CHAPTER 129: CHAPTER 129: BEGGAR SHOPPER

Continuing his shopping, he switched to the weapons category where an array of overpowered weapons that the system displayed.

Category: Weapons (From advanced personal arms to system-destroying devices)

[Blueprint: Gravitic Disintegrator Cannon]

Description: A ship-mounted weapon that projects highly focused gravitic fields to destabilize and tear apart target structures or vessels at the molecular level.

Price Range: 20,000,000 SP

[Blueprint: Chronal Distortion Mine]

Description: A deployable mine that, upon detonation, creates a localized temporal anomaly, rapidly aging, decaying, or disrupting the internal systems of targets caught within its field.

Price Range: 8,000,000 SP

[Blueprint: Psionic Resonance Emitter (Military Grade)]

Description: A weaponized psionic device (ship-mounted or station-based) designed to amplify and project destructive psionic frequencies, capable of overwhelming enemy minds, disrupting biological functions, or causing psychological collapse.

Price Range: 65,000,000 SP

[Blueprint: Stellar Core Implosion Device (System-Killer)]

Description: A highly unstable and illegal superweapon designed to be deployed into a star’s core. Once activated, it induces an artificial instability leading to rapid stellar collapse or supernova, devastating the entire star system.

Price: 50,000,000,000 SP (50 Billion SP - due to extreme destructive power and complexity)

"Damn," Richard muttered, seeing the System-Killer.

While astronomically priced, the Gravitic Disintegrator Cannon was relatively affordable, a classic sci-fi weapon. But the Psionic Resonance Emitter was a game-changer. For foes without psionic defense, it would be devastating. He bookmarked both the Gravitic Disintegrator Cannon and the Psionic Resonance Emitter, then switched categories.

Category: Biology Engineering

[Blueprint: Automated Genetic Therapy Bay]

Description: A medical facility capable of performing rapid, individualized genetic therapies, curing a wide range of diseases, reversing genetic degradation, and optimizing biological functions at the cellular level.

Price: 7,500,000 SP

[Blueprint: Terraforming Seed AI]

Description: A specialized, self-evolving AI dedicated to orchestrating the complete terraformation of a barren or hostile planet into a habitable world. It manages atmospheric processors, bio-engineering deployments, and hydrological cycles over centuries.

Price: 400,000,000 SP

[Blueprint: Psionic Gene-Modulator]

Description: A specialized bio-engineering system that allows for targeted modification of an individual’s genome to enhance latent psionic potential or integrate psionic sensitivity into a non-psionic organism.

Price: 25,000,000 SP

[Blueprint: Artificial Biosphere Generator (Planetary Scale)]

Description: A massive, self-regulating system capable of creating and maintaining a fully functional, diverse, and stable biosphere within an enclosed environment (e.g., inside a Dyson Sphere, on a moon, or within a large habitat).

Price: 5,000,000,000 SP (5 Billion SP)

"Oooooohhh," Richard breathed, his focus sharpening. The Automated Genetic Therapy Bay (7.5 million SP) and the Psionic Gene-Modulator (25 million SP) immediately caught his eye.

The Therapy Bay could be released publicly in the future, generating a massive influx of SP. And the Psionic Gene-Modulator... that meant forcibly awakening latent psionic potential in humans. Both would be a damn good combination for his private army.

Then, something inside his brain triggered—that dangerous urge, a primal shopping impulse that most humans with vast wealth couldn’t control. Just as he was about to select both blueprints, he breathed hard, gripping his right hand, clenching his jaw. "No. Bad hand," he muttered, admonishing himself. He had to be smart. He quickly bookmarked them and switched categories before temptation overwhelmed him again.

Category: Cyber Robotics

[Blueprint: Quantum Cogitator Core (AI Brain)]

Description: A highly advanced, compact AI processing unit designed as the central "brain" for robotic bodies, integrating cutting-edge quantum memory and processing for unparalleled cognitive functions.

