“You shouldn’t entertain that kind of behavior, boss,” Zwei said. “It sets a bad precedent.”
“What was that, Number Two?” Lukas asked. Zwei didn’t answer. “I thought so.” He glanced at the new wall clock. “Aren’t you due at Irma’s soon?”
Zwei nodded. “Just finishing this up first, boss. I’d like to show her my work.”
___________________________
Morph didn’t like his new accessory. Given his collection of abilities and style, they felt unnecessary. However, El-Prime had insisted he carry the trinket at all times. Much to his delight, it wasn’t a weapon or piece of armor. Either would directly conflict with Biomancy.
The Amulet of Thermalwarding hung from his neck, attached to a light steel chain. Thunderseeker’s passive effect protected him from lightning and sound. But it did nothing against extreme temperatures. The cold made Morph’s tissue stiff. He had also overheated in his flesh exosuit, which resulted in him losing consciousness and the Void flesh taking over. The trinket was valuable and likely to help while in and around the Gray, but he hoped to develop skills or organs to help alleviate such issues.
El-Prime insisted that Morph carried the amulet because of the newly purchased Essence of Survival hidden within. Its arcane signature would ensure that other summoners, golemancers, and vivomancers didn’t identify him as a clone, assuming Ogden wasn’t misleading him. The interaction had made El-Prime paranoid.
It’s useful, but I hate needing it.
Ever since Biomancy reached the second tier, Morph had started to feel a strange arcane signature within himself. It was almost too small to detect, and El-Prime hadn’t dispelled him in a while and was therefore ignorant of the development. The clone suspected it was life magic; Biomancy had come from a shard involving Vivomancy, after all. The Essence of Animancy might’ve also awakened the attunement. Morph believed that if he could tap into it, he’d become truly unstoppable.
First of all, life magic would give him the power to heal damaged tissue, reinforce parts of his physiology, and, more importantly, grow his own biomass. Healers had to train extensively so their life magic didn’t go wild and mutate their patients, leading to the development of tumors and cancer. That wasn’t an issue for Morph. It was all biomass to him, waiting to be reshaped into armor, limbs, or more.
Then there were the side effects of life magic, namely regeneration. Xander’s use of it to heat himself and create steam screens was brilliant, and Morph hoped to recreate it. Body-heat regulation excited him the most. It would be a significant improvement in quality of life.
“Come, come!” Xander waved cheerfully as Morph walked into the Aquila training grounds. “Everyone is expecting you.”
“Are you sure this is enough?” Morph asked. He glanced up at the balcony overlooking one of the many courtyards in the complex. Guild members casually stood and conversed, occasionally glancing down at individuals sparring or training in the area. Arcane Scan suggested there were energy signatures that had long ascended to tier four. “I don’t need to have an interview or anything of the sort?”
“You were scouted,” Xander stated matter-of-factly.
“And that makes a difference?”
“Of course. Interviews are for people who want us and our resources. We want you, your expertise, and experience. It makes a big difference.” Xander grinned. “Besides, when you fight shoulder to shoulder with Xander, Master of the Shield, you get special privileges.”
“And is listening to you talk in the third person a part of guild duties or privileges?”
Xander laughed. “You'll fit right in. The leadership is keen to recruit individuals with experience against the Void. Appearances of Voidlings and their cults have increased over the last couple of years.” The man led Lukas to the empty circle at the center of the courtyard. All sparring pairs stayed out of it, sticking closer to the walls. “Interviews won't be necessary since I want you as a party member alongside Mira, as opposed to a regular guild member.”
“And what does working with you involve? What is your role in the guild? I've seen you involved in a variety of missions now, and the pattern isn’t clear.”
“Aquila has teams who work exclusively with other guild members or take on jobs involving our interests and assets. I prefer jobs related to the Union or city, which require working with other organizations, like the Frozen Phoenix and Shadow Seekers.”
“And allows you to poach members from them,” Morph added.
“Precisely. It also helps me do good for the region. Guild agendas often consider the bigger picture, encompassing the kingdom, continent, or other chapters. I prefer keeping my focus local.” Xander removed the shields slung across his back and strapped them to his forearms. One was a perfect circle with a chain of saw teeth attached to the rim. The other had a cut-out crescent which appeared sharpened. “Although I don't pursue Shadow Seekers. Ogden gets testy, and we prefer staying on their good side.”
“Sneak said the guild leadership was a grumpy bunch who needed to unclench.” Morph glanced up at the balcony above. The buildings surrounding the courtyard shielded it from the frigid winds that swept over the Gray’s foothills. However, the temperature was still a touch too low for him. If not for the new amulet, he was sure his joints would’ve started to stiffen and flesh freeze. His skin rippled as biomass hidden in shadows turned into new bones and muscles that extended from his spine, around the ribs, and developed into a second set of arms. The growth helped warm his body. “Are we just going to stand around, or are we going to spar?”
“Await the signal. The chapter council wants to see you in action before approving the membership. They’re suspicious. You’re new to the city and part of a guild we’re taking apart and cannibalizing. There are trust issues.”
Steam rose from Xander’s skin as he drew on the mote of life energy within, encouraging the biomass to grow. He gained height and width, swelling to increase his range, strength, and toughness. It was clear Xander wasn’t going to hold back. The clone also kissed the string tied around his wrist. A warbeast’s tooth hung from it. New organs slowly grew in his chest.
“I just hope you’re ready, Xander,” Morph said. “It would be a pity if you got hurt.”
“I encourage you to try.” Xander smiled encouragingly. “I’m sure the higher-ups will approve the signing bonus if you succeed.”