The Maelstrom of Stardew
Year 1 (Summer)
Chapter 19: Dive Into the Dark
Wednesday, the 3rd of Summer, 2017
[Quest Announcement] - Gamer Ability/Notification
[LOAD GAME]
…
[LOADING QUICKSAVE DATA.]
[GAME LOADED. WELCOME BACK!]
He made a few [Maple Bars], [Fried Eels], and [Triple Shot Expressos] for the trip as he pocketed a [Solar Essence]. He changed to his 'equipped' clothes only retaining the gloves, scarf, and sunglasses. He walked right out to see Pam, who immediately laughed at him.
"Can you really laugh when you could stand to lose a bit of the chub?" Taeko asked.
"Fair…" Pam admitted. "I wanted to ask for…"
"Oh no, you don't.
"Thanks to some new equipment and boons, I'm producing a higher quality of wine. I can't just toss you a freebie." Taeko said as Pam bit her lip.
"Which is why I want to offer up a deal…hear me out. I saw it on the internet…free use." Pam suggested.
"You can't be serious, so basically…you want to give me free reign to rail you whenever I want and wherever." Taeko said. "Know what…"
He got an empty crate and went to the fridge before coming out with twenty bottles of wine.
"Here." Taeko said as Pam looked pleased.
"Christmas came early. Just remember Taeko, whenever you want." Pam said, taking the crate and leaving.
Taeko rolled his eyes and went to get his [Sanchez] to race off for Calico Desert. It was odd seeing Beli have an actual building now, but he focused on finding the sand dragon skeleton. He pulled up and put the essence there which vanished with the light. He raced back to his farm going up to the glowing marquee.
[Story Chain Quest Complete!]
[The Mysterious Mr. Qi]
You have been getting notes from the Mysterious Mr. Qi wanting to know if you're worthy of the gift he has for you. Strange notes with strange requests. You've delivered the beets, but he has another request for you.
Objective: Give the sand dragon its final meal. (Complete!)
Go to the lumber pile on your farm. (Complete!)
Quest Success: +Respect with Mr. Qi, Access to Casino behind the Oasis, [Club Card]
There was a final text from Mr. Qi congrating him and tells him to pay the Qi Casino a visit. Taeko took up the card as it vanished to his [Key Items].
"A Casino, eh?" Taeko thought. "This'll be fun."
Taeko returned his bike to his garage calling up his pets to follow him. It was time to meet up with Abigail. However, he did take the minecarts to the Mines to go see Dondrin to shop from him.
"Dondrin." Taeko said, shaking his hand.
"How was Yelenhelm? I heard you got made a noble." He teased.
"The lot of them are thirsty…some are nice, some are entitled, and the queen is…not a complete dumbass." Taeko said honestly. "But I came for some wares. Namely, three [Miner's Treats]. Going on a mine crawl."
"Be careful, friend." Dondrin said as Taeko paid for them.
"Thanks, my good man." Taeko said leaving for the entrance.
She was waiting in front of the entrance to the Mines wearing the white [Magus Robes], the full [Ice Armor] set, and the [Twist Headband] around her head. Taeko surprised her but she took it in jest.
"It felt like forever since we went to the Mines." Abigail said as they went in.
[Floor 31]
[Cues Grey Earth BGM: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky/Time/Darkness OST - Dark Crater]
After the elevator ride and the stairs down, they were in the new region of the mines…a darker area with the walls and ground an earthen…but dead gray.
"Spooky." Abigail said as a hoard of [Bats] flew at them. "Speaking of spooky. [Blizzara!]"
Abigail unleashed a torrid blast of cold covering the hoard in ice as Taeko hurled a [Mega Bomb] after them before shooting it with his pistol blowing the [Bats] to ash.
"Where did you get the gold pistol?" Abigail asked as he put it away.
"Found it on my travels." Taeko said as they split the haul.
He reminded himself to ensure he gathered more wings to make [Lighting Rods]. Spying some rocks and nodes, he got his pickaxe out to mine. Given Clint's perk, the gains he made was more than good. Tons of [Copper Ore] and [Amethyst] collected alongside the [Stone] and [Coal]. Taeko lazily used a few [Mega Bombs] to blow up piles of rocks racking in XP until…
[Your Mining Skill has leveled up to 6! +1 Pickaxe Proficiency | You can now craft [Bombs]]
"Maybe I should start selling explosives." Taeko joked collecting the loot.
