Me, My Spirit, And I [Book 1 Complete]

Luca sat in the captain's seat of the Shadow Beast, on their way to pick up Shinobin. Word had come that things were well organized with the healers at the army camp, and that she was free to return for the various ceremonies surrounding Luca being presented to noble society and gaining the title of [Nascent Noble].

The trip north to the territory where the new Dungeon emerged was uneventful. Over the past few days, Shada had remained busy reworking some of the enchantments on the Shadow Beast. The scatter shot laser barrage was never meant for full combat; it was designed to deter, even if it had been effective. Shada worked essentially day and night to change out the enchantments for fewer, more powerful, targeted laser spells.

The Shadow Beast circled the containment area that the army had designated on their maps after their last trip north. It looked like the army had been busy concentrating refugees into the more heavily fortified communities while the army was busy eradicating Monsters left and right.

With a good idea of the state of affairs in the north, the Shadow Beast turned to approach the fortified village that was acting as the army's central command. It was here that Shinobin and most of the Healers were located. As the Shadow Beast slowed on its final approach, it became clear that the area just outside the village had been purposely cleared for their arrival. In addition to smoldering tree stumps, a small crowd gathered at the nearest gate to greet them.

Luca made their way down the tongue/ramp of the Shadow Beast, where his mother and General Halless waited with several other individuals he didn't recognize.

It was General Halless that was the first to speak. "Congratulations, Milord, on your ascendency to the peerage of the realm. It is my honor to greet you. Would you like a tour of the camp?"

Shinobin and Luca grimaced in sync at the reminder of Luca's new title, but both quickly schooled their expressions. "Thank you, General Halless. You honor me, but I am afraid that I am only here to pick up my mother before the pomp and ceremony necessitated by my rise that will occur soon." Luca would actually rather tour an army camp that return to the capital for ceremonies and balls.

"I understand Milord," the General said graciously, but before they could continue a voice interrupted.

"Lord Aseralis, or Lady Aseralis if you prefer, I am Count Cedrus. I am currently the highest ranked [Titled Noble] in the area under attack. I would like to welcome you to the county of Northwood." Count Cedrus offered a courteous if somewhat perfunctory bow to Luca. "It is my understanding that I have you and your marvelous Skyship to thank for the speedy arrival of the army." The Count offered another more respectful bow. "I sincerely thank you for bringing the army North so quickly. It has saved many people that would have otherwise perished."

"Your thanks is appreciated by Count Cedrus, but wholly unnecessary. The timing of my arrival in the capital was simply fortuitous. It was my honor to help." Luca tried to be both humble and sincere, but he was already tired of the formalities.

"We are Blessed with good fortune, then." The Count paused. "May I present my children? This is Alessa and Devain of House Cedrus." The two children that the Count pointed out looked to be about 7 and 10 years old respectively. "Children, this is Lord Lucanarious Intarius Aseralis, newest [Nascent Lord] of the Queendom of Gloddus."

The two children bowed in sync and gave brief greetings before straightening. They couldn't keep their eyes off the large fish shaped skyship, and formal greetings were not enough to distract them from the target of their interest.

"High Healer Aseralis has agreed to escort my children and their staff to the Capital for their safety." It was more of a statement from Cedrus than a request, but there was something tentative in the way it was said, like the Count expected Luca to refuse for some reason.

"That will be no problem. Are there others that need to be evacuated from the area? I did a fly over of the containment zone, and things appear to be mostly stable as far as I could tell from the air." Luca thought it was odd to only send a couple of nobleborn away if safety was really such a concern.

The Count shook his head. "There are plenty of people that wish to leave, but a full evacuation is unnecessary with the army already here. I only send my children south because their mother is in the capital for the festivities, and was rather distraught at the thought of them being here during the emergency."

Luca simply nodded in understanding. "Then they are welcome to accompany us back to the capital." With a thought Shada relayed a message to the crew.

It was only moments before a young crewman jogged up to Luca and bowed. "You called for assistance, Milord?" the crewmen asked expectantly.

"Yes, we are taking on a few passengers for the trip south. If you could escort them to the guest quarters, I would be most appreciative. A quick tour once they are settled likely would please the children." Luca said this last part with a grin at the Count's children that appeared excited to board the skyship.

"By your will, Milord," the crewman said with another bow before turning to Count's children. "If everyone will follow me, I will guide you aboard the majestic SCSS Shadow Beast!" This was said with no small amount of pride and enthusiaum.

General Halless cleared his throat as the children and their entourage disappeared up the ramp. "Please excuse me Count Credus, but I had hoped to speak with Lord Aseralis about some military matters."

