Richard stood by the floor-to-ceiling glass wall, gazing out at the estate bathed in golden sunlight. The sky was clear, a soft breeze swayed the trees outside, and everything looked so… calm.
But inside him?
There was nothing but restlessness.
Behind him, the bedroom was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning. Estello had told him to rest for the day. Jack had assured him that he'd finish the campaign for their game, so they could polish it up together tomorrow.
For the first time in months, Richard had nothing to do.
And it felt weird as hell.
His fingers itched for a keyboard. His mind buzzed, desperately looking for a task, a problem to solve, something to push him forward.
Instead, all he had was… this silence.
He let out a quiet scoff.
"Three months ago, this would've been heaven."
Three months ago, he was just a guy hanging around Jack's internet café in Laguna—standing outside, puffing a cigarette, crediting internet hours for customers.
Three months ago, he was waging bets on Dota 2 matches with kids half his age.
Three months ago, if he was broke, he'd tag along with Marcello to get high or hustle some cash at the repair shop a few blocks away.
And now?
Now he was here.
Now he had a system. Now he could move objects with his mind, sense energy, and unlock knowledge beyond human understanding.
All because of that coffee.
His eyes flickered with thought.
"If I never drank that coffee, would I have a system now?"
Would his life still be the same?
Would he still be at that café, smoking outside, waiting for some kid to place a bet?
Richard let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head.
"Doesn't matter now, does it?"
Richard exhaled, then opened his system shop. His fingers scrolled through the endless list of options, searching for something useful—something that could push him forward.
His mind, however, was already fixated on one thing.
Phoenix AI.
The AI he had integrated into Vector Core was only the diluted version—restricted to software-only applications. The real one, the unrestricted version, was still waiting for him to compile in his IDE.
But there was a problem.
"An advanced AI needs an advanced habitat."
A server. Not just any server, but something capable of housing true intelligence.
From what he had absorbed through Vector Core's knowledge, AI had advanced so far in the future that AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) was considered obsolete—relegated to commercial purposes at best.
The true powerhouses of the future weren't AGI.
They were AI Overseers.
Superintelligent entities that governed entire civilizations, operating on quantum servers beyond human comprehension. The original AI from Vector Core was stored in one such quantum architecture—so even if he unleashed an unrestricted Phoenix AI, it would still be nothing compared to an Overseer.
"Still, I have to start somewhere."
But how?
Even if he bought quantum server hardware, how the hell would he build it?
Then, without warning, the system reacted.
Three glowing panels materialized in front of him, each displaying a recommended skill or technology.
It was as if the system itself had determined the most efficient solution to his problem.
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[ Recommended System Purchases ]
1. Internal Nanite Regeneration & Biological Augmentation
Description: Grants the ability to generate and deploy microscopic nanites inside the body, allowing for enhanced tissue regeneration, biological augmentation, and accelerated healing.
Can heal damaged tissue, regenerate minor lost body parts, and enhance temporary biological functions.
Consumes stamina and energy in proportion to the level of repair or augmentation.
SP Cost: 50,000
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2. External Nanite Deployment & Manipulation
Description: Allows the controlled release of nanites from the user's body, capable of constructing temporary tools, reinforcing structures, and manipulating objects in the environment.
Enables real-time nanite construction and tool formation.
Can be used for environmental manipulation, temporary repairs, and automated microengineering.
Consumes stamina and energy based on complexity and scale.
SP Cost: 100,000
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3. Advanced Modular Fabrication System (AMFS)
Description: A self-adapting, AI-driven fabrication system sourced from an ancient, advanced civilization. Capable of rapidly assembling complex structures and components from raw materials.
SP Cost: 280,000
Features:
Advanced Material Recycling & Processing – Converts raw materials (plastics, metals, composites) into high-quality fabrication resources.
Modular Robotic Assembly – Uses reconfigurable robotic arms for precision assembly, welding, and finishing.
AI-Driven Design & Manufacturing – AI optimizes designs for efficiency and structural integrity.
