Once the guard captain departed, Lukas summoned the journal. It appeared out of thin almost as if growing out of a speck of dust. Words blossomed on the blank pages as soon as it opened.

Silverfang has been recovered and secured.

Your quest is complete!

You may unlock a new journal function:

* Inspector’s Compendium: Scan objects and organisms within arm's reach to identify them and uncover their truths. The journal will store their information for future analysis, correction, and expansion.

* Deceptive Facade: Ward yourself against all who wish to study, understand, or investigate you. Note how you wish to be perceived in the journal. Their analysis will often prove faulty and provide inconsistent or pre-determined results.

* Wizard’s Spellbook: Inscribe known spells in the journal's pages for swift recovery and easy casting. Inscribed spells can't be modified while casting directly through the journal and will strictly adhere to the script and drawn spellforms.

If Lukas had picked Twice Magicked and knew any spells, Wizard’s Spellbook would've been the perfect selection. One of the biggest challenges mages faced was the memorization of spellforms and perfectly visualizing them during the casting process. Many employed spellbooks for the numerous spells in their arsenal. Lukas had always opted for simple, intent-driven spells. They made up for their lack of power with flexibility and malleability. If he had ever bothered developing a personal spellbook, Lukas was sure he could've accomplished a lot more. Even with the clones, the accomplishment demanded years of study, research, and development. Only a generous and benevolent master could’ve helped him over the hurdle earlier but he hadn’t encountered one during his past sixty years.

Deceptive Facade tempted Lukas. Arcane Clone performed best when no one knew about the ability’s existence. Otherwise, people couldn’t help but wonder if they were dealing with the real him or a clone. Deceptive Facade was also useful for someone who had made espionage, thievery, and assassination a significant part of their livelihood. However, Inspector’s Compendium felt more immediately valuable.

Knowledge and information gathering trumped all other functions in his opinion. He needed to learn more about Fracture, its magic, and its residents. The transmigration had robbed him of most of his knowledge, but he still knew that the realm was a patchwork of several other worlds. Fracture was born of fragments of different universes stolen by an ancient magical cataclysm that breached dimensional barriers. Flora, fauna, materials, objects, and environmental anomalies varied vastly between regions. Knowing and understanding them was vital for survival, fame, and fortune.

Lukas could very well set a clone on the mage's path and have it develop a spellbook from scratch. He was sure multiple clones equipped with the right spells could accomplish the same function as Deceptive Facade. He could also pick them up in the future after completing more jobs for the silver dragon. However, thief, merchant, explorer, adventurer, or scholar. All would benefit from the Inspector's Compendium.

Summon me and think ‘Inspect’ whenever you need something analyzed.

Lukas started with the loot.

Cracked Shard

Shards are born of great magic and power, often coming from the divine or Great entities, and merge with the Pillars of Self to grant abilities. The resulting ability is a product of the shard’s power and the assigned pillar. This particular shard is damaged and currently unusable. A mage or individual with the correct shard might be able to stabilize the crystal’s contents and make them usable. However, there is a chance of the contents changing with the magic and becoming something new altogether.

Lukas wasn’t as disappointed as he expected. The shard not being immediately useable wasn’t the biggest deal to him. The amorphous, almost mercurial blob within continued to call to him. He wasn’t sure what it was but his instincts told him it would come in useful. The shard was also the only one small enough for him to carry in his pocket. Anything else would stand out and require stashing somewhere safe. If there was a way to fix the shard, Lukas was sure he’d find it. He analyzed the essence next.

Essence of Change

Essences are born of powerful, magically gifted organisms and arcane anomalies. They give shard abilities purpose and direction as they ascend from their basic forms but are also valued by mages, enchanters, and all manner of artisans. An essence sphere may also be used to repair a damaged shard.

An essence’s function can be metaphorical or literal. The results and products born of it are dependent on the user.

This is certainly useful, but I hoped for more from my quest reward than just more functions for you.

Check Arcane Clone’s progress and say that again.

A peppery, meaty aroma filled the air, interrupting Lukas and announcing Esther’s return. She carried in a tray with a small, steaming bowl, a fist-sized stack of flatbread, and a giant dollop of creamy cheese that resembled ricotta. After gently placing the food on his lap, she dropped a bundle next to him.

“I had your clothes laundered,” she said. “The shirt was beyond repair. I replaced it with a couple of my son’s.”

“Thank you,” Lukas replied through a mouthful of bread and stew. The ricotta-like cheese stirred into the thin, meaty broth gave it more body and flavor. “You didn’t have to do any of this. Really. I don’t know how to repay you.”

The vet smiled. “Your brother gave me a knife that’s worth way more than the care you’ve received.”

“So, you’re saying I can get healing services whenever I need for no extra charge?”

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“I wouldn’t make a habit of it. My healing services are better suited for beasts. The little experience I have with humans is mostly for surface wounds and emergencies. If you get a horse, some sort of pack animal, or a pet, I’m happy to provide all necessary care. Within reason, of course. My services aren’t limitless.” Esther paused, watching Lukas as he inhaled half the food in a couple of minutes. “Slow down. I know you’re starving and parched. But you’re going to kill yourself eating that fast.”

“I’m sorry,” Lukas said, putting the tray aside. “My stomach has felt like a bottomless cavern ever since I can remember. The old masters must’ve kept us malnourished.”

