Theo’s legs felt like two unresponsive tree trunks. Tresk pulled him by the collar, dragging him up the rise of those stone stairs. The sound of the battle grew more intense, a flash of fire nearly consumed Luras above. The Half-Ogre shouted his battle cry, knocking another arrow and loosing it. His arrow split into many smaller arrows that peppered the attackers below. The alchemist spotted the mounting point on the battlements, a circle etched into the stone and glowing with a pale white light.

“We sure could use some bombs,” Luras shouted, managing a chuckle.

A Goblin sprung up over the wall, and Theo witnessed, for the first time, Tresk’s prowess. She vanished from the spot, covered the distance to the shrieking creature, and ended its life in a single heartbeat. She spun on the spot and dispatched another creature before it came fully over the crenelations.

“Plant the seed, Theo!” Tresk shouted, pivoting and ending another monster’s life.

She was a whirlwind of death. A pair of daggers that struck from nowhere, vanishing from where she stood only to reappear behind another monster. Theo was in awe, but snapped out of his thoughts to scramble along the hard stone. He removed the [Chain Lightning Tower] from his inventory and slammed the small orb into the slot.

Installing [Chain Lightning Tower]. Please wait…

“Please wait?” Theo said, slamming his fist on the ground. “I should have done this earlier.”

Theo sat on the ground for a moment, watching as the crowded shuffle of feet danced around him. Another gout of fire sent an adventurer over the edge of the wall. He spotted Azrug approaching from the center of town, producing an array of potions from nowhere. He began tipping them in people’s mouths, bringing them back from the brink of death. The alchemist dared to look over the edge of the wall, his face turning the hue of paper when he saw the assembled army. It was a sea of monsters, throwing themselves against the wall with abandon.

A plan formed in his mind, something he should have already done. He put off his bomb project in favor of his mayoral duties. Theo shouted, gaining Tresk’s attention for a moment. “Feed the gun motes when it comes up. I’m going to make some bombs.”

“Alright!” Tresk said, dancing atop the wall. “Someone escort him!”

No one volunteered, too entrenched in the battle to notice her words, but Theo descended the steps, anyway. Aarok had formed a makeshift command post below, shouting orders to groups as they flitted around to obey his every word. The guildmaster yanked Theo by his robe when he made to push past. “Where are you going?”

“Bombs,” Theo said breathlessly.

Aarok gestured to Ziz and his four laborers, pointing at the alchemist and nodding before releasing him. “They’re your escort.”

“Well, this is exciting,” Ziz said, resting a massive hammer over his shoulder. “How's your day going?”

“It was fine before the attack,” Theo said, increasing his pace.

The streets south of the center of town were dark and slick with water. The shrieks of the attacking Goblins rang in the distance, sending a chill down Theo’s spine. A small creature burst from behind the Newt and Demon, brandishing a rusted sword and chittering angrily. Ziz and his workers were on it in a flash, clobbering the doomed creatures with their hammers. The alchemist didn’t even move during the ambush, just watching his friends remove the monster from existence.

“Good thing you were here,” Theo said, pushing through the threshold, wide-eyed.

“What are we making? Bombs?” Ziz asked, following him up the stairs.

“Bombs,” Theo repeated, finding his way to the [Glassware Artifice]. He silently generated 5 containers for his makeshift firebombs, setting them on the table and getting to work. “Half power, compared to the first one. No time to make something fancy. Quick and dirty. Maximum damage.”

Theo worked feverishly to create the weapons, withdrawing the [Withering Essence] and [Flame Essence] from his inventory. He primed each one with shaking hands, remembering with perfect clarity the process he used before. He felt like a robot, repeating steps he’d done previously. His mind raced with images of the fight outside, but peace came from a loud cracking sound. Even at this distance, the night sky outside lit up with a flash of lightning. The boom of thunder came afterwards.

“They got the lightning tower working,” Theo said, stoppering the last of his improvised explosives.

“We need to check with Aarok,” Ziz said, nodding. The grim look that painted his face was haunting. The people of the swamp were used to this kind of strife, even before the [Swamp Dungeon] grew. They were always prepared for the eventual encroachment of the monsters.

Theo took the bombs into his inventory, steeling himself to go outside again. “Let’s go.”

The group was out on the street again, weapons out and prepared. They encountered several Goblins on the way to Aarok’s command post, but they were quickly dispatched by the strength of the laborers. These people had worked the fields, hauled piles of rotting hides, and placed almost all their points into [Strength]. Their might was unquestionable.

