Memoirs of Your Local Small-time Villainess-Chapter 314 - How many arch wizards does it take to...?

A brief silence settled in the chamber following Scarlett’s words. The assembly of powerful wizards seated before her regarded her with scrutinising gazes, their expressions wavering between confusion, curiosity, and perhaps a hint of suspicion.

“…The ‘Anomalous One’?” Arch Wizard Elaine Home finally broke the silence, her voice subdued but deliberate. She studied Scarlett carefully. “I cannot say I’ve encountered the term before.” She turned to her fellow council members for confirmation, but they all shook their heads.

“As far as I am aware, it doesn’t appear in any historical records,” a balding man with sharp features added. Archivist Notley—who had remained notably silent until now—spoke with a precise, clipped tone. “If it exists, it has somehow eluded all mention in our archives.”

Scarlett’s eyes stayed on him for a short while. That much wasn’t particularly surprising. Even she had only heard the term from Anguish, and her own investigations had already confirmed that reliable information on the entity was scarce in this world.

“To put it plainly,” she began, “the Anomalous One is the title given to the entity that took control of the Hall of Echoes. Some of you may better recognise it in connection with a trio of artifacts known as the Seals of Thainnith.”

The mention of the seals elicited some subtle reactions across the chamber. Certain council members frowned, exchanging wary glances with their colleagues.

Scarlett hadn’t thought the Rising Isle would be entirely ignorant of the Anomalous One’s potential existence, but much like the mage towers in the empire, their understanding seemed to be very limited.

“What do you know of the Seals of Thainnith?” Arch Wizard Elaine asked, her tone now more serious.

“Likely more than any of you,” Scarlett replied without hesitation. “Much of my research has revolved around them for some time.”

Her statement deepened the frowns among the council members.

Arch Wizard Newbury shifted in his seat, his calculating gaze fixed on her. “And how did you come by such knowledge? Even in our most comprehensive records, references to artifacts such as the seals are exceedingly rare.”

“I would question whether those truly are your most comprehensive records, but no matter. As for how I came to learn of the seals, the full account is too long to recount here. Suffice it to say that allusions to their existence can be found within several Zuverian ruins in the empire — more than you may realise. Information on the entity they are said to contain is far more elusive, but I have uncovered traces of that as well.”

“Where?”

“I am under no obligation to provide you with an exhaustive catalogue,” Scarlett said. “But if you must know, one such site is located on the Resting Eye. Among other things, it contains depictions of the forms the entity is said to have taken during its manifestations in the Material Realm.”

“It has multiple forms?” Warder Asheton asked, leaning forward, chin resting on her palm.

“It would be more accurate to say it has no definitive form,” Scarlett explained. “As its name suggests, the entity is an anomaly within our realm. Its very existence contradicts the natural order of this world, and I do not believe it can sustain a singular appearance here. Grand Wizard Hartford and Magister Penney can attest that merely perceiving it is akin to witnessing something utterly alien.”

Several pairs of eyes turned to the two wizards in question. Magister Penney nodded pensively, while Gaspar wore a severe expression.

“It’s true,” he said. “The phenomena we observed in the Hall of Echoes also align with her description. The magic I witnessed there was not the creation of any being native to the Material Realm.”

“Are you suggesting it comes from the Blazes or the Wandering Realm?” another council member asked.

Gaspar shook his head, a faint grimace crossing his features. “No. It almost certainly was no demon, nor have I ever encountered anything from the Wandering Realm capable of affecting ours in such a way. It was also unlike any elemental force. I suspect there may be merit to the Baroness’ suggestion that it does not belong to our world. We may, in fact, be dealing with evidence that substantiates the Extraplanar Postulate.”

Scarlett regarded him with mild surprise. She hadn’t thought he would back her up so easily.

“That is unexpected, coming from you, Hartford,” Arch Wizard Newbury said with a skeptical look. “Speculations about ‘otherworldly’ entities aside, I have never known you to indulge in this sort of hogwash or stray so far from the rigour of empirical arcane inquiry. Generations of disciplined research have consistently refuted the existence of any so-called ‘Null Horizon’—or any hypothesised ‘null-world’—as nothing more than theoretical conjecture. It is not something you simply declare true based on a whim.”

