Infinite Armory: Modern Weapon and Demonic Interface – [Nation-Building LITRPG]

The evening was setting in, and they had just five minutes left until midnight, marking the end of the assault. Bell had invested an additional 200,000 EP in restocking the combat unit in the village. This mainly involved refilling the 30mm autocannon on the M230LF and the grenade machine gun positioned at four key points around the entire village. Everyone in the squad had equipped their helmets with NVGs (night vision goggles). Some had single-lens versions, while others, like Spear, Bell, and Lisa, used the quad-lens variant.

[Trial #3: Off The Grid - Stage 2] 

[Hold Off The Group of Undeads For 00:00:00]

Congratulations on successfully repelling the offspring of an ice dragon, but the trials are far from over. Without the safeguard of the ice spirit, this village becomes increasingly susceptible to a massive undead onslaught. Your mission is to stand firm until nightfall.

Expect attacks from all directions, both from the air and the ground. It's imperative to bolster our anti-aircraft defenses and summon additional soldiers, even though this may upset Eldrin. Adding more modern technologies could potentially anger any remaining ice spirits, if they still exist.

[Rewards: None]

The elven villagers illuminated their homes with lanterns hung in front of each house, casting a warm, bright orange glow across the surroundings. The elves had completed the task of butchering the wyverns. Six of these creatures had fallen within the village, while the others lay beyond its borders. Bell had firmly forbidden anyone from attempting to loot them, primarily due to the risk of friendly fire from both the occasional artillery and mortar barrages.

Sitting on Eldrin's porch, Bell savored a steaming mug of coffee while gazing out at the village. The food parcel and food ration program had proven to be a success, and it appeared that the elves had become much more hospitable than before, which was excellent news. They no longer regarded Bell with suspicion. The only lingering question was whether these sudden undead incursions were somehow Bell's responsibility or not. As he enjoyed his coffee, the long-awaited report finally arrived.

[After Action Reports: 25 Frost Wyverns Killed, 15 Drakes Killed, 50 Snow Juggernauts Killed, 100 Snow Hounds Killed, 1,200 Skeletons Killed, 4,000 Husks Killed]

[16,040,000 EP Rewarded, 927,000 EXP Rewarded]

[Level Up to Level 21]

[EXP Cut Off is In Play at Level 20 and Above, Will Only Receive 20% EXP From Allied Kill]

"Did we really have that many creatures?" Bell grinned as he swiped the screen to the side.

Then, he accessed his menu interface to enhance his demonic capabilities, which were essentially the overpowered abilities provided by the system. This had been a resounding success and a highly worthwhile investment on his part. Now, the shopping list could finally be completed, and the Air Assault had been longing for helicopters for some time.

[Diagnostic Menu] [Level: 21] [8 Demonic Points Available]

Name: Bellial Radcliffe

EXP: 21,040/77,000

General Health Status: Healthy

Skills and Perks:

• Diplomatic Seer Lv. 4: Provides an edge in bargaining, crucial for resource acquisition or information gathering. This includes knowing what the current state or mood of your diplomatic opponent, or allies. It also allows the user to know their relationship with other diplomatic parties. Moderate amount of Aether Energy is needed to use this spell. 

• Sweet Talker Lv. 2: Provide a soothing-like ability to your voice during negotiation sessions, making your offer more likely to be accepted by the opposite party. This ability only works on good will and any dubious request will cancel the spell immediately. 

• Mana Efficiency Lv. 2: Reduces the amount of aether energy required to cast spells, allowing for more frequent use of magic. 

• Marksmanship Lv. 3: Increased Accuracy and range of any small arms.

• Second-Hand User Lv. 3: 42% Reduction in Equipment Price

He considered obtaining additional upgrades for the second-hand users, particularly because vehicles had proven to be the most significant drain on his resources. However, upon reviewing the upgrade requirements, he realized that it would cost five demonic points to enhance the skill. Nonetheless, any reduction in expenses was a positive step.

Next, he contemplated improving his existing skills, particularly Sweet Talker and Marksmanship. Sweet Talker had already proven its worth, even persuading Eldrin to accede to his requests. He was curious about the potential benefits of upgrading Marksmanship. In addition, he decided to purchase a new skill.

[Diagnostic Menu] [Level: 21] 

Name: Bellial Radcliffe

EXP: 21,040/77,000

General Health Status: Healthy

Skills and Perks:

• Diplomatic Seer Lv. 4: Provides an edge in bargaining, crucial for resource acquisition or information gathering. This includes knowing what the current state or mood of your diplomatic opponent, or allies. It also allows the user to know their relationship with other diplomatic party. Moderate amount of Aether Energy needed to use this spell. 

