The Newt and Demon

Theo made his way south toward the mine. The smelter was operational when he passed by, but decided not to meet the operator until later. Pickaxes striking stone rang out across the hills the closer he got to the mine. Gridgen stood outside the opening to the mine, wiping the sweat from his brow. The man smiled upon seeing the alchemist, waving him over.

“Great to see you!” Gridgen said.

Where there once was a massive pile of nuggets outside the mine now rested a single [Dimensional Storage Crate]. Theo nodded in approval.

“You’re taking some initiative,” Theo said. “That’s great. How is the mine?”

“The mine is great,” Gridgen said. “I guess the system is smart enough to understand the function of the crate. We’ve been getting paid regularly.”

Theo hadn’t noticed the slow trickle from his inventory, but appreciated the fact. Running to the mine every day to give the workers their pay was annoying with everything going on.

“And the smeltery?” Theo asked.

“Well, we figured it’s a good idea to get Nira started on experience,” Gridgen said. “Everyone who is mining is getting a massive amount. We’re almost level 5 with our [Miner’s Cores].”

There could be a better evolution for the [Miner’s Core] out there, which could help keep up with the constantly respawning ore. Even if it was only a select few who received the core, it would be worth it. Until Theo could get his hands on those cores, this was good enough.

“I’ll need to meet Nira,” Theo said. His eye lingered on the crate, but his mind swirled with the miner’s success. “You’re doing great here. I guess Nira is smelting the ore into bars?”

“Ingots,” Gridgen corrected. “About the size of my arm. The ore’s quality is perfect, but she has a long way to go.”

That was very unlike the stone in the north. When Ziz pulled a block out of the ground, shaping it into usable form, it kept the quality. The smelter’s process was much like the way alchemy worked.

“What grade are the ingots?”

“Great to excellent,” Gridgen said, smiling.

“That’s far better than Rivers did, even when they operated their pit mine,” Theo said. “What’s the daily volume for ingots?”

“Well, we can go talk to Nira,” Gridgen said. “Until she gets a few levels, our pace is going to be faster than hers.”

“She also doesn’t have a contract,” Theo said, knitting his brow. “I’m going to need my merchant for this.”

Theo went into his mayor’s screen, finding the messaging system and typing out something with his mind.

[Theo]: Azrug, could you please report to the smelter in the south of town.

“That’s one way to get him to come,” Gridgen said, gesturing to the cobblestone road. “We’ll pay a visit to Nira, then.”

Theo followed the man, even though he knew where the smeltery was. When they approached the massive workshop attached to the side of the building, a blast of heat came out. The alchemist shielded his eyes, feeling the sting of the fire on his face. A small Human woman worked the oversized crucible, pulling chains to tip it over into molds. Molten metal spread over the surface of the mold, filling voids to take on the shape of the ingots. She spotted them, but didn’t cease her work.

“Nira, can you come down for a minute?” Gridgen shouted. “The mayor wants to talk to you.”

Nira hopped down from the metal scaffolding which abutted the crucible, landing with a grunt. She was short by Human standards, putting her a half-head taller than Tresk. The woman kept her hair shaved to the scalp and soot covered her mousy features. Theo would have expected her to work in a library, but the way she carried herself painted her as a lifelong laborer. She came to stand next to them without a word.

“Nice to meet you,” Theo said, extending a hand for her to shake. She took it reluctantly, but averted her eyes.

“What’s the problem?” Azrug’s voice came from the entrance of the smeltery. He was out of breath.

“You didn’t have to run here,” Theo said.

“I assumed you needed something appraised. I get great experience for that,” Azrug said, shielding his face as he entered the workshop. “Sure is hot.”

“Comes with the territory,” Nira said, grunting.

“Could you show us a sample ingot?” Theo asked.

Nira didn’t say a word. She walked to the corner of the workshop and came back with a large copper ingot. Theo and Azrug inspected the item.

[Copper Ingot]

[Metal Ingot]

Quality: Excellent

A copper ingot.

The quality of the ingot was at excellent, which was more than Theo expected. Even if it was a low-level recipe, that was still impressive.

“Well, the nuggets go at a rate of a copper for 10,” Azrug said. “How many nuggets go into each ingot?”

“50,” Nira said.

“Alright,” Azrug said, squinting. “My core is telling me the price increases significantly when in ingot form. I’ve heard as much from the traders passing through town. So, instead of 5 copper you’re looking at 20 to 40 copper a bar.”

“Interesting,” Theo said. He thought about his own process and realized that no one would want raw essence.

The ingots were massive if Theo considered their total volume. A single bar could band at least 10 barrels once it was worked into thin ribbons. But Uharis had given a hint about the true value of the copper. The alchemist could infuse it to be alchemical inert, and he had a suspicion there were other uses for the infused copper.

“I’m fine with whatever,” Nira said, her gaze lingering on the still-hot crucible. “I like this.”

“We’ll do the same deal as the miners,” Theo said. “10% of market rate.”

