Chapter 6 of 100
Chapter 6
9 min read2,282 words
Hyuntae stood at the door of the computer shop, took a deep breath, and firmly held the envelope containing the secret letter from his mother.
He then performed the "Quality Conversion."
The result was immediately listed and sold on Hongdangmu Market.
[ ddy0211: I want to buy a 3080ti! Right now! ]
[ Copuldam: Did the Ziren 5800x sell? ]
[ SemiAutoUser: I have an intention to buy a 3080 ]
[ Glory: Hello, I want to buy a RealTask keyboard. Can I see a typing video? ]
Profit margin? Return on investment?
He didn't really care about those things.
No matter how much or how little, it was all money, and there was no reason to overthink it.
It was more profitable to sell one more item during that time.
He started working in earnest on Sunday.
By Wednesday,
"Did you deposit the money? Did it go through?"
"Yes, it did."
────────
Deposit
490,000 KRW
Kim Hyuntae
Balance: 10,032,153 KRW
────────
His balance had surpassed 10 million KRW.
"Yay!"
It wasn't as if he had become a money grubber, not sleeping or eating, with bloodshot eyes.
──The power of "Quality Conversion" is activated.
──Item: Ziren 2700x 4.0 GHz
──Quantity: 6
──Do you want to start the conversion process?
──The estimated processing time is 1 hour and 25 minutes.
By delegating the work to Tam, he had 1 hour and 25 minutes of free time.
Time to enjoy the privileges of a former employee.
He took a nap, ate some snacks, and watched movies, dramas, and variety shows that he had put off.
'Wow, the acting is really amazing. Are there any other works?'
His quality of life improved like his balance!
'Is life really this easy and fun?'
During his college days, he had been hooked on a strategy game where he built a kingdom.
The fun part of the game was its real-time elements.
When he started construction and went to class, the barracks would be completed.
When he started producing two cavalry units and finished a task, they would be ready.
The feeling of reality and the game meshing together was really enjoyable.
His daily life was the real-life version of that game.
He would finish a task while resting, and another task while playing.
He also made efficient use of the time he spent on second-hand transactions.
He would entrust necessities or food to Tam and go out, and when he returned, the work would be done.
Especially, clothes were perfect for "Quality Conversion."
Clothes that became outdated, damaged, or no longer liked after a year or two.
He would casually hand them over to Tam, and when he returned, they would be clean and beautiful.
"Tam! This length is just the current style? How did you know?"
──Pew pew pew pew pew!
That guy is really a blessing.
He can't be compared to someone like Jihyun.
"But Tam, can you do a two-for-one?"
──?
······Two blessings would be even better.
By the time another week had passed,
────────
Deposit
1,020,000 KRW
Ko Daemyung
Balance: 30,612,153 KRW
────────
His balance had surpassed 30 million KRW!
'No way...'
He earned almost a year's salary in just ten days, working and playing casually.
And with his last month's salary and severance pay added,
────────
Balance: 51,021,379 KRW
────────
His balance had surpassed 50 million KRW.
After two weeks of being unemployed,
────────
Deposit
680,000 KRW
Kim Suhyun
Balance: 55,038,379 KRW
────────
The 55 million KRW that Jihyun had thrown at him as a consolation for the broken engagement, he had earned it himself.
"Yaaaaaah!"
I ran around the house like a mad dog, and Tam, seemingly excited, flew around the room with his light beams flickering.
What about the 55 million KRW that Jihyun had given him?
At first, he returned it immediately.
But Jihyun deposited it again.
He returned it again, and Jihyun deposited it again.
Since 55 million KRW is not a small amount, and this back-and-forth could attract attention from the tax authorities, he moved it to an unused account.
He couldn't return it in person since Jihyun was abroad.
He had no intention of touching that money.
'I have money, I have pride!'
But now he had money?
'I'm earning more than you, oh.'
Of course, the opponent is a third-generation tycoon.
It might be a bit exaggerated.
Selling computer parts to earn more than Jihyun or the KJ Group.
However, during those two weeks, he didn't just make money by repeatedly performing "Quality Conversion."
