[Chapter 39] Hope – A Desperate Chase

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Hope dashed toward the shaft, livid. She hated having a private escort while the others rushed into danger. I want this over with. However, Simon stopped her at the entrance, “It’s rigged with explosives.”

“We must warn the Guild!” Hope raised her wrystal, but Simon put a hand on her shoulder.

“They’re set for remote detonation and won’t go off unless you enter.” He explained. “It’s the assassins. They’re keeping their distance, but they’re here.”

Then we can’t use it. The high speed lifts were crucial to Guild’s deployment. Not everyone can fly.

“Should we head to another lift?” Hope asked.

Simon didn’t react, his eyes tracking the unseen, “They’re all rigged. At least the ones north of the pillar…”

This can’t be happening! She had to get to safety so Simon could defend the Isle. “Then just carry me up, same as on the Helix.”

“The assassins will be expecting such a move.” Simon responded. “They’ve obviously smuggled in a huge quantity of RSF. They’ll use it to knock us from the air…”

He shook his head, “No, they’re going all out. They know you’re growing stronger, your siblings too. Between Astra, Lily, Legonas, Agata and myself, you’re constantly surrounded by frightening people…”

“Tonight is their last, best chance. You’re more vulnerable than you’ve ever been, and everyone is distracted… If I carry you to the Rose Palace, an aerial battle will break out. Innocents will lose their lives, and rescue efforts will be delayed. Are you fine with that?”

No, I’m not. “So what then?”

“We head to the waterworks and make our way up by foot.” Simon pivoted East. “While it’ll be trapped, the area should be relatively deserted. Consequences won’t be too severe.”

We’re taking a detour through those winding stairwells? “How long will it take? And why are we moving so slowly?” Hope lamented.

“Assassins stalk us, and bombs are everywhere.” Simon said wearily.

Hope grew increasingly frantic as they navigated the crowd. Others are out there fighting and dying while I’m monopolizing one of the Isle’s strongest champions. “You should go to the Undercity. I’ve gotten stronger. I’ll manage somehow.” That might be a lie.

“That would leave you facing ten assassins alone. Don’t be ridiculous.” Simon dismissed.

“I don’t need to fight them, I can just run. I’ll be fine for a little while.” Probably.

“Are you serious?” Simon glanced back. “you’re no match at all.”

She knew she was being foolish, but sacrificing others for her benefit was something she rejected to her very core. Risking death was preferable. It’s not certain I’ll die.

“Please,” Hope persisted. “This slow, pointless pace is driving me mad.”

Simon sighed, and the world went dark. All sound and activity disappeared. She took a step back, banging her head into a solid object. What’s going on?

“Calm down.” Simon said, a green flame sprang from his palm. The floor remained the colorful pattern of Arcadia, but around them was a solid black dome.

“I’ve created a temporal bubble. No matter how long we spend here, not a second passes outside.” Simon explained. “I sensed you would benefit from a moment’s pause.”

Necromancy is amazing. Hope knocked on the blackness. So nothing is happening out there. Her stress melted away Knowing the world was frozen.

“I can imagine what you’re thinking, but, no, this ability isn’t all powerful.” Simon spoke. “We’ll run out of air in a few hours. We can’t observe the outside, and channeling is impossible. Not to mention a couple of other minor restriction and drawbacks.”

“That said,” he continued. “It’s useful if you need time to think.”

Hope took a deep breath, “Wouldn’t many be saved if you went to help?”

Simon nodded, “Hundreds, but you are my priority. I assured Astra I’d protect you.”

“Is there no other way? I can’t stomach that many dying so I can live.”

Simon pursed his lips, “When I release the dome, I’ll sneak away leaving an afterimage. This illusion will travel towards the waterworks and my real self will drop below.”

“That’s perfect!” Hope exclaimed.

Simon shook his head, “Once I leave, the threat I represent will fade. At first they’ll move cautiously, suspicious. But eventually…” They’ll realize you’re gone.

“So it’s not flawless… Why are you proposing a plan that’ll get me killed?”

“You won’t be in real danger.” Simon pointed at her chest. “As I told Rose, the amulet I gave you is special. It warns me of your impending demise.”

“What I expect will happen is that I leave and a couple of minutes later your pursers will strike you down. Except that death won’t become reality, as I’ll return at that exact instant, ideally finishing off those who took the bait.”

