Motherfucker.

No! Shit. Blank mind, Michael, blank mind.

That was what Michael told himself, over and over again. He had to keep a blank mind. Hide his thoughts. Mainly because he had no idea if Kelunad could only send and receive messages to Michael’s mind or of he could always read it, no matter the distance. And wasn’t that a frightening thought. But also because he feared he’d do something stupid if he allowed his anger to get a hold of him.

Sinestra’s plight was engraved in his mind. That his mentor, his silly tricky mentor had been reduced to a shell of her former self… He had to be calm. And follow the plan.

There was only one week left until the exams. One week and two days. And for the last week, Michael had done nothing but snoop around. Well, not snoop. He had been gathering intelligence. That and he thought, about the possible steps in Kelunad’s plan.

Regitris told him the artifact would most likely activate before the end of the school year. And Kelunad wanted a first go at it. The fact that the exams had been moved up could mean that he wanted the artifact’s activation not to coincide with the general hubbub caused by the exams. Michael also thought that he might want the students out of the way, but Alex told him that students stayed at Gnosis, even during the break between school years. So, the second theory wasn’t plausible. Not as much, though perhaps when students and professors were on a Gnosian ‘spring-break’, there would be less attention to him. His third working theory was that Kelunad wanted to synchronize his attempt with the exams themselves. He checked and found that Kelunad wasn’t one of the academy members that would oversee the exams.

So Michael went hunting for details. For the entire past week, when he hadn’t gone to Classes and expended the minimum amount of time at internalizing his studies, Michael had shadowed either Kelunad or any other clues he thought were reliable. It would probably hurt his grades, but he figured that was an acceptable outcome over the entire Academy being culled of the ‘weak’.

He wasn’t alone in his hardship. Michael told Regitris of his every thought and suspicion and the old elf listened. His authority in the Ascentionalists had lessened somewhat and the entire faction was now not as influential as before, but they were aware of the danger, if not as completely as Regitris and Michael. Ascentionalist mages regularly told Michael where Kelunad was, gave him hints about curious events around the academy and helped keep an eye on Sinestra.

His own circle helped too. Alex acted as a conduit for the Ascentionalists and helped Michael with the information. Erea and Bob kept an eye on the Martials from the inside, even though most of them seemed to know as little as Michael himself. Melissa acted as his ‘in’ with the Artificers and Micah generally kept an open ear for gossip.

The only piece of information that actually became of use came from Melissa. And, perhaps unironically, not from her official faction.

“It’s… bad. They’re even more secretive than usual.”

“Aren’t they always like that?”

“They are. But usually, they either pretend they know something you don’t or they actually do now something and are willing to trade for it. Now, everyone’s just quiet. Even the fools don’t act like they know something.”

“Huh. So, something’s up and they’re all in on it.”

Which was bad. Michael suspected the mystery faction was probably involved in this, since this whole mess was like drugs to an addict, but he hadn’t been sure. So, he asked Melissa to look into it. And after weeks of probing, he had his answer.

Well, an answer.

“No.” she quietly laughed. “That’s… not how my faction works. When they get clammed up like this, it means they don’t know what’s going on. They’re hedging their bets.”

“Great. So, no cigar.” He frowned.

“No… cigar? Why do you say these things?”

Michael didn’t even tense at this. His secret would probably get out there someday and he had bigger fish to fry.

“It’s a saying from where I grew up. Means no result. And the official channels didn’t hint at anything? Or the First Shadow?”

“My faction doesn’t really have official channels. Or if they do, it’s mostly only to confuse intruders. And no, they didn’t say anything.”

Michael was about to groan, thank Melissa for her effort and walk away to bang his head on a wall unseen, when the girl smirked.

“But! I do have a mentor. Kind of. Well, she’s not really my mentor anymore, not lately, but me and her still talk.”

“Second Specter.” Michael remembered. “She told you something?”

“Not as much. But… well, I think she used Spells or a Skill to hide her emotions when she talks, but know her from some time. And I got the feeling she’s involved in something.”

“I see. And you got it out of her.” He grinned.

Melissa startled.

“No! Of course, not. I much rather keep all my memories in place. No, but she had a detection rune inscribed on her wand. On all her possessions, I think. And when she was teaching me about mana flow, I linked my magic to it.”

