Chapter 16: Pillars hold stuff up right?

Currently Eel’s chest would be heaving softly up and down, sweat trickling down from her brow as her fringe stuck to her forehead. Her shoulders falling and rising in pace with her chest as she tightly grabbed onto the shaft in her right hand.

Her eyes closed softly as she tried to continue her breathing.

<Apparently {Dragons} who have managed to fully control their true form - so all normal {Dragons} - are able to change between having warm and cold blood. Wish I could do that so I didn’t feel so hot, must be really good to have cold blood in winter...>

She thought to herself and shook her head before opening her ashen eyes once more, opening her mouth for a second - hesitating - before committing to the act. Turning down to face the source of her slight discomfort.

“Emily… What are you doing?” <Eel>

To that the cow-girl would turn her head up from a sketch book she was currently writing in - another collection of books by her side. The sketch book would be resting on her stretched out legs (specifically on her thighs) while as one may assume she held a pencil in her left hand while balancing in the right would be another book.

“Huh? Oh, I’m just studying how you like to move and stuff - especially when you use your tail - since I plan to make some armour for you… Is that… Okay?” <Emily>

<Urgh! I don’t want her to see me so uncool like this but at the same time she’s giving me the puppy-cow eyes…>

“You shouldn’t need to worry about her tail - her tail is covered with scales in a very efficient way. Any more protection would just serve to slow it down but make sure to at least leave a space for it.” <Ali>

Of course, what Eel was currently doing was ‘sparring’ against Ali which usually meant getting kicked around a bit. All that really changed since the beginning was the amount of steps Ali needed to use in order to get a good counter in…

It was still an improvement though so Eel wasn’t feeling sad about it. It just felt bad to show it to the person who always looks up to her. Though lately it feels like there has been a bit of a distance forming between them - ever since that ‘Madame of Insight’ spoke and blessed her with the ‘Holy Mother’.

The day after their sleepover with Leaf they went to meet Lisa to discuss Emily’s training…

***

“Hm? So you're telling me you want to train to not only become an all around ‘{Crafter}’ but also become a {Support Mage}?”

Lisa’s cold voice rang out - Lisa resting on Kee while her arms draped over Kee’s naked thighs using her like a pillow while Kee’s hands moved across her shoulders to massage them. It seemed Lisa was more calm today which was a bonus for Emily for sure…

Though she was still shaking in her little boots.

“So you plan to become an {Adventurer} as a {Support Mage} only while also supporting equipment… Even if I wanted to call it crazy and illogical to rely only on others I suppose since we’re a {Adventurer Agency} it wouldn’t be anything but an interesting idea. Free equipment from mats me, Ali and Kee scavenge for all our girls also doesn’t sound too bad actually…” <Lisa>

Lisa mumbled to herself. Emily - who was a {Mino} which was a {Race} that didn’t have any real {Enhanced Senses} (something rare for {Beast-People}) - struggled to hear anything other than an under the breath murmur so she was worried. This wasn’t the same for anyone else in the room (this being Leaf, Eel and Kee) wouldn’t have issues…

No idea how Leaf heard but…

<No, maybe she wasn’t worried to begin with? Yea, that seems more likely actually~.>

“So, I’m guessing you’ll want to still join ‘Elizabeth Paradise’ as an adventurer for the {Adventurer Agency} aspect but want to drop your training as a Courtes-” <Lisa>

“N-no boss! I’d like to continue doing what I’m doing but also training with my {Sub-Hero} {Class}’…”

That was the name they decided to go with for Emily’s {Class} pair - apparently the pain she felt was from the two (squabbling) superior beings literally just making a new {Class} according to Leaf. Spirits must have a great educational program or maybe it’s like with {Dragons} passing on their knowledge?

Eel also came not just to support Emily but also to find out more about this second being she hadn’t heard about.