"I found a barrel." Abigail said, opening it to find a dagger. "Taeko, think you can…"
"[Wind Spire], a dagger infused with the power of wind so it got some knockback to it." Taeko said slyly using [Observe]. "What else is in there?"
"Some [Cave Carrots], [Wood], [Fiber], and [Topaz]." Abigail said as Taeko came up.
"I'll take the [Cave Carrots], [Wood], and [Fiber]." Taeko said, taking them. "Keep the gems."
Taeko crafted a [Cookout Kit], something he realized he really should have made as soon as he got word of it from the update. Thankfully, he put it in the Light-Key Items next to his [Hylian Ears]. They found the staircase and went down it to the next floor.
[Floor 31]
They came down to an [Infested Floor] with the floors covered in green slime. The room was full of [Special Green Slimes] that had thrice the HP and double the attack. Considering there was 100 of them, Taeko took charge.
"Ok, Tom. Use [Flash]! Logan, use [Howl] and then [Hyper Voice]." Taeko ordered.
Tom leapt in front of the group emitting a bright flash on the slimes. In the confusion before he jumped back as Logan howled into the air before unleashing his sonic howl that rattled the walls tearing through fifty of them in one go.
[Your pets have slaughtered fifty Special Green Slime! +150 XP! Logan has leveled up to 17, and Tom has leveled up to 15! Both pets have 8 points to spend on stats.]
"I'll deal with the rest." Abigail said, revealing a second sword.
"An [Icetounge]? Where did you get it?" Taeko asked.
"Myth." Abigail said before lunging into battle with the slimes.
Taeko spent the points only to notice that both pets no longer had a wisdom to which he got a notice.
[To streamline stats for your pets, WIS has been blended into INT. To make up for this, you will receive half of the former WIS stat as stat points to spend as a one-time bonus.]
So that was twelve extra points for Logan and ten for Tom, which he immediately spent before looking at the loot. He ate a [Miner's Treat] to which the buffs caused the loots to draw to him going straight into his [Inventory]. Aside from the shit-ton of balls of [Slime], there was a [Pink Cake] and some [Copper Ore]. He looked over to see Abigail slicing and freezing several slimes. Tom assisted by using [Icy Wind] to damage the slimes while lowering their speed. With the last slime taken down, the staircase appeared in the corner.
[A Way Down Has Appeared!]
"Whew, what a workout." Abigail said as Tom got 30 XP for helping. "Let's go."
The four went down the ladder.
[Floor 32]
It was full of rocks blocking the way forward and Taeko was in no mood for it. After chomping down on a [Fried Eel], he charged an energy sphere before hurling a [Mega Bomb] through a hole and then the sphere after it. BOOM! The explosion rattled the place sending stone flying, but the place was clear for them to continue. The buffs were still in effect as Taeko basically sucked up everything into his [Inventory]. With Clint's perk, he was racking up Mining experience points easily. Something he did suck up was two [Secret Notes], the twentieth and twenty-third one both were their own mini-quests for later. He did wonder why he had five [Rabbit's Foots].
"Look, there's a hole. Wanna jump down it?" Abigail asked.
"Whatever makes this crawl smoother. Let's go!" Taeko said as he jumped down it first.
[Floor 37]
[Cues Infected Zone BGM: Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures OST - Fred/Fred Fuchs Boss Intro]
Taeko came down from an open vent. He caught Abigail, Tom, and Logan as they came down after it. What got them all on the guard was the room was a clear Infected Zone….and they were right in front of the door to the containment unit. Taeko picked the lock with his phone before it opened up.
[Floor 37a - Joja Research Lab 2/Containment Unit]
[Sudden BGM Change: Tension Before a Confrontation - Metroid Fusion]
"This song again?" Abigail said, gaining that familiar chill. "Don't worry, I healed up your pets."
Taeko steeled themselves as they walked into the metallic room which was the walls were lined with red neon lighting and hardened green goo. However, there was blood on the walls and the ground as well…dried but that did not ease their sorry. Then they saw it, the fusion matter swirling in forming two Fusions. Text boxes flashed up for Takeo as the music exploded.
[Boss BGM: Metroid Fusion OST - Serris/Yakuza Boss Theme]
[Bonus Boss – Fusion Dexter – Joja's twisted experiments manifested in this form as one of their scientists decided to try to model it off the game itself to make super soldiers. Fusion Dexter was an attempt to make a far more tactical fighter, but Joja stagnated it's vitality to make less of a threat…to them. Do not let it get itself a bigger threat. Stats: HP (5000) / Stats Unknown / EXP Given (?) / Drops: (?)]
