Gaseous bubbles pop inside a cauldron as the brewer stirs in trepidation. The brim of a crooked hat casts a shadow over her face yet a devilish smile can be seen beneath.
"This time! This time it will be perfect, no? Master will be pleased with me, yes? Ow will she?" Unable to reach an answer, Lucinda writhes as she stirs the cauldron. The liquid inside a luminous green, bubbling away as she waits to add the next ingredients.
From the bench beside her, Lucinda takes three boar tusks, one wolf liver and six goblin eyes before she adds them to the cauldron. All at once the ingredients added to the mix and the contents turn scarlet, fizzling away and threarening to overflow.
After recently going through an upgrade, Lucinda is able give out contracts to fill her stores. A lot is needed in the making of a single potion. Fortunately, there are always scouting parties venturing out as well as few Shadow Walkers who go further afield.
Already on her sixth attempt, the ingredients she has left are slowly starting to dwindle and Lucinda begs the cauldron to persevere as her arms begin to tire. She's unable to stop stirring though as even a slight break in consistency will result in the potion's failure and something else being created entirely.
Because the failed batches aren't exactly failures. They just aren't what the Potion Master wanted them to be.
Knowledge of the craft was embedded into her when she received her title. Since then, the vigilant Rogue has been trying to create a specific recipe, but not a single attempt has brewed successfully.
The potions already created all have different side effects due to how they were combined, stirred and added, and Lucinda is unable to do anything to alter them once complete. She did think about throwing them out, but that would be akin to throwing potions on her creator. Instead, they line the wall in different colours and are labeled to prevent accidental ingestion.
None of the recipes she learned mention anything about side effects, yet every single one of her potions seems to come with one.
Even regular healing potions, which Lucinda has no problems creating and can whip up dozens of, come with a wide range of debilitating effects. From sporadic diarrhoea to projectile vomit, blindness to paralysis, each one has its own crux. Even a full restore potion, guaranteed to brink an Adventurer back from the brink of death, is a gamble to take. The stronger her potions are, the harsher the infliction.
One might prefer a quick death when presented the option.
"This time, I'll do it!" With everything going well so far, Lucinda grabs the last ingredients. Three chicken eggs, which she drops in one at a time every twenty seconds, turns the solution a golden yellow and it begins to settle. Barely even simmering now, the Potion Master begins to tear up over as she removes the ladel.
Grinning ear-to-ear, Lucinda can't contain her happiness as she looks upon the finished potion in all it's glory. Taking a vial from her robe, she fills it with the liquid before putting a cork it.
"This is it. This is it. This is it!"
Unable to contain her excitement, Lucinda rushes to her desk. Sitting down, she turns the vial over and examines it meticulously. Unfortunately, side effects are able to be ascertained until after someone has invested the potion.
Removing the dagger that all Rogues start with, Lucinda takes a few deep breaths. Covered by a layer of dried blood from previous failures, the anticipation of pain makes her nauseous and negative thoughts almost deter her.
Before she lets them change her mind, Lucinda places her left hand down on the desk and rams the dagger right through the center. Even though she's already performed it half a dozen times, that doesn't stop the Potion Master from wincing as she pulls the blade out.
Hoping she would have been able to handle the pain, Lucinda was wrong. Cradling her self-inflicted injury the best she can without causing more harm, she fails and falls off her chair. A spike of pain sends her rolling round the floor as she fumbles for the vial in her robe, until the sound of glass cracking fills her world with dread.
"No!" Panic seeps in as Lucinda dashes to the kitchen to grab an empty mug, leaking blood all over the floor of her workspace as she goes. Rushing back she almost slips on the liquid she's lost, but manages to avoid another injury and maintains her balance.
Dunking the cup, Lucinda doesn't notice the blood drop in the cauldron as she downs the potion. Immediately, the hole in her hand closes up, leaving no trace of prior injury.
Still, dubious since she can't discern side effects, the Potion Master relaxes slightly as the pain receeds. Anxiety takes its place as butterflies fill her belly. No hair sprouts from hands, nor is she projectile vomiting, so she sighs in relief.
"I did it. I did it. I did it. It's a success! With this potion, we'll be able to... We'll be able to... "
Rising to her feet, her anxiety has gone but the butterflies have gotten worse. Her stomach churns and Lucinda hunches over whilst covering her mouth. Managing to contain what was about to end up on the floor, she sprints to the bathroom to find out if her potion is going to come out of more than one orifice this time.