“If you and your brother were truly used for blood locks, it's likely the regular blood loss made you as you are. I hope you don’t mind. It's challenging not to eavesdrop in here.” Esther opened the bundle and pulled out clean and perfectly ironed clothes. There were two shirts. One red. One white. “They might be a touch baggy on you but I doubt that will be an issue once you’ve regained your health and put on some weight.”

“They’re perfect. I doubt the size will be noticeable under my coat.”

“It won’t.” The woman paused, studying him closely. “Do you really not remember anything?

Lukas shook his head, returning to the meal. He ate much slower and spoke between bites. “I need food to survive. Things fall when let go. Mules kick if you pull their tails. I know and understand basic truths. The laws of the general universe make sense. But the pillars, who I am or was, I don’t remember any of that stuff. I don’t know if it was the blow to the head, the ritual, or both. Everything went thanks to the Wyrm Cult.”

“And do you know what you want to do?”

“Not really,” he answered, sighing. “After seeing the cultists do their thing and witnessing the power of healing, I think learning magic would be great. But I really need to figure out shards, essences, and the pillars first.”

Esther claimed the milking stool, studying Lukas and watching him as he ate. It made him uncomfortable but he did his best not to let it show. “I can fill in some of the blanks if you’d like. It's basic knowledge really. Would you like that?” She continued when he nodded, mouth too full to answer. “How much do you know?”

“The lady guided me through the shard absorption. I understand that the pillar functions vary and can be esoteric.”

“That’s right. Body doesn’t always provide physical enhancement or direct physiological changes and improvements. The ability might have something to do with becoming better with your body in one way or another. I’ve known people who grew resistant to poisons and blacksmiths who can reach into their forges with no protection. My brother became an expert climber and acrobat thanks to his shard.

“Heart is similar; it can improve your body, granting resistances, or turn the organ into a generator or source of energy,” Esther explained. “The latter can have dire consequences, though. Cases of young hopefuls burning, melting, freezing, or disintegrating their hearts aren’t as rare as one would hope. The Pillar of Heart can also relate to passions. I was born on a dairy farm and have always loved all manners of beasts. My first shard went in the Pillar of Heart. Now, I generate an aura that soothes and calm beasts. If I push it, I can control and command them too. Any guesses what the Pillar of Mind does?”

“It’s mostly to do with magic and more active abilities, right?” Lukas asked.

Esther nodded. “Mostly. But it can also make one smarter, faster on their feet, or undetectable to psychic presences.” Her eyes narrowed. “And I suspect you’re already familiar with the Pillar of Soul. El isn’t your brother, is he?”

“What gave it away?”

“My Heart ability also gives me a sixth sense when it comes to all living entities. Elvis doesn’t feel quite right. It's like there is something missing in there. Both of you feel somewhat incomplete. I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

“I suppose I need to find abilities to cover that as soon as possible,” Lukas said. “I can’t quite afford for the information to get out right now.”

“Why?” Esther asked. “Is there something you kept from Stefan? You needn’t worry. I work with the city guard because it pays well. They’re no allies of mine. Not as long as they serve the guilds and their pockets instead of the people anyway.”

“I need to make a living and there is a lot I need to learn. Extra pairs of hands and eyes will make the endeavor easier. In fact, I intended to have El—Elvis get a job at any blacksmith that will take him and perhaps even join the constabulary if there is one. Consistent pay and learning a skill will make things a lot easier.”

“Don’t you think you’re revealing a bit too much to me?”

“You brought me back from the dead, didn’t tell the city guard the truth about Elvis, and are helping me figure out the Pillars of Self,” Lukas replied. “There is very little in it for you. In fact, you could’ve taken the dagger and handed us over to Stefan, or charged us its entire price for the care you provided.” He smiled, putting aside the now empty tray and helping himself to another cup of water. “But you didn’t. I think I can trust you.”

The woman laughed. “Trust is hard found in Iskander. However, as long as you don’t act against me or my interests, I won’t betray you.” She leaned back on the milking stool, resting her back against a wooden beam. “As for new abilities, don’t rush things. If a person with one shard ability were to go up against two, it's the former who’ll come out on top in most situations.”

“Two sounds oddly specific. Why not three or four?”

“You know how to identify the right questions,” Esther answered, smiling. “Conjunction abilities can make a big difference. But I’m afraid that’s all the time we have today.” The sound of footsteps and voices reached Lukas a moment later. He guessed the woman had keener senses than him. “If you don’t figure it out for yourself, come back sometime and I’ll explain the rest to you.”

“Time to leave, Zaun brothers,” Guard Captain Stefan called. “I have your papers. Let’s find you a decent merchant for the blade, and pillows for your heads. Iskander isn’t a city for the weak and ignorant to explore after dark.”

“You good, brother?” El-One asked, appearing first. He wore a copy of Lukas’s coat and ratty shoes, but the rest of his attire didn’t match. The trousers were a size too tall and the shirt too big. “Stefan gave me the impression that the blood loss and head injury turned your brain into boiled cauliflower.”

“Why boiled cauliflower of all things?” Esther asked, raising an eyebrow.

The clone shrugged. “That’s all they fed me in lock-up. Boiled, mushy cauliflower, its water, and stale bread. No salt. No pepper. Nothing. I imagine it's what a broken brain feels like.”

“You couldn’t be more wrong.” Esther looked at Lukas and rolled her eyes. “Get dressed. I’d like my infirmary to be man-free within the next five minutes.”

No one gave Lukas privacy while he changed into his new clothes and he didn’t ask for any. Once done, he thanked Esther one last time and they departed, leaving the dark and stepping into sunny Iskander.