[Bonus Boss – Fusion Dee Dee – Joja's twisted experiments manifested in this form as one of their scientists decided to try to model it off the game itself to make super soldiers. Unlike the games, FDD is programmed with capoeira and dance-like fighting skills. Compared to other fusions, she's one of the super prototypes. While not smart, she hits hard and is vicious. Do not take her lightly. Stats: HP (9500) / Stats Unknown / EXP Given (?) / Drops: (?)]
"Tom, Logan…help Abigail." Taeko said. "Dexter's mine!"
With a flash step, Taeko rocketed forward, clashing against Fusion Dexter's big wrench with Raikiri. Logan used [Howl] to invigorate himself as Tom used [Shadow Divide]. Fusion Dee spun before kicking Abigail in the face with a flying kick.
"Fuck! SHIT!" Abigail said, scrambling to the side as another kick came at her.
A kick that put a big dent in the wall.
"Ok, that's it. I wasn't sure if I could use this spell, but fuck it. [Hastega]!" Abigail said as she glowed orange.
Her, Taeko, and the pets all had an orange aura on them which the Game showed was a major speed buff.
"Well, then." Taeko said before kicking the wrench out of Fusion Dexter's hands. "Looks like I'm about to show you something."
With the burst in speed, he was able to outspeed Dexter to land more sword strikes before using Gunshin to take the fusion's head off. Taeko noticed that despite the boost, Abigail and Fusion Dee Dee appeared to be even in speed as they threw blows at each other. With Fusion Dexter's defeat, Fusion Dee Dee leapt back absorbing the matter that was her former sibling. The fusion growled before growing in size going from a teenager in size to a full-grown adult before splitting into three. The two others were labeled by [Fusion Lee Lee] and [Fusion Mee Mee].
"Fuck." Taeko spat.
The only mercy was the two offshoots had half of Fusion Dee Dee's HP, not like it helped. His buff from the [Fried Eel] wore off as the two girls kicked him back.
[Your HP: 2299/2334]
"Ok, that's it!" Taeko said, powering up. "[Kojuko: O Tastumaki]!"
With all three blades, he spun creating a tornado that dragged the two diminutive fusions. Tom, seizing the chance, used [Flash] to blind Fusion Dee to let Logan tackle her with [Nitro Charge] to send her flying into it.
"Taeko, clear the way! I think it's time I go all out!" Abigail said as Taeko ceased the attack. "[Shiva: Diamond Dust]."
The esper appeared above Abigail unleashing ice from the ground that froze the fusions, damaging them heavily. Taeko put his blades away sliding on the ice over to Abigail's side.
"Now let's end this together?" Taeko said as he and Abigail smirked.
Both readied themselves saying the words together.
"Ka-me-ha-me-HA!" Both said unleashing their combined blasts to vaporize the frozen fusions.
Taeko would not call it an easy fight, but one that they had to act quickly on. Taeko knew a fusion with a brain was going to be a major threat and he dared not dawdle on. However, the fight was still not over as Fusion Dee Dee came out of the smoke before reabsorbing chunks of Fusion Matter to heal herself to near full strength. Hastega and the rest of the buffs had worn off as they were staring down the second round.
[Fusion Dee Dee's HP: 7500/9500]
"Logan, [Hyper Voice]." Taeko roared as Logan screamed out sonic waves that pushed Fusion Dee Dee back. "Tom, [Icy Wind]. Slow her down!"
Tom blew a torrent of cold air as frost formed on the fusion's body.
[Fusion Dee Dee's HP: 6947/9500]
"[Slow]" Abigail said, using another spell to slow Fusion Dee Dee's movement. "It's not much but…he's not going to be as fas-"
She was surprised to see Fusion Dee Dee land a critical on Taeko's chest. Despite the pain and his health going down, Taeko smirked. Grabbing the fusion's leg and using his telekinesis, he sliced it off using [Gunshin] getting the fusion to scream in pain.
[Fusion Dee Dee's HP: 3547/9500]
Despite the pain, she tried to kick him with her other leg only for Taeko to pull a [Blade Counter] with Raikiri leading to a painful electrical slash giving Abigail an opening. With Espada, she slashed over the fusion's other leg. Taeko swung the sword up over her hand charging an attack as the fire around [Gunshin] burned bright.
