The Pillar of Enera

[Book II Chapter 77] HOPE: Mobile Armor Battles

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“We’ll give you a ten second head start.” Dorothy said. “Then the hunt starts.”

Hope couldn’t even bring herself to gripe. For all she knew, her sublime vagary, Cursed Fate, was responsible for this too.

She was in the Knots, an arid twisted land east of the Sarada desert. Seventeen light funnels illuminate this stretch of stringy barren earth. Why did the HEAVENLY DAO even bother? There’s nothing here except giant beetles.

Before her floated four mechanical giants. One was orange, with all manner of gun barrels. One was blood red, with metallic dragon heads growing from its back. One was black, with a cloak of living shadows. One was brown, with four canon barrels on its arms and shoulders. Each was an Argon masterpiece.

“Go!” Dorothy commanded. Hope grinded her teeth as Envy Green shot in the opposite direction, aiming for the gaps in the rocks.

Ever since she’d accepted to pilot Astrolis, her life had been one grueling training session. Argon’s ace pilots were adamant she measure up to some basic standards if she was to participate in a mission with them. These ‘hunts’ were part of that, though Hope suspected it was just an opportunity to flex their talent.

The first to catch up was Dorothy, which wasn’t too bad. She swerved to break line of sight. Gunhell excelled in wide open skies, taking advantage of its range, and these snaking strands of bedrock were its nemesis. Hope dunked between cover repeatedly, preventing the mobile armor from properly aiming. After a frantic chase, she pulled away.

Ecstatic at this escape, Hope flew into a valley and ran into Argon’s brown masterpiece. God no. This narrow space was the worst place to face Mortal Fusion. She desperately retreated as its four cannon took pivoted towards her. The land around her erupted into a hellscape.

Mortal Fusion embodied a simple paradigm: explosive firepower taken to the extreme. In terms of causing sheer destruction, none of Argon’s other masterpieces could match it. Fortunately, its heavy armor made it the slowest, and she somehow evaded the waves of debris long enough to gain some distance, which is when Nihilister appeared besides her.

“You’re mine.” Leon roared, releasing an inferno with his mobile armor’s twin dragon heads. Green Envy dived into a fissure just in time to avoid the flames.

Not good, not good, not good… Leon’s Nihilister was the fastest of them all and excelled in close combat and confined spaces. Why do arrogant bastards always have the skill to back it up?

Hope zigged and zagged through the earth, evading giant fireballs, but, try as she might, the terrifying red mobile armor gradually caught up. She was almost relieved when a black figure flashed into view.

Argon’s last masterpiece, Blade Ruin, had a ninja inspired design with a sleek, almost superhero aesthetic. With a shadowy cloak flowing behind it, a gigantic dark sword materialized in its hands. Light would absolutely love it. Even I think it’s pretty cool. The blade struck Envy Green’s torso.

“Damn it!” Leon raged. “You stole my kill.”

“Calm down. This is just a training exercise.” A composed voice declared. “Besides, you need to be faster if you want to best Blade Ruin.” Horace Bail was the leader of Argon’s elite pilots, a fact Leon resented.

“Let’s go again, and I’ll show you who’s faster” Leon seethed.

“I think not. Hope has been at this for hours, and it’s time for my patrol.” Horace said. “You’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”

Without another word, Nihilister sped away, its dragon heads snarling. It’s over. Hope let out a breath of relief.

“Leon’s an excellent pilot.” Dorothy said as GunHell and Mortal Fusion arrived. “If only his personality was less abrasive…”

“As long as he follows orders, it’s fine.” Horace responded before flying over to Hope. “You lasted longer that time, but nowhere near five minutes. While there won’t be any immortals in Palos, it’s still a major city in the Northern Empire. We can expect substantial defenses and a decent-sized military presence. If you don’t want to be shot down, keep practicing.”

Thankfully Leon had already left by the time they returned. Only two figures were waiting in the hangar, the taller of whom rushed forward as Hope exited the cockpit. “How was it? Everything still in one piece?”

Envy Green’s previous pilot had passed away during Argon’s defection. Dominique Marks was his chosen replacement, selected out of saints put forward by the Grey Kingdom. As the most junior of Horace’s elite squad, Hope was borrowing his ride, much to his chagrin.

“Relax, we were regulating our weapons.” Said the dark-skinned man climbing out of Mortal Fusion. “None of us want to face Argon after damaging one of his masterpieces.”

Hope knew this to be true. In a serious battle, Mortal Fusion would have simply blown up the entire valley in one colossal explosion. Thank god someone like Leon wasn’t in control of that firepower.

As a pilot, Ulrich Lunat was calm, collected, and methodical. Outside the cockpit, he was laid back and easy going. He was the perfect choice for the most destructive of Argon’s most destructive creation.

