Before diving into the grand undertaking, it was time for Alan to invest in his skills to further his capabilities. With a precise plan in mind, he allocated two of his precious attribute points to enhance his Intelligence. The glowing feedback from the interface indicated the successful upgrade:
[Intelligence: C+] +2 [C+ > B-] [B- > B]
Bolstered by the improved Intelligence, Alan turned his attention to his unique skill.
[Science (Master)]
[Rarity: Unique]
[More effective in science-related tasks]
[Prerequisites: Intelligence B]
[Cost: 10,000 survival points and 1x Rank C reward]
[Proceed?]
He knew this skill's potential and effectiveness in science-related tasks was pivotal for his future plans. Unwavering, Alan confirmed the expenditure with a simple "Yes."
[You have spent 10,000 survival points and 1x Rank C reward]
[You gained proficiency in [Science] - Expert to Master]
This elevation took him to the highest level of proficiency he had achieved in this skill in his previous life, and he had specific plans for utilizing these newfound advantages in the upcoming round.
Once the upgrades were secured, Alan rallied the group to commence their crafting venture. Setting up a worktable, he meticulously sorted through the vast array of 300 [common] items that the military had allocated. The task at hand was a monumental one, and Alan efficiently organized the items into four distinct categories: metals, cloth, food, and miscellaneous.
Their haul was predominantly comprised of metals mostly edge weapons and firearms, accounting for around 50% of the items, while cloth items made up approximately 20%. The remaining 30% consisted of assorted objects deemed as junk. Alan was undaunted by this classification, as he meticulously inspected and collected some of the seemingly insignificant items: metal pipes, bolts, screws, and a cement mixture.
Alan's inventive spark ignited as he meticulously laid out his vision for the upcoming project. "I think I have all I need," he declared to the group, ready to embark on the next phase. Leaving the room behind, he ventured into the cruise's engine room, scouring the area for a specific item. After a bit of searching, he located a massive metal propane tank, standing at a towering 2 meters in height and with a 70-centimeter width.
With the hefty tank strapped to his back, Alan set out to explore the lower deck of the cruise, only to find himself confronted by a familiar figure – Sergeant Dylan. The military man couldn't help but question Alan's puzzling activities, demanding,
"What the hell are you doing, Alan?"
Alan's confident grin was his response. "Just the person I need. Follow me, and please bring your tools along."
Sergeant Dylan complied, bringing with him the US military supply of tools.
[Name: Power Drill]
[Type: Tools]
[Rarity: Uncommon]
[Attributes: None]
[Effect: To drill holes]
[Able To Bring Outside The Game: Yes]
And the second tool, equally vital for the task at hand:
[Metal Cutter]
[Type: Tools]
[Rarity: Uncommon]
[Attributes: None]
[Effect: To cut metal]
[Able To Bring Outside The Game: Yes]
With these tools at their disposal, Alan was poised to bring his innovative creation to life.
"What are you making, Alan?" Sergeant Dylan inquired, curiosity piqued by the unusual project. Alan responded with a contented smile as he deftly sliced off the top portion of the large propane tank, leaving a one-meter-tall bottom section. He then set to work mixing the cement mixture.
Alan explained, "This is the insulating layer, to keep the heat inside."
It didn't take long for the sergeant and others to discern that Alan was constructing a furnace, reminiscent of the one he'd built at the farm. This version, however, was more substantial, and constructed with superior materials. Shamus and Dylan joined forces to create the air supply port, using their power drills to create holes on the side for the blower tube, while also crafting a lid with a hole designed to retain heat effectively.
When Alan put the finishing touches on the project, a notification promptly appeared:
[You have successfully crafted an item]
[Your (Science - Master) allows you to successfully create an uncommon item]
[Name: Metal Furnace]
[Type: Tools]
[Rarity: Uncommon]
[Effect: To burn material]
[Able To Bring Outside The Game: Yes]
Dylan's excitement was palpable as he exclaimed, "Alan! This is an uncommon item!"
This was the remarkable benefit of his new [Science] upgrade.
The [Basic] level of [Science] allowed him to handle simple intelligence-related problems such as wiring up a car or operating simple machinery.
