The Newt and Demon

Chapter 3.37: We All Love Zee

Theo woke the next morning to find Tresk cradling the egg in her arms. She had a rare look on her face, one of soft sympathy. While his companion cooed at the rocky egg, the alchemist considered what this new bond meant. It felt as though the Tarahek had strengthened, but the core didnt reflect that. It remained as it was, with no additional bonuses even when it edged closer to level 20. He scrutinized it closely, just to make sure, just to make sure.

[Tarahek Core]

Legendary

Tarahek Core

Bound

3 Slots

Level 19 (12%)

[Tarahek] cores are given to those who accept a Marshling life-partner. You cannot change the skills inside the core, or remove it at any time.

Effect:

+6 Strength

+2 Vigor

It still had the same 3 skills slotted in, [Tarahek Communication], [Tarahek Inventory], and [Tarahek Dreamwalking]. It wasnt surprising, as he thought hed notice an evolution of the core, but it deepened the mystery. If any of his cores randomly got a new skill, it would be that one.

Theo had to argue to get the egg in his care for the day. He had enough means to escape an attack that Tresk wasnt as worried, but she still wanted to cradle the egg all day. He was content with having it near him in his bag. The alchemist only convinced her after drinking a [Potion of Limited Foresight].

I still need to know the long-term effects of these things, Theo said.

Youve been drinking them almost every day, Theo, Tresk said, narrowing her eyes. Feel any different?

Besides the egg? No, Theo said.

They departed shortly after, heading off to eat breakfast. Theos first thought at the leftover enchiladas was that Xam was great at reheating food. He quickly realized it was more likely she set them in a dimensional storage container overnight, keeping the same heat from yesterday. People in the tavern seemed more interested in striking up a conversation with him that morning. They wanted to see the egg, although he wouldnt allow any of them to touch it. Some newer citizens had insights into the soul-bound creature situation.

It was common enough in the northern mountains. Theo remembered talking to a Toora bear-person from the area north of Qavell. Bora was a pugilist, but the newcomers in Broken Tusk told him about the more shamanistic peoples of the Toora. Theyd form bonds with wild animals, or newly born ones that fought side-by-side with their bonded person. They seemed to think it was a powerful option; the downside being the difficulty of obtaining a creature.

Theo realized the wisdom of Tresks core selection during breakfast. She broke through level 20 for her personal level, and most of her cores. Her [Trackers Core], and [Assassins Core] both tipped over the edge and she had selected her 2 free abilities. Her [Shadowdancers Core] was lagging slightly, despite her constant use of the [Shadowdance] ability. She shared her new abilities with him for inspection.

[Marked for Death]

Assassin Skill

Uncommon Skill

Tracked targets receive 2x damage during [Sneak Attacks] while marked.

This skill would seem situational if Tresk didnt already have a [Track Monster] skill from her [Trackers core]. There was also her [Pursuit] skill from the same core, which increased damage by 1.25 to tracked targets. The uncommon rarity was therefore confusing. The system saw it as something that needed synergy to work, but she already had that synergy. She created a great build, evidenced by the next skill she shared.

[Lingering Poison]

Tracker Skill

Epic Skill

Marked targets that dont detect your presence receive 1.5x damage from poisons.

Then her entire build came together. The hit-and-run style of combat paired perfectly with the [Trackers Core]. Tresk was officially a terror on the battlefield, coming in hard with her daggers then vanishing away. The [Lingering Poison] ability would make them suffer while she held back, safe from reprisal.

Tresk also held more of a sharp edge now. Her eyes flicked from the corners of the room, flinty and searching. Theo considered her a spiky person at most times, but she was changing into something else. A true assassin. And he couldnt tell if that was a good thing or not. Without the Tarahek, she would likely be off the rails. They balanced each other out.

Alise interrupted the discussion after Theo expressed how impressed he was with Tresks build. The Marshling went off to her adventures for the day, and the alchemist was dragged to the town hall. He hadnt even finished his tea.

The Lady Administrator had information about the influx of citizens to the town. Food was officially a concern, second only to housing. There were too many people, and too few [House Seed Cores] to give them homes of their own.

We cant have that many people, Theo said, shrugging it off.

Well hit 200 citizens before the Season of Fire even starts, Alise said. She peered into the ever-burning fire of the town hall and shook her head.

Theos mind had trouble catching up with her words. It was 10 times the amount they started with at the beginning of the season. An unsustainable number. Xam might have been making a killing, but her supplies werent infinite. Especially not when new citizens were offered free meals. The alchemist groaned, heading for the door without saying a word to Alise. She and her functionaries followed close behind.

When the group passed by the neighborhood area, Theo spotted even more houses springing up, sprawling toward the eastern wall. The roads were more crowded, even if the alchemist felt that was a good thing. His goal wasnt the residential district, though, it was the farm. Alise hadnt renamed it from Sea of Zee yet, so it must have stuck. When they arrived at the sprawling farm, it was thick with the cultivated grain. Uncultivated zee was roughly the size of Theos head, but these new plants were ten times the size. It was an absurd sight.

