The Architect’s Legacy

Chapter 21: Ch-21 Formalizing the Ownership of the Star Forge



Ethan woke up to a sense of lightness he hadn't felt in weeks. The long, uninterrupted sleep had worked wonders on his frayed nerves, granting him the clarity he needed for the monumental day ahead. Stretching, he allowed the crisp morning air to fill his lungs and glanced at the clock.

"8 a.m.," he muttered, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Still plenty of time."

After freshening up, Ethan took a moment to center himself, mentally preparing for the important day ahead. By 10 a.m., he would officially acquire the Star Forge—not through a simple handshake or signature, but through the meticulous bureaucracy of the Galactic Standards Guild (GSG).

The weight of the occasion began to settle as he made his way toward his virtual cabin. Acquiring the Star Forge was no small feat. It required navigating the GSG's rigorous approval process, verifying the shipyard's transfer, agreeing to compliance terms, and ensuring his ownership was formally recognized across the Galactic Domain.

Logging into the virtual world, Ethan felt the familiar pull of the system as his surroundings shifted into the sleek, hyper-realistic interface of the GSG's infrastructure. The towering spires of the Guild's headquarters loomed before him, each department housed within a structure designed for efficiency and grandeur.

With a sense of purpose, Ethan walked toward the Shipyard Ownership and Registration Division. The GSG was known for its precision but also its unyielding adherence to protocol. He had heard tales of its infamous bureaucracy, and he had no intention of making any missteps.

Upon entering the reception area, his eyes landed on a woman behind the desk. She had golden hair that cascaded in soft waves around her shoulders, and her striking green eyes seemed to carry a perfect balance of warmth and professionalism. Ethan recognized her instantly from past interactions but realized with some embarrassment that he had never caught her name.

"Good morning," he greeted her, his voice calm but edged with anticipation.

She glanced up from her terminal, her smile brightening the room. "Ah, Mr. Ethan Wright. Good to see you again. Here for the Star Forge transaction?"

Ethan nodded, leaning against the counter with a quiet sense of pride. "That's right. Just need to finalize the paperwork and compliance steps."

"Of course," she replied, her fingers dancing across the holographic keyboard in front of her. "I assume you've got everything ready on your end?"

"Yes. Payment, certifications, and compliance agreements. I'm familiar with the process."

A slight smile tugged at the edges of her lips. "I figured you would be. You've always been thorough."

Ethan chuckled softly, appreciating the compliment. "Thanks. It's a big day for me."

"Well, let's not keep you waiting," she said, gesturing for him to follow. "You'll need to sign a few documents digitally and meet with one of our specialists to verify the asset's handover. Shouldn't take more than an hour."

Ethan followed her deeper into the building, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. Each step brought him closer to claiming the Star Forge as his own, a pivotal moment that would shape the course of his future.

When they reached a private room, the receptionist gestured for him to take a seat. "Wait here. The specialist will join you shortly to begin the formalities."

"Thank you," Ethan said sincerely, watching as she exited the room.

Left alone, he glanced around the sterile yet comfortable space. His mind raced with possibilities. This wasn't just a transaction; it was a turning point. Owning the Star Forge would mark the beginning of his journey toward greatness, a solid foundation for the empire he envisioned.

As he waited, his mind ran through his plans. Once the shipyard was officially his, he would immediately begin upgrading its systems and preparing for his first project—the redesign and production of the Vicktor-class Escort Frigate. A ship that would prove to the Galactic Domain that Ethan Wright was a force to be reckoned with.

The door opened, and a middle-aged man in a sharp suit stepped inside, carrying a sleek tablet. "Mr. Wright," he said with a nod. "I'm here to finalize the transfer of the Star Forge. Let's get started."

Ethan stood and shook the man's hand firmly. "Thank you. Let's do this."

As Ethan followed the specialist through the final stages of the Star Forge transfer, his thoughts shifted to the daunting task ahead. The Vicktor-class Escort Frigate—a vessel he had only encountered in the speculative science fiction of his previous world—was a concept entirely new to the Galactic Domain. While the idea had captured his imagination, he knew there was no blueprint to guide him. He would have to create the frigate from the ground up.

The specialist's words about compliance terms, zoning laws, and operational regulations buzzed in the background as Ethan mentally mapped out the project. The Vicktor-class was more than just a warship. In his old world, it had been a symbol of tactical brilliance: a small yet powerful vessel balancing offense, defense, and versatility in ways no other ship could. It was fast, modular, and capable of serving various roles—from escorting larger fleets to engaging in reconnaissance and solo skirmishes.

But here, in the Galactic Domain, such a ship was unheard of.

The challenge thrilled Ethan. He had always excelled at turning the impossible into reality, and now, with the Star Forge under his control, he had the resources to bring his vision to life. But he knew it wouldn't be easy.

As an Apprentice-Level Ship Designer, Ethan's current skills were not yet refined enough to tackle such a complex project. Most designers at his level were still learning how to optimize basic systems, struggling to balance efficiency with functionality. But Ethan had an advantage: he came from a different dimension.

His unique perspective—shaped by the advanced technologies and creative concepts of his previous world—meant he wasn't bound by the limitations that restricted other shipwrights. While his official classification placed him at the Apprentice level, his intellect, creativity, and drive pushed him far beyond that.

"From the hull to the weapons systems," he thought, "I'll have to build every piece of this frigate myself."

The task ahead was enormous. A ship's hull wasn't just a frame—it was the foundation for everything else. He would need to research the materials available in the Galactic Domain, choose the best alloys for strength and cost-effectiveness, and design a frame that could support the frigate's modular components.

Then, there were the engines. The Vicktor-class demanded speed and agility. Ethan would have to experiment with warp drive configurations and thruster placements to achieve maximum performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

And the weapons—Ethan chuckled softly to himself. Weapons in the Galactic Domain were far more advanced than anything from his world. Plasma cannons, missile launchers, energy shields—the possibilities were endless. But all these elements had to be balanced seamlessly within the design.

The specialist handed Ethan the finalized ownership certificate for the Star Forge. Ethan snapped back to the present, staring at the holographic display in his hands. The words "Owner: Ethan Wright" glowed faintly on the screen.

"It's done," the specialist said, breaking through Ethan's thoughts. "The Star Forge is officially yours. Congratulations."

Ethan stood and shook the man's hand firmly. "Thank you," he replied, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him.

As he exited the GSG headquarters, Ethan's mind was already racing, formulating plans. The Star Forge, a Tier-2 shipyard capable of producing mid-range ships at an impressive rate, would be a powerful tool in his arsenal. But to make the Vicktor-class frigate a reality, he would need more than just a facility—he would need to push himself to the limits of his abilities.

"This is it," Ethan thought, determination blazing in his eyes. "I'm going to prove that I'm more than just an apprentice. The Vicktor-class frigate will be my masterpiece—and the first step toward building a legacy that will span the stars."

With the Star Forge now under his control, Ethan was ready to embark on the most ambitious project of his life. From the first line of its blueprint to the moment it soared through the void, the Vicktor-class frigate would stand as a testament to his ingenuity, perseverance, and unyielding desire to reach for the stars.

I have changed Ethan sir's name to Ethan Wright


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