Chapter 118

The Warmonger Suites, Champion’s Rest, Atlanta - 8:54 AM

“You’re invit- Oh, yeah I guess you are the last one,“ Howard said as I entered the hotel room.

Everybody except my manager and I were crowded around the window overlooking Merder Stadium. While the Heelies of Hermes weren’t unheard of up here, I doubted anyone who had a pair had unlocked the Broken Boundary skill, so it made sense that the Dunbar Runners were interested in where we had been taken.

Kayla and Jeff were just enjoying the view; the lower floors were meant for those participating at Safe Arm Arena. They also didn’t get whole floors to themselves like the Chaos Cup competitors did. I briefly wondered if they had been invited to share the one Manny’s team belonged to. There would still be a few rooms open even with a full team, after all, and the Mills made fast friends like they always did.

“You’re free to go, Howard,“ I said, patting the man on the back. “Thanks for the help.“

“Oh, you sure?“ he asked, tearing his eyes away from the women in the room. “I can stay and, I don’t know, chat or something.“

Being a little more forceful, I turned him around and opened the door. “Your time is better spent figuring out how to place bets. Watch the feeds, I’ll need your insight for the event later tonight.“

“Sure thing, Warmonger, consider it done,“ Howard said as I pushed him into the hallway and closed the door.

Turning around, I clapped my hands, causing everyone to look at me. “Alright, so let’s get to discussing what we know about these dark tunnels,“ I said, leaning against the wall. “People have been going missing, usually around the entrances, but nobody sees anyone take them.“

“We think those people have been exploring,“ Manny said, leaning against the dresser. “Since no one’s seen them get taken by anything, it makes sense that they wandered in themselves.“

“The problem is,“ Joanna said, taking a seat on the bed. Ramona joined her. “That I’ve already seen the inside of these tunnels. Several of them, in fact. They all lead down underneath the safe zone and end at a really sturdy looking door with a keypad. We don’t think everyone who’s disappeared knew the code, because a lot of them have no connection with each other.“

“Which means that everyone who made it down that far likely got snatched at the door,“ Tito continued. “They didn’t see Joanna because she’s stealthy and, well, the dark tunnels are dark. She’s in her perfect habitat.“

“Yes, I am the night,“ Joanna snorted.

“Or whatever’s in there knew that Joanna was a participant of the Chaos Cup and left her alone,“ Kayla added. “Benedict Merder is making sure that the whole event is running smoothly, right? It makes sense that she’s immune to whatever’s down there because she’s a part of it.“

I found myself smiling at Kayla’s guess. She was spot on, but that’s what I had come to expect from her. The thing down below was dangerous, though most of the people that had gone through those doors were still alive.

Not in a state where they could return on their own, but still alive nonetheless. It had been programmed to recognize certain people, such as the competitors and their managers. Anyone who was a participant in one capacity or another, really.

“This small woman is right,“ I said.

“This small woman’s name is Kayla,“ she replied, crossing her arms.

“Yeah, Queen Kayla,“ Joanna said, trying to hold in a snicker.

“Just Kayla!“

“This is my queen, Kayla,“ Jeff said as stoically as he could.

“Kayla, the queen,“ Ramona added, hiding her mouth behind a hand.

“Just. Kayla.“ The Double Agent sighed and put a hand over her face. She looked like she wanted to protest more, but it was a losing battle.

I couldn’t help but grin behind my mask, and I was glad no one could see it because I had a feeling the air of mystery surrounding the Warmonger would have been shattered at that very moment.

“Very well, Just Kayla, the queen,“ I said cheekily, eliciting an irritated groan from the woman. “Either way, she’s right. I’ve been down there, too, though only up to the doors. I wasn’t being stealthy about it, but nothing happened to me.“

“While that kind of knowledge is certainly something that we hadn’t thought up before - thanks, Kayla - it doesn’t really help us moving forward,“ Manny stated.

“I can get us in, but first I have a question,“ I said.

