Chapter 3.18: Like a Plucked Pozwa

Chapter 3.18: Like a Plucked Pozwa

Theo was certain the information provided by the book was not accurate to how things worked on Earth. The [Swamp Truffles] worked much like the [Spiny Swamp Thistle Root] for propagation. There might have been some spores involved, but the way the book described it was like growing a plant from a tuber. Truffles werent the easiest mushrooms to access, either. They buried themselves deep in the semi-wet soil, typically near the space between the Newt and Demon and the eastern wall. But he only needed one sample to start the cultivation process.

When working with alchemy to speed up the growth of plants, Theo had discovered a problem. Using an undiluted [Lesser Potion of Growth] caused them to become monsterized. That might have been useful in a different context, but it wouldnt work for plant cultivation. Instead, he applied the [Aerosolize] modifier to the potion, diluting its effectiveness just enough to kick off the cultivation process. After that, he just needed to let the plants grow and keep back the best samples for further growing.

They started the cleanup, Tresk said, speaking into Theos mind.

She must have been talking about the guardian outside of the gates. Theo had spotted Fenians carriage near the ranch, so he was still in town. Whatever he forgot to buy would be remembered before the Elf left town.

Any news on the metal? Theo asked.

Theyre still trying to figure out how to cut it away, Tresk said. Oh well. I took a job to check out the [Ocean Dungeon]. I pilfered your potion stores.

Sounds good.

Tresk often stole his potions, but she was frugal enough to understand which potions were off limits. Theo guessed she took some [Potions of Wake], which would allow her to brave the depths of the sea without worrying. It allowed the user to hold their breath longer, and swim better against currents. Until they had a solid plan to keep the dungeon at bay, this would be the best way to handle it. The alchemist made a note in his mind to brew more of those potions, experimenting with modifiers to find the best kind. Adventurers would be more likely to brave that dungeon if they had such support.

The one bright spot of the entire problem was that the Fald, the monsters that spawned around the water-based dungeons, dropped the reagent required to make the potion.

Theo dusted his hands off, having applied his growth potion to a truffle. He inspected his first cultivated mushroom before burying it.

[Swamp Truffle]

[Alchemy Ingredient] [Food] [Cultivated]

Epic

These extremely rare truffles, found typically in swamplands, are prized for their flavor and properties.

Cultivation:

10%

Unit by volume:

6

Properties:

[Experience Boost] [Hallow Ground] [????]

This was the best approach hed found to cultivate, although he understood there might be a better way.

Theo made his way to his greenhouse, sorting out those plants for the day. Aside from his daily tasks of distilling as much of his cultivated plants as he could, the alchemist wanted to focus on leveling his [Governance Core]. His alchemy and herbalism cores would roll over to 15 at any moment, leaving him at a bottleneck. His mind itched to get to work on constructs, both his intuition and cores urging him forward on that front. Alchemy was a craft that supported others. Every potion he made was a way to make the lives of others better, and the concept of constructs was no different.

With that in mind, he dusted off his silken robes and straightened his feathered hat, heading upstairs to set his stills to work on his cultivated [Spiny Swamp Thistle Root]. He dusted himself again once the stills were running, heading downstairs to ask Azrug how he looked for the day. Fenian was with him, discussing business.

Like a plucked Pozwa, Azrug said.

Do you know how close your shopkeeper is to getting his third core? Fenian asked.

Hopefully very close, Theo said. Cant wait to have a [Loremaster].

Did I tell you that? Azrug said, huffing. I dont remember telling you that.

This is the obvious choice, Fenian said. My first pick for him was an [Enchanter] class. Well, you have one of those now. Also, do you know how rich this young man is?

Azrugs ochre skin turned a little more red around his cheeks. Not my money, he mumbled.

I never check the balance in the shop, Theo said. He cant have made that much money, could he?

About 200 gold, Fenian said, puffing his chest. The Elf thought of himself as Azrugs mentor, so there was some pride in his words. In coin. Not merchandise.

Azrug had been buying gear from the adventurers, intended to get them identified by a [Loremaster], then selling them to traveling merchants. What he ended up with was an endless supply of equipment, and adventurers hungry for a piece of gear that was just right for them. The shopkeepers stock and Theos deal with Fenian did not intersect, they were discrete things. The alchemists plan with that was to show the young Half-Ogre that he had a lot to learn about trade.

