[Chapter 51] Rose – Investigating Hidden Entrance

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Rose paced an Inner Palace corridor. I can’t believe Free. There’d been minor panic when they’d learned of the visit to Calin’s Keep. Rose had calmed everyone by theorizing what Free was attempting. Thank god I was right. However, watching the news coverage grow increasingly frantic, Lily had lost patience and headed over. The two had returned five minutes prior, and Free was reassembling Arther’s body while they waited restlessly.

Rose glanced at the golden bracers Silver and Kate sported. Lily had retrieved aura-strengthening ‘resonant catalysts’ from the former guildmaster, and they’d each been given one. They’ve undoubtedly surpassed me now. She’d seen their matches.

I’ve fallen behind! Free had just retrieved the Branch of Creation, and Wise held the Necronomicon. Light had improved drastically thanks to Vanessa. Not to mention those new weapons. Hope had her firearms and Soul Diamonds Edge. Dawn was stupidly overpowered, as always. How’d this happen?

She hadn’t been slacking off. If someone hands me a legendary weapon, I’d catch right up. Not fair! Motivated by feelings of inadequacy, Rose had gone on a poaching spree and could now mobilize five phoenixes. While I can’t use them in the arena, at least outside I’m strongest.

“I’m done.” Free opened the doors.

In a somber room, Arther Bard lay on an altar atop a linen sheet. He was wearing the colorful red and gold suit she’d seen in pictures. The first hero. It was strange seeing a dead, older version of Silver.

“Thank goodness. Now we can give him a proper farewell.” Lily approached, eyes clouding over.

“It really was my fault…” Lily lamented softly. “When Rose mentioned the Blood Arena, I didn’t want to believe it. I was already feeling such guilt and couldn’t bear it…”

Tears streamed down, “Because of my neglect, the Underground Coliseum exists. Because I never abolished the steward, my feud with Sarah brought chaos. Because I let you investigate alone…”

“I’ll not let it happen again.” Lily wiped her face, departing solemnly.

“Where’re you going?” Rose asked, trailing behind.

“To Maximilian’s casino.” Lily materialized her fiery wings. “The sooner I burn my way in, the sooner this ends.”

She took off and disappeared. I should consult Argent. The ISF’s leader had to be brought up to speed. With its existence confirmed, locating that secret passage is more critical than ever.

Preparations in the city were nearing completion. All eyes gravitated her way as she passed the lanterns and festive displays. The minute I remove my mask, the media will be full of side by side shots of Lily and me.

Rose checked wristal. Free is back in focus. Earlier this afternoon, the news cycle had moved onto Wise. Because Nero Ebonwood weighed in.

She recalled the necromancer’s words: ‘As I announced long ago, I’ll be on the sidelines for all worldly matters, including another possible dark age. Wise Skyfell is my replacement. I’ve bestowed upon him an artifact of supreme power. As long as he has the will, the Necronomicon will lend him strength.’

Newscasters had had a field day speculating about this gift’s origin and name. If only they knew…

“Good to see you.” Argent said when she reached his office. “It’s been an eventful day. While I’ve pieced much together, I’d be agreeable to confirmation.”

Rose relayed what she knew, “How are pundits spinning this?”

“It’s fifty-fifty.” Argent answered. “Lithorn’s sympathizers are painting Free as Sola’s second coming.”

“And the rest?” Rose asked.

“They’re pointing out the implications. Some are outright accusing the Northern Emperor of plotting against the Isle. Emotions are heated.”

“That’s frustrating.” Rose griped. “I was hoping this might swing things in our favor.”

“If Calin had weighed in, it could have.” Argent said. “As it stands, Lily is ‘bias’, and Free is a doppelganger. This blunts our case. The tide will turn once we breach the Underground Coliseum and the ISF confirms Free’s account.”

“If half the Isle isn’t dead by then.” Rose said bitterly. “How’s Lily’s excavation progressing?”

“Have a look.” An aerial perspective appeared, showing molten rock accumulating in the casino’s former lobby from a nearby small tunnel. “She’s burning through faster than anticipated with her child-sized hole. At this rate, she’ll be done in two days.”

Rose sighed, “So, even in the best scenario, after the funeral…”

“Correct.” Argent nodded. They both contemplated the scene silently.

“Those high-end buildings in disrepair…” Rose said. “Is that from…?”

“Yes,” Argent shut off the projection. “Local real estate was devastated by the casino’s closing. Two hundred years later, traces remain.”

“I thought so…” This bolstered her confidence. “I recently had a bit of inspiration. There must’ve been a similar, if smaller, downturn around the secret entrance. After all, the Blood Arena’s fighters must’ve stayed in hotels, frequented bars, and the likes… The beasts smuggled in would’ve also generated income for the docks. What’d you think?”

“So you want to search for the economic impact… Pretty clever.” Argent commented.

“Right? However, I’ve no idea how to go about it. I was hoping for your help.”

Argent pondered, “I believe it’d be best to analyze arrests in the Undercity. We look for areas which saw a spike in crime around that time.”

“How long would that take?” She asked.

“It’ll be done by day’s end.” Argent said. “I’ll send you the findings. Still, even if we narrow it down, the search might prove fruitless. You understand why?”

Rose nodded, “It may be undetectable when closed.” Otherwise, it would’ve been discovered. She wasn’t optimistic, but they had to try.

“What will happen tomorrow night?” Rose asked anxiously.

“Something big.” Argent said. “The maelstorm will isolate the Isle, providing a golden opportunity.”

“I see two possibilities. First, Kain’s arm will be employed to create a humanitarian crisis on the Isle. Lithorn would use the pretext to take over after the storm. This would risk angering the HEAVENLY DAO.”

“My other fear is a military coup employing werewolf outbreaks as a distraction. Considering powerful immortals will be stationed here, it’d be difficult, but not impossible. I’ve been monitoring arrivals, but nothing so far. Of course, forces may be gathering in Callisto or Spiral city…”

Argent sighed, “All we can do is wait…”