Bang!

The table once used by Dawub to receive his master’s guests flew and embedded itself on the middle partition splitting Salazar’s tent. If not for timely warning from Ava, said table would’ve smashed right on the robed alchemist’s face! Salazar was both furious and in pain; his back was bent to odd angles.

Such was his rage that he immediately cursed the perpetrator. “You son of shoes! You almost hit my face!” The alchemist grabbed his shovel and was about to throw it forward until Ava stopped him again. He can only yell curses in return. “May heavens curse your house!”

Ava saw a blurry humanoid flashed into the alchemist’s tent. She spat something to the intruder and they collapsed in that instant. It turned out that the rude guest was a male dressed in a peculiar desert robe; his apparel had flowing waves markings made from gold. Who was he and what he wanted?

Jasur was heard outside again. “Oh! I apologise Master Alchemist!” The burly man turned to his side. “I have to trouble you, Brother Farhan.”

“Hey, it’s me that should be troubled-” Farhan replied with a slight smile. “for not stopping your guest in time, Brother.” He saw Ava’s snake avatar and then Salazar. “Sorry for the intrusion, Master. We’ll take him out.”

“Hmph. Take him out or lock him, I don’t care!” Salazar was still furious. “Get him out of my sight!” He then put back his shovel to its place. If not for yet another mental warning from Ava, he would’ve beaten the interloper with his digging tool.

Jasur had a wry smile as the result. “This’s my fault, Master Salazar.” He tried to be diplomatic while propping the unconscious man with Farhan. “I’ll assign some of my more capable men to your residence.”

“Ugh, no need. This alchemist can take care of himself-” Salazar disagreed. His anger gradually subsided. “Najaj need them more than me!” Ava gave him a reminder of which he relayed to Jasur. “But now you offered your men, then give me some.”

“Then…” Jasur signaled to Farhan that they should put the offender down first. He did so with the middle-aged man and then spoke to Salazar again. “...to stand guard or do errands for you, Master Alchemist?” He guessed.

“Work. I need capable hands-” Salazar answered while imperceptibly shifted his eyes to Ava time to time. “to salvage beast carcasses around Najaj and help me in one of my research projects.”

“That can be arranged!” Jasur exclaimed. Befriending an alchemist would bring them untold benefits! Even though he wasn’t sure what was the project, he wasn’t boorish enough to pry. “How many men do you need, Master Alchemist?”

“Do you need my aid as well, Master Salazar?” Farhan asked for appearance’s sake as Ava had mentally told him to help Salazar as well. He was a bit amazed that she had contacted the alchemist but he was sure she must have her reasons, considering Najaj was surrounded by vicious beasts at the moment.

“Yes, that’s right. I heard from Brother Salaman that you’re good with knives so your services will be needed.” The alchemist gave an excuse to justify Farhan’s participation. He then answered Jasur. “There are sixty to seventy men in your militia right, Jasur? Give me eight to ten men, with steady hands.”

“Eight to ten men?” Jasur paused while Farhan took two wooden stools and offered one to the burly guard. “Master Salazar, I can lend you at most, four men to go with you.” Jasur was a little reluctant even with the supposed benefits coming from helping the alchemist. “We’re stretched thin as it is.”

Salazar answered immediately as if he already knew how to answer Jasur. “Yes, I only need around four men to go with me.” The robed alchemist pointed at his shovel next. “As for rest, I need them to do my little project in Najaj itself.” He gestured with his hands. “It'll be dirty work however!”

Farhan interjected. “Forgive me for being blunt, Master Alchemist. But do you mean the rest of men should dig trenches in Najaj?” He was too, skeptical as Jasur. “Wouldn’t that be, quite difficult?”

“It isn’t about digging trenches but-” Much to Jasur’s amazement, Salazar didn’t get angry at Farhan. The robed alchemist moved and opened an embroidered scroll. “clearing the rubbles and….” The scroll showed a map of Najaj and was given to Salazar by Jasur. “investigate sewage system in this town.”

