Making a barrier didn't go as well as Ember would've liked. That didn't mean that progress hadn't been made. Her barrier access went up to five percent. The problem was that five percent was only enough for a flicker of energy in the air that blocked absolutely nothing. In the end, Ember had spent most of the time being pelted by rocks by Justine. Justine, on the other hand, had a wide grin on her face. An adult woman shouldn't have so much glee about hitting a 12-year-old with rocks.

Justine wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Don't look so annoyed. At least you made progress. Honestly, I have never seen someone just decide to make themselves an ability. It really should be impossible."

"Yeah," Ember said, distracted. Getting the barrier skill to five percent not only showed progress but indicated that if she practiced her skills, she could help unlock them faster. Essentially, Keeper was allowing her to treat all her abilities as growth skills, which brought up the question, did that mean she could evolve all her abilities?

She was always under the impression that only certain abilities could be evolved, just like only certain abilities could grow like the elemental abilities. But Keeper was showing that at least in her case she could grow all her abilities. What's to say she couldn't evolve them as well? Perhaps she was being greedy but it would be foolish to at least not attempt it.

It also meant that she needed to spend more time studying and testing out the limits of Finder's Keeper. If evolving abilities were tied to Finder then there was a lot she didn't understand about her ability. There was also the possibility that all abilities could grow and that Finder's Keeper was revealing it to her. Though, that would be strange. If every ability was a growth ability wouldn't people have figured that out? Sure, there were a lot of things the world hadn't developed if her memories of living on Earth were anything to go by, but so many people spent their lives studying abilities. There was no way people wouldn't have figured it out.

Unless someone is purposely hiding that information. Ember frowned at the thought. She was being paranoid but perhaps she would look into it later.

For now, she would have to test her theory about all abilities being growth abilities but that would have to come later. If she split her attention too much then she wouldn't make progress in anything. Right now, she would focus on growing the abilities she currently had unlocked and unlocking her barrier. However, she would still see about talking with Knight Garrick about how he merged his abilities to form lightning. That was top on the list since she wasn't sure when she would have the opportunity to speak with someone who could.

"You really don't understand how crazy what you are doing is, do you? You're literally making your own abilities."

Ember blinked and then shook her head. "No. That's not what is happening at all." She looked over at Justine, realizing the woman was building some wrong ideas about her. "I already have the ability but they are locked. I'm trying to unlock them."

Justine frowned. "Wait. Is this tied to your curse?"

"Yes," Ember said and she realized that was actually the truth. It was more complicated than what she was implying but it was her curse of repeating her life that caused her abilities to be locked.

Justine sighed as she dropped her arm. "That's too bad. Here I was hoping you could help teach me how to unlock a few abilities."

Ember blinked and looked at Justine. She didn't seem too upset but there was definitely disappointment there. Unfortunately, this wasn't something she could help Justine with. The Hybrid experiments had failed to produce people who could use both race blessings and abilities and this was the first time she actually interacted with a hybrid so her information was limited to what she had scrapped up in her past life which wasn't much. After the hybrid experiments ended most of the knowledge around it had been destroyed or hidden away.

"Sorry," Ember said. "But if I come across anything that can help, I'll let you know."

Justine waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure I would've found something on my own if there was a way."

"Have you been searching for a way to gain an ability?" Ember asked curiously.

Justine grinned. "Not at all."

Ember rolled her eyes. "I'll keep a lookout."

Ember didn't expect much but if she could at least help Justine better use her abilities it would be a boon for them both. Though Justine's skills were already pretty damn good. Which reminded her that she had something she wanted Justine to do.

"So, I won't be able to leave the city for a while so I can't go with you to monster hunt but I can provide you locations." Ember glanced up at the woman. "But I would like you to stay here if possible."

Justine frowned. "You're asking a lot."

"I know I am but I'm not asking for you to do it for free."

Justine quirked an eyebrow before nodding. "What's the job?"

"You would be doing small missions for me. You can think of it as a trial run for what I mentioned before."

"What sort of missions?"

"Anything I might need that fits your skill set."

"That's pretty broad," Justine said, looking at her suspiciously before shrugging. "What's the pay?"

"Free room and board and two copper tons a month."

Justine scowled. "I'm worth at least a silver flat a month."

Ember didn't doubt that. The problem was that her funds were limited and she hadn't set up a way to get more income coming in. "Two copper tons and I'll extend our exclusive contract for a year."

"Make it three copper tons with the option to renegotiate in six months as well as the year exclusive."

"Deal," Ember said, holding back her wince. She knew that the amount Justine agreed to was more than fair. A logger made around 20 copper flats a month which would be 2 copper tons. The kind of job Ember was asking Justine to do should have cost in the silvers, so for her to do it for a little more than what a logger made was her being lenient on Ember.

It didn't change that it would cause a dip in her limited funds. She would have to figure out a way to bring in more money quickly. It was another problem she needed to solve. But the good thing was that it looked like Justine was planning to stick around for at least six months.

