Chapter 2.53: No One Out-Sneaks Me!

Name:The Newt and Demon Author:
Chapter 2.53: No One Out-Sneaks Me!

Theo tapped his fingers against the side of a flask. Morning light poured into the lab, casting through the trees above to dapple the wooden floor in motes of yellow. Where a sense of dread should have washed over him, owed to the coming trade deal, he felt calm. The pressure vessel completed its run during the night, resulting in 500 units of [Refined Decay] modifier essence. While he tried his hand at refined modifiers before, this felt pure. His [Drogramath Alchemy Core] sang at its purity, reaching out with hungry intent. The alchemist had made an offering to the shrine that morning of [Widow Lily], something that seemed fitting.

Tresk marched into the lab, placing a plate of Xams delicious food on the table joined by a cup of her tea. Theo managed a weak smile. Hed refused to spend time eating at the tavern this morning, bucking their new trend, and he knew it was all he could do to banish the idea of the trade deal away. While he might be calm, it was only because of his constant motion. He had a feeling that the moment he stopped moving, it would come back in a horrid wave of anxiety.

Eat up and make me some poison, Tresk said, bouncing on the spot.

Theo obeyed, pressing his fingers onto the essence before taking a bite of the food. As always, it was the leftovers from last night that the woman served. He inspected the new item.

[Refined Decay]

[Essence Modifier] [Refined Essence Modifier]

Rare

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Excellent Quality

Alignment:

Drogramath (Middling Bond)

Alignment Effects:

Resulting modifier will be more effective.

High chance to add an additional modifier to the resulting potion.

500 units (liquid)

Add to a completed potion to add the Decay modifier. Decay applies necrotic effects to offensive potions.

The second tier [Poison] was already incredibly effective, and the alchemist had 500 of them in his lab. Theo had a feeling this modifier was more potent than anything hed brewed before, and a flash of fear ran through his body. It was another item he didnt want to share with others. His poisons carried implications that were better left unsaid.

Keep this one a secret, if you can, Theo said, withdrawing a [Poison] potion and applying the [Refined Decay] modifier. The poison bubbled more than normal, twisting the dark liquid until it glowed with an eerie red-black color. Writhing seams of decay ran through the length of the potion, pulsating as though it had a heart to beat. He inspected the poison.

[Poison]

[Accelerated Decay]

[Poison] [Modified Poison]

Epic

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Excellent Quality

Alignment:

Drogramath (Middling Bond)

Coat your weapon to deal additional damage over time to an enemy.

Chance to inflict 2 stacks per hit.

Effect:

Cripples an enemy, reducing their Dexterity by 5.

Applies a stacking DOT effect based on poison quality. Maximum 15 stacks. Poison inflicts DOT damage and decay increases the effects of all poison damage.

Stacks of poison take twice as long to fade.

Removing a stack of poison through any means other than the natural expiration of the effect causes the remaining stacks of poison to explode, dealing their remaining damage to the target.

Thats the longest description Ive seen on a potion, Theo said. He could feel the power of the potion, even at a distance.

Tresk let out a low laugh, cradling the poison in her hands. A look flashed across her eyes, but she shook her head. Zaul is screaming for this item, Theo.

I have to imagine the item is worth a lot, Theo said, nodding. He didnt want to confront the whispers of another god right now. Theres so many effects on that thing.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.

Im gonna be real strong, Tresk said, flexing then pocketing the potion.

Theo noticed she placed it in her dimensional bag and not the shared inventory. Perhaps she wanted it close at hand.

And the process is easier with the enchanted water, Theo said. I can keep up with your high demand for poison now, as long as you bring me [Widow Lilies].

Tresk was happy to help Theo perform the rest of the reactions. Despite his confidence with the new techniques, he took his time with these. There was something that radiated malfeasance from the vials, and he didnt want it to get out. It took several hours for them to bottle them all. A sharp knock came from the door shortly after and Alise entered the lab.

The delegates are arriving soon, Alise said. Were meeting in the Adventurers Guild.

Alright, Theo said with a nod.

Alise departed, and Theo turned to Tresk.

The Tarahek grows stronger, Tresk said, a wicked smile painting her face. I can feel what you want me to do.

Just shadow them, Theo said.

The alchemist was unsurprised she could feel his intent. As the core grew stronger, their thoughts bled more freely. Theos intent was for her to coat her weapons with the new poison and watch the merchants, although Aarok likely thought of that already. Any hostile action would see the activation of the towers, and the incineration of anyone who dared betray Broken Tusks trust. There was no reason to not be cautious, though.

Tresk scampered out of the lab and Theo followed, not able to keep pace with the excited Marshling. He stood in the empty lab for some time, taking a moment to appreciate how clean it was. Azrug had all his new wares in [Dimensional Storage Crates], and the shelves were stocked with a decent amount of potions. It was enough to supply a few adventurers, but they needed more. The Newt and Demon always needed more potions, it seemed.

A thunder of hooved feet echoed through the town. For a moment, Theo thought it was the delegation from Rivers and Daub. After listening to the pattern and the volume of the sound, the alchemist determined it was Fenian. That was a surprise. He made his way north toward the center of time, the sound of the demonic Karatan growing louder. Iron-shod hooves struck the cobbles, sending sparks and magic flying as the carriage drew to a perilous stop at the center of town. Fenian dismounted with haste, affecting a bow to Theo at a distance.

I love that hat! Fenian shouted, turning and marching to the adventurers guild.

Yeah, I see him, Tresk said. Whoops, wrong channel.

