Chapter 40: Chapter 40: The Wonders of the Upgrade Scroll
Stones and wood are common materials and are currently very cheap, so there's no need to elaborate on them. The [Beast Taming Scroll], previously used to tame the Black Tiger Bee King, was fortuitously acquired again.
The other three items were carefully chosen by James. The [Toilet] is a facility-type item that creates a restroom within the shelter with pipes leading outside. James, who had been troubled by the issue of sanitation and often had to venture outside in the middle of the night, was eager to get this item.
The second item was Aphrodisiac Powder:
[Name: Aphrodisiac Powder (Good Quality)
Effect: Stimulates desire in beasts, enhancing their breeding drive, and improving breeding efficiency and success rate.
Description: An early arrival of spring.]
This item might seem insignificant to most survivors, but for James, who was raising numerous animals, especially a bee colony, it was highly beneficial.
The third item, the Upgrade Scroll, had variable value:
[Name: Upgrade Scroll (Good Quality)
Effect: Upgrades ordinary items to good quality, can be used three times.
Description: A leap in life's journey!]
James initially thought this scroll seemed powerful. If used on a strong item, it could significantly increase its value. However, after buying it, he was unsure what to use it on. His ordinary items, even if upgraded, still seemed mediocre.
Should he upgrade a stone pickaxe? Seemed unnecessary, as Luke had plenty of tools.
Upgrade food? He already had plenty of good-quality meat.
Upgrade seeds? He already possessed excellent-quality Crystal Rice and good-quality Winter Wheat.
After much contemplation, James still couldn't find a good use for the scroll.
He sent its details to Nancy and Luke for their opinions. Their reactions were similar to his.
Nancy was amazed by the item's power, and Luke was impressed by its quality.
James, somewhat exasperated, asked what they thought it should be used for. They were just as stumped, unable to think of a suitable ordinary item.
Nancy naively suggested upgrading ordinary instant noodles, but James ignored this, showing them his stock of mostly good-quality meat and flour, leaving Nancy a bit crestfallen.
Luke proposed several ordinary items like water purifiers, bandages, lighters, binoculars, and multi-tools, showcasing a wide range of items.
His diverse collection impressed James, clearly indicating Luke's advanced level of development compared to Nancy.
James was hesitant. If the scroll were of excellent or rare quality, it would be a true treasure. Unfortunately, it was just good quality.
While James was indecisive, Luke sent another message, inquiring about the scroll's applicability, specifically whether it could be used on living beings.
This gave James an idea. Ordinary items might not be valuable, but what about ordinary-level Black Tiger Bees or the Ironback Mountain Pig?
Luke suggested James first try the scroll on himself, though he suspected it might not work. If it failed, he could then try it on the Black Tiger Bee. If it worked on the bee, it meant the scroll could be used on beasts, and the remaining uses could be saved for the Ironback Mountain Pig.
James tried the scroll on himself, but it didn't work. Disappointed, he decided to try it on the Black Tiger Bee.
Braving the snow and cold, he chose a tamed ordinary-level Black Tiger Bee and used the scroll on it. James watched breathlessly as the bee's size increased, its black shell became shinier, and its muscles more defined, almost matching the Black Tiger Bee King in size.
It worked!
"Success!" James exclaimed joyously. The bee became the second high-level combatant in his bee colony.
The Black Tiger Bee King emerged from its hive, confused by the sudden change in its subordinate.
The newly enhanced bee, now confident, issued a challenging buzz to the king.
This was a signal to compete for the top position. The Black Tiger Bee King, unable to tolerate this challenge, buzzed sharply and charged at the bee. They immediately engaged in a fight.
James didn't intervene, knowing that in bee colonies, strength contests are common to establish dominance.
However, the newly upgraded bee, still new to its strength, was quickly overpowered and chased around by the king.
Seeing the bee in danger of being killed, James stepped in to stop the Black Tiger Bee King. Both bees, being tamed, quickly obeyed and returned to their hive.
To distinguish them easily, James named the Black Tiger Bee King "Big Black" and the newly upgraded bee "Black One."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone