[Chapter 35 part 1] Rose – Argent Tobaskus

-----------------------------

“It’s… more cluttered than usual.” Rose noted. And that’s a generous assessment. Stones and debris covered the workshop’s floor.

“You can thank Lily for that.” Hope said bitterly. “But don’t worry, it won’t happen again. I’ve bolted everything down.”

Metal braces secured the furniture to the walls. It was the swaying, Rose understood. No wonder…

“Were you able to gather them?” Rose asked anxiously.

“Right here.” Hope tapped a large backpack.

“Great,” Rose sighed. “I’ll take that——” Hope snatched it away.

“I’ve gotten stronger.” She declared proudly.

Nope, not having this. “Hope, have you used the runways yet?” Rose pressed.

“No, I haven’t.” Her sister admitted. “I might be able to now though…”

“——If you aren’t weighed down.” Rose finished. Hope appeared torn. One last push. “I’d really appreciate not wasting time.”

“Fine.” Hope relented, and they headed for the elevator.

“Are you sure these are what we should start with?” Hope asked dubiously.

“I’m certain.” Rose responded.

How to monetize Hope’s pebbles had posed a challenge. People don’t buy what they aren’t used to. Throw-away enchantments were usually done with the remains of magical beasts. They were lighter, could hold more, and were cheap. There’s normally no reason to ever use stones. People would naturally be suspicious. Which is why we need to market them as a novelty product at first.

Hope wasn’t convinced, “I suspects you just want to get rid of these because I turned you pink once.”

“Glow-in-the-dark neon pink.” Rose corrected. “And no. I suggested this approach because it’s best.” Disposing of them is a side benefit.

When they reached the runways, Rose was happy to find Hope keeping up. She’s come a long way. They were traveling to see Agata Nimrod. It makes sense to leverage what you have. Hope’s mentor owned a popular enchanting shop. If they could secure shelf space, that’d be ideal.

“Do you think she’d agree?” Hope asked nervously.

“There’s a decent chance. Many shops have unusual or eccentric items by their counters.” Rose said. “How’s your relationship?”

“Good,” Hope answered. “But she’s shrewed when it comes to business. I’m not sure she’d help popularize a competitor.” True, but the opportunity is too attractive not to try.

They entered Sunrise and made their way to the backroom. Agata was sitting crossed legged perusing messages. Shutting her wrystal, she welcomed them, “To what do I owe the honor?”

“We were hoping for help in selling these.” Rose opened the backpack on a worktable and a dozen pebbles fell out. “They’re enchanted with touch-activated prank magic.”

Agata listened keenly as Rose continued her sales pitch, “No one would suspect a pebble. If Someone finds one in their bag, they’ll reach to throw it out. As none of the effects are harmful, foresight offers little defense. I can personally attest to their effectiveness.”

“What kind of pranks are we talking about?” Agata asked.

“Here’s a list of the possible effects.” Hope produced two pages of neatly written text.

Agata skimmed them, lips curling upwards, “Creative. Slightly evil too. Are they mixed together?”

“I believe it’s more fun to keep things a mystery.” Rose said.

“We could sort them though.” Hope followed up quickly.

Agata rubbed her chin, “It’s a clever idea. I suspect these could sell well…” She glanced at the backpack. “And if they become a hit, customers might develop an interest in their creator. Very clever indeed.”

She’s seen through us. Rose prayed goodwill would overcome avarice.

Agata picked up a stone and twirled it in her fingers, “Where’d you get these?”

“From the bedrock at Earth’s End.” Hope answered.

“Interesting.” Agata grinned wolfishly. “A stone from that unreachable, forbidden place might have value in of itself, like moonstones.”

I overlooked this angle. The first to reach the moon was Connar Noir, the third leader of the Black Citadel, who opened a portal there from under Xarst. The next was Hope’s original, Jenna Crystal. She built Astrolis for that purpose, a trip that earned her immortality. The last visitors were Barsal scientists, who proved it was possible without magic. The rocks brought back from those ventures were treated as valuable treasures.

Rose mulled over Agata’s suggestion, “It’s a pity, but I don’t know if we can… It’d be difficult to explain.”

“I’m sure there’s a way…” Agata mused. “Did Simon ever pilot Astra’s airship?”

“Yes, he flew it from Earth’s End to the Black Citadel.” Hope responded.

“Perfect!” Agata smiled beautifully. “First, we get Simon to confirm the stones’ providence, saying he transported them himself… No one will doubt those ‘truths’. Then I tell everyone that he did so at my request. We market these as ‘Prank Stones from Earth’s End’.”

A splendid plan. It wouldn’t be strange for Agata to leave this enchanting to her apprentice. The strategy increased the value of all Hope’s rocks, enchanted or not. Rose sensed an issue though, “You want a big cut?”

“I’ll take forty percent.” Agata declared.

“Don——hmm” Rose covered Hope’s mouth and countered, “Thirty percent.”

“Thirty-five.” Agata bargained.

“Done.” Hope agreed, pushing Rose’s hand away. I tried.

“By the way,” Agata got up. “You have more of these?”

“A room full.” Hope affirmed.

“Figures.” Agata brought out a list. “These are popular enchantments with the precise information on their effects. If you reconfigure your work to match these, I’ll sell them in the shop.”

