《Level Up Hero! [Volume 1 Stubbed]》 Chapter 1: Origin Story, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE Origin Story, Part 1
¡°Excuse me!¡± Sam Shepard apologized as he slipped his way into the back of the crowd. ¡°Media coming through!¡± ¡°Media¡± was a bit of a stretch, but being a twenty-one-year-old beat writer for the city¡¯s number one newspaper had its perks. Namely, being able to ignore the dirty looks people gave him as he shoved his way through the crowd of civilian onlookers and first responders. In the distance, the thunderous booms of explosions going off one after the other rang in his ears, drowning out the police sirens and terrified screams. A horrific shriek shook him to his core, threatening to turn his legs to jelly. ¡°This isn¡¯t how my first day at the Herald was supposed to go...¡± he sighed. Soon enough, Sam managed to push his way into the very front of the crowd which was pressed tight together like a can of sardines right at the edge of the police line. He nearly choked at the sight before him, chilled to the bone by the jaw-dropping destruction. Ruined buildings on either side of a torn-up street gave one the impression that an earthquake had just struck this unfortunate part of New York City. There were fires everywhere, so many in fact that the night sky glowed with a fierce orange tinge. Sam gulped. ¡°Holy Zeus...¡± Focus, Sam. He reminded himself. You have a job to do. Blinking away his shock, the young reporter pulled out his smartphone from his pants pocket and started recording the view. ¡°What in Hades are you doing, Shepard?¡± came a growl right behind him. Sam sighed, then pocketed his smartphone and turned to confront the police officer who he imagined had a stick perpetually rammed up his butt. ¡°Just doing my job, Sarge,¡± Sam replied. Police Sergeant Andrew Graham glowered at him, his eyes like headlights pinning Sam in place. The glower was the thickset, black man¡¯s most defining feature, and one Sam didn¡¯t enjoy being aimed at him. ¡°You know the rules, dumbass,¡± Sergeant Graham snarled. ¡°No unauthorized video recordings of extermination zones!¡± Extermination zones, Sam sighed. He didn¡¯t think he would hear that phrase again so soon after he¡¯d left his old job. It was a designation given to a location where a mission to suppress a horror outbreak was underway. Sam flashed his press badge at the sergeant. ¡°You know you¡¯re impeding freedom of the press, right?¡± Graham spared it the barest glance. He seemed unimpressed. ¡°I work for the Herald, man!¡± Sam complained. This declaration only worsened Graham¡¯s glower. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for the whining of a little shit stain who was too cowardly to stick to doing the thing that really matters,¡± Sergeant Graham scoffed. ¡°And as if you couldn¡¯t go low enough, now you¡¯ve joined the yahoos who put up headlines that make our heroes look bad!¡± Sam couldn¡¯t blame the sergeant for thinking poorly of him, because he had a point. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anybody any good on the front lines, Sarge¡­¡± Sam knew he deserved the ridicule, but he couldn¡¯t help but repeat the lines he¡¯d used to defend his actions for months now. ¡°I was a crappy heal¡ª¡± A scream cut through the clamor, shocking most of those watching into silence. ¡°H-healer!¡± a woman cried, desperation and pain stuttering her words. ¡°I n-need a healer!¡± The first responders standing just on the other side of the police line glanced nervously at each other. It was obvious to Sam that they could hear her, too, but none of them jumped at the chance to go out there and help. Then one officer stepped up to Sergeant Graham, looking like he was ready to do his job. ¡°I think we can get to her, Sarge,¡± a young, brown-haired, gray-eyed police officer told Sergeant Graham. ¡°She might not be too far from the line. The scream sounded close and I¡ª¡± If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Officer Nolan.¡± Sergeant Graham turned his scowl on this policeman. ¡°Are you a healer?¡± ¡°N-no, sir,¡± Nolan frowned. ¡°But¡ª¡± ¡°So what are you gonna do, Officer Nolan? Drag her through the rubble and fire?¡± ¡°I¡ª¡± ¡°Did you just suddenly get super strength or flight? Is that how you were going to save her?¡± ¡°No, but¡ª¡± ¡°Then we follow protocol, godsdammit!¡± the Sergeant barked. ¡°And protocol says wait for more heroes. They¡¯ll handle rescue operations.¡± At the word ¡°hero,¡± Officer Nolan glanced in Sam¡¯s direction. The implication was clear: what are you doing? What am I doing? Sam scratched at the mess of dark brown hair atop his head. I can help, but that might finally kill me. ¡°That woman needs our help,¡± Nolan began, but his sergeant quickly cut him off. ¡°You think I enjoy hanging out here doing nothing but preventing idiots like Shepard here¡±¡ªhe pointed a thumb at Sam¡ª¡°from wandering into an extermination zone and getting themselves killed?¡± After a brief pause, Officer Nolan shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Sergeant Graham huffed. ¡°But I do it because I have to. I got a wife at home, you know? Besides, I¡¯m not a gifted like Shepard...not that he¡¯s been any use tonight.¡± Sam was just about to reiterate that not being of any use was exactly the reason he¡¯d quit his old job, but then the horrific screeching started up again. The sound of it was like sharp nails raking across a chalkboard, leaving Sam and everyone around him feeling more unnerved than they were a second ago. ¡°P-please!¡± the woman yelled. ¡°S-someone, please! Help me!¡± Through the scattered fires and widespread destruction of the extermination zone, Sam thought he could see a pale hand rising mere inches off the ground. It could have just been his imagination, but... ¡°Sarge...I think I see her,¡± Sam reported. ¡°Officer Nolan¡¯s right. She¡¯s not too far.¡± Nolan nodded, but Sergeant Graham ignored him, pointedly turning his back on the reporter. ¡°Sarge.¡± Sam¡¯s tone was insistent now. ¡°I really think¡ª¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care what you think, Shepard,¡± Sergeant Graham snapped. ¡°You stand there and wait for the real heroes to come.¡± Startled by the agitation in his tone, Sam looked his way. Graham¡¯s wide-eyed stare was glued to the carnage, sweat dripping down his forehead. Like most of the non-gifted around him, the destruction beyond the police line was too much for him to bear. It was a lot to take in, even for Sam. And yet, he still found himself stepping forward, his legs trembling only slightly. Styx, he thought. I can¡¯t do this. I can¡¯t risk my life that way again. Contrary to Graham¡¯s view of him, Sam was no coward. He was built to do the brave thing. All gifted were. It was one of the requirements for becoming a chosen of the gods. Sam¡¯s problem wasn¡¯t fear. Something graver held him back. But hearing that woman and her desperate plea for help, it awakened something in him that he thought he¡¯d sufficiently suppressed by now¡ªand that was the will to answer the call. Don¡¯t do it, Sam. You¡¯ve already quit the hero life, you useless punk, he chided himself. You¡¯d only make things worse for her and you! A shrill cry sounded once more before abruptly cutting off. Throwing logic out the window, Sam ducked under the police line and jumped headlong into the heart of danger. ¡°Shepard!¡± Sergeant Graham yelled after Sam. ¡°Get back behind the line, you idiot!¡± Sam paused, tempted to listen to the gravelly voice urging him to come back. No, he shouldn¡¯t be going to play hero now. Not when he¡¯d run away when things had gotten too hard the first time. But then Sam heard the woman¡¯s voice a third time. It was much weaker. She was running out of time. Despite the nervous sweat dripping down his brow, Sam kept on running. ¡°Shepard! Get back here!¡± Sergeant Graham screamed. Sam¡¯s heart pounding in his ears drowned out the sergeant¡¯s protests. Each beat grew louder and louder as he got closer to the center of the extermination zone. Don¡¯t worry, Sam. It¡¯s just routine delta-level extermination. You¡¯re here for experience! It¡¯ll be just like a light jog. The ¡°wise words¡± of his editor fell short when faced with the task set before him. Yeah, right. What in Hades is routine about all of this? This wasn¡¯t what usually happened¡ªheroes lying on the ground bleeding from wounds they may never recover from, and a ¡®horror¡¯ set loose on the city that no one seemed able to stop. A heavy whoosh drew him out of his thoughts. On instinct, Sam dived forward and narrowly avoided decapitation via the wheel of a truck that had been sent flying his way. He scraped his palms on the broken asphalt and he cursed at the pain. Raising his hands to check them, Sam cringed at the dark blood dripping down his sun-kissed forearms. There was too much of it to be his. ¡°Styx,¡± he gulped. He looked down at the ground, aghast to see the pool of blood inching toward him. His eyes drifted to the source: a group of lifeless bodies surrounded by the thick red liquid. There was so much of it that the iron scent caused his nose to wrinkle. Sam glimpsed movement in the corner of his eye. His gaze snapped toward it, body tensing as he prepared to leap to his feet. But it was just a body stirring on the ground. ¡°Nothing to worry about, don¡¯t get spooked,¡± he reminded himself. ¡°Wait, what?¡± It was a woman. Her short blonde hair framed a bloody, heart-shaped face. Her eyes were a dazzling sky-blue, and they were staring right at Sam¡¯s teal-colored irises. ¡°Help me,¡± she whispered, her weak voice barely carrying over the distance. ¡°Oh, man,¡± Sam breathed, shuffling over. ¡°I found you¡­¡± When he reached her side, Sam scanned her body, the state of it easily observable through her ruined costume. Her fair skin turned paler by the second, likely an effect of the blood hemorrhaging out of the huge gash on her side. There was a deep cut on her brow, too. It leaked blood down the side of her cheek. ¡°You-you¡¯re Thunder...¡± Sam realized. Thunder¡ªan alpha-level hero, ranked seventh in the national charts. But there¡¯s no way. Thunder wouldn¡¯t go down like this, Sam thought. Thunder was an unstoppable force of nature whose recent and sudden meteoric rise had already made her legendary among this year¡¯s crop of new heroes. How could the woman, the gorgeous and brave hero whose face was on a poster once plastered on Sam¡¯s bedroom wall, be reduced to such a state? ¡°Help,¡± Thunder mumbled. Tears rolled down her cheeks, streaking through the drying blood that covered her. The sight of his vulnerable idol forced Sam to get a grip. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he said as reassuringly as he could. ¡°I¡¯ve got you. It¡¯s gonna be okay.¡± I hope. Chapter 2: Origin Story, Part 2 CHAPTER TWO Origin Story, Part 2
Now that he was here, Sam couldn¡¯t help but reminisce on the last time he¡¯d been in a situation like this. It had been more than six months ago when he had been commissioned to serve as a healer for a hastily assembled team of heroes tasked with clearing an extermination zone that had popped up in lower Manhattan. During that incident, Sam had failed in his duty not because he wasn¡¯t willing, but because things had gotten so chaotic. He¡¯d used too much of his life force, healing wounds that were too big for his power alone to handle. It was a failure that not only put his own life at risk but caused the deaths of people who were under his care. Sam had powers; he was gifted, what normal people called individuals who were blessed by the gods with extraordinary gifts, the kind mere mortals could only dream about. But even those with powers had a hierarchy, and in this day and age of constant calamities, everything was about power levels. Sam was a zeta, the lowest tier among the six known power levels. That meant his ability wasn¡¯t particularly strong, despite how useful it might seem. ¡°I can do this,¡± he whispered. ¡°I can do this.¡± Sam placed his hands over the deep cut above Thunder¡¯s bushy eyebrows. Then he called forth his life force, what little of it he could coax into his fingers, and activated his power. ¡°Healing Hand,¡± he commanded. It never failed to give Sam goosebumps, seeing a nasty wound slowly stitch itself together as if by magic. To make what was once a deep cut into nothing more than pink scar tissue. ¡°I think I...I got it,¡± Sam wheezed. He leaned back as black spots appeared in his vision. The small amount of life force he¡¯d given away to heal the cut was already threatening to make him lose consciousness. Sam wondered just how much more of his life he¡¯d need to give to heal the gaping hole in Thunder¡¯s stomach. But he knew deep down that even if he gave her all of his life force, it wouldn¡¯t be enough to heal an injury that was most likely fatal. ¡°Godsdammit,¡± he cursed. A pale hand latched onto his forearm, forcing Sam¡¯s gaze toward Thunder¡¯s face. Her eyes were less glassy now, and despite the sounds of battle raging ahead of them, her gaze was focused only on Sam. ¡°You¡¯re a healer¡­¡± she said in a voice that was stronger than before. ¡°You¡¯re a hero, too?¡± Sam pulled her hand gently away from his arm so he could rip a piece of his shirt off. He was planning to use it as a temporary bandage over her stomach. ¡°Ex-hero,¡± Sam shrugged. ¡°Ex-hero?¡± The awe in Thunder¡¯s face morphed into one of confusion. ¡°But¡­no one quits. It¡¯s why we call it the duty that¡ª¡± ¡°Cannot be forsworn,¡± Sam finished for her. ¡°I know, I know. I read all the pamphlets, too.¡± He placed the makeshift bandage over the wound and pressed down on it to staunch her bleeding, even though he knew it wouldn¡¯t help much. ¡°I wasn¡¯t very good at it,¡± he admitted. ¡°I was a terrible support hero.¡± The bandage in his hands was quickly becoming soaked with her blood. ¡°But you¡¯re here¡­ now¡­saving me,¡± Thunder said in an almost challenging tone. ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up.¡± Sam thought he could see her insides peeking out of the hole in her stomach. ¡°I¡¯m not powerful enough to heal this. I¡¯m just a zeta¡­¡± Sam heard the explosion before he felt the heat graze the skin of his face. Instead of running away¡ªwhich was what his brain was screaming for him to do¡ªhe used his own body to cover Thunder¡¯s wound from the shockwave that raced toward them. Seconds ticked by while the great gust of heated air passed over Sam¡¯s back. But it went as quickly as it came. ¡°We¡¯re okay,¡± Sam whispered to Thunder after the shockwave passed. ¡°We¡¯re okay¡­¡± ¡°Get off me,¡± she complained. ¡°S-sorry¡­¡± he said. The sounds of something smashing against the asphalt to their immediate right forced Sam¡¯s gaze to turn that way. He didn¡¯t recognize the symbol on the chest armor of the hero who¡¯d just landed beside him, but he felt sorry for the guy¡ªhe was missing his head. ¡°Oh, gods...¡± Sam couldn¡¯t tear his eyes away from the bloody stump that was half of the man¡¯s neck. ¡°May Charon guide you swiftly to Elysium, brother.¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Hey, healer, get a grip... Ugh...¡± Pain streaked across Thunder¡¯s face. ¡°Can you please...finish healing me...before you give in to panic?¡± Thunder¡¯s voice was very steady for someone who had a hole in her stomach, although Sam noticed her wince after every breath she took. It was her eyes that really got to him, though. They shone with such hopeful brilliance that he was suddenly scared of letting her down. Yeah, that was the effect a top-class hero had on people¡ªmaking them think they could go beyond their limits. Sam placed his palms over her stomach. Then he urged all the life force he could muster into his hands. But even after making his fingers feel like they were burning from the inside, he still couldn¡¯t close her wound. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry...¡± Sweat dripped down his face. He could feel a massive headache take hold of him. ¡°I¡¯m not powerful enough.¡± The memory of his past failure flitted across the surface of his mind, making Sam regret his decision to play hero once again. Then he felt a hard slap on his face, causing him to blink to alertness. ¡°Don¡¯t say you¡¯re sorry,¡± Thunder snapped. ¡°I¡ª¡± Thunder grabbed the back of his head and then pulled him down toward her. He didn¡¯t understand why she¡¯d done that, not until he felt the blast of cold air pass over him. A second or two later, and Sam looked up. Not fifteen yards away from where they were lying on the street was a monster nearly a dozen feet tall. It was a grotesque thing with a tall, thin frame and four spindly limbs that ended in sharp-nailed hands and feet. It had a bald head with long, knife-like ears and a deathly pale face that sported three pairs of eyes, which were all staring in Sam¡¯s direction. ¡°Holy Zeus,¡± Sam breathed. ¡°The lord of the skies can¡¯t help you,¡± Thunder said. ¡°Not when you¡¯ve caught the attention of an alpha-level horror.¡± Cold mist wafted out of the horror¡¯s round mouth, which was filled to bursting with sharp needle-like teeth. ¡°That face...it¡¯s a Terror,¡± Sam said, naming the specific type of horror in front of him. ¡°But I didn¡¯t know terrors could rise to alpha level?¡± Even as he spoke, Sam could sense the powerful wave of energy coming off the terror. And at this distance, there was enough energy leaking out of it to make his body shudder. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s possible¡­ As long as the emotions that give birth to it are strong enough¡­any horror can reach alpha level,¡± Thunder explained. Then Sam noticed something that made his throat go dry. ¡°No one¡¯s fighting it,¡± he reported. ¡°All the other heroes are down.¡± This was a pity, as the terror looked like it was already greatly injured, its body covered in wounds from broken blades and arrows still embedded in its graying flesh. The left arm was missing its hand, too. Dark ichor poured from its stump. Sam felt Thunder¡¯s hand grasp tightly onto his arm. ¡°All except for¡­you,¡± she said. ¡°Me,¡± Sam repeated. Then he frowned. ¡°Okay¡­we¡¯re dead.¡± The Terror was moving toward them with slow, unhurried steps that were accompanied by the freaky twitching motion of its arms and legs. ¡°Not necessarily,¡± Thunder replied. Sam glanced down at her. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°You¡¯re a¡­ zeta level, yes?¡± ¡°Ye-yeah¡­¡± ¡°If you became stronger¡­right now¡­then you could heal me.¡± Sam frowned. ¡°Um, is the pain so bad it broke your brain?¡± Power levels were set the moment one was blessed. There was no way to level up, not unless the gods themselves intervened. ¡°I¡¯m as sane¡­as I can be, given¡­the circumstances.¡± Thunder shoved Sam off her. Then, to Sam¡¯s surprise, she pressed fingers to the air between them like she was tapping on an invisible screen. ¡°Activate¡­Argonaut,¡± Thunder commanded. The ground beneath them rumbled, forcing Sam to face forward yet again. ¡°I-It¡¯s coming,¡± he reported. ¡°Yes, yes, I know this wasn¡¯t the plan... I still want to start the transfer,¡± Thunder said hurriedly. ¡°Wait...¡± Sam glanced back down at her. ¡°Who are you talking to?¡± Instead of responding to his question, Thunder opted to grab Sam¡¯s left hand with her right hand. Their fingers intertwined. ¡°Tell me...your name,¡± she urged. The intensity in her gaze caught him off-guard, causing him to blurt out his name. ¡°Sam, Samuel Shepard.¡± ¡°Heed well...my words, Samuel Shepard,¡± she said between ragged breaths. ¡°These words...that have been said...since the first...¡± Sam¡¯s eyes flitted back and forth between Thunder¡¯s solemn expression and the horror that was close enough now to cause the surrounding air to drop in temperature. ¡°I don¡¯t want to interrupt, but¡ª¡± Thunder tightened her grip on Sam¡¯s hand. ¡°In life, seek adventure...never tarry on the shore...and let it pass you by...¡± Sam¡¯s complaint was suddenly lost in his throat. Despite the horror looming ever closer, he found he couldn¡¯t interrupt her. ¡°In battle, fight with honor...and be fearless in...the face of adversity.¡± Sam could hear the Terror shuffling ever closer, and it was very hard not to turn his gaze toward it. ¡°In dreams, chase glory...for the gods hold...no love for the mundane,¡± Thunder went on. She took a breath as her pallor worsened. ¡°Are you¡ª¡± ¡°In death, embrace your fate...¡± She dabbed the fingers of her other hand on the wound in her gut and then raised bloody fingers to within inches of Sam¡¯s face. ¡°For your sacrifice...shall save many.¡± Sam would later claim that it was a knee-jerk reaction, locking eyes with her. Yes, top-class heroes had a strange effect on people. As she pressed her fingers briefly to his lips, Sam tasted something metallic on his tongue¡ªblood¡ªher blood. Then Thunder pushed him away. ¡°From this day forward...your fate is intertwined...with those who came before you...¡± Thunder¡¯s dazzling blue eyes fixed on Sam''s. ¡°Rise, a hero of the age... Rise, Argonaut, rise...¡± A half-transparent blue notification window appeared between them.
