The Newt and Demon

Zan’kir groaned as he sat at the table by the window upstairs. Theo brewed some tea for him, feeling sorry for how worn the Khahari looked. His fur was matted down in spots and the glitter of ambition behind his eyes had dimmed slightly. The alchemist would have offered him a healing potion, but he knew it was the kind of exhaustion that couldn’t be remedied by alchemy.

“This place is a confluence, alchemist,” Zan’kir said after a while. “I thought it impossible for a place to have so many resources. Three dungeons within a half-day’s walk is a lot, but now a Drogramathi Alchemist?”

“I try not to think about it,” Theo said with a shrug. “Things were so bad back on Earth… I just figured I had some good luck coming my way.”

“I think that’s exactly it,” Zan’kir said. Some of the tiredness in his eyes had faded, revealing a glimmer of that ambition. “Well, I didn’t mean to sound ominous. A confluence can be a good thing. Broken Tusk was unnoteworthy before you came. Now look at it.”

“It’s not just me, though,” Theo shrugged. “I’m giving these people the tools.”

“Just so,” Zan’kir said, nodding and grinning. “The reason I came here today is to buy property. I heard from the north that merchants are taking an interest here.”

“Ah, I can help you with that,” Theo said. “We have a lot of land for sale, actually.”

“Care to give me a tour?”

Theo waited for Zan’kir to finish his tea. They chatted idly about other things while he drank. The Khahari told him about the river dungeon to the east. It was an incredibly tough place to clear, as most of it was underwater. It was also only at level 8, making it more attractive than the level 25 swamp dungeon. Zan’kir had no information on the [Hills Dungeon]. They departed the shop, locking up before they toured the town.

“So, let’s go north first,” Theo said, leading toward the town square.

They arrived at the monolith, and Theo could tell by the look on Zan’kir’s face he wasn’t interested. The ‌space was tight, and the roads were busy. “This is a bit of a cluster,” he said.

“Yeah, this is where most of the people live,” Theo said. “We have roads now, which is good, and walls.”

“I noticed,” Zan’kir said. “Very impressive for what little you have down here. Shall we?”

Theo nodded, leading him further north. They passed through the farm and out onto the sloping plane heading toward the quarry. Zan’kir seemed more interested in this plot of land. The alchemist noted the road extended north on its own. He reasoned it was connecting the main part of town to the quarry. Since the walls expanded on their own, it made sense.

“You’d be all alone out here,” Theo said, shrugging. “And you’d have to pass through the farm to get to town.”

“That’s fine,” Zan’kir said, smiling. “How large of a parcel can you offer me?”

Theo accessed his administrator map, tilting his head. He owned every bit of land in the northern stretch of town. His intuition said he could split the parcel up and sell the land outright, or rent it to Zan’kir.

“As much as you like,” Theo said, shrugging. “My preference is that you don’t buy the entire tract of land, though.”

Zan’kir laughed. “Nothing like that. Just enough space for me to build a decent home.”

“Well, if you’re interested, I have core seeds for a house,” Theo said.

Zan’kir raised an eyebrow. “How did you come across those?”

“I know a guy,” Theo said, grinning.

“You truly are blessed,” Zan’kir said. He stood on the road and walked a large rectangle, beckoning Theo to follow. The alchemist’s superior [Wisdom] allowed him to estimate the size of the plot as they went. “How much would this cost me?”

Theo had to think about the question for a moment. He tilted his head and did the mental math on the land and the house core. It was hard to find the desire to bleed the man dry, as every adventurer added to the town was another point of prosperity. The parcel that Zan’kir drew out was small compared to the size of the tract, not even a hundredth of its total size.

“I’m horrible at negotiations,” Theo said, managing a sheepish smile. “I’ll be honest with you—I’m no merchant. The land is worth, perhaps, a silver coin. The seed core is about 20 silver coins for me to make a profit.”

“You’re too honest, alchemist,” Zan’kir groaned. “I was prepared to part with a gold.”

“If you’re willing to give up a gold so easily, then you must be a pretty high level adventurer,” Theo said. The urge to inspect the man was strong, but he resisted. Luras told him it was ‌rude, and he didn’t want to ruin their relationship. “How does 50 silver coins sound?”

“For the seed core and the land?” Zan’kir asked. “That’s an absurdly good deal.”