Price: 850,000 SP

[Blueprint: Adaptive Nanite Swarm (General Purpose)]

Description: A blueprint for a hive intelligence and manufacturing protocol for a self-replicating nanite swarm, capable of rapid construction, repair, disassembly, or defense depending on programming.

Price: 40,000,000 SP

[Blueprint: Transcendent Virtual Intelligence (VI)]

Description: A complex, self-aware and self-improving virtual intelligence architecture capable of inhabiting vast data networks, managing entire fleets, or overseeing planetary operations with near-omniscient awareness.

Price: 750,000,000 SP

[Gigastructure Blueprint: Matrioshka Brain (Type II - Cosmic Processor)]

Description: A colossal multi-layered series of nested Dyson Spheres, each optimized for different computational tasks, culminating in a star-powered supercomputer capable of simulating universes.

Price: 100,000,000,000 SP (100 Billion SP)

Category: Transportation

[Blueprint: Graviton-Skipper FTL Drive]

Description: A compact and highly efficient Faster-Than-Light drive system that "skips" through spacetime by manipulating localized gravitational fields, enabling swift interstellar travel with minimal power drain.

Price: 10,000,000 SP

[Blueprint: Wormhole Generator (Tactical)]

Description: A ship-mounted or deployable device capable of generating short-lived, unstable wormholes for rapid tactical repositioning or bypassing obstacles within a star system.

Price: 40,000,000 SP

[Blueprint: Interstellar Ark-Ship (Self-Sustaining)]

Description: A massive, fully self-sufficient generation ship designed for centuries-long voyages across interstellar space, housing entire ecosystems and populations with advanced life support and propulsion.

Price: 4,000,000,000 SP (4 Billion SP)

[Gigastructure Blueprint: Stellar Engine (e.g., Shkadov Thruster)]

Description: A colossal megastructure designed to manipulate a star’s trajectory through space, essentially turning a star into a controllable propulsion system for its entire system.

Price: 25,000,000,000 SP (25 Billion SP)

[Blueprint: Quantum Slipspace Drive]

Description: A revolutionary FTL propulsion system that generates a stable "slipstream" bubble around a vessel, allowing it to transition into and traverse a parallel spatial dimension where interstellar distances are compressed. This enables significantly faster and more direct transit than conventional jump or warp methods, bypassing most stellar phenomena and gravitational wells.

Price: 150,000,000 SP

Category: Energy Production

[Blueprint: Zero-Point Energy Converter (ZPEC)]

Description: A device that harnesses vacuum energy fluctuations to produce a continuous, theoretically infinite supply of clean energy. Extremely complex and difficult to stabilize.

Price: 10,000,000 SP [ Experimental. Highly Dangerous ]

[Blueprint: QuantuM-Flux Generation Reactor (Q-MFR)]

Description: A "3rd Generation+" fusion reactor, vastly surpassing conventional designs in efficiency, safety, and energy output per footprint, utilizing advanced fuel cycles from Earth-available isotopes.

Price: 4,000,000 SP (Purchased)

[Blueprint: Quantum-Flux Capacitor Cell (QFCC)]

Description: A revolutionary, scalable energy storage unit capable of holding immense amounts of power, leveraging quantum principles for unparalleled energy density and rapid charge/discharge rates.

Price:1,900,000 SP (Purchased)

[Gigastructure Blueprint: Dyson Sphere (Type I - Solar Collector)]

Description: A complete shell or dense swarm of habitats and solar collectors built around a star, designed to capture nearly 100% of its radiant energy output, providing immense power.

Price: 10,000,000,000 SP (10 Billion SP)

The rest were less important, primarily because he had nowhere near enough SP to afford them.

He felt like a window shopper gazing at Gucci, while his wallet was thinner than himself.

Except for the Quantum Slipspace Drive. A conventional warp drive would need time to spool up, whereas slipspace was already out to snag your girlfriend—it was like watching a rabbit and turtle race, except the rabbit wasn’t lazy or arrogant.

