Published at 16th of February 2024 2:24 pm

Chapter 49. Contracts In High Places

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“The wild folk are only wild in name. The Imperium branded them with the misnomer because of their nomadic ways. The residents of the Arctic Wastes move with the seasons, migrating between geothermal hotspots and resource-rich caverns. The continent’s best aether warriors and smiths rise from within their ranks because of the harsh conditions and beasts they must constantly combat.

The wild folk clans worship gods and entities older than the ones that focus. One must not mistake their piety for betrayal of humankind.”

—Lorraine Woodson, Dungeon Researcher, Stone Golemancer

The apprentices appeared capable of keeping up with stocking needs and current orders, reducing the need for Nox's presence. In fact, he believed his existing equipment needed to be improved to keep up with the business's needs. They required more means to meet demand and maximize the shop's output. He needed individual workstations dedicated to each recovery pill and the sterilizing potion.

Even though the number of noble women and affluent female students entering the shop had drastically dropped, sales remained consistent. Customers sent servants to make the purchases in larger quantities or placed orders for collection. Meanwhile, contraceptive demands had multiplied during the past week. Nox guessed the rich and powerful weren't keen on pregnancy during times of turmoil.

Aisha and Allen had no choice but to assemble a waiting list because of piling orders. They neither had the equipment nor the ingredients to meet all current demands.

“It was your flame-slime concoction,” Hilda told Nox. “Everyone is talking about how it alone stopped the myconid colonies outside the city. Apparently, your master made a show of using it and telling everyone about its creator. People want to help businesses who helped save the city.”

“The sterilizing brew has only been adding to that,” Aisha added. “Would you mind doubling the Edelweiss deliveries?”

“It shouldn't be a problem,” Nox stated. “I didn't think it would be in such high demand. Otherwise, I would've marketed it almost as much as the cosmetics and contraceptives.”

“We received several orders from the research and production departments. A couple of professors showed up with contracts, but I told them we lacked the authority to make such decisions.” Aisha handed Nox a couple of letters with the most perfect calligraphy he had ever seen. “I told them you'd meet them once you're back.”

“This amazing,” Nox mumbled, eyes wide as he studied the departmental seals. “We'll have no trouble paying the city our due during the off-season. Thank you, team. This might just mean we’re financially safe for the coming offseason.” Nox paused, frowning as he thought about the city’s current state. “Given the young rifts currently populating the countryside and the remaining beast nests, there might not be much of a problem.”

“Do you think the noble houses will stay in the city?” Allen asked.

“They just might. The rifts, monsters, and all the harvested materials will attract delvers and artisans for the next couple of months, too. Despite everything that happened, it's likely the City of Ygg will enjoy an economic boom over the coming months.”

Aisha nodded. “We’re known for more than cosmetics now. We don’t need to rely on noble ladies to survive anymore.”

The city council and errands for the barony kept Aisha busy in the evenings. As a result, she and Nox didn’t get to spend the evening together. Instead, he focused on research. Alex needed more time to confirm his suspicions. If they were true, the Singhs were racing him toward a solution for the myconid problem. Nox was still likely to make money if they reached the destination first.

After all, he had patented the process of bonding essences with slimes and the general formula, which made them target the myconid brain column. However, a lot of money could still be made off the fungal beasts and their colonies. His process and recipe weren’t as efficient and potent as he’d like. Nox also needed to solve the toxicity and life essence distribution problem to make the fungus useful for other purposes. Either way, he was going to make money. Nox just didn't want two-faced saboteurs to beat him to the prize and share the fruit of his hard work.

The following morning, Nox visited the campus. He used the letters to find the professors interested in his products and gain access to their work suites.

First, Nox went to the research department. The request had come from a professor studying blights. His project involved infecting popular high-yield crops with different strains and breeding resistant grains. He needed the sterilizing brew to prevent contamination and outbreaks. The man was short with Nox and almost spoke to him as a lesser mage.

Pudge and Michelle claimed many researchers believed only inferior scholars went into production. It seemed like a moronic attitude to have toward a silly mage. Neither’s work was lesser or greater than the other’s. After all, they were all working toward the same goal—protecting the world against the dungeons’ effects. Nox made the researcher pay for his attitude with exorbitant prices.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Mass, regular orders almost always enjoyed significant discounts when compared to in-store prices. The man received no such benefits. Nox set harsh terms and concessions, which were only discounts in name. No change in tone or sweet talk changed Nox’s mind. He got all he could out of the man. Nox took a deposit for material costs and promised the first delivery in a fortnight.

Meanwhile, the production department welcomed Nox warmly. After all, he was one of them. Much to Nox’s surprise, it wasn’t Assistant Professor Bell that he met, but Dean Oleg. The meeting took place in a room on the building’s top floor. It was larger and significantly better furnished than Professor Das’ office.

