Chapter 48: Selling Charcoal

"Is charcoal really that useful? Can someone who has used it explain a bit?"

"Don't believe it, it's a scam! I also made charcoal, and it doesn't have that effect."

"An S-level Red Name survivor, resorting to deceiving and cheating, do they think we're fools?!"

"Are you blind? He's using charcoal made with a crafting scroll, certified by the system, how can it be wrong?"

"Isn't it all the same? I think wood is fine. How much difference can there be?"

"I don't understand, has anyone used it?"

"Same question! I feel like burning wood is still very cold. It can't provide enough heat!"

"..."

Soon, people started to come forward to explain.

Charcoal crafting scrolls weren't particularly rare, and many survivors had obtained them. Therefore, there must have been quite a few people who had used them. 

It's just that everyone had their own trading circles, and many highly useful items were circulated within small groups and not widely known among all survivors.

"Uh, honestly, the effect of charcoal is indeed good! Definitely better than burning wood directly."

"Yeah, I think so too. It burns for a longer time, and the heat produced is more substantial."

"It's okay, a few sticks last through the night."

"..."

Many people agreed.

Seeing this, James felt relieved; it seemed his efforts were effective.

James was well aware that not everyone would believe him, nor did he need everyone to. As long as some people started discussing it, it would naturally increase the demand for charcoal, and some survivors would buy it out of curiosity.

Among a hundred thousand people, even if only one person bought it, he could sell out all his charcoal. Then, those who used it would naturally understand its benefits and would return for more.

After sending the world horn message, James shifted from the chat channel to the trading market.

He put up over 5000 units of normal-grade charcoal and over 2000 units of good-grade charcoal for sale.

Regarding the exchange rate, he decided after careful consideration: 1 unit of normal (or good) grade charcoal for 2 units of the same grade wood or other items of equivalent value.

A 1:2 price ratio was much lower than other charcoal prices on the market and affordable for most survivors. Moreover, since the effect of charcoal was 2-3 times that of wood, any price below three times that of wood meant buyers were getting a good deal.

Despite the endless debates in the chat channel, the charcoal was extremely sought after once it hit the market. Soon, James received numerous trade requests.

Not only James but many other survivors with charcoal crafting scrolls seized the opportunity, crazily buying wood to make and sell charcoal. Suddenly, the trading market was flooded with charcoal offerings.

However, James, having used the world horn to make a name and being a Red Name survivor and one of the first to sell charcoal, attracted many buyers. He didn't have to worry about not being able to sell.

Before long, James sold all his charcoal and amassed a significant amount of resources. 

In the end, he gained 9230 units of normal-grade wood and 3285 units of good-grade wood, along with a small amount of other same-grade items, though they were of poor quality and not very useful.

James then stuffed all the acquired wood back into the workshop to be slowly turned into charcoal. 

The biggest limitation now was the slow working rate of the crafting table, resulting in a scarcity of charcoal to sell. But this was a common issue faced by all sellers.

While making charcoal, James didn't idle. 

He checked on his livestock and agriculture. He fed the Ironback Mountain Pigs in the basement some ordinary food, mostly leaves and weeds. The crystal rice and winter wheat in the living room were wilting in the cold but managed to survive. He watered them with diluted spring water, careful not to pour too much to avoid freezing.

Just as James was about to go outside to check on the bee colony and wild chickens, he opened the door, and a raging wind rushed in, forcing him to step back.

The howling wind, fierce as a lion, brought with it dry branches, dust, and a flurry of snow. Barely opening his eyes, he saw nothing but darkness outside.

Today, there was no daylight, only endless darkness!

The harsh wind blew in gusts, and James involuntarily hunched his neck and tightened his coat's collar. The air was filled with cold and dryness. He didn't know how long this situation would last.

Through the light seeping out of the shelter, James faintly saw the wild chickens huddling in the pen and the beehives covered in snow.

Perhaps due to the harsh environment, James found that the bees and chickens had all been successfully domesticated. 

So, to prevent them from dying in the cold wave, he moved them all to the basement. Because of the domestication, most of them were quite docile and didn't try to escape or attack.

Back inside, James started preparing lunch: normal-grade meat steak, noodles, and Qingyue algae, also sending a portion to Nancy. However, he reduced the quantity for both himself and Nancy. 

As most of the ingredients were of good grade and packed with energy, a small amount was sufficient to replenish their needs.

After lunch, James started to exercise. He took out the wolf bone bow he had obtained a few days ago and decided to practice archery during this time.

After consulting Luke for some tips, James started practicing in the living room. He hung a piece of wood next to the window as a target and stood at the other end of the room, holding the wolf bone bow and aiming to shoot.

According to Luke, the archer's chest should be perpendicular to the line between the archer and the target. The feet should be slightly apart, with their positions between a 'J' and an '8'. The hand should grip the middle of the bow handle.

Using the three-finger shooting method, the arrow rests on the side of the bow handle held by the bow hand. 

For instance, if holding the bow with the left hand, the arrow rests on the left side of the handle. The thumb shooting method is the opposite. The tail of the arrow is between the index and middle fingers, with the ring finger assisting the middle finger to keep the bowstring hand stable.

Finally, it's time to draw the bow.

James meticulously executed each step.

With a whoosh, the arrow, like a streak of light, sped towards the distant wooden stake.

With a thud, James's heart also clenched. 

My house!

As expected, the arrow missed the target and got firmly stuck in the wooden wall.

It was just a ten-meter distance, and he was struggling to hit the target effectively, which was embarrassingly poor.

However, James had no choice as he was new to archery and only had a rudimentary understanding of its techniques, without any practical experience.

Worried about hitting the wall again, James lined up a row of wood in front, ensuring that even if he missed the target, it wouldn't hit the wall.

Over time, James practiced shooting continuously, bending the bow and shooting arrows again and again.

With more practice, his shooting movements became more standardized, and his accuracy and feel improved. Soon, he could successfully hit the wooden stake.

Although still quite off, overall, he had made significant progress.