Theo took time to draw up the contract, detailing that she would work in the best interest of Broken Tusk. The moment he finished writing it, she signed it without hesitation.

“Fine,” Nira said. She abandoned the group and returned to the scaffolding, hoisting the heavy chains to reset the crucible.

Theo, Azrug, and Gridgen left the heat of the smelter. Even the humid air outside felt like a cool winter’s breeze.

“She’s a bit strange,” Azrug said, craning his neck to watch her work.

“Nira is a loner,” Gridgen said. “But she’s a hard worker. Extremely honest.”

Theo’s read of the woman was the same. She only wanted to work hard and pull her weight, not burdening others. It was a trait he valued highly. If she wanted to seclude herself from the rest of the town, that was her choice, and he wouldn’t fault her. The alchemist couldn’t deny her ability. There was already a tall stack of ingots resting on the floor of the workshop, ready for export.

“Gridgen, you’ve done a great job,” Theo said. “Brilliant idea getting her up and running.”

“Thanks,” Gridgen said, grinning.

“How many bars do you think she’s going to make a week?” Theo asked.

“Based on her rate?” Azrug asked, butting in. “I’d guess she’s waiting for the miners to get more ore. That huge crucible? Man, she’s gotta be doing a few thousand bars a week. 2 gold worth of copper.”

“That’s a silly number,” Theo said. “I’ve always considered copper as worthless. Besides for alchemical use.”

“Just wait until she cranks out some iron,” Gridgen said.

“Right,” Theo said. “Make sure everyone has what they need, Gridgen. I have to talk to Azrug about something.”

“We could use some [Monster Cores],” Gridgen said.

“Right. I’ll get on that,” Theo said, saying farewell and turning north.

Azrug fell in step with Theo as they made their way up the cobbled road. The southern reaches of Broken Tusk were peaceful compared to the bustling center.

“So, what do you need to talk about?” Azrug asked.

“Well, we need to work out our first trade deal,” Theo said.

“Are we finally going to export stuff?” Azrug asked. “That’s exciting.”

“Yeah, I just don’t know how to do it,” Theo said. “I assume you know more about the trade structure of Rivers and Daub.”

“I do,” Azrug said, flashing a smile. “Traders talk. Rivers is dominated by a trade guild, but we can bypass them if we try.”

“Because they’re importing their metal from the north,” Theo said, his mind going to the metal required to repair the town. Broken Tusk wasn’t high enough to need the metal, but Rivers and Daub would be at that point. They were likely paying a premium to import from so far away.

“What should we focus on exporting?” Azrug asked.

“Everything,” Theo said. “We’ll offer stone, wood, and metal as a deal. You’ll go into the negotiations with all our numbers and work from there.”

Azrug took a steadying breath, nodding. “I think I can manage.”

Theo wasn’t sure about that. Compared to high-level merchants, he was a small fish. “Are you sure?”

“If we’re playing cards, our deck is loaded,” Azrug said. “Do you think they’re paying 20 copper a bar from the northern smelters? They’d be lucky to pay a silver after transport expenses. And lumber? You need a special cart to move items like that, they’re too big to fit in a regular inventory.”

“So, we have it and they need it,” Theo said.

“And we can undercut everyone else because we have so much,” Azrug said. “We’re going to make some trade guilds mad, but we’re unaffiliated and we don’t import anything.”

“Which means we’re untouchable,” Theo said, barking a laugh. “They can’t tighten the noose around us because we don’t need them.”

“Exactly. And if the trade deal falls through, we can turn our attention east,” Azrug said. “Or further north. Just not west. Maybe south?”

“It’s good to have a backup plan,” Theo said. “But I want to strategize with you about this, make sure we’re going into it with a level head.”

“Well, let me get in contact with the right people,” Azrug said. “Shouldn’t take long, I have a few communication crystals now.”

The pair had walked all the way to the Newt and Demon. Theo left Azrug there, making his way behind the building to tend to the pressure vessel. He swapped essences out and cleaned the trap, intent on brewing stat potions tomorrow. The alchemist worked his way to the adventurer’s guild after that, he wanted to have a word with Aarok and Luras about the upcoming defense. When he entered the guildmaster’s office, he found an unexpected sight. Zarali and Xol’sa were already there, sitting in chairs and craning their necks to grin at him.

“We were going to call,” Aarok said on the opposite side of the table. “We’re discussing the next monster wave.”

Theo was overjoyed that Zarali and Xol’sa had the sense to talk to Aarok instead of him. The alchemist was the mayor of Broken Tusk, but the guildmaster was the right person to run tactical things by. Whatever business they were doing could wait, though. Something lingered in the alchemist’s mind since the woman arrived.

“I’d like a word outside, Zarali,” Theo said, gesturing to the door.

“Certainly we can discuss it in here,” Zarali said.

“The hall, please,” Theo said, opening the door and stepping out. She reluctantly joined him.

“If this is about Xol’sa,” Zarali said, pulling the door closed behind her.

“It’s about trust,” Theo said.

“Trust? Surely you trust your big sister,” Zarali said.