Welcome, Samuel Shepard, the one-hundredth-and-eighth successor to the secret hero training program, the Argonaut Ability Advancement System¡­
Two smaller notifications appeared in front of this first one.
Shall we play a game?
/NO
Chapter 3: Save the Girl Save the World, Part 1 CHAPTER THREE Save the Girl, Save the World, Part 1
Despite the half-transparent window floating in front of him and the horror nearly on top of them, Sam¡¯s brain was too focused on processing the possibility that he might have carelessly agreed to a blood pact. A loud ping interrupted his thoughts, forcing Sam¡¯s gaze back onto the floating window.
Shall we play a game?
YES/NO
The no option was grayed out so there wasn¡¯t really an option at all. Curiosity drove Sam to tap on [YES], and as soon as he did, all noise and color were suddenly drained from the world. Time had stopped. A message box appeared.
ALERT! Khronos, the Lord of Time, has temporarily provided you this blessing.
This brief reprieve came just in the nick of time. For only a few feet away, the horror was stretching freakishly long fingers toward Sam¡¯s head. ¡°Holy Zeus,¡± Sam breathed. ¡°What in blazes is going on?¡±
Don¡¯t mention his most hated son¡¯s name when you¡¯re under the influence of Khronos¡¯ blessing, fool! Don¡¯t you know anything?],
This new message box was a different shade of blue from the first. ¡°You can talk to me?¡± Sam asked in surprise. No reply came. Sam¡¯s eyes flitted between the frozen horror to Thunder¡¯s worried face and then to the new notification that popped up to replace that weird message box.
ATTENTION! The Argonaut Ability Advancement System (Triple-A) was designed to assist a hero¡¯s growth. Following the system¡¯s training regimen will ensure the further development of the hero¡¯s powers and provide opportunities to earn system-exclusive rewards. Failure to comply with Triple-A¡¯s instructions will force the hero into a penalty game.
The message was replaced by a new window that had [STATUS] scrawled at the very top. The first lines detailed Sam¡¯s personal information.
NAME: Samuel Shepard
HERO NAME: None
LEVEL: 1
RANK: Zeta (¦Æ)
ROLE: Support
TITLE: Loser who has yet to prove his true worth
¡°This thing¡¯s damn rude¡­¡± The next listed information showed a quantified version of his health and stamina.
HEALTH POINTS (HP): 120
STAMINA POINTS (SP): 60
FATIGUE: 0%
Underneath HP and SP were the quantified values for Sam¡¯s attributes.
STRENGTH: 10
DEXTERITY: 10
CONSTITUTION: 12
INTELLIGENCE: 10
WISDOM: 10
WILLPOWER: 8
POINTS TO DISTRIBUTE: 20 (Beginner Bonus)
Finally, the last section of the [STATUS] menu listed Sam¡¯s powers. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
ACTIVE: Healing Hand (¦Æ)
PASSIVE: None
¡°It¡¯s like a role-playing game,¡± he realized. ¡°Is this for real?¡± Although there was a [?] beside each line item that might have an explanation for their significance to Sam¡¯s growth as a hero, he had no time to read through them as a new notification¡ªa green one this time¡ªappeared over [STATUS].
URGENT MISSION: SAVE THE GIRL, SAVE THE WORLD
CONDITION 1: Heal the hero [Thunder] so she can return to fighting form.
CONDITION 2: Help hero [Thunder] defeat target [Horror: Alpha-level Terror]. Bonuses will be provided depending on your contribution.
WARNING: Failure to complete the mission will result in the hero¡¯s death and the city¡¯s destruction.
¡°Wow...way to add on the pressure,¡± Sam sighed. One final notification appeared in front of Sam. This one was blue again.
ALERT! Time will restart in fifteen seconds so that the mission may begin. Good luck, hero!
The timer began to countdown from 15 to 14... ¡°Whoa, wait, I haven¡¯t even distributed my points!¡± Sam protested. 12... 11... ¡°Okay, Healing Hand requires my life force as an energy source, so that would be health points...which means I need to increase my HP,¡± he guessed. 9... 8... ¡°Which attribute?¡± Sam took a glance at his status. ¡°Styx, I should have known my days playing Dungeons and Dragons would eventually become relevant.¡± 7... 6... ¡°Constitution was always connected to health in DnD.¡± Sam¡¯s hand hovered on the [+] button next to [CONSTITUTION]. ¡°Athena, please let me be right!¡± The timer went down to 5¡­ Sam button mashed [+] and gave all twenty beginner points to [CONSTITUTION] as he reasoned he would need his HP to go as high as it could to heal Thunder. He was in such a rush that he didn¡¯t even have time to regret not balancing out his stats. Just as the timer dropped to 1, a portion of Sam¡¯s status updated itself to [CONSTITUTION: 32]. This resulted in a higher HP value of [320]. Interestingly enough, his SP had also risen to [160], which was half of his total HP. Another notification appeared over [STATUS], but Sam didn¡¯t have time to read it. The color suddenly returned to the world and all the noise that had been stilled by the stopping of time flooded into Sam¡¯s ears. It was quite disorienting. ¡°Sam!¡± Thunder¡¯s fingers bit into the skin of his arms. ¡°Heal me...or we both die!¡± Her warning snapped Sam¡¯s mind back into gear. He quickly placed his hands over the hole in her stomach. ¡°Healing Hand!¡± he yelled. As Sam coaxed his life force into the tips of his fingers, he saw something familiar in his mind¡¯s eye: a green HP bar similar to the one in old-school RPG games. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was just his imagination at work or if Triple-A was helping him visualize his life force, but Sam noticed this HP bar diminished with each second he attempted to heal Thunder. If that wasn¡¯t worrying enough, Sam was also distinctly aware of how cold it had gotten. A sheet of ice was already accumulating on the asphalt beneath him. ¡°It¡¯s right on top of us...¡± Thunder warned. He didn¡¯t need her to tell him that because Sam could sense the terror standing over him now. It was like an ice cube was dripping down his back. ¡°Just a little more,¡± Sam urged. He could see that it was working. The hole in the side of Thunder¡¯s stomach was already beginning to stitch itself back together. Even more fascinating, Sam wasn¡¯t feeling the drain as much as he thought he would. Perhaps putting all his points in Constitution had been the right choice. The memory of his past failure flitted across the surface of his mind, but it had no room to linger. Sam¡¯s focus remained on the HP bar that was dwindling with each second he continued to heal Thunder. There was a piercing screech that made his ears rattle. ¡°C-come on,¡± Sam whispered. He could see Thunder¡¯s eyes glued to the spot behind his shoulders. He watched as those two sky-blue irises widened in alarm. ¡°Dodge, Sam!¡± she yelled. But leaving would cancel all the effort he¡¯d made to heal her and he was so close to stitching up her wound. ¡°Apollo, give me the strength to endure,¡± Sam prayed. He felt several sharp things rake across his back. The pain that followed was so intense that it forced a mighty scream out of him. ¡°Sam!¡± Thunder screamed. The fresh wounds on Sam¡¯s back grew cold¡ªthe kind of paradoxical cold that made his back feel like it was on fire. However, despite this intense pain, his laser-like focus remained on the healing process. It was more than simple heroism that goaded Sam onward. It was the feeling in his fingers, how his life force flowed out of him so effortlessly without causing him more pain than he was already in. To Sam, this was proof that he was no longer useless, and he reveled in it. Thunder placed her hands on his shoulders to prop him up. Her eyes locked onto his, and once again he felt like he could be super, too. Then Sam felt something pierce him in the sides, forcing him to gasp in pain. He couldn¡¯t bear to look, but he imagined the terror had just wrapped its long-fingered hand around him. ¡°Just¡­a little¡­more,¡± he gasped through gritted teeth. Sam felt himself being lifted upward, and it was only Thunder¡¯s hands grasping tightly onto his shoulders that held him in place. She was quietly looking up at him with a face that showed only determination. It was as if she was promising Sam that the terror was going to pay for hurting him. He felt woozy. His ears were buzzing. Blood dripped from him onto Thunder¡¯s chest. Then, finally, just as the terror lifted him off into the air, Sam caught sight of the pink patch of scar tissue around Thunder¡¯s stomach. Blood trickled to the corner of his mouth as he grinned. He knew death had grasped him by the throat. There was no escape. But, strangely enough, Sam wasn¡¯t afraid. He was no longer his old self, the one who had run away from failure. This euphoria existed because he¡¯d done what he couldn¡¯t do before. Sam had become a hero in his last moments. He¡¯d saved the girl, and maybe she would save the world. Weariness forced his eyes shut, but just as he expected the terror to bite his head off or something equally horrific, Sam instead heard Thunder¡¯s booming voice. ¡°Thunderstrike!¡± she yelled. Sam felt all the hair in his body rise just before his ears popped. He forced his weary eyes open to watch the blinding flash of light strike the raised fist of the hero he¡¯d healed just enough to rise back to her feet. The force of the energies that converged on Thunder unleashed a shockwave that was so strong it freed Sam from the terror¡¯s grip and sent him flying. Chapter 4: Save the Girl Save the World, Part 2 CHAPTER FOUR Save the Girl, Save the World, Part 2
Death by free-fall would have been a lame end for Sam if it wasn¡¯t for the arm that wrapped around his waist. Seconds later, Thunder dropped him on the asphalt a good twenty yards away from where the terror was kneeling. As Sam watched the horror struggling against the crackling energy crisscrossing its wounded body¡ªits long, battered limbs flailing wildly while its sucker of a mouth dripped dark ichor down on the asphalt¡ªhe wondered what kind of unbearable pain it must have experienced to cause such devastation to this part of the city. Because that¡¯s what horrors were, monsters born from the unimaginable grief, pain, and suffering of a broken mind that belonged to a gifted who¡¯d been blessed by the gods. Their shattered psyches gave form to horrors whose first instinct was to spread their pain to others. ¡°My Static Cage won¡¯t hold it for long,¡± Thunder said. Thunder wore a new costume; one Sam hadn¡¯t seen before. It was a white, sleeveless one-piece suit with a high collar. She¡¯d paired the suit with golden bangles on her arms and golden Amazonian sandals on her feet. Part of the suit had been ripped open around the waist, revealing a stomach with pale flesh and rock-hard abs. Several electric lines zipped across her well-toned arms and legs. ¡°Whoa,¡± Sam breathed. Thunder glanced down at him with eyes alight with power and a smile playing on her lips. ¡°Get your mind out of the gutter,¡± she teased. ¡°It¡¯s time for round two.¡± Sam pointed out to her that he was dying. She told him he wasn¡¯t. ¡°Your wounds are healing on their own,¡± she said matter-of-factly. ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed?¡± It was only then that Sam realized that the excruciating pain he¡¯d been experiencing in his back and sides had leveled down to a dull throb. Blood caked his clothes, so it was a little hard to notice that his wounds had also closed up. Sam brushed fingers against the newly formed scar tissue on his right side. ¡°How in blazes...¡± ¡°Check your status,¡± Thunder encouraged. ¡°Maybe you¡¯ve awakened a new power.¡± ¡°Um, I don¡¯t know how to do that,¡± Sam admitted. Thunder rolled her eyes at him. ¡°I can¡¯t help you anymore. The¡ª¡± It seemed she was having a hard time saying the name of the system she¡¯d passed onto him. ¡°The thing won¡¯t let anyone talk about it. Not even former trainees like myself.¡± Sam was just about to say not even being able to say the name was a little over the top, but then he realized that such an amazing system would need exactly this level of security or everyone would know about it by now. ¡°You can¡¯t even give me a hint?¡± he asked. ¡°You¡¯ve played video games before, right?¡± she guessed. ¡°It¡¯s a similar concept.¡± ¡°Well, if it¡¯s like an RPG game, then I should have an interface...only there isn¡¯t any,¡± Sam mused. Then he remembered the HP bar that had appeared in his mind¡¯s eye. Inspiration struck. Sam shut his eyes and willed the system menu to appear before him. A second or two later, a glowing blue circle appeared floating in the air. Sam reached out and pressed it with his index finger. A radial menu appeared before him. It was quite similar in style to an old game he used to play. Several options were listed on it. Most were grayed out except for [STATUS], which was all Sam needed at the moment. He launched the [STATUS] window and scrolled to the bottom where his power was listed.
ACTIVE: Healing Hand (¦Æ)
PASSIVE: Regeneration (¦Æ)
¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he said, dumbfounded. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Sam recalled the notification that had popped up right after he¡¯d invested all his points in Constitution. He hadn¡¯t had time to read it, but perhaps it had notified him of this new power. There was a [?] mark next to [Regeneration (¦Æ)]. Sam clicked on it, and a smaller status window for this new power appeared.
POWER: Regeneration
LEVEL: Zeta (¦Æ)
DESCRIPTION This passive ability was brought to life by a hero¡¯s choice to prioritize expanding his life force over all other considerations. The power will remain active for as long as the hero continues to draw breath.
EFFECT 1: Any reduction to the hero¡¯s health will regenerate over time. This includes external wounds, broken bones, and internal injuries. The speed of regeneration varies per type of injury. Regeneration¡¯s capabilities will increase as power reaches a higher level.
EFFECT 2: Accumulated fatigue will lessen over time. However, the hero must remain still for at least thirty seconds for fatigue to lessen.
EFFECT 3: All poison and other debilitating powers¡¯ effects are weakened and will disappear faster than normal.
WARNING: Regeneration will halt while the hero accumulates damage. Continuous damage received may threaten the hero¡¯s life. Also, using healing powers on others will temporarily halt self-regeneration.
Sam¡¯s eyes got wider and wider the more he read about his new power. ¡°Is this for real?¡± Despite being right in front of him, he couldn¡¯t believe the floating notification window because conventional wisdom claimed gaining new powers was impossible. ¡°Sam,¡± Thunder called in an urgent tone, forcing his attention back onto her. She pointed forward, and Sam followed her line of sight to the terror, which had finally gotten back on its feet. The terror¡¯s gray-skinned, tall, emaciated form reminded Sam somewhat of an undressed store mannequin if such things could be possessed by demons. The face, though¡ªnothing of the human it once was could be seen in that monstrous face, with its three pairs of eyes trained on Sam and Thunder. ¡°You need to heal up fast,¡± Thunder said. ¡°I¡¯ll need your support to slay this bastard because I¡¯m not at a hundred percent myself.¡± ¡°Lucky for us that horror isn¡¯t either,¡± Sam observed. Dark ichor leaked out of the terror¡¯s many wounds. Broken blades and arrow shafts poked out of its flesh. Sam tried to stand, but his legs were still wobbly. All he could manage to do was take a knee. ¡°I don¡¯t know how long it¡¯ll take,¡± Sam admitted. ¡°Figure it out,¡± Thunder insisted. ¡°Then follow me.¡± They locked eyes once more and Sam could see hope reflected in her gaze, the hope that he had the potential to do the impossible. Thunder raised her hand. Lightning streaked down from the orange-tinged sky and exploded into her open palm. It reshaped itself into a lightning bolt¡ªabout five feet of pure energy shaped like a jagged lance, the kind Lord Zeus held in the paintings that depicted him laying waste to hordes of horrors. ¡°Okay...that¡¯s cool,¡± Sam said. ¡°I¡¯m an alpha-level hero, Sam,¡± Thunder said, hefting the lightning bolt over her shoulder. ¡°Everything about me is cool.¡± She was gone in a flash and streaking across the stretch of land between her and the alpha-level terror. Their opening clash sent a shockwave back to where Sam sat, causing goosebumps to rise over his skin. In his mind, he wondered if Triple-A would help him become that strong.
