Level Up Machine 014: Possibilities of Growth (4)
Extraction. A skill for gathering materials from mechanical devices. It produced raw materials from ores like iron. Of course, it was naturally better to use unprocessed iron ore or iron ingots rather than weapons.
But since both were far from cheap, Yeong-sik, short on cash, had no choice but to hunt orcs and then use Extraction on their weapons.
Extraction completed successfully.
Acquired 3 metal screws and 2 metal parts.
Once Extraction finished, the orcs' weapons scattered into the air like dust, leaving three screws the size of a finger joint and two gear-like metal parts in Yeong-sik's hand.
"...That's it?"
Yeong-sik stared incredulously at the orc weapons, now reduced to mere handles. He'd extracted quite a pile of them, yet only a pitiful handful of materials remained in his grasp.
Scrap metal, I guess.
He eyed the materials in his hand with dissatisfaction. The orcs' weapons weren't pure iron but crude alloys mixed with lesser minerals, which explained the meager yield.
Better to buy iron ingots separately later.
Keep hunting orcs, and gold would pile up naturally. Yeong-sik turned to A-ra and Gil-su.
"Alright, let's get back to hunting."
They nodded, and Yeong-sik's party continued their orc slaughter.
To avoid past mistakes, Yeong-sik skipped the rabbit meat bait and targeted isolated groups of three or four orcs. A party that had handled over ten without breaking a sweat made short work of them. By day's end, they'd felled nearly forty orcs before trudging back to their inn, weary but satisfied.
Yeong-sik's group earned 83 silver that day. After burning a 50-silver potion on minor wounds, pure profit sat at 33 silver. Subtract bandages, jerky snacks, and rabbit bait, and it dwindled further.
Tch. Can't fill up on the first sip.
Split three ways, 33 silver meant 11 each—barely 110,000 won for a full day of monster-slaying. Frustratingly unprofitable, but Yeong-sik shook it off.
Hunting wasn't about cash right now; it was leveling up to boost the party's power. Stronger party, more money—simple as that.
"At least we hit level 3 today. Not bad."
"Mm. Experience ramps up hard with each level."
Gil-su sighed at his status window. Monster EXP dropped off while requirements ballooned—leveling wasn't easy.
"Still, at this rate, level 6 is doable. After that... other monsters, I suppose."
"Other monsters... Like what after orcs?"
A-ra glanced curiously at Yeong-sik, who recalled guild info.
"Plenty of options post-orc. Lizardmen seem best to me."
"Lizardmen? Those lizard guys?"
"Yeah. They roam solo more than orcs, but each one's tough. We'll need level 6 first."
The group nodded, confidence blooming from their successful hunt.
"Rest up tonight, hunt tomorrow."
"Wise. Orc blood everywhere—dying for a bath."
A-ra agreed, and back at the inn, Yeong-sik paid for rooms and gorged on dinner. Funds nearly vanished, but a full belly and good sleep were vital for tomorrow.
The inn's bath was one-person only, so blood-soaked Gil-su went first.
"...Time to try Manufacture?"
Yeong-sik murmured, eyeing his hunted materials. Steady Extraction had yielded a decent stockpile.
"What're you making?"
A-ra peered curiously. Yeong-sik checked his Manufacture skill.
Crude Hair Dryer (Materials: 5 metal parts, 10 metal screws, 1 metal plate)
Crude Mini Fan (Materials: 2 metal parts, 7 metal screws, 1 metal plate)
Crude Electric Razor (Materials: 4 metal parts, 8 metal screws, 1 small blade)
What the hell are these useless gadgets...?
Yeong-sik gaped at the list—all civilian junk, useless in combat. Novel in this world, sure, but not the power boost he craved for survival.
"Ugh." He scanned the list wistfully. From his research, no machines here—just magic tools aiding society. Communication crystals like phones, magic bulbs for light. Widespread enough for Earthlings to adapt comfortably.
This inn lacks them, though. Their budget spot had none. Nicer inns boasted showers per room.
"Why the long face?"
A-ra tilted her head. Yeong-sik explained his options.
"A hair dryer?"
Her eyes sparkled—waist-length hair made it a godsend.
Yeong-sik nodded. "Yeah. No clue on quality, but it's makeable."
"...Could you make one?"
Hopeful eyes. He chuckled. "Hold on. Checking materials."
Inventory: 6 metal parts, 11 screws, 2 plates from orc weapons.
One dryer's feasible.
"Can do it now."
A-ra beamed expectantly. Yeong-sik nodded.
Need Structure Analysis levels anyway—for security unlocks.
Higher levels meant new weapons, bulk EXP to cap, and—crucially—memories. Knowing himself outweighed mere adaptation.
"Manufacture."
No hesitation; he activated for the hair dryer.
A blue selection window appeared before his eyes, listing options. Electric razor grayed out—lacking small blade.
Here goes. He selected Crude Hair Dryer.
Blue barcodes erupted from his body, weaving in the air.
Yeong-sik and A-ra gasped at the mystical display.
Using 5 metal parts, 10 metal screws, 1 metal plate to manufacture Crude Hair Dryer.
Manufacture of Crude Hair Dryer successful.
Manufacture skill proficiency increased.
The barcodes coalesced into form. Yeong-sik's eyes lit up.
"Ooh...?"
"Crude" had worried him, but it looked decent—like a cheap palm-sized dryer from a discount mart.
Yeong-sik admired it; A-ra eyed it less impressed. As a rich ex-model, it screamed bargain-bin.
But drying my hair here? Better than nothing. She smiled faintly.
"All done?"
"One sec."
He gripped it. "Structure Analysis."
Its internals bloomed in his mind—not just layout, but flaws, upgrade paths. All at once.
Structure Analysis of Crude Hair Dryer successful.
Structure Analysis proficiency increased.
No level up—disappointing, but progress.
Proficiency means it'll happen eventually.
He handed it over. A-ra smiled. "Thanks. I'll use it well."
Yeong-sik grinned back, nodding.
A-ra examined it curiously. "Weird, though. Materials were just screws and bits? But it looks plastic outside. How?"
Impossible with those alone—plastics, fan coils, cords demanded complexity.
"Skill magic, I guess? Real materials? Couldn't make one."
He wryly smiled. Metals workable, but plastic? No dice.
"...Skills are convenient."
She nodded—ice arrows from nothing, muscle bursts. Unbelievable to an Earthling.
"I'll treasure it, Yeong-sik."
Flushed with rare joy, she headed out. Gil-su emerged; her turn.
Sell these later, make bank.
Magic tools existed, but not Earth-level convenience. Target early Earth transplants for sales—profitable. Yeong-sik waited.
The door creaked.
"Yeong-sik."
A-ra entered, hair still dripping.
"What? Broken already?"
Awkward smile. "Uh... where's the outlet?"
Outlet.
Yeong-sik blanked, like a hammer to the skull.