Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1223: Investment
Previously on Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies...
Chapter 1223: Investment
Upon returning to their dwelling with Yang Xinxin, Zhang Yi announced to the group that preparations could begin for heading back to Tianhai City.
"Ke Ran, take charge of the Elemental Stone vein. As a novel energy source, I'm confident it will significantly boost your studies in mechs and heavy weaponry."
Zhang Yi gazed toward Lu Keran. This represented his invaluable technological branch; moving forward, Zhang Yi planned to elevate his strength via dual avenues.
Obtaining Epsilon-level origin proved immensely challenging, hence the pivot toward the tech pathway.
Zhang Yi felt thrilled regarding Lu Keran's vision for the perfect humanoid mech.
In the post-Apocalypse world, firearms wouldn't vanish—they'd evolve into fresh variants suited to the altered reality.
Lu Keran gave a firm nod. "Brother, rest assured! Armed with this innovative energy, my mechs will assemble at an accelerated pace!"
Her gaze sparkled with intense determination as she thrust out her slender chest, eager to demonstrate her prowess.
Seated on the adjacent sofa with legs elegantly crossed, Deng Shentong addressed Zhang Yi:
"Your gains this round surpassed all projections, securing a complete thirty percent from the Elemental Stone vein. Tianhai City couldn't possibly exhaust that power source, so have you pondered... hmm?"
He cast Zhang Yi a suggestive glance, unmistakably alluding to a potential transaction.
Zhang Yi remained indebted to the Deng Family for a favor.
In response to Deng Shentong's words, he replied casually, "From the thirty percent of the Elemental Stone vein, half has been pledged to Zhu Zheng. Concerning the remainder, indeed, Tianhai City won't consume it entirely."
"Yet, should this involve bartering, what might the Deng Family provide in return?"
Deng Shentong declared, "Within Genetic Drug development, Deng Technology leads supreme across the Huaxu Kingdom."
His stare fixed on Zhang Yi with fervent intensity. "I'm prepared to assist in forging a formidable superhuman force!"
He gestured toward Zhang Yi. "Harnessing the Elemental Stone in your possession!"
Since the Apocalypse's dawn, artificial superhuman tech had emerged and surged ahead at breakneck speed.
As needs intensified, technological might expanded swiftly.
Amid the ice age, dominance over superhuman capabilities equated to ruling all.
Thus, forces globally dashed headlong to equip themselves in superhuman advancements.
Superhuman alteration trials and Genetic Drug explorations raced at maximum velocity.
In the Huaxu Kingdom, Deng Technology spearheaded this charge.
Deng Shentong himself served as prime evidence.
What? You claim Deng Shentong's superhuman index sits at a mere 9,500, rendering him feeble?
Absurdity.
Transforming a spoiled heir into a mighty superhuman stands as a notable triumph.
Deng Shentong wasn't feeble; as Deng Group's successor, they avoided rashly deploying radical tech upon him.
Disregarding repercussions and employing lifespan-draining methods, Deng Shentong might climb to 9,800 or perhaps 9,900.
Currently, his potentials for growth remained exceptionally robust, merely awaiting full realization.
In contrast, many peers harbored severe underlying hazards.
For instance, Bian Junwu, who bartered life for strength; Lilong, engineered into a complete artificial being; and Taotie, Lu Huang, who had forsaken humanity's shape.
Approaching two years into the Apocalypse, Deng Technology's genetic methods leaped forward dramatically, with untold secret trials on superhumans.
Presently, the sole barrier might lie in attaining Epsilon.
However, churning out superhumans en masse posed no issue—albeit at the expense of abundant materials.
Zhang Yi observed Deng Shentong, took a quiet sip of tea, and inquired, "What's the current success rate?"
Deng Shentong stroked the back of his hand. "Employing the standard method, success hits thirty percent. Essentially, out of three subjects, two superhumans get discarded, while the survivor, if passing validations, surges in power swiftly."
Zhang Yi responded, "Tianhai City's populace barely tops ten thousand, and we must discount those without mutation aptitude. That feels too hazardous to tamper with."
Deng Shentong countered, "Addressing population proves simple. The Huaxu Kingdom brims with surplus folk; even today, the Jiangnan Region holds about twenty million souls."
"Offer desperate survivors clinging to life a shot, and they'll seize it eagerly. Should you hesitate, others will eagerly step in."
"My friend, your strength already towers. If desired, folks from surrounding cities could migrate instantly. Do raw materials still evade you?"
Zhang Yi absorbed this, drained his tea wordlessly, and pondered deeply.
Establish his personal superhuman army?
It appeared a solid idea, especially given Tianhai City's ongoing numbers and the fresh Elemental Stone vein Zhang Yi obtained, capable of sustaining multiples of the current inhabitants.
Nevertheless, greater involvement bred amplified complications.
Moreover, such a dubbed superhuman unit offered scant value in elite confrontations.
To an Epsilon, hordes of lesser superhumans signified negligible threat.
Even those exceeding 9,000 in index would struggle immensely to overpower a fresh Epsilon at White Rook level through numbers alone.
"Let Blizzard City oversee maintaining order. Such matters hold no appeal for me," Zhang Yi stated serenely.
He refused to mirror Zhu Zheng's fate, swamped by ceaseless mundane duties.
Power's allure didn't drive him.
Deng Shentong, witnessing his overture dismissed, sighed with resignation.
"Such a shame. Zhang Yi, possessing vast advantages, you merely seek a serene niche to dwell peacefully as a leisurely overlord. Do you realize my envy?"
Deng Shentong spoke with genuine candor.
Were it him, he'd likely emulate Li Changgong, ascending as Jiangnan's sovereign.
"Individuals pursue their unique paths," Zhang Yi replied mildly.
"That said, I'm willing to allocate a share of the Elemental Stone vein to your Deng Family."
Zhang Yi eyed Deng Shentong and articulated deliberately.
Deng Shentong's expression lit up instantly. "Excellent!"
Thrilled, he regarded Zhang Yi and queried curiously, "Since you decline the Deng Family's genetic tech aid, what precisely do you seek?"
Zhang Yi grinned.
"Consider it an investment."
He had savored the gains from Lu Keran and now fully grasped that science and technology formed the foremost productive force.
During this nascent Apocalypse phase, genetically crafted superhumans proliferated widely.
Upon genetic tech's maturation, its repercussions would prove colossal.
Thus, Zhang Yi aimed to invest in Deng Technology, securing a stake therein.
A glint of acuity pierced Deng Shentong's gaze. He withheld an instant reply to Zhang Yi, mulling it over before responding:
"I must confer with my eldest uncle beforehand. Ultimately, an issue of this magnitude isn't solely my call."
Zhang Yi uttered calmly, "I'll await your feedback. Yet I'm certain he'll find no grounds to decline."
Author's Note