Shadow Clone Sorcery (Book 1 complete!)

Lukas visited the local chapter of the Shadow Seeker guild personally. He expected a run-down building in a shabby neighborhood, just like in Iskander. Instead, he found himself in a small mountain fort. The structure stood on the outskirts of one of the foothill districts, facing the black snow-covered peaks that towered over the Gray. Polished skulls and bone sculptures of local beasts adorned the walls, showcasing their might and protective instincts.

Its distance from the inn and his new accommodation had forced him to use local transport. The citizens of the Gray preferred travelling on foot within their districts. But when travelling across the city to another, they used the waterways or a magic-powered rail network that crisscrossed between the many buildings. Magic-powered carts that resembled tram cars ran between them. It significantly reduced the number of beasts within city limits.

The economic reasons fascinated Lukas. Given the local conditions, growing food was a challenge. Feeding and maintaining beasts of burden wasn't just expensive but also a greater hassle. Their droppings also became a nuisance as snow buried them, leaving semi-frozen pies that eventually turned into fecal landmines.

Meanwhile, the mines full of arcane materials made magical fuel inexpensive. The carts also acted as ploughs, pushing aside gathering snow as they moved up and down the tracks, keeping the major roads clear for pedestrians.

Wide-eyed visitors from neighboring settlements watched the system with their mouths hanging agape. The transports moved as fast as a horse-pulled cart but were still technological marvels by Fracture's standards. Lukas couldn't help but feel impressed, either. The craftsmanship was impeccable and somehow withstood the elements. Apparently, not even the recent storm had interrupted service. Best of all, it seemed energy efficient.

On Earth, the same method of transport would need to rely on fossil fuels, either directly or through the power lines connected to local energy-production facilities. Debates regarding the safety of nuclear power reached their peak, and many people continued to protest the environmental and aesthetic harm caused by the large facilities. Meanwhile, the Gray and likely the Schwarzberg kingdom seemed to be lighting the streets, warming homes, and running public transport without damaging their environment.

They only used lumber for construction, and arboreal mages didn't just assist with food production but also restored local forests. The trees provided a natural barrier, deterring the larger beasts from advancing toward the cities.

The Shadow Seeker's fort seemed like a structure meant to defend against anything that dared to approach the walls. Lukas found a garrison within with diviners and towers watching the mountains.

"Welcome, brother!" The receptionist flashed him a wide smile when he introduced himself. "It's always nice when we get visitors from the other chapters. What brings you to our terrible city from sunny Iskander?"

"Artisanal and arcane pursuits," Lukas answered. "The Gray might not be as colorful, but there seems to be a lot more to learn and explore, and fewer distractions."

"Survival might leave no room for pleasure. It's why most visitors don't last. Are you here to take on a job?"

Lukas shrugged. "I haven't yet decided." He retrieved a rolled and sealed parchment from his coat's inner pocket and placed it on the counter separating them. "The vice chapter master wrote a letter of introduction. He also marked me for membership to tier three as soon as any of my shards pass the threshold. So, I thought I'd make myself known and have a look at the job board."

A gruff, short man, almost of fantasy dwarf proportions, marched past Lukas and snatched the parchment from the table. He broke the seal and unfurled it. "Lukas Zaun? We've received word of you."

"All good, I hope?"

"More concerning than good. You seem to pursue trouble. Organized crime. Covens. Wyrmkin." He paused, eyes scanning the letter. "Are you still in service of the Conclave?"

"I don't serve the conclave," Lukas replied, standing up straighter. The tiny man radiated an air of cold authority. "I was in the employ of one of its agents, and we're now travelling together. She pays well, and whether she needs me for her next job or I wish to serve her is yet to be seen."

"Then, why are you here?" The man asked. He dropped the letter on the counter. "Just to do jobs to fill the time, or do you want to do some good?"

"Can't it be both?" Lukas asked. He'd dealt with far more intimidating people and presences before and refused to bend before egoes, facades, or whatever it was the man was projecting. "I'm here to grow. Magic. Artisanry. Combat. If I can contribute to the guild and make money while at it, that would be great. I have no grand purpose and don't wish to get involved in anything troublesome. The case with the Elder Wyrmkin and the coven of witches was unintended."

"And did that include killing the head of a criminal organization, putting a target on your back?"

"I saw something that needed doing for the general good and refused to pass up the opportunity," Lukas answered honestly. "But self-preservation, growth, and financial security are priorities."

"It's clear you trained under the bastard Snake." The man sighed, rolling his eyes. "I'm the chapter master. Ogden Greystrike. Unlike the Iskander chapter, we don't embrace the criminal image that the other guilds hold of us. We're protectors and lawkeepers and present ourselves as such. The Shadow Keepers actively repel beasts and protect the districts. We also investigate and watch the guilds, ensuring they don't take part in the illegal trade of materials, do anything that might hurt the locals, or damage the Union's reputation."

"I understand. Making trouble is the last thing I want. Let me complete a few jobs, prove myself, and access your special vendors." Lukas pulled out a pair of sheathed daggers from inside his coat and placed them on the counter. "Maybe evaluate and purchase my wares. A few jobs should help me prove myself and also get me the necessary ability ranks so I can wear the tier-three badge and access the related privileges."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Well, the letter is stamped by Iskander's Union ambassador," Ogden said. "I have no choice but to go along with it." He sighed. "Just remember that the chapter works with the law, not against it, and doesn't manipulate its word. I don't want Snake's methods employed in the Gray while you're wearing our badge. Is that understood?"

Lukas nodded.

"Good. Now, follow me. I need to see if you're as good as your reputation suggests before giving you access to the job boards. Otherwise, you'll need to settle for the public and Union boards around the city."

