[Book II Chapter 15] ROSE: Torak’s Acolytes

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Rose studied the ghostly knight. Its armor was perfectly interconnected plates of translucent mithril. While there was pale flesh below, it stood motionless, taking no breath. Below its visor, ice blue eyes stared off ahead. She estimated its strength on the par with Sion Gale. Impressive.

The phalanx guarding the bridge to the oath wall were creations of Gareth Black during his time as mask of Xarst. No one else could quite match his skill in crafting undead without a hint of malice.

They were back where they’d first arrived. Due to the momentous occasion, Nero had put their training on hold. Our first day off in six months, Rose realized.

She smiled tenderly. The oath had opened up a world of possibilities. Before they’d been limited to skirting the surface of the abyss, but with its protection they’d unlock the full breath of death’s power.

Nero and Roxanne began teaching everything they’d held back: advanced time manipulation, warping gravity, bending space to open portals… Gradually mastering all these magics and incorporating them into her martial arts had been such a satisfying process. Rose almost resented the break.

Of course, Wise had once again reached another level in power, but this barely upset her. She’d been so enthralled with delving the depths of necromancy she’d forgotten their daily matches. In fact, she’d spend far less time with her brother altogether, each of them pairing up with their respective mentors. Which is why she completely missed a major development.

Rose glanced over to the stunning beauty standing next to Wise. Long golden hair flowed around a flawless face which caused heads to turn wherever it went. Lucy Vance, Wise’s girlfriend. …

It happened even faster than Silver. Rose wasn’t sure she believed in love at first sight, but it was a different story when it came to those two. A single glance was all it took for them to know they were perfect for one another.

Lucy had a affinity with foresight far outstripping her other talents. In other words, same as Wise at Earth’s End. Which is why her brother understood the girl’s frustration over her insufficient strength. The two had instantly bonded. So not fair.

By the time Rose noticed their training ground had a new addition, they’d even mastered speechless conversation. Which is so, so aggravating. Even now, the two were smirking, enjoying some private joke.

“They’re here.” Nero declared.

Seven figures were making their way across the bridge towards them. Immortals from the Ghost Corrosion Sect, the first cultivators to ever take the oath. As Enera’s oldest power centers, there’d always been an unspoken rivalry between the Black Citadel and Sanwue. This is a historic event.

“Nero Ebonwood.” The elderly man leading the procession. “It’s an honor to finally make your acquaintance.”

“The feeling is mutual, Yaozu Gao.” Nero replied. “After our long relationship, it’s an honor to finally receive you.”

In the Cultivating Realm, those born with a connection to death were gathered at the Ghost Corrosion Sect. From there, candidates with strong secondary affinities were recruited. The rest were sent to the Black Citadel.

“I trust you had no issue with the oath?” Nero added.

“It was an interesting experience. I did not expect to meet our adversary directly. It was a stark reminder of the stakes.”

They moved to a nearby veranda, and everyone introduced themselves. When it was Wise and Rose’s turn, Yaozu’s eyes lit up. He chuckled quietly, “Your brother is our guest in Sanwue. Stories keep reaching me of him acting rather… heroic. He’s causing quite the stir.”

Rose grimaced, apologizing for the disruptions she was sure Soul was causing. At least he hasn’t gotten himself killed yet.

“Your sect’s disciples are here.” Roxanne announced.

Everyone turned to watch a stream of robe figures emerged from the oath wall. Across the bridge, men and woman in black were directing them to an outdoor auditorium. There, Xedion would greet them and guide groups would be formed. The Seeker of Knowledge had canceled all classes so all of Xarst could focus on welcoming the unusual arrivals.

Sadness shown on Yaozu’s wrinkly face as he watched. His companions shared his expression. “It’s an agonizing sacrifice we made.”

“Sanwue is fractured, individualistic places, with deception and betrayals common as sects vie for advantage. To orchestrate a unified response beyond our borders, the Great Assembly deemed a powerful adhesive necessary. Hence why we traveled here to become witnesses who cannot lie.”

