Chapter 98: Receiving a Big Toy

Qin Yuanwei and the Qin Family's scrutiny remained shrouded in unknown mist for Qin Feng at this moment. His attention was entirely drawn to a new, truly shocking "reward" brought by the system.

The steady progress of the "Cornerstone Project," especially the smooth topping-out of the main building of the Future Technology Research Institute and Su Jin's key breakthroughs in the Gene Optimization Fluid project, seemed to have triggered some system evaluation threshold.

On this day, as Qin Feng handled routine affairs in his office, the system—long inactive in issuing tasks—suddenly popped up a new information stream in his mind: not a task, but more like a… "Material Drop Notification."

【Detected that host's faction construction level and technology development level have reached a staged threshold.】【Reward issued: Ownership and control authorization of the "Voyager" comprehensive research vessel (system-customized version).】【Material drop coordinates: East Longitude XXX, North Latitude XXX (near a deserted islet in the Public Sea).】【Reception deadline: 72 hours.】【Note: This "toy" has undergone rationalized background processing. Relevant documentation will be transmitted simultaneously to the host's designated device. Please receive promptly to avoid unnecessary attention.】

"Voyager"? Comprehensive research vessel? System-customized version?

Even with Qin Feng's current temperament, hardened by countless grand scenes, he couldn't help but pause upon seeing this message. A ship? This time, the system's "reward" seemed unusually peculiar.

He immediately pulled up the related data and holographic projection transmitted by the system.

When the virtual image of the ship appeared before him, even Qin Feng couldn't suppress a flicker of awe in his eyes.

This was no ordinary research vessel?!

Its entire body bore a streamlined silver-gray coating, over two hundred meters long, its design brimming with futuristic tech aesthetics—more akin to the prototype of a starship from a sci-fi film than a research vessel. Data showed it employed a hybrid propulsion system surpassing current era standards (nuclear-assisted + unknown energy source), granting it exceptional endurance and astonishingly silent navigation capability.

Its onboard scientific equipment was even more astonishing:

A crewed/autonomous submersible capable of diving to ten thousand meters in the Deep Sea.

An automated platform for in-situ seabed mineral extraction and preliminary refining.

A multifunctional comprehensive radar and communication array covering from sea surface to low Earth orbit.

A miniaturized seawater desalination and element extraction plant.

A standardized, modular-deployable mobile biological laboratory (its specifications rivaling even Su Jin's current temporary lab).

And… a hidden, encrypted zone within the hull labeled 【Ecosystem Simulation and Extreme Environmental Adaptation Test Unit】—its function vaguely described, yet Qin Feng's instinct told him this was far from mere research use.

This was fundamentally a super mobile base integrating long-range oceanic travel, deep-sea exploration, resource prospecting, scientific research, and… some unknown function! A floating secret outpost belonging solely to Qin Feng!

"Big toy…" Qin Feng murmured, an excited curve involuntarily lifting his lips. The system never disappointed him—this "reward" was invaluable! Especially for his future covert research, resource acquisition, and even "strategic deployments," its significance was immense!

Without hesitation, he summoned Lei Zhan and Chen Ming.

When the two saw the ship's data and coordinates—slightly blurred but still staggering—Lei Zhan, despite enduring countless storms, and Chen Ming, long accustomed to Qin Feng's "miraculous abilities," both drew in a sharp breath.

"Director Qin, this… this is?" Chen Ming's voice was dry.

"Our new 'toy.'" Qin Feng's tone was calm, yet the light in his eyes betrayed his inner turbulence. "It's waiting for us in the Public Sea. Lei Zhan, immediately select thirty of the most elite, absolutely loyal personnel from the first batch of 'Shield' members who've completed basic training to form the initial reception team. Chen Ming, coordinate—use all our covert channels to secure a reliable transport vessel and necessary supplies, ensuring arrival at the target coordinates and initial reception and security deployment within forty-eight hours."

"Yes!" Lei Zhan and Chen Ming suppressed their shock and immediately obeyed. They knew well: the importance of this ship was no less than any Core Base on land.

"Remember," Qin Feng emphasized, "absolute secrecy. To the outside world, this will appear as nothing more than a routine commercial research vessel purchase and oceanic training. Its true capabilities are known only to our core team."

"Understood!"

Action unfolded swiftly. Lei Zhan personally led the team, selecting only elite former Navy SEALs or retired special forces with extensive oceanic experience. Chen Ming leveraged Yaofeng Capital's intricate overseas networks and quickly assembled a medium-sized transport vessel registered abroad with a clean background, along with all required supplies.

Forty-eight hours later, the reception team arrived at the target coordinates.

When the colossal vessel named "Voyager," silent as a sleeping leviathan, lay anchored in the blue Public Sea, its silver-gray hull reflecting cold light under the sun, every "Shield" member who boarded was profoundly awed by its futuristic interior technology and flawlessly complete facilities.

Lei Zhan, using the access password provided by Qin Feng, successfully took control of the ship's core systems. The AI steward "Navigator" activated and confirmed Qin Feng as the highest-authorization owner.

Preliminary checks returned: vessel status perfect, all systems operational, fuel and supplies sufficient—even the refrigerated storage held enough fresh provisions to sustain a hundred people for three months.

Qin Feng, from headquarters, remotely connected via encrypted satellite link to the "Voyager"'s main control system. Watching the real-time footage and data stream back, he nodded in satisfaction.

With this ship, his reach would truly extend into the vast ocean—whether exploring deep-sea resources, conducting high-risk experiments unsuitable for land, or serving as a mobile, unknown strategic force, its value was incalculable.

This truly was a… remarkable "big toy."

He issued his first command:

"'Voyager,' maintain silence. Proceed along preset route to Zone C and standby. Await further instructions."

"Command confirmed. 'Voyager,' underway." The AI steward's calm electronic voice replied.

The massive hull slid soundlessly into the deep blue, vanishing beyond the horizon.

Qin Feng shut off the communication, his gaze drifting far away.

The ocean, covering most of Earth's surface, held endless secrets and resources. This "Voyager" might become his first lever to pry open the entire blue planet.

His Empire's territory, henceforth, would no longer be confined to land.