Advanced Additive Manufacturing (4D Printing) – Prints self-adjusting structures that can change shape or function over time.
Integrated Energy Management – Runs on renewable energy (solar, wind) and recycles waste heat for efficiency.
Localized Micro-Factories – Designed for compact deployment, minimizing logistical overhead and environmental impact.
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Richard gulped.
The solution was in front of him.
Nanites. A fully autonomous fabrication system.
This wasn't just a step toward creating a quantum server—this was a step toward self-sufficiency.
With the Advanced Modular Fabrication System, he wouldn't just be buying hardware—he'd be building it. The nanites would act as his hands, assembling technology beyond anything available today.
"If I get this… I won't need anyone else to build it for me."
His mind raced.
The SP cost was steep, but he had more than enough points to purchase all three.
This wasn't just an investment.
This was the foundation of what he was about to create.
"With this… I can build Phoenix's home."
Richard took a deep breath. His fingers hovered over the system screen.
And then, he made his choice.
Richard's fingers hovered over the confirm button.
"This is it."
With a deep breath, he tapped the screen.
The moment the purchase was made, a sudden rush of information slammed into his brain like a tsunami. His vision blurred as the system's voice echoed in his mind.
[ System Update: Nanite Integration Successful ]
Internal Nanite Regeneration & Biological Augmentation: ActiveExternal Nanite Deployment & Manipulation: Active
His entire body tingled.
It wasn't painful—more like the sensation of ants crawling beneath his skin, weaving through his veins, moving with purpose. It felt as if they'd always been there, waiting, silently coiled within him.
Then, just as suddenly, the sensation faded.
The nanites went passive, like soldiers standing by, waiting for his command.
Richard clenched his fist, then opened it. He felt no different, but somehow, he knew something had changed. He needed to test it.
He glanced toward Jack's desk drawer.
Without hesitation, he pulled it open and retrieved a pair of scissors.
"Alright, let's see if this actually works."
Taking a deep breath, he pressed the cold metal against his palm—then, in a quick motion, he sliced.
Nothing.
No pain. No sharp sting.
Instead, an itching sensation crawled along the wound as if something was stitiching him back together.
Right before his eyes, the cut sealed itself shut.
"Holy shit."
It was eerie—like watching time rewind.
He flexed his fingers, rubbing the spot where the wound had been. No scar. No sign he had ever been injured.
Instant regeneration.
"I'm not even human anymore, am I?"
He smirked, shaking his head. This was insane.
Now, onto the AFMS.
The Advanced Modular Fabrication System wasn't something that just appeared out of nowhere. Unlike skills, it had to be built manually, piece by piece.
A mental blueprint unfolded in his mind.
It resembled a large modular machine, almost like a high-tech fridge—except in the center, there was an empty space lined with mechanical arms. That was the synthesis chamber, where raw materials would be broken down and reconstructed into whatever he needed.
But what stood out the most was its efficiency.
Despite being highly advanced, the AMFS was designed for low-energy consumption, meaning Richard wouldn't need a nuclear reactor just to power it.
Why?
Because of its origin.
From the knowledge he had absorbed, he learned that the AMFS was born out of desperation.
In the distant future, humanity had fractured into countless factions, each struggling to survive across the galaxy.
One such faction, known as the Outer Colonies, was at the brink of collapse.
They had no resources. No infrastructure. No manpower.
But they had brilliant minds.
With nothing but scrap, they designed a machine that could build anything from whatever was available. A fabrication system that required minimal input but could output advanced structures and components.
The AMFS was their salvation.
It was, in essence, a poor man's 3D printer from the future.
And now, that same technology was in Richard's hands.
He exhaled sharply.
Everything was moving so fast.
Three months ago, he was just some nobody. A College dropout wasting away in an internet café. Smoking, betting on Dota matches, and getting high with Marcello.
Now?
Now, he had a regenerating body, nanite technology, and a fabrication system straight out of an interstellar war.