Chapter 5: Paying Customers

Chapter 5: Paying Customers

Theo and Luras filled their water skins from the freshly purified water in the bucket. It tasted pure enough, and the alchemist was satisfied with his process. From the short run on the still, hed created enough essence to purify twenty buckets of water. It was hardly enough to keep the entire town from catching diseases, but it would do for the time being. At least he could ensure that he had water to use for both alchemy, and keeping himself away from dehydration.

A knock came from the door. When Theo answered it, he found a burly farmer waiting with a crate of the Zee hed bought waiting in his arms. He accepted the delivery, allowing the worker to stow the heavy crop in the corner of his lab before bidding him farewell.

Already working with the farmers? Luras asked.

I like to get a head start on establishing relationships, Theo said, grinning. At least now Im fed and watered for a time. The next problem is earning money to pay my debts.

How much do you owe? Luras asked.

Theo inspected his quest and summed the totals. 2 gold and change.

Wow, she really got you, Luras chuckled. I guess you worked out that theres 1 silver to 100 copper.Witness the debut of this chapter, unveiled through Ñôv€l--B1n.

Yeah, Theo said, waving a dismissive hand. And likely 100 silver to a gold.

Theres something bigger, but Ive never seen it. Maybe diamonds, Luras said.

Well, Ive got four copper to my name, Theo said, tapping his clawed finger against his chin.

Ive got some errands to run, but Ill stop by later to see how youre doing, Luras said.

Dont forget your potions, Theo said. I cant express how much I value your help.

What are friends for? Luras said, stepping out of the lab and up the road.

Theo centered himself before moving forward. Hed consumed half of his stamina bar, but already accomplished a lot. He was going to level up soon, as were both of his cores, which brought new excitement. The results of his work were tangible things that he could observe, improvements made in percentage points and knowledge. As he considered his next move, he stoked the fire under the still, cleaning out the copper vessel in preparation to run another flash of [Healing Essence].

The fire burned low this time around. During his last run to make [Lesser Healing Potions], the fire was way too hot. It sputtered and spat the entire way through, burning the bottom of the still before he could extract most of the effect. This time, he monitored the fire closely, only feeding it enough to heat the mixture until the condenser slowly dripped into the conical flask. By mid-afternoon he had a flask with 10 units of [Healing Essence], sitting at decent quality. He used all the motes that he collected with Luras during their adventure in the swamp to create 10 small vials and 10 potions within each. He was on the edge of leveling his alchemy core, and himself, when he inspected the improved potion.

[Lesser Healing Potion]

[Potion]

Common

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Decent Quality

A lesser healing potion. Drink to restore health.

Effect:

Instantly restores 25 health points.

A 5 health difference came with the improved quality. Since Luras already tested the effectiveness of the lesser quality potion, he was confident that he could sell these. The only thing he needed now was adventurers to buy them.

Theo locked up the alchemy lab and headed north toward the tavern. If there were adventurers in town, thats where theyd be. He passed familiar faces along the way, mostly the Half-Ogre farmers who were standing around the central monolith. They waved happily as he forded a path to the tavern. It was one of the few two-story buildings in town, looming over the square with its wood plank construction. A sign hung out front in that strange language claiming it was the Marsh Wolf Tavern'', which seemed ominous. The interior was a haze of smoke and a roar of sound, tables crammed in the tight space. All heads in the tavern, including that of Mianas, turned to see him before returning to their business.

Theo made his way to the counter, putting on a brave face as he got the attention of a woman behind the counter. She was a Half-Ogre, far shorter than Luras and Miana, with darker skin and softer features than either. She smiled and said, what can I get for you?

What are you serving? Theo asked, returning the smile.

We have turtle stew today1 copper, she said.

I guess you made yourself a sale, Xam said, smiling.

Big city people have big city money, I guess. They said they pay 50 copper for a [Lesser Healing Potion] back north They must be loaded, Theo said, scoffing.

Thats the way it is out here, Xam said, laughing. I hope you gave them a good deal.

Five copper per potion, Theo said, shrugging.

Ive never bought or sold a potion, so I wouldnt know, Xam said.

50 copper seems like a fortune, Theo said. Im rich!

Theo, Luras voice came from behind. A word.

Theo spun on the spot, the grin on his face washing away with Luras piercing gaze. He followed the Half-Ogre outside, into the humidity and wash of pale light cast by dusk. They were standing in the square by the time they stopped to talk.

