[Chapter 22 part 1] Rose - Aftermath

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Rose shut off her wrystal and leaned back. They’d contacted Miki, and she’d lead them to Guildmaster’s residence, leaving them in the downstairs lounge. As expected, it’s grandiose. The lamps were mythical beasts, and the ceiling was a checkered board of carved wood intertwined with coats of arms. Breathtaking paintings captured the beauty and deadliness of Enera’s dungeons. The abodes of Immortals are outside the ordinary.

Hope was brooding in a corner, and Dawn was cultivating in another. Thankfully, she’s regulating her output. The rest were playing with their new toys. As for Rose, she’d just finished her research.

The Assassins’ Guild recruited orphans from conflict zones, those with no hope of survival. Hidden away, these children underwent a decade of intense training. They’re similar to the us. They then pledged themselves to Yondil, officially joining the organization.

Fealty to the Lord of Terror… The strength of sacrifices and oaths depended on their ‘purity’ and were tarnished by duress or deception. Voluntary rituals by cognizant participants were the ideal. Yondil’s ‘blessing’ was this kind. Besides allegiance to their guild, all other attachments were quashed. In exchange, assassins gained a host of benefits, including their famous stealth.

Details were lacking. The Assassins’ Guild remained cloaked in mystery as there had never been any leaks. Torture and bribes were useless, and magical means had failed to extract anything. Most of what’s known is what they disclosed themselves.

Speaking of which, there’s something backwards with how they operate. The Assassins’ Guild guaranteed death, not results. Members would either fulfill their mission or expire in the attempt. The price of a hit depended not on the difficulty, but the quality of the agent sent. It was up to clients to request sufficient manpower.

We’re lucky we’re young. Rose was certain individuals with Light’s aesthetics ran the Assassins’ Guild, which is why they refused contracts on those under ten. There’s no glory in hunting children. For quarries under twenty, the top three tiers weren’t available. Twelve is also the maximum per assignment. Without these restrictions, we’d be dead. The Assassins’ Guild boasted saints and immortals in its ranks.

Whatever the case, their assailants were merely someone’s tool. Rose wanted to know who and why. It’s not the Laughing Man. Otherwise what was the point of those murders? It must be his co-conspirators. After the madman reported back to whoever tipped him off, this third party targeted Hope. But why?

Rose clicked her tongue. Once again, she was clueless. No, it’s not the same. There were avenues to pursue this time. I’ll investigate Arther’s death and the terrorism.

Astra walked in with Simon, both with serious expressions, “Miki informed me of the attack. Glad you’re alright. Tell me the details.”

Once they were done, Simon stated, “The Laughing Man wasn’t behind this.”

“How are you so certain?” Astra asked.

“An insurmountable difference in philosophy.” Simon offered impassively. “Assassins pride themselves in being surgical. While they’ll strike down those in their way, they’ll never intentionally harm bystanders or take hostages. Meanwhile, the Laughing Man revels in collateral damage. He’d risk failure over a clean kill. To date, he’s never engaged their services.”

“So this was the copycat’s faction?”

“I believe so.” Simon affirmed. So I was right, Rose thought with pride.

“It’s my fault.” Kate burst out. “If I hadn’t been so fixated on saving——”

“Kate, you must lose this habit.” Astra interrupted. “I allowed this outing. The assassins would’ve attacked regardless. If not there, then somewhere less convenient. I don’t want to hear another word. The day you’re actually at fault, I’ll let you know, believe me.” She’s irritated, and Kate’s self-reproach strikes her as a distraction.

Astra faced Simon, “Why are they after Jenna’s clone?”

“There’s little to go on, but, to venture a guess, it’s related to the Pillar of Enera.”

I see… If Hope accessed the pillar’s insides, she’d gain control of the global network which enabled warping and communication. Perhaps someone fears this.

“Damn.” Astra slumped back. “I tried predicting every challenge… How’d I miss Hope’s ability to open the Pillar? Too bad we can’t confirm it…”

“Why not?” Silver asked.

Astra waved off the question, “Since it’s crowded day and night, it’d be impossible to approach without alerting the world. If news circulated that Jenna’s doppelganger had entered… Let’s not broadcast your existence that way.”

