Chereads / Astral Merchant / Chapter 24 - Preparations

Chapter 24 - Preparations

Larcen opened up his Manufacturer tab and read the entire contents in it.

Talent: Manufacturer

1. Canned Goods

- Canned Meat 

- Canned Tomatoes 

- Canned Corn and Beans

2. Protein

- Hotdogs 

- Jerky 

- Fresh Meat 

- Eggs

3. Produce

* Vegetables 

* Fruits

4. Fabric & Textiles

- Clothes 

- Towels 

- Cotton, Yarn, Threads

5. Liquids

- Alcohol: Whisky, Rum, Wine, Beer 

- Water Bottles

- Pure Spirits: Bottles of pure spirits like ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, for disinfection.

6. Tobacco

- Cigarettes and Cigars 

7. Ignition

- Lighters (Small and Big): A variety of lighters, from small ones to big torches 

- Butane Cylinders, Propane Cylinders: Containers of flammable gases - for cooking 

- Gasoline Containers: Jerrycan of gasoline 

8. Medical Supplies

- Antiseptic Medicines: Boxes of antiseptic medicines, guarding against infections. 

- Ointments: Tubes of soothing ointments, healing balms, and antiseptic gels. 

- Painkillers: Bottles of painkillers, dulling the ache of survival. 

- Tablets: A selection of essential tablets, and medical lifelines. 

9. Energy Boosters

- Energy Bars 

- Chocolates

10. Seasonings

- Sugar, Salt, Paprika, Pepper Powder

'Most of them could be used for trading here but the ones who have almost no use are the medical supplies. All one has to do is buy the regeneration pills and those would do the job more efficiently.', he thought as he wiped cleared the whole slot before scanning his pistol.

He then took a few bullets and put them in his pocket just in case as his paranoia kept acting up, giving him the feeling that Anna could, at any time, take the gun back. He used the replicate function on the gun first. 

{You have successfully created Fraxure .22 M28 x10}

He let out a sigh of relief once that was done and then cleared the slot as he turned around to check if there was someone at the door before he began loading his magazines. Once he was done with his first one, he scanned it and used the replication function.

{You have successfully created .22 M28 Magazine (HP round) x100}

'Hmm? Is this the Hollow Point one?', he thought as he recalled what Anna said about those bullets. With the guns and magazines in stock, he felt better. The feeling of impending doom vanished from the back of his mind as he happily filled up the other bullets. 

The door swung open and to his surprise, it wasn't Anna. 

"Hey Anna, I'm here for the bul- You're... Jack, right?"

Larcen nodded, "Yes. Could you tell me why you're here and how you know my name?"

"Well, I'm here to get some bullets and as for your name, Dad told me about you and how you look. I'm supposed to be teaching you huh....", she said as she checked him out.

"Ah... I don't know about your business with Anna but I suggest you wait for her. Also, I thank you in advance for all the knowledge you will be giving me."

Betty nodded as she tossed her mini bag onto the mattress before lying down on it. Larcen continued loading his magazines and then simply sat in his place as he waited for Anna to arrive, which she did a few minutes later.

"Oh, Betty... You used up all the fifty bullets huh?", she asked as she entered the room and tossed the Chest Rig to Larcen before picking up a box of bullets. She gave it to Betty while the latter looked at her like she was being unfair.

"What?", Anna asked, frowning.

"Why the FMJ rounds? You gave us the Hollow points last time.", she complained.

Anna shrugged, "I don't have too many Hollow Points and the ones I have right now are reserved for Jack. No, not your father. Anyways, the payment please."

Betty turned to look at Larcen before going back to focus on Anna, "Tch, this is unfair. Why does a newbie get the better ones when we are clearly better in the skills department?"

"That's because I trust him more than you guys. You are just a normal customer, Betty, so don't push your luck. I provide you with ammunition while you give me System Points for them. I'd have given you the hollow points if you accepted my first deal."

Betty glared at her for a few seconds before sighing, "You're not wrong. Fine, give me your hand."

Anna placed her hand over Betty's and withdrew after a few seconds while Alex watched, slowly realizing what just happened.

"Wait a second, you can transfer SP?", he asked as Betty walked out of the room. She turned around to look at him but did not stop to answer. Instead, it was Anna who spoke.

"Duh, how did you think you were going to pay the bunker guy when you asked me about him?", she asked as she picked up the chest rig that Larcen had ignored and helped him put it on before inserting the magazines into the pouches.

Larcen nodded, "I wasn't really thinking about the payment back then. So, it can only be done through touch... got it. I'll go kill some of those short things."

"Oh... those are called Goblins.", she said, as if it was a matter of fact before adding, "There's a kid who has an inspection skill. It can apparently help him see the names, stats, and descriptions of things."

"Got it. I'll go join Betty then..."

"Mhm, stay safe. Also, don't give her your ammo even if she asks. As for when she's out of ammo, I'll leave the decision to you."

Larcen nodded and once he did, she gave him a small bag she had brought along with the chest rig.

"Take a box or two with you...", she said as she stepped away from him and walked out of the room, leaving Larcen alone.

He did what she told him to and dropped two boxes of ammo into the bag before putting it on and walking out to meet up with Betty.

"Time to put some holes in those bastards' skulls hehe. The amount of SP I need to open the skill chest is just so much..."