Jack Carter went to the Miners' Association and bought several miner's bags. These bags have three or four times the capacity of ordinary storage bags, but can only hold ores—raw gemstones also count as ores. Then he went to the market and, following the guide's plan, frantically bought the lowest-grade copper ore. When the bags were full, he returned to the jewelry shop to do ore selection. Ore selection means holding a magnifying glass in one hand and a hammer in the other to strike the ore.

　　"System prompt: You used the ore selection skill on copper ore and obtained copper ore powder. Experience +5, skill proficiency +0.1, current 0.1/100."

　　Copper ore powder means a failed selection; the powder can be sold cheaply to the shop. Even failures grant a small amount of experience and proficiency.

　　"System prompt: You used the ore selection skill on copper ore and obtained malachite x1. Experience +20, skill proficiency +0.3, current 0.4/100."

　　A successful attempt gives 20 experience, about the same as killing a small monster. As skill proficiency increases, the chance of failure drops.

　　For Jack Carter, who is already level 14, 20 experience is nothing at all, so how could this be called rocket-leveling? Don't worry, this is just a warm-up.

　　Soon, skill proficiency reached 100/100, and the copper ore was almost used up—just as the guide had planned, truly well thought out. Jack Carter immediately went to Oswald to upgrade his skill. Of course, this wasn't to upgrade from Basic Jewelry Processing to Intermediate, but just to advance to Basic Jewelry Processing Tier 1. Intermediate is still a long way off.

　　At Tier 1, he could select bronze ore. Jack Carter continued buying from the market, successfully extracting verdigris from it, experience +25, still not much, so it was still just a warm-up.

　　At Tier 2, he could select red copper ore; at Tier 3, tin bronze ore; at Tier 4, tin ore; at Tier 5, zinc ore; at Tier 6, purple zinc ore; at Tier 7, lead ore. At this point, ore selection was giving 70 experience, which was quite substantial. By now, Jack Carter had reached level 15, but all of this was still just a warm-up, just a warm-up.

　　Tier 8: iron ore. Tier 9: black iron ore.

　　Tier 9 maxed out, OK! He went to Oswald to upgrade his skill level—this time, it was to Intermediate.

　　The rocket only launches once the Jewelry Processing skill reaches Intermediate, hahaha! Top players on the leaderboard, tremble!!!

　　System prompt: Congratulations, your Jewelry Processing skill has advanced to Intermediate.

　　Oswald patted Jack Carter on the shoulder and encouraged him: "Not bad, you worked hard. You got your skill to Intermediate in just one day. You should rest now, don't wear yourself out."

　　Huh? Jack Carter was stunned. What's going on? Wait a bit, wait a bit.

　　After a while, Oswald added, "Aren't you going to go home and rest? How about sitting down for a cup of tea?"

　　Jack Carter panicked. How could this be? How could this be? Did the guide get it wrong!?

　　Jack Carter cautiously asked, "Um, boss, I don't drink tea. Is there anything you need my help with?"

　　Oswald smiled and said, "It's pretty quiet here, nothing I need help with."

　　How could this be! Oh no! How could this happen? Where did it go wrong? According to the guide, the normal situation should be:

　　—"What a rare talent! You got your jewelry skill to Intermediate in just one day. I knew I wasn't wrong about you!"

　　—"Boss, you're too kind. It's all thanks to your guidance."

　　—"Not at all. Since you've reached Intermediate, and I'm a bit busy here, would you be willing to help me out?"

　　—"Boss, just say the word. I won't refuse."

　　—"The Darnassus Jewelry Shop received a huge jewelry order from Duke Leham of the Human Lionheart Empire. Although Darnassus Jewelry Shop is one of the top shops in Quel'Dorei, we can't complete it alone in a short time, so some simple accessory orders have been distributed to smaller shops nearby. My task is to complete 500 green agate window ornaments. Normally, it wouldn't be a problem, but unfortunately, I have urgent business back home and will be delayed for a few days."

　　—"Don't worry, boss. I'll take care of it!"

　　—"You're a fine young man. I'll teach you the recipe for green agate window ornaments. There are plenty of materials in the warehouse, so it's okay if you fail a few times. The key is to deliver within three days!"

　　—"System prompt: You successfully crafted a green agate window ornament. Experience +5000."

　　—"System prompt: Congratulations, you've reached level 23!"

　　—"System prompt: Congratulations, you've reached level 24!"

　　—"System prompt: Congratulations, you've reached level 25!"

　　……

　　It was supposed to be like this!

　　Jack Carter thickened his skin and asked, "Boss, I have Intermediate Jewelry skill now. I reached Intermediate in just one day. Don't you think I'm, well, a genius?"

　　Oswald choked on his tea: "Cough, cough, didn't I lend you 1,000 gold coins? With that much money, anyone could level up in a day."

　　Ah! So that's how it is! Jack Carter suddenly realized—the guide had him borrow money from a rich lady to power-level his skill. Not knowing the reason, of course the NPC would be amazed. What is this, what is this? I thought the story was back on track, but it's still off-script!

　　Jack Carter, still unwilling to give up, cautiously said, "Um, um, I heard that the Darnassus Jewelry Shop has distributed a batch of orders..."

　　"Eh?!" Oswald set his teacup down with a bang, his gaze turning cold as he started scanning Jack Carter up and down again.