4.49 - Dragon's Breath

4.49 - Dragon's Breath

Theo drummed his fingers on the table in his new lab. His night in the Dreamwalk resulted in predictable outcomes. The dragon was too strong for them to beat, and he doubted Tresk intended for it to be defeated. After a light breakfast, he came to the lab to inspect the new area and read his daily administration reports. While Zizs progress on the tower was predictable, there was an interesting note about Throk.

The Marshling artificer had been working hard on Theos new weapons. He had finished the base model and was testing it today. The alchemist expected to look out the window, spotting a fleet of airships descending on his town at any moment. But it was peaceful for now. The only thing that broke his concentration was the opening of the lab door.

Oh. Didnt expect you here so early, Salire said. This lab is too empty.

The pair shared pleasantries then got to work on estimating the capacity of the new lab. With the area only dedicated to stills, their production capacity would go through the roof. Theo was now looking down the limitations of manpower, rather than equipment. He still needed to commission some new fancy stills from Throk, but that guy was so busy. He also had to consider an additional difficulty to get over. State mandated alchemy runs.

Gronro-Dir had done well with their supply of anti-undead potions, but they required a restock today. While the lab had a fair supply of the essence, it was best not to be caught with ones pants down. With the golems working around the cock, the alchemist had more than enough [Swamp Truffles] stored to make a big run. He drummed his fingers on the table without end, Wisdom of the Soul messages popping up here and there. It offered ideas for the best way to make the runs, and estimated quantities for Gronros current stock.

Right, Theo said, interrupting whatever Salire was saying. He cleared his throat. Sorry. Im going to work with some dangerous materials. Sarisa? Ah, there you are. Lurking in the shadows as usual. Could you ask Thim to construct ten [Custom Drogramathi Iron Artifice Stills]? Thank youwell pay when the order is completed.

Salire let out a long whistle. Thats a lot of stills.

Right away. Sarisa was gone in moments, rushing down the stairs. Rowan was still somewhere nearby. Lurking like his sister always did.

Now, I have something interesting to show you.

Theo withdrew a [Dragon Apple] from his inventory. He held it gingerly in his hand, snatching it back when Salire went to reach out for it. It was shaped like an apple from Earth, but was covered in a thin layer of scales like a dragon. The thing weighed far more than it should have. The alchemist inspected the spirit fruit.

[Dragon Apple]

[Spirit Fruit]

Mythic

The favored food of dragons older than time itself, these fruits are said to increase the strength of whoever eats them.

Properties:

[????] [????] [????]

Ive never seen a mythic item, Salire said, her eyes locked on the apple. Cant I just touch it.

Without [Unstable Material Handling], it would likely explode.

Oh. No touching, then.

Even in Theos hands, the thing felt like it was going to burst at any moment. He returned it to his inventory while he thought about his next course of action. Eating the fruit would be the fastest way to get a property unlocked. He could also use his [Reagent Deconstruction] ability, but the Wisdom of the Soul message popped up. It warned against using his ability on the fruit. The conceptual weight of the fruit was too much for his level to carry. The result would be devastating.

Then there was the problem of eating the fruit. Even with his ability, digging his teeth into the thing might set it off. Cutting it with a knife that wasnt perfectly imbued with alchemically neutral properties would also result in an explosion. Theo and Salire talked about this for a while, concluding that Khahar wouldnt have given the seeds if he wasnt meant to use them. He brought the apple out again, plucking a petal from the side. It revealed the wet fruit beneath, glistening in the morning light. To his surprise, his [Drogramath Alchemy Core] sang when he held the petal. It was a reagent.

[Dragon Apple Petals]

[Alchemy Ingredient]

Epic

Petals from a Dragon Apple. These are said to have been used by the ancient priests of the dragon order during ceremonies.

Properties:

[????] [????] [????]N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

So, we need to peel them before we process them. The petals are a reagent, Theo said, handing the item over to Salire. She held her hands up as though he was trying to shove wet garbage into her hands. It should be safe to handle for you.

Reluctantly, she took the petal and rolled it over. No properties unlocked for me. Nothing new there.

Theo nodded, removing all the petals from the fruit. He was left with a red, wet piece of fruit in his hands. The juice that touched his skin sent a fiery feeling climbing up his arm. As he searched around, he couldnt find a better place for the item to rest while it was out of his inventory. Everything else might have been too reactive. Instead of thinking about the problem too much, he held the fragrant fruit up to his face. After only a moment of hesitation, he took a bite.

The [Dragon Apple] tasted like nothing else Theo had in his life. It was like every kind of apple all at the same time. There was a certain spice to the flavor that had him questioning whether it wasnt cinnamon. He chewed, then swallowed. Two independent system messages popped up.