They really are taking this seriously, aren’t they? Rose remembered Doehser Fang’s words in the Rose palace, “when the stars fade again, the Cultivating Realm will not stand idle.” Only now was she grasping the resolve behind that promise.

It was Nero that broke the silence. “I understand your stay will be brief. Is there anywhere you wish to visit before you go? I will escort you anywhere I’m able.”

Yaozu brightened up instantly. “Lossenger Tenebry.” He declared. “I would see where it’s produced. I’ve been tasked with securing a great quantity of the liquor.”

Nero smiled, “Then let’s visit the gardener. He’ll be pleased his masterworks are so appreciated.”

As they crossed the campus, Rose noticed Wise peering off in the distance. At an isolated terrace table, Radin Lockworth was enjoying a drink. They still hadn’t confronted the man.

“We’ll approach him later if he’s still there.” She whispered.

“He will be.” Wise agreed.

They entered the stone pillar which stretched Xarst interior and exited in a dark place. Eyes adjusting, Rose realized they were in a vineyard. In all directions were fields filled with neat rows of glowing violet leaves and little red fruits.

“So this is the secret behind that miraculous taste.” Yaozu mumbled. “I didn’t realize inverted grapes existed.”

“It’s not quite that simple.” An old man with crooked back and a gentle smile approached. “These vines and this place also resonate with the serenity and timeless flowing the depths of Xarst. Lossenger Tenebry is that ideal moment of perfect tranquility distilled.”

The gardened gave them a tour, concluding with a taste testing session. Rose eagerly participated and was stunned as the liquid hit her lips. She’d thought herself accustomed to gourmet cuisine from her time with Lily. I was wrong.

Rose remained in a blissful daze as Yaozu began negotiating his purchase. The figures thrown back and forth quickly knocked her out of her stupor. It’s not fair. Something that divine shouldn’t be so ludicrously expensive. How am I supposed to enjoy more of it? Finishing their drinks, Wise, Rose, and Lucy took the opportunity to politely excuse themselves.

Returning to the campus, Rose kept her eyes fixed on Radin once he came into view. She never had the chance to speak——

“Watch out.” Wise and Lucy warned simultaneously.

From around the corner, someone barreled into Rose, slamming her with such force it left her on the ground.

“My apologies,” Her assailant said, picking himself up. “I’m late for a gathering and wasn’t watching where I was going.”

Rose sat up and rubbed her head, speaking words she didn’t entirely mean. “It’s alright, I also wasn’t paying… attention…” The brown-haired man was young, in his early twenties, and stunningly handsome. “… Who are you?”

“Raphael Lange, a student in my final year.” So a saint who has returned to graduate, Rose translated. She was about to press for more from this gorgeous specimen but caught two smirking faces behind him. Right… Not now… Not with this audience. “I need to go, but I hope to see you around.“ Why did I say that?

“Anything is possible.” Raphael gave a charming smile. “I’ll keep an eye out for you.”

Following behind Wise and Lucy, Rose began resenting having given up the chance encounter. Since both Wise and Silver ran into theirs, maybe that was my turn? It only took a minute to bury such thought, and she then berated herself for getting distracted. She needed her full attention for Radin.

The old necromancer watched them approach the terrace calmly. Rose noted the bottle on the table. Lossenger Tenebry… She wondered what occasion had caused him to splurge so extravagantly. It certainly wasn’t the arrival of Sanwue cultivators.

“Radin Lockworth. It’s been a while.” Wise said emotionlessly.

Radin gazed over Rose and Lisa before turning to Wise. “I watched the recording of the Blood Arena… What did you give up to receive such power?”

“That…” Wise stammered, struggling for words. Only Radin can throw him so off-balance. Her brother closed his eyes. When they opened, the uncertainty was gone. “That’s not important. What are you doing here? Why aren’t you with Simon Black?”