“Perhaps,” Gaspar admitted, though he did not look entirely convinced by his own words. “But I can think of no other explanation for what I experienced.”

Scarlett’s brow furrowed slightly. Arch Wizard Elaine seemed to notice her reaction and addressed her directly.

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“I take it you are unfamiliar with these terms, Baroness?” she asked.

“I am,” Scarlett replied.

The woman offered a patient nod. “The Extraplanar Postulate is a long-debated theory positing the existence of realms entirely foreign to our known planes — worlds that may operate under fundamentally different laws of existence. It is often accompanied by the concept of a ‘Null Horizon’, which suggests an edge bounding the known realms, concealing these other worlds from us. Neither theory has ever been proven, though the latter at least gains some credence from evidence indicating the presence of a finite border enclosing our perceivable space.”

“Which could just as easily be attributed to a dozen other phenomena,” Arch Wizard Newbury interjected sharply. “As imaginative as the Extraplanar Postulate may be, it has always amounted to little more than a speculative indulgence — a theory favoured by dilettante wizards for its mystique and allure, yet fundamentally unprovable, impractical, and offering no tangible contribution to the arcane pursuit, even if it were somehow validated.”

“If the Baroness’ claims hold, it may be more relevant than we presumed,” Arch Wizard Elaine remarked.

Newbury responded with a derisive shake of his head, but the council’s focus returned to Scarlett.

“Supposing this ‘Anomalous One’ is the same entity restrained by the Seals of Thainnith,” Arch Wizard Elaine said, “how could it have escaped to reach the Hall of Echoes? Do you have any insight, Baroness?”

“I do not,” Scarlett answered. “However, it is reasonable to conclude that its containment is less complete than one would hope. I have found evidence suggesting the Hallowed Cabal has interacted with it in some capacity. If you are familiar with the Tribe’s Sanctumbrums, those are almost certainly connected to the Anomalous One.”

“…Are you implying this recent incursion on our isle was orchestrated by the Cabal and the Tribe of Sin?” another wizard asked.

“I cannot know for certain. But it is rather convenient that these events coincide with their assault on the empire, is it not?”

Uneasy glances were exchanged among the council members. Some leaned towards their neighbours, and Scarlett saw their lips move in silent discussion. It seemed like they were using magic to confer privately.

For a time, the only sound in the chamber was the subtle rustling of robes as the wizards shifted in their seats. Then, eventually, their attention returned to her. Arch Wizard Elaine was, once again, the first to speak.

“If what you say about this Anomalous One is accurate, Baroness, then there are deeply troubling gaps in our understanding of these matters,” she said gravely. “We have long been aware of some connection between the Hallowed Cabal, the Tribe of Sin, and the Seals of Thainnith, but this relationship has rarely been of immediate concern to us. In fact, for over four generations, no force has breached our wards or defences. These recent incursions have been a sobering reminder of our vulnerabilities. Until we determine how this entity infiltrated our home, it is clear we must exercise far greater vigilance.”

Scarlett nodded. “It is good that you recognise as much.”

“On that note,” the arch wizard continued, “we must also consider how to oppose this entity, should it re-emerge. From what I understand, the task of defeating its…’manifestation’ was not undertaken by any of our wizards, nor by any members of your group. Is that correct, Baroness?”

“Yes,” Scarlett replied. “We received help.”

Elaine’s keen gaze flicked towards Gaspar before returning to Scarlett.

“Help, it seems, from more of these constructed memories you spoke of. And remarkably powerful ones at that. Among them, one who allegedly depicted Arch Wizard Delmont Hartford, another who may have been his sister, and a third who, by all accounts, was a Zuver.”

“Indeed.”

Elaine considered her. “And what connection did you have to these figures? Were they another of your…’introductions’ to the scene?”

“They were not. I had no role in their arrival.”

Gaspar cleared his throat, drawing her attention. “Baroness,” he said carefully, “might I remind you that, at the time, you appeared familiar with all three of them? The woman called Arlene even addressed you as her student.” He paused, watching her closely. “…Furthermore, the Zuver woman remarked that you seemed touched by Thainnith. Given the nature of this inquiry, I trust you understand why an explanation may be relevant.”

