Chapter 42: Major Vessel Upgrade

Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Major Vessel Upgrade

As Lin Ji’s voice fell, the System Panel instantly displayed an upgrade confirmation box.

[Conditions for upgrading to an LV3 Vessel have been met.]

[Basic Cost: Wood x10, High-Density Alloy Plate x30, Steam Power Core x1, Evolution Points x500.]

Without any hesitation, Lin Ji clicked confirm.

But he did not choose the basic plan. Instead, he communicated directly with the system.

"I want to perform an enhanced upgrade."

Lin Ji took out the five Steam Cores radiating high heat from his pouch, his gaze resolute.

"Don’t hold back, use them all!"

[Additional core materials detected. The system will now open Custom Vessel Construction Mode for you.]

[You can redesign the internal structure and defensive facilities of the LV3 Vessel based on your existing materials.]

Just as expected.

As Lin Ji had anticipated, as long as the materials were sufficient, the system allowed players to skip that crude basic template and directly build a personalized Sea Fortress.

Lin Ji turned to look at Tang Ling, who was watching eagerly from nearby.

"Tang Ling, come here."

"The structural design of this ship is up to you."

Hearing this, Tang Ling was so excited she nearly jumped.

She took the logbook Lin Ji handed her, her fingers flying across the holographic projection as she worked.

"Boss, the basic plan the system gives is absolute garbage!"

Tang Ling adjusted the model while her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

"With all these High-Density Alloy Plates we have, we can build a true Steel Fortress!"

"My suggestion is to abandon that ordinary flat-deck design."

"Prioritize the limited space and materials for defense and the power system!"

Lin Ji nodded in agreement.

"I was thinking the same thing."

"Right now, there are seven of us, including the unconscious one. Living space is indeed tight."

"But compared to living comfortably, survival comes first."

The two quickly reached a consensus.

Based on the available materials, Tang Ling designed the LV3 Vessel as a three-tier structure.

The bottom level was a fully enclosed engine room and storage area, housing the five Steam Cores and valuable supplies.

The middle level was the deck cabin, serving as the main activity area.

The top level was the command room, which also doubled as the captain’s quarters, offering the best visibility and the strongest defenses.

The area of the widest middle deck level was only about two hundred square meters.

It was clearly unrealistic to assign each person a private room.

Moreover, to ensure the hull’s sturdiness, a large number of alloy plates had to be used to reinforce the outer walls and load-bearing structures.

After some trade-offs, the final plan was settled.

The second level was Lin Ji’s exclusive captain’s quarters, complete with a private bathroom and the best view.

The first level was divided into two large dormitory-style rooms and a kitchen.

As for the underground level, it was a core area strictly off-limits to unauthorized personnel.

Seeing the compact yet incredibly well-defended Steel Fortress on the holographic projection, the other women gathered around.

Although they didn’t get their wish for private rooms, this was still far better than the drafty wooden hut they had all squeezed into before.

"Upgrade according to this plan!"

Lin Ji decisively gave the order.

[Ding! Plan confirmed!]

[Consumption: Wood x50, High-Density Alloy Plate x100, Steam Power Core x5, Evolution Points 500!]

[Vessel Upgrading...]

As a dazzling white light enveloped the entire hull, the original Catamaran Sailboat began to undergo a dramatic transformation.

Wooden planks rapidly reconfigured within the light, merging with the hard alloy.

Steam engine units roared as they were embedded into the ship’s bottom, and new compartments rose from the deck.

Within a few short minutes, a steel beast brimming with industrial aesthetics appeared on the sea’s surface.

[Congratulations, Survivor Lin Ji. Vessel successfully upgraded to LV3·Steam Ironclad!]

[All crew members’ physical fitness has been enhanced!]

[Captain ’Lin Ji’ has received a significant Physique Enhancement!]

[Remaining crew members have received a minor Physique Enhancement!]

System notifications rang out one after another.

Lin Ji felt a warm current surge through his entire body. Muscles that had been aching slightly from the earlier battle were instantly filled with strength.

