Annabelle’s Bastion

Stepping into the gate brought with it a wave of nostalgia.

It felt the exact same as when Anna left her home; the tingling of mana that only lasted for a moment before she just appeared in another place. Other than that feeling, it was just as though she walked through a normal door.

And what she saw immediately crushed the embarrassment of tearing up in front of a stranger.

There were a lot of nights when she fantasized about what it would look like—images she created in her head of the fantastical—but seeing it was an entirely different thing. To say it was stunning felt like an understatement!

The center of the tree was hollowed out, leading all the way to the top. Nestled far above was a massive crystalline structure that emitted light bright enough to illuminate the tree like an artificial sun. Entertwined wood created fences that wrapped around floors upon floors of bookshelves filled with books. But between those walls of books were even more castle-like doors.

Scattered around the walls on the first floor were even more doors, and in the center of the massive room was a large circular platform surrounded by stairs. The platform seemed to float slightly above the stairs, and in its center was a large, diamond-shaped green crystal.

That platform probably meant something pretty cool.

“This place is… amazing,” Anna said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Indeed,” the Elf said, though her voice sounded slightly sorrowful. Even then, her eyes seemed to struggle to leave Anna’s ring. She tore her eyes off and looked upward toward the books. “This is the culmination of centuries of gathering—these are the record of our world, the Library of the Lost.”

Now, that was a lot to unpack. That name instantly changed the way Anna looked at the countless books just in her range of vision. It left her with a profound melancholy—each and each one contained a trace of a world now empty.

“Like… Alexandria,” Anna muttered. That was a legend she had once been obsessed with, watching and reading hours of content about. Even then, she adored those kinds of things.

“Oh?” the Elf exclaimed, turning and directly facing Anna, looking into her eyes. “Your world also suffers, with no hope of reclamation, requiring your priests to gather your history before it is lost?”

If she didn’t know any better, Anna would say it was sarcasm! But the Elf seemed impassioned, eyes looking at Anna with… hope.

“Uh…” That made her feel terrible to have to dash because of her loose lips. “S-sorry… no, it’s nothing like that.”

But what did that mean?

“Of course.” The Elf sighed. “Forgive my eagerness—come,” she said, already turning and walking toward the platform.

“Is… is that what this is?”

Anna felt presumptuous for asking such a question, but Sorana felt just as much her second home as the island did. For the library to have such a name and for her to mention losing its history… it only had one absolutely terrible conclusion.

The Elf didn’t respond immediately, her soft steps against the stone floor the only noise. Eventually, she lightly sighed. “This place holds my world’s history so that it may never be forgotten, even should we inevitably perish.”

“Is that— … are you really expecting that to happen?”

“Yes.”

“That’s…”

It was incomprehensible.

Not just a part of the world but the entire planet. All of Sorana faced something that led to what she described as a centuries-long quest to collect their history! Beyond its emptiness, Anna didn’t feel like the planet was in danger…

Anna felt a sadness, a depressing feeling that engulfed her. There was really a threat so great that the only thing they could do was abandon the planet? How many billions of people? Not just people, but animals, too! What kind of power was necessary for something like that?

She had a hunch about the cause. Try as the academy might to avoid telling them so early; it wasn’t difficult to figure out.

It was probably the same threat that Bastion kept vaguely implying existed and the same one that took Thagrin’s homeworld.

The same threat that made Bastion want to train mages in the first place.

“Stand beside me,” the Elf interrupted Anna’s thoughts as she walked up the platform.

“Okay,” Anna said absentmindedly.

She looked at Anna a moment longer, her eyes struggling once more to leave her ring. The ghost of a bitter smile on her lips. “Are you sad? Angry for us? Or perhaps you feel we have given up too soon.”

“No!” Anna quickly exclaimed, shaking her head. “Not at all! I just…” She looked upward once more. “I’m just struggling to comprehend it all.”

