Empty Sanctuary

Even with the existence of the Abyssal Mirth which houses the most degenerative of creatures and the most heinous of people or the Lightless Depths where the secrets of magic were buried and fester in peculiar ways, no place could compare to the Tower of Origins. In fact, few even knew of its existence as its only mention was by an unknown historian. It was later written off as the historian's mere fantasy and forgotten by time. Even Detha was forgotten so how could the world's memory of the ephemeral Tower remain?

The revered Kingdom of Detha was once ensconced in the beautiful purity of frost with its location atop the mountain Crihel allowing it to look over those below like a benevolent overseer that treated its subjects like its own children. It was famed for its glorious festivals which had people from afar rushing over to partake. Eagerly, the people of Detha would then openly share their prosperity with everyone. Prosperous harvests which involved an abundance of fruit, tender morsels of meat would be served, festivities during which many would confess and through which stories of pure romance were sprouted, and even the Sage of Detha would be among the list of participants for the festivals.

Throughout the continent of Yorne, there was a name that used to reverberate through the hearts of the populace. Her name was Eliza Corinth. She was not famed for her beauty although her beauty could be compared to that of a goddess' and she was even mistaken by a priest to be one. She was also not of nobility and if she had been, she likely would not be where she currently was and would instead have been managing the finances of a household. She was not famed for being a saint although those who truly knew of her would beg to differ. She was the renowned Sage of Detha that brought forth miracles and ascended humanity's understanding of the arcane.

Her early life was not known but some speculate that she was isolated from the rest of the world. When she emerged from the isolation, she was affected by the sorrows which the outside world harbored and began to help those in need. She brought forth rain in regions devoid of life, held back hordes of berserk beast folk and demons while quelling many disasters. She was not born in Detha but fell in love with the quaintness of the setting and the wholesome lifestyle which those of Detha led. Surprisingly even their King was without demerit and always tried his hardest for his citizens.

Now it was on its last legs and the formerly great kingdom started to burn despite their efforts to stall the inevitable. The once caring and serene smile on her face froze and never appeared again.

Raising a tidal wave, the Sage gritted her teeth as her Mana reserves began to run dry.

"It is futile, mortal", the apostle stated with a triumphant grin.

"Soon this nation will end and even you can't stop it"

"Why are you doing this?!", Eliza shouted in a grieving tone.

"The people of Detha have benefitted from being in the presence of our Demon Lord for too long. Now it is time for them to return the boons", the apostle stated in a righteous tone.

Memories of her time there began to surface as her eyes stared in the giant pillar of fire engulfing the entirety of Detha.

"We can do this. After all, we were taught by Miss Corinth herself", a confident lass stated to her friends as the demonic horde neared. They then pathetically perished.

"It has taken me a lot of courage but please marry me!", a handsome man beseeched. He was but one of many suitors that she rejected.

"It's a bit difficult accommodating all the people but it's always worth it in the end", the exhausted king said with a troubled smile. They all perished by the flames.

"I can't just stand and watch as my home burns to the ground", Eliza retorted with a fire burning in her eyes. The tidal wave surged in height and even began to blot the sun out of the sky.

"This is why you mages are idiots. Why would I allow interference?", the apostle sighed before instantly appearing in front of the sage. He then launched a magic-imbued strike at her. Before it could land though, the nature of her magic changed which caused his eyes to widen in fear.

With a fearful yet amused grin, he then said, "As suspected, you're no saint after all", before he was consumed by the all-encompassing frost.

Completely drained of mana, Eliza started plummeting. As the ground neared, she thought, 'Get up! I need to avenge everyone and stop them! Or else their deaths will be in vain! They must pay!'

Instead of death, once again the tower opened for her.

___________

In a room filled with transcripts, tomes, and lexicons, a figure remained huddled in one of its corners.

"Why did you bring me back here?", she grumbled.

"After all my efforts to escape... Just let me leave one more time!"

"They need my help out there!", she exclaimed in a tone laden with frustration.

"To set things straight, you did not escape. You were granted permission to leave. And even if you were out there, you couldn't do a single thing", the disembodied voice stoically stated.

"If I can't do anything, then what use is all this power! Isn't that why I learned it!?", Eliza retorted back.

"All those people died because they believed in me. Someone worthless and powerless..."

"They did not die in vain. Their persistence has at the very least weakened their adversary"

When there was no response for a long time, the disembodied voice sighed. It then said, "You would rather help others?"

There was still no response, but it could sense her emotions.

"Very well then. It is possible"

Pathways to a paradise would then appear throughout the world. It would seek those who were troubled, those who were burdened, and even those who were forgotten. As for the disembodied voice...

"It is done. I bid you farewell", the normally stoic voice was imbued with a bit of regret.

"What do you mean by that?!", Eliza shouted upon hearing that. However, she received no response.