[Chapter 21 part 1] Wise - Assassins

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Hope’s in a good mood. Agata Nimrod seemed amiable, and she’d had the skills to ascended to the Wall of Saints in less than a century. Wise’s own enthusiasm was muted. It’s funny. I’m getting what I always wanted, yet I’m not looking forward to it…

Radin had been born in Hilsen, a country which no longer existed, during an economic collapse. Growing up in crushing poverty, he’d gladly escaped to the Black Citadel. Two hundred years later, he’d become High Auditor, the symbol of Xarst’s power in fiscal matters. Unkillable and incorruptible, they had permission to end lives in pursuit of their duties. Radin had exercised the right aggressively, and, by the end of his tenure, he’d been more feared than the Mask of Xarst.

On his last assignment, he’d been sent to sort out the Adventurer’s Guild’s books, which were a notorious mess. He’d been so disgusted by what he’d found that, after purging those responsible, he’d joined the Guild to ensure it’d never happen again. The world had breathed a sigh of relief.

His grim past shows. While thriftiness was admirable, Radin’s use of terror was more suspect. Many claimed the Guild’s most sensitive interrogations were left to him. Wise frowned. Rumors. His ability was picking up whispers in dark corners, and he didn’t know what to make of it.

They passed the Black Bank heading south. The building on the right is… the library. Past that is… the Training Center, our destination.

Kate was continuing her tour, but he wasn’t listening. Sorry. Wise was gauging his bronze headband. What areas do I not know about? West was a recreation area with a concert hall, gaming center, and several popular bars. Underground was a waterpark for leisure and aquatic combat. Further south was the campus. To its east was the Medical Center and Church of Idia. North of this was security and Sars.

What’s ‘Sars’? He was the tyrant who kept the peace at headquarters. So he’s not human… Tyrants were the other sapient lifeform indigenous to Enera. They resided in Haven, deep in the Green Hell. Those who survived the journey outside all possessed the strength of immortals. So Miki will be introducing us to one tomorrow… I can’t wait.

Wise read the names on a nearby sign: gym, isolation rooms, firing range, simulation arenas… Isolation rooms are for cultivation, but what’s a simulation arena? They were coliseums with built-in summoning systems. Adventurers used them to prepare for high end dungeons.

So far so good. After yesterday, he’d decided he’d stay with the others regardless. Passing out is better than regretting.

Wise focused on the man they’d soon meet. Who is he? Legonas Ironheart was the head of the Search and Rescue. He notably reached the rank of Saint primarily through saving lives. That’s weird. While renown could be earned through recovery missions, such opportunities were limited. To build your legend that way… He must’ve taken assignments no one would touch.

What’s his story? After joining the Guild three hundred years ago, Legonas quickly gained a reputation as a rescuer of last resort. Disappearances in dungeons and frontier areas were normally written off as lost causes, yet he’d volunteered, over and over. Although this behavior was dismissed as suicidal, the man had always come back, often with those he went to fetch. Arther Bard had taken notice, inviting him to formally oversee operations. The fervor with which he’d embraced his new duties gave rise to persistent criticism by those concerned for his safety.

Why so selfless? … Nothing. Unbelievable… Apparently no one at Headquarters knew or was willing to answer. Frustrated, he tried again. What drives him? ‘To balance the scales’. … That’s probably all I’m getting.

Kate led them to the firing range’s subterranean reception, and all manner of firearms hung around them. “We’re here to see Legonas.” The man behind the counter nodded towards a hallway. How are guns and rescuing people connected anyway? It didn’t add up.

“You might want these.” Kate pointed to sound dampening headsets on the wall. They all grabbed a pair, except for Kate herself.

“Not taking one?” Silver asked.

“I’ve got these, so they’re useless.” Kate twitched her extra ears. With a deep breath, she opened the thick door at the corridor’s end. Immediately, a deafening burst assaulted them.

“God that’s loud!” She grumbled.