"[Flare….Blade!]" Taeko said before bringing his sword down making a big explosion.
[Fusion Dee Dee's HP: 1773/9500]
The fusion was struggling to breathe as Taeko had enough as he lifted his leg with flames flaring around it as he crushed the Fusion's head with a stomp ending the Fusion's life, leaving nothing but a key card.
[Logan and Tom aided you and Abigail in the tough fight! EXP gained. Logan and Tom have gained two levels. Ten points have been added to spend.]
[Tom can learn [Aurora Beam]! However, Tom has hit his max number of moves. Would you like to replace a move?]
Had [Thief]'s power not been buffed to 60, that move would have been out. Ultimately, he opted not to replace any moves. Logan would gain a new move, but Takeo got to pick between the three elemental fangs to have. Taeko immediately chose [Thunder Fang] wanting to give Logan variety.
[You have defeated Fusions Dee Dee and Dexter! Combat Level is already maxed, so your energy and health are increased by 400. Keycard can also now be used to access the vault for the loot and a special bonus.]
"Taeko, are you okay?" Abigail asked.
"No, I'm in a lot of pain." Taeko said, wincing. "But…"
He drank a [Life Elixir] which restored his health, but he also ate his last [Fried Eel] for luck.
[Floor 37a BGM Triggered: Metroid Fusion Music - BSL Control Station]
Taeko immediately got around to starting up the healing machines as Abigail was already undressing to go in first. He went over to find the vault which was not too far away and he opened it up. Instead were two glowing white 'Sooper' C.R.A.T.E.S, 400k gold for him and Abigail to split, and two chests. He kicked open the chest to find ten [Iridium Bars], a [Prismatic Shard], [Crystalarium], a [Curiosity Lure], and a [Dark Cowboy Hat]. He hauled out the crates and gold as Abigail came out the healing tank.
"Oh shit." Taeko said.
"What? Is it that I let the bush grow?" Abigail asked.
Taeko looked over to see said bush was looking a bit untamed with light wisps of purple hair trailing up towards her navel.
"No…it's that I found a [Crystalarium] and this would be my third one. I completely forgot about the other two I have at home." Taeko said. "But the bush thing isn't an issue…I kinda expect it from a tomboy. And here."
He tossed her a [Life Elixir] to which she drank before getting dressed. They opened the first crate which had the [Improved Ice Armor] set to which Abigail claimed for herself. Taeko opened the second one to find a [Vampire Cape] which he let Abigail have. Then he found a glowing sphere which vanished when he touched it as the world went gray.
[You've received a 'Capture Sphere', a bonus for defeating the two buffed fusion. Thus, you can pick a 'waifu' to capture from any CN show. Your only limit is CN originals only, no DC shows and no shows that aired on Toonami. Or Adult Swim.]
His mind drifted to several options. He really wanted Ashi, but she'd count under the Adult Swim banner. Frankie Foster was a good one, but he wasn't going to waste a free capture on an easy catch he could pay for. He had considered Marceline, but decided on Princess Bubblegum instead.
"Fuck it, Princess Bubblegum. She needs some karma and I don't want her to have a happy ending." Taeko thought, choosing her.
As expected, she was labeled as a 'very hard' capture. The world returned to normal.
"Here, you should have all of the gold…I got all this stuff. And plenty of monster loot…you barely got squat." Abigail said.
"Then I'll take the other chest then." Taeko said. "Can you go scout around to make sure we don't have any monsters going to sneak on us?"
Abigail nodded and left to do so as Taeko opened the chest which had books, scrolls, and documents.
"Ok, some [Lost Books]."
He looked through them only to find no real valuable information he didn't already know. Out of the twelve [Lost Books] only few had any importance to him. One confirming that he needed to get to level 50 to get any access to diamond nodes, another about Goblins, one about Dwarves, and one about Legendary fish.
Though the Game added and edited details before the [Lost Books] vanished to be stored at the museum. He did find a [Magnifying Glass] which was a Key Item that allowed him to find [Secret Notes] easier. The Game's description for the item mentioned it was originally a story quest reward that the Game decided to nix as he had access to the Sewers. As for the two scrolls, one was for a [Pet Summoning Technique] that for a cost of some energy, one can bring their pet to them to aid in battle or just summon them to them in general. He immediately used it to learn the technique before looking at the other scroll which had more [Ansatsuken] techniques which he also absorbed.
