Shada worked diligently on developing the Essence Manipulation Skill. It was surprisingly easy to develop in theory. First one had to learn to sense their own Essence. For Shada this was as easy as choosing t. Essence Perception allowed him to sense his own Essence. Next he had to map his essence flows. Map helped here, which was a bit of a stretch for the Skill, but manageable. Shada used Cultivation to circulate his Essence and then simply observed the process with Map active.
Most people have a system of channels in their bodies through which Essence flows naturally. These channels aren’t physical, but closely follow the circulation and nervous systems. As a disembodied spirit Shada’s Essence didn’t conform to this pattern. Essence looped outward from his core before looping back. There were numerous loops forming a toroid shape with his core at the center. It reminded him of a magnetic field.
Sensing his own Essence turned out to be an experience in synesthesia. Essence Perception didn't just let him see essence; he could hear it, taste it, smell it, and experience it in ways that fit none of the known physical senses. He had never used it with this much focus and nearly experienced sensory overload before learning to regulate the experience.
He used his skill to study his different attunements as he practiced the techniques Vanestra taught him.
His Vital Essence was red like blood, with hints of chlorophyll green, and energetic yellow. It tasted of blood and flesh, earth and grass, salt water and sunlight. Overall it had a savory umami flavor. The smells evoked memories of summer BBQs, freshly cut grass, the beach, and strangely lemonade. The feel was warm, thick, and flowing like blood or sap. Using Essence Perception on Vital Essence was like being immersed in the sheer potential of life. It was invigorating and gave Shada phantom hunger pains.
If Vital Essence was red, Charm Essence was orange like fire, with hints of vibrant yellow and passionate red. The sounds were reminiscent of whispers and loud concert music. It tasted of spice and alcohol. The smell was of warm campfires, passionate sex, and flowery perfume. It felt like thunder vibrating through one’s body. It evoked memories of family, of nights spent with someone special, and of excited crowds. Loneliness broke through Shada’s muted emotions. He missed his wife, kids, and simply interacting with people.
Mind Essence was an electric yellow, with hints of calm blue, and mysterious purple could be seen. It fizzed, popped, and buzzed, but had clear sounds like chimes and metronomes as well. The taste was like sour candy, citrus juice, and that weird taste of sticking your tongue to a battery. The smell of chalk, old books, and electronics added an odd counter point. It had an overall electric feel, but evoked memories of memories, thoughts of things great and small, musings late into the night, and the excitement of discovery.
Spirit Essence was like looking at the sky, there was sky blue, cloudy white, grey like a storm, and speckled black like a clear star filled night. It tasted of fresh mountain air, cool spring water, and hints of cotton candy. The smell was strange. There was incense, dust, and just the hint of death. It felt like prayer, calm, soothing and hopeful. Memories of sacred places and late night fears filled Shada’s mind.
The hardest Essence to describe was Arcane. It was indigo and purple heading towards ultraviolet. It tasted of energy drinks, medicines, and purple candy. It smelled of fire, ozone, and chemicals. The feel was like the heat of the sun, high pressure air, and other indescribable things. It evoked the allure of power and the mysteries of the universe.
His Personal Essence was white and opalescent. It sounded like flowing water and a breeze through a mountain temple. It tasted like sweet water, milk, and vanilla ice cream. The smell was like warm laundry, fresh soap, and clean air. It felt like cool water and fresh air across the skin. It evoked memories of long hours working steadily towards a goal, of routines kept and maintained, and calm times in the face of adversity.
Beneath everything was a small barely detectable bit of golden energy. It was his Contract and connection to Sierra. The Divine Essence sounded like chanting and choirs singing. It tasted like honey and liquid fire. It was pure oxygen and morning sunlight. The feel was of safety, welcome, homecoming, peace, and so very much more. Despite being the smallest it was the most overwhelming.
Shada needed a break after studying that spark of Divine Essence. It was while he contemplated the experience that it occurred to him to wonder where System or Guide Essence was. He had caught no hint of it, which seemed strange considering everything else he experienced. He added it to his growing list of mysteries.
John, now Shada, was always of the belief that things beyond his control were simply to be accepted and dealt with only if the chance arose. The mysteries of his new life were like that. Things to be acknowledged, accepted, and not dwelled on until opportunity arose to do something about them.
