As Wyrtt continued on, his dark vision adjusted to the darkness, and he started to see strange symbols that glowed on their own accord. Also, strange apparatus lined the halls. Beakers were filled with odd liquids; tubes curled here and there. He saw other strange tubes he knew as oddly as test tubes and alembics, even though he had never seen one before. Wyrtt could not identify any liquids because his dark vision saw everything as pretty much the same color. Water looked like acid, and vice versa. However, one thing was certain: this was alchemy deep in this secluded cave in the middle of a dark forest.
Wrytt moved suddenly, knocking over a beaker. The beaker crashed, making a loud sound. "Oh god's someone would hear that for sure," he whispered to himself. "How could I be so clumsy?" Wyrtt stood still in the shadows, hiding and unmoving for what seemed like forever. Nothing. Ok, I guess no one heard.
Wyrtt traced his fingers over the markings on the wall. They thrummed with an alchemical power. "Who could have made these?" He had never experienced anything like this before, and it fascinated him. These halls were a major tribute to alchemy, and he had to get to the bottom of this amazing discovery.
The prospect of learning from the creators of this hidden sanctuary enthralled Wyrtt. With this equipment, he could launch his knowledge sky high. Level 2 was only a start. Wyrtt's mind was agape at all the possibilities that were before him.
"Careful," a voice warned, causing the young goblin to jump. He did not know someone had entered the room; he was so engrossed in what was before him. "Show yourself," Wyrtt said, trying to sound more brave than he actually felt.
A man stepped out of the doorway. The candles in the room lit as he walked in, and Wyrtt could see he had piercing blue eyes that held an intelligence that could cut through the darkness. His silver hair cascaded down past the shoulders of his green robe, which was adorned with the same symbols as those on the walls of the cave. The symbols seemed to move and swirl around as he moved. "I am Alrick." The man stated, "I have been wathching you, and the way you touch and trace the symbols, I can tell you have much potential."
Wyrtt was touched. In all his short life, no one has ever seen potential in him. "What is this place?" Wyrtt said. "This is a crucible of learning, an enclave for those who seek more than the mundane." Wyrtt was beyond himself. "Did you make these symbols?" "Indeed, I am," Alaric said with a nod. "They are part of a complex and ancient language used to channel the energies required for our work." Alaric studied Wyrtt intently, his gaze unnerving yet strangely comforting. It was as though he could see the potential hidden within the young goblin, recognizing a kindred spirit in his thirst for knowledge.
"Would you like to learn, young one?" Alaric asked, extending a welcoming hand to Wyrtt. "Our order can offer you guidance and purpose, but it is not an easy path. "Dedication and perseverance will be required."
Wyrtt hesitated for a moment, his thoughts racing. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for, but could he truly leave behind everything he had ever known? As he looked into Alaric's eyes, he saw understanding and wisdom that surpassed anything he had ever encountered. His heart swelled with determination.
"Teach me," Wyrtt said, taking Alaric's hand. "I'm ready to learn."
Over the following weeks, Wyrtt found himself completely immersed in the world of alchemy and the mysterious teachings of the cult under Alaric's watchful eye. The bond between master and student grew stronger with each passing day as Alaric patiently guided Wyrtt through the intricacies of their craft.
"Remember to focus on the essence of the ingredients, Wyrtt," Alaric instructed, observing his pupil grinding herbs in a mortar and pestle. "Their true power lies not in their physical form but in the energies they possess."
Wyrtt nodded, his eyes gleaming with eagerness as he carefully mixed the crushed herbs into a shimmering liquid. He was fascinated by the complex art that Alaric practiced and was determined to absorb every bit of wisdom his mentor had to offer.
"Like this?" Wyrtt asked, looking up at Alaric for approval.
"Yes, just like that," Alaric said, smiling warmly. "You're a quick learner, Wyrtt. "I can see your potential growing every day."
As Wyrtt continued his studies under Alaric's tutelage, word of the goblin's progress began to spread throughout the cult. Soon, the time came for Wyrtt to be officially accepted into their ranks.
The chamber was dimly lit by flickering torches, casting eerie shadows on the faces of the assembled members. Their eyes were filled with curiosity and anticipation as they awaited Wyrtt's arrival. When the young goblin finally entered the room, led by Alaric, the atmosphere was electric.
"Brothers and sisters, we gather here today to welcome a new member into our fold," Alaric announced, his voice echoing off the cave walls. "Wyrtt has proven himself capable and dedicated, showing a deep understanding of our practices and an unwavering commitment to our cause."
As Alaric spoke, Wyrtt felt a mixture of pride and humility. He had come so far from the outcast he once was, yet there was still so much to learn. The memories of his goblin tribe's disdain for his curiosity seemed like a distant dream, replaced by the warm embrace of these newfound allies.
"Step forward, Wyrtt," Alaric instructed, and the young goblin did as he was told. With a solemn expression, Alaric placed a hand on Wyrtt's shoulder, signifying his acceptance into their ranks.
"Let this be the beginning of your journey with us," Alaric said. "May you continue to grow in wisdom and strength as you walk our path."
The other members stepped forward, one by one, offering words of encouragement and congratulations. Their open arms and genuine smiles were a stark contrast to the cold rejection Wyrtt had faced in his past life. He finally found a place where he belonged—a place where he could thrive.
"Thank you, all of you," Wyrtt said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I won't let you down."
With each passing day, Wyrtt grew more confident in his abilities and his place within the cult. He knew that challenges lay ahead, but with Alaric and his new family by his side, he was ready to face whatever the future held.
Wyrtt added many bombs and potions to his formula book and was able to make many on the fly now. His favorite, of course, was the alchemist's fire. This was a flask that exploded when it hit the target and had a sticky liquid fire in it that spread about 5 feet or so. So if you were lucky and hit the target well, you covered it in the fire goo. The goo stuck and continued to burn until the target could put it out. Also, the fun thing about bombs is that they do damage to nearby creatures as well. If, say, three targets are standing next to each other and you hit the middle one, The outside two will get hit as well, with a bit of residual damage as well. So as you can see, these are really good.
I can also make a cool bomb out of clay, bits of glass, metal, and stuff. When I throw it, it explodes, and shrapnel slices everything in the area. It's like a bunch of little daggers slicing you up. I can also make a small healing potion that heals a tiny bit. And an acid bomb that pretty much does what you think it would. drops acid on the foe and does damage until they can get it off them.
So I can make 12 bombs or potions every morning, but they are kind of cobbled together and fall apart if I don't use them by the end of the day. Next to this, I also have my trusty dagger, but I hope to upgrade that to a dog slicer. I trained with dog slicers back in my tribe, and I'm pretty good with one. It is just a matter of finding one.
I know what you are probably thinking... Wyrt, I thought you were a passafist. I thought you wanted to learn not to be a warlike warmonger out to kill everything. Well, it's not exactly like that. I am not learning these things to go out and take over villages and kill foes indiscrimatly; I am learning them for defense. and I am learning to so I can help others. like a paladin or a knight. I want to use my knowledge and talents to help those who can't help themselves. I also just want to be accepted for who I am, not who I appear to be.