Banu! Theo shouted, gaining the attention of the farms owner. Banurub was a massive Half-Ogre, skin wrinkled from the constant sun exposure. He had a worn look on his face. I hear we have a food problem.

Not yet, Banu said, mopping his brow. Soon enough, though.

Theo turned to Alise, scratching his chin.

Can we subsidize them? Theo asked.

How do you mean? Alise asked. The functionaries took notes.

The farm currently had 16 fields. The last time Theo was here, they harvested every week. Before he arrived, cultivating the plants, the alchemist observed the harvesting every 2 weeks, or so. It was hard to say with their farming method of transporting mud from the swamp, letting it bake on a fallow field, then planting. Now, Banu split his fields between the traditional way and the new way.

First, are we low on food already? Theo asked.

Not yet, Alise said.

It was hard to do the math, but 16 fields seemed like plenty to feed 200 people. Then he saw the problem as they walked through the massive farm. Everyone was looking to Theo for solutions, but they hadnt taken the chance to walk around and see the problem. Some fields were planted. Not even the 8 to 8 split on tradition and alchemical growing methods. On both sides of the farm, split by the cobbled road, half of the fields were fallow. For the traditional method, that made sense. But alchemically enhanced soil could produce forever, even if it generated a few monsters.

Banu, whats the deal? Theo asked.

No one wants to work, Banu said, quick to blame. That was farmers, though.

They made their way back to the farmhouse on the property, Banus home and the site of the seed core. Theo inspected the farm.

[Large Farm]

[Rotbog Farms]

Owners: Banurub

Faction: [Broken Tusk]

Level: 10 (1%)

Rent Due: 7 days

Expansions:

[Fresh Tilled Earth]

[Enhanced Growth]

Theo sighed. Banu, why arent you upgrading your farm?

Banu shrugged.

The problem was twofold. The farm wasnt getting the upgrades it needed, and Alise wasnt being pushy enough about assigning people to farm duty. It might have been dirty work, but it needed to be done. Theos idea for subsidies, where hed fund whatever the farm needed to grow, would still work. But the administration of Broken Tusk needed to take a hard turn. Alises prowess for organization was amazing, but she could be soft. The alchemist wouldnt blame her, since she brought the problem to his attention before it was actually a problem.

The more Theo considered that idea, the more he dismissed it. Perhaps she was being nice, but the big decisions still fell to him. She was the Lady Administrator, not the mayor.

We need more farmers, Theo said. And some [Monster Cores] to upgrade the farm.

Its hard to convince people to do farm work, an administrator of Alises said.

Perhaps you could work the farm, Theo said, pointing at the Human. That made him wither.

Id be happy to take more workers, Banus said, shifting uncomfortably on the spot.

Were already getting a deal from the farmers, Theo said, waving a dismissive hand. But food variety is already an issue. I dont want more Zee.

I like Zee, Banu said.

We all love Zee, Theo said. Give me a sample of the 100% cultivated Zee, and Ill get it to 200%. Then, we need to find some other stuff to grow. I want to take a few fields for my own purposes. Then Alise is going to round up everyone without a job and put them to work.

Thats easier said than done, Alise mumbled.

Were not here to do the easy thing, Theo said. Anyone who doesnt want to work the fields goes to the mine. Anyone who doesnt want to work the mine goes to the sawmill, and so on. These are paying jobs, were not forcing people into slavery. If they dont want to work with the industry we have here, they can start something for themselves.

Alise didnt seem to have the words to respond. Theo was always easy on the people in his town, letting them do whatever they wanted, but that only went so far. He knew that any Half-Ogre or Marshling worth their weight would work until their fingers bled, but the newer people were disillusioned. They didnt know that they could make a living doing basic labor. But those were the bones of Broken Tusk. Hard work and dirty hands made coin here, and the new people would find that out soon enough.

Yes, sir, she said, going glassy-eyed. Of the 150 citizens we have, 30 havent updated me about their job status. Meaning, theyre unemployed.

They slipped through the cracks, Theo said. They must have missed your lecture about getting a job, or your functionaries failed to tell them.

Two of the three administrators winced. The third, a woman who appeared to be Human to Theos eyes stood proud. The alchemist only hoped Alise saw her as the best of the bunch, but that was up to her. He didnt want to get too involved with the administrators.

Right, Alise said, gaining some of herself back. Well work on this.

Theo waved at the new administrators, dismissing them from the farm. Alise looked confused, but he spoke once they were out of earshot.

If any of them drag you down, send them to the fields, Theo said. Youre normally sharper than this.

Ive been offloading my work on them, Alise said, letting out a sigh. I didnt think theyd miss something like that.

Yeah, the Human girl is the only one with a head on her shoulders, Theo said.

Half-Elf girl, Alise corrected. Woman, really. Shes not a girl.

