From Idler to Tech Tycoon: Earth
Chapter 69: Window Shopping

Chapter 69: Chapter 69: Window Shopping

Richard furrowed his brow. "Hold up," he said. "When I got the Vector Core and the AMFS, they didn’t require priced components. Why do all these new blueprints suddenly need them?"

[ You need to understand that each module’s components are modular—they can be used across multiple technologies. That means you can customize and reconfigure existing blueprints. You’re not bound to a textbook design. You’re gaining freedom. ]

"Huh... yeah, that actually makes sense." Richard crossed his arms. "But can I choose not to buy the component blueprints? Just go with the main one?"

[ Yes, you can. But the blueprint’s inner workings will remain a black box. You’ll only be able to construct it as-is. No customization. No component-level insight. ]

Richard sighed. "I’ve gotta be smart with my SP. Even if I bought one now, actually building it? That’d raise questions. Sure, I could use the AMFS and drones to fabricate it, but someone’s bound to ask—Where’d it come from? How’d you make it?"

[ Then consider acquiring manufacturing equipment blueprints. If you patent and register the designs under a shell company, you could commercialize the output later. Make it legit. Build infrastructure without suspicion. ]

Richard nodded slowly, the gears in his head turning. "Yeah... that’s smart. Give me a list. Show me manufacturing gear options."

[SYSTEM BLUEPRINT VAULT: MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT]Unlock schematics to establish independent production capacity.

1. Blueprint: Modular Component Fabricator (MCF)

Blueprint Price: 165,000 SP

Description: A mid-sized fabricator for rapid prototyping and precision manufacturing of components—circuit boards, casings, structural parts, etc. Modular and scalable.

Category: Component Production

Required Component Blueprints (if not owned):

Multi-Spectrum Energy Emitter (Tier 2): 25,000 SP

Micro-Precision Manipulator Arm (Tier 2): 25,000 SP

Automated Material Feed System (Tier 1): 12,000 SP

Basic Fabrication Control AI (Tier 1): 18,000 SP

Total Required Component Blueprint SP: 80,000 SP

Status: Available

2. Blueprint: Automated Assembly Line Module (AALM)

Blueprint Price: 275,000 SP

Description: High-speed robotic assembly system with adaptive vision and diagnostics. Ideal for medium-scale production of electronics and devices.

Category: Assembly

Required Component Blueprints (if not owned):

High-Speed Robotic Arm (Tier 3): 55,000 SP

Adaptive Vision System (Tier 2): 28,000 SP

Precision Component Feed System (Tier 2): 20,000 SP

Assembly AI Core (Tier 2): 30,000 SP

Integrated Diagnostic Sensors (Tier 2): 22,000 SP

Total Required Component Blueprint SP: 155,000 SP

Status: Available

3. Blueprint: Limited Elemental Transmuter (LET)

Blueprint Price: 210,000 SP

Description: Transforms common elements into rarer or more complex materials. Critical for self-sufficiency in exotic material fabrication.

Category: Material Processing

Required Component Blueprints (if not owned):

Molecular Restructuring Chamber (Tier 3): 60,000 SP

High-Density Energy Condenser (Tier 3): 50,000 SP

Material Input/Output System (Tier 2): 25,000 SP

Elemental Conversion AI (Tier 2): 30,000 SP

Total Required Component Blueprint SP: 165,000 SP

Status: Available

4. Blueprint: Integrated Quality Control Station (IQCS)

Blueprint Price: 190,000 SP

Description: A non-destructive testing station for product inspection. Uses spectral scanning and stress testing to catch flaws before deployment.

Category: Quality Assurance

Required Component Blueprints (if not owned):

Multi-Spectral Imaging Scanner (Tier 3): 45,000 SP

Structural Integrity Analyzer (Tier 2): 28,000 SP

AI Diagnostic Core (Tier 2): 30,000 SP

Automated Product Handling System (Tier 2): 22,000 SP

Total Required Component Blueprint SP: 125,000 SP

Status: Available

Richard blinked at the options. "Hmmm... This feels like it’s all approaching the AMFS’s league."

[ Not quite. The AMFS is far superior—it can materialize fully assembled objects from base matter. These tools are traditional industrial solutions—more scalable, but also more grounded. ]

[ Still, if you’re aiming for societal impact, this set of blueprints could seed a legitimate enterprise. A full-blown tech company. Quiet. Efficient. Legal. ]

Richard crossed his arms, exhaling with a touch of frustration. "It’s not like I can buy one right now. These sets require way more SP than I have. I’m practically broke in SP terms."

He leaned back, eyes squinting in thought. "Guess I’ll have to commercialize the Vector Core, let it trickle down into the world’s tech scene. Plus, if the global devs start making games around it, I’ll get some of the SP crumbs from their work."

