Construction Mage - Chapter 18: Decompression

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My Lord,

I implore you to increase the amount of first-aid training for the recruits. Potions and healers are most effective, but we do not have enough of either of them. We cannot afford to let our supplies dwindle at their current rates. The reliance on these precious resources has also made some within the knight order reckless. They don’t respect the danger like they’re supposed to. If this keeps up, I do not believe we’ll be able to make any further progress past the ninth layer.

By my hand,

-Commander Alric Brynstone

***

Clay had two choices. Either go to a regular healer for treatment of his wounds, or visit the church and pay a high price for one of their holy healers. The former was inexpensive, but would take longer, while the latter could instantly heal his wounds thanks to magic. While this was a difficult choice for many people in his position, it was a no-brainer for Clay.

One option would likely put him in debt, while the other could allow him to learn some first aid skills and take a look at the herbs commonly used. He had selected alchemist as one of his profession classes, so he naturally knew how to pick most herbs in the dungeon, but the problem was in making use of them. It was worthwhile to investigate how regular herbs were used.

The door chimes rang as a result of Clay entering the establishment, and a young man quickly called out in response.

“Coming right out!” True to his words, the man rushed out from the back while unwrapping the bandana on his head. “How can I help—Sir, those are some terrible wounds! Please come to the back with me.”

“Oh, and if I don’t have the coin to pay?” the large man couldn’t help but tease as he limped forward while using his shovel as a crutch.

“Surely, you jest, sir. Since you came to our humble store, you must have the intention to obtain our services. I doubt you would be here if you thought you wouldn’t be able to buy our services.”

Clay smiled and didn’t bother responding as he hobbled further into the establishment. He took a cursory glance at all the herbs around the storefront while trying to hide the skepticism he had for the local herbalists. Even in his old world, with strict regulations and training, there was a difference between a good and a bad doctor. He hoped his luck wasn’t too bad.

Though he was more looking forward to their skills at removing the arrow without him bleeding to death, rather than their expertise in herbal treatment, so it didn’t matter too much as long as they didn’t botch anything too badly. It would be a useful skill he could pick up for any future injuries.

The young man led him into a small room in the back, where there were several seats and a bed. He gestured for Clay to take a seat as he retrieved some tools from a chest in the corner. They consisted of tongs, scalpels, linen strips, as well as needles and thread.

The young man carefully inspected each tool, and by the time he was halfway done, the doors to the room opened, and a young boy strode in, tugging along a tub full of hot water.

“Grab the pouch I keep under the desk out front as well for me, Zane,” the young healer called out to the boy.

“Yes, sir!”

The young lad sprinted out the door quickly, leaving Clay wondering if there wasn’t anyone more experienced there.

“I take it you’re the herbalist in charge of this store?” he asked.

“That’s correct, sir,” the man replied as he continued to carefully inspect his equipment.

“Only you? No one else here to help besides the kid?”

“Unfortunately, so. My father is no longer as nimble as he used to be, so I make sure he gets plenty of rest at home.”

“I see. Well, I hope you’re able to remove this arrow without damaging the major artery there. I’d rather have my blood stay in my body, if you know what I mean.”

“Oh, you have some knowledge of the human anatomy?”

“Just enough to know how I’ll bleed to death in minutes if you prove incapable. So forgive me for questioning you, but I have to ask. Are you sure you can handle this arrow wound here? Otherwise, I’d rather try my luck elsewhere.”

“Ha, no need to worry, dear sir. Arrow wounds are something most healers are used to dealing with. Only a true charlatan wouldn’t be able to address such a common wound.” He turned to the door as it once again opened to reveal the young boy with a bag in hand. “Even my apprentice here is capable of removing that arrow from your thigh. Isn’t that right, Zane?”

“Um, yes, sir. Are you finally letting me help a customer?”

Right, right. Arrow wounds are common here.

“I’m afraid not, my dear boy. This customer here will likely not want that.”

“Aww.”

His dejected look only earned him disapproval from his master.

“Zane,” the herbalist coldly stated. “It is your duty to attend to the store while I’m busy.”

The young boy nodded and was swiftly out of sight. He then turned his attention back on Clay.

