Things seemed to move quickly after the word monster was mentioned. Acolyte Vreen and Squire Brumo co-opted a guard patrol, which Shada didn't even know they had the authority to do, and then they all gathered in front of a clinic.

  “So it appears there is a Hag in the city. Luckily, we have a Blessed Spirit here to help us track the abomination.” Acolyte Vreen said in their most confident voice to Brumo and the Guard.

  “How did a Hag hide from the Purge?” A young guard asked curiously.

  “I do not know. All I know is there is a young woman inside the clinic with a rather nasty transference Spell causing her to look like an unawakened 80 year old.” Acolyte Vreen paused. “It is only thanks to the Blessed Spirit that the Spell was recognized. A messenger was sent. So the Temple should send assistance quickly. We will most likely track it down as a group.”

  “What do you need us for then?” Another guard asked.

  It was Squire Brumo that stepped up to answer. “You never know what tricks Hags can come up with. They were once people and don't lack ingenuity. They also hide among regular folk and often use them as unknowing defenders.” Squire Brumo explained.

  In a surprisingly short time a group from the Temple came jogging down the street at speed. They stopped in front of the young Clergy.

  “Squire Brumo, Acolyte Vreen I pressure.” The leader said. “ I have a report that you two have uncovered a Hag in the city. I am Jeris, Battlepriest of the Goddess's Inquisitors. Explain.”

  The leader was dressed like a Priest, but their robes were of a more militant cut and a series of weapons and wands adorned their body. Shada did not like the sound of the word Inquisitors. Inquisitions weren't known to be good things on Earth.

  “Inquisitor Jeris, I am Acolyte Vreen and as you guessed this is Squire Brumo.” Acolyte Vreen said while gesturing at their peer. “May I also introduce the Blessed Spirit Shada to whom we are assigned?” They said while gesturing vaguely to the air.

  With a mental sigh Shada chose to manifest once more. This time he chose to appear perched on Squire Brumo’s broad shoulder. He would not be trying to walk through the city in this form. The very idea was exhausting.

  “Greetings Inquisitor Jeris, thank you for your quick response.” Shada said while in the form of a glowing golden cat.

  Several guards gasped. The Inquisitor and their teamed stiffened then, much to Shada's consternation, bowed.

  “It is our honor to assist the Blessed Spirit in their work on this Plane.” Inquisitor Jeris said formally. He then turned back to Acolyte Vreen and asked simply, “the Hag?”

  “Yes, a woman came to the clinic. High Healer Aseralis was unable to diagnose her. The Blessed Spirit was called upon for his otherworldly insights. Blessed Spirit if you could explain?” Acolyte Vreen asked Shada.

  “I have several Skills related to detection. Analyze showed that the patient was only 27 years old, but appeared like an 80 year old unawakened woman.” Shada said while perched calmly on Brumo's Shoulder. “I then used another Skill to examine her Essence. It took a deep probe with my senses, but I discovered she had two conflicting Essence signatures. One matched her age and one that matched her appearance. The second had a dark taint to it and I could see a trail of Essence leading off into the city. I didn't recognize it, but Acolyte Vreen said that it sounded like a Hag.” Shada finished succinctly.

  “Blessed Spirit Shada, it does sound like a Hag, but you could tell there were two signatures without a ritual? You say you can sense a trail? Did I hear correctly?” Inquisitor Jeris said with his eyebrows raised.

  “One of my Skills is a direct gift from the Goddess Sierra. So yes to all three questions.” Shada explained.

  “Wonderful! Hags are incredibly hard to track down.” Inquisitor Jeris said. He actually clapped his hands in excitement. “Ok, here is the plan. With the Blessed Spirit’s assistance we will track the Hag to their lair. Guard Captain, I will be counting on you to deal with the general populace as we travel. Acolyte Vreen, Squire Brumo, and Blessed Spirit Shada please walk beside me and guide us…” He continued giving instructions to everyone including his own team.

  Before they set off Acolyte Vreen was instructed to lead a short Prayer in Sierra's name.

