The Pillar of Enera

[Chapter 34 part 2] Dawn – Kain’s Curse

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“On that note… I can’t believe I must do this, but it’s been twice now…” Astra looked them over. “No more stalking assassins. Am I clear?”

They nodded.

“While you’re safe from the Laughing Man and the assassins soon won’t be a threat with your rising fame, this conflict has other actors. Whoever committed the massacre at the pillar’s base is more than capable of finishing you off.”

“With that you’re free to go…”

Departing, Dawn heard Rose ask what they were doing about the arm. Nope, not staying for that. Politics didn’t capture her interest. Besides, I’ve got plans.

She descended to the Obsidian Cavern in a stellar mood. On a personal level, all aspects of her life were aligning properly.

The world was recognizing her brilliance. She’d hear strangers discussing her domineering wins at the coliseum. Wandering the Guild asking about Emerit also drew curiosity. This attention was paying dividends. Dawn tracked her strength closely, so she’d noticed the improvement. It was minor, but the fact it’d keep increasing filled her with glee. We’ve only became well-known in the last two days.

Dawn kept this from the others. She’d already paraded her superiority sufficiently recently, and there was no point in further damaging their self-esteem. They really are unfortunate, destined to linger in my shadow.

Dawn arrived on the Inner Palace’s highest balcony and spread her wings. I’m an exceptional existence. Soon she was soaring through empty streets, contemplating the gloriousness of life. Mastering flying only took a week.

Her jubilant disposition had much to do with yesterday. Under the pressure of a worthy foe, she’d experience a breakthrough in her martial arts. I finally mastered ‘Blood of Frost’. The skill was a core body hardening technique in Astra’s ‘winter embrace’. The spike in power permitted her to cruise to five crushing victories. That was bliss.

She did feel sympathy for her hapless opponent. Emelia was quite skilled, and Dawn could tell the losses had battered her psyche. It was unavoidable. The girl had been under the delusion she was better. That fantasy had to be squashed.

This was perfect timing as I’ll be moving up a bracket. Evening matches began at six and were the Stone Coliseum’s biggest draw, reliably selling out. I love Lily’s skybox. From what she’d seen yesterday, Dawn’s blood was boiling.

Dropping at the foot of the tallest building. Dawn noted she’d gained a few pounds. Magic generated density. At higher levels, hardening had this side affect. My figure remains flawless.

Dawn crouched, channeling torrents into her legs. Under her feet, ice spread out. This was her version of platforming, a class of martial arts techniques designed to boost mobility. She’d reached the point where even rock would buckle under her full force. Same as an ordinary person jumping on sand.

Dawn leapt, and the stone structure rushed by. Thirteen stories. Despite her extra weigh, she’d traveled higher. Martial arts were a balance between increasing raw power and hardening the body to withstand it. ‘Blood of Frost’ allowed her to steel herself far more efficiently, freeing energy to supercharge her muscles.

Standing horizontally on a patch of ice, she smiled. It’ wonderful to be this far up with no fear. Jumping higher altered her concept of space, recalibrating her phobia. However, that’s not the only reason. The completed version of ‘Blood of Frost’ imparted an insane resistance to damage. Testing this durability, she’d hopped off this building, enclosing herself in an egg of ice. After smashing to the ground, she’d walked out unscathed.

Her other endeavors were progressing just as swimmingly. She’d adopted Lily’s fast casting spells in her matches and would soon supplement them with the wind and earth spells Emelia was teaching Light. Without her vastly superior ice, she had to milk every bit of potential she could. I can’t wait for the shock once my true affinity is revealed.

Her transformation into a kunoichi was also proceeding apace. She’d finished Tales of the Shinobi and could fluidly travel surfaces. Wall-running, check. Double jumps were next.

After dabbling with hand signals, Dawn saw much potential in the magecraft. Perfect execution of its advanced spells rivaled medium-sized magic circles, but were faster to cast. Although you must be a ‘ninja’ to use them…

Dawn didn’t know how long she’d remain a Kunoichi. There are other attractive specializations. For now, She was delaying a decision until she’d obtained her substitution technique. I’ll have one, I swear.

She dropped down while Manifesting wings. Enough procrastinating, I must change. Her appearance as a white ninja was too well-known, and she couldn’t afford to be recognized for what she was about to do. After donning nondescript clothing, she made her way up to city.

This trip’s focus was Emerit Blaze. Enacting divine retribution, Dawn smirked. It’d taken hours, but she’d tracked down a retired colleague who’d provided information she could use. After some brooding, she’d visited the Guild and commissioned a quest. The receptionist had been surprised but had processed the request. The Guild takes confidentially seriously, so there shouldn’t be any leaks. It’d cost her share of the reward from the Field of Graves, but it’d be worth it. All that remains is arranging the delivery.