After reaffirming his convictions and reactivating Essence Perception, at a lower intensity, and Cultivation to circulate his Essence, Shada returned to his practice. He focused on one of the loops of opalescent white essence that was part of his Personal Essence. He tried simply willing the flow to change speeds, but nothing happened. He then thought of trying to extend the loop, which surprisingly worked, but threw off the balance of Cultivation and caused the Skill to stutter. It took some trial and error before he realized that his looping essence could be shifted more easily in pairs.
Pretty soon Shada was making his Essence loops expand and contract like muscles being stretched for the first time. If there was anyone from Earth around, they would notice his essence moving like solar flares and dynamic magnetic fields as it was being squeezed and pulled in multiple directions at once.
It seemed almost intuitive to move his essence loops while Cultivating, but not enough for the Essence Manipulation Skill he needed. To do that he needed to work on what Cultivation was doing and try to mimic it.
Days passed as Shada worked on developing his new Skill. Vanestra gave him hints and advice, but the hard work was up to him. Luckily he wasn't lacking in free time or pesky biological needs like sleep and hunger. He stayed in a trance-like state for days before something different in Shinobin's routine distracted him.
—
Shinobin was consistent in her routines. So when she took a different path, through the city of Westlin, and continued far past her normal clinic, Shada was intrigued. At a guess she appeared to be moving deeper into the city. There was a gentle increase in elevation and the buildings grew larger and denser.
For the first time since he joined her, Shinobin hailed a rickshaw. The rickshaw was pulled by a stout man who jogged through the city. In particularly clear areas the man broke into a run. It seemed Westlin was quite a large city. It took a significant amount of time to reach the inner wall.
Shada noticed something strange as they neared the wall. There was a change in the ambient esse. It became denser and had an odd taste that Shada couldn’t place. The wall differed from others he had seen in and around the city. It was made of straight rectangular megalithic blocks instead of the irregular blocks he had seen so far. There was a different style to the gate as well.
The inner gate was open and a steady stream of traffic flowed under the wall. The crowd had more Imperials and people in armor then in the area around the clinic. Shada had learned that people called that area the Roots. If he was right they were about to enter the Trunk.
He heard someone call this the Root Gate and it led to something called the Trunk Fortress.
Shinobin was dressed more formally today and had a badge pinned to her chest. The guards at the gate waved them through quickly when they noticed the badge and attire. Several armored individuals, in the line for the gate, actually bowed, and moved out of the way for her rickshaw.
Shada stayed as close to the top of Shinobin's head as possible to remain unobtrusive. He could feel wards around the gate and walls, which left him chilled. The wall was just as thick if not thicker than the outer walls. It took a few minutes to transverse the tunnel under the wall at walking speeds.
The road on the other side was unusually straight and even compared to the more winding roads he had seen so far. It passed through a long canyon-like courtyard with massive fortifications on either side. Shada risked risingas high as he could for a better look. The northern fortress looked more ornate, almost palace-like. While the southern fortress was more militant in design. Both structures had far more straight lines than the buildings in Roots or cottage. There was another gate, leading to another part of the city, on the far side of the canyon. Shada was surprised when they diverted to a small gate on the right side, or southern fortress. Here a friendly guard let Shinobin into the massive construction of stone.
Another guard was called to escort Shinobin. They traveled through several halls lit by glowstones. Everything was more angular and formal than anything he had seen on Sierallas so far. The interior was surprisingly open. The architecture was quite different from the organic rustic feeling of the structures in the Roots. It was clean and even. It reminded Shada of Roman architecture, but perhaps more decorative. Angular embellishments were quite frequent.
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“It is good to have you back High Healer Aseralis. Things always seem to run smoother when you are in charge of the dungeon clinic here at the fort,” the unnamed guard said.
“That’s kind of you to say Filap, how is your new son?”She asked. Shinobin engaged the guard Filap in small talk about his family until the hall intersected another that was open to the air of a large southern courtyard. Shada could see ballista and archers, all facing the center, where a ramp spiraled into a pit in the ground. Armed soldiers with: swords, pole arms, and other weapons also faced inward. They all watched the pit diligently. Shada suspected this was the dungeon entrance, based on the unusual security, which included what could only be battle mages with staves and wands. Music that seemed to increase focus wafted through the air as they moved past. The overall discipline was impressive and terrifying. What was down there that required all this to guard it?