A giant stood shooting… A machine gun. His skin was deep black, and his leather outfit was covered in metal. So many chains… Oh right, he’s a metal bender. Registering their presence, he turned with a friendly smile, voice booming, “Didn’t realize I had an audience. Is one of you my prospective student?”

“Yes, Hope here.” Kate ushered his sister forward, and she again formed a metal ball.

Legonas observed carefully, “Is that self-taught?”

“It is.” She confirmed.

“Then it’s impressive. You have a natural talent. I understand why Agata sent you.” Reflecting, he continued. “Due to the nature of my work, I have an erratic schedule. I might be gone for days without notice. But if you don’t mind, I’d be happy to instruct you.”

“Thank you so much.” Hope bowed deeply. It’s strange seeing her so happy.

“You know,” Kate beamed slyly. “Hope has been living somewhere remote. Why don’t you show her what saint-level metal bending looks like.”

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Legonas reciprocated the smirk. His chains began floating and orbiting his body. He extended his arms, and they shot out, filling the space. The clinking metal was in constant motion. I can’t tell where it begins or ends.

Unbreakable Resolve. That was Legonas’s Sublime Vagary. The metal he shaped might bend and stretch, but it’d never be severed. This made him a threat even to immortals. The ability was well-known as Legonas made frequent use of it. Those chains have saved countless lives.

“Wait, you can control them without touching?” Hope was shocked. Legonas laughed as the steel wove itself back around him. “You must teach me!” She’s discarding civility in her passion.

“Sure,” Legonas said. “But I’ve yet to hear your names.”

A blushing Hope proceeded to introduce them. With proper guidance, she’ll quickly catch up. Inside his tunic, he clasped the book that never left his side. I will unlock your secrets. The Necronomicon had proved uncooperative thus far, refusing to open.

“Say, are you new in town?” Legonas asked. “I would’ve remembered such a large group of ninjas.”

“We were displaced by the eruptions.” Rose said smoothly, approaching the weapon he’d placed aside. “Is this a machine gun?” Nicely done.

“Yes, it’s a model RG-51… or a reproduction at least.” Under his caress, it melted away and traveled up his arm to reinforce his chains. “The bullets are real enough.” Sharp, cone shaped objects rested in his palm.

“You make guns? Is it hard?” Hope pressed. “Can you show me?” She’s turning into Free.

Legonas chuckled and reformed the weapon, “They’re highly technological and require extreme precision when shaping parts.” He examined the finished product. “The real thing has more components, but I skip steps to save time.”

“So you carry ammunition and form firearms when needed?” Hope asked.

He shook his head, “I don’t use them. At least, not anymore.” He stared wistfully at the instrument he held. “Have none of you seen them before?”

As Hope floundered, Soul broke in, “We haven’t, believe it or not. They appear powerful.”

“You’d think so, right?” Legonas smirked. “Sharp pieces of metal traveling faster than sound… Yet they’re less useful than you’d expect.”

“Why’s that?” Hope asked, bewildered.

“Many reasons. Much of their lethality comes from bleeding wounds. However, the first skill every martial artist masters is how to seal injuries to prevent blood loss. So unless a bullet hits something critical, it won’t have much effect.” Legonas paused, “No, even a vital organ might not be enough. When it comes to saints and immortals, their ability to hold themselves together is amazing. I know a guild member who kept fighting with a pierced heart. The only way to stop someone like that is a blow to the head…”

“Which leads to the next issue. Fatal shots, with their promise of death, are easy to foresee even for those with poor ability. Once you know it’s coming, there are countless options. Earth-affinity telekinesis can block gunfire while wind can deflect them. Skillful fire users can pre-detonated bullets. Metal benders can turn them into blades and send them right back. No, they’re too easily countered.”

Rose objected, “If they were really so ineffective, there wouldn’t be a shooting range here.”