[Property Discovered]!

Drink to produce Dragons Fire.

Effect:

For five seconds after consuming this potion, the imbiber will produce Dragons Fire from their mouth. This fire can be directed in whatever direction the imbiber is facing. This effect cannot be cut short, it must run its course.

Come on, Theo said, groaning. How am I not gonna go test this out?

A figure emerged from the shadows. Rowan placed his hand on Theos shoulder. Are we going somewhere?

The alchemist tapped his chin, thinking about the best place to test the potion. The ocean made the most sense. He had a feeling that Tresk had been underselling the dragons in their dreams. Combined with how temperamental the essence was, the effect that this potion produced was likely devastating.

Either the bay or somewhere without plants. I dont wanna start a forest fire.

The sea it is, Rowan said, turning around to exit. Theo and Salire followed him.

Hey, what are you up to? Tresk asked. She must have sensed the excitement he felt.

Nowhere. Just made a fun alchemy discovery.

One that requires you to leave town? Yeah, Im watching you buddy.

I have Rowan with me. Im fine.

Uh-huh. Im shadowing you now, pal. Bet you dont know where I amwhat are you doing? Put the reveal construct awayI get it!

A bubble of reveal popped up, removing Tresks stealth. She was crouched around the back of the Newt and Demon, hiding between two [Lesser Plant Golems]. It was easy to find her. Alex was nearby, honking and eating bugs from the ground. Instead of complaining about it more, the Marshling joined the procession to the bay.

It was nice to take a trip out to the water. Not only to test out the potion, but to see the progress Ziz and his men had made. They were almost done with the causeway-things leading to the towers. But they must have been running low on the freezing solution he had given them. That was a problem for another day. The alchemist didnt want to deal with a monster wave from the [River Dungeon]. They found a stretch of beach far from the workers.

The waves rolled up the sandy shore, creating a soothing sound that gave Theo pause. He withdrew the [Dragons Breath Potion] from his inventory and held it for a long moment. It felt more dangerous than anything he had made in the past, but Wisdom of the Soul had some advice for him. Based on the description and a bit of logic, he knew the fire would spew from his mouth. Once his companions were far enough away, he prepared to quaff the potion.

Ready? Theo asked.

Lets go!

Theo tipped his head back, the fiery potion sliding down his throat. It was like drinking liquid fire. The sensation of burning went all the way down until it settled somewhere between his mouth and his stomach. Then something built in his throat, rushing upward intending to escape no matter the cost. The alchemist opened his mouth, eyes going wide.

A bar of red-orange fire escaped his mouth, cutting through the air like a white-hot blade from a blacksmiths forge. It was devilishly hard to control, but Theo angled it down toward the water. Steam rose in great clouds, Zizs workers shouting in horror. The alchemist dragged the Dragons Breath, slicing through a barrier island in the distance. It caught fire immediately.

After the five seconds was up, Theo looked down at himself. His new clothes were on fire.

Stop, drop, and roll! Tresk shouted, shoving Theo to the ground.

The ocean swirled where it had been struck with the Dragons Fire. So much water had been boiled at once that there were eddies of strange currents flowing through the bay. Ziz was angrily stomping down his causeway, no doubt coming to give the alchemist a piece of his mind. He was approaching them by the time Tresk extinguished the flames.

What in the hells was that? Ziz asked.

Dragons Fire, Tresk said, wiggling her eyebrows.

I took notes on the reaction! Salire said with excitement. That was destructive!

I almost pissed my pants, Rowan said, wiping the sweat from his brow. What was that potion?

Another mysterious gift from Khahar, Theo said. He sorted through his thoughts on the matter, listening as everyone chattered about the new potion.

This potion fell firmly in the weapons of mass destruction category. Worse than that fact, he felt like crap. The potion had drained something vital from him, tapping into something deeper than attributes. His Health had gone down a little from the fire, but the biggest hit was his Stamina. Using the Dragons Fire had removed nearly all of it, forcing him to pop a [Stamina Potion]. Without the boost, he would have fallen asleep right there on the beach.

Theo worked with Salire to amend her notes of the process. A crowd of workers had gathered, all chatting about the alchemist who spat Dragons Fire. The dangers of using the potion were clear. It did damage to the user, and anyone around them with the intense heat. That was a last-resort weapon for a truly desperate person. If used in a forested area, the damage would be extensive.

So, well just mark that as dangerous, right? Salire asked, nodding happily. Glad we dont have to go through that process again.

He didnt have the heart to tell her they had other spirit fruits to test.