Symbiotic: Chapter 37

Chapter 37

EXP 280 of 500

*DING* [Skill Upgrade: Novice Alchemist → Level 2]

Your understanding of alchemical processes has deepened. You gain the following benefits:

- Crafting Efficiency: Batch size for basic potions and salves increases by +1 (e.g., 4 potions instead of 3, 6 salves instead of 5).

- Stability Bonus: Reduces chance of potion failure or impurity by 10%.

- Experience Gain: Repetition bonus increases slightly. Duplicate recipes now grant 15 EXP instead of 10.

Sara studied the results of gaining Level 2 in her Crafting class. “Oh, that’s good. That’s very good. Thank You System!”

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Sara spent the afternoon in her alchemy workshop, the glow of the etched circle steady beneath her hands. She focused on the two brews Tas had recommended, the ones that would best serve the Academy and the Valley Defense Force.

First came the Glowbrew. She measured spores and crystal dust, stirring until the mixture shimmered faintly. One batch after another, until four sets were complete. Twenty vials in total, each one glowing faintly with stored light, ready to be hurled as a flare to warn of danger or call reinforcements.

Then she turned to the Basic Healing Salves. Oils, ground Life Crystals, and fungal paste blended into a soothing balm. Six batches, six jars each batch, thirty six salves lined neatly on the rack, their usefulness undeniable.

The System chimed softly with each completion:

*Ding* Crafting EXP gained: 150

Total EXP: 430 / 500

Sara leaned back, smiling. “Level 3 in sight.”

Throughout the afternoon, every hour, Sara summoned another item of equipment, doing her best to build a supply to be ready for when her Academy Students became her Valley’s Soldiers. Over the 4 hours Sara added two staves and 2 greatswords to her Fungal equipment storage. She would be ready!

Tas shimmered beside her, voice calm. “It is evening, Viscount. If you wish to drop off the Healing Salves, you should do so soon. That will also give you a chance to look in on the Training Academy and the Crafting School.”

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Sara nodded, packing the salves and potions into cases. She carried thirty Basic Healing Potions to the Training Service Academy, where the Medic Spirit who ran the infirmary accepted them with a bow.

Touring the Academy, Sara paused at the training grounds. A batch of thirteen students moved through drills under the guidance of Instructor Spirits, System assistants like Tas, but limited to their specific fields. Most of the trainees were teens and young adults, though three older villagers had joined as well, their determination clear in every movement. Sara watched quietly, returning nods and bows with a smile, but did not interrupt.

From there, she crossed to the Basic Crafting School. Eight students worked under the Instructor Spirits summoned for their craft: leatherworker, blacksmith, jeweler, carpenter, bowyer, enchanter, and scribe. Each was being run through the fundamentals of their craft. Sara dropped off six Healing Salves wit the Headmaster Spirit 'just in case', and lingered to observe.

Her jaw dropped as she watched the students finish their exercises. Instead of scrubbing or sweeping clean their crafting station, they all invoked a skill, [Cleanse]. In an instant, their workstations gleamed, tools polished, dust and scraps gone.

Sara blinked, stunned. “That’s… incredible.”

Moments later, one of the Instructor Spirits approached her, patient and precise. “Would you like to learn the basics, Viscount?”

Sara nodded eagerly, and the Spirit guided her through the motions. The System chimed again:

*Ding* [Skill Acquired: Basic Cleanse]

You have learned to purify and clear a small area, object, or person.

- Removes dirt, dust, and minor impurities.

- Costs -1 temporary Thought per use.

Sara laughed softly, testing the skill on her gloves. They gleamed instantly, spotless. “This… this is going to save me so much time. I’m my own shower!”

Sara left the Crafting School with a grin, her mind buzzing with possibilities. She would need to see what could be done to incentivize not just Challengers, but skilled NCP’s and their families to come to the Valley and see it grow.

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“Tas”, Sara asked as she left the Crafting School and headed towards the Tavern. “Who do we have for active scouts or wall guards currently? IS there someone in charge of the duties?”

Tas shimmered at Sara’s side as they walked, her glow steady and informative.

“At present, Viscount,” Tas replied, “the Valley Defense Force has only a small handful of 4scouts and 6wall guards. Most are drawn from the younger hunters and miners who volunteered after the Dungeon was revealed. They are not yet a formal unit, but they are eager and disciplined.”

