Chapter 2.26: Nuggets

Chapter 2.26: Nuggets

I absolutely will not. Did you see the notification? More experience! Tresk said.

Theo noticed the look in the eyes of the other adventurers. They were itching to get out into the swamp to mop up the rest of the monsters, but Aarok held out his hand, shaking his head.This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.

We dont want to be out there without fire, Aarok said. Better to let them smash against the walls.

Agreed, Luras said. Unless you have a lot of mobility powers, youll just get pinned down.

The thought of miniature Trolls was comical, but still dangerous enough to make Theo concerned. His eyes rolled over the mounds of burning monsters and he smiled. This assault went far better than the last one. They were prepared, poised to lash out the moment the monsters approached the town. It was nothing like last time, and he was grateful.

Very efficient work, Aarok, Theo said, nodding.

Hey, I helped too, Luras said, grinning.

Yes, you did, Theo said.

Theo watched as Tresks health plunged, the way it always did. He stood there, tapping his foot and waiting for her to report in.

Woah, these Trollings are jerks, Tresk said. Theyre not as slow as the big ones.

Trollings are fast, Theo said, distilling Tresks frantic words into something usable.

Ill pass the word along, Aarok said. Why dont you check on the town?

Good idea, Theo said, dismounting the battlements without another word.

Townsfolk had a mixture of fear and relief on their faces. Some might have been hiding their trepidation about the assault, while others were simply oblivious to the danger. Theo thought about how that was an unfair assessment. They had faith in him and the adventurers to defend the town. The alchemist made his way back to the guild hall, noting several dead Goblins scattered nearby. The adventurers defending the door smiled and waved as he passed.

Goblin Rush? Azrug said the moment Theo was through the door.

Im not sure, Theo said with a shrug. Seems like theres a bunch of little, fast Trolls outside the gates now.

Azrug rubbed his hands together, grinning. If it means more loot, Im into it.

Well, its over in an hour anyway, Theo said. Shouldnt be bad. As long as we maintain the walls.

Theo crossed the room, the shopkeeper close behind, and took a seat in a chair. He let out a sigh, that single breath washing away his concerns for the siege. They had every advantage, but he was still worried. Those concerns left him as he thought about the last monster wave. The system gave him 12 gold for the last defense. Aarok was still counting the coin from the loot, which would generate even more money. Broken Tusk would have no shortage of gear or coin for quite some time.

The alchemist let out a laugh. Im going to spend the money the moment it's in my hand.

The way you always do, Azrug said, producing a cup of tea for Theo to drink.

Apparently, the young shopkeeper had become partial to his [Moss Nettle] tea. The copper pot, still brewing near the edge of the room, must have been full of the stuff. Theo took a tentative sip, letting that slight burst of energy flood through his body. It reinvigorated his mind, bolstering him against his flagging stamina bar.

Assuming the [Goblin Rush] goes well, this was a good wave, Theo said.

No kidding, Azrug said. Well, at least the guild hall wasnt destroyed.

Theo nodded, casting his eyes over the citizens assembled there. He spotted Sledge chatting happily with Miana. The Marshlings demeanor had changed entirely since he first met her a few days ago. She found her place in Broken Tusk, although the alchemist had only seen her work once. Looking around the guild hall, he realized how useful someone like her could be. It was easy to extrapolate her powers based on what she did for his lab. She could manipulate the core building itself, changing its format.

Where something like Luras leatherworking was nice to have, the [Fabricator] was essential. Theo withdrew the Half-Ogres old core from his inventory and looked at it, smiling. It was a tactical decision on his part to push the man away from the trade. He lost an artisan, but gained an excellent adventurer. The way he sat atop the wall, firing an endless stream of arrows, was proof enough that it was the right decision. The smile on his face only sealed the deal.

The last thing we need to do is rest on those facts, Theo said. The only reason we took on this wave so easily was our preparation.

Agreed, Miana said, approaching without Theos notice. She took a seat near the alchemist and leaned in. Did you ever get a read on Uharis?

Theo thought for a moment before speaking. He falls somewhere in the middle. He wants something from me, but I cant figure it out.

Kinda funny the wave started when he arrived, Miana said, reclining and grinning.

Well, thats ignorant, Azrug said, laughing. She shot him a glare. We already understand that the monster waves were generated by excess magic. Likely from Theos transmigration. Maybe he kicked them off intentionally, but then why help at all?

Good point. If the intention was destruction, why bother? He could have just nuked us from orbit, Theo laughed.

Nuke? Miana asked.

Blew us up, Theo said. No, he wasnt overtly malicious. He could have caused the monster wave. Maybe he sped it up, but he gave me something that detects how close the wave is.

