Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1688 538: Beginning_4

Su Ming spoke with a grim expression.

Previously, they had merely requested 20 trillion resources from Rain Capital, and City Lord Alicia almost lost her temper completely.

"No way around it, I have to procure some miscellaneous items, and it'll definitely cost quite a sum."

Celeste grinned mischievously as she replied.

"You consider this a small amount? Dumping this figure before the Council would spark absolute chaos!"

Su Ming uttered with a darkened face.

"It's actually a bargain. Fixing up an Ancient Legendary Level Star Destroyer plus all those Advanced Mechas! With these weapons restored to peak condition, you could equip an entire elite legion. I assure you, this force would outmatch any standard one, pounding them into submission."

Celeste began vividly describing the bright prospects to Su Ming.

"Ridiculous talk! What legion fields dozens of V Generation Mechas? Typically, only Legion Commanders pilot true V Generation models; even Deputy Corps Commanders often stick with counterfeit versions."

Su Ming shot back furiously.

"Good that you realize it."

Celeste responded gleefully.

Su Ming drew in a deep breath to steady himself, then addressed Celeste.

"Got any surplus materials?"

"Yes."

"Could you sell them off?"

"I strongly suggest abandoning that notion. Troops from the Three Forbidden Zones pulled back with endless minerals, causing material costs to crash. Offloading yours now would mean massive losses!"

Celeste warned Su Ming.

"How about prices for Energy Crystals and such?"

"They've skyrocketed."

"Shouldn't all prices tank uniformly? Didn't the retreat haul in tons of Energy Crystals?"

Su Ming remarked with a sour expression.

"The problem lies in the Federation's full-scale production surge, creating enormous energy demands."

Celeste explained to Su Ming.

"So where do I source them from?"

Su Ming eyed the energy materials list, a pounding headache brewing.

"Why not request them from the Federation?"

Celeste proposed enthusiastically.

"Forget it; the Federation won't provide any—they're short themselves. For this volume of resources, even President Dragon White would need to consult others."

Su Ming shook his head, reluctant to burden Dragon White further.

"So what's our next move?"

Celeste's holographic form cocked her head, questioning Su Ming.

"Don't concern yourself; keep repairing. I'll handle it somehow."

Su Ming let out a sigh before answering.

"Fantastic! Back to work I go!"

Celeste darted off without delay.

Su Ming heaved a light sigh, then headed to Thunder Extreme.

...

Within Thunder Extreme's Central Control Room.

Su Ming settled into the command chair, displaying Celeste's list via hologram.

His face shifted through various emotions as he scanned the list, deep in thought over solutions.

Su Ming was determined to restore Grey Angel and the mechanical arsenal no matter the expense. The current crisis demanded he swiftly assemble a powerful legion.

Acquiring the list's components wasn't out of reach—he just needed to reach out to the energy-specializing Shenji Family.

However, Su Ming lacked funds, and while the Shenji Family respected him, they wouldn't supply such quantities gratis.

Su Ming lifted his hand, massaging his temples repeatedly, mulling over a trade with the Shenji Family.

Rhein and the others nearby traded uneasy looks but stayed silent, the list's staggering figures leaving them stunned like ghosts.

Abruptly, inspiration struck Su Ming, curving his lips into a sly smile.

A plan emerged; purchasing outright was unfeasible, especially with Celeste's added costs—the answer lay in bartering V-type Gene Potion with the Shenji Family.

At their stature, few things tempted them, yet gene potions captivated due to their life-extending promise.

In this era, scarcity defined value; overflowing minerals saw prices nosedive.

Even a legendary VI Generation Mecha would lose worth if mass-produced someday.

The Federation's latest V-type Gene Potion, unavailable outside, sat at ultimate rarity.

After reflecting, Su Ming turned and instructed Timi.

"Timi, activate secure channels and contact Dr. Blakes at Xi Guang Laboratory!"

"Understood!"

Timi sprang into motion right away.

Minutes passed before the link connected, projecting Dr. Blakes' hologram in front of Su Ming.

"Greetings, Lord Blakes!"

Su Ming offered a courteous welcome.

"What brings you to reach out?"

Dr. Blakes questioned Su Ming icily.

"Well..."

Su Ming paused, uncertain where to start.

"Get to the point; my schedule is tight."

Dr. Blakes snapped curtly.

"Here's the deal: I require a shipment of V-type Gene Potion. Could you manufacture some?"

Su Ming smiled at Dr. Blakes.

"Certainly, though produced potions are restricted to personal use within the Federation—no exports."

Dr. Blakes cautioned Su Ming.

"No issue there."

Su Ming agreed with a nod; Tai Falu and crew had joined the Federation, their status secure—even if observed during injection.

"Raw materials are depleted, however."

Dr. Blakes doused his hopes instantly.

"Ah!"

Su Ming's spirits plummeted like a crashing coaster into abyss.

"Procure Star Spirit's blood."

"That's straightforward to manage, yet Star Spirit's blood by itself won't suffice—where on earth do I locate that specific plant?"