Chapter 2.38: Drogramath's Descendants

Chapter 2.38: Drogramath's Descendants

Xams banquet was worth the price. Theo woke the next morning well before dawn with a single point bonus in strength, dexterity, and intelligence. He woke the next morning feeling refreshed, having a pleasant breakfast with Tresk. He expected a need from Perg. It had been a while since hed created either the [Alchemic Tannin] or the [Stripping Solution] she used for her process, and she hadnt come calling for it. He busied himself with those reactions in the morning, eager to check on his garden and work on the refined stamina essence for the day. With the ingredients on hand, it took very little time to accomplish his first task of the day, looking with satisfaction at the large flasks filled with the tannery solutions.

Before departing from the lab, he mixed a [Lesser Potion of Growth] with the [Aerosolize] modifier. It was time for his cultivation project to enter the next phase, now that his small garden was filled with plants. Entering the gravel yard, he noted the plants were doing well. He also remembered the explosion that had happened from errant potions leaking into the gravel and grimaced. Tresk had already departed for the day, leaving him without the cores to upgrade his shop and get the [Experimentation Room] upgrade.

This was fine for now. The [Aerosolized] modifier seemed to disperse through the air, not affecting the things in the soil. A thought flashed through his mind for a moment. Hed only thought of using that modifier for his growth potions, but it seemed like the most powerful. If he applied it to a healing potion, that would guarantee an area-of-effect heal for everyone who inhaled the smoke. He also thought about dropping two at the same time, potions that conflicted with each other, to create an explosion. The alchemist shook the thoughts away. They had enough bombs for another wave. He didnt need to concern himself with that.

Theo learned from his last attempt at throwing something a few feet. He simply wasnt dexterous enough to accomplish the task, using a short-ranged underhand technique this time. The familiar fog came rolling out of the point of impact, boiling over the ground and seeping into the plants. All the plants grew visibly larger, the cultivated [Spiny Swamp Thistle] even growing into its mature form. Growth time for reagents in the swamp was short, but with this method, he could reliably make more plants as long as he had the growth potion.

The alchemists theory was simple, but it needed to be proven. When planting something in the enriched soil, could he simply toss a growth potion on top to force it to mature. The [Spiny Swamp Thistle] seedlings grew from small buds sticking from the ground to full plants with broad, spiny leaves. Theo nodded in satisfaction, digging with his gloved hands to reveal a [Spiny Swamp Thistle Root] that was significantly bigger than the original. He inspected the item before harvesting it.

[Spiny Swamp Thistle Root]

[Alchemy Ingredient] [Cultivated]

Common

This [Spiny Swamp Thistle Root] has been cultivated. Selective breeding and applications of growth potions will increase the [Cultivation] modifier. [Cultivation] percentage increases yield and quality of this reagent.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.

Cultivation:

50%

Unit by volume:

6 units

Properties:

[Healing] [Regeneration] ????

Repeating the process, Theo dug up the other 3 he had planted. 2 of them were at the same cultivation level, while one hit 60%. Instead of 6 units by volume, it was 7. He could extrapolate this in his mind to mean that a 100% cultivated [Spiny Swamp Thistle Root] would produce 11 units by volume, which was a massive improvement. There was also the goal of refining these cultivated ingredients, producing higher-quality essences in the process. The alchemist mentally designated the lesser-cultivated roots for grinding, slicing the larger one for later use.

Theo was then left with an uncomfortable truth. While the root was simply to propagate, he did not know how the others would work. Both the [Mages Bane] and [Roc Berries] didnt have tubers growing under them. They both had flowers, but that wasnt helpful. The alchemist grumbled at his lack of knowledge, rising to his feet and dusting the dirt from his robe.

The walk to Banus farm felt like a walk of shame, but the bright faces of the people in Broken Tusk banished that way. While Theo woke up early, he couldnt hold a candle to the farmers. By the time he arrived in their fields, they were already well into their day. Those fields affected by his alchemically enhanced soil were obvious. The Zee grew taller, with thicker stalks and larger fruit. Those using the old method seemed anemic by comparison.