Bah. I dont trust him, Miana said. I dont trust spell-slingers.

Theo understood why she didnt trust magic. Lacking her cores for so long must have been a painful thing, but she had recovered.

Bad news. We have a resident wizard coming this evening, Theo said, delighting in the surprised expression on her face. Comes recommended from Fenian.

Mianas face softened. I like that guy.

Me too, Azrug said, handing Theo a bowl of hot soup.

Am I being taken care of like an elderly man? Theo asked, laughing. Still, he ate the soup.

Miana leaned in again, smiling. You did a good thing for Sledge. I havent seen her this happy in a long time.

Well, we had to trick her, Theo said. To take the core. I knew she wouldnt take it for freebut it was a selfish act. Were going to need lumber. Lots of it.

Cant have your producers all bummed out, Azrug said.

Youre shrewd, Theo, Miana said. I can see why Ah, nevermind. Dont you have a town to defend?

Me? No, Theo said, waving her words away as though they were a puff of smoke. I have people to do that for me.

Great experience, though, Tresk said from somewhere in the shadows.

The sudden sound of his Tarahek startled him. The alchemist jumped, scurried back, then narrowed his eyes at her. Wish I could see you when you did that.

Tresk giggled.

Well, were in clean-up mode, Aarok said, leaning against the stone wall.

Any damage? Theo asked.

Minor damage, Aarok said, gesturing north. Nothing close to a breach this time.

Luras turned from the edge of the wall, smiling. With motes nearby, the weapons have been firing constantly. Theo, we need to work on the killing field.

Theo cast his eyes over that killing field, a term he didnt want to consider. He was reminded of his previous life, but this was far different than that. The targets he worked on werent armies, but individuals. The training he had received didnt work in this situation, everything except simple concepts. Lines of fire and backstops were his primary concern back then, along with the idea of collateral damage. Using bombs for his work was the easiest, even if it caused the most casualties. These thoughts fell away in an instant. The monsters werent people.

Trenches, perhaps? Theo asked.

In a swamp? Luras asked, grimacing.

Theo waved the comment away. This is why I leave the defense to you.

Perhaps another wall, Aarok said.

It doesnt matter what it is, as long as were ahead of the game, Theo said. I was talking to our new citizens and they seem to think we have it under control.

Because we do, Aarok said. Especially compared to Rivers and Daub. Well, our land is mostly flat, which is an enormous advantage. Were picking defensive upgrades, and we have a standing army.

The adventurers arent an army, Theo said.

They kinda are, Tresk said, shrugging. They all answer the call to arms. Theyre an army.

Theo frowned, but she was right.

The group discussed defensive options in-between the roaring blast from the lightning gun. It was odd watching them casually discuss things while monsters surged against the walls. They settled on nothing during the hours of the bonus wave. Tresk had to leave the safety of the walls to hunt down the last Trollings, hiding somewhere in the marsh. The dust settled for a while before the system determined the siege completed. A victory screen popped into Theos vision.

[Monster Wave] complete!

612 Monsters Destroyed!

12 gold bonus (paid to the Mayor of Broken Tusk).

Bonus for defeat wave boss:

Obtained: [Gloves of the Herbalist].

Obtained: 3 gold, 10 silver, 1 copper.

Bonus for defeating the bonus wave:

Obtained [Clothiers Seed Core]

Obtained 5 gold, 0 silver, 0 copper.

[Broken Tusk] gained new effect: [Troll Slaying 2].

Theo inspected the gloves, disregarding the seed core. It didnt seem very useful to him at the moment.

[Gloves of the Herbalist]

[Leather Gloves]

Uncommon

Scaling

Gloves granted to the alchemist with the determination to defend his home.

Effect:

Stamina depletion reduced for each wild herb nearby.

That was a brilliant piece of gear. It was scaling, and reduced the amount of stamina he lost while harvesting herbs. His old leather gloves were worn, verging on tattered. From what the Alchemist understood about magical items, it wouldnt degrade. No matter how much he tried, theyd remain in good condition. That might not expand to people who went out adventuring, but he only intended to use them to harvest herbs.

18 gold, Theo said, laughing. Some gloves and a seed core.

I got a new bow, Luras said, his eyes going wide.

The Half-Ogre withdrew a bow from his dimensional storage, holding it out for everyone to see. It seemed like a normal wooden bow, but seams of green energy ran with the grain.

I got crap, Tresk said, frowning.

A thunderous sound came from the east, cutting their conversation short. Theo barely turned to look, expecting this turn of events.

What was that? Aarok asked. Another attack?

Nope, Theo said, looking at Tresk and smiling.

Fenian, Tresk said, finishing the Alchemists thought. That man is punctual.