Chapter 31: Fenian Faintleaf
Theo vowed never to rely on the stimting properties of his [Lesser Stamina Potions] unless absolutely necessary. He made an exception in his mind regarding the tea he brewed from the moss. He rose from his soft bed and stretched. The storm was gone, and he sat on the edge of his bed for a long time before getting up. Light filtered through the window, pale orange sun shafts cutting through the bedroom and signaling the dawn. The sound of nging cookware issued from theb.
The alchemist emerged to find Tresk cooking more wolf steaks on her new pan. She must have just plopped the considerable strips of meat down as the smell wafted his way. He made his way to the table, sitting down and sipping on the tea shed provided. Long moments passed before he said anything to hispanion.
No more stamina potions, he said, shaking his head. Feels like I have a hangover.
You just need to be tired like the rest of us. Or put some points in [Vigor], Tresk said.
Find anything in your dungeon with [Vigor]? Maybe a ring? Theo asked, grinning.
Tresk waved him off, flipping the steaks with another satisfying sizzle. That ne of yours is high-level stuff. We wont find anything like that in the first few floors of the dungeon.
Theo leaned back in his chair, looking out the window at their impressive backyard. He would have to confront the reality of establishing his stone working venture today and feared that it might be too much for him to take on. With the town leveled enough for a wall, he saw no need to feed [Monster Cores] into it, anymore. He hoped Fenian would pay him in coin, alongside the cores he requested. If he was lucky, the Elven trader would have seed cores for the quarry and workshop.
There was also the promise he made to Tresk to find more [Rogue Cores], so she could upgrade her crummy one to a better quality. Theo often forgot that not everyone was running around with two legendary cores inside them. He also didnt know how to remove a core from himself, not that he wanted to. They seemed like rare things that cost a lot of money, and he was already up to his eyeballs with investments and debt.
Fenian should be here today, Theo said. The quest ims that I have zero days left until he returns. Im guessing he has a magical way of transportation now.
Or some mount, Tresk said, shrugging. It takes 7 days to get to Qavell, or so Im toldIve never been. Ive heard of magic carriages that can zip across the countryside. If hes rich enough, he could have one of those.
Well, Im thinking of changing my deal with him. We dont need as many [Monster Cores], and I was going to get you some [Rogue Cores], Theo said.
That would be lovely, Tresk said, nodding to herself and smiling. She flipped the steaks onest time, moving to prepare some tes. How much money do you still owe?
Well, Ive promised a few gold in investments, Theo said, shrugging. I owe two gold to Miana for this ce, maybe two more gold for the stone operation, and another for Luras leatherworking operation.
So, youre going to spend all your money as soon as you get it, Tresk said, nodding. Gotcha.
Honestly, Im going to work out a deal with Fenian, Theo said. Buy a bulk of things from him, hoping for a discount.
Whats your budget, and whats on your shopping list?
Ill get five gold from Fenian for his order. I need a stonecutters seed core, quarry seed core, and leather workers seed core. If I can get those seed cores for around a gold, Ill be in good shape. Then I need your [Rogue Cores], some artifices, and [Monster Cores], Theo said. How many [Rogue Cores] do you need to get a legendary one?
Tresk pushed the steaks onto their respective tes, squinting her eyes and staring up the ceiling for a moment. 36? 24? 16? she asked, screwing up her face. I really dont know.
Well, how does it work?
You feed your current core like a building core, Tresk said, taking a seat at the table and handing a te over to Theo. So, I dont really know the experience drop off.
Its problematic to go into a negotiation without knowing what you need, Theo said, grimacing. Well, Ill do my best.
Theo learned that morning that steak was an excellent option for breakfast. With a swamp filled to the brim with wolves, it was a viable option. It wasnt as tender as the Karatan steak, but it was still delicious. By the time he finished his tea, he was feeling much more like himself. The grogginess faded away, and he found himself ready toplete Pergs order. Thepanions talked as he prepared the stills, aiming to run a double batch of [Ogre Cypress Bark] for the essences required to make [Stripping Solution].
Tresk tried to hide her excitement, but failed. She chomped at her steak with abandon, tearingrge chunks off and talking with a mouth full. Thats the thing. These traders can be a real boon to small people in trades. Fenian likely wants something from you. A long-term deal.