“Inspect the sewage?” Jasur raised his eyebrows. He came with his own theory. “Do you mean, there’s a chance of vicious beasts using the tunnels?” He propped his chin. “We had long blocked them off.”

“No, not about monsters but you said you blocked them, Jasur?” The alchemist briefly glanced at the opened map scroll on his table. “Then, they will accumulate. Plagues will happen, Jasur.” He reasoned further. “If we don’t control the flow. I also wanted your men to check the refuse for certain traces.”

“You mean….” The burly guard captain came up with multiple possibilities in his mind. He remembered how human corpse-wearing monsters almost got into Najaj last time! “This's a matter of grave importance, Master Salazar.” He rose from his wooden stool and nodded. “I will dispatch my men, immediately.”

Jasur and Farhan then hauled the unconscious man to east of Najaj, to one of three temporary infirmaries in the town. Meanwhile, Ava had a conversation with the alchemist regarding metals in his possession. From it, she gradually understood that certain metals were called differently in this world.

For example, what was known to her as fool’s gold was named as fire strike gold by Salazar. Alum was called as Vitriol of Ardenkesh, presumably from its origin or discoverer. Their properties however, differ little to what she knew. Ava didn’t correct the given names as she wanted to blend to this world.

She took some metals offered by Salazar and in return told him of some things. The alchemist felt it was fair trade as her statements gave him further inspiration for his future works. More importantly, Ava was willing to take problematic metals off his hands, saving him headaches on how to properly store them!

After helping Jasur carry the unconscious man, Farhan returned to the alchemist's tent. He asked the robed old man. “Master Salazar, can you tell me, why you want to look for traces?” Farhan gave Ava a glance. She didn’t respond, seemingly intending for him to continue. He thus spoke. “Is there a shapeshifting monster out there?”

“Unfortunately, that's the case.” Salazar shook his head. “Your Master may had given me an opportunity to help but my concern about such traces are genuine.” He lowered his head at Ava’s snake avatar. “Najaj had seen couple of them, Master Nour. One way to know is to check the sewage. These beasts are unique and can be looked for as such.”

The Post Human spoke to his mind. Her tone was flat yet there was a hint of mockery in her mental transmission. “You are not suspecting me that I might be one of them, Alchemist?”

“Oh, I don’t doubt you the slightest, Master Nour! You’re wise and benevolent! I wouldn’t dare to accuse you to be one of those detested, man-eating vicious beings!” Salazar quickly bowed at her.

Seeing the robed alchemist had passed her test, she continued. “Although I found your utter devotion to me…troubling, let put that aside for now.” She slithered her snake avatar on the map scroll. “Tell me their characteristics. I may be able to help you and, Najaj. Besides, I am interested to capture one.”

“I’m…ashamed, Great One.” Salazar wanted to kowtow to her again but he knew better that she looked down on such things. He explained with an embarrassed tone. “The beasts…. have no set form. But from my discussion with other alchemists, we agreed on couple points. They tend to have nauseous aura and if one looks closer for a  time, their eyes are different. Crimson-tinted.”

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The alchemist produced several objects on one of his work tables. “Another way, albeit slower, is to check for sewage. We alchemists were tasked to look for them before and developed a method.” He cautiously wore a beak-like mask and thin leather gloves. “If we mix them…we can see the reagent turning orange. Proof of their presence.” Salazar explained more. “My good friend from Vias-Mortas University said they aren’t beasts but tiny evil beings. I almost cut all ties with him until I saw what he showed me, Master Nour.”

“Master Nour, forgive me for interrupting.” Farhan said while bowing his head at Ava. She expressed her approval by nodding the head of her snake avatar. “If I may ask, are they by chance, go with the name of Va’at Thirteen Evil  Plagues?” The middle-aged man said. “I heard it from Brother Salaman.”

