Zhang Wei paced around his room, mind buzzing with excitement and nervous anticipation. His three newly assembled frigates were ready, but he knew they would need something more to truly function on their own. He couldn't possibly command all three ships by himself on the upcoming mission. He needed help. Not from people, though—he needed AIs.
Sitting down in front of the system interface, Zhang Wei spoke aloud, "System, are there any AI systems available for my ships?"
Ding! Searching the store for available AI systems...
After a moment, a list appeared in front of him. His eyes scanned over the various options. There were several high-end AI systems, designed to manage everything from weapons targeting to advanced fleet coordination, but each one came with a hefty price tag. The lowest price in the advanced category was 50,000 yuan—far beyond what he could afford right now.
At the bottom of the list, however, he noticed something more within his price range: a Basic Simple AI.
Basic Simple AI:
Price: 1,000 yuanCapabilities: Can follow basic commands such as navigation, weapon operation, and minor repairs. Limited independent decision-making. Best for small frigates or lightly armed ships.
It wasn't perfect, but it was exactly what he needed at the moment. Zhang Wei quickly calculated the cost of outfitting his three frigates.
Ding! Purchase confirmation: Basic Simple AI (x3)Cost: 3,000 yuan
After confirming the purchase, the system deducted the amount from his balance.
Final Balance After AI Purchase:
298,900 yuan - 3,000 yuan = 295,900 yuan
"Alright, let's get these AIs installed," Zhang Wei muttered, walking toward the shipyard where his frigates were docked. It wasn't much of a shipyard—more of a junkyard—but it had served him well so far.
The process of integrating the AI systems into the frigates wasn't difficult, thanks to the system's guidance. Each frigate received one AI core, and Zhang Wei tested the communication between him and the ships, running through a few basic commands.
"Frigate One, set course to Station 12," he commanded aloud.
The system chimed. Frigate One: Course set. Awaiting further instructions.
A smile crept across his face. The AI was basic, but functional. It would be able to handle navigation, minor ship systems, and weapon management as long as the commands were simple and clear. More importantly, these ships were now under his control—no need to worry about hiring extra crew or dealing with potential deserters. The AIs would obey without question.
He spent the rest of the evening running simulations with all three frigates. Their capabilities were limited, but the system had optimized the ship configurations well. They could handle basic space travel and combat scenarios within their small range of firepower.
Sitting down after the long day of preparation, Zhang Wei began to think about his future. He knew he could make a tidy profit by selling these ships—they were functional frigates, after all—but he decided against it. These frigates were going to be his foundation. He needed them for the upcoming escort mission, and selling them would only set him back. He didn't want to rely on the academy's handouts any longer. The future was his to build, and these ships were just the beginning.
Inventory and Financial Update:
Current Stock in Flagship Store:Stella Mark I Rocket Motor: 15 unitsStellar Assault Rifle: 32 unitsOutdated Assault Rifles: 23 unitsSubmachine Guns: 47 unitsRifles: 26 unitsBasic Simple AI: 0 (purchased and installed)
Current Fleet:
Small Frigate #1: Operational (Basic AI installed)Small Frigate #2: Operational (Basic AI installed)Small Frigate #3: Operational (Basic AI installed)
Zhang Wei took a deep breath as he stared at the frigates in the distance. They weren't the most advanced warships, but they were his. As the night sky stretched out above him, he couldn't help but feel the stirrings of excitement. The escort mission would be his first true test as a captain and entrepreneur. With his system, his ships, and his growing arsenal, he was ready to dive into this new world headfirst.
Tomorrow, the journey would begin.
Final Balance: 295,900 yuan
Zhang Wei was now armed not only with his newfound fleet but also with a growing confidence. There was no turning back.