2: Chapter 2 F-rank talent? That's like having Midas touch!

Lin Feng stared at the Shimmering Crystal Lamp in his hand, his breathing becoming increasingly hurried.

He quickly opened his attribute panel.

mana: 10/100 (slowly recovering)

That deep Fusion just now had directly drained 90 mana.

His head still felt a bit lightheaded now.

“A total of four glass cups, cost 20 points.”

“This lamp... is worth at least 200 points.”

Lin Feng calculated quickly: “A tenfold profit!”

He suddenly stood up from his chair and paced around the small room twice.

Calm down.

Must stay calm.

Over an hour later, his mana had mostly recovered!

He sat back down, staring at several words in the Talent description: “Rules, consciousness, objects... sublimation...”

“Does it mean this Talent can fuse more than just physical objects?”

Lin Feng’s gaze fell on a stack of old magazines on his bedside table.

They were all copies of the Explorer Monthly his parents used to subscribe to, years out of date.

He pulled out two magazines from the same issue.

With a thought, he activated Fusion.

[Fusible objects detected: Expired Magazine ×2]

[Same substance Fusion, Quality: White Common]

[Minimum consumption: 1 mana]

[Maximum consumption: 60 mana]

This time, Lin Feng chose 20 mana.

The magazines in his hands softened and blended together.

After the light faded, they had turned into a thicker, hardcover bound volume.

The cover had automatically updated to “Explorer Almanac · 2654-2655”.

Flipping it open, the content inside had actually been reformatted, and it even had an added index page!

[Obtained Item: Explorer Almanac]

[Quality: F-Rank (Green Excellent)]

[Effect: Convenient consultation, knowledge acquisition efficiency +5%]

[Description: A knowledge integration product resulting from the Fusion and sublimation of two magazines]

Lin Feng’s eyes lit up.

“Knowledge acquisition efficiency +5%... this attribute is interesting.”

Although the bonus was low, an attribute had indeed appeared!

This was definitely not a simple '1+1=2'!

Like a child who had discovered a new toy, he began scouring the room.

Ten minutes later.

A pile of miscellaneous Fusion products sat on the table:

— A “Multi-functional Telescopic Hanger” (Green, transformable) fused from three clothes hangers.

— A “Perpetual Ink Pen” (Green, ink consumption halved) fused from five nearly empty pens.

— An “Energy Biscuit” (White, Satiety +1) fused from half a bag of chips and half a bag of cookies.

Lin Feng slumped in his chair, with only 3 mana remaining.

His head was spinning as if he’d been on a roller coaster all day.

But the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up.

“This Talent... is too outrageous.”

He looked at that Perpetual Ink Pen; he estimated its market price could be 80 points.

The cost? Five nearly scrapped pens that even a junk collector wouldn't want.

“Wait.”

Lin Feng suddenly thought of a question: “What if I fuse two different things?”

He struggled to get up and brought over a rusty fruit knife from the kitchen.

Then he fished out a magnet from a drawer.

“Metal and a magnet... let's try it.”

He didn't have enough mana left.

Lin Feng could only wait.

For the next half hour or so, he nibbled on the Energy Biscuit while watching his mana slowly recover.

Finally, his mana returned to 50.

He grabbed the fruit knife and the magnet and activated Fusion.

This time, the selection interface was different.

[Fusible objects detected: Iron Fruit Knife (White), Magnet (White)]

[Different substance Fusion, Quality: White Common]

[Minimum consumption: 10 mana]

[Maximum consumption: 200 mana]

[Warning: Fusion of different substances carries a risk of failure; Materials will be destroyed upon failure]

Lin Feng hesitated for a moment.

He chose 50 mana.

Hum—

The fruit knife and the magnet melted simultaneously.

But this Fusion process was clearly unstable; the light sphere trembled several times.

It almost dispersed!

Fortunately, it finally stabilized.

The light faded.

A strangely shaped small knife appeared in his hand.

The body of the blade was jet black, and a faint magnetic shimmer flowed along the edge.