“Got my bombs?” Aarok asked, managing a smile.

“Half the power of the demonstration,” Theo said, withdrawing a single bomb and handing it over to the guildmaster.

“Luras!” Aarok shouted.

The big Half-Ogre descended the battlements, covered in minor wounds and heaving breath. Aarok handed it over and nodded.

“Half the power of the first one,” Aarok said. “How many more do you have, Theo?”

“Four more,” Theo said. “I’d hand them over, but you need to have an inventory.”

Azrug poked his head from the crowd, holding up his hand. “I have an inventory, now.”

Theo withdrew the remaining 4 bombs from his inventory, urging the shopkeeper to take them in his own as quickly as possible. “They’re unstable. Be very careful.”

“Right,” Aarok said, letting out a long sigh. “Theo, you have 3 more lightning turrets, don’t you?”

“I do,” Theo said.

“I have adventurers stationed at every gate. The monsters are filtering around the walls, we need those weapons up—”

Aarok’s words were cut off by the thunderous sound of lightning. The turret shot a bolt that split through the night. Theo watched as the lightning weaved its way around the crowd of monsters outside, chaining between them.

“Ziz, accompany him,” Aarok said, digging his finger into his ear. The Half-Ogre winced. A plume of fire rose from the swamp, hoots of excitement joining shortly after it. Luras had thrown the bomb. “Go.”

Ziz pulled Theo along the path, urging him toward the northern gate. It was a long walk from the center of town.

“Now, it’s getting extremely exciting,” Ziz said, chuckling.

Theo and his escort made it to the farmer’s fields, assisting the laborers with a few stray goblins. Despite the walls protecting the town, the determined creatures found a way inside. This wouldn’t have been a problem if the alchemist installed the turrets beforehand. Zan’kir was standing outside his house, twin tulwars out and waiting. He gave them a solemn nod as they passed by, a nervous expression hanging on his face.

Ziz and his laborers cleared out a small group of goblins rummaging through the quarry’s workshop. They climbed the rocky slope, finding their way to the northern gate. A small group of adventurers was guarding the wall, looking out into the darkness and startling when Theo approached. He ignored them, placing the [Chain Lightning Tower] into the magic circle and stepping back.

“When it sprouts, you need to feed it motes,” Theo said. “Do you guys have a lot of motes?”

“Tons,” one adventurer said.

“Right,” Theo said. “There should be a port you can feed the motes into. Then, it’ll start firing automatically.”

“Thanks.”

“Let’s walk the wall for the other gates,” Ziz said, nodding. “Aarok should have patrols, but I’d like to bash a few heads along the way.”

“Right,” Theo said, taking a slow breath. He was falling back into that pace set by battle. The frantic scramble to do anything he could to turn the tide. Another explosion sounded from the west, lightning up the night sky to be joined by another blast of lightning. “Let’s go.”

Did you hear that? Tresk asked, cackling into Theo’s mind. That bomb took out most of them.

Stay safe, Theo said.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

I will. Keeping an eye out for our wolf-riding friend.

“Half-Ogres with weapons first,” Theo said, gesturing to the battlements.

Ziz took the lead with another laborer while Theo remained protected on his rear flank by 3 laborers. The northern section of the wall didn’t have monsters on it, as far as they could see. When they turned the bend, heading toward the eastern gate, they encountered several goblins who were dispatched easily. The alchemist’s eyes darted to Tresk’s health bar in the bottom-left of his vision. It plummeted suddenly, then was restored. His heart hammered in his ears as they approached the eastern gate, greeting the adventurers stationed there. He planted the seed and instructed them on its use before leaving, nervous about his Tara’hek’s situation.

Got him! Tresk shouted into Theo’s mind. Luras almost blew me up, but we baited the wolf-riding Goblin! He’s dead!

Is the main force breaking off? Theo asked. He prayed for a route.

Not yet. Oh wow. That’s a big troll, Tresk said.

The sky was a constant light of colors at this point. Bolts of lightning shot into the sky from the northern gate, joining those from the western gate. Theo picked up his pace.

“Most people think a monster wave is a bad thing,” Ziz said, looking back to talk to Theo. “But it’s not.”

“How is it not a bad thing?” Theo asked, still feeling sick.

“It’s hard, there’s no doubt. But the loot and experience people gain during the wave is legendary,” Ziz said.

“I heard there’s a bonus for defending towns, too,” a laborer put in.

“Me too,” another said.