Maybe if you trained for a hundred years¡­ Nope, not even then¡­
¡°Is this a joke?¡± Sam frowned. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± Chapter 5: Gods and Monsters and Those Who Train Them, Part 1 CHAPTER FIVE Gods and Monsters and Those Who Train Them, Part 1
In Sam¡¯s eyes, Thunder was like a goddess of war descending upon the mortal realm to do battle with the second creepiest monster he¡¯d ever laid his gaze on. Lightning flashed around them as she let loose thunderbolt after thunderbolt on the terror. The horror countered her attacks with a ray of frost unleashed from its gaping sucker of a mouth. Luckily, Thunder was as fast as a storm. Like a sonic boom, she moved this way and that, avoiding the terror¡¯s lone sharp-fingered hand, even as its arm lashed out in every direction. The other arm, with its bloody stump, lay limply at its side. Sam squinted. ¡°I can barely keep track of them with my eyes. How am I supposed to help?¡± He continued to heal himself where she¡¯d left him, a full twenty yards away from the fight. It wasn¡¯t nearly far enough. His dark hair was whipped back by another shockwave. ¡°I¡¯m a healer, not a fighter,¡± he reminded himself. Interestingly enough, this was the first time Sam had mentioned he was a healer without calling himself crappy, too. ¡°What does she expect me to do?¡± Sam heard a groan from close behind him, urging him to glance over his shoulder. A hero lay half-visible underneath an enormous pile of rubble. His hand, the one part of him that wasn¡¯t under something, twitched to life. A light bulb lit up inside Sam¡¯s brain. ¡°I¡¯m a healer,¡± he repeated. ¡°And Thunder needs help¡­¡± It usually took more than one alpha-level hero or a ten-man team of beta-level heroes to defeat a single alpha-level horror. Yet Thunder, who wasn¡¯t even in her best form, was defying those odds with extreme prejudice. Although it helped that her adversary looked worse off than she did. Sam rose to his feet and dashed toward the hero underneath the pile of rubble. ¡°When did I become so eager to be a martyr?¡± he sighed. But he knelt at the hero¡¯s side and then wrapped his hands over the twitching fingers. ¡°Healing Hand!¡± Sam chanted. This time, Sam needed very little coaxing to urge his life force down into the tips of his fingers. It was like the power was just waiting to spill forth since there was a lot more of it now to give. The only side effect Sam experienced during the healing process was a throbbing headache. He could work around that. In his mind¡¯s eye, Sam saw the HP bar once again. He watched as it dropped to half before the hero¡¯s grip on his hands tightened. Heat, much like what one could feel after stepping into a steam bath, spread out of the hand Sam held onto. Then, with a mighty heave, the hero pulled himself out of the rubble. He was a tall Samoan man with a buzzcut and muscles so thick they were threatening to burst out of his all-black costume. On his chest was a symmetrically pleasing symbol of a burning hearth. ¡°Hephaestus¡¯ flaming beard...you¡¯re Dr. Hearthstone!¡± Sam exclaimed, sounding more like a fanboy instead of the hero who¡¯d just healed this giant of a man. A former heart surgeon, Dr. Hearthstone had been gifted with more than one power. He had gamma-level telekinetic control over the surrounding earth which he usually wrapped around himself like protective armor. His other power was beta-level internal heat generation, the kind that gave him an explosive boost of strength when exerting physical force. Dr. Hearthstone placed his hands on his waist in that traditional superhero pose he was so famous for. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°That¡¯s my name,¡± he said as he sent a smoldering gaze down at Sam, who was still kneeling on the ground. ¡°And you are?¡± ¡°Sam Shepard, sir,¡± he said, glad he hadn¡¯t stammered in front of this legend. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you for your civilian name, son.¡± Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s smoldering gaze intensified. ¡°What do they call you?¡± The realization that Dr. Hearthstone was asking for Sam¡¯s hero moniker hit him like a rock. ¡°Um, they don¡¯t call me anything. I¡¯m new,¡± he lied. Though, technically, it wasn¡¯t a lie. Whoever Sam was before the system changed him had retired after he¡¯d run away from the job. Sam didn¡¯t want to be that person anymore. He wanted to be better. Dr. Hearthstone spared him another long glance before the flash of lightning pulled his attention to the ongoing battle between Thunder and the terror. ¡°You have my thanks, Sam Shepard,¡± he said. Then he was off, taking one long stride after the next to provide Thunder some much-needed backup. Only, as cool as Dr. Hearthstone was, Sam was sure one beta-level hero would be enough. Thunder needed more reinforcements to win the day. Sam let himself regenerate the life force he just spent while searching the surrounding chaos. Past the fires and broken rubble, he spied someone with their back leaning against the undercarriage of an overturned SUV. I¡¯ve saved more lives tonight than I¡¯ve ever done in my entire career, Sam thought to himself. A lopsided smile appeared on his face. I think I can do one more. Sam waited for his headache to disappear before he dashed out. He zigzagged across the cracked street to avoid getting noticed and then slid down behind the car next to the SUV for some cover. He peeked over the car and watched as Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s right hook smacked the terror sideways, giving Thunder enough breathing room to call on a massive ¡°Thunderstrike!¡± from the sky down on her enemy. Unfortunately, even this awesome display of power wasn¡¯t enough. The terror fired another ray of frost that hit Thunder in the shoulder, and the force of it was so strong that she was flung back against the wall behind her. Sam winced in Thunder¡¯s place because it seemed like she was too busy getting back up to feel any pain. ¡°Lady¡¯s a freaking tank.¡± ¡°Help¡­¡± a nearby voice whispered. Sam found a hero leaning against the car. He recognized her instantly: War Maiden. She had a pretty face with raven hair even shorter than Thunder¡¯s chin-length blonde locks. She wore a silver breastplate that had seen better days, and the rest of her looked just as battered and bruised. Yet she held on to the war hammer lying beside her like it was the most important thing in the world. He crawled over to War Maiden to check on the extent of her injuries. They weren¡¯t as bad as the gaping hole in Thunder¡¯s stomach, but definitely a broken arm and leg plus some nasty bruising on the side of the head. Sam guessed she might have a brain bleed, too, as she was mumbling and barely conscious. Sam touched the side of War Maiden¡¯s face, causing her bloodshot eyes to turn on him. She lifted her hammer an inch off the ground before it dropped back down. ¡°I¡¯m here to help,¡± he promised. It took him significantly more life force than he¡¯d used on Dr. Hearthstone to heal War Maiden.
WARNING: Life-force has been significantly depleted by [Healing Hand (¦Æ)]. Recommend that the hero refrains from using power until FATIGUE [55%] has dropped to a lower range.
Sam soldiered on despite the bucket of sweat dripping down his back. He was pleasantly surprised by the notification that arrived after he¡¯d finished healing her.
You leveled up!
¡°What are you staring at?¡± War Maiden asked. ¡°N-nothing¡­¡± Sam¡¯s gaze quickly moved away from the notification and back to his patient. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± War Maiden flexed her fingers. ¡°Better,¡± she answered before turning a surprised look in Sam¡¯s direction. ¡°You healed me.¡± ¡°Not all the way. Just enough to get you back in the fight,¡± Sam explained. He expected her to get angry for not getting the job done right. That¡¯s usually how Sam was treated by people he tried to heal, but her reaction was far worse. War Maiden recoiled from him. Sam had seen that look before. It was the same look of shame that he¡¯d once had when he¡¯d chosen to run away from hero duty. She doesn¡¯t want to get back in the fight. War Maiden tried to lift her hammer, but she could barely lift it a foot off the ground now despite being healed. ¡°No...¡± She rose to her feet. She didn¡¯t even try to pick her hammer up again. ¡°The burden¡¯s too much. I can¡¯t.¡± Then she walked away from him¡ªand the battle. ¡°Don¡¯t leave!¡± he called after her. ¡°You can do this!¡± Sam watched her back get smaller and smaller, and not once did she turn around. ¡°You¡¯ll regret it.¡± His voice was a whisper now. ¡°I know I did.¡± Chapter 6: Gods and Monsters and Those Who Train Them, Part 2 CHAPTER SIX Gods and Monsters and Those Who Train Them, Part 2
Sam had no right to judge her. He¡¯d walked away from the hero¡¯s life too, after all. However, as he watched her back get smaller and smaller, Sam imagined that Warmaiden took hope with her because there were no more living heroes for him to heal. Thunder and Dr. Hearthstone were it.
What did you expect? She¡¯s a side character who doesn¡¯t have the guts to face this level of adversity.
¡°Don¡¯t call her a side character,¡± Sam snapped.
Ha-ha-ha¡­ So, another side character thinks he can be a hero now?
Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed at the message box. ¡°Hold on...are you Triple-A?¡±
That would be like saying I¡¯m Apple.
Somehow, Sam could feel whoever was on the other side of that message was rolling its eyes at him. ¡°You mean, you¡¯re more like Steve Jobs,¡± Sam guessed. His eyes widened. ¡°You¡¯re Triple-A¡¯s creator.¡±
Call me master, kid. It¡¯s only proper.
So, someone was managing the system, Sam realized. ¡°I¡¯d rather not,¡± he said. ¡°I don¡¯t even know you.¡± No response came. Sam sighed. ¡°Master...¡±
Yes?
Sam rolled his eyes at the message box. ¡°Why did you create Triple-A?¡± he asked out of curiosity.
It¡¯s what I do. I¡¯ve trained them all: Hercules, Jason, Achilles, Lagertha, Liu Bei, Musashi, Joan, Washington, Lincoln, all the all-time greats. They learned Heroics 101 from me.]
Sam frowned. He¡¯d never heard of such an amazing hero trainer before. Not even in the old myths.
I¡¯m not lying, kid. Just look at Thunder. She¡¯s proof of concept.
At the mention of Thunder, Sam peeked over the car to check on the battle. ¡°Yeah¡­ she¡¯s awesome,¡± Sam admitted, his brow furrowing. ¡°How do I get to be like her?¡± Dr. Hearthstone was wrestling with the terror¡¯s arm, giving Thunder a clear path to zap the horror with the thunderbolt in her right hand. She slammed it partially into the horror¡¯s chest, causing it to screech in pain.
Too bad she passed the system onto you. She could have climbed much higher as an Argonaut, but that girl¡¯s always been practical. She traded power for the chance to live.
Sam¡¯s face fell. He didn¡¯t mean to take the system away from Thunder.
Don¡¯t sweat it, kid. Thunder made her choice. Honestly, I¡¯m not so sure about you, but she seems to think you¡¯re a worthy successor. Try to prove her right.
The master¡¯s words stung, but Sam knew he was right. ¡°Look, I know I¡¯m not the hero of the story¡ª¡±
Self-deprecation, that¡¯s definitely a hero¡¯s quality.
Sam could almost see this master laughing at him.
So, you want to be the hero?
Sam didn¡¯t respond immediately because he was still resolving his feelings in his mind. He¡¯d always wanted to be a hero. It was why he¡¯d tried the first time, despite how risky it was to use his power. But he¡¯d run away from the job once already. What would stop him from doing it again?
I need to hear you say it, kid. Resolve is the key. We¡¯d be wasting our time without it.
¡°I...¡± Sam¡¯s eyes stayed glued to Thunder as she continued to do battle with the terror despite new wounds appearing on her body. ¡°I want to be a hero, too.¡± It felt to Sam like a great weight had finally fallen off his chest after he said those words. No, his renewed desire to be a hero probably didn¡¯t invalidate his past failures, but it was feeling like he could breathe again after drowning for so long.
Good. Now stop using your power on side characters and figure out how you can become strong enough to be relevant in this battle.
¡°How do I do that?¡±
I¡¯ve given you enough hints. Now you show me what you can do with them.
To become strong in the short time available before Thunder and Dr. Hearthstone used up all their power was impossible¡ªthese were Sam¡¯s initial thoughts. Then he remembered that he¡¯d done the impossible only a short while ago when he¡¯d saved Thunder from certain death. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Sam pulled up the radial menu and selected [STATUS] for the second time that night.
NAME:???? Samuel Shepard
HERO NAME: None
LEVEL: 2
RANK: Zeta (¦Æ)
ROLE: Support
TITLE: Loser who has yet to prove his true worth
HEALTH POINTS (HP): 330
STAMINA POINTS (SP): 165
FATIGUE: 30%
¡°My fatigue¡¯s decreasing automatically,¡± he remarked. Right below this was Sam¡¯s attributes, which he¡¯d noticed had all increased by one after he¡¯d leveled up.
STRENGTH: 11
DEXTERITY: 11
CONSTITUTION: 33
INTELLIGENCE: 11
WISDOM: 11
WILLPOWER: 9
POINTS TO DISTRIBUTE: 3 + 2 (bonus points for successfully healing 2 extra heroes) + 4 (bonus points provided by trainer)
Finally, the last section of the [STATUS] menu showed no new significant changes.
ACTIVE: Healing Hand (¦Æ)
PASSIVE: Regeneration (¦Æ)
With nine points to allocate, Sam¡¯s first thought was to invest it all into Constitution once again. He figured he could help Thunder by becoming the horror¡¯s punching bag, distracting it long enough for her to finish it. ¡°But that wouldn¡¯t make me the hero,¡± he realized. As he was currently looking down, Sam¡¯s gaze fell on the object lying on the ground beside him. It was War Maiden¡¯s hammer. It had a simple design. A foot and a half long handle wrapped in black leather attached to a thick, cylindrical-shaped chunk of enchanted steel. Runes, not of Greek origins, were etched along the edges of the two sides of the hammer¡¯s head. He¡¯d heard of it before, an artifact that scholars claimed weighed as much as the burden carried by the one who lifts it. In exchange for this quirk, however, it theoretically had the power to overturn one¡¯s current burden, providing them the strength to face whatever challenges lay before them. Sam reached down and tried to pick up the hammer. It rose maybe half an inch off the ground before he had to let it go. He frowned. ¡°Maybe this is why War Maiden gave up¡ªbecause the burden of an alpha-level horror is too heavy.¡± A thought crossed his mind, and he turned back to his status.
STRENGTH: 11
Nine points would bring his total strength up to twenty. ¡°Become strong enough to be relevant,¡± Sam repeated the master¡¯s words. ¡°What if¡­¡± It was a gamble, but it seemed like the master was nudging him toward this route. ¡°Yeah, Sam, listen to the sarcastic floating message box,¡± he said with a shake of his head. ¡°I¡¯m losing my mind...¡± Sam placed all his points on [STRENGTH], raising it to [20]. A second later, a new notification appeared.
CONGRATULATIONS! Your potential has grown and you now meet the qualifications to unlock a new power that was previously hidden inside you. [Herculean (¦Æ)] received.
¡°Huh, that gamble actually paid off,¡± Sam noted. He tapped on the [?] and opened the new power¡¯s status window.
POWER: Herculean
LEVEL: Zeta (¦Æ)
DESCRIPTION: Named after the hero known for his incredible strength, calling forth this power exponentially increases the user¡¯s strength during times of great need.
EFFECT: Depending on the direness of the situation, the ability can momentarily double, triple, or even quadruple a hero¡¯s strength. The strength gained is proportional to the current Strength attribute + crisis level + opponent¡¯s power level. The use of this ability will quickly drain the hero¡¯s life force. It will switch off the moment HP is at a critical level or the hero cancels its activation.
WARNING: Herculean will cause the hero¡¯s fatigue to grow at a fast pace.
WARNING: Herculean sacrifices defense for power. Damage received is increased while this power is active.
A new message box appeared before Sam.
You¡¯ve got the luck of the devil! That¡¯s a strong double-edged sword you¡¯ve earned.
¡°Isn¡¯t this what you wanted?¡± Sam asked.
Who knows¡­? Now, pick up that hammer and we¡¯ll see if you¡¯ve got what it takes to be an Argonaut!
Chapter 7: The Will of Self-Sacrifice, Part 1 CHAPTER SEVEN The Will of Self-Sacrifice, Part 1
Wait for your moment¡­
Sam watched as Dr. Hearthstone¡ªhis body encased in armor formed from the surrounding rock¡ªendured the continuous assault of the terror¡¯s fist to give Thunder more time to mold the thunderbolt in her hand. ¡°She¡¯s taking too long now,¡± Sam realized. Thunder must finally be nearing her limit, which meant this battle had almost hit its climax. The Terror sent out a bone-chilling screech that caused sweat to drip down Sam¡¯s face. Just the sight of the thing made him shudder. ¡°Styx! Get it together,¡± he chided himself.
Here¡¯s lesson number one, kid. Believe in yourself. You do that, and I guarantee you¡¯ll show them what you¡¯re made of.
While Sam thought about the master¡¯s words, he watched Thunder charge forward with a thunderbolt crackling in her hand. However, before she could send it flying at the terror, the alpha-level horror unleashed a power it hadn¡¯t shown off before. It let out a mighty bellow that was brimming with so much energy Sam could feel the biting cold from where he hid behind the SUV. This energy caused the temperature to drop instantly, allowing icicles to form on the ground around the terror. ¡°Argh!¡± Dr. Hearthstone cried as two large icicles broke through his rock armor and pierced him in the gut and leg. ¡°Oh no,¡± Sam gasped, his eyes widening as he watched the scene unfold before him. ¡°She won¡¯t make it!¡± Thunder had already committed to her attack, and she couldn¡¯t avoid the freezing shockwave that slammed into her mid-air. She fell backward and crashed hard onto the now frozen street. Despite its grievous injuries, the terror didn¡¯t miss this opportunity to pounce. It reared back on spindly legs and threw itself into the air¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t the only one to do so. Sam would later say that he hadn¡¯t even thought about it. His body just moved on its own. Instinctively, he¡¯d reached out for the hammer below him while simultaneously screaming, ¡°Herculean!¡± into the sky.
[Herculean (¦Æ)] is now active. Based on probability and threat assessment calculations, your current Strength is temporarily tripled. [STRENGTH: 60]
Sam felt pain wrack his body as what seemed like a thousand volts of electricity was suddenly surging through his veins. Notifications popped up before him, and it was a struggle just to browse through their contents.
WARNING! Your body isn¡¯t strong enough yet to wield this power. You will accumulate damage while it is active.
WARNING! Your SP is rapidly depleting. You will earn more fatigue with each action you take.
ALERT! [Regeneration (¦Æ)] is working to counteract the damage. Refrain from taking action while this is in progress.
Sam couldn¡¯t very well listen to this suggestion as he¡¯d just seen the terror leap forward while Thunder was too winded to notice. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. His hand grasped the hammer¡¯s handle while he recalled the master¡¯s earlier words.
Wait for your moment¡­ and when it comes, don¡¯t be afraid to leap.
Sam bent his knees, and using the new energy coursing through him, he launched himself forward. ¡°Holy Zeus,¡± he said as he was propelled forward at a speed he¡¯d never experienced before. Then he screamed, ¡°Ah~~h!¡± Pain exploded out of Sam¡¯s right foot. It rose to his leg. The part of his brain that could still think guessed that he¡¯d broken his bones when he¡¯d made the jump using a strength that went past his limits. He knew he was still conscious only because of his rapid regeneration. ¡°Godsdammit!¡± Sam screamed through gritted teeth.
Alert! Wielding [Onus, the Load Bearer] provides you with the following temporary bonuses based on your current burden¡¯s value: Strength +10 and Will +2.
Sam could feel the muscles in his body explode with even more power, and he honestly wasn¡¯t sure if he could handle this much. But there was no time to think as mere seconds had passed while he bridged the distance between himself and the terror.
When challenging an opponent far more powerful than you, a single chance or two may be all you¡¯ll get¡­
These were the words the master had said earlier.
¡­but these kinds of odds are what will make your actions truly shine.
Sam grasped Onus with both hands. Thunder was just beginning to get back on her feet. The terror was about to land right next to her. Its sharp-nailed fingers outstretched. In that millisecond before their fates would be decided, Sam recalled the last piece of advice the master had given him.
So grit your teeth and unleash all the resolve hiding in your heart¡­
He swung the hammer forward just as the Terror reached out for Thunder¡¯s back.
¡­Go beyond even the extraordinary¡ªand become super!
