[Book II Chapter 27] ROSE: The Veritas War Academy

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“Thank you for everything.” Wise bowed deeply. Rose and Lucy joined him.

Nero smiled, “It was my pleasure. I look forward to your return once you’re ready to graduate.”

He faced Roxanne. “I hope too see you then too.”

“You of all people know I won’t be coming back.” Roxanne answered wistfully. Rose swore she saw Nero wince.

Deep in Xarst’s campus, they were standing in a corridor which dead ended in a pitch black wall. Finished with their farewells, they walked into the darkness.

After the familiar unpleasantness of the Abyss, they exited in a great hall adorned with Xarst’s skull symbol. A ghostly fairy flew up through the floor and greeted them, “Welcome to the Veritas War Academy. The Onyx Wing is available to you for as long as you’d like.”

She then approached Roxanne, “Raven Dolcia is awaiting your visit.”

“Tell her I’ll arrive soon enough,” Roxanne chuckled.

Wise and Lucy immediately left to find a quiet spot. Torak’s acolytes had passed through this portal earlier today, and they intended to track their movement. As for Rose, she headed outside and found herself on a balcony overlooking the world.

The Veritas War Academy was a palatial complex half the size of Astra’s Ice Fortress, with dozens of towers and connected passageways. She stood on one of the tallest structures, a sparkling lake stretched out before her with large city on the other side. Lake Resplendent and The city of Addendum. The landscape was surprising whole except for one enormous crevice which traveled from the horizon through Addendum, under the water, and next to the academy.

“The planet’s crust really was shattered.” Roxanne noted, joining her. “At least the HEAVENLY DOA was considerate enough to keep the lake intact.”

Just then, Rose felt a strange kinship with her mentor. Having slept since the Dark Age, she was clueless about the outside world. Enera had changed too much. And with a little studying, I can be the knowledgeable one.

“It wasn’t just the lake.” Rose glanced back at the mountain looming behind the academy. Lava flowed down its side. “It also preserved that.”

“Wow, that must’ve been a huge undertaking.” Roxanne murmured.

“It’s the only remaining active volcano on the surface.” Rose said proudly.

Founded by the necromancer Raven Dolcia, the Veritas War Academy was build where all four elements intersected, providing excellent cultivation opportunities. That obscenely tall tower is for air affinities. It was meant to provide a place of study not beholden to any outside power. Talented individuals from all over vied for admissions.

“It’s nice that it mostly hasn’t changed.” Roxanne leaned on the ramparts. “When I studied at Xarst, I’d come here whenever I needed a break. I had unforgettable experiences and made many friends. All are gone now…”

Rose listened quietly. “What did you mean when you told Nero you ‘won’t be coming back’?”

“If I returned to Xarst, I’d join the sleepers.” Roxanne observed the scenery fondly. “Even now, I’m battling the fatigue. The moment I stop moving forward, it’ll overtake me.”

She faced Rose, “That’s why I’ve accompanied you. Joining your adventures and meeting old acquaintances will keep me active.”

“About that…” Rose said. “What do you think of our current plans? Wise might match a regular immortal, but he stands no chance against those nine. Running after them… Are we making a mistake?”

“I’m not worried.” Roxanne answered. “Foreseeing danger to one’s self is easiest to predict, and I trust Wise’s foresight. You’ll be safe as long as you’re together.”

“I’m just not sure what we’re trying to accomplish.” Rose complained.

“During the dark age, the wisdom Nero gleamed from the future altered the course of history many times.” Roxanne explained. “Wise hopes to do the same.”

“Do you think he’ll succeed?” Rose asked. And is there any point to accompanying him? She’s been debating this unvoiced question fiercely recently.

Roxanne rubbed her chin. “Frankly, I have my doubts. They have the dark oracle and are all familiar with evading prying eyes. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying.”

Wise and Lucy came out. “There is a airship leaving Addendum which is willing to give us a ride.” Her brother reported. “We should get going right away. I’ll answer your questions on board.”

Before Rose could react, Lucy continued. “Roxanne is going to catch up with Raven Dolcia, and I’ll stay with her. If we travel anywhere else, we’ll leave word at the Adventurer’s Guild.”

Wise hopped off the balcony. Smirking, Roxanne waved Rose on. Damn it.

“We’re going to run across the water.” Wise said as she landed. “Stick close to me.”

They were halfway across before Rose remembered enough to manipulate surface tension on her own. I was just a little rusty. She looked down at the dark depths under them. After experiencing the blue abyss, this is strange.

Rose took in what she could as they raced across the city. The ravine separating the two halves was forty feet wide. Bridges connected severed streets, and terraces lined the buildings on both sides. The docks were built on the outskirts where the gap in the earth had been artificially widened.

Wise jumped on a rising ship and went inside. Rose waited on the deck.

“Sorry for rushing.” He said after returning. “We can relax now.”

“What did you find out?” Rose demanded.

“A large group of acolytes embarked headed north towards Remnant.” Wise answered. “We’re following.”

“And you’re certain about this?” Rose pressed.

“Yes,” Wise hesitated. “Do you remember the young man that bumped into you at Xarst? Raphael Black?”

Rose glared. I’ve been trying to forget.

“He’s traveling with them.” Wise continued quickly. “While they are using enchantments to make themselves unnoticeable, Raphael is rather eye-catching. It’s easy to find the others through him.”

I see. Rose sighed. “So what now?”

“They are planning something big.” Wise said solemnly. “Something with a huge impact. I can sense it. We need to keep as close as possible so I can discover what to do to prevent it.”

“And what about Lucy? Are you fine with leaving her behind?” Rose asked.

“We discussed it before hand.” Wise nodded. “She doesn’t have the ability to fight or move rapidly. Also, when we’re together, we see the same things, and that’s wasted potential. She’ll track the activity of the other acolytes while keeping Roxanne company.”

Her mentor was staying behind for their benefit. If she traveled with them, the safety she provided would rob them of any experience, and they both needed to grow stronger.

“Besides,” Wise smirked. “She’ll likely be waiting for us the next time we reach a major city. I’d bet on it.”