“Hmm, Brother Salaman is truly wise.” Salazar mumbled to himself. He didn’t bother to cross-examine Farhan. The alchemist stowed his reagents and then carefully disposed his gloves and the reacted sample to a fire brazier next to his work table. “I don't know what they're called but my colleagues said it might be one of them.”

Salazar opened another scroll on a different table after removing his mask. “Although I disagree with some of Agrippan principles, those uncouth lot broadened my horizons. My University friend used a tiny glass piece from the Imperium-" He backed away and let Farhan and Ava took closer look at it. "and drew some pictures of the evil spirits for me.”

Ava pondered a bit while Farhan had slight tinge of surprise on his face. So, the middle-aged man knew something. She decided to give him a lifeline. “I know a bit about them. They are indeed tiny evil spirits, too small to be seen with the naked eye.” She threw a guess. “Is that why you needed poisons?”

“Yes, Master Nour.” Salazar confirmed without delay. “Only the strongest poisons, when prepared properly, will defeat such invisible evil critters.” He gave his vial racks a glance. “I had tested some on small animals such as fishes and rats but for men? I’m not sure if they can work properly.”

The Post Human was enlightened again; despite the primitiveness of these mortals, Salazar for example, knew about micro-organisms and was theorizing about inoculations! Then again, there were still many unknowns. This world had fantastical creatures such as that evil shaitan with no set body.

She cannot equate what she knew with reality of this world as they appeared to work on slightly different principles. What if such organisms cannot be defeated with technology but require magical stuff like the so-called dao? There were many mysteries to be unraveled before her world domination.

A familiar voice came from outside as they were mulling over the implications. “Master Alchemist! I’m Maheer and here are your eight men!”

“Good! I’ll distribute the tasks soon!” Salazar beckoned Farhan to follow him after closing some of his open scrolls. Ava slithered her avatar to Farhan’s shoulders again as the alchemist spoke. “Maheer, did you see my little disciple Dawub?”

“I’m here, Master.” The little boy appeared next to Maheer. He gave his master a curt bow. “What should I do, Master?”

“Hmm…” Salazar was appraising the men individually. Most of them were pale-faced and fatigued but their eyes were unyielding. Perhaps it was due to an opportunity to befriend Salazar or they were expecting a breakthrough from the alchemist regarding their peril. He said. “They will do.” The robed alchemist then talked to the black-haired boy. “Call for Brother Salaman later. You’ll work with him and four of them.” He paused a little. “Prepare masks, clothes and gloves first. Teach them what to do.”

“Okay, Master. As usual, got it.” Dawub nodded at his master and entered the back partition of their tent.

Maheer was curious about their conversation and thus asked. “I heard from Captain Jasur on your request but what exactly do you plan for them, Great Alchemist? For men that will be doing the task in this town?”

“You mayhaps heard of it, Maheer.” The alchemist was retrieving some iron tools and handed it to Farhan that was standing to the side. “That Najaj encountered vicious shapeshifters? I wouldn’t make you Agrippan explosives, but-” He glanced at his disciple at work. “I’ll help Najaj about the evil beasts.”

“I have to trouble your disciple, Great Master.” Maheer sincerely nodded. It was true they were on the edge about those tricky vicious beings. “Sorry if I asked too much, but how could it be done?”

“Well, it isn’t exactly a secret.” Salazar went out of his way to elaborate, presumably to better prepare the men of their upcoming work. “You need to dabble with excrements and the like. Your hands will be filthy.”

“Filthy? What a couple of stains could’ve done to us, hahah!” One of the assembled men laughed.

The alchemist sighed. These men were too brash for their own good! He carefully explained. “Those excrements aren't your real concern.” He spoke a little to Dawub and got a vial from his disciple. “But the methods are. Certain things needed to the respected.” He opened one vial and dropped a few drops of its contents on a piece of papyrus. “See. If you’re not careful, your hand will be gone like the wind!”

The seven men following Maheer were shocked that they were out of words. What kind of liquid had dissolved the papyrus in seconds? It was odorless and colourless, unlike those shot by Red Scorpions! They began to regret their decision but there was no getting off the tiger once you had ridden on it!