¡°No, you don¡¯t!¡± Sam yelled. The force of Onus striking the terror¡¯s chest caused the very air around them to explode outward. There was an audible boom, and then, to Sam¡¯s great surprise, the terror was blown back by his attack with such force that it landed hard on a gathering of rubble a full fifteen yards away. The explosion of power also threw Sam back, his weakening concentration causing Herculean to automatically deactivate. He would have been blown away himself if Thunder hadn¡¯t caught him. ¡°What took you so long?¡± she asked while she carried him in her arms, princess-style. ¡°Did you stop for takeout or something?¡± ¡°Ouch...¡± was all the response Sam could give. The muscles in both his arms felt like they¡¯d been torn over and over again. He felt extremely fatigued, too, and he guessed this was because of the penalty of using Herculean. ¡°Buck up, hero,¡± Thunder warned, although her bloodied lips had reformed into a wide smile. ¡°Battle¡¯s not over.¡± Sam just barely had enough strength to turn his head to the side so he could watch the terror struggle to its feet. ¡°It¡¯s wounded,¡± Sam realized. The terror¡¯s emaciated body shuddered while it attempted to stand on wobbly legs. Many of the weapons that had pierced its flesh had been blown away in the previous attack, causing the wounds they¡¯d plugged to leak even more dark ichor down onto the icy floor. ¡°Yeah, you dealt it one hell of a critical hit,¡± Thunder said, sounding very impressed. ¡°But it didn¡¯t die,¡± Sam sighed. Thankfully, he could feel his muscles beginning to heal. His broken leg had reset itself, although the pain was still excruciating. ¡°I¡¯ve hit it enough times to shave off its health by a lot, but we¡¯ll need one last nail to shut that horror down,¡± Thunder explained. ¡°Luckily, all I need is a hammer.¡± Both their gazes drifted to the ground a few feet ahead of them where Onus now lay. Without warning, she dropped Sam on the icy ground, causing him to wince in pain some more. ¡°Ouch,¡± he complained. ¡°Aren¡¯t you already regenerating?¡± Thunder asked with one bushy eyebrow raised in his direction. ¡°How much longer do you need?¡± ¡°I¡¯d say an entire day wouldn¡¯t be enough,¡± Sam grumbled. He picked himself off the floor, wincing at every one of his injuries. At least he could stand despite the pain lancing up his leg. Sam glanced over his shoulder and discovered the force of the last attack had also blown away Dr. Hearthstone. He was lying unconscious on the ground behind them. ¡°Guess it¡¯s just the two of us,¡± he said. ¡°Can you use the power you showed off earlier?¡± Thunder asked. Sam faced forward, his brow furrowing. ¡°Probably just one more time¡­¡± ¡°Perfect.¡± Thunder walked over to the glowing object she¡¯d left on the ground. ¡°None of my attacks have penetrated that horror¡¯s core.¡± She reached down and picked up the five-foot thunderbolt that leaked out so much energy Sam guessed it had enough oomph in it to level an entire building. ¡°I¡¯ve poured all my remaining power into this nail,¡± she explained while her gaze drifted toward the enemy that was stalking toward them once again. ¡°I¡¯ll stick it in, but I¡¯ll need you to hammer it down.¡± Sam''s brow creased because he wasn''t sure what Thunder meant by that. He only knew that she was up to something dangerous, and he''d be front and center for it. Chapter 8: The Will of Self-Sacrifice, Part 2 CHAPTER EIGHT The Will of Self-Sacrifice, Part 2
¡°It¡¯s a thunderbolt,¡± Sam reminded her. ¡°Is it even solid enough?¡± ¡°What do you think, lame-brain?¡± she asked, her eyebrow rising once more.
Ha-ha-ha, lame-brain¡­ I like that one.
¡°No one asked you,¡± Sam snapped at the message box. ¡°Tell Chiron I said hi,¡± Thunder chuckled. ¡°Chiron?¡± Sam asked. The name sounded very familiar. Thunder¡¯s reply was caught in her throat. It seemed her slip of the tongue had been corrected by the mysterious system. ¡°You¡¯ll have to figure that out on your own,¡± Thunder shrugged. The surrounding atmosphere dropped even more as the terror drew nearer. The time for banter was over. ¡°By the way, if you¡¯re going in close make sure it doesn¡¯t get the chance to bite you,¡± Thunder warned. ¡°Is this about the Blight?¡± Sam asked. ¡°The stronger the horror, the more powerful its corruption,¡± Thunder answered. ¡°Alpha-level horrors are basically Blight super-spreaders.¡± The priestesses of the gods preached that the taint born from a horror¡¯s birth could cause sickness so foul that it could bring low even the mightiest of heroes. They were referring to Hercules, the most famous hero to lose his life to the Blight. Thunder was the first to charge forward. She deftly dodged the whip-like appendages the terror sent against her while closing the distance between them. Sam followed, stopping only to activate Herculean once more so he could pick up the hammer that was lying between them and their enemy. The same warnings appeared over Sam¡¯s vision. Only, they sounded much direr now. As if to tell him that this was his last shot at beating the horror. Thunder launched herself into the air to lure the terror¡¯s gaze away from Sam who¡¯d slid down to pick up Onus, which was now too close to the horror¡¯s feet. ¡°Artemis, goddess of the hunt,¡± Thunder yelled while in mid-jump, ¡°let my aim be true!¡± Thunder threw her thunderbolt at the terror, and it seemed like it was almost a miracle it slipped past the horror¡¯s limbs to penetrate straight into its chest. ¡°Now, Sam!¡± Thunder urged. The terror let out a mighty screech that caused Sam to momentarily slow his pace. Still, he managed to jump up while gripping Onus in both hands. But, just before Sam could swing the hammer down on the bolt protruding out of the terror¡¯s chest, something heavy smashed into the side of his head. Sam hit the ground hard, face first, and the pain that lanced up his brain was so intense that he wondered why he hadn¡¯t blacked out yet.
ALERT! [Regeneration (¦Æ)] is working to counteract the damage. Refrain from taking action while this is in progress.
So that¡¯s why, he thought. He wasn¡¯t even allowed to lose consciousness. Something sticky dripped down his forehead. More of it was stuck to the side of his face. A metallic taste filled the inside of his mouth. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡°I¡¯m¡­bleeding,¡± he mumbled. Sam blinked away the black dots crowding his vision, and his sight returned just in time for him to watch the round mouth filled to the brim with needle-like teeth dip toward him. Sam sighed. ¡°We were so close¡­¡± Just as the terror¡¯s mouth grew even wider, preparing to swallow him whole, Thunder appeared out of nowhere to take the hit that was meant for Sam. ¡°Get out of the way¡­¡± he whispered. The terror¡¯s maw latched down on Thunder¡¯s left shoulder. There was no doubt it had pierced her chest, too. ¡°No¡­¡± Sam breathed. ¡°No¡­¡± Thunder managed to keep the terror¡¯s mouth from snapping completely shut. She¡¯d grabbed at both ends of its maw and held them open through sheer force of will. ¡°It¡¯s not over yet!¡± she screamed. But Sam could tell that it was. Blood was dripping down Thunder¡¯s back even worse than when she¡¯d had a hole in her stomach. The terror¡¯s hand latched onto her arm to pull her off it, but Thunder wouldn¡¯t budge. Her body shuddered as she tried to hold on. Even now she struggled to endure. ¡°Godsdammit,¡± Sam whispered. ¡°Take me instead¡­¡±
Here¡¯s lesson number two, kid; persevere! No matter the pain, no matter the struggle, a true hero never stops to answer the call when it is given!
Sam bit his lip while he read Chiron¡¯s words.
Now get up, lame-brain!
¡°Argh!¡± Sam screamed as he tried to push himself off the ground. Pain caused his hands to shudder. ¡°Argh~~h!¡±
Come on, kid! Show me you¡¯ve got what it takes!
As if it had responded to his will, Sam¡¯s regeneration strengthened the muscles of his arms and legs, allowing him to get on one knee. Sam gasped for air. ¡°I...I can do this...¡±
I¡¯m going to skip to lesson number ten. It¡¯s called self-sacrifice. The very embodiment of heroism is the will of self-sacrifice. Putting yourself in front of danger to protect others, that¡¯s what being a hero¡¯s all about
Sam¡¯s gaze drifted toward Thunder. He imagined the master was talking about her. ¡°I can do this,¡± Sam said, a little louder this time. Strength flowed into his veins once more, just enough of it so he could rise to his feet. ¡°Hold on, Thunder,¡± Sam gasped. She didn¡¯t respond, but her posture stiffened at hearing his voice. Sam knew healing Thunder wasn¡¯t an option. Not when they were both so close to death. Only one route remained to him. He reached down for the hammer that was lying on the ground. His fingers grasped onto its handle. Then he gritted his teeth and whispered, ¡°Herculean...¡±
Ha-ha-ha! Your determination¡¯s giving me goosebumps, kid!
A familiar pressure spread across his body as the temporary power flowed through him. Onus felt even heavier in his hands, which meant his burden had probably increased, especially now that he was responsible for a life other than his own. ¡°Hold on just a little longer,¡± he told Thunder as he limped past her. The terror was so focused on biting her, it ignored Sam¡¯s approach completely. Crackling energy radiated out of the jagged spear embedded a third of the way into the terror¡¯s chest. Sam knew he had one shot. Once he threatened its life, the terror would immediately move to put him down. Despite the shiver running up his spine, he felt pretty relaxed. He launched himself forward and the terror reacted instantly. Its remaining hand detached from Thunder and whipped back to smack at Sam as it had done earlier. Instinct drove him to dodge the first attack. The second one grazed his side, causing him to wince in pain. But it didn¡¯t matter now¡ªSam was within reach of the thunderbolt. His vision was clouding over when he yelled, ¡°I can do this!¡± Sam swung Onus up toward the thunderbolt with what little strength remained in him, and in that one shot drove it deep into the terror¡¯s chest so that the other end of it pierced out of the heavily-injured horror¡¯s back. The thunderbolt unleashed all its energy. As the brilliant light exploded outward, the force of it sent Sam flying back and crashing onto the ground far, far away. He was lying face-up with his gaze turned to the night sky. As consciousness began to leave him, Sam thought the constellations above were much brighter than usual, as if to point out that the gods were watching. Darkness covered his vision, and the last thing he saw was a system notification.
CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed the mission [Save the Girl, Save the World].
You have leveled up!
You have leveled Up!
You have leveled Up!
Then oblivion finally took him. Chapter 9: Starting Line, Part 1 CHAPTER NINE Starting Line, Part 1
Darkness covered Sam for the longest time, although he imagined he could hear voices beyond the veil of unconsciousness. ¡°Is he the one Dr. Hearthstone talked about?¡± asked the deep baritone voice of a man Sam didn¡¯t recognize. ¡°Ye-yes, Warden,¡± another man answered. This second voice was raspy. ¡°But please lower your voice, the patient is in an unstable state...¡± ¡°When will he wake up, Doctor?¡± the warden asked. ¡°We-we¡¯re not sure. He¡¯s in a coma, but he doesn¡¯t seem to have any physical injuries.¡± ¡°Let us know when¡ª¡± ¡°Get out. This is a private room,¡± said an imperious female voice Sam was very familiar with. ¡°Ma¡¯am, this is Wardens business¡ª¡± ¡°I said, out!¡± the woman ordered. The voices began to fade and Sam drifted off to sleep once more. When his eyes finally fluttered open, the first thing he saw was the fluorescent lights on the ceiling. ¡°Wh-where am I?¡± he asked. ¡°Shepard!¡± It was another voice he knew, the same voice that had told him to get some reporting experience at a delta-level extermination zone, a crisis that had turned out to be a calamity in the making. ¡°You¡¯re awake!¡± Sam sat up, his eyes blinking to adjust to the afternoon light filtering in through the curtains of the window to his right. There were two people in the room with him. The first was a middle-aged Asian man with crop-cut black hair and a handlebar mustache. He stood next to Sam¡¯s bedside with a relieved expression showing on his face. ¡°Nice to see you, Mr. Kim,¡± Sam greeted the Herald¡¯s Editor-in-Chief. He found he had no difficulty speaking. In fact, he felt great. No aches or sores at all. ¡°What am I doing in a hospital?¡± Sam was quick to realize where he was as he had never lived in such an impeccably clean room before. There was usually more of a mess lying on the floor. The beeping monitors behind his state-of-the-art hospital bed were also a dead giveaway. ¡°You¡¯ve been in a coma for five days and the doctors didn¡¯t know what was wrong with you,¡± Mr. Kim explained. Had it really been that long? The memory of the battle was still so clear in his mind. ¡°How do you feel?¡± asked the stately elder woman sitting on the couch by the window. She wasn¡¯t looking at Sam as she¡¯d fixed her gaze on the newspaper in her hands. Sam knew this woman very well for he¡¯d been indebted to her all his life, although he could no longer count how many times he¡¯d disappointed her. Even now, she gave off an aura that said she was very upset with him. ¡°I feel fine, ma¡¯am,¡± he answered. She still wasn¡¯t looking at him, which was fine for Sam as he¡¯d rather not wilt under her steely gaze. Other than their sun-kissed complexion, people often told Sam that he also had the same teal-colored eyes as her, although he could never pull off the kind of intimidating glare she gave just about everyone. The woman tucked a lock of silver hair behind her ear. ¡°I was told that you crossed the police line.¡± Sam could hear the judgment in her tone. ¡°Yes,¡± he answered, sounding a little stiff. ¡°I thought you quit.¡± It wasn¡¯t so much a question as a statement. ¡°I¡­¡± Sam sighed. ¡°My body just moved on its own.¡± ¡°I see,¡± the woman replied. She folded the newspaper in neat squares before placing it down on the couch. ¡°Jinseong¡±¡ªshe addressed Mr. Kim by his first name¡ª¡°I have a board meeting to get to. Please take care of things here.¡± As she stood up, Mr. Kim sent Sam an apologetic glance. ¡°I¡¯ll see you out, Marie,¡± he said. Mr. Kim was probably the only man alive who could say Marie Shepard¡¯s first name so casually. Even Sam who¡¯d lived under her roof for most of his life had never called his grandmother by anything other than ¡°ma¡¯am.¡± Marie was at the door when she stopped, and Sam noticed how the back of her silver hair was a little less neatly combed than it usually was, almost as if she¡¯d been resting her head on a couch for a long while. ¡°Are you going to run away again?¡± she asked. Sam could hear his heart beating loudly in his chest. What words would convince her? His thoughts drifted to the previous battle and the lessons his new master had given him.
Lesson number one, kid; believe in yourself.
¡°No,¡± Sam whispered. Then he repeated the words with a steadier voice. ¡°No. I¡¯m all in this time.¡± ¡°Very well,¡± Marie replied in a tone that suggested she didn¡¯t quite believe him. ¡°Then you¡¯re fired.¡± Even though he¡¯d been expecting it, Sam couldn¡¯t help but feel the shock hit his system like a punch in the gut. ¡°I have taken care of your hospital bills. It is the last help I will provide you as long as you continue to pursue this flight of fancy of yours, Samuel,¡± Marie stated. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Then, without even looking back at Sam, she opened the door and walked away. ¡°She¡¯s very strict, but you know she means well, don¡¯t you?¡± Mr. Kim said. ¡°I¡¯ll be back to fill you in on what¡¯s happened.¡± He walked over to the door but paused just before walking out. ¡°As for your job, we still need freelancers to write for us,¡± Mr. Kim said, glancing over his shoulder and grinning at Sam. ¡°And I can¡¯t think of anyone more appropriate than a support hero to cover the more dangerous assignments.¡± Then he left too, leaving Sam alone with his mixed feelings and the half-transparent window floating beside him that no one else seemed to have noticed.
CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed the mission [Save the Girl, Save the World].
MISSION REWARD: One thousand Golden Drachmas (Used to exchange for items at the Olympian Trading Center.
BONUS REWARD: 5 Attribute points (final blow bonus)
Sam''s eyes widened. He''d heard of the OTC before, but it was a store only important people could access. It was strictly for the high-ranking heroes and the ultra-rich. ¡°Sweet,¡± he whistled. He knew the value of these points now. Come to think of it, he could have sworn he''d also leveled up after the battle. Sam pulled up the radial menu and selected [STATUS].
NAME: Samuel Shepard
HERO NAME: None
LEVEL: 5
RANK: Zeta (¦Æ)
¡°Huh... you''d think I''d level up more against an alpha-level horror¡­¡±
ROLE: Support
TITLE: Loser who has yet to prove his true worth
The sight of his unchanged title didn''t bother Sam anymore, because he could almost see that changing soon.
HEALTH POINTS (HP): 360
STAMINA POINTS (SP): 180
FATIGUE: 0%
Sam noticed that his attributes had increased by three this time around, all except Willpower, which had only increased by one.
STRENGTH: 23
DEXTERITY: 14
CONSTITUTION: 36
INTELLIGENCE: 14
WISDOM: 14
WILLPOWER: 10
POINTS TO DISTRIBUTE: 9+5
There were no changes to his power list, though.