At the [Novice] level, he could craft [common] items using other marked [common] items, similar to what he had done with the medicated gauze, using the marked item clothes.
The [Expert] level, elevated his capabilities further, enabling him to create [common] items without requiring any [common] item material. Items like swords, shields, or leather vests that he crafted from mere material in the wilds.
Finally, having reached the [Master] level, he possessed the ability to create [uncommon] items using parts of [common items].
There was a catch, though – the game was not easily fooled. Alan couldn't use the [common] items he had already crafted as a basis for crafting [uncommon] items. Therefore, he decided to sell all the crafted weapons and armor to other players, and, with the junk [common] items at his disposal, he was prepared to upgrade his team's armaments.
The crafters in the room couldn't contain their excitement, aware of the significant potential that lay ahead.
"Alright, you all know what to do; let's get started."
As Shamus, the blacksmith, began to warm up the furnace and conduct some testing, Marie, the tailor, commenced the process of taking apart all non-metallic components attached to the items. They had to be meticulous in differentiating between steel, aluminum, and other metals to ensure there was no mixing that could lower the quality of the material.
Gus, the woodworker, stood by Alan, ready to assist with the design preparations for the casting of three items: a metal sword, a metal armor, and a metal shield.
Alan instructed Luis to call in more members of the crafting team to lend a hand. At the same time, they brought in additional [common] items newly acquired from Bill to be used in the crafting process.
Within an hour, the facility was bustling with Alan's crafting team, and as Shamus completed the first finely tempered piece of metal, Alan seized the leather prepared by Marie and added the finishing touch to the grip. A notification promptly appeared:
[You have successfully crafted an item]
[Your (Science - Master) allows you to successfully create an uncommon item]
[Your Inventor Jobclass allows you to successfully create a higher quality item]
[Name: Metal Sword]
[Type: Sword weapon]
[Rarity: Uncommon]
[Attributes: Damage 34-42]
[Effects: None]
[Equipment Rating: 22]
[Able To Bring Outside The Game: No]
[Remarks: A finely craft sword]
The result exceeded Alan's expectations. The previous common steel sword only had [Attributes: Damage 16-24], while this new one was nearly as potent as his [Third Reich Sword], boasting [Attributes: Damage 36-44], albeit missing the speed buff effects.
But the sword was only the beginning. With the room brimming with talent and determination, they moved on to the next item. Alan's confidence grew, and with each swing of the hammer, a new piece of their arsenal took shape.
[Your (Science - Master) allows you to successfully create an uncommon item]
[Name: Metal Shield]
[Type: Other]
[Rarity: Uncommon]
[Attributes: Defense +10]
[Effects: None]
[Equipment Rating: 18]
[Able To Bring Outside The Game: No]
[Remarks: A finely crafted shield]
The atmosphere in the crafting facility was electric. The crafters marveled at the newfound possibilities that Alan's crafting expertise had unlocked.
The third item, the metal armor, presented a more complex challenge. It required a combination of metals, leather, and clothing. With Marie's expertise, they overcame these complexities and crafted the first sample.
[Name: Metal Armor]
[Type: Armor]
[Rarity: Uncommon]
[Attributes: Defense +14]
[Effects: None]
[Equipment Rating: 22]
[Able To Bring Outside The Game: No]
[Remarks: A finely crafted armor]
The armor's attributes were equally impressive, boasting a Defense rating of +14. It surpassed even the padded armor Alan had acquired from the shop that gave only +8. Shamus, with pride, etched a small "W" logo on its right chest, symbolizing their unity as the Wolverines.
As they continued to refine their methods and make use of the upgraded furnace, everyone began to understand the significant impact these improved weapons and armor would have on their combat effectiveness.
Dylan, in particular, was deeply moved by what he witnessed. The idea that Alan's exceptional crafting skills could provide their militia with an edge was both inspiring and bewildering. Throughout the entire process, Dylan was left astounded, when Alan approached him, Dylan was trembling slightly as he remarked, "Alan... you understand how much of a difference this can make?"
To his surprise, Alan's response was, "I do... I actually hope this is good enough to let me join your little project."
Dylan was a little taken aback by Alan's words and asked, "How? How did you know about that?!"
