Symbiotic: Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Sara stepped out of the Dungeon Control Crystal chamber, the faint hum of its power still lingering in her ears. The cool air of the mine entrance greeted her, carrying the earthy scent of stone and crystal dust. Just outside, she spotted Thurge and his family, clustered around the glowing runes of the Mine Safety devices.

“Morning, Viscount,” Thurge called, his tusked grin wide as he adjusted the settings on a crystal gauge. His children darted about, carrying tools and laughing as they prepared for another day’s work.

Sara returned the smile, offering a few warm hellos as she passed. It felt grounding, seeing the miners readying themselves, their lives continuing alongside her own strange duties.

She turned to head back into the actual Dungeon when Tas shimmered at her shoulder, voice calm but insistent. “Remember, Sara, you’ll need more Life Crystals if you wish to continue your alchemy practice. Preferably small ones, to refine your methods. You told me to remind you should you get…. Sidetracked.”

Sara sighed, her excitement at testing the new dungeon settings dimming. “Always something practical pulling me away from the fun.” She paused, then perked up, remembering her earlier plan. “But I did want to go rabbit hunting. The Sun Touched Rabbits should do nicely.”

She found Cadni, one of the foxfolk hunters, near the edge of the village. He was sharpening a some arrowheads, ears flicking as she approached. “Cadni,” she said, “where’s the nearest warren of Sun Touched Rabbits?”

He looked up, thoughtful, then pointed toward a stretch of tall grass and low burrows near the valley’s southern edge. “There’s a warren there. Be careful. They flash bright when startled. Likely to lose your sight if you’re not ready. That’s how they getcha.”

Sara thanked him with a wave and set off, her steps light with anticipation.

The warren was easy enough to find. The rabbits themselves were larger than she expected, poodle sized, their fur shimmering faintly. When startled, they kicked or darted, flashing in golden light that dazzled the eye. Sara crouched low, activating Stealth, her breath steady as she crept closer.

With a grin, she whispered the command. “Create Basic Object.”

A Fungal Bow appeared in her hands, its surface alive with faint spores.

Fungal Bow [+2 Force +2 Speed +5% Strike Skill]

And again. “Create Basic Object.”

20 Fungal Arrows [+1 Force +1% Strike Skill]

She quietly crawled into position, nocked an arrow, drew, and loosed. The shot went wide enough that the rabbit didn’t even seem to think it was the target, still munching away at its grass. Her second shot was at least close enough to count as a danger, the rabbit flashing gold as it bounded away. She tried again, missing twice more before learning the knack for adjusting her aim. Finally, the 5th arrow struck true. The rabbit collapsed, its golden light fading into the grass.

System notifications chimed in her mind:

*Ding* [Skill Acquired: Novice Archery Mastery]

You have learned the fundamentals of ranged combat using bows.

- Grants basic proficiency with bows and arrows.

- Increases accuracy and strike damage with ranged weapons.

- Unlocks progression into advanced Archery skills.

*Ding* [Subskill Acquired: Piercing Shot]

You have learned to focus force into a single arrow strike.

- Arrows fired with this technique penetrate deeper, ignoring a portion of target defenses.

- Effective against armored or high resistance foes.

- Scales with Archery proficiency and Mind Thought.

Sara laughed softly, exhilarated. “Archery, huh? Guess I could get used to just hanging back and doing the pew pew.”

*Ding* [Your party has killed a Sun-Touched Rabbit]

100 Experience being divided evenly among your party.

Error: Party size (5001) exceeds limit. Negligible experience gained.

Current Experience to next level: 826.46 of 1000

Sara could only laugh. “0.01 EXP. Ouch!”

She knelt beside the fallen rabbit, remembering that she was after more than just the Life Crystals. The meat and skin were both of value to the cooks and crafters of the Village. But… How did she…

Hand on the rabbits fur, she focused on harvesting the parts and was rewarded by a familiar.

*Ding* [Skill Acquired: Novice Harvesting]

You have learned the fundamentals of gathering natural resources from plants, animals, and minerals.

- Grants basic proficiency in collecting usable materials such as hides, pelts, herbs, and crystals.

- Reduces waste and increases yield when harvesting common resources.

- Unlocks progression into specialized Harvesting skills (Herbalism, Skinning, Mining, etc.).

Harvested Items Collected

Small Life Crystal x1

Sun Touched Rabbit Skin x1

Sun Touched Rabbit Meat x1

Sun Touched Rabbit Bones x1

*Ping* [125 of 250 Microbes gained. Current Network Capacity: 3925 of (4000) 5000]

“Interesting”, Sara Thought to herself as she set the skin, meat, and bones into her Pocket Space. “Harvesting means I absorb only half the microbes I would if I fully absorbed it all. I guess that makes sense. And seems worth it when the creature is good for harvesting.”

Pleased with her new skill and the results, Sara continued to stalk, hunt, and collect more rabbits for herself and the village.