“You’ve not faced it?”

“No… maybe, I think.”

The corruption, probably—that had something to do with it.

“Then you’ve been blessed with a safe world,” the Elf said, turning back to the crystal. A green ring twinkled as it materialized above her hand. She placed her hand gently atop the crystal, causing both it and her hand to shine.

That shocked Anna even more!

Did every race in the universe use the same magic system? She thought it was related to Bastion and whatever potion they had her drink to awaken!

The Elf caught Anna’s gaze and smiled; she seemed to look somewhat… guilty? A rarity—this Elf was hard to comprehend. “Green ring, matching my green eyes. You would be similar... had you not been cursed.”

“Cur—…” Anna shook her head. “Does that mean something?”

Thagrin said that their colors didn’t, but he had an odd reaction to the color, too! She didn’t press at the time, and it was forgotten pretty quick when she had to jump right into combat.

She nodded. “Green eyes are the markings of a priest, a green circle the sign of an Apostle.”

Was that just a convenient legend, or was there merit to it? Her eyes were a little too green—something that had been told to her before.

“And… a pitch-black ring?”

“The black ring…” Her smile vanished, replaced by a trace of disgust at Anna’s ring that she attempted to hide by turning away like she was afraid her instinctual reaction would scare Anna. “The taint.”

“The what?”

She paused for a moment, likely to control her reaction. It took a few seconds, but she turned and quirked an eyebrow at Anna. “You truly do not know?”

The Elf really had a knack for making Anna feel like a frog in a well.

“No, I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

“I… feel betraying that innocence would be a grave sin,” she said softly, but her gaze on Anna’s ring seemed to get her the resolve. She softly sighed. “Do you truly wish to know?”

“Yes!”

She stared at Anna for a few seconds—of course, her ring more than her eyes—as if gauging the veracity of her response—her will. Finally, she lightly nodded. “One must never refuse an opportunity to teach those willing to learn.”

“I know there’s some kind of massive threat, but nobody has told me what it was.”

It felt like she was about to bypass the entire slow roll the academy wanted to use, but she had to know what this threat was. Being in the dark was frustrating. Even the expedition was probably related to it, yet they were just being treated as mindless soldiers sent to do a task they didn’t know the meaning of!

“I will first take you up. After my diligence has been completed, I will explain to you.”

“Diligence?” Anna asked, her head slightly tilted.

“Yes.”

Again, the Elf seemed to have a mix of guilt, sadness… and still hope. She was a mix of emotional states that made Anna feel slightly off.

It felt similar to being around a fanatic who had the hidden hope of indoctrinating her into a cult.

Yet, she didn’t feel anything close to ill-intent from the Elf.

“Many lose their bearings during their first rise.” The Elf said as her hand on the crystal glowed bright green.

“Well…” Actually, Anna had ridden her fair share of elevators! “I think I’ll be fine.”

“Do not be afraid to reach for my hand—I will not be offended.”

“Thanks!”

A moment later, the entire platform lightly shook as the crystal emitted a sharp whirr. The vibration only lasted a moment, and the platform began to slowly leave its hold on the stairs. Once ascended, it went silent as they slowly went upward.

It felt a little odd, but Anna wasn’t that much of a child!

“Is this on some kind of pole, or is it actually floating?”

The Elf once again sent Anna a motherly-esque smile, though it felt more like that of a teacher. “We are within a mana stream, one that this crystal keeps stabilized.”

Were all Elves like this? It felt like her sharp sense of character just barely worked.

Or maybe it was because this Elf was some kind of apostle for a god—and it seemed like a tangible god, too.

“Ah…” Anna just realized how rude she was! “I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself!” She bowed her head. “My name is Annabelle Frost, I’m from— I’m just a student right now.”

As much as she felt no ill will from the Elf, it was probably better to hide her world and affiliation until she could decipher her full character.