Scarlett regarded him in return. Right — she’d nearly forgotten that he and the others had been present when Meneth said that.

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“I cannot be certain what she meant,” she said after a while. “It may refer to discoveries I have made in my research on the Zuver. I have encountered several artifacts and remnants tied to Thainnith, any one of which might be considered ‘touched’ by him.”

“Can you provide an example?”

“I could. But I will not.” Her tone remained cool. “That information is not relevant to our current collaboration, and I owe no such disclosure to the Rising Isle.” She turned her attention back to Elaine. “As for my connection to these individuals, I encountered Arch Wizard Delmont and his sisters within the memories. Time did not function normally there, and I had the opportunity to learn extensively from Arlene after I came to know her. As for the Zuver woman, I know little beyond her name: Meneth.”

“Are we to assume this is the same Meneth recorded among the Zuverian diviniarchs?” Archivist Notley asked.

“It is possible,” Scarlett replied, “but she never confirmed it.”

“I find that unlikely,” Arch Wizard Newbury said. “Any link to the diviniarchs would have been discarded during The Severance. And if such a being had lived during Delmont Hartford’s time, we would undoubtedly have known. The diviniarchs were said to embody the very essence of mana within a mortal, shaping the world around them.”

“While it is improbable that she was a diviniarch,” Notley conceded, “it seems a possibility that she was indeed a Zuver and alive during that era. That alone would be extraordinary. We have long believed the Zuver perished entirely, but if even a single one survived, it raises many compelling possibilities. It might even lend weight to the theories suggesting that the Zuver intermingled with humans over the centuries. And just think — if we were to find one of them, the knowledge and secrets they could possess—!”

“If any of that were true, we would have happened upon one at some point in the last four centuries,” Grand Wizard Felwin pointed out. “Even if this Meneth truly was Zuver, there is no guarantee she is still alive. Despite their longevity, as far as I am aware, few Zuver lived beyond three centuries.”

“We are straying from the matter at hand,” Arch Wizard Newbury said. He focused on Scarlett, his expression hardening. “Let’s dispense with this nonsensical dancing around the issue. I think I’m not the only one who sees that Baroness Hartford is deliberately withholding potentially vital information. As much respect as I have for past wizards of the Isle, such as Delmont Hartford, let us not ignore the claim that this ‘Arlene’ cast a primordial on such a scale that it surpassed an ancient dragon. Even with the support of the Zuver, I doubt whether even the late Arch Wizard Ward could have accomplished such a feat. And yet, we are expected to believe that a mere construct from a memory managed to do so, while Baroness Hartford conveniently offers no further explanation?”

His gaze locked onto hers. “Do not take us for fools, Baroness. I understand that you prefer to keep certain matters to yourself. You are an imperial noble, after all, and there is much I might prefer to withhold from you in turn. However, given that your contributions have proven valuable to the Isle, my colleagues have granted you a measure of leniency regarding your omissions. But remember where you stand, and do not assume that leniency will last forever. I, for one, expect a measure of candour from you moving forward.”

Scarlett maintained a neutral expression as she met his eyes. “If we are to speak of candour, Arch Wizard, then I must ask why the Council withheld information regarding Delmont Hartford when my original inquiries to the Rising Isle specifically concerned him. Why, for instance, was it deliberately concealed that he hailed from the Hartford house in the empire?”

“That decision was made by Grand Wizard Hartford as one of his descendants, not by the Council as a whole.”

“And yet, you were aware of it and supported that decision. I also know that several members of this council voted against disclosing the information to me.”

A faint crease formed on Newbury’s brow, and Scarlett noted the irritated glances shared between certain council members. Some looked towards Gaspar. Others, towards her. She allowed herself a brief glance in Gaspar’s direction as well.

She was, undeniably, still annoyed at him for keeping that from her. And she wasn’t the sort to forgive easily. That said, the matter had lost much of its importance to her by now. She wouldn’t entirely mind burying that particular hatchet — though that didn’t mean she wouldn’t use it to her advantage first.