She paused, then added, “For the scouts, Cadni has taken an informal lead. His knowledge of the valley’s terrain and natural defenses makes him invaluable, and the others defer to his judgment. He’s taken to posting up in the West Watchtower when not otherwise hunting. On the walls, the guard rotations are overseen by Thurge’s eldest son, Brogan, who has proven reliable in keeping nightwatch and maintaining a daily rotation in the Gatepost and walls. Neither holds an official title, but both are acting as coordinators until you appoint a formal captain.”

Tas’s glow brightened faintly, as if to emphasize the point. “If you wish, you could formalize their roles. Doing so would strengthen morale and give the Defense Force clearer structure. Scouts and guards alike would benefit from knowing who commands them.”

Sara nodded thoughtfully, already considering the implications. “I’ve met Cadni and was impressed. Brogan, I’ve only met in passing, and he seemed a sturdy one. But if you say they are solid for the job, then let’s call them in to meet and I can grant them the position and some gear to highlight the promotion.”

The tavern’s lanterns flickered ahead, and Sara was drawn to the warmth, light, and camaraderie within.

"Have them join me at the Tavern for a discussion, please Tas"

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Tas shimmered, her glow pulsing in acknowledgment. “As you command, Viscount. I will notify Cadni and Brogan to meet you at the Tavern. They will be informed that this is a formal summons, and that you intend to discuss their roles in the Valley’s defense.”

Sara exhaled, already picturing the meeting. The Tavern was warm and bustling in the evenings, a place where villagers gathered after their work. It would be the perfect setting, public enough to show the Valley that leadership was being established, but private enough for Cadni and Brogan to hear her words clearly.

Tas added, “I will also ensure that the Defense Force is made aware of this gathering. Their presence, even as observers, will lend weight to the promotions. Gear can be prepared for presentation, leather armor from Connak, perhaps, or weapons suited to their duties.”

Sara smiled, her determination firm. “Good. I don’t know how soon Connak will have Leathers for Cadni, but I’ll make sure he knows he gets the first suit to come from Connak’s hands. And I have both Chain or Plate for Brogan, whichever he wishes, and weapons. A Bow for Cadri of course. I wonder what Brogan will ask for. I’ve got quite a few options in my Pocket Storage now. And I can make more at a moment’s notice.”

With Tas’s glow guiding her, she entered the Tavern, ready to welcome Cadni and Brann into their new roles as leaders of scouts and wall guards. The Valley’s defenses were beginning to take shape, and tonight would mark another step toward unity and strength.

Sharing a smile and a nod with Ned, she happily grabs a bowl of Sun-Touched Rabbit Stew and an Ale, and finds a large corner table to meet with her two, hopefully, new VDF commanders.

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The Tavern was alive with the hum of evening voices, mugs clinking and laughter spilling across the room. When the door opened and Cadri and Brogan stepped inside, a ripple of recognition passed through the few Valley Defense Force members already gathered.

They rose to their feet, cheering loudly, and the sound carried quickly. Patrons turned, curious, and when word spread that the cheers were for promotions, the whole room joined in. The Tavern filled with applause and shouts of encouragement, the warmth of community wrapping around the two men as they made their way to Sara’s table.

Sara stood, her presence commanding but her smile genuine. “Cadri. Brogan. Tonight, Haven Valley honors you both.” She gestured for them to step forward. “You all know by now that I’m not the most speachiest of speakers. But tonight we honor two of Haven Valley’s own, and set the foundation by which the VDF will protect and defend what is ours. Cadri, you are hereby promoted to Watch Captain, and take charge, officially, of our Watchtowers and Scout forces. Brogan, you are promoted to Wall Captain. It is you we will count on to hold our walls steady day, and night. The Valley Defense Force will look to you for guidance and strength.”

Cadri bowed his head, ears flicking with pride. Sara lifted a case from the table and presented him with a Fungal Bow, its surface alive with faint spores. “This is yours, Captain Cadri. Custom arrows to match will be readied in the morning. And a suit of hardened leather has been commissioned. See Connak for measurements, he will craft it to fit you, Captain.”

