I eyed the four skill shards for a moment. “ I was considering a more do-it-yourself build, but the problem I am coming up with is how to balance that with combat skills. “ Giving a pause, I saw him nod in understanding. “ Now I am trying to set up some trainers on my world for hand-to-hand combat and melee weapons. I also want to learn how to use a gun. “ Sucking in a breath,” but time is a factor. There are only so many hours in a day, and I am also afraid of spreading myself too thin.”
For a moment, Namon seemed confused by my words before that Grandfatherly smile appeared on his face, like he was about to drop a knowledge bomb on me. It was a look I missed so much.
"Sometimes I forget that new worlds don't understand how skills work. If you grew up in a system-controlled world, it is something you would know at an early age.”
His words thankfully brought me out of that rabbit hole of memories before it could start. Giving him my best grin as my elbows rested on the counter,” Well, lay it on me then.”
I watched his eyes light up, “ Oh, my pleasure. So having a skill gives you a huge advantage right now when it comes to learning. Especially combined with your [Rapid Learning] Skill. Especially with a trainer to help you through those first mistakes, you will become proficient a lot faster. So let's say you have a two-hour session, and then you spend two days practicing, by the time you see your trainer next, you could be close if not right at the next Rank. Well for the lower ranks it is feasible. Having an actual skill helps develop muscle memory much faster. “
OH shit, I forgot about that skill. Plus, what he was saying made a lot of sense. “ So basically, I learn a skill, no matter what it is, and I gain the experience of trial and error faster.”
Another nod of confirmation from him, “ Exactly. Now, let's say take a skill, but no trainer. You have the knowledge, but it will take you more effort to rank up. The System only offers knowledge. Take [Weaponsmith]. Sure, you can make a functional knife, but it will not compare to proper training, at least not immediately. Also, it takes longer for your quality to improve vs someone who has experience or is trained.”
Time management will still be a factor, but perhaps not as much. I am sure he could see the wheels turning in my head as I worked through the implications. “ I take it there is more ?” I felt like a fucking dry sponge that just got dropped into the ocean of knowledge. Read the latest chapters at novelping(.)com.
"Well, not so much more, but you don't realize is that more than likely you can follow a more diverse path than you think. Plus, Sara, you have time to learn. Maybe not as much as you think. But let's say you get to Rank 2 in sword before your integration. Another person on integration gains the Warrior class. Which is fairly common so more than likely, they will only have a Rank 1 to start unless they have training. A Master is usually rank 5 or higher.”
I think my brain just exploded. Yeah, I am pretty sure I had brain guts all over the place. Yet he continued.
"You should really lean into your building skills. Use your tech skills to your advantage. Right now, you don't feel you have much. Remember, you are just starting out. Plus, the basics are important. Even if you don't lean into the more physical combat, having a skill in it could save your life. Remember, you can switch out skills once a day. So when you are going out adventuring, you put your combat skills to use. Then, when you are at your shelter, you focus on your non-combat skills.”
Sure, I could have figured it all out, but sometimes having someone just lay it out simply helps things click. Well, at least for me.
"OK, so what else would you recommend?” Thinking, when we get back, I will have to call the numbers Tony left me to get things rolling on the combat side.
For a moment, I thought I saw a look of sadness in his eyes.” Look, lass, I am going to be honest with you. I know the System said you had six months. But I wouldn't count on getting that. So, even with your advantages, you will have to work harder than your companion. I am sorry, but I can't say any more about that. “ Pulling out a couple more crystals. “ Now, these are Rank 1, but four are Rare, and one is Legendary, so extremely more expensive, and I don't have anyone on staff who can train you, but for you, I would highly recommend that you consider these. Again, the edge they will give you to start on your path can't be understated. “
Namon pulled out four shards of a bluish color, but the last one was golden. He set it away a bit off to the side. “ So these four, pointing to the blue shards are [Mechanical Engineering] [Electrical Engineering] [Monster Core Manipulation] [Mana Crystal Manipulation], and the last one [Mage Tech Engineering],
The inner greed goblin arrived as I saw what was laid out before me. These skills were the difference between life and death if I chose to follow the creator's path. Yeah, that is what I was calling this option. I could keep Katie safe, or anyone else, for that matter. I could work hard to ensure I don't lose anyone else important to me. I could become their shield. Yet even the Rare ones were out of my price range. I took a look at a few of the descriptions.
Mechanical Engineering
You have the basics down. Now it is time to ramp it up a notch. Oh, you didn't realize you had what it takes. Have you bothered to look at your passive skills? Probably not. And your Rank 2 in Ramen noodle cooking doesn't count. This Rare skill gives you a college education worth of knowledge, but will you utilize it or let it go to waste?
Mage Tech Engineering
This legendary skill can bring your creations from Meh, to Holy shit, I will buy ten. Only Technomancers get this skill as part of their class. Sure, you have to sell your next ten kids to afford a fraction of this skill, good thing slavery is legal in the multiverse. Using this skill will allow fine-tuning of magic into anything you create. It allows for a more seamless joining of technology and magic. Automatically increases the quality of all MageTech-created items by one rank. This skill allows you to punch above your weight class, creating more advanced creations.
One thought came to mind: Fem Bots. I am sure I was forming too much of a fascination with that goal. Still, the advantage of time and having such advanced skills to start would put my mind at ease. The time it would take to properly learn and execute such a skill seemed daunting, even with my learning skills.
Something else bothered me. Namon had to know I couldn't afford these skills. Sure, I had some credits, but not even with my earth money could I afford all of these. He wants something from me. Dangle the carrot. That is what grandpa would have called this. He is trying to distract me from something. Not that I felt in any way he was trying to swindle me, but then what did I know? I was a minnow in a pool full of sharks.
There was a silence between us while he let me think. At least he wasn't being pushy. None of that greasy used car salesman vibe. I was almost afraid to ask, but Grandpa's voice echoed in my head. When the carrot is dangled, they want something and want it badly. They want to make you feel at a disadvantage to get the better deal. When the carrot is dropped, always remember to negotiate hard. They want whatever from you; make them work for it.
So I leaned into my role. I let out a sigh, you know that one when you are out window shopping, you find that super sexy red dress, but it is out of your price range. Yeah, that kind of sigh left my lips. Yes, I wanted the fuck out of those shards. Would I have to bust my ass to get the hang of them? Probably. Would it be worth it? Yes. I met his gaze as he gave me a gentle smile.
"Good, now how about we make a deal?”