The Pillar of Enera

[Chapter 6 part 1] Silver - Underground Habitat

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Escorted by ice sprites, Silver peered over the banister. It’s a long way down. The fortress’s size made it impractical, which was why they liked this spiral staircase. It went from top to bottom.

I won’t forgive Wise if he’s wrong, Silver thought. That was a joke. As a mental exercise, he was constantly searching for ‘scary or upsetting things’. It was more than a game. Caring for his siblings, he ‘acted’ out his missing emotions to minimize their uncomfortable stares. Anger was relatively easy. When I remember. He only struggled with the degree of acrimony. Fear was more troublesome since it meant hesitating or skipping activities. This was stifling, so he often didn’t bother.

Silver glanced back. The level of enthusiasm is off. Although less noticeable, his siblings’ excitement was still dampened. What’s it now? Wise confirmed we’re leaving… It took him a second to puzzle it out. Must be a ‘fear of the unknown’. They’d be traveling somewhere unfamiliar. That’s stupid.

Silver’s mind raced. He wanted to experience life, meet people, and maybe get a girlfriend. It’ll be nice being around those our age who aren’t family. Beside romance, listening to Simon had rekindled his explorer spirit. I want to visit those Twisted Lands. The Blue Abyss, the Green Hell, the Underworld, the Cultivating Realm… He’d see all of Enera. And becoming an immortal will give me the strength for it. Interlacing his fingers, he stretched. So much to do.

Through a window, he saw Astra and Simon in the courtyard far below. I’ll take a shortcut. He jumped out. While falling, Silver wondered if he’d ever been scared of heights. Probably… It’d been so long it was tough recalling. Fairies raced along side him as the ground approached. This would be less safe if I was terrified. Silver reached out a hand and a foot, and they ‘stuck’ to the wall as if coated in glue. Slowing, he came to a halt three feet from the bottom.

What let him grip surfaces was his aura magic, which functioned like a force field centered about his person. It makes me a formidable grappler. Besides hardening into a layer of steel and strengthening his movement, he could alter its properties to shield himself from the elements. According to Astra, I’ll also be able to create blades one day.

“That was slightly reckless.” Simon observed. Did he figure me out? Not that it matters. Ignoring them both, Astra watched the others descend. I wish they’d hurry. After an excruciating wait, everyone gathered.

“We’ll be traveling to the Isle of Dreams.” Astra said. They let out a cheer, and Hope released another pyrotechnic show, to the delight of the remaining fairies. “Let’s head back and I’ll explain.”

Astra led them inside and down another long stairwell. They exited to a vast ice cavern where windowless buildings stood atop bedrock. A plateau which pierced the ice sheet. Enclosed corridors connected the seamlessly-fused metal domes and blocks, and the gigantic support pillars between were covered in frost fire.

“I’m sure you recognize this.” Astra said.

Simon nodded. He does? Silver was vexed a stranger knew more than he did. Or at least I should be, right? The nuances were tough.

Approaching the largest dome, a section slid open, and they proceeded down a dim corridor past two more doors. Inside the triple airlock was a space filled with warmth and life. High above an orb shone like the sun. In the center was a pond with a forested far side. The rest was tall grass and scattered trees, except for one patch with giant root clumps and other bizarre plants. Free’s experimental area… We stayed away from there.

A second story balcony ran around the structure. Their rooms were on that floor. This place is a mystery as always. Their imminent departure had peaked his curiosity. Mother didn’t build it. When Free had inquired about the sun-orb, Astra had called it irreplaceable, forbidding its deconstruction.

“So this is an extension of Sola’s laboratory…” Free mused.

“What?” Silver exclaimed. “When did we find that out?”

Free pointed to Rose, “She quizzed Wise while you were gone.”

What treachery! Silver rounded on his sister, making his best ‘how could you’ expression. Rose was startled, “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”

‘Betrayal’ was easy to decipher. How irate should I be? That was less clear. She went ahead knowing I wouldn’t get upset, which makes it worse.

“Don’t worry,” Astra said. “Simon will soon cover what they know.”

So I don’t need to be mad? Astra held up the letter, “I’m accepting the position of guildmaster of the Adventurer’s Guild. In the morning, we’ll travel to the Black Citadel and warp to Isle of Dreams the next day. Simon will now keep you company while I take care of some business.”

She turned to Rose, “I’ll explain everything when we set off. Be patient till then.”

“Yes.” Rose answered bitterly.

“Good. Later, I’ll bring you to see the real Earth’s End. After that you’ll pack. Take everything because you may never be back. That’s all.” Astra exited the habitat.

“There’s some comfortable-looking benches beside that tree. Let’s talk there.” Simon suggested. That’s mother’s outdoor classroom. Shedding their outer layers, they were soon seated.

“Why not start with what I missed?” Silver demanded reproachfully, and no one objected. ‘Acting resentful’ was useful. It’s twice as effective because they feel sorry.

“Then I’ll explain how the Dark Age began.” Simon said. “Back when Enera was whole, Sola was born in a country called Nolstice. She had a gift for creation the likes of which had never been seen. Without formal schooling, she performed feats which masters failed to reproduce. There was no injury or illness she couldn’t cure. In less than a century, she made it to the Wall and earned her first title, ‘Goddess of Healing’.”

“So sort of like me then,” Free said. “I mean, the part about being great at healing despite no training. Does that make me special too?”

Simon hesitated, “It does, but trust me, that kind of talent is normally unheard of.”

