Chapter XI: Planning

Several days had passed since Gino first opened his eyes in Vandalor. His routine had become much more manageable compared to the chaotic first three days. Now, as he worked, Gino had a clear objective in mind.

In the afternoons, he frequented O'Shalle's Bar, making his face a familiar sight. Slowly but surely, he built rapport with the bar's patrons, waiting patiently for the right opportunity to present itself.

Meanwhile, Gino continued to accumulate credits, his workdays becoming more bearable with Beatrix's company. Their connection deepened as they learned more about each other.

Gino's experience points gradually increased, rising from 8 to 12. It was a rather small improvement, but progress nonetheless. However, what truly mattered was the current goal driving him as he roamed between levels 60 and 61.

Here, among people of higher status than those on the lower levels, Gino observed various shops where vehicles with Grav engines zoomed by, transporting tons of materials and goods along streets clearly marked for their movement amidst a sea of people.

These levels housed the distribution points for the lower-level factories, as well as surplus from a handful of manufactories. Money flowed in amounts far greater than in all the other levels combined, with petty merchants and workers keeping the economy ticking over while securing various goods.

Gino's eyes and ears were attuned to any information he could glean from the noise of the district, while armed patrols made their rounds, ensuring order was maintained. On their chest plates and shoulder guards was a distinctive and repetitive symbol, the origin of which was unknown to Gino.

Approaching a vendor who had just finished a sale, Gino walked towards him with a straight posture and firm steps, his slightly reddish eyes regarding the man with indifference.

"Excuse me, sir," he began, gesturing with his hands to catch the attention of the older man, who turned to face him. "How much for a tonne of Ferrosteel?"

Upon hearing his accent, the man frowned and bit his lip before letting out a sigh of annoyance. He gave Gino a quick once-over before answering curtly, "30,000 credits per tonne, lad. Top-quality material. We offer discounts for orders over 100 tonnes."

Gino masked his horror and disbelief at the price—Thirty thousand credits!? Where on earth am I going to find that kind of money? He nodded at the man's words, maintaining a calm demeanour, and asked firmly, "What other materials do you sell?" His outward composure gave no hint of the internal turmoil he was experiencing.

Sensing a potential future sale, the man crossed his arms and grabbed a datapad, showing it to Gino as he said, "We've got Plasteel in stock as well, 120,000 credits per tonne, and other Ferrosteel derivatives..." The man continued listing prices, while Gino maintained a stoic expression, nodding slightly as he listened.

After a moment, Gino stroked his chin, and in an impressive display of acting, he informed the man, "I'll be sure to let my superior know about your prices. I hope we can finalise my order with you soon. Once I've sorted out the details, I'll come by to discuss transport and delivery." The vendor smiled, clearly pleased, offering his thanks while trying to exchange contact details with Gino.

Gino slipped away from the shop at the first opportunity, continuing his walk through the streets of level 60. He was gathering more knowledge about the various raw materials the system required for different ships and starting to form an idea of the capital needed to build his first ship—a crucial step towards achieving his ultimate goal.

----------[•Blueprints•]-----------

[•Arvus Lighter - Tier I Civilian Cargo]

•| "The Arvus Lighter is a reliable utility shuttle, primarily used by the Imperial Navy for cargo and personnel transport. Known for its sturdy and durable design, it has earned affectionate nicknames such as "the Hog" and "the Little Pig." This versatile workhorse excels at moving supplies and small groups of people between ships and planetary surfaces. |

•| "The shuttle has been upgraded with new plasma engines, allowing for greater speed and increased range thanks to improved efficiency. These enhancements also boost its cargo capacity and manoeuvrability. |

•| "Another significant improvement in the basic version is a reinforced cockpit with survival systems for extreme and hazardous climates. |

• Designation: Arvus Lighter

• Type: General Purpose Cargo Shuttle (Small)

• Forge World of Origin: Bakka

• Weight: 15 tonnes

● Dimensions: • Length: 8.52 meters - • Wingspan: 8.2 meters - • Height: 3.68 meters.

• Max Speed: from its original 1,600 kph to 2,600 kph at 4,500 feet.

• Range: from its original 22,000 to 28,000 km in atmosphere.

• Crew: Single pilot, accessed via a small, cramped cockpit connected to the cargo bay • Passenger Capacity: 12 to 18 individuals.

• Cargo Capacity: Versatile and adaptable cargo hold, accommodating up to 60 tonnes of cargo.

