The Pillar of Enera

[Chapter 32 part 2] Light – Vanessa Goldstone

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Reaching the Rose Palace, Light leapt to the rooftops. Less chance of meeting Sarah and the phoenixes don’t seem to mind. He dropped onto the South Wing terrace and went inside. The room where they’d first met was what Lily considered her conference room. He found the small immortal perusing an enlarged news article.

“That’s Vanessa Goldstone.” Lily pointed to a picture in the text. A beautiful, black skinned girl of around twenty was making a victory sign. Below, the caption read ‘Vanessa solos Angrim Dungeon’.

“That’s impressive, but what’s the emergency?” Light asked.

Frowning, Lily shut off the projector, “Vanessa is the emergency. She’ll be warping here in fifteen minutes.”

Light stayed silent, waiting for something that made sense. Lily sighed, “Remember how the Barsal Empire was sending someone to train you?”

“Yes,” Light had a sinking feeling. Don’t tell me…

“That’s who they’re sending.” Lily confirmed.

“She clearly seems competent.” Light said carefully. “But isn’t she a little young?”

“Not only young, she’s a celebrity. A genius martial artists from one of Barsal’s most prominent families. While she no doubt has the skill required… This isn’t an accident. You know how your original is worshiped over there…”

“You’re not saying——”

“That she heard there was a clone of Barsal Farran, close to her age, and insisted on coming? Yes, that’s definitively what happened.” Lily assured him. Damn it!

“Anyway, she’ll be your responsibility and what you do with her is your business. Just remember she’s basically a princess. Keep her happy and don’t offend her. Now let’s greet her in the courtyard.”

Light followed, his mind in turmoil. While flattered, he already had a crush. I also don’t like that it’s because I’m someone’s double. On the other hand, Vanessa wasn’t his sister, so perhaps this offered an opportunity. But even then, dating a princess would be troublesome in its own right.

“Wait,” Light stopped. “Isn’t Vanessa’s fame a problem? What if people recognize her?”

Lily looked back, “Yes, it’d be hard to explain, so Vanessa was required to disguise herself. The Isle is getting another ninja.”

Light couldn’t get excited over this. I hope she doesn’t ruin tonight. When the others had visited, they’d made clear that tracking the assassins would be a joint venture. Rose had a plan in which he’d play a central role, and they were determine to act as soon as he recovered. They’re worried I might go off on my own again.

It’s a needless concern. Experiencing the final moments of that nameless assassin had calmed him. While those after Hope had to be stopped, he’d deal with them rationally.

As they passed flaming walls, a warping sphere dropped down, revealing a female ninja in a golden outfit toting a large pack. She had a light tan and blond hair. At least it won’t be easy to recognized her.

“She’s early.” Lily mumbled with irritation.

The golden Kunoichi saw them and waved, “Hi Lily, what’d you think of my getup?”

“It’s a great, Vanessa.” Lily answered in monotone. “Could you come this way?” With a leap, the newcomer joined them. “Please place a drop of blood in the brazier.” Vanessa summoned a knife and did as instructed.

“Perfect.” Lily nodded. “Vanessa Goldstone, meet Light Skyfell. I’ll leave you two to get acquainted. Fayla will show you to your room when you’re ready.” She then departed.

“That was abrupt…” Light said.

“Don’t mind her.” Vanessa laughed. “I got a little intoxicated last time and caused a diplomatic incident. She’s probably still bitter over it.”

They looked each other over. “So, what should I call you?” Light asked.

“Didn’t you hear?” Vanessa tilted her head. “I’m Vanessa Goldstone.”

“No, that’s not it. Won’t people know if we use your real name?”

Vanessa slapped her forehead, “I got so caught up in my disguise I didn’t even consider this. Give me a second… How about Emelia?”

“Emelia sounds good.” Light nodded relieved. “Shall I show you the Inner Palace?”

“No, later.” Emelia approached the flaming wall, testing it with a finger. “If I leave my backpack inside, it’ll be fine, right?”

“Probably.” Light answered watching Emelia step through and return.

“So where are we headed first?” She asked with a smile.

Is she expecting a tour? “I only arrived six days ago…” He said apologetically.

Emelia wasn’t bothered, “What parts haven’t you visited yet?”

Light considered, “The Tomb of Legends and Monument Park?” The others had thoroughly described the Shrines of the Lost and Calin’s Keep.

“Perfect, Monument Park it is.” Emelia decided. “Please lead the way.”

What am I doing? Light wondered as they traveled runways. Is this some kind of date? What about my martial arts? He felt lost.

In a few minutes they stood in a wide green space filled with the statues he didn’t recognize. Wise would be useful. The zigzagging paths were packed with visitors.

Emelia happily wandered this crowd, seeming to relish the walk rather than the artwork. This doesn’t seem like a date… She was practically ignoring him.

“What exactly are we doing?” He finally asked.

“Ah, right.” Emelia remembered his existence. “Sorry for dragging you into this. I just wanted to go somewhere public and enjoy being incognito for a bit.”

“Incognito?”

“It means anonymous.” Emelia said, gesturing around. “Look around, no one knows who I am! It’s great!”

I see. Light relaxed a bit, “You’re appreciating not being famous.”

“Exactly!” Emelia agreed. “It’s been years since I’ve been anywhere without someone pointing. I’m invisible.”

“Is this why you came to the Isle?”