Theo spotted the windmill, the massive blades held still as the building rested. They were running it, as evidenced by the bread Xam had made, which would be amazing for the town. The alchemist spent some time standing there, watching the farmers work before Banu approached him.

Just taking in the sights? Banu asked.

Theo thought for a moment before responding. He was feeling strangely wistful today, as though everything in the town was amazing. It was a sense of nostalgia that wasnt earned; he simply hadnt lived in the town long enough. He decided that thought was too much of a burden on the farmer.

I am, Theo said with a smile. But Ive come with a question.

Naturally, Banu said. Ask away.

Theo paused for a moment before responding. He felt something fall across his chest, like wayward leaves blown from some unseen tree above. But the farms were clear of trees. Only the sky rested above them, streaked with the colors of the passing dawn. The alchemist shook it off, turning his gaze back to the farmer.

I have some plants to propagate, Theo said.

Banu let out a deep belly laugh. And you do not know what youre doing. I get it. What kind of plants are they?

Theo explained them briefly, detailing the features that he thought were noteworthy. Banu nodded as he spoke, grinning at the end.

Youll need to take clippings of those. Try to keep a few leaves and cut them at an angle. A day in water should have them ready for planting, Banu said.

Right, Theo said with a nod. If you like, I can cultivate some of your Zee.

Cultivate? Arent we cultivating the land, now? Banu asked.

Theo explained his process of alchemical cultivation. He knew it would work on the Zee, since it had the [Alchemy Ingredient] tag on the items description.

So, you can make my plants bigger? Just like that? Banu asked, laughing. Of course you can. Mind giving me a demonstration?

Not at all, Theo said, gesturing to a field with the modified crop. He pressed his hand against a growing Kernel, surprised at the systems window.

[Zee Kernel]

[Alchemy Ingredient] [Food]

Common

This [Zee Kernel] has been cultivated. Selective breeding and applications of growth potions will increase the [Cultivation] modifier. [Cultivation] percentage increases yield and quality of this reagent.

She moved back, withdrawing something from nowhere. Theo recognized it wasnt an inventory, but a quirk of her illusion. What she withdrew was a potion, one of the first that the alchemist had made.

Theo reached out with his mind, expressing the intent to inspect the woman. It was an ability he never used, as it was considered rude. This was a strange circumstance, though.

[Zarali] Level 32 | Priestess Of Drogramath

The alchemist stumbled back, eyes going wide. I dont know you, he said. Who are you?

Zarali let out a sobbing sigh, wiping her eyes and leveling her gaze with him. Youve forgotten. I would beg our Lord to level this place to the ground for collaring you so, but they may have been your savior.

Youre going to need to elaborate, woman, Tresk said, growling again.

Zarali managed a weak chuckle. Youre soul-bonded, marked, and ruined.By His belt. What have they done to you? Fine, perhaps this will help your memory.

With a wave of her hand, Zarali dispelled the illusion. Theos mouth fell open as a shimmering wave of energy worked its way from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet. She had long, raven black hair with horns that matched the shape of her head. Her skin was pale purple with violet eyes to match. The robes she wore were a deep shade of purple, stitched with gold in intricate symbols that the alchemist recognized as Drogramathi script.

Oh, crap! Tresk shouted a little too loud. Theo, she looks just like you! Like, not just another Dronon!

Theo knew the implications. His intuition was good enough to tell him the truth, but there was something else screaming the answer in his chest. It wasnt his cores this time, but his heart. He grabbed her by the arm and dragged her, Tresk following closely behind, into the Newt and Demon. The alchemist waved away Azrugs questions, snapping the labs door shut and fixing his gaze on the woman.

I didnt want to consider this idea, Theo said, swallowing hard. And this is going to be too much for you to hear right nowyou should have a seat.

