The Pillar of Enera

[Chapter 37] Wise – Starfire

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I’ll win this, Wise decided. At the beginning, he hadn’t been confident. His opponent was Riley Wardoff, a nineteen year old who wielded a pair of gauntlets, amplifiers for ‘granite’. When their match had begun, she’d leaped into the air and hadn’t touched the ground since. From her aerial perch, she’d pummeled him with projectiles, none of which had hit. Sadly, Riley had avoided him just as effectively.

The issue wasn’t her elevation. Radin had taught him to manipulate his weight. I might soon out jump Dawn. Regrettably, he couldn’t change trajectory mid flight. Meanwhile, Riley’s gloves had a range of thirty feet, letting her glide freely above her summoned rocks.

While he floundered, Riley had gone through a whole spectrum of attacks. First she’d summoned medium-sized blocks, flinging them downward. Next she’d materialized large slabs at a distance, right over his head. Finally, she’d resorted to her current troublesome strategy.

Dozens of pebbles were circling her then shooting forwards at frightening speeds. Leveraging telekinesis’s strength at close range, the orbiting method produced the fastest velocities. Riley had boosted this further by shrinking her stones. She correctly judged only attacks too fast to dodge would work. He’d been forced to deploy his staff.

Radin believed in mastering the fundamentals. He’d begun by polishing everything Wise knew. With a drastic rise in potency, his weapon was now coated in a three inch negation aura and could penetrate most protections, including the hardening from martial arts. Unless faced with a ridiculous defense, a single strike was all he needed.

Alas, that was proving elusive. His opponent knew how to pace herself, and he’d begun fearing they were destined for a draw. Then, seconds ago, he’d seen the path.

Wise made his way under Riley while striking the granite she was using to levitate. The earth mage responded by raining down an avalanche. He weaved and parried through these projectiles. It’s working. Riley was rising.

Once she was fifty feet up, Wise sprang. Riley reacted instantly, forming a large boulder to escape sideways. No sooner had it appeared that it collided with Wise’s thrown staff. With her means of motion vanished, she watched in shock as her ankle was grabbed.

With a burst of necromancy, he quadrupled her weight. It’ll last five seconds, which is enough. He pulled her close and leap upwards.

It’s over. Plummeting, Riley flipped and readied both gauntlets. Once near the ground, she struggled to halt her momentum and managed a rough landing. Unfortunately, Wise was already standing next to her, staff in hand. He’d jumped off the force field dome, caught his weapon, and touched down at the same time. Still weighed down, there was nothing Riley could do. Wise prepared his winning strike.

“I concede.” Riley resigned.

Cheering exploded, and a booming voice rang out.

“WE HAVE A WINNER. THE WISE NINJA PREVAILS AGAIN. RILEY WASN’T ABLE TO WARD HIM OFF!”

For some lamentable reason, this announcer had a fondness for bad puns. Wardoff is a tragic last name for someone who fights at a distance.

“I had a draw in the bag.” Riley lamented as they exited. “Then you positioned yourself underneath me and presented such a juicy target. I got greedy. What a mistake…”

Not holding a grudge, Riley was friendly and open. The two chatted a bit before Wise descended to the Obsidian Cavern. It’s the faster route with my leaping ability. More inconspicuous too. Rumors were swirling over Cedric’s banishment, and he preferred avoiding attention.

Wise dropped to the Empty City. He’d traveled alone as he’d had the earliest match. Riley was the underdog and I the favorite. The rest had stayed behind to plot tomorrow’s outing to the city.

Simon Black had been assigned to them while Lily and Astra appeared before the World Council. With such a reliable bodyguard, Emelia had suggested surprising Hope with a trip to the Hollow. It’d be a waste not to. The others were currently brainstorming the details. Well, not everyone.

Free was resting, sick as a dog. After some initial confusion, they’d pieced together what’d happened. John Lavinda had briefly left their sister unattended in a room full of deadly diseases. No one blamed him. He’s only known her a week.

Their concern had melted away. John could easily cure Free if they brought her to him, but Astra had vetoed the idea, declaring ‘stupidity must be punished’. He agreed. Besides, she’d be upset if we healed her. He’d check on her later since his schedule was open. My lessons are always early.

Each morning, Wise journeyed to the foreboding underground office. If they required more space, Radin would transport them to the Inner Palace’s coliseum through a whirlwind of darkness. These trips were more than ordinary necromantic teleportation. ‘All-Knowing Grasp’ revealed their true nature was an ability dating back to when powerful figures jumped at every shadow fearing Xarst’s high auditor. This paranoia had coalesced into a Sublime Vagary, ‘Out of Nowhere’. His other one is even scarier.

His relationship with his mentor was complicated. He suspected a good heart lay somewhere within the withered exterior, but he’d yet to witness concrete proof. His lessons were strict, efficient, and oppressive. Harsh criticism followed every error, and correct answers earned muted acknowledgment. Despite their time together, Wise couldn’t say he knew the man.

