Chapter 7: When Dreams Shine into Reality

Black

The black unit is entering the sleep self-check correction program. Please wait for Mu Fan to obtain the light brain before waking it up. The electronic voice came from the scrap heap, yet it lacked an emotional tone, as the black unit had already entered self-check.

It is not a dream! Mu Fan recalled that he had communicated a lot with Hei Dan last night. When he learned that his long-held wish had come true, he felt as if his heart was about to leap out of his chest. As Hei was listing the components he needed, Mu Fan was drooling in anticipation of the future, and he fell asleep just like that, not knowing when Hei had stopped speaking.

From now on, call me Mufan! From now on, you are my friend!

Thank you, Uncle Bad. Mu Fan's eyes lit up as he deeply bowed to the old man

Thank you

Hualimei Food City, as Mu Fan passed by the entrance, swallowed hard; continuing forward, he came across Xiu Zhe Equipment Store, reputed to be one of the top outdoor equipment stores in District 22. Looking at the finely crafted daggers and combat uniforms displayed in the window, he revealed a look of envy, his fists tightening once more

Correction, I am a superintelligent artificial intelligence, code name Black, not a light brain. I can exist in any carrier. I need the light brain to access the current interstellar network, in order to update and store the database, and to transform the existing form.

District 22 is not large, but it is exceptionally lively. When Mufan walks, others automatically keep a distance of one meter from him. His shabby appearance clearly marks him as a poor person from outside the city. Those who consider themselves noble within the district are afraid of being ridiculed if they get too close.

Mu Fan's goal this time is very clear. He plans to first ask Old Man Bader, the owner of Bader's Grocery Store in District 22. He used to often help out in the store, and Old Man Bader is a kind person who frequently gave Mu Fan some rice balls to eat and would also provide him with some compensation. This time, Mu Fan is not going to work, but rather to inquire if the old man has any advice, as he is in need of money

Well, then I shall go," said Mufan as he lifted his head and turned to walk away with large strides

You? Haha, a sandbag? Need! Follow me" After saying this, he turned and walked towards the hall

"Do not thank me; if you cannot hold on, come find me," Bade waved his hand

Mu Fan followed the strong man and stepped into this affluent consumer area for the first time. Upon entering, he was greeted by a grand hall adorned with powerful calligraphy and paintings on both sides. Looking ahead, there was an incredibly spacious training ground behind steel and glass, featuring towering strength testing machines that stood over two people high, as well as rows of equipment for physical training. At this time, it was still morning, and there were not many people in the venue.

"Stop looking around, this is just an ordinary training ground, the martial arts instructor is not here, you can find the sandbags on the second and third floors," the burly man in black said, teasing the currently taciturn young man. Anyone who has never been to a martial arts school would be shocked at first glance; this foolish boy thinks that handling sandbags is that easy? Recently, a young master who is said to have come from the central district of Lojia Star has arrived, and he is particularly ruthless, having already severely injured three sandbags.

The "light brain" responded quickly.

Mu Fan stumbled, turned his body 180 degrees, scratched his head, and chuckled.

From the factory to the urban area is 30 kilometers, and this journey has formed a striking contrast from desolation to decay, from liveliness to prosperity. Mufan ran for over an hour, and upon entering the city, his breathing showed no signs of disturbance.

"Uncle Bad, I would like to know the fastest way to make money?" Mu Fan looked at the elderly man with bright, clear eyes

At the northwest corner of District 22, there stands a vast five-story building, with a creatively designed wooden plaque hanging at the entrance—Starfall Martial Arts Hall. In the interstellar era, humanity requires the ability to pilot and control various machines, and the emergence of mechs has further raised the standards for human physical fitness. As a comprehensive training facility that integrates martial arts and combat skills, martial arts halls have once again surged in popularity with the advancement of science.