Richard knew exactly what he needed right now. Soon, he would need a private army, specifically one capable of facing down the human forces that the Krill had experimented upon and mind-controlled. He’d need technology to regain control of these unfortunate individuals, to sever their puppet strings. After that, if they chose, he would recruit them, building a formidable force against the alien oppressors. With that strategic objective clear, he initiated his first significant purchase.

[Blueprint: Automated Genetic Therapy Bay]

Description:

A medical facility capable of performing rapid, individualized genetic therapies, curing a wide range of diseases, reversing genetic degradation, and optimizing biological functions at the cellular level. (Prerequisite for applying these enhancements).

Price:7,500,000 SP deducted

The SP total on his System display flickered, then updated: SP: 25,901,145. A substantial dent, but a necessary investment. He scrolled once more, deeper into the Biology Engineering category, now seeing a new subcategory that had appeared after his purchase of the Automated Genetic Therapy Bay. This was exactly what he’d been looking for.

[Blueprint: Gen-Mod "Phalanx" Package (Defense/Resilience)]

Description: A genetic enhancement suite focused on extreme physical durability and environmental resistance. Subjects gain increased bone density, reinforced connective tissues, enhanced musculature for shock absorption, accelerated wound healing, and heightened resistance to toxins, radiation, and extreme temperatures. They become living tanks, capable of enduring prolonged combat and harsh environments.

Variations:

Standard Phalanx: Balanced resilience and strength.

Deep-Space Phalanx: Optimized for vacuum and hard radiation resistance, with enhanced oxygen retention.

Heavy-Gravity Phalanx: Further bone/muscle density for high-G environments.

Price:8,000,000 SP (Per individual application, after initial blueprint purchase)

[Blueprint: Gen-Mod "Ghost" Package (Stealth/Infiltration)]

Description: This genetic profile emphasizes covert operations and infiltration. Enhancements include optimized nervous system for heightened sensory input (vision in various spectra, acute hearing, pheromone detection), refined motor control for silent movement and agility, minor chameleonic skin adaptation, and metabolic regulation for extended periods without sustenance or sleep. Ideal for scouts, saboteurs, and assassins.

Variations:

Standard Ghost: Balanced sensory and physical stealth.

Deep-Cover Ghost: Enhanced mimicry and behavioral pattern integration for social infiltration.

Recon Ghost: Maximized sensory range and processing, potentially with minor bioluminescent dampening.

Price:12,000,000 SP (Per individual application, after initial blueprint purchase)

[Blueprint: Gen-Mod "Harrier" Package (Speed/Agility)]

Description: Designed for rapid assault, quick reaction, and high-mobility combat roles. This package dramatically increases muscle twitch fibers, improves cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency, enhances neural processing for lightning-fast reflexes and decision-making, and optimizes balance and proprioception. Subjects are incredibly fast, agile, and possess exceptional stamina.

Variations:

Standard Harrier: Focus on ground speed and agility.

Zero-G Harrier: Enhanced spatial awareness, limb coordination, and minimal mass for maneuvering in microgravity.

Storm Harrier: Augmented nervous system for faster reaction to environmental changes and enhanced short-burst speed.

Price:10,000,000 SP (Per individual application, after initial blueprint purchase)

[Blueprint: Gen-Mod "Ascendant" Package (Cognitive/Psi-Adaptive)]

Description: A rare and complex package focusing on cognitive enhancement and, crucially, making individuals highly receptive to further psionic augmentation (via a Psionic Gene-Modulator). It optimizes neural pathways, increases synaptic plasticity for accelerated learning and memory recall, enhances stress resistance, and improves complex problem-solving abilities. While not granting psionics directly, it makes the subject an ideal candidate for such.

Variations:

Standard Ascendant: General cognitive boost and psi-receptivity.

Tactical Ascendant:

Enhanced pattern recognition, strategic analysis, and predictive processing for battlefield command.

Specialist Ascendant: Focus on accelerated skill acquisition and data synthesis for specific technical roles.