Despite it obviously being cut from the game, Taeko didn't want the [Satsui no Hado], even if the [Shun Goku Satsu] was something to gain. Cost was simply too high.
As for documents, more Joja documents that made the grand picture slowly come a bit more clear alongside some [Secret Notes]. The 16th, 17th, and 18th. He noticed one of the documents related to the 16th Secret Note…citing it as a spot to hide blood money.
"Well, hello…bonus." Taeko said before leaving. "Yo, Abs. Let's get out of here."
"I found a vent opening…want to jump down it?" Abigail said.
"Fuck it." Taeko said as they jumped down.
[Floor 40]
They hit the ground as the light on the elevator dinged. The ground was earthen but blue…being cold to the touch.
"I think we can call it a day…we need to go see Harvey." Abigail said, taking Taeko's hand.
"Good that you're learning to be responsible." Taeko said as the four went in the elevator to return to the ground floor.
[-]
They left the mines weary, but pleased with them. Abigail had practically dragged him to the clinic to get cracked out and Harvey was less than pleased to hear the horror story.
"I didn't think Joja could-"
"They would. I'm only telling you because if anything…you got a right to know what I'm up against." Taeko said sitting on the patient 'chair' with his shirt and hat off.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I noticed something a bit odd." Harvey said as Maru came in her nurse's outfit. "Maru, I think you should be here for this too."
Abigail raised an eyebrow as Harvey got some documents.
"I did a runthrough of Taeko's blood work along with the urine sample…and compared to the last sample I have…that's a major difference. Your testosterone and HGH levels are well outside the normal guidelines. Your body has altered itself in a way I can't figure out. I checked for substances…no dice. Your senses aren't compromised, they're sharper than usual. Your cardiovascular and pulmonary systems are in perfect condition, no discoloration of the skin, urine sample and blood work were both otherwise normal... You appear perfectly healthy." Harvey said concerned.
"And that's an issue, how?" Abigail said as Maru looked at the documents herself.
"I think I see where Harvey is getting at….Taeko appears healthy…too healthy. Your body has simply significantly improved since the last time you were here." Maru said.
"So, is this a bad thing?" Taeko asked.
"Aside from you probably needing an increased diet which considering your line of work, funding that would be an issue. What I am more concerned about is any intimacy you'd have with Abigail…not that she'll get sick…more you might risk overwhelming them. This is if I'm overestimating this." Harvey said sheepishly.
"Harvey, I'm not only seeing Abigail. I'm also seeing Maru and Penny. It's a poly thing." Taeko said as Harvey looked at him.
"Yeah, that makes sense." Harvey said wistfully looking at Maru.
"Hey Harvey, I am a noble of Yelenhelm. I did get to play arranging a mail-order bride for Clint. Say the word, man." Taeko offered.
"I couldn't. I'm one for traditionally dating…" Harvey said with a light laugh. "But thank you. I do have to work on myself first. Getting in shape and such. Seeing you is a big motivator."
"Well, at least to pay for the medical bills and for you keeping my secrets, how about I pay to get your eyes fixed? The doctor should be at his best, and I can make arrangements." Taeko mused.
[Harvey was touched by your kindness, your friendship has gone up to five hearts.]
"I'm touched, but I can't take up your offer yet. I need to get my strength up, then I'll consider it." Harvey said. "Either way, you're free to go. Not going to bill you for this one, all I ask for is quality wine of yours to come my way."
"I'll have some sent." Taeko said before putting his clothes back on.
His pets were already sent back home as Taeko and Abigail left the clinic.
"Well, I'm going to deal with my end of the loot. Later, babe." Abigail said, kissing Taeko and leaving.
Drinking a [Triple Shot Espresso], he remembered the [Secret Notes] decided to investigate them starting the 20th one. Following the directions on it left him straight to JojaMart's delivery truck. The truck driver mentioned a desire for a lucky break and a need for a [Rabbit's Foot] saying he'd make Taeko's while. Taeko agreed, surprised to see the equipped [Rabbit's Foot] he had was removed as he received a [Special Charm].
[Special Charm - Key Item - You feel a faint aura of good fortune around you with this. Far better than a Rabbit's Foot. (Permanently increases luck by 0.025)]
Going after the 17th note netted him an artifact before he went to the desert via his [Sanchez]. With the [Prismatic Shard] in hand, he moved to the three pillars getting in the center. The pillars lit up and zapped the shard…leaving behind the [Galaxy Sword].