Despite the heavy security, there was a steady flow of people, and carts, into and out of the pit. Everyone that went in did so armed. It seemed to be a productive hole in the ground.
Shinobin and the guard ignored the pit. However, they both seemed tense until the pit was out of sight. They turned into a set of double doors that led to what appeared to be a large medical triage area, with multiple beds and locked storage cabinets. Several injured individuals were being attended to various people. Shada assumed these were other healers. There were several different styles of dress. There were what looked like clerics, in varied robes and religious iconography, mixed with people dressed more like Shinobin's common work style. A few more plain clothes orderlies were also present. The clerics were mostly Imperials and the others Wylderfolk.
After passing through the triage room they came to a series of smaller rooms and offices. It was here that Shinobin was met by a cleric of some unknown god.
“High Healer Aseralis, be welcome once more to our humble dungeon clinic. May Sierra grace you this day,” the Cleric said before bowing respectfully.
“Thank you High Cleric Dahvas. May She smile upon you as welI. I always find working here interesting and miss it, but can’t abandon my duty to the people of the Roots. How have things been here this week? I heard there was an incident the night of Spring Frolic,” Shinobin said in a warm, but formal tone.
“Indeed there was! The dungeon seemed to grow unusually aggressive. Monsters moving between territories and attacks happening in places normally safe. There were multiple deaths and many injuries. A general evacuation was called. Not even the dungeon keepers know what happened. Luckily things settled back down, but we do have a few long term cases of poisonings and similar injuries that could benefit from your cleansing Skills and expertise,” High Cleric Dahvas, of the Temple of Sierra, responded with his hands behind his back.
“Of course High Cleric. I am happy to help, as always. Is Besta here yet?” Shinobin asked.
“She is already in the back prioritizing cases for you. Please just head to your normal office. Call on me if you have need or find one of the acolytes if I am indisposed,” Dahvas replied before continuing about his business.
The guard Filap had left. His duty was completed. Shinobin continued to walk to a rather nice office in the back with two desks. At the smaller desk Besta was reviewing paperwork.
“Besta, you look well today. I take it your date was good?” Shinobin asked. Besta was smiling over her work.
“Oh yes, High Healer. He was such a gentleman. It was a very pleasant evening,” Besta responded. It was unusually animated for the young woman in Shada’s experience.
“I am glad to hear that. You need a companion. Now let's review the cases and get started. They likely should have called me in sooner or sent these patients to me at the Root clinic,” she said. Shinobin complained about not being able to help sooner as well.
“Of course, High Healer! First we have a case of Stracla poisoning. They have tried a few techniques to cleanse it and have been keeping the patient stable, but you know how Stracla poisoning is, if even a trace is left it somehow spreads. It will require a full Ritual of Purging,” Besta explained as they went over cases.
“Can the patient afford that? It is a rather expensive and extravagant ritual.” Shinobin inquired.
“Oh yes, Mr. Ollas is the son of a Titled Noble that chose to become a Delver. His father Lord Ollas requested the ritual specifically,” Besta explained.
“Ok, grab an acolyte and another vitalist, the ritualist, and at least three ranked clerics. I will get with Ritualist Egroar to prepare for his arrival. Have an orderly bring Mr. Ollas to the Ritual Room in about an hour, or sooner if I send for him. We will need the following reagents and catalysts…” Shinobin listed multiple exotica, including various essence crystals. It seemed that this poison was different and required extra steps compared to other cases.
Besta left to follow Shinobin's instructions. Shinobin continued going over cases for several minutes before leaving and walking to an ornate set of double doors behind which was a large circular room. There was a ritual circle, which surprisingly looked like a complex pentagram with extra lines, circles, and other patterns found in sacred geometry.
The lines of the ritual circle were inlaid with what could only be gold. The whole thing glowed in Shada's Essence Perception. A man, and what appeared to be assistants, were chalking in runes, placing regents in various circles, and consulting reference texts. They ignored Shinobin beyond polite nodes and focused intently on their work.
“Ritualist Egroar, I see you were already expecting my requests for Mr. Ollas,” Shinobin said as she examined the ritual circle.
The man, Ritualist Egroar, smiled and nodded in response, as he continued to plan out the ritual silently. The ritualist and his assistants used a sign language version of Eastern Imperial to communicate for some reason.
Shada's Polyglotism Skill tingled as he examined the circle he saw symbols in both the Lingua Arcana and Celestials.
