Chapter 723: Issues

Chapter 723: Issues

Shane didn’t expect to enjoy reading the Global Chat at all. He learned quite a lot of things from them as well.

After that, Shane decided to check the Regional Chats.

[ James: Seriously… who the hell thought it was a good idea to put sentry turrets in the middle of a public outhouse area? I just wanted to take a dump, not dodge laser fire! ]

[ James: Sorry… Wrong Chatboard. ]

[ Carly: Does anyone know if Zombie Deer can climb trees? Asking for a friend who’s been stuck on one for 3 hours and refuses to come down. ]

[ Rico: Looking for a Cannon Blueprint, range 500m minimum. Will trade 150 Power Cores, 100 Steel Plates, or one slightly used ex-wife. Jk.

DM me for serious offers. ]

[ Jay: Can someone explain to me how Revitalization Potion works? All I did was combine Steel Bone Dust with Radiant Oil… I followed the instructions, but the effect failed miserably. ]

Shane raised an eyebrow, and shook his head.

“Revitalization Potion, huh…”

He scrolled again and read more interesting information with some serious messages also mixed in.

[ Allan: In desperate need of a Ginseng. Will trade Blue Iron Dust or 5x Anti-Infection Medkits. This is for my daughter. Appreciate any help. ]

[ Kaede: Just want to chat. I’ve been alone in my shelter for 2 weeks. Radio’s busted. Power low. What’s the nearest shelter near the Gray Clock Tower? ]

“Gray Clock Tower? Where is that again?” Shane muttered as he believed that it had been reported to him before.

In any case, he also read that there were a few people near Kaede and agreed to assist him and take him to their shelter.

After that, Shane read other messages.

[ Zeno: Behold! I have created a working bike powered by 10 Power Cores… The mobility is insane. I can easily pass through narrow streets with this. ]

[ Diana: Congrats. Are you planning to sell the blueprint? ]

[ Zeno: I will think about it if the price is right. ]

[ Jilly: Does anyone know if eating those pink-eyed mushrooms gives you super powers or just causes explosive diarrhea? Asking before I find out the hard way. ]

[ Jilly: Never mind. It’s the second one. Send help. ]

Shane shook his head at the last part as he wasn’t sure if Jilly was joking or not…

Anyway, more messages were there. Most of them are asking for materials, pet egg, and many others. Those who were looking for Clan were very rare, as everyone should already belong to one at this point.

***

After some time, Cloud reminded him of the time passed.

“Back to work,” Shane muttered, feeling a little lighter after all the chaotic, comical, and sometimes deeply human posts he’d just read.

30 Minutes had gone by so quickly.

Just like that, Shane entered the Alchemy Lab once more… He then approached the first cauldron and uncorked it.

Whoosh~

A dense, heavy vapor wafted upward, glowing faintly black and silver. He immediately drew out a vial and began pouring.

Each brew had yielded three flawless vials.

Their contents were nearly opaque, glowing like octopus ink under light while giving off an aura that made nearby metals subtly vibrate.

By the time he had poured the last vial of the 17th batch, he stood before a shelf of 51 perfectly aligned Obsidian Hide Skill Potions.

[ Obsidian Hide Skill Potion: Grants the user the permanent skill [ Obsidian Hide ] upon consumption.

Effects:

Incoming damage reduced by 50% for 30 seconds.

Full resistance to knockback.

Minor immunity to elemental attacks.

Movement Speed reduced by 20% during duration

SP Cost: 50

Cooldown: 90 seconds

Warning: Not recommended to use during open-wound trauma. ]

“Nice effects… 50% damage reduction, huh…” Shane muttered. He also liked the fact that he only needed to use 50 Spirit Points for each usage. This was definitely an incredible skill that anyone would want to have.

Shane took off his gloves and pulled down his mask, finally breathing in the filtered laboratory air.

He leaned back in his reinforced chair, staring at the shelf filled with rows of magical vials.

He didn’t smile as he was already a bit tired.

Still, his mind continued on planning things. He was already thinking about who would use these potions in preparation for the next event…

After all, he probably wouldn’t do this for another month or so. Perhaps, if Anna and some other alchemists and physicians weren’t busy, they could work on it as well.

Although his secret would be revealed, it shouldn’t be a huge problem. The only concern was the fact that Anna and some others may not like this type of work.

Just as Shane allowed his tired body to sink deeper into his chair, Cloud informed him about his visit.

Before Shane could speak and ask more, the door to the lab eased open and was followed by a soft knock.

“Come in…” Shane said.

Mr. Edwin, his loyal butler, arrived…

“Sir,” Edwin bowed with perfect form while holding a towel in one gloved hand. “Apologies for interrupting your alchemical session, but a messenger from the New Genesis Shelter just arrived. He carried a message from Chief Mechanic Rhona.”

Shane sat up straighter immediately as he heard that it came from the Mech Division’s Chief Mechanic.

“Rhona…. She wouldn’t send someone all the way here unless it were urgent.”

“Yes, sir,” Edwin said as he stepped forward and summarized the message. “The messenger claimed Chief Rhona requested your presence in person, stating it was a matter involving the Aegis Mech Frames.”

Shane frowned. “Aegis Mechs… Aren’t they due for another full inspection cycle next week?”

“That is correct, sir. But based on the report she transmitted, there has been an unforeseen fault in one of the Aegis Frame Core Reactors. Prototype Units 3 and 5 are reportedly exhibiting abnormal behavior… She planned to make some changes, but the blueprint…”

Shane narrowed his eyes as it seemed that the modifications that he had made together with Cloud were causing issues.

Indeed, the Mech Frame Blueprints came from the Anima Civilization, but some parts were modified due to the lack of resources.

“Alright… I’ll check it out.”