"So what do you want me to do?" Justine asked.

"Right now. I would like you to gather information about Lady Allyana. Her normal schedule around the temple, where she goes, and the people she spends time with."

"You want me to spy on a noble! Are you crazy?" Justine asked, staring at Ember like her head had morphed into some monstrosity.

"No, but I suspect she will be the next target of the kidnapper."

Justine frowned. "Oh. Why do you think that?"

"Don't you think it's strange that the kidnapper went after Lady Allyana's friend out of all the acolytes? I don't think that was an accident but more likely a test run. I doubt I'm the only one who thinks so. Count Uniar has been trying to keep Allyana in the temple until the kidnapper is found."

Justine looked surprised and then pensive. "If that's the case, then the Count already has it handled. Do you really need to get involved?"

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Yes," Ember said. "Just think of it as extra security."

Justine frowned. "I get that you're worried. Actually, I don't get it. It's not like she's a close friend. And this is pretty dangerous. If I'm found sneaking around it could cost me my head."

"Are you saying you won't do it?" Ember asked. She knew it was a big ask and if Justine refused to do it, she would simply have to figure out another way.

"I'll do it but I think I deserve a bonus."

"Fair. I'll give you two silver flats once the job is done."

Justine looked at her skeptically. "Do you even have that sort of money?"

Ember nodded. "I'll keep my promise."

Justine frowned but nodded. "Fine but don't expect me to risk my neck. I'm doing this as safely as I can."

Ember smiled. "That's fine. I prefer if you stay in one piece. Mostly, if you can keep an eye on where she's going and her normal schedule that will be enough."

"And when do you want me to report?"

"End of day but notify me immediately if she goes outside the temple."

"Will do."

Ember relaxed a little when that was settled.

"Oh, one more thing. I would like it if you provided my mother with combat training, nothing extreme but enough for her to be able to protect herself."

"I think that's even a bigger ask."

Ember glared at Justine.

Justine laughed. "Fine, but only because I like you."

"Thank you," Ember said, softly. She knew she was asking a lot. "Let me know the times you plan to train her. See if you can plan it around times when Lady Allyana isn't likely to leave the temple."

"I'll try but I can't guarantee she won't leave. People can be unpredictable."

Ember nodded. She was trying to have Justine do everything and that wasn't possible. She was only one person. "I know she works in the infirmary. I can go there and keep an eye on her at those times and you can use that period to train my mother.

"Overly complicated but I'll make it work."

"Thank you," Ember said, looking at Justine gratefully but she realized that she needed more allies, specifically competent people.

She took a breath. She was getting ahead of herself again. It was time to focus on her most pressing issues and the rest could come later. Still, she would have to see about finding a journal to keep track of what she needed.

After their discussion, the pair headed back to the temple, splitting up at the door. When Ember returned to her room, she found it occupied by her mother, a priest she never met before, and Acolyte Bridget.

Ember looked at Bridget in confusion before giving her mother a questioning look. Her mother smiled at Ember and gestured to the priest. "Ember, this is Priest Suant. He'll be taking a look at your curse."

"Sun's light to you, Maiden Ember," the priest said as he stood. He was a thin man with a warm smile. He looked to be a little older than her mother and had an inquisitive shine in his brown eyes.

"Sun's light to you, Priest Suant," Ember responded with a respectful nod. Unlike with nobles, people didn't bow to priests. While some nobles became priests, once they took the vows of priesthood their titles were discarded. The exception to that were acolytes, since they were in training and could walk away if they wished, they still maintained their titles. It was why everyone still called Allyana, Lady Allyana instead of Acolyte Allyana. As a precaution, Lady Allyana would probably stay an acolyte until her older brother took on the position of Count.

"I heard you already met my assistant, Acolyte Bridget."

Ember nodded.

"Wonderful, shall we head to the research facility?" The priest said before turning to head to the door.

The four of them followed. For a moment, Ember was surprised to see her mother join them but realized this was another situation where as a child her parent needed to attend. When they stepped into the research facility, Ember noticed another familiar face. Acolyte Allen was there talking with another priest. This priest was a short, plump woman with a messy bun on top of her head. As soon as she spotted Ember she rushed over excitedly.

"Maiden Ember?" Then she was leaning forward, staring into her eye. "Extraordinary. I've never seen an Akashic symbol so well crafted."

Ember took a step back and the woman took a step forward. Ember leaned back and before the woman could lean forward, Priest Saunt's hand clamped down on her shoulder.

"Priest Krindle, why don't you introduce yourself to Maiden Ember and explain what we do here."

Priest Krindle bounced in place. "Yes, yes. As Priest Saunt has stated, I'm Priest Krindle and I'm the Director of the Hekral Temple Research Facility and Head Priest of Akashic Symbols. Priest Saunt is Head Priest of Curse and Blessing Studies. Acolyte Bridget is Priest Saunt's assistant. My assistant is out ill and so Acolyte Allen has volunteered to help out."

