Theo popped a [Lesser Stamina Potion] before continuing his efforts. Yesterday might not have been the time to grind away, but the crystal was drawing dangerously close to red. By the alchemist’s estimation, the wave would come early tomorrow. This left ‌informing the citizens of his town about the attack, something he wasn’t looking forward to. At least they were relatively prepared this time.

The standard bomb recipe was easy enough to make. With the massive amount of [Fire Salamander Eggs] Tresk retrieved, he would have enough bombs to last the attack. Each adventurer within the town could toss bombs for the duration of the attack, but that would only help against the massive hordes. When the bosses came, and they would come, they’d need to switch tactics. They may have known when the attack was happening, but they couldn’t know what the bosses were going to be.

Theo reserved himself to creating a new type of bomb, adding a third element to his arsenal. After creating his entire stock of [Basic Firebombs], several hundred in all, and setting aside 20 of those for modification, he turned his attention to the 500 units of [Freezing Essence]. He crafted his standard bomb flask, a rounded, flat-bottomed thing with dangerously flimsy walls, and sat down to think. Last time he created a bomb, the vessel mattered as much as the ingredients. Basic Drogramath Alchemy confirmed this, which he knew, so he followed his basic recipe, replacing [Fire Essence] for [Freezing Essence].

Theo poured his [Freezing Essence] inside the round flask, adding a [Copper Shaving], and [Purified Water]. The first tier potion kicked off immediately. The liquid bubbled and swirled for a moment, ice crystals forming on the side of the bottle before flecks of white formed in the blue liquid. It looked like a snowglobe, snowflakes caught in a viscous liquid and dancing around the container. The alchemist inspected the resulting bomb.

[Basic Freezebomb]

[Bomb]

Common

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Great Quality

Shatter against a surface to release ice that roots the target.

Effect:

Effectiveness of the root is based on the quality of the potion.

Roots were good, but Theo was looking for an ice-based elemental attack. He repeated the process to create 100 Freezebombs, watching his stamina plummet and the sky darken outside. He was running out of time, but withdrew his [Surge] modifier essence for more testing. With the modifier applied to a Freezebomb, he watched. The flakes of snow within the orb moved faster, darting around the flask and taking on a blue-yellow color. He inspected the result.

[Basic Freezebomb]

[Surge]

[Bomb] [Modified Bomb]

Common

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Great Quality

Shatter against a surface to release ice that roots the target.

Effect:

Consume a root effect on target, dealing damage equal to time remaining on root in the form of [Ice Shards] attack.

The result was exactly what he was looking for. He now had access to lightning, ice, and fire damage types. When Theo encountered the troll, it was out of instinct that the fire would work. It made sense, considering the monster was constantly regenerating health. He suspected that his Freezebombs would work against that pesky wolf-riding Goblin, too. The alchemist grabbed another bomb, applying his [Web] modifier.

[Basic Freezebomb]

[Web]

[Bomb] [Modified Bomb]

Common

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Great Quality

Shatter against a surface to release ice that roots the target.

Effect:

Tendrils of ice shoot from the affected target, applying a weaker version of this effect to 5 adjacent enemies.

The [Web] modifier was even better. Theo peered out the window, cursing under his breath and the sun drew lower. The town would need to get by on what he had accomplished and the alchemist drew all of his creations into his inventory. Thousands of restoration potions and hundred of bombs to be distributed among the adventurers tomorrow. It was an accomplishment that would make the greatest alchemists in Qavell blush, but in Broken Tusk it was just another monster wave. Theo smiled at that thought.

Azrug had cleared out from the shop below, and Theo locked the shop up before leaving. He informed Tresk that he was headed to talk to Aarok, instructing her to round everyone up for a meeting in the center of town. As he was walking up the street, he felt a familiar haptic buzz in his mind. Fenian was calling him through his crystal, stuck in his inventory. He answered immediately.

