“Separate crimes. Someone could claim rearing and creating magical children was for the betterment of the kingdom. They can’t do that if we find Void specimens or relics, too.”
“Got it.”
Only half the clones threw up a mock salute. Flukas and three clones left the ritual room. They had no trouble with the door now that the barrier had fallen. “Are you disappointed over me not picking Draconic Biology?” Lukas asked Morph.
The clone shook his head. “The aura and life attunement make a lot more sense. I’ll figure out the rest on my own. Growing my own biomass and occasionally acting as a healer will be great for a cover. This should help me get deeper with the Aquila guild. Xander will think I’m following his footsteps and be more willing to open up.”
“He’s got a big mouth. I get the feeling that flattery and sparring with him will get you far.
The trio gave Flukas and the other clones some time before heading out.
__________________________
Ace stopped his fellow clones before exiting the ritual room. He claimed that a faint orange hue bathed the door. Flukas used the opportunity to put Shadow Mimic and Draconic Intelligence to the test. He sent the Stalker out first, wearing a hardened Shade’s Mantle. Two illusory copies of him followed.
The process proved surprisingly simple. Flukas created two illusory copies of the Stalker, which they had done countless times before during practice. He imbued them with simple instructions: follow the Stalker and do whatever he does. The monstrous magic drain taught him a lesson. Open-ended instructions and not enough detail required significantly more intelligence to accomplish and, therefore, required more magic.
El-Prime will appreciate the information.
A barrage of projectiles assaulted the Shadowsteel-wearing Stalker and the clones. They scattered, drawing the enemy’s attention away from the door. Flukas paid little attention to the clone’s fate. Between the armor and Dracometal Scales, he had ample defence. Ace went out next, tossing his dice in the direction of the incoming projectiles. Flukas followed after a boom and a period of silence.
Lightningfire spheres revolved around the clone, ready to clean up whatever enemies remained. Much to his delight, Ace and the Stalker had already done the job. A couple of them had been cut down or mangled. The rest looked like they had blown apart. Flukas still didn’t understand how Ace’s magic worked, but it wasn’t the time to find out. He imagined the clone had amplified a lightning spell to ridiculous levels or caused one of their spells to fall apart.
It seemed a magical storm had ripped through the area. There were lightning burns, chunks of ice, and even a couple of fires. Ace appeared proud of himself. It was likely he got a decent dice roll. Flukas was sure it wasn't Snake Eyes; otherwise, there would be celebrations and even some dancing. Instead, Ace was trying on the dead defenders’ helmets and hats while whistling to himself.
“No messages from Eins yet,” the Stalker said. “Should we split up and find them?”
Flukas shook his head. “The boss wouldn't do that. We stick together. He will want Mira to be safe. Penelope can take care of herself. If we're lucky, we’ll find them together. If not, we prioritise Mira.”
“Is he ever going to get in her pants?” the Stalker asked.
“I'll put my money on he’ll get in his own head and not go through with it,” Ace said. “Besides, it might take him a bit to get past seeing ol’ beaky. He's aching right now. Can you feel it?”
“Best if we don't fuck around or pull his leg too much,” Flukas suggested, focusing on Spellweaver’s passive effects and scanning their surroundings for traces of draconic magic. “He puts on a brave face, but we know how he feels.”
“I think he should get over himself and give Mira a chance. He needs that comfort to stay mellow. Things were better for us when he was getting it on with Leisel.”
“Is this what developing an inhibition is supposed to feel like?” Flukas sighed. He froze, frowning. The clone pointed to his left down a long hallway. “Black dragonfire explosion. She just unleashed something big.”
“Mira is in trouble or just ended things,” the Stalker commented. “Either way, this shouldn’t take too long.” He glanced at Flukas. “Summon Assistant Spindle. It will make you more convincing.”
“Good call. The boss shouldn’t mind.”
The familiar blinked into existence as soon as Flukas used the ability. Minarv’s upgrades were noticeable. It wasn’t just a matter of a greater variety of arcane threads and increased volume. The spike they were wrapped around was longer, and the wood was so dark it appeared almost black. Meanwhile, the metallic cylinder attached to it appeared more intricate, featuring more detailed carvings. It seemed to be made of solid silver. At the same time, the inscriptions carried a faint white glow reminiscent of moonlight.
“Is that life-attunement thread?” the Stalker asked, his tone betraying surprise.
“It’s not just life,” Ace stated. “That thing also has threads of my arcane energy. The boss is going to put us to work studying divination and healing spells now.”
“And body reinforcement. Don’t forget body reinforcement.”