She had obviously heard about ‘{The Holy Mother}’ (who also goes by {The Infinite Mother} and {Pillar of The Scholar} because one {Title} apparently isn’t enough for her) but this ‘{Madame of The Insight}’ eluded her until now…

<And who was this ‘layabout’ of hers who apparently blessed me… Could be Mr/Mrs Voice, though, I think it’s unlikely as her meddling created a similar effect if lesser than that blessing that hurts my head when I look at it~!>

Of course she meant her own second blessing who… Well it apparently gave her a better memory? Was likely what was responsible for her remembering even her time before being birthed which is kind of impressive in it’s own way…

<I wonder if I can use it in some clever way to- Nah, focus on the immediate right now Elizabeth Jr - Emily needs our support!>

Emily, who had realized that she had interrupted Lisa, was trembling softly while looking to the floor - holding her hands together in front of her waist.

Just as Eel was about to pat her shoulder she felt a small hand press onto her back causing her to stumble forward and cling onto Emily’s back. Looking back she saw the only person who could’ve done it (without Lisa using magic) Leaf with her usual blank face.

Emily would jump softly but without even turning around fully she realized who it was and her tensed shoulder dropped just before Lisa spoke.

“I never planned to let you go anyway - you will have to agree to only sell through us though or give a cut and in turn we will provide you with tools. However, we won’t give you supplies or training for free. You will be indebted to us and we’ll have you pay it off as a {Courtesan}. Of course, when you pay it off you can quit being a {Courtesan} but will still be in house as you’ll also have received training from our {Adventurer Agency} side like Elizabeth Jr.” <Lisa>

<Eh~ I can’t tell if it’s a fair deal or not but Lisa would likely always get what she wants anyway so best to just agree… Ah~ the smell of sweet vanilla milk is, as ever, both cute and relaxing~!>

And~ Eel was sniffing Emily’s hair again.

Emily would be too focused on Lisa to mind Eel’s actions other than the fact she was supporting her… In her own way. Emily did think about it but didn’t need to think about it too much. After-all it was literally just what she was doing before but with the freedom felt by doing what she wanted to… What was there to actually lose?

“I-I agree…” <Emily>

Nodding in a satisfied manner.

“Though, I won’t be able to give in depth magic lessons as I am now which is why Eel’s training was delayed. However, I think I should be able to teach the theory at the very least - this being a benefit to your job as a {Crafter} more than it would be Eel who simply needs to know how to get the right output…Thinking about it, maybe Eel’s training should be more specialized but it would also depending on what style she intends to take...” <Lisa>

Showing that she wasn’t just saying things that were ‘convenient’ to her, she began to mumble about changing the planned magic training for Eel to something more specialized to whatever style of combat she ends up picking up.

Removing her glasses would fully allow her head to rest in Kee’s waist as Kee moved her left hand away from her shoulder to instead stroke her head lovingly. Neither reacting more than that, treating it like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Kee would take out a piece of paper and pen (since contracts are required to have as much) and would turn her head towards the side table. Writing down what was probably the details that Lisa had spoken. Kee may not be the sharpest but she never forgot a single word Lisa said - that much she could be confident in.

“Eel, yet another question, how do you want to use your magic. Think it over and maybe watch a few of our other girls train.” <Lisa>

“Oka~y~!” <Eel>

“Oh, and of course, you won’t be able to practice crafting till your studio is complete but we should already have enough room since many of the rooms in ‘storage’ simply aren’t in use. We won’t start straight away though - since they will be your tools, you're the one who needs to choose them - do some research as you study everything you can about crafting then whenever you think you’ve made your most informed choice tell me or Ali.” <Lisa>

Kee soon finished writing this up, drawing up the contract as it would begin to glow.

