Alaric and the Rat were walking back to Cornelious' inn.
They were both looking for a drink. Alaric was also planning on buying a bottle for attempting to fish up the beer fish.
Alaric didn't exactly know how he would use the beer fish, but it would likely be somewhat useful?
"If the alcohol it produces is of high quality, selling alcohol is a pretty ethical way to make money..."
Alaric thought.
If he was going to eventually stray away from the ethical path, it would be nice to have a humble business as a back up. Owning a bar wouldn't be so bad.
"Alcohol can be expensive too, so it can be like a money laundering thing!" Alaric became happy. Esoteric Fishing and its goods were relatively unknown to the public, so it was highly unregulated.
If Alaric could take advantage of the unstable legality of the moment, he could become filthy rich.
From what Alaric knew, that was what magic used to be like, or still is in places where it isn't super common.
People using water magic or fire magic back in the day were able to do all kinds of things to make a shit ton of money.
That was Alarics plan.
Esoteric Fishing sometimes yielded similar methods to magic, but there are some major differences in variability of power, as well as legal status.
This is the main reason Alaric wanted to pursue it.
"People like my sister flock to magic, and end up in an oversaturated market. Although some mages are successful, most are mediocre at best." Alaric thought cynically.
He was personally never interested in magic.
Alaric and the rat walked around the city looking for a nice place to get alcohol, and eventually found one.
Alaric decided to go to one in the commercial district of the town. He didn't want to cheap out on bait for the fish. He also just wanted some decent drink, not some shoddy thing from a random store.
They went into "Cogwheel Bar"
It was a medium sized place, having a first story and a balcony second story.
It was lively, merchants of all kinds sitting around tables and talking, negotiating about goods.
People with heavy jewelry were walking about, as well as some more middle class looking people.
It seemed like a decent enough place.
"No rat."
The bartender spoke out.
"Makes sense makes sense.." Alaric said.
"Wait outside, i'll get you a beer." Alaric told the rat before letting it outside.
The rat crawled onto the building to protect itself. As a weak being one would have to resort to hiding, lest one get slimed out by a cat or a mage.
Alaric now went to the bar.
"Can I get one beer, and a small cup? On top of that can I get five small bottles of various alcohols?"
Alaric said.
"Can you be more specific?" The handlebar mustached bartender said.
"Just give me something bro" Alaric handed him fifty charred.
"I'm not your "brother" however I will accept your money." The bartender took the money and came back with some drinks.
He came back with a beer, disposable cup, and five small bottles of various alcohols.
"Thanks man, I really appreciate it." Alaric said to him.
"Ok.." The bartender responded before going over to a female customer to flirt akwardly.
"Loser..." Alaric thought, specifically thinking about the bartender's abysmal hairline.
The bartenders hairline was reminiscent of the letter "W".
Alaric then drank most of the beer he got, poured the rest in the disposable cup.
He then casually slid the small bottles into his backpack for later.
Exiting the bar, the rat dove headlong into the cup of beer, immediately slurping it up.
The rat evidently was a fan of beer.
Alaric quickly judged the rat, and came to the conclusion that it was of a rat proportional age to a human drinking age.
They then headed back to Cornelious' for the rest of the day.
The rest of the day consisted of their normal routine of eating, washing, and sleeping.
At dinner, the jack of all trades people were there again.
When Alaric had ordered a small steak, some potatoes and some salad, the people commented again.
"A jack of all trades is a master of none."
The man said with just a steak on his plate.
"But it is still better than a master of one."
The woman said with a small steak and salad but no potatoes.
"Who are these people???" Alaric thought.
The rat also equally was confused by the people.
The next day, they set out to buy some fire goods.
Heading to a home goods store, Alaric bought some gasoline, a lighter, and some matches. It came together to cost about thirty charred.
All that was left before he could start fishing was the boat.
Alaric spent the next days chilling around the city, and he bought snacks to eat on the boat as well.
The day finally came when the boat would be ready.
Alaric headed back to Matilda to pick up the boat.
Ringing the bell, Alaric didn't feel like commenting on the bell.
"Here. Boat's ready." Matilda responded, letting Alaric in.
Heading into the shipyard, they approached the boat. The boat was named "Ignatius".
It had all of the modifications that Alaric was looking for.
It had a small shelter on the top, to protect from rain.
There was also a sail setup installed that would allow for smooth and fast sailing.
The harpoon rested on the front, for any possible usage.
It was perfect.
"Sweeeet!" Alaric said.
"It's all yours." Maggie said.
"You can dock it here if you don't have your own dock." Maggie said to him.
"Alright. Let's get it into the water. " Alaric regained his composure and proceeded.
They hauled it out to the dock, and let it into the water.
It looked heavy and durable, it wouldn't be able to go very fast, but it would do the job.