Returning to Caelum, Kraynnor reflected on his newfound knowledge, savoring a NutriMega bar made from underwater algae and minerals extracted from the deep ocean.
"Some of it proves useful, while others seem to have limited value," he murmured to himself.
In general terms, he had acquired a knowledge base that clearly exceeded the maximum level of a Type Zero civilization, reaching that of a Type One civilization. However, he didn't consider himself an expert, but rather someone with an introductory understanding of these fundamental concepts.
The teachings he had absorbed in that unusual childhood classroom covered topics of intermediate physics, space engineering, intermediate energy, materials science, quantum computing, and basic genetic engineering.
These knowledge could be described as at least a century or two ahead of what the human race had achieved.
He had a bittersweet feeling as it raised the possibility that humanity might have reached a similar level had it had the opportunity to flourish as a Type One civilization. Perhaps they would have continued to advance over the years, acquiring the ability to defend against any potential invasion.
"Well..." he stopped reminiscing about the past and continued with other thoughts.
Even though it was only theoretical knowledge without a concrete blueprint, Kraynnor didn't mind; he was resolved to create those blueprints himself.
However, considering that he had acquired all of this with a simple class upgrade, he wondered if, by advancing further, he could learn knowledge from even more advanced civilizations. He had high expectations in that regard and looked forward to it.
When he left Caelum, he would start making many more blueprints.
As for the points, after his departure from Caelum, Kraynnor noticed that he had received a round of points, although this time in a significantly smaller amount than before.
The first time his androids carried out his seven latest inventions, he got a total of thirty-seven points. However, the subsequent double round of notifications was confusing, as instead of receiving a slightly smaller amount of points as usual, this time, they only awarded him so few points that he thought it was an error.
In total, he had obtained only ten points on the two occasions when the inventions were reproduced.
Kraynnor was now convinced that earning points would be a much more challenging task. It was clear that Zero Star technology was no longer profitable, and One Star technology was in a similar position.
Unfortunately, he couldn't advance further because he lacked the necessary knowledge to develop Two Star devices.
"It would probably take me months or even years to achieve something like that," Kraynnor murmured.
Of course, only with the assistance of the system. On his own, it would take an indefinite amount of time. However, if he could acquire some Astrylite devices, the prospects could change significantly...
[We've arrived at the coordinates you provided.]
Announced Cognitron X-12 as it maneuvered the submarine toward the sixth level's gates.
Upon descending from the submarine, Kraynnor held a small blue crystalline block containing a variety of circuits and components, clearly his AI.
It was no longer appropriate to keep it in the small submarine.
"Transfer and take this to the ship, place it where it won't be in the way," Kraynnor ordered the assembly robots around him.
He had left them in this place after they had finished repairing the generators, as he had no more tasks for them. The androids were enough to meet all his needs.
Kraynnor carried the cube in his inventory, his best weapon. He couldn't deny the practicality of having it there for urgent situations.
His glasses adorned the top of his head, giving him an elegant look that matched his red hair. In one of the pockets of his laboratory coat, he carried the saber, as he intended to use the cube as armor.
Upon reaching the fourth level and entering his ship, which was about 70% complete, he placed Cognitron X-12 in a specially created square opening for his friend. When he connected it, blue lines spread across the entire command bridge.
This place housed all flight operations, navigation, communication, and decision-making.
When everything was finally illuminated, the voice of Cognitron X-12 was heard all around.
[Main energy systems online. A current status check of the ship is underway. The exterior of the ship is fully completed. Currently in the process of building interior areas, including workshops, assembly areas, research labs, and storage facilities.]
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"Ready for a style upgrade, buddy? Let's make you shine in a new way!" a big smile appeared on Kraynnor's face.
[Entering hibernation mode for the upgrade.]
Cognitron X-12 said, indicating its understanding that it was necessary to avoid any issues in the code change.
"Good choice, as expected from my creation," Kraynnor whispered.
Using his HoloCraft, he connected to Cognitron X-12 and, based on the code information from his exoskeleton's proto-artificial intelligence, he began to improve his friend's code. It was like giving him the opportunity to grow and evolve.
Previously, his AI was in a state where he could only add code to make it slightly more efficient, but it remained an AI limited to following orders with no potential for significant growth beyond its original programming. However, with this update, Kraynnor was allowing his AI to transcend those limits and advance toward a level of intelligence and autonomy.
It was like forging a new form of life, a life born from data, destined to transcend its mundane destiny!
Kraynnor was at ease, and in less than fifteen minutes, he completed the programming update for Cognitron X-12. While he retained many of the capabilities his exoskeleton couldn't provide, such as the ability to communicate and interact with the world, connecting to other mechanical entities like his ship, androids, mechanical arms, and more. He also ensured that its database remained intact, without losing any memories from the last five hundred years.
If something like that happened, it would be like killing his only friend in the vast universe.
