Chapter 20:Rockefeller’s Scheme
Psionic combat techniques were incredibly powerful,but they weren’t without limitations.Among the known three tiers of psionics—Psionic Apprentice,Psionic Warrior,and Psionic Master—Psionic Apprentices had 1 skill slot,advancing to Psionic Warrior added 2 more skill slots,and advancing to Psionic Master granted three skill slots,making them extremely valuable.
Additionally,the higher the skill level,the stronger the transformed psionic combat technique.It was rumored that when a psionic’s skill reached the grandmaster level,it would naturally transform into a psionic combat technique.At this point,the skill wouldn’t occupy a psionic combat technique slot,effectively granting an additional skill.
Of course,this was just a rumor.Achieving grandmaster level in any skill was exceedingly rare,with not even one in a million reaching this level.
Psionics who could achieve this were even fewer.
“My first psionic combat technique is about to appear!”Lin Zhichen thought with emotion,knowing that this step was not simple.
Unless he wanted to harbor regrets,”Warship Command”must be elevated to the grandmaster level.However,advancing a skill from master to grandmaster wasn’t just a quantitative change but a qualitative one,involving significant challenges.
But once he broke through,it would lay a solid foundation for becoming one of humanity’s top commanders in the future.
“Qinyuan,set off!”Calming his emotions,Lin Zhichen pointed towards the pirate base.”Let’s strike directly at the heart of the enemy!”
Tens of thousands of light-years away from the pirate base,an inconspicuous asteroid quietly floated in the starry sky.
Upon closer inspection,one would notice that this object,which looked no different from an asteroid,had several conspicuous cameras exposed,all aimed at the pirate base.
These were space spy eyes,intelligence-gathering devices produced by the Federal Beggs Precision Engineering Company,specifically designed to lurk in enemy’s critical areas and collect intelligence.
The pirates’crude technological capabilities had no response to the faint electromagnetic waves in space,allowing crucial intelligence to be continuously transmitted to the rear.
“Dr.Buros,how are things?Have you gathered all the intelligence on this pirate base?”A gentle voice interrupted,waking the middle-aged man with a receding hairline from his immersion in the intelligence.
“Lord Kadier,we have roughly figured it out,”Dr.Buros said,adjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose:
“This is a micro pirate base.According to the intelligence,it has been around for over two months and has undergone at least eight refreshes.
This base has no fewer than 35 pirate gunboats and 200 pirate raiding ships,divided into approximately 12 patrol teams.About half of the forces patrol around 4 light-seconds from the base,with rotation times of about 7-10 days.”
“A tough nut to crack,”Lin Zhichen’s acquaintance,the big spender Kadier Rockefeller,said after a moment of silence.
“Yes,based on our observations,this pirate base is equipped with 16 small turrets,8 medium turrets,and 4 large turrets,all evenly split between railguns and red laser cannons,”Dr.Buros confirmed.
“There are also 8 point-defense cannons,which provide dense firepower in close combat and pose a significant threat to landing craft.We must be cautious.”
Kadier Rockefeller frowned,pondering,”Doctor,when do you think this base will complete its upgrade?”
“According to my calculations,if we don’t clear it out,this base will upgrade to a small pirate base in as soon as two weeks,and at the latest,four weeks.
At that time,pirate pursuit ships will appear.These are cruiser-level warships and may be equipped with space fighters.With them,the pirate fleet’s combat power will be significantly enhanced!”Dr.Buros confirmed.
“I understand.Thank you for your work!”Kadier Rockefeller said politely.He then turned to a middle-aged officer behind him:
“Colonel Buros,if you were to attack this pirate base,how many people would you need?”
“Lord Kadier,according to standard fleet calculations,we would need to deploy at least 2 cruisers,15 destroyers,30 frigates,and 2 regiments of ground troops,”Colonel Buros hesitated for a moment before adding:
“But this is the minimum configuration.Even if we win the battle,it would be a pyrrhic victory,with at least one-third of our fleet lost!”
Kadier Rockefeller fell silent,staring at the intelligence transmitted by the space spy eyes,lost in thought.
Despite being mentally prepared,the formidable defenses of the pirate base still sent a chill down his spine.
The fleet that Colonel Buros requested would account for half of the family’s private military.If they suffered heavy losses in this battle,it would undoubtedly affect the family’s subsequent plans.
A single misstep could lead to a series of setbacks,potentially impacting the family’s overall strategy.
It was important to remember that the Federation’s promised protection period was only ten years,and three years had already passed.
Of course,the main concern was that if the fleet suffered significant losses,his siblings would seize the opportunity to undermine him.In that case,not only would he lose his status as the family heir,but he might also be cast out entirely.
“Young Master,if it’s just to gain military merit,why not periodically clear out the pirate fleets?This is a perfect refresh point,”the older butler beside him reminded.
“Big Brother has already established a colony on Mars,developing infinite mineral resources.Every month,it brings a steady income to the family.Although it’s not much,it’s a continuous stream,and as the colony grows,it represents long-term benefits,”Kadier Rockefeller shook his head.
“And Second Brother leads the fleet in battles within the asteroid belt,making significant achievements and earning the recognition of the family elders.Fourth Sister is also not to be outdone,actively expanding relationships with various Federal business associations and smoothing trade routes.I hear she has made progress as well.Only I have made little noise…”
The butler,knowing the rest,could only sigh inwardly.
The children of great families are born into glory,but who knows the pressures they face?
“Young Master,based on our observations over this period,this base likely has an infinite mineral deposit,”Dr.Buros hesitated for a moment before speaking.
“Oh?What kind of mineral?How large is the deposit?How did you determine this?”Kadier Rockefeller’s eyes lit up as he looked over.
Everyone’s gaze immediately focused on Dr.Buros,causing a slight sweat to appear on his forehead:
“It’s either titanium or platinum,with a yield of no less than 6 units.Without the support of such a deposit,this pirate base couldn’t have refreshed so many warships in such a short time.”
Kadier Rockefeller and his companions’eyes immediately lit up.Although the refresh mechanism of the new universe was peculiar,it wasn’t entirely without logic.
According to intelligence gathered on the star network,aside from the initial scale of the refresh,subsequent expansions needed to proceed gradually.The number of warships refreshed depends on the size of the base.
However,if there were mineral deposits or looted goods,the base would receive more support,resulting in a larger fleet being refreshed next time.
The growth rate of this base was several times faster than that of a normal pirate base,which was clearly abnormal.