“You can track her?”

“I could.” She winced. “My magical signature isn’t strong enough not to get erased after a few days. But what I found is that she always visits this room on the second floor, at midnight. Almost every day, for the past five days. She didn’t go yesterday, but… I hope whatever her business is, she isn’t finished with it.”

Michael got what she meant. He hoped so too.

“Me too. Well, only one what to find out.”

“Michael… Look, I’m still very much in your debt for what you’ve done for me. So… do you really thinks this is safe?”

He didn’t even have to think about the answer.

“Not at all.”

***

Michael found the room easy enough. It was very nicely decorated, mostly in red tones and plushy fabrics. Velvet and silk and… The bed was comfy. The air was perfumed. Colored candles gave of a soft light which made Michael feel… Something like a magical jacuzzi bubbled warmly on one side of the room. There were paintings on the wall showing members of different species partaking in… activities. And there was a rack next to the bed, fully arrayed with… objects.

That’s… there’s no way that isn’t a dildo.

It was a sex dungeon. Minus the dungeon part.

Ok, Narana is a really shitty character, but I so not want to snoop on her private life.

And still he went in. The door had a minor detection ward and camouflage Spell placed on it, but he had an artifact for it. The room’s magic tried to influence his magic, but he had an artifact for that too. And whoever came in would probably cast detection Spells and other magic, but guess what? He had artifacts for that too.

And that was because Michael played it smart. He went straight to Regitris and told him of his plan. And though the old elf was worried, he admitted they had no better option. Sending a high-mage in Michael’s place would have actually been more dangerous, since Michael was still a student and so, better protected by Gnosis’s magic.

And that was how Michael found himself sitting cross-legged in a corner, protected by an entire host of artifacts, Spells cast from scrolls and slightly nauseated after drinking four different potions. Of which the effects he only partly understood. He stood there for almost an hour, hoping it wasn’t all for naught, when a shadowy figure entered.

The figure cast a few Spells and nodded. In an instant, the disguise melted away, revealing an indistinct woman, wearing nothing but her main robe, which was now only half covering her, draped down as it was.

The Second Specter. Narana.

Uhhhh…

“Come, my beau. We are alone. Will you ravish me this night and show me the true meaning of extasy?” she whispered.

Kelunad walked in, eyeing her half-naked form. Form which was increasingly leaning on the naked part of the spectrum.

Oh, fuck no! This is not what I came here to see.

“I understand you have a flair for the theatrics, but it is growing bothersome. Must you do this every night?”

Narana’s shape flickered. Gone was the robe and her plain skin. Now the woman stood fully dressed and looking at Kelunad with a slightly bored expression. But there was a glint in her eye.

“Our cover for this affair is that we have an… affair. Mage Kelunad. I have to sell the act.”

“You may consider it sold, Mage Narana.”

“As you will.” She sighed. “My apologies for my absence, last night. I had to extend my investigation. Fooling the Ascentionalists is not easy, though some fools of my faction certainly think it so.”

“I am aware. Then, you have it?”

“No.” she frowned. “I have told you, masquerading as one of them is within my abilities. But the amulet is guarded. I am not |Thief|, Mage Kelunad. And my magic does not lend itself to that task.”

“It does not.” He nodded. “But it does lend to intelligence gathering.”

“True.” She smiled. “But first, your part?”

“I do not walk back on my word, Mage Narana.” Kelunad slightly frowned. “You may attend my attempt and learn all that you can. And should the artifact allow a second ‘wish’, that is yours as well, as long as it does not interfere with my own. But, will you tell me what you will wish, if allowed?”

“I will. Will you believe me?”

The orc sighed, but went on.

“Tell me what you have learned.”

“The amulet is placed at the heart of the Ascentionalist strong-hold. It is well guarded, by almost the entirety of their High-Mages. Regitris as well, though he is not always present. Oh those that are, the last defense is comprised of |Wardmasters|, |Battle Mages|, |Spellslingers| and other afferent Classes. That is on top of the wards and traps you could expect from such a place. Oh and they have manipulated the magical resonance in their sanctum. It will hinder you and benefit them.”