They shifted uncomfortably as Astra gazed off, deep in thought. Eventually, Light spoke, “What are we going to do?”

“Nothing.” Astra answered.

“What?” Light cried in disbelief.

Astra’s eyes focused and fell on him, “All assassins possess ‘Presence Concealment’. This ability approaches the territory of a lesser Sublime Vagary. Outside of combat, they disappear. Light, sound, odor… all are erased. It’s even partially effective against foresight. Without Wise, you would’ve had only seconds, if that.”

“Now that they’ve revealed themselves, they’ll take turns staking out the Adventurer’s Guild and the Rose Palace, only gathering when an opportunity presents itself.” Astra shook her head. “They’re a pain, even for immortals. Unless you take them all out at once, they’ll go deeper into hiding. Hunting them down would take precious time, which I can’t afford. Leaving aside my backlog, it’d raise questions of whom I was protecting. The same issue pops up if I divert guild resources.”

“What happens to Hope?” Light asked.

“She must avoid exposing herself. It shouldn’t be hard. The Inner Palace is safe. The Rose Palace has Lily’s phoenixes. Between the Lightning Core and Sars, the guild is secure too. The Stone Coliseum belongs to the HEAVENLY DAO and doesn’t allow death. The same is true for the Endless Library. She must keep to those places.”

“So we’re just letting them roam free?” Light pressed. It’s upsetting.

Their mother sighed, “Look, even if this batch is disposed of, it wouldn’t change anything. Someone who hired a dozen assassins is capable of hiring a dozen more. To end the threat, we must confront them. As we haven’t confirmed who they are, it might take a while.”

“Once I’m caught up, I’ll turn my attention to Isle. Until then, you all need to take care of yourselves. Understood, Hope?”

“Oh, completely.” Her sister answered grudgingly. Her mood has reversed…

“I have something for you.” Simon extended a hand, and a dark pendent with a silver chain floated gently to Hope.

“It’s a charm of considerable power which I fashioned ages ago. Please wear it at all times.” Simon glanced at Astra, “This magic works best if it remains unknown. I can assure you it won’t cause harm.”

Once she’d put it on, Simon nodded satisfied, “A last note. The HEAVENLY DAO often interferes to ‘spice things up’. In a conflict, if it aids one party, it’ll favor the other for the sake of balance. Assuming your meeting with the Laughing Man was more than coincidence, then today was to even the score.”

“The point is don’t depend on the god. Remember, this entity permitted the Dark Age. It’s not your ally. Never believe yourself invulnerable because it’s watching. At any time, it may determine your tragic death best fits the narrative.”

Regarding the HEAVENLY DAO… I’m not going down that rabbit hole. It didn’t pay to fret. An old idioms said ‘The HEAVENLY DAO saves those who save themselves’. Wait to be rescued and you’ll surely perish.

Astra stood up, “The airship will arrive late tonight. Tomorrow make sure you stop by and greet Sars. Free, you’ll meet your instructor, John Lavinda, at the Church of Idia. Don’t do anything strange.”

“In the afternoon, you’ll all study with Emerit Blaze at the——” Astra steadied herself, “Glittering Auditorium. He’s quite the character…“ She finds him overwhelming…? “There are things you must know, even if they’re ridiculous. Emerit is an expert on the HEAVENLY DAO and ‘being cool’. You’ll get along with him just fine, Light.” Interesting. “After that, Barsal Farran will be visiting the Rose Palace. He’s looking forwards to making your acquaintance.” The last hero we haven’t met…

“That’s everything. Stay safe.” Astra and Simon departed.

Kate led them downstairs and showed them the passage to the Obsidian Cavern. Rose’s mind drifted as they descended. She didn’t like leaving everything to the ‘grown-ups’. Even if they have millennia more experience. She needed to control her own destiny, and right now their lives were being spun around by the whims of fate.

Near the Inner Palace, Rose broke away and traveled to the top of a nearby building. Channeling and concentrating, she sent out a command. Moments later, a fiery figure sailed towards her. Good, it works this far. She let the phoenix land on her stretched arm. It had unexpected mass for living flame.

(continued in part 2)