I think if I start with a mix of my shapeshifting spell and the communication spell I should be able to get close to what I want. However, that can wait until after I talk to Lin, I have other things to do in the meantime. When I run out of obelisks to make, I switch to crafting some other things for Mercy and Brightfire.

  I am going to try and keep things as even as possible, so I am making them the same kind of things I have Lin and Myria. Once I am done with that, I start making items to give the kids access to the system. They will have access below that of the ministers, but I don’t expect any of them to get that involved with the government.

  I mainly want them to be able to access the map and chat with people through the messenger. I don’t really expect them to need much more than that, but I can always give them more access later. Who knows, as they grow up one of them might develop an interest in politics.

  I kind of doubt it, but anything is possible, so I leave room to upgrade things later if need be. I finish the items and just as I am thinking of what else to do Jarvis informs me that Lin and Mercy are up. So I put everything away and head upstairs to meet them at the table where I sit between them.

  I give them both a kiss good morning and then eat a second breakfast with them. We chat as we eat, but we keep to normal subjects and try not to mention anything embarrassing. I wait until they are both done eating, then I give Mercy her presents and explain what each one is.

  Mercy says “Is this to make up for ripping my dress last night?”

  “Um, no. This is what all of my women get. I am sorry about your dress though!”

  Mercy says “I know, Lin told me. I was just teasing you! Considering the circumstances, I couldn’t care less about the dress. Although, I really wish you had given me this shapeshifting dress ages ago!”

  “There was no way for me to, I only came up with the enchantment not that long ago. I am glad that you like it though.”

  Mercy says “Like it? I love it! How could I not? It will save me tons of time getting ready.”

  Lin says “That is not all it is good for. It can create all sorts of types of outfits, I will tell you more about it later. Ash has a soft spot for certain types of outfits, it is information you will want to know!”

  The look that Mercy gives me when she hears this from Lin makes me blush a little. Unfortunately, since I am still in human form, the blush is readily apparent and makes both girls laugh. They have fun teasing me about it for a few minutes, but after that I ask Lin a serious question.

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  “Lin, do you know of any clone type spells?”

  Lin says “What do you mean by clone type?”

  “Spells that would allow me to physically be in two places at once.”

  Lin says “I don’t think I have ever seen a spell like that, but I’ve also never really looked for one. Why do you ask?”

  “I want to be able to be in two places at once, of course.”

  Lin says “What? No! That’s a horrible idea! One of you is enough trouble!”

  Mercy says “I don’t know, two of Ash could be fun in certain situations! Besides, I completely get wanting to be able to do two things at once. As a ruler, it would be extremely useful!”

  Lin says “That might be how it would start, but it wouldn’t stay that way. Ash would come up with some crazy plan and then we would end up with pure chaos!”

  “Oh, come on! I am not that bad! Actually, my plan was to leave the clone with you while I was out doing other things.”

  Lin says “Did you really think that we would be happy with just a copy of you?”

  “It wouldn’t really be a copy. I have a skill that lets me divide my mind to work on two things at once. With that I would be able to control the clone remotely, so it would still be me. At least, that is the theory that I am working on.”

  Lin says “I don’t think that is even possible, at least not with magic. What you are talking about sounds more like an ability of the gods. If you want to learn to make an avatar, you should talk to the goddesses.”

  “I guess what I want is closer to an avatar than a clone, but I can’t ask them. Consider how you reacted to the idea of two of me and then ask yourself how the goddesses would react!”

  Lin says “True, they wouldn’t be thrilled. Although, if you promised to leave an avatar with them to keep them company they might accept.”

  “Even if I could learn to make an avatar, I doubt that I would be able to make more than one. That means that if I had to leave an avatar with the goddesses I would gain nothing.”

  Lin says “I don’t know about nothing, you would gain two goddesses as lovers. Most people would consider that to be the ultimate reward!”

  “Well, I am not most people. They want me to become a god and that is not something that I want.”

  Mercy says “So, if they didn’t want you to become a god, would they be joining us as your wives?”

  “Possibly. I don’t know for sure. Honestly, they are too beautiful, it is a little intimidating. Mortals are not meant to get directly involved with the divine. I am worried that if I get involved with them that I will end up being consumed.”

  Lin says “That is an understandable fear, but I don’t know if it really applies to you. You aren’t exactly what I would call a normal mortal. Isn’t your goal to become a dragon? Dragons certainly aren’t mortal creatures.”

  “Yes and if I become a dragon then it might be a different story. Right now, I doubt that I am strong enough to resist them.”

  Mercy says “Sorry, but why do you not want to become a god?”

  “Too many rules to follow.”

  Mercy says “Aren’t you an expert at breaking or getting around rules?”

  “I guess I am, but the rules of gods are a completely different ball game. I would rather become a dragon, just as much power with no rules. Besides, dragons are totally awesome!”

  Mercy says “True, your new form is incredibly impressive! It was really surprising, but can you really become a full dragon?”

  “I have a way to evolve and I am hoping to evolve into a dragon, but there is no guarantee that I can.”

  Lin says “Either way, you are definitely getting stronger each time you evolve.”

  “True, but what I kill to help me evolve matters. That is why I am making a special hunting trip. The more I kill things with dragon blood the better my chances of becoming a real dragon.”