  “Holy Mother, Blessed Sierra, Goddess of Sierrallas, hear my plea. We set out to fight evil, Bless us with your Grace and Wisdom, Watchover and Protect we who do battle in your Name! Eternal may your reign be.” Acolyte Vreen Prayed fervently.

  The entire group stood with heads bowed respectfully. Shada could feel the Holy Essence flow from the Acolyte and touch each individual himself included. He could feel a protective shield of Essence.

  Other Prayers and Spells were cast layering protections on top of one another. Shada felt smothered in Essence. With his senses it was borderline unpleasant.

  With preparations complete the group set off at a quick jog. Shada marvelled at the group moving without obvious exertion. The wonders of Physical Cultivation never ceased to amaze him.

  People moved aside and watched curiously as they moved. Shada had not seen this part of the city. It appeared poorer, but there were no slums in Westlin. The space behind the walls was far too precious and even the poor wouldn't live beyond the walls for fear of a beast or monster. However, poverty existed on Sierrallas just like on Earth, it just took a different form. So they traveled south east towards the Root side of the Shelves.

  They followed the trail as it descended down the cliff, which required the use of one of the floating lift platforms. Shada de-manifest just to examine it in more detail. The rune work and enchantments were fascinating. It moved like an elevator,but far more smoothly without the jerking motions or clicking of gears.

  The scalloped terraces of the Shelves reminded Shada of shelf fungus, which was likely on purpose. The Shelves were mainly a mix of warehouses, taverns, and places that catered to the dock workers. There were residential areas of course, but these were small in comparison. The entire area had a darker dreary appearance compared to the rest of the city. The buildings were made from darker wood and stone. The cliffs created large shadows and everything was even more tightly packed together than the city above.

  To Shada's surprise the area was still surprisingly clean, buildings were solid and well maintained, even the people didn't look broken down as they would have looked in similar areas of Earth. It shouldn't have surprised him, Sierrallas played by different rules, but it did. Poverty on Sierrallas was less about material goods and more about access to Cultivation resources.

  “Blessed Spirit, are you sure this is the right way? We are headed towards the more affluent area of the Shelves where the Dockmaster and various wealthy merchants live. It is not where one would expect a Hag.” Inquisitor Jeris inquired as they drew closer to their goal.

  “I am positive Inquisitor Jeris. The trail I am following is not only getting stronger, but I can sense a taint in the air.” Shada said while mimicking looking around.

  Inquisitor Jeris simply nodded in return. He trusted the Spirited Blessed directly by the Goddess herself. To doubt further would be almost blasphemous, but doubts were part of the Inquisitor's job.

  The trail finally led the group to a small apothecary shop in the Merchants Quarter of the Shelves. To normal eyes the shop appeared perfectly ordinary, as did the surrounding area. To Shada's Essence Perception the area was teaming with shadows, essence that tasted of rot and decay, smelled of spoiled meat and sewage. If he had a stomach he would puking. As it was he felt the need for a bath even though he was physically incapable of getting dirty.

  “Stop, we are here. I can sense the taint strongly…” Shada didn't really know how to explain what he sensed to others or how much he should say.

  “I can vaguely sense a taint with my own Blessed Spirit, but it isn't very strong.” Inquisitor Jeris said.

  Shada did his best to make an incredulous face. “Inquisitor Jeris, is that a joke? This entire building is coated in shadows and tainted Essence. I can't imagine how no one has noticed.” Shada replied.

  “As I said I can sense something, but it feels shrouded, hidden, and cloaked. I don't suppose you can share what you sense? It would help me if I knew better what we were working with.” Inquisitor Jeris said while examining the building.

  “I am not sure. I might be able to, but it would involve one of my more intimate Skills called Essence Symbiosis. It is not quite a possession Skill, but it is very close. I would have to enter you and touch your Core, Inquisitor Jeris.” Shada said hesitantly.

  “Truly? I think I would be honored to serve as a host for a Blessed Spirit. If you think it will allow me to experience what you are, please do so.” Inquisitor Jeris said with surprising enthusiasm.