The Count nodded; they knew that the General had their own requests, so wasn't surprised when he spoke up.

"How may I be of assistance, General Halless?" Lusha asked curiously.

"You mentioned a fly over, and I was hoping you would do another pass while my cartographers and strategists were on board before returning to the capital." The General's request was worded politely, but there was some urgency in their voice.

"Have I missed something, General?" Luca was curious why the General seemed concerned when things appeared stable from what they could see.

The General grimaced. "This particular Dungeon appears to have a high number of stealthy Monsters, and due to the size of the containment area our Diviners are struggling to locate their lairs safely." The General gestured to the Shadow Beast. "If you can fly low and slow, then they will be better able to sense the Monsters."

"I am afraid that I don't have the time to do a thorough search in that manner, but I nonetheless think I can help. Please gather your people while I consult with an expert on board." Luca turned to Shinobin who had remained silent this entire time. "Walk with me to the bridge?"

Shinobin nodded and smiled. "General, I will send a crewman to escort you and your team. Count Cedrus, it was a pleasure to meet you, but duty calls."

"Safe travels Lord Aseraelis," Count Cedrus said..

"Thank you Lord Credus." With a smile and polite bow Luca lifted an arm to Shinobin and escorted her to the bridge.

Once in the relative privacy of the bridge, Shinobin turned sorrowful eyes on her child. "I am sorry, I knew there was a high chance you of all people would pass your Testing, but it still breaks my heart to know you have to shoulder the burden of a [Title of Nobility]."

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"It is what it is, mother. That which we can't change we must inevitably accept. I am not happy, but the worst of my reaction has passed." Luca smiled and let out a giggle. "Though, my grandmother's office didn't survive my initial tantrum."

Shinobin's eyes widened comically. "What did you do?" she asked in both concern and amusement.

"I, or rather Lusha, started cursing in every language we know." Luca paused for dramatic effect. "Including Infernal," he said with a laugh.

"Please tell me you are joking!" Shinobin was giggling at this point.

"No, I very much forgot myself and let off a string of Infernal profanity so strong they had to call a Priest to cleanse the room."

"Was mother upset?" Shinobin could only imagine the look on her mother's face when Infernal curses started chaotically rearranging her office.

"Actually, not at all. She was more amused and sympathetic. I later learned that she had done something similar when she was much older than me. They had to burn the cottage she cursed to the ground and then Cleanse it." Luca was smiling as he remembered the story.

"Oh, I remember that story. She is always used as an example of why the powerful shouldn't lose their tempers." Shinobin shared a smile with Luca before becoming serious again.

"How are you planning to help the General if you don't have time for a thorough search?" Shinobin asked curiously.

"By linking the scrying screens to my Essence Perception and hopefully filtering the information enough that others can make sense of it." Luca replied casually.

Shinobin looked concerned. "That will put a lot of strain on you. I know the enchantments will take on most of the burden, but you are merely a Rank 5 Luca. What you are suggesting is dangerous."

Luca nodded. "I know, but I will merge and revert to my true form in the room with the main scrying enchantments. That will make it much easier on me."

Shinobin simply nodded, but remained worried.

A short time later the General, several cartographers, and multiple Diviners were escorted to the bridge by the same crewman that had escorted the Count's Children.

"Welcome aboard the SCSS Shadow Beast once more, General Halless. I will have to head below to be able to adjust the scrying screens, but please stay on the bridge. I am sure mother can keep you company." Luca smiled at his mother who nodded politely. "Captain, as soon as we are ready, take us to the center of the containment area and at least a mile up."

"Aye Milord!" The Captain agreed readily.

"General please make sure your staff is ready. When we get into position, the scrying screens around the bridge should start showing off all the Monsters in the area. Including the ones using stealth, but take notes quickly. It won't be something the ships' enchantments can bear for long." Luca could tell everyone had questions, but he wasn't going to answer them, so quickly left the bridge headed to engineering.

The engineering section of the Shadow Beast had multiple restricted rooms that only Luca and Shada could access. These rooms contained the most sensitive enchantments, which included the master scrying stone. A one foot wide solid diamond was not something they wanted just anyone to see.

Shada was waiting in the scrying room when they arrived. "I prepared a spell that should do what you are thinking, but it will be tricky while merged," Shada said when Luca entered the room.

There was no need for them to talk to each other. Luca knew what Shada knew and vice versa, but it was a habit from when they were around others.

Luca simply nodded and began stripping after locking the door. Clothes that were comfortable in his current form were not comfortable in his true form. Shada's manifestation disappeared once Luca was undressed, and they merged.

