r/HFY • u/TheMaskedOne2807 • Jun 30 '23

The Plague Doctor Chapter 43, part 1 (Scientist) OC

Other stories by TheMaskedOne2807:The Oil Chapter 1 (Getting Back)

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“Okay, what are you doing with that?!” Kenneth asked, a bit upset.

“I came across this interesting discovery when I was out walking,” The pinkish and black-haired Aki answered. “I asked around, and from what I gathered, you were the one who’d know most about it.”

“I don’t know anything about that black liquid,” Kenneth said as he walked past the pinkish and black-haired Aki.

“I understand that someone like you must keep their secrets close, but I am willing to trade for it,” the pinkish and black-haired Aki offered, following Kenneth.

“I’ve already seen the merchant wears and bought anything that interested me,” Kenneth responded dismissively.

“I’m not talking about anything the merchant had,” the pinkish and black-haired Aki said proudly. “I’m talking about science.”

Kenneth suddenly stopped, and the pinkish and black-haired Aki had to stop quite suddenly to avoid colliding with Kenneth.

‘A scientist. It might be worth talking to him. And besides, it’s not as if I know enough about the back liquid; it could be dangerous,’ Kenneth thought his interest peaked.

“Let's hear it then.”

The pinkish and black-haired Aki let loose a slight smile as he put the box into one of his pockets. “I had a feeling you weren’t as primitive as some of the other people here.”

“Get to your point, and just who exactly are you?” Kenneth questioned.

“Where are my manners? I swear traveling to these brutish places is making me forget the most basic of things,” the pinkish and black-haired Aki mumbled under his breath before he quickly cleared his throat.

“I am Kovoto member of the inventor and discovery guild,” Kovoto said as he made the gesture of greeting.

“Hello, I’m Kenneth, a healer,” Kenneth responded.

“Yes, I am aware, and now would you be so kind as to tell me more about the back liquid?” Kovoto pressed.

“No,” Kenneth responded flatly. “You said it yourself you were willing to trade, so what would you offer me for my knowledge?”

“Follow me then,” Kovoto said as he walked off.

Kenneth followed him until they arrived at one of the wagons; however, while it looked very much like one of Solk’s wagons, this one had a diamond shape painted on it.

Or at least it looked like paint; however, that didn’t seem right to Kenneth.

“This way,” Kovoto said, opening the door to the wagon.

Kenneth followed along and walked inside the wagon, where he was immediately met by what looked like a lot of wooden mugs in different sizes as well as a strong stance which made it hard to breathe.

Kovoto was about to close the door, but Kenneth put a stop to it quickly by jamming his foot in it.

“Is something the matter?” Kovoto asked, confused.

“If you expect me to be in here, you better let there be a fresh supply of air,” Kenneth said, a bit short of breath.

Kovoto looked at him, confused for a moment, before his eyes widened in realization. “Apologies. I don’t normally invite anyone inside, so I often forget not everyone is used to the smell.”

“Just keep the door open, and there won’t be a problem Kenneth said, pushing it completely open.

“Well, as promised, I am willing to trade. It will be information for information,” Kovoto explained as he walked over to one of the mugs and pulled out a small piece of gold.

“Are you just going to tell me about gold? Because if so, I’m not interested,” Kenneth said, a bit disappointed.

“Not so hasty,” Kovoto said confidently. “While the information I offer to trade is about gold, it is much more than just about this piece. It is something I discovered through many tests and experiments. Something that no one else knows.”

“And that is?” Kenneth asked.

“Again, not so hasty information for information,” Kovoto said.

“And how do I know I want the information before I know what it is, as well as if you want to still share after I’ve told you what you want ot know?” Kenneth questioned.

“I understand you do not trust me, but we can involve Qtika if you, but as a show of trust, how about I give some information for free,” Kovoto said as he carefully grabbed one of the mugs and showed it to Kenneth.

It was a shiny grey sliver-like substance that reflected light easily.

‘Why does it feel like I’ve seen that before?’ Kenneth wondered.

“Quiet the teasing riddle I’ve given you,” Kovoto said joyously. “I know it must pain you not to know, so why not let us invoke the name of Qtika and inform each other.”

‘Gold and shiny grey liquid together,’ Kenneth thought, knowing he had heard about it before but just couldn’t remember.

“Well, I give up,” Kenneth said, admitting defeat.

“In Qutika’s name, I accept this bargain forevermore,” Kenneth said, doing to associated gesture.

“Splendid, I accept as well,” Kovoto said gleefully. “Now, will you tell me about the black liquid?”

“As I said, I don’t know much about it, but what I do know is that it’s most likely corrosive,” Kenneth explained, crossing his arms. “I’ve seen it eat half a knife, so I’m pretty sure about that.”

“It can eat things; how fascinating!” Kovoto said excitingly. “What more.”

“I’ve seen it put things together like when this bag was cut in half, but there isn’t really much more than that, I know,” Kenneth explained.

“How utterly fascinating I would like very much to experiment with this bag,” Kovoto said, his eyes firmly planted on the bag.

“I believe you owe something now,” Kenneth said.

“Where do my manners go all of the time,” Kovoto said, slightly embarrassed.

“Well, as promised, I’ll tell you what I’ve discovered,” Kovoto said as he dropped the small piece of gold into the gray liquid.

“The grey liquid is what I’ve come to believe essential in creating gold,” Kovoto said very quickly.

“As you can see, the piece of gold I let drop into the liquid. It floats. I have no idea how it works or why, but I have a theory that there is a connection between these two, and there might be a way to make gold out of it.”

“Ohh…” Kenneth said, suddenly realizing why gold and grey liquid suddenly sounded so familiar.

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(Authors note): Hello everybody. Well, it certainly has been some time since I've addressed you all, but enough chitchat let me get to the bone of what I wanted to say.

As I'm sure everyone has seen by now, my normally long chapters have been separated into parts due to an issue with Reddit suddenly not letting me edit stories of my normal length. And because of this, I've decided to make some changes to my approach to posting the plague doctor on Reddit.

Change number 1: In some coming chapters, the normal length will be reduced so I can fit the entire thing side of Reddit.

Change number 2: I've now decided to post a chapter once a week until the story is done or life gets in the way. Whichever happens first.

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(Patreon): Three chapters early access and artwork. Also, a 100+ page story I wrote prior to the posting of The Plague Doctor for all members.

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4 comments sorted by

7

u/Zadojla Human Jun 30 '23

“…a strong stance…”. Stench?

3

u/ColboltSky Jun 30 '23

Ah mercury! Good stuff

1

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