“You can get us in?“ Manny asked, surprised. “And how can you do that?“

“Simple, my Patron knows the code to the door,“ I answered shrugging like it was the most natural answer in the world.

“You have a Patron?“ Ramona asked, raising an eyebrow. “Really?“

“Really,“ I confirmed. “What? Do you think I lack the skill and expertise required to snag myself some cosmic attention from whatever heavenly body decided to look my way?“ Jeff snorted, and Kayla elbowed him in the chest.

[[Patron Message]]

I know that doesn’t really tell Manny and his group anything and they won’t understand, but please don’t say I have a heavenly body when the Mills are in the room. That’s really embarrassing.

I mean, thank you, but it’s still really embarrassing.

Sincerely,

Sara

I chuckled and swiped away the message. “Got in trouble for that one,“ I said, not bothering to hide my amusement. The thought of Sara did make me think about the feather she sent me, and an idea took root in my mind. “I’ll share my information, but, like I said, I have a question.“

The thought of fulfilling one of my requests must have put Manny on edge, because he crossed his arms and suddenly sounded defensive. “We’ll see what you have to ask first,“ he said.

“Very fair,“ I replied with a nod. “First off, what makes you so sure that the Monstersmith has seen what’s in the tunnels?“

Manny looked at his teammates before answering. “We saw her leaving one of the tunnels near Artist Alley,“ he said slowly. “Though now that Kayla’s brought up how people close to the events might not be snatched, I’m not sure if she had been inside or not.“

“Benedict Merder seems to have her wrapped around his finger,“ Tito added. “She’s been making things on his command since the tournaments started.“

“That’s what you think?“ I asked. “She seemed pretty disgruntled by her circumstances. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s just as scared as everyone else, fancy little area and class notwithstanding.“

“Maybe,“ Manny conceded. “But it doesn’t matter anymore if what you say is true. That you have the code to the doors.“

“It’s true, and I have two conditions,“ I said, holding up two fingers. “If you have any problems with either of these conditions, then I’m going alone and the conditions for any additional trips are going to be much more demanding.“

Manny set his jaw, but nodded. “Go ahead.“

“First, only Joanna goes with me.“

“Absolutely not,“ Manny said.

“Yeah, that’s cool,“ Joanna said at the same time. The two looked at each other, and she shrugged. “If it’s dark all the way through, then it’s fine, right?“

“From what I know, it will be,“ I confirmed. “Plus, this trip isn’t going to be some kind of raid, but a scouting mission. That means stealth, which means Joanna. The two of us will figure out exactly what is down there and make plans on how to deal with it.“

“Being stealthy is part of my whole thing, Manny,“ she said, turning to face him. “This condition’s okay.“

“You’re also going to be with possibly the shadiest character we’ve seen in Atlanta to date,“ Manny said. “I don’t trust him.“

“He poisoned Tito and threw you off a cliff,“ Ramona added.

“Yeah, then apologized for it,“ Joanna said dismissively. “Besides, what if it’s too strong for the six of us to handle? Then we get killed for nothing. Scouting is a good plan.“

“I’ll go, too,“ Kayla said, taking a step forward. “I’ve got some stealth abilities, so I can help watch Joanna’s back.“

I crossed my arms, but found myself nodding. Kayla should have gained a few more rogue-like abilities to help aid her kit if she leveled up her old ones. The Double Agent class wasn’t all illusions and subterfuge, but had a pretty decent stealth aspect to it as well. Not as good as Joanna’s, not by a long shot, but adequate for what we were doing. I approved.