He paused, then glanced upward with a grin. "Hey, what about the Phoenix AI models I developed? They’re standalone. If I open-source or license those, will I earn SP too?"

[ Yes. The same applies across all technologies. Wider distribution and commercialization increase your SP yield. ]

[ Remember: the greater the societal impact, the more SP you generate. ]

Richard smiled, sharp and confident. "Good. Then I will get more. Give me a year and I’ll be sitting on millions of SP. Easy."

He rubbed his hands together like a man with too many plans and not enough funding. "Alright then. Let’s dream a little—show me starship blueprints."

[SYSTEM BLUEPRINT ARCHIVE: STARSHIPS – CAPITAL CLASS]Now Displaying Available Interstellar Vessels for High-Level Technological Expansion.

1. Blueprint: Frontier-Class Colony Transport (Heavy)

Price: 125,000,000 SP

Purpose: Designed for long-haul interstellar colonization missions. Massive cargo bays, thousands of cryo-pods, and terraforming support gear. Prioritizes self-sufficiency, not firepower.

Core Systems Needed (if not owned):

Large-Scale Cryo-Stasis Array (Tier 4): 25M SP

Modular Habitat Fabrication System (Tier 3): 18M SP

Advanced Long-Range Warp Core (Tier 4): 35M SP

Multi-Spectrum Planetary Scanner (Tier 3): 15M SP

Colony Management AI (Tier 3): 20M SP

Heavy-Duty Shield Generator (Tier 3): 10M SP

Total Component SP: 123,000,000 SP

Status: Available

2. Blueprint: Aegis-Class Defensive Carrier

Price: 210,000,000 SP

Purpose: A floating fortress built for defense. Hosts dozens of fighters, with shielded hangars, drone coordination systems, and layered point-defense turrets. A fleet’s stronghold.

Core Systems Needed (if not owned):

Capital-Grade Shield Emitter (Tier 4): 30M SP

Advanced Hangar Bay Systems (Tier 4): 25M SP

Fleet Coordination AI (Tier 3): 22M SP

Long-Range Targeting Array (Tier 3): 18M SP

High-Density Hull Plating (Tier 3): 15M SP

Rapid-Fire Point Defense Turret System (Tier 3): 12M SP ×4

Total Component SP: 193,000,000 SP

Status: Available

3. Blueprint: Pathfinder-Class Deep-Space Explorer

Price: 175,000,000 SP

Purpose: A scientific marvel. Cloaking systems, scanning arrays, diplomatic quarters, and a bio-dome for sustainable deep-space expeditions. Built for first contact, not combat.

Core Systems Needed (if not owned):

Multi-Spectral Gravimetric Sensor Array (Tier 4): 28M SP

Advanced Cloaking Device (Tier 3): 20M SP

Self-Sustaining Bio-Dome Module (Tier 3): 17M SP

Short-Range Jump Drive (Tier 3): 30M SP

Universal Translation Core (Tier 3): 15M SP

High-Efficiency Shield Generator (Tier 2): 8M SP

Total Component SP: 118,000,000 SP

Status: Available

4. Blueprint: Sentinel-Class System Defense Cruiser

Price: 190,000,000 SP

Purpose: A swift, aggressive system defender. Built to respond to threats fast and hit hard. Versatile weapon loadout with elite tactical AI.

Core Systems Needed (if not owned):

Heavy Pulse Cannon Array (Tier 3): 20M SP ×2

Plasma Torpedo Launcher (Tier 3): 15M SP ×2

Advanced Maneuvering Thrusters (Tier 3): 25M SP

Tactical Combat AI Core (Tier 3): 28M SP

Reinforced Structural Plating (Tier 3): 18M SP

High-Output Power Conduit System (Tier 3): 10M SP

Total Component SP: 146,000,000 SP

Status: Available

Richard’s eyes widened.

"They’re all over a hundred million SP?!" he blurted, nearly falling out of his seat. "Why do I suddenly feel so much poorer?"

He slumped back dramatically, arms dangling over the chair like a marionette with its strings cut. "I just got excited about earning SP—and now I’m dreaming of billion-dollar toys."

But then he straightened, smiling again.

"You know what? This is good. Gives me something to look forward to. One day... I’m gonna fly one of these."

Richard leaned forward, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Alright, we’ve talked starships... now what about fighter jets? The world’s just getting cozy with 5th-gen tech—if I drop a 7th-gen bird into the market, I might just start a new arms race."

He smirked. "Step by step, of course. I need to earn more SP. But fighter jets? That’s the stuff of dreams. Men’s favorite toys. These things would sell like crazy."

He paused and added sheepishly, "Not that it’s super high on societal impact, but hey... it’s good for defense."

[ You just want a life-sized, real toy. ]

Richard blushed and looked away. "A-ahh, stop. A man can dream, okay? Just... show me the options."

