“Is there a chance they might not figure it out?”
“It depends on many things, but eventually they would figure it out. It might take them a thousand years, however.”
Ruwen nodded at Blapy. She had led him to think about Fractal, and now Ruwen would need to make another decision. Drink the potion and advance himself, or give it to Fractal and hope the dungeon could reproduce the elixir relatively soon so both he and Sift could use it.
What do you think, Rami?
If Fractal could reproduce a legendary elixir, even just one type, it would make him one of the elite dungeons on the continent. Not to mention the benefits to you and Sift.
Ruwen hadn’t considered Fractal’s feelings. Of course Fractal would be overjoyed at absorbing such a treasure. He wanted to grow in power just like everyone else.
Ruwen let out the breath he’d been holding. “I would like the Jeweled Elixir of Transformation.”
Blapy held up a vial with a deep blue liquid in it. “Excellent choice.”
Ruwen took the elixir and viewed the notification.
Tring!
The Black Pyramid has rewarded you…
Name: Jeweled Elixir of Transformation
Quality: Legendary
Durability: 1 of 1
Weight: 0.75 lbs.
Effect: Induce Meridian transformation from Gold to Jade.
Effect: Transition rate proportional to Core Velocity.
Effect: Reduce pain by fifty percent.
Effect: Increase survival by ten percent.
Restriction: Gold Meridian Fortification greater than 95%.
Description: A vivid dark blue elixir with an acidic taste. This elixir acts as a catalyst, beginning the Harvester’s transformation from the Metal levels to the Gem. The dissolving and reforming process is tied to Core Velocity, giving the Harvester control of the transformation, pain level, and survival probability. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the precipitate.
Ruwen read the dissolving part of the description again. Did the transition actually dissolve his body? If so, the Alchemical joke at the end was in very poor taste. He triggered Analyze on the elixir.
Target: Jeweled Elixir of Transformation
Type: Consumable
Components: Dimensional Bladed Blue Iris, Jade, Divine Water, Unknown Acid, Unknown Buffer, Unknown Binder, Unknown Component x 4
Health: Spiritual Accelerator
Alchemy: Destructive, Restorative
Uses: Physical Transformation
Fractal already had Dimensional Bladed Blue Iris plants. Ruwen had taken them from the lakeshore in the Spirit Realm and given them to Fractal just yesterday. That explained the familiar blue color of the elixir.
Ruwen briefly thought of Analyzing Blapy but decided against it. She would likely detect it and might not appreciate his curiosity. He handed the vial back to Blapy. “Can you please give that to Fractal the next time you see him and ask him to spare as much energy as he can to figuring out the recipe?”
Blapy smiled. “There is hope for you, Starfield. This will be immensely valuable to Fractal. You are a good Dungeon Master.”
“Actually, Rami was the one who realized that.”
Blapy reached up and touched Ruwen’s right ear. “That doesn’t surprise me.”
Mom can be okay sometimes, Rami said.
Ruwen kept that to himself. “Can you also tell him I think it contains the plants I just gave him and jade and divine water. There’s some kind of acid, binder, and buffer, too, as well as four unknown things.”
“Sure, I have nothing better to do than run around doing errands for you,” Blapy said.
Ruwen’s cheeks burned in embarrassment, and Rami laughed.
Blapy put the vial in her dress pocket and pushed the stuffed centipede into Ruwen’s face. “You’re lucky I like Fractal so much.”
Ruwen bowed. “Thank you, Blapy. I really appreciate it.”
“Now it’s time for Rami to evolve,” Blapy said. “Will it be the Codex of Fortification, Blood, or Perception? I can’t wait to see.”
Blapy snapped her fingers, and they shifted rooms again.
Chapter 26
The new room felt cramped compared to the previous two. The chamber was fifteen feet on a side, and the walls, ceiling, and floor were white marble. Three altars stood in a triangle in the middle of the room, and each held an open scroll.
I’m so nervous, Rami said.
Blapy no longer held her centipede, and she wore a black robe. She held her cupped hands up to Ruwen.
Put me in her hands, Rami said.
Ruwen gently took Rami from behind his ear and set her in Blapy’s palm.
Blapy strode to the center of the room, stopping exactly between the three altars. She locked gazes with Ruwen before speaking. “You have also earned one Codex of Bookwyrm Evolution. How would you like to proceed?”
“I don’t understand,” Ruwen said. “Isn’t that for Rami to decide?”
Blapy kept eye contact. “You have earned the Codex, and the choice is yours. Rami can accept or refuse the evolution.”
“Honestly, I don’t even know what we’re talking about. But from the name I’m guessing Rami can change herself somehow. This is one hundred percent her choice, and I will pick whatever she tells me.”
Ruwen’s neck and chest grew warm. You’re the best, Rami said.
Blapy gave Ruwen a small smile. “Another wise choice. This must be a record for you.”
Ruwen grinned. “Yeah, it probably is. Can you tell me what’s going on?”
“The codex here will shape how Rami develops,” Blapy said. “They are like your Classes.”
Blapy walked to a pedestal and sat Rami next to the large book there. Ruwen followed her and studied the tome. The codex was shaped like a black tower shield, and the surface had symbols etched across it. His Hey You deciphered them and he read the larger ones: thorns, wing blast, titan, and strength.
“With the Codex of Fortification, Rami will become a defensive force. Wyrms are nearly indestructible, and this leverages that, allowing her to protect her party. With this first defensive evolution, she would only grow thirty feet, but her new wings will span sixty feet. She can sprout thorns and scatter enemies with her powerful wings. You will benefit as well with a doubling of your Armor Class. This codex will increase your chances of survival significantly.”
Blapy picked up Rami and took her to the next codex. This book looked like a giant red talon. The largest runes on
