70: Crafting Power and Profit

The steady hum of machinery and the muted sounds of activity in the outpost filled the air as Alex sat in his small, makeshift workshop. His focus was sharp, his mind buzzing with thoughts about how to push his abilities further. Outside the walls of the outpost, the droids continued working in the distant mountain range, building the secret base and steadily erecting the wind turbines. They had completed four turbines so far, and each one silently churned in the wind, generating a constant flow of energy for future use.

But here, inside the outpost, Alex had other matters to attend to—his personal progression and the acquisition of new techniques. He knew that mastering energy arts was the key to unlocking the next tier of power. The Energy Credits from his repair jobs had been accumulating, and now it was time to make the most of them.

"AI," Alex said, sitting back in his chair, "initiate the purchase of the energy arts I've selected."

The AI responded promptly. "Understood. Beginning transaction process."

Alex had carefully reviewed the abilities available for purchase, focusing on the most versatile techniques that would help him move forward. He watched as the AI processed the purchase of arts ranging from the 1st to 3rd tiers, with a few select techniques from the 4th tier. As the transaction completed, a confirmation appeared on the console: Purchase Successful.

A sense of excitement stirred within Alex. With access to these arts, his personal power was about to take a significant leap forward.

Acquired Techniques:

1st Tier Techniques: Energy Bolts, Energy Shield, Energy Infusion

2nd Tier Techniques: Energy Blade, Enhanced Energy Absorption, Elemental Manipulation - Lightning

3rd Tier Techniques: Energy Harvesting - Natural Sources, Storm Conduit, Energy Field Manipulation.

These techniques formed a solid foundation for his growth, giving him the versatility and power needed to ascend through the energy tiers. The AI began uploading the new abilities to his system, enabling him to access their full potential.

Creating New Abilities

But acquiring these abilities was only part of Alex's plan. As he looked over the techniques, an idea that had been brewing for days finally came to fruition—why not create his own energy arts? The market for energy techniques was vast, and if Alex could design unique abilities, he could sell weaker versions of them to other mages and generate a new stream of income.

"AI," Alex said thoughtfully, "I want you to create seven new abilities for each tier, up to the 3rd tier. Use the knowledge we've gained from the techniques I've purchased, but make them different enough to stand out in the market."

The AI processed the command. "Understood. Beginning the creative process for original energy arts."

Alex knew that with the AI's vast database and analysis capabilities, creating unique techniques would be a simple task. The AI had scanned countless energy arts, understood their principles, and could generate modifications that would give Alex's abilities an edge in the market.

"I also want you to create weakened versions of these techniques," Alex added, leaning forward. "Make them accessible for lower-tier mages. We'll sell those versions online under a new alias."

The AI paused briefly. "Initiating creation of weaker versions. Estimated time to completion: 2 hours."

Alex leaned back, his mind racing with the possibilities. Selling original energy arts would be too revealing, but selling weaker, simplified versions of those arts would establish him as a force in the market, earning significant Energy Credits and increasing his influence across the outpost and beyond. The alias would protect his identity, ensuring that his rise to power remained under the radar for now.

The New Abilities

Two hours passed, and the AI signaled the completion of the task. "Seven abilities for each tier have been generated, along with weaker versions suitable for sale. These abilities are distinct from the ones designed for your personal use and have been optimized for practical use by lower-tier mages."

Alex quickly reviewed the list, impressed by what the AI had created. The arts were diverse, offering new ways to manipulate energy, fight, and defend. They were distinct from the more common techniques on the market, giving him an edge in both usability and appeal.

1st Tier Arts (Weakened Versions for Sale):

1. Energy Wave: A wide, low-powered wave of energy that can push back opponents and deflect minor attacks.

2. Kinetic Pulse: A pulse of energy that increases the user's speed for a brief moment, perfect for evading attacks or closing distances quickly.

3.Energy Needle: A thin, precise burst of energy that can penetrate small defenses, ideal for targeting weak spots.

4. Energy Thread: An ability that creates a thin, nearly invisible thread of energy, allowing the user to trip, ensnare, or manipulate small objects from a distance.

5. Heat Burst: A sudden burst of heat energy that can briefly blind or disorient enemies.

6. Energy Bind: Low-level energy chains that can temporarily hold an enemy in place.

7. Power Step: A burst of energy channeled into the legs, allowing short bursts of enhanced movement speed.

2nd Tier Arts (Weakened Versions for Sale):

1. Energy Saber: A more refined version of the energy blade, lighter but with greater precision.

2. Energy Shield II: A mid-level energy shield that reflects minor attacks back at the opponent.

3. Conductive Strike: Channels electricity through a weapon or hand, adding a shocking effect to attacks.

4. Focused Absorption: An ability that enhances the user's absorption of external energy, making it easier to recharge during combat.

5. Chain Lightning: A bolt of lightning that jumps from one target to another, dealing small damage to each.

6. Energy Wall: A larger defensive structure of pure energy, useful for blocking groups or large attacks.

7. Repulsion Field: A short-range burst of energy that repels enemies within a 5-meter radius.

3rd Tier Arts (Weakened Versions for Sale):

1. Elemental Charge: Allows the user to charge their energy with elemental properties—fire, ice, or lightning—depending on their environment.

2. Energy Cloak: A cloak of energy that disguises the user's energy signature, useful for stealth and evading detection.

3. Static Armor: A layer of electricity forms around the user, damaging enemies who get too close.

4. Energy Conduit: Allows the user to direct energy from their surroundings into an object or person, either powering them up or overloading them.

5. Energy Storm: Creates a localized storm of pure energy that damages anything caught within its radius.

6. Field Disruptor: Disrupts the energy field of nearby enemies, reducing their ability to manipulate energy effectively.

7. Pulse Barrage: Rapid-fire energy pulses that can strike multiple targets in quick succession.

Weaker Versions for Sale

The AI had carefully crafted weaker versions of the techniques, ensuring they would be accessible for lower-tier mages but still valuable enough to sell. These simplified arts would be sold anonymously under the alias Elementis, allowing Alex to maintain a low profile while spreading his influence through the market.

"These will do nicely," Alex muttered, scrolling through the list. "Now, upload the weakened versions to the market. Set competitive prices and let's see how they perform."

"Uploading to the market under the alias 'Elementis,'" the AI confirmed.

As the arts were uploaded, Alex felt a surge of satisfaction. Not only was he progressing in his personal power, but he had also created a new stream of income that could fuel his future endeavors. The sales of these original, yet simplified, energy arts would bring in a steady flow of Energy Credits, giving him more resources to invest in his training and preparations for the day when he could finally break free of the outpost.

He leaned back in his chair, letting the possibilities wash over him. Alex had crafted something far more significant than just his own abilities—he had opened a door to a wider influence, one that could make him a dominant player in the world of energy arts.

"Let's see how this plays out," Alex whispered to himself, a small smile forming as he imagined the future. Soon, the outpost and everyone beyond would be using his techniques, even if they didn't know who had created them.

The market was just the beginning.

thanks --cloud_strife-- for the power stones.

please comment for anything to include or delete.