Dawn stopped and studied the glass bridge to the Isle’s dockside. Technically, she could avoid this hurdle, but she refused to consider the option. If I can’t cross this, I’ll definitely fail the next part. Today she would overcome her fears. With that thought, she strode out.

Endure, Dawn corrected. Today was the day she’d learn to endure her fears. Glass bridges remain the stupidest invention ever conceived. Those who cross them are idiots. Myself included.

After denigrating her intelligence for thirty seconds, she made it across. That went… relatively well. Perhaps she might yet succeed. It’ll be unpleasant either way.

Dawn made her way to the Wall of Legends, easily navigating the wide pathways. Stone feel so safe compared to glass. Distancing herself from the crowd, Dawn found an untrafficked spot and carefully scanned the sky. He’ll be there. The HEAVENLY DAO would move him if it had to. Because it wants to see me jump off. Given how often she’d been horrified lately, she was sure the perverse god got a kick from watching her suffer.

There he is. Dawn’s heart sank as she spotted what she was looking for. Now she would jump off, form wings away from prying eyes, and fly up to meet Siegfried. Simple.

Dawn had settled on this brain-dead plan for two reason. First, tumbling into a bottomless void was an unavoidable certainty in her future. It’d happen now or later when Astra tosses me off the Isle. She preferred the former option. Terror is easier to manage when you know you can’t die. Her other rationale was revenge. What she’d experienced on the airship… Emerit would experience it too. The burning resentment in her soul demanded it.

She stepped off and promptly regretted it. This was a miserable idea. Mesmerized in horror, she watched the clouds race towards her. Wait! Wings, Wings, WINGS! Hours of training kicked in, and she sprouted feathered limbs. Extend them! She spread her wings and entered an unstable glide. This accomplished, she froze completely.

While drifting downward in paralyzing dread, Dawn had an epiphany. All my terrifying experiences, this horrible place… It’s all the HEAVENLY DAO’s fault. She focused her entire being on cussing its wretched existence. The profanities soothed her mind, and her flight stabilized. She rose up through the air.

Dawn landed on Siegfried’s platform and collapsed on her back, breathing heavily. “You just spent the last two minutes violently cursing the god you intend to ask a favor of.” Siegfried offered with a smile.

Dawn said nothing. He deserved every bit of it.

Siegfried’s grin widened. “You haven’t overcome your fears at all, have you?”

“I can manage them, and that’s what matters.” She stated tersely.

Dawn took another minute before standing and facing the agent of that rotten god, “You know what I came for. I’ve a package arriving soon. I need it moved.”

“While I commend your audacity.” Siegfried spoke seriously. “Lily is an immortal, a legendary hero, and the regent of the Isle. You are a fifteen year old girl. Surely you realize the difference…” Siegfried trailed off.

Yes, I’m far more amazing. The immortal appeared struck speechless by her truth.

Finally recovering, he peered deeply at her, “You ARE aware that you have an ego problem?”

That’s right he can read minds through the HEAVENLY DAO, Dawn realized. There’s no point in putting on an act.

“That’s a matter of opinion. What’s wrong with believe you’re the best when you are, in fact, the best?” Offering her honest unfiltered opinion felt liberating.

“Oh, I definitely believe you’re something special alright.” Siegfried smirked. Dawn overlooked the hint of mockery. Even a supreme immortal like Siegfried has his flaws. This thought caused Siegfried to break into a fit of laughter.

“Stop, wait.” He said, getting himself under control. “Phew, reading you makes it difficult to act dignified. This is rough…”

Really? I find it refreshing. Since Siegfried was invading her thoughts, he’d no right to be upset at what he found there. It was wonderful not needing to sugarcoat reality.

“Anyway, as splendid as I am, could we get back to the point of my visit?”

“Done.” Siegfried declared.

“What?” Dawn was suspicious at this sudden turn.

“When it arrives, the content of your package will be delivered.”

“That easily? Really?” Dawn had anticipated more of a struggle.

“Granting this boon won’t effect anything of import in the grand scheme of things. Besides, the HEAVENLY DAO believes in rewarding good entertainment.”

Were my recent victories engaging enough to warrant such recognition? This puzzled Dawn.

“It’s your entire existence that’s amusing.” Siegfried clarified. If that means I’m amazing, then I accept. It should be expected that a deity would be qualified to recognize her value.

“Oh, one warning.” Siegfried added. “The HEAVENLY DAO considers this a private matter. If you mention it to anyone, something hilariously awful will happen to you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks very much to the both of you.” Dawn bowed deeply.

She pivoted around, and her mood instantly darkened. You don’t supposed the HEAVENLY DAO could teleport me directly out of——

“Nope.” Siegfried said happily.

Figures. Dawn resigned herself for another ordeal. The HEAVENLY DAO still sucks.