– Day 8 –

Duke Rayford

After the Duke left with half my prepared potions, I decided to make some more for storage and to increase the wares I could sell once I actually open up shop. As Bella and Risk are somehow still outside beating the hell out of each other, I think a stamina potion is next on the list.

According to the recipe, this one should refresh a persons energy levels. Well, I think I can improve on this as well~

First crush 8x [Green Weed herist] with 1x [Red Weed urist] and 200mils of sugar rum. Add to a large pot with 3 litres of water and two more litres of sugar rum. Crush 3x [Purple Flower hestis], 1x [Teakish Pollen], a tablespoon of salt with 100mils of white vinegar and wait for the delayed violent reaction. Pour the foaming liquid into the pot and stir until mixture turns purple. Add two more litres of water with two bowls moon sugar, stir till the mixture turns green.

Inventory: 40 / 99

– Purple Flower hestis x65 –

– Green Weed herist x37 –

– Red Weed urist x35 –

– Teakish Pollen x17 –

The result is beyond expectations again. I knew it was going to be powerful from the start, but this is far out there. The potion will not only restore all stamina in a person but also double their limit for 24 hours… This might be too potent for sale but…hehe evil thoughts are occurring~

I take two potions out to Bella and Risk who were sparring.

*pant pant*

“Afternoon Aburi, sleep well?”

“Indeed, Try this for me”

“…what is it?”

“Try it and find out”

Risk looks suspicious but Bella just knocks it back…

“Holy crap! What the hell was that? I feel like I could fight another 30 rounds!”

Risk, now convinced it’s safe, knocks his back

“Yuck, that’s disgust–”

He stops mid-sentence while looking at his hands, slow clenching them.

“…what the…I can feel energy surging through my body…Aburi, what the hell was that?”

“A simple stamina potion…that I accidentally made too potent.”

“Too potent?”

“Yeah, the effects your feeling, they’ll probably last 24 hours. Sorry~”

Bella starts laughing while Risk looks agitated.

“You made me a test subject didn’t you–”

“Ha, so I’ll have a drinking buddy tonight then. Heads up–”

Bella suddenly launches a renewed offensive on a hunched over Risk, a sudden attack at him with a giant two-handed sword. Risk was barely able to dodge it in time. They’re both using proper weapons so Bella’s attack could have been fatal if it had landed. Risk doesn’t seem to be phased by it though as he kicks her knee forcing Bella to the floor.

I’m only noticing now, but although very sharp looking, the sword Bella has is not the one that was on her back yesterday…

I’ll leave them to their play for now and see how long they can keep at that pace.

Okay, healing, mana and stamina potions are all a success. There are some rare permanent enhancement recipes in Agamenty’s book, but I don’t have even a third of the ingredients so instead, I’ll make some temporary enhancers for Strength, Agility and Wisdom.

The recipe for these are the same, but one ingredient is different for each potion, [Red Flower alfist] for Strength, [Green Weed herist] for Agility and [Blue Flower ampist] for Wisdom. Of course, I’m going to use more potent ingredients as applicable.

First 10x [Taproot] chopped with 1-litre white vinegar and a bowl of moon sugar in a large pot. Stand well back when you add the moon sugar as the fumes are toxic. Swirl the mixture in the pot, do not stir, until the fumes stop and add 2 litres of water. Next take 4x [Eldis Flower], 4x [Teakish Pollen] with 200mils of water, salt and 10x the potions main ingredient and crush together until a paste. Add the paste to the pot in thirds until mixture turns black. Stir to encourage oxygenation until mixture turns orange, pale green or pink depending on the potion type.

Inventory: 40 / 99

– Blue Flower ampist x74 –

– Red Flower alfist x53 –

– Green Weed herist x27 –

– Taproot x7 –

– Teakish Pollen x5 –

– Eldis Flower x6 –

Learning from the stamina potion, I take the mini vials and fill twenty with each and seal the pots. Now…I need a test subject.

“Katharine, try these for me?”

“…What are they?”

“Enhancer tonics. They’re rather potent, so I’ve made them in small doses.”

Truth be told, I already roughly know what effect’s they’ll have thanks to appraisal. Depending on the subjects base attribute and natural affinity to said attribute, it will add 0.5x to 1.5x for 2 hours.. There is a significant side effect though as it will cause massive fatigue when it runs out.

“Best to think of them as combat enhancers, only to be taken in dire situations as they have one hell of a kickback once they wear off.”

“Then I’d rather not take it Aburi, geez.”

She says while shaking her head firmly.

“Take a couple with you anyway. You never know when you may need the boost.”

She hesitantly accepts a handful.

Finally, I decide to mix up some basic [Alrist Antidotes] as you never know when they might be needed and I’m done. With this stock level, I should have plenty to sell. I also have a good idea for a way to get more plants without gathering them myself, but I’ll get to that later.

Just as Katharine and I finish cleaning up, Emily returns with the girls thoroughly fed and clothed. Duke Rayford is behind her, so she leads them straight upstairs. I’ll chat with them shortly.

