Starting as a Mechanical Hunter

Chapter 966: Chapter 72: Immortality Project

It turns out, Gao Gong’s approach was correct.

As long as you let the players mess around, these ’Little Celestial Calamities’ can always bring unexpected rewards.

Returning to the Star Destroyer, under the astonished gaze of these scientific gorillas, handed them over to the Host Brain.

Although these gorillas have an innate scientific constitution, they are only Level 1 Civilization scientists. For knowledge regarding Level 2, or even Level 3 Civilizations, they probably need some time to learn.

Learning such advanced knowledge usually takes years for normal scientific personnel, especially since NPCs don’t have a Gambling Blueprint system, but for these gorillas, the time needed might be shortened to—just a few days?

”Honorable General, we Orgrimmar people will definitely grasp the knowledge you give us soon and become your loyal aid!”

Black Crow King’s Hammer pounded his chest forcefully, then awkwardly left.

”Aren’t these planetary species meant for research?”

A passing Little Woman inquired curiously.

”With the talents of these gorillas, it won’t be long before you know who’s researching whom.” Gao Gong said meaningfully.

When some come, naturally, others leave.

Coming were the ferocious-looking gorillas, leaving was Jack Klein, the Space Hippie and Interstellar Cowboy.

”Mr. General, for your care during this time, I thank you. However, cosmic fate is like an expanding spatial tunnel; you never know where it will lead. I’m supposed to leave here to find inspiration for the next record,” Jack Klein said politely.

Looking at the handsome figure before him, Gao Gong showed a hint of regret.

He’s tried recruiting him, but for these interstellar travelers, staying in one place for long or joining a faction is never what they hope for.

But looking at a few little players behind Jack Klein, Gao Gong still felt there wasn’t a complete lack of rewards.

These three little guys have most likely maxed out Jack Klein’s favor and acquired the Interstellar Cowboy’s legacy.

’Mr. Taichiro’, ’Master of Fishing’, ’Wandering Trojan’

These three are the lucky ones who inherited the Interstellar Cowboy legacy.

”These three little brothers resonate with me, so please allow them to travel interstellar with me for a while,” Jack Klein continued.

”Of course, being recognized by you is their honor.”

As soon as the words fell, a ’interstellar travel’ benefit task fell on the trio.

Looking at this task’s rewards, the three players instantly displayed surprised expressions. They were already prepared for the worst-case ’betray the faction’ scenario, only to find not only did they keep their faction identity, but they also got a high-level task.

Truly worthy of Mr. G, so broad-minded and impressive!

Jack Klein, seeing this, couldn’t help but show a slight embarrassment. He’d been eating at people’s expense, living at their expense, and they’d even funded his record making, yet in the end, he was taking away several of their subordinates.

Even with his thick skin as an Interstellar Cowboy, he felt somewhat embarrassed. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly pulled out an item and said:

”This is something I obtained in a certain dangerous cosmic environment; I don’t really know its purpose, but I can feel it has a mysterious connection to some existences.”

Gao Gong nonchalantly accepted, examining the gift. It was a very beautiful ring, looking like it was made from two diamonds merged together, shining brightly. As soon as he took it, a system notification appeared.

[You have obtained Tier 4 task item-Boson Ring]

Name: Boson Ring

Level: Tier 4

Attributes: ??

Note: Can compress quantum state matter into solid form; behind this ring is surely a powerful technological principle.

After leaving the ring, Jack Klein gracefully departed, leaving Gao Gong with keen interest in playing with the ring. In the cosmos, there are countless indistinguishable items, with varying origins—some products of high-risk cosmic environments, some leftovers from ancient civilizations’ technology, and others higher-dimensional projections.

Though this is Tier 4, whether it’ll be usable isn’t really clear.

...

Several days later, Gao Gong finally awaited the long-absent Director Du.

Honestly, if Du Zhaodi’s communications hadn’t been smooth, and the Great Curved Saber remained operating well, Gao Gong would have suspected his Shipgirl Rich Lady got kidnapped.

Du Zhaodi returned bringing a surprise for Gao Gong: a gigantic sum of half a million Mirta Credits!

It’s worth noting, Gao Gong previously sold over a hundred Star Thief Ships, earning just 100,000 Mirta Credits, and these credits were nearly spent during this period.

After all, with tens of thousands under his command, only output without income results in huge consumption, especially with the newly acquired Star Destroyer, an energy-consuming behemoth!

One shot consumes 20,000 credits worth of Energy Ore, making it quite a golden household.

”Where did the money come from?”

Looking at the calm-faced Rich Lady, Gao Gong was taken aback and couldn’t help but ask.

”From the Eternal Financial Group,” Du Zhaodi replied.

”Why? It can’t be because of your cheap third Candidate for Immortality slot, right? Wasn’t that a scheme we orchestrated to profit?” Gao Gong was puzzled.

Du Gao Technology conducting business fraud, not getting retaliated by them was already fortunate, why would they invest in turn? Are they being masochistic?

Du Zhaodi shook her head, saying:

”I took on one of their commissions; specifics can’t be disclosed yet. I can only tell you it’s related to the ’Immortality Project’. They need my ability to complete that project, and as a benefit, this is my advance factory payment. Take it, it’ll make things easier for you.”

Gao Gong scratched his nose; why does this feel like ”I work the construction site to support you”?

And the ’Immortality Project’—

”So, the Eternal Financial Group’s backing is some Longevity Species?”

Du Zhaodi was silent, clearly, this involved secrets she couldn’t reveal.

But Gao Gong’s tone wasn’t questioning, more of an affirmation.

It wouldn’t match if the ’Eternal Financial Group’ didn’t have a Longevity Species backing them.

But those Cosmic Nobility are troublesome—

Civilization builders, destroyers, cosmic reclusives, species extincters, cosmos creators, civilization interrupters.

Among these titles, only ’civilization builder’ sounds decent; the rest aren’t good names.

Seeing Du Zhaodi’s determined expression, Gao Gong knew that persuasion was 100% futile.

The good thing is, the ’Immortality Project’ is the last and most crucial step for Longevity Species. If Director Du’s grunt work skills truly gain recognition, and she participates in the project, her safety will at least be assured until it’s completed.

After all, a Long Design without finished ’Immortality Project’ counts only as Quasi-Cosmic Noble. Only upon completion can they truly obtain a Cosmic Nobility ticket.

Regarding the Cosmic Nobility, Gao Gong is indeed quite interested.

They’re not like the Cloud Nobility rabble; they’re true interstellar tycoons, with wealth measured by civilizations.

Which means factory payments will be rather straightforward.

In the previous life, he heard of a player receiving a super task chain ’become a Cosmic Noble’ only to be blocked at the first step. The startup funds required were 10 billion credits.

The player was scared senseless.

Gao Gong pondered for a moment and spoke:

”Only one request: leave your body, the Great Curved Saber, here with me.”

Du Zhaodi stared at him for a while, then revealed a satisfied smile.