To break the awkwardness, Maheer spoke again. “What about the man that we restrained, Great Alchemist? Do you know him?” He put up a helpless expression. “We could exile him but we will only send him to his death.”

As the ball was now in Salazar’s court, he sighed. “I truly didn’t know him personally.” The alchemist shrugged his shoulders. “I lost count how many men were jealous or found their views challenged by my work.” He looked at Maheer. “Please understand. The work of us alchemists aren’t necessarily fortunate.” The alchemist then looked at the dusk skies. “How many had perished in pursuit of knowledge? No one knows.” He had a melancholic gaze, suggesting people to sympathize with him.

Maheer paused. It looked like Salazar was telling the truth. Nevertheless, it was more important to carry out the tasks assigned by the alchemist. He dropped the topic and said something else. “Okay. Then me and three brothers here will follow you out there. The other four will assist your disciple.”

“Then it's settled. Prepare yourselves as we depart at next dawn.” Salazar was satisfied with Maheer’s arrangement. He cannot ask for more as what Jasur stated was right. It was the best compromise given to him. The alchemist continued. “As for you four, your work can begin after my disciple's ready.”

“What should we do other than following your disciple’s instructions, Grand Master?” One of the men assigned to the dirty sewage work asked with nod of respect. He felt there was something more to it.

Salazar kept mum as Ava mentally told him of their pending tasks. He took a deep breath and then answered. “Since you’ll be working with my disciple, there’s no harm to tell it now” The alchemist gave the four men another glance. “I heard from Jasur, your captain that you’ve blocked some of the tunnels?” The men nodded to his question. He talked more. “I want you to reroute some of them-” Salazar gestured with his hands as he explained. “into five or six pools. Let in some sunlight to dry them.”

“Is it necessary, Great Alchemist?” Maheer asked with some concern. “We want to avoid attention from Javalan Flies if possible. Opening some tunnels will bring them here." He shuddered. "Millions of them.”

“I know.” Salazar had expected his question and prepared an answer. “That’s why I’ll lend some of my items to your men. They’ll keep those vicious insects away.” The alchemist gave another alternative. “Or you could put some refuse in grand pots and heat them.” He muttered. “Yeah, that’s more feasible.”

“Okay. They’ll do the second suggestion then, Master Salazar.” Maheer agreed as the latter was more practical. He cannot help than to ask more. “For what purpose we heat them, Great Master?”

Salazar also knew Maheer would question the need. He explained. “To concentrate the excrements. My method to look for those evil beings requires this step.” Dawub approached Salazar next after finishing his given task. “Good job, my disciple!”

“Un.” The young boy was elated. Not only his master allowed him to make new friends, he also complimented him, a rarity these days! Dawub got out of his reverie and asked the alchemist. “What about…Uncle Abbas, Master?”

“The merchant?” Salazar gave momentary glance at Ava. After getting her explanation in his mind, the alchemist said. “He’ll stay here, to appraise the things we salvage out there!”

“Will you make us new armours and stuff, Master Alchemist?” This time Farhan asked as he perceived Maheer wanted to ask about it but didn’t dare do so. “It would greatly help our Najaj friends.”

“Yes, that’s right. And why your knives skills are needed.” Salazar replied while reiterating his prior point to request Farhan’s assistance. “Now the tasks are distributed, please rest well Brothers. We shall do our task tomorrow.”

Maheer soon departed with his seven militiamen after briefly summarizing the works. He and his three brothers will travel on foot several lis away from the town to help Salazar and Farhan salvage monster corpses. The other four men will help Dawub and Salaman on exploring and analysing sewage of Najaj.

Abbas, the fat merchant will stay and await further news from the alchemist and his assigned men. Ava stayed silent as they went through their plans, a tacit unspoken approval to what Salazar had planned to fulfill her requests. She waited for the next day to come as these mortals needed their rest.