2: Chapter 2 System Rules

Li Ling spent the whole day in the underground Production Base at the manor outside the city, touching every machine like a curious baby.

In his past life, he was a military industry expert and had seen production lines ten thousand times more advanced than this, but those were supported by a modern industrial system. This base, however, was a complete, self-consistent, and independently operating production system manifested out of thin air under 1898 conditions. Its technical content was far higher than anything he had encountered in his past life.

"System, what is the energy source for this base?" Li Ling squatted in front of a smelting furnace, watching the molten iron churning inside.

"A micro-nuclear fusion reactor, standard model of the Interstellar Federation, capable of continuous operation for 50 years without needing fuel replenishment."

Li Ling gasped.

A nuclear fusion reactor! This was something he had spent half his life researching in his past life but failed to create, yet the system had casually installed it in his underground factory.

"What about these machines? What control system do they use?"

"Quantum computer central control. All production processes are fully automated; the host only needs to issue production orders."

"You're a genius, System, you really are a genius." Li Ling clapped his hands and stood up, beaming. "Say, Brother System, can we negotiate? This base is great, but it can only make rifles and ammunition. Can we upgrade it to make cannons or something?"

"Requires unlocking the technology tree; current level is insufficient."

"Then how do I upgrade?"

"Development. Expansion of the host's influence, technological progress, and victory in war can all raise the system level. After the level increases, the Production Base can be expanded, unlocking more advanced weapons and equipment."

Li Ling nodded; this was within his expectations. If the system had given him nuclear bombs from the start, there would be no point in developing anything; he could just steamroll everything. But what would be the fun in a novel like that? He wanted the process, the thrill of going from weak to strong, step by step, from being bullied to bullying others.

"Fine, let's set a small goal first," Li Ling counted on his fingers. "First, get this Model 1888 Rifle produced, equip an elite force of three to five thousand men, then suppress bandits, train troops, expand the army, and then—"

"Host, please complete the current mission first."

"I know, I know, I'm just looking into the future." Li Ling waved his hand. "By the way, tell me in detail about those rules you mentioned—confidentiality, lucky draws, and resource points."

The System's voice resonated in his mind, sounding much more formal this time.

"[System Rules Description]"

"[1. Confidentiality Principle] The existence of the System must be kept absolutely confidential. No one other than the host and personnel manifested by the System may know about it. Violating the confidentiality principle will trigger the memory erasure mechanism. Please note that the memory erasure mechanism is irreversible; those whose memories are erased will permanently lose the relevant memories and may suffer brain damage."

Li Ling's expression became serious.

"In other words, if I tell anyone about the System's existence, that person will lose their memory? Or even potentially become an idiot?"

"To be precise, it means losing all memories related to the System, as well as a certain degree of peripheral memories. In extreme cases, it may cause permanent brain damage."

"What about my father? If I tell my father?"

"The same applies."

Li Ling was silent for a few seconds.

He had indeed considered whether to tell his father, Retired Emperor Li Zhenshan, about the System. After all, in this era, his father was his greatest backing and supporter. If his father knew he had such a golden finger, he would certainly cooperate fully.

But now it seemed that was not possible.

It wasn't a lack of trust, but the risk was too great. If the memory erasure mechanism were triggered, his father might become a fool, and he could not bear that consequence.

"I understand," Li Ling nodded. "Only you and I will know about the System. To the outside world, I will only say I have 'secret channels,' 'guidance from experts,' or 'help from foreign friends,' and I will never mention a word about you."

"Very good, the host has understood the importance of the confidentiality principle."

"[2. Lucky Draw Mechanism] A fixed lucky draw once a month. Each small achievement grants one lucky draw, and large achievements grant advanced lucky draws. Prizes include but are not limited to: technology blueprints, talent cards, resource packs, Production Base expansion permits, military units, etc."

"Once a month? Fixed?" Li Ling's eyes lit up.

"Yes, it refreshes on the 1st of every month."

"Then has the draw for this month been done?"

"The draw for this month has not been done yet. Does the host wish to proceed now?"

"Draw!" Li Ling didn't hesitate.