Theo had the stills prepared, and the [Ogre Cypress Bark] mashed. He nned to run 400 units total, 200 in each still, focusing the first still on the [Cure Ailment] property, and the other on the [Cleanse] property. He dumped thest of the mash in and thought about it, unable to find where hended on the subject. A deal with Fenian would be great. He didnt mind the absurd production quotas, and the gold was good.
Is this a negative thing? Theo asked. Should I be cautious?
You should always watch your coin purse around a trader, but I think I know this guys angle, Tresk said, wiping her mouth off with the sleeve of her leather jacket.
Whats that? Theo asked, starting the [me Artifices] and stepping back.
Imagine youre an upstart trader in the nortnds. Most of the trade routes are imed, and every alchemist in Qavell has century-long deals with the established merchants. You find a diamond in the middle of the swamp. Do you milk him for all hes worth, or do you entice him to strike a pact? Tresk asked.
You think he wants to be <em>my</em> merchant? Theo asked.
Yep. He wants you to keep bulk orders with him, Tresk said. Before the big trade guilds pick up on it. Theyre usually slow to respond. Or so I hear.
I see absolutely no downside for us, Theo said, shrugging. That would be an enormous win.
Agreed. In this case, it works well for us because hes desperate, Tresk said. But, my bet is that he took those potions to the big city and blew everyones minds. He didnt tell them where this new alchemist was, but made a tidy profit. You sell him a potion for 20 copper, and he resells it for 50 copper. Maybe more.
And he can do it, because hes a traveling merchant with all the connections, Theo said. The Marshlings logic made sense, and he wondered why he hadnt thought of it. He knew that Fenian was reselling the potions, but didnt think that the Elf thought of him as a resource, rather than a simple supplier.
Theo looked over hisb, the ring ws of inefficiency fouling the scene. What he needed was better equipment that cut out the grunt-work of the process.
So, my point is that Fenian is going to make you a deal. Youll agree to take his bulk orders over everyone else, and hell give you a break on supplies.
That sounds like a sweet deal to me, Theo said.
I agree. I think you should take it, Tresk said.
A knock came from the door downstairs. It was Azrug, waiting to do his shift at the shop. Theo got his attention before the boy sat down. Fenian is going to be here today. Let me know when he arrives.
Azrug went pale, swallowing hard. Yes, sir.
Theo returned to theb, leaving the Half-Ogre boy to deal with his fear of outsiders. Tresk passed him on the stairs, pressing her forehead against his before departing for the day. She nned on prodding Luras into action, trying to get his head back in the adventuring game. The alchemist suggested that she find another adventuring partner, a suggestion that only drew exasperated sputtering from the Marshling.
The condensers were doing their job, slowly filling the sks up. Theos nerves were getting to him while he waited for the Elven trader. If Tresk was right, the deal he had to offer would be irresistible. He took stock of the equipment he had, focusing with his high [Wisdom] stat and determining what the best artifice would be. The mashing process took far too long and something that ground the reagents for him would be amazing. He had a feeling that the stills werent as optimal as they could be, either in production volume or capacity. There were no simple solutions for that problem, though. The distition process was delicate.
Just as he was swapping out the sks for the second step of the run, the bell on the door tinkled downstairs. Azrugs hurried steps up the stairs came next, then the boy poked his head into theb. Hes here!
Theo calmed himself for a moment, taking a few steadying breaths. He double-checked that all the required potions were in his inventory before going downstairs with the Half-Ogre boy. As expected, Fenian stood behind the counter with a massive grin on his face. His clothes were like the ones he wore before, more ruffles than seemingly possible, with a new wide-brimmed hat on his head. The feather was still sticking out, long and ostentatious, like a peacocks tail feather.
Theo, Fenian said, holding his arms wide. Let me tell you <em>something</em>. Your potions were a hit in Qavell. The wholesalers could hardly contain themselves.
Theo approached the counter, reaching his hand out for the Elf to shake, which he did. d to hear.
They paid <em>over</em> what I nned to ask. Low-level potion distition is usually left to the apprentices, resulting in shoddy quality. Your stuff is top-shelf, Fenian said, punctuating his statement with something that looked suspiciously like a chefs kiss.
Im d to hear it, Fenian, Theo said, nodding. If you thought the old stuff was good, wait until you see this.
