Chapter 21: Well Stored Soup

Chapter 21: Well Stored Soup

The soup tasted better on the second day. Theo knew that while it was stored in his inventory, it didnt age. That didnt stop him from enjoying it a lot more the next morning. He sat with Tresk around the fire, finally able to enjoy the comfort of a nice chair, sipping his energizing tea. The effects were nothing like coffee, making it a ritual that he enjoyed. His Marshling companion didnt show the signs of [Creeping Rot] the next morning. That fact didnt stifle his urge to make the 200 [Lesser Potion of Purifications]. Vigilance was required when dealing with the wolves baying at the non-existent gates.

The first order of business was to use Tresks entire stock of [Monster Cores] on Broken Tusk. Theo inspected it before they did.

[Small Town]

Name: Broken Tusk

Owner: Kingdom of Qavell

Mayor: Miana Kell

Faction: [Qavell]

Level: 2 (50%)

Features:

Alchemy Lab

Blacksmith

Large Farm

Tannery

Tradesmen

Upgrades:

None

Theos superior memory allowed him to recall the towns total experience the last time they were here. It was at 31% into level 2 when the last visited, meaning someone was feeding it cores. He suspected it was Miana, even if the woman would never admit to helping her own people. Tresk added each core individually, resulting in the town gaining varied experience points depending on the level of the core. She nodded her head when she was done, having dumped all 55 of the cores into the town.

Not bad, Tresk said. Level 3 with 35% experience.

Agreed Not bad, but not good. Were very far off from our goal, Theo said, knitting his brow. And Id still like to see some stone walkways.

We might need to hire some laborers from that. Mine the stone from the northern hills, process them into blocks, and set them with mortar along the roads, Tresk said, frowning. That sounds expensive.

Yeah, it does. Less expensive than a wizard, though, Theo said.

Wizards are so expensive, Tresk scoffed. Thats what I heard, anyway.

Luras joined them at the monolith, departing with Tresk shortly after dawn broke. Theo got a glimpse of the would-be adventurers. All but Aarok seemed to be out of place, as though they were pretending to be adventurers. To his delight, none showed the torpor of someone infected with [Creeping Rot], and he considered that a success.

Azrug was waiting for Theo at the shop, leaning against the wall and reading a book. The alchemist couldnt see the title, and was afraid to ask what the tome was about. The boy seemed eager to get back to work. He even cleaned himself with the [Cleansing Scrub] before arriving for his shift.

Have you eaten this morning? Theo asked.

Sure have, boss, Azrug said.

Ill make sure you have food available if you need it, Theo said. Help yourself to the water from the barrels above.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.

Since you built that water tower Ive had plenty to drink, Azrug said, beaming. The copper you gave me yesterday will feed my family for a week.

Youre the sole provider? Theo asked, furrowing his brow.

Dont be dramatic, Azrug said. Xam has more wolf stew than she knows what to do with and my parents work the fields. Im just trying to get a head start on things.

Well, we should keep issues like that in mind, Theo said. He said it more for himself than anyone else. We live and die by the strength of Broken Tusk and its people.

Youre in a mood today, Azrug said.

Theo wished he hadnt been called out by a child, but it was true. He was trying to shoulder the burdens of an entire town, and he didnt even hold the position of mayor. Miana was doing a horrible job of managing the place, but he didnt know if he could do any better. The alchemist wasnt even sure if he had such lofty aspirations. Until now hed been content to work the lab and sell potions. Just as things were kicking off, he had dangerous thoughts about providing for the people of Broken Tusk.

Why hasnt Miana done more for her people? Theo asked.

No one wants to be a mayor, Azrug said, chuckling. Not in a backwater place like this, anyway. Shes been running this place as long as I can remember, and nothing has changed. Change only came when you showed up.

You have me at quite a disadvantage, Theo said, chuckling nervously. He wondered if the trader could hear his heart hammering in his chest.

Maybe, Fenian said. Only in deductive reasoning. These are truly amazing things. The alchemists over level 20 dont want to waste their time brewing level 1 potions.

Then theyre valuable, Azrug blurted out, putting his hands over his mouth. Sorry.

An alchemist in Broken Tusk. I just had to see for myself. I expected someone flinging those vile salves that all level 1 alchemists sell, Fenian said, letting out a wistful sigh. No, this is a find indeed.