[New weapons available for purchase at Marlon's.]
[Weapon - Galaxy Sword - It's unlike anything you've never seen. Purple is powerful as it's iridium metal is supposedly made from a meteorite befitting the name. Despite its stats and excellent damage output, it's incomplete.| Bonus Stats: Speed +4]
It oozed power. He'd get the other artifact from the other secret note before going back to town, giving Gunther the artifacts before going home to offload his things. [Raikiri] was thrown in the closet as Taeko equipped the [Galaxy Sword] in its place. He loaded up the furnaces to make [Copper Bars]. He set the [Crystalarium] next to the other two before seeing that apparently…there was a [Diamond] in one and a note on the other.
'Taeko, I was cleaning some stuff and dropped a diamond so I put it in this machine to fix it. - Elly May'
Taeko sighed, but saw that the machine had made about thirty [Diamonds] which he took out. He shoved an [Emerald] in the second and an [Aquamarine] in the third. With his perk, he'd had several gems by the hour. He'd take a hot bath given his mine crawl and was coming out with a towel around his waist. Despite all the stuff he ate, he was still not wholly full and needed a meal.
"I guess all those perks are catching up with me." Taeko said to himself as he got dressed.
He got a text from Xavier of an increase in stock, now selling up to level 17 and that he sent the free clothes to him along with the hats. Getting dried off and getting his underclothes now, he got dressed. He opted to wear an [Omega Blacklight Shirt] under a green [Carpenter Buckle Tab Jacket], dark green [Carpenter Pants (Boys)], a pair of black cowboy boots, the newly acquired [Dark Cowboy Hat], and a pair of black aviator shades. Downing another espresso, he'd collected the new [Copper Bars] using five of them to five [Trap Bobbers] before putting the rest away. Taking a few fishing supplies, he went out going straight for the Guild first
"Taeko, Abigail informed me about the lab and what you faced. I just want to reward your efforts. So here." Marlon said giving Taeko a [Galaxy Dagger]. "Abigail mentioned you were into knives."
It had a similar description to the sword.
[Weapon - Galaxy Dagger - It's unlike anything you've never seen. Purple is powerful as it's iridium metal is supposedly made from a meteorite befitting the name. Despite its stats and excellent damage output, it's incomplete.| Bonus Stats: Speed +1, Crit. Chance +1, Weight +5]
"Thanks, Marlon." Taeko said, accepting it.
"You're making good progress…looking at your Monster Eradication Goal List, you're close to completing your goal for killing [Duggies]." Gil said before Taeko left.
It was finally time to enter the Sewers. Considering it was now unlocked and a legendary fish was there, it was time. He opened it with the key and went down the ladder.
[Cues Sewers BGM: Mark Pritchard - Glassypops]
Dark and dank, but that was to be expected for the sewers. He explored a bit before coming into a strange shop where Zoey was talking to a Shadow Person to which [Observe] kicked in revealing him to one of the last two villagers on his friend list.
[Pelican Town Villager – Krobus – Relationship Level: 0/10 – A Shadow Person, not one for harming humans and rather pacifistic despite his past. Oddly, he's a mutant variant of his kind. However, he's friendly. One of his favorites is Void Mayo, a delicacy among his people. (While not a bachelor in a technical sense, he can be asked to move in with you if your friendship is high enough.)]
"A human visitor, how unusual." Krobus remarked.
"This is him, the guy I was talking about." Zoey said.
"The Jumino's chosen?" Krobus asked. "Well, I am Krobus, a merchant of rare and exotic goods."
"Taeko Maelstrom, the town's resident adventurer and fixer." Taeko said. "But what you got for sale?"
Krobus was happily showing his wares and he saw the [Stardrop].
"How much for it?" Taeko asked.
"Twenty thou-"
Taeko practically shoved the money in Krobus's hands before taking it and eating it. The flavor was different, reminding him of pepperoni pizza.
[Your health and energy increased by 85 points!]
"Now, what else do you have to sell?" Taeko asked.
Krobus showed his wares and Taeko purchased 10 [Void Eggs]. He wanted to give Krobus and decided to take a chance by giving a [Diamond].
"This is an amazing gift. For my people it is a great honor to receive something like this." Krobus remarked.
