3: Warp

Inside the camp, the streets were filled with glaring slogans.

Zero Point Weapon Customization — We promise never to deliver prefabricated equipment.

Jinfu Mech Maintenance — We will care for your mech like we care for our own mothers...

As one of the six safe points in the Fifth Temporary Survival Zone, this place naturally gathered a large number of shops, with various weapon customization and modifications being the main focus.

A faint glimmer of envy flashed in Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes.

To open a shop in a place like this, besides requiring a certain background of wealth, one's own skill level must at least reach the proficient grade or higher. It was far beyond what a half-baked apprentice like him, who only knew a few 'unorthodox cultivation' tricks, could compare to.

He didn't linger long, just glanced around a few times before heading towards the most imposing building in the center.

After all, staying here for a day cost 100 Star Coins. It truly felt like breathing cost money.

"Hello, sir. Welcome to Dark Annihilation Tower. I am guide number 007, honored to serve you."

As soon as he approached the building, a well-proportioned humanoid female in a black uniform proactively came forward to greet him.

"Would you like me to introduce Dark Annihilation's services to you?"

"No need. I want to use your services to travel to the Imperial Mining Zone. May I know how the fees are structured?"

Zhang Huaiyuan got straight to the point.

"Please follow me."

This Dark Annihilation guide was clearly well-trained. Sensing his urgency, she said no more and directly led Zhang Huaiyuan to a several-meter-tall smart terminal.

"Respected guest, the journey to the Imperial Mining Zone is a total of 8,932 Star Miles, passing through two survival zones and a small Disaster Zone. The risk level is medium-low. Currently, Dark Annihilation offers several plans for you to choose from."

After tapping on the terminal a few times, the guide swiped out a light screen and explained:

"The first plan is to take a large transport ship. The cost is only 2,000 Star Coins per person. It will be escorted by two C-class ability users and a medium-sized combat squad."

"However, a large transport ship consumes enormous energy for a round trip. Therefore, it will only depart after all slots are sold. Currently, there are 4,603 empty slots remaining. The estimated waiting time is 221 days."

As she spoke, a hint of apology appeared on the guide's face. "The Imperial Mining Zone isn't a popular route, so the waiting time is relatively long."

"I understand. Are there faster options?"

Zhang Huaiyuan glanced at it and directly dismissed it.

It seemed like only 2,000 Star Coins, but over 200 days of waiting meant daily accommodation fees alone would add up to over 20,000, not to mention other expenses for food, clothing, and necessities.

"Of course."

The guide swiped her hand, and the light screen in the air switched.

"Look, we offer separate elite squad escort services. From the top-tier A-class ability users to the most cost-effective special forces squads, we have everything. Departure is immediate upon placing the order."

Zhang Huaiyuan's gaze followed the guidance to the light screen, where rows of information appeared.

Hiring Plan One: Dual Demon Protectors.

Cost: 8 million Star Coins.

Description: Escorted throughout the journey by two powerful A-class ability users. Allows a certain degree of freedom in planning the navigation route. All gains from killing mutated beasts or Interstellar Pirates during the journey belong entirely to the employer. If there is a failure to arrive on time, or if the employer is injured, etc., compensation up to ten times the fee will be provided.

Hiring Plan Two: Disaster Zone Twin Stars.

Cost: 3 million Star Coins.

Description: Consists of two B-class ability users and a comprehensive combat squad. Route cannot be altered. Other rights and benefits are the same as above.

Hiring Plan Three...

"This is way too expensive."

Zhang Huaiyuan's eye twitched involuntarily at the prices that started in the millions. He simply scrolled the page all the way to the bottom.

Hiring Plan Twelve: King of Cost-Effectiveness.

Cost: 200,000 Star Coins.

Description: Led by two experienced mercenaries, they will attempt to traverse the Disaster Zone by avoiding combat as much as possible. Timeframe is unknown.

Note: Under this plan, the two mercenaries will do their best to protect the employer. However, in the event of force majeure, their priority will be to ensure their own survival.

"Ahem, are there any cheaper options? My budget is only about eighty thousand."

Zhang Huaiyuan hadn't expected the cheapest option to be 200,000. He spoke somewhat helplessly.

As far as he knew, the cost for the first awakening was roughly fifty thousand Star Coins. Plus, he needed to reserve twenty thousand for emergencies. That was all he could afford.

"Eighty thousand? Please wait a moment, respected guest. Let me check for you again."

The guide in the black uniform still wore a sweet smile, not showing any hint of unusual expression.

"Thank you for your trouble."

The guide nodded slightly and quickly swiped through the light screen.

After about five minutes, she turned with some apology. "Unfortunately, there was originally a lord who happened to be going to the Imperial Mining Zone on business. You could have hitched a ride on his ship for around a hundred thousand. Although you'd have to stay in the cargo hold, at least safety and speed were guaranteed. But for some reason, it was suddenly canceled."

"Now, only the large transport ship route remains. As you know, the cost of mobilizing a complete combat squad is not low. If they happen to encounter a beast horde while passing through the Disaster Zone, the cost would be even higher."

The guide tried her best to explain.

"I understand. Then please sign me up for that for now."

Zhang Huaiyuan took out two deep blue coins while pondering how to spend the next half a year.

The advantage of staying in the camp was safety, but the expenses were huge. Moreover, according to camp rules, unregistered Star Mechanics like him were not allowed to operate privately.

But if he chose to stay outside the camp, threats like Boss Wu could erupt at any time.

"Huh..."

Just as Zhang Huaiyuan was struggling with his dilemma, the guide beside him suddenly let out a sound of surprise.

"What is it?"

"Respected guest, some good news."

The guide swiped the light screen, pointing at the newly appeared message with a face full of delight:

"Lord An's young son has reached the age for awakening superpowers. Lord An has decided to temporarily activate the regional short-distance Warp Device for a direct transmission to the Imperial Mining Zone."

"Warp?"

A trace of surprise appeared in Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes.

The energy consumption required for this technology could be described as astronomical. Even a short-distance warp within ten thousand Star Miles had losses sufficient to power a small fleet at full capacity for a month.

In the five years since he had transmigrated here, he had never actually witnessed the use of this technology.

"That's right, sir. There are still some slots available within the warp field range. Lord An has instructed that as long as one purchases a Spirit-Wing Bird to pray for blessings for the young lord, they will be permitted to warp together to the Imperial Controlled Zone. The time is tomorrow at noon."

The Spirit-Wing Bird is a type of Galaxy Beast. Due to its docile nature and special appearance, it is widely considered a beneficial beast that brings good luck. It sells for about thirty thousand Star Coins.

Without a doubt, for his son, this leader of Dark Annihilation was practically performing charity.

"Lord An is truly a generous leader."

Hearing this, Zhang Huaiyuan did not hesitate to offer praise.

He had originally prepared to wait another half a year. Now, he could even save the travel time.