Jarson is a good guy. Ive talked to him already. Helped him scout out the dungeon, Luras said. But youre going to learn that not all adventurers are created equally. Careful who you strike deals with.

Theo thought about it for a moment. In all his excitement at making money to pay off his debts, he failed to consider the implications of such a deal. He laid claim to exactly 0 combat skills and doubted that he could defend himself from anyone with his [Strength]. It was a bad idea to rely on the good grace of the town to see him through, and hed need to be more discerning when making agreements with strangers.

Thanks, Theo said. Youre right. I got caught up in it. 50 copper seems like so much money, though.

And youll make a lot more, Luras said, nodding. The nearest person specializing in alchemy is a week-long journey north. You have a knack for it. Youll make a name for yourself quickly.

And I still need to name my lab, Theo said. I guess I want to expand it into a store and a lab, eventually.

Good idea. The name should be something meaningful, Luras said.

Or something silly, Theo said, rubbing his hands together. Local Alchemy Demon. Devil and Herb. Swamp Thing.

Those are stupid, Luras said. I like the play on demon, though. People like a shop with a cheeky name.

Were going to need to brainstorm this, Theo said, stretching and yawning. Listen, do you think I could get your help with this project?

Does it pay? Luras asked.

Naturally. Half of our profits. A better rate than Ill give you in the future. This is to repay you for all the help, Theo said.

Luras managed a weak smile. The honesty in his eyes told Theo that the Half-Ogre didnt enjoy taking advantage of his friends, but the alchemists insistent smile was irresistible. Fine. I know youre just going to bother me until I help, anyway.

Thats the spirit, Theo said, clapping his hand on Luras back. Meet me at the lab bright and early. Were going to run batches nonstop for three days.

Sure thing, boss, Luras said, shaking his head and departing.

Theo left the meeting with a feeling of excitement, despite his draining stamina bar. He hadnt experimented with potions that restored someones stamina, but he could really go for one right about now. It was easy to imagine someone with an absurd [Vigor] stat that could stay up all night with no rest. The thought lingered in his mind as he returned to the lab. With the candles lit, he settled in on his bed to thumb through Essential Alchemy before bed.

According to the book, only high-level potions using complex ingredients caused any long-term issues. Even the highest level restoration potions could be taken back to back with no problems. It was the elixirs that altered a persons status that was the issue. The book gave an example of a potion that allowed the imbiber to grow five times their normal size. Repeated use of the [Giants Elixir] caused permanent damage to the drinkers heart, inflicting an incurable disease. It also noted the abuse of stamina restoration potions. The mind still needed to sleep, and repeatedly staying up all night would inflict the same problems that came with the lack of sleep.

Theo spent the hour before and after dusk planning the next day. The first step would be to gather the ingredients needed for the potions. Luras needed to be instructed on which herbs to gather, and how to gather them. The book had enough information on the [Moss Nettle], used to make the stamina potions that he could easily relay the information. The Half-Ogre would know where the herbs would grow, due to his extensive hunting knowledge. The issue came in the form of finding motes, and creating a workflow that would maximize the time they had.

Theo thought about the mountain of debt hanging over his head. It was easy to dismiss Mianas posturing when faced with a simple fact. He would easily turn to the swamp to provide all he needed to bring him out from under her thumb. The arrival of the adventurers was fortunate. The citizens of Broken Tusk were unlikely to pay 5 copper for a potion, even if it would save their lives. Adventures had the advantage of fighting through dungeons, which he could only assume were incredibly lucrative. A band of fighters could travel a week south, raid a dungeon, and make a profit. That meant they had money to throw around, although the cost of doing business must have also been high.

The deal that Theo struck, and the ridiculously cheap price of the potions, was a calculated move. Once this group moved off, heading back north, theyd spread the word that Broken Tusk had an alchemist. There must have been people with cores specialized in healing magic. It only made sense, but those people would need mana potions all the same. At every turn, he had an advantage, starting with his incredibly powerful cores and skills. He had a feeling that his ridiculously high [Wisdom] skill, for his level, had a lot to do with his success.

Although his mind was spinning with the possibilities of tomorrow, he collapsed into his straw bed. Theo would start to fall asleep when another aspect of potion making logistics popped into his mind, robbing him of rest. This went on for an hour before not even the most pressing matter could rouse him from slumber, and he finally fell asleep.