31: barracks

The low, steady hum of the fusion reactor echoed through every inch of the steel structure like the base's strong, rhythmic heartbeat. The abundant energy turned the once-dim platform bright; the "sun ray" array and "sunflower" could even take a temporary rest, storing the starlight they had absorbed for later use. Supported by a full-capacity power grid, the refining core emitted a pleasant high-frequency whir as it processed raw materials continuously transported from the automated collection stations, converting them into resource points that ticked upward on the system interface—already surpassing the five-thousand-point mark and still growing steadily.

Security (provided by the shielding field), energy (from the fusion reactor), resources (from the collection stations and SCVs), and productivity (from the refining core and three SCVs)... Han Zhe stood in the control room of ark one, which had expanded several times over and could now be called a command center. Watching the health indicators on the holographic projection, which were so healthy they were almost luxurious, the anxiety about survival that had followed him like a shadow since his transmigration finally began to settle.

But this didn't mean he could rest easy. On the contrary, a new, more complex set of emotions began to brew—planning for the future, a hunger for power, and a sober realization of his own vulnerability.

The shielding field could hide information, but it couldn't stop physical impacts or close-range violent intrusions. Laser turrets were only the most basic defense, sufficient for dealing with small meteorites or scattered space junk. If something substantial—like a pirate skiff or a regular unit from the civilization that owned the previous probe—approached and launched an attack, this level of firepower would be as futile as a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

SCVs were excellent builders, but they were engineering machines, not soldiers. The plasma pistol had decent power, but its range, accuracy, and sustained fire were limited. More importantly, he was only one person.

He needed soldiers. He needed units that could follow his orders, execute combat missions, defend the base, and even explore and expand outward.

The "Soldier" part of the Troop-Spamming System seemed to truly reveal its core significance only at this moment.

"System, bring up all currently constructible blueprints related to combat units." Han Zhe's voice rang out in the much more spacious command center, carrying a faint hint of anticipation.

The light screen expanded, and the data stream refreshed. Most icons remained greyed out, but two key icons had quietly lit up now that resource points and energy were abundant and the initial base construction was complete.

[Combat Unit Related Blueprints (Unlocked/Constructible):

1. Basic Barracks (Simplified Version): The core facility for producing and training basic infantry units. Unlocks the basic infantry unit production sequence. Construction Requirements: 1200 Resource Points, 8 units of Energy, requires stable power and life-support environment. Construction Time: 8 standard hours.

2. Basic Infantry Unit - 'Sentry' Combat Robot (MK I): A fully autonomous combat robot equipped with basic sensors, light alloy armor, a standard laser rifle (single-shot/three-round burst modes), and simple combat claws. No advanced AI; follows preset protocols and direct commands from the command center. Movement Mode: Ground walking (adapts to various terrains), capable of limited space maneuvers (short-range thrusters). Construction/Training Requirements: 150 Resource Points/unit, 1 unit of Energy/unit, requires Barracks support. Construction/Training Time: 1 standard hour/unit.]

Barracks! Combat robots!

Han Zhe's heart skipped a beat. Although it was only the most basic 'Sentry' model and the description stated 'no advanced AI,' this was exactly the armed force he desperately needed! Mass-producible, commandable units with basic combat capabilities!

He immediately clicked on the detailed data for the 'Sentry.' Thin armor, weapon only a standard laser rifle, average mobility, low intelligence... compared to the Space Marines, Eldar warriors, or even Ork Boyz of the Warhammer universe, they were likely just cannon fodder. But for him, this was a qualitative leap from zero to one! They could take on Sentry duty, patrols, defending fixed points, clearing low-threat areas, and even performing some dangerous exploration missions, freeing him and the SCVs from these tasks and significantly increasing the base's overall safety factor.

Furthermore, the 'Sentry' was only the MK I. In the system's tech tree, greyed-out icons faintly showed subsequent models—the 'Sentry' MK II (reinforced armor/weapons), the 'Hound' light reconnaissance unit, the 'Guardian' medium fire platform... all of these required the Barracks as a prerequisite building and more resources invested in research to unlock.

"Begin construction of the 'Basic Barracks (Simplified Version)' immediately!" Han Zhe ordered without hesitation. "Location... to the right of the ark one command center, in that area we've already leveled. Maintain a safe distance from the residential area and the reactor, but keep it within the shielding field's core coverage. Pioneer squad, pause all other non-critical operations and give full support to the Barracks construction!"

