If Lukas were in a cartoon, he was sure his eyes would’ve momentarily turned into dollar signs. He had hoped that the journal would help Zwei recover the draconic text, but nothing more. In fact, part of him worried that one or both of them would die, ruining his chances with the local Shadow Seekers chapter. Much to his relief, both clones were still alive, and he found the Hidden Compartment packed with a random assortment of goodies.
Following his instructions, the journal emptied all its contents, except for what Lukas had stored within, onto the table. His eyes darted to a pair of cylindrical leather containers. Penelope had several dozen of them in her personal luggage. Familiar containment inscriptions covered them.
“Spell scrolls, boss?” The bruiser clone asked, taking the meat out of the skillet and setting it aside to rest. Vegetables sizzled as they came in contact with the smoking beef tallow.
“Possibly.”
Lukas exercised extreme care opening the first of the pair. The stitching was starting to come apart at the base, and it was unclear if moisture had seeped through and damaged the contents.
It was as he had feared. The yellowed parchment was damp around the edges, and the ink around the affected area had started to smear. The spell script’s border runes were damaged, but the primary functions and description appeared unaffected.
“Anything useful, boss?” The clone asked, seasoning the vegetables with utmost care. Even though he was preparing a quick dinner, he moved as if it were an artisanal project of great complexity.
“Earth Lance,” Lukas read out. “It’s a three-stage spell.” He paused, rereading the description. “The first is not too different from our defensive Shadowsteel spikes, while the next delves into exploding them for short-range stone blasts.”
“Like a shotgun?”
Lukas nodded. “I think I can adapt it into a shotgun spell of our own. Maybe add sonic magic to it for more destructive power.”
“Sounds nasty. What’s the third stage?”
“The actual lance element,” Lukas answered. “The first two stages are all about shaping, manipulation, and control. The third delves into projection.” He frowned. “I haven’t encountered such a process before. It seems a lot simpler than what we’ve been using.”
The clone took the skillet off the heat before coming over to peer over Lukas’s shoulder. “Damn.” He whistled. “Even our stupid, talentless butts should be able to pull that off. The meat needs to rest a while longer. Want me to grab you a cold drink in the meantime?”
“Since the stove is still hot, how about some hot cider? Or whatever that spiced drink was we had with Liesel.”
“We have mead, cinnamon, and nutmeg. But no peppercorn or dried peels. Will that do?”
“I’m not fussy,” Lukas commented, moving onto the second container. “Detect Hidden.” He read out loud. “It’s a pretty potent short-range detection spell.”
“Divination magic?”
“Seems like it. I don’t know if we got the necessary attunements or talents for this one, but…”
“But what, boss? There is too much suspense in this conversation.”
Lukas ignored the spellform and ran his fingers over the breakdown of the spell techniques. “This can sharpen our arcane sensitivity significantly. We could potentially work this and the projection technique into improving the mage specialization.”
“And that should help with Shadow Clone’s breakthrough,” the clone helped complete the thought.
“And potentially hasten our Spellweaver breakthrough.”
“Good thinking, boss.”
The rest of the loot was interesting. Inspector’s Compendium helped him identify it all. There was a trinket that helped detect pregnancy and determine the foetus’s gender. Lukas was sure the local healers would pay handsomely for such a device. There were spells capable of accomplishing the same, but a device would likely make the task easier and swifter. Healers would also probably appreciate the means to avoid mental strain.
There was also a looking glass capable of surprising levels of magnification for its size. The journal claimed that it also had the power to view the arcane spectrum. Lukas needed to test it, but the size alone made it too convenient a tool to give up.
Finally, there was an amulet that left a lump in Lukas's throat. He had seen the symbol it carried far too many times. The horned owl’s head was Minarv’s insignia. She was a deity of knowledge and wisdom, leaving him to wonder if the Roc had attacked a caravan carrying her followers. Except for the Earth Lance spell scroll, everything had a knowledge theme. All of these items were collected in worship of Minarv of the Court of Owls, or her service.
Lukas took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
Amulet of Strigi Communion
Open a channel of communication with the Minarv, the Owl Goddess. Communication is only possible on clear nights during the new moon. Minarv can be convinced to trade information or her knowledge of the endless universes and magic.
“I can’t believe you grabbed this,” Lukas managed to say after taking it all in. “Wouldn’t communion with another Greater Being go against Lady Silverspine’s interests?”
No. You can use Minarv’s knowledge to serve the mistress better.
“Very well. Let’s move on to the possible bonuses.”
Please pick one of the following:
Upgrade Biomancy or Arcane Smithing’s skill levels.Essence of DragonEscape Portal“You really want me to take Escape Portal, don’t you?” Lukas rolled his eyes. “I’m not taking that ability. Ever. It’s just another way for you and your fucking mistress to force me into quests I’d rather not take.”
I’ve been instructed to guide you toward the right decision.
“We’re too smart to fall for that shit,” the bruiser clone stated. He placed a plate in front of Lukas. The steak was pre-sliced, and a pile of charred vegetables sat next to it. “So, which are you going to pump up? Biomancy or Arcane Smithing.”
“Neither,” Lukas answered. “We’ll get there eventually on our own. When is the next time we’ll get a chance to use Essence of Dragon?”
“What are you going to do with it?” Googlᴇ search novel⁂
Lukas shrugged. “There is no telling how our abilities will react with it. I’d very much like to find out. Wouldn’t you?”