Chapter 71
Chapter 71
After returning to the workshop, I placed the Subspace Pouch on the workbench with a sense of anticipation.
At first glance, it looked like nothing more than a pink cosmetic pouch with a gold logo—the kind commonly sold in department stores before the collapse.
“This is really an artifact?”
With equal parts suspicion and expectation, I checked the system information.
[Subspace Pouch]
[Grade: γ-F]
[Compresses internal physical space to provide approximately 1 cubic meter (1m³) of storage.]
“Gamma (γ) grade…”
This was a grading system different from the Alpha (α) or Beta (β) categories I had seen before.
After checking the system help menu, I roughly understood the distinction.
If Alpha enhanced physical force or elemental effects, and Beta handled mental or energy-related phenomena, then Gamma dealt with space-time manipulation.
Power that ignored or distorted distance and time.
The Hermes Gate used in the Union Market, or the Fragment of Babel rumored to be used by the information guild Argus, likely belonged to this same category.
Which meant this small pouch shared the same technological roots as the foundational systems of major powers.
“No wonder they said it’s hard to obtain.”
One cubic meter could hold dozens of instant noodle boxes.
Compared to the storage capacity of Porter, it was tiny.
But its practical value was on an entirely different level.
Porter was too large to enter tight spaces or perform aerial infiltration.
But if a flying unit like Picker gained that kind of storage space…
It would effectively become a strategic bomber capable of dumping explosives directly into enemy territory.
“The problem is how to apply it…”
Since it wasn’t a mechanical component, I couldn’t obtain a blueprint by Disassembly.
Which left only one method.
Feed it into the Technology Laboratory, analyze its mana pattern, and attempt reconstruction based on the data.
If that failed, I could simply Imbue the pouch onto Picker.
“Picker, prepare for analysis.”
“Yes, Boss! I look forward to receiving my personal fourth-dimensional pocket!”
I placed the pouch in the scanner and began analyzing the mana structure.
Complex geometric patterns appeared on the screen like dancing diagrams.
Despite being F-grade, its internal structure looked far more complicated than an A-grade item.
Of course, I had never actually dismantled an A-grade item.
“Boss… doesn’t that look strange?”
Picker pointed at a corner of the display.
Among the intricate mana circuits was an oddly foreign pattern.
It looked like graffiti forced into the structure.
“…That’s writing.”
When I zoomed in, it truly was text.
[This is something VIP girls go crazy for, oppa. I’m giving it to you at a loss, so don’t forget that.]
“…Hah.”
I was speechless.
Cha Yumin—what exactly was this woman?
I asked for an item, and she embedded a mana letter inside the artifact.
In hindsight, I should have realized it when she demanded hot pink paint.
Only someone like her would care about the design of a rare subspace artifact in the ruined world.
“Talk about spoiled.”
“Indeed.”
But at the same time, a chill ran down my spine.
For a physical enhancement Awakened to manipulate mana with this level of precision…
I had already learned how difficult it was to overwrite mana wavelengths while creating Information Concealment Coating.
Yet she accomplished this with her bare hands, without equipment.
“…Was it a warning?”
Why send a message like this?
My thoughts grew complicated.
Maybe she wanted to contact me secretly?
But the message itself was trivial.
“Anyway… an A-grade Awakened might be far more formidable than I imagined.”
Regardless, the important thing was transplanting the pouch’s ability into Picker.
Obtaining a blueprint through Disassembly seemed impossible.
“Picker, get on the platform.”
“Yessir! Am I finally becoming a flying bomber? I want to outrank that bear-looking guy!”
Picker excitedly climbed onto the Unit Management Bay.
I looked at him seriously.
“Picker. You’re not just receiving an Imbuement. Try to feel how mana intertwines with your circuits. The data you experience may become the key to replicating this technology later.”
Subspace artifacts were widely believed to be impossible to replicate.
Even laboratory analysis struggled to decipher them.
Still, I had copied the mana pattern of the Subspace Pouch.
If I gathered enough data, imitation might eventually become possible.
Picker seemed to understand my intentions.
“I will gladly serve as Boss’s test subject! Do whatever you wish with my body!”
“…Watch how you phrase that.”
Taking a deep breath, I pressed the Imbue button.
Vooooom—
The entire workshop resonated with a low vibration.
The pressure was on a completely different level compared to applying Information Concealment Coating.
A memory resurfaced.
When I implanted the Rampaging Heart into Porter.
Back then the system forced an expansion by consuming an E-grade core, accompanied by a warning message.
Something similar might happen again.
But my expectation proved completely wrong.
Crackle!
Blue light enveloped Picker’s body—
Then sparks erupted violently.
“Kyaaaak?!”
Picker screamed and collapsed.
A red warning message flooded the screen.
[Imbuement Failed]
[The unit has reached its Trait capacity limit.]
“…What?”
I hurriedly read the message.
[Current Trait Slots: 2 / 2]
[Frost Storm]
[Tactical Intuition]
[This unit cannot accept additional mana patterns. Workshop upgrade or unit evolution required.]
I immediately checked Picker’s condition.
Fortunately, aside from a blown fuse caused by battery depletion, there was no serious damage.
However, the total battery capacity had slightly decreased.
I would need to craft and install a replacement.
“I understand the workshop upgrade… but what does unit evolution mean? Rank up?”
While replacing the battery, I scanned Picker using the Mana Resonance Lens.
The sight through the lens was shocking.
Fluorescent mana circuits filled the interior of his mechanical structure.
Like a packed subway train.
There was not a single gap.
With Frost Storm and Tactical Intuition alone, his capacity was already full.
Out of curiosity, I scanned Porter as well.
The result was the same.
Ultra-Vibration Ram and Spatial Tethering circuits filled his entire structure.
