The Newt and Demon

5.51 - Rocky

While Theo was excited to test out his new core, he instead returned to the Khahari traders to inspect their plants. He was disappointed that he was wrong about them at first, but then realized the wisdom in inspecting their wares. A Wisdom of the Soul message confirmed that, stating that it would have been annoying for the traders to bring cacti and desert grasses across the sea. Especially in such a small boat with a tiny crew.

How much for the three? Theo asked, gesturing to all the plants the traders brought. Naturally, he used Russian instead of Qavelli.

A gold, the trader said, looking at Theo as though he was bored of the entire venture.

The alchemist found a few other trinkets that didnt seem useful at all, and presented them as a package deal. The trader agreed without a fight and Theo realized he could have talked them down. But the deal was done and he was now the proud owner of three weird plants from the Khahari desert. He sucked them into his inventory rather than carrying them by hand and left the busy harbor. As he was going, he thought about expanding the town and establishing a market area on the far side of the river. He made a note of it in the administrative panel, assigning Azrug and Gael to the task. Even if they couldnt find a seed core, they could use the Dynamic Incorporation upgrade on the town to make a less-powerful seed core building.

Theo withdrew the plants behind his Herbalists Workshop, setting the clay pots near the garden for inspection. The first was the easiest to understanding, as it appeared similar to the cacti back on earth. Bulbous leaves sprouted from the stem, displaying bright red fruits with barbs on them. The alchemist examined those fruits without touching them.

[Khahari Cactus Fruit]

[Alchemy Ingredient] [Food]

Common

The fruit from a cactus known to grow throughout the Khahari Desert. This fruit is considered sacred by the Khahari people.

Research:

Infused with intense energy from Khahar.

Long growth cycle with magic properties.

Properties:

[????] [????] [????]

Easy enough, Theo said, inspecting the fruit closer. But you cant just pick them. These spikes have barbs. Theyll dig into your skin and never let go.

Nasty little things, Sarisa said, shaking her head at the stout plant.

What about this one? Rowan asked, stooping low to examine another plant.

The second plant looked like a tumbleweed, round and bushy with dead-looking branches and leaves. Sand-colored flowers sprouted all over the plant, giving the impression of a desert-borne cotton. Theo examined those flowers, finding that it was exactly as he expected.

[Khahari Cotton]

[Alchemy Ingredient]

Common

Cotton known by the Khahari people to insulate against the oppressive sun. Clothes made from this material will keep the wearer cooler while providing excellent protection from the sun.

Research:

Infused with intense energy from Khahar.

Long growth cycle, quick bloom cycle with excellent textile potential.

Properties:

[????] [????] [????]

Finally. More cloth, Theo said.

Does that say it makes cold clothes? Sarisa asked, shoving Rowan out of the way to inspect the flower. She reached out, but had her hand slapped away by Theo.

Note the barbs, Theo said, withdrawing an inert bone knife from his inventory and lifting the flower.

Does everything in the desert have spikes? Rowan asked, chuckling nervously. He edged away from the plant.

Lets find out, Theo said, turning to the last plant.

This was a strange plant. It was smaller than the others with a fat trunk and two slender leaves. Between those leaves was a single flower that shimmered between black and purple. Without examining the flower, Theo could feel the items affinity for poison. As he inspected the item, he determined it had custom text set by a loremaster. That usually meant it was a hybrid.

[Nights End]

[Alchemy Ingredient]

Epic

Upon the end of the night's kiss, I found it. In my last moments, I curse it. This flower is death.

Research:

Infused with intense energy from Khahar and Zaul.

Long growth cycle, slow bloom cycle.

Extremely deadly to the touch. Handle with extreme caution.

Properties:

[????] [????] [????]

Rowan wasnt the only one to edge back this time. Both Theo and Sarisa joined him at a healthy distance after reading the description of the item. The loremaster failed to put which plants had hybridized to create this one, and the warning wasnt clear. The research section of the item put away any questions as to how deadly the flower was. Edging toward the plant, the alchemist tapped the side of the pot to return it to his inventory.

Im not so sure about that one, he said.

Did they ride with that thing? On a boat? Rowan asked, scoffing. Absolute insanity.

Theo knew exactly what to do. If he could figure out the properties of the plant, he could create an antidote. While it was too dangerous to handle in the real world, the Dreamwalk would protect him. The alchemist was content to put the two plants that wouldnt kill him and everyone he loved into the Experimental Garden Plot. He mentally documented the best way to plant and propagate each plant. The cotton had little seeds that were tucked under the puffy sand-colored balls, while the cactus could just be cut at any part and replanted. His biggest problem was his lack of greenhouse space, which wasnt helped by the lack of seed cores from the vendors.

