Chapter 84b: Recipe for Success

Chapter 84b: Recipe for Success

There was a message for you this morning.

The voice snapped Edwin out of his morning stupor slightly as he stared at the innkeeper. Hed just descended from his room, Sorry, wha? he blinked.

A runner from the Guild dropped this off for you. It is for you, right?

He swept a wing across the counter, depositing a small black pebble on the wood. Edwin blinked at it uncomprehendingly, Ummm. I may still be waking up, but thats a rock?

Edwin was still awful at reading Avior expressions, but it was clear even to him that the innkeeper was looking at Edwin like he was an idiot. Which wasnt really a surprise, but it didnt help him much here.

Some problem?

Well its a rock.

You have an issue with rocks? Where did you come from?

A very long way away, apparently. Edwin responded, I still dont see how the rock plays into this.

Have you never seen a message stone before? What did they use back for you?

Ink and paper, usually. So, what am I missing here?

The stone. Identify it. He was really done with Edwin, wasnt he? Sigh.

Edwin shrugged and triggered Identify on the pebble.

Itsa rock!

A very rocky rock. Rocking all over. It rocks. Not a very big rock, though. It might be stoned. Maybe it will roll?

Okay, that didnt work. Material?

I think this is Granite?

Alchemical Analysis?Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

50 - 90% Quartz

50 - 90% Elemental Oxygen

He should update his Quartz tag to be silica, shouldnt he? It would also be nice if he was able to get actually pure substances so he could Almanac them properly and definitely Eh, project for another day.

He shook his head, Not getting it. Not sure what youre trying to get me to do?

Didnt you Identify it?

I did. No messages, though.

You dont even have Common Knowledge?

Look, I come from so far away, you wouldnt even believe it. I dont suppose you could read it for me? he sheepishly asked.

Fine, the innkeeper squacked, But youll pay.

How much? Ill pay double for my breakfast.

Hmm. Thatll be ten ves, then, and you need to wait until Ive got everyone else taken care of.

Fine, Edwin acquiesced, mostly just not wanting to make any kind of scene- being seriously overcharged was fine when the payment was on the order of ves- and slid the copper coins to the avior, who swept them up off the counter with the same Skill.

Thank you for your patronage.

Food and message, please? Edwin tapped his foot on the floor as he took a seat.

Certainly, certainly, the innkeeper stepped into the next room over and returned a moment later with a small loaf of bread on a wooden platter. Edwin took it and tore off a chunk, chewing on the food while waiting for his answer.

New? You hadnt made this before?

Well, no. Like I said, I was trying to make a-

Yes, yes. Well, well done! Its nearly as good as I might have managed at your age. And this, Cope tapped the apparatite container, And this apparatite substance? You made this, it seems?

Uh, yeah. I got a Trophy Path, and this was the result. Its super versatile.

Indeed. Mostly alchemically neutral, too. Very useful.

So, the Prodigious Pioneer-Alchemist made some kind of grabbing motion at the bowl of fever-inducing elixir, and the liquid vanished, reappearing as a faintly lavender sphere in Copes hand, who slipped it into a hidden pocket in his fancy clothing, Why should I sponsor you?

Well, Edwin was marginally prepared for this, I have extensive alchemical training and quite a bit of experience mixing my own potions. I believe that I would be able to fit in nicely within the Guild and contribute as needed to any projects, or undertake research of my own, even without the schooling the Guild mandates. My Alchemy is in the eighties, along with several supporting Skills, though those are admittedly much lower as theyre freshly evolved.

Hm. I see. Cocky, are we?

Edwin shrugged, I know what Im capable of.

Ha! he laughed, Youre lucky I like a bit of attitude! Alchemy in the eighties he stroked his moustache, Let me see some of what youve made in the past. If its good enough, youre in.

Edwin mentally shrugged and withdrew a few of his potions, the hexagonal vials they were in allowing his fingers to find them without even looking, Some of my more standard healing potions.

Hm. Not much of a healing potion. Elixir of boosted recovery, medium quality. No Health-optimizations?

Errr no? I dont know how to do that sort of thing.

Howd you make these? He asked, looking over the vial, and Edwin hoped he wouldnt pocket those as well.

Talsanenris and molai mainly, a bit of sinbalyne to reduce pain and hasten delivery. Its my most general potion, meant to be imbibed as a bit of a quick stabilizer.

I see. Well, its not the best Ive seen or even done, but did you come up with the formula yourself?

Edwin nodded, I did, yes.

Hm. That explains the pitiful ingredients. Brewing instructions?

Oh, you- Uhhh actually, I think Ill hold onto that one until after I get in to the Guild.

Smart man, the alchemist winked at him, Not that you need to worry about me. Now, Othniel

Who? Edwin asked.

Oh, hes another alchemist in the Guild. Keeping him around is a disgrace, the man barely contributes anything! No, he just has his apprentices repeat the same thing time and time again, yet he keeps pushing me out of my rightful positions! Funding is diverted, hell destroy curious samples meant for me, steal my notes and present them as his own and worse! Hes the quiet sort that you need to keep an especially keen eye upon. Hed rob your own mind blind and sell you what he took!

That doesnt sound great. Why dont they deal with him?

Beats me! The man wouldnt be able to figure out white gold if he had the Gaiash tell him everything.

So am I in, or not?

Well, I wont be able to get you full membership of the Guild yet, but I can pull you in on my team! Ill get you set up with some lodging, you can work with me, and we can show the Master how deserving we are, eh?

Um, sure I guess. Will I have some books?

Of course youll have books, my friend! So, what do you say?

Edwin nodded, I mean, I guess? I dont suppose I could get some more details about what this would entail, could I?

Oh, Ill have one of the paper-pushers write up something for it. Itll go great, my friend! Just you wait and see!

Edwin smiled awkwardly as the large man clasped him in a side hug, trying to squeeze out from the grasp.

It was only hours later when Edwin was back in his room that he realized Cope had kept his healing potion after alll.

Dang it.