"Today's hunt was successful, I presume. You're cleared for landing on Runway #1," came the control tower's voice. Bell expertly maneuvered his F-15S to touch down at Joint-Base Frostwood, steering the jet toward an unoccupied hangar, identifiable by the #23 atop its entrance. As he navigated his aircraft to its designated spot, Lisa awaited him, perched on her BMW I7, her anticipation visible. Bell exited his jet with the assistance of the ground crew, still clad in his flight suit, and approached Lisa, who wore a triumphant smile.
"The mission was a complete triumph, Bell," Lisa exclaimed.
Bell shared in the sense of achievement. The operation had unfolded flawlessly, obliterating all thirty vessels in the fleet with a nuclear onslaught, reminiscent of the time he had decimated San Francisco with an ASMP-A cruise missile. Yet, this explosion surpassed previous ones in magnitude, astonishingly sparing anything beyond the intended targets. The reward of experience points was the icing on the cake.
"Indeed, your audacious strategy paid off," Bell acknowledged.
"Time to celebrate, wouldn't you say?" Lisa suggested, tossing her car keys to him. Catching them, Bell agreed and slid into the driver's seat.
As Bell prepared to start the car, Lisa tapped his shoulder. "Yes?" he inquired.
"Why not allocate your skill points now?" she proposed.
"Now? Is it necessary?" Bell questioned.
"Yes, especially since Hanna is about to work her magic again," Lisa informed him.
"Alright, then," Bell conceded, ready to embrace what was next.
[Diagnostic Menu] [Level: 49] [102 Demonic Points Available]
Name: Bellial Radcliffe
EXP: 166,240/721,000
General Health Status: Healthy
Skills and Perks:
* Diplomatic Seer Lv. 4: Provides an edge in bargaining, crucial for resource acquisition or information gathering. This includes knowing what the current state or mood of your diplomatic opponent, or allies. It also allows the user to know their relationship with other diplomatic party. Moderate amount of Aether Energy needed to use this spell.
* Sweet Talker Lv. 3: Provide a soothing-like ability to your voice during negotiation session, alongside with a non-aggressive passive spell that would make your offer more likely to be accepted by the opposite party. This ability only works on good will and any dubious request will cancel the spell immediately.
* Aura of Authority Lv. 1: This ability imbues the user with an innate sense of authority and charisma, making others more inclined to respect and listen to you. It's particularly effective in leadership situations, where your presence can inspire confidence and loyalty. It only works on allies that have trusted the user. It will also boost the chance of intimidation slightly towards enemies.
* Mana Efficiency Lv. 2: Reduces the amount of aether energy required to cast spells, allowing for more frequent use of magic.
* Marksmanship Lv. 4: +10% Range and Accuracy of All Weapons on Your Arsenal, Including Summoned Soldiers
* Second-Hand User Lv. 5: 60% Reduction in Equipment Price
* Corpse Bank Lv. 3: This ability ensures that each corpse would be rewarded greatly, undeads or not. The system will give you an extra 40% for each creature, this includes both mechanical and biological creature that you encounter.
* Experimental Logistics Lv. 2: Increase the efficiency of fuel items, engines, and so on, allowing +25% increase on average on range and duration.
82 skill points? Bell swore that those were a lot of skill points, and up to the point in which he became confused on what he should spend it first. There were also a list of new skills that he could choose and pick, some would benefit the civil sectors, some would benefit the military sectors, and some would benefit both albeit at a weaker effect.
* Mana Efficiency Lv. 2 > Magical Conduits Lv. 1: Establishes a network of arcane energy lines throughout the kingdom, reducing the cost of magic use by 20% for all inhabitants and boosting the efficiency of magical operations. [10 Demonic Points]
* Siege Mastery Lv. 1: Enhances the effectiveness of siege operations by 30%, reducing the time and resources needed to capture fortifications. This skill applies to both offensive sieges and the construction of defensive siege engines and fortifications. [5 Demonic Points]
* Armament Infusion Lv. 1: Your troops’ weapons and armor are now imbued with magical properties, increasing their destructive output or protective capabilities by 20%. This skill can be pivotal during critical engagements, giving troops an edge over their opponents. [25 Demonic Points]
* Logistical Mastery Lv. 1: Enhances supply chain efficiency by magically ensuring supplies reach the front lines 30% faster and more securely by making vehicles goes faster to that amount, including improving their handling alongside with general ride quality. [10 Demonic Points]
First, he upgraded Second-Hand user twice which brought the reduction up to 70% of most equipment price that costed him 35 demonic points in total. Then, he chose all of the four skills provided to increase both his civil capabilities alongside with overall combat capabilities. After that, he leveled experimental logistic thrice which costed him fifteen demonic points.
[Diagnostic Menu] [Level: 49] [22 Demonic Points Available]
Name: Bellial Radcliffe
EXP: 166,240/721,000
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General Health Status: Healthy
Skills and Perks:
* Diplomatic Seer Lv. 4: Provides an edge in bargaining, crucial for resource acquisition or information gathering. This includes knowing what the current state or mood of your diplomatic opponent, or allies. It also allows the user to know their relationship with other diplomatic party. Moderate amount of Aether Energy needed to use this spell.
* Sweet Talker Lv. 3: Provide a soothing-like ability to your voice during negotiation session, alongside with a non-aggressive passive spell that would make your offer more likely to be accepted by the opposite party. This ability only works on good will and any dubious request will cancel the spell immediately.