  Shada disappeared from view before diving inside the shockingly receptive Inquisitor. He personally thought an Inquisitor would be terrified of anything close to possession. The Inquisitors Core was massive indicating a much higher level than Shada expected.

  “Inquisitor Jeris, I am here. I will attempt to give you access to my perception Skill, but it may take a few tries. I Feel like it should work, but I don't Know for certain.” Shada said via Spirit Speech. He could feel Jeris acceptance down the link.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  It turned out that Shada could stretch the Spirit Speech and Essence Symbiosis Skills to allow him to share his Essence Perception with someone else. The problem was, of course, it was not a Skill for mortal minds. It was a Skill for Spirits.

  “Dear Goddess, shut it off!” Inquisitor Jeris gasped. He then proceeded to bend over and puke while swaying wildly.

  Shada shut the feed off quickly. He was somewhat confused by Jeris 's reaction. He had barely begun showing the Inquisitor his sensorium.

  “Are you, well, Inquisitor?” Shada asked.

  “My apologies Blessed Spirit, but I fear the full force of your Holy Gift is beyond my ability to bear. I was overwhelmed.” Inquisitor Jeris said shakily.

  “I will do my best to filter it more, but I had barely started…” Shada said.

  “Holy Mother of Mercy, yes please filter it as much as you can.” Inquisitor Jeris said while pulling himself together.

  Shada concentrated hard to only provide a minimum of information. More of an impression than the full experience of what he experienced with Essence Perception.

  “Dear Goddess, what is this? This is what you see when looking at this building? The taint is so strong. I can see wards, hexes, and curses layered like paint. Some of these are so old. How could we have missed this? The Purge should have found this decrepit pit of foulness…” Inquisitor Jeris began to ramble a litany of instructions to his subordinates. One of whom began sending a magical golden messenger bird. Everyone else was instructed to back away to a nearby street.

  “I have sent for reinforcements. I don't know what is in there, but it is no Hag unless it is a truly Ancient one. The entire area will need to be razed and Cleansed. This is beyond our current group.” Inquisitor Jeris explained after they retreated. “In fact Acolyte Vreen, Squire Brumo and the guard should all retreat to the upper city.”

  Shada was asked to remain behind with the Inquisitors. An hour later a much larger team of Priests, Inquisitors, and Paladins arrived. Shada was still not familiar with all of the iconography and rank symbols worn by Sierra’s Clergy, but two people stood out. A golden haired woman in elaborate robes and another dressed in a finer version of Inquisitor Jeris’s outfit.

  “High Prelate Vellas, High Inquisitor Zeckas, thank you for your timely response…” After formal greetings Inquisitor Jeris went on to describe their findings in detail.

  As soon as the situation became clear the entire city block was cordoned off and no one was allowed to leave. The High Prelate, a golden haired Imperial woman, erected a massive warding around the entire area. A nearby building was taken over as a center of operations. Only once all the preparation was made did they move I towards the tainted apothecary again.

  High Inquisitor Zeckas took the lead with Shada floating beside him. While sharing with Jeris Shada had figured out how to share a highly filtered view from his Skill to others via Spirit Speech without Essence Symbiosis. It was more limited, but considering the overwhelming nature of the Skill that was actually better.

  “Holy Mother of Mercy,” High Inquisitor Zeckas gasped, as he caught sight of the building, using his own sensory Skills and Shada's enhanced version.

  “Vellas can you sense this…this abomination?” High Inquisitor Zeckas asked.

  “Barely, High Inquisitor, it is well cloaked indeed.” High Prelate Vellas replied calmly.

  “Blessed Spirit please, show the High Prelate.” Hug Inquisitor Zeckas pleaded.

  Shada was happy to help. So he did as he was asked. This was all fascinating to him after all.

  “Sweet Goddess preserve us!’ High Prelate Vellas exclaimed.

  “You both understand this is a highly filtered version of what I can sense, yes? What you are seeing is a fraction of what is here.” Shada explained due to their extreme reactions.

  Both looked at Shada in concern. “Is it actually worse? This has to be one of the most unholy and corrupted places I have ever seen!” High Inquisitor Zeckas exclaimed.