The best place to test the Earth Sorcerers Core might have been the Dreamwalk, but Theo was eager to test it out now. He held it out and inspected the object, finding it to be completely plain. Even the power from within seemed weak compared to the other cores he had seen. As he pressed it into his chest, he realized how long it had been since he slotted a new core. The sensation was unfamiliar, but welcome.

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Anything? Sarisa asked, inspecting Theos expression.

The alchemist double-checked that the skill was slotted into the core, which it was. He didnt feel any different than he did before, but realized that he should expect such a reaction. After taking the Drogramath Dedication skill, each core that he slotted didnt influence him at all. There was a complete barrier between himself and the core, making it feel like a distant thing. Only when he actively focused on the core did he feel some effects of the Earth Attunement skill.

Interesting, Theo said, looking around the area.

The surrounding ground pulsed with faint green energy. His mind felt somehow connected with the dirt beneath his feet, tugging on his senses as though trying to get his attention. He reached out with his new skill, pressing his mind against that energy. But nothing happened. Theo had trouble understanding what the disconnect was, but decided it was a matter of simple practice.

Lets go for a walk, Theo said, turning away from his garden area and picking a random direction.

The hills to the north were a fine place if he wanted to interact with only dirt, but the area near the mine had more rocks. Theo felt the need to practice this new skill on small stones before he could move on to dirt, but one thing was obvious. When he attempted to move the ground near the greenhouses, he felt something tugging on his willpower. He had become familiar with it by falling through the realms. When he went to the moon, it was the biggest display of willpower control he had shown in his life in this world.

So, when do you start casting spells? Rowan asked, jogging to keep up with the alchemist.

Once I figure out how to connect this core with my willpower, Theo said, nodding to citizens as they passed.

Not as though youre a novice spellcaster, Sarisa said, slapping Theo on the back. Ive seen you make some serious wards.

Theo had to think about that for a moment before responding, but she wasnt wrong. Toruauns magic was weird, even when compared to Xolsas Axpashi casting. When creating a ward, especially using the Linked Wards skill, there was a level of intuition that went into the casting. The alchemist had to shut off part of his brain to cast them correctly, pushing away his logical side to get a handle on things. He had a feeling that sorcery was like that, but different. It should have been easier for him, falling in line closer to willpower manipulation with his Tarahek Core.

The group passed by the smelters, then into the hills dotted with homes. People who places their houses in the southern side of town didnt care for roads. They just claimed a plot and placed a seed core down with a mind for the view, rather than accessibility. Theo spotted one house atop a rocky hill, and he couldnt figure out how the owner got to the front door. It led to a sheer cliff.

Lots of stones here, Theo said, kicking a loose cluster of rocks as they approached the mine. He waved to the miners working there and they waved back.

Whats the plan? Rowan asked, sounding bored with the whole thing.

Theo focused on his new core, once again seeing the world light up with green energy. Each stone at his feet was a mote of shimmering green, pulsing with the beat of his heart. He reached out to a piece of pea-sized gravel and seized it with his will, focusing on the sensation he felt when he traveled through the realms. After simulating that sensation, he felt a rush flow through his chest. Mana flowed from his body in all directions, undirected and untamed. Both Rowan and Sarisa stepped back.

Youre glowing purple, Sarisa said.

Looking down, Theo realized he was indeed flashing with the purple fire of Drogarmaths mana. When he checked his mana levels, he realized that none had been consumed. He looked back to the gravel and forced his will upon it. The aura of mana flared again, intensifying until the tiny stone floated a few inches from the ground.

Interesting, Theo said, breaking his concentration and allowing the stone to fall. This is a weird class.

Lifting the little stone hadnt even consumed a single point of mana. It hadnt even pushed his willpower to the limit. At least a system message appeared, informing him that his Earth Sorcerers Core gained some fraction of a percent experience. Over the next few hours, he lifted small stones with his mind. While he didnt make any amazing breakthroughs, he got good enough to lift a stone the size of a chickens egg into the air.

I have an idea, Rowan said, rising from his position on the ground. He had found a comfortable spot to rest while Theo played with rocks. He turned to his sister and nodded. You remember the focus training we used to do?

Uh Frog-stick? she asked.

Yeah. This old guy was training us to fight. He would force us to hold a long stick out, then balance an octofrog on the end.

How does that work? Theo asked, scratching his head.

Youre supposed to prevent the frog from jumping off the stick. You move it side-to-side when the critter goes to jump, then it wont jump, Rowan said.