Wait, I’m bait? Isn’t this about rescuing people?

“During those few minutes I’m away, I’ll endeavor to provide as much aid as I can.” Simon concluded. “You said you’d be fine if I left you. This is your chance to prove it.”

I get it… The longer I survive, the more people he’ll save. Simon was challenging her.

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“So if I avoid death entirely, you’ll spend the entire time protecting the Isle?”

“Correct.” Simon confirmed. “But if you perish in seconds, I won’t even make it there.”

I can work with this. “How long will your illusion fool them?”

“A minute. Maybe two if you’re lucky.”

“Alright…” Hope concentrated. I must leverage this time. She strategized every means of escape, considering every tool at her disposal. Too bad I only took three grenades. Brooding twenty minutes, inspiration finally hit. Wait, what if I… She smiled. It’s so simple really.

Just to test. Hope attempted to channel but only the faintest trickle came through. Right, then there’s no point in delaying.

“Where will you go in the Undercity?” This was the last piece she needed. Please don’t guess the meaning.

“To the bottom.” Simon responded.

“The bottom?”

“I’m aware it’ll waste precious time.” Simon smiled. “But the lowest portions are the poorest. They’ll be the ones in most desperate need. I’ll make my way up from there.”

Don’t make it sound like you care after prioritizing me over hundreds, Hope griped knowing full well it unwarranted. Simon had given his word, backed by the oath. It wasn’t something he could weasel out of. Anyway, this works out for me.

“All right, I’m ready.” She said.

Simon nodded. The flame vanished, and light returned. They were once again in busling Arcadia. The necromancer turned and headed East. He’s gone already, isn’t he?

Following, Hope immediately reworked the enchantments in her arms, beginning with the left. This is my only chance. Forty seconds later, she finished as she spotted a flicker on a building. They’re creeping closer. Ignoring her surroundings, she prayed walking calmly, furiously focusing on her right arm. Don’t attack, don’t attack, don’t at——Done. Exhaling, Hope discovered shadows all around. They must know…

A knife pierced Simon’s clone, and it faded away. Now! Without wasting a beat, Hope drew her guns and fired four recoil bullets, sending herself towards the pillar.

This was her clever solution. If Simon couldn’t battle the werewolves because he had to protect her, then she just had to travel down to the werewolves. If she ‘died’ next to them, he’d be forced to fight them too. This pendant is really making me suicidal.

Falling through a layer of smoke, Hope emerged to a ablazing undercity. I’ll head to the middle, where it’s brightest. Five knives shot past. Really? She turned to see three more zoom by. I love the blessing! Above, ten black figures plunged after her.

Hope fired off a series of recoil bullets, each one altering her trajectory, as she moved towards the largest inferno. She spotted a wide layer crawling with werewolves. That’ll do.

Landing in an alley, she promptly reloaded and activated her arms’ enchantments. Two ice shields combined to form a solid layer around her just as fire descended from above. The pressure sent her hurtling. As long as they don’t burn me, I’m fine.

Her barriers didn’t guarantee survival. She knew from experience that, if caught between blasts, she’d be crushed. They also offer no protection against physical projectiles. Hope fired to dodge knives.

What followed was a hectic chase across a combusting landscape. She never looked back, relying on foresight to evade the blades. Whenever she ran into a werewolf, she took advantage of its fiery attack to propel herself onward. I feel like the ball in those pinball machine.

At least, I’m not the only one struggling. Having forsaken their stealth, the assassins were forced to battle the beasts blocking their way. I’m certain I heard two get mauled.

When about thirty howling beasts were pouncing after her, the barrage of blades lessened. They’re hanging back, which makes sense. As long as she died, their contract was fulfilled. It’ll end soon either way. She was running through bullets at a breakneck pace.

As an explosion sent her tumbling through a building, Radin’s voice echoed around her. ‘High Speed Executions’? What’s that? Recovering, she found only werewolves to greet her. All the assassins are hiding? That’s ——WHAT ARE THOSE? Shadows were speeding all around her. One swept near, and she froze as a grim reaper sprung out. Then it was over. She was alone among piles of ash.

