129. Final Mobilization
The atmosphere at the temporary base gradually turned solemn. Players were digging trenches, building defensive structures, buying weapons, equipment, and ammunition from Du Zexin and the NPCs in Triangle Town, or renting Omega Energy from Li Aozi. Some even bought gene weapons from N4.
After all, they were about to head to space, and the universe didn't recognize the worthless paper money they held. Meanwhile, Li Aozi had issued the mission [Farewell Battle]. Up next, they would face the formidable Tianhuan soldiers until the modifications to the biopool assembly were completed.
Since this was the case, players no longer held back and spent all their experience points and Azure Star currency on luxurious items they wouldn't normally dare to think about.
High-potassium protein injection, instantly restores 90% of health—Buy!
Beta acid bombs, effective against infantry units—Buy!
High-explosive tungsten core armor-piercing rounds, also known as Derby Launcher Gold Coins—Buy!
The Auckland Lord of Triangle Town immediately perked up. Many items were produced by outsourcing blueprint orders to local workshops through Du Zexin. In just two hours, players had generated 2 million Derby in revenue for him.
"These Descenders are basically doing charity."
Lord Auckland watched as pickups came and went, transporting various weapons and explosives. Players were snatching up the expensive gear without hesitation, prompting him to sigh:
"If only there were more Descenders like these."
Thanks to the various missions Li Aozi had previously issued, these players did have quite a bit of money.
They handed it to Du Zexin, who, in turn, passed it to Li Aozi, stating, "I'm a robot now; money doesn't mean much to me."
Naturally, Li Aozi didn't hold back either. He used the funds to issue a slew of missions to the players, emphasizing:
"These tasks can be shared with people you know. We need manpower now—more is better, the more, the better!"
Of course, saying this alone wasn't enough. Li Aozi discovered a feature in his NPC template: his missions could be shared on the game forum.
Although Li Aozi himself was muted, players could share the links to involve more people in his tasks, contributing to the construction and earning rewards.
Coincidentally, during the selection event for the space mission slots, most attendees were core members of their respective groups with considerable influence. Once they shared the task links, they quickly spread across major guilds, teams, and forums.
"Huh? This is a mission issued by Li Aozi!"
"It's a branch of the main quest, and there's storyline content. I'm in."
"No way, the person sharing the mission is my coworker."
His actions successfully attracted Azure Star players to dig trenches, build shelters, and plant mines.
To speed up the work, players even bought tools from Du Zexin.
As usual, Du Zexin transferred the money back to Li Aozi.
Li Aozi used the funds to entice more players, distributing the money as rewards.
Players received the cash and went to Triangle Town to buy military gear.
Lord Auckland, having pocketed the money, felt grateful for the profits Li Aozi brought him and decided to return part of the players' earnings as a token of thanks.
Thus, Li Aozi continued to use the money to reward the players. The players spent the funds again, and after their purchases, Auckland returned part to Li Aozi...
This cycle continued, and instead of running out, Li Aozi's wallet grew fatter. Players acquired a substantial amount of supplies, their negotiation and trading skills skyrocketed, and Du Zexin efficiently dealt with his scrap parts.
Everyone felt like they were winning.
The massive mecha had now transformed, topped with a giant biopool, resembling a giant mushroom. Du Zexin had assembled numerous engineering robots to assist in converting a killing machine into a launch rocket.
They planned to send the biopool skyward, first detonating a hydrogen bomb to clear the path. Upon reaching the upper atmosphere, Du Zexin would detonate a reactor to disperse the concentrated Eerie.
Though the plan seemed straightforward and brutal, it required precise calculations, and the operation demanded high skill from Li Aozi.
To ensure the biopool and Li Aozi wouldn't end up drifting aimlessly in space, Du Zexin added an extra set of rocket boosters to the biopool, allowing them to swiftly exit the blast radius after the hydrogen bomb detonation.
However, with more factors considered, the modification time increased, and something had to be done before that.
Li Aozi glanced at the surveillance drones deployed by Du Zexin. The Tianhuan soldiers were rapidly crossing broken mountains.
This couldn't go on.
Li Aozi stood up and looked around. Thanks to the widespread sharing by major players, out of the 5,000 beta testers, 3,000 had been mobilized.
In terms of numbers, they weren't at a significant disadvantage, but the quality of their forces was lacking.
Li Aozi thought for a moment and made another call.
"Hello?"
"Aozi?"
Alexia's voice sounded delighted:
"It's been so long since I heard your voice. Did you miss me?"
"Elly, as much as I'd love to catch up, now's not the time," Li Aozi said. "The Tianhuan sent a samurai army to hunt me down, and I need your help."
Alexia's playful tone shifted to seriousness immediately:
"Got it… I understand. I'll contact President Sislong right away. We'll see each other soon."
"See you soon."
Li Aozi hung up and scanned his contacts again—Zhengxu's side likely wouldn't help, and the Red Arrow Empire was probably busy cleaning up his mess. With half of Qiong'an Jing torn down, the Tianhuan would surely make an issue of Li Aozi's citizenship.
Scanning through the list, Li Aozi was left with just a few options.
Though, those remaining didn't seem particularly useful.
"…Whatever, everyone has their part to play."
Desperate for manpower, Li Aozi dialed another number:
"Nimotin, you there?"
On the other end, Nimotin was enjoying her vacation in casual clothes, but when she saw Li Aozi's handsome face, it was like she'd seen the Grim Reaper.
"Cough, cough, L-Li Aozi, sir…"
Nimotin shivered with fear, her face contorted in distress:
"What did I do wrong this time? Please, let me go. I'm just a Beta tier."
"Oh, you've actually reached Beta tier? That's pretty useful."
Li Aozi glanced at the tall woman's surroundings:
"Whoa, Qiong'an Jing Holiday Hotel. So you're in Tianhuan on a mission, huh? Then get over here and help out."
"I-I'm really just on vacation…"
"Be at this location within three hours, or face the consequences."