Memoirs 247 - Legacy (Patreon)

Though Scarlett couldn’t be sure, she felt like Thainnith cocked an eyebrow in response to her question. After a brief pause, the mostly featureless man motioned with his hand, summoning an image of a vast, cloud-streaked sky above it. Within this expanse, glimpses of a tremendously long creature occasionally emerged, slithering through the clouds like one enormous serpent.

The sight caused something at the back of Scarlett’s head to itch in discomfort.

“There is much that even I still do not understand,” Thainnith began, and the image shifted to display a massive, shapeless grey mass rising from the ocean’s depths. For some reason, it was almost painful to look at. “The Anomalous One, as its name implies, is an irregularity. It’s an entity that does not belong in our world, forced into existence here despite that. A trapped beast. It operates neither within the laws of our realm nor with any moral compass we can understand, and it poses a threat to all that dwell here, divine or mortal.”

The scene changed once more, this time to a smaller scale. At its center was a solitary, indistinct humanoid figure set against a stark, barren landscape. Scarlett wasn’t sure she was truly comprehending the full meaning of these visions, but even just what she was perceiving was more than enough to convey an overwhelming sense of apprehension.

Her attention turned back to Thainnith himself. He did not appear disturbed by what he was showing at all. Even though his appearance remained vague and elusive to Scarlett’s senses, he still projected a commanding presence.

Perhaps that was only to be expected. Though he might just be a remnant left behind by the original, Thainnith had basically been a demigod, eclipsed only by literal gods. Or, considering that Thainnith had sealed the Anomalous One—which even gods were apparently afraid of—he might well have surpassed even them in some respects.

She considered his earlier words for a moment. “When you refer to the Anomalous One as a ‘trapped beast’, what exactly do you mean?” she asked.

Thainnith clenched his fist, causing the images to vanish and the nagging sensation in the back of Scarlett’s head to fade. “Although we may consider it as a threat and an adversary, the Anomalous One is no invader, nor is it even here by its own volition. It desires to return to wherever it originated, wherever that may be, as much as we wish it gone. Its means of escape, however, would wreak irreparable harm on our world, shattering the very foundations that maintain the realms.”

A frown formed on Scarlett’s brow. “What could possibly confine such a powerful being here?”

That detail had never been mentioned in the game, at least not in this form.

“I do not know how it initially became trapped here, only the consequences of the event. The Anomalous One cannot leave, as it remains shackled by the very system of fate that it does battle with.”

Scarlett’s thoughts pulled to a halt, and her gaze intensified. “…Do you know what the system is?”

Thainnith looked at her, his silver eyes gleaming as he studied her carefully. “Please elaborate on your question, inheritor.”

“You mentioned a system? With that, are you referring to an artificial construct? I have myself encountered an artificial system that appears integral, or at the very least tied to, how this world operates. Is that related to what you were describing?”

The man remained silent for a while. “…The concept of fate as most common people understand it may differ from what I refer to,” he eventually said, seeming not to quite answer her question. “It is inexorable and preordained, yes, but it is also much more tangible than most would think. Tangible, yet intractable. The mechanisms behind it are profoundly complex yet distinctly real, shaping much of what transpires in this world to its image. However, its full extent remains unknown.”

Scarlett’s brow deepened with uncertainty. She wasn’t sure whether that was part of the same system she knew or if the fate of this world was entirely separate. “Are you familiar with any system that binds to an individual, granting them power in exchange for completing tasks?”

Thainnith shook his head. “I am not familiar with whatever you just described.”

Some disappointment welled up inside Scarlett. “You are unaware of any artificial framework such as the one described within this world? What about a separate reality where the events and fate of this world exist merely as a narrative?”

“Whatever you are referring to, it is beyond my current ability to answer,” the man said.

Scarlett clicked her tongue in light frustration, realizing that—despite how unlikely it was—she’d actually been hoping that he would know something about the game-like aspects of this world.

Although, if she thought about it, his not recognizing her description of the system didn’t necessarily mean he didn’t know anything. It was possible that the system as she knew it simply hadn’t existed before her arrival.

Folding her arms, she regarded the man thoughtfully for a few seconds. “Can you tell me who created this world?”

He watched her in turn. “This world came into existence during an event known as the ‘Genesis of Realms’. First, the Wandering Realm appeared, followed by the Blazes. Afterward, the first of the gods are believed to have come into being, along with the Viles, while the Material Realm was created later by the most powerful of those gods who sacrificed their own lives for it. The precise details of these events are not known, however. Especially regarding what brought it all about at the start. Even the gods and the Viles likely lack this knowledge. There are certain primal Idols in the Wandering Realm that might hold more clues, though their information would be difficult to obtain. Aside from them, there is only one entity who has existed since nearly the inception of the world, but they are neither easily accessible nor forthcoming with answers.”