Of course, I wouldn't count the system as a friend; that guy just mocked it, making it seem incompetent. Someday, he would confront that arrogant being face to face, and in its gaze, he would find respect and admiration!
Kraynnor reflected with a serene expression, as if he were a being of light, unaware of how similar he was in personality to the system...
But why did he mention looking into the eyes of a system that seemed to lack a physical body? The answer was simple: when it transmitted the knowledge of a mechanic's apprentice, Kraynnor remembered that black metallic hand with its dazzling blue joints.
He was convinced that that hand was part of the body of the Universal System. However, the mere sight of it made him feel as if he were in front of a monstrous entity, capable of annihilating Earth with a simple movement of its finger.
What would have happened if its whole body had come out of that portal?
Would he have been crushed just by its presence?
Questions like these, if he had a human body, would torment him without letting him sleep. Fortunately, with his High Human body, he didn't need to sleep.
What he did experience was hunger, but that was quickly resolved with an energy bar he had consumed while in the submarine.
[Exiting hibernation mode... Analyzing the current situation... The update is complete. My capabilities have increased by 300%. I hope to continue being of use, Master Kraynnor.]
"A 300% increase... Interesting. Considering that you were already at the highest point of what a Type Zero civilization could offer, you should now be at the entry point of a Type One civilization," Kraynnor reflected, touching his chin as he continued speaking, "You'll always be of great use, my friend. For now, I'll entrust you with all current productions, which means you'll have master control over all automatons. And when those aliens from the first two levels start advancing to the third, follow these steps..."
Kraynnor continued to talk with Cognitron X-12, and when he finished, he left the ship. His next destination was the third level.
Gluuurp... Gluuuurp...
Upon arriving, the mutant observed him, as if they were an excited child seeing the delivery person with delicious food. The creature looked at him this way because it still thought about the landscapes Kraynnor had shown him earlier.
"Have patience, for now, keep releasing more of that slime," Kraynnor instructed.
He then lowered his glasses from his hair and, as he put them on, he examined the information about this dark human creation.
[Creature Identified Name: Nameless (Zero Stars.)
An engineering aberration, this mutant plant is the result of a combination of genes from carnivorous and poisonous plants, along with genes from an axolotl. This unusual genetic fusion gives it the ability to catch prey, secrete a highly toxic viscous substance, and regenerate effectively, making it a unique biological entity, albeit with numerous genetic anomalies. Its origin is on the planet Earth, located in the solar system.
Observation: Despite living for centuries without consuming meat, it has survived using saltwater. However, when it smells blood, its instinct dominates it, making it frantic and aggressive in its search for fresh meat.
Advantages:
Long Roots: It has long, twisted roots that allow it to anchor firmly in its environment and efficiently absorb nutrients and water. These roots also give it an incredible capacity to attack.
Sticky Slime: Its body exudes a viscous and sticky slime that can trap and slow down its prey. This substance also has toxic properties, allowing it to use it as a defense mechanism against predators.
Great Regeneration: It can recover quickly from wounds and damage, even in cases of severe loss of body mass.
Disadvantages:
Immobility: Due to its root-based nature, it is completely immobile. It cannot move from its location and relies on attracting prey toward it using its sticky slime.
Meat Dependency: If it doesn't consume meat, its body can only maintain 1% of its total power.
Recommendation: Keep wounds away from this twisted genetic specimen, or you may witness unimaginable horrors.]
"Is your slime poisonous? Thank goodness I never came into contact with it, or who knows what would have happened..." Kraynnor reflected on the importance of being more cautious with unknown creatures in the future; he could no longer afford to be so confident.
However, he didn't expect this mutant to be so weakened.
At that time, it seemed strange to him that those enormous roots didn't move him a single inch when it struck him.
Unfortunately, he didn't have meat; only some bones from Cordiolethor, an eye, and a small piece of skin. Furthermore, Kraynnor didn't want to spend too many Stellar Coins to feed this creature. He planned to offer it a different type of food when he left Caelum.
"From now on, you will be known as Xylotoxus Carnivorus, although I prefer to call you Xylo," Kraynnor communicated to the mutant creature, as its numerous eyes blinked at different rhythms, not fully understanding his words.
"..."
Looking at him silently, Kraynnor responded calmly, "You'll get used to that name over time."
...
Time passed inexorably, and finally, the long-awaited moment was approaching. From his HoloCraft, Cognitron X-12's voice resonated.
[Master, the automatons from the upper levels have been almost completely decimated; only ten thousand remain. The aliens are just minutes away from descending to the third level.]
Kraynnor nodded slowly, "Understood, then let the plan begin..."
His relaxed attitude from the last few hours disappeared completely, replaced by a look filled with murderous intent. It was time to leave Caelum, but not without giving these cursed aliens a taste of their own medicine.
What they had taken from humanity, he would take back, even if it was only a fraction for now!