After his rebirth, Wang Dong once again faced the energy crisis of the Battle Axe.
The current energy reserve of the Battle Axe was 2,072 units.
Each Standard Energy Block contained 1 unit of energy.
At the current rate of over thirty units consumed per day,
This reserve would be exhausted in less than seventy days if not replenished in time.
A Spark Warship that ran out of energy, losing both mobility and stealth capabilities, would be nothing more than a juicy piece of meat on display.
At that point, Wang Dong would likely lose it completely.
Unlike his previous life, Wang Dong was now extremely calm, without the slightest hint of anxiety.
Just a small trick—
In the absence of Standard Energy Blocks, Energy Crystals, as highly pure condensed energy materials, could also serve as emergency fuel for Spark Warships.
The drawback was the cost—and possible damage to the engine afterward.
—— Self-Cultivation of a Seasoned Interstellar Mercenary
Wang Dong currently possessed three units of low-grade Energy Crystals, which, if used in emergencies, could provide the Battle Axe with 3,000 units of energy reserve.
That would be enough to ease the energy crisis to a certain extent.
Thus, Wang Dong had no need to take any unnecessary actions or risks.
Another risk factor—eliminated.
Putting down the empty food tray—honestly, the taste of those nutritional meals left much to be desired.
After casually taking a shower and changing into a set of casual clothes, he headed out and boarded a maglev bus at a nearby stop bound for Meizu Internet Café.
The weather wasn't great today, so walking wasn't a good idea.
Thirty-five minutes later, the bus arrived at the Meizu Internet Café in the central business district.
A rare eighteen-story duplex building in the residential area, with a private parking garage, an entire floor dedicated to a central kitchen, and a rooftop leisure bar.
But most importantly—
It boasted no fewer than 160 Stellar-Level Real-Time Communication Pods.
"So rich in capitalist vibes."
Wang Dong stood at the entrance and chuckled to himself.
"It's more like thick perfume vibes, if you ask me."
A passerby beside him, eyes just pulling away from the row of uniformed hostesses standing at the entrance, chimed in naturally.
Wang Dong couldn't help but laugh.
He nodded politely to the friendly stranger, then stepped through the doors of the Meizu Internet Café.
A customer service girl with a pretty face and clad in a black-and-white uniform quickly approached: "Good day, sir. Would you like an introduction to our services?"
"No need. Just a standard pod, please."
Wang Dong took out a black card and handed it over.
"Certainly. One moment while I swipe your membership card."
The girl smiled and took the card, tapping it twice on the terminal at her wrist.
"All set, sir. Please proceed to Pod 412 on the fourth floor. Meizu Internet Café wishes you an enjoyable gaming session."
"Thanks."
In the first-floor lobby, there were several ads for virtual games.
"Stellar Conquest: Chaos Mode now online."
Wang Dong chuckled with a nostalgic smile.
This was the very game he had once mentioned to Yuan Shu while aboard the Battle Axe—a fully immersive starfield real-time strategy game.
Players assumed the role of Battleship Captains and commanded their own warships in combat against others.
According to Wang Dong's usual routine, he would visit the Internet café two to three times a month.
And each visit, he spent over 90% of his time in Stellar Conquest.
So, to avoid drawing suspicion, Wang Dong came to Meizu Internet Café as usual.
He lay down in a sleek black pod measuring three meters long and one and a half meters wide.
After pressing the start button on the right-hand side, the pod sealed shut, and a soft female voice played beside his ear.
"Would you like to connect to the Stellar Network?"
"Connect."
"Connection confirmed. Zijing Kingdom Telecom is at your service."
…
When Wang Dong opened his eyes again, he was already floating in outer space, surrounded by glittering stars.
Above him, a massive star bathed the void in light and heat—the central sun of the mining system.
What was its name again?
Wang Dong couldn't remember.
Maybe it was KQH-1?
Just another nameless sun—who would care?
Just like how no one cared about Wang Dong—past or present.
"Log in to Stellar Conquest."
With that command, Wang Dong's vision shifted.
The starlight around him dimmed, replaced by the rapid approach of a massive steel beast.
It grew larger and larger in his field of view, until it stopped right in front of him.
At the bow, a rugged kinetic cannon pointed menacingly into the distance.
Four smaller secondary cannons, mounted on semi-spherical mobile turrets, cruised smoothly along side rails on the hull.
At the stern, a trail of blue exhaust gradually faded.
Then, a tractor beam emitted from the underside of the ship, enveloping Wang Dong.
In the next moment, he found himself inside the Battleship's command chamber.
Familiar with everything, Wang Dong climbed into the captain's chair at the center of the room.
Two safety belts sprang out from behind, crossing over his chest and locking him in.
Above him, the virtual command screen lit up with a green status indicator—Captain Present.
A moment later, the ship's AI Core greeted him with its deep, calm male voice.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]