Exploring the Mechanic Department

As Mark and Claire made their way toward the next Department, Mark had a question to ask the female researcher.

"Why is your department different from the Mechanic Department?"

"We are researching and making their blueprints while they take the simple task of following those instructions and creating them," Claire exclaimed with a clear tone than hers, and the Mechanic Department wasn't on good terms.

Mark understood the difference, which reminded him to do something —- using his <Truck Points> for new Skills. Since he wanted to prove himself worthy, he had perfect Skills for where they were currently headed.

____________________

You learned <Beginner Mechanic>

____________________

That Skill is similar to his <Beginner Hacker>, and <Beginner Tracker> cost 5 <Truck Points>, as it was another Master Grade Skill. Mark was ready to use some of his <Truck Points> to level it up, but before he could do so, some more notifications appeared.

____________________

Because the user has the compatible Skill <Beginner Hacker>, <Beginner Mechanic's> level increased to level 20

____________________

____________________

Because the user has some relatable knowledge over the nature of the Skill <Beginner Mechanic>, the System will adjust its level

____________________

____________________

<Beginner Mechanic> reached level 21

____________________

____________________

<Beginner Mechanic> reached level 22

____________________

.

.

.

____________________

<Beginner Mechanic> reached level 42

____________________

What just happened surprised Mark, as Truck-kun hadn't mentioned the possibility of something like that happening. He understood how the Skills were relatable to each other, like what Claire had just said about the two Departments.

As for the relative knowledge, it was most likely because, in those past days, we were browsing the Net over different machinery, primarily cameras and such, so that he became more familiar with how they worked, which helped in developing his Skill. That knowledge was impeded in his brain, and he could search for it like a file on a computer, but no matter how he tried, he couldn't organize them to make it easier to search them, so there was always a random delay.

Because of the massive leveling up of the Skill, which went from its <Apprentice State> right to almost the middle of its <Advanced State>, Mark had a bit of a headache because of the knowledge that was unlocked into his brain. Fortunately, because of his <Beginner Hacker> Skill, he could at least slow down the speed of his brain processing all that info, although until now, he used to speed up the pace he processed things he read or found through his search on the Net, etc.

Claire didn't notice that Mark didn't look okay for a moment, as she was at the front leading the way and turning every few times to ensure that Mark followed her. He only needed a couple of seconds to clear his mind enough to stop that headache, but he was still in the middle of processing everything.

By the time they reached what was clearly the Mechanic's place, Mark had processed everything for the <Apprentice State> of the Skill and was halfway into the info about the <Basic State>. The people here wore coveralls, which had the distinctive logo as all the other suits, and they worked in various items as the place seemed to split up depending on the type of said item.

At the further left part, it was the weapon division, which included the Exoskeleton, different types of guns, surprising swords, and other bladed weapons, etc. Then next to it, there was a place that looked to create various types of machinery that mark kept using his <Appraisal> to understand what they were, as he didn't think it would be a good idea to use his <Beginner Hacking Skill> for that.

But that was a good thing, as it gave him a chance to level up his <Appraisal> Skill, which was still at level 27, making it the Skill with the lowest level at his disposal. His Skill didn't work on everything, but from the ones that it worked, he understood that there wasn't a specific theme in that division, but they were organized a bit on their placement.

Some machines looked to be simulator stations, each being made to simulate a specific situation, like an environment with increased gravity, extreme temperatures, and weather conditions. A few machines were for healing purposed or to increase the rate the body healed itself temporarily while using that machine. There was also a machine for analyzing and improving the body's movement and muscle memory efficiency.

In general, Mark noticed quite some things he had never heard about before or had heard to be only at a theoretical level while he was still part of his family. For example, some machines were still prototypes, and his skills let him know if they worked but not how much that chance was.

Finally, at the right part of this place, there were different vehicles, engines, etc., that they were creating. Some looked very typical, but a few clearly looked like they came out of a sci-fi movie.

This entire investigation didn't take Mark long as using his Skill was instantaneous, and he just made the info of the notification to be added to the queue of knowledge he was processing. Still, he had looked at a few of them.

By the time he and Claire found the person who most likely was in charge here, Mark's <Appraisal> had reached level 35, and his <Beginner Mechanic> also leveled up once.

The person they walked towards was a short man with messy black hair, a somewhat heavy beard that wasn't the best kept, and piercing blue eyes that were concentrated on Claire when he noticed her. Mark noticed that he had a nametag with the name Max on it.

"Well, well, look who came back. Did that brat kick you out yet?" Max said as Claire got closer.

Claire sighed as she took a deep breath, seeming to calm herself before speaking.

"I was just given the task of showing our newest recruit around. We are supposed to meet all Departments to test him before they decide where he will be assigned. Just letting you know that Master Jack shows quite an interest in him."

Max turned his gaze towards Mark, sizing him up, as he seemed slightly surprised at what Claire said.

"Well, if he is interested in him, I doubt he will be of much use to us, but I guess he can try it if he wants. No offense, by the way, kid."

Claire seemed to want to say something, but Mark stepped before her and spoke instead.

"What does your test involve, then? I must tell you I am familiar with tinkering, though," Mark said casually.

Max seemed to be in a bit of deep thought for a moment, but then it looked like he had an idea that popped into his brain.

"Follow me. I have the perfect task if you aren't a complete newbie then."

They walked towards the weapon division and reached a table with different parts that looked like, if put together, would make a variety of guns.

"You can use anything at this table to put together a gun. I give you an hour, and you need to make at least three different guns. The difference had to be more than just what it looks like, for example, making one with a low fire rate but increased firepower, etc. If you don't make at least three guns with a clear difference between them, then you have failed, even if all three work. But, of course, if a gun doesn't even shoot, it won't count, either. Your time has begun."

Mark understood that Max didn't get this serious, and he just made up a bullshit test, which Mark shouldn't be able to succeed. However, Mark was confident that if it was before he got his latest Skill, he indeed would have no chance of succeeding, and because of his Skill, he understood how difficult the task was.

But Mark didn't let any reaction appear on his face, as he kept using his <Appraisal> Skill on each part and prioritizing impeding them in his brain. He was confident that even if he hadn't processed all the Knowledge of his <Beginner Mechanic> Skill, he had more than enough to complete this task.

But he didn't plan to just get a passing grade, but also to show that he wasn't one to be underestimated.

Fifty minutes had passed since the test had begun, and Mark hadn't even touched a single part. Claire and Max said nothing, although Mark detected that the former seemed confused over how he acted like that. The latter had a grin, probably because he thought Mark was lost and did not know how to proceed.

As five minutes were left and Max was ready to say something, most likely to bring this test to an end since they wasted enough time, Mark started moving. His hand moved at an unnatural speed for his task as he kept assembling one gun after the other.

As the five minutes passed, Max and Claire were staring over the table where Mark worked, seeing all the guns he had created. He used all parts of the table and made a total of twenty-five guns.