Chapter 15: Science

The clamor of angry mobs reverberated outside the hospital room, the sound of shattered glass and banging doors intensifying the companions’ anxiety. Luis, still trembling with fear, exclaimed, “No… No! We’re in big trouble, aren’t we?”

Alan shook his head, unable to comprehend Luis’s overwhelming terror in the face of a mob of civilians. He couldn’t help but wonder how Luis would fare when confronted with actual monsters in future rounds of the game. However, the urgent reality was that the mobs would inevitably break in soon.

Taking a moment to assess the situation, Alan opened his Gamelink to check his recent upgrade. The status information appeared before him:

[Alan D Angello]

[Level 4: 1020/2000] 𝗈𝗏𝑙𝐞xt.𝔠𝑂𝗆

[HP: 140/140]

[Stamina: 48%]

[Survival Points: 930]

[You have one attribute point to distribute]

[You have 1x F-rank reward, 1x E-rank reward]

With the gravity of the situation unfolding, Alan had to think quickly and adapt his plans accordingly. He decided to execute his strategy right away. First, he distributed his attribute point. Resolute in his initial plan, Alan chose to enhance his Intelligence.

[Strength: E-]

[Agility: E]

[Endurance: E]

[Perception: E]

[Intelligence: D-] + 1[D- > D]

[Spirit: F-]

Having upgraded his Intelligence, Alan met the prerequisites to advance one of his skills. He selected “Science,” one of his uncommon skills, and proceeded to the upgrade process. The system displayed information regarding the next proficiency level and its requirements.

[Science (Novice)]

[Rarity: Unique]

[More effective in science-related tasks]

[Prerequisites: Intelligence D, Perception E]

[Cost: 500 survival points and 1x Rank F reward]

[Proceed?]

Satisfied with fulfilling the prerequisites, Alan confirmed his decision. The system acknowledged the expenditure of survival points and the reward.

[You have spent 500 survival points and 1x Rank F reward]

[You gained proficiency in [Science] – Basic to Novice]

Next, Alan awaited a notification that he desperately needed. The moment the familiar notification sound rang in his mind, he couldn’t help but feel elated.

[You learned a Utility Art – Crafting]

[You learned the art of crafting game items using your intelligence]

Crafting was one of the skills associated with his unique skill, [Science]. With the skill now incorporated into his repertoire, Alan addressed the others.

“You all stand guard. I will prepare something,” he informed them, swiftly making his way back to the cafeteria. The three companions remained perplexed by his actions but chose not to question him, instead following his instruction.

Curious, Vicky trailed behind him, catching up in the back kitchen. Concern laced her voice as she asked, “What are you doing, Alan?”

Alan remained silent, heading straight for the fridge where he found dozens of cold packs typically used for injuries. He wasted no time, tearing them apart and discovering marked items hidden within. Out of the twenty packs, he retrieved two notable items: Ammonium Nitrate.

Quickly grabbing a pan and lighting the stove with his trusty lighter, Alan intrigued Vicky. She offered her assistance. Alan nodded, appreciative of her support.

“Alright… We need some sugar, baking soda, and pepper or chili,” Alan instructed, sensing that Vicky grasped his intentions.

With the ingredients gathered, Alan measured and cooked them in the pan, focusing on the mixture as it began to coagulate. Once ready, he swiftly emptied one of the food cans, filling it with the prepared mixture. He sealed the can, creating a few holes, and fashioned a fuse using the remaining mixture and paper.

All of this took less than five minutes.

At that precise moment, another notification flooded his mind.

[You have successfully crafted an item]

[Your (Science – Novice) allows you to successfully create a common item]

[Name: Pepper Smoke Bomb]

[Type: Weapon]

[Rarity: Common]

[Attributes: Inflicts 1 HP damage per 3 seconds – 90 seconds duration]

[Effects: Disorientation]

[Able To Bring Outside The Game: No]

[Remarks: Not as potent as the original, but it will still make your eyes teary]

Alan managed to craft two Pepper Smoke Bombs using the materials at hand. Vicky was completely elated, realizing the significance of Alan’s special crafting skill.

“Wow, Crafting!! I understand now why these days people love Nerds” she exclaimed.

It was one of the game’s secrets, only discovered during the second year and officially tested in the third game by the government. To acquire the skill, one needed to meet certain prerequisites: an appropriate skill level (in this case, Alan’s upgraded Science to Novice), a marked item as part of the material, and a tool used in the crafting process (his lighter).

One of Alan’s tricks involved combining Ammonium Nitrate, sugar, baking soda, and pepper, then cooking the mixture using his lighter. During his previous game, he had been excited to acquire the unique Science skill but didn’t fully grasp its function until he upgraded it later in the game. This time, Alan intended to maximize its potential to the fullest.

With the crafting complete, Alan declared, “Alright, all done. Let’s go!”

Just as he uttered those words, a commotion reached their ears from the front door. The timing was perfect. Alan promptly used his lighter to ignite the fuse and threw the Pepper Smoke Bomb out of a small window.

“Let’s give it one minute.”

The group waited anxiously, peeking through the window as they witnessed the plume of smoke growing larger and thicker. Simultaneously, the mobs began to disperse.

“It’s working, man! You’re a genius!” Luis exclaimed with excitement, tightly embracing Alan.

Smiling awkwardly, Alan gently extricated himself from Luis’s hug. He proceeded to brief the group.

“Okay, we’re going to make a dash for it, all together. We’ll head straight across the street.”

This time, all three of them nodded in agreement, following Alan’s instructions attentively.

“3… 2… 1… Open!”