[You gave Krobus a loved gift! +80 Friendship Points]
"Kiss-up." Zoey remarked.
"It does good to make good with the people here. Dondrin's good for it…" Taeko said as Krobus raised a brow.
"A dwarf? If they find I'm here I-"
"He won't. I don't know if you know but that war between your people and his was a proxy war caused by the elves." Taeko explained. "Basically the elves manipulate people they thought of as lesser than them."
That got Krobus to take a pause.
"Oh dear Yoba, I'm…almost not surprised now that I think about it…" Krobus said sadly. "But maybe you can help me with something."
"Depends." Taeko asked.
"Krobus wants to use your shadow." Zoey explained. "With it, he can mold themself to look more humanlike."
"The technique isn't perfect, but I have a purple trench coat and glasses." Krobus said with a toothy grin. "It can only last for a few hours at last. I've been practicing it with Zoey, but I'm clearly male so…"
"But I think you should get some clothes because you walking around wearing nothing but a trench coat is going to give people the wrong message." Zoey said. "Taeko, can you-"
"I got a business selling clothes and I get the benefit of free stock to use for myself. I'll get some and he can have it. Consider it a gift…" Taeko said before leaving to get it.
He would return with the [Holo] set after some thought on the way. He explained to Krobus what it did and the shadow being would light up.
"That's perfect. It can just alter the appearance with thought alone." Krobus said. "Ok, let's do it."
Krobus slid into Taeko's shadow which gave him a slight chill before coming out.
"Change, now!"
Krobus's form went cloudy as he got on the [Holo] set as his body changed to appear more humanlike. Krobus's height retained but looked more human…looking like a shadow blob and more like a shadow person. The Holo clothes glowed giving the appearance of the Time Jump Tennyson set. He still had a fanged maw and his purplish-black hair had a wisp to it.
"This is excellent…thank you! You've made it easier to travel." Krobus said, shaking Taeko's hand.
The help netted Taeko a friendship heart.
"You're welcome. I happen to be backing merchants in the desert. They'd do business with you if you tell them you and I are cool. Be warned, one's an elf, but she's not one of the hoity-toity ones." Taeko mused. "Thanks again for the business."
Taeko was about to leave, but then he remembered what he came for. He went to the water seeing it looked rather toxic.
"Joja has a lot of shit to answer for…" Taeko said putting [Wild Bait] and a [Trap Bobber] before casting into some bubbling water.
He'd soon get a bite as Taeko contended with the fish and the bobber did its thing. Given the fish was a darter, Taeko had to 'give chase' with the bar.
"And…gotcha!" Taeko said, reeling in him to reveal a [Mutant Carp]. "Woof…aren't you an ugly little bastard?"
[Legendary Fish – Mutant Carp – The strange waters of the sewer turned this carp into a monstrosity. (Gold Quality) +45 Energy/+20 Health (Size) | Range from 35 to 37 inches | Sell Price: 1,875 Gold]
[You've caught one of the Legendary Fishes!]
[You've leveled up in Fishing to Level 10! +1 Fishing Rod Proficiency | The max amount of time before a fish bites has been decreased.| Perk a perk to enhance your [Fisher] profession]
[Angler - Fish are worth 50% more]
[Pirate - Chance to find treasure doubled]
Taeko picked the [Pirate] perk.
"Later guys." Taeko said before leaving the sewers.
He opted to see Willy to show him the fish.
"One of the legendary fish…I got a place for it." Willy said, showing an empty fish tank. "Put it in."
Taeko threw the slimy thing in as Willy marked a note on the fish tank to stick on it. Willy shook Taeko's hand praising him for his skill netting him half a friendship heart.
"How about I treat you to lunch, on me?" Willy offered.
"I'm down." Taeko said eager to eat. "I'll meet you at the Saloon."
Taeko would leave an [Void Egg] in the incubator in the coop before heading off to the saloon for a late lunch with Willy.
[GAME PAUSED? WOULD YOU LIKE TO QUICK SAVE?]
[Yes *] [No]
….
[GAME QUICKSAVED! Hurry back.]
(A/N: Yeah, we got a Mine Crawl, a Fusion fight, and an introduction to everyone's favorite shadow monster, Krobus. Yes, I did invoke a bit of Oolong and Pu'ar in there as with all characters, I want to expand. Next chapter continues in the afternoon as Taeko's check on the captures after a chat with Elliot.)