Theo smiled. “We’re not really siblings.”

Zarali answered that with a frown.

“I want you to sign a contract stating you won’t bring harm to Broken Tusk,” Theo said.

“That’s it?” Zarali said, letting out a sharp laugh. “Naturally. Surprised you didn’t have me sign it sooner.”

Theo drew the contract up through his interface. It detailed her willingness to help Broken Tusk at no cost, vowing never to hurt it or its people through any means, intentional or tangential. He put leeway into the unintentional aspects of her harming the town, but it didn’t matter. The moment the prompt appeared for her, she accepted.

“Zarali,” Theo said, placing his hand on her shoulder. “Stop by the lab anytime you need to talk. I don’t know if this is a healthy coping mechanism.”

“What’s unhealthy about it?” she asked, crossing her arms. “Consider the rarity of Drogramath Dronon in Qavell. We’re all brothers and sisters, in a way. Besides, now that you kneel at the feet of Drogramath, we’re siblings by faith.”

Faith was a strong word for what Theo felt for Drogramath. He had to assume that the people in this world viewed the relationship differently.

“So, you were Belgar’s big sister?” Theo asked. He never had siblings of his own, but he understood that dynamic. “Did you look out for him?”

“As I’ll look out for you,” Zarali said. There was a shine in her eyes that he couldn’t place. Perhaps it was the love for a sibling. Her face suddenly grew more forlorn. “He was nothing like you, Theo. Part of the reason he died. Where you’re cautious, he was reckless. He picked a fight we couldn’t win.”

“I don’t pick fights I can’t win,” Theo said, kneading the muscle on her shoulder. “I only have one more question for you. Are you really willing to become a Broken Tusker?”

Zarali tilted her head and shrugged. “Aside from Lord Drogramath’s energy here, your town is charming. Any fool can see it will become a powerhouse in the southlands. Few are equipped to deal with constant monster waves. Priests and priestesses are reserved for those larger cities, and I’d wager none of them have one devoted to Drogramath.”

“Good to hear,” Theo said, gesturing to the door. “With that settled, do you want to proceed?”

“I do.”

Theo and Zarali entered the room again, all eyes glued to them. Aarok let out a bark-like laugh.

“Just so you know,” Aarok said, gesturing to the door. “We heard every word. Try finding a more secluded place to settle your sibling, not-sibling disagreements next time.”

Theo’s face went a pale shade and he shuffled on the spot. It was easy to feign bravado when he was alone with someone, but in front of a crowd it was much more difficult. The entire affair was made more difficult by Zarali’s relation to Belgar.

“Oh, drink it up, Half-Ogre,” Zarali said, falling into her chair. She cast a sly grin at Xol’sa and patted his hand.

Theo assumed a place at the back of the room, lacking a chair. He folded his hands in front of him and stood awkwardly.

“Commander,” Xol’sa said, bowing his head to Aarok. “We’re prepared to release the monster wave on your command. It will be slightly stronger than the ones you’ve fought in the past, but after this wave it will weaken.”

“Good news,” Luras grunted.

“Both Xol’sa and I are prepared to apply our talents to the siege,” Zarali said. “I have minor healing magic, and buffs related to the consumption of potions.”

“Even better,” Aarok said. “We drink potions like water in this town. How soon should we release the wave, Luras?”

“As soon as possible,” Luras said. “We’ve been running drills since the last wave, waiting for the next one.”

Theo hadn’t considered a reality where his people wouldn’t need him for a siege, but he was feeling out of place. The only thing he could offer in this meeting was the promise of more potions. Even his funds were running dry from the constant investments he made. Meanwhile, the adventurers were making preparations he wasn’t aware of. That was his position, though. He was the Mayor of Broken Tusk, not the commander of the adventurers. When the first siege came, he ran supplies and installed the towers without participating in the action. That’s where his place was, and he was happy there.

“Any objections, mayor?” Aarok asked, turning his gaze to the alchemist.

“None. I’m just impressed with how good you are at this,” Theo said.

“Have a little faith,” Luras said. “You worry about building this town up, and we’ll worry about defending it.”

“Right. Don’t concern yourself with these meetings unless you absolutely must, Theo,” Aarok said. “We have everything we need at our disposal. You don’t need to stress.”

Theo felt a weight lift from his shoulder. He could trust Zarali to do the right thing and he didn’t have to worry about the monster waves. It was hard not to worry about the coming waves, but the words of reassurance did a lot.

“Alright,” Theo said, going for the door. “There’s a bit of sunlight left. I’m going to take care of some things.”

“Fine with us,” Luras said. “Take it easy, Theo.”

The alchemist left the guildmaster’s office feeling much better about himself. He made his way out onto the cobbles of Broken Tusk, casting his eyes to the colors of the waning sun. Uharis claimed his purpose for being here was to be happy, but he’d been tangled up in his own insecurities for far too long. He cast those concerns off, like the mantle of his old life, and headed back to the Newt and Demon. The stills needed tending. The potions weren’t going to craft themselves.

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