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[Current Experience to next level: 826.55 of 1000]

A few happy, well spent hours later Sara returned to the Village with 10 Sun Touched Rabbits harvested, and the extra microbes spent to Create Basic Object to add 2 each of Chain and Plate armor to her Pocket Storage.

Dropping off the meant for Ned at the Tavern, in return for the promise of all she could eat stew for dinner, she stopped by the Leatherworker to see if he wanted the Rabbit skins.

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Sara pushed open the door to the leatherworker’s workshop, the scent of tanned hides and oil filling the air. The rhythmic sound of a mallet striking stretched leather paused as the craftsman looked up. He was a broad shouldered man with foxfolk ears, his hands stained from dyes and polish, his apron worn but well kept.

“Viscount Bloom,” he said with a respectful nod, setting his tools aside. “Welcome. I am Connak. What brings you to my shop?”

Sara smiled, hefting the bundle she carried. “I’ve been hunting. Sun Touched Rabbits. I harvested ten skins and thought you might be interested.” She laid the bundle on the workbench, the golden flecked pelts catching the light.

The leatherworker’s ears twitched as he leaned closer, running his fingers across the fur. “Fine quality,” he murmured. “Soft, resilient, and with that shimmer… these will make excellent trim for cloaks or gloves, and winter gear. Sun Touched hides hold a bit of warmth, too. I’ll take them gladly.”

Sara tilted her head. “And the bones? Do you know if they’re worth anything? Or if someone in town might want them?”

He chuckled, straightening. “Rabbit bones aren’t much for leatherwork, but don’t discard them. The alchemists sometimes grind them for binding agents, and the bonecarver down by the Market Square might pay for them. He makes charms and trinkets. Claims the Sun Touched bones carry luck.”

Sara’s eyes lit with interest. “Luck, hm? That could be useful. Who is this Bonecarver, and where might I find them?”

“Since it was expanded, he’s most always down by the Market Square. Names Eldrin. No shop of his own, but he usually finds a spot at the edge to plunk down some carvings.”

“He’s got a knack for turning discarded bones into charms & trinkets, that’s for sure. Whether they actually carry any of the magic he says they do… Well that’s a different question, isn’t it?”

The leatherworker bundled the pelts carefully, already envisioning their use. “Bring me more when you can. Hunters will pay well for cloaks lined with this fur, and I’ll make sure you get a fair return for the investment.”

Sara nodded, pleased. “Thank you, Connak. I’ll be sure to bring you any more I come across.” Turning to leave, Sara pauses as a thought comes to her. A way to benefit her Valley Defense Force and a fellow crafter.

“I want to contract you to make leather armor. Not just a few pieces, but in quantity. Enough to begin equipping the Valley Defense Force.”

Connak blinked, his tail flicking once. “Armor? For soldiers?” He leaned back, considering. “That’s no small order. I can make fine leather, yes, but outfitting a force… that’s weeks of work, and a steady supply of hides.”

Sara nodded, already anticipating his concerns. “I can see that you are provided the materials, and well compensated for your work. I’ll see to more hide sources, hunts, trades, whatever it takes. Just let me know what kind of hides you require. What I need from you is consistency. Armor that’s durable, protective, and uniform enough to give my soldiers confidence.”

Connak rose, crossing to a rack where a half finished cuirass hung. He ran his hand over the polished leather, eyes narrowing. “Leather armor won’t stop a warclub or an arrow strike, but it will turn claws, teeth, and blades. And it’s light enough for mobility. If you want your Valley Defense Force to be ready, this is a good start.”

Sara’s grin widened. “Exactly. I don’t expect miracles, but I want my people protected. Haven Valley is growing, and with growth comes danger. If we can give our soldiers armor, even basic leather, it will make all the difference. I have plans in the works for heavier armor for our defenders. But for Scouts and mobile forces, I don't think anything around will beat your leathers. Specially if we can find some means of adding enchangements.”

Connak studied her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “I’ll do it. But I’ll need steady hides, tanning supplies, and perhaps apprentices to help with the volume. If you can guarantee that, I’ll contract with you.”

Sara extended her hand. “Done. Tas can work with you on costs. I’ll see to the supply lines. You focus on the craft. And the first round of potential craft apprentices will hopefully be coming out of the village Crafting School in short order. Together, we’ll make Haven Valley stronger.”

Connak clasped her hand firmly, his grip calloused from years of work. “My leather is yours, Viscount Bloom.”

Sara left the workshop with a sense of satisfaction, the deal struck. She popped one of her nearly acquired Small Life Crystals out of her Pocket Storage and tossed it from hand to hand. Now it was time to play with potions again.

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Sara pushed open the door to her alchemy workshop, the familiar scent of herbs, crystal dust, and fungal spores greeting her like an old friend. Shelves lined with jars and vials glimmered in the lamplight, and the workbench was already set with mortar, pestle, and the faintly humming alchemy circle etched into its surface. The scent of burnt berries and pungent smoke has faded into the background somewhat, but the smell of her first failed batch of potions still lingers on, both in the air and in her memories.