---------------<• >--------------

[•For the construction of the Arvus Lighter, the Forge System will require 4.5 tonnes of raw materials. Breakdown of raw material estimates:

• Ferrosteel: 2.0 tonnes (for frame and hull)

• Plasteel: 0.7 tonnes (internal supports)

• Ceramite: 0.3 tonnes (for armour and heat resistance)

• Adamantium: 0.1 tonnes (for reinforcing critical areas)

• Polymer Composites: 0.2 tonnes (for insulation and wiring)

• Quartz/Glass: 0.05 tonnes (for cockpit and visual sensors)

• Rare Earth Metals: 0.05 tonnes (for electronics and sensor arrays)

• Promethium (Fuel): 0.1 tonnes (for initial power requirements)]

----------

This was the ship Gino had set his sights on, a reliable and plentiful vessel that would provide him with a variety of job options, as well as the ability to leave Vandalor and work on other planets.

However, after enquiring about the cheapest materials, Gino realised he would have to work hard and for a long time before he could afford to build this ship.

The cost of the first two materials alone totalled 150,000 credits, not including the storage needed for them—a colossal sum compared to his current total of just 3,570 credits.

The price of the other materials remained unknown to him, but judging by what he had already learned, Gino understood that the ship could cost up to a million credits.

I suppose I can worry about that later, once I've learned how to pilot a bloody ship, he thought to himself, mildly frustrated at the amount of work it would take to gather such an astronomical sum. As he walked the streets, he continued gathering information about the fluctuating prices of the various materials.

In doing so, he discovered that Plasteel was an imported commodity in Vandalor, while the local system produced Ferrosteel and other ship components like titanium, gold, and platinum.

This explained why Plasteel was priced at around 120,000 credits, a figure that varied between sellers. Gino overheard that better prices could be found on higher levels—levels that remained out of his reach, as he didn't have the required identification to access them.

As for Ferrosteel, Gino learned that it was slightly cheaper than what the first vendor had quoted him, with a minimum price of 27,500 credits.

Did that bastard take me for a fool or a rich man? Gino fumed inwardly as he made his way down to level 01, where he had arranged to meet Beatrix at O'Shalle's Bar.

Riding in an overcrowded lift filled with workers ending their shifts, their faces worn and defeated, Gino mentally mapped out his next steps now that he had a rough idea of how much money he would need.

Though it's tempting to wait until I've saved the full amount and buy all the materials at once, I think it would be wiser to find a place to store everything and purchase materials bit by bit. I don't trust myself to carry large amounts of credits. Although he hadn't experienced any security issues so far, Gino wasn't ruling out the possibility of future problems.

After all, many of the people he currently shared a sleeping space with were nearly enslaved by the Guild, with some even owing money and willing to do anything to repay it.

I wonder if I could persuade someone to lend me the money I need... Gino mused, I should find out how much those pilots at O'Shalle's earn before making any decisions. Although he was aware of the dangers of falling into debt in a place like Vandalor, Gino knew better than anyone that the opportunity to earn would increase exponentially as he handled larger sums.

There was also the option of selling the ships he built with the system if things became desperate, potentially for a higher price than the standard vessels found in Vandalor.

Though it'd be best to avoid that scenario, Gino thought to himself as he waited for the elevator doors to open. The familiar map of Vandalor had become second nature to him by now, guiding him easily between the levels without getting lost.

As night began to fall, Gino finally arrived at O'Shalle's Bar, where Beatrix was seated at the counter, chatting animatedly with Truman. The bar was busier than it had been in recent days, and the conversations around them were louder than usual.

Sensing several eyes on him, Gino removed his mask and returned Beatrix and Truman's gazes as he greeted them, "Good evening. I hope I haven't missed too much.."

Turning her head, eyes lighting up at the familiar sight of Gino, Beatrix almost leaped from her seat as she gave an enthusiastic slap on Gino's thigh. "Ginoooo~, you finally came! Grandpa was just telling me you had stood me up!" she exclaimed in a jovial and teasing tone, taking a sip from the drink in her other hand.

Truman shook his head slightly, gesturing with his chin toward a spot at the bar, saying, "Good you showed up. The guys brought that instrument they were talking about and were asking about you pretty often."

His words made Gino turn to observe the group of 'guys,' a crew of workers from a corporation responsible for, among other things, cargo transportation and freighter operations on Vandalor. Noticing the six figures chatting among themselves and sipping drinks, Gino quickly spotted an instrument case woven into their friendly conversations—a guitar.

Though not the most talented, Gino knew how to play a few songs from Earth that he liked. The thing was, Beatrix had let slip Gino's singing skills and unusual song choices, sparking the group's curiosity after hearing a couple of verses from him—encouraged after they'd bought him a few drinks.