──The experience of the 【Subspace Workbench: Basic】 has increased.
──Congratulations!
──The level of the 【Subspace Workbench: Basic】 has increased. (Lv.1 → Lv.2)
──The 【Subspace Workbench: Basic】 has acquired a new skill!
He had even gained a new skill!
What kind of luck did you bring this time, blessing?
It didn't exist, but now it does.
《Brilliant 30s》.
During those two weeks, he discovered new facts through various methods.
First, he couldn't "Quality Convert" items that didn't exist in this world.
He tried giving Tam two 3080ti products, and this message appeared.
──The power of "Quality Conversion" is activated.
──Item: Gravity G3080ti 12GB
──Quantity: 1.88
──!!!Warning!!! There is no better product in the same category as this material.
──!!!Warning!!! You cannot create something that does not exist in the world.
"Aww, that's a shame."
If it were possible, it would be too much of a cheat.
Second, the new skill was "Preview."
After Tam reached level 2,
──The power of "Quality Conversion" is activated.
──Item: Jinseong 27-inch FHD monitor
──Quantity: 2.41
──Do you want to start the conversion process?
──The estimated processing time is 51 minutes and 30 seconds.
Up to this point, it was the same as usual, but a new message appeared.
──The "Preview" skill has been activated!
──Please select the result.
──A. Jinseong 27-inch 4K UHD monitor
──B. Jinseong 32-inch WQHD monitor
──C. Jinseong 27-inch QHD monitor (*144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time)
It showed all the possible options when he "Quality Converted" three used FHD monitors.
Option A increased the resolution to 4K.
Option B increased both the resolution and size slightly.
Option C increased the resolution slightly and enhanced gaming features.
"Wow, that's good."
While it was nice for Tam to decide, the "Preview" allowed him to choose exactly what he needed.
'A, B, or C, which one should I choose?'
He thought for a moment, but the decision wasn't up to him.
He immediately searched on Hongdangmu Market.
After comparing the selling prices, the 4K resolution model, Option A, was slightly the highest.
"A, please."
······The monitor went straight to his desk.
"Is this graphics detail for real?"
He tried it briefly and decided to keep it.
Yeah, a 3080ti owner should have a 4K monitor.
And the third discovery.
The scope of "Consumption" was broader than he thought!
Originally, he thought "Consumption" meant he had to use the items himself.
So for a while, his working hours were long.
He would "Quality Convert" and then install and remove the components to meet the "Consumption" deadline, which was quite chaotic.
Thinking it was more labor-intensive than expected, he asked the system.
"Do I have to do the 'Consumption' myself?"
The system gave a satisfying answer.
──The subject of "Consumption" does not necessarily have to be the 【Quality Converter】.
──Additionally, transferring ownership is also considered "Consumption."
This meant that selling or transferring to someone else was also considered "Consumption."
"Wow, you should have told me earlier."
After that, the sales process changed completely.
Originally, it was "Quality Conversion," "Consumption," and then sale.
But now, he would post a listing on Hongdangmu Market first, regardless of whether he had the product or not.
Thanks to "Preview," he could check the result in advance, so he could post a listing even without the product.
When a reservation was made, he would start the "Quality Conversion" process at the reserved time.
Sometimes reservations would fall through, but in such cases, he would "Consume" the items himself, which was a bit more troublesome.
In essence, he was selling items that didn't exist, making him almost a modern-day con artist.
'But it's not a scam, right?'
Because he could use magic.
It didn't exist, but now it does.
And the last discovery.
The fourth fact he learned about the system.
This was a real game-changer.
*
After repeating the same process for about two weeks, the transaction times became routine.
Usually twice a day.
Around 8 PM and 11 AM.
On this day, he conducted a transaction around 11 AM at Shinchon Station.
────────
Deposit
960,000 KRW
Lee Jung-hyun
Balance: 55,998,379 KRW
────────
······His balance was still hard to get used to.
"Thank you, I'll use it well!"
"Sure, let me know if there are any issues."
After completing the second-hand transaction, he immediately headed to the computer shop.
He would buy more stock while going out for the transaction.
The first place he had made a transaction.
