[Chapter 4 part 2] Simon - Conversing with Astra

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Five minutes later, Astra spoke, “How old are you?”

“Four hundred and eighty nine.” He answered.

“When were you written on the wall?”

“Three centuries ago.” Simon said. What’s this about? Necromancers conquered death when they graduated from Xarst. The Wall of Legends held no special import.

“By the way, has the Norther Emperor achieved immortality?”

“No, he hasn’t.” For twenty seven hundred years, Samuel Lithorn had ruled Enera’s largest empire. He’s butted heads with Astra many times.

Astra grinned, “That’s impressive. He should’ve met the requirements long ago. It makes you wonder what unforgivable sin he committed to earn the HEAVENLY DAO’s ire.”

Lithorn stood as the only known case of denied immortality. Instead, his aging had continued to slow. The consensus was a grudge was to blame. One day this grievance will be exposed.

“Everyone wishes to be on the Wall at some point.” Astra turned back to the sky, smile slipping away. “Like my children, they’re engrossed by the power and agelessness. Few are aware of the demerits. For one, memories are frozen forever. Nothing can be forgotten. Resentment becomes eternal and love everlasting.”

I’m not sure it’s a downside. Enhanced recollection was practically a required secondary power to lengthened lifespan. What’s the use of centuries of experience if it fades away? Necromancers solved the problem by etching their consciousness onto their souls. He’d undergone the process himself upon graduating. Regrettably, it didn’t help recover what I‘d already lost.

“I suppose the HEAVENLY DAO considers this a necessity. If we could forget, we could easily change. The god doesn’t want its chosen champions becoming different people every few hundred years. With lasting memories, we can never forget who we are or what we’ve done.”

Astra sighed, “Old memories haunt me. They feel as real as back then. The fatigue lasts to this day.”

Harrowing experiences… They could be a strength. For Simon, they drove him forward. Conversely, what about when the battle was over? When the motivation was no longer required? They become a source of anguish without purpose.

“After the Fracturing, I came to protect Sola’s Legacy. I figured a quiet place was what I needed. It was mistake. For mortals, retreating from the world might mend past trauma, but isolation offers no solace for immortals. Once I realized this, it was already too late.”

A period of chaos followed the Dark Age as humanity adjusted to their new circumstances. No one could spare the resources, yet Sola’s legacy had to be guarded. Astra had volunteered.

The assignment was meant to be temporary, yet, when the dust had settled, the politics had turned messy. A majority of Enera, lead by the Northern Emperor, favored preservation. However, there was no consensus over dividing the spoils. Some even preferred leaving them buried. Meanwhile, a minority, including the heroes, demanded immediate destruction. Sola’s Legacy proved too valuable to erase and too dangerous to unlock.

The stalemate left Astra stranded. She can’t afford to walk away. Major nations were terrified the Legacy would alter the balance of power. The children are proof these aren’t idle concerns. Barring premature demise, they were guarantied to become immortals. If a nation gained the ability to produce such prodigies at will, no one would be able to compete. This knowledge couldn’t be allowed to fall into hostile hands. If Earth’s End was left undefended, a mad scramble would ensue, rapidly escalating into a global conflict.

Efforts to find a substitute proved fruitless. While feared in the outside world, Astra was close to invincible in the arctic. Immortals are always more formidable in their element. Then there was her friendship with Nero Ebonwood, the leader of the Black Citadel. Technically, the entire Antarctic continent fell under his jurisdiction. Would he permit an assault while she was here? Nero’s impartial, but not that impartial. Replacing the security Astra provided was an impossible task. And to begin with, few candidates were prepared to reside here long term.

“If you felt that way, why’d you stay?” Simon was compelled to ask.

“It wasn’t to prevent idiots from killing each other.” Astra said callously, before mellowing. “It was for the fallen. Too many gave their lives protecting this world. Letting greedy fools plunder Earth’s End would be betraying everything they fought for. If Sola’s secrets are released, they’ll be used. The cost will be the same. There’s no way something as convenient as resurrection doesn’t have a price.”

Astra smirked, “However, I’m not one to quietly accept fate.” She pointed to the army beyond the fortress. “I’ve been amassing the strength to destroy this place myself.”

A chill went down Simon’s spine. He’d never considered Astra might attempt destroying Sola’s Legacy before leaving. So her creations weren’t simply defenses. World leaders would panic if they found out.

Calming himself, Simon assessed the situation. While Astra’s forces were impressive, particularly the dragons and phoenix, would they be enough? It’s not just research sealed down there.