Well. Now that youve exposed my entire origin, are you interested? Theo asked, managing a smile.

Yes, Fenian said, cocking his head and staring off into the middle-distance.

Theo took the chance to update Tresk on the situation. She wasnt surprised that an Elf from the fancy city had him pegged for an outworlder. Take him for all hes worth!

The [Cleansing Scrub] is as impressive as the potions. You figured it out on your own, didnt you? Fenian asked, letting out another sigh. Gods, youre such a gem. Right, Im interested in buying most of your stock.

Theo was glad that his [Vigor] stat was so high, otherwise he would have had a heart attack. Were more than happy to sell them to you. He couldnt think of anything else to say.

25 copper a potion for each [Lesser Healing Potions], the entire stock of that. 70 potions. 30 copper a potion for each [Lesser Barkskin Potion], 20 of those. 15 copper a potion for each [Lesser Potion of Purification], 20 potions, Fenian said, his eyes going glassy for a moment. 26 silver and 50 copper, if it's agreeable.

Azrug made a surprised sound, but clamped his mouth shut quickly. Theo mentally sent the totals to Tresk, and she responded by screaming into his mind. He took that as an affirmative, but he tempered his excitement for a moment. Traveling traders werent just running around buying things, they also sold stuff.

Very agreeable, Theo said, grinning. I have a question for you, though. I assume you carry a stock of items with you.

Fenian grinned. An alchemist. In the middle of nowhere. Of course, youre short on supplies. I carry a vast array of items with me, is there anything youre looking for?

An artifice that generates fire, Theo said. I assume the standard use would be for cooking, but Id like it to heat my stills.

Fenians grin grew wider. He held his hand out, and an item appeared. The Elf gestured for him to inspect it, which he did.

[Flame Artifice]

[Specialty Artifice]

Rare

Created by Melgar

Feed the artifice motes to produce a steady flame. Each mote provides 6 hours of fire. The intensity of the flames is determined by the dial on the side. Setting the artifices power to zero preserves the motes stored energy.

As you assumed, it is a very common item for cookware, Fenian said. Im willing to part with it for 5 silver.

Do you have two? Theo asked, grinning.

Fenian produced another [Flame Artifice] in his other hand and smiled. Since youre new, and this is the start of a very profitable relationship, Ill give you a discount on the equipment. Dont think for a moment that it isnt a selfish motivation. 8 silver for the two, and you agree to take work orders from me.

Theo thought for a moment. He couldnt think of a better arrangement than to produce a specific amount of potions for the trader. Having someone show up in town randomly was nice, but if he had time to prepare, he could have made more of the precious [Lesser Healing Potions]. He reached out a hand for the Elf to shake, which he did.

18 silver, 50 copper, Fenian said, producing the coins and setting them on the counter with the two pieces of equipment. He began collecting his goods.

Theo placed the coins and the [Flame Artifices] in his inventory, surprised when his copper rolled over 100 and added to his silver. He wasnt sure if hed need to see someone to change out his money, but was glad that the system took care of it for him. He was also pleased that Fenian was happy with his order. The permanent smile on his face said that he was going to resell the goods at a premium, but it was a massive sum of money by Broken Tusk standards. He now had 23 silver and 39 copper.

I look forward to working with you, Theo said as Fenian stored the last of the potions in his inventory.

This is going to be an extremely profitable relationship, Fenian said. Not just because youre in Broken Tusk, and I say this honestly. You get little honesty from merchants, but I wont squander this opportunity. You fill a very specific niche in the market, and people are going to fall over themselves to get your goods. This lab is a money-making machine.

I appreciate your candor, Theo said. Im aware of the prices in Qavell, and I dont feel that you were unfair in what you offered.

Naturally, Fenian said. Ill be in town for the day, and part of tomorrow. Ill stop by the shop with a work order tomorrow. Youll get a list of the potions I want, how much Ill pay you, and a deadline. Sound good?

Sounds perfect, Theo said.

Fenian shook his hand again and made for the door. I look forward to working with you.

The Elf was only a few paces from the store when Azrug erupted. He shouted, pumping his fist in the air and losing his mind. Theo watched the boys outburst for a while, finally unable to contain the pressure that was building inside him and joining him. They jumped in the middle of the shop, screaming.

We just made 18 silver, Theo said.

You what? Tresk shouted into his mind.