The ritual looked rather complex. The runic script seemed more involved than Shada had seen in enchantments. There was also an artistry to the work that was quite impressive.
“You there, stop, you picked up the powdered Avas root. You need the crystallized version for this,” Shinobin said suddenly. The young ritual assistant gulped and nodded before fetching the correct regent. Ritualist Egroar shook his head in disappointment at his assistant.
It took an hour for the four of them to complete the preparations. With Shinobin making subtle adjustments here and there. She seemed to command a high level of respect here at the clinic, especially among the ritualists.
When everything was ready one of the silent assistants was sent to fetch Besta, a Wylderfolk woman who appeared to be the other vitalist, the three clerics, and a very naked Mr. Ollas who looked sickly green with black veins. The man carrying him was covered head to toe in enchanted cloth to protect from contamination.
The naked Mr. Ollas was placed in the center of the ritual circle. The glowstones in the room were replaced with the first candles Shada had seen on Sierrallas. The atmosphere became more sombre and part of Shada wondered if this was a cleansing ritual or a ritual sacrifice.
The clerics were directed to stand in circles at the top and bottom of the central five pointed star. It was aligned north to south. Besta stood opposite the other Vitalist in the western and eastern circles respectively.
The Ritualist Egroar, and his assistants, knelt just outside the circle forming an equilateral triangle. Shinobin stood in the center next to Mr. Ollas. The doors had been shut and barred.
“Alright folks let's begin. Besta and Calista will be providing the Vital Essence to the ritual to keep Mr. Ollas alive. Egroar and his assistants will power the main circle. The clerics will open themselves to their God and Goddesses to provide Holy Essence. I will coordinate the energy flows and cast the main spell. When instructed, chant along at the appropriate moments. This is a complex and expensive working. If you have questions please ask now,” Shinobin said in a commanding voice.
There were several questions, from the vitalist and clerics that, went well past Shada's ability to understand. It sounded technical. He was nervous even though he wasn't directly involved; he was in the center of a scary looking ritual and his mother had removed her enchanted gear, everyone had. Shada was exposed and decided to try something new. He hid near his unborn self inside Shinobin, who luckily didn't notice. Being closer to his physical center seemed to enhance rather than inhibit his Essence Perception. The essence of the entire room came alive when the ritual started.
The Ritualist, and assistants, poured essence into the circle. They knelt with their hands clasped together and heads down. The whole thing began to glow. Chalk lit up in sequence as the circles filled. The reagents and catalysts levitated into the air.
Twin streams of Vital Essence flowed from the vitalists Calista and Besta. The clerics bowed their heads and began to pray in Celestial, triggering a flow of Holy Essence from their cores.
Shinobin stood tall in the center. She was confident and composed. She looked like a conductor. She caught the Essence streams from the two vitalists and three clerics. She connected each stream to a different ingredient, which then cycled back through the ritual where Shinobin gathered it above the patient. The streams met and then seemed to pierce Mr. Olas, who had been unconscious until this point.
The patient's body floated into the air at the center of the ritual. Streams of Essence flowed into and through him. Essence crystals turned to dust as their energy was depleted. The chanting and prayers grew louder. The very stones seemed to vibrate. Mr. Ollas screamed silently as a sickly vapor of purple, green, and black flowed from him. His body visibly shrank as it was purged of every last toxin and impurity. Unfortunately, despite not having a sense of smell, he could smell Essence in a manner of speaking. He experienced the first instance of nausea in his new life. The fact that he lacked a stomach to feel it with didn't seem to matter.
A black ball, of foul goop and toxic Essence, gathered above the patient as the ritual reached its peak. Then there was a flash of Essence, a sound that mixed the choirs of heaven, like wind through a forest, and a scent like fresh rain that washed through the ritual circle and suddenly it was all over.
Mr. Ollas drifted lazily to the ground. The participants slumped, sat, or laid down where they were. Even Shinobin looked worn out. The doors were unbarred and orderlies collected the patient and distributed Essence Crystals and snacks.
What caught Shada's attention, and made several people glance around, was the sudden strange Presence that seemed to enter the room searching for something. It came from the direction of the dungeon. There was shouting and the sounds of fighting drifting from the dungeon entrance as well.
The Presence left as quickly as it had appeared, but it took longer for the sounds of combat to fade. Shada expected that it had been the Dungeon itself. He wondered what it had been searching for.