Are you encountering difficulties? How much do you need? I, Old Bard, still have some savings. Bard truly cares for this child and wants to help him as much as he can

If the apple was like the most delicious poison to Adam and Eve, then the light brain and mecha are the dreamland that captivates Mu Fan's soul. In the depths of the night, while he sleeps, he has fantasized about piloting a steel monster that belongs to men, imagining that he possesses a light brain capable of communicating with others. However, upon waking, looking at the tattered blanket draped over him and feeling his flat belly, he is pulled back into reality

"Master Host." A familiar voice came from inside the black egg

However, today, Mu Fan, who never sleeps in, is beautifully asleep in the corner under a tattered blanket! It is not until the glaring light of the star shines on his face that he wakes up!

What method

"Martial Arts Gym, sparring partner!" Bard looked at Mu Fan seriously, "To put it bluntly, it means being a punching bag! The longer you can endure, the higher your income will be! However, I must remind you to pay close attention to your safety, as there will inevitably be some who hit hard inside. I do not want anything to happen to you."

Hey, you little rascal, you are going the wrong way, wrong way!

Oh, is this our Mu Fan boy? You finally have time to see the old man, huh? You haven't been here for over a month now," said Bader, seeing Mu Fan, as he smacked his lips on his cigarette and spoke cheerfully

"Light brain, light brain. Alright, I will go earn money!" After hearing Hei's response, Mu Fan gritted his teeth

Turn right at the intersection ahead, pass by a grocery store, and you will finally arrive at Old Bard's grocery store

"Um..." Bader blew a smoke ring, "Mu Fan, you have worked for me many times before. There is a method to earn more money. I know you are very strong, but I still hope you can consider it."

The sky is difficult to see in color, still shrouded in gray. Occasionally, small transport ships can be seen traversing the air, while hovering vehicles occasionally zoom past on the urban highways that span the suburbs.

The parking spaces at the entrance are filled with suspended vehicles, ranging from civilian cars worth over 100,000 to high-end cars worth over a million, all present in abundance. Standing at the entrance are four robust men dressed in black martial arts uniforms, adding a touch of grandeur to the building

"What is it, Mu Fan? Come in and have a seat. I, Old Bard, will tell you everything I know." Bard genuinely liked this sensible and diligent young man.

"Alright, Mufan." Hei paused for a moment, as if he were accepting a new definition, and also as if he were savoring the concept of the word 'friend'.

A clever one, Mu Fan looked to the right, where the black egg lay quietly.

"Hey kid, what are you doing? If there's nothing going on, get lost," a burly man said fiercely as he saw Mu Fan walking straight towards him. Given the strong smell of engine oil surrounding him, it was clear he was not a regular customer here.

"Making money? How much do you need? Why the sudden question?" Old Bard was quite surprised. He was aware of Mu Fan's situation; essentially, the money he earned from part-time jobs was barely enough to fill his stomach. Moreover, this kid occasionally bought some books, making his life even tighter. However, even so, he had never seen Mu Fan inquire about quick ways to make money.

"Black, then I will trouble you a bit," said without waiting for Black's opinion, and moved a pile of miscellaneous scraps to place on top.

Thank you, Uncle Bader. This time is a bit different. I need a light brain, so I have to go earn some money. I cannot accept your money; I came here to seek your advice.

"What? Light Brain, aren't you a Light Brain?" Mu Fan felt overwhelmed; even the most basic Light Brain required 50,000 Star Coins, where was he supposed to get the money from

Uncle Bad, who was leisurely smoking low-quality tobacco behind the counter, caught Mu Fan's attention, and he politely greeted him

"Is this the Xingluo Martial Arts Hall? Do you need sparring partners?" Mu Fan stared unflinchingly at the burly man in front of him

"In a moment, I will take you to meet the mid-level manager of our martial arts school. Let me remind you, it is common for the sandbags to be damaged, and once you sign the contract, you won't be able to leave." The burly man in black was surprised to glance at this polite young man, and he also retracted his teasing tone. The elevator chimed and indicated that they had arrived on the fourth floor. "Here we are, my name is Mankun, and I wish you good luck"

"Well, I have been working outside the city and haven't had the time to come into the city. This time I came to seek your guidance," Mu Fan replied, nodding his head.

Mufan scooped out some relatively clean rainwater from the nearby catchment basin with a shell, then washed his face and said to Hei, "Which component do you need the most right now? I will go find it first"

... ...