Delta Sector Outpost 7, Imperial Periphery
The pre-dawn hours in Valerius's spartan quarters had become a sanctuary of focused transformation. While Delta-7 slumbered or went about its nocturnal routines, he sat cross-legged on his bunk, eyes closed, immersed in the silent, potent process orchestrated by the System.
The Nanite-Assisted Energy Refinement Cycle wasn't explosive; it was a deep, pervasive current flowing through his body. He could feel the microscopic machines, guided by the System's alien logic, meticulously filtering the ambient energy absorbed from the outpost's background radiation and his own nutrient intake. More importantly, they were refining his innate genetic energy, purging impurities, aligning pathways with an efficiency that bordered on miraculous. It felt like cool water flowing through previously constricted channels, a subtle but constant thrum beneath his skin, leaving behind a growing reservoir of purer, denser power.
<
The projection had worsened. Eighty-five days. Still incredibly fast by any normal standard, but the System's initial estimate of seventy-two was based on optimal energy input. Ambient radiation and standard nutrient packs weren't cutting it. He needed concentrated power.
Valerius opened his eyes, the System Interface overlay momentarily sharpening before fading slightly into his peripheral vision. Accessing the [System Analysis] function, he mentally commanded it to scan publicly available outpost manifests and local energy grid schematics. Information scrolled past – lists of standard power cells (low density, inefficient), patrol vehicle energy cores (better, but usage strictly monitored), the main outpost fusion reactor (inaccessible without high-level clearance and suicidal intent).
His gaze lingered on the requisitions for the orbital defense platforms. They used specialized, high-density plasma batteries. Volatile, restricted, and stored under heavy security in the armory depot. Getting his hands on even one without authorization would be incredibly risky, requiring bypassing multiple security layers and audits. Yet, the potential energy yield…
<
High risk indeed. He needed another way, or a method to circumvent the audits. He filed the information away. The System wasn't just a cultivation booster; it was an unparalleled intelligence tool.
Later that morning, Valerius stood overseeing a standard combat simulation for his assigned squad, including Private Jax. Inside the echoing training hall, holographic pirates flickered into existence, firing simulated pulse rounds.
"Jax! Formation Delta! Cover Private Lin!" Valerius barked, his voice crisp. Normally, he'd rely purely on his own tactical assessment and reaction speed. Now, he allowed the System's [Tactical Analysis] sub-routine to run passively. Lines of probability, optimal firing solutions, and enemy weak points overlaid the holographic display, processed faster than his conscious mind could manage.
He saw it fractions of a second before it happened – a simulated pirate flanking from an unexpected angle, targeting Jax's exposed side. "Jax! Left flank! Evasive maneuver Gamma!"
Jax reacted instantly, throwing himself into a roll as simulated energy bolts scorched the spot where he'd been. He came up firing, neutralizing the holographic threat.
"Good reaction, Private," Valerius noted calmly, though inwardly he felt the thrill of the System's predictive power. It allowed him to see the battlefield with god-like clarity. He made a mental note to utilize this more, subtly guiding his squad, improving their performance – and by extension, his own record as a commanding officer. Small, incremental gains that built towards the 'merit' the Imperium supposedly valued.
The simulation concluded with his squad achieving a higher-than-average efficiency rating. Jax looked at him with renewed respect. "Sharp call back there, Lieutenant. Didn't even see him coming."
"Anticipation is key to survival, Private," Valerius replied noncommittally.
Later, during a routine sector briefing, Lieutenant Kaelen, another M2 officer (M2-C, a step above Valerius in military rank but only a Mid-Level Warrior), presented findings on recent pirate signal intercepts. Kaelen was competent but overly cautious, a product of a less influential background who relied solely on by-the-book procedure.
"...analysis suggests low-level activity, likely scavengers operating near the asteroid cluster in Grid 09," Kaelen droned, pointing at the holographic star map.
Valerius let the System access the raw signal data Kaelen was referencing. Its analytical power far surpassed the outpost's standard decryption algorithms.
<
The Red Scorpions were not mere scavengers; they were a well-organized criminal syndicate known for operating heavier cruisers and employing experienced Wargod-level cultivators as enforcers. If they were sniffing around Delta Sector, it was significant.
Valerius subtly cleared his throat. "Lieutenant Kaelen, with respect, the signal degradation pattern in sub-fragment 7-Alpha doesn't quite match standard scavenger comms chatter. There might be underlying encryption noise. Recommend deploying a long-range drone for closer analysis before dismissing it as low-level activity."
Kaelen frowned, clearly annoyed at the interruption and the implied criticism. "Lieutenant Valerius, our analysts reviewed the data. It's within acceptable parameters for fringe interference."
"Perhaps," Valerius conceded smoothly, careful not to push too hard and reveal the source of his insight. "But given the resource convoys passing through Grid 11 next cycle, a precautionary drone sweep seems prudent, wouldn't you agree, Commander?" He directed the last part towards Commander Vorlag, the M4-E outpost chief, a grizzled veteran whose cultivation had stalled at the Peak Warrior stage decades ago.
Vorlag grunted, stroking his grey beard. "Prudence costs little. Deploy the drone. Valerius, coordinate with the tech bay." He gave Valerius a brief, assessing look. Challenging another officer's analysis, even politely, was unusual for Valerius.
Kaelen shot Valerius a resentful glare but said nothing.
Leaving the briefing room, Valerius felt a measure of satisfaction. He had potentially averted a serious threat – or at least ensured the outpost wouldn't be caught completely unprepared – solely thanks to the System. He had also subtly positioned himself as more insightful than Kaelen, a small victory in the constant, low-level competition among junior officers.
But the energy problem remained. As he walked back towards his quarters, the System flagged a new notification.
<
Sub-Level 4. Officially condemned after a minor tremor years ago. But if it intersected a geothermal vein rich in radioactive isotopes… those could theoretically be refined or directly absorbed by the nanites, bypassing the need for restricted plasma batteries entirely. It would mean violating restricted access protocols, dealing with potential radiation hazards, and ensuring no one noticed his unscheduled subterranean excursion.
Moderate risk. Far more palatable than the near-certainty of being caught stealing from the armory.
Valerius considered the sealed tunnel entrance marked on his internal map overlay. Another risk, another rule to bend. But the promise of accelerating his journey to Wargod, of unlocking more of the System's potential, was too tempting to ignore. Delta-7 held dangers, but it also held secrets, and now, potentially, the very power he needed. He just had to be smart enough – and ruthless enough – to take it.