Theo withdrew a single [Lesser Healing Potion] from his inventory. Unlike the old batch that was Great quality, this batch was Excellent quality. Fenian sputtered, dramatically swaying on the spot and eximing. You never cease to amaze me, sir. Was it the [me Artifice] that did the trick?
It was. The low-temperature heating was the key, Theo said.
d to hear it. Before we get started, I have a few gifts to establish our new rtionship, Fenian said, gesturing to reveal a book from his inventory. The cover was bound in some kind of leather, and the words on the front werent in the standardnguage hed been reading. The characters were sharp, dagger-like things that ran together in a jagged script.
Basic Drogramathi Alchemy. Where did you find this? Theo asked, pressing his fingers into the cover, feeling the grain of the leather.
Hah! I knew youd be able to read it, Fenian said, beaming. Your outworlder powers, or your heritage to the demon lord, allow you to read the text. A trader promised me it was rted to Drogramaths art.
Theo wanted nothing more than to thumb through the pages, discovering the secrets of his art. He held himself back, trying to put up a strong front against the Elfs overt advances towards an exclusivity deal. The alchemist wanted the deal, but negotiations were about subterfuge. Shall we get down to business? Theo asked, smiling.
Ah, yes. Business, Fenian said, waving a dismissive hand. I have a few more gifts for you, but well take care of the transaction first.
One thing, first, Theo said. If you have the coin on you, Id like half of the stat potions in coin, or other goods.
Well, lets settle up. What goods are you interested in?
Seed cores, first, Theo said.
My specialty, Fenian said, raising an eyebrow. That tannery woman, Perg, must have told you I sold her a seed core. You may be unaware, but those with legendary [Trader Cores] get a generous inventory. I have almost every production building avable.
I need a leatherworkers shop, stone workers shop, and a quarry, Theo said.
I have them, Fenian said, nodding with a smile. I have regr house seed cores, too. If youre interested.
I might be, Theo said, trying not to sound too eager.
I normally sell the seed cores for a gold coin, Fenian said.
What about your favorite alchemist? Does he get a deal? Theo asked, grinning.
Azrug let out an audible gasp behind them, quickly covering his mouth.
Fenian leaned in, cing his elbows on the counter. He gestured, producing a piece of parchment before cing it down on the counter. Theo nced over it, finding the entire thing to be a fairly concise contract between the two parties. As Tresk predicted, it gave the Elf rights over everyone else tomission batches of potions, within reason. It promised better rates than the alchemist was currently getting from their arrangement, and ess to the merchants stock at a discount. It was incredibly generous.
Enter into this contract with me, and Ill give you a <em>generous</em> discount on all my wares. Within reason, Fenian said.
Theo hesitated for a moment, even after reading and agreeing with everything it said. He tilted his head, mentally informing Tresk that she was right. After pretending to consider the deal for a while longer, he rose and smiled.
Ill agree to this, Theo said, nodding.
<strong>[Fenian Faintleaf] </strong>is attempting to enter <strong>[The Newt and Demon] </strong>into a contract.
You have already read the contract. Do you agree to its terms? <strong>[YES/NO]</strong>
Theo mentally epted, feeling a rush flow through his chest.
A wise decision, Fenian said. Im altering our current deal. I have no intention of bleeding you dry out here in the swamp, and I have a very specific clientelenamely noble-born whelpsinterested in <em>excellent</em> quality potions. 25 copper a potion for the restoration ones, and 60 for the stat potions.
Thats very generous, Theo said.
Right. So, youre the first person Im testing this new ability with, so bear with me. You should see something pop up here in a moment, Fenian said.
<strong>[Trade with Fenian Faintleaf?] [YES/NO]</strong>
Theo epted, and a window appeared in the middle of his vision. It had two sections on either side with each persons name above the areas. At the bottom, there was a section for coins. Both were currently empty.
Mentally add all your potions. Ill do the math in my head. This ability only works if the other person has an inventory. Im very d you chose that powernot interested in shoving thousands of potions into my inventory.
Theo mentally added all the potions. 500 [Lesser Healing Potions], 500 [Lesser Stamina Potions], 500 [Lesser Mana Potions], 100 [Lesser Potions of Vigor], 200 [Lesser Potions of Wisdom], and 100 [Lesser Potions of Strength] appeared on the alchemists side.
