Immediately, the interface in Theo's mind changed. G displayed a learning plan board, temporarily skipping macro knowledge that couldn't be used and absolutely focusing on knowledge applicable immediately: principles of toxin coordination and basic trap structures, along with trap types and on-site substitute materials.
The foundation of this knowledge package was a synthesis of formulas from ancient Ninja schools—masters of terrain control and concealment, along with lost techniques from hunters in isolated lands like Hisui, where survival completely depended on environmental utilization ability. Thanks to his own long-standing hunter foundation, Theo felt strangely familiar.
After just a few minutes of skimming, two techniques immediately captured Theo's attention due to high applicability:
Smoke Bomb—a thick smoke screen for players to stealthily approach or escape wild Pokémon.
Sticky Globs—temporary adhesive substance that could slow enemy footsteps.
Under flickering oil lamp light, Theo wasn't just a training boy, but an apprentice of another civilization. In his mind, Genoarchive's mechanical voice rang out, guiding each step to break down complex tangled knowledge into refined and comprehensible knowledge.
Crafting Smoke Bombs
The Smoke Bomb formula wasn't a cooking recipe, but a special physical technique: Cold Hydraulic Smoke.
- Dried Fern Leaves (Base Material)
Theo collected the dried fern leaves he had on hand. G instructed:
"Must dry until not a drop of moisture remains, so Cellulose becomes the soul of the smoke cloud."
This was precisely the Binder that created slow burning, but simultaneously, the special structure of original Hisui Fern Leaves also created a small explosion upon impact, used as detonation medium.
This was precisely Theo's current shortcoming: he didn't have proper Hisui region Dried Fern Leaves.
G's substitute suggestion: collected fern leaves could also produce similar smoke, but lacked instant detonation medium.
Theo suddenly remembered Elysia—the Wandering Mage, who specialized in copying magical scrolls. He'd once seen introductions to the scrolls she made. Theo came up with the idea of substituting with Ignition Scrolls—a fairly cheap simple spell. According to G's analysis, the cost for a simple single-use scroll like this was only about 10 Silver Coins, a completely acceptable price level.
- Sootfoot Bark (Thickness and Olfactory Deception)
Sootfoot Root—collected from parasitic plants on oak trunks—was a perfect substitute, even better than Hisui region materials. It was ground into pure Carbon. This substance not only created thickness and black color for the smoke screen, but G also analyzed that the Carbon structure within had strong absorption and release properties.
When burning, it would disperse a chaotic aromatic compound, specifically used to conceal and deceive the keen sense of smell of Magical Beasts and wild Pokémon, turning light into darkness and scent into indefiniteness.
- White Gypsum Powder (Catalytic Decomposition Agent)
Finely ground mineral added as a Catalytic Decomposition Agent. It wasn't a smoke-producing substance, but something that adjusted combustion speed and made smoke spread instantly, like a piercing cold breath enveloping.
- Mixing and Sealing
Theo had to proceed with mixing dry components with absolute ratio balance (1 part Carbon to 2 parts Base Material). Lack of precision even by one milligram could turn life-saving smoke into useless fire.
Then, the fine powder mixture was compressed tightly—a pressure retention. Theo used arm strength to press powder tightly into rough leather casing. The higher the compression, the greater the smoke release potential.
Finally, the material was sealed with thorn cord. The fuse with Ignition Scroll was cleverly inserted, ready to be lit after pulling the cord.
Theo decided to test it—mandatory if he wanted to apply it to tactics later.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
At the clearing where Al and Liam were training, Theo shouted loudly:
"Al, quickly find and catch Liam!"
In Liam's confused and foolish gaze, Al reacted extremely fast: its eyes sharpened, flapping wings flying over, nearly pecking Liam's hand when Theo threw the gray sphere to the ground, right where Liam stood.
The sphere hit the ground, exploding into a thick smoke screen—but only lasting 3–4 seconds before dissipating.
Theo saw clearly the bewildered faces of Al and Liam when the smoke dispersed.
G's voice rang out, gentle and playful:
"Item only achieved smoke screen range of 9m2. According to standards can reach 25m2 and maintain 10 seconds. Recommend Host readjust fern leaf and gypsum powder components. Can be used as a lasting prank—effectiveness not bad."
Theo sighed. Indeed nothing succeeded from the first try.
He patted his face, then returned to base to remake the Smoke Bomb. Liam and Al looked at each other, then at Theo, still maintaining two faces not understanding what happened.