“Welcome back Duke Rayford. I must say, I didn’t expect you back so soon.”

My greetings met with a nod and serious facial expression.

“Draconis, is there somewhere we could chat alone?”

I look to Katharine who lightly shrugs to say she has no idea what this is about.

“Uhm, the dining room I think, but I haven’t been in there yet, please, this way.”

We head into the dining room, a large open plan room that’s joint with the kitchen. A large table which fills most of the room sits in the middle with ten chairs dotted around it. I gesture at Duke Rayford to the chair on left corner side, before taking a seat at the head of the table closest to him.

“Thank you, Draconis. I don’t know how to say this other than just to say it.. Those potions I left with are remarkable. They were so far beyond the skill of our Kingdoms alchemists; they had a hard time just identifying them. In the end, even the Grandmaster was stumped… *Cough* Incidentally, she begged me to introduce her to you.”

“You flatter my skill far too much but please, tell the Grandmaster she is welcome to stop by any time.”

“I will do that, and I do not Draconis. Four of our greatest court alchemists and the Grandmaster analysed the potions, and none could understand how to replicate the effects… As such, I come with a request of you.. What I am about to tell you, very few people in the kingdom are actually aware of, and I hope I can trust your discretion in these matters. You see, the truth is, well, the Kingdom of Sinki is teetering on the edge of destruction–”

Duke Rayford then proceeded to harp on for hours in overly polite and dramatic speech that was giving me a headache. I can only keep up my overly polite tone for so long before cracking, so I started just listening for the key points.

On top of the city walls, lay hundreds of magic ballista style weapons and obelisks that are all powered by magic stones. They’re used primarily to fend off attacks from monsters and demons that come too close to the city, as well as generate a sort of repulsion field that prevents air attacks for winged beasts.

Magic stones are apparently crystallised mana essence that can only be obtained from monsters or demons killed inside a dungeon. This has something to do with the 'dungeon core' which causes the formation of these stones inside the body of the monster, making them stronger and more ferocious.

Initially, the Kingdom had outposts at both Harris, and Aslogia dungeons and adventures would collect the stones and sell them to the Kingdom. A massive stockpile was secured during Sinki’s golden age, however, 135 years ago, something inside both dungeons changed drastically, and the monsters became overpowering overnight. Both outposts collapsed quickly, and every attempt to resettle them since has failed miserably. As such, the adventurers have all pretty much left this Kingdom for other Kingdoms that have working dungeons. This leaves Sinki without a renewable source of magic stones without negotiating with other countries… It's a difficult situation as Sinki would appear weak and an easy target for an invasion if they admit to needing stones. According to Graham here, they have less than a three months supply left for the Capital.

All this pretty much explains the reason Amaki fell so quickly as it had no defences; the monsters simply flew over the walls and wiped out the populace.

It’s an interesting tale but he still hasn’t gotten to the point, and now he’s rambling on about my skill again. I’m going to force the subject.

“–I’m sorry Duke Rayford, but I’m a little lost. What is it you are asking of me.”

“Apologies Draconis, I tend to ramble when I’m not sure how to approach a subject.. I would like you to assemble a team, outfit them with whatever they need so as they can survive the task of collecting magic stones from either Aslogia or Harris dungeon to prevent the city from falling”

“…You want me to assemble a team? As in, go myself?”

“Yes. You have proven to be a master alchemist capable of great skill. Without you there, I’m afraid the expedition would just fail again.”

Truth be told, I was planning to head to Aslogia at some point very very far down the line once I had levelled up a bit but to go now would be madness. Not to mention I’m a vampire. Travelling with a group of strangers only increases the likelihood of being caught! Then there’s also the obvious flaw in his plan that even if I succeed in obtaining stones, it will most likely only be enough to last a couple of weeks…

“What about the Order of Lybian? They already disapprove of an Elf being in the city, I can hardly imagine they would be okay with this. Not to mention the question of why they are not already on this task?”

“[Ez factor Romanus silus]”

[Wind Magic Acquired]

Hmm? Wind magic?

“Excuse the spell Aburi; I have soundproofed the room so I may speak with you bluntly. I personally believe the Order of Lybian are actively seeking the collapse of this Kingdom so they can rebuild it in their own image. I have no proof of this, but I am not the only one that believes it so… Amaki was the stronghold of their Order after all and yet, miraculously, the entire order was away on missions when the attack began.”

“I see…as you are speaking blunt, so will I. You’re asking a lot here.”

“I know, but I see no other choice. I believe you hold the key to securing this Kingdoms future…”

“…I’m not completely against doing this if I’m honest. I was planning at some point in going to Aslogia to check on something, but at my current capacity, I will likely die there…I would need at least two months to prepare for this, but before I accept, I want to know of the reward.”

“Of course, name your price.”

“The Aslogia dungeon and the surrounding area.”

Duke Rayford looks confused for a moment but then realises I’m not joking. Hey, aim high right?

“…You’re serious?”