“Well noted.” Legonas smiled, “True, under the right circumstances, they have a purpose. One area they shine is when clearing out insect nests. I’m speaking of the giant kind the HEAVENLY DAO loves so much. Bugs can’t stop the bleeding from shattered exoskeletons. They also rely on lightning reflexes rather than foresight, so they’re unable to dodge. Except for the especially nasty ones in the Green Hell, guns make short work of them. That alone justifies this place.”

“What about enchanting?” Hope asked.

“True,” Legonas admitted. “Exploding bullets, fire bullets, homing bullets… They can be extremely effective. Their drawback is the cost. Only major nations can afford to keep elite squads outfitted.”

“Wait, if they’re potentially viable, why haven’t we seen a single person carrying a gun?” Free asked.

“Adventurers operate on a different paradigm.” Legonas sighed, rubbing his head. “How to explain… On the archway to the Wall of Legends, it’s written that ‘Immortality graces those who merit it’. Many ignore this wisdom and try buying their way to everlasting life. It never works. Before an all-seeing god, trickery is useless.”

“Overpowered, low-skill weapons take too much credit from their wielders. You’ll find little enchanted munition for sale at the guild.”

True, relying on cheats is unimpressive. Wait… Wise frowned. Will the Necronomicon be a problem? A buzzing wracked his consciousness. What’s the simple answer? No, it wouldn’t. Alright…

“So no one has reached the wall with them?” Hope sounded genuinely depressed.

“Actually, there’s one.” Legonas said. “Clay Donnaster, the immortal gunman. He’s an enchanter who fires bullets fashioned himself. Self-made weapons are an exception. No matter how powerful, they never detract from your accomplishments.”

“Really…” Hope muttered, brightening.

Legonas saw where this was going, “If you’re interested, then I’d advise following Clay’s lead and choosing revolvers. High-skill weapons with history best capture the imagination. They’re the most suited for——.”

A fairy crackled into existence before Legonas, “Astra says you’re five minutes late.” Mother is back. She was meeting management, and it was Legonas’s turn.

“Damn, I lost track of time.” Legonas grumbled.

“It’s my fault.” Hope apologized.

“Don’t worry about it. I was the one who got distracted” Legonas said. “Hopefully Astra isn’t a stickler for punctuality.”

“No, you should run.” Hope stressed. “She hates tardiness.”

Everyone froze. His sister’s eyes widened noticing her mistake. In an act of mercy, Legonas hurried out without commenting.

“Sorry, I’m not used to treating Astra as a stranger…” Hope said meekly.

Wise took a deep breath and concentrated, “It’s fine. He’s trustworthy. Astra will say so later.”

He did his best to stare at the ground as they traveled the underground passageways. I don’t need to remember directions anyway. No, the pressing concern was the throbbing in his skull. I’ve used ‘All-Knowing Grasp’ too much.

Even with the protection Lily had bargained for, there were reasons to be on alert. If the press finds Cedric Grinfield, I’ll know. It’d be unlikely the clone-hater would show up without such warning. But we were also unlikely to meet the Laughing Man. Common sense had to be discarded.

They’re watching, The HEAVENLY DAO and his agents. Siegfried had confirmed as much. And a good story needs conflict. Wise’s efforts were wearing him down, but he couldn’t stop. If trouble came, it’d be when they reached the city.

I appreciate Nero's words now. At Earth’s end, the isolation had let him peer far ahead. On the Isle, every person and location represented an expansive set of possibilities. He was struggling and wandered in a haze. Without his improved headgear, he’d already be catatonic. Which is why I need restrictions to clear my vision.

Daylight flooded them as they exited. Behind them was a cliff, and in front were golden buildings. The Outer Guild. Miki was meeting the press at a conference hall to their east. To their west, a giant white cathedral was built into the rock. The Church of Idia, the largest faith. Every religion worshiped the god of creation. Since Idia’s existence is uncontested. There was far less consensus on the interpretation of his will. All wars are fought in his name.

“See the square building near the city?” Kate said. “That’s the Shaft, where we’re headed.”

(continued in part 2)