Theo! I have a job for you, Fenian said. I’ll be in town tomorrow, if you wish to discuss this in person.

Not a good time, Fenian, Theo said, trudging up the street.

Oh?

Monster wave tomorrow, Theo said. We’re preparing for battle, at the moment.

Oh, my little alchemist. Growing up so quick, Fenian said, his voice sing-song. That’s fine, I’ll delay my arrival. How long will it take you to mop up the creatures?

The entire day‌, Theo said.

Well, I apologize for interrupting your brooding. I have a magnificent find for you, although you won’t like the price, Fenian said. A [Governance Core], which was very hard to source. Qavell has them locked down, for some reason.

Really? Theo asked, stopping on the street. He watched Tresk flit by, jumping between shadows and knocking on Throk’s door. How much is it going to cost me?

Well, you won’t like that part. I sourced it for 50 gold, Fenian said.

Theo let out a bark-like laugh, his face painted with surprise. That was far more than he was expecting to pay.

You’re joking, Theo said, gripping the crystal tightly in his hand.

Fortunately, you’re a rich alchemist, Fenian said. And I’m a rich trader. I’ll give it to you tomorrow, and we’ll come to an arrangement, Fenian said.

I can make 2nd tier potions now, Theo said. And I can apply modifiers to those, I think.

You’ll be rich, I’m sure. Shall we discuss this over dinner? Tomorrow evening? Fenian asked.

Theo didn’t know if he should be offended by the man’s casual nature. The alchemist’s town was staring down a monster wave, perhaps 12 hours away. His anger faded away when he realized Fenian’s cavalier nature reflected his confidence in Broken Tusk.

Stolen story; please report.

That should be fine, Theo said. I’ll be hopped up on [Lesser Stamina Potions], though.

That’s quite fine, Fenian said. I have some settlers coming to your town. Did I mention that? Some mage that’s looking for a new home—I told him Broken Tusk would be perfect for his research.

Theo groaned. He didn’t hate mages, he just didn’t like the ones he’d met. He let out a heavy sigh and nodded to himself.

I’ll see you tomorrow, Fenian, Theo said, spotting a crowd already gathering at the square. Tresk worked fast.

So long, my friend.

The connection ceased suddenly, and Theo returned the crystal to his inventory.

Theo approached the square, finding Aarok calming the crowd down. They knew something was up, and some of them suspected it was a monster wave. The guildmaster pulled him aside, talking in hushed tones.

“So, tomorrow?” Aarok asked. “That’s quite soon.”

Theo cast his gaze over the crowd, noting the absence of several people.

“Where’s Luras?” Theo asked.

“Crafting, I suppose,” Aarok said. “He really didn’t want to swap his cores last time. That’s painful if you’re not the right level. Takes something out of you. Anyway, got the bombs?”

“Yeah, we have enough to repel an army,” Theo said. “Are the motes stationed, like you said?”

“They’re stationed and ready to go,” Aarok said.

“Fine. Now we just need to break the news to these people,” Theo said.

“Let me do it,” Tresk said, suddenly appearing from the shadows.

“No,” Aarok said. “Tresk isn’t the right person. They want to hear it from Theo. Most of them know what’s going on, but still.”

“Fine,” Theo said, crossing his arms and watching the crowd. Some townsfolk weren’t present yet. They didn’t have to wait long until everyone was there. The alchemist even spotted Luras, lurking near the back. He approached them, waving his hands to gain silence.

“Good evening,” Theo said, clearing his throat awkwardly. He looked back at Tresk, who gave him two thumbs up and a cheesy grin. “When Uharis left town, he gave me something to detect monster waves. As many of you may have gleaned, we’re expecting one tomorrow.”

A murmur spread through the crowd like a wave. It was a mixture of surprise and resignation. Those that expected the wave seemed unaffected, shrugging indifferently. The three adventuring brothers looked at each other with excitement, while the families brought their children close. Theo held a hand up for silence.