“Let’s hope its worth it,” Theo said, swallowing hard.

Tresk’s health dropped again, and Theo stumbled on the battlements. He almost felt the pain of that blow, some phantom thing emanating from his chest.

Big Troll hits hard! Tresk shouted into his mind. I retreated behind the wall—don’t worry.

“Big troll at the west gate,” Theo said, furrowing his brow. “Let’s pick up the pace.”

The group broke into a jog, slipping more than once over the slick battlements. They traced a path along the walls, encountering no monsters as they went. Tresk reported on the big Troll as they went. The lightning was keeping it at bay, but the tower took an absurd amount of motes to operate. For every bolt of lightning struck, the thing seemed to regenerate its health just as fast. The adventurers at the southern gate were grateful to see their mayor. He installed the turret and gave instructions on its operation, ensuring that they had enough motes to feed.

“Haven’t seen many monsters this way,” an adventurer said. “How is the west doing?”

“They’re holding out,” Theo said, watching as another plume of fire rose skyward. It bathed the town in its orange light. “We need more bombs. Different bombs.”

“These guys are fine. Let’s head back to the west gate,” Ziz said, placing a reassuring hand over Theo’s shoulder.

“Let’s stop by the lab first,” Theo said. “We’re gonna make a nuke.”

“What’s a nuke?” Ziz asked.

“Something big enough so that Troll doesn’t regenerate,” Theo said. “Something with more fire.”

The group dismounted the battlements there, heading to the Newt and Demon directly. They encountered a group of Goblins and wolves outside of Miana’s house, which they quickly dispatched. They found the Half-Ogre woman inside, holding a chipped sword aloft. Relief washed over her face as they entered to check on her.

“Get to the center of town. That’s the procedure. Everyone goes to the center when the bells are rung,” Theo said, casting her a concerned look. Did she not know about the procedure, or perhaps she didn’t care. Whatever her thoughts were on the matter remained a mystery as she nodded and sprinted out into the night.

“Spiky woman,” Ziz said, watching her go.

“She’s complicated,” Theo said.

Ziz shrugged, leading the way to the Newt and Demon. Theo had an idea for which potions he’d create for the Troll. The answer wasn’t a single potion, but a combination. If the creature was regenerating damage and Tresk’s poison wasn’t doing the trick, he’d create a twofold attack to bring the monster down. Basic Drogramath Alchemy mentioned basic firebombs. While his supply of [Fire Essence] was almost depleted, he had enough for a few potions.

The lab was empty when they arrived and Theo chugged another [Lesser Stamina Potion], feeling a sudden surge of energy that tingled his brain. Most potions didn’t have deleterious effects from repeated consumption, but he could feel something stirring in his body. A fatigue that couldn’t be cured by alchemical means. The first firebomb required a special flask, something that would shatter on impact. Once the potion was bottled, according to his tome, it couldn’t be un-bottled. Not until it struck a surface, releasing the deadly flames within.

The reaction was extremely simple once he had the correct container. It was a round bottle with a glass cork for the top. When he poured the [Fire Essence] inside, adding a [Copper Shaving] and [Purified Water], the reaction was immediate. Fire swirled inside, coalescing at the bottom into a thick, viscous liquid. The fire danced atop the oil-like substance, licking the top of the bottle. Theo inspected his first proper bomb.

[Basic Firebomb]

[Bomb]

Common

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Great Quality

Shatter against a surface to release flames that stick to the target.

Effect:

Fire DOT based on potion quality.

“Fire in a bottle,” Ziz said, chuckling.

“Don’t touch it,” Theo said. “I’m not sure if I made the container too weak.”

“Understood,” Ziz said, straightening his posture and putting his hands behind his back. Likewise, the other laborers tucked their hands under the armpits, standing at attention as to not disturb the delicate contents of the lab.

Theo created an identical version of his bomb, adding a [Surge] modifier essence to the mix. The potion boiled under the effects of the modifier essence, thick tar bubbling with seams of green running through it. He inspected the result, knitting his brow when it wasn’t what he expected.

[Basic Firebomb]

[Surge]

[Bomb]

Common

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Great Quality

Shatter against a surface to release flames that stick to the target.

Effect (Modified):

Consumes all DOT fire effects on target and applies them as double instant damage.

A plan was forming, though. He had enough [Fire Essence] to create another bomb, but that was it. He made 1 more [Basic Firebomb], pulling all 3 into his inventory.

“I’m ready,” Theo said. “Let’s go.”