It wasn’t just him. Su Qingyue, Shen Manyun, and the others behind him also revealed expressions of pleasant surprise.

They clearly felt their bodies become lighter and more powerful.

[System Notification: LV3 Vessel unlocks the ’Deputy Captain’ position.]

[The Deputy Captain will enjoy enhancement bonuses second only to the Captain and possess partial Ship Management Authority.]

[Current LV3 Vessel maximum legal crew capacity: 10 people.]

[Within a 1-kilometer radius of the vessel, all legal crew members’ talent abilities will receive a 10% increase.]

As these notifications appeared, the gazes of the women present instantly grew somewhat fervent.

Especially regarding that Deputy Captain position.

This wasn’t just a title; it represented a tangible boost in power and a symbol of status.

Su Qingyue bit her lip, looking at Lin Ji with a complicated expression.

She was the first to follow Lin Ji. In terms of seniority, this position should rightfully be hers.

But deep down, she also understood that her weight in Lin Ji’s heart probably wasn’t enough.

Sure enough.

Lin Ji didn’t hesitate at all, nor did he seek anyone’s opinion.

He directly looked at Gu Yihan beside him.

"Yihan, from now on, you are this ship’s Deputy Captain."

Gu Yihan abruptly raised her head, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief and joy.

She hadn’t expected Lin Ji to give her such an important position so decisively.

"I... I understand!"

Gu Yihan nodded vigorously, her heart feeling as sweet as if filled with honey.

Unconsciously, this once proud and arrogant young lady from a wealthy family had been completely conquered by Lin Ji, becoming somewhat docile.

As for this decision, although the other women felt somewhat disappointed, it was also within their expectations.

After all, Gu Yihan’s current combat power was second only to Lin Ji’s, and... she was also the woman closest to Lin Ji.

After the upgrade was complete, everyone excitedly began to tour the new ship.

The two rooms on the first level were quickly assigned.

Bai Taotao stuck to Shen Manyun like a little tail, so the two naturally moved into one room together.

That left Tang Ling and Su Qingyue, who were forced to make do and share the remaining room.

"Sigh, no other choice."

Tang Ling hugged her pillow, shrugging helplessly at Su Qingyue.

"Miss Campus Belle Su, I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with squeezing in with an engineering girl like me who smells of machine oil."

Her tone clearly carried a hint of regret.

After all, compared to the aloof Su Qingyue, she would have preferred to room with the gentle Shen Manyun or the adorable Bai Taotao.

Su Qingyue caught the implication in her words, snorted coldly, ignored her, and turned directly to enter her room.

Her mood was terrible.

Despite being a founding member, her current treatment couldn’t even compare to those who joined later.

This sense of disparity made her heart ache with bitterness, fueling her desire to grow stronger even more.

Second floor, captain’s quarters.

Lin Ji pushed the door open and entered with Gu Yihan.

The view here was excellent; through the reinforced porthole, one could see the churning waves outside.

Though it was still a bare room, with only a large wooden bed made earlier sitting lonely in the middle.

But this was already the pinnacle of luxury in these waters.

As soon as they entered, Gu Yihan proactively locked the door behind them.

She turned around, threw her arms around Lin Ji’s neck, and clung to him.

"Thank you, Lin Ji."

Gu Yihan’s voice trembled slightly, tears even welling up in the corners of her eyes.

"Making me the Deputy Captain... I promise I won’t let you down."

Lin Ji chuckled softly, his large hand naturally cupping her perky buttocks, giving them a firm squeeze.

"This is what you deserve."

"Your strength and loyalty, I’ve seen them all."

Gu Yihan’s cheeks flushed crimson, but she didn’t resist; instead, she pressed her body even closer.

Feeling the warmth and softness in his arms, the pent-up frustration from the earlier battle began to stir.

"I’m a bit tired from killing rats earlier."

Lin Ji released his hold, walked over to the bed, and sat down, looking at Gu Yihan with a playful glint in his eyes.

"As the Deputy Captain, shouldn’t you properly attend to the captain?"

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