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, he’d 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 he’d 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 I’m 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 there’s 1 silver to 100 copper.”

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

“There’s something bigger, but I’ve never seen it. Maybe diamonds,” Luras said.

“Well, I’ve got four copper to my name,” Theo said, tapping his clawed finger against his chin.

“I’ve got some errands to run, but I’ll stop by later to see how you’re doing,” Luras said.

“Don’t forget your potions,” Theo said. “I can’t 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. He’d 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, that’s where they’d 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 Miana’s, 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 today—1 copper,” she said.

Theo forked over the single copper and received a bowl of greasy soup that looked less appetizing than the jerky he’d been eating. It was hot inside, hot everywhere in Broken Tusk, but it was the first warm meal he had since arriving. He accepted the bowl eagerly, digging in before prying about any adventurers in the tavern. The soup was decent. The flavor was bland, but the turtle meat was tender. He raised his head after sipping the stock and got the barmaid’s attention once again.

“Do you know if there're any adventurers here?” Theo said, managing a sheepish smile. “I’m Theo, by the way. I just transitioned to this world.”

“Nice to meet you Theo, I’m Xam,” she said, smiling back. “There’s actually a group headed to the swamp dungeon over there.”

Theo followed her gesture to a table in the back. A group of humans sat huddled together, poring over a map. His satchel rattled as he spun around, the potions shifting with the speed of his turn. “I’m not much of a salesman, but…”

“A man’s gotta eat,” Xam said, chuckling. “Suck it up. Put your best foot forward. The road to Broken Tusk is long, and most adventurers don’t account for fighting their way here. Chances are, whatever potions they brought are long gone.”

“I guess word gets around, huh?” Theo said. “You knew I was an alchemist.”

“Yeah. Small town.”

Theo finished his turtle soup, thanking Xam for the information before striding across the room. The group of humans fell into hushed silence as he approached. He wondered if his appearance had anything to do with their hesitation.

“Hello,” Theo said. “I heard you’re adventurers planning on entering the swamp dungeon.”

“That we are,” a man, presumably their leader, said. Theo could see his piercing eyes from under a leather cowl and a shaven head.

“My name is Theo. I’m the alchemist here in Broken Tusk and—”

“Broken Tusk doesn’t have an alchemist,” another adventurer spat.

The leader held a silencing hand up, casting a glare at his companion. “My name is Jarson. I led this rabble south in search of riches, but…”

“But you’re fresh out of potions,” Theo said, grinning.

“Well, I certainly didn’t expect a Dronon this far south, let alone an alchemist,” Jarson said, letting out a heavy sigh. “What are you selling?”

“I’ll be honest. I’m a very new alchemist. I’ve crafted my first batch of [Lesser Healing Potions] and I’ve got rent to pay. I have 10 that I’d let you have for 5 copper each,” Theo said.

Theo’s initial plan to sell the potions for 10 copper apiece fell away in the face of a paying customer. He didn’t want the adventurers to know how desperate he was, or that he lacked any negotiation experience. But debt was debt.

“Sounds like poison, to me,” an adventurer said, receiving a swift fist to the arm from Jarson.

“Let me see one,” Jarson said, trying and failing to hide the excitement on his face.

Theo produced one potion, allowing the adventurer to inspect it. Jarson nodded to his companions, casting a pleading look back at the alchemist. “These are worth 50 copper back where we come from.”

“But you’re in the swamp now. And I’m broke,” Theo said, shrugging.

“We’ll take them all, but it feels like a robbery,” Jarson said, grimacing. “We didn’t come south to take advantage of small-town folk.”

Theo didn’t see it that way at all. He could live for months on 50 copper at his current pace. It was a drop in the bucket compared to his debts, but that quest would take time. He removed the remaining 9 potions from his satchel and handed them over, receiving several stacks of copper for the exchange.

“Nice doing business with you,” Theo said, pocketing his earnings.

As he was turning to leave, Jarson whistled, forcing him to turn back around. “We’ll be here for three days before departing. Could I convince you to make us a few more potions?”

“What do you have in mind?”

“As many health, mana, and stamina potions as you can craft,” Jarson said. “At your current rate of 5 copper a potion, if it’s alright with you.”

“Sounds like a deal to me,” Theo said. He didn’t know how people sealed deals in this world, but Jarson held out a hand for him to shake, which he did.

It took every bit of Theo’s willpower not to hoot with excitement as he turned on the spot, departing from the adventurer’s company. Xam caught his attention before he left, beckoning him over to the bar.

“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.

“That’s the way it is out here,” Xam said, laughing. “I hope you gave them a good deal.”

“Five copper per potion,” Theo said, shrugging.

“I’ve never bought or sold a potion, so I wouldn’t know,” Xam said.

“50 copper seems like a fortune,” Theo said. “I’m 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. I’ve talked to him already. Helped him scout out the dungeon,” Luras said. “But you’re 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 he’d need to be more discerning when making agreements with strangers.

“Thanks,” Theo said. “You’re right. I got caught up in it. 50 copper seems like so much money, though.”

“And you’ll 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. You’ll 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.”

“We’re 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 I’ll 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 didn’t enjoy taking advantage of his friends, but the alchemist’s insistent smile was irresistible. “Fine. I know you’re just going to bother me until I help, anyway.”

“That’s the spirit,” Theo said, clapping his hand on Luras’ back. “Meet me at the lab bright and early. We’re 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 hadn’t experimented with potions that restored someone’s 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 person’s 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 [Giant’s Elixir] caused permanent damage to the drinker’s 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 Miana’s 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, they’d 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.