Put her in charge of the other two, Theo said. She can fire them if she wants. They need a fire under their asses.

Hah! Banu shouted, clapping his hand on Theos shoulder. Youve changed. All it took was 60 days of hard labor for you to harden. I like it.

Theo smiled. He had things to do today, and didnt want to go on about how people who werent from Broken Tusk didnt get it. Mostly because that thought was wrong. His newfound logic, borne from his growing [Intelligence] score, told him that was wrong. This was an administrative error. In under an hour, hed tracked it from the new citizens, to Alise herself, and right down to those 3 new administrators. Problem solved, and theyd future-proof their food production.

Im getting there, Theo said. Once Fenian comes back, well resupply our [Monster Cores].

I have a core dealer, Alise said.

But, were broke, Theo said.

Right, Alise said.

Theo spoke with the pair for a while, reinforcing his idea that the two administrators needed a babysitter. Alise needed to be more selective with the people she picked. She was a rare find.

The two remaining [Lesser Mud Golems] had done a great job keeping the greenhouses clear of weeds, but they were useless for cultivation. Theo found a place to plant the fruit of a Zee plant, counting on his upgraded greenhouses to bring it above 100% cultivation. If increasing the size of a Zee kernel to 10 times the original size wasnt enough, he planned on doing it again. When he was done, the fields would produce Zee the size of a small Karatan.

Enough attribute-enhancing reagents had reached 100% cultivation. The good thing about those plants was he didnt need to destroy them to get the reagent. The alchemist went around, picking enough flowers from the [Wind Tulips] to brew some dexterity potions and finally test the modifiers. Salire and Azrug were working together in the shop today, so he stopped to chat with them. It was nice having the young man back in the shop for once, but he wasnt there for good.

Theo split his 100 units of [Wind Tulip] into 50 unit batches, one for fermentation and one for brewing. With his [Power Siphon] running, he left it on most days now to power his lodestone, he went back to the gardens for more maintenance. He cleared the [Spiny Swamp Thistle] out, harvesting their roots and replanting every available space, thinned out the [Mages Bane] to get rid of some low-cultivated plants, and tended to the mushrooms. The [Manashrooms] were randomly reproducing, and the [Swamp Truffles] just over 100% cultivation. Unlike growing regular plants, mushrooms were more random. They spawned chaotically, spreading through the cave and making his neat rows uneven.

Zarali was working on a few jobs in her lab, but Theo got her for a half hour. She made him 5 more lodestones, all made from the green gems. She claimed they could network together, sharing the load of the constructs. He took her word for it, placing the lodestones in his inventory. Standing at the door, he withdrew 5 gold coins from his inventory. The alchemist threw them in the enchanting lab before darting out and slamming the door shut. He was back at the Newt and Demon before she could object.

Bal and his brothers were gathered outside of the lab, and Theo ushered them upstairs quickly. They came to report on the effects of the foresight potion, with interesting findings. Ral got sick after drinking 2 potions in a 6 hour period. Other than that, there seemed to be no long-lasting effects. They even had a signed letter from Zarali. The same Zarali that was banging on the labs locked door. Theo heard coins jingle, then saw 5 gold roll under.

What a nice problem to have. Free money, Bal said, laughing.

Theo returned the money to his inventory, grumbling. He left the lab with the brothers, departing from them to place his [Large Ornamental Lodestones] around town. He had a sense for where they should go to give maximum coverage. They formed a chain of command and power, drawing from the [Power Siphon] in the lab. As long as they were close enough together, he could string them through Broken Tusk. The last lodestone went near the western gate, giving the golems a decent range out into the swamp. He tested the range with his existing 2 [Lesser Mud Golems].

Mud golems were the obvious choice for collecting motes out in the swamp. The swamp was lousy with [Earth Motes], and the golems could use the mud to regenerate their bodies if they were attacked. He couldnt do anything about their cores being destroyed, though. For that, he would make [Lesser Stone Golems]. Theo crafted some golems, and was forced to chug a few [Mana Potions] to get them all done. He experimented with different containment core shapes to test their performance, but ended with 7 [Lesser Mud Golems] total, with 3 [Lesser Stone Golems] to guard them.

The strain on Theos willpower was minimal. He felt a faint tickle in the back of his mind, but that was it. Zaralis lodestones were doing their job, and worked a lot better as a network. Theo got some strange looks when he marched down the street with 10 golems behind him. His own little mote gathering army. He checked in with Aarok before sending them outside the gates, making sure the adventurers knew not to attack them. Luras watched him from the western wall, laughing the entire time. The little golems spread out through the marsh, digging through the mud and making happy squelching sounds. The alchemist left them to it.

Theos mental timer on his small runs were done, so he went back to the lab. He transferred the fermented mash of [Wind Tulips] to a still, and held the [Refined Dexterity Essence] up to the light out the window. It held a faint green color, and the smell of a summers breeze. Tresk was going to go insane when he showed her the resulting potion.

The alchemist patted the egg at his side and got to work.