“We’re ready this time. I crafted enough bombs to set the swamp ablaze. Our adventurers have been training hard, and the turrets have mote supplies near them,” Theo said. “Aarok hasn’t even finished tallying how much money we made on the last wave. I want everyone to see this as a chance to make as much experience and cash as possible.”

That got a little rise out of the crowd. The adventurers cheered, pumping their fists in excitement.

“10 gold at last count,” Aarok said. “We just need a merchant to buy all the gear.”

“Right. There might be a way to stop the waves, who knows. Uharis couldn’t figure it out, but this is a chance for us. So, we’re ready,” Theo said. “Aarok, do you have anything to add?”

“So, tomorrow morning at dawn we’ll ring the bell 20 times slowly,” Aarok said. “Slow and methodical. That’s your signal to wake up and prepare. If the attack happens before dawn, you’ll hear the watchmen whacking that thing like crazy.”

Theo hadn’t considered that. A wake-up call the day of an attack was a great idea. He withdrew the crystal from his inventory and noted that it had gone more orange than yellow. Everything was in place, but he was still nervous about the attack. The alchemist couldn’t let that show on his face.

“So, we all know what to do,” Theo said.

“I suggest everyone come down to the Marsh Wolf Tavern!” Xam shouted, her voice rising above the growing drone of voices. “I’ve got Karatan steaks.”

“Oh hell yeah,” Tresk said, grabbing Theo’s arm. “We’re going, right?”

Theo smiled, looking at both his and Tresk’s stamina bar. They were draining towards empty, but they had enough for a night out. The alchemist pushed his worries for tomorrow down, letting the excitement of the crowd wash over him. Aarok pulled him by the arm, holding him in place. The crowd moved off, everyone turning their gaze away from the trio except Luras. The Half-Ogre came sauntering over, smiling sheepishly.

“Another fight, huh?” Luras asked. “I thought I was done with this.”

“You won’t be needed on this wall, Luras,” Aarok said. “I’ve already told you this.”

“It feels weird not helping,” Luras said.

“You’ll help,” Theo said. “We’ll need supplies ran between the gates.”

“Yeah…”

“Speaking of, let’s see how many potions and bombs you’ve made,” Aarok said.

Theo started withdrawing the items from his inventory, handing them over to the guildmaster. It was far more than they’d need for the attack, but the alchemist didn’t want to take chances. The lives of the townsfolk were far too valuable to gamble when he could simply brew an absurd amount of potions. He handed over the Freezebombs last.

“Those freezing bombs are going to do a lot,” Theo said. “Especially the ones with the [Web] modifier. So, we have lightning, fire, and ice. Doesn’t matter what the wave throws at us, we’ll be ready.”

“I got poison,” Tresk said, flashing her daggers.

Her daggers were now usually coated in the new poison Theo was brewing. [Decay] was a nasty modifier that increased the damage that poison did. The Marshling had reported no other effects, but she rarely took stock of that stuff.

“I got leather,” Luras said, smiling.

Theo saw something in the man’s eyes, hidden behind his cheery exterior.

“I’ll meet you two at the Marsh Wolf,” Theo said. “I want to have a word with Luras.”

Tresk and Aarok shared a glance for a moment, but shrugged. They left, leaving the pair alone in the dimming light of the day. Luras’ expression of stone faded away in a moment, a grimace painting his proud features.

“How obvious is it?” Luras asked.

“That you’re miserable?” Theo asked. “Extremely obvious. I’m also Broken Tusk’s counselor. So, spill it.”

“Knowing you, you’ll chase me down to hear the story,” Luras said, letting out a heavy sigh. “No, I didn’t want to tell anyone. Not even Aarok, and he knew my uncle. But, the night before an attack?”

“We have time,” Theo said, waving him off. “You’ve been reclusive lately. I thought you were just honing your craft, but it seems like something else.”