“It is as much my err,” the Elf said, reciprocating Anna’s gesture. “Annabelle, a beautiful name. Mine is Elyanthra.”

“El-e-ahn-thra,” Anna repeated slowly, doubling her effort to make sure it sounded correct.

Elyanthra lightly chuckled, clearly bemused by Anna’s gesture. “That is correct. It is among the easier to pronounce.”

“You have a beautiful name, too!” Anna said.

“Many thanks, I am quite proud of it.”

Proud?

“Do you decide your own names?”

“Partly. Elya was my birth name, and Anthra was what I earned.”

“Earned?”

Anna couldn’t be more excited to learn about these kinds of things!

Elyanthra shook her head. “It is not a story to tell now—we have much more important things to discuss.” She turned back toward the crystal. “We have nearly arrived.”

“Oh, okay…”

It was easy to tell due to how much brighter it became. If Anna were to look up, she’d probably be blinded by that crystalline light!

She instead admired the rows of books as they slowly ascended.

None of the castle-like doors were opened, and some actually had wooden chains across them with some kind of dark purple rock in their center.

Some of the floors had ladders up the bookshelves, and others had books scattered around the floor.

One thing Anna did notice, though, that made her look at Elyanthra with a newfound respect and admiration was that there were no workers. No automatons she’d expect in such a place, no other Elves, and no semblance of any aid.

Did she take this duty alone?

Anna was only alone for a few months, but what about her? She’d likely been isolated on this planet, following a desperate quest by herself for god knew how long.

If able, Anna would definitely help—that was the least she could do.

Finally, the elevator came to a slow halt on the last floor, one that didn’t have any bookshelves. It was barren, save for the single, normal-sized door on the far side.

A spot of light brightened on the front edge of the crystal, and Elyanthra placed her finger on that slowly growing dot.

She flicked her finger toward the floor. Simultaneously, a green beam shot from that glowing light and went all the way to the door. It seemed to hit a small gem, but Anna could only see a bright glow.

Elyanthra dismissed her ring right as a loud whirr emanated from the floor around them.

Slowly, a wooden bridge seemed to be created from the floor… stretching itself forward.

“Woah,” Anna exclaimed. “How does that work?”

“Mana can do anything if given the proper commands,” Elyanthra said. She beckoned Anna forward, extending her arm like inviting her into her home. “Be careful; there are no guard rails.”

“O-okay.”

The wooden bridge stopped once it made contact with the platform.

Anna stepped on it, a cautious step to feel the durability. Thankfully, it felt strong, like a thick chunk of sturdy wood—she continued forward without much delay.

She wasn’t really afraid of heights, after all.

“Brave,” Elyanthra simply said. “Many acolytes face some fear taking this step.”

Was she the type to compliment anything? Well, it made Anna feel good to hear!

“Thanks.”

Once both were across, Anna turned to watch the bridge come back. It was quite a bizarre sight, seeing the wood bend and stretch like it was made of rubber.

“Come,” Elyanthra said, beckoning Anna forward. “I apologize for rushing you, but I have a mission I must complete.”

“I’ll help you!” Anna shouted without much thought and immediately felt like she heavily overstepped! “I-if you’ll let me.”

Of course, Elyanthra only sent her that warm smile. If she was offended, she didn’t show it! “I thank you, but I would not place such a burden on a guest.”

“It’s not—”

“Please, speak no more of it,” she interrupted, raising her hand. “For now, let us simply talk. You are a stranger from a world not of our path; I feel we may learn much from each other.”

Path? Actually, that likely referred to the planets she knew about, ones that had some sort of connection with Sorana. Wouldn’t Bastion kill for that information? Multiple new worlds with magic-able people!

Not that she would spread that—she had no unquestioning loyalty.

Elyanthra swiped her hand over a small gem embedded atop the door, and it immediately swung open. Everything here was so interesting!

She stepped outside, once again inviting Anna in. “I do hope our local food and drink will be to your satisfaction—such is the least I can do.”