Yeah, Free’s abnormal. Silver remembered being unnerved when younger. Although it’d been only plants and bugs, crafting life from scratch was spooky. How did she do that? Books only taught so much.

“Sola had a brother named Dylin. While not as talented, he became the ruler of Nolstice in her stead as she cared nothing for politics. With the lifespan of a world leader, he reached immortality together with a girl named Ellie, and they fell in love. Sadly, before the wedding, Nolstice was attacked by a monster, one of Calin’s leftovers. Ellie lost her life.”

“Dylin was devastated. In his grief, he made an impossible request, ‘please bring her back.’ Fond of Ellie, Sola was intrigued by the challenge and accepted. However, the task required more than her current knowledge. The soul had to be recalled from the beyond, so she traveled to the arctic.”

“Sola’s success at the Black Citadel defied all expectations. Her skill with death rivaled her gift with creation. In two years, she departed as a true necromancer.”

“What does that mean?” Hope interjected.

“Many come simply to take the oath. Not being able to lie is a boon in numerous professions: negotiators, journalists, accountants… By contrast, ‘true necromancer’ is a distinction for those who graduate from Xarst.”

“After nine years of research, Sola successfully revived Ellie, earning her second title, ‘Master of Life and Death’. To this day, this remains the only flawless resurrection.”

“Sola went to great lengths to conceal what she’d done, constructing her laboratory far from civilization and helping Ellie change her appearance. Unfortunately, the efforts were for naught. Now, can anyone guess what happened when the secret leaked?”

“Everyone wanted resurrections?” Rose offered.

“Exactly. Sola was inundated with requests. When she refused, the situation escalated. Powerful immortals aren’t used to hearing no. They exhausted every tactic: threats, bribes, etc… To escape the onslaught, Sola withdrew to her hidden laboratory, cutting off contact. No one could locate her.”

“This offered only a temporary reprieve, with attention soon turning to Dylin and Ellie. Nolstice was conquered by an alliance of nations, and they spread word both would be executed if Sola didn’t reappear.”

I’m beginning to see why she turned. Targeting the innocent wasn’t right. I should be indignant here… Regretfully, he’d never be a hero like Soul. How can I be righteous when I can’t feel anger on other’s behalf?

“Under these threats, Sola emerged. She agreed to their demands, but requested additional funds and time. The alliance accepted, keeping their hostages.”

“Over the next three years, Sola expanded her workspace, transforming it into a gigantic complex and naming it ‘Earth’s End’. Once finished, she began bringing several back each year. Anyone able to pay her astronomical fees could see their loved ones again. Satisfied, the alliance dissolved and released its captives.”

“Everything continued peacefully for years. Then, on the fiftieth anniversary of Earth’s End’s completion, Sola held a banquet, inviting all those she’d revived and their relatives. The event was well-attended since no one dared offend her.”

“At the height of the celebration, she held a toast, ‘To the dawn of the Dark Age’. At these words, the souls of every resurrectee present, excepting Ellie, were dyed ‘black’. They viciously turned on those closest to them. The bloodbath devastated Enera’s leadership in a single night, giving Sola her final title, ‘Necromancer of the End’.”

“That was the ‘Black Banquet’?” Rose asked.

“That’s right.”

Silver glanced at Rose. No wonder she’s so upset all the time. The library’s missing subjects were fascinating.

“What happened to Dylin and Ellie?” Soul asked.

“They were captured later. By that time, millions had died, and many wanted blood. However, before they could be executed, Nero aided their escape.”

“Everyone was livid. Nero would’ve been mobbed if the other heroes hadn’t vouched for him. When pressed for an explanation, he simply said, ‘It’s necessary’. The meaning didn’t become clear until months later.”

“Meanwhile, the war continued to sour. Again and again, the Dark Gods breached defenses, and hundreds of thousands perished. In the midst of this chaos, Dylin and Ellie resurfaced to confront the host of Fear, Nuzou.”

“Like past avatars of fear, Nuzou was mad. The flavor of his insanity was a fascination with ‘deconstruction’. This meant removing as much as possible while keeping his victims alive. All those who crossed him dreaded capture.”

“They didn’t stand a chance. Ellie was slain, and Dylin was taken alive, suffering a gruesome end. It’s unclear if Nuzou understood who he was killing. Even if he had, he probably no longer possessed the self-preservation instincts to stop himself.”

“People were right to suspect Sola still cared. The fallout was dramatic. Across Enera, her forces halted, and, for a full month, calm reigned. As for Nuzou, he was never seen again. This reprieve was the turning point.”

Facing Nuzou must’ve been horrifying, but Silver couldn’t picture it. He was losing my ability to empathize. There was a name for those like this. They’re called psychopaths…

“So Dylin let himself be caught?” Wise asked.

That’s unusual. Wise only made queries when he wanted others to hear something. Mainly so he doesn’t have to explain later.

Simon sighed, “Yes. When found, Dylin and Ellie were broken. The Black Banquet had left them traumatized and lost. After years on the run, they didn’t resist, accepting the inevitable. That’s when Nero offered salvation. They followed his instructions and obtained a measure of peace.”

This I can relate to. They must’ve been in despair. The world was falling apart because of someone they loved. Even if they survived, they’d never be forgiven. There was no future. It’s sad but nice to understand. Silver glanced at Wise. Was that for my benefit? Sometimes his brother’s foresight worked in incomprehensible ways.

(continued in part 2)