[Command confirmed. Initiating 'Basic Barracks (Simplified Version)' construction protocol. Resource points deducted: 1200. Energy output: 8 units. Construction site confirmed. Estimated completion time: 8 standard hours.]

His resource points shrank by a large chunk instantly, but Han Zhe didn't care. Money (resources) was meant to be spent, especially on the essentials. Only with a Barracks and soldiers could he acquire more resources more efficiently and safely, creating a virtuous cycle.

"pioneer-01, 02, 03, construction task assignments synchronized. Begin operations."

The three SCVs immediately sprang into action. They hauled heavy alloy plates and prefabricated frames from the material storage area, beginning to assemble the Barracks' foundation and main structure in the designated zone. Welding sparks flickered once again, but unlike the tension felt during the fusion reactor's construction, this time there was an orderly rhythm.

The scale of the Barracks was slightly smaller than ark one, but its structure was more compact and functional. According to the blueprint, it would be divided into several zones: a central control/command node (connected to Han Zhe's system and the command center), a unit production/assembly workshop (using standard parts from the refining core to assemble robot bodies), a basic training/protocol loading area (to upload basic behavioral logic and combat commands into the assembled robots), and a maintenance/charging station.

The construction process went smoothly. Having experienced high-precision, high-risk projects like the fusion reactor, a relatively 'conventional' building like the Barracks was easy for the SCVs and the system. With an ample supply of resource points and energy, progress was rapid.

Eight hours later, an angular, matte-grey square building with no redundant decoration stood next to ark one. Its appearance was plain, even dull, but the tightly closed alloy doors and the blinking green 'production ready' indicator lights on the side exuded a cold, efficient sense of functionality.

['Basic Barracks (Simplified Version)' construction complete. Self-check passed. Central control node online. Production workshop equipment ready. Training protocol library loaded (Basic). Maintenance station activated. Awaiting production commands.]

Han Zhe stood before the control panel at the Barracks entrance and took a deep breath. He felt as if he could hear the faint hum of precision machinery on standby through the heavy armored doors.

"System, start the first round of production. Manufacture... four 'Sentry' MK I combat robots. Set basic Sentry protocols, defaulting to my direct commands and system-authorized secondary commands."

[Command confirmed. Initiating 'Sentry' MK I production sequence x4. Resource points deducted: 600. Energy output: 4 units. Estimated completion time: 4 standard hours.]

A low, rhythmic mechanical hum came from inside the Barracks. Through the light screen of the connected control panel, Han Zhe could see real-time footage of the interior: automated mechanical arms took standard components from the parts storage and precisely combined, welded, and installed them on the assembly line. laser rifle barrels were fitted into arm slots, sensor modules were placed into heads, and power cores along with simple 'brains' (processors integrated with basic logic circuits) were placed into chest cavities. The entire process was efficient, quiet, and cold—lacking the warmth of a birth, possessing only the precision and ruthlessness of industrial creation.

Han Zhe watched silently. Four silver-grey, humanoid metal skeletons were gradually covered by armor, becoming complete. Their heads were simple hemispherical sensor clusters with no human-like features, only two red-glowing 'eyes' (multi-functional optical sensors). Their torsos and limbs were covered in light alloy plates, with protective telescopic armor at the joints. The right hand integrated a standard laser rifle muzzle, while the front of the left hand featured three retractable alloy claws. A small thruster pack was mounted on their backs for short-range maneuvers and posture adjustments.

Four hours passed steadily in anticipation.

When a delivery hatch on the side of the Barracks slid open, four figures walked out in sequence with perfectly synchronized, slightly stiff steps. They were about 1.8 meters tall, well-proportioned but lacking individuality, entirely matte silver-grey except for the steady red glow of their head sensors. They walked to about five meters in front of Han Zhe, stopped, turned to face him, and then simultaneously raised their right arms (the non-gun arms), clenched their fists, and struck their chests once in a perfectly unified rhythm—a preset gesture of respect for the Commander.

"Sentry units, sequences 01 through 04, online. Awaiting commands." A synthesized electronic voice, devoid of emotion, emanated from the speakers of the four robots simultaneously.