Scarlett’s eyebrows lifted. There was actually someone or something that had been around since the start of it all, then? Or at least close to it? “Who is this entity?”

“They do not have a name,” Thainnith replied. “And regrettably, I can offer no guidance on finding them in your time. They are neither an Idol, a Vile, nor a true god, and they are as transient as the seasons themselves.”

“…There seems to be much you cannot tell me,” Scarlett said.

He offered no response to that.

She sighed softly, deciding to change the topic. “You have spoken extensively about this world’s fate. As you have noted, the Anomalous One does battle against and can defy that fate. Are there others who can do the same?”

“There are individuals who can,” Thainnith said, then paused. Suddenly, he looked towards the horizon, his eyes slightly narrowed as if he were observing something in the distance, before eventually refocusing on Scarlett. “To an extent, I am among those who can influence fate, though it is important to understand what this means. Know that fate does not command the thoughts and actions of every breathing being in this world, and it is not merely the oppressive force some consider it to be. Fate operates on a grand scale, and what it commands are subtle yet significant changes that ensure the course of history and progress proceeds down a certain path. To what end goal, no one knows. However, there is considerable freedom in how that path can be followed, which is why the majority of mortals could be considered free of its influence. More powerful beings like dragons, the Viles, or Idols do not have quite the same freedom. Neither do I, nor the gods, but some of us can alter even fate’s more fixed aspects in minor ways. I suspect my capacity in this regard is greater than most, excluding the Anomalous One.”

Scarlett considered his explanation. To her, that description of fate seemed to align with her current perception of it simply being some sort of mechanism for enforcing the game’s plotline on this world.

Was this another indication that this world was indeed a derivate of the game’s narrative, rather than the other way around? And how did her presence fit into that?

“Have you ever encountered another Anomalous One, or anticipated one might appear?” she asked.

“I cannot provide an answer to that,” Thainnith replied.

“Very well. Then can you instead explain how it is that you are able to perceive and interpret fate? You seem to have at least some insight into the future.”

“I do, though it is not a skill one can easily acquire. Some deities bestow this ability on their devotees, and certain mortals, through decades of training and acclimation to its weave, can perceive parts of fate.”

“So you do not believe I could learn it within a few months?”

It took a moment for him to respond, as though he was processing a suitable answer while resetting part of the conversation. “Your presence here, inheritor, indicates that you possess an understanding of fate few others have.”

“…I see.” Scarlett supposed that he was right, in a way. “Allow me to pose you a different question. Among those who can discern fate, who would you say is the most adept?”

“It is impossible to say definitively, but it’s likely that some gods and Idols are more proficient than I am.”

“What do you think they would do if they detected the appearance of another Anomalous One?”

There was another pause, indicating he didn’t have a proper answer prepared, but eventually, he spoke. “Typically, any efforts to predict the fate surrounding the Anomalous One prove fruitless.”

That reassured Scarlett, at least somewhat. It seemed to confirm her suspicion that she wasn’t easily detectable by seers like the Augur. But there was also the possibility that she’d catch someone’s attention because she was difficult to detect.

A thought struck her. She refocused on Thainnith. “Earlier, when you spoke of the Tribute of Dominion’s eventual resurgence, you seemed certain of your success in sealing the Anomalous One, despite its vast powers. Now you are also claiming that discerning its future is nearly impossible. If so, how can you be so certain that you will achieve your goal?”

“It is simple,” Thainnith said. “While it is true that the Anomalous One’s actions cannot be predicted due to its resistance against fate, that does not place its existence outside the bounds of fate. As I have mentioned, fate itself binds the creature to this world. I am not so naive as to believe its arrival was unforeseen by fate. In fact, it was preordained.”

“You are implying that this world’s fate is part of the cause for the Anomalous One’s presence, as well as the resulting strife following its inability to leave?”

“Precisely. The myriad seemingly paradoxical facets of fate contribute to its ineffable nature. While it does not reign as a true tyrannical overlord, nor should it be mistaken for a wholly merciful presence.”

A scowl had formed on Scarlett’s face.

She was starting to see why the Hallowed Cabal was against fate as much as they were in this world.