"Are we going to spar?"

"Not quite." Ogden led Lukas through the entrance hall and into the fort's central courtyard. The ground was solid, rough stone. It was cut and carved so neatly, Lukas was sure a spell or shard ability had been used to accomplish the task. It was far too smooth. "You're going to show off your best spells and abilities. Hit me with your best shot if you can."

"A demonstration?" Lukas asked, raising an eyebrow. He was glad since three of his clones were busy. Lukas had considered dispelling Eins since he was alone in the new workshop, but he'd still be left with only two clones. Shade's Mantle would disguise them as shadow golems, but it wasn't enough. "The potency of some of them requires a living subject or target. For most of my arsenal anywhere."

"You'll be attacking me," Ogden replied, cracking a smile for the first time.

"Are you sure that's a good—"

Lukas's instincts told him to dive, and he listened. A monstrous figure landed in the courtyard, barely a couple of feet from where he stood. It wouldn't have struck him, but the proximity was enough to make him jump. It looked like one of the snowmen, but mostly hairless and missing a head. On closure inspection, Lukas realized it was just that, but with the sternum removed. It seemed someone had hollowed the creature out.

"Easy there, Zaun. It won't bite."

The figure kneeled, and the chest opened further, revealing a space lined with felt. Ogden climbed in, slipping his arms and legs in like he was pulling on a pair of overalls. The chest closed and tightened around him. His thick orange mane made his head appear proportional to the snowman's body.

"I don't want you holding back," Ogden said. "This body can take it and is also cheap to repair. Understood?"

Lukas nodded. "I'll do my best to avoid the head."

"Avoid the head." Ogden snorted, falling into a defensive position. "You couldn't hit it even if you tried."

Shade's Mantle manifested around Lukas. He kept it in the shroud-like form the Stalker clones had helped develop. The partially solidified state allowed Lukas to create Shadow Steel more easily. Whenever he tore off a bit to use, more shadows gained tangibility to replace the lost section.

He started with half a dozen spikes. Lukas got three of them to spin rapidly, getting the rotations per minute as high as he could without losing control before launching them at Ogden. One of the four arms rose to block the projectiles. They bit into the flesh, sinking a couple of inches deep but not going any further. He was sure his attacks during the snowmen assault had done far more damage.

"Was that supposed to impress me?"

"Just testing the waters," Lukas answered, creating three more spikes. He launched all six, adding lightning to three and sound to the rest. Instead of concentrating the projectiles in a small area, he spread them out.

Ogden raised two arms in front of his face and crossed the other two, including the injured one, in front of his chest. A couple struck the limbs while the rest struck the shoulders, abdomen, and thighs. Only one missed. Lightning arced between two Shadowsteel spikes while the rest boomed. Ogden staggered backwards, flesh burned and torn, but he didn't fall.

"That's more like it!" The man exclaimed, grinning. "What else have you got?"

"Variations of the same at different ranges. I also have more subtle versions meant to stun and disable. But that's not where my strength lies."

"Let me guess. Snake's favored newbie favors assassination, infiltration, and reconnaissance. I'm not surprised."

"You're almost correct." Lukas smiled. "Shade's Mantle and Shadow golems, my soul ability, make stealth roles easy. But my true strength lies in spell weaving, modification, and creation, allowing me to adapt to situations. Shadow. Lightning. Sound. They're my ability given attunements, and I'm working on turning them into more."

"You pretty easily solidified shadows there," Ogden said, pulling a Shadow Steel spike out of his arm. He brought it up to his nose and sniffed loudly. "Metallic? Impressive. Shard ability or self-development."

"A bit of both. So, do I meet your standards? Do I need to show you more?"

"I'd like to see your stunning and disabling spells. They might prove useful during jobs dealing with domestic threats."

"Do you work a lot with the constabulary?" Lukas asked.

"Only when the guilds are involved. Are you going to hit me or not?"

Lukas marched up to the local chapter master, undeterred by the shaved snowman's skin he wore. Scars and stitching crisscrossed the body, making it look like an oversized, four-armed version of Frankenstein's monster. It became apparent up close that the limbs and sections had come from several different bodies.

Taser Touch came first. Lukas channelled lightning through his fingers until tendrils arced between his fingers. Then touched Ogden's chest gently with his fingertips. All he got out of the snowman body was a subtle twitch and a chuckle from Ogden. Lukas used the Sonic Touch spell next.

The smile disappeared from Ogden's face. He stumbled, a hand rushing to his left ear. Color drained from the man's already pale face before gaining a green hue. Ogden took a couple of steps back and fell to his knees. The chest opened, and he fell out of the snowman body, landing on his hands and knees and heaving.

"Okay. That's a good one." He managed to say after a handful of minutes. "You could seriously mess someone up with that. Not kill them, but put them down for a significant amount of time."

"That's the point," Lukas stated. "I captured a member of the coven for the guild, and lacking decent disabling spells made the task especially challenging and dangerous."

"I concede," Ogden said, finally rising to his feet. "Your rank, privileges, and the possible advance to tier three are deserved."

"So, can I access the job boards?"

"I might have tasks for you that aren't yet posted. If you're willing, of course."

"It depends on the job," Lukas replied. "And the pay. And the possible consequences."

"I'll never get used to you Iskander types." Ogen sighed, heading back towards the fort's interior. The snowman body remained kneeling and immobile.

Several guild members had spilled into the courtyard during Lukas's demonstration. He also spotted several sets of eyes staring at him from the walls and towers. Most looked away or stared at him icily, but a few smiled and nodded.

It feels good to be acknowledged.