Chapter 1421: The Contract
At that moment, the instruments in the testing room emitted a steady alarm sound. Old Lady Lu glanced to the side. "There's some radioactivity, but the danger level isn't high. However, that means this probably isn't a Subclass Stone."
"Why do you say that?" Xu Huo asked.
"Although Subclass Stones come in many varieties, ores that can contaminate the surrounding environment are not listed in the raw materials catalog for props, nor are they classified as Subclass Stones. They are collectively categorized as contaminated ores." Fang Jie explained on her behalf. "While such ores can still be used to make props, their contamination is difficult to control. Long-term use might actually affect the holder. Moreover, the Game Government has clear regulations prohibiting the use of contaminated ores for prop production."
In simple terms, they were unqualified prop materials. Because of the contamination, most Artificers wouldn't risk taking them on either.
"However, if such materials are used well, they can still be made into lethal props," Old Lady Lu added. "Are props made just to protect others?"
They were all tools for killing; it just depended on how the holder used them.
"There are so many bizarre ores in the game, it's hard to guarantee that props made from them are safe." For Xu Huo, radioactive ores were more troublesome than ordinary germs or toxins.
"That's true enough." Old Lady Lu, however, seemed quite interested in giving it a try. She proposed leaving this piece of ore with her, and she could give Xu Huo two props as collateral. If she couldn't return it or failed to make a prop, the collateral props would belong to Xu Huo.
"Will this affect your health?" Xu Huo asked.
"No, no, this old woman still has a long life ahead of her." The old lady waved her hand.
Fang Jie answered on her behalf again: "Artificers always wear protective suits when working. It's basically fine."
Xu Huo nodded and readily agreed to leave the ore. "However, I still hope you can make that Subclass Stone into a prop first."
It would take some time to get a final result from such a large piece of ore. The three returned to the outer reception room. Old Lady Lu had a smile on her face and took out two B-grade props to give to Xu Huo. "During the time it takes to make the prop, you can use these two props freely. It doesn't matter if you break them."
Fang Jie fetched a contract and first explained: "This is a prop contract, a signed agreement certified by the game. It can identify the player's identity. It lists the rules both parties must follow, as well as the compensation methods for breach of contract. The ore is a consumable material, and there will be some loss during the prop-making process. The player must acknowledge this. Furthermore, the props used as collateral should theoretically not be damaged, otherwise it would violate the contract. Teacher Lu has the right to withhold the props made for you or part of the ore until you make compensation."
Old Lady Lu looked quite displeased. "What contract? I'll use the props I make however I want!"
Fang Jie smiled and said, "Yes, of course, we'll listen to you, Teacher. But the contract still needs to be signed to avoid disputes. Don't you remember last time when you didn't want to sign a contract, and that player ran off with the props, and you ended up paying a tax penalty to the game?"
Having her past brought up, Old Lady Lu pursed her lips and said nothing.
"It's only right." Xu Huo glanced over the contract and signed his player nickname.
Fang Jie checked it and then handed it to Old Lady Lu to sign. Only then did she say, "The contract is established. If Mr. Xu breaches the contract, the game will collect the prop-making fees on its behalf."
"Also, Mr. Xu doesn't need to worry about his information being leaked. Only the two signing parties can see this contract. All I can see are the contract terms."
"You talk too much." Old Lady Lu told her to leave quickly.
With the contract in hand, Xu Huo's business was mostly done. They exchanged contact information and prepared to leave.
The old lady saw him to the door, looking very kind. "Next time you have any good ores, be sure to come to me."
Then she grabbed two ultra-small robots from a basket by the door. "Take these to play with."
"Certainly." Xu Huo took them with a smile.
After leaving the courtyard, he had just reached the street corner when he was stopped by the young man the old lady had chased out earlier. The man smiled broadly and said, "Brother, you were in there for so long, you must have some good ores. Got any extras you can sell me one?"
"I don't have any ores left, but I do have something else," Xu Huo said.
"Prop raw materials?" the young man immediately said. "Take them out, I'll pay you market price plus twenty percent!"
Xu Huo took out the new energy cannon. "Interested?"
The young man, Xin Rong, looked at the weapon and was immediately surprised. "It's you!"
Earlier, in the mine vein portal of Fresh Flower City, Xu Huo had accidentally saved him. To repay him, Xin Rong had not only helped open the entrance to the spiritual realm within the mine vein portal but had also generously lent him weapon props.
"Borrowed, must be returned." Xu Huo handed the item over. "I happened to come to Platinum Eye. I was planning to find you after finishing my business, but I ran into you early."
Xin Rong came over and slapped him hard on the shoulder. "Brother, you're really something. I've lent out so many weapon props, and not one person thought to return them to me!"
"Tell you what, since you've come from afar, today's on me. I'll show you around Platinum Eye!"
"I still have two instances to do. I'll take you up on that after I'm done," Xu Huo said.
"Looking to level up?" Xin Rong had an expression that said "that's no big deal." "Leveling up is easy. My family has a dedicated team that carries people through instances. I know all the instances near Platinum Eye. Getting a high rating is no problem!"
"You saved my life last time. My life, Xin Rong's life, is no small matter. I guarantee I'll find two good instances for you to clear smoothly, at least an A-rank rating."
Fixed instances with well-understood patterns easily become places for player groups to grind levels. Especially as instance guides become more detailed, getting a high-score clearance isn't difficult.
However, there are two problems with this method of clearing. First, while following guides reduces risk and increases the clearance rate, it always lacks practical experience for the player. Especially using this method long-term, even if the player's level goes up, their clearance experience and combat experience might be insufficient.
Second, the game gives ratings and rewards based on the player's performance in the instance. Clearing a large number of instances without autonomy will definitely result in lower final ratings and rewards. Especially the clearance rewards—whether the game gives props or attributes suitable for the player's growth and use is entirely up to the game.
If there's no real benefit after clearing, then the act of clearing itself is somewhat meaningless.
Of course, if the need is only short-term, for leveling up or survival, then spending money to buy guides or hiring someone to carry you through is still very cost-effective.