Wasteland Development Diary

Chapter 249: Making New Friends


Fang Qiao introduced: "The situation with the Evil Brain is quite special... The brain of an unknown creature separated from its body and underwent a series of mutations in the Dead Sea, turning into this form."

"When we found it, it was controlling a group of Light Cuttlefish, making them protect it and provide hunted Light Seeds to maintain its physiological functions."

"After we managed to capture it, we named it Evil Brain. It has a strong ability to influence consciousness, but fortunately, it doesn't possess much intelligence itself; it purely controls other life forms' consciousness for its own survival."

The bald young man paused: "Initially, I was the one researching and modifying the Evil Brain because I specialize in biological weapons. However, I quickly realized that its consciousness intensity is too high, surpassing the Skywalker level, and might even reach the Light Core Level. Even though its intelligence is low, it's still beyond my ability to handle."

"The Lord of Soldiers modified it by adding external anti-consciousness interference devices, which stabilized it."

"The function of the Evil Brain is simple: to train resistance to consciousness."

"As long as it is awakened, it will start influencing and controlling the surrounding consciousness. Resisting its control is beneficial for enhancing resistance in the Consciousness Domain. For those with consciousness abilities, it can be used for combat to improve."

"In a nutshell, it's a weapon in the Consciousness Domain, useful for resistance training during peacetime and interference or partial control during combat."

"A potential drawback is its high energy consumption; once it starts controlling consciousness, it requires a supply of 1000 Light Seeds per hour, or else it will fall back into sleep."

He gently patted the container. "This is my biggest find in recent years."

Zhou Yi observed through the crystal window above. The Evil Brain was about the size of three human brains, covered in a layer of black Light Soot.

Its consciousness intensity had already reached the Light Core Body.

He asked, "How much does this thing cost?"

Fang Qiao cautiously said: "The Lord of Soldiers has priced it at 1 million Light Seeds. It's at least an A-level biological weapon and a rather rare consciousness weapon. Currently, there is only one of its kind. In fact, biological weapons are generally unique single items."

Zhou Yi nodded, "Bought."

He took out the Guangna Box and paid directly.

After the transaction was completed, Zhou Yi asked, "Hasn't anyone wanted to buy this?"

Fang Qiao smiled awkwardly, with a hint of bitterness in his voice: "Many people have asked, but the price is a bit high... However, since it's set by the Lord of Soldiers, it means it's worth that price."

Beside them, Bai Bi spoke bluntly: "Most people would consider other weapons upon hearing this quote. Mainly because maintaining and servicing biological weapons itself is a considerable expense. Comparatively, with this budget, one could purchase three normal A-level weapons, or at least an A-level shield for defense, an A-level melee weapon, a long-range hot weapon, and plenty of ammunition."

"So, everyone eventually gave up on it."

She remained as straightforward as always, still carrying that rusty iron box.

Zhou Yi glanced at it.

Inside it actually contained the Concept Life "Witch of Calamity," which sometimes transformed into the "Lucky Mute Girl."

Fang Qiao and another Weapon Hunter packed the Evil Brain into a black plastic travel case, then handed it over to Hei Fu for storage.

Next, Zhou Yi headed towards the Star Axis area.

Along the way, most of the exhibition booths belonged to various Governors, along with a few influential sea lords.

Many things were quite novel to Zhou Yi.

For example, the Governor "Gluttonous Duke," whose booth mainly sold food products, including bacon, sausages, smoked fish, crab paste, pickled fish, dried vegetables, and various pickles.

Zhou Yi and Gluttonous Duke both valued and loved food greatly, the two practically hit it off.

"I've long heard about Mr. Zhou's expertise in food. I, too, have always been passionate about it. Please do try the delicacies on my end."

The other party enthusiastically invited him to taste.

Zhou Yi tasted around.

Different from the seasoning style of old humans, Gluttonous Duke used few spices, high-quality ingredients, producing food with excellent flavors and aromas that maximized the natural taste of the ingredients.

There is something in it.

Zhou Yi sighed: "It would be perfect with a bowl of rice. Your dishes are incredibly appetizing, old Glutton."

"Hahaha, Zhou brother's comment is the highest praise for me."

Gluttonous Duke laughed heartily.

He was a Red Monster – or rather, a sea person. However, unlike common Red Monsters, even in his daily form, Gluttonous Duke was a nearly two-meter-tall red-furred ape.

Gluttonous Duke sat cross-legged on a bed, wearing a black robe with gold trim and a Purple Gold Crown, exuding nobility.

His busy subordinates resembled small monkeys, all of whom were sea people.

They were courteous, polite, patient, and dressed in white clothes and hats, resembling a professional chef team.

Their signature items were special food supplements.

Strong Sausages, which permanently enhance defense capabilities. 1 Light Seed/100 grams, 200 grams can increase 0.01 defense points.

Energy Pickles, which slowly boost energy when consumed. 1 Light Seed/200 grams, 400 grams can increase 40 energy points.

Vitality Bacon, which can improve one's life vitality limits. 1 Light Seed/100 grams, 200 grams can increase 10 life values.

Zhou Yi curiously asked: "Old Glutton, if Light Seeds alone can enhance these abilities, why are special food supplements so popular?"

