After Surviving the Apocalypse, I Built a City in Another World - Chapter 1754

Capítulo 1754: Althea’s Gift (Part 2)

As for why Sprite and other basic things gave her some interesting things, it was because they were common accessible plants and yet they were never maximized before.

Because of the lack of scientific knowledge here, and the lack of the time, effort, and mind to innovate (especially with the constant mobs and wars), even accessible plants had not been combined and experimented on.

In a sense, she was lucky to have done what she had done back then, and she patted Tori lovingly in her mind because of it.

To create new potions, one had to be familiar with the formulas and have deep knowledge of potions in general, so it was more difficult for others to inherit. They simply might not have the ability for it.

Inheritances in Toolmaking worked differently.

For those who had awakened the profession, they would describe the process as receiving a pattern and a stamp, which was ultimately the array combination needed for that tool.

This was why creating a new, original tool was practically a guarantee that they’d receive something from the World Knowledge, unlike potions.

The caveat was that the professional would be limited to one kind of tool in their lifetime. Their brains and bodies simply might not be able to handle more ‘stamps’, unless they thoroughly understood the principles underneath it.

If one were to have a metaphor, it would be like squeezing a massive and complicated superfluous piece of furniture into a room, unable to give room for other furniture.

It was only if one knew how to dismantle it, reassemble, and compress it well that they would be able to fit in more pieces of furniture.

Hence, for this new tool, she received a B-class gift. She had forgotten about them, though, because she was so focused on recreating the tools to bother.

In her mind, it was never a true success if she couldn’t duplicate it.

She hadn’t even opened them yet. They were snug inside her space…

Anyway, she handed her master what appeared to be a protection token of sorts, but it had different patterns.

The first modification the woman made using [Elemental Integration] was the Vine Exploder, which she had mastered a while back.

This one was new. At the time, she needed the air element, which she didn’t have, so she ended up experimenting with ways that didn’t need the elemental integration technique.

Who’d have thought it’d allow her to get rewarded by the World system for it?

“This one can let you be immune to water attacks of level 20 and below, at least for a while,” she said. “But that isn’t what’s going to interest you.” The man was already way past level 20.

“What will interest you is the other function: It can continuously shield you while being underwater. It’s rechargeable too, if it’s the only way you’re using it.”

When they were walking in the forests, Master Hoffen muttered something. He had just started getting more interested in gathering materials himself, and he had mumbled that eventually he’d peek under the rivers, too.

Those words directly inspired this gift.

“For a set amount of time every week (depending on how much water energy it could gather), if you go underwater, a sphere of about 2 meters in diameter would form to shield you from water. As I said, as long as it’s not used as a shield from attacks, it can be reused.”

She had only finished this last week, and she had tested it herself in the river. It was quite fun, and she did find a few aquatic plants to take as well.

“What?”

“You always mentioned gathering materials from underwater…”

“Oh my goodness!” Hoffen gasped, eyes stinging. “My apprentice is so sweet. How long did it take you to make this?!”

“It’s fine, Master. It didn’t take me too long.”

At their exchange, the other two alchemists gaped. “Are you…a toolmaker as well?”

She smiled mysteriously, but it was enough to answer their question.

The two old men could only stare, and they slowly turned their heads to Hoffen. At this, Hoffen’s chest puffed up, very, very smug.

They were already extremely envious before. They had gotten a glimpse of Althea’s talent from their talks. Further, after seeing much of Alterra, they also noted her influence in it. She had apparently been responsible for a great part of what made Alterra great.

If it were anyone else, they’d be acting like overlords; this one was just focused on her own craft.

Now, they were saying that she was also a toolmaker!? How was that possible?!

Was he going to say she’s an array master next or something?!

How did this old man get so lucky?!

…

The discussion varied, but their circle didn’t move. A few would greet them here and there and make small talk, but overall, the conversation remained in their circle for a while.

“Can you give us tips on how to gain contribution points?” They finally asked, and Althea’s eyes brightened. Her eyes met with her master’s, and he was looking quite smug right now.

“There are many ways,” she said, trying not to sound too eager. “But there is also one way you can get huge amounts relatively quickly.”

They nodded, listening intently to her.

“But first, masters, I have a question. Do you know any professional Class B and above who has not received any help or assistance from others?”

“My dear, it’s impossible to go beyond Class D.”

Class C was a gorge in most professions, and for good reason. How many people could be geniuses, anyway? Almost everyone had normal brains, and they could only study so much on their own, especially with the limited time they had. To be able to gain more insights, one had to combine research with others.

“Although many of the bastards who do succeed in upgrading— unfortunately— did not receive their knowledge through fair means.”

“I see…”

It could be someone stealing someone’s hard work, or promising of mutual learning only for one side to betray in the end.

The question seemed to have triggered a few memories for them.

“I’ve heard a lot of stories, and it makes me sad that people had to do those things.”

“Yes, someone I knew was killed by his master for something he discovered,” Cheman said, shaking his head. “That old bastard still didn’t upgrade to Class B though, and remained stuck at C until he died, which was the only comfort in that tragedy.”

“Hmn. They could just ask. If I find them pleasing to the eyes, I end up giving hints here and there.” This was Grandmaster Zenno.

Master Cheman nodded. “I am the same.”

Hoffen did not answer, just staring at the ceiling.

She smiled. This was the time to introduce and sell the concept of Guilds. After all, the custom here was to hold tightly to one’s knowledge. It would be bound to have some resistance.

With some of the best alchemists in the world behind the idea, more people would follow suit.

“So it is a widely accepted fact that one has to cooperate with others to level up, yes?”

They nodded, and she smiled.

“Then…What if I say we can develop a system that could allow each professional to share and gain knowledge safely— while preserving their respective rights—and at the same time benefiting most?”

Thank y’all for reading!!!