Potion Master Lucinda
Dungeon Stories Volume 1
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I left the Boss Room in silence and disbelief.
Veris, on the other hand, didn't stop going on about that paddle until after I'd escaped. Closing both her doors and sealing the sound inside, I don't ever want to look in that room again.
"I just don't... I didn't mean to... Why was it so..." Stuttering my way through unfinished sentences, Me rounds them off for me.
Understand? Do that? Purple?
"It's not even funny. Veris is already stranger than most as it is. This'll probably push her over the edge." Worrying over the lewdness of the Boss Room, I can't help but imagine what's going to happen now.
What edge? She's just... Different. That isn't a bad thing, is it?
Heading to my next destination, as decided by my to do list, I contemplate what Me's said. A nice float through the dungeon is always good at relieving some stress. Soothing my mind whilst calming my soul, it's also great for thinking since I get time to myself.
These moments are super peaceful and by far my most favorite.
"Of course not. Different is great. Different, I can handle. Veris turning into some crazy nymphomaniac dominatrix is not! How is it that's even possible?" as the words leave my mouth, I know what's coming next. An explanation. As helpful as he is, there are some things a Core doesn't want to know.
"Don't answer that one, Me. I don't care for the details this time. Please, I just want to act like the last half an hour didn't happen and move on. That'll make the rest of my spending so much easier."
The perfect distractions show their face as three humans come inside me at once. What's mental is the fact that they're not inside me at all, but outside on the land I bought. Since leveling up, I don't feel half as weak now that people are here. I'm also able to sense their intentions slightly now. Using my will, their emotions make themselves known in an easy-to-understand Dungeon Core way.
Which is awesome since I can tell that they're not here to be eaten. In fact, I'm pretty sure that fear is making them be more cautious than they would usually act. Not that I know these guys. Huddled together, even in my clearing, they slowly creep towards the cottage that came with the Field of Fertility.
Even though there's nothing else of note in the area, my other features don't even catch their eye, they still look scared. Actually, terrified might be the best word to describe the emotions coming from them. Do they think everyone's been eaten here or something? What are they trying to say? I only eat douchbags and dickheads, thank you very much.
Putting an end to my leisurely float, sad, I teleport to my entrance. You know, cause that's another thing that comes with leveling up. I can just pop myself right on over without even having to drop Manifestation. Oh how simple life has become.
If not for a certain Shadow Walker.
Or four.
At the entrance, because that's where I ended up porting myself due to habit, I observe the three people skulking around outside. A wealthy looking man dressed in sky blue is trying to peek inside the cottage as a female guard sticks close, watching the tree line behind them. The male guard looks like he might actually get himself eaten if he attempts to break the lock on the tool shed.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
As they look around, their shock at what look likes the remains of a small homestead is apparent. A few frames here and there, plus the cottage and farmland all indicate someone lived there at some point. Or it does to anyone not in the know.
The well-dressed peeking Tom calls back the male guard. Without saying a word, he points directly at the hole in the mountain that is basically my entrance. Covered in blood that doesn't look old, the man guard shakes his head. He points into the forest opposite where they came from as the other guard continues to watch the treeline behind them.
Now that I'm not so sad about having to leave my tunnels, there's a lot more that I hadn't even noticed. The man's armour looks done for. Like, how is even still attached? It looks like rags and I almost want to I've him a spare set of Rogue gear because I feel bad.
The other two don't look half as torn up. Especially Moneybags. He looks fine. The female guard has taken a few attacks, evident by the scratches on her armour and the cuts on her body. She doesn't look half as bad the other guy though! Still, out of the three, he seems to be the only one who wants to push on. Even the other guard has stopped looking behind them to point towards the dungeon.
Finding himself outvoted, I can't help but wonder what they're even doing here. They're obvious not here to raid a dungeon and they're definitely not hunting. Not unless they're the prey today. Then again, there shouldn't be that many monsters in my immediate vicinity. Not with the scouting parties culling their numbers anyway.