“This is a {Magic Contract} and will ensure that both sides of the deal have made it based on no lies. You will know if we break the contract and so shall we - at this point the physical copy will be considered invalid. Legal ones will remain but with red text on the clause that caused it to be invalidated though some will burn to remove evidence. There are stronger ones - you will likely not use the term {Slave Contract} and it is as simple to understand if you understand the {Job} {Slave} which I’m sure you both do… This next big goes for both of you so pay attention - never sign a deal without asking if it is making use of a {Legal Magic Contract}. Many women have lost their freedom through negligence - I hope you remember the {Adventurer Whale} talks?”

The pair would simply nod, remembering the clear warning about knowing who, why and hows of a contract.

<I think I’m lucky I met Ali that night… If I didn’t I would likely have fallen for a {Adventurer Whale} scam…>

Kee would hold the pen out to Emily who would then sign it. A faint blue glowed from the words as it entered Emily’s heart. Emily then turned to Lisa who was now also having her bloated belly lovingly caressed by a faintly smiling {Black-Wolf-Person}.

“Thank y-” <Emily>

Lisa, however, held her hand up to prevent Emily from finishing her thanks.

“It’s a secretary’s job to help with recruitment and that is all I did. We don’t have a {Blacksmith} never mind {Crafter} and double that for one blessed by the {Master of the Cradle of the Wise}. Not only that but you're blessed by her rival in {Support Magic}. If you make a name for yourself as a {Sub-Hero} you we will make back our investment quickly with people lusting after you. Usually men like to feel strong so being able to fuck someone strong or important will bring them. It’s why I would never turn down our little {Hero} either - we’d get people from all over just coming to try you guys out. Truthfully we’re getting a great deal.” <Lisa>

Being an age before they could really understand the ‘meaning’ behind what that meant the pair would feel a bit of red on their cheeks but not really understand the feeling.

“Oh and don’t tell Ali I said that. Of course, if you want to ever work on the brothel side Eel you would need to convince her but that can wait till you make your choice.” <Lisa>

And so, Eel would just nod.

<Why is Ali so opposed to it I wonder? She’s clearly the only reason I’m not as I doubt me working as a {Brothel Worker} is paying off my rent, that much is clear as Emily needs to work as a {Apprentice Prostitute} despite also working as one… Though that porridge is mine since it’s for my mother. I know being a {Courtesan} is risky but hardly as risky as being an adventurer and all the risk of being a {Courtesan} is reduced by a {High-Dragons} being ‘impotent’ unless they and their partner are under fertility enhancing effects…>

Eel would frown softly, not feeling good about being left out and treated differently and not understanding why. It was clear from what Lisa just said that it wasn’t because she was some mystical {Hero} as she assumed - Ali being afraid of divine retribution or something.

They were quite fine having a {Sub-Hero} twice over being used and abused… So why only her?

<Eh~ probably nothing bad behind it~! But still… Focus on the present!>

Slapping her cheeks softly she would look up to Lisa to ask her question.

“Who are the people who blessed Emily exactly?” <Eel>

“Ah, I suppose you wouldn’t really know would you? Well, you’ve heard the term {The Three Pillars} right? They’re more than a simple term but are categorized as the strongest organization in all the realms - some {Relative Mage}s say in all possible realities even. On top of that, their goal is simple and one nobody wishes to impede upon... To stop each other.” <Lisa>

“Eh?!” <Eel + Emily>

“As the name applies there are three total ‘leaders’ - though it is of course hard to compare such a monolithic existence to a ‘guild’. Pillar of The Scholar, Knight and Rogue - of course being a {Title} it offers little but prestige but each one of them are unquestionably… Destructive.” <Lisa>

She continued on but it was certainly true that this ‘organization’ was certainly far stranger than any others she had heard of.

“I’ll start with the easiest and one you have likely heard about the most - the Scholar. Her name is… Well people have always just referred to her as ‘Mother’ and she also is apparently rumoured to be a {Sea-Dragon} of immense power but as none have managed to get her to transform no one can be sure. She owns a divine authority referred to as {The Infinite} and would best be defined as ‘an unlimited source of energy from which all can form’ or as you will learn later - the source of Mana.” <Lisa>

You could practically hear the whole room grow a little colder at the implications of what Lisa just said.