Sarisa sighed. The point is you hold a stick up and balance a frog. You should do the same thing with the rock, but instead of a frog and a stick, you use your magic and a rock.

That wasnt a bad idea, actually. Willpower usage was more instinctive than anything, and Theos instincts were honed. His mana flashed out as he reached for another egg-sized rock. He guided it above his head and held it there with his willpower.

Like this? Theo asked. He didnt look up to see the rock, instead feeling it with his new core.

Exactly, Rowan said, clapping a hand on Theos back.

The rock fell, bouncing off of Theos horn. He tried to snatch it with his power before it fell, but failed. The alchemist waited for the rock to settle before reaching out again and grasping it with his mind. He lifted it up, holding it above his head once more.

Now you should go do other stuff. Keep doing the rock thing until it becomes second nature, Sarisa said, shoving Theo in the shoulder. The rock fell again. Once you can maintain focus while being smacked, youll have it.

Theo nodded in approval. Sarisa and Rowan could provide random interruptions to his focus. Stuff he couldnt predict. Perhaps this was just a way for them to smack him around, but it would do wonders for his focus and willpower.

Perfect, Theo said. What do we have left on our agenda?

Let me see, Sarisa said, grumbling as she pulled up her version of the administrative panel. Theo watched as her eyes went glassy. She finally clicked her tongue. We could go talk to Azrug about the market.

Excellent, Theo said, clapping his hands together. The rock fell once again. Lets go!

Ill bring some spare rocks, Rowan said, gathering stones from the ground.

During the walk from the mine to Azrugs new shop, Theo dropped his stone fifty times. But on the last leg of the walk, he was shoved twice by Rowan and didnt drop the rock. Everyone considered this a great success, and the low draw of mana meant he could do this forever. They entered the half-ogres shop, finding the young man counting coins behind the counter. He looked up, making eye-contact with Theo before his eyes shot up to the rock.

Whats with the floating rock? Azrug asked, a look of confusion spreading across his face. And the purple.

Theo held his hand out, commanding the rock to sit upon his finger like a bird. This is my new companion.

Rocky, Rowan said without missing a beat. Sweetest living stone youve ever seen.

Go say hi, Rocky, Theo said, commanding the stone to float over to Azrugs counter. The gray rock danced across the counter, tapping against the wood surface in an uncoordinated rhythm.

Isnt he darling? Sarisa asked.

Azrug raised an eyebrow, looking down at the dancing stone. He waved sheepishly at the rock and forced a smile. Hi, Rocky.

Theo lost command of the stone and it fell onto the counter, clattering and rolling onto the floor.

Well, youve killed him, Rowan said, crossing his arms and tutting.

I did not! Azrug shouted, scooting his chair back and away from the crime scene. I didnt touch him!

You breathed on him. Sapient rocks are allergic to half-ogre breath.

Azrug clapped his hands over his mouth. Only a moment later, he narrowed his eyes on the trio. You bastards.

Oh, look, Theo said, wrapping his will around the rock once again. He brought it back on the counter, forcing it to dance once again. He lives!

Har-har, Azrug said, swatting at the rock. What do you idiots want?

Theo cleared his throat, pulling the rock back above his head. I wanted to talk to you about the market idea.

Alright. Im happy to discuss business. After you explain the rock.

Theo gave Azrug the rundown of the rock and how he was training his new core to work better with his willpower. The young half-ogre glared at him the entire time.

Im still calling it rocky, he said, letting out a labored sigh. Why do you need me for the market project? Sounds like a Ziz problem.

I wanted your input on capacity and design, Theo said. If were expanding east and north, were talking about a lot of real estate.

Azrug withdrew parchment from his inventory, glared at Theo for a while, then started sketching ideas out. They worked together for a while, brainstorming about the best way to construct the market. Everything would be built by hand, which gave them a chance to create a custom market, rather than something provided by a seed core. The biggest concern was the design of the town after the created the market. Once they had expansions to the north and east, the towns center was no longer in the center. Therefore, the market would become the center and there would be districts surrounding it.

This is my best idea, Azrug said. If the plot you buy is the same size it has been, well have plenty of room for a market. And I recommend dedicating the entire expansion to the market.

Azrug went on about how important an extensive market area was. As things opened up, they would need more space for traders from abroad and local. Theo also liked the idea that the area could be used as a fairground during seasonal celebrations. Once they had agreed on some details concerning the placement of permanent structures, the alchemist headed out to submit the idea to Gael.

Say goodbye to Rocky, Theo said, making the stone vibrate in the air.

Bye Rocky. I hate you, Azrug said, forcing a smile on his face and performing several rude gestures.