Chapter 587: Offense or defense?
One by one, Michael popped the cork out of the vials and began pouring it onto his Drone. His endorphins ran high as he saw the translucent drops of Soo become absorbed into his Mithril Artifact.
Finally, he had five drops for himself. He couldn’t wait to spend them all upgrading his weapon into something even more powerful than it was now.
He already had an idea about what he was going to prioritize first, but as usual, he was going to take his time thinking about it. He didn’t know when or where he would be able to get drops again.
“I can see that you’re very happy with your drops, Michael. I’m glad to see it!” Barnaby beamed with pride. This was one of the reasons why he started this business in the first place.
“By the way, congratulations are in order. I’m seeing a lot of people considering you and your Reborn company as the new top spot in the Rising Six. I’m guessing that they have to change the name now that you’re there.”
This was good news for him because it would only put more visibility on their company, leading to more profits and having more people recognize the Reborn brand.
“Everyone’s talking about your talents and your weapons. Who would have thought that you had a lot of Mithril Artifacts under your care? Haha, do you want to share with me the tomb where you found all of that? Maybe you have a few left in store that you need selling. I’m sure that it will be another hot topic in next year’s auction.”
Barnaby’s words were definitely in a joking manner. He knew that a treasure like Mithril Artifacts were almost priceless, given how few there were in the world.
“I mean, sure. I’ll have a few of them ready to sell next year if you want,” Michael said with a smile.
“HAHA! I will look forward to the day that comes!” Barnaby laughed, winking at Michael. He thought that he wasn’t serious. “Anyways, I have to leave now. The next phase of the auction is about to commence. And in my opinion, it’s the most exciting part.”
There were only two items left: the automobile and the 15 Soo drops. These products were so valuable that Barnaby expected their prices to reach sky high, so much so that only the Major Factions could afford them.
Barnaby soon left Michael’s VIP suite and arrived at the bottom of the stage just a second later. The chubby man was that fast.
Meanwhile, Michael stayed in the room and contemplated how to best use his new drops.
ChatJK4, can I get the Drone upgrade list again?
[….]
There was no response.
Right. I forgot about the software update.
He had spent his whole life hearing ChatJK4’s voice and got used to it so much that now it felt like there was a part of him missing.
Oh well, looks like I’ll have to check it myself.
He closed his eyes and concentrated on what he wanted to find. And lo and behold, the list magically appeared in his mind just a second later.
UPGRADES
[Mithril Artifact: Drone]
[Spirit of Old: 5 drop]
[Vision]
—Camera
——Drone Vision ><
——Shared Vision
——????
[Weapon]
—Unity Firearms
——Unity Gun ><
——Unity Gun Mk. 2
——Unity Grenade ><
——????
—Aubility
——Switch inventory
——????
[Propeller]
—Stealth
——Muffled Propeller
——????
—Speed
——Double blades
——????
[Frame]
—Stealth
——Camouflage
——Invisibility
——????
—Defense
——Unity Shield
——????
[Expansion]
—Drones
——Mini drone
——????
—Morph
——Reduce
——Enlarge
——????
First and foremost, his head immediately went towards the [Shared Vision] upgrade.
This would allow him to basically multi-task with the Drone, allowing him to pilot it and still be able to move his body simultaneously. It would be like he was seeing a split-screen of his body and the Drone’s perspective.
This would solve a lot of his problems with the Drone Vision, since it usually left him vulnerable and unable to move.
Not only that, but the upgrade also allowed him to see the invisible ‘aura’ of Aubilities. He didn’t know how that worked, but ChatJK4 told him that it would be like seeing the world through thermal vision, except he wouldn’t see heat but Aubilities instead.
This was very useful, seeing as he’d be able to anticipate attacks ahead of time.
All in all, he knew that he would get this upgrade no matter what. It was just too good.
It cost him two drops, but it was worth it in his opinion.
That would leave him with only three drops left.
For his next upgrade, he was seriously considering the [Mini Drone] upgrade. The idea of having two drones under his control would be akin to having two people helping him during a fight.
But the only thing making him hesitate was the fact that it didn’t have offensive capabilities. It only had the camera function, essentially allowing him three sets of eyes if fully utilized.
If he wanted it to have offensive capabilities, then he’d have to purchase the [Unity Gun Mk. 2], which would give him faster reloads and allow his mini drone to be able to use the guns as well.
So, if he were to get the mini-drone, then he’d have to pair it with the gun upgrade, which in total, would cost him all three drops.
I’m torn…the mini drone is good, but I kind of also want the stealth upgrade.
There were two stealth options for the Drone’s frame. One was just camouflage, and the second was straight up invisibility.
Of course, invisibility was the best option. The only caveat was that it cost 2 drops.
Still, this invisibility wouldn’t change the fact that the Drone’s propellers were extremely noisy. If he wanted the full package, then he’d have to pair this upgrade with the [Muffled Propellers], which in all, would cost him three drops.
Should I choose offensive or defensive?
This was a question as old as time. He couldn’t decide which one he was going to get.
I guess there could be an argument made for the stealth option. A lot of people did see the Drone in action during the game. They know that it can fly and shoot Unity beams.
A lot of people completely got caught off guard with the Drone since they didn’t know what it was or what it was capable of. But after this auction, everyone knew its capabilities, therefore were more aware that it could be flying anywhere around the environment.
The propellers will be a dead giveaway.
As he thought about it more and more, he began leaning on the stealth option. This way, he’d still be able to keep the element of surprise with his Drone.
But it’s not a rush. I’m still debating.
As he was debating with himself, Barnaby was already down at the stage and began introducing the next phase of the auction.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am sure that you have seen nothing like this before. This is an invention that will soon take over the world. It is something out of science fiction!
I’m sure you already heard about its capabilities during its brief appearance in Metropolis, but I can assure you that you haven’t seen anything yet.
I present to you: THE AUTOMOBILE!”