Wonderful. To develop Hope’s ‘business’, their products had to meet expected standards. Rose had just been saved hours of market research.

Offering profusive thanks, they left. Hope studied Agata’s gift as they walked. “Although it won’t be as bad as starting from scratch, this won’t be easy… On the upside side, fame finally kicked in today. It’ll aid in powering up my stones to meet these specifications.”

‘Pressure’ built up as magic was poured into an object. Stronger enchanters could force more energy into the spells they weaved.

“How much of an improvement?” Rose asked.

“Maybe ten percent?” Hope estimated. “It’s been three day since my victory against Razor. News is spreading.”

She’s doing amazingly well at the coliseum. Apart from yesterday, Hope had won all her matches. With her extra win, she has a better record than me. Despite her loss two days ago, Rose was steadily climbing the ranking. Free will probably experience her first defeat today. She was facing a well-known ‘demoness’ who wielded fire rivaling that of werewolves.

“I appreciate the strengthening, but I wish people would stop coming up to me…” Hope complained. “I’m not sure how to deal with them, especially the ‘suitors’.”

Oh right, those guys… They now had fans with romantic aspirations. We’re mysterious, talented, and good looking. She’d turned down two dinner invitations yesterday. If we weren’t wearing masks, it’d be worse. Rose had taken to spending as little time in public as possible. If you don’t stand in one place, it’s hard for anyone to approach.

“I could help adjust the fire enchantments.” Rose offered.

There was overlap between magical affinities. Someone skilled in fire could practice other magics as long as they’d an association with the concept. This was why Lily could summon a dragon god despite not being a summoner.

Hope winced, “No thanks, you’re terrible at it.”

Ouch… “You didn’t have to be blunt.” Rose objected.

“Sorry, but it’s matter of ethics. I can’t sell enchantments fashioned by you under my name. The disparity would be too great.” While it’s not like I take pride in my enchanting, this stings a bit. Hope’s scowl deepened. “I guess I could accept Dawn’s help…”

“What?” Rose cried. “Explain!”

“You know how she loves mastering everything?” Hope said sourly. “At one period she put quite a bit of effort into enchanting. To compete with me, of course.”

“How did that turn out?”

“Technically, it ended in a ‘tie’. I beat her in skill, but she outpowered me. Our ice enchantments were on par. Stopping there was her twisted way of showing mercy. If she’d kept at it and closed the skill gap, she would’ve surpassed me. This was obvious to both of us. She dallied just long enough to prove she could win if she wanted.” Sounds like her.

“Listen, if you really want to, I’ll let you, but you have to practice first.”

“Thanks, but I’ll pass.” Rose declined. “How much further?”

Hope was leading this shopping expedition. With a secured source of income, the girl was determined to acquire the materials to make her own bullets. If it’s only that, it should be ok. Between her growing fame and martial arts, Hope was nearing the point where ordinary explosives would have difficulty injuring her.

“It’s that one, ’Dragon’s Breath’” Hope pointed down the street. “Can’t say I like the name.”

Letters of molten metal floated above the store. As people aren’t collapsing, I’m guessing it’s a projection. Appropriate I suppose.

A wave of unease struck them the instant they entered. Scanning the room, Rose realized death radiated all around. Especially from that back wall. Across one shelf, glowing orange cubes were aligned in glass containers.

“First time in an Demolition shop, I venture.” A gruff voice rang out. A short, stout man was fiddling with a metal contraption behind the counter. Possibly a detonator?

“Proximity to high-powered explosives is alike a knife at your throat. The name’s Orthos Braslin. Welcome to Dragon’s Breath.”

I see. “What’s on the far wall?” Rose asked.

“RSF,” Orthos grinned twistedly. “Refined Salamander Flesh.”

I’ve heard of it. RSF was an unearthly explosive fifteen times stronger than TNT. Cheap and relatively safe to handle, it was widely employed by the military.

“I want some.” Hope said quietly.

“Why on Enera would need it?” Rose whispered.

“Truth is,” Hope answered sheepishly, “I’ve been considering a grenade launcher.”

Her recent success with firearms is going to her head… Rose felt compelled to dish out a dose of reality, “Lily recently taught me ‘fuse’. It’s a fast-cast fire spell which detonated all combustibles in an area. If you show up against me carrying RSF, it’ll be a short match.”

“Right, Legonas warned me about that one…” Hope grimaced, mumbling. “I was lucky Razor didn’t know it. I must protect my propellant before I face another fire user.”

“So, how can I assist you ladies?” Orthos put his work aside.

“I’ve a list.” Hope slapped down a paper, then held up a bullet. “I want to make these.”

Orthos glanced over, nodding. Glad he gets it. Rose hadn’t recognized a single one of the scientific-sounding names. Free is the only one with the interest to keep up in this department.

“You must be the revolver ninja I’ve heard about.” Orthos said. “Aiming to pierce blessings with self-made bullets?”

“Exactly.” Hope agreed happily. “Oh, right. Can I add some RSF?” Without waiting, she went over to the foreboding wall.

“By the way, don’t try enchanting RSF.” Orthos yelled after her. “It’s packed to the brim with power. Add more and boom.” Hope, you better not kill yourself.

“That’s… good to know.” Hope carefully picked up a container. She started back but stopped in her tracks. Simon Black had just walked in. He stood inspecting his surroundings.

(continued in part 2)