While she struggled to grasp what had just occurred, eight outlines appeared on the rooftops. At that instant, a cold wave quenched all fires. The assassins didn’t look happy. Alright, I’m ready to be saved now. Knives gleamed into view. Anytime is fine.

Before she could pull the trigger to flee, blinding lightening arched above, and seven charred bodies dropped down. What now?

“One got away.” A woman strolled into view. She wore tight-fitting leather and had long, silvery black hair. “He must be extremely skilled or lucky.”

“Who are you?” Hope asked, drained. No more surprises please.

“Ashaya Horn, emissary of the Grey King.” The woman smiled rapaciously.

“Thank you for saving me.” Hope said. Please go away.

“If you are grateful, there’s something you could do for me…” Ashaya smirked. “Open the Pillar of Enera.”

Damn. This woman was either a saint or an immortal. She had no way to resist. Simon, now would be an excellent time.

The woman stopped feet away, “Do you know who bought those assassins?”

“The Northern Emperor.” No reason to hide it.

“Correct,” Ashaya clapped mockingly. “You aren’t clueless. Yes, Samuel Lithorn is your enemy. He’s openly declared your existence dangerous. He fears the Laughing Man will make use of you to destroy the pillar from within, triggering a Dark Age.”

“At least that’s what he claims through his envoys.” She continued. “The Grey King doesn’t buy it. Everything which occurred in the Dark Age’s final days is recorded within the Pillar. The Northern Emperor is attempting to hide some secret at all cost. It’d be in your best interest to expose it.”

“Why’s that?” Hope played along, wasting time.

“Lithorn relies on a web of relationships built up over millennia. It’s the foundation of his power. Should something undermine that trust, his empire would fracture and crumble from within. So too would the World Council, which he underpins. The bounties on your heads would vanish with it.”

“And the Grey Kingdom would be free to expand without obstacle.” Hope added.

Ashaya ignored the quip, “Should you open it, the Grey King would be willing to offer you and your siblings sanctuary. I can transport you there immediately if you wish.”

“What if a Dark Age begins?”

Ashaya laughed, “The Grey King would welcome that development. While the Northern Emperor clings to “peace” and “stability”, parts of Enera rot. Did you know, in lands far West, they’ve practiced slavery for eons? The corrupt international order which allows this… In many ways, another age of turmoil is exactly what’s needed. Stagnancy will be wiped out as the gears of war turn and the map is redrawn.”

“Pretty words, but all the Grey King desires is the ability to wage war without hindrances.” Simon appeared nearby.

“Simon Black, a living legend not bound to any power.” Ashaya said without batting an eye. “The Grey King values your abilities. Should you choose to pledge yourself, no reward would be off the table.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Simon joined Hope. “Also, thank you for your aid, regardless of your motives.”

“Think nothing of it. Frustrating the Northern Emperor was reason enough to interfere,” Ashaya glanced at Hope. “I hope you survive and ultimately make the right choice.” She then vanished in a crackle of electricity.

Observing the fading static, Simon spoke, “I’d advise again taking up her offer. Depending on the situation, she could turn on you.” He faced Hope. “If you ever resolve to enter the Pillar, I’ll guide you and show you the way in.”

“Ah, ok.” Hope said. “Do you think I should?”

“That’s for you to decide.” Simon answered “My only advise is that half-hearted determination will lead to nothing but regret.”

Well, that’s a matter to mull over another time. “You’re late.” She reproached.

“And you’re nowhere near where you’re supposed to be.” Simon countered. True. “Good job staying alive. Unfortunately, it did make it harder to track you down.”

“Can we head back?” Exhaustion was hitting hard.

Simon soon deposited her on the Rose Palace’s terrace. “Thank you. I’m——” Hope began when phoenixes suddenly flared up and dove past. Hovering ready to strike, their flames hissed at the figure on the Helix.

The last assassin. Whether from lighting or fire, he was badly scorched. Sensing no threat, she approached, “Why are you here?”

“Tonight was a single finger.” Those words spoken, he plunged a dagger into his heart, collapsing.

Hope stared, shacking her head, “Why…?”

“Some contracts have deadlines.” Simon came over. “His time must’ve been up. He came to deliver a warning before passing on.”

Don’t do a good deed at the end. “I’m going to bed.” She’d puzzle out the complicated stuff tomorrow.