“What?“ Jeff asked, putting a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “That could be really dangerous, and my next fight’s going on soon. I need my manager.“

“We can put Ramona in as a sub for a match, if she’s up for it.“

“I don’t know,“ Jeff said, scratching the back of his head. “I don’t really want to get yelled at.“

“Then don’t lose,“ Ramona interjected. “If you’re going to watch Joanna’s back, then taking care of your brute is the least I can do.“

“Thanks, Ramona,“ Kayla said with a smile before turning to Manny. “Acceptable?“

The Spirit Axe looked at Jeff, who shrugged. “Kayla’s already decided, man, I think she’s going whether you like it or not.“

Sighing, Manny nodded. “Fine, Joanna and Kayla can go with Warmonger. Scouting only, no fighting, and coming back as soon as they find out any information about the things down there.“

“Excellent,“ I said. “I’m glad that we were able to get through that. Because the second condition is going to be a lot harder on you than everyone else.“

“Yeah? Harder than letting two of my friends go with a psychopath?“ Manny asked.

“Yes,“ I replied, snapping open my inventory and pulling out the scalpel. The Dunbar Runners tensed while the Mills were merely curious. I offered it to Joanna. “Check the stats on this and then pass it to Manny.“

“Sure,“ she said, taking it from me gingerly. I watched as her eyes moved back and forth, reading through the item description, before handing it back to Manny. He hesitated, but took it.

And immediately dropped it. He cursed as his hand sizzled and smoked from where the scalpel had touched his skin. “What the fuck, Warmonger?“ he yelled.

I reached for the weapon and Pulled it back into my hand.

“Telekinesis?“ Tito asked.

I nodded my confirmation before holding the scalpel up. “This is an Angelic item, Manny,“ I said. “What do you think it means that you can’t hold it?“

“You want my axe,“ he deduced immediately, clenching his fists.

“I did, I’ll admit it,“ I said, twirling the scalpel around in my hand. “My original plan was to take the Axe of Zalzarog from you, especially after losing my arm to it.“

“I didn’t want to use it on you,“ Manny said. “And you can’t have it.“

“I know. I did it to myself and I’ll deal with the consequences when things come around,“ I said, waving my hand like it was nothing. “But, I recently received an item that could help you out. It probably won’t destroy that demonic influence building up inside of you, but with the help of the Monstersmith you should be able to change its nature and your fate. Because that axe is tarnishing what makes you, you. I’m sure you’ve noticed becoming more irritable, more reckless, perhaps more sadistic?“

Manny didn’t say anything, but his teammates had a look of worried contemplation on their faces.

“If you keep this up, you’re going to turn into a demon,“ Kayla stated.

“Oh, is that what Ant was saying?“ Jeff asked, looking from Manny to his wife. “The warning, right?“

“Seems likely, doesn’t it?“

“This axe is the only reason why I'm as good as I am,“ Manny said defiantly. “I'm not handing it over.“

“The axe is a tool, nothing more,“ I said patiently. I knew I'd be at this stage with the scalpel if I hadn't known better already. “Look, you're a hero of the people around here. You took down the Goblin boss, you saved countless people looking for a safe place to survive, and your team single-handedly set up the Wisp Mole farm. The axe does not define you, your actions do. But you feel it, don't you?“

“You're talking crazy.“

“You feel it, in the back of your mind, Manny,“ I urged him quietly. “It's telling you to take shortcuts, to disregard the safety of your people and your team. To prioritize yourself and the axe. Demonic items work like addictions, and you're hooked. It doesn't hurt anymore, does it? Holding the axe?“

“Shut up, Warmonger!“

“I won't, because that's the axe talking. But, I have good news. I might not have to take it from you after all.“

Some of the anger left him as I said that, but he remained tense. “Just tell me what you have planned,“ Manny said with a scowl.

I reached into my open inventory and pulled out the feather I received earlier. It was pure white, and I immediately recognized it as one of Sara’s. There wasn’t any item description to go with it, so I imagined it could be used as a monster part for one of the Monstersmith’s creations.

“This is a feather from a powerful Angelic being, and I think combining it with your axe might squash some of the evil it harbors. What do you think up there?“ I asked the ceiling.