Radin had a way of being dismissive even when offering aid. After their werewolf confrontation, Wise had strategized for his next encounter, convinced canceling held much potential. Once their transformation complete, the beasts were basically part fire elemental. If this half was snuffed out, they’d perish. When he turned to his instructor for advice, the man had claimed it too much of a bother. Instead, the next day he’d handed Wise a spell ring.

‘Just aim that towards them. Watch out though, they’ll throw objects once they realize they can’t get near.’

Entering the Inner Palace, Wise raised his left hand and channeled death, manifesting an intricate magic circle. He directed his fist towards a brazier and watched the roaring flame shrivel. I could easily extinguish it.

Unlike Dawn’s ice wall spell, this spellcraft remained active as long as fuel was supplied. Wise contracted and expanded the circle, focusing the effect. Then he let the fire spring back to life.

“Never do that.” Fayla startled him from the flame. He apologized profusely.

Escaping, he took out the Necronomicon and flipped through the tome. Nothing new again. Following their Return from the Field of Graves, the book would open for him, yet its content was mostly bare. Only a dozen pages contained text, all material he knew already. It’s supposed to contains all of Xarst’s knowledge…

He’d finally shown it to Radin yesterday. It’s such a pain to ask questions… How do people go through life that way? After listening, his mentor speculated the book was sentient.

‘Most legendary artifacts have a will of their own. The first step of ownership is earning their recognition, which you did with your recent quest. As for its emptiness… You don’t meet the prerequisites. It won’t show you what you don’t have the strength to use, the determination to wield, or the knowledge to understand. Your current self is insufficient.’

When he inquired on overcoming this gatekeeping, Radin gave an unhelpful ‘learn more’. Since the Necronomicon showed what he knew, more would fill in. That might have been his version of a joke. Not funny. When pressed, Radin had expanded.

“Master the fundamentals. You may remember what I’ve taught, but you’ve yet to internalize it. Put the knowledge to use. Let it sink in.”

“Next Build your capacity. It doesn’t matter if it’s through cultivation, renown, or fame. As your ability expands, more will appear. Similarly, refine your foresight until you can discard that headband.”

“Finally strengthen your determination. Advanced necromancy places great strain on the soul. Teleportation, for one, requires moving through the Abyss. It’s more a test of mettle than ability. Taking the oath will aid greatly in this regard. Until then, steel yourself.”

I then made the mistake of asking about the last part. The response had been painful.

“Your resolve is lacking. You’ve no goal, no great ambition. As proof, you’ve completed your forbidding ritual and have yet to meaningfully restrict yourself.“

He’s a bit of a bastard. It’d stung because it was true. By binding himself strictly, he’d cast away his headband and access the full power of ‘All-Knowing Grasp’. I’d become incomparably stronger.

He’d rationalized not doing so as simple caution. Truth is, I’m happy with the slow approach. Why lock himself into a rigid path so soon after Earth’s End? His martial arts and magic were progressing. Fame was contributing too. There was no need for desperate measures.

Compared to Hope, my drive is lacking. His sister was busy hording every bit of power she could lay her hands on. I spent so long not caring… It’s hard to muster the motivation.

He sighed as entered his room and climbed on his bed. Radin had suggested he experiment with temporary restrictions. It might unlock more pages.

After trial and error, Wise had found his forbidding ritual. It was relatively simple. He’d clearly state the constraint in mind, followed by the phrase ‘THIS I SWEAR’. Then he’d bite the insides of his cheeks hard.

FOR THE NEXT THREE HOURS, I WON’T LIE. THIS I SWEAR. Tasting blood, Wise peered into the future and felt it less cluttered. This’ll work.

FOR THE NEXT THREE HOURS, I WON’T EAT, SLEEP, OR DRINK. I WILL NOT USE MY WRYSTAL. I WILL NOT RESPOND TO THE WORDS OF STRANGERS… Wise continued to list off activities. Since he was going this far, he wanted his foresight as clear as possible. …THIS I SWEAR. He sensed an even larger improvement, but it wasn’t enough.

FOR THE NEXT THREE HOURS, I WILL NOT SPEAK. THIS I SWEAR. Wise removed his headband. Amazing… He could sense the shape of the Obsidian Cavern as his future selves wandered the space. He could focus on any point in the near future and witness what unfolded there. Dawn wins again.

Riffling through the Necronomicon, he was overjoyed to see an illustration pop up. Then it vanished. As he continued, the phenomenon repeated again and again. Text would appear and fade. It’s a message. The book saw through him. False strength only merits a fleeting glance.

Wise tucked the Necronomicon back in his tunic. It’s a partial failure. While not unlocking anything, he’d had a preview of what might be.

Now I need to wait out the next three hours. With all the restrictions he’d burdened himself with, interacting with others was a no-go. Communicating would be a pain.

I’ll explore. Since he was using his foresight directly, rather than ‘All-Knowing Grasp’, he could use all his senses to experience the Isle. Layer by layer, Wise strolled through the city across countless futures. It was as if he was present in person. I’m almost tempted to do this again. As he made his way to level 3, he suddenly saw the city in flames across from him. The vision lasted but an instant.