“You gave your mentor a proper scare, you know?” Dean Oleg was a giant of a man. He stood well above the city’s average, had snow-white hair, and skin almost as pale. Nox had read about the wild folk from the Arctic Wastes and only encountered a handful who fit the description. Dean Oleg looked like as good a specimen as any. “I understand you made quite a splash since your arrival in the city. May I ask what you’re doing wasting your time with the delving department?”

“I’m sure Professor Kris has filled all the deans and relevant university staff in on my circumstances,” Nox replied. “I’d be happy to tell you again, Dean, but be warned. My mind won’t be changed. I’ll continue contributing to the city’s alchemical development but will always prioritize on delving. When the time comes for me to challenge Sundarshahar, that’s what I’ll do, even if that means victory costs me my life.”

“Yes. Yes. I’ve heard all that blighted nonsense before. I’d argue you’re more an alchemist who vacations as a delver than a delver paying their way with alchemy.” The older man guffawed. “My question is more about whether revenge is your one and only motivation. However, I sense you’re not ready to address the matter. Consider it and decide whether there is any point in your hard work and all you’re building if it goes to the Void when you perish. There is more to war than fighting. Sure, you might be good at shooting and weaving, but don’t you think you can do just as much, if not more, by brewing weapons and tools that can help better warriors do the job for you?”

Nox had no answer for Dean Oleg. He only offered the older man a polite nod.

“You’re gifted with a mind that thinks differently and can accomplish great things in the face of adversity. Don’t waste it on stupid endeavors. Alright?”

“Life as an alchemist is significantly more difficult than that of a delver,” Nox said. “A fellow alchemist has spent the past few months attempting to infiltrate and vandalize my business. They used my time away as an opportunity to firebomb it. Fortunately, none of my people were hurt, and the wards kept the workshop from burning down. Why waste time on a trade where monopolists try to take what is mine and murder me? Dungeon-born and their lords are honest about their intentions. Fellow artisans smile and shake my hand, then go for the jugular while my back is turned.”

The mirth disappeared from Dean Oleg’s face. He leaned back in his chair and smiled. “Do you know who was behind the attack?”

“The Singhs.”

“Do you have evidence?”

“Only witness accounts and inside agents. I’m afraid the words of urchins and kitchen maids won’t get the guards to investigate, let alone arrest the Singhs.”

“For the record, the Singhs aren’t monopolists. Despite the face they present, they’re weapon developers. It’s believable that they’d sabotage you for a better chance at the patents. They have a reputation.” Dean Oleg sighed. “It’s no reason to turn your back on alchemy, though. Especially with the talent and prowess you’ve displayed. Did you perhaps share any information regarding your creation with Professor Das?”

“I showed him my initial notes, formulae, and plans after getting it all patented. You don’t think he sold the information to the Singhs, do you? I owe a fair bit of my current success to him. He helped me with my licenses and—”

“Akash Das is an honorable man,” Dean Oleg replied. “I trust him but not the people he employs. He is a much too trusting man. Are you aware his assistant works for the Singhs and has a full-time job waiting for him after he completes one more semester?”

Nox shook his head. “I thought there was something fishy about him. The timeline makes a fair bit of sense now. Thank you for your insight, Dean.”

“Do you plan to do anything about them?”

“Not until I have enough evidence and the circumstances to ensure my actions don’t anger the city or guards.”

“Smart. I’m no friend of the Singhs. Do what you will and ensure no one ever discovers my knowledge of this vendetta. I can’t and won’t help you in this endeavor. However, I might have just the right idea for the circumstances.”

“Do tell.” Sat forward in his chair, surprised by the man’s directness and blatant willingness to take a side. He expected the deans and staff to be more impartial on such matters.

“I know you’ve been away and might not have the chance to check all of your correspondence. The Singhs host a special gathering toward the end of every semester. They don’t just invite their own but the big families and notable figures around the city, too. I’m sure you and your friends are on the guest list. Security will most likely be tight, but given the head on your shoulders, I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

“I think you just earned yourself a big discount, Dean Oleg,” Nox said. “I regret not taking Introduction to Artificing now. It would’ve let us meet and get to know each other earlier.”

“I foresee a great career ahead of you, Nox Ratra,” Dean Oleg replied. “We’ll get plenty of opportunities to meet and get to know each other as long as you focus on your current path. Now. Let’s put this unpleasant topic behind us and discuss business, shall we? I’m very interested in your processes. I’d like to go into the sterilization business brew with you.”

“How many crates are we talking about, and how often?” Nox asked.

“All you can provide. I’m afraid you don’t have the means to supply our needs. It might be beneficial to share the process with us, and we’ll pay you a regular fee for the knowledge for as long as you live.”

“I’m not sure that works for me. I’d prefer to keep the production of my creations under control for the time being. The primary challenge right now is work space and suppliers.”

“Will you give me an obnoxious discount if I help you with the latter?”

“I’ll certainly do my best for the production department, Dean Oleg. We’re family, after all.”

The older man laughed. “Sweet talk doesn’t work on me, son. Let's talk numbers.”

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