Brogan straightened, his broad shoulders squared. Sara met his gaze. “Tell me, Captain Brogan, what weapon do you wish to wield?”

Eyes darting from Cadri’s new Fungal Bow, Brogan’s answer came without hesitation. “Spear and shield, with chain armor. That will serve me best.”

Sara’s grin widened. “Then so be it.” She handed him the Fungal spear, shield, and a set of Fungal chain armor, each piece resonating with the promise of protection. Brogan accepted them with reverence, his eyes shining.

The Tavern erupted again, cheers echoing off the walls as the two men stood taller, their new roles clear.

Sara raised her voice above the din, her words carrying to every ear.

“Thank you, Captains. Please see to your duties. And collect for me a list of what armors and weaponry your troops require. I will see the orders filled. Aid me in defending what is ours from any who would try to take it, and I will always have your backs!”

Turning to the Tavern patrons, Sara called louder. “Haven Valley. I give you your new Valley Defense Force Captains Cadri and Brogan!”

The cheers swelled, mugs lifted high, and the Valley’s spirit burned brighter than ever. Cadri and Brogan clasped forearms with Sara, their loyalty sealed, and the Tavern prepared to celebrate long into the night, even as the Captains left to see to their VDF duties.

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Sara leaned back in her chair, savoring the last warmth of the Sun Touched Rabbit stew as the System’s hum faded into her bones. Her body buzzed with energy, the golden essence of the meal leaving her both satisfied and alert.

Tas shimmered at her side, voice calm but insistent. “Viscount, the Challenger party has exited the Dungeon. They are making their way toward town. Their pace is slow, and they are somewhat injured, but their spirits remain high.”

Sara set her spoon down, eyes narrowing with focus. “Mark Target, status check.”

The readings came instantly, glowing in her vision. Cuts, bruises, fatigue, but nothing life threatening. But Dalen the healer and the Kaelith the Runemage were nearly drained, their Mind and Spirit Energy flickering at the edge of exhaustion. Sara exhaled, relieved. “They made it, but they’ll need rest. Ned. 4 Stew and 4 ales please.”, Sara called to the Tavernkeeper. “And no they’re not all for me!”, she said to a round of laughter.

Tas pulsed brighter. “I have pulled their Dungeon Run record, Viscount. The party reached the second level of the Dungeon. They turned back midway due to injuries and dwindling resources. Their tally: a respectable number of kills, numerous small and medium resource crystals, and minor loot. Enough to prove their skill, hone their teamwork, and gain 600-700 SC profit each for their efforts. A respectable start. And a good haul for the village if they choose to sell here.”

Sara nodded thoughtfully, her mind already turning. “Smart choice. Better to retreat alive than fall to overconfidence. Still, they’ve completed the first floor tested the second. That’s valuable data. I can’t wait to hear what they say.”

Tas’s glow steadied. “Indeed. Their progress confirms the Dungeon’s scaling is working as intended. And their return will spread word of Haven Valley’s challenge.”

Sara rose, brushing her hands together. “Then let’s greet them properly. They’ve earned it.”

The Tavern’s warmth lingered behind her as she stepped out into the evening, ready to meet the weary but triumphant party and hear their tale firsthand.

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The Tavern doors swung open, and the Challenger party, Braska, Sylvi, Dalin, and Kaelith, stepped inside. Their clothes were torn, their movements weary, but their faces carried the unmistakable glow of triumph.

Sara rose from her seat, her voice carrying across the room. “Patrons of Haven Valley! Raise your mugs for the first challengers to brave the Crystal Cavern Dungeon!”

The Tavern erupted in cheers. Defense Force soldiers banged their cups against tables, miners shouted their approval. The sound rolled like thunder, and the four adventurers straightened, pride flickering in their tired eyes.

Sara gestured them over to her table, where four steaming bowls of Sun Touched Rabbit stew and four cold mugs of ale awaited. “Sit. Eat. Drink. You’ve earned this.”

The party gratefully accepted, collapsing into chairs and digging into the stew. Braska tore into his bowl with gusto, Sylvi sighed in relief as warmth spread through her, Dalin muttered a prayer of thanks to the air before digging in, and Kaelith simply closed his eyes, savoring the first bite.