Anna entered, eager to see what kind of place the likely command center was.

The room was unfortunately dark, but Anna could still see the large crystal on the ceiling that seemed to just need brightening.

The door clicked shut behind them.

“I must apologize once more,” Elyanthra suddenly said. “My… accommodations are somewhat lacking. I hope you will find them acceptable.”

“It’s fine!” Anna said, waving her hand. Were Elves really that kind? It almost felt fake!

“Thank you,” Elyanthra said as a green ring brightened around her forehead. She swiped her hand at the wall, and the crystals on the ceiling illuminated. “Welcome to the Lord’s Chamber, Annabelle.”

“Woah.”

In the center was a large, rectangular stone and wood altar with a bright orb hovering above a green-gem-adorned pedestal. Beneath it was a fancy crimson fabric. Various tools were scattered around the orb, looking like alchemical equipment and excavating ones.

Further past that altar, there were ten stands built like pillars. Six of them had orbs, each a different color and lightly shining. Above the orbs—on the wall—was that draconic logo that Anna saw on the front of the tower.

Lastly, there were doors scattered along the walls. In the center of both sides were larger doors, both locked. One opened door on the right side led to what appeared to be a bedroom.

“What is all this?” Anna asked, mesmerized by the bobbing orb on the altar that emitted a faint hum and light.

“Annabelle,” Elyanthra said, her tone reluctant and again guilty.

Anna turned, meeting those somewhat confused green eyes. “What?”

“I… I apologize, I know such a thing is unbecoming of me, but…” She sighed, shaking her head as if gaining a resolve in her words. “I must ask that you allow me to peer into your being.”

“What?”

“You… bear the marking of an accursed, Annabelle—” She suddenly raised her hands placatingly. “Please understand. I… I cannot allow you to continue in the heart of my world without ensuring you aren’t a victim to its whims.”

She sounded so incredibly guilty that it seemed she would tear up.

“W-what… what does that entail?”

If it was something tame, she wouldn’t have sounded like that.

“I vow in the name of my lord that it would not harm you in the slightest.” She lowered her head. “It will only allow me to peer into your soul. It’s… an abhorrent breach of your sanctity, but you must understand Annabelle—”

“Wait, will I be unconscious for this?” Anna asked, interrupting her. If so… well, she didn’t fear much in that state.

“I— yes, I’m sorry.” Elyanthra still didn’t lift her head. “I will at least heal your wounds while doing it.”

“How long would it take?”

If doing so could get her the immediate trust of the Elf, then she wasn’t opposed to it. It’s not like she had an arsenal of Sigils she wanted to keep hidden.

Actually… it felt like it could be a good way to bug her so-called other self. Not being able to talk much in her presence last time was annoying!

“At most, an hour—most likely far less… since… ah…”

“Because I’m weak?” Anna wryly asked. Of course, she was—that wouldn’t change until she got a new Sigil!

“Y-yes… forgive me.”

“I’m fine with this,” Anna said.

Elyanthra lifted her head, and her green eyes were widened. “Truly?”

“Yeah.”

Was it a little too mischievous?

Her other self deserved it! And she could get some good information out of it. Presumably, Elyanthra might even be able to tell her what this other self was!

“Once again, Annabelle; I vow in my lord’s name that no harm will come to you.”

And Anna believed it, too.

“Sure, but make sure you tell me what you find!”

Elyanthra seemed to understand her intent—it didn’t take much to realize Anna was just as clueless. “I will.”

“Ah… vow to me in your Lord's name that you will.”

It felt too pushy to say that, but Anna expected her other self to try and force Elyanthra silent!

“I understand your distrust,” Elyanthra said, warmly smiling at Anna. “I vow in my lord’s honorable name that I will inform you of the results without sparing a detail.”

“I trust you, actually! Let’s just do this right away.”

“Yes. Please, come this way.”