“I know,” Theo said. “Consider this an invitation to make your home here. Into the open arms of Broken Tusk. You’re like a settler, populating a new land.”

Zan’kir reached his hand out. Theo grasped it and shook, beaming. Without waiting for the adventurer to exchange the coin, he opened his administrator map, sectioned off the parcel, and assigned it to him.

“All yours,” Theo said.

Zan’kir withdrew 50 silver coins from a dimensional bag and handed it over. Theo took the [House Seed Core], which looked like a wire mesh sphere with swirling timber inside, and handed it over. The adventurer marched to the middle of the field and buried it under the ground. The alchemist watched as he withdrew [Monster Cores] from his inventory and shoved them in the ground. After a moment, the earth rumbled, and the adventurer retreated.

“Laying down some roots,” Theo said, watching in awe.

An actual root sprung from the ground, swirling around and forming a box. Boards appeared on the outside of the gnarled root, snapping into place to form a beautifully boarded exterior. The roof sprung from nowhere, flying into the air and landing gracefully on top of the structure. When it was done forming, the building was a single-story home with two neat windows in the front. The road snaked to connect to the doorstep.

“Beautiful,” Zan’kir said, beaming. Without another word the adventurer disappeared inside. The house rumbled after a moment, expanding in either direction before shaking violently. The roof jumped again, boards springing to create a second floor.

“That was cool,” Theo said, nodding at Zan’kir as he emerged.

“It’s very satisfying,” Zan’kir said, admiring his new home. “I have a question.”

“Yes?”

“I’m going to depart to retrieve my family from the northlands,” Zan’kir said. “Could you keep an eye on the house?”

“No problem,” Theo said, shrugging.

“With this matter sorted, I’ll depart in the morning,” Zan’kir said. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some decorating to do.”

“Alright. See ya,” Theo said, waving.

Theo departed, heading north to the quarry to check on Ziz. A massive pile of blocks sat near the workshop. The Half-Ogre was working a slab of marble, cutting into smaller blocks when he spotted the alchemist. They exchanged pleasantries, but his real reason for being there was to see if the merchant Fenian sent had stopped by. Theo stayed for as long as was polite before leaving, letting the men do their work.

When he passed by the farm, his mind went back to the [Spriggan Heart] Tresk found in the dungeon. Theo’s mind reeled at the possibilities of enhancing the growth rate of the crops, enabling the farmers to make more money on their hard work. Something in his gut told him they would be less accepting of his alchemical solutions, but as with all things in Broken Tusk, results mattered more than promises. He’d come up with a potion to grow the crops before pitching the idea.

Theo stopped at the square, finding his way reluctantly to Miana’s house. She poked her head out, flashing an uncharacteristic smile and beckoning for him to come inside. He followed her inside, taking a seat in her office. There was something she was hiding from him, but he couldn’t figure it out. Her mood was far better than he’d ever seen it, which never bode well for the Half-Ogre mayor.

“You wanted to see me?” Theo asked.

“I’m quitting,” Miana said, grinning wider.

Theo felt his heart stop in his chest for a moment. “You’re what?”

“You’ve made me useless, alchemist,” Miana said. “Gods do I feel useless.”

“Come on,” Theo said. “You’re not useless.”

“I do nothing here,” Miana said. “Truth be told, I never wanted to be the mayor. When I got the appointment, it was a punishment. Felt like a punishment, anyway.”

“Well, who is going to run the town?” Theo asked, scoffing. “Is Qavell going to send a replacement?”

“They already have,” Miana said.

“Who are they?” Theo asked.

He couldn’t stand the thought of Broken Tusk falling into the hands of someone who didn’t care about it. Some bureaucrat sent from the north to make their town something it wasn’t.

“What has two horns and is now the mayor of Broken Tusk?” Miana asked, pointing dramatically at Theo. “You are.”

Theo’s blood turned to ice in his veins. The feeling subsided quickly when he realized he was already running the town. The only thing Miana did was collect taxes and glower from her house.

“What are you going to do?” Theo asked.

“I’m staying here,” Miana said. “I’ll live out my life, doing whatever. I’m not exactly young, you know.”

Theo felt a rush flood through his body. The message that popped up sent a chill down his spine.

[Mayoral Transfer] Miana Kell has transferred the mayorship of [Broken Tusk] to you! Your [Lord Administrator] roll has been removed.

