Reborn as the First Boss, Chapter 91

Chapter 91 – Quests

After stopping by the Adventurers Guild to get my Betrayal’s Due quest marked complete, as well as register Frostmaw as my tamed companion, our next stop was the Master Alchemist’s shop. I needed to turn in the enchanted vials, after all, and get the reward for the Dragonkin Milking quest. I was interested to see what effect the [Draconic Essence Elixirs] would have.

Elora Sarnala, the Master Alchemist, was quite happy to see us when we said we were there to turn in materials for her quest. She was even more excited when she learned we had filled all twenty vials (the first time something like that had ever happened). When she found out we also had half a liter of [Lesser Fire Dragon Seed] and two liters of [Lesser Fire Dragon Blood]? She probably would have eagerly had Rastran’s puppies just for half a chance at working with the materials.

However, Sarnala looked apologetic when she spoke. “Unfortunately, I don’t have nearly enough coin on hand for such a wealth of materials. However, perhaps we can work a deal? The [Draconic Essence Elixirs] I promised from the quest will give the drinker a five point boost to one of their attributes, and another point per level in that attribute, like what your classes and professions do. However, with the fluids you gathered from the Lesser Fire Dragon? I can make a [Greater Draconic Essence Elixir] and [Dragonblood Elixir] for each of you using the ten [Draconic Essence Elixirs] promised by the Quest as a catalyst to speed the process.”

“And what do these elixirs do?” I had plenty of coin, after all. Permanent bonuses were far harder to come by. And something like a [Greater Draconic Essence Elixir] or [Dragonblood Elixir] sounded like they’d have some pretty big bonuses attached.

“The [Greater Draconic Essence Elixir] gives the drinker a flat ten points to all attributes, and an extra two points per level to those attributes.” She paused to nod as I whistled appreciatively. “Yes, but, as you might guess, getting the materials for it is not easy. Fortunately for you, the [Greater] elixir will work on your dragon companion, while the normal one would not. As will the [Dragonblood Elixir], which allows the drinker to add their CON to their attributes when determining their maximum MP and SP. Or add it again, if they have an ability or skill which already adds it.”

Seeing we were all suitably impressed by the effects of the elixirs, she continued, “Now, unfortunately, the effect of a [Greater Draconic Essence Elixir] cannot be combined with that of a [Draconic Essence Elixir]. Trying to do something like that turns the unfortunate fool into some variant of the Kobold evolution line appropriate for their Tier. Same with trying to take another [Draconic Essence Elixir] after the first. The Voice of the World dislikes it, apparently.”

“So, swap the ten [Draconic Essence Elixirs], the [Lesser Fire Dragon Seed], and [Lesser Fire Dragon Blood] for ten [Greater Draconic Essence Elixirs] and ten [Dragonblood Elixirs]? You’re still getting a really good deal out of that, with all the raw materials. How about tossing in the recipes for the elixirs as well, for our Alchemist? We’ll be heading back to Dascora after a stop in Crystalshield, so she won’t be any competition to you.”

“Done!”

An hour later, our elixirs were done, and all nine of us drank our share. The elixirs had a burning sensation, as my body was made… more. Faster, stronger, and all that. More of everything. Looking at my Status page, I found that the [Greater Draconic Elixir] had done more than just affect my main six attributes. Luck and Defense were attributes, as well, even though I mostly forgot about them. And with the [Dragonblood Elixir], my MP and SP Had shot up massively!

Better still, we had received ten of each elixir, and only consumed nine. That meant one of each supremely valuable elixir left over, which I happily put in my Inventory. Never knew when that would come in handy.

Another quest complete. As we walked back to the Adventurers Guild to clear it, and pick up new quests for the road to Crystalshield, I looked at the list, and frowned. “Damn it. We forgot to get that [Tome of Unforgotten Names] from the dungeon.”

“Actually, Mistress,” Jewell said with only a hint of smugness as she produced a large, leather-bound tome with glowing magical seals on it from her inventory, “we didn’t. The tome was on a trapped pedestal in the boss room of the seventeenth floor, the one that was made into a shrine to the dragon gods. I disarmed the traps and picked up the book for safekeeping while you were ‘milking’ the Dragonpriest for the other quest. Which was fortunate, since the pedestal disappeared once the Dragonpriest died.”

“And you didn’t think to mention it to me?”

Linette giggled. “We all decided that it would be a good lesson for you, Mistress. Sometimes you get a bit too caught up in your ‘work’, and forget about other things. It is something to remember, since you do not want your true nature to be known, yes?”

I sighed, and shook my head. Not that I could argue with them, exactly. I had basically lost myself in the process of collecting the lesser dragonkin ‘milk’, and forgotten all about the quest until now. I took the offered [Tome of Unforgotten Names] from Jewell, and slipped it into my inventory. “Fine. I can admit when I’m wrong. Good work, Jewell.”

While it was nice having my subordinates cover for me, I did make a mental note to work on that in the future. I’d also have to reward Jewell for her good work. Probably when we stopped for the night, wherever that happened. Unfortunately, most of the quests posted were either local, or led back into Bikar.

I did remember my promise to Captain Valric, and paid for a courier to take a letter with the options I’d gotten when I bumped up to Tier 2, as promised. Cost 100 gp for the courier to take the letter all the way to the Farstrider Headquarters in Men Thalor, but I considered the cost worth it. Especially if the captain followed through on her end, and provided the Hero of the Fist’s options when he broke through to Tier 2.