“Quite. I will first secure you a shipment of magic stones, enough to keep the city protected. As the team and I get stronger, we will proceed deeper and deeper until we can secure an operating base. At this point, Aslogia and the surrounding area will belong to me. The adventurers will come back, gathers stones, sells them to me, and I’ll sell them to you at 20% mark up.”

“…The only one who could authorise that is the King, and I can tell you he will not agree to it…but perhaps..”

He pauses for a moment and grooms his beard with his hand.

“What about this instead.. If you manage to establish a base at Aslogia, you will have complete access to keep whatever you find in the dungeon. You will also receive 30% of all profits the dungeon creates and be immune to taxation.”

“That’s not really a counteroffer Duke Rayford. It was a given that I would be keeping anything I find in the dungeon either way. I am risking my neck after all. Your offer doesn’t appeal to–”

“Then let’s add in nobility–”

“A Desert elf, noble of Sinki. You’ll have a civil war.”

He lets out a sigh before shrugging and nodding in agreement. This is a city of racism after all.

“…Is there nothing else you would accept?”

“I’m not unreasonable. If you can offer something of equal value, I will accept it.”

A light-bulb seems to have come on in his eyes.

“What about an airship, 30% of all profits and immunity from taxation?”

Airship!? That’s like the ultimate fantasy vehicle…but I haven’t–

“I haven’t seen any airships–”

“They run on magic stones, so they aren’t currently in use. If you accept, it will be custom built to your specific requirements..”

An airship is a tempting offer as it would allow free travel anywhere in this world. The very fact it runs on magic stones as well means it will be easy to fuel…

“I can accept that reward, but now I have a few conditions.”

“Name them.”

“Firstly, the team is solely mine to build. No outside interference is allowed”

“Acceptable”

“Second, I do not currently have the funds to recruit, build up and train the team. I am confident that in a few months I would, what with my alchemical creations, but we don’t have that kind of time so the crown will have to foot the bill.”

“I had planned a budget of 1000 gold be made available to you should you have accepted; this condition is also acceptable.”

“Then finally, I require magical training. The best mage this Kingdom has will need to make themselves available to train me.”

“Babel is the greatest, but she is with General Armstrong.. Zero is capable but… No, this shouldn’t be an issue.”

“Then have the agreement drawn up and call for me to sign.”

Hmm? Ah, it looks like the barrier has been dropped.

“Perfect, then I will take my leave. Aburi, thank you.”

Don’t thank me yet; I may fail after all.

After Duke Rayford left, I gathered Bella, Risk, Emily and Katharine in the dining room and explained to them the task that I had just been given.

“Y-You’re joking Aburi, right?”

Katharine is the first to jump in. I was expecting her to, after all, she has first-hand experience of the dungeon, and I hope to convince her to join my team.

“The city has a three months supply of stones left, and then it will likely join Amaki’s fate. Not to mention the fate of all the other towns and cities that already do not have any magic stones left. Something has to be done, and I believe I can help.”

Risk is next to jump in.

“I don’t have any ties to the kingdom accept the contract with you and the mercenary guild. Let me be straight with you Aburi, should the danger there be too serve, I will leave–”

“I don’t intend to take you or Bella.”

“What!” “Huh?”

“It’s as you said, the danger will be high, and I can’t have a party member leaving because of that, so I never intended to take either of you.”

“Then why even tell us?”

“In case I was wrong…but mainly because I need you to train whoever I choose for the party, and I needed you to be aware of the stakes.”

Risk looks a little-pissed off, but I don’t think that’s aimed at me? I think he’s more annoyed at himself, but I could be wrong.

“…–”

“I’m going.”

This got me by surprise, Bella was the last one I expected to say that after the tavern yesterday.

“I get the feeling something will change for me if I follow you, so I’m going. I’m not one for fate, but I can’t help but see something has woven us together.”

“You’ll have to lay off the alcohol?”

“I’ll cut back to camp drinking only. How’s that?”

I can’t help but laugh. I really wasn’t expecting Bella or Risk to join me, having one of them is definitely a boon. Risk looks dissatisfied, but again, I’m not sure whether it’s at the situation, me or himself.

“It’ll do Bella. Katharine, thoughts?”

Katharine has been sat quietly since first speaking. I can see her reliving the memories over and over in her mind. In truth, this is why I want her to come with me as it’s the only way I know that might help her.

“…It’s dangerous Aburi. I honestly don’t think you’ll come back alive–”

“If we don’t, the Capital will fall, just like Amaki. I am confident I can get us strong enough to fight and live in the dungeon.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I have a plan, able people and I’m me…”

Cocky as it may have sounded, the ‘me’ part of that was referring to cheaty mode and my ability to learn skills and magic on the fly. I do not doubt that with enough time, I will be a one-man army. Leading a team, I am certain we can pull it off.

“I don’t want you to think I’m making light of the dungeon; I’m not. I do not doubt that the place is perilous which is why I am going to prepare properly…Do you want to come with me?”

I don’t think she can give me an answer now–

“I-I’ll…go”

“Okay then, Emily you’re coming of course.”

“Of course! …but I can’t fight?”

“Then we’ll have to change that, won’t we”