“Good.” Kelunad said and Michael shivered at seeing how unconcerned he was. “And the amulet itself?”

“It offers protection and healing, as you already know. I detected to traps or curses placed on it. An internal mana storage, but a large one. The wearer can use one or all effects at will. The protection enchantment is powerful enough to stop an artillery Spell and it offers complete protections. Mind, body, magic. I believe it can even protect the soul, though I could not test it. The healing enchantment is exemplary as well. It will not bring you back from the dead, but is a feat only artifacts of myth are capable of doing. It allows for regeneration too, not only healing, though I am unsure at what speed. As the last property, the healing enchantment works on all three aspects. I somehow doubt in would work on the soul, but I suppose it could be possible.”

She stopped her report and smiled at him. Kelunad, instead, frowned.

“I confess I am too tired of these games. Speak.”

“So hasty. Very well, then. The third enchantment is one that allows the user safe passage. Unlike the previous two, it is mutable. It can make the wearer incorporable, but still allow them to be influenced by forces. Or offer a full effect, if needed. With it, you could walk through walls, magic or both and still be affected by gravity and wind, should you choose to.”

“Powerful. I am starting to believe this artifact was created with the sole intent of allowing one to walk the upper and lower levels of Gnosis.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

“Good. Very good. Then I have everything I need. But, I have one more question. Sinestra. Is she really needed?”

Unseen, Michael flinched.

“Is your conscience gnawing at you, Mage Kelunad?”

“Her current state draws attention. Her future absence even more so.”

“Yes, well.” Narana shrugged. “That may be true. But you have asked of me the secrets of the gnomes. And in all honestly, I answered. I do not know them. We do not know them and I am second best in my faction, officially. Unofficially, I’m the top. And still I cannot be sure.”

“And that is what you will use your wish for? Or knowledge. To rise, officially, to the top?”

Narana just smiled in response.

“Very well. We are all entitled to our secrets.”

“We are. And to answer your question, I do not know, but I strongly think you do need her. The art of gnomes is known to have been able to influence Classes themselves, much like a Primer, only even more forcefully. In her current state and my compliments for the success of your plan, she is less likely to be influenced. Using her as a decoy or shield is only logical.”

“I see. In that case, the last step can now be deployed.”

“I’m happy to hear that. When will you do it, is I may ask?”

“You may ask, but will you believe my answer?”

Narana laughed, seeming to be honestly delighted.

“I will tell you when the time is right. Rest assured, Mage Narana, you will not be left out.”

“For some reason, I actually believe you.”

Kelunad nodded and made to move, when Narana called out.

“As this is out last night here, are you sure you don’t want to use the room? It is quite beneficial. I’ve tried it myself.”

“Despite what my recent reputation entails, I do not use my time so promiscuously.”

“No? I could change my appearance, if that is the issue. Emulate an orc woman, down to the smell and touch. Oh, but… That’s right. It’s actually the women of my race that you welcome. In that case, should I match my appearance to a certain someone?” she sweetly smiled.

Kelunad only stared and a flicker of magic jumped away from him to hit a previously invisible shield sheltering Narana.

“This is why your faction is hated.”

He left and Narana simply laughed, a loud, mischievous and slightly deranged laugh, until she too left.

Only then did Michael moved. His body ached from staying still so long, but he didn’t feel it. His mind was abuzz.

He… he’s doing it. He’s going for the amulet. I have to warn Regitris. And he’s planning on using Sinestra as a shield?! That… fuck! I have to get to her too. Keep her safe. Gotta hurry.

He walked the halways, in a daze. Not even noticing the cloaked figure he walked by.

Then again, that might be because the figure was invisible at the time.

“Ahem.” And old sounding voice dressed their throat.

Michael spun, a wand and a sword appearing in his hands.

“No need for that, young mage.” The figure spoke and pulled down the hood of his cloak.

He was human, that much Michael could tell. And old. But his face and details were blurry, shrouded by a Spell.

“I believe it is high time we spoke.”

“And who are you?”

“I go by many names.” He shrugged. “Even among my own. But one of them I believe you will recognize.”

“Uh-huh. And that is?”

Even blurred, Michael saw the man smile.

“First Shadow.”