[Book II Chapter 156] WISE: Absolute Destruction

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  Wise approached the deformed centaur from behind. The creature was focused on battering a door and didn’t sense his presence. He swung his staff, crushing its head.

  Rather than risk being trampled by joining the crowds near the docks, many refugees had barricaded themselves in buildings in the slums. With the streets swarming with monsters, there was no way to move them now, so he was left racing from one location to another to prevent break-ins.

  Where must I head next? Hundreds of small skirmishes were raging throughout Neon’s outskirts. Thanks to the countless innocent lives in dangers, he could barely see a few minutes ahead. How did Nero handle it? He wondered despite knowing the answer. It was his insistence on saving everyone which was crippling his foresight.

  Then absolute destruction descended on him from above. At first, he didn’t understand what it was. His future selves were simply disappeared in a sea of fire. Then he concentrated and a few of his selves were able to escape the devastation and see what it was. This caused him to panic all the more.

  Dawn! Abandoning his rescue attempts, he sprinted across the rooftop. His sister was where he’d left her, fending of nightmares below Eidelweiss.

  “Follow me now!” He yelled, offering no explanation. If she understood the situation, she might hesitate, and they were already cutting it close.

  Wise smashed through the wall of a run-down gym and pointed to the swimming pool inside. “Once we are at the bottom, freeze the water above us.”

  He dove down without waiting. A second later, Dawn was by his side channeling powerful ice magic. He could tell by her face that she had questions. The answer is coming in 3… 2… 1…

  A blinding yellow light exploded above, and a shock wave hit them, followed by burning heat. The next instant, the pool’s water, what was left of it, was boiling, and the air above was filled with searing steam. Struggling out of the ruble, they took stock of the devastation around them.

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  Every thing was flattened, and not a living soul could be seen. Small fires littered the unrecognizable wreckage.

  Those I spent so much time helping are all dead, he realized. By focusing on saving everyone, he’d failed to save anyone. He felt a crushing regret. If I’d been willing to accept losses, I could have foreseen this earlier…

  Dawn grabbed his shoulder and shook him. “What happened?” There was madness in her eyes.

  “Oliver Brack aimed Artemis, Aery’s ultimate weapon, at Eidelweiss. We were the only survivors in the blast zone.” Wise explained emotionlessly. “If he’s not stopped, he’ll do it again.”

  His own words cause Wise to pause. This isn’t over… Hundreds of thousands are at risk. His mind and foresight started racing. Neither Astra nor Arland’s leadership were aware of how many died in the blast. They had no reason to distrust Oliver. Thanks to the oath and my foresight, I might be convince them otherwise, but that leaves many problems…

  He turned and roused his shocked sister. “Dawn, I need you to grab Emerit’s attention and bring Astrolis to me.”

  Dawn looked back, still dazed and confused, so he continued. “If we don’t get to Novgard, more will die.”

  Watching his sister fly off on icy wings, he sighed. I can see so clearly now… With all else seeming insignificant compared to the looming threat, he was free to explore the future without the compulsion to rescue civilians. It was as though a dense fog had been lifted.

  Dawn returned with the giant orange mechanized knight. The cockpit opened and Emerit popped out. “What’s emergency?” He asked with a half-serious smile.

  “Oliver Brack murdered Yuria Raven by firing Artemis at Eidelweiss.” Wise replied. He went on to explain the details while Emerit listened with a grim expression.

  “That’s why Dawn and I need you to carry us to Novgard.” He concluded.

  “Wouldn’t it be best to alert your mother?” Emerit asked.

  Wise shock his head. “Even if we did, that would put her in an awkward spot. She can’t send an adventurer’s guild immortal without it being viewed as an act of war. She would either need to take the time and effort to convince an Aery immortal to intervene or go herself. Both solution would weaken the front lines and risk the Nightmare King breaking through.”

  “And so you plan confronting Oliver yourselves?” Emerit frowned.

  “Dawn and I are Skyfells.” Wise pointed out. “What’s more we are saints acting on our own behalf. There will be no political fallout.”

  “But will you be able to stop Oliver?” Emerit pressed. “I can only bring out there. My position won’t allow me to interfere.”

  “We will.” Wise answered.

  “Trust him.” Dawn added confidently.

  This won over Emerit Blaze, who nodded. “Then come up here and jump in. I will be flying fast.”