14: Spaceships undergo a major evolution: Silver Destroyer

The spaceship hall.

The air was filled with a faint smell of engine oil and sweat.

Despite having been cleaned by Su Ruan, a "Cleansing Technique" talent user, this dilapidated escape pod still felt incredibly cramped.

Thirty-nine girls were squeezed into the small common area; some were staring blankly against corners, some were talking in low voices, and others were using their pitiful amount of water to wipe down their bodies.

Oppressive.

That was everyone's most direct feeling at this moment.

It was like being locked inside a giant tin can where even breathing felt difficult.

"They're back!"

Someone shouted.

The hatch slowly opened.

Gu Pingsheng walked in.

His casual clothes were still clean, without a single wrinkle. Behind him, Lin Qinghan wore a set of black nano-light armor, looking heroic and valiant, carrying a High-Frequency Vibration Blade that was still dripping blood.

Su Ruan followed behind, limping and clutching her tattered rabbit plushie, yet a weirdly satisfied smile hung on her face.

Tang Xiaoxiao carried a heavy toolbox on her back; though she was panting from exhaustion, her eyes were terrifyingly bright.

"How did it go? Did you get the core?"

Zhao Min went up to meet them immediately, her tone carrying a hint of urgency.

Gu Pingsheng didn't speak.

He simply scanned the crowd indifferently, then walked straight toward the spaceship's core control console.

There, a dim crystal ball was slowly rotating; it was the spaceship's original power core.

"Everyone move aside."

Gu Pingsheng said calmly.

His voice wasn't loud, yet it carried an unquestionable authority.

The few girls gathered near the console subconsciously backed away, clearing a path for him.

Gu Pingsheng stood before the console.

He pulled the [allspark fragment] from his coat.

A brilliant purple light instantly illuminated the entire dim hall.

The light wasn't blinding; instead, it carried a strange rhythm, like a beating heart. Ghostly blue flames burned inside the crystal, emitting heart-palpitating energy fluctuations.

"What is... that?"

Liu Ruyan's eyes widened, staring greedily at the gem.

Though she didn't know what it was, just by looking at its luster, she knew it was definitely something good.

"A legendary-grade item..."

Tang Xiaoxiao swallowed hard, her voice trembling.

"allspark fragment... Heavens, he really got it..."

Gu Pingsheng ignored the surrounding gasps of amazement.

He took a deep breath and slowly pressed the fragment in his hand against the dim core.

"Fuse."

He thought silently.

Hum—

The moment the two made contact.

A visible blue ripple centered on the console instantly spread outward.

Immediately after.

The entire spaceship shook violently!

"Ah! Is it an earthquake?!"

"Help! The ship is going to explode!"

The girls screamed, frantically trying to find cover.

"Shut up! All of you, stand firm!"

Lin Qinghan shouted sharply, the hilt of her blade striking the metal floor heavily with a crisp thud.

The vibrations grew more and more intense.

But no explosion occurred.

On the contrary, a wonderful change was taking place.

Under the wash of the blue light waves, the originally mottled and rusty metal walls actually began to flow like liquid. The rust, stains, and dents vanished instantly, replaced by a silver-white alloy material full of futuristic technological feel.

The few exposed wires overhead automatically retracted into the walls, turning into invisible energy transmission conduits.

The dim lights went out, replaced by soft and bright cold light sources, as if daylight had arrived.

[Ding! High-energy core injection detected!]

[spaceship evolution program initiated!]

[Restructuring hull structure...]

[Loading space-folding technology...]

[Generating ecological circulation system...]

A cold mechanical voice echoed through the ship, but this time, it sounded like heavenly music to everyone's ears.

Click, click, click—

A series of dense mechanical engagement sounds rang out.

The spaceship's volume began to expand crazily!

The cramped space that was originally only fifty square meters now extended outward like an inflating balloon.

The walls receded, and the ceiling rose.

One floor, two floors, three floors!

The originally single-story escape pod had forcibly risen by two levels, turning into a three-story duplex structure!

[Evolution successful!]

[Current Vehicle: Silver Grade · Interstellar Destroyer (LV1)]

[Durability: 5000/5000 (Indestructible)]

[Defense: 500 (Can withstand small meteorite impacts and medium energy weapon attacks)]

[Firepower: 1000 (Twin-linked Photon Cannons x2, Auto-defense Sentry Towers x4)]

The vibrations stopped.

The light faded.

Everyone was stunned.

The old, cramped, foul-smelling tin can was gone.

In its place was an interstellar warship full of futuristic sci-fi aesthetics!

The floor was covered with silver-gray anti-slip alloy plates that even felt slightly elastic underfoot. Faint blue data streams flowed along the walls, full of technological beauty.

The hall had become extremely spacious, a full three hundred square meters.

In the center was a large holographic star chart projection table, surrounded by a circle of comfortable leather seats.

"This... this is our spaceship?"