Troll broke the gate! Tresk shouted into Theo’s mind. He’s mad at Miana’s old house!

We’re coming, Theo said.

The group broke into a sprint, the stone path flickering with light as the lightning turret fired another round, this time into the town. Theo flinched as they drew closer, watching the mayhem near the town center. A wild melee was underway, the host of adventurers doing their best to bring the beast down. The troll towered above them, its skin a fetid green color and covered in moss, pocked skin seared by the constant assault of the tower. Its face was a lumpen thing, more boils than features, but the alchemist spotted rows of rotten teeth, streaming ribbons of green slobber onto the ground.

[Boss Monster] spotted! Foul Lord Ughlak has been sighted. This monster is stronger than regular monsters, use caution.

“Luras!” Theo shouted, spotting the Half-Ogre near the monolith. He had a vacant expression on his face. The alchemist withdrew the 3 bombs and thrust them forward. “Throw this one, then this one, then this one.”

Luras didn’t respond.

“Step aside,” Miana said, pushing through the crowds of cowering citizens. “This, that, then that? Fine, easy enough.”

Miana snatched the bombs, cradling the two spares in the crook over elbow and leaning back to throw the first bomb. “Heads up!”

The ex-mayor of Broken Tusk threw the bomb with more force than was reasonable, sending it hurtling directly at the monster’s torso. It exploded in a shower of fire and oily liquid, coating the Troll and forcing it to let out an ear-shattering bellow. With no hesitation, she threw the next bomb. The modified firebomb sucked in all the flames surrounding the beast, collecting them into a pea-sized bubble before rocketing into Troll’s chest. It let out a whimpering moan, going prone on the ground. Ribbons of green light surrounded the thing, representing the regenerative properties of the boss monster.

“Last one,” Miana said, hurling the last bomb.

The firebomb applied another instance of the fire DOT effect, negating the monster’s regenerative abilities.

“Attack!” Aarok shouted, urging the adventurers to come from their hiding places. They assaulted the monster with a coordination Theo had never seen before, dancing around the flaming Troll with expert precision. Before long, a window popped into the alchemist’s vision.

[Boss Monster] defeated! Foul Lord Ughlak has been slain. Kill the remaining monsters to complete this wave.

“Plug the hole,” Aarok commanded, pointing to the shattered western gate.

Theo watched as Azrug passed out [Lesser Stamina Potions] to the adventurers before Aarok sent them on their way. Luras snapped out of his daze after a moment, giving way to a steely resolve bolstered by the stamina potion he downed. The night became a flurry of movement. Teams spread throughout the town to destroy the remaining monsters.

Theo spotted Zan’kir and his wife Zan’sal moving together, swords out with grim expressions on their faces. Xam was watching their two children near the monolith, comforting the poor creatures. Tresk appeared from the shadows, pulling the alchemist into a tight embrace.

“That was close,” Tresk whispered.

“Any dead?” Theo asked.

“None,” Tresk said. “Not a soul lost. Thanks to the towers and your potions.”

“Thanks to the grit of the people of Broken Tusk,” Miana corrected.

There was something different about the Half-Ogre woman. A kind of resolve that Theo had never seen in her eyes. It was something beyond steely, boarding on fanatical. He wondered what that man took from her 23 years ago. What kind of horror he inflicted on her for decades. He pushed those thoughts away as soon as they came, focusing on the task at hand. He stooped low, pressing his forehead against Tresk’s. A sense of comfort flooded through his body, joined by a sensation of power.

[Tara’hek Core] received experience (10%).

[Tara’hek Core] leveled up! Level 10.

[Tara’hek Core] has evolved a skill: [Tara’hek Inventory].

[Tara’hek Core] gained an enhanced effect: +5 strength.

[Tara’hek Core] gained an enhanced effect: +1 vigor.

“Oh DANG! That’s an excellent skill!” Tresk shouted.

Theo inspected the new skill.

[Tara’hek Inventory]

Marshling Bond Skill

Epic

Sharing is caring.

Effect:

Creates a sharable inventory between both holders of the [Tara’hek Core]. Inventory slots are equal to [Tara’hek Core’s] level.

The stat boost from the core was strong enough, but this was absurd. Theo summoned his regular inventory, dismissed the screen and summoned the Tara’hek inventory. They existed as two separate things, functionally giving him 2 inventories.

“That’s absurd,” Theo said. “I have 2 inventories.”

“You two,” Aarok said, pointing at the pair. “Look alive, we’re not done.”