ACTIVE: Healing Hand (¦Æ) Herculean (¦Æ)
PASSIVE: Regeneration (¦Æ)
¡°Maybe I''ll get new skills if I increase my points some more,¡± Sam wondered out loud. ¡°Wait a minute...why hasn''t that guy contacted me yet?¡± Sam glanced around but couldn''t find any new messages floating in the air. ¡°Master?¡± There was no reply. Sam wondered if he''d get a response if he called the master something else. ¡°Chiron?¡± It seemed the creator of the system had gone silent on him. ¡°Seriously, nothing?¡± Sam asked the empty air. ¡°I could use some advice here.¡± ¡°Who are you talking to?¡± Mr. Kim asked. He''d just stepped back into Sam''s hospital room. ¡°No one,¡± Sam blurted. Mr. Kim gave Sam the scrutinizing look of a newsman who''d caught someone in a lie before he shrugged and sat on the couch Marie had been sitting on. ¡°So... I hear you helped save lives,¡± Mr. Kim said in a tone that suggested he didn''t quite believe it. Sam thought this was the typical response given to a zeta, even one who was supposedly a healer. He was wrong about his Editor-in-Chief though. He realized it as soon as he saw the curiosity flashing on Mr. Kim''s face. ¡°Tell me about it,¡± Mr. Kim said eagerly. ¡°And leave no gory detail unsaid.¡± Chapter 10: Starting Line, Part 2 CHAPTER TEN Starting Line, Part 2
After he''d answered all of Mr. Kim''s questions as best he could without revealing Triple A''s existence to the Herald¡¯s Editor-in-Chief, Sam stood outside the door to a VIP suite on the top floor of the hospital. The tag on its right side read, ¡°Sarah Ryder... so that¡¯s her name.¡± Sam wondered if he should knock. He wasn''t sure he''d even be welcome. Mr. Kim had told Sam that his role in the ¡°Battle of the Bronx,¡± as the Herald had dubbed it, was nearly nonexistent, as far as the press and the public were concerned. Partly because no one would have believed that a zeta-level healer could have played such a major role during one of the worst calamities to hit the city this year. ¡°Twenty-three heroes dead along with more than a hundred civilians, an entire block¡¯s worth of property damage, and the number of missing people. It''s still a shit storm over there,¡± Mr. Kim had explained. ¡°Marie had to pull some considerable clout to ensure your name wasn''t mentioned in the police reports.¡± The police and media had credited victory over the horror to Thunder with a solid assist from Dr. Hearthstone. And despite Thunder¡¯s assertions that Sam was instrumental in this victory, Marie¡¯s efforts ensured that as far as the world was concerned, Sam Shepard wasn''t even in the Bronx that night. ¡°Thunder''s stock rose pretty high the day after,¡± Mr. Kim had chuckled before his face turned melancholic, his brow furrowing to such a degree that he seemed to have aged suddenly. ¡°It''s too bad what happened to her. I wouldn''t wish the Blight on my worst enemy.¡± In the present, Sam gazed at Thunder¡¯s wooden door with more than a little apprehension. Still, he had told Marie he wouldn''t run away anymore, and he meant it. Sam''s hand hovered over the door handle, but it opened on its own before he could do it himself. On the other side was a tall man who wore the white jacket and slacks of a member of the clergy. The man looked down at Sam, his brown eyes narrowing behind square-rimmed glasses. Behind this man, Sam could hear the soft voice of a woman speaking. ¡°I know things are hard now, but please consider our proposal. It''ll no doubt help with your situation,¡± the woman said. There was a pause, and then a muffled response Sam couldn''t catch. ¡°I''ll come by again,¡± the woman said. ¡°The Olympians bless you.¡± Sam noticed that the cleric standing by the door was glowering at him. ¡°Move or you will be moved,¡± the cleric threatened. Sam quickly stepped aside so that the bigger man could pass. After him came the woman, and the sight of her caused Sam to bow his head out of respect. She was a head shorter than Sam and wore the form-fitting sky-blue robes of a priestess of Zeus, Lord of the Sky. Sam glanced up and saw the woman''s amber eyes gazing back at him. ¡°The Olympians bless you, brother,¡± she said. ¡°Praise be to the Olympians,¡± Sam replied automatically. The priestess seemed satisfied by his response because she smiled back at him with pale lips. Then she and her companion walked away. Sam sighed. He wasn''t very good at dealing with the clergy. They always seemed to be able to make people feel guilty with a single glance. Not that he had anything to be guilty about¡ªusually. ¡°Is that you, Sam?¡± called a voice from inside the VIP room. He took a deep breath before poking his head inside. The room was much more spacious than his. An entire section of it was covered in flower bouquets and get-well cards. ¡°Hey,¡± he said. ¡°Hey,¡± Thunder replied. She was sitting up on her hospital bed and grinning at him, despite her complexion, which was almost as pale as that night he''d first laid eyes on her. ¡°So...¡± Thunder gazed pointedly at Sam. ¡°What took you so long to visit, lame-brain?¡± If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Thunder motioned Sam over which was when he noticed the tube stuck to the back of her right hand. That¡¯s my fault¡­ ¡°How did you know it was me?¡± he asked as he walked in and shut the door. Thunder shrugged, but even just lifting her shoulders seemed to take a lot of effort. She winced. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± she admitted. ¡°I just knew...¡± A moment of awkward silence lay between them. Underneath her hospital gown, Thunder¡¯s entire left side was wrapped in silk bandages, the kind that had powerful healing runes written over them. ¡°Is it the Blight?¡± Sam asked. It was a while before Thunder responded. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Sam...¡± The sadness in her tone forced him to look up. Thunder¡¯s face was turned away from him, but he could see that the corner of her eye was wet. Sam looked away again. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t messed up the timing of my second attack¡ª¡± he began, then felt a strong pinch on his arm. ¡°Yow!¡± One of Thunder¡¯s bushy eyebrows was raised as she scowled at him. The momentary weakness he¡¯d glimpsed was gone now, and she was all fierce again. ¡°Get this through your thick head, lame-brain: you and I survived a battle that killed nearly every hero in the Bronx that night. It¡¯s a damn miracle we¡¯re both even up and talking.¡± ¡°I know that, but¡ª¡± Thunder sent Sam a smoldering gaze that wouldn¡¯t have lost to Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s signature glare. ¡°You gave me the power to achieve miracles, and I fumbled the ball and now you¡¯ve got the Blight because that horror tainted you with its last attack and I can¡¯t help you,¡± he said in one quick breath. Finally, Sam could voice the true source of his guilt. Thunder had chosen him as her successor, but he couldn¡¯t even use Triple-A to protect her. Even now, Sam could only watch as the Blight weakened her body and slowly ate at her mind. Thunder¡¯s face softened. ¡°The Blight affects the gifted differently from regular people,¡± she reminded him. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that we¡¯re the chosen few who still carry the blood of the gods in our veins.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Sam answered. ¡°But the result will be the same. It¡¯ll take away everything that you are until¡­¡± Sam couldn¡¯t finish that last sentence. ¡°Until I¡¯m nothing more than an empty husk. No more personality, no more memories, no more Thunder,¡± she finished for him. Sam recalled the name of people who contracted the Blight. ¡°The living dead¡­¡± ¡°I prefer the term zombie, but sure,¡± Thunder chuckled. She reached for his hand and squeezed it before letting go. Normally, this kind of thing would have made Sam blush, but now wasn¡¯t the time for such thoughts. ¡°I¡¯m not gone yet, and anyway, I don¡¯t plan to be,¡± Thunder assured him. ¡°The Blight doesn¡¯t have a cure,¡± he reminded her. ¡°Stop being so pessimistic,¡± she snapped. There was another long pause. ¡°So¡­what¡¯s your plan then?¡± Sam asked. ¡°There are a few options to choose from,¡± she replied. A light bulb turned on in Sam¡¯s head, causing him to glance toward the door before turning his gaze back on Thunder. ¡°The priestess¡­ she wants you to become an official hero of Olympus?¡± Thunder nodded. ¡°Having a godly patron will help slow down the disease¡¯s progression. It could buy me more time to figure out the next step.¡± The priestesses of the gods had drilled this thought into all the children¡¯s heads, Sam remembered. The different pantheons paid attention to every act of heroism done on Earth, and heroes who venerated them through these acts were given incredible blessings. Heroes who were descended from the children of the gods themselves, and carried the blood of the pantheons in them undiluted throughout the centuries. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not too sure about Zeus. There are too many restrictions placed on the servants of the Sky Lord,¡± Thunder admitted. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of holding out for another equally powerful god of thunder.¡± ¡°You¡¯re in the wrong city then,¡± Sam replied, after a moment of thinking about what she meant. ¡°The Norse pantheon is based out west¡­¡± ¡°I hear Seattle and Portland are pretty nice this time of year,¡± Thunder mused. Sam wasn¡¯t sure why, but the thought of Thunder moving far away soured his mood. They¡¯d only just met, but it felt to him like their shared experience already forged a steel-like bond between them. ¡°Actually¡­I¡¯m surprised you don¡¯t serve a pantheon yet¡­ Most top-tier heroes are already attached to some god, right?¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t. The thing I gave you wouldn¡¯t let me sign up with anyone.¡± Thunder¡¯s answer surprised Sam. Triple-A seemed like it was one of those famous blessings he¡¯d heard about. After all, it was a system that allowed Sam to do the impossible. ¡°The impossible¡­¡± Sam mused. The beginnings of an idea flitted across his mind. ¡°What if I gave it back to you?¡± he asked. ¡°I¡¯m already an Argonaut.¡± Thunder shook her head. ¡°You can only choose a successor who isn¡¯t one.¡± ¡°Then,¡± Sam wracked his brain some more, ¡°what if I used it to heal you?¡± Thunder frowned. ¡°I love the thought, Sam, but it¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°Impossible?¡± Sam was grinning now. ¡°Maybe not. I¡¯m a healer, after all.¡± ¡°I know that already,¡± Thunder replied. ¡°And the¡±¡ªSam tried to say the system¡¯s name but the words were stuck to his throat¡ª¡°the thing we can¡¯t discuss, it can help me become a better healer. Good enough to heal even the Blight.¡± ¡°Sam, that¡¯s im¡ª¡± ¡°Who¡¯s being pessimistic now?¡± Sam crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°You said it yourself: it¡¯s the thing that makes miracles come true, right?¡± Sam¡¯s face turned very serious in that way a man¡¯s attitude changed when he was about to make an oath. ¡°For my first big act as an Argonaut,¡± Sam said, never looking more determined in his life than he did at that moment, ¡°I¡¯m going to heal you.¡±
Hey, gang, Level Up Hero Volume I: Rebirth is now stubbed. We''ll keep Volume 2 here for now. Look forward to Volume 3''s rewrites too. You can read the entire 1st volume and more on the TAPAS app or website: https://tapas.io/series/level-up-hero Or get the ebook Level Up Hero, Volume 1: Rebirth on Amazon: https://www.royalroad.com/amazon/B08XSL4BLR Volume 3 of Level Up Hero will resume on Patreon this October 11, 2024, before launching on Royal Road again. Here''s the link: https://www.patreon.com/GD_Cruz I''ll read the links in the post-chapter note so you can just click on them. I hope y''all keep enjoying Level Up Hero! LEVEL UP HERO VOLUME I STUB ANNOUNCEMENT LEVEL UP HERO VOLUME I: REBIRTH STUB ANNOUNCEMENT!!! Hey, True Believers! I mentioned this months ago, but the novel''s first volume is now stubbed. I''ll leave Volume II for now, with Volume III rewrites continuing this October. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. You can read the entire 1st volume and more on the TAPAS app or website: https://tapas.io/series/level-up-hero Or get the ebook Level Up Hero, Volume 1: Rebirth on Amazon: https://www.royalroad.com/amazon/B08XSL4BLR Volume 3 of Level Up Hero will resume on Patreon this October 11, 2024, before launching on Royal Road again. Here''s the link: https://www.patreon.com/GD_Cruz I hope y''all keep enjoying Level Up Hero! Thank you! G.D. Cruz Volume II Rewrite UPDATE Greetings true believers! I know it''s been a month since I last posted a chapter here on Royal Road, but that''s because I''ve been working hard to finish the Level Up Hero Volume II: Rising rewrites for you all. The rewrites are significant and will change how Volume III moves forward which is why I decided that my Royal Road readers will need to read it too instead of directing you to just buy the novel on Amazon when it comes out in April 2022. Obviously, the full volume on Amazon will be professionally edited but the new volume 2 chapters I''ll be posting here on RR starting today, March 12, 2022, will have all the new content in it¡ªbecause you guys are the coolest readers in the world and I don''t want you to get confused when volume III starts! Here are some examples of significant changes to the story: WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!!! --- --- --- 1. FAME POINTS factor in earlier in the story. Instead of it first appearing after Sam slays the Dragon Kholkikos, it will appear in chapter 3 after Sam and Jackboot defeat a horror. 2. MEDEA has a new look and new goals. This''ll change how Volume 2 ends. 3. APEX''s story is more fleshed out, and he''s got a new dynamic to him which I don''t want to spoil that you''ll instantly notice when first meeting this villain in the chapter: The Hunter. 4. A lot of chapters like The Second Labor and Oh, River, You Heartbreaker (formerly titled A Trial of Water) have been completely rewritten with new story details, new characters introduced, and new directions for the story to take. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. 5. Dialogue has been revamped significantly throughout the volume to better reflect the personalities and voices of the different characters featured in the volume; Jackboot sounds more like a Brit than previously with less "mate" used. Farsight''s snarkier but she''ll have moments of warmth too, etc. 6. The main mission''s storyline has also been edited. For example, [SPOILER AHEAD] when they arrive at Ares'' Sacred Grove, they find not one fleece, but dozens of golden fleeces hanging on the tallest tree, and they''ll have to figure out which one is the real relic. 7. The entire third act of the story¡ªthe part after Sam gets the fleece¡ªhas been changed to better reflect the journey undertaken throughout the volume. For example, [SPOILERS AHEAD] the Ceryneian Hind, Sam''s motorbike, the violator, and the spartoi born from the teeth of the Dragon Kholkikos will make an appearance. Hope''s appearance has also been revamped. The fight between Sam and Apex will be different too in that Sam alone won''t be able to stop Apex. The whole team will be needed, which means a change in the Thunder side story as well. Many more changes, but I won''t spoil it for you any more than this. XD 8. Notes on changes will be added into the post chapter author notes for your benefit. XD Now, what does this mean for the current Volume II chapters? Well, I''ll be deleting them all today. Don''t worry though because I''ll also begin posting the rewrites chapters every day starting today. Some days will have double releases too. I hope you all enjoy the new Volume II and please don''t forget to comment. I''d love to hear your thoughts on the changes, and I usually reply to all messages. Don''t forget to update your ratings and reviews if you want to. XD Also, if you want to read over 20+ chapters of Volume II in advance, head on to my Patreon and you''ll find them there. Lastly, thank you for continuing to read Level Up Hero here on Royal Road. I hope you all enjoy the new content. Going beyond the extraordinary, G.D. Cruz P.S. Iron Blood Arcanist returns this April 2022. Sorry for the delays. XD Chapter 61: Brave New World, Part 1 CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE Brave New World, Part 1
¡°Excuse me!¡± Sam Shepard apologized as he slipped his way into the back of the crowd. ¡°Media coming through!¡± ¡®Media¡¯ was a stretch nowadays as Sam hadn¡¯t written an article for New York¡¯s number one newspaper since he left the city to go on a road trip across North America with Thunder and Farsight. In the near distance, the thunderous boom of metal crashing on metal rang in his ears, drowning out the police sirens and terrified screams around him. Sam sighed. ¡°This isn¡¯t how I thought my first day in Philly would go.¡± What, you thought we were rolling into town and nothing bad would happen? Chiron¡¯s disembodied voice asked sarcastically. When were you ever that lucky? Sam squeezed his way into the very front of the crowd which was pressed together like a packet of sausages. Although the days of him freaking out over every terrible sight were over, Sam couldn¡¯t help feeling chilled to the bone from the image of such jaw-dropping destruction before him. ¡°I, uh, found the bus Farsight dreamed about¡­ She never said it was a runaway.¡± Coming up from the south side of North 20th Street was an out-of-control bus that was speeding on the road and ramming past other vehicles as if there was no one behind the wheel. ¡°Master, how do I¡ª¡± A terrified scream shook Sam to his core. No, it wasn¡¯t another horror¡¯s roar. It was the scream of a woman in distress, one that sent memories of his past sprawling into the forefront of his mind. ¡°Mindy, no!¡± yelled the woman only a few feet to the right of Sam. ¡°Go back, Mindy!¡± Mindy; it was the name of the little girl who had just wiggled out of her dad¡¯s arms outside of the Horticultural Society building. She ran toward her mother on the other side of the street and was about to become a bug on the windshield of the runaway bus. Sam had reached for the mask hidden inside his jacket out of reflex. He¡¯d jumped out in front of the crowd out of impulse, too. But, unlike that time when he¡¯d run toward Thunder¡¯s cry for help, there wasn¡¯t an ounce of hesitation in his movements now. When your moment comes, the master had once said to him, don¡¯t be afraid to leap! Sam reached Mindy¡¯s side in the short time it took for him to slap his mask onto his face. Unfortunately, the runaway bus was just as fast. It was about to ram into them¡ªthreatening to turn both Sam and Mindy into road-kill¡ªwhen he picked the little girl up and rolled out of the danger zone in just the nick of time. In fact, it had been such a close call that Sam had felt the wind of the bus¡¯s passage on his back. ¡°Special delivery.¡± Sam dropped Mindy into her dad¡¯s arms. ¡°Don¡¯t let her go anymore.¡± Then he was off and chasing after the runaway bus that was speeding away like a bat out of hell. You¡¯ll never catch up to it at your regular pace, kid, Chiron said. ¡°I¡¯m open to...suggestions,¡± Sam huffed. At level twenty, Sam¡¯s Dexterity was up to [44] now, but even that didn¡¯t make him fast enough to catch a bus speeding at over ninety miles an hour. Sam watched the bus get further and further away, ramming through idle cars and causing chaos along the wide street without slowing down at all. ¡°This reminds me...of that old movie...Speed,¡± Sam puffed. ¡°The Keanu Reeves one.¡± I like that one, Chiron chuckled. Then he added, you should activate Herculean if you want to catch that bus before it hits Logan Square. Logan Square was one of Philadelphia¡¯s most popular attractions partly because it was right next to the Franklin Institute, which, regrettably, was almost always full of people around this time of the day. ¡°Right...it¡¯s Herculean time,¡± Sam sighed. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Sam wasn¡¯t a fan of activating this power when there was a large crowd gathered on both sides of the street because he didn¡¯t want to feed the rumors of the vigilante ¡®Herculean¡¯ that Farsight leaked to the Herald. But now was not the time to feel self-conscious, he knew. So, after sighing deeply, Sam roared, ¡°Herculean!¡± into the sky. To clarify, he wasn¡¯t showing off. None of his new powers worked without saying them out loud. Something he suspected Chiron¡ªor more likely, Apollo, the god of braggarts¡ªwas responsible for.
[Herculean (¦¤)] is now active. Your current strength is temporarily tripled based on probability and threat assessment calculations [171].
WARNING! Your body is still learning to adapt to this power. You will accumulate damage while it is active.