Zhao Min took off her glasses, wiped them hard, and put them back on.

She couldn't believe it.

This was simply like a dream.

"Look over there!"

Someone pointed at one side of the hall and cried out.

What was originally a bare wall had now become a giant panoramic floor-to-ceiling window. Through the window, one could see the vast, boundless starry sky outside, as well as that still-gloomy mechanical graveyard in the distance.

And in front of the floor-to-ceiling window was actually a lush little garden!

[Air Purification Garden (Small)]

[Description: Planted with special purification plants, it can continuously provide fresh oxygen and absorb exhaust gases and odors within the ship.]

Green vines crawled over the trellis, and a few unknown small flowers were blooming, emitting a faint fragrance.

"They're plants! Living plants!"

A girl rushed over excitedly, took a deep breath of the air carrying the scent of vegetation, and her tears almost fell.

In this world full of the smell of rust and death, this touch of green was simply a blessing from heaven.

"And this!"

Tang Xiaoxiao pointed to a transparent chamber on the other side.

There, several rows of cultivation tanks were neatly arranged, with green vegetables growing inside, and even a few tomato plants hanging with bright red fruit.

[Hydroponic Farm (Small)]

[Description: Uses high-energy nutrient solution for soilless cultivation, shortening the growth cycle by 10 times. Can provide fresh vegetables and fruits.]

"Tomatoes... I want to eat tomatoes..."

Su Ruan looked at those bright red fruits, and her mouth was almost watering.

Gulp.

The sound of swallowing saliva rose one after another.

For them, who had eaten moldy black bread and compressed biscuits for three days, the temptation of fresh vegetables even exceeded that of gold.

But that wasn't all.

Gu Pingsheng stood before the console, his fingers lightly sliding through the air.

"Alice, report the ship's status."

"Yes, Master."

An elegant female voice rang out.

Alice's figure condensed into form beside Gu Pingsheng. She wore a black and white maid uniform, with black-stockinged long legs showing beneath her skirt's absolute territory, a perfect professional smile on her face.

"The spaceship has completed its full evolution."

"Current Grade: Silver."

"Internal space expanded by 10 times. Divided into upper, middle, and lower decks."

"Upper deck: Captain's exclusive living area, command center, core control room."

"Middle deck: Common activity area, Hydroponic Farm, purification garden, medical room, kitchen."

"Lower deck: Energy bay, warehouse, armory, and... ordinary crew dormitories."

While reporting, Alice pulled up a 3D structural diagram of the spaceship.

Everyone's eyes went wide as they looked at the diagram.

That captain's living area on the upper deck was practically a presidential suite in a five-star hotel!

Independent bathroom, extra-large soft bed, private cinema, and even a temperature-controlled swimming pool!

Meanwhile, the ordinary crew dormitories on the lower deck, though much better than the previous floor mats, were just capsule-hotel-style single rooms with only a bed and a small locker.

The difference was simply like heaven and earth.

Ding—

Just then.

Everyone's panels vibrated simultaneously.

A golden zone-wide announcement exploded in the minds of hundreds of thousands of players.

[Zone-Wide Announcement!]

[Congratulations to player Gu Pingsheng (No. 9527) for successfully evolving his spaceship to Silver Grade!]

[As the first player in the zone to achieve this, special rewards: Reputation +1000! Random Purple Blueprint x1!]

[The sea of stars begins with a single step. May all players keep up the good work!]

Silence.

Dead silence.

Not just within this ship, but all chat channels in the entire 9527 zone fell into a standstill at this moment.

Silver Grade?

Most people were still worrying about how to fix their ships, still desperately trying to plug up holes.

And yet, this guy was already flying a Silver Grade warship?

Are we even playing the same damn game?!

A few seconds later.

The chat channels completely exploded.

"Holy crap!!! Who is Gu Pingsheng?! Come out and let me worship you!"

"Silver Grade? I haven't even gathered enough materials for Black Iron Grade!"

"This must be that big shot who was selling water, right? Confirmed! It's definitely him!"

"Big shot, please carry me! I can cheer for you! I can act cute!"

"God Gu! Do you need a hanger-on? Even a leg hair will do!"

"This game is unplayable! Reported! Someone is hacking!"

Looking at the frantically scrolling messages, Gu Pingsheng expressionlessly closed the chat channel.

Just empty fame.

Though it felt pretty good to see, it couldn't be eaten.

He turned around and looked at the group of girls behind him who were completely dumbfounded.

Their gazes had changed.

If before it was just awe and dependence, now it was naked worship and desire.

It was worship for the strong.

And desire for this kind of superior life.

Liu Ruyan stared fixedly at the entrance to the upper deck, the jealousy in her eyes almost overflowing.

Why?

Why does he get to live in a presidential suite while I only get a capsule hotel?

I'm a Campus Belle too! My family is very rich too!

"Gu... Gu Pingsheng..."