That said, how did he get all those injuries then? By the way Moneybags is dressed, it's likely the guards were part of an escort mission. But where are his wares? His horse and carriage? There's no way those two would accept a quest that meant walking across the region. Towns and villages are spread out sparsely in Ishda so it's a damn long journey just about anywhere. More so on foot.
Something must have happened as they were passing by my mountain that drove them to come here. Maybe a powerful monster? If so that could be some juicy DP. If they werent so beat up, I'd think they just wanted to take in the splendor that is my home. The mountain that houses my dungeon is something else after all.
It's not like I'm trying to advertise myself though, even if we are almost ready for visitors. I don't know why my outer shell looks the way it does, only that the multicoloured forests above me are quite nice on the eye. Even if they are strange as hell at the same time.
.
I understand why people might head toward the multicoloured mountain if they found themselves trouble whilst passing through the forest. My home is quite the spectacle. I still feel like I could prepare more though.
It's not as though I'm advertising for people to start coming my way yet. I am ready to receive visitors, I just feel like I could prepare more. With that in mind, let's do the best we can to not scare the shit out of these guys. Hell, they might not even enter the dungeon since I'm uncategorised. Not that I'm likely to ever be categorised now.
The old man that gave me the cutest teddy in the world didn't think twice about entering. He may have shaking like a lead, but he still came inside and took it rather well. Although, he did dream of us before coming so he knew what he was walking into.
I need to try a different approach this time, Me. Well... To start with at least.
What are you thinking?
After a quick discussion, Light is teleported to the entrance. Unaware, he was halfway through drinking his ale and looks around sheepishly before lowering his mug.
"Perfect. That will do nicely," I chuckle at the panicking Shadow Walker who has been relaxing since yesterday. He looks at me in worry after his unannounced teleporting, almost like he expects it to be for some ulterior reason.
"W-what's up, Boss? You don't usually summon me." He isn't wrong in what he said. Usually a pretty face and a pleasant voice is all that's needed. Like I said though, this time it's different.
Apparently, being nervous around his Boss isn't enough to deter Light from drinking in front of her and he downs his ale.
"You're right, Light. I don't. That said, I think that our visitors will benefit from a strong presence rather than an eye catching one." It takes him a few seconds, but a shocked look washes across Light's face.
"I'm not saying you're ugly, idiot. Just that the women are... Something else. Either way, a male greeting will be better than an eye-boggling one this time." Light looks at the three people arguing betwen themselves outside and nods. At least he has some sense.
"Don't get me wrong, once people are in the dungeon it's unavoidable. If you explain the details before they're subjected to that beauty though, we might have a chance of them remembering some of it. Plus, there's a woman with them so she should definitely remember." Dumping the task of greeting the blood-stained visitors of Light's shoulders, he staggers a little bit before the reality of his situation sinks in.
"Wait... What? R-really? M-me? You want me to do this? What do I say?" Even whilst flustering, Light finds time to drink his ale and finishes it off. After a loud that I would have complained about if I didn't need him to do something for me, Talia appears with a fresh mug and takes the empty away.
Complaining about not knowing what to do, I can't even respond as I process what just happened. Talia really does kick ass her job. I mean, how did she know he was empty? And how did she teleport herself here?
"Ask if they're okay. Tell them we can help them and then bring them to Talia's." With the Taskmaster fresh on my mind, I give Light the simplest instructions possible and put him to work. Mush Shadow Walker. Mush.
Seeing Talia was a bit of a blessing. Most people enjoy a good drink and those three sure look like they could use one. Even if they're in trouble, I doubt they'll refuse the offer of Light's assistance. Even though his facial hair is unkempt, he does look pretty tough.
Exiting the entrance, Light seems less confident in the plan and looks back at me like a lost puppy. I don't take him though and instead shoe him further out. Get!
Accepting his fate, Light looks at the uninvited guests before looking back at me one last time. Slumping his shoulders, he downs half of his mug in one, hangs his head low and sighs. It's not even that bad! Should I ask him to go fetch Veris for me? I wonder how he would feel about this mission then.
Accepting his role, Light begrudgingly trudges out from the entrance and makes his way over towards the panicking humans. The ale in his hand doesn't seem to help lighten their mood as the male guard raises his sword towards him and yells "Stop."
Doing as commanded by his master, Light ignores the guard and makes his way closer. Sipping ale and wobbling ever-so slightly.
Is he drunk?
