Chapter 67
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 67
Chapter Title: Solar Generators
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Compared to the generator I was currently using, a solar generator that could produce electricity without consuming any resources—what a game-changer.
I never imagined the skill would let me craft something like this.
If I installed solar panels across the building rooftop or any sunny spots in the base, I could generate electricity continuously during the daytime using sunlight.
Especially appealing was the fact that it didn't consume any other resources to produce power.
Just set them up, and they'd churn out free electricity all day long—what a feeling.
Plus, no need to venture out scavenging for diesel or other fuel. An absolute gem.
Of course, each one cost a whopping 1,000 coins to craft, putting it in the expensive category. And since a single unit didn't generate massive output, I'd need quite a few, which would burn through a ton of coins.
From what I could tell, it unlocked only after maxing Equipment Crafting at level 10. No other Technician would likely reach this point.
Hell, most people with the Technician trait were probably dead by now.
If that was the case, then I might be the only one left who could use the Stronghold Manager trait effectively.
I'd felt it before, but the entity behind this system seemed intent on making every basic trait indispensable.
In a zombie apocalypse, if you didn't want to revert to stone-age living, the Technician trait was essential.
Without abilities like generating electricity or using Stronghold Manager to create safe zones, store power, and secure food and water, life would be unimaginably miserable.
In short, electricity—modern civilization's lifeline—had to remain constant.
So, time to install those solar generators right away.
The sooner I set them up, the more of this blazing sunlight I could convert to energy.
Normally, solar power needs immediate use, but thanks to Stronghold Manager, it charged directly into the base's reserves for on-demand access. All I had to do was activate them.
First up: the rooftop of this building.
"Huh? Oppa, where are you headed?"
As I got out of bed to install the solar generators, Yejin, who was prepping breakfast, looked up and asked.
"Just heading to the rooftop for a bit."
"The rooftop? Why there?"
"I just upgraded a skill, and now I can craft solar generators."
"Whoa, really? So we can use those for electricity now?"
Feeling her admiring gaze, I quickly changed clothes and stepped out. As I headed for the elevator, I ran into Sohee coming down the stairs from upstairs, greatsword in hand.
"Morning~"
"Oh? You're not heading out today? I figured you'd bolt right away."
"Staying in for now. Planning to wipe out the zombies in one go when they respawn the second time."
Sohee, who'd already seen me clear zombies firsthand, didn't question it much.
"Just in case, steer clear of that elementary school you used to hole up in. That's my hunting ground—needs to be crawling with zombies."
I planned to head out that afternoon, hit the school I'd cleared two days ago—now barren—and ring the bell to aggro a horde.
With two respawns this time, it'd be a massive wave. The thought of mowing them all down was thrilling; I couldn't wait.
"Got it. I'll hunt zombies in the opposite direction then."
"Yeah, don't push yourself too hard. Here, take this just in case."
I pulled a personal alarm from my Subspace and tossed it to her. Sohee caught it and gave me a puzzled look, as if asking what it was.
"If you're in real mortal danger, hit that button. I'll come running."
"Sigh... I'd rather not use it, but thanks for worrying."
She pocketed the alarm, waved gratefully, and headed downstairs.
With the massive debt she owed me, she'd be hustling hard.
Of course, she had no clue that Miyoung had paid off a chunk of it for her last night.
After parting with Sohee, I went up to the rooftop and got to work installing the solar generators.
Each one cost 1,000 coins via Equipment Crafting, so with my current stock, I could make up to five max.
Better to hold some coins in reserve for emergencies, so four it was.
I selected Solar Generator from the Equipment Crafting menu and placed it on the rooftop.
Suddenly, a solar panel unit—like something straight out of a TV ad—materialized before my eyes.
The panel alone was about 1 meter wide by 2 meters tall. 1,000 coins for this? Heartbreaking.
At least Equipment Crafting spat out fully assembled units—no tinkering required.
Just like with the portable generator before: nothing there one second, complete product the next.
This system was straight-up divine handiwork.
Anything less, and even a self-proclaimed top-tier Black Magician like me would've noticed the trick.
The god who made this system felt like a higher being than that otherworld goddess, Mir, I'd encountered.
No plugs or setup needed—the panel frame already displayed "Electricity Production Active." Looked like it converted sunlight automatically.
I burned through the remaining 4,000 coins to install four units on the rooftop, then headed back to my room.
"You're back? I made breakfast—hope it's tasty!"
Yejin beamed as she set out the food she'd prepared.
Nothing fancy: warmed instant rice, simple fried eggs, and some kimchi.
The rice and kimchi were store-bought, so they looked normal. But the fried eggs? Yejin's handiwork.
Recalling her past antics, alarm bells rang that those eggs might not be right. Still, I held my tongue.
It was made for me—better taste it first.
I sliced off a piece with chopsticks, mixed it with rice, and popped it in.
"Mm... tastes totally normal?"
"Hehe, I learned yesterday! Told you I'd make you something delicious, Oppa."
She must've gotten a lesson from Miyoung while I was out.
"If you can make stuff like this, no complaints. But you didn't waste a ton practicing, right? No food squandering."
"Practice means using some up, but I'll minimize it. Failures? I eat those—no waste."
"Good answer. Keep at it."
We chatted idly as we finished breakfast, then I glanced out the window.
No zombies clustered around the base—probably Sohee out hunting them this morning.
I wanted to farm them for coins, but she needed kills to pay off her debt, so let her have it.
With my afternoon outing planned, post-breakfast left me idle.
I'd meant to upgrade skills leisurely, but the solar generators guzzled coins. Down to 1,774 left.
Time to ponder smart spends.
Another Equipment Crafting level-up? Or try Stronghold Reinforcement? Maybe boost Yejin's healing skills?
Her heals would be huge later on.
No need for me—zombies can't touch me—but for injured others, instant recovery would rock.
As I mulled it over, Yejin sidled up and plopped right beside me.
"Oppa, bored? I can keep you company till your afternoon run?"
Innocent as ever, oblivious to my dilemma, she grinned.
Of course, her "company" meant sex, not kid games.
Normally, I'd pounce. Not today.
"Alright, when in doubt, leave it to luck."
I tossed the decision to her.
"Hey, pick one: 1, 2, or 3."
"Huh? What's that about, outta nowhere? What are they?"
"Doesn't matter—just pick any."
My go-to for blind choices: have someone random-select from options.
Call out numbers matching candidates, let them pick one. Key: don't reveal what they are, to avoid bias.
In my head: 1-Stronghold Reinforcement, 2-Equipment Crafting, 3-Yejin's Healing. Upgrade whichever she chose.
Wonder which it'd be.
"Any of the three?"
"Yeah, doesn't matter."
"Okay then... I'll go with 1."
Number 1. Stronghold Reinforcement it was.
I quickly spent 1,000 coins to upgrade it.
Stronghold Reinforcement Lv. 11
Defense and health of installed barricades increase.
While inside the stronghold, you can teleport to any desired location within it.
Stronghold Reinforcement, as expected.
Each upgrade added killer features—practically an effect skill in itself.
Teleport anywhere inside the base? Not super useful now with the small area, but expand later? Game-changer.
"Yejin, great pick on number 1."
To reward her smart choice, I reached out and fondled her breasts.