There’s about to be an outbreak. If magic existed which could read the future, then of course magic existed which could obscure it. Outside combat, the blessing also interfered with foresight. It should’ve been impossible for a non-immortal to catch a glimpse of a future engineered by someone like the Laughing Man. However, Wise was not in an ordinary state.

Where and when? He focused on level 3, limited to the next hour. Repeatedly scenes of the inferno flashed before him, the city in various stages of destruction. He witnessed werewolves running up walls and diving into crowds. Where does it start? As he grew frantic, the visions became more frequent. Time is running out. At last, he spotted a single structure afire. Got it.

Grabbing pen and paper, he rushed out. I’ll use Fayla. Reaching the nearest brazier, he realized he didn’t know how to get her attention. He considered the ring, but decided on a kick first. I don’t want to upset her when I can’t speak.

The impact didn’t make the noise he’d hoped, but an irritated sprite appeared, “There’d better be a good explanation for this.”

Wise hastily scribbled, omitting the unnecessary.

‘Can’t talk. Laughing Man attacking city. Outbreak in ten minutes. Tell Lily!’

Fayla peered closely, “Is this a joke?” Thank god she can read.

‘No. Hurry.’ Wise jotted down.

“Wait here.” Fayla disappeared, and Wise stood nervously. Soon she returned. “Lily is on her way.”

Seconds later, a figure blazed out of the passage from the Rose Palace. Fayla released a flare, and the fire veered towards them. Lily stopped and hovered on crimson wings.

“Where does it happened?” She demanded.

“He can’t speak for some reason.” Fayla explained.

Not wasting a beat, Lily changed track, “Can you point?” When Wise nodded, a small hand hoisted him up by the collar. He found himself rocketing towards the surface.

Wise distracted himself by studied his abductor’s wings. There’s an underlying bony structure. Unlike those Astra glided on, these weren’t mean to be aerodynamic. They propelled Lily on jets of fire. She could’ve achieved the same effect by releasing torrents from her palms, but this gave her greater maneuverability and freed her hands.

They soared above the Isle and dove into the Hollow, a swarm of phoenixes following behind. Lily drew him near and yelled, “Where?”

Once they’d reached the decrepit building, Lily grimaced, “Maximilian’s casino… Thanks for leading me here.”

Wise was unceremoniously tossed onto a roof. An incredible heat assaulted him as he landed. Lily was slicing the structure horizontally with a fiery beam. Finishing, her wings released a downward blaze as she pried the burning top back, as if opening a box.

Inside, unconscious men and women were pinned to the walls and floor by golden spears. At the center, the Laughing Man was dragging his latest prey. The blond immortal rubbed his neck like a child found stealing sweets.

“This is awkward. I don’t usually let myself get caught unaware.” He said. “With Astra and Kara away, I figured I could get away with a little mayhem. Seems I underestimated Nero’s clone.”

Wise didn’t shrink back before the murderous gaze. I’ve the HEAVENLY DAO’s protection. He feared more for Lily than himself. The regent had chosen to confront Arther’s killer on her own.

“What now?” The man asked with mocking menace. Lily didn’t answer, tossing something into the air. Before Wise could determine what, the object shattered in a flash. From its remains, a soft white fire descended, engulfing Lily and transforming her wings. The colorless inferno continued raining down, spreading to her phoenixes. Soon all were composed of the same calming white. The Laughing Man frowned. As for Wise, the hair on the back of his neck rose up.

“Starfire…” He whispered. The flame exclusive to the dragon god Argadon, the one who wiped out half Sola’s army. The Laughing Man’s relaxed expression disappeared. Scanning his surroundings, he leapt, escaping where the encirclement was thinest.

As one, the phoenixes dove in chase, Lily drifting behind. The Laughing Man summoned thousands of golden spears, weaving them into barriers. These barely slowed his pursuers, who flew through as though they weren’t there. The blond immortal was forced to dodge repeatedly off golden platforms. Parts of him vanished whenever he failed to evade completely.

A few spears flew towards Lily, but disintegrated in the white fire. Whether physical or magical, any object which came into contact with starfire ceased to exist. Only Lily, as Argadon’s summoner, was safe. There’s nothing that can hurt her while she’s bathed in those flames.

Wise wondered why the villain wasn’t choosing a more populated route, using innocents as hostages. Then he grasped the answer. Lily is prepared to sacrifice part of the Isle to bring him to justice. The Laughing Man had seen through this intention. Taking cover in the city would only hinder his motion while providing no obstacle to her birds. Instead, he was making for the pillar, the one structure which might withstand those flames.

I should help the victims. Tearing his gaze from the battle, he dropped down and raced inside, ripping his clothes. He’d no gift for healing, but could manage tourniquets. Determining who needed it most, he staunched the bleeding as best he could. I wish I could call for help. He was halfway done when Lily nabbed him.

“Isle Security is on its way. We’re going home.” She said brusquely. Her flames had returned to normal. “The Laughing Man circled the pillar until he got up beyond the Isle’s wards and teleported away.”