<To-… To be so strong that your existence becomes essential to the world’s very structure... What else would you call that but the {Holy Mother}?>

“I’m sure you are now aware of why she comes with so many {Title}s - simply put many creatures, cultures and countries worship her which we have no contact with. Many may not even know that it’s her who they worship but all know that their precious mana points come from somewhere. She has several places where she ‘lives’ and each of them are holy sites which emit {The Infinite} - the greatest of all being the {Underwater City Pacem - City of Knowledge} but none know if it’s location but herself and the other Pillars. Oh, and her Rival {The Insight}.” <Lisa>

Lisa would then proceed to give the pair of girls a while to digest the huge information drop that occurred from just learning about one of these ‘Pillars of Reality’.

<I suppose it makes sense why they were called pillars~! They support the world but in a different way to me~>

“She is also known as the fastest swordswomen with enough ability to kill you before it even appears she drew her blade. You also won't realize you’ve died until you attempt to move and found yourself split in half.” <Lisa>

<And then there's more?!>

“The next you have likely heard of - both of you in fact. I doubt there is a single little girl or boy who hasn’t looked up to him - no, scratch that. I doubt anybody but leaders feel nothing but respect. {The Pillar of The Knight} - Photon the {True Hero} or more commonly {Storm of Justice}. Despite likely sounding like a little girl with a crush - he’s a badass. Plain and simple. A knight standing just below a giant’s height, adorned in golden armour with the markings of a lion wielding a holy spear - unique with its twin guarded design and even has a similar ‘short sword’ style blade. And on top of it all, the only {Hero} to exist long after his time, thus his {True Hero} {Title}.” <Lisa>

Eel had heard of him, thinking of him like a senior she should take a lesson or two from but based on her knowledge of this ‘Photon’ being one of {The Three Pillars} her eyes were shining.

<Do you think I could meet him one day… I bet he’s done some crazy shit!>

“He’s a man who’s done quite a lot so it’s hard to sum up. Unlike Mother who got where she was from a birth right he’s a self made ‘Pillar’ who has many heroic deeds to his name. No man has suited the title {God of War} better, however. I don’t know how true it is but there is a tale from over 100 years ago where all the countries on the continent and allies came together to decide on one thing, what to do about Photon. You see, people in power naturally fear the existence of a {Hero} as a {Hero} is one who stomps out injustice as it comes so often it is the nobles and {Ruler}s who suffer in return. What is best for a noble may not be so for their people after all.” <Lisa>

What to do but nod to what Lisa said, she already knew a noble like that. Met him yesterday in fact - Eric. While he may not actually be a ‘noble’ Eel was sure he lived like one due to working so close to a {Count}.

<I’m curious what they did to try to take down such a badass though…>

“Their conclusion on him was simple - he did whatever he felt was fair and for the best interest of the world. As such, as a way to try to capitalize on it, they instituted a new continental law. It’s contents are simple but as the story isn’t fully believed by the common people I’m unsure if it’s accurate or even holds a shred of truth - only a noble could say and even then it would be unbelievable if Photon himself doesn’t give input…” <Lisa>

Eel was tightly holding her knees, leaning forward, looking towards Lisa with great interest as she closed her eyes a bit and rested into Kee’s embrace. Usually she’d find it cute as the couple really did suit each other in a crazy way but making her wait was cruel!

Soon Lisa would have her fill and continue with the story.

“Anyway, the contents of the law went as followed according to the myth ‘The holder of the title {God of War} must announce his presence on the battlefield to all participants 30 minutes before he is allowed to begin exterminating the enemy’... In other words, they begged for a 30 minute head start to either throw down their weapons or get ahead in attacking him. For some, maybe both.” <Lisa>

“Wha-” <Eel>

“And, in the following war he went ahead and followed the law. He apparently took out the enemy army an hour after his initial presence. They couldn’t even put a dent in his armour and he was too heavy to knock down even without raising his shield. If you want me to call you a badass you have to accomplish something similar, okay?” <Lisa>

Eel felt both awe at her predecessor being what one may refer to as ‘a madlad’ and tears at the last comment asking her to do the impossible.

