chapter 54 engineering lab
Kaelith's Gamble – Exploiting Pink Solutions' Desperation
After testing Shadow Step, Kaelith made his way toward the Trading Center, a separate market from the chaotic Auction House. Unlike the auction's bidding wars, this place was where players sold raw materials—alchemy herbs, forging ores, and engineering components.
Most players focused on alchemy and forging, as healing potions and weapon upgrades were essential for survival.
Engineering, though?
> "They don't understand its value yet."
At this stage of the game, traps, explosives, and mechanical devices seemed useless in direct combat. But Kaelith knew engineering would become a goldmine once players realized its potential.
> "Which means I need to buy now, while prices are still rock-bottom."
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The Trading Center – Pink Solutions' Desperation
Unlike the Auction House, where players fought for rare items, the Trading Center was quieter. Stalls lined the area, with merchants standing behind wooden counters, shouting to attract customers.
> "Healing herbs! Stock up before your next hunt!"
"High-quality iron ore! Cheap prices!"
"Mana-infused crystals! Mages, don't miss out!"
Kaelith ignored the usual vendors and headed toward the engineering section, where only a handful of players were gathered.
There, a nervous-looking Level 1 merchant stood behind a stall, shifting uneasily as he watched players walk past.
A pink armband on his sleeve gave away his guild affiliation—Pink Solutions.
> "So… even they're struggling for gold, huh?"
Pink Solutions was a mid-tier guild, known for grinding resources rather than excelling in combat. They were likely low on funds and had been forced to sell off engineering materials to stay afloat.
Kaelith's smirk widened.
> "This is going to be easy."
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The Inventory – A Goldmine in Disguise
Kaelith casually approached the stall, acting disinterested as he glanced over the merchant's stock.
The merchant brightened up immediately, eager to make a sale.
> "Hey! You looking for engineering materials? We got everything! Cheap, too!"
Kaelith raised an eyebrow as he scanned the items.
Pink Solutions' Engineering Stock:
✔ Explosive Powder (x20) – 3 Silver Each
✔ Iron Shards (x15 per bundle) – 2 Silver per Bundle
✔ Magic Crystal (x8) – 8 Silver Each
✔ Engineering Tools (x5 per set) – 1 Gold per Set
✔ Clockwork Gear (x12) – 4 Silver Each
✔ Alchemic Solvent (x10) – 5 Silver Each
✔ Reinforced Springs (x6) – 6 Silver Each
✔ Crude Blast Core (x3) – 50 Silver Each
Kaelith's eyes flickered over the last item.
> "Blast Cores…? They're already selling these?"
Most players had no clue what Blast Cores were used for. But Kaelith did.
> "In a few weeks, these will be the core of player-crafted grenades and explosives."
Right now, they were useless—but not for long.
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The Negotiation – Pressuring the Rookie
> "Tch. You're asking way too much for this junk."
The Level 1 merchant flinched.
> "H-Hey, this isn't junk! Engineering will be valuable later!"
Kaelith smirked.
> "Yeah? Then why are you selling it?"
The merchant hesitated.
> "W-We… we just need some gold right now. That's all!"
> "Exactly. You need gold. And nobody else is buying, are they?"
The merchant's grip tightened on the counter. Kaelith could see his desperation—the guild needed money, and fast.
> "If you don't sell it now, you'll just lower the price again later. I'm doing you a favor by taking it off your hands."
The merchant bit his lip, knowing Kaelith was right.
> "Fine… what's your offer?"
Kaelith crossed his arms, pretending to think.
> "I'll take:
✔ 8 Explosive Powder
✔ 5 Bundles of Iron Shards (10 total)
✔ 2 Magic Crystals
✔ 1 Set of Engineering Tools
The merchant's hopeful expression soured.
> "That's it?! You're barely buying anything!"
Kaelith shrugged, unfazed.
> "You need the gold, don't you?"
The merchant gritted his teeth. He wanted to argue, but Kaelith had already lowballed him hard.
After a long pause, he exhaled.
> "Fine… 2 Gold, and it's yours."
Kaelith smirked.
> "1 Gold."
> "No way!"
> "Then enjoy sitting on that useless stock."
The merchant groaned.
> "Ugh… fine. 1.5 Gold. Take it or leave it."
Kaelith pretended to hesitate, then casually tossed 1 Gold and 50 Silver onto the counter.
> [You have obtained:]
✔ 8 Explosive Powder
✔ 10 Iron Shards
✔ 2 Magic Crystals
✔ 1 Set of Engineering Tools
As he walked away, he heard the merchant muttering under his breath.
> "Damn… did I just get scammed?"
Kaelith's smirk widened.
> "No, kid. You just paid for my future fortune."
Now, with engineering materials secured, Kaelith had one last stop—the forging stalls.
With the engineering materials in hand, Kaelith made his way toward Greenhaven's Engineering Lab—one of the town's least-visited locations.
Unlike the bustling Auction House and Trading Center, the Engineering Lab was eerily quiet. Most players still had no idea how valuable engineering would become, making it the perfect time for Kaelith to get ahead.
> "They're too busy fighting over swords and potions… while I'm about to build something far more dangerous."
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Greenhaven's Engineering Lab – A Workshop of Chaos
The Engineering Lab was located in the western district of Greenhaven, away from the main trade routes. The building itself looked more like a forge than a shop, with large metal chimneys, workbenches stacked with tools, and the constant clanking of gears in the background.
As soon as Kaelith entered, the strong scent of oil, metal, and burnt wood filled his nose. The walls were lined with half-finished contraptions, from spring-loaded crossbows to mechanical limbs.
At the center of the workshop stood Grimhardt, the town's Engineering Master.
> "Hah? Another adventurer thinkin' they can tinker? Bah!"
The grumpy dwarf had oil-stained gloves, a heavy tool belt, and a permanent scowl on his face.
> "Unless ya got a real reason to be here, get lost."
Kaelith smirked.
> "I already have my own blueprint. I just need a workbench."
Grimhardt raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting slightly.
> "Hoh? You ain't a clueless fool, then. Fine. Do whatever ya want, just don't blow up my damn shop."
Kaelith walked past him, finding an empty workbench in the corner.
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Blueprint in Hand – Crafting the Mini Bomb
Kaelith took out his pre-owned blueprint:
> [Mini Bomb – Engineering Tier 1]
Effect: Deals small explosive damage in a 1.5-meter radius. Can stagger enemies.
Materials Required:
✔ Explosive Powder (x1)
✔ Iron Shards (x2)
✔ Magic Crystal (x1)
✔ Engineering Tools (x1)
He placed his materials on the workbench and began crafting.