“Not exactly.” Emelia paused, giving him a sidelong glance. “I came because of you. Meeting Barsal’s clone sounded exciting.” So Lily was right after all.

“My family was against it, concerned I’d cause trouble.” Emelia continued. “To dissuade me, they told me I’d have to conceal my identity. As you can tell, it had the opposite effect. There was no stopping me at that point.”

Emelia raised her hand to the sky, examining it. “As part of the Goldstone family, I’m basically an unofficial ambassador. As such, I never alter my skin tone when traveling. This is my first time. It’s so refreshing to escape the Goldstone name, even for just a while.”

As someone who had spent his life as a nobody, Light struggled to empathize. However, he clearly saw the experience meant something to Emelia. She eventually stopped before the statue of a large man.

“Handam Xolran, the ruler of Banzerkest.” Emelia stated.

Light recognized the name. There was no way he wouldn’t. The strongest immortal. No wonder he had a sculpture here.

“Narcissism incarnate.” Emelia continued, staring coldly.

What? Light felt the comment unfair, “Isn’t it normal to be arrogant when you’re unrivaled?”

Emelia’s glacial gaze swung towards him, sending a chill down his spine. Before he could panic, her expression eased, “That’s right. You’ve lived in the arctic. I shouldn’t judge you on what you don’t know…”

“What’s that?” Light felt this critically important.

Emelia turned back to the stone figure, “Both the Barsal Empire and Banzerkest are similar in that they’re nations whose founders have outsized influence. Other than that, they couldn’t be further apart. On the opposite side of Enera, Banzerkest is a truly backward place. It’s the last major nation still engaged in slavery. Have you seen grey skinned people around?”

“Yes,” Light had noticed but hadn’t thought much of it. They were nothing special among other eccentricities.

“They’re former slaves.” Emelia said. “Banzerkans cast a vile magic on those they subjugate, marking their skin. The curse is hereditary, passing from one generation to the next. After millennia of bondage, most don’t even know what their natural tone would be.”

“Is there no way help those who escaped?” Light asked.

“It’s difficult, but possible. However, many choose not to. They stay grey in protest, to remind everyone about the wrongs committed far away.”

“Why hasn’t anything been done about it?” It’s strange such well-known injustice has persisted so long.

“Because Banzerkest is a military powerhouse. Apart from the Black Citadel, it was the place least affected by the Dark Age, barely participating in the war. While everyone else suffered heavy losses, all their Saints and Immortals survived.”

“Then there is Handam Xolran. He’s a monster. When Sola invaded the Cultivating Realm, he kept the avatar of Hate in check by himself for a week. No one wants to face him, especially on home turf.”

“Due to this potential cost, the Northern Emperor refuses to consider action. As long as Handam abides his word not to enslave outsiders, he’s happy to leave the situation alone. Forming a coalition to confront Banzerkest has proved fruitless.”

Watching the animosity in her eyes, Light felt there was more there, “While slavery is awful, why do I suspect your hatred is somehow personal?”

“Because it is.” Emelia admitted. “I recently met a prince from Banzerkest. He was skilled and kinda hot, so I approached him. I mean, just because a nation does something horrific doesn’t mean its citizens are automatically evil, right? Or at least that’s what I though. I didn’t understand at the time how twisted that place is.”

She shook her head, “Banzerkans believe their ruler is literal perfection, a worship reaching warped proportions. Since Handam is brown skinned, anyone lighter or darker is considered imperfect and inferior. Needless to say, my interactions with that racist prick didn’t go well. I’m still fuming.”

Emelia turned with a smile, “Thanks for listening patiently. Ranting is always therapeutic. Now, why don’t we move along to somewhere more pleasant?”

The rest of their stroll went smoothly. Rounding Monument Park, Emelia offered tidbits on the figures they saw, proving she knew a fair bit. Now this is more like a date. As they returned the guild, Light felt compelled to ask again, “Did you really travel here because of me?”

“If I must have another reason, I do have one.” Emelia said pensively. “The truth is I’ve been taking a break from adventuring lately. This has left me bored stiff. So when an intriguing opportunity appeared, I jumped on it.”

“Why the break?” Light asked. I doubt it’s the same reason as Emerit.

Emelia gave him sad smile, as if explaining the obvious. “Adventurers who reach A rank before 20 often take breaks. No one wants to immortalize too young. My goal is at least twenty five. Around twenty six or seven would be good.”

“Aren’t there methods to age yourself?” Light asked.

“I’d rather do it naturally.” Emelia said. “Although I must say boredom has made me reconsider lately.”

Emelia sounds like she has absolute confidence in her future. It reminded him of someone, “You’ve no doubts about your prospects?”

“None. I’m amazing.” Emelia cheerfully professed. She’s a more honest and open version of Dawn.

Light smirked at the audacity, “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you come off as a little arrogant.”

Emelia laughed. “None taken. I’m the most arrogant person you’ll meet.”

At this, Light’s grin widened, “Actually, I already know someone with a bigger ego than yours.”

“Oh really,” Emelia eyed him doubtfully. “I don’t believe it.”

Light knew he was setting up a monumental clash of titans. At least one pride would be shattered in the aftermath. He justified it with the thought, it was bound to happen anyway.

“Do you think you’d ever lose to fifteen year old?”

“Never.” Emelia declared.

This will be fun.