* Aura of Authority Lv. 1: This ability imbues the user with an innate sense of authority and charisma, making others more inclined to respect and listen to you. It's particularly effective in leadership situations, where your presence can inspire confidence and loyalty. It only works on allies that have trusted the user. It will also boost the chance of intimidation slightly towards enemies.
* Magical Conduits Lv. 1: Establishes a network of arcane energy lines throughout the kingdom, reducing the cost of magic use by 20% for all inhabitants and boosting the efficiency of magical operations.
* Marksmanship Lv. 4: +10% Range and Accuracy of All Weapons on Your Arsenal, Including Summoned Soldiers
* Second-Hand User Lv. 7: 70% Reduction in Equipment Price
* Corpse Bank Lv. 3: This ability ensures that each corpse would be rewarded greatly, undeads or not. The system will give you an extra 40% for each creature, this includes both mechanical and biological creature that you encounter.
* Experimental Logistics Lv. 5: Increase the efficiency of fuel items, engines, and so on, allowing +40% increase on average on range and duration.
* Siege Mastery Lv. 1: Enhances the effectiveness of siege operations by 30%, reducing the time and resources needed to capture fortifications. This skill applies to both offensive sieges and the construction of defensive siege engines and fortifications.
* Armament Infusion Lv. 1: Your troops’ weapons and armor are now imbued with magical properties, increasing their destructive output or protective capabilities by 20%. This skill can be pivotal during critical engagements, giving troops an edge over their opponents.
* Logistical Mastery Lv. 1: Enhances supply chain efficiency by magically ensuring supplies reach the front lines 30% faster and more securely by making vehicles goes faster to that amount, including improving their handling alongside with general ride quality.
Bell closed his interface screen as Lisa settled into the passenger seat beside him. It was hard to ignore the question that nagged at him—how could Lisa afford such an expensive car? Before Bell arrived in this alternate Earth, he had been oblivious to the price tag of Lisa’s vehicle. Now, however, he knew it must have cost hundreds of thousands of Aurals.
"Is our economic status really that good?" Bell queried, turning to Lisa.
"Well, now that you mention it, it's practically an economic miracle," Lisa replied. "We boast a highly educated workforce, a surprisingly robust military for our size, and one of the most modernized industries in the world, not to mention a facility with innovative ways of operating."
"So, that's how you can afford the car?" Bell pressed further.
"I'm still an internist, you know?" Lisa added with a grin.
As Bell navigated the BMW I7 out of the military base, merging onto the newly constructed highway encircling Frostwood, he couldn't help but marvel at the infrastructure around him. The presence of such a highway caught him by surprise; he didn't recall it being there before, suggesting that the base had been relocated further from the city's core. Ahead of them, the open road offered a stunning view of Frostwood's skyline, transformed dramatically since his last visit.
"I've been away for a while, but seeing all this... it's impressive," Bell remarked, his gaze sweeping over the towering buildings that reached into the night sky.
"Hanna spearheaded the development of a new district. The old town, including the monument area, has been integrated into Joint Base Frostwood, while the new town lies ahead," Lisa explained, gesturing toward the sprawling urban landscape unfolding before them.
The sight of Frostwood's new district, with its sleek high-rises and modern architecture, left Bell in awe. Never had he seen buildings soar so high, a testament to the rapid growth and modernization the Federation had undergone. As they approached the city, Bell noted the mix of civilian cars and military vehicles on the road, a reminder of the ongoing conflict with the Southern Coalition and its impact on daily life.
As they continued along the highway, Bell noticed two distinct junctions leading to other highways that stretched far beyond the city limits. Curious, he turned to Lisa and inquired about the destinations: Imyalian and Nelenoris. Lisa explained that these places were under the management of Eldrin and Shruss, respectively. Eldrin focused on the technology industry, while Shruss aimed to establish an industry for weaponries. Despite their different focuses, both adhered to strict environmental guidelines and generated significant profits.
Exiting the highway and entering the intra-city network, Bell was greeted by the sight of numerous modern buildings, evidence of the city's economic boom. The influx of new businesses opening left and right spoke volumes about the prosperity fueled by the Federation's robust defense.
Their destination, an upscale restaurant located in the prestigious area of the new district, symbolized the city's affluence. As they approached, Bell couldn't help but marvel at the transformation. The streets were immaculate and brightly illuminated.
Sensing Bell's awe, Lisa leaned over and remarked, "It's all part of a larger plan. The success of our military not only ensures our safety but also attracts investment and fosters economic growth."
“Yeah, I’ve heard you. The commissary terminal is the largest contributor of wealth so far,” Bell nodded, recalling previous discussions on the topic.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, Bell maneuvered the BMW I7 into the parking area. His attention was immediately drawn to the array of luxury vehicles adorning the lot—Mercedes, BMWs, Audis, and Lexuses—all shining under the lot's lights. Each car was a symbol of the establishment's exclusivity and Frostwood's prosperity.
Bell couldn't help but be impressed by the opulence on display, a stark reminder of how much had changed in his absence. The sight of these high-end vehicles in the restaurant's parking lot was a clear indicator of the establishment's caliber and the economic strides the Federation had made.
With a sense of anticipation, Bell and Lisa exited the car and made their way towards the entrance of the upscale restaurant. As they stepped inside, the ambiance of elegance and sophistication enveloped them, further reinforcing the image of prosperity that permeated Frostwood.
"Now, shall we?" Bell gestured towards the dining area, a smile playing on his lips as he looked forward to the culinary delights that awaited them.
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