“Hartford’s lapse in judgement aside,” Newbury said after a moment, “there are still several troubling questions about you, Baroness, and how much trust we can place in your account of what transpired in the Hall of Echoes. While your expertise in certain matters is evident, it is precisely that very expertise that raises further concerns.”

Scarlett raised a single brow. “Concerns such as?”

“Such as how a woman with, by all appearances, only a rudimentary grasp of arcane theory was able to best over a dozen seasoned Isle wizards — including three grand wizards.”

“I presume you are referring to the echo that mimicked me?” she asked. “The one confronted by Grand Wizard Hartford and the others?”

“The very same,” Newbury confirmed, clasping his hands together. “We considered the possibility that it was not a true reflection of your abilities — that perhaps it was enhanced by the Hall’s defences. However, Grand Wizard Hartford assures us this is unlikely to be the full story. If we are to take him at his word, then your existence becomes all the more…extraordinary, Baroness. Your familiarity with the Hall’s secrets, your refusal to disclose anything but the occasional fragment of your supposed research, this ‘Anomalous One’, these memories that seemingly only you experienced, and the magic involved in it all — each of these matters demands further explanation, in my opinion.”

Scarlett let the words settle before sweeping her gaze over the other council members. Arch Wizard Elaine and the others appeared content to let him continue this line of questioning for now, so she took it they were eager for an answer as well.

“I was not present during the battle with the echo,” she finally said, keeping her tone calm. “I cannot speak to its abilities with certainty. However, from what I have gathered, it was not alone, and it possessed a far greater mana reserve than I do. Given that, is it truly so implausible that it could best a group of wizards?”

“I do not dispute that it happened,” Newbury replied. “Nor do I deny your obvious, prodigious talent in certain domains of magic. What I question is how it occurred, and what allowed it. The techniques you—or your echo—are reported to have employed were deeply unsettling.”

“Such as?” Scarlett asked.

“Hemohydrokinesis,” Magister Penney spoke up this time, his voice heavy. “Hydrokinesis targeting the internal structures of the human body.”

Scarlett turned to the portly man, noting the conflicted expression on his face. She studied him for a few moments. “…I see.”

She had wondered about his unusually subdued demeanour. He had seemed more withdrawn since her return from the Memories, even, and this seemed to explain why. If her counterpart had used such a technique, it would definitely have left an impression.

Arlene had warned her before about using hydrokinesis in such a manner, cautioning that other mages might consider it taboo. It was not surprising that the Council might take issue with it, and that it would raise concerns. It was unfortunate that Penney, of all people, was among those unsettled, though. While his genial personality didn’t quite mesh with her own, she had appreciated his helpfulness during her time on the Isle. It would have been nice to continue maintaining a good relationship with him.

“Do you admit to being capable of such a technique?” Arch Wizard Newbury pressed.

Scarlett turned back to him. “That is akin to asking if you are capable of casting a spell to dismember a defenceless child limb by limb.”

The man’s expression darkened. “Wha—? You would dare to compare the two?”

“Naturally. Am I capable of employing hydrokinesis in the manner described? Yes. Against the appropriate target, it would pose little challenge. However, I have never done so, nor would I, rendering the question irrelevant.”

“You would describe such a precise and fraught application of hydrokinesis as ‘little challenge’?” Grand Wizard Felwin asked with clear skepticism.

“Yes,” Scarlett replied simply. “For me, it likely would be. As I mentioned, I have never attempted it, but feats that others deem extraordinary often come to me with comparative ease. Call it prodigious talent, innate aptitude, or whatever label you prefer. Regardless, the mere potential of my capabilities alone is hardly grounds for suspicion.”

Murmurs spread through the chamber—some of surprise, others of disapproval—before quieting down as several council members turned to confer among themselves. Arch Wizard Elaine watched Scarlett closely, her expression unreadable, while Newbury looked distinctly displeased.