"I hope you sing tonight, Gino! I can't wait to hear some of those songs you know!" Beatrix exclaimed, barely containing her excitement and anticipation. Gino let out a sigh, turning to Truman.

"Get me something light. I need to be sharp for what's coming." A slight smirk played on his face, which didn't escape Truman's eyes as he began mixing the drink for Gino.

9Time to earn my piloting lessons.'Mentally preparing himself, Gino gestured for Beatrix to get up as they made their way toward the group.

With large strides, drawing the attention of those nearby who sent glances and light smiles their way, the comical duo made their way across the room. Gino wore a sly, friendly smile as he greeted in a loud, cheerful tone, "Carrack, my maan! What's up, big dog? Looking good today, huh? Payday or what?"

Gino's tone shifted from his usual demeanor as he sat next to a man in his thirties. He had the rugged look of someone who spent more time in the skies than on the ground, with short-cropped hair and a broad build. His jacket bore the worn emblem of a cargo company, though it was faded and hard to make out in the dim light of the bar.

"Hehe, Gino! Finally decided to show up, huh?"

"We brought you that instrument we told you about!"

"Look at him, already kissing Carrack's feet, haha!"

Voices echoed as Gino approached, shaking hands and greeting each of the others—Jarro, Trav, Helmut, and Lando.

Carrack, the first man Gino had addressed, let a faint smile cross his otherwise melancholic face. "Hehe, kid, good to see you! And yeah, got some credits in my pocket. How'd you know?" His posture was open and friendly.

Reaching for the guitar on the side, Gino shot Carrack a conspiratorial grin. "Well, you know, men have that special glow when they've got cash in their pockets. Wallet beats charm every time." His comment drew soft chuckles from the group.

"It's true! Nothing like hitting the red zone after payday! Makes me feel loved!" Trav chimed in with a hysterical, drunken laugh.

Nodding after hearing Trav's words, Beatrix, who sat next to Gino, added, "Now that you guys have credits, you're no longer envious of the orks!"

Her comment sent the rest of the table into fits of laughter, while Gino smiled faintly, familiarizing himself with the guitar.

It's quite different from Earth guitars, but it doesn't sound bad at all,Gino thought to himself. Observing him, Carrack patted him on the shoulder and said, "We brought it, so will you hold up your end of the deal from last time? Remember, we bought you two drinks for it!" His melancholic face had a calm, relaxed expression.

Tilting his head, Gino asked, "If you like the song, will you promise to teach me what I asked for?" His playful tone was back, while Carrack let out a sigh, shaking his head.

"Just play the damn song, and we'll see," the pilot said, taking another sip of his drink.

"I'll hold you to that! Watch out, I'm starving for lessons." With those words, Gino left the group and headed toward the bar, guitar in hand. He looked over at Truman and said, "Sir, I request permission to shatter the windows of your fine establishment while I sing and play a few songs for my friends over there."

Noticing Gino's cheeky grin, Truman frowned, lowering the volume of the background music as he muttered, "If you sound worse than the screeching of Tech-priests, I'll ban you from my bar for life. Got it?"

Downing his drink in one gulp, Gino responded with a simple "Got it," clearing his throat. He gained the attention of the bar and the conspiratorial glances of Carrack's group.

In a tone reminiscent of a street performer, Gino's voice filled the bar. "Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for interrupting this joyful and peaceful evening, but my lovely friends at that table have begged and pleaded for me to grace them with a few songs from my home world. This is 'Bad Moon Rising.'" Beatrix raised her drink in support, and Gino positioned himself, fingers poised over the strings of the strange guitar.

Finding the notes briefly, the sound in the bar dropped dramatically as several patrons watched, entertained by the spectacle.

Soon, however, the chords of Creedence Clearwater Revival's song began to resonate, and Gino's melodic and pleasant voice followed:

"I see the bad moon a-risin'~

I see trouble on the way~

I see earthquakes and lightnin'~

I see bad times today~

Don't go around tonight~

Well, it's bound to take your life~

Theeere's a bad moon on the rise~"

In a melody completely foreign to what the crowd was used to, and sung in a language unknown to them, Gino captivated the entire O'Shalle Bar with his simple cover. Inside, he allowed the day's nerves and worries to melt away.

Because seeing the expressions on the faces of everyone present, but especially Carrack, Gino knew it was a done deal—Carrack would teach him to fly. He had taken another step toward securing his future.

Life seemed to be slowly falling into place for Gino—or at least, for now, that's what he believed.