[Obtained Item: Magnetic Dagger]

[Quality: E-Rank (Blue Superior)]

[attack power: 8-12 (after Strength bonus)]

[Effect: Can automatically fly back to the holder's hand after being thrown, maximum distance 10 meters]

[Description: A successful Fusion product of ironware and a magnet, resulting in a marvelous change]

Lin Feng sucked in a breath of cold air.

Blue Superior equipment!

Even though it was only E-Rank, this was a weapon!

“attack power 8-12... my current Strength is 10, attack power 20, plus this dagger...”

He gripped the handle and tried throwing it at the wall.

Whoosh!

The dagger pinned itself to the wall.

With a thought, the dagger trembled a few times, broke free from the wall, and flew back into his hand with a “shua”.

He caught it steadily.

“This...” Lin Feng’s heart pounded wildly.

He seemed to understand how his Talent should be used.

...

Early the next morning, Lin Feng left home carrying a large bag.

The bag contained various “merchandise” he had fused last night.

First stop, the Second-hand Market.

“Boss, how much for this crystal lamp?” A young girl squatted in front of the stall.

Lin Feng held up one finger: “200 points.”

“So expensive? Other shops sell night lamps for only 150.”

“Look at the quality.” Lin Feng flipped the switch. “This is the shimmer mode; it's not harsh on the eyes, and there are three adjustable levels. The battery life lasts three months without needing to change the Energy Crystal.”

The girl looked closely, her eyes lighting up: “I’ll take it!”

[Human points +200]

Second stop, a student supply store.

“Boss, do you buy pens?”

The bald boss glanced over: “Ordinary pens are 5 points each, but yours...”

“Perpetual Ink Pen, ink consumption is halved.” Lin Feng demonstrated, “Writing a thousand words only uses one-tenth the ink of an ordinary pen.”

The boss pushed up his glasses: “Interesting. 80 points, I’ll take it.”

[Human points +80]

Third stop, the Explorer Market.

This was the place where Awakened individuals traded equipment and items.

Lin Feng found a corner, spread out a cloth, and laid out the Magnetic Dagger and a few other small trinkets.

As soon as he set them out, people began to gather around.

“Hey kid, what are the attributes of this dagger?”

A middle-aged man wearing Leather Armor squatted down and picked up the Magnetic Dagger to weigh it.

“Blue Superior, attack 8-12, automatically returns when thrown,” Lin Feng introduced concisely.

The man narrowed his eyes: “Give me a demonstration.”

Lin Feng took the dagger and threw it at a wooden target ten meters away.

Whoosh—Thud!

The dagger pinned itself into the bullseye.

He beckoned with his hand, and the dagger flew back with a “hum”.

“Good stuff!” The man slapped his thigh. “How many points?”

“The average price for Blue weapons on the market is 3000,” Lin Feng said calmly. “This one has a special effect, so 3500.”

“A bit expensive.” The man frowned. “3000, and I’ll transfer the points immediately.”

“3200, minimum.”

“Deal!”

[Human points +3200]

By the end of the morning, Lin Feng’s total points had reached: 3500 (original) + 200 + 80 + 3200 = 6980 points.

A net profit of 3480 points!

...

At two in the afternoon, Lin Feng walked into the Explorers Guild hall.

Under the massive dome, people were coming and going.

People in armor, people in mage robes, and people carrying various weapons bustled about incessantly.

The electronic screen scrolled through task information:

[Clear the Goblin Nest on the first floor of the Dungeon, Rank requirement 10+, reward 5000 points]

[Collect Fluorescent Mushrooms, 200 points per kilogram]

[Escort a caravan to Base No. 3, Rank requirement 20+, reward negotiable]

Lin Feng walked to the new member registration desk.

“Name, age, Awakening information.” The short-haired Young Miss behind the counter didn't even look up.

“Lin Feng, 16 years old, just Awakened yesterday.”

“Physique and Talent?”

“Glory Corona, Prodigy-level light element Physique.” Lin Feng paused. “F-Rank Talent [Fusion].”