Price:18,000,000 SP

[Blueprint: Gen-Mod "Omni-Adaptation Protocol" (Versatile Generalist)]

Description: A balanced genetic enhancement suite designed to provide a comprehensive, albeit moderate, boost across a wide array of human capabilities. Subjects gain a general increase in physical strength, speed, and endurance; moderately enhanced sensory perception (visual acuity, auditory range, faster reflexes); improved cognitive processing, learning speed, and problem-solving abilities; and bolstered resilience to disease, minor injuries, and environmental stressors. This protocol ensures a highly capable, adaptable individual suited for diverse roles, without specializing to the point of limiting other aptitudes.

Key Features:

Balanced Physiology: Moderate gains in muscular efficiency, cardiovascular stamina, and bone density.

Enhanced Senses: Sharpened vision, hearing, and reaction times, providing broader environmental awareness.

Cognitive Agility: Faster thought processing, improved memory retention, and enhanced multitasking capabilities.

Baseline Resilience: Accelerated natural healing, bolstered immune system, and increased tolerance to common toxins and radiation.

Broad Adaptability: Improved ability to acclimate to varying climates, gravities, and task requirements.

Price:15,000,000 SP

His gaze then moved to two other crucial blueprints, knowing they were the true linchpins for his private army’s integrity.

[Blueprint: Gen-Mod "Cognitive Integrity Protocol" (Core Addon)]

Description: A complex genetic and nanite-based protocol that integrates deep into the subject’s neural architecture. It ensures two primary safeguards:

Anti-Aggression Inhibition: Creates a powerful, instinctual aversion and physiological discomfort (e.g., severe nausea, neural feedback loop) if the subject attempts any direct, hostile action against the organization’s recognized assets, personnel, or core directives. This is a failsafe, not a constant mind-control.

Memory Contingency Trigger: Continuously monitors specific neural patterns associated with direct, unauthorized disclosure of sensitive organizational knowledge (e.g., attempting to speak or write specific classified information). Upon detection, it initiates a targeted bio-neural re-patterning, selectively erasing or obfuscating memories related to the organization’s inner workings, classified operations, or sensitive identities. This ensures that while they are otherwise free to pursue any life path after service, critical organizational secrets remain secure.

Key Features:

Covert Integration: The modifications are seamlessly integrated at a cellular level, undetectable by standard scans.

High Specificity: Memory erasure is highly targeted, aiming only for sensitive data, not general life experiences.

Post-Service Autonomy: Explicitly designed to allow full individual freedom and choice of life path after active service, provided the loyalty and non-disclosure clauses are not violated.

Self-Monitoring: Utilizes embedded bio-nanite clusters to monitor neural activity and activate the safeguards.

Price:30,000,000 SP

[Blueprint: Neuro-Cognitive Re-Patterning Field Generator]

Description: A highly specialized counter-intelligence technology designed to disrupt and neutralize external neuro-conditioning and mind-control protocols (such as those employed in MK-Ultra-like operations). It emits precise, adaptive frequency patterns that interfere with and unravel imposed neural pathways, restoring the subject’s conscious freedom and original cognitive autonomy. Can be configured for localized dispersal of a neuro-modulating aerosol for persistent environmental effect.

Key Features:

Adaptive Counter-Frequencies: Utilizes advanced AI to analyze and generate specific neural disruption frequencies tailored to break various forms of cognitive manipulation without causing widespread harm.

Memory Restoration Aid: Incorporates a secondary bio-feedback loop that aids in the re-establishment of original neural connections, facilitating the recovery of suppressed or altered memories.

Selectable Delivery: Can function as a focused directional emitter for individual targets or deploy a wide-area, breathable neuro-modulating aerosol for ambient effect in a controlled zone.

Cognitive Filtering: Possesses sophisticated algorithms to differentiate between hostile mind-control patterns and natural neural activity, minimizing impact on unaffected individuals.

Price:75,000,000 SP

Richard felt a wave of despair wash over him. The last two mods – the "Cognitive Integrity Protocol" and the "Neuro-Cognitive Re-Patterning Field Generator" – were exactly what he needed. Absolutely vital. But they were astronomically expensive. "Fucking expensive," he muttered aloud, feeling the frustration of his "poverty" against the System’s cosmic price tags.