“Now then, shall I get started? It shouldn’t take long.”

“Go ahead. I’d appreciate it if you could describe what you’re doing while you’re at it. I’d like to learn how to deal with it next time myself if I have to. I fear I won’t always get the luxury of waiting until I’m out of the dungeon to dress my wounds.”

“Well, I can do that, though it won’t help if you don’t get some practical experience in. I’m sure your party members can help with that.”

“Right…”

***

After watching the herbalist dexterously remove the arrowhead, apply some herbs to stem the bleeding and numb the pain, and then dress his wounds, Clay was finally feeling better now that he was no longer feeling something tugging on him every time he moved.

The young herbalist even made him drink a bitter and astringent concoction that further dulled the throbbing pain somewhat, and made his health points finally climb in the right direction, too.

“Thank you, you did good work—umm.”

“Theodore, at your service.”

“Yes, thank you, Theodore. I’m Clay. I’ll be sure to visit you again if I need anything, but to be honest, I’d rather I don’t have to.”

“A proper sentiment for one in your profession lest you want your career cut short. I’m sure you’ll grow quickly where you’re no longer in need of the help of a humble healer like me, though. Access to magical potions tends to have that kind of effect on Delvers.”

“You can tell I’m a beginner?” Clay asked with an amused grin.

“Naturally. Who else would come to our humble shop? I won’t pry about my client’s background, though.”

“I see. Well, thank you. How much do I owe you?”

“You can settle the bill out front. Please do take the time to ensure the wound is properly sealed first by taking a walk around our store.”

In other words, take a look around and buy something. What a shrewd merchant.

Limping out to the storefront, Clay lingered for a little longer as he leisurely went over the different herbs for sale. Now that he was no longer focused on his injury, he had the leeway to enjoy the aromatic scent of the herbs.

“You don’t happen to have any tea among your wares, do you?”

“Why yes. What kind of effects are you looking for? Something like the Hallowthorn tea you had earlier, perhaps?”

“Anything, really. I’m more looking for something fragrant rather than their medicinal effect, so my criteria are quite relaxed.”

“Hmm, that actually limits the selection I have here. Most of what I have in stock should only be taken in proper quantities. They are not conducive for recreational use.”

“Anything to calm the mind, then?”

“Let me go fetch them out for you.”

By the time Clay exited the herbalist store, his wallet was a whole seven hundred Lyons lighter. The treatment had cost five hundred, while the teas he bought were another two hundred.

It put a small dent in his finances, but he believed it to be worth it. After all, he would be taking the next few days off to recover from his wounds. It would be miserable holding up in his room without anything to do. He would at least use the vacation to sample some teas from this world.

With a good portion of the day still ahead of him, Clay now had the leeway to go about trading his spoils. He had collected a whole bag full of metal bits and weapons he looted from the kobolds. More importantly, there was also the ‘Summon Elemental’ skill book to deal with. It was his golden ticket toward obtaining the Earthen Wall skill.

It’s about time I get started in constructing my own place, too. The inn fees are eating quite a bit into my pockets. The sooner I get a permanent residence, the better.

Resolved for the future, Clay limped swiftly back to the Delver enclosure to conduct the trade of skill books. He remembered seeing a few postings on the board before, and some vendors carried a small selection as well.

It didn’t take him long to find a vendor who had a dozen skill books on display.

“Excuse me. Do you happen to have the Earthen Wall skill available for trade? I happen to have a Summon Elemental in exchange for it.”

The Amazoness shopkeeper gave him a strange look.

“Do I look like some fancy merchant that deals in spell books to you? Stop wasting my time.”

Clay was taken aback at the answer, but complied with her request and retreated. He absent-mindedly tried a few different vendors and received similar responses. One of the friendlier shopkeepers he eventually met explained the reason to him.

Apparently, all the mage skill books were usually handled by rich merchants with a connection to the residents of the first ring. Only the rich and powerful normally selected mage classes. It made the price of mage skill books, or otherwise known as spell books, inflate. The worst part about the news was how inaccessible they were for those without connections.

It made Clay aimlessly wander the Delver marketplace as he brainstormed ideas.

How can I reach these middlemen? Surely, they come here to make purchases from the Delvers, right?

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