She rolled up her sleeves, eager to get back to brewing. The recipes for Body, Mind, and Soul Rejuvenation potions were already memorized, and she moved through the motions with careful but now practiced ease. Grinding crystal fragments, stirring fungal extracts, and channeling ambient energy into the mixtures until they shimmered with faint light.

The System chimed as each batch finished.

*Ding* You have crafted [Body Rejuvenation Potion x3].

EXP gained: 10

*Ding* You have crafted [Mind Rejuvenation Potion x3].

EXP gained: 10

*Ding* You have crafted [Soul Rejuvenation Potion x3].

EXP gained: 10

Sara blinked, frowning. “Wait. Only ten? But the first time I made these, I got 50 each.” She checked the notifications again, realization dawning. The System only granted full experience for the first crafting of a recipe. Repetition gave far less.

Tas shimmered nearby, her voice calm. “The System rewards discovery, not repetition. But the potions themselves remain valuable.”

She sighed, leaning back against the bench. “So three batches, three potions each… nine potions total, but only thirty experience. Not the hundred and fifty I thought would push me to the next level.”

Sara looked at the neat rows of vials cooling on the rack. Each one glowed faintly, a promise of restored strength, clarity, or spirit. She smiled despite herself. “You’re right. It’s not wasted. These will be useful. Whether use em myself, I sell them in the System Market, or equip the Valley Defense Force with them.”

She gathered the potions into a case, the glass clinking softly. The disappointment of lost experience faded as she imagined soldiers drinking them mid battle, or challengers buying them before entering the Dungeon. Profit, protection, and preparation, all bottled neatly in her hands.

“Alright,” she said, determination returning. “If I want more experience, I’ll just have to experiment with new recipes. “So Tas, Potion recommendations?”

The workshop glowed faintly as she set the case aside, the potions shimmering like captured fragments of life itself.

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Tas pauses and then provides her recommendation from among the Novice Alchemy recipes. “Viscount, you have already crafted Body, Mind, and Soul Rejuvenation potions. If you wish to expand your repertoire, I recommend Minor Healing Salves. They brew in batches of five rather than three, and your soldiers could well use them. Even the Training Academy would benefit. Easy access to healing salves would improve the speed of their combat training regimen."

Sara’s eyes lit with interest. “Five at a time? That’s efficient.” She reached for her reagents, already imagining the Defense Force equipped with salves to patch wounds mid drill.

Tas continued, her glow steady. “Another option is Glowbrew. It can be thrown as a flare to warn of danger and call for reinforcements. Highly beneficial for scouts and guards defending the walls or stationed in the watchtower.”

Sara nodded, already setting ingredients into the mortar. “Both sound perfect. Let’s start with the salves.” She began grinding crystal dust into a paste, mixing it with oils and fungal extracts until the batch shimmered faintly. Some time later, 5 neat jars of Minor Healing Salve cooled on the rack. A drop in the bucket of what the Valley needed. But the first drop. And with that first drop came:

*Ding* You have crafted [Minor Healing Salve x5].

EXP gained: 50

Checking her Crafting experience, Sara saw she was right on the cusp. 230 of 250! Eager to see what Level 2 Novice Alchemist got her, she began pulling the ingredients she would need for Glowbrew flasks.

Tas pulsed brighter. “While you work, remember: you gained 10 TAP and 13,000 SC overnight, plus another 400 SC from the Challenger party entering the Dungeon. Now that the System has notified others of its presence, it would be wise to strengthen the Valley’s defenses. More walls at the entrance will be needed.”

Sara sighed, setting down her pestle, then smiled with determination. “You’re right. Let’s do it.”

She opened the System interface, allocating resources with quick precision. 6 TAP went into two new wall sections, and she purchased another six sections with 9,000 SC, enough to finish the Valley Entrance wall entirely. The map shimmered, showing the completed fortification.

With 4 TAP and 4,400 SC remaining, she spent 3 TAP to raise a second watchtower to the east of the entrance. The structure rose in her vision, sturdy and vigilant. Then, with a flush of embarrassment, she tapped the interface again, spending 2,000 SC to improve the gatehouse. Reinforced portcullis, stronger walls, and, Tas confirmed when Sara asked, faster raising and lowering of the gate itself.

Sara laughed softly, shaking her head. “Well, if we’re going to have visitors, I’d rather they see a proper entrance.”

Tas’s glow steadied, warm with approval. “The Valley Entrance walls are complete. Offense and Defense nodes are still needed, and more Watchtowers. But if trouble comes, Haven Valley will be ready.”

Sara glanced at the jars of salve, and the ingredients ready to brew some Glowbrew. Realizing just how bad an exploding batch of Glowbrew in an enclosed space could get, Sara knuckled down, refusing to lose her focus. And was rewarded for her concentration.

*Ding* You have crafted [Glowbrew Flasks x3].

EXP gained: 50

EXP 280 of 250

*DING* You have reached Novice Alchemist Level 2!

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