Lin says "Oh? What is it? Should I go change first?"

"No, not yet. I want your help breaking down the detection spell. We have two goals with it. One, to make it affect a large area and keep them from shapeshifting for longer. Two, to make my shapeshifting and your disguise immune to the spell."

Lin says "The detection spell shouldn't be hard to modify, it is well built and has obviously been refined a lot. The disguise you will have to figure out, I don't know anything about the enchantments on my choker. The hardest part is going to be the shapeshifting. No offense, but it is a pretty shoddy spell."

"That's true. It was a crappy spell that I found and modified to do what I needed at the time. It might be best to scrap it and recreate it from scratch."

Lin says "That would probably be best, but that will take some time. What do you say we leave it for tomorrow? We did have a fairly busy day."

"Fair enough. I guess there is no rush."

Lin says "Great! I'm going to get changed, be right back!"

As promised, when Lin comes back she is dressed as a sexy teacher and I forget all about modifying spells. Hours later, after Lin falls asleep, I enter into meditation and start working on my core. Lately I have been sleeping too much and putting off getting stronger.

During the day there is always something going on to distract me from working on things. However, I don't want to give up on most of the things that have been distracting me. So, the best alternative I can think of is to give up some sleep instead.

Between the meditation and my physical stats, I figure I should be fine if I only sleep every third day. I might feel a little tired from time to time, but that isn't really a big deal. Besides, I'm really curious what will happen once I rank up enough and I don't want to wait anymore.

Core Upgrade Progress: 30%

It seems that I have already done all the simple, quick core upgrades and will have to work harder now. That's alright, as long as I am getting stronger then it will be worth it. It will probably be a long time before I can evolve again, so this is my only way to get stronger.

While I could make myself some artifacts, like the choker, that isn't real strength. Depending on equipment never works out well in the end, although that doesn't apply to Lin. She isn't actively using the items I made for her, they are more like contingencies.

Whatever the case, I don't think I could stand to not have her protected. Even now, with all the items protecting her, I can't stop worrying about her. I really shouldn't considering what I saw earlier, but I just can't help myself.

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She is protected enough now that I only worry a little, I don't feel the urge to make more items. Honestly, as long as she doesn't run out of mana she can protect herself just fine. However, I can't stop worrying because of the crazy situations that I normally end up in.

Core Upgrade Progress: 77%

My progress and random thoughts are interrupted when someone knocks on the door. A glance outside shows the sky is just barely starting to light up and Lin is fast asleep. So I get up to answer the door and find Almort waiting on the other side.

"What are you doing here? It is way too early for politics!"

Almort says "Sorry if I woke you, but I am just following orders."

"It's alright, but keep your voice down, Lin is still asleep. Now, what do you want?"

Almort says "The council has decided that their best bet is going to be honest with the people. Meaning they want to announce who you are and that you are the one that saved the city."

"Does that include what I am?"

Almort says "No. That will be kept quiet. As far as anyone else is concerned, you are human."

"What's the point of all this?"

Almort says "The size of the attack and the fact that a demon was spotted has left people nervous. Telling the truth about you will reassure them and distract them. Besides, this way the council and the ambassador can openly reward you."

"Alright, I suppose I can agree, but this could have waited a few hours."

Almort says "Not really. The longer an announcement is delayed the more people will think we are covering something up. The council wants to announce things this morning, but didn't want to without your permission."

"I'm guessing they want me to do something?"

Almort says "Yes, they want you to come to the association an hour before noon. However, they want you to look more like a mage if possible. Right now you don't exactly look like someone who can cast a spell that can destroy a city."

"It's a hassle, but I guess I can do that."

Almort says "On the plus side, the association has suites for royal guests and you will be able to use one for the rest of your stay."

"Okay. Anything else?"

Almort says "No, that's it for now. Anything else will be discussed with the council once you reach the association."

After closing the door I return to meditating on the bed, Lin would not appreciate being woken up this early. Besides, I want to try and reach my next rank up before I have to deal with the day. I am not looking forward to having to deal with the council and their politics.

So, for now I just focus on working on my core and let Lin get some more sleep. When she wakes up I will ask her to make me some robes or something. That is about the extent that I am willing to play dress up for the association.

Although, with how I have been asking her to dress up for me, Lin might have other ideas. If she does, then I will go along with whatever she wants, it's only fair. That is as long as she doesn't try to put me in pink, or a pointy hat.

Core Upgrade Progress: 98%

Unfortunately, I run out of time and have to end my meditation before ranking up. On the plus side, I get to enjoy waking Lin up and then we have breakfast together. Once we are done eating I ask her to make me something to make me look like a mage.

Lin says "Are we talking about a full outfit, or just robes to go over normal clothes?"

"Just a robe should be fine. It doesn't need to be anything too fancy."

Lin says "Aw, that's no fun! If I finally get to dress you up, then I want to do it properly."

"If you really want to, but we do have a time limit."

Lin says "Yay! I better get to work!"