It would appear that he is slightly more intoxicated than usual.
I should have just stuck with the females.
"I said, Stop!" Reducing the distance betwen them to almost nothing, Light continues to get closer and the male guard rushes him. His sword swings down in a barely-perceptible flash. Obviously a move that has decapitated a lot of people. The ignorant drunk, however, tilts his head and avoids the blade, stepping in to the guards personal space as he takes a drink.
Enraged for more reasons than being that close to another man, he guard releases attack after attack as his blade draws silver arcs through the air. Light doesn't even step back. Instead, he moves with minmal effort, always been where the blade is not and drinking st the same time.
Woah! Even when he's drunk, he's got skill? Damn, Light.
Why do you find fights so interesting? Were you not that skilled in your previous life?
I don't want to talk about it.
Me delivers an unintentional killing blow to my heart. I was nowhere near as fast as Light is and wasn't even level 20 back then. Now I'm a big dog on levels, but don't have a body to flaunt my skills. The unjust life of a Core continues.
With impeccable reaction speed, Light evades a barrage of well-executed attacks. The guard doesn't seem like no slouch as, one after the other, a torrent of killing blows are released from his weapon. It's a shame that he's not even half Light's level. He would be pretty good otherwise. Light himself moves out of the way of every strike without spilling a single drop from his mug.
Eventually, after throwing everything he had at the drunken intruder, the guard reaches his limit and drops to the ground panting. Whatever happened in the forest aswell as his face off with Light has left him exhausted.
"Run. Defend... Wheeler," he croaks from his position on the floor. Neither the female guard, nor Wheeler, has moved a muscle though. Moneybags even looks like he's struggling to breathe.
"Wait a minute. You don't have to run." Before the misunderstanding can play out any further, Light it's an end to it. "My master sent me to talk to you. Are you OK? I mean..." Looking at the guard panting heavily, Light winces. That wasn't what he was told to do. Taking a drink, he watches as the female guard starts shakily drawing her blade.
"Don't do that... Please?" His words cause her pause and the blonde woman's face flushes slightly before she regains her composure. No one says a word or makes a move as Light stands there waiting for a response. They just patiently watch the man drink his ale. Apparently, he didn't even bring a weapon.
"I am also here to offer help. If you need it that is and, there was something else. It was..." Light taps his head as he tries to recall his Master's words. As he does, the three humans remain motionless. One has collapsed. One is shock. Third third is slightly infatuated.
How is he this dense, yet so strong?
I would assume that those are the main traits he took from you being human.
"The Retreat, Light!" I yell, ignoring Me's clever way of saying I'm stupid.
"Oh yeah. I'm supposed to take you to Talia's. There's a bar inside and I could use another drink anyway," downing the last contents of his mug, Light turns and starts walking back towards the dungeon.
"H-How do we know you're not with them?" Moneybags shakily calls out to light from his position behind the female guard. Light couldn't sound less interested if he tried as he asks, "Who are them?"
Instead of a response coming from our guests, the universe decides to answer instead and a dozen well-armed Bandits emerge from the tree line. Weapons in hand they arrive in the same location as the other three did. Obviously their persuers.
Obviously.
Obviously.
There's a big difference being this group and the first three visitors who entered my land.
"That's them!" Moneybags cries, grabbing hold of his girth and fleeing as fast as humanly possible. Tripping over his own feet, he doesn't get very far and the Bandits start laughing.
Light looks uninterested in the twelve, armed men who have just arrived beneath the shadow of the trees. There intentions are clear, even for the inebriated Shadow Walker. Holding his empty mug, he raises a hand as all eyes fall on him and silence descends on the clearing.
Before their boss has a chance to give the orders to attack, everyone is staring at the pea-sized ball of shadow floating above Light's open palm. The moment he closes his hand around it, a blanket of spikes erupt from the shadows beneath the trees and the newcomers feet.
Still holding the empty mug, Light smiles and releases the skill. As the shadows pull back, blood begins to pool on the forest floor as the human pincushion are unskewered. With a slosh and a splat, the threat is over in seconds. Turning to the three mortified humans, he throws a thumb over his shoulder and says, "So. Talia's, yeah? I need a refill."
Reluctant to do anything other than nod, the three humans follow Light inside the dungeon. His empty mug in hand.