Not long after, the second sphere was completed.
G spoke up with a slightly more serious tone:
"This item's materials cost 11 Silver Coins, mainly the cost of buying scrolls. This is quite a high price with current financial conditions, so recommend Host learn this skill to optimize crafting ability in the future.
Item is complete and safe. When activated, it will create a vision barrier within 25m2 range, maintaining eight to nine seconds. That time span is the decisive moment."
Theo nodded. This time he didn't test again—G spoke in a serious tone, and that made him trust it.
He'd also clearly visualized how to use Smoke Bombs from the first test.
Crafting Sticky Globs
The original main ingredient was Spoiled Apricorn, fruits that had fallen to the ground and undergone time's decay. G didn't call it decay, but fermentation—a natural process that extracted an organic glue substance, viscous, with the stickiness of wild honey and the adhesiveness of dry tree resin.
Another new problem: Theo didn't have Apricorns.
G suggested it could be substituted with Stone Snail Mucus—a thick, transparent gel liquid, collected from the shell layer of Stone Snails living near damp rocky mine areas. This substance had excellent elasticity and adhesiveness, completely capable of replacing organic glue from fermented Apricorns. Theo could buy it at market; this substance was usually taken by hunters during herb collection to paste household items, quite cheap at about...
Liam, with rough yet extremely refined blacksmith hands, kneaded this glue with Mud Ball—mineral-rich clay collected from stream banks. It was a strange combination: the sticky life of biology combined with the settled mass of earth. Liam had to knead them very slowly, sensing changes in elasticity, until the mud was no longer mud but had become perfect filler, adding weight for throwing.
The final step was secret. Theo sprinkled fine Dried Fern Powder (similar powder when crafting Smoke Bombs). This powder didn't dry the compound but was described by G as a Diffusion Agent—ultra-small particles mixed into the core along with the Ignition Scroll fuse.
Their purpose was to make the ball self-detonate and burst immediately upon hitting the target, releasing adhesive substance spreading to a small area, rather than just sticking to one point.
When the sticky ball was compressed and lightly dried, it was a small, ugly projectile but carried the power of immobilization.
Theo looked at the product, hearing G's affirmation in his mind:
"Throw accurately. The compound will adhere tightly, reducing frequency and movement speed of the subject. It is an optimal tool to force opponents to stop action. Price: 12 silver coins."
Stroking his chin, he was somewhat hesitant whether to test on Liam or Al (Liam and Al training suddenly shivered).
But thinking of Stone Snail Mucus's adhesiveness, he immediately abandoned this idea.
"Never mind, if G says it works then it's fine. Anyway this doesn't affect tactics too much."
Basically he'd resolved increasing support capability in the short term. Now... Theo took a deep breath. The risk wasn't in the original plan, but was the only solution for his own shortcoming. He decided to maximize new materials and knowledge to create a final solution for emergency situations in the narrow cave:
Crafting Paralysis Cloud Bomb
He replaced Sootfoot Bark with pure Paralysis Essence—turning concealment substance into neurotoxin—and adjusted Dried Fern Leaves to increase diffusion. This combination created a small chemical reaction when activated, turning liquid paralysis into a thin, nearly transparent fog, spreading very quickly.
It was no longer a blinding weapon, but the breath of immobility.
When the complete formula appeared, G's voice rang out without a trace of gentleness or mischief, replaced by the coldness of a scientist analyzing potential disaster.
"Host is creating a decent tactical solution: the ability to instantly neutralize an entire pack of Grade 2 Stone Beetles in a small radius is an undeniable advantage."
G paused, and Theo's vision was engulfed by warning red.
"However, risk in the Old Stone Mine environment is extremely high. Confined and enclosed space will retain paralyzing vapor substance. Release time of ultra-trace paralysis agent is longer than regular Smoke Bombs, meaning the ability to cause serious damage to Host's and teammates' lungs and nervous system if not retreating in time. Al will be the first to fall due to keen hearing and smell.
This is a death shield, Theo. It doesn't just eliminate threats but also has the ability to harm the user. Rule of Survival is violated by 70%. Only to be used when ensuring safety and all hope has died, no other solution remains."
Theo clenched his fists.
This wasn't a tool.
This was a double-edged weapon.
But Liam and Al's safety in the cave was more important than any personal risk. He needed to have a final card.
This was what Theo had learned during this time: always prepare a contingency plan for when plans aren't perfect.