Chapter 7: The Academy's Hidden Opportunity

Zhang Wei's routine at the academy had become rather predictable—class in the morning, work at the café, and late nights tinkering with his inventory and planning ways to grow his newfound business. But something new had caught his eye: a commotion at the campus bulletin board. He noticed a small group of students discussing various jobs posted on it. Curious, he edged closer.The board was a vast digital display, glowing softly with multiple sections titled "Mercenary Jobs," "Merchant Contracts," and "Escort Missions." Zhang Wei felt a wave of realization wash over him—he had stumbled upon something huge. The academy offered jobs that allowed students to earn real money, just like the government military contracts he had read about. These jobs weren't just side gigs—they were actual missions that could give students a leg up in their careers.His eyes immediately locked onto a high-paying escort mission under the Mercenary Jobs section.Mission: Escort Transport Convoy from Planet Hera to Station 12Reward: 50,000 yuan

Mission Brief: Escort three transport ships across a hostile zone. Experience with starships required.

Excitement surged through Zhang Wei. This was exactly what he needed—a chance to earn enough money to take care of his sister's medical bills and stabilize his financial situation. He quickly scanned the details and realized there was only one problem: the job required him to have a starship.Without thinking much, Zhang Wei made his way to the academy's job center. When he arrived, the atmosphere was bustling, with students sitting in waiting areas, discussing their upcoming missions, and others heading off for their assignments. He approached the nearest counter, where a woman in uniform was sorting through some paperwork."I'd like to sign up for the escort mission posted on the Mercenary Board," Zhang Wei said, his voice filled with determination.The lady looked up from her work and gave him a once-over before sighing. "Do you have a starship?"Zhang Wei froze. "Uh... no, not yet."She raised an eyebrow. "Then I'm afraid you can't take on the mission. Escort jobs require a ship. However, if you're doing well in your studies, the academy can assign you one. Students who excel receive ships based on their performance."His heart sank. He hadn't even thought about the starship requirement. He thanked the woman and left the counter, feeling dejected. But as he walked back through the campus, he remembered something he had come across earlier—a rumor about an old dumpsite on the academy grounds, where damaged and outdated ships were left to rust.Determined, Zhang Wei headed straight for the academy's shipyard. The rumors turned out to be true; the area was vast, cluttered with broken-down and scrapped warships. It was a graveyard of starships, a place where the academy discarded anything no longer useful. But to Zhang Wei, it was a treasure trove.He walked between the derelict vessels, noting the different types of ships and platforms scattered about. Some were missing essential components, others had gaping holes from old battles. However, a few still had salvageable parts—pieces that could be used to build something functional.Ding! Large Warship Debris Found. Processing usable parts.The system's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. It had detected several large pieces of intact weapon platforms, life support systems, oxygen generators, and other key components required to build a ship. Zhang Wei's excitement grew.Ding! Usable materials:Large Warship DebrisWeapon Platform x2Life Support SystemOxygen GeneratorHull MaterialsZhang Wei's mind raced with possibilities. If he could piece together the parts of several outdated ships, maybe—just maybe—he could assemble something that would allow him to take on the escort mission. And the best part? The academy didn't charge students for scavenging in the dumpsite, as they wanted underperforming students to have a chance at succeeding by building their own ships.The system quickly got to work, analyzing and piecing together the components. In a matter of hours, Zhang Wei found himself standing in front of not one, but three small frigates, each assembled from parts he had scavenged.Ding! Ship assembly complete.Three Small Frigates available.They weren't the most advanced ships, but they were functional. Armed with outdated, yet serviceable weaponry and equipped with basic life support systems, they were enough to get the job done.The next day, Zhang Wei visited his younger sister in the hospital. She smiled weakly as he entered the room, her condition still fragile, but her spirit lifted whenever he visited."I'll be gone for a while," Zhang Wei said softly, kneeling by her bedside. "I've got a mission. It's dangerous, but it'll pay well, and I'll finally have enough for your treatment."His sister's eyes filled with concern, but she nodded in understanding. "Just come back safe, okay?"Zhang Wei smiled and promised her he would. After saying his goodbyes, he made his way to the academy's shipyard, ready to register his newly assembled frigates and take on the escort mission.Current Inventory Update:Stella Mark I Rocket Motor: 15 units availableStellar Assault Rifle: 32 units availableOutdated Assault Rifles: 23 units availableSubmachine Guns: 47 units availableRifles: 26 units availableNewly Built Ships:Small Frigate #1Small Frigate #2Small Frigate #3Zhang Wei's financial situation was looking better now, but he had a long way to go before he could fully stabilize his life. The mission was dangerous, but the 50,000 yuan reward would be worth it. The academy would take their cut—1/3 of the reward—but that still left him with a decent sum to put towards his sister's care.Reward Calculation:Mission Reward: 50,000 yuanAcademy Cut: 1/3 (16,666 yuan)Zhang Wei's Earnings: 33,334 yuanZhang Wei closed his eyes, imagining the journey ahead. The academy might have underestimated him, but he was ready. He had his frigates, his system, and his resolve. With each step forward, he was carving a path not just for himself, but for his sister—and that was all the motivation he needed.Final Balance: 298,900 yuanProjected Earnings from Escort Mission: 33,334 yuanThe future was uncertain, but Zhang Wei knew one thing for sure—he was no longer the struggling student scavenging for parts. He was building his legacy, one mission at a time.