The Young Miss’s hands typing on the keyboard stopped.

She looked up, revealing a pretty but tired face.

“Prodigy Physique paired with an F-Rank Talent?” She raised an eyebrow. “Student, are you sure you want to register as an Explorer? With your Talent... you’d be better suited for the Pioneer Team, wouldn't you?”

“My parents were Explorers,” Lin Feng said calmly.

The Young Miss was stunned for a moment, and her expression softened slightly.

She quickly tapped the keyboard: “Alright. New member registration complete. This is your Explorer Badge.”

A bronze-colored badge was pushed toward him.

On the front was a design of a crossed sword and shield, and on the back was engraved the ID: E-7749.

“E represents the rookie Explorer Rank. It goes from E to A, and above that are S, SS, and SSS,” the Young Miss explained. “Taking tasks and entering Dungeons all depend on your Rank.”

“Understood.”

“Newbie benefits: A one-time subsidy of 3000 points, a free set of basic equipment (weapon of your choice), and a 15-day recuperation period.” The Young Miss pulled up a light screen. “After 15 days, you must take your first task, otherwise your qualification will be frozen.”

Lin Feng nodded.

He collected his points and then went to the armory to pick out a longsword.

[Training Longsword]

[Quality: White Common]

[attack power: 5-8]

[Description: Standard issue for newcomers, slightly better than a fire poker]

It was better than nothing.

Just as he walked out of the armory, he heard a familiar laugh.

“Yo, isn’t this our Prodigy!”

Lin Feng turned around.

Wang Hao was walking over from the other side of the hall with two lackeys.

He had changed into new clothes today, and a badge that read “Donghai Academy Preparatory Student” was pinned to his chest, shining brightly.

“What, you really came to register as an Explorer?” Wang Hao walked up close and looked Lin Feng up and down with exaggeration. “Tsk, a bronze badge. Joining the suicide squad, are we?”

The Skinny Tall Guy on the left chimed in: “Hao-ge was directly recruited by Donghai Academy, admitted without an entrance exam!”

The Fat Guy on the right took over: “Of course, with a B-Rank combat Talent, which academy wouldn't be fighting to get him?”

Wang Hao raised his chin proudly: “Lin Feng, for the sake of being neighbors, I’ll give you a piece of advice. Being an Explorer isn't playing house; you can really die in a Dungeon.”

He stepped closer and lowered his voice: “Don't throw your life away for that pitiful pride of yours. The Pioneer Team might have no future, but it's safe.”

Lin Feng gripped his Training Longsword.

“Are you done?” he asked flatly.

Wang Hao was choked by this attitude.

He had thought Lin Feng would be angry or embarrassed.

But the other party just looked at him calmly, his gaze like he was watching a clown.

“You...”

“Move.” Lin Feng walked past him. “I need to go pick up a task.”

“Stop right there!” Wang Hao’s face flushed red. “Lin Feng, don't be ungrateful! I’m saying this for your own good!”

Lin Feng stopped and turned back.

“Wang Hao.”

“Huh?”

“Do you know why you’ll never beat me?”

Wang Hao froze.

“Because you always keep your eyes fixed on others.” Lin Feng smiled slightly. “I’m in a hurry, so please move.”

He turned and walked toward the task screen.

His back was straight.

Wang Hao stood in place, his face turning various shades of blue and white.

The Fat Guy said in a low voice: “Hao-ge, this kid is too arrogant...”

“Shut up!” Wang Hao gritted his teeth. “Let him be arrogant! Once he enters a Dungeon, there’ll be a time for him to cry!”

The Skinny Tall Guy’s eyes darted around: “Hao-ge, I heard that in half a month, the Donghai Academy Freshman Trial will also take place in a few low-level Dungeons...”

Wang Hao’s eyes lit up.

He stared at Lin Feng’s back in front of the task screen, a cold smile curling on his lips.

“That’s right... the Freshman Trial.”

“Lin Feng, we’ll be meeting again very soon.”

“When that time comes, I’ll let you know...”

“The real gap between a Genius and a piece of trash!”