Chapter 442 - Rise Of The Protoss (1/2)

“You didn’t hear wrong. I did say those words.”

Chen Jin simply repeated, “I intend to recruit you and establish a close collaborative relationship. We’ll better our common interests.”

Gulp…

It was the sound of someone swallowing their saliva.

Mu Yunhua’s body was still somewhat stiff. She did not know whether she was feeling surprised, happy, or both. Forcing herself to calm down, she asked, “Why? Why did consider me?”

Even after more than 50 years of recovery on the planet of Walf, the human forces remained weak. Their total population stood at only one billion-plus, and their resources were limited. Moreover, their survival was heavily threatened by the Selain civilization.

How did such a weak force as they suddenly catch Gold’s attention?

Or was it just like it had been in the past, and Gold was just joking with her?

But, somehow, based on the calmness of his tone, she felt that Gold was really serious about what he said. However, she was once again filled with doubts. Why her?

“There is no ‘why.’ Suddenly, I wanted to speed up the pace of things,” Chen Jin said impassively. “I have been supporting you over the years and have strengthened your abilities. However, even if I were to give you a lot of core technologies with no strings attached, the rate at which you digest the information would still be very slow. The number of trained scientists in a population of one billion-plus is still insufficient to support a strong civilization.

“The Selains are actively thinking of all sorts of ways to deal with your people. They have resources found throughout their thousands of star systems, and a population in the hundreds of billions. They are a powerful force—you won’t be their match even after three hundred years. On the contrary, you may be overwhelmed by the other party’s resources.

“It’s also impossible for me to spend so much time helping you, step-by-step. No matter how I think about it, the best option is for me to directly provide you with a shortcut. Effects will be quickly evident and results will soon be apparent.

“And I also said this too – I’m not some intergalactic philanthropist. I have my own purpose in establishing contact with you. There is also a purpose on my end. I plan to develop my interests with your support. I believe that you are very clear about this point, too.”

Mu Yunhua nodded.

There was no love without reason in this world. She would rather believe that the other party had a purpose, whether it was a benevolent or a malicious one.

However, she still had some doubts. “Even if you do intend to recruit us—and, indeed, we are very willing to cooperate—nevertheless… Why us, and not other civilizations?”

Why did they set their sights on such a small and weak force?

Considering the extent of the strength belonging to the advanced civilization backing Gold, they could get any partners they liked to collaborate with them.

“Erm…”

Chen Jin was silent for a while. It was really difficult to answer this question.

After some thought, he said it anyway, “If I say… that it’s because of you—because you are very special and I like you very much, and that’s why I gave you this opportunity—would you believe it?”

Ah!

Mu Yunhua opened her mouth. Her heart thumped as her heartbeat accelerated, and two spots of color appeared on her cheeks.

‘Like.’

Was Gold teasing her, or was he confessing to her? In the past, he had said similar words no less than a hundred times. She had gradually grown immune to it. Occasionally, there were even times when she was quite angry because he said, “Yes, you are exactly my type—a grandmother more than one hundred years old.” There was even an incident when she had ignored him for several days.

However, this time around, a phantom voice arose in her mind: Gold must be serious. He’s probably not teasing me.

A trace of honey-sweetness bubbled in her heart.

“OK, I won’t ask anything more about this topic. But are you really willing to lend us an A-class warship like the ‘Silver Gun Lord’,? Surely it’s not possible for you to casually loan out such a powerful weapon?”

Science and technology were the foundation of a civilization. Generally speaking, the interstellar warships that combined the most advanced tech were kept strictly confidential to prevent leaks. Even more important was preventing the warships from falling into the hands of other civilizations and becoming a reference to be used for their own upgrades.

However, Gold’s suggestion was unexpected. He was even willing to loan them the technological results of their precious and secret treasure trove.

If their places were switched, she would never do such a thing.

Part of her wanted to pry open his head and witness for herself his thought processes.

“Rest assured, this is just a loan, just lending. It’s not a gift,” Chen Jin said in a confident and unflappable tone. “My ideas and investment philosophy greatly differ from others. I like to do things with a visionary aim.

“Moreover, since it is borrowed, I will request that you pay the corresponding remuneration; otherwise, I will take back the Silver Gun Lords.

“One hundred years. The initial rental period is one hundred years. I will lend you one hundred Silver Gun Lord warships. In addition, I will give you a large number of powerful and destructive weapons such as gravity bombs.

“Then, you will take these A-class warships and use them to destroy your opponents and earn points.

“These ‘points’ are easy to understand. The advanced technological materials of the hostile civilization can be converted into points; the special mineral resources of hostile civilization can also be converted into points.

“With your points, you can buy gravity bombs in the ‘mall,’ renew the rental of the A-class warships, and rent or buy newer A-class warships.

“With sufficient points, you could even exchange them for the more advanced S-class warships, interstellar fortresses, and advanced technological materials.

“The basic gameplay is similar to the previous instruction and training I gave you. You should quickly be able to get a handle on it.”

“So… points are everything. As long as you have enough, you can get everything from me. You could even empty my home. If you can make an infinite amount of contributions, it’s possible.”

Mu Yunhua nodded and automatically made note of some of the vocabulary in his speech. She had a general understanding of Gold’s purpose.

Technology and resources.

These two things were what all civilizations needed. There were no exceptions.

As for the gameplay of points redemption, so many years had passed. Throughout them, Mu Yunhua had repeatedly laid down her sense of shame and integrity; indeed, she had exchanged the points she earned for a large number of brilliant tech from the list of equipment that he had given her, and converted them into a lot of sophisticated technology… She knew that gameplay like the back of her hand.

The level of difficulty had been enhanced, and the scope of the scene expanded. She was about to carry out some meaningful and practical actions. She looked forward to it even more.

“OK, I am willing to work with you, Gold!”

Mu Yunhua stopped hesitating. “I will work even harder in the future. Not only will I make the Selains pay, but I’ll also seize plenty of ‘war booty’ from the enemy!”

Revenge! Revenge!

The blood debt of tens of billions of human beings, the destruction of their mother planet, the hardships and suffering that they had endured ever since their escape… Even today, she had never forgotten these things.

She was afraid that the passage of time would weaken their memories and fighting spirit until they slowly became timid and mediocre, and, ultimately, they would stop caring.

So… action had to be taken quickly and early on!

While those many difficult memories still lingered in people’s minds, she would quickly transform their pain into motivation and drive. With the support of the great power given by Gold, she would make the Selains pay what they deserved!

…

Haierfa.

A large dock about ten million kilometers from the planet.

The 100th Silver Gun Lord interstellar warship had just been completed. After taking on fuel and supplies, it slowly navigated out of the dock, and gradually merged into a phalanx of warships not too far away.

The formation incorporated this warship that had just been completed, which slowly merged into a corner of the phalanx.