“Fate has already decreed that the Anomalous One will be sealed,” Thainnith continued with confidence. “In all other regards, fate almost never imposes itself directly, but this is an exception. The Anomalous One’s defeat in my era is certain, and I am merely the instrument through which that verdict will be delivered. It may be inexorably powerful and defy fate with its every move, but even the Anomalous One has its limitations.”

Though Scarlett doubted she could feel sorry for the entity, this certainly put things into context. It was essentially a giant forced cage match between this world and the Anomalous One, with fate keeping both parties in line.

She observed Thainnith silently for a few seconds. “…Who determines fate?”

At that question, he shook his head slowly. “That remains unknown. Perhaps fate brought about its own existence when the world first dawned, or it could have been established by a being whose power surpasses even what I can fathom. Alternatively, fate might simply be the remnant echoes of a world that came before us, its influences and reflections dictating the course of our lives today. Many theories have been put forward, but few answers.”

“So, you truly know nothing? Even with your reputation as one of the most legendary mages to have lived?”

“There remain many secrets that elude even me. Mysteries whose truths I am barred from exploring, and which I am hesitant to say I could unravel even by my life’s end.” Thainnith’s radiant gaze fixed upon Scarlett. “…Perhaps you will be the one to finally uncover some of those truths.”

Scarlett met his gaze, as though feeling the weight of his expectations across the generations.

Her eyes then drifted down to her left hand, briefly examining the Orrery on her wrist and lifting it. “Were you the one who created this?”

After inspecting it, Thainnith nodded. “I was.”

“What is it?”

“That is the Orrery of Dissonant Convergence. Its purpose is to identify significant deviations from fate.” As he spoke, a ghostly version of the Orrery materialized above his hand. “It was developed as part of my study on the Anomalous One, to grasp its nature better and to track and confront its influence. With it, you can detect both objects and individuals who markedly diverge from fate’s path, as well as pivotal, aberrational events.”

Scarlett contemplated the Orrery on her wrist. His explanation aligned with what she’d suspected, then. However, it did raise questions about individuals like Yamina and Grand Wizard Hartford, who both elicited some reactions from the artifact. She didn’t think they were connected to the Anomalous One, nor had she personally interacted significantly with them, so where did that come from?

Was it a sign that she should be more careful of them than she thought? Or was it maybe just some kind of ripple effect, propagated by the Hallowed Cabal’s actions or some other historical shifts? Thainnith said some gods could at least alter fate slightly, after all.

She looked back up at Thainnith. “When you say it can also detect pivotal, aberrational events, what do you mean? How does this extend beyond the reactions shown by its pointers?”

He presented the copy of the Orrery in his hand, pointing towards the metallic globe nestled within a framework of copper bands at its center. Those bands suddenly began whirring into motion. “The Orrery is intimately linked to fate’s fabric, and while it cannot alter it, the device will alert you if there are any significant deviations or monumental events that defy the expected course.”

Watching the animation, Scarlett glanced back down at her own version of the artifact. What constituted a significant deviation, she wondered? Would it perhaps have reacted to her actions when she caused Anguish’s citadel to manifest too early?

“This tool will undoubtedly be valuable,” she said. “I must extend my thanks for its creation.”

Simply being able to determine how people deviated from fate could prove very useful to her. If she ever found someone who triggered a strong response from the Orrery, like her own or Rosa’s, she would know something was up. This could potentially even help her confirm and detect the influence of any player in this world, should they exist.

There was still one thing that puzzled her, however.

She focused her gaze on Thainnith. “Given the importance of this Orrery and its role in accessing this place, you must have intended for someone like me to discover it. How did you foresee that I would come across it?”

“I cannot provide an answer to that question,” Thainnith replied, his tone actually somewhat apologetic. “In my memories, I have not yet placed it anywhere.”

“But you must have some concept of your intentions for it.”

“I do not.”

Scarlett studied him closely, though she doubted he would have any reason to lie to her. “Can you at least confirm whether the Astral Sanctum is a reasonable location for you to have left it?”

Since he was able to deviate from fate—and in turn, the game’s narrative—himself, it would explain why the Orrery could be found on the floor in the Sanctum when it wasn’t there in the game. However, it still felt like an odd place to leave such an important artifact. Wouldn’t he have placed it somewhere where it was safe and couldn’t be moved by just anyone?

“I cannot confirm that,” Thainnith responded.

“Then what if—” Scarlett began, but paused as she noticed a shift in their environment. The vibrant colors that had covered the horizon just a minute ago had dulled to a creeping grey.

It took her a moment to recognize the sight, but when she did, her pulse quickened.

