Once he succeeded in using Magic or Alchemy as a substitute, he could bypass the research and development phase. He could create a magic-tech hybrid and directly manufacture sci-fi-grade super equipment.

He wouldn't even entertain distant possibilities like putting an anti-gravity Alchemy Array on an aircraft carrier for now. But at the very least, creating personal aircraft or personal flight rigs was worth considering.

Modern aerodynamics was very mature, and prototypes for personal flight devices already existed. A major part of the problem, however, was the sheer weight of the equipment.

Using a "Lightness" Alchemy Array, he could bypass this difficulty.

Fang Zhen also thought of many other applications. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Putting aside the more distant goals, he focused on one that was attainable.

Personal Exoskeleton Power Armor.

This kind of technology had appeared in many sci-fi movies, like *Avatar* and *The Matrix*.

In the real world, exoskeleton power devices were already in use, though mainly in the medical rehabilitation field. Their assistive power was mediocre, and their price was astronomical—not just ordinarily expensive.

They were especially expensive in Xia Country, even more so than in Ah Mei.

In his country, even a cheaper, simple exoskeleton power rehabilitation device would cost at least half a million.

As for the military, they had military-grade light exoskeleton armor. Fang Zhen didn't know its exact price, nor did he ask, figuring the information would be classified.

The assistive power provided by these Exoskeleton Power Armors was generally mediocre.

The core problem remained unsolved. A suit that required significant power had to carry its own supply, like an engine or motor. However, these components were extremely heavy themselves. The power they generated was often not even enough to lift their own weight, making it impossible to create heavy armor.

This was a massive technological hurdle.

But Fang Zhen had already solved it.

As long as he could learn the "Lightness" Alchemy Array, he could just inscribe a few onto a titanium-steel Exoskeleton Power Armor and run around in it with ease.

If development went well, the power armor could have a Gatling gun in its left hand, an RPG in its right, and a steam-powered warhammer slung across its back.

All hail the Gatling Bodhisattva, six thousand six hundred rounds per minute, delivering the world from suffering and achieving true equality for all living things.

The Gatling gun could also be inscribed with a "Lightness" Alchemy Array.

As he thought about it, a vivid image formed in Fang Zhen's mind.

'It's a pretty badass thought,' he mused, feeling a small thrill of excitement.

Fang Zhen let out a long breath and reined in his imagination.

The idea was wonderful, but to make it a reality, given his current dungeon progress, he'd have to wait until at least the later stages of an Elite-tier dungeon. It might even have to wait until he unlocked Heroic or Legendary Dungeons.

Moreover, this kind of heavy Exoskeleton Power Armor didn't exist in the real world. If he really wanted one, he would have to develop it himself.

Fang Zhen didn't have the skills for it, so he'd have to hire people. Besides, this kind of R&D burned through money; a conservative estimate would be tens of millions just to get a working prototype.

Of course, the "Lightness" Alchemy Array would drastically reduce the development difficulty. If he didn't have to worry about the suit's weight, the process would be much easier, but it would still cost a fortune. Without the Alchemy Array, R&D costs would be at least several hundred million, maybe even more.

'Maybe I should focus on making money when I get back, and then set up a lab under my own name?'

An idea began to form in Fang Zhen's mind.

The more he thought about it, the more necessary it seemed.

Having his own lab would be hugely beneficial in the long run and seemed absolutely essential. He could use it for future projects, like his research into the "Bloodburst" Potion, for analyzing monsters, or for creating his own unique weapons that combined modern technology with Magic.

Besides, the Legendary-grade equipment he wanted didn't exist in the real world; he'd have to create it all himself. It was better to spend money on his own lab—which would be easier to control and keep secret—than to rely on someone else's.

Of course, this would require a huge amount of money.

The modern world, especially Xia Country, had no shortage of manufacturing talent.

The main obstacle was money.

Fang Zhen didn't have enough money at the moment.

But he wasn't in a hurry.

With the Dungeon Life game, making money wouldn't be a huge problem.

He could follow through on his previous plan to profit from the price difference in precious metals between the Nameless World and his own world.

He could make money by selling military-grade goods and luxury items through Dalia.

If it proved difficult to obtain large quantities of precious metals back home, he could also arbitrage them between the Nameless World and the Curse Seal World to accumulate wealth quickly.

With a clear goal in mind, Fang Zhen's motivation to earn money was at an all-time high.

It was time to build an empire.

But he didn't let the idea go to his head.

You had to eat a meal one bite at a time, and take things one step at a time.

At his current rate of progress, and with a little extra effort, wearing a suit of Exoskeleton Power Armor by the time he reached the Heroic-level dungeons was no longer just a dream.

After Fang Zhen finished his business, he promised to bring potassium permanganate tablets the next time he came.

He had already obtained what he needed from this dungeon.

He had killed the Vampire Count Ellick, so the dungeon was basically complete.

He had obtained the Feiyu Iron Wall Armor, shoring up his weakness in defense. In fact, his defensive stats might even be overkill now.

Furthermore, he had discovered the main questline for the next dungeon ahead of time; it was likely related to the Eternal Night Council's great purge of the Whig Society.

To that end, Gwendolyn had made a pact with him. The Whig Society promised the legacy of a Tier Four Curse Seal and top-tier Curse Sealer equipment in exchange for Fang Zhen's potassium permanganate tablets and other support.

In addition, he had also traded for a large quantity of Alchemy Potions, an Alchemist's legacy, and diagrams for Alchemy Arrays.

Fang Zhen felt a great sense of accomplishment.

"Master, I'll take my leave for now. I need time to prepare the items you requested," Fang Zhen said to Gwendolyn. "It was a pleasure fighting alongside all of you. I truly hope the Whig Society can overthrow the rule of the Eternal Night Council."

"That will require the efforts of you, me, and everyone in the Whig Society," Gwendolyn said. "I also look forward to seeing what surprises you'll bring us next time we meet."

"Haha, I will," Fang Zhen said with a laugh. "Alright, this is goodbye for now. Until we meet again."

"Alright."

Fang Zhen shook Gwendolyn's hand firmly, then they embraced in the manner of the Warriors here, patting each other on the back.

This gesture, it was said, symbolized mutual trust—that you weren't afraid of the other person stabbing you in the back.

He used the same gesture to bid farewell to the other members of the Whig Society.

Pat was immensely strong and didn't know how to hold back.

Karen was reluctant, but she still performed the gesture with Fang Zhen.

Laura's embrace was very prominent up front. No, really. They were quite elastic—bountiful and generous.

Jorent... Fang Zhen skipped over Jorent, avoiding any close contact with the so-called "Mr. Poison."

After bidding farewell to the members of the Whig Society, Fang Zhen got on his motorcycle with Jilenna and left Gwendolyn's small courtyard.

He rode off in the direction of the Light Gate.