Fenian let out a long whistle. Youve been a busy little demon.
After a moment, a number appeared under the gold counter on Fenians side that almost stopped Theos heart. 6 gold 15 silver appeared, shing with a glowing gold border. The alchemist clicked the small green ept box and waited for the trader to do the same. The window made a satisfying beeping sound before disappearing.
<strong>[Fenians Request] </strong>Completed.
Theo would check what rewards he got from the questter, focusing on the trade at hand.
Well just do it this way, and you can buy however many other things you want, Fenian said. For the seed cores, Ill give you the three you want for 1 gold, 50 silver.
That sounds like a deal to me, Theo said, nodding. What do you have in terms of [Rogue Cores]? I need 30 of them, or something.
Looking to upgrade your Taraheks core? Smart move, Fenian said. A grin spread across his face as he withdrew something from his inventory, holding it out for the alchemist to inspect.
<strong>[Assassins Core]</strong>
Legendary
Assassin Core
<strong>Unbound</strong>
2 Slots
Level 1 (0%)
A specialized [Rogue Core] which focuses on assassination techniques. Can slot either [Rogue] or [Assassin] skills. Equipping this core unlocks the [Assassin] ss. Equipping this core over an existing [Rogue] core will consume the [Rogue] core, setting this core to its current level.
Effect:
Increases the effect of all [Rogue] and [Assassin] skills.
+2 Dexterity.
Theos eyes glittered. It was an absurdly nice core, but he had a feeling that it was unapproachable, in terms of cost. He narrowed his eyes on the Elf and feigned a smile. How much?
Oh, about 10 gold on the open market, Fenian said, shrugging. But for your Tarahek, and the strength of our rtionship, a gift at 1 gold 50 silver.
Azrug let out a yelp, sping his hands over his mouth again. Fenian smiled at that.
Done, Theo said. Thats not even a question.
You owe me 3 gold, so far, Fenian said. Anything else?
What kind of [Monster Cores] do you have?
Level 30, mostly, Fenian said. A gold for fourthey should give you five levels apiece at your [Alchemy Labs] current level.
Ill take four, Theo said. Any interesting alchemy artifices?
Ah, my other gift, Fenian said, withdrawing four items from his inventory. The first three were the same,rge discs with sps on the side. There was a slot on the side to feed motes, and an ominous-looking grinder on top. The other item was another [me Artifice]. [Alchemical Grinder Artifice]. This will allow you to grind your reagents directly into your stills.
Fenian gestured again, withdrawing a small mote from his inventory. But wait, theres more.
Theo inspected the mote, shocked at what he saw.
<strong>[ssware Artifice Upgrade Mote]</strong>
[Upgrade Mote]
Umon
Feed this into a [ssware Artifice] to expand its features. Allows for the production of multiple ssware items at a reduced cost directly into your inventory.
The alchemist was at a loss for words. Fenian must have been making a killing off of the potions if he would part with so much valuable stuff.
This is <em>incredibly</em> generous, Theo said, scoffing.
Everything Ive provided you increases your output, Fenian said, shrugging. Its a self-interested move. Ah, one more thing.
Fenian produced onest item from his inventory. It was a small, purplemunication crystal like the one in Mianas house.
So we can stay in contact? Theo asked.
Exactly, Fenian said. If Im honest, youre my one hope for greatness. Well, is there anything else?
How much for the house seeds? Theo asked.
Fenian waved a dismissive hand. Six for a gold.
Then thats thest thing Ill buy. Six of those, Theo said. A n was forming in his mind about selling, or renting houses. It wasnt fully formed yet, but it was getting there.
Right. The [Assassin Core], the workshop seed cores, four [Monster Cores], and six house seed cores, Fenian said, opening the trade window and cing the items inside. The total is 5 gold.
Theo happily put the gold into the window, epting the trade and flooding his inventory with new things. The excitement was overwhelming and exhausting. He was left with 1 gold, 23 silver, and 31 copper after the deal.
Now, if youll excuse me I need to head back to Qavell, Fenian said, straightening the ruffles on his coat. Ill contact you with a new order when I arrive.
The Elven trader turned on the spot and departed, leaving the pile of articles on the counter. The bell jingled and Azrug shouted, jumping on the spot repeatedly.
You just made more money than Ive ever seen in my entire lifethen spent it! Azrug shouted.