“Just like that?” Theo asked, scoffing.

“Just like that. This was actually Lauris’ idea—our handler in Qavell. They’re impressed with the way you’re running the town,” Miana said.

“I feel bad,” Theo said, knitting his brow. “Like I just came in here and took your spot.”

“Make it up to me,” Miana said. “Someone told me you bought some house seed cores from that merchant. Sell me one and a plot of land and we’re square.”

Theo thought for a moment. He felt so bad about taking the mayor position that he didn’t even want to consider it. Luras’ advice about him giving things away for free came into his mind, but this was Miana. He withdrew a seed core from his inventory and set it down on the table.

“For free,” Theo said. “Just let me know what plot of land you want, and it's yours.”

“Thank you, Theo,” Miana said.

It was hard to get used to this new side of her. The weight of the mayor’s position must have weighed heavily on her. It was a yoke that brought her mood down every day, turning her into that moody person. By contrast, Theo felt none of that weight. Running the town had been a joy, and he would gladly do it forever if he could.

“What about my debt?” Theo asked.

“You still owe me,” Miana said, flashing a grin. “Can’t get away that easily.”

The pair departed Miana’s home, walking out onto the well-cobbled streets.

You’re the mayor! Tresk said into Theo’s mind. I’m coming home—I gotta get the story in person.

Theo smiled, following Miana’s lead. She went south, to his surprise. They moved past the tannery and Luras’ new building to the edge of town, near the wall. She gestured to a small plot of land, already sectioned off. The alchemist bought it without hesitation, happily spending the 5 silver his new mayor’s map interface requested. He transferred the property over to Miana.

“Thanks, Theo,” Miana said. “I’ll plant the seed and feed it cores—don’t worry, I have a couple stashed away. When I move all my junk out, you can have my old house.”

“I don’t think I’ll use it,” Theo said with a shrug. “I’m going to miss your scowls.”

“Just come down here. I’ll be happy to hurl curses at you from my front porch,” Miana said.

“I’m going to call a meeting with the mercantile chairs tomorrow,” Theo said. “I think you should have an advisor seat.”

“Does it pay?”

“Nope.”

“Bah. I’ll come anyway,” Miana said. “Goodbye.”

Theo turned on the spot and left, feeling strange from the entire encounter. He returned to the Newt and Demon to inspect his new interfaces. There were several new screens he could access when thinking about the concept of Broken Tusk. The screens popped up, displaying detailed information about the town. He saw things like population, resources, and the town’s current level and upgrades.

Tresk arrived some time later to find Theo sitting in the shop, staring off into the distance. He relayed the story to her, laughing when she was as surprised as him. They settled down upstairs so that the Marshling could relay the events of her day.

“I was fighting some big hairy goblin when you got promoted,” Tresk said. “I think everyone in town saw it.”

“I guess it makes sense, but I feel bad,” Theo said. “I hope her new situation makes her happy.”

“Miana will do whatever she wants, that’s not your concern,” Tresk said. “You’re the mayor of Broken Tusk. Think of the things we can do.”

“Yeah, we don’t have to run around asking for permission to do stuff,” Theo said. “We just do it.”

The afternoon sun blazed outside, but neither of them wanted to do anything else today. The shock of becoming mayor was too much to handle. Theo inspected the facets of the mayor’s interface. From the map that detailed the property ownership to demographics, he probed through more menus than he cared to have. The financial tab broke down the distribution of taxes and what influenced them. Everyone who owned property had to pay a weekly tax to the mayor, who then paid that money to the capital. Then, there were the businesses. The town was smart enough to know when coin exchanged hands and taxed it based on a rate. He couldn’t set the tax rates. It must have been something Qavell did on their end.

Theo found himself in a daze, flicking through those menus idly as he waited for the day to end. A loud knock from the door downstairs broke his concentration. Tresk scampered downstairs, answering it and letting out a squeal. Theo went to investigate.

Perg stood with Luras, both of them grinning.

“So, when were you going to tell us Miana made you the mayor?” Luras asked, chuckling.

“When it suited him, I imagine,” Perg said.

“I’m still processing it,” Theo said.

Luras strode across the shop, snatching Theo by the arm and dragging him to the threshold.

“What’s going on?” Theo asked.

“What do you think?” Luras asked. “We’re throwing a party.”