Coppery brown skin faded to the translucent bioluminescence of the Precursors, odd wings sprouted from Lusha's back and their hair disappeared, which made their pointed ears more obvious. Extra digits grew at the ends of each limb and where before there were two amber eyes there were now three iridescent moonstone like eyes with bioluminescent antenna sprouting above Lusha's brows.

Lusha let out a sigh of relief. Letting Shapeshifting fade away was always nice. It was rare that they could adopt their true form, and being able to unclench the metaphysical muscle that was Shapeshifting was always a noticeable change.

They moved to stand before the lightly pulsing scrying orb that flickered with various scenes that were then fed to the screens on the bridge and elsewhere on the ship. With a deep breath and a moment's hesitation they wrapped both hands around the enormous diamond. With a thought they linked their mind to the ship's enchantments and then began to chant the spell Shada had created on the fly.

—

On the bridge of the SCSS Shadow Beast Shinobin and the General stood near the Captain who was finally getting to use their chair. The scrying screens began to flicker in strange ways. The ship was still climbing skyward, but they had already reached the center of the area.

As they climbed higher, the normal views of the sky and land shifted into a kaleidoscope of colors that caused most people to turn away. The rapidly changing visual patterns were enough to make the younger crew feel physically ill. The higher Ranked individuals were less affected, but still winced at the display.

"High Healer Asraelis?" The General asked tentatively. "Do you have any idea what is going on?"

Shinobin nodded while looking at the screens in facination. "You are witnessing my child's genius."

Her response left the General confused, but the screens were starting to stabilize, and while the view they showed was like a fever dream there were clear scenes of the surrounding area. All the colors were off. Anything living was brighter, while the land and buildings appeared washed out. The color palette was nothing natural, but seemed to make it easier to spot certain things.

Shinobin felt a brief touch on their Essence as Lusha sent them a message via Spirit Speech. Lusha gave her instructions on how to read the screens and she relayed the message to the General and their Team who started taking notes furiously.

All of the screens were synced to show a birds eye view of the surrounding lands that began to slowly spiral outward from the center of the containment area. The Diviners were in awe, and more than one just stared with their mouths open as they witnessed a scrying spell taking place on a level and in a way that they had never witnessed.

Even the General and cartographers who were not as familiar with scrying magic were left somewhat stunned as the screens showed each and every Monster in the area with a level of accuracy that they didn't even know was possible. On the view screens, each Monster was a blazing beacon of energies that stood out starkly.

"High Healer? What…what is this?" The General asked in awe.

"This is genius on display." Shinobin said proudly. She wasn't about to explain how Lusha could do this, but pride was clear in her voice and the set of her shoulders. Her smile was radiant. Even Vanestra would be proud of the display Lusha was putting on.

For 20 minutes Lusha surveyed the containment zone and for 20 minutes scribes and cartographers worked non-stop to record as much as they could. Lusha managed to give them a few minutes' warning via Shinobin before she stood suddenly and rushed from the bridge. As she left, the amazing views vanished and the normal views reasserted themselves after a brief moment of blackness.

—

Below on the engineering deck, Lusha had flopped bonelessly to the floor. All three eyes were closed tightly and they had their hands over their antenna, rubbing them gently. A single barked word dimmed the room lights to nearly nothing as Lusha's overworked senses tried to recover.

Shinobin was banging on the door and nearly fell in when Lusha opened it with a wave of their hand from their position on the floor.

"Lusha!" Shinobin said as she rushed in to check on her child. It only took her a moment to slide to the floor and cradle their head gently before running a few diagnostic spells. "You silly child. You have put too much strain on your mind and body again. Even this form is not immune to exhaustion. Your Essence flows are all over the place."

"I'm sorry mother. The strain was more than I expected. I keep forgetting my Cultivation base has been reset." Lusha sighed while relaxing on their mother's lap.

"As soon as you can shift, you are going to your quarters and staying there for at least an entire day. No magic, just rest. Do you hear me Lusha?" Shinobin asked loudly enough to make Lusha wince.

"Yes, mother, but please speak softer. This is like having a hangover," Lusha pleaded pitifully.

Shinobin sighed and just stroked Lusha's bald head until they recovered enough to shift and get dressed.

"Please tell the Captain to drop the General off and take us back to the capital. I think I will nap," Lusha said after making it to their quarters, stripping again with assistance, and reverting to their default form. The brief walk and shifting had exhausted them further.

"Rest Lusha, mother will take care of the rest." Lusha was already asleep by the time Shinobin shut the door behind her and headed to the bridge to give people orders.