[[Patron Message]]

That isn’t what I sent it to you for, but… you’re right that it may neutralize some of the Demonic energy. Zalzarog is a powerful Demon, however, so it won’t get rid of all of it by itself. It won’t be the same as me purifying it, which would turn it into an Angelic weapon, but it should have some effect. Even though the feather has lost a lot of its divine power, it’s still one of mine.

The most likely scenario is that the axe will end up harboring both Angelic and Demonic energy, and it will depend on the host wielding it which one gets fed. If he does good deeds and wields it for justice, then it will lean towards good until it’s completely purified. The opposite is also true if he wields it for cruel, selfish reasons. It should also stop his transformation unless he goes too far down that route.

What ends up being created is a bastardization of everything that we Angels stand for, but the fact that we can use it to overtake such a tool of evil means that I approve of this method. But…

Are you sure you want to go down this road? I can’t send you another feather for a very, very long time. You have to be absolutely sure that Manny is worth this.

Sincerely,

Sara

“Long message, hold on,“ I said as I read through my girlfriend’s note. I wasn’t sure what the feather had originally been meant for, but I knew that Manny absolutely was worth it. If everything worked out, then he’d have a weapon that would last him until the system’s endgame. At the very least, it will make him more competitive in future events like the Chaos Cup.

Looking up from the message, I saw everyone staring at me. “Patron thinks the Monstersmith will be able to make some kind of Angelic Demonic gestalt weapon that will change based on how you act,“ I told him. “Do good things, the Angelic side prevails. Do bad things, the Demonic side wins. Now, I’ve seen how the people see you, Manny, and I know you have what it takes to quench the evil inside and change that axe into a better version of itself. I’m at least willing to try if you are.“

Everyone looked at Manny, who shifted uncomfortably. He reached over and tapped his uncle. “You’ve been quiet for a while, what do you think?“

Tito frowned and looked at the ground while the team waited for him to dispense wisdom. After a few moments, he shrugged. “If what he's saying is true, it couldn’t hurt,“ he said. “Obviously, talk with Ashley first since she’s the one who knows what’ll pop out, but if it makes it so the axe stops hurting you then I’m all for it.“

Manny scowled again, but nodded. “Fine, we’ll talk to Ashley. But if she says it’s no good, then it’s no good. And that’s only if she has time for us. You know she has a wait list, right?“

“I know,“ I said. “Tell her that the Warmonger would like this put as a priority, and that it’s for the good of the plan. Also, I’ll be visiting her sometime soon. Don’t ask any questions, though, because it’s personal and neither of us want you prying.“

“Fine,“ Manny grunted before he pulled away from the dresser. “We’ll go do that now, then.“

Ramona got up from the bed. She turned to face Jeff with her hands on her hips. “Alright, it’s almost match time. You ready to go?“

“Sure am, chief,“ Jeff said before kissing Kayla on the top of her head. “You be safe, okay?“

“You know I will,“ she replied, patting his chest.

“Alright. Joanna, Kayla, and I will head off,“ I stated.

“Without waiting for us to talk to Ashley first?“ Tito asked.

“Yeah, I trust you guys. Besides, there’s an entrance in the basement of the hotel, so might as well knock it out now, yeah?“ I offered the older man the feather, and he took it. “I’ll be busy after this, but these two will tell you guys everything once they’re back. Oh, and Tito?“

“Yeah?“

“Don't let him talk you out of it. That'll be the axe talking, not your nephew.“ Manny looked like he wanted to say something, but stalked out instead. Tito nodded and followed him.

Ramona walked up to me and jabbed a finger into my chest. “If anything happens to them, I'm going to make sure something happens to you. Got it?“

“I got it,“ I said, resisting the urge to laugh.

After some nods and more well wishing, I marked the door with my Broken Boundary again. We left the hotel room and got into the elevators, each of our groups heading for a different place.

“We’re heading to the basement,“ I said to the elevator before looking back at Kayla and Joanna. “You two best be ready. Who knows what kind of horrors we’ll see down there.“