  “We must enter and learn what has occurred here to leave such a mark on the Essence. Call the Wardbreakers forward!” Zeckas ordered.

  Shada watched as an entire ritual circle was assembled before the building. The nearby structures were emptied of their occupants who were called corralled south to the Shelves small Temple. Even the surrounding blocks were cleared as the guard quickly helped evacuate the area.

  The Wardbreakers were actually a mix of Clergy and non-clergy. Ritualists like those Shada had seen at the Dungeon Clinic were mixed in with them.

  Shada loved watching Rituals. The Essence flows were beautiful and complex. This ritual was nothing like the comparatively gentle Cleansing ritual he had seen Shinobin form. Once the circle powered up it assaulted the humble apothecary like a battering ram.

  From a regular person’s perspective rituals didn't look like much, but to Shada it was like fireworks complete with scent and sounds. Holy Essence mixed with other types slammed into the thick miasma of tainted Essence around the building.

  High Inquisitor Zeckas and High Prelate were both centuries old, experienced, and jaded. They watched the scene through Shada's eyes like wide eyed children at a carnival.

  Despite the vast efforts of the Wardbreakers and Ritualists. The Essence shroud barely cracked, but a crack was enough. The building became more visible to others. It was a rotting decaying structure behind the complex illusions. The people surrounding it gagged at the stench. The Clergy prepared themselves to enter.

  A Paladin was called to bash in the door via brute force of his Physical Cultivation. A mage was called forth to batter it with force and fire. It wasn't enough. The door held firm.

  “What now?” Shada asked as everyone stared at the unyielding door.

  “We call for a High Shaper to see if the door can be broken.” Inquisitor Zeckas said.

  “Why doesn't someone just banish the door?” Shada asked curiously.

  “We don't know what the door is made of. Hence why we are calling for a High Shaper. They have Material Shaping that should work.” The Inquisitor explained.

  “Oh, would Material Mastery work on it?” Shada asked.

  “Of course, but no one outside the capitol has that Skill…” Inquisitor Zeckas trailed off as Shada approached the door.

  “I think I can do it.” Shada said as if talking to himself. He memorized the doors Essence Signature via Essence

  Perception the used Material Mastery to banish the entire thing from this Plane of existence before calmly returning to the High Inquisitors shoulder.

  Everyone stared between the small golden cat Spirit and the now empty door frame. Banishing magic was common, it was used to clean the streets after all, but few had ever seen large objects be banished. None has seen a small cat make a large door vanish into thin air like it was nothing. Of course they didn't know it took most of Shada's Essence, but he did enjoy their dumbfounded looks.

  “Blessed Spirit, thank you!” Inquisitor Zeckas said as he directed people inside. Before following them himself.

  The interior was more disturbing than the outside had been. Rotting carcasses, foul bits of unidentifiable creatures, and other filth coated the structure. The beautiful woman standing behind the counter was definitely out of place.

  “Well if it isn't the servants of the Holy Bitch come knocking at my missing door.” The woman said with a malicious smile. As armed and ready Inquisitors and Paladins rushed in. She was far too calm for the opposition she faced. “How did you manage to track little ol’ me down after all this time?”

  Shada used identify on the woman.

  [Name: Gabby

  Race: Ancient Hag

  …]

  “Little snack, don't you know using Analyze is rude?” Gabby the Ancient Hag asked while staring at Shada hungrily.

  “Creature you stand accused of Dark Magic! Come peacefully and you will be Judged fairly under Her Light!” High Inquisitor Zeckas said boldly.

  Gabby cackled before tainted monsters came pouring from the basement.

  Shada dematerialized and watched in Spirit form as the Clergy did battle against the flood of gross black tentacled monstrosities. He watched as Holy Essence imbued weapons cleaved tainted monsters limb from limb.

  Not wanting to be left out Shada used Essence Crystals, Holy Essence Conversion, Material Mastery to conjure a rain of Holy Water. Where each drop fell steam and smoke rose from injured monster flesh. Gabby stood amused amidst the chaos. The Holy Rain did not touch her.

