Thomas stared at the [Explosives Crafting] skill description. "Are you sure this isn't [bomb] crafting?" he muttered.
He opened the skill menu. A long list of recipes, similar to the Medical Station's crafting list. But there was a crucial difference. The Medical Station, Bathroom, and Kitchen handled the crafting automatically. This skill, however, provided detailed instructions, a step-by-step guide. He'd have to do it himself.
He eyed the top entries: [Nitroglycerin], [Mercury Fulminate]… "Seriously? This is a suicide mission." He understood the skill's emphasis on stability and accident reduction now. He could literally blow himself up.
He felt a pang of regret, then shrugged it off. A rare skill. One of only two he possessed. [Stealth] and this. He had to try.
He contacted Howie Wang, ordering a workbench, a chair, and a four-tiered shelf for the chemicals and equipment. Ten minutes later, the furniture arrived. He paid Howie with an extra bowl of stew. Wood was expensive.
He rearranged his hideout. The fuel corner became his workshop. The shelf went up opposite the workbench. He moved the fuel and wood to the hallway, away from potential explosions.
He opened the [Explosives Crafting] menu, searching for a beginner-friendly recipe. His eyes settled on [Nitrocellulose]. He was familiar with it. A key ingredient in gunpowder. Relatively safe. And he had all the components.
He gathered the necessary equipment and chemicals: beakers, measuring cups, stirring rods, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and cotton. The workshop area, away from the fireplace, was cooler. 10°C. Perfect.
He took a few deep breaths and began.
Following the instructions, he prepared an ice bath. He carefully measured the nitric acid and sulfuric acid, pouring them into a beaker. The beaker heated up rapidly. His heart pounded. Heat and light were bad signs in explosives crafting.
He plunged the beaker into the ice bath, stirring the mixture until it cooled. He added the cotton, stirring gently. The beaker heated again. Back into the ice bath. He stirred for thirty seconds, monitoring the temperature. 10°C to 20°C. Good.
Now, he waited.
Fifteen minutes later, the nitration was complete. He carefully transferred the nitrocellulose to another beaker, rinsed it repeatedly in the bathroom, then soaked it in a baking soda solution to neutralize any remaining acid. He rinsed it again, tested it with pH paper, then carefully spread it on a wooden board to dry.
He finally relaxed. And that was just nitrocellulose. The simplest explosive.
He knew it was mostly first-time nerves. He'd get used to it.
The nitrocellulose dried in minutes. Another apparent effect of the game system.
He gathered the dried nitrocellulose, placed a small amount on the floor, and flicked his lighter.
"Here goes nothing."
The nitrocellulose flared brightly, then vanished in a puff of smoke. No residue. If he hadn't seen it himself, he would have doubted it.
"It worked!" he exclaimed, a surge of satisfaction washing over him. If he could make nitrocellulose, he could make anything.
He remembered a movie scene. A prison break. A tiny explosive, tucked into a hole in the wall, creating a massive breach. Jason Statham, he thought.
He scanned the [Explosives Crafting] menu. A smile spread across his face.
[Remote Detonated Emulsion Explosive]
Requirements: Ammonium Nitrate x2, Sodium Nitrate x3, Petroleum Jelly x1, Paraffin Wax x1, Urea x1, Emulsifier x2, Sensitizer x1… Mercury x1, Nitric Acid x2, Ethanol x3… Cell Phone x1, Electronic Components x4, Lithium Battery x1, Capacitor x1…
Instructions: Combine ammonium nitrate… in a water-phase mixing tank…
The list was daunting, but he needed this for the Glacial Lotus.
He checked his supplies. Missing: ammonium nitrate. He posted a request in the regional chat.
Andrew Jackson: Legend Smyth, you need fertilizer?
Thomas: Fertilizer? No. Ammonium nitrate.
Andrew Jackson: Same thing. I've got the pure stuff.
Thomas was surprised. He'd heard of starting with fuel, wood, or minerals, but fertilizer?
Andrew Jackson had raided a fertilizer plant early on, stockpiling ammonium nitrate. Thomas traded a bowl of stew for 100 pounds of it.
Just as he was about to end the conversation, he remembered something.
Thomas: You said you cleared out the plant. Find anything that boosts rare plant growth?
A pause.
Andrew Jackson: You have a rare plant? I do have something… [Picture of Type I Plant Growth Solution]
[Type I Plant Growth Solution
Type: Rare Item
Effect: Doubles rare plant growth rate and nutrient consumption for seven days.
Description: An early, cost-effective growth solution developed by Titan Laboratories.
Note: Ensure sufficient nutrients are provided after use.]
---
Thomas stared at the description, surprised. He'd asked on a whim. Another laboratory. Titan Laboratories. He made a mental note.
Double growth rate. The pothos would produce offspring every day and a half. Five offspring in seven days. Plus the mother vine. Six total. Two for the serum. Four left.
He tried to contain his excitement.
Thomas: I'll trade three bowls of stew for it.
The reply surprised him.
Andrew Jackson: I'll give it to you. Just give me a cutting or fruit from your plant later.
He hadn't anticipated this. He needed the pothos for the flood.
Thomas: Can't promise that. The solution's not that effective. I might not have any extra. He was bluffing, hoping Andrew Jackson had a better version. Type II, Type III…
Silence.
Thomas waited, then turned to his workbench, preparing the explosives components. He wanted the solution, but he had the leverage. He could imagine Andrew Jackson on the other end, anxiously awaiting his reply.
He smiled. He had the rare plant. It would grow without the solution, just slower. But Andrew Jackson's solution was useless without a rare plant.
He wasn't sure if he was the only one with a rare plant, but they were definitely rare. That was his gamble.