Although the same warning had come out like usual, there was less pain now than before. Not just because Herculean had grown, but because Sam was so used to the surge of energy suddenly coursing through his veins that he no longer minded that spine-tingling sensation of heat exploding throughout his body. ¡°I can¡¯t believe¡­I¡¯m getting used to this.¡± Sam bent his knees, and with Herculean¡¯s energy, launched himself forward so that two wide leaps were all it took to catch up to the back of the runaway bus. Then he reached out and grabbed onto its underside with both hands. Pull, kid! Sam dug his feet in, slamming them so hard onto the road that the asphalt cracked underneath him. He pulled against the bus¡¯ momentum, but the rear bumper came apart in his hands, causing him to fall back on his butt, hard. ¡°Styx!¡± Get up, lame-brain, Chiron snapped. Or that thing¡¯s going to hit more than just parked cars! Sam leaped to his feet. ¡°I¡¯m up, I¡¯m up...¡± Run, kid, Chiron ordered. Run! Sam was no Flash, but he ran so fast that his surroundings had become a blur. He quickly overtook the bus and got a few feet ahead of it, which was when he turned around to face it. What in Hades are you doing? ¡°Remember that old Superman movie?¡± Depends¡­which actor are we talking about ¡ª Henry Cavill or Christopher Reeve? ¡°Neither...¡± Sam raised both arms forward. ¡°The Brandon Routh one...there¡¯s a scene in it where he saves a plane falling from the sky!¡± Sam managed to say all of that in the seconds just before his hands caught the bus that rammed into him with the force of a wrecking ball. You¡¯re not as strong as a fictional Superman, kid! The front of the bus¡¯ metal surface cracked around Sam¡¯s hands as its engine pushed and bucked against him. ¡°Argh~~h!¡± Sam screamed. Despite planting his feet to the ground, he was pushed back by the runaway bus¡¯ momentum, dragging him along the street without slowing down at all. It was quite the familiar sensation, one he had the first time he and the cannibal boar crossed paths. ¡°Godsdammit!¡± Pieces of asphalt broke off against his feet. Sparks flew out of the wheels. Lesson number two, kid! Chiron reminded him. No matter the pain, no matter the struggle¡ª ¡°¡ªa true hero never stops to answer the call when it¡¯s given!¡± Sam finished. He called on the excess life force coursing through his body and willed it into the muscles of his arms and legs, reinforcing them so that they could handle the strain of what he was attempting to achieve. ¡°I can¡±¡ªSam heaved¡ª¡°do this!¡± He lifted the front half of the bus up to cut off its speed¡ªand it actually worked. The bus slowed. Then it slowed some more until it finally skidded to a stop right in front of the Franklin Institute and the crowd waiting by its entrance. Hephaestus¡¯ flaming beard, you did it! Chiron said in a surprised tone. ¡°Nothing...to it...¡± Sam leaned his back against the front of the bus. Just a short breather from what was a pretty intense strength challenge. ¡°I can do this...all day...¡± That¡¯s when Sam heard something he¡¯d never heard before¡ªcheers. It was the excited cheering of civilian spectators around Logan Square who¡¯d just witnessed his first official save since Farsight outed his moniker in the papers. ¡°Seriously...they¡¯re cheering for me?¡± Sam asked, bewildered. Don¡¯t let it get to your head, lame-brain. ¡°I¡¯d never¡ª¡± His reply was cut short by a familiar high-pitched shriek. One that often starred in his worst nightmares. ¡°Oh, no...¡± Sam repressed a shudder. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me...¡± Something big and monstrous was thrashing inside the bus. Now we know what caused this thing to run wild, Chiron noted. You might want to bring your new hammer out for this one, kid. ¡°What about the civilians inside?¡± Sam asked. They aren¡¯t moving, Chiron answered. Sam¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Was I... too late?¡± We¡¯ll figure the situation out later... Right now, you¡¯ve got to focus. Sam¡¯s eyes darted toward the bus¡¯ windshield, but there it had sustained far too many cracks that it was hard to make out anything inside. ¡°Tell me I¡¯m not about to face another one?¡± You want me to lie to you? ¡°Somehow, that would be preferable...¡± The horror that jumped out of the broken door had a tall, wiry frame and deathly pale face that was so similar to the monster that haunted Sam¡¯s dreams. Luckily for him, the energy this banshee gave off was nowhere near that of the terror he¡¯d encountered when he and Thunder first met more than a month ago. It¡¯s a gamma-level, Chiron confirmed. You can take it. It was true; Sam probably could have taken on the banshee if he was up for it, but he wouldn¡¯t get the first crack at this horror. For no sooner had this creature escaped from the bus when it got drop-kicked in the side of its head. ¡°What the¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright now, citizen,¡± said the hero who¡¯d just arrived. ¡°I¡¯m here to save the day!¡± Chapter 62: Brave New World, Part 2 CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO Brave New World, Part 2
The new arrival who bounced into the air to avoid the banshee¡¯s death wail wore a skintight spandex suit that was mostly tan-colored but with white gloves and boots to match. ¡°Find the bus...it¡¯ll lead you to the rabbit,¡± Sam repeated Farsight¡¯s instructions to him before he got off the Argo VII earlier. ¡°Hey, master, you don¡¯t think...?¡± If the mask fits, Chiron replied dryly. The hero¡¯s tan mask covered his entire head much as a ski mask did. Apart from the bunny-like ears popping out of its sides, the mask¡¯s only other design was two large plastic lenses with slightly reflective surfaces. ¡°Do we know who he is?¡± Give me a second to check my sources. Sam watched this new hero bounce around in the air to land a jackknife kick right between the banshee¡¯s eyes, causing the horror¡¯s upper body to bend back like a taut bow. ¡°Nice one,¡± Sam said, nodding appreciatively at this display of martial skill. And he wasn¡¯t the only one to do so. A cheer rose from the spectators after a well-timed dropkick to its chest caused the banshee to topple backward. Intel says this guy¡¯s called Jackboot, Chiron reported. The banshee whipped back onto its feet like a cobra lunging forward for the kill, but all it got was a push kick to the face that drove its head back down onto the asphalt. ¡°Guy¡¯s all over the place,¡± Sam noted. One, two, three, four¡ªJackboot unleashed a flurry of kicks that knocked the horror left and right, keeping it unbalanced and unable to launch a counter of its own. Sam quickly realized that Jackboot¡¯s kicks weren¡¯t just fast either as each one of those lightning-quick blows had been accompanied by a sound akin to a thunderclap. When he mentioned this to Chiron, his master replied with, Yeah, he kicks as strong as you punch, kid. ¡°How would you know that?¡± Sam asked. I hacked the Wardens¡¯ hero database for his file, Chiron answered in such a casual way that it almost sounded to Sam like he wasn¡¯t at all bothered with admitting he¡¯d just committed a felony. It says Jackboot¡¯s got the proportional strength, speed, and keen senses of a hare. Sam raised an eyebrow. ¡°Proportional strength of a hare...sounds like he¡¯s got more power than that.¡± Don¡¯t underestimate them. Hares may be known for being cute and cuddly, but they¡¯re mean customers in a fight, kid. As if to prove Chiron¡¯s point, Jackboot hopped up into the air and performed a flip that would send him high enough to dive feet-first to crash his heel down on top of the banshee¡¯s head just like a hammer on a nail. ¡°That was a K.O. blow for sure,¡± Sam said as he clapped along with the rest of the crowd. Why the hell are you acting like a spectator? Chiron asked, annoyed. Get in there already! Sam, who¡¯d stepped back to give Jackboot and his dance partner some space, said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t feel like I¡¯m needed. Besides, I already did my part with the bus.¡± Truthfully, Sam was just glad he didn¡¯t have to fight another banshee. He didn¡¯t want to get emotional in front of so many people, which was likely to happen considering his past trauma with his mother¡¯s tragic circumstance. Soon enough, the banshee was already on the ground and unmoving while Jackboot stood over it in triumph. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°As I said,¡± although Jackboot¡¯s voice was slightly muffled by his mask, his non-American accent was pretty distinct, ¡°I¡¯m here to save the day!¡± He waved at his audience, and they waved back. Look at that...a hero with charisma, Chiron chuckled. Guess you two aren¡¯t so alike after all. ¡°Aw, shut it¡ª¡± Sam¡¯s eyes widened. It was unfortunate that Jackboot had turned his back on the horror or he would have seen the banshee raise its head in his direction. Then it opened its mouth so widely that its jaw came unhinged, and that¡¯s when a spectator yelled, ¡°Look out!¡± The banshee¡¯s death wail had just begun when Jackboot turned around to receive its full blast. Luckily for this hare-themed hero, Sam arrived at his side just in time. He raised his free arm forward to cast, ¡°Bulwark!¡± to shield them both from the horror¡¯s bone-shattering shriek of death. ¡°Styx!¡± Sam cursed. ¡°I can¡¯t¡­hold it!¡± Even with Bulwark¡¯s help, Sam couldn¡¯t fully suppress the sonic blast at point-blank range. He and Jackboot were blown back, both of them toppling over each other and rolling on the asphalt like pins at a bowling alley. ¡°Ugh,¡± Sam groaned. ¡°Yow...¡± Jackboot added. Normally, sonic attacks of gamma-level or higher had the potential to leave someone stunned, but [Regeneration (¦Æ)] managed to nip that debilitating effect in the bud. Get up, kid! You¡¯ve got banshee incoming! Chiron warned. Sam scampered to his feet at the same time as Jackboot did. ¡°Thanks for the save,¡± he said. Sam¡¯s replied with, ¡°Duck!¡± They both ducked just in time to dodge the long-fingered swipes meant to pierce their necks. Then they both pulled away from each other as the horror stepped menacingly into the space between them. Sam could hear that intake of breath that heralded the beginnings of another death wail, which was currently aimed at him. ¡°Sorry, but¡±¡ªSam tightened the grip on his new hammer¡ª¡°no one wants an encore!¡±
Alert! Wielding [Onus, the Load Bearer] provides you with the following temporary bonuses based on your current burden¡¯s value: Strength +4, Will +1
Sam couldn¡¯t help but grin at how right this hammer felt in his hand. It¡¯s almost like I was always meant to have it. As he swung it right at the Banshee¡¯s face¡ªwhile reactivating ¡°Herculean!¡± for good measure¡ªSam recalled the moment days ago when Warden Bethany, aka War Maiden, had appeared outside his front door to bequeath to him the weapon of his dreams.
It was the morning Sam, Thunder, and Farsight planned to leave New York City. Sam had opened his front door, a duffel bag over his shoulder, and found Bethany waiting just beyond the threshold. ¡°Sorry,¡± she said awkwardly. ¡°I was just about to knock.¡± ¡°Um,¡± Sam¡¯s brow creased, ¡°how can I help you, Warden?¡± Bethany didn¡¯t look like she was about to arrest him for his alleged vigilante activities. At least, that¡¯s not what the worry in her face conveyed. ¡°I¡¯m not here in an official capacity,¡± she admitted. He thought it was something like that. After all, she wasn¡¯t wearing her gray suit and fedora uniform. Instead, Bethany was rocking a fit sweater, skinny jeans, and a bonnet over her head almost like she was attempting to be incognito. ¡°Um,¡± Sam glanced over at the metal case in her hand, ¡°what have you got there.¡± A grin formed on Bethany¡¯s face. ¡°I could ask you the same question.¡± She nodded toward Sam¡¯s duffel bag. ¡°Going on a trip?¡± Sam returned her grin. ¡°Yeah,¡± he scratched his head, ¡°with all the crazy happening in the city, I figured it was time for a change in scenery...¡± Bethany offered Sam the case. ¡°Then you¡¯ll need this.¡± ¡°What¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°I hear Herculean broke his hammer in that fight with the Trickster a week ago,¡± she said, her eyebrow arching slightly to match her smile. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡ª¡± ¡°Again, I¡¯m not here in an official capacity.¡± She patted him gingerly on the shoulder. ¡°And I¡¯m not as averse to vigilantes like my superiors are... I judge people on their actions, and I can tell when someone just wants to help.¡± This wasn¡¯t the first time Sam had felt this way, this feeling that someone in authority was willing to pin their hopes on him. To trust him to be better than even he thought he could be. Officer Nolan had been the first, and now it looked like he had one of the Wardens in his corner, too. ¡°Enjoy this.¡± Bethany patted the top of her steel case. ¡°It¡¯s not a burden I can carry anymore...but a hero with super strength might manage.¡± Burden¡¯s certainly an interesting word choice, Sam thought, and he was suddenly excited to open the case. ¡°There¡¯s something else,¡± Bethany¡¯s brow creased. Her smile vanished, too. ¡°It¡¯s something you should know...we don¡¯t believe the Trickster was working alone.¡± That was his master¡¯s working theory as well, although Chiron had found out little about whoever these helpers were. Get as much info as you can from her, kid, Chiron suggested. When Sam did what the master asked, he noticed how Bethany¡¯s entire demeanor seemed to change. She¡¯d become more guarded, her eyes darting left and then right, almost like she was worried that someone might overhear them. ¡°All I have is a name.¡± As if for added effect, Bethany took an extra-long moment before revealing to Sam what the name of this shadow organization was. ¡°They¡¯re called Chimera...¡± ¡°Chimera,¡± Sam repeated. No sooner had the word escaped his lips when Sam felt the beginnings of a shudder overwhelm him, one he couldn¡¯t repress despite his growth as a hero. ¡°Styx,¡± he gulped. Sam understood this reaction well for it was almost like instinct or a sixth sense was telling him that whoever or whatever Chimera was, one thing was certain¡ªthey were bad news. Chapter 63: A Meeting of the Worlds Finest CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE A Meeting of the World''s Finest
Perhaps it was the remembrance of ¡®Chimera¡¯ that caused Sam¡¯s swing to go wild and miss the banshee¡¯s head entirely. You keep forgetting lesson number thirty-three, kid, Chiron sighed. ¡°I know.¡± Sam ducked to avoid the long, emaciated hand that had reached out for his neck. ¡°I know.¡± Luckily, he wasn¡¯t fighting this banshee alone. Jackboot¡¯s kick to the horror¡¯s back disrupted its attempt to let loose another horrifying death wail while allowing Sam to correct his misstep. He slid underneath the banshee¡¯s reach and then swung Onus up at its exposed chin. The hammer¡¯s cylindrical head smacked hard against the horror¡¯s jaw, causing its head to snap back in a way that would have decapitated a regular human. ¡°Thanks for the assist!¡± Jackboot called. ¡°Now, allow me to finish this!¡± Sam spared the other hero a glance and saw that Jackboot was now on the other side of the street from where he and the banshee were duking it out. ¡°How¡¯d he¡ª¡± Jackboot ran forward and then zoomed across the asphalt at a speed Sam¡¯s eyes could barely follow. Proportional speed of a hare, kid, Chiron reminded Sam. Jackboot leaped high and then rammed his foot into the Banshee¡¯s chest, blowing a ten-inch hole in its upper body that, crazily enough, still wasn¡¯t enough to destroy the gamma-level horror. Sam had guessed this would be the case which is why he was already swinging Onus down on the banshee¡¯s head, nipping its wounded screech in the bud with a well-placed smack on the left cheek. But not even this powerful blow would ensure the horror¡¯s death as it quickly regained its footing so that it could whip its hand forward and catch Jackboot¡¯s foot just as he dove in with a follow-up kick. ¡°Oi! Get your own boot!¡± Jackboot complained. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Sam couldn¡¯t help but join in on the banter as it felt refreshing to know he wasn¡¯t the only nervous talker out there. ¡°I don¡¯t think it can afford steel-tipped boots!¡± Great, you¡¯re both chatty in a fight, Chiron grumbled. With both hands wielding Onus, and a cry of ¡°Herculean!¡± Sam swung for the fences and smashed his hammer right at the very center of the banshee¡¯s emaciated face. Then came a sound akin to a thunderclap, and the horror was blown away. Its back smashed hard against the side of the bus it had recently escaped, causing its windows to shatter from the impact. ¡°Holy Horus,¡± Jackboot exclaimed. ¡°I¡¯d heard the rumors, but you certainly are one strong vigilante, mate.¡± One of Sam¡¯s eyebrows twitched upward. ¡°Holy...Horus?¡± Jackboot bowed his head to Sam in greeting. ¡°Like most of my fellow heroes from across the pond, I too fight in service of the Egyptian gods,¡± Jackboot explained quickly. ¡°You¡¯re British,¡± Sam realized. ¡°What gave me away...my dashing good looks or¡ª¡± Jackboot was forced to swerve to his left. ¡°Oi! heads up!¡± he warned. ¡°That blighter¡¯s coming in hot!¡± Even battered, bruised, and heavily wounded, the banshee leaped headfirst for the bantering heroes in what Sam imagined was a kind of kamikaze run. Dark ichor spilled out of its many wounds as it landed between them¡ªand Sam would later swear he¡¯d heard the horror wheeze like a sickly old woman after it had tried and failed to produce yet another death wail. ¡°Blimey, you¡¯re one persistent bastard, aren¡¯t you?¡± Jackboot taunted. Sam had to agree. The fight was clearly over, and only the horror seemed oblivious to this. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this already,¡± Sam said, sighing as he did. Sam and Jackboot were pretty good dance partners¡ªalmost in sync like he and Thunder were. Neither hero needed any prompting to jump forward and cut the horror¡¯s next attack short. Sam went high while Jackboot went low in a combined clothesline move that caught the horror around the chest from both directions. And, as the horror was already sporting a rather large hole in that area of its emaciated body, the powerful blows of Sam¡¯s punch and Jackboot¡¯s kick were enough to rip the banshee in half. ¡°Styx, that¡¯s just...¡± Sam blurted. It was a sentiment that Jackboot mirrored with, ¡°So bloody nasty...¡± Two halves of the horror lay on the ground between them while guts and blood spilled onto the asphalt, bringing with them a smell reminiscent of a hospital emergency room during an actual emergency. And that wasn¡¯t all. There was something shiny on the ground. A glowing piece of stone Sam hadn¡¯t seen since he¡¯d defeated the cannibal boar back at the healing gardens. ¡°Is that¡ª¡± ¡°A horror¡¯s core, yeah,¡± Jackboot answered. ¡°Only mid-level horrors and up carry these gems... Beautiful to look at, aren¡¯t they?¡± He knelt on one knee and reached out for the core, but then stopped just before his hand plucked the glowing red stone from the ground. ¡°You go on and take it,¡± he said to Sam. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want it?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Cores are pretty rare, man.¡± Horror cores, which were the crystalized essence of a god¡¯s gift, were the most expensive part of the corpse. However, their value was more than mere rarity as these cores were also remnants of powerful gifted¡ªbits of their memories, their experiences, their power¡ªthe last piece of them to survive their transformation from a person into a monster. ¡°Well,¡± Jackboot spared a glance at the broken-down bus idling in the middle of Logan Square, ¡°it would be poor form for me to claim it when you worked twice as hard to save lives.¡± Generosity...heroes give their time, effort, and sometimes even their lives to those who need it to bring the people hope and peace of mind, Chiron recited. That¡¯s lesson number nine by the way. Jackboot tossed the glowing red stone into Sam¡¯s hand. ¡°Thanks,¡± Sam said. He could feel the horror¡¯s core vibrating between his fingers and sense an aura of power radiating from inside it that had a similar taste to¡­ ¡°It¡¯s life force.¡± If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Yep, that thing¡¯s loaded with life force, kid, Chiron confirmed. The kind you can drain to strengthen yourself. Sam could feel the life force in the stone like the taste of his favorite ice cream flavor on the tip of his tongue but dipped in extra-hot chili sauce. He likened them to the taste of old memories; emotions so raw and intense that Sam couldn¡¯t help but feel sadness for the human who¡¯d once carried them. The experience of others adds to your experience, Chiron explained. And in rare circumstances, you might even inherit the gift they¡¯d left behind. Although that¡¯s got a one in a thousand chance of happening. Fat chance of that happening, Sam thought wryly. I can¡¯t even get these bond abilities to work properly yet. ¡°I¡¯ll put this to good use,¡± Sam told Jackboot as he pocketed the horror¡¯s core. ¡°It¡¯ll sell for loads on the OTC if you¡¯re looking to make some money.¡± Jackboot wasn¡¯t looking at Sam though. His gaze had drifted over to the broken-down bus. ¡°Shall we see if anyone¡¯s still alive in there?¡± The pair of them got on the bus only to discover that only three passengers¡ªteenagers who¡¯d hidden underneath the seats at the very back¡ªhad survived this nightmarish ride. The rest had been killed by the horror¡¯s rampage as it was birthed inside the bus. ¡°This is horrible,¡± Jackboot sighed. Sam, his heart heavy with the feeling of failure, added, ¡°Let¡¯s get them out of here...¡± They brought the survivors out to thunderous applause from a crowd of onlookers who¡¯d stayed to watch what would have been quite the disaster if it hadn¡¯t been quickly nipped in the bud by these two heroes. Sam wasn¡¯t feeling their love though. How could he celebrate¡ªhow could the spectators¡ªwhen only three people survived a bus that had been full of passengers? One of the survivors, a brown-haired teenage girl who looked no older than Farsight, wouldn¡¯t let go of Sam¡¯s hand despite an EMT trying to pry her off him. Her fingers curled around his jacket so tightly that her knuckles had gone white. ¡°It¡¯s alright now,¡± Sam promised her. ¡°You¡¯re safe.¡± ¡°That thing...it was the girl sitting next to me...she was crying before...before...¡± Hot tears fell across her face and soaked Sam¡¯s neck. ¡°She killed the bus driver... It happened so fast... It was...it was...¡± ¡°Horrifying?¡± Jackboot supplied. ¡°Not helping.¡± Sam frowned at him before turning his gaze back on the teenage girl clinging to his arm. ¡°The horror¡¯s gone. I promise¡­it can¡¯t hurt you anymore.¡± There was something in Sam¡¯s voice¡ªthe honest assurance in it¡ªthat finally got the girl to look up at him. She stared into his teal-colored eyes for a long moment before relief finally flitted across her face. Looks like you remembered lesson number eleven, kid, Chiron commented. ¡°Hope,¡± Sam whispered. After the EMTs had taken the survivors out of Sam¡¯s and Jackboot¡¯s hands, the latter placed a shoulder over Sam¡¯s shoulders and dragged him toward the gathered crowd which now included several reporters. The sight of all those cameras caused Sam to pull away. ¡°This kind of thing isn¡¯t really my scene,¡± he blurted. ¡°What, taking a bow after a successful hour of heroics?¡± Jackboot chuckled. ¡°Yeah, they think I¡¯m a¡ª¡± ¡°Vigilante,¡± Jackboot supplied. ¡°Yes, mate, I know, but it¡¯s the coppers who think you¡¯re a menace. These citizens just see a bloke who put himself in front of a rampaging bus to stop it from hurting more people... That¡¯s bloody heroic if you ask me.¡± Rabbit-Ears has a point, Chiron chimed in. No harm in taking a bow every once in a while. ¡°Come on.¡± He reached down for Sam¡¯s hand and then lifted it high in triumph. ¡°It gives people hope to see their heroes triumph over evil.¡± The cheers got even louder. Almost as loud as the beating of Sam¡¯s chest which at that moment was as loud as a drum solo at a rock concert. All those flashing lights and excited faces¡ªthe sight of them was honestly giving Sam anxiety. Although, admittedly, a tiny part of him thought it didn¡¯t feel too bad to finally be recognized for his efforts. Sam¡¯s elation had been fleeting, however, because he didn¡¯t feel like he deserved these cheers. Not when so many lives had been lost on his watch. It didn¡¯t matter that he wasn¡¯t around when the horror had been born because he should have been. At least, that¡¯s what Sam believed. ¡°Sorry, I¡­I¡¯ve got to go,¡± Sam insisted. ¡°But I might need to talk to you later...¡± ¡°What about?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°A rabbit hole,¡± Sam said as he retreated toward the bus. ¡°Come find me at the top of the Rocky Steps at midnight...we¡¯ve got some things to discuss.¡± ¡°You¡¯re just going to run away from a square full of our admiring public?¡± Jackboot called after him. Sam jumped onto the roof of the bus before he put on the gauntlet he¡¯d been hiding in his backpack. ¡°I really should have put this on earlier,¡± he sighed. ¡°Where¡¯s a phone booth when you need one...¡± Before he could make his escape, however, new notifications popped up around him with information that Sam had never seen before. Surprisingly, several of these notifications carried the golden glow of messages that came directly from the gods.