  The Clergy finished the monsters off with relative ease. Gabby appeared disappointed.

  “You know I put a lot of work into those! How dare you kill my babies like that! They just wanted to come out and play!” The mad Hag yelled as the last monster fell.

  While the Inquisitors fought, High Prelate Vellas Prayed. With a finale resounding shout the Prayer completed. Shada saw golden chains of Holy Essence reach out and bind the startled Hag who had ignored the Prelate's mumbled Prayer.

  “Child are you a fool? Do you really believe this is enough to hold me!?” Gabby screeched, her voice stretching and cracking in strange ways. Her beautiful form twisted and distorted like a funhouse mirror. Then she started to grow. The High Prelate continued Praying. Trying unsuccessfully to maintain the bindings on the growing blob of foulness that had been the attractive woman Gabby.

  The Clergy backed out of the building as Gabby's bloated form filled the room. Wood splinted and objects crashed. The putter stone wall of the building shuddered. The roof and second floor collapsed into piles of rotting debris as Gabby the Hag was revealed in all her hideous glory.

  Gabby was in a word disgusting. She sat in the stone frame of her shop. Rolls of fat, skin, and filth pouring over the sides of the stone enclosure in the world’s most grotesque muffin top. There was nothing human left of the creature's features. Her face was so wrinkled and sore ridden that she was nearly blinded by the folds. Her mouth, full of foul rotten teeth, dripped salvia down her pendulous naked bosom. Mold and black filth cling to her in patches. Many of the guards and Clergy vomited on the spot.

  The Ancient Hag must not have thought things through. In changing forms she had trapped herself in her own disgusting shop. Her feet had to be hidden far below in the building's basement. She was essentially a giant immobile target. Still barely bound by the High Prelate’s golden chains.

  “Fire everything you have!” High Inquisitor Zeckas shouted into the silence that was broken only by the sound of retching among the stunned crowd.

  At that point the assembled Clergy, Guard, and a few private citizens that had joined the hunt, unleashed Holy Hell on the abomination known as Gabby. Spells, Prayers, arrows, bolts, fire, lightning, and a host of other magical Skills assaulted the Ancient Hag in her self made prison. Above it all the Hag’s tedious screeching cackle could be heard. Despite the scale of the assault, despite everyone having to move back to avoid the cross fire, and despite the nearby buildings being demolished. The Hag still lived. Shada watched from a good distance. He wanted no further involvement in this fight.

  “Well that is one ugly sight.” Grandfather Alexzandros said while hovering above the crowd of combatants as if standing on air.

  “Grandfather? What are you doing here?” Shada asked in shock via Spirit Speech.

  “Came to check on the ruckus that was disturbing one of my experiments.” Alexzandros said in annoyance. What are you doing so close to an Ancient Hag grandson?” Alexzandros asked in return.

  Shada did his best to explain the situation. “Are you going to help? Also when did you learn to fly, old man?” Shada asked.

  “I suppose I should.” Alexzandros said without enthusiasm. “Doesn't look like these kids can handle that old Hag and I have been flying since before your past self was born, Shada” Alexzandros said crossly.

  A staff appeared in Alexandros hand. He raised his arms high and began to chat in the Lingua Arcane. Each word dropping like a bomb into the suddenly still air. Annoy with sense had already started running from the vicinity of the Hag as the old Archmage got to work. This included the Clergy.

  Shada's entire being vibrated as the power of his grandfather's voice breached the barrier between the Physical Plane and the Etheric where Shada's form resided. A dark cloud formed high in the sky that sparked with lightning. The sky seemed to split as Archmage Alezandros called forth the mother of all lightning bolts.

  Glass and eardrums broke throughout the Shelves. Enchants falter and the more sensitive fainted as the finger of God Alexzandros had called forth smashed into and obliterated the top third of Gabby's grotesque body.

  “Hmmm, I might have overdid it.” Grandfather Alexzandros mused to himself as he observed the cratered body of the Ancient Hag. As well as the secondary fires from the massive Levin bolt.

  Shada could only stare in shock at the somewhat bumbling old man that he realized he never actually gotten to know.