Quest Record

Quest

Merchant Escort

Origin

Eshiari

Destination

Crystalshield

Posted By

Ayen Uriharice

Reward

100 gp

Details

Escort Ayen Uriharice from Eshiari to Crystalshield, ensuring that he and his cargo arrive safely. Expected hazards include goblin raiders and Eclanan bandits.

As far as jobs for me, however, there were slim pickings headed towards Crystalshield. Traveling with a merchant along the way would pay back the cost of the courier, and I was headed that way anyways. Not exactly big money, but that was fine. Given what I had with me, that merchant was probably going to have the safest trip to Crystalshield ever. Or the most hazardous. One of the two. My Luck tended to swing things in one direction or the other, and hard. I’d take it.

Quest Record

Quest

Holy Vengeance

Origin

Benediction

Destination

Windwater Towne

Posted By

Cardinal Elia

Reward

25000 gp

Details

Inquisitor Forthwind, known as the Hammer, and his retinue have been slain in Dascora’s Windwater Barony, while investigating a great sacrilege. The Holy Theocracy of Eclana offers a bounty of twenty-five thousand gold coins to the ones who avenge the noble Inquisitor, slaying his killers and bringing proof of their deed to the Church.

This one was interesting, but I definitely wasn’t taking it! Clearly, the Eclanans used the same kind of magic that informed the Inquisitor about his apprentice’s death to learn that the Inquisitor was dead. They clearly didn’t know who was behind it, though. I’d make a mention of it to Roland when I got back to Windwater. I doubted any of the locals would take up a bounty for the Eclanans, but traveling mercenaries? Twenty-five thousand was a hefty sum. Enough to tempt many into doing something foolish.

Quest Record

Quest

Bandit Destruction

Origin

Crystalshield

Destination

Crystalshield

Posted By

Alein Whitguard

Reward

10 gp per head and salvage rights

Details

Bandits have been attacking merchants on the road from Eshiari to Crystalshield. Adventurers are requested to slay any bandits they encounter upon the road, and bring their heads to the Crystalshield Militia office. Payment is 10 gp per head, and salvage rights to any spoils taken from the bandits, or their lair, if found.

This looked more interesting. Killing bandits, while I was already escorting a merchant? That was basically double-dipping for something I’d gladly do anyways. Plus, who knew what kind of goodies I would find amongst the ‘spoils’?

The same elf who had signed off on the ‘milking’ quest a tenday ago nodded to us as we came back to his counter. “I see you’ve come back, with a couple new additions, as well. I was surprised to hear from the other workers that someone came back from the dungeon with a Lesser Frost Dragon in their group, but seeing as it is you, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” Looking over the quests we’d picked, he smiled. “Ah, going for the double payday, are we? Most adventurers try and do that, if they can. I’ll let you know now that goblins are counted separate from bandits. However, I know for a fact that the goblins have a standing bounty from the Crystalshield branch. Cut their ears off, and produce them as proof of kills, and you can turn in the quest as soon as you take it.”

“Good to know. Any idea what kind of levels these goblins and bandits are? Any information you can give us would be helpful.”

“Well, the goblins are mostly in the level 30 range, from what I’ve heard. Normally, they would have gotten a Goblin Lord and started attacking anyone they can reach by that point, but adventurers and the Crystalshield militia go on routine cullings, limiting their numbers. Their warrens in the hills make it so that trying to clear them out with anything but an army or enough magic to redraw the map is suicide, so keeping their numbers down is the best option available.

“As for the bandits, rumor is that they are former militia from Crystalshield. Well, everyone from Crystalshield is either former militia, reserves, or guard, but these ones apparently got kicked out for being a bit too vocal about supporting the Theocracy. Their leader is a Dark Knight named Hamond. So, they have some levels and training, and probably connections to the Theocracy.”

“I know I said it before, but everything always seems to link back to the Theocracy. Wouldn’t be surprised if half the problems on the continent were their fault.” I sighed, before continuing, “Well, do you know of anywhere I could get a magic item to help keep my newest companion fed? The normal items don’t really account for a full-grown Lesser Dragon’s needs.”

“Actually, yes. The dungeon is one of the few places on the continent where people can reliably break through to Tier 2, after all. And while most Beast Tamers or the like don’t usually have a Dragon in their menagerie, giant spiders, extra-large wolves, and so forth are common enough. More importantly, you’re going to find that, being Tier 2, you and your other companions are going to need to eat and drink more, as a matter of course. More power needs more fuel, and all that. Thankfully, the Guild has some Master Enchanters who keep a supply of items.”

“How much will it cost?”

“A [Tier 2 Endless Camp Ration Box] will feed up to 20 Tier 2 humanoid creatures each day. For your Dire Hellhound and Lesser Frost Dragon, you’d need a [Tier 2 Monster Feed Bag] each. All nine of you should get [Tier 2 Replenishing Skins] for your water needs, too. Since you’re Guild members in good standing, if you buy through the Guild, and trade in similar items I’m authorized to give a discount, charging only 10% above production cost, rather than full price. All together? It’d come to five thousand platinum. Expensive, sure, but it beats trying to find enough food to keep a dragon from eying up the local livestock.”

Since I currently had over a hundred and thirty thousand platinum coins in my inventory, not counting the other denominations, I paid for the items without hesitation. Trying to keep Frostmaw fed without running Windwater Barony out of cattle would have been a nightmare, otherwise. With all the items bought and distributed, the elf nodded once. “Excellent. The road to Crystalshield is two and a half days by cart, and I know that Ayen was looking to get started just after the morning bell tomorrow. I’ll send word to him, letting him know you accepted his quest. You can meet him tomorrow morning in the square in front of the guild hall.”