“It becomes such grounds,” Newbury eventually said, his tone turning sharp, “when it raises questions about how you came by such talents. We have investigated you, Baroness. Reliable accounts paint you as little more than an abject mage not even a year ago — by imperial standards, no less. And yet, now you claim abilities that defy reason. At the same time, you surround yourself with individuals of uncertain origins and dubious allegiances. One of your companions displayed clear demonic influences during the events in the Hall of Echoes. That, combined with your alleged involvement in the manifestation of a Vile’s citadel within the empire…” His eyes narrowed. “History is rife with tales of those who struck pacts with demons. Surely, you must understand why we may become suspicious. When I first read the reports, I was tempted to confront this ‘bard’ of yours myself, to see what foul dealings you have brought to our Isle.”

Scarlett focused on him, a cold edge slipping into her voice. “You would do well to retract that remark.”

“Or what?” he challenged, his gaze locked on hers.

Scarlett didn’t flinch.

“Allow me to retract it for him,” Arch Wizard Elaine interjected smoothly, her tone cutting through some of the rising tension. “The Rising Isle does not make a habit of threatening our guests. That being said, I do believe we have legitimate grounds for concern, Baroness.”

Newbury shot the woman a short look, clearly frustrated by her interruption, but he said nothing. Soon, he returned his attention to Scarlett.

Scarlett held his stare for a few more seconds before turning back to Elaine, her voice still retaining its edge. “No matter of who you are or what authority you claim, I will not tolerate threats against my people.”

Grand Wizard Felwin gave a dry chuckle. “Your ‘people’ include someone showing clear signs of demonic corruption.”

“Neither I nor Miss Hale are in any form of pact with demons,” Scarlett said. “To claim otherwise is nothing short of ignorance.”

“Then how do you explain what we witnessed in the Hall of Echoes?” Gaspar was the one to speak up.

Scarlett looked at him. His tone was not as accusatory — he was genuinely asking. She considered him for a moment before allowing some of the tension in her voice to ease. “Whatever Miss Hale’s circumstances may be, they are none of your concern. From what I understand, she is the sole reason you and many of your wizards still draw breath. To disparage her and her actions is to insult what she did for you. And you should know that signs of demonic influence do not necessarily equate to a pact.”

“You’re referring to the Soulwrights of the Luicean Isles?” Warder Asheton asked, thoughtful.

“Precisely.”

“They are hardly a valid comparison.” Newbury scoffed. “While they are rumoured to manipulate demonic magic without forming pacts, there is scant evidence to support those claims.”

“Nevertheless, they exist,” Scarlett said firmly. “And it remains a fact that, under specific conditions, one can wield the powers of demons without forming a pact or jeopardising one’s integrity and autonomy.”

She didn’t actually know too much about groups like the Soulwrights, beyond scattered references to them in the game. But she knew that Malachi had used similar techniques to control her demons before stealing part of Anguish’s Authority. That was part of what had gotten the woman into trouble with groups like the Followers.

Scarlett scanned the faces of the council members, gauging their reactions. It was hard to determine whether they truly suspected her and Rosa of demonic dealings or if they were merely using the topic as leverage to push her further.

Whatever the case, she didn’t like it.

She had come into this meeting with the intent to negotiate, to cultivate a working relationship with the Rising Isle. Their influence could be invaluable, and for all their rigid formalities, she had seen potential allies among them. Her plan had been to trade knowledge where it benefited her, to keep the discussions measured and diplomatic.

For her, diplomacy always had its limits.

With the way the discussion was evolving, perhaps the best approach was one where she applied a bit more…pressure. It carried with it more risk, but she had made some preparations.

Her gaze settled on Arch Wizard Newbury, her expression cooling into something harder, more deliberate. “Allow me to clarify something,” she began. “I have shared information with you today not out of obligation, nor fear, but as a gesture of goodwill. As understandable as your concerns may be, I am not concerned with catering to them.”

More than a few frowns followed her words as a silence settled over the chamber. Scarlett allowed the pause to linger, her focus shifting briefly to Gaspar, who was watching her as if worried about where this was going.

“I wonder,” she continued, “how the Rising Isle might respond should certain…vulnerabilities in its wards become more apparent. Vulnerabilities that could allow more incidents like the one in the Hall of Echoes. Or how the Isle’s reputation would fare should details regarding some of its more clandestine activities find their way beyond these halls.” She tilted her head slightly. “Would you prefer to discuss those instead?”