Radin finished off his glass and placed it down firmly. “‘The ends justify the means’ is used to rationalize the most heinous wrongs. Unfortunately, most espousing the mantra don’t properly weight the likelihood of success. Inevitably, they fall short and all that’s left is the evil committed. Attempting to eradicate humanity and failing is just meaningless slaughter.”

“Even though a dark age has begun, it isn’t enough, not by a long shot. I have no desire to partake in the initial blood letting. Only when the dead have risen and the prospect of victory is in sight will I join the fray.”

He leaned back and nodded towards the balcony. “Down there are those who espouse a different outlook. Zealots determined to wage war regardless of consequences. For them, the effort expanded gives them purpose.”

Wise and Rose looked down. Below was a garden courtyard filled with people milling about, drinks in hand. A cocktail party?

“Torak’s Acolytes.” Wise stated. “Many are sleepers who have recently awoken. All are committed to ending this world.”

“Those you should note are the former masks of Xarst. I’ll let Wise identify them.” Radin poured himself another glass.

Wise nodded, possibly without realizing it. A pattern from when he was a pupil. “Six fought with Sola.” He pointed to a couple chatting under tomb ivy. “The woman is Eliza Farsong, the Blood Fanatic. She’s zealous and merciless. Her husband is Torel Farsong, the Regenerator. No one has died more than him.”

“Next are the two lurking in the corner. The cloaked woman is Sarel Black, the Wraith. She’s a superb infiltrator and assassin. The man shaking and mumbling to himself is Adam Bishop, the original fearmancer. He’s the oldest and perhaps the most hated.”

Wise paused before continuing. “See the two at the table looking directly at us? The woman is Hestia Gristle, the Dark Oracle. Her foresight is close to Nero’s. The man is Aldric Moonkin, the Melder of Horrors. He’s a legendary enchanter who helped Sola create weapons for the dark gods.”

“The last three are new recruits.” Lucy broke in. “I have met two during my time in Xarst. They were hard to miss.”

She gestured to a voluptuous lady talking to several men. “That’s Eva Fox, the Living Chaos. You can’t see it from here but her eyes aren’t normal. It’s like someone spilled paint and all the colors are fighting each other. Anyway, chaos and death are a nasty combination. She’s strong.”

“So is the man in the middle of the courtyard.” She continued. “Gideon Graive, Pestilence Incarnate. His blood is a lethal acid and poison. Notice the rotting portion of his head? His Body exists in a strange state of decomposition and rejuvenation. It’s disturbing to be around.”

“Finally, there’s the youngest, Bloise Amon, the Soul Singer.” Lucy finished. “He’s the tall man by the tree. Not much is known about him.”

Rose heart sunk when she saw who Bloise was talking. So this is where Raphael was heading… Just my luck.

“Nicely done.” Radin said. “A word of advice: watch out for Torel Farsong. He has another title that most have forgotten. Should he rediscover his motivation, you’ll face someone who can stand toe to toe with the dark gods.”

Rose cycled through the figures, burning their features to memory. “Nine total. That’s a lot…”

“The Mask changes hands every hundred years.” Radin explained. “Many former wearers are on your side too. More still have retreated to Xarst to wait on the sidelines. All the eldest lie with sleepers.”

“By the way, you’re wrong Rose,” Lucy offered. “It’s ten, not nine.”

Radin laughed softly, “My tenure was uneventful compared to my time as high auditor, so few remember.”

Rose appraised the elderly, frail-looking man. “Exactly how strong are you?”

“The right to wear the mask is not awarded on the basis of strength.” Radin explained, slowly sipping his Lossenger Tenebry. “Candidates are selected for their unique skills and insights. These are absorbed and retained by the artifact, to the benefit of future wielders. It’s even able to mimic sublime vagaries to a degree.”

“The experience is a two way street. A hundred years to delve the deepest secrets of Xarst. That’s the reason no one refuses. All come away with something. Some more than others.”

“When I finally move, it will take someone akin to your mother to stop me. No one else stands a chance.”