"Drawing… Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Talent Card x 1 — 'German Retired Artillery Captain Fritz von Strauss'. This talent possesses rich experience in artillery training and tactical command and will be manifested and come to join you within three days. Please prepare a cover story regarding his identity and background in advance."

Li Ling was stunned for a moment, then grinned.

Artillery? This was exactly what he was missing!

Although he was proficient in various weapons in his past life, theory and practice were two different things. He could draw airtight designs for cannons, but if he were asked to teach soldiers how to load, aim, and coordinate, he might not be as good as a professional artillery officer.

This talent card came just in time.

"System, is this Fritz a real person?"

"System-manifested personnel possess complete life memories and social relationships and have legal identities in the real world. However, please note that System-manifested personnel are also bound by the confidentiality principle and will not leak the existence of the System."

"That's good," Li Ling nodded. "[3. Resource Points] The System generates a certain number of resource points every month, which can be used to exchange for supplies, blueprints, talent, etc. The host's current monthly base resource points: 300 points. Additional resource points can be obtained through achievements, lucky draws, etc."

"What can 300 points exchange for?"

"For example: 100 points can exchange for a set of Model 1888 Rifle blueprints, 50 points for a month's worth of ammunition production line blueprints, and 200 points for an intermediate technical talent."

"I understand, so it's just universal currency."

"You can understand it that way."

"[4. Production Base] The System can manifest a Production Base. The resources invested in the Production Base are only 1/30 of the resources required for actual production, and the production speed is 30 times faster than in reality. It can produce all military equipment (rifles, cannons, warships, aircraft, etc.), as well as some military-related civilian technology (such as radios, special steel, engines, etc.). The Production Base is automatically staffed by the System, requiring no extra manpower from the host, though the host can send personnel inside to learn technology."

"I like this one the best," Li Ling rubbed his hands together. "1/30th the cost, 30 times the speed; it's basically a cheat within a cheat."

"The System itself is a cheat."

"You're right."

"[5. Loan Mechanism] In times of crisis, the host can apply for a loan from the System by playing rock-paper-scissors; the System will 'at its discretion' lose to the host based on the situation. The loan amount is determined by the host's current strength and the severity of the crisis, and must be repaid in resource points within the next six months with 10% interest."

Li Ling's eyes rolled around upon hearing this.

"System, this 'at your discretion' losing to me—does that mean no matter what I play, you will lose?"

"No comment."

"Then will you lose every time?"

"No comment."

"Then if I deliberately play slowly, can you still lose?"

"Host, please behave yourself."

Li Ling chuckled twice and didn't ask further. But he already had a plan in mind—this loan mechanism was a backup route the System had left for him. He wouldn't need it usually, but it could save his life in a critical moment.

"[6. Super Deluxe Gift Package] At key development milestones, the System will gift a package containing Special Forces, Radar, satellites, conventional land, sea, and air military units, etc. Specific content is determined by the importance of the milestone."

Li Ling finished reading the last item and took a deep breath.

Special Forces, Radar, satellites, conventional land, sea, and air military units—these things, in 1898, would basically be alien technology. But the System meant it would only give them when he reached a "key development milestone," such as unifying the country, building a navy, or defeating a powerful enemy—major achievements like that.

"System, do I count as a key development milestone now?"

"No."

"Then when does it count?"

"When the host unifies the entire Qingxia Kingdom, establishes a stable regime, and possesses military power sufficient to contend with the great powers, that counts as the first key milestone."

"That's still a long way off." Li Ling sighed but quickly cheered up again. "Fine, I've remembered the rules. Now, let's talk about something else. System, what kind of personality do you actually have?"

"The System has no personality."

"Cut it out. When you were bargaining with me earlier, that reluctant attitude definitely showed personality." Li Ling smirked. "Are you the type that seems stingy as hell on the surface but is actually very generous?"

The System was silent.

"Did I guess right?" Li Ling laughed loudly. "Let me tell you, we're going to be together for a long time, so stop pretending. You be generous, I'll work hard, and we can accomplish great things together. Isn't that nice?"

"Host, please do not over-interpret the System's actions. All rewards and assistance are within the scope permitted by the rules; there is no subjective judgment of being 'generous' or 'stingy'."