After the Black Banquet, Sola had converted Earth’s End into a chimera factory. A steady stream of these monsters had bolstered her forces until Astra had ended the threat in a surprise strike, entombing the complex. Breaking this seal means dealing with the Dark Age’s last remnant…

“Relax, I’m not planning anything today.” Astra said. “I know full well the risks. Nothing can be allowed to escape.”

Thank goodness. Had she been serious, he would’ve had to assist. I didn’t come prepared for war.

Astra stared South, “Many necromancers were locked inside when I froze the place. Who knows what they’ve been up to, or what they’ve become. In the worst case, several liches are trapped down there. I can’t risk that, especially with the children.”

She turned back, “Nero volunteered to safeguard Earth's End for three years, correct? It was in letter.”

“That’s right.” As part of their old friendship, Nero would take over Astra’s responsibilities when she traveled. However, the current offer was exceptional in its length. He’s stretching his authority to make it happen.

“The time frame is generous…” Astra stated, “Accepting would be smart for now. Afterward, we’ll see…”

“About the children, you guessed right.” She admitted. “There was a breach in an outlying facility. I found them when investigating.”

“Sola’s taint should’ve been on them. Everything would’ve been far simpler. They would’ve perished if left alone…”

She faced Simon, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is to deal with eight babies at once?” A glint of madness shone in her eyes. “It was hell, as bad as two thousand years ago, but I had no way out. I couldn’t abandon them or let them be discovered. Yet they kept screaming…”

She took a breath, “That’s how Astra Skyfell became the mother of eight.” She smile wryly. “I don’t regret it. It might’ve been just what I needed. There was no time to dwell on the past. In fact, I mostly worry about the future.”

Her voice dropped to its coldest yet, “I’ll not see them harmed. That’s why, Simon Black, you must convince me you’re on our side.”

Simon answered cautiously, “Every word I speak is akin to an unbreakable vow, so it’s hard to offer lasting guarantees. What I can say is that, as long as they don’t go down the wrong path, I’ll be their ally. I pray that’s enough.”

“That’s better than expected. Almost too good…” She replied. “Why so supportive?”

“I know what it’s like to be cursed by fate.” Simon slowly told his tale. “Five hundred years ago, the Laughing Man appeared and went on a rampage in the lower portions of Enera, where warping wasn’t available. Village after village was wiped out.

“Although every available immortal was pressed into service, defending against his teleportation was a nightmare. Day after day, from dawn to dusk, thousands died.”

“Then Nero stepped in, predicting where the madman would strike. Although he escaped, tragedy was averted. After that, the killing finally ceased.”

“A hundred and five settlements were destroyed. In each, the Laughing Man left one survivor, always a child. He’d found it funny to impale them, leaving them to die surrounded by their lifeless family. Things didn’t go as planned though. Seventy nine were rescued in time. They were adopted by surrounding communities. I was one of them.”

“The story doesn’t end there. Ten years later, the Laughing Man returned, determined to correct his ‘mistake’. This time, he targeted the Seventy nine and those who harbored them.”

“Immortals were sent to stop him. While this worked temporarily, when they eventually left, he’d show up. Facing death, villagers turned on the children, forcing them to flee. In my case, I joined the Black Citadel before being thrown out.”

“In doing so, I was naively hoping to protect those who’d been kind enough to take me in. It was useless. After I left, everyone was butchered. It was the same elsewhere. The only villages spared were those three where the children had been lynched.”

“Today, five of us remain. Sixty five were murdered, and nine died of old age.”

“Thank you for sharing.” Astra said softly. “I take it you’ve a personal investment with ongoing events?”

“I was Arther Bard’s point man for matters concerning the Laughing Man. The only reason I wasn’t with him when he died is we both believed he was chasing an impostor.”

Astra looked to the sky, “So you believe I should travel to the Isle?”

“Yes, it’s neutral grounds no country will move against carelessly. Lily, despite her quirks, is a good person who’ll support them. By taking over the guild, you’ll gain a position from which to protect them. There’ll not be a better opportunity.”

Astra nodded, “That’s my conclusion too. I’m also keen to avenge Arther and prevent a Dark Age.” She laughed softly. “Lily will NOT be happy to see Rose.” That’s correct.

“Enough star gazing.” She faced him, “Can I leave the children in your care? I must dig out an airship.”

“Sure.” He agreed. “How do I handle their queries?”

“For now… Please dodge them somehow. Later, I’ll bring them to see the real Earth’s End.” She glanced South again. “Before we leave, they should know why we were here to begin with.”

“If that’s your intend,” Simon said. “perhaps I should enlighten them on how the Dark Age began.”

“Sounds good. Could you tell me where they’re watching from?” Astra asked.

“That way.” A whirlwind of fairies flew off in the direction indicated.