She couldn't help but speak up, her voice carrying a hint of flattery and testing.

"Um... there are so many rooms up there, could you..."

"No."

Gu Pingsheng coldly interrupted her.

He walked to the staircase leading to the upper deck and looked down at everyone from above.

"Starting today."

Gu Pingsheng's voice echoed in the spacious hall.

"The ship will implement zoned management."

"The lower deck dormitory area: one room per person, free to stay. This is the last bit of mercy I will give you."

"The middle deck common area: except during working hours, unauthorized personnel are not to linger. As for the things in the farm and garden—without my permission, if anyone dares to touch a single thing, I'll chop off her hand."

Saying this, his gaze specifically lingered on Su Ruan for a moment.

Su Ruan was so scared she shrank her neck and quickly pulled back her little hand that had just reached toward a tomato.

"As for the upper deck..."

Gu Pingsheng pointed to the door behind him leading to the luxurious living area.

"That is the luxury zone."

"Only those who make significant contributions to the ship are qualified to stay there."

"Want to stay in a room with a big bed? Want to take a hot shower? Want to eat fresh steak and tomatoes?"

The corner of Gu Pingsheng's mouth curled into a playful smile.

"Then show me your value."

"Whether it's combat, logistics, technology, or... whatever else."

His gaze meaningfully swept over every girl present.

"I don't support idlers."

"If you want something, trade for it."

Finished.

He turned and, leading Lin Qinghan and Alice, walked up the stairs without looking back.

Bang!

The alloy door to the upper deck slammed shut.

Completely isolating that luxurious world from the commoner area below.

Leaving only a group of girls standing in place, looking at the closed door with complex expressions.

There was resentment, envy, and jealousy.

But more than that, there was ambition.

A seed named "climbing upward" quietly sprouted in their hearts.

Since the rules had been set.

Then, in order to live better, in order to move into that heaven-like place.

They were willing to pay any price... Captain's Quarters.

Gu Pingsheng sat on the large leather sofa, holding a glass of red wine he had just taken from the wine cabinet.

Through the panoramic floor-to-ceiling window, he looked at the brilliant sea of stars outside.

Comfortable.

This was living.

"Master, do you need me to prepare lunch for you?"

Alice walked over with elegant steps and bowed slightly.

"Yes."

Gu Pingsheng nodded.

"Pan-sear two steaks, medium-well. And make a vegetable salad using the freshly picked tomatoes."

"Understood, Master."

Alice turned and walked toward the open kitchen.

Gu Pingsheng took a sip of red wine and turned his gaze to Lin Qinghan, who had been standing nearby.

She still wore that nano-light armor, her posture straight like an unsheathed sharp sword.

Only now, there was a hint of confusion in her eyes.

"What? Do you think I'm too harsh?"

Gu Pingsheng swirled his wine glass and asked indifferently.

Lin Qinghan shook her head.

"No."

Her voice was very calm.

"This is the apocalypse. Fairness is the greatest lie."

"Only value is the sole pass."

She looked at Gu Pingsheng, a flash of determination in her eyes.

"I will prove that I am qualified to stand here."

"And not just because I am your adjutant."

Gu Pingsheng smiled.

He set down his wine glass and beckoned to Lin Qinghan.

"Come here."

Lin Qinghan hesitated for a moment but still walked over.

Gu Pingsheng reached out, grabbed her wrist, and gave a gentle tug.

Lin Qinghan gave a small cry of surprise and fell into his lap.

The hard light armor bumped against Gu Pingsheng's chest with a soft thud.

"You've already proven it."

Gu Pingsheng leaned in close to her ear, his warm breath fanning her neck.

"Down there just now, you did very well."

"That freezing was very timely."

Lin Qinghan's body stiffened for a moment, then slowly relaxed.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't struggle.

"That was... what I should have done."

"Since a contribution was made, there should be a reward."

Gu Pingsheng's large hand slid down along her waistline, coming to rest on the thin black silk fabric on her thigh.

His fingertips lightly caressed it.

The touch was delicate and smooth.

"Tonight, you can stay here."

Gu Pingsheng looked into her eyes, his voice low and full of temptation.

"Sleep in the bed."

Lin Qinghan's heart skipped a beat.

Sleep in the bed.

In this apocalypse where one had to sleep with one eye open, being able to sleep peacefully in a soft, large bed was such a luxury.

And... with him.

This wasn't just a reward.

It was a form of recognition.

"Yes... Captain."

Lin Qinghan lowered her head, her voice as quiet as a mosquito's buzz.

But her hand lightly grabbed the corner of Gu Pingsheng's clothes.

As if grabbing the only life-saving straw in this apocalypse.

Gu Pingsheng smiled with satisfaction.

He looked up toward the pitch-black void outside the window.

The spaceship had upgraded.

But this was only the beginning.

With the Allspark and this Silver Grade warship.

His ambition was no longer as simple as just surviving.