Turns out, I dont know a thing about trade, Theo said, shrugging. He felt a sudden need to amend his deal with Azrug. We should renegotiate your salary.

Agreed, Azrug said.

Fenian laughed.

Theo waved any idea of complex negotiations away. He hated negotiations. Just take what you need. Keep as much in reserve as you think you need. Use the rest for yourself.

That might be too generous, Fenian said.

He made the money, Theo said. If the kid can turn 5 silver into 200 gold, I dont want to stop him.

Work out something more formal, Fenian said, nudging Theo in the ribs with his elbow.

Theo let out a sigh, but drew himself up. Azrug was a citizen of Broken Tusk, which meant if he worked with him and created a contract, the alchemist would gain a lot of experience. He wasnt married to the gold made in the shop. It was the one place people could buy things in town, but it had a fatal flaw. He knew one day the young man would leave his employment, buying a general store and running that. The shop had always been a place to distribute potions to the townsfolk for cheap, but it would never gain the benefits of a real seed core building dedicated to trade.

He drew up a loose contract that gave Azrug half of everything he made. In Theos mind that was cruel, but hed put the money into the town. The shopkeeper was doing all the work, and was damn good at it, but he put a clause related to the boy leaving the shop for another job.

You cant hold onto him forever, Fenian said, grinning.

Yeah, but I can make sure he hires a replacement before he goes, Theo said. Azrug signed the contract eagerly.

Youve given him wings, Fenian said, leaning in. Let him fly.

Theo pushed him back, nodding. The Elf was being too weird today, and he wasnt interested in dealing with it.

Youll have a shop of your own, Theo said. Whenever you want, I imagine. Ah, hell. Whats the point?

Theo went into his mayor screen, finding the section that assigned citizens titles. He created a new group for merchants. There was only one requirement, made by the system, that kept a townsperson from gaining a lord title. Azrug owned the seed core house he shared with Xam, allowing the alchemist to grant him the title of Lord Merchant. The shopkeepers eyes went wide.

I present to you, Theo said, gesturing with as much flair as he could manage. Lord Merchant Azrug Slug.

Fenian bowed, removing his hat and swiping it through the air as he bent over, his nose almost touching the ground. Long live the Lord Merchant.

Mayor: Theo Spencer

Faction: [Qavell]

Level: 18 (22.12%)

Core Buildings:

Alchemy Lab

Blacksmith

Greenhouse

Mycology Cave

Large Farm

Windmill

Quarry

Stonecutter

House (x63)

Tannery

Tavern

Adventurers Guild

Hotsprings

Sawmill

Mine

Smelter

Enchanter

Ranch

Townhall

Defensive Emplacements:

Chain Lightning (x9)

Frost Cone (x4)

Fireball (x7)

Firebolt (x20)

Upgrades:

[Stone Walls and Gates]

[Stone Roads]

[Turret Emplacements]

Effects:

[Troll Slaying]

[Coordinated Fire]

Current Resources:

Timber: 10,583

Stone Blocks: 4,290

Metal: 6,002

Motes: 382

The adventurers must have been shoving cores into the town. He left it at level 15 after getting it to large town status. Theo only had to hope there was something worthwhile for the level 20 upgrade, as the others were not great. The current, unselected upgrades were [Watchtowers], and [Water Tower]. If something nice didnt show up, hed pick [Watchtowers] and hope theyd provide something that synergized with his other upgrades.

Upgrading the town was a long-term goal. Theo had plans for the immediate future that needed doing.

Whats your take on the harbor? Theo asked.

The harbor is a great idea. Ive heard people talking about it. Youre going to bring the ocean to the town, Alise said. But theres a lot of work to be done with that. We need someone to build the boats, then someone to pilot them. Then, we need to scout out trade locations. That might take a while.

I wonder if Zarali can enchant the boats, Theo said, sinking further into the chair. It was just too comfortable. Maybe make them go faster. Catch more wind.

Are you planning on importing the cloth for the sails? Alise asked.

Theo withdrew the [Weavers Seed Core] from his inventory, holding it for her to see. Were gonna grow our own.

Might need to expand the farm, Alise said.

Theo grunted a response, falling into his thoughts. The problem with the farm was that they were out of room. Now that was a problem for another day. He rose from his chair, happy to see his [Governance Core] level to 11. He then headed for the door.

I really dont want to hire an [Earth Mage].