[ Se-yeon PC ]
[ PC Assembly, Sales, Repair, Inspection, Upgrade ]
[ Data Recovery, Network Maintenance ]
[ On-site Service: 010.3273.02** ]
"Are you there?"
"Oh, come in!"
The owner of Se-yeon PC had changed in just a few days.
Not just physically healthier, but fundamentally different.
"Owner, have you had lunch?"
"Oh, it's already this time? I didn't realize it was lunchtime, I was organizing inventory."
When he first met him, the owner seemed like he would be sucked into the monitor or game, but now he had the air of a diligent businessman.
Was it because I kept buying 100 or 200 items?
The smell of money, which he had never experienced before, made him move on his own, kind of like that principle?
"Still, you should eat while you work."
"Sure, I can eat when I'm hungry, hahaha. Oh, I've already contacted everyone around and secured these for you."
The owner tapped on the stack of graphics card boxes.
Our main trading item, the G1060 products.
After trying several times, the 1060 products were the best in terms of both financial and time efficiency.
Of course, in terms of conversion efficiency, the fewer steps in "Quality Conversion," the better.
Less involvement from distributors, in a sense.
However, considering the variable "Lucky Strike," the story changes.
"Lucky Strike" happens with a low probability.
It's hard to predict when it will happen.
But if it does, it gives a huge reward, adding 1-2 more items to the result.
So, how can you trigger "Lucky Strike" to achieve stable profits?
My conclusion:
'Even if it's a bit troublesome, do it more often.'
Increase the number of attempts.
The more "Quality Conversions" you do, the higher the expected value of "Lucky Strike."
Tam also gained more experience, making it a win-win.
Thanks to this, the conversion efficiency, which was around 70%, has steadily increased and is now approaching 80%.
The first day, getting 2 3080ti products from 9 1060 products wasn't just luck.
'Reflecting on it, it was the best choice.'
The beginner's luck really paid off.
"How many in total?"
"Nine."
Today, nine again.
With nine, he could expect to get 2 3080ti products reliably.
"Thank you, owner. I'll pay now."
"Sure, it's 110."
"Huh? Has the price of the graphics card dropped?"
Usually, he paid 120 for nine.
"No, the price is the same. I'm giving you a discount as a regular customer. I hope we can continue to do business."
"Wow, that's great! Thank you!"
He bowed and handed over the card.
To be a regular customer!
And to get a discount!
This was the first time he received such treatment, and it felt strange but good.
At that moment, the owner, after completing the payment and returning the card, asked,
"But what should I call you in the future... Can you give me a business card or something?"
"Ah..."
He had never introduced himself to the owner.
He didn't know what to say.
He couldn't say he "Quality Converted" the parts he bought here and sold them.
He couldn't lie and say he was a PC cafe owner.
While he was thinking, the owner took the lead.
"But how is the market these days?"
"The market?"
"The cryptocurrency market. Are you mining?"
Ah, that's a reasonable assumption.
After all, buying so many graphics cards, it would be strange if he wasn't a miner.
They were too old for a PC cafe.
He decided to play along.
"The market is always the same. Are you interested in mining, owner?"
"No, I'm not capable of mining. I just regret not buying when the prices were high last time..."
"Well, it's not a loss. Some people took out loans and ended up losing everything."
"That's true..."
And he quickly changed the topic.
"I'll come back the day after tomorrow. If possible, I'd like 1060 products. If they're hard to get, any other 1000-series models will do."
"Of course! I'll prepare 1060 products for you."
"Haha, thanks, owner! Have a good lunch!"
"Sure, be careful on your way back."
On the way back home,
Strangely, the word "cryptocurrency" kept popping up in his mind.
In fact, since his balance had surpassed 30 million KRW, he had been wondering if he should just let the money sit in his account.
'Investment... I should have experience with it.'
When he was working, he had no reason or practical need for investment.
The most rational choice was to convert his monthly rent to a semi-lease, and after that, he didn't have much to invest.
Student loans, allowance for his younger brother, interest on his younger brother's student loans, remaining rent, and interest on the lease loan—his balance was a testament to his struggle against the financial system.