He saw that Gluttonous Duke's booth was bustling with business, with various enhancers and sea lords purchasing special food supplements, even though they were pricey.

While 1 Light Seed could increase 0.01 defense, or 40 energy, or 10 life values.

Special food supplements were twice as expensive as Light Seeds themselves.

Yet, buyers flocked to them.

"Zhou brother may not be aware of this."

Gluttonous Duke adjusted his robe collar with pride: "For someone of our level, of course, it doesn't matter; we can use Light Seeds. But for some, it's different."

"For example, juvenile Guangna Species. They can't fully digest Light Seeds, not only do they have low absorption rates, but they might also overload their Guangna Organs, leading to various mutations, which is detrimental to their growth."

"Thus, during their juvenile stage, they don't directly consume Light Seeds much, primarily relying on natural absorption of Death Light. However, this slows their growth, necessitating nutritional supplementation."

"In the past, the best supplement was hunting some flesh-based creatures in the Dead Sea, which were energy-rich and easily absorbable, without side effects."

"My special food supplements are deeply processed for this purpose. Firstly, they taste good; juvenile Guangna Species won't forget after tasting once. Secondly, they're easy to absorb, providing ample growth nutrition without adverse reactions. Just these two points ensure that Guangna Species with some economic means consistently purchase them for their offspring."

Gluttonous Duke chuckled: "Additionally, there are humans. Human Enhancers need to lay a foundation for their offspring, requiring strong bodies to endure enhanced organ transplants. My long-standing special food supplements are recognized by them. Sometimes, when out of stock, they hire expensive procurers to buy them."

"For themselves, these guys might reconsider. But for their offspring, who symbolize future hope, they spare no expense."

Zhou Yi was amazed.

Gluttonous Duke's main profit source was high-end baby formula!

The Wasteland era indeed nurtures talents, never underestimate any force that has established itself firmly.

Besides.

Zhou Yi also met another Western sea lord "Flying Sky Duke," whose true form was a mechanical life, specifically a supercomputer named HPC6, nicknamed Harry VI.

Harry was passionately enthusiastic about rocket launching.

His booth displayed various rocket models, with solid, liquid, and gas engine models, along with vivid displays on screens.

"Rocket wholesale, rocket wholesale! As low as 50,000 Light Seeds to launch one rocket, buy 10 rockets and get 1 free!"

"71% success rate rocket launch base, data verifiable, honest dealings."

"Support rocket ventures, welcome to purchase! Bulk orders favored!"

Zhou Yi observed for a while.

The booth was mostly deserted, with people instinctively steering clear of the dangerously pricey area upon seeing the quotes on the screen.

Flying Sky Duke, with a square head display topped by a red rocket model – like a hat or an antenna, and a normal Iron Soldier body below, stood stiff straight, awaiting inquiries and purchases.

Two other Iron Soldiers were adjusting the equipment, and a screen wall displayed videos of rocket launches into the sky.

Zhou Yi approached and asked: "Can your rockets send people into space?"

"Dear customer, rockets come in many types. What you desire is a manned rocket, specifically designed to send astronauts into space with high reliability and safety systems, at a higher cost."

"At least 150,000 Light Seeds to launch one, requiring you to personally configure life support systems and escape systems. If done by us, the total cost would be at least 300,000 Light Seeds, carrying only two passengers with a total weight limit of 140 kilograms. However, the final success depends on too many factors that we can't guarantee."

Flying Sky Duke spoke in a mechanical voice, with subtitles appearing in both Eastern and Western languages on his square-headed screen.

Zhou Yi was stunned.

No wonder the Star Axis abandoned long-term rocket launches; it was genuinely expensive.

And success wasn't guaranteed – if it exploded, scarce talents would perish mid-air.

He asked again: "Excuse me, why not join Heavenly Kingdom or the Legal Front? With such strong financial backing, rocket research and launch would be smoother. Independent research must be tough and challenging."

Flying Sky Duke responded emotionlessly: "Joining them wouldn't grant me the necessary research funds. Conversely, in my current state, I independently bear the risks and losses, allowing me to launch rockets for various entities and establish long-term economic cooperation."

Zhou Yi instantly understood.

They simply don't want to excessively fund a costly research center, preferring assured rocket launches when needed. It epitomizes the classic make-or-buy decision.

From an expenditure control viewpoint, it makes sense.

Given that most here abandoned rocket launch trajectories, mainly due to the lack of visible returns.

Launching to Mars, for example, had prohibitively high costs, while spatial portals offered quicker alternatives.

Zhou Yi inquired: "What's the cost for launching a rocket with a satellite?"

"For small satellites or scientific experiments, a small solid-fuel carrier rocket suffices. Simple design, far cheaper than manned rockets."

Flying Sky Duke stated: "Rocket launch costs 100,000 Light Seeds. Adding a small satellite, such as a micro-satellite with basic communication, data collection, and navigation capabilities, costs around 20,000 Light Seeds."

"Although success can't be guaranteed, existing data from the base indicates high success rates for such mature small-scale projects."

Zhou Yi was intrigued: "Interested in collaborating with us to create the electric cat satellite?"

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