[SYSTEM BLUEPRINT ARCHIVE: ATMOSPHERIC STRIKECRAFT – 7TH GENERATION]Now Displaying Next-Gen Fighter Craft Available for Acquisition

1. Blueprint: Skylark-Class Recon Interceptor (7th Gen)

Price: 2,500,000 SP

Purpose: A sleek, stealthy light interceptor for high-speed recon and pursuit missions. Perfect for patrolling borders or zipping through hostile airspace undetected.

Key Features:

Ultra-high-speed with precision maneuverability

Low-visibility tech for planetary stealth missions

Light dual pulse blasters and evasive AI system

Component Blueprints Needed (if not owned):

High-Efficiency Vector Thruster (Tier 1): 400,000 SP

Basic EM Signature Dampener (Tier 1): 500,000 SP

Passive Sensor Suite (Tier 1): 350,000 SP

Light Pulse Blaster ×2 (Tier 1): 150,000 SP each

Evasion-Assist AI (Tier 1): 200,000 SP

Total Component Cost: 1,750,000 SP

Status: Available

2. Blueprint: Vanguard-Class Multi-Role Fighter (7th Gen)

Price: 5,500,000 SP

Purpose: A jack-of-all-trades fighter built for dynamic warfare—whether you’re dogfighting, supporting ground troops, or holding airspace.

Key Features:

Adaptive aerofoil design for versatile flight modes

Modular weapon bays and smart loadout management

Tactical Combat AI for rapid response in chaotic battles

Component Blueprints Needed (if not owned):

Multi-Mode Propulsion System (Tier 2): 1,200,000 SP

Modular Weapon Bay (Tier 1): 800,000 SP

Guided Kinetic Launcher ×2 (Tier 1): 400,000 SP each

Basic Directed Energy Weapon (Tier 1): 300,000 SP

Adaptive Shield Generator (Tier 2): 900,000 SP

Tactical Combat AI (Tier 2): 800,000 SP

Total Component Cost: 4,400,000 SP

Status: Available

3. Blueprint: Shadow-Class Stealth Striker (7th Gen)

Price: 9,200,000 SP

Purpose: Designed for high-risk precision strikes, the Shadow-Class is a silent predator in contested zones—strike fast, disappear faster.

Key Features:

Advanced stealth profile across all spectrums

Heavy internal payload for deep strikes

Integrated targeting matrix for pinpoint delivery

Component Blueprints Needed (if not owned):

Multi-Spectral Stealth System (Tier 2): 2,000,000 SP

High-Yield Glide Bomb Launcher ×2 (Tier 2): 1,500,000 SP each

Precision Missile System ×2 (Tier 1): 700,000 SP each

Integrated Targeting Matrix (Tier 2): 1,000,000 SP

Compact Defensive Shield (Tier 1): 400,000 SP

Subsonic Adaptive Propulsion Unit (Tier 1): 600,000 SP

Total Component Cost: 8,400,000 SP

Status: Available

Richard let out a low whistle, eyes tracing the lines of the digital blueprints.

"These aren’t just jets," he muttered. "They’re art. If I dropped even the Skylark onto the modern market, militaries would lose their minds."

He leaned back, imagining it. "This could work. Release one at a time. Let the hype build. Fighter fans, military contractors, defense influencers... they’d eat this up."

His grin widened.

"Okay. First the SP. Then the dream."

[ Before you start dreaming, let me burst your bubble. ]

[ To commercialize, you will need a research lab constructed first. ]

Richard blinked, the wind suddenly knocked out of his daydream.

"Ah, shit," he muttered. "You’re right."

Reality came crashing down. If he just released 7th-gen fighters or future-tech blueprints out of nowhere, the world wouldn’t applaud him—they’d interrogate him. The governments, the corporations, the media—everyone would want answers. Where did the technology come from? Was it stolen? Was it alien? Was it theirs?

Hell, they might sue him... or worse, claim the tech.

Richard groaned. "It’d be like that scene in Iron Man—you know, when Tony Stank had his first hearing with the U.S. government? Just because he had cool toys they couldn’t control, they wanted to take them."

[ I would suggest building a black site. ]

He froze. Then slowly nodded.

"...Yeah. That’s smart."

A hidden facility. Off the books. Isolated. Secure. A place where he could build, test, and iterate without eyes watching—or worse, interfering. He could build freely without risk of corporate theft or political panic.

It would be the launchpad for everything. Fighter jets. Starships. AI. And if need be... a private military.

Richard’s expression hardened, the weight of responsibility creeping in.

"I can’t be complacent," he muttered to himself. "I can’t just wait for the worst-case scenario and react. I need to be ahead. Always ahead."

He stared at the interface, eyes sharp now—not with curiosity, but with conviction.