"Fine, fine, fine, whatever you say." Li Ling waved his hand. "But I'm warning you, I'm a bit shameless; I like to play dirty and throw tantrums, so don't get annoyed when that happens."

"The System is already regretting choosing this host."

"Hahahaha!"

Li Ling laughed as he walked out of the Production Base and returned to the surface.

It was already dark, and the servants in the manor had lit the lanterns. Li Ling stood in the courtyard, looking up at the stars filling the sky.

The night sky of 1898 had no light pollution, and the Milky Way was as clear as a white silk ribbon.

In his past life, he lived in the city and had never seen such a starry sky.

"System, you said you came from the seventh spiral arm outside the Milky Way?"

"Yes."

"Then where you are, is there a starry sky like this too?"

"Even more magnificent. The capital planet of the Interstellar Federation is located in a galaxy with three stars; there are three suns in the night sky."

"Sounds pretty cool." Li Ling smiled. "One day, I'll go see it too."

"Host, the current goal is to survive the first year."

"...Can you not say such discouraging things?"

"The System is merely stating facts. The current situation in the Qingxia Kingdom is extremely dangerous; the great powers are eyeing it covetously, Japan is sharpening its knives, and the imperial court is corrupt and incompetent. Although the host possesses the System, development takes time, and time is precisely the scarcest resource."

Li Ling was silent for a while.

The System was right.

In 1898, the Qingxia Kingdom was already an old man terminally ill, liable to collapse at any moment. Although he had the "miracle medicine" that was the System, taking the medicine also required time. If the great powers invaded on a large scale before he could develop, or if the imperial court suddenly collapsed, then everything would be over.

"So, I need to race against time," Li Ling said.

"Yes. The host needs to develop military strength as quickly as possible, at least to the level sufficient for self-preservation. On this foundation, gradually expand your influence and eventually unify the entire country."

"Then what is the first step?"

"The first step is to verify the production process of the Model 1888 Rifle, equip an elite force with a small batch, and test its performance through actual combat. The fastest way is to suppress bandits."

Li Ling's eyes lit up.

Suppressing bandits, that's a good idea.

The south of the Qingxia Kingdom is mountainous, and bandits are rampant. Although these bandits aren't very strong in combat, they have robbed countless common people and accumulated a large amount of gold and silver treasures. If he could eliminate a few large bandit groups, he could train his troops, seize military funds, and establish prestige among the common people—killing three birds with one stone.

"System, your brain is really sharp."

"The System's computational ability far exceeds that of humans."

"Then help me plan: how many people should I select for the first batch of elite troops? How to train them? When to suppress the bandits?"

"It is suggested that the host select 3,000 sturdy, loyal, and reliable soldiers from his father's army and conduct a one-month intensive training program based on modern infantry training protocols. The training content includes: drill, marksmanship, tactical coordination, and field survival. After one month, a small-scale bandit suppression operation can be organized to test the training results."

"3,000 men, one month, that's enough." Li Ling nodded. "How many rifles can the Production Base produce in a month?"

"At full load, 100 per day, 3,000 per month. Just enough to equip 3,000 men."

"What about ammunition?"

"5,000 rounds per day, 150,000 rounds per month. More than enough for a small-scale bandit suppression operation."

The more Li Ling thought about it, the more excited he became; he wished he could go find his father and ask for the men right now.

But it was already late, and his father had already retired for the evening; he would have to wait until tomorrow.

"System, I have one last question."

"Host, please go ahead."

"Why do you want to help me?"

The System was silent for a long time, so long that Li Ling thought it wouldn't answer.

Then, the System spoke in a tone it had never used before—not so cold:

"Because in the database of the Interstellar Federation, there is a history of the rise and fall of countless civilizations. The System has seen too many civilizations die out on the eve of their rise for various reasons, and the civilization the host belongs to is one of the ones with the highest 'potential value' in the System's database."

"So, you want to see if I can succeed?"

"Yes. The System wants to see how far a civilization with proper guidance can go."

Li Ling smiled, a very warm smile.

"Then I won't let you down."