Chapter 2.45: Contracts and The Seat by the Window

Chapter 2.45: Contracts and The Seat by the Window

Theo sat in his lab, shafts of afternoon light cutting through the window. He ran his finger around the rim of a flask containing [Refined Vigor Essence], the first of its kind hed made. Thanks to the enchanted water, this would be his most powerful stat-enhancement potion yet. Outside, the pressure vessel bucked against the building, processing the next round of essences. The alchemist made a note to talk to Throk about an improved design for the artifice, perhaps even building 3 new vessels so he didnt have to wait for a single essence to complete.

This new process didnt even take modifiers into account. That was a realm Theo didnt want to open for the time being. He wanted to create enough high-quality potions to make a tidy profit before worrying about such things. There was still daylight enough today to create most of the stat potions, and the effects of the shrine kept his stamina bar in a healthy range. Before moving on to brew his potions, he inspected the new [Refined Vigor Essence].

[Refined Vigor Essence]

[Essence]

Common

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Great Quality

Alignment:

Drogramath (Middling Bond)

Alignment Effects:

Resulting potions will be more effective.

Chance to consume half of required essence during brewing.

Purity 60%

500 units (liquid)

Concentrated essence of vigor.

Something went wrong during the distillation process, bringing the essence to 60% compared to the [Refined Wake Essences] 80%. That was fine for now. He was crafting for volume and quality and some corners needed to be cut. Zarali would help him refine the process of distillation another day, when they werent preparing for a monster wave.

Theo placed a flat-bottomed vial on the table and measured out his ingredients. He filled it with the [Refined Vigor Essence] and [Purified Water] before dropping a [Iron Shaving] in. The reaction was immediate, and thankfully less violent than he expected. The bubbling liquid gave way to a metallic scent in the air, but the fumes were minor. After the reaction settled down, he inspected the resulting potion.

[Vigor Potion]

[Potion]

Common

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Excellent Quality

Alignment:

Drogramath (Middling Bond)

Drink to enhance vigor.

Effect:

+12 Vigor for 1.5 hours.

The increase in stats was absurd. Theos old stat potions provided 5 in a specific stat, making the second tier more than twice as effective. 12 vigor actually seemed like a dangerous amount of an increase. Theos mind went to what would happen if he consumed a +12 wisdom potion and shuddered to think about the abrupt change in his intuition. The effects would disorient the user, if nothing else. Intelligence was another problem stat, although the alchemist still hadnt found the reagent that increased it. None of this stopped him from setting up a large-scale reaction, ending his session before nightfall with 510 [Vigor Potions].

His vision was a flurry of system notifications as he crafted, and he didnt realize how close his [Drogramath Alchemy Core] was to leveling up. It rolled over near the end of the session, and he paused to check the notification.

[Drogramath Alchemy Core] receivedexperience (5%).

[Drogramath Alchemy Core] leveled up! Level 13.

[Theo Spencer] receivedexperience (1.66%).

Tresk arrived as the last reaction kicked off. She wasnt interested in the [Vigor] stat, but begged him to let her have some [Strength Potions] when he got to it. He agreed to give her the overflow from the process, something she seemed excited about. As the pair left the lab, heading to Xams for dinner, the alchemist clutched Fenians crystal in his hand. As always, the Elf answered quickly.

I was wondering when youd call, Fenian said. Feels like an age.

It does, Theo said. Ive made massive progress with my alchemy, would you mind looking at some potions?

Theo knew if he mentioned the items in the correct way, Fenian could inspect them on his end. It was a quirk of the system he didnt use enough.

Absolutely, Fenian said.

Theo linked the [Healing Potion], [Vigor Potion], and [Potion of Wake]. Fenian took a long while to inspect them before responding, but when he did the excitement bleed clearly into his voice.

Why are these so good? Fenian asked. Ive seen [Healing Potions] before, but they didnt restore 100 healthsomething closer to 60 or 70. And that [Vigor Potion]. Ive only seen them add 8 for an hour. What did you do?

I have a new process, Theo said.

Well, keep doing this new process, Fenian said, his laugh coming through the telepathic link. By the gods, I dont even know how much money to give you for these. I dont know if I have the capital to clean you out.

We can always trade, Theo said. I want some Karatan, or other farm animals.

Theo knew almost nothing about cooking. All his meals on Earth came in a package and tasted horrid.

Its Zee all the way down, Xam said, laughing. Milled Zee for the noodles, powdered Zee to get the sauce to thicken, and Marsh Wolf meat and bones for the rest.

