Shadow Clone Sorcery
Chapter 32: The Quartermaster's Quest (2)

To err on the side of caution, Lukas and El-Three hung back and gave the expedition ample time to move ahead before following. The veil of shadows over their eyes made it easier to follow all movements. It was the first piece of magic Lukas and his clones had created on their own after their arrival to Fracture. It was a derivation of the Light Eyes spell Esther helped him figure out.

While stretching shadows over his face, one of the arcane specialized clones noticed a subtle change in the world. Dark patches weren’t as dark. They had a faint dark-blue tinge, and he could see more in the area than without the veil. Elvis’s talk of dark light resonated with the clone, and he floated the idea of using the same intent-driven model of Light Eyes.

The result wasn’t as effective but serviceable. Lukas and the clone enjoyed a clearer view of obstacles in their past and all nearby lingering critters. They got to see more without their eyes glowing violently.

Focusing on both spells at the same time left Lukas with a dull but gradually intensifying headache. As a result, he was glad whenever they encountered mushroom forests or especially bright luminous wall crystals that sent fractal lights far and wide. Traversal slowed since the duo had to seek out more shaded areas. The expedition’s rear watch would undoubtedly grow suspicious on sighting shadow-draped figures walking through bright patches.

As the expedition delved deeper, the teachers spread out in all directions, sticking to twos and threes. Lukas was surprised to spot Kwame pairing up with the expedition leader. The first smiled and talked animatedly, while the other’s lips barely moved when he replied. The larger Germanic-looking man barely looked at his counterpart as they spoke. It didn’t seem to deter Kwame, who continued chatting. Lukas couldn’t, of course, hear anything they said. He was too far, but the dynamic increased his curiosity related to the Shadow Seekers’ interest in the expedition.

It was clear that Kwame had no intention of bringing a winning candidate. Big Mouth appeared younger than Lukas’s new body but wasn’t approached. It wasn’t clear whether it was because the man was a magic user and summoner or Kwame specifically wanted someone capable and willing to run away instead of actively taking part in the expedition. The quartermaster hadn’t shared what he intended to do.

“The less you know, the better is for you. If things go awry and you’re captured, coming across as a witless pawn forced into a dangerous situation than a willing participant.”

The first threats appeared an hour into the expedition. It was a tribe of five-foot-tall troglodytes. They resembled Neanderthals but were significantly more hairy. Loin clothes didn’t seem like a concept their civilization had yet discovered or cared for. However, their weapons of bone or local crystal tied to sticks appeared far from crude.

The teachers didn’t help. Some hung behind, observing from afar. While others moved onward, likely confident that their candidates would fare just fine. Kwame and the expedition leader were in the latter group.

El-Four performed just fine. He was far too fast for the troglodytes, and his skills with the short spear had improved significantly since joining the Shadow Seekers. He took out the first to rush him with an accurate thrust to the neck. Then, caught its companion club on his round shield. El-Four released his spear, drew his mundane shortsword, and cleaved through the creature. It was clear from the distance that the clone had utilized the speed and sharpness spells despite the lack of the enchanted weapon. It likely left him with a mild headache, but Lukas couldn’t help but feel proud.

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A third knife-wielding troglodyte snuck up behind El-Four and attempted to grab him, weapon poised for a throat stab. His arms passed through the Shade’s Mantle as the clone danced toward another opponent, taking the spear with him. He got it in the foot, creating an opening for the struggling apprentice mage, before spinning around and driving his weapon into the pursuing knife-wielder’s stomach.

The tribe was large, and the fight dragged on, but Lukas and El-Three didn’t watch and linger. They circled around the battlefield, briskly following Kwame. If the fighting clone perished, he’d know instantly and was ready to dispel the body.

It didn’t take them long to catch up to the quartermaster and expedition leader. Since neither mage teacher seemed around, Lukas dared to sneak closer to the duo. Hoping his modified Silent Shadows wouldn’t fail him. He lost his nerve just out of earshot and sent El-Three ahead. When neither man reacted, he crept closer.

“I’ve vetted every guild representative personally,” the expedition leader said. “The only untrustworthy one is you. These are all good men and women. They’re not going to murder children to increase their guild’s chances of earning pearls and climbing the ranks.”

“Yet last year, four candidates died of questionable causes while under the supervision of some of your present, esteemed colleagues,” Kwame said. “And then their guilds went on to win. It might be a coincidence, but the Shadow Seekers’ job is to ensure it and, if not, bring the perpetrators to justice. You’re obligated to cooperate according to—”

“I don’t need you, of all people, telling me that.”

“Good, because you know what we have to do if I see signs of teachers or students attacking each other. Yes?

“We take them into custody,” the expedition leader said through gritted teeth.

“Or execute them on the spot if there is any sign of resistance.”

“I understand.”

Is that the real reason people hate and shit-talk the Shadow Seekers? Are they secret police of guilds, taking the law into their own hands? Hold on a moment! Did Kwame bring me in as bait? Or does he trust my survival skills that much?

The pair ceased conversing. They stiffened, and their eyes scanned their surroundings. Lukas and the clone hurriedly slinked backward, focusing their attention on Silence Shadows. Lukas caught movement out of the corner of his eye. It was a human. The figure darted away back toward the battlefield left behind. Kwame broke away from the expedition leader and sped in the same direction. The larger man followed, audibly grumbling.

When Lukas and El-Three returned to the site, the battle was over. All candidates appeared unharmed, and some spoke animatedly among themselves. He was surprised to find El-Four chatting with the female apprentice mage he had assisted. She hadn’t joined any of the other alliances.

You better not be trying to arrange a hook-up.

A couple of teachers called out to the group, ordering them to keep moving. A couple directed them on which way to go. A white-haired staff-wielding teacher hung back. His eyes glowed as they swept over the cavernous section of the undercity. Lukas couldn’t tell whether the man had detected him and El-Four’or was looking for something else. They didn’t wait to find out and hurried after the expedition.

A couple of short tunnels later, everyone ended up in the open expanse of the undercity. They were so high above the base level that it was barely visible. Lukas only saw patches because of the giant moving lights. They looked like turtles with luminous crystals growing out of their backs.

The expedition followed still functional elevated waterways, heading lower. After another hour, they ended up at a monstrous lake—or perhaps a reservoir, Lukas couldn’t tell—that sat high above the undercity’s ‘ground level.” At its center sat a giant pile of partially open or clamped-shut oysters. Each was as big as Lukas. Narrow natural bridges ran between the island and the shore.

Lukas spotted non-human movement along it, and the waters were also wild. Undercity’s residents were already either fighting for or on their way to the prize.