It Started with Slime - Part 1

Interlude IV - Haemish, Audience with a King

As Haemish walked through the halls and corridors of the Imperial Palace of Darf he reflected on how he had spent the last week. As he had suspected his skill had done the trick but concealing his ability behind experimentation and subterfuge had been the real task. That cursed Taler Rant with his incessant questioning and nagging at Haemish to teach him something... good grief! It had only taken Haemish three hours before he grew annoyed and waddled off in search of quieter places to find the cure.

"Sir Haemish, please. I insist that you teach me what you are working on, how will I improve my craft and become as distinguished and capable as yourself if I can't understand. I merely wish to understand what it is that your working on. I hope that you did not find my inquisitive nature to be too bothersome but I do think that....." on and on the idiot droned. It wasn't that he wasn't capable, far from it, the Level 73 Alchemist was quite adept and amenable at any menial task Haemish threw at him. They were mostly to get him out of the Potion Masters hair...but no matter. Haemish didn't work well with babbling in the background even if there were poignant questions.

"Taler, please! I am trying to think about the problem, the Prince's life depends on it! And more to the point isn't there some type of cleaning work you can be doing? A tidy Alchemical Lab is a safe Alchemical lab. I always say!" which was exactly the moment Haemish turned around and find the lab completely spotless. He cursed under his breath. Of course, it was completely clean. Grumbling some more under his breath Haemish turned back to his work. Taler showed wisdom beyond his years in keeping very quiet and very still at that moment.

"Very well, ask your questions!" Haemish conceded. It was a faster way to get rid of the man.

"Thank you, sir! Thank you...well since you are open to some questions..." Taler pulled out a roll of paper that he lost control of and promptly unfurled to the ground. The man had attached more papers to the bottom to create an extra-long scroll!

Haemish sighed and Taler shot him a sheepish look, "Well, get on with it, haven't got all day!" He did have all day, the only thing he was working on was the Prince's cure and he had already sent that process in motion but Taler didn't and couldn't know that.

"Sir, thank you. Ahem....well, the first one is from me, that is what can I expect when I reach Level 80 is there some tangible benefit and what sort of things should I be doing to get there fast as your esteemed self has done?" Taler took a brief moment to peak past the scroll he had in his hand. Checking the expression on the grouchy man's face, he wasn't pleased.

"Taler, of all the inane questions to ask you ask that one? Someone of your rank and ability should know the answer to that already! You're a Level 73 Alchemist for the Gods' sakes'! Not a newling! Of course, it varies for each individual but generally working on new recipes and combinations that come out with a functional result is generally the most reliable way. Nothing new there... if you were to find a rare and powerful new material or chemical that has never been discovered before. That my boy would be the one that could catapult you into the highest echelons of Alchemy!" Towards the end, Haemish became more introspective with visions of discovering a cure to the Prince's Luck situation clouding his mind.

"Thank you for the advice, Sir. I will put more effort into my works and trials, and Level 80? Anything noteworthy to expect?" Taler reiterated.

"Hmm? Oh, no nothing at Level 80. The next level you can expect something profound to happen is likely Level 100, but nothing is set in stone. Perhaps you will be one those rare individual that gains something special. Now, enough questions for now. I must get back to the Prince's cure!" Haemish was already turning away at that last.

"But, sir. That was only one question and Rion, Calder and Marteen have asked me to run a few things by you and...." Taler trailed off and looked up as he saw who walked into the room.