Back in his quarters, Ethan deactivated the VR system and leaned against the window, gazing at the stars. Each mission was more than just a task—it was a stepping stone, a test of his creativity and skill.
The Stalwart Drifter was now more than a ship; it was a symbol of his growing mastery. Yet, as he looked out at the infinite expanse, he knew this was only the beginning. Bigger challenges lay ahead, and Ethan was ready to face them all.
"Next time," he thought with a determined smile, "I'll aim even higher."
Ethan's journey had been anything but easy, yet the grind had paid off. Months of relentless work saw him tackling a range of missions—from improving the fuel efficiency of cargo vessels to overhauling outdated skirmishers, redesigning survey ships, and revamping the structural integrity of light frigates. Each project added another brick to the foundation of his growing reputation. Whispers in the Mission Hall often carried his name, though still in measured tones.
"That novice, Ethan Whittaker," someone would say.
"His work's solid," another would reply. "Not revolutionary, but better than you'd expect for his level. The kid's got potential."
This acknowledgment was both a blessing and a curse. While he had earned respect among peers and clients for his consistent, high-quality work, Ethan knew that respect alone wouldn't suffice to achieve his ultimate goals.
Late at night in his quarters, Ethan often reflected on his journey. He had come far since arriving in the Galactic Domain almost two years ago. The milestones he had achieved—152,000 GSG credits (a significant sum equivalent to 30.4 million Indra Credits), a name in the local Mission Hall, and technical skills nearing the Apprentice level—were commendable. Yet, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't enough.
His goal wasn't just survival or fame. It was far more personal: returning to his family. They were his anchor even if they didn't understand his passion for shipbuilding or the incredible galaxy-spanning adventure he had been thrust into. The thought of reuniting with them kept him grounded and driven.
He stared out at the stars, their distant light twinkling like the dreams he still reached for. "This is just the beginning," he murmured. "If I want to get back to them, I need to do something big. Something that cements my place here, in this world."
Ethan's capital gave him options. After careful consideration, he decided to invest in a Tier-2 shipyard. This wasn't a frivolous purchase but a calculated move toward establishing himself as a serious player in the shipbuilding industry.
He knew better than to aim for a Tier-1 shipyard, which catered to the galactic giants—those with vast resources, networks, and reputations that spanned the Domain. Competing in that league would be suicidal. No, a Tier-2 shipyard was more realistic, though still a monumental challenge.
Why Tier-2?
The Tier-2 market wasn't for the faint of heart. It was fiercely competitive, filled with experienced builders who had carved out their niches over decades. However, Ethan had two key advantages:
His Reputation While limited to one corner of the Indra Empyrean, his reputation as a meticulous and efficient novice was growing. His designs had earned praise for their reliability and exceeding expectations.
His Skills Thanks to his systematic approach and relentless drive, Ethan had reached a practical understanding of shipbuilding at the Apprentice Level. This meant he wasn't just theoretically proficient—he could now tackle real-world problems with innovative, practical solutions and take the next step in his ascension as a shipbuilder, solidifying his position at the Apprentice Level.
Ethan's decision to step into the Tier-2 market wasn't impulsive; it was a calculated move. He understood the risks. Owning and operating a shipyard would demand more than just his technical expertise—it required leadership, financial acumen, and the ability to navigate the political and corporate intricacies of the Galactic Domain.
For now, however, Ethan planned to operate the shipyard by himself. The facility he intended to purchase was equipped with highly advanced AI systems, capable of managing production processes, maintenance, and logistical operations autonomously. This would allow him to focus on design, strategy, and growing his presence in the competitive market.
Ethan knew that as his ambitions grew, so too would the demands of his shipyard. Eventually, he would need to hire a team and collaborate with talented individuals. By that point, though, he aimed to be well-established, ensuring he could attract the best minds to help him solidify his legacy as a master shipbuilder.
To prepare, Ethan focused on the Capital Allocation
He meticulously planned his budget. The Tier-2 shipyard he was eyeing was relatively advanced, equipped with state-of-the-art forges, automated assembly lines, and precision tools. It was a perfect base for the kind of work Ethan envisioned: high-quality ships with unique selling point
Technical Mastery
Ethan doubled down on refining his skills. Theoretical knowledge was no longer enough; he needed to apply it to larger, more complex projects. Every mission he had completed so far was a stepping stone toward this goal.
Market Research
Understanding the Tier-2 market was crucial. Ethan spent hours researching his competitors, studying their designs, strengths, and weaknesses. He identified gaps in the market—niches where his unique approach to shipbuilding could thrive.
Establishing a Network
Ethan began reaching out to potential collaborators and clients. The Mission Hall community provided a starting point, but he knew he needed to expand his connections to succeed on a larger scale.
A Vision for the Future
Ethan's dream wasn't just to build ships—it was to build a legacy. He envisioned creating vessels that stood out not for their brute strength or flashy features but for their balance, efficiency, and ingenuity.
As he stood in his quarters, gazing at the stars, the weight of his journey pressed on him. The decisions he made in the coming weeks would shape not just his career but his future.
"This is it," he said to himself. "Time to take the next step. Time to rise."
The road ahead was uncertain, but Ethan welcomed the challenge. Every risk, every sleepless night, every setback—it was all worth it if it brought him closer to his family and his ultimate goal: mastering the art of shipbuilding and earning his way home.