<Wah~ I guess I won’t be getting praised any time soon… No, then again if I think about it with usage of my true form and a well placed {Breath(High-Dragon)} it shouldn’t be that difficult. All I have to do is get the law in place...>

“Fufufu~” <Eel>

Looking down softly as she thought about her future prospects, massaging her chin while her smug smile was already present.

“*Cough* Moving on we come to the last and the shortest of {The Three Pillars}, {The Pillar of Rogue}... It’s not that he's not impressive but he’s simply… A mystery. Little is really known about him and most information is only known by high ranking people. Many want him dead because his behavior fits his {Title} so information about his is widely sought after but even the name everyone calls him, Jeeves, is simply a shortened version of his other well known title {Jeeves The Head-Butler}.”

<Jeeves… Isn’t he the one Mr/Mrs Voice said they wouldn’t trust? I can make out a ‘he’ in the garbled text so it seems more likely to be a man than Mother of Voice. I also think Photon seems like a man who is very earnest and rightful.>

Finishing her thoughts by remembering that mysterious voice who spoke to her.

“He is truly… Confusing. You see, it appears he’s at least close enough to Photon to drink alongside him as they have often been seen together however one of Photon’s deeds as a young {Hero} was apparently killin-, no maybe defeating would be better… Defeating Jeeves.” <Lisa>

“Wait what?! If he was defeated then how is he still a Pillar? Dead people can’t hold a {Title} can they? Is he an undead who came back after he was killed, grew strong and became a pillar?” <Eel>

Fair considerations but all shot down by a simple head shake.

“It’s why I changed my words. Photon did indeed seem to kill Jeeves however if you remember correctly I said he’s both mysterious and confusing… On top of that he’s crafty. Somehow or another he’s still alive and we can be sure he’s not currently dead. Both the other Pillars have confirmed that but only because, at the time, the churches kept trying to kill him again only to have their entire upper management that signed off on it… Only those who signed off on it, wiped out and turned into undead in an ironic twist… Well everyone suspects it was very much on purpose they became like that.” <Lisa>

<Maybe… Maybe the reason Mr/Mrs Voice doesn’t trust him is because they’re the god of the circle and - as terrifying as the prospect may be - this ‘Jeeves’ has found a way to escape the circle of reincarnation? If that’s true that’s one step up from Immortality even Elves and {Dragon}s boast of… Or maybe a step down? I doubt a man who was killed by ‘the greatest {Hero} of all’ got it through moral means.>

But then she thought about something else that caused her to look up at Emily who tilted her head to the side and then towards Lisa once again.

“Wait, if Mother is one of the three strongest existences how can someone else manipulate her blessing? Wouldn’t you need to be stronger?” <Eel>

At this point Emily, who was still being hugged made a softy ‘Oh?’ of realization which just sounded so adorable.

<I heard cows moo… I wonder what it would take for Emily to do the same? I bet it would be cute~!>

“Ah, well. I did say they were the strongest didn’t I? Well, that’s not exactly incorrect but not fully correct either because there is… I guess you could best refer to her ‘erroneous’ - a {Pseudo-Pillar} if you would?” <Lisa>

One pair of head tilts later Lisa continued on.

“I guess I should say that there seems to be only three Pillars and their names weren’t random. They are in fact based on the {Class} system loosely but I suppose I’ll put it like this. What would make a better scholar, someone who can beat anyone with the knowledge combined with power she possesses or one who can use their knowledge to overcome any challenge? I guess put into {Attributes} - which will likely help you understand better - which is more important, {Int} or {Wis}? Your total accumulation or how you use it?” <Lisa>

Eel would think about it but before she could answer with her own opinion her thoughts would be interrupted.

