Ignite the Sun
Chapter 44: Higher level

Chapter 44: Higher level

The party was quickly guided inside the fortress - aside from Cassian, because of his unconscious state he was more or less flung inside by their savior.

As soon as they entered the building, they saw a few people waiting for them.

There was a team of healers with a stretcher prepared - either they could get ready on a really short notice, or the person who rescued them expected someone to get injured.

When Cassian was safely in the hands of the medical crew, their savior finally addressed them:

"Don’t worry about your friend, with our capable staff he’ll be completely safe."

Now that the green glow diminished, Calen could get a good look at the woman. She was rather short, but very well built - not in the same way as Lydia though, where Lydia was muscular and powerful, their new host was was lithe and slender.

Her skin was the same shade as Elira’s, but unlike the Alchemist’s was free of any freckles. The thick hair falling down her back wasbraided in an elaborate ways, still completely perfect despite the fact that she just killed dozens of monsters.

She wore only a simple sleeveless white dress, without any unnecessary embroidery or patterns - the only ornamental piece of her outfit was a bronze ring, which looked like twisted branches, wrapped around her right arm.

"I’m afraid that introductions will have to wait until tomorrow, because I have to clean up the mess outside before it causes any more trouble." She addressed the only person left in the room beside them. "Ally, would you be so kind as to show our guests to the chambers I’ve prepared for them?"

The unfamiliar girl saluted.

She was on the younger side, probably around their age, dressed in a half plate armour, and had a short sword at her side - a guard, if Calen ever seen one.

Her bright red hair was held in a long braid, likely to avoid getting in the way while fighting. When she looked at them with her ice blue eyes, he had a feeling that she wascasting a silent judgement.

Whatever her decision was, she turned around, and mentioned to follow her. As she led them down various corridors and staircases, Isara took it upon herself to start a conversation with their guide:

"Hi, you’re Ally, right? I’m Isara, or Isa for short."

The redhead regarded her coolly before responding:

"I’m Capitan Alison of the Verdant Watch."

There was an awkward pause - the girl clearly didn’t appreciate the familiarity in Isara’s tone, but it didn’t deter her from trying to chat.

"That sounds quite important, but would you mind telling us what exactly is the Verdant Watch?"

Alison sighed.

"Lady Sylara will explain everything you need to know tomorrow." She stopped in front of a particularly ornate door. "We have reached your accommodations."

When she opened the room, Calen was surprised by the luxurious interior - in front of him was a very well decorated common room, complete with rugs, sofas, a dining table, and even a large sculpted fireplace.

Alison pointed at the four doors lining one of the walls.

"The bedrooms are through there, and all the basic amenities should be inside - if something is missing tell me tomorrow, I’ll arrange for someone to get you what you need." She turned around to leave, and added. "I’ll come fetch you in the morning, don’t sleep in."

Soon enough, the three if them were left alone, standing in the middle of the large chamber.

"I think we really should just go to sleep, unless one of you has something important to share?" Calen asked.

They both shook their heads, so their new destination was clear:

Bed.

***

"I have to talk to you." His friend stated.

"About the ascension?"

"Yes... I know it’s a touchy subject for you, but are you really sure it’s safe?"

He let out an exasperated sigh.

"Why wouldn’t it be? The three of you managed to do it without any problems."

"You’re not seeing the issue! Both of you are fundamentally different than any of us, and we don’t know how it could influence the process!" She took a deep breath. "I just don’t want to see either of you hurt - especially her, since she just follows you in this path."

His eyes grew colder.

"I hope you’re not insinuating that I forced her to make that decision."

"Of course not." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "You’re both like siblings to me, and I know you would never intentionally harm her."

He deflated a little.

"Why does everybody think it’s such a bad idea? We don’t even know if they’re going to be any problems."

"It’s precisely because we don’t know what will happen that we’re so apprehensive - the two of you are one of a kind and don’t want to risk losing either of you."

He considered her words briefly, but then shook his head.

"I will not back down, I feel like this is what I was born for."

She looked at him with sad eyes.

"And there’s nothing I could do to dissuade you from doing it?"

"Nothing."

She studied his face for a moment.

"Very well then. If you’re so stubborn about this, then the we will do everything in our power to help you do it in the safest way possible."

For the first time since they started talking, he smiled.

"Thank you."

***

Calen opened his eyes wide, but remained motionless - this time there was no visit from a mysterious figure, but he was pretty sure what he saw was a continuation of the memory the golden guy bestowed upon him.

He knew it was a memory of the same person, but the woman he was talking to was different. They were discussing ’the Ascension’, whatever it was, just like in the first one.

Calen had a feeling that this was the main subject of those dreams, they were leading to the ascension ceremony - or its aftermath.

He heard the word used many times, but it never applied to a one specific thing - it was related to gaining power, sure, but not in a specified way - both his master and Drithen could be described as ’ascended’ but they had very little in common.

This line of thought made him recall the yesterday’s battle.

That creature, the ancient one, it wasn’t supposed to be defeated, it was too fast, too strong, too... terrifying.

And yet, their host killed the minster with a snap of their fingers.

That event made him finally understand what a monumental task was given to him - it wasn’t something he could deal with by just half-assing.

If he actually wanted to clear this world of corruption, he would have to achieve the strength of a demigod...

No.

Anything less than divinity was unacceptable, he would become a god, and cleanse this world.

He couldn’t build tomorrow without focusing on today though, so that’s what he was going to do.

His state... wasn’t great.

Calen was still, for all intents and purposes, human - he might have enchanced strength and durability, but in terms of actual power, he was still on a level of a regular mortal.

Suddenly, someone knocked on his door.

"Cal, you up? Alison came by a few minutes ago, and told us we’ll have breakfast with Lady Sylara and her advisors in half an hour." Isara’s muffled voice came through the door.

"Yeah I’m up, just give me two minutes two get dressed." He yelled back.

***

Alison looked a bit different from yesterday - her armour was replaced by a tasteful blue tunic, and black leather pants. What didn’t change was her attitude, she was still eyeing them with suspicion while gripping her sword.

Now that the hallways were better lit, Calen noticed that it wasn’t just their room that exhibited unusual opulence. The fortress was old, but lavishly decorated - crystal chandeliers, decorative armours and paintings at every corner.

There were even banners displaying the creat of the city: a castle tower inside a mountain. A little too on the nose for his liking, but he wasn’t here to judge their choice of symbols.

They came to a halt in front of a massive oak doors leading to the main banquet hall.

"You’re to show due respect for Lady Sylara and her advisors." Her eyes narrowed. "I don’t know why she rescued you, but you need to remember your place when you speak in there."

Alison pushed the door open and walked in, not bothering to check if they were following her.

Three people were already sitting behind a massive mahogany table: Sylara was sitting in the middle, smiling when she saw the party enter.

To her right was a very old man, his stature small, but his gaze as sharp as a razor, his clear eyes already assessing the group. On her opposite side, a middle aged woman sat - she looked rather unremarkable, and there was no clear indication of her job, but if she was have been talented.

Lastly there was one empty seat - a chair that was soon taken by Alison, revealing her position as one of the advisors.

Calen was slightly amused, considering her speech before they entered.

"Please take seats, we have much to discuss." Sylara said in a clear, melodic voice.