Reboot: Mechanic

The efficacy of the Claymore Mines was affirmed when everyone who watched the live broadcast or witnessed the scenes firsthand. 

Hundreds of Gilaso variants had unwittingly entered the vicinity of the Claymore Mines, triggering a chain reaction of explosions that decimated their lives. Thus, it was a proven fact that the modified Claymore Mines produced by Optic mech would be in hot demand.

However, Shi Tian was not a bit pleased by the result, given that it meant more work for him.

"Money is awesome, but not enough to make me overload myself." Shi Tian murmured, feeling a looming pressure pressed upon him. Without a choice, Shi Tian paused his soldering and grabbed his Cellos device.

He was texting Mary that he wouldn't be able to meet the demands that Theobold wished to have.

The creation of a singular Claymore Mine required at least one to two hours max. 

After all, the Claymore Mine contained a layer of C-4 explosive behind a matrix of about seven hundred and one over eighth-inch-diameter (3.2 mm) steel balls set into an epoxy resin.

Just one slight mishap and these steel balls would explode upon him, resulting in his death. Hence, each Claymore Mine is carefully crafted, and could not be rushed.

Nathan: Mary, I won't be able to complete all those demands. I just won't have enough energy to do so. 

Shi Tian successfully sent her a text, telling her that it would be impossible for him to accomplish the task. The five crates were already his limit, and any more would simply be an overload for him. 

A few seconds later, Mary replied to his text, a response much to his dismay.

Mary: The other mechanics in Optic Mech are busy working on crafting other items. Also, the modified Claymore Mines are our secret trump card, so besides me and Mechanist Isaac, only you know the method to craft them. Just cough it up and be a man.

The message was direct and left Shi Tian with little room for negotiation. He rubbed his temples, frustrated by the situation. It seemed he had no choice but to continue producing the Claymore Mines, despite the strain it put on him.

With a sigh, Shi Tian began to gather his tools again, bracing himself for the continued marathon of crafting. 

The importance of these devices was clear, and even though he begrudgingly accepted the task, he knew that each Claymore Mine he produced played a pivotal role in the battle against the Gilaso variants.

Not to mention, it would indefinitely help increase his reputation and favorability toward Theobold, a person who was highly influential in Gearits City.

However, that wasn't the main reason why he continued to craft despite losing sleep. 

Since the Claymore Mines were solely crafted by him and only him alone, his experience seemed to have increased, allowing him to level up when he checked up on his status screen. 

Although it didn't seem to increase much, it was clear that any crafting he had made would inevitably assist him regardless if someone else was using it. 

It was just a shame that his level was still a bit off from the 30 mark, causing him to be unable to see the relevant information that would be unlocked. 

"The status screen is always interchangeable whenever something occurs." Shi Tian murmured, realizing his initial deduction of the status screen to be extremely wrong. 

Not only does it indicate his current stats, but it seemed to have a foresight far beyond any means of the current technology. 

After all, the reputation list had been updated, and without any surprise, the list included three new people who had negative numbers on him. 

First was naturally Kralos Tal, whom he had stopped from assassinating Vanessa. The negative value was at 5, seemingly showing that Kralos Tal didn't actually care about him much. 

Secondly, it was the revelation of Lyndon Sinclair, or more specifically, it was Martin Pearce. Given that he was the main culprit in wanting Vanessa dead and he had prevented it, Martin Pearce had a negative value of 30 toward him.

As for the final person, Shi Tian was dumbfounded. It was a person that he had never seen or interacted with, Jonas Hill. 

'Why does this Jonas Hill have a negative 45 value on me?' Shi Tian wondered silently. Not even the Harrett Family had given him such a high negative value despite him screwing one of their wilderness businesses. 

Initially confused, Shi Tian soon came to the conclusion that this must have been the actual mastermind behind most of the incident. After all, only the real mastermind would be overwhelmingly frustrated when their plan was thwarted by him.

Despite it just being a suspicion without any evidence, Shi Tian didn't hesitate to drop this name to Mary and Vanessa, letting them know who to be careful of.

If Jonas Hill was truly innocent, then whatever, he could just take the accidental blame. But if he was truly the mastermind, then they wouldn't be unprepared against him.

Life is extremely fragile and one mistake could spell the end of your life. 

Thus, Shi Tian was more willing to be paranoid than an idiot waiting for the scene to happen before making a move. 

Mary: Okay, got it. Just focus on crafting the Claymore Mines and place them in the main lobby once it's done. I'll grab them when I have the chance. 

Right away Mary replied back to his text. And as for Vanessa, she gave him the "read" notification, but no response whatsoever.

It was clear that her anger had not subsided, and was still unwilling to text him, much to his benefit. If it wasn't because she was needed in their plan, Shi Tian truly wouldn't want to send her a text. 

Zero contact would be the ideal situation.

With the warning sent to them, Shi Tian stretched his body and arms, preparing himself for another crafting marathon. 

"If I'm going to travel to another city, then I will never do this kind of thing again." He muttered, vowing to not be a slave worker.