Allen gave her a cheerful wave and Ember noticed Bridget had already moved to his side. Ember looked at Priest Krindle curiously. "What exactly will I need to do?"

"Mostly you'll be sitting here," Priest Krindle said as she guided Ember to a chair. "I'll be asking you questions and observing the symbol in your eye. If needed, I'll have you interact with some symbols. Nothing too intrusive to start with."

"To start?" Ember asked.

"We might try an extraction but that's a last resort," Priest Krindle said happily.

"That is very unlikely," Priest Saunt said.

Priest Krindle huffed.

"Extractions are only attempted if the symbol is life-threatening to the user or those around them," Priest Saunt explained.

Ember nodded numbly. She didn't like the sound of that. "I don't think that'll be necessary. I haven't had any bad effects caused by the curse."

"That you know of," Priest Krindle said and gestured for Ember to take a seat before hurrying off to grab a huge tome and setting it down in front of Ember.

Immediately, Ember felt warmth spread through her body. It wasn't unlike the feeling she had during the Choosing. She could feel more of the warmth travel to her right eye and settle but even stranger, she felt an even larger warmth travel to her stomach and settled there.

"Fascinating," Priest Krindle said.

"Huh?"

"Oh, sorry. I was looking at the flow of your magic."

Ember looked at the priest in surprise. "You can see that?"

Priest Krindle nodded her head. "One of my abilities is translator. It allows me to translate any language, that includes Akashic symbols though it is a lot more difficult than translating a mundane language. I mean the first time I tried I was bleeding out of every orifice in my body."

Priest Krindle chuckled as if she was recalling a fond memory.

Ember cringed. "But what does that have to do with seeing the flow of my magic?"

"Ah, yes. An Akashic symbol cannot be written without magic. It is the ink that the symbols are written in. Now, I can't just go about seeing everyone's magic unless the Akashic symbol is active and so I used a trigger." She gestured to the tome. "But even that wouldn't be enough, because I would need to see it, and while I can certainly see the symbol in your eye, I can't see your soul. At least not with the naked eye. And that's where my second ability comes into place" she said proudly.

"And what is that?" Ember's mother asked.

Priest Krindle turned to Ember's mother with a wide grin. "I'm glad you asked! That would be Cleansing. Isn't that wonderful? Cleansing is a blessing that is common among the Order. Cleansing helps to rid people of corruption and taint. The neglected cousin to healing. But while Healing cures the body, Cleansing cures the soul. Cleansing combined with my translator blessing allows me to see the lines of magic within a person when an akashic symbol activates with their magic."

Ember had to admit that it was a clever use of the two abilities. She had never heard of anything like it.

"It is quite helpful," Priest Saunt added. "Especially when looking at curses."

Prist Krindle nodded. "Exactly, and your Akashic symbol just lit up everywhere! It really shows just how deeply rooted your curse is. I've never seen anything like it. A truly unique case."

Ember's mother paled but for Ember, this was only confirmation.

"Does this mean there is no cure for her?" her mother asked.

"Oh." Priest Krindle's excitement dimmed and she looked in alarm at Priest Saunt.

"We shouldn't jump to conclusions. Just because a situation is unique it doesn't mean there isn't a solution," Priest Saunt said.

His words soothed her mother though Ember could tell she was still anxious. Ember knew that the curse couldn't be lifted but she didn't want to scare her mother. She would have to explain to her about her curse when they returned to her room. Hopefully, some carefully chosen words would ease her worries.

"Now, Maiden Ember," Priest Krindle said, recovering. "Do you happen to have another symbol? Perhaps on your stomach?"

Ember stared at her in confusion. "No. Just the eye."

"That's strange. I saw a great deal of your magic circulate in your stomach." She looked thoughtful.

"Perhaps we should check. Acolyte Bridget, can you please guide Maiden Ember to the changing room."

"What?" Ember asked, startled.

Bridget grabbed her arm. "Come along."

"Don't worry," Priest Krindle said. "This is perfectly normal."

Ember sighed as she let Bridget guide her to a changing room. The girl smirked, obviously enjoying her discomfort, only pausing to glance at someone behind them. Ember turned to see she was waving at Allen. Bridget definitely had a crush on him. She glanced back at Allen to see him watching them but instead of the usual goofy smile, he stared at them with an intense glint in his eyes.

"Aren't you a bit young to be interested in boys," Bridget hissed as she guided Ember into the changing room.

"What?" Ember asked, startled by the sudden topic.

"I saw you staring at Allen," Bridget said. "You're too young for him. Don't bother."

Ember had to stop herself from groaning. Really? She was jealous of her, a 12-year-old. Bridget glared at her before abruptly pulling her arms up.

"Now, get undressed."

Ember could already tell her curse study session was going to be a pain.