Sara’s gaze sharpened as she studied them through her Mark Target. Cuts, bruises, drained reserves. Nothing fatal, but they were all wounded and at near exhaustion levels of energy. And Sara realized she could do something about that.

The System chimed softly in her mind:

*Ding* [Network Ability Acquired: Repair Other]

You may now Converts 100 microbial energy to restore Body, Mind & Soul to a Marked target.

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Sara’s lips curved into a quiet smile. She raised her hand beneath the table, subtle, and cast Repair Other on Braska first. A faint shimmer passed over him, his posture straightening as strength returned. Then Sylvi, her eyes widening as clarity rushed back. Dalin next, his shoulders easing as his reserves refilled. Finally Kaelith, who blinked in surprise as his spirit steadied.

None of them noticed the spell’s source, too busy devouring stew and ale, but Sara watched with satisfaction as their health bars steadied, their exhaustion easing.

The Tavern’s cheers continued, mugs raised high in celebration. Sara leaned back, her own stew warm in her belly, eager to hear how their dungeon dive went. What they thought. If they would risk it again, or if they were done?

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“So, friends.”, Sara asked after they had a moment to eat and drink and realize their scrapes and bruises were gone and their energy reserves were steadily climbing. “Dungeon Challenged. Dungeon Survived. But the Dungeon is not bested yet. Tell me. How did the run go? What did you think? Will you be trying again anytime soon?”

The Tavern’s warmth wrapped around the Challenger party as they dug into their stew, mugs of ale clutched in tired hands. Sara leaned forward, her eyes bright with curiosity, the hum of the System still faint in her mind from the healing she had quietly given them.

Braska, the warrior, wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and chuckled. “Harder than I thought. The first level was manageable. Might even say fun. Bugs, bats, wide tunnels for swinging. We had to watch every step. And the terrain. Trapped tunnels, jagged crystal growths, hard to maneuver when you don’t know if you can trust your next step. And those damn kobolds. I didn’t even know there were kobolds until I dropped ten feet into a pit trap and got peppered by spears. Suddenly the little bastards were everywhere. Traps, ambushes, fake walls. It was like the floor itself wanted us dead.”

Dalen, the healer, sighed, his shoulders still heavy with fatigue. “I burned through my reserves faster than expected. The swarm fights drained me, and the mental pressure from the flying Eyebats was relentless. By the time we reached midway through the second level, I had little left to give. If not for our turning back with still some energy remaining, and Kaelith’s wards, we might not have made it back.”

Kaelith, the Runemage, gave a tired grin. “And those wards nearly drained me dry. The Dungeon doesn’t just test your strength. It tests your adaptability. One moment it’s physical, the next it’s mental, then spiritual. You never know what the next monster will target. Still… it was exhilarating. Every fight felt like it mattered.”

Sylvi, the archer, leaned back, swirling her ale. “Loot was decent. Crystals, some drops, enough to make the trip worthwhile. But the deeper we went, the more I realized we weren’t ready to push further. Not yet. Better to retreat alive than risk losing everything. But before our next go, maybe I’ll do a little reading about Kobolds!”

Sara listened intently, nodding at each account, her mind already cataloging their impressions. She smiled, her voice warm but firm. “You chose wisely. Survival is victory in itself. And your words tell me the Dungeon is living up to its purpose. Challenging, rewarding, but not forgiving.”

Braska raised her mug. “We’ll go again. Once we’ve recovered, stocked up, and trained harder. The Cavern isn’t done with us, and we’re not done with it.”

Sylvi added softly, “Next time, we’ll be ready to push deeper Collect more loot!”

Sara’s grin widened, pride swelling in her chest. “That’s the spirit. Every step you take inside those walls not only grows your strength, but helps Haven Valley grow as well. So thank you. Rest now, celebrate tonight. And when you are ready to go again, talk to me.”, she thumbs over at the Fungal Greatsword Braska carries at her back. “I may have some equipment upgrades I can offer you in trade for some of those Crystals, if you are interested. Until then”, she raises her voice. “The next round is on me! For Haven Valley’s first Challengers!”

The Tavern roared with cheers once more, the Challenger party basking in the glow of their survival, and Sara’s heart thrummed with satisfaction. The Dungeon was working exactly as it should, challenging, rewarding, and forging strength.

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