service.
Red Falcon explained: “The machine stack is an information transmission control protocol, an encrypted communication channel. Recursion City is one of its service providers. By subscribing to this service, we can receive the latest information from Recursion City at any time.”
“For example, if we discover an unknown Light Absorber species creature, we can send information to Recursion City through the machine stack. Their database will provide feedback with detailed intelligence on that creature.”
“My own database capacity is limited; expanding it would be costly and inevitably increase weight, adding to my operational burden. Given our current environment, I believe it’s necessary to subscribe to this service. It grants us access to Recursion City’s vast data repository for reference and decision-making.”
“With the machine stack service, we don’t need to travel back and forth to Recursion City. We can check real-time prices, product listings, available personnel for hire, and various news updates without leaving home.”
“It’s an expensive but highly practical service.”
Zhou Yi’s eyes lit up: “Excellent! This is of great significance to us. Well done.”
This was the expansive regional network operated by Recursion City.
Although the annual service fee wasn’t cheap, as a seasoned internet user, Zhou Yi deeply understood its value.
After installing the machine stack, a dictionary-shaped icon appeared on the remote control screen.
Zhou Yi tapped it, and a brand-new page opened.
At the top were sections like News, Finance, Technology, and Health. There were no ads, giving it a pure feel reminiscent of the early internet days.
He felt a mix of emotions.
The information world created in the internet era was now being inherited and continued by mechanical lifeforms.
But most importantly——
In this wasteland era, I can surf the internet too!
Just as Zhou Yi was enjoying the thrill of being back online, Red Falcon suddenly issued a warning.
“Ten kilometers due east over the Dead Sea, a combat vessel has been detected.”
“Cross-referencing with Recursion City’s database, the target is the ‘Organ Horn,’ part of the Dead Sea Knights’ Seventh Fleet. This warship is rated C-class, with a speed of 10–15 kilometers per hour, equipped with one C-class main cannon and two D-class rapid-fire secondary cannons.”
“The Organ Horn is heading straight toward Jade Emerald City and is expected to arrive within one hour.”
“Intelligence from the database indicates that the Organ Horn excels at conducting shore bombardments from the Dead Sea and frequently undertakes such combat missions. It’s highly likely to launch artillery attacks against us.”
Zhou Yi bristled with anger.
“I’ve waited so long, and you didn’t show up. Now that I’m finally online, you want me to log off?”
“Are you picking a fight on purpose?”
“Fine, fine.”
“Since you’re here, don’t even think about leaving!”