What? Theo asked. His heart hammered hard in his ears. He didnt want to show it, but Tresks health dropped, then sprung back up again. The alchemist leaned to Aarok, whispering his concerns. Tresk is fighting something, he said.

The sound of fighting could be heard, even through the thick walls of the guilds hall.

Whats happening, Tresk? Theo asked.

Her health dropped again as Azrug went back and forth with Alran.

Aaroks eyes went glassy. Theo pulled up the shared tactical map and saw movement on the walls and through the town. Tresks health dropped again, springing up just as quickly. A booming sound fired outside, the familiar blast of the [Chain Lightning Tower]. Her health dropped again.

Got the bastard! Tresk shouted.

The merchants eyes went wide. They were communicating with other people, somehow. They cast worried looks at each other, searching for answers. The room went silent for a long time, only broken by the sound of the massive double doors swinging open. Tresk, Zankir, Zansal, Bal, Dal, and Ral appeared. They carried two lifeless bodies with them.

No one out-sneaks me! Tresk shouted, throwing the limp body of a man into the entrance of the hall. His flesh was charred under his armor. The bodies were clad in black leather armor, silken hoods obscuring their faces. The group bound both figures. Zarali casually moved across the room, her purple robes gathering wind behind her before calling upon her healing magic. The figures stirred, shouting against their gags.

Theo rose, slamming his fist against the table. He took a deep breath, preparing to unleash every curse that would come to mind. Aaroks powerful hand clapped over his shoulder, forcing him down into the chair.

All according to plan, Aarok said.

I just have one thing to say, Theo said, tempering his rage. He rose, raising his voice for everyone to hear. Youre just Incredibly lucky, he started, feeling meek. The alchemist found his courage after a moment, facing it head-on. If my Tarahek wanted to, she could have skewered you all and no one would have noticed. If she didnt hold back, your discount assassins would be worm food. Take the deal, you greedy idiots.

Theo fell back into his chair, shaking with anger. Tresk pumped her fist in the air, withdrawing her daggers and performing a few moves. Whatever anger he was feeling didnt translate to her at that moment. She was too embroiled in the flavor of victory.

We accept, Alran.

Well, Azrug said, holding his arms wide. I think we need to renegotiate.

The resulting conversation wasnt a renegotiation. The representatives from Rivers and Daub had to work to earn the trust of Azrug. They ended up offering to pay market value for all exported goods, including the cost of transportation. Alrans people would now have to arrange regular caravans to transport the goods between the cities. They also opened up to exporting goods to Broken Tusk, although they intended to work that part of the deal out later.

When Azrug was done working miracles, Theo forced each of them to sign a contract with his [Governance] skill. It included provisions that prevented the men from acting against the best interest of this new trade alliance, and Broken Tusk as a whole. The alchemist also forced the assassins to sign a contract, ensuring they could never act against any citizen of his town in the future. They refused at first.

Whats the alternative? an assassin asked after having his gag removed.

According to the laws of Qavell? Fenian asked. I believe youll be executed.

Both assassins signed the contracts without hesitation. They were unbound and allowed to return to their masters, who hung their heads low as they departed the town. The delegation returned to their mercenary company, the portcullis dropping with a clatter behind them. Fenian placed a comforting hand on Theos shoulder as they watched the group leave. Tresk was still dancing around, too excited about her victory.

How powerful are these contracts? Theo asked.

Im uncertain, Fenian said.

Quite powerful, Xolsa said, coming to join them.

Miana poked her head out of her barn, squinting to see what was going on. After a moment she vanished back inside.

The contract you made with those assassins is tight, Xolsa said. If they break it, an extra-planar beast will be set loose. It will hunt them for the rest of their lives. Only a powerful mage could stop it. The beast, not the contract. That is unbreakable.

Tresk approached the group, dancing awkwardly. Today was way more fun than I expected, she said. When Aarok told me to look out for assassins, I never thought thered be actual assassins. Well, they didnt have [Assassins Cores], but they did try to kill people. So that makes them assassins.

The entire event rolled through Theos mind. It was a reminder about how competent his people were. Whatever the merchants from Rivers and Daub hoped to accomplish was dashed in an instant. He imagined they planned to take control of Broken Tusk, taking the enchanted land for themselves. He was glad it fell flat, not progressing past the initial stages.

Tresk beckoned for Theo to press his forehead against hers. He could feel her eagerness to check their exp gain from the trying event. Wherever something big happened with them, they got far more experience than normal. The alchemist put his forehead against the Marshlings clammy skin, watching as a group of messages popped up. Their [Tarahek Core] was on the edge of level 14, but the defeat of the assassins rocketed them to 15.

Woah! Tresk shouted.

This solidified the idea that they were after Theo, and Tresks intervention saved his life. The alchemist checked the core for its level 15 evolution.

[Tarahek Core]

Legendary

Tarahek Core

Bound

3 Slots

Level 15 (11%)

[Tarahek] cores are given to those who accept a Marshling life-partner. You cannot change the skills inside the core, or remove it at any time.

Effect:

+6 Strength

+2 Vigor

The core gained a new slot, +1 to [Strength], and +1 to [Vigor]. As expected, there was already a skill in the 3rd slot. Theo inspected that next.

[Tarahek Dreamwalking]

Marshling Bond Skill

Legendary

Walk in each others dreams.

Effect:

You may dreamwalk whenever both members of the Tarahek are asleep.

Dreamwalking allows you to experience reality while dreaming. Actions taken while dreamwalking will influence your core development, allowing you to gain experience while sleeping. Experience gained while dreamwalking is less than while awake.

Alright, Tresk said, letting out a laugh. That might be the coolest skill so far.