CHAPTER 99: CHAPTER 99: COMPONENT ENHANCEMENT (PART 5)

"So, Captain Fang Yu, you plan to upgrade the entire ship’s equipment?"

"And also add a level-one long-range cannon and a level-one mounted machine gun?"

Wang Yuanwei squinted, meticulously jotting down Fang Yu’s requirements in the notebook in his hand.

"Yes, besides that, I need to install an underwater torpedo for attacking underwater creatures."

Fang Yu spoke.

With each operation, he noticed the shortcomings of the ship.

This time heading to Cyan Tree Strait to hunt extraordinary life, the ship had a noticeable shortcoming: it lacked the ability to attack underwater creatures.

Once a shark merges into the deep sea and attacks from below, neither cannons nor bullet weapons pose any threat to it.

Underwater is the blind spot of the Salted Fish, so Fang Yu wanted to address the underwater attack issue.

After hearing Fang Yu’s words, Wang Yuanwei nodded, then said, "For an underwater torpedo, if it’s of ordinary strength, it doesn’t require a crew member to operate and can be automatically launched by the captain."

"But for any ship modifications that reach a strength above level one, they require crew operation, and there are energy level requirements for the crew."

Hearing Wang Yuanwei’s words, Fang Yu nodded slightly, "Go ahead and list the costs, calculate the total, and let me see."

"Alright."

Wang Yuanwei nodded and then began to calculate diligently.

Watching Wang Yuanwei continuously come up with strings of rather high price figures, Fang Yu didn’t say anything.

Ordinary modifications cost around ten thousand Copper Coins, but upgrading modifications are quite expensive.

All parts on the ship can be enhanced through two methods.

1. Strengthening.

2. Enchanting.

In fact, strengthening modifications are akin to a navigator’s physical energy level, they don’t bring various bizarre abilities, but they can enhance the basic capabilities of the components.

For example, a ship cannon that hasn’t undergone level-one strengthening has a basic energy level of about 50, with fixed shooting speed and projectile velocity.

But if it undergoes a level-one modification, the basic energy level increases to 100, and both shooting speed and projectile velocity improve as well.

As for enchanting, it’s similar to the crew’s extraordinary ability.

Enchanting doesn’t enhance the basic capabilities of a component but can add some peculiar traits to its foundational abilities.

For example, Fang Yu’s previous thick armor, after enchanting, acquired a special ability called [Thick Armor Breathing].

However, the properties of the thick armor itself were not enhanced, and its basic defensive power remained 5 times Fang Yu’s energy level.

Strengthening is the "physical condition" of the sea vessel.

Enchanting is the "extraordinary ability" of the sea vessel.

And at this moment, the enhancement of the sea vessel’s extraordinary ability had reached its limit, so Fang Yu began to improve through the strengthening path.

Wang Yuanwei meticulously calculated, then said:

"For the cannon’s strengthening, level-one strengthening is 800 Silver Coins for one, totaling 2400 for three cannons."

Fang Yu nodded, 800 Silver Coins is equivalent to 800,000 Copper Coins, and previous enchanting was 500,000 Copper Coins, so the prices are fairly comparable.

Although 300 Silver Coins more than enchanting, it’s known that Qiyun Port’s prices were 30% higher than before, plus... items like strengthening scrolls, which rookie captains have no use for and veteran captains desperately clamor for, have a more exaggerated price increase than other goods.

If one were to purchase earlier, 500 Silver Coins might suffice, but now... it’s 800 Silver Coins, mainly because Fang Yu came before the major price hike.

It’s unimaginable what the prices will reach once stabilized.

Wang Yuanwei quietly glanced at Fang Yu, noticing that Fang Yu’s face didn’t show much distress, which surprised him.

What gives?

Hit the jackpot?

Wang Yuanwei had a sense, and he spoke without much probing, lightly coughing before continuing:

"The remote cannon and mounted machine gun are slightly more expensive than the cannon, coming to a total of 2000 Silver Coins, fully installed for you."

"Level-one thick armor upgrade scroll, 900 Silver Coins."

"As for the underwater attack system, I suggest installing an elite version of a level-one tracking torpedo."

Seeing Fang Yu seemingly having funds left, Wang Yuanwei stopped probing and directly went with the higher prices, placing it high for Fang Yu.

"Wait, why the elite version of the torpedo?! Really think I’m a big spender?"

Fang Yu said unpleasantly.

"The elite version has speed and power 30% stronger than the normal version, but is only 20% more expensive than the normal one; it’s your choice."

"Normally the elite version is internally circulated, but seeing Mr. Fang frequent us, I’m specially offering this benefit to Mr. Fang."

Wang Yuanwei spoke breezily, understanding customer psychology well.

"Hiss..."

"Alright then... how much?"

Fang Yu gave up the fight; if better equipment is attainable, it’s worth getting.

"Mr. Fang is generous, the elite version torpedo costs 1500 Silver Coins per. Mr. Fang?"

"You should call me Captain Fang, every time you call me Mr. Fang, I always feel like my money will mysteriously disappear."

Fang Yu sighed.

"Hmm?"

Hearing this, Wang Yuanwei was somewhat surprised.

No rejection?

That means Fang Yu still has money left? Which means... there’s still room to maneuver?

Thinking this, Wang Yuanwei didn’t hesitate, tentatively suggesting in a low voice: "Do you think... the ship’s telescope also needs an upgrade? And the navigation system? It could increase sailing speed by 15%, offering a burst speed opportunity..."

"And explore the sea beast breeding space? Using alchemy’s space compression technology, it can compress sea beasts over ten meters tall to live in a tank, currently priced at 3000 Silver Coins..."

Wang Yuanwei’s voice, like a devil’s whisper, targeted Fang Yu’s wallet.

Hearing this, Fang Yu couldn’t hold back, slamming the table: "Mr. Wang, I’ve already bought so much, and you still have the nerve to charge me for a level-one telescope upgrade?"

Wang Yuanwei: Um...

"Consider I didn’t say anything..."

"No way! Give me that level-one telescope scroll!"

Wang Yuanwei: ...

...

After Fang Yu’s firm argument, Wang Yuanwei’s conscience kicked in, gifting Fang Yu a level-one telescope strengthening scroll.

Exiting the Alchemist Association, Fang Yu glanced at his interface.

Now, several level-one strengthening scrolls appeared in the interface.

And to purchase these scrolls, Fang Yu’s wallet had depleted by 6800 Silver Coins.

Originally 9120 Silver Coins, now only 2320 were left.

This Alchemist Association is truly a damn money pit...

Fang Yu thought gloomily.

However, spending naturally leads to improvement.

Fang Yu grinned, and without a word, directly activated these strengthening scrolls in his backpack...