Chapter 5 — Gathering and Planning
The basement lab hummed softly. Ethan stood over the Black Box, reviewing the schematics on his tablet. He had studied every component of the Arc Reactor in his otaku research, and now the reality was staring back at him: he had the tech, but not all the materials.
System: "Host must supply high-grade industrial alloys, advanced circuitry, and energy-conductive components to initiate Arc Reactor fabrication. Material sourcing recommended. Marketplace operational."
Ethan rubbed his temple. "I can't rely entirely on the system. I don't have enough points to buy everything."
He pulled out his phone and tapped a contact.
Ethan: "Lara, I need you on this. It's urgent."
A crisp, professional voice answered.
Lara: "Ethan, it's unusual for you to call before your third cup of coffee. What's going on?"
Ethan: "I need industrial alloys, high-capacity circuits, and conductive components. It's for a… personal project. Can you handle procurement without alerting anyone?"
Lara: "I was your logistics officer back at ValeTech. If anyone can pull this off without red tape, it's me. Send me the list."
Ethan: "Done. I need these before I start fabrication. No corners, no substitutions. This is delicate tech."
Lara: "Understood. I'll coordinate with suppliers, expedite shipping, and track every batch. You'll have your materials."
Ethan hung up and returned to his workbench. Even with the system and the Black Box, human logistics were still necessary. He had to rely on his own resources and his team. Lara had been with him since his ValeTech days, helping manage tech acquisitions, labs, and prototypes. Efficient, practical, and precise — exactly what he needed.
System: "Host may sell manufactured or discovered items for system points. Strategic management recommended. Early fabrication testing permissible once components are available."
Ethan: "I'll start with the components I already have on hand, and when Lara's shipments arrive, the Black Box can do the rest. Stepwise approach. Minimal risk."
He arranged his basement into functional zones: materials storage, assembly area, and planning desk. The Black Box hummed quietly in the center, ready but waiting for the first batch of materials.
Outside, Metropolis pulsed with life. Unknown threats lurked beneath its gleaming surface. Criminal syndicates, unstable tech experiments, and those with powers beyond human comprehension moved in the shadows. The system offered no warnings; only Ethan's preparation and focus stood between the city and disaster.
Ethan: "…No heroes. No assistants, except for one competent secretary who knows how to get things done. No hand-holding. Just the work."
The golden light of the Black Box pulsed steadily, a silent reminder of the scale of the task ahead.
System: "Acknowledged, Host. Civilization advancement active. Material sourcing recommended. Marketplace operational."
Ethan exhaled, focusing. "Step one: gather what I can myself. Step two: let Lara handle the rest. Step three: fabrication