“I honestly hate it every time I’m stuck here.” Dominique lamented.

“Must sucks to be the newbie.” Dorothy laughed, joining them. “And have an even bigger newbie steal your ride.”

“Sorry…” Hope offered weakly.

“Don’t apologize.” Said the young woman next to Dominique. “I enjoy his company on your outings. It’s nice not being the only one left behind.”

In contrast to her countrymen, Zen Requis had skin and hair as white chalk. Argon had recruited the albino necromancer for his current project. Once completed, she’d be the pilot of Doom Haunt.

“I’m off for now.” Hope headed for the door.

“When you get a chance,” Dominique called out after her. “Let’s go over some advance movement techniques.”

“Later, I need a break.” Hope responded. It was nice having someone so devoted to aiding her, even if it was out of fear she’d wreck his precious mech.

Despite herself, she was warming up to Argon’s elite squad——or at least to most of them. It was awkward. These were enemies she might face on the battlefield, if she ever escaped.

The clanging grew louder as she descended a long stairwell. After the door at the bottom, it became deafening. This was the factory floor.

With a two thirds of a mile diameter, Cloud Fortress Omega Nine was one massive edifice devoted to war. Argon Blast found fulfillment in the development of weaponry, and the lower portions of his aerial island were dedicated to their efficient mass production.

Hope walked the catwalks observing the outgoing shipments of mobile armors and incoming shipment of materials. Below groups of men worked tirelessly to assemble tools to end lives.

Once fitted with the severing collar, she’d been given permission to wander anywhere. After much exploring, she’d request a small space here from the foreman. Argon’s elites never frequented the factory, and the workers paid her no attention. As for Hope, after months in Corthia, she was accustomed to the racket. With my ear plugs, I don’t notice it at all.

Argon had returned her equipment, a small act she was grateful for, and she was determined to enchant every day less her skill atrophy. It also offered her the opportunity to think.

Rescue is unlikely and I can’t get this collar off. She simply didn’t have the strength to touch the enchantments of an immortal like Argon. At this rate she might never be free.

There was no guarantee she’d be released, even if they retrieved Astrolis. As long as death hung around her neck, she’d be in the same situation when they returned. I have to leverage my participation in the mission to Palos and secure better terms.

Taking a moment to formulate her approach, she made her way up to huge central room which served as Argon’s workshop. The immortal was kneeling besides Doom Haunt with Zen sitting nearby. The mobile armor’s outershell was hanging on chains above, leaving only an intimidating mechanical skeleton. The death magic permeating the frame added to the unnerving vibes. Hope watched the man tinker for a minute. Truthfully, she was dreading this confrontation a little.

“Once we reach Palos, I want you to remove this collar.” Hope announced.

Argon stopped his work and turned towards her. “Is that so?”

“Yes,” Hope continued, displaying all the confidence she could muster. “I’ll fly Astrolis near dwarven territory and park above a ravine. You’ll hang back while I drop down. That way I’ll be free and you’ll have your prize.”

Argon stood up and stepped towards her. Hope didn’t like how he loomed over her. “You didn’t approve of the original plan?”

“You mean where I fly Astrolis back here still wearing the collar?” Hope said. “No, not a fan.” Zen was staring wide-eyed at her audacity.

“I need you to transfers control over to me.” Argon revealed. “Otherwise Astrolis is just a hunk of junk.”

“You’re exaggerating. You’d get value simply studying it.” Hope bluffed. “Besides, I’m sure an enchanter of your caliber will figure some way to make use of it.”

Argon tapped his chin as time passed incredibly slowly. Finally, he smiled, “Fine, we’ll do it that way then. Don’t go regretting——”

“Argon, you reading this?” Horace’s voice interrupted them. The man sounded distracted. “I could use some assistance.”

Argon instantly hoped over to his throne, projecting the pilot in the space before him. “What’s the problem?”

“I’m currently engaged with Kara, the Beast of Sanrune.” Horace reported, his figure shaking due to high speed maneuvers. “She came out of nowhere and is attacking relentlessly. I hate to admit this, but I’m not confident in handling her alone, especially if she stops playing around.”

Argon cursed. Behind him, a giant hulk of metal came to life. “Do what you have to hold out. I’m on my way.” He leap into War Machine’s cockpit and shot into the sky. Hope watched the room’s dome close behind him.

“What are you waiting for?” Zen shouted, sprinting by. “Come on!”

Unsure, Hope followed. “Where are we going?” Argon didn’t seem like he needed help…

“War Machine is about to face off with one of the strongest immortals on the planet.” Zen huffed. “Aren’t you curious? I’m going to find the others and beg them to give me a ride.”

Hope considered this and sped up.