Chapter 34

I was taken aback by the sudden conversation, my thoughts coming to a halt.

I didn't know how to interpret it, but Claude began his explanation with a serious expression.

"We're not trying to offer you RMT. We intend to pay with in-game currency."

"Wh-what? Hold on. Why is it coming to this? Selling a recipe, of all things? What's the point of that?"

"I don't know what the point is either. There's no point in getting the recipe itself. Once information is out on the internet, it's free for everyone. But if I had to say, it's part of our core philosophy."

Core philosophy. I still don't get it. My expression must have conveyed my confusion, as Magi took over from Claude.

"One of our core philosophies is 'fair pricing.' It shouldn't be too cheap or too expensive. We were called top crafters in the beta, by chance. Most of the equipment we make sells for whatever price we set. So, we want to set fair prices for items and information."

In other words, they want to create price benchmarks to liven up the in-game market, right?

"For example, if Yun were to make new accessories with a new recipe. Whether they're cheap or expensive, it doesn't matter. What do you think would happen if you sold them at an inappropriate price?"

"That... If I sold them cheap, they'd be resold at a high price like the potions. If I sold them expensive, I'd be accused of profiteering."

"Exactly. Furthermore, if they become hard to obtain and fetch a premium, it could become a breeding ground for RMT. We don't want that to happen."

"That's why, by knowing in advance the methods and recipes that others might use, we can create the same items at a fair price when such people appear. It's a hypocritical act to maintain game balance, but that's how we see it. We'll negotiate with other players who discover new recipes, not just you.

In-game currency is just game money. We don't mind paying for information."

In other words, they're making enough to be able to pay without hesitation. And at a fair price.

"So, if I don't sell, that's fine. But if someone else gets there first, that's a different story, right?"

"Right. We don't want to hinder your play, and you're free to play as you like. You can turn down this offer too."

I think it's worth cooperating. My first impression of Claude and Lili was bad, but this outfit is well-made, and I trust Magi.

"Alright, I'll tell you. But it's not that special."

"Ah, thanks."

What I explained was about my sense of [Augmentation]. There are two new additions: Skill Augmentation and Material Augmentation. The additional effect of the Trion Ring is the result of Material Augmentation.

"As for why I infused it with a curse, it would break otherwise."

"Break?"

"Yeah, this is what happens to the accessory."

I took out some iron scraps from my inventory and placed them on the table.

"If the rules aren't followed, all accessories end up like this. The rule is that augmentation is limited to three. Hidden stats can be augmented by ±1 or more. However, copper accessories couldn't be augmented, so the number and positive values of augmentations may vary depending on the metal used. Also, augmentation is impossible for consumables and food items, but it is possible for material items. That's what we know so far."

"Wow, Yun, you've done quite a bit of research. I understand Material Augmentation, but what about Skill Augmentation?"

"Skill Augmentation, well, I haven't fully verified it yet, but I think it's a skill to attach your own skills to items."

"So, you only understand half of it. It's good that we talked about it in advance."

Claude muttered. No, I don't think this is very useful at all.

"Yun, you've learned another incredible skill. Being able to freely attach your skills to items is, frankly, a cheat."

"No, I don't think it's very useful at all."

Well, the bow's [Arts] for long-range shooting and rapid-fire, the alchemy sense's upper and lower conversion, the [Recipes] for items, and the crafting sense's skills.

I checked the screen once, but this Skill Augmentation can't attach abilities that come with senses. For example, the eagle eye's long-distance vision, night vision, and target ability, or the crafting sense's ore appraisal.

So-called skills are called active skills. Passive skills, which activate automatically, are all included in senses.

Therefore, it's impossible to attach my speed enhancement sense or the eagle eye's long-distance vision to items.

"To list a few possibilities, what happens to the augmented item? Can it be augmented to materials? What happens to the used item? Where does the MP come from when a magic skill is attached? These three factors can make a big difference."

"Verification is needed. So, Yun, try augmenting this staff."

Lili took out a piece of wood that glowed and turned into a crude staff. It was probably made with the woodworking sense's [Staff Making] skill. It's similar to my ring, but its performance is higher due to the higher level.

"Is it okay? But you don't have a magic sense, right?"

"Augmentation is a type of magic sense. Just use [Augmentation], right?"

"Got it. Ah, it seems I need to register a keyword."

It seems I need a keyword to activate the contained skill. That makes sense, probably to avoid overlapping with the creator's skills. Alright, how about an active keyword?

"Set it. [Skill Augmentation]—Augment Attack."

My MP was drained, and the staff in my hand glowed red, changing its stats.

Staff [Equipped]

ATK +2 INT +8

Additional Effect: [Augmentation]—Attack

"Can I try using it?"

Lili took the staff.

"The keyword is 'Active.'"

"Got it. Here goes, 'Active'!"

With Lili's voice, the staff glowed red, and red light spread from Claude's feet. Then, the staff—broke.

"I see. The cost of Skill Augmentation is too high. The augmented item can only be used once and is disposable. So, Lili, what about MP?"

"None. The enchantment can be done without consuming MP."

"Wow, it can be used without a sense and without consuming MP. But it's disposable."

It's a bit of a waste that the weapon broke. I can't help but think something a bit out of place.

"This is serious. There will definitely be demand. The fact that I can use it, not just Yun, is a huge deal. Anyone can use it. If it can be used on materials instead of accessories, it will become a cheap magical item."

After experimenting with several items, we found that there are restrictions on Skill Augmentation.

Only one skill can be augmented, and it can coexist with Material Augmentation. At this point, it's considered quite powerful.

The augmented skill can only be used by saying the 'keyword' set by the creator. This means that even if someone steals what I made, no one can use it, and its essence can't be investigated. It will just be treated as a unique item.

The item will always break when the skill is used. It's fatal for weapons or armor to break during combat.

Some skills can't be augmented. These include the augmentation skill itself and Material Augmentation. It's a natural restriction.

Finally, it can be augmented to material items, and the augmented item can be freely named.

"Hmm, I see. So, currently, it's Yun's exclusive patent, right?"

"That's right. I don't think these are all the restrictions. Just like with Material Augmentation, if copper accessories break, it might mean that higher-ranked skills require appropriate materials. I'll let you know when I find out more."

The three of them were very grateful to me. But I should be the one thanking them for helping with the verification.

The three of them decided not to acquire the Augmentation sense.

"Thanks today. If you ever sell items made with Augmentation, I'd appreciate it if you could consult the price with us."

"Sure. I'd actually like to ask you for that."

"Alright, Yun. This is the information fee."

A trade request was sent, and I connected with Claude. The amount sent made me doubt my eyes.

—3 million. That's 3M.

The amount was so large that I couldn't grasp the reality of it.

My tofu-like mentality is so annoying.