n

n

n“I need you to help me make a nuclear reactor.”

n“No way!”

nThe incredulous reply slipped out of his mouth before Viktor could think much.

nViktor had been asked many things by girls, and this request definitely skyrocketed to the top rank.

nUpon hearing Viktor’s direct refusal, Jessie’s expression became meek.

n“What? Why? It’s not some rocket science!”

n“Of course not! It’s nuclear! That’s definitely worse than a rocket!”

n“Ahh, you didn’t get educated properly about it, did you!” she remarked with a little frustration.

nIn the next few minutes, the girl proceeded to explain to him how nuclear technology was similar to a furnace or steam generator just more intense.-.

n“That’s how it is! Well, Viktor, you look like someone who likes intense things and loves challenges. Come on, help a girl out will you?”

nJessie and her team had devised the design for all three of the main required components: the reactor, the steam generator, and the turbine. In short, the reactor would create heat and turn water into steam while the turbine and steam generator would help generate energy.

nThe team managed to create the reactors and turbines, but they could not create the properly-sealed pipes and steam generator.

n“Here is where you, a metal-element spirit enhancer, would be helpful!” Jessie exclaimed with a bright smile.

nJessie then showed him a few blueprints and asked him to create a water container along with pipes. She emphasized that they had to be strong enough to hold pressure and not allow the steam to leak.

nIn the old world, this job would be something that needed to be commissioned to a modern manufacturing company instead of being made by hand.

nAs he took a brief look at the blueprints, Viktor concluded that it looked like a relatively easy enough job. Moreover, considering that he aimed to impress the girl, Viktor decided to accept her request.

nMetal-bending

nViktor directed the twisting, bending metal sheets into sturdy pipes and later molded a pile of metal into a sturdy water container.

nThis would normally be a tedious job, but with his A-rank spirit control, it was not really a challenge. Viktor decided to take his time, and even then, he was still able to finish the job within two hours. From Jessie’s expressions throughout the process, Viktor could tell that she was impressed.

nThough, he did not expect that controlling Metal-bending to finish a job requiring extra control would be even more exhausting than having to use his Metal Fusion.

nViktor could feel his energy being sapped, but he decided to swallow his complaints when he saw the girl still watching him with awe.

nIn any case, this would be good practice for him.

n“Thank you very much, dear sir!” said the girl sincerely.

nWith his job done, Viktor stood up and allowed Jessie’s crew to take care of the rest. In turn, Jessie and the team carefully picked up the resulting pipes and smiled at him for a second before they returned to work.

nViktor’s not an engineer but seeing the two meters reactor Jessie made, he realized something unusual about it. He wonders how could the reactor handle this heat, and why there wasnt enough concrete to shield the reactor.

nHowever not trying to make his head blow up because of it, Viktor went to do what he came for.

nHe walked toward one of the common buildings, one with its shop name board hanging on two metal hooks. A few guards patrolled the place while four stood near the entrance. Upon noticing his arrival, they gave Viktor a nod of acknowledgment before letting him in.

nViktor had seen the place when he first came here, but this was the first time he entered.

nBehind the counter, an old lady stood with her eyes as sharp as ever. Viktor remembered her being introduced to him before.

nShe was the mayor’s wife, Martha.

n“Thank you for helping Jessie, what can I do for you?” the woman asked with an amiable smile.

nWith the apocalypse came a shortage of goods, so the most valuable items were food and weapons. These things could be bought with spirit stones as price tags, but with how small and isolated this town was, not many could buy with spirit stones, causing it to become more like a bartering station.

n“I’m looking for weapons,” Viktor answered.

nThis was the main reason Viktor decided to visit. After knowing how powerful his Metal Fusion skill could be, he could not wait to upgrade it to stage 5 or even 6.

nIf he could start bending tier 2 metals, he would simply be invincible against most human opponents.

nWhen he said those words, the woman’s expression changed to one of surprise.

n“Ah, my kind of customer. Follow me,” she said before turning back.

nThe lady then brought him to the backroom. There, Viktor saw about two dozen metal weapons as well as a dozen firearms.

nEach tier 1 weapon cost from 300 to 500 spirit stones. For tier 2 weapons, they only had half a dozen in stock, with their prices starting from 1,000 spirit stones each.

nAs for normal firearms, they cost between 50 to 100 spirit stones.

nOther than weapons the storage also shows other consumables like soaps, bath products, and of course foods. It’s surprising to see all these things price almost the same as firearms.

nThe prices were all higher than expected, but Viktor realized that high-rank creatures roamed all around here; creatures like the mutated bear or gargoyles could drop yellow spirit stones that were equivalent to 100 the normal spirit stones. After thinking about it, he conceded that it was a reasonable price.

nViktor was sure that if he could take all of these weapons, he would be able to upgrade his Core of Anvil to the next stage.

n“These prices are a little bit higher than if you get them from the pillars, but considering the dangers that lurk around here and the place… I am sure you understand,” she explained after telling him the prices.

nHearing Martha’s explanation, a thought came to him.

n‘The pillar she mentioned must be the alien construct she talked about earlier, which was said to house a lot of such items.’

n“So which one would you like?” the woman asked, snapping Viktor out of his thoughts.

nViktor looked around before answering.

n“I want all of them!”

nMartha’s eyes bulged out. The woman was momentarily stunned, but she quickly came back to her senses and happily clapped her hands.

n“This is great! It will take some time to count everything… How many spirit stones do you have?”

n“None… I have zero spirit stones!”

n“….”

n