I’ve conjured a Nissen hut over Maria’s car to secure us against observation from the air. That may trigger an investigation for construction without a permit and raise questions about the squatter’s taste in terms of colour, but such investigations rarely merit a reaction during the same day, least of all in the aftermath of a monster apocalypse. A few conjured luxury camping chairs increase the strange sense of vacation. The children have gotten enough sleep, but for now they are occupied with watching the lizards warming up in the morning sun.

  Zora is absolutely exhausted from using a new ability for hours. I doubt a baseline human would have had enough mana to endure this without a full set of essences. With Maria practising her finger picking on her guitar with a battery powered amplifier and headphones and our new companion Lidija having finally fallen asleep, I can dedicate time to meditation.

  --

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  My first attribute has reached iron 1.

  The last few days have at least advanced some abilities, but I have to face reality, they do not fit together organically and I will have to devise a training strategy.

  To my surprise Maria comes to talk to me.

  M: What has happened to us?

  P: I have no idea.

  M: Is it permanent?

  P: Probably. Could it be reversible? Possibly, but I have no idea. You cannot predict the zones.

  M: You mean, if one were transformed twice, the effect might reverse?

  P: Possibly, why do you think I know?

  M: Because you are a wizard.

  P: I am a practical wizard. I have no idea of the science behind it.

  M: Then what use are you?

  P: Use? Do people always have to be useful? But if you ask that way, I will try to keep you safe and fed.

  M: Sorry.

  No. I will not hold that against her. Ordinary people in her situation have every right to freak out and lash out, if it helps them.

  M: I kind of feel outcast.

  P: Because you look different? You look like a character out of a SciFi show. Do you really want to tell me that being exotic cannot be to one’s benefit?

  M: I never wanted such benefits.

  P: You will have to play the hand you are dealt. And in our case, the dealer has reshuffeled the cards.

  She starts pacing under the awning of the hut.

  M: What were your long term plans?

  P: Originally I was heading to Turkey to find employment hunting monsters.

  M: Did you like the war that much?

  P: No, but too many things wizards need are made from monsters and I could not search the internet for jobs for wizards. I am an idiot …

  Dear reader. If you ever get transformed into an arthropod and feel like smacking your head in recognition of your stupidity, make sure you do not get your antenna stuck between your hands and the bony ridges protecting your additional eyes. It hurts. A lot.

  M: I like to hear that. It makes me feel better. But could you give me details?

  P: I cannot search the internet, because people were looking for me. But if somebody recently transformed were to start asking questions on fora, who would be surprised?