“The world chose {Int} and so Mother became {The Pillar of The Scholar} and Munzumira remained as simply {Madame of The Insight}... However, Munzumira is still a terrifying existence whether a pillar or not. She has even gained the {Title} {Pillar of Shadow} which would suggest that even the world was inclined to agree that there were too few places… But regardless many battles have occurred between the two - many devolved into bloody ones. Despite that both live today - they still conflict but it has grown more… Subdued. I heard from Aby that she once saw them playing a game called ‘connect four’ but the outcome wasn’t seen as the {Holy Mother} had some ‘other things’ to do…” <Lisa>

<It kind of sounds like she realized she was going to lose…>

“Munzumira is also the owner and head-researcher of a flying city referred to as {The Cradle of The Wise} which apparently was made from her birthplace - people believe her to actually be a {Spirit} but one of space and time. In other words a {Relative-Spirit}... Though many also believe the very name of the vessel is an insult at Mother who calls her city {The City of Knowledge} by outright saying that she wasn’t born wise even if knowledgeable…” <Lisa>

Lisa would have a wry smile as she, being an elf, did in fact revere the {Holy Mother} quite a bit. But, it also made it hard to admit the quite well founded rumours that said god was… Well, she wasn’t exactly winning against her rival.

<Maybe she could claim moral victory through not being petty- No wait she abandoned a game halfway through so people wouldn’t see her lose didn’t she…>

“Anyway, it’s said to be the most highly advanced city in the world though it’s size is constantly growing and {The Cradle} hasn’t been seen in awhile. It also happens to be the only widely known {City of Spirits} - a place where mages would kill to gain access due to the high knowledge yield and resources one could gain… But it’s not a city one can gain access to but one where people are permitted to have access. It is also rumoured that Munzumira can do more than predict the future but rather can see the future and others could with her eyes… Most ‘blessed {High-Spirits}’ from the city can do just that but tend to be a bit…” <Lisa>

“Such a power must have a price…” <Emily>

Emily’s mutter would surprise Eel for a second but she couldn’t disagree.

“Exactly, we simply can’t be sure because she has a very competent {Head-Butler} covering her tracks according to many sources.” <Lisa>

And to that, Eel and Emily’s eyes would widen. To be the {Head-Butler} to a woman who could outsmart someone like Mother? He must be a very competent person… And they found out about a {Head-Butler} like that.

“I’m sure you’ve guessed it but {Jeeves the Head-Butler} was a title given by none-other than the {Madame of The Insight}. This is because she apparently has a whole harem of ‘servants’ at her beck and call. Jeeves just being the strongest… Anyway, I think we’ve had enough of that as I need to make some orders and inquisitions when it comes to training materials for Emily and you have your own Training Eel. Oh, and Emily doesn't go out in front of the public. We’ll need to do something similar to what we did with Eel’s {Appraisal Control} so people don’t get suspicious of your identity but I haven’t yet decided on what to show and what not. Write down a copy of everything on your stats and bring it to me before tomorrow.” <Lisa>

***

That day was very informative for the both of the girls.

They finally figured out just how vast this world was from just asking about four people and how small their struggle here was…

But neither cared. It wasn’t their job to care, it was {The Three Pillars} job. Maybe one day they would meet but Eel and Emily doubted they would do more than maybe a quest for them. Maybe they’d even get to talk to them?

<Eh~ I doubt the the {True Hero} would come visit a brothel though so I won’t need to worry about them for awhile if even in one hundred years~!>

She chuckled, thinking back as she prepared her spear once more and lowered her stance.

“Just don’t complain that I’m not cool because I’m being thrown around~” <Eel>

“No! Your cool because you're trying your best to get better…” <Emily>

With a soft blush she didn’t notice and a smug smile on her face Eel would charge forward.