“I wanted to tell you once you broke your barrier, but you helped me get my workshop ready… Seems like a rude thing to do,” Luras said. He drew another long breath and shrugged. “So, you want the story?”

“Yep.”

“I hate leatherworking,” Luras said. “I really hate it. Everything about the leathers makes me want to puke. Sitting there with a bone needle and gut string, poking little holes and setting rivets. Gods, I can’t think of anything I’d rather do less.”

Theo knit his brows tightly. His impression of the Half-Ogres was that leatherworking was his life’s goal. The alchemist’s intuition told him there was something to this story that Luras talked about.

“So, why did you pick it up?” Theo asked. “I know I said I wanted more artisans, but you made my shoes. Thought you loved it.”

“I liked it before my uncle died,” Luras said. “Remember when I went over to Rivers and Daub? Took all your [Cleansing Scrub] to visit someone? Well, my uncle died. He didn’t tell anyone he was dying, not even me. He just left me this damned note.”

Luras produced a crumpled note and handed it over to Theo. The alchemist read over it quickly. The contents were more than a little manipulative, claiming that a life of adventure wasn’t for his nephew. His uncle urged Luras to give up the adventuring life and settle down, practically begging him to be a leatherworker. The entire thing made Theo sick to his stomach. It was the single most selfish thing a parent could do, something that struck too close to home.

“What do you want to do?” Theo asked.

Luras shrugged. “Shoot stuff with my bow, I guess.”

Theo held his hand out. “How much did your leatherworking core cost?”

“Theo, come on,” Luras said. “I’ll get over it.”

“Not at all,” Theo said. “Produce your core, now. Tell me the cost.”

Luras looked surprised. He pressed his hand into his chest, wincing in pain and removing the [Leatherworker’s Core]. Theo couldn’t use it for anything else, as it was soulbound, but he wanted to make a point.

“50 silver,” Luras said.

Theo produced the coins from his inventory and handed it over.

“Tell Aarok I said you’re in charge of the guard, now,” Theo said, withdrawing a house seed core from his inventory, opening his mayor's screen and cutting out a section of land near the adventurers in the north. “Your new house is up near Zan’kir’s place. Go plant this before the siege.”

Luras’ face was a mix of confusion and guilt. He was bound so tightly to that dead man’s words, like his uncle still had a physical chain around the Half-Ogre’s neck. The best way to break those chains was to shatter them, driving the illusion to the ground and stomping them into the mud. Theo hadn’t felt this angry in a long time. Luras was the first friend he’d made in Broken Tusk, a valued companion.

“Don’t let anyone tell you how to live your life,” Theo said. “Especially the dead.”

“Thanks, Theo,” Luras said, hanging his head.

“I get it,” Theo said, shrugging. “When I was on Earth, I lived my life for my mother. When she died, the opposite thing happened. I realized the entire thing was a lie.”

“He was just so good to me,” Luras said. “I didn’t think it was right to disobey his wishes.”

“Nah, he wanted you to be happy,” Theo said. “He just didn’t understand you’d be happier in the thick of it, rather than safe behind these walls.”

Luras suddenly pulled Theo into a hug, squeezing a little too hard. They stood there for some time, the Half-Ogre failing to hide the sounds of his sobs. The alchemist let him get it out, shedding all of that bad blood there on the cobbles.

“Tomorrow is a new day,” Luras said, sniffling into Theo’s ear.

“There’s no better place for a fresh start, friend,” Theo said. “Besides, I need adventurers more than I need leather. Good adventurers. The last time you were on the wall, you were a demon. That’s when you show your true self, Luras. Not whittling your time away in a workshop.”

“You’re right,” Luras said, withdrawing his old combat core and shoving it painfully in his chest.

“The town will pay for an upgraded core,” Theo said, pointing at the Half-Ogre’s chest.

“Come on,” Luras said, wrapping his arm around Theo’s shoulder. “Tell me how we’re gonna be rich.”