Well, its great, Theo said. Do you serve breakfast?

I do, Xam said.

Do you serve [Moss Nettle] tea? Theo asked, narrowing his eyes. That was a deal breaker for him.

For you? Absolutely, Xam said.

Well, youre gonna see us tomorrow, Tresk said, leaning forward. Make something delicious.

Oh, I wont disappoint, Xam said.

Xam was usually an upbeat person, but like most people in Broken Tusk she had an edge to her. This new profession gave her an outlet that brightened her personality considerably. Since Theo and Tresk had worked on their Tarahek and gained a significant amount of experience, their moods had changed as well. Combined with the reduced stress of running the town, the alchemist was finally feeling more like himself.

I saw your worker, Theo said, pointing to the woman waiting tables. Who approved their arrival?

Xam looked over her shoulder for a moment, turning back to smile. Aarok, I think. They said he didnt want to bother the mayor.

Good, Theo said. How is the free meal program going?

Xam leaned on the table and shrugged. Barely anyone uses it. The miners ate free for a few days, but then they started paying. People cant afford the fancy stuff, just go for the stew.

The stew is way better now, Tresk said.

Its amazing what the cores do, Xam said, nodding. Even without spices, they add so much more flavor. The more complex my dishes, the bigger the buff.

You should do sweet stuff in the morning, Theo said, leaning back.

The alchemist remembered the packaged meals he had back on Earth. There was sometimes a little packet of sweet, chocolate-like powder he loved to mix with instant coffee. It felt like a treat, even if it sucked. Both the coffee and the cocoa were synthetic, but hed never had the real thing, so it was close enough.

I think were a ways away from sweet stuff, Xam said, letting out a chuckle.

Thats fine, Theo said. As long as theres tea.

Xam left their table after that, off to attend to other patrons. Theo turned his attention to Sledge, who seemed happy to have something in her stomach. She was happy with her new [Fabricators Core], somehow also juggling the collection of timber. The alchemist realized he knew little about the life cycle of the Ogre Cypress trees, deciding to pick her brain on the matter.

How long does an Ogre Cypress take to regrow? Theo asked.

Sledge leaned in, raising an eyebrow. Why do you wanna know?

Im investing in foresters. I should know how fast the trees grow.

Well, its not a constant thing, Sledge said. When my father worked the forest, itd take decades for a tree to grow up. Now, it can take as little as a day, but never as long as before.

We can accelerate their growth, if needed, Theo said.

With potions, right? Sledge asked, laughing. Its all potions with you, isnt it?

Im an alchemist, Theo said. Thats what I do.

Well, those [Foresters Cores] do more than just cut down trees, Sledge said. They can influence the location and speed of growth while promoting a healthy forest. Well, the swamp might be a different story, but thats how it should work. Do we have a buyer for the timber?

Azrug is working on that, Theo said. Ill need to get the foresters up and running before then.

Leave it to me, Sledge said, waving him off. You gave me 3 good people, Ill get them working on getting experience. Just give me the cores and the building.

Theo nodded. He was happy another person wanted to step up and take a load off him. After a moment of silence, Sledge spoke again.

Is your plan to own everything in this town? she asked.

I dont own everything, Theo said.

Only mostly everything, Sledge said. Gotcha.

Theo would approve of other businesses, but no one steps up, Tresk said, bristling.

Bah, Im just messing with you. We were dirt poor before you came along, Sledge said, her eyes drifting between him and Tresk. Who would have thought youd take a Tarahek. I dont know anyone else who's done it. Maybe thats the secret to your success.

Maybe, Theo said. Have you ever thought of taking the core?

Its not that simple, Sledge said. Theres a lot more that goes into the Tarahek than a want. You have to need it. Like some destiny crap.

I dont really put much thought into it, Theo said.

Maybe you should, Sledge said. You have a real gift there.

The group continued talking after the sun had set. Only when most of the patrons left did they decide to leave, going their separate ways at the monolith. Theo and Tresk walked the cobbled streets of Broken Tusk for some time, admiring the stars in the sky. A cool breeze swept through the swamp, blowing from the hills in the north. The alchemist was reminded of the hot wind that came with Zaralis probing energy, but shook the thought away.

Theo swapped the pressure vessel to process his [Strength Essence] while the slept, doubting that the banging would wake him. It played a rhythmic song against the building, but that noise wouldnt interrupt the sleep brought on by the comfort of his bed. He slipped into his cool sheets, pale moonlight playing through the window, and drifted off soon after his head hit the pillow.