Perhaps because I had already attempted it once, the system now allowed simulation.
I tried applying the Subspace Pouch to Porter.
[…]
Porter flinched.
“It’s just a simulation.”
He relaxed.
The same message appeared.
[Current Trait Slots: 2 / 2]
[Ultra-Vibration Ram]
[Spatial Tethering]
Although the attempt failed, I learned something important.
Each summoned unit could currently hold only two traits.
Replacing an existing trait seemed possible.
But there was no way I would delete Frost Storm or Tactical Intuition.
Better not stir unnecessary trouble.
Eventually Picker woke up with a new battery.
“…Boss… did we fail?”
“Yes. Your trait slots are full.”
“My dream of becoming a powerful bomber… gone like this?”
Picker lowered his lens toward the floor in disappointment.
I sighed and patted his chassis.
There was no reason to waste such a valuable artifact.
If Picker couldn’t receive it, another unit could.
In fact—
There was already a candidate under construction.
But first I needed to comfort Picker.
“Picker, don’t be too disappointed. Just because it can’t be imbued doesn’t mean you can’t carry one.”
“…What do you mean?”
“Later I’ll find something much bigger than this—like a subspace container. You can wear it like a backpack. Then you can still deploy supplies without needing the trait.”
Picker’s lens flashed brightly.
“A backpack? Not a pouch? Honestly that pouch looked like something a kid would carry anyway.”
That sounded suspiciously like sour grapes.
“Boss truly has a grand vision! Loyalty!”
Watching him recover so quickly made me chuckle.
My gaze drifted toward the sleek drone displayed in the corner.
[X-1 Ghost]
The black stingray-shaped craft lay dismantled on the workbench.
Smooth aerodynamic body.
Not a single crude screw hole visible.
The overwhelming feeling I had experienced when first discovering the drone squad returned.
“So this is pre-collapse technology.”
I activated the X-ray scanner and examined the interior.
Complex circuits and mechanical systems filled the display.
Ion Thruster.
A propulsion method using high voltage to ionize air, generating thrust without propellers or jet engines.
A stealth technology that once existed only in theory.
The frame consisted of carbon nanotubes, lighter and stronger than steel.
Not a trace of artifacts or magic.
Pure human engineering.
“This is insane.”
I rubbed my face while considering my options.
If I used Disassembly, could I obtain its blueprint?
The probability was fifty-fifty.
But if it failed, the precious original would be destroyed.
“The risk is too high.”
Even if I couldn’t obtain the blueprint immediately, preserving the original was wiser.
So instead of Disassembly, I chose another method.
Imitative Manufacturing.
Dismantling advanced technology and copying it had always been the classic path for latecomers to develop.
Using the scanner’s external data, I reproduced a copy with workshop resources.
I used similar materials and replicated the exterior with 99% accuracy.
Soon—
Two identical aircraft sat on the workbench.
“Good. Test flight.”
Outside the workshop, I launched both the original X-1 and the copy.
Fwoooo—
The original X-1 rose silently.
Like a ghost.
Not even the faintest sound of wind.
Meanwhile—
Whiiiiiing!
The copied version emitted clear motor noise.
No matter how good the parts were, I couldn’t replicate the perfect silence of the ion thruster.
The maneuverability difference was equally obvious.
The X-1 turned sharply to avoid obstacles.
The copy wobbled, unable to overcome inertia.
“…Ha.”
I shut down the copy.
“I can imitate the shell, but not the control algorithms or ion propulsion.”
I had always believed my technology surpassed Union Tech.
But compared to the peak humanity reached before the collapse—
It was child’s play.
Still, there was no reason to be discouraged.
As long as I kept acquiring and studying such technology, I would eventually make it my own.
“There may be more X-1 units in other supply warehouses or military bases. I should search them thoroughly.”
I placed the original X-1 back into the Unit Management Bay.
Instead of crude imitation—
I would modify it completely.
“This one probably has a two-trait limit too.”
Phantom King’s Spatial Distortion Membrane
Subspace Pouch
If I fused those two into the X-1—
A message appeared.
[Detecting compatible fusion traits.]
[1. Subspace]
[2. Spatial Tethering]
“As expected!”
Picker cheered beside me.
Without hesitation, I selected the second option.
A simple cargo hold was less useful than the ability to exchange items anywhere at any time.
Vooooom—
Mana surged through the workshop and poured into the aircraft.
At last—
The black craft floated silently in the air.
[New unit registered.]
[Enter call sign.]
I gazed at the drone and spoke quietly.
“Shadow.”
A blade hidden in darkness.
[Unit Name: Shadow]
[Grade: C+]
[Trait 1: Spatial Distortion Membrane]
[Trait 2: Spatial Tethering]
[AI Persona: Silent Executor]
C+ grade.
The highest grade unit I had ever created.
Shadow’s lens glowed red.
A cold mechanical voice emerged.
“…Awaiting orders.”
One short sentence.
Unlike Picker’s chatter.
Unlike Porter’s heavy philosophy.
A machine that existed only for its mission.
“B-Boss… did you see those eyes? That thing looks ready to kill someone!”
Picker hurried behind Porter.
“…You use the same lenses.”
Even so—
The atmosphere was undeniably different.
Perhaps it was because of the AI Persona.
Porter observed the drone quietly and commented.
“Impressive silence… truly excellent.”
I smiled with satisfaction as I looked at the three summoned units.
Picker — the strategist and intelligence officer.
Porter — the shield and carrier.
Shadow — the invisible blade.
A perfect triangular formation.
With these three beside me—
Not just Mapo District.
The world beyond it might also fall into my hands.
“…Reassuring.”
I clenched my fist.
Now—
It was time to begin the war.