• Sweet Talker Lv. 3: Provide a soothing-like ability to your voice during negotiation session, alongside with a non-aggressive passive spell that would make your offer more likely to be accepted by the opposite party. This ability only works on good will and any dubious request will cancel the spell immediately. 

• Aura of Authority Lv. 1: This ability imbues the user with an innate sense of authority and charisma, making others more inclined to respect and listen to you. It's particularly effective in leadership situations, where your presence can inspire confidence and loyalty. It only works on allies that have trusted the user. It will also boost the chance of intimidation slightly towards enemies.

• Mana Efficiency Lv. 2: Reduces the amount of aether energy required to cast spells, allowing for more frequent use of magic. 

• Marksmanship Lv. 4: +10% Range and Accuracy of All Weapons on Your Arsenal, Including Summoned Soldiers

• Second-Hand User Lv. 4: 50% Reduction in Equipment Price

Lisa then walked in his direction, also having a mug of coffee in her hand. The team had stopped firing their weapons, only occasionally putting a round at suspected husks that were still alive. However, overall, they were resting after the high-octane assault, however, Bell could see that Tomas was ecstatic. 

"I see that our economy is growing very rapidly," Lisa said, sitting down right next to Bell. Lisa was aware of the state of the economy, and she also knew how much Bell had, the same case as the core team, Lukas, Amelia, and Harris. "What should we invest it in?"

"The people, no doubt. We, or I, exist to serve the people, and they deserve every cent of what we get, don't you think?" 

"Hard agree, Bell. So, what would you do?" 

[Population Management Interface] [EP: 20,260,400] 

[Population Census]

• Civilians: 70

• Military Personnel: 86

[Revenue]

• Population Maintenance Allocation Budget: 500 EP/Civilian/Month [Triple Value: 8,000,000 EP]

• Current Revenue: 35,000 EP/Month

• Expense: 35,000 EP/Month + 193,500 EP Military Expense

• Total: -193,500 EP/Month

[Social Program]

• Education Level: Medium — 500 EP/Civilian [Upgrade: 250,000 EP]

• Healthcare Access: Barely Available [Upgrade: 100,000 EP]

Bell had the option to upgrade both the healthcare and human resource levels, but his top priority was to utilize the budget provided by the system. While eight million may have seemed substantial, tripling the allocation budget meant they could potentially balance the budget for the military. Bell confidently pressed the button to witness the transformation.

[Population Management Interface] [EP: 12,260,400] 

[Population Census]

• Civilians: 70

• Military Personnel: 86

[Revenue]

• Population Maintenance Allocation Budget: 1,500 EP/Civilian/Month [Triple Value: 20,000,000 EP]

• Current Revenue: 105,000 EP/Month

• Expense: 35,000 EP/Month + 193,500 EP Military Expense

• Total: - 123,500 EP/Month

[Social Program]

• Education Level: Medium — 500 EP/Civilian [Upgrade: 250,000 EP]

• Healthcare Access: Barely Available [Upgrade: 100,000 EP]

The current impact might not be significant, but Bell understood that as the population of the base outgrew the army, the effects would be far more substantial. At present, only a limited number of people are aware of the base's existence. However, he foresaw the potential for the base to evolve into a small town, perhaps even a city, and eventually, into some form of capital. Bell recognized the need to prepare for this future.

Once the chancellor was located, he planned to entrust her with the management of the economy, as she was better suited for the role than he was. With this in mind, he made the decision to upgrade the healthcare facilities.

[Basic Level]

• Description: Only emergency medical services and basic outpatient care are available for free. Minimal preventive care and health education. The healthcare workforce is primarily composed of general practitioners.

• Upgrade Cost: 100,000 EP

• EP per Civilian: 500 EP

He clicked the upgrade button, but there was no immediate change in Eldrin's village. However, he understood that it was not under his jurisdiction; it fell under Eldrin's control. Unfortunately, Eldrin's reluctance to cooperate was a hindrance, as one of the prerequisites for integration was the agreement of the village chief. It was a missed opportunity, considering how much he could have improved their lives, but their fear of demons held them back.

Bell turned to Lisa and inquired, "Have you counted the number of people in this village?"

Lisa replied, "Yes, we have. There are around 130 people in total here, including the elders, children, and others. So, if you were to gain control of this village... you know the potential, right?"

Bell nodded and replied, "Our income would increase, that's for sure."

Lisa continued, "Not only that, but we might also gain the cooperation of other villages, don't you think?"

Bell agreed, saying, "Amen to that."

Although many demons still roamed in the north, Bell saw an opportunity to establish law and order in this untamed land, untouched by any kingdom or empire. He could create a new system and uproot the old, inefficient rule without facing opposition. The key to all of this was finding the chancellor.