Whats going on, Theo? Tresk asked, bouncing up and down.

Theo gestured to a chair, and Zarali took it. She had a quizzical look on her face, something that mingled with sorrow. Please, she said, her lip quivering slightly. Dont say it

I wont let it linger. I wont lie to you, Theo said, gesturing to the door and nodding at Tresk.

Tresk picked up on what his intent was without words. She swung it open and screamed at Azrug, who had his ear pressed against the door. The shopkeeper nearly peed his pants, screaming back and tumbling down the stairs. The Marshling snapped it shut immediately after.

A question had lingered in Theos mind since he arrived. In all the system-generated text about him, it called him Belgar, or Theo Spencer (Belgar). He had many theories on the topic, but no evidence to back any of them up. His first thought was that the system simply generated him a new body and a random name. Another theory, the one that he came to believe in that moment, was darker in nature.

There was just one answer among his theories. One fact that stuck out among them. Zaralis resemblance to him was too much, sealing his thoughts with conviction.

Your brother, Belgar, is dead, Theo said, bracing himself. Im just inhabiting his body.

The look of devastation on Zaralis face was heart-breaking. She cupped her hands over her face and started sobbing again. Even Tresk felt bad for her. Theo could feel it. The Marshling waddled over and placed a comforting hand on the Dronons shoulder, casting the alchemist a worried look.

Way to break the news, idiot, Tresk said.

Tearing the bandage off quickly is better, Theo said. Even though he said that, it didnt help the sobbing woman in front of him.

Hes been dead for 23 years, hasnt he? Theo asked.

Yes, Zarali managed between sobs. She looked up at him, tears streaming down her face. But its you, brother. Belgar. Your face, your eyes. Your

She broke off again, face back in her palms.

Oh, you are not good with people, Theo, Tresk said.

Im great with people, Theo said.

Yeah, clearly not, Tresk said, snorting a laugh. There, there little Demon lady. Its okay.

Its not okay! Zarali shouted.

Start from the start, Theo said. What happened to Belgar?

Zarali looked up at him with pleading eyes. She took a steadying breath, and the air stung with magic. You and I had our backs against the wall, 23 years ago. In the Veostian Hinterlands. A silent war with Lord Zagmons cults. She took a moment to steady herself before continuing. I saw you die, then you vanished. Ive been looking for you ever since.

Belgar was a Dronon before Theo got the body, that much was clear. Whoever designed this swap was heartless to do such a thing. The poor woman was scouring the planet for her dead brother for 23 years. But that man was dead. The alchemist couldnt feel anything but himself within that body. He moved to kneel by her, taking her hand in his and managing a weak smile. He wanted to cry with her, but he wouldnt.

Im not your brother, Theo said.

She shifted uncomfortably in the chair, looking around the lab. I know. I had I wanted to hope that you were. I knew it the moment I swept my power over the town, but I wanted to hope, she said, meeting his gaze. Her expression shifted in an instant, features brightening considerably. My Belgar would have never kept such a horrid lab. Who created those fermentation barrels? Why, in the name of our Lord, Drogramath the Potioneer, would you use a single-stage condenser system? No bubbler plates? At least you have a [Glassware Artifice].

Zarali stood, straightening her robe and wiping the tears from her eyes. She took in a steady breath. This place is a mess, brotherah, was it Theo?

Well, thats a shift, Tresk said, laughing.

And you arent channeling any of Drogramaths energy, even when it soaks the air? Zarali asked. No, perhaps youre not my brother, but youre a Drogramath Dronon. In my brothers body, maybe, but a descendant of Drogramath all the same. Come, I have some suggestions to make.

Theo watched her move through the lab, and a new pain flooded through his heart. This wasnt a sudden shift, as Tresk suggested. She was hiding the pain away, deep in her chest. She pushed it down to ignore what was standing right in front of her, but he had to wonder if it was such a bad thing to do. The alchemist put on a smile, grabbing her by the arm with the intent to give her a tour.