Chapter 3:Ready

"Please configure the initial resource parameters for the island and its surroundings (100 kilometers)!"

A simple configuration menu appeared before Lei Jiu, presenting only three options: soil fertility, fishery resources, and mineral resources. Each item displayed a current value of 0.

"The minimum value for each item is 1, and the maximum is 10. Each island owner is allotted 15 points to distribute according to their preference."

Lei Jiu blinked, wondering if he would struggle with his choices. He wished he could modify the point allocation from 15 to 30!

A headache ensued!

Naturally, fishery resources couldn't be neglected. In the early stages, fishing was vital for survival, given the lengthy growth cycle of crops. Before the first harvest, fish was the primary food source.

Hunting? How much game could one find on an island with a 1-kilometer radius and an area just over 3 square kilometers? Similarly, foraging for wild fruits wouldn't suffice to feed many people.

Likewise, soil fertility had to be maximized to ensure food production could support a burgeoning population. It not only affected grain output but also wood, medicinal plants, vegetables, fruits, and spices. Barren land couldn't sustain a thriving civilization.

Mineral resources, especially coal, were crucial. In colder temperate zones, insufficient coal meant freezing temperatures. Even in Lei Jiuxuan's warm temperate zone, wood alone couldn't sustain iron production. Coal was indispensable as a reducing agent for smelting iron in blast furnaces.

Then there was the issue of iron ore. Without an adequate supply, there wouldn't be enough iron for agricultural tools, axes, mining picks, hammers, or weapons. Insufficient resources meant being ill-equipped for survival.

These three items were paramount, especially since the system clarified the need to set initial resource parameters for the island and its surroundings. Nearby uninhabited islands would generate initial resources based on these parameters within a radius of 100 kilometers, covering an area of over 30,000 square kilometers.

After much deliberation, Lei Jiu allocated his 15 points according to a 7:4:4 ratio, prioritizing soil fertility. Land space was limited, especially on small islands, so maximizing cultivation space was crucial.

"Resource parameters allocated. Confirm?"

"Confirmed! Huh?"

Lei Jiu exclaimed "Okay" and glanced at the parameters he'd set, rubbing his eyes in disbelief. "System, what's happening?"

Lei Jiu had initially set values of 7, 4, and 4, but now they read 9, 6, and 6.

The system remained silent, but the parameters now displayed as 7+2, 4+2, 4+2, accompanied by a note. The basic parameters were marked beside 7, 4, and 4, while the three 2s after the + sign denoted the full-time master bonus.

"Full-time Grandmaster?"

"The Full-time Grand Master title reward is bestowed upon Volunteer No. CHI2222222, who reached the Grand Master level in all 888 combat and non-combat occupations in 'Professional Warfare'!"

Indeed, Lei Jiu's 500-year gaming journey was filled with mastering every combat and non-combat profession in the game, a daunting feat requiring dedication and perseverance. Among the 888 occupations, achieving Grandmaster status necessitated excellence in occupation level, skill proficiency, and overall strength. Lei Jiu's tenacity in retraining 87 times for each occupation was truly remarkable.

Lei Jiu undertook this monumental task out of passion, personal fulfillment, and practicality for his future on the colony star. Despite being a game, the skills and knowledge acquired were applicable to reality.

Unexpectedly, the title reward came sooner than anticipated, even before reaching the colonized planet.

"Will this Full-time Grandmaster title offer additional bonuses in the game?"

"No! Granting overly powerful title rewards would be unfair to other players. The Full-time Grandmaster title only provides an early development advantage of 6 points in initial resource parameters, along with a potent skill reward upon entering the game."

"I... Isn't the Full-time Grandmaster title somewhat underwhelming? Six initial points and a powerful skill seem like mere advantages in the novice stage. How can I compete with wealthy and powerful players as a solitary individual?"

Such is human nature. Before knowing of the Full-time Grandmaster title reward, Lei Jiu was content. But now that he possessed it, he deemed the reward insufficient.

"Wealth and personal connections amassed within the game's rules reflect a player's wisdom and capability. The system remains impartial, unlike direct grants from the current system. The Full-time Grandmaster title reward only offers an early development advantage of 6 points in initial resource parameters and a powerful skill. It's a player's skill to earn and leverage wealth and influence within the game's rules. Those without such skills can't rely on system support."

Lei Jiu contemplated, realizing the limitations of the title reward. Regardless, he remained confident in his ability to excel in the game. Lack of power? Few friends? He had achieved the Full-time Grandmaster title in "Professional Warfare" alone, demonstrating his capability and resilience.

Lei Jiu wouldn't boast, but he wouldn't underestimate himself either.

"Can I enter the game now?"

"Yes! But first, Jiuxiao Island Master, it's advisable to purchase some initial development materials."

"Oh? Can these be purchased?"

"Yes, but there are thresholds for each resource. If exceeded, prices rise exponentially. Different materials have different price escalation curves."

Checking his wealth, Lei Jiu found he had hundreds of thousands, likely ranking around 10,000 among 10 million volunteers. Lei Jiu felt relatively affluent among players, though far from the top 100.

"Let me see the list of available development materials!"

The system promptly displayed a dozen or so options: seeds, livestock breeds, farming and fishing equipment, carpentry and blacksmith tools, and more. Lei Jiu felt overwhelmed momentarily.

He needed to bring a ton of food, as prices skyrocketed beyond that threshold. Similarly, there were limits on seeds, livestock, and tools, with prices escalating after reaching certain quantities.

Lei Jiu depleted his wealth, purchasing as much as he could. Before long, he found himself penniless, akin to when he first boarded the colony spaceship.

Overall, Lei Jiu's purchases weren't in vain. Despite the hefty prices, bringing everything within the limits was essential. Lei Jiu exhausted his savings, ensuring he was fully prepared.

Lei Jiu sympathized with less wealthy volunteers aspiring to become island owners. He was ready to enter the game.