Thainnith also stilled for a moment, the atmosphere around him intensifying as he turned to scan the distance. “It appears the Anomalous One has somehow located us. I am powerless to repel it in this form.”

As he said that, the decaying grey started spreading rapidly, not only on the horizon but the sky soon also yielding to the expanding grey mass.

Thainnith faced her again. “You must leave before this place succumbs completely. It is detached from any of the realms, meaning the restrictions that should limit the Anomalous One are weaker here. Should it reach you, escape would be impossible without its consent.”

Memories of her last encounter with the Anomalous One flashed through Scarlett’s mind, reminding her of the overbearing existence that had watched her closely. She didn’t want to give it any more chances to do that again and interfere with the system like it had last time.

But there were also still so many questions she wanted to ask Thainnith. Though he seemed limited in what he could answer, she had hoped to glean as much as possible.

The platform under her feet trembled, and an enormous crack split the sky, opening into a stark white void.

Scarlett set her jaw firmly, fixing her eyes on Thainnith. “Is there anything you have yet to tell me that I need to know?”

He raised his hand, and a silvery pool of liquid light formed above it. “I have not had the time to tailor this fully to your essence, but it will have to suffice. This is part of the legacy I spoke of.” He extended the light towards her. “Your mental defences are strong, so you will need to lower them for this to work.”

Scarlett stared at the condensed luminescent substance warily. Was that something that would mess with her mind?

That rang all the wrong warning bells.

Several more fissures tore through the sky, and one even split the very space just a few meters from Scarlett. Through it, she felt the piercing gaze of an unseen observer.

“Quickly,” Thainnith urged.

Scarlett closed her eyes. It seemed like she didn’t have much option.

“Do it,” she forced out through her teeth.

If this was a ploy to lower her defences, she’d face that challenge when it came.

A peculiar sensation enveloped her, as if something was seeping into her skin and permeating her body. It felt foreign and chaotic, immediately attempting to intertwine with her mind and memories, only to face up against a powerful barrier.

Though Scarlett wasn’t responsible for erecting that barrier, she could tell that it was possible for her to lower it, and she did so. Immediately, the foreign presence began to flood her consciousness with a barrage of images, thoughts, and voices, all too muddled to discern clearly.

Amidst this torrent, she thought she heard Thainnith saying something, and her body seemed to move on its own. Her surroundings blurred into obscurity as the influx of information overwhelmed her senses.

Visions flashed before her: a slightly chubby, bald man with stubble sitting on a rock in a field, watching her, succeeded by a scene of The Gentleman observing ships in a harbor. Then, a vague silhouette of what she instantly recognized as the Anomalous One looming over a sprawling city, confronted by an absolutely massive white dragon.

One by one, the images cycled through her head, each leaving a throbbing pain as she struggled to focus on any single one.

“—arlett. Hey, Scarlett!”

A voice cut through the chaos, and Scarlett’s eyes snapped open.

She was back in Thainnith’s laboratory, with Rosa and Fynn watching her anxiously as she held one hand on the orb at its center. The orb’s glow had faded, now nothing more than a floating piece of metal.

“Are you okay?” Rosa asked, her concern palpable.

Scarlett stared blankly at the woman for a moment, disoriented, then touched her nose and felt blood. Suddenly, the world spun around her, and she stumbled.

“Whoa, wai—”

Both Rosa and Fynn rushed to support her, and even as she steadied herself on the two, her gaze began to wander, searching the room as if urged by some unknown impulse. Her attention fell on the numerous Zuverian symbols and runes carved into the walls of the chamber, though her unsteady vision made it hard to make them out fully.

“What happened?” Rosa’s voice came from beside her.

“Quiet…” Scarlett murmured, squinting at the symbols. “I need to focus…”

Finally, things stabilized to a point where she could make them out, and she was surprised by what she found.

She could read them. Each and every single rune and symbol — she could read and understand what it represented, like it was etched into her frontal lobe.

She turned her head, her eyes landing on the tall, robed figure of the custodian standing near the chamber’s entrance, observing them silently.

Unbidden, pieces of information bubbled up to the forefront of Scarlett’s mind.

This was the custodian of the Veiled Library, the fifth and only successful iteration in a series of prototypes created by Thainnith as part of his ongoing work aimed at understanding and ultimately sealing the Anomalous One.

The custodian’s cool, pale green eyes met hers, devoid of emotion.

Scarlett exhaled slowly. It seemed like there had indeed been more to Thainnith’s legacy than merely imposing a heavy responsibility upon her.