Zhang Wei's frigates arrived at Station 12 smoothly, docking without issue. The station was massive, a hub of activity as various ships came and went. It was a bustling place, filled with merchants, travelers, and soldiers alike. But for Zhang Wei, this wasn't just a pit stop; it was the location of his first official job—a high-paying escort mission. However, the mission wouldn't begin for another three weeks.
"Three weeks," he muttered to himself as he disembarked from his ship. "Might as well make the most of my time."
With his Basic AIs maintaining the frigates and the system providing him with a steady stream of guidance, Zhang Wei decided to explore the station. After wandering through a few alleyways near the docking bays, he found what he hadn't expected: piles of old, broken equipment—discarded android parts, outdated tech, and what seemed to be pieces of once-functional machines.
He stopped in front of a large bin filled with damaged androids. Most people walked by without giving them a second glance, but Zhang Wei's eyes lit up. This was potential.
"Ding!"
System Notification: Found: Android scrap. Can be repaired. Functionality: Boarding Bots (9 units possible).
"Boarding bots, huh?" Zhang Wei murmured, rubbing his chin. "That could be useful in the future."
He began gathering the pieces, carefully selecting the ones that looked salvageable. It wasn't glamorous work, but Zhang Wei knew better than to waste an opportunity. By the time he was done, he had enough parts to construct nine functioning androids, if the system could fix them.
"Let's add these to the stockpile," Zhang Wei said, mentally commanding the system to transfer the parts to his inventory. He knew the system could handle the repairs, and boarding bots could come in handy in future missions.
After securing the android parts, Zhang Wei continued his exploration. He was drawn to another dumpster tucked away in the far corner of the station's less-frequented sectors. When he peered inside, his heart skipped a beat. It was filled with what most people would consider junk: outdated weapons, rusted machinery, and scraps of metal. But Zhang Wei knew better.
At the bottom of the pile, he found six discarded energy rifles. They were older models, clearly damaged and useless to the station's military forces. But to Zhang Wei, they were gold.
"Ding!"
System Notification: Found: Energy-based rifles (6 units). Requires repair.
"Energy rifles, huh?" Zhang Wei grinned. "These could sell for a good amount once they're fixed."
Alongside the rifles, he also found 12 energy packs, which seemed to have been tossed away simply because they were drained of power. His eyes then caught sight of a rusted, half-broken charging station for energy-based items.
"Could come in handy." He pulled it out and examined it more closely. The charger had clearly seen better days, but it looked like it could be restored with some effort.
"Ding!"
System Notification: Found: Energy packs (12 units). Charger requires repair. Ding! Energy packs and weapons can be fixed using available system resources.
"Perfect." Zhang Wei gathered the items and stored them in his inventory, feeling more confident than ever about his growing stockpile.
Inventory Update:
Androids (Parts): Enough for 9 units (Boarding Bots)Energy-based Rifles: 6 units (requires repair)Energy Packs: 12 units (requires recharging)Rusty Charger: 1 unit (requires repair)
Satisfied with his findings, Zhang Wei returned to his frigates, where the system was already at work preparing the repairs. The Basic AIs were monitoring the ship systems, so he had little to worry about. His next move was clear: repair everything, stock up, and prepare for the mission.
He connected to the system once he was back on his ship.
"System," Zhang Wei said aloud, "begin repairs on the androids, rifles, and the charger. And recharge those energy packs once the charger is operational."
"Ding!"
System Notification: Repair process initiated. Estimated time: 48 hours for full repairs and recharging.
Zhang Wei leaned back in his chair, satisfied with the day's work. He'd managed to gather a valuable collection of equipment from what most people considered trash. With the system's help, he was turning junk into treasure—and that treasure would only grow his influence and wealth in the long run.
Balance Update: No monetary transactions today, as all items were scavenged.
Stock in Flagship Store:
Stella Mark I Rocket Motor: 15 unitsStellar Assault Rifle: 32 unitsOutdated Assault Rifles: 23 unitsSubmachine Guns: 47 unitsRifles: 26 unitsEnergy-based Rifles: 6 units (repair in progress)Boarding Bots: 9 units (repair in progress)Energy Packs: 12 units (recharging in progress)
Final Balance: 265,900 yuan
Zhang Wei smiled to himself as he looked over the inventory. It was only a matter of time before these scavenged items became powerful assets for him. He was learning that sometimes, the best opportunities were hidden in the most unexpected places.