Congratulations! You have helped to defeat a powerful horror, not only earning you the trust of the citizens of the city of Philadelphia but also fame among the pantheons.
Fame with the Olympian Pantheon increased by 500.
Because you used Onus against [Banshee (¦£)], fame with the Olympian Pantheon increased by another 300.
Current fame: 800
Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, looks upon you with interest.
Your patron, Apollo, God of the Sun, looks upon you with favor.
Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, approves of your actions.
Hephaestus, God of Fire, appreciates your use of a relic made by one of his apprentices.
Sam had heard of heroes earning fame and favor from the gods before, but this was the first time for him. ¡°Um, master, what exactly does this mean?¡± It means the gods are now taking great notice of your actions, kid¡­ It can either be very good or very bad, Chiron answered. ¡°What happens when I earn more fame?¡± Sam asked. Fame is a kind of currency exclusive to heroes which you can use to trade favors with the divine, Chiron explained. Here¡¯s an example¡­you can get a second patron if you earn about five thousand points with a single pantheon. ¡°Seriously?¡± Sam raised an eyebrow. Yeah, but earning fame¡¯s no walk in the park, kid. There¡¯s more to it than just beating bad guys, or you would have already earned a lot when you beat the Trickster, Chiron reminded Sam. Despite Sam¡¯s interest in this new development, he wasn¡¯t really in a place to fully understand what this meant for his future as a hero because Sam was too busy trying to escape the scene of the crime. He took one final glance at the crowd, allowing himself a moment of reveling in their cheers, and then he raised his arm toward one of the low-rise buildings on his right. Listen, kid. You did well today. You saved all these people. Don¡¯t let what happened inside the bus take that from you, Chiron said. It was good advice, Sam knew, but he was just that kind of self-deprecating hero. Chiron knew that too, which is probably why he chuckled almost immediately after he¡¯d given his advice. Sam aimed his grappling hook up at the building¡¯s roof, and with a final word of, ¡°I¡¯m never going to get used to this,¡± he vanished into the air vigilante-style ¡ª and the cheering only got louder. Chapter 64: Meet the Crew, Part 1 CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR Meet the Crew, Part 1
NAME: Samuel Shepard
HERO NAME: Herculean (Unofficial)
LEVEL: 20
RANK: Delta (¦¤)
ROLE: Support, Scrapper
TITLE: Competent Hero-in-Training] + [Phantom Slayer: 25% increased damage against phantom-type enemies] + [Fire Proof: 10% increased resistance to fire damage] + [Vigilante: 10% increased civilian reputation, 20% decreased reputation with the Wardens, -100% trust from local law enforcement
HEALTH POINTS (HP): 750
STAMINA POINTS (SP): 375
FATIGUE: 0%
STRENGTH: 57
DEXTERITY: 44
CONSTITUTION: 75
INTELLIGENCE: 31
WISDOM: 29
WILLPOWER: 29
ACTIVE ABILITIES: [Healing Hand (¦¤)] [Herculean (¦¤)] [Bulwark (¦Æ)] [Mortal Fist (¦Æ)]
PASSIVE ABILITIES: [Regeneration (¦Æ)] [Athleticism (¦Æ)]
EQUIPMENT ABILITIES: [Shock Absorption (¦¤)] [Tear Resistance (¦¤)] [Load-Bearer (¦Â)]
¡°What are you looking at?¡± Farsight asked as she peeked over Sam¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Nothing...¡± Sam casually waved his hand over the floating window to swipe it away. ¡°I¡¯m just staring off into space.¡± ¡°I thought that was my job,¡± Thunder chimed in. She was leaning against the iconic statue at the top of the appropriately named ¡®Rocky Steps¡¯ while flashing a lopsided grin Sam¡¯s way, the kind of smile that made him all tingly inside. Sam wasn¡¯t fooled, though. The creases of her brow, the slight fidgeting of her fingers, and the lack of mirth in her eyes despite her gorgeous smile were all proof that Thunder wasn¡¯t as okay as she pretended to be. ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked worriedly. It was a question he asked almost daily now even though her answer was always the same. ¡°I¡¯m okay...¡± Thunder wrapped her arms around her shoulder. ¡°Just cold...¡± Although she wore a parka over her suit, Sam guessed it was more than winter¡¯s breath causing her chills. He walked over to Thunder and wrapped an arm around her shoulders despite knowing it would earn him another sly look from Farsight. The same one she¡¯d been giving the pair of them since their road trip began. She usually followed this up with; ¡°Get a room you two,¡± but this time Farsight was distracted by something on her phone¡¯s screen. She sent Sam a teasing grin. ¡°Hey, Herculean, you should check out what the Herald¡¯s saying about today¡¯s side mission.¡± ¡°Um, I haven¡¯t written anything to Mr. Kim though,¡± Sam reasoned. Worriedly, he pulled out his smartphone and tapped on the email app. That''s where he found the message Mr. Kim had sent him this afternoon which he hadn¡¯t bothered to read until now. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
Hey, Sam, Sorry, I wanted to get your feedback first, but Marie insisted we go live on the website. The article¡¯s not all bad though. Anyways, I wouldn¡¯t mind hearing your side of it. Send me a thousand words on the Logan Square incident tonight and I¡¯ll see if we can add it into tomorrow¡¯s print edition. ¡ª Jinseong
The next thing Sam did was pull up the Herald¡¯s app, and then he read the headline of its latest article with an increasingly furrowing brow.
VIGILANTE CAUSES MAYHEM IN LOGAN SQUARE Herculean, the same vigilante who¡¯d caused massive structural damage in one of New York¡¯s most respectable private hospitals a month ago has finally resurfaced from hiding to commit further acts of disorder and mayhem. This time in Philadelphia. The vigilante was on-scene at an escalating horror-induced event that occurred in Logan Square earlier today while supposedly assisting Jackboot ¡ª one of the rising stars among Philadelphia¡¯s newly registered heroes. ¡°Helping Jackboot? More like getting in the way,¡± complained Mr. Rick Diaz, the operator of the pretzel stand located outside the Franklin Institute. ¡°He was swinging that hammer of his without caring about the hero he was supposed to be helping.¡± ¡°Herculean let that bus run over my car and a bunch of others before he stopped it,¡± explained Mina Murrow, a local hairstylist. ¡°Who¡¯s going to pay for the repairs? Not the bastards in my insurance company, I tell you¡­¡± For more on increased insurance prices, check out this article. Before Jackboot¡¯s arrival on the scene, the vigilante attempted to stop a runaway bus careening down North 20th Street, failing on this task several times before barely managing to finally slow the bus¡¯s rampage in the middle of Logan Square. Local authorities claim that the vigilante was also responsible for thousands of dollars worth of damage to the street. ¡°I think it¡¯s more surprising that no one got hit by the bus,¡± explained Philadelphia Police Officer Matt Meeker. ¡°Logan Square¡¯s full of tourists and locals milling around.¡± His partner, Officer Coop Bradley, added, ¡°If this guy was trained better then he probably could have stopped that bus before it hit Logan Square. Guess that¡¯s why he¡¯s a vigilante¡­and that¡¯s why they¡¯re a menace, you know?¡± Read more about the Wardens crack down on vigilantes in America in this article. It wasn¡¯t until Jackboot arrived on-scene that civilians in Logan Square began to feel safe and¡ª
Sam shut his eyes in protest. He couldn¡¯t bear to read any more of the article that hadn¡¯t provided an objective view of today¡¯s heroics. He also couldn¡¯t understand why his grandmother would approve of this kind of digital attack on him. It wasn¡¯t like they were at odds. He¡¯d even phoned her about his trip before he left New York. ¡°Don¡¯t get yourself killed just to save a pretty girl, Samuel,¡± Marie had warned him. ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Sam had protested. ¡°She needs my help¡­ Dad would have done the same.¡± There had been a long pause before Marie had replied. ¡°Yes, he would have.¡± Remembering how she sounded just a tiny bit proud of how her grandson might have changed for the better was probably why Sam couldn¡¯t believe she¡¯d betray him like this. This wasn¡¯t even the first time the Herald had dropped a negative piece about him, too. Sam could still remember the Herald¡¯s deadline the day after he¡¯d defeated the Trickster; Herculean, New York¡¯s Newest Menace. The thought of it caused Sam to let out a deep sigh. ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you,¡± Thunder said. ¡°Did you read how many times the article mentioned the word vigilante?¡± Sam countered. ¡°Well, you are technically a vigilante,¡± Thunder shrugged. ¡°It was your choice not to re-register.¡± ¡°Because I can¡¯t explain how I¡¯ve gotten¡­¡± Even hinting at Triple-A¡¯s existence was impossible for Sam. ¡°You know¡­¡± ¡°Seriously, it¡¯s not all bad. The article even mentions how you saved a little girl,¡± Thunder said placatingly. But then Farsight had to add, ¡°And nearly got a dozen people killed for failing to stop the runaway bus sooner.¡± Sam groaned. ¡°Not helping, Ashley,¡± Thunder chided. Farsight would have usually had a counter prepared but she was suddenly distracted by the appearance of the hoodie-wearing hero who¡¯d just leaped the entire length of the Rocky Steps in a single bound. The hoodie wasn¡¯t much of a disguise though as he was still wearing his costume underneath it¡ªand the white boots stood out. ¡°When you invited me to this nighttime rendezvous, Herculean, I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d bring friends¡ª¡± Jackboot glanced from Thunder to Farsight and then back to Thunder. ¡°Blimey, you¡¯re Thunder!¡± he said excitedly. Jackboot zipped over to her side and then took her other hand in hers. ¡°I¡¯m a huge fan, my lady,¡± he said as he kissed the back of her hand. ¡°Um,¡± Thunder¡¯s eyebrow twitched upward, although she hadn¡¯t pulled away from him, ¡°thanks...I guess?¡± The fact that she hadn¡¯t socked him in the cheek for being cheeky caused a frown to appear on Sam¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re¡±¡ªhe got between Jackboot and Thunder¡ª¡°late, man.¡± ¡°I¡¯m never late, mate.¡± Jackboot took off his hood and let the bunny ears pop out. ¡°I arrive precisely when I mean to.¡± Sam¡¯s frown only deepened. ¡°Did you just quote Gandalf to me?¡± ¡°Are you a fan?¡± Jackboot asked in a jolly tone. Sam could actually imagine Jackboot grinning excitedly at him, and the possibility that he was a fantasy buff like Sam who enjoyed the classics suddenly wiped away the annoyance Sam had felt at Jackboot¡¯s introduction to Thunder. ¡°Who isn¡¯t,¡± Sam replied just as enthusiastically. ¡°Always a pleasure to meet a fellow scholar of the Lord of the Rings,¡± Jackboot said just before bowing in Sam¡¯s direction. Sam bowed back in the same way. The pair of them might have continued to geek out like that¡ªpossibly moving on to that familiar argument of which hobbit mattered more in the original trilogy¡ªif Farsight hadn¡¯t shamefaced them with a single word, ¡°Nerds.¡± ¡°Um, anyway,¡± Sam cleared his throat, ¡°glad you¡¯re here, man... We were kind of hoping you would help us out with something.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve just met and you already want something from me¡­typical American.¡± His follow-up chuckle was slightly muffled by his mask. ¡°Happy to help, of course. But what exactly can I do for you lot?¡± In response, both Sam and Thunder turned their heads expectantly in Farsight¡¯s direction. ¡°Jackboot, meet Farsight,¡± Sam began, ¡°The seer who sent me to find you...and the last source of divination in the East Coast.¡± Chapter 65: Meet the Crew, Part 2 CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE Meet the Crew, Part 2
¡°As I¡¯ve said multiple times,¡± Farsight¡¯s voice sounded exasperated, ¡°I deal in probabilities which are far easier to comprehend compared to these bits of prophetic visions Maeve and Lucille left me...¡± Farsight walked over to stand beside Jackboot and pat him on his much taller shoulder. ¡°I don¡¯t know how Mr. Jackboot here can help us, or if he¡¯s even that rabbit I saw in my vision,¡± Farsight grumbled. ¡°Actually, my totem¡¯s a hare...not a rabbit,¡± Jackboot pointed out. ¡°Servant of the goddess Wenet and all...¡± A short bout of awkward silence and standing around passed by while Sam wracked his brain for what to do next. Perhaps they could start with an origin story as that seemed like the proper way to go about things. However, such tales were regarded as secrets to be protected by most heroes because of the highly personal details they contained, and Sam wasn¡¯t sure how he could coax jackboot into telling them his origins. Luckily for him, Thunder had the same idea, which she just voiced out loud. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, love, but I don¡¯t know you lot well enough to tell you about my humble beginnings,¡± Jackboot reasoned. ¡°Maybe if you hear why we might need your help¡­ Maybe that¡¯ll help you understand how to help us,¡± Thunder offered. ¡°Honestly, I wouldn¡¯t mind a bit of backstory myself,¡± Jackboot agreed. Both Thunder and Sam turned their gazes back on Farsight, causing the teenager to sigh exaggeratedly. ¡°I hate how in sync you two are sometimes,¡± she grumbled. There was only one thing that would convince Jackboot of the importance of their mission, and so Farsight did her seer thing and recited the great prophecy for their new acquaintance to hear. A shadow¡¯s curse rises from the earth Immortal in the land of its birth The great horrors it shall awaken To snuff the life of all creation Even death shall lose its hold on life And a hero¡¯s choice might end in strife But if a healing hand gathers the blessed To face the world and finish the quest Champions might rise to answer the call Or to fear and pain mankind shall fall After he heard Farsight recite this age¡¯s great prophecy, Jackboot sat on the top step with his shoulders sagging slightly. It took a long while before he broke his silent contemplation. ¡°This is some heady end of the world stuff, yeah?¡± ¡°Blew my mind the first time I heard it too,¡± Sam agreed as he sat next to Jackboot. ¡°So, what did you think?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure, to be honest. Great prophecies don¡¯t exactly come around every day, do they?¡± he asked. ¡°Gods, I hope not,¡± Sam shrugged. ¡°But you believe Farsight¡¯s prophecy is authentic?¡± Jackboot inclined his head toward Farsight who was waiting beside Thunder. ¡°I know who she is. She¡¯s great too.¡± Sam guessed Jackboot had been spooked, which was expected considering the nuclear bomb they¡¯d just dropped on him. However, it felt like there was more to his sudden uneasiness than just hearing about the great prophecy. Something else seemed to weigh on Jackboot¡¯s mind. ¡°They say every great prophecy comes with¡ª¡± ¡°A ride worthy of the gods?¡± Farsight guessed as she sat on Jackboot¡¯s other side. Stolen novel; please report. She raised her arm forward and clicked on the button of the car key in her hand. Down below, the headlights of a strangely cool-looking school bus with a black matte finish lit up. ¡°Is that the¡ª¡± ¡°Argo VII,¡± Farsight said proudly. ¡°Hold on, you¡¯re saying the Argo VII¡­is a school bus?¡± Jackboot asked in a skeptical tone. Thunder, who sat on the other side of Sam, leaned forward and said, ¡°It¡¯s a lot cooler on the inside.¡± Sam couldn¡¯t see Jackboot¡¯s eyes because of the reflectors on his mask, but he could imagine the skepticism on the hero¡¯s face, and Sam couldn¡¯t blame him. After all, as legendary vessels of destiny go, the Argo VII wasn¡¯t much to look at on the outside, which according to Crow-Man was the whole point of the school bus image. ¡°It¡¯s about stealth¡­and the school bus allows us to drive around the country incognito,¡± Sam repeated Crow-Man¡¯s words to him. Jackboot shrugged. ¡°I guess it¡¯s all relative. The Argo VI was a yellow submarine.¡± Sam stiffened. ¡°A yellow...¡± ¡°¡­submarine?¡± Thunder finished. Surprise mixed with disbelief flitted across both their faces. ¡°Wait... No one¡¯s supposed to know what the Argo VI looked like,¡± Thunder countered. ¡°It was never divulged to the public...even after the allies won World War II,¡± Sam added. ¡°I knew about it though,¡± Farsight chimed in. The disbelief on Sam¡¯s and Thunder¡¯s faces morphed quickly into one of astonishment as it was far easier to believe their seer companion than a guy whose face they couldn¡¯t even see. ¡°Seers are always in the know, but¡±¡ªFarsight raised a thin eyebrow at Jackboot¡ª¡°how do you know about the Argo VI?¡± To Sam¡¯s¡ªand possibly everyone else¡¯s¡ªsurprise, Jackboot¡¯s response to Farsight¡¯s question was something most sidekicks were warned not to do. He actually pulled off his mask and revealed his face to the trio of heroes he¡¯d only just met. Jackboot had short-cropped brown hair parted neatly to the side. His face was angular. He had a long, pointy nose, a pointy chin, and a pair of pointy ears, too. Thick eyebrows rose over big doe eyes whose blue irises reminded Sam of a clear afternoon sky. ¡°Dude...you barely know us,¡± Sam reminded him. ¡°If you three are the crew of the Argo VII then it sort of feels like we¡¯re already connected, Herculean.¡± Jackboot reached into the inside of his jacket and brought out a frayed leather-bound journal for the others to see. ¡°This belonged to my grandfather... It¡¯s an account of his grand adventures back in World War II.¡± He unclipped the lock and opened the journal to a yellowing page that had a black-and-white photo of a submarine in it. Several men and women were standing on its roof. All of them were heroes Sam recognized as members of the team responsible for leading the charge against the Nazi invasion of Western Europe. ¡°Holy Zeus,¡± Sam breathed. ¡°It¡¯s the Legends of Liberty!¡± ¡°Your grandfather...¡± Even Thunder, formerly ranked number seven in the nation, was gazing down at the picture with reverence. ¡°Your grandfather was a member of the Legends?¡± Jackboot pointed a finger at the man in the right-most position on the line of heroes. ¡°My grandfather was Union Jack.¡± Both of Sam¡¯s eyebrows twitched upward. ¡°You¡¯re Union Jack¡¯s grandson...for real?¡± Jackboot nodded. ¡°I was named after him... Jack Jarvis the second, at your service.¡± Not only had Jackboot revealed his face and heritage to them, but he¡¯d even told them his real name. He was a trusting guy; a trait Sam wasn¡¯t sure was a good thing considering how dark their world was underneath the flashy costumes and superhero quips. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but like this hero. And Sam felt like he needed to reciprocate Jackboot¡¯s honesty. He pulled off his mask too just before he offered his hand to Jackboot. ¡°I¡¯m Sam Shepard.¡± ¡°Glad to meet you, Sam,¡± Jackboot replied. As the pair of them shook hands, a now-familiar golden notification window popped up for Sam.
Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Friendship, rejoices in seeing the hero establish more genuine bonds.
This came as quite a shock to Sam because he¡¯d never formed a bond that quickly with anyone else. Not even Thunder. Sam didn¡¯t even have one with Farsight yet despite Triple-A hinting that a bond between them would solidify eventually.
ALERT! You have gained a new [BOND].
A bond is a thread of fate intertwining with your own, enriching the path you seek to walk. With the dawn of the [GEMINI] bond, your own star grows ever brighter, lighting the way to new possibilities.
ALERT! The path of the [TOTEM KNIGHT] is now open to you.
This, more than anything, convinced Sam that Jackboot was important and that he might actually be the rabbit guide they were looking for. ¡°Herculean¡¯s spacing out again,¡± Farsight noted. ¡°Sam?¡± There was some concern in Thunder¡¯s voice. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Sam promised as he let go of Jackboot¡¯s hand. ¡°And now I think I know how you can help us.¡± Sam pointed at Jackboot¡¯s journal. ¡°Is there anything in there about the Golden Fleece?¡± he asked. Jackboot¡¯s eyes widened slightly when he replied, ¡°How in the bloody Duat did you guess that?¡± Sam smiled. He couldn¡¯t help it. Finally, a clue they sorely needed to save Thunder was right in front of him. ¡°Well,¡± his smile widened, ¡°Because we¡¯re on a quest to find it...¡± Chapter 66: The Chime of Liberty, Part 1 CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX The Chime of Liberty, Part 1
¡°Holy Horus...this Argo VII¡¯s a true beauty,¡± Jackboot whistled. He was sitting on the Lazy Boy opposite Sam and Thunder¡¯s couch in what Farsight had dubbed the Argo VII¡¯s living room which was the large expanse of space between the sleeping quarters and the cockpit. The ¡°I assume this was made with sorcery?¡± Jackboot¡¯s eyes took in the length and breadth of the spacious living room. ¡°How else can you fill up a school bus with this much space?¡± ¡°It¡¯s science, actually,¡± Farsight chimed in from her spot in the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°We folded an artificial dimension into the Argo VII to expand its interior.¡± ¡°Well, what you Olympian chaps call science, we Egyptian heroes call¡ª¡± ¡°Sorcery¡­we know.¡± Sam could see her rolling her eyes in the rearview mirror. ¡°Egyptian heroes and your love for shape-shifting staves...it¡¯s like you prefer being stuck in the dark ages.¡± Without his mask on, Sam could now see Jackboot visibly frowning back at Farsight. ¡°Science doesn¡¯t have all the answers, Farsight. And I would think that you, a seer, would be more partial to the arcane.¡± An argument began between the two, one that had been playing out throughout history between scientists and sorcerers. Sam was quick to nip this in the bud, however, as there were far more important concerns for this group tonight than whether or not the magical egg had come before the chicken and its reproductive capabilities. ¡°Jack, you said there was something in your grandfather¡¯s journal that could lead us to the Golden Fleece,¡± Sam reminded him. ¡°Well¡±¡ªJackboot flipped the pages of his journal to one with a sketch of what looked like a steeple bell¡ª¡°I believe this is what you¡¯re looking for.¡± ¡°What does a bell have to do with the Golden Fleece?¡± Sam asked. ¡°It¡¯s not just the bell, mate. It¡¯s also the inscription scrawled underneath it,¡± Jackboot explained. To find the Ram¡¯s Blessing, Pass into the unknown and Stow your disbelief with one beloved of the Fates. After Thunder had read the phrase aloud, Sam¡ªwho was scrutinizing each word as if they held the secrets of the universe within them¡ªnoticed that there were a few phrases that were capitalized as if to point out that they were, ¡°Proper nouns; Ram¡¯s Blessing, Pass, Stow, and Fates.¡± ¡°I¡­I think you¡¯re right,¡± Thunder agreed, her brow furrowing. ¡°Do we know what any of these mean?¡± ¡°I believe the Ram¡¯s Blessing is a direct reference for the Golden Fleece which had been sheared off the wool from the golden ram, Chrysomallos,¡± Jackboot chimed in. ¡°Also, listen to this...¡± He took the journal back from Thunder¡¯s hands and flipped it to an entry dated May 4th, 1945, a date Farsight pointed out was a significant moment in World War II as it was the day that the allies arrived at the town of Berchtesgaden to occupy Hitler¡¯s Kehlsteinhaus, otherwise known as, ¡°the Eagle¡¯s Nest.¡± ¡°The Eagle¡¯s Nest,¡± Thunder repeated. ¡°That¡¯s where the remnants of the Axis superpowers made their last stand against¡ª¡± ¡°The Legends of Liberty,¡± Sam finished for her. ¡°The very best heroes of the age,¡± Jackboot added. ¡°Captain Solar, Raven Knight, Shieldmaiden, the Quickster, Mr. Steampunk, Sea Lord, White Lighter, and my grandfather, Union Jack...who had a lot to say about that day...¡± Journal entry, May 4th, 1945; It was the last stand of the Ubermensch and a day that will live on in infamy. At least to those of us who knew of its true accounting. The battle was the most grueling it had been since the early days of Normandy. We faced off against the Fuhrer¡¯s chosen, the Ubermensch, these fools who were now desperately trying to fulfill their master¡¯s last wish. Early in the fight, White Lighter fell at the hands of Count Doom. And with her death, her lover, Captain Solar, ripped through the Eagle¡¯s Nest in a fury that was quite unlike the last son of Zeus. I could scarcely recall any other moment in our association where he''d ever been so unrestrained. ¡°Wait¡±¡ªSam¡¯s brow creased¡ª¡°White Lighter died?! B-but wasn¡¯t she active in the fifties and sixties too?¡± ¡°She was the second White Lighter who was also the younger sister of the first one,¡± Farsight answered. Farsight had left the cockpit to join the others in the living room. There was a bowl of popcorn in her hands that sent the scent of melted butter permeating the air. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Read on, Jack,¡± she instructed. It was a lucky happenstance for us that Captain Solar¡¯s rampage caused a hidden chamber within the Eagle¡¯s Nest to be revealed. For in it we found two of the Ubermensch¡ªChimera and Pandora the 6th, senior officers of Hitler¡¯s S.S.¡ªamid a ritual that was reinforced by an assembly of sorcerers from the Thanatos Guild. ¡°The Thanatos Guild...¡± It was hard to tell how Farsight felt when she heard the name of that infamous guild of dark sorcerers that had been the rivals of the Fated Sisters since their very first incarnation because she was too busy stuffing popcorn into her mouth. ¡°I hate those losers!¡± I will speak not of this ritual less my words be used to summon the great shadow we¡¯d glimpsed in that chamber. However, I will note that this blasphemy involved a relic that was long thought lost to the ages, one that the Nazis had claimed was in their possession at the beginning of the war. Now we knew they spoke truth for within our sights was Hitler¡¯s golden symbol of authority, an object that was currently being used for darker purposes than was intended for such a holy relic of the Olympians. Sam repressed the shiver that had come at the mention of the great shadow as his own experiences¡ªmemories of wading in absolute darkness while a voice of pure evil mocked him¡ªresurfaced in his mind. Now was not the time to be afraid, though, because there was something in that passage that had caught Sam¡¯s attention. ¡°The golden symbol of authority...isn¡¯t that¡ª¡± ¡°The very words used to describe the Golden Fleece during the ancient days of Colchis,¡± Farsight finished for him. ¡°That¡¯s our second confirmation of the Golden Fleece.¡± Thunder sat forward. Her face turned contemplative. ¡°But...I remember reading about Hitler¡¯s symbols of authority before. They were the relics he¡¯d amassed during the start of World War II.¡± ¡°His great-great-grandfather¡¯s Hand of Tyr, the Norn Coins, Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, and the Spear of Destiny,¡± Farsight enumerated. ¡°Powerful relics that gave the Axis powers such a huge advantage in the war that the Allies needed a counterpoint, which is the reason the Legends of Liberty was formed in the first place,¡± Jackboot chimed in. ¡°Yes...this part of history is well-documented, which is my point,¡± Thunder frowned. ¡°The Golden Fleece never made an appearance during World War II, at least not according to the history books.¡± She does have a point, Sam thought. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s an explanation to this in jack¡¯s journal?¡± We could not let them corrupt this relic. We needed to rescue it from the clutches of the Ubermensch. So we did¡ªat great cost. Many lives were lost among the soldiers of the 7th and the 101st, as well as two of our number. Still, we won the day as we always did for we were the sons and daughters of liberty, legends on to our own. It did not escape our notice, however, that the relic could be used again for the same dark machinations that had been attempted within the Eagle¡¯s Nest, one that nearly saw the resurrection of true darkness that hadn''t been seen in our world for millennia. Indeed, my companions and I believed it was a near certainty that whatever remnants of our enemies remained after the war would seek to reclaim this relic for just such a purpose. Ever the pragmatist, Raven Knight suggested we erase all knowledge of our discovery. This included false reports and mind wipes¡ªa task I was loath to agree to, but I was overruled. So, we hid the truth from the world and stole away the ram¡¯s blessing, banishing it into a shadowy corner of history whence no mere mortal could ever hope to find it. However, it was also my belief, and that of Shieldmaiden, that the world might one day need the ram¡¯s blessing. So we left the barest of hints in a place where men of resolve once transcribed their will of independence to be found by those worthy of such a gift, guided as they are by the hand of the Fates and the chime of liberty. As Jackboot spoke the last of his grandfather¡¯s words, the others went into silent contemplation, with each of them mulling the passages over and over again in their minds. It was Sam, however, who discovered the connection between the clues presented to them. Well, him and the centaur whispering in his ears, that is. Kid, you know what it is now, right? Chiron urged. It¡¯s why we were drawn to Philly for Athena¡¯s sake. Sam nodded. ¡°I think so...the chime of liberty...it can only mean one thing.¡± To prove his theory, Sam took the journal from Jackboot¡¯s hands and then flipped to the page that had the drawing of the steeple in it. ¡°I knew it¡±¡ªhis finger drew a jagged line across the steeple, perfectly tracing the lightning-shaped scratch along its center¡ª¡°it is the Liberty Bell.¡± ¡°The Liberty Bell?¡± Jackboot repeated. ¡°Are you certain?¡± Sam read aloud the inscription underneath the drawing before continuing with his explanation. ¡°Pass and Stow, these are the names of the two workmen who¡¯d been tasked with restoring the Liberty Bell that was¡ª¡± ¡°Cracked by a lightning bolt hurled by Zeus in honor of its casting,¡± Thunder cut in. ¡°Zeus threw a lightning bolt at the Liberty Bell¡­why?¡± Farsight asked in that skeptical tone Sam was starting to think was the seer¡¯s default. Thunder shrugged. ¡°Who knows¡­maybe it was an accident.¡± Sam wasn¡¯t sure anything the Sky Lord did was an accident, but he didn¡¯t say that out loud. He knew from experience how attentive Zeus was to those who blasphemed against him, a thing Sam¡¯s master did regularly. ¡°It¡¯s not just this sketch either,¡± Jackboot chimed in. ¡°My grandfather also wrote that they¡¯d hidden the clue in a place where men of resolve transcribed their will of independence...and I believe that means¡ª¡± Jackboot noticed the three eager faces turned his way. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you Americans know about this better than I would?¡± he reasoned. All three faces gave him the ¡®get on with it¡¯ look that prompted Jackboot to shake his head at them. ¡°Transcribed their will of independence is obviously referring to¡ª¡± ¡°The Declaration of Independence?¡± Farsight guessed. ¡°Right,¡± Jackboot agreed. ¡°And it was signed right here in Philadelphia. At the¡ª¡± ¡°Independence Hall!¡± Both Sam and Thunder exclaimed. ¡°Well, yes,¡± Jackboot agreed, his brow slightly creased from all the interruptions. ¡°It¡¯s also where¡ª¡± ¡°The Liberty Bell is located.¡± Farsight was already making her way back to the cockpit. ¡°Strap in, people. Into the breach, we go.¡± Jackboot¡¯s eyebrow spiked upward. ¡°Strap in...?¡± He noticed that both Sam and Thunder were already putting on their seatbelts, seatbelts that looked like they belonged inside a rocket ship instead of the school bus they were in. ¡°What are you¡ª¡± Jackboot didn¡¯t get to finish that sentence because Farsight had already started the Argo VII¡¯s engine, and the bus¡¯ acceleration from zero to sixty in what was a single instant in time nearly threw him off his seat. Luckily for Jackboot, he had the reflexes of a hare or he¡¯d have been thrown to the rear section of the bus which was a locker room filled with sharp objects. Sam, who¡¯d seen the whole thing, couldn¡¯t help but smile. Not just because Jackboot looked quite comical holding onto his seat like his life depended on it, but because it finally seemed like they were going full throttle on this new adventure, and they were. Chapter 67: The Chime of Liberty, Part 2 CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN The Chime of Liberty, Part 2
Thanks to Farsight¡¯s driving, the team arrived at Market Street pretty quickly. Although Jackboot would later claim that she was a speed demon who drove as if Anubis himself had been chasing after them. The Argo VII¡¯s engine purred to a stop¡ªwith the school bus perfectly parked in the tight space parallel to two cars¡ªbefore Farsight popped out of her seat to inform everyone that they¡¯d arrived at their destination. Beyond his window, Sam could see the dark silhouette of the old building that was Independence Hall on the opposite side of the street. ¡°The lights are out,¡± he reported. ¡°It¡¯s two in the morning,¡± Jackboot reminded Sam as he joined him by the window. While Thunder moved over to Sam¡¯s other side and said, ¡°Good. We can do this quickly and with no one knowing we were here at all.¡± ¡°You guys might want to suit up for this,¡± Farsight recommended. Three heads turned her way and noticed that she¡¯d just finished strapping her quiver to her back. Her custom short bow¡ªa Mr. Moonday design draped in Farsight¡¯s colors of red and black¡ªwas already folded into the holster strapped to her back. ¡°Um, are we expecting company?¡± Sam asked. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but¡±¡ªFarsight aimed a finger to the side of her head¡ª¡°my seer-sense is tingling...¡± That was all the convincing they needed to gear up as they all knew it was never smart not to heed a seer¡¯s warning no matter how vague it was. It was a fact Sam had learned too late, one that cost him dearly when Red Weaver fell to the Trickster¡¯s blade. ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to just wait here?¡± Sam asked Thunder as he helped her put on her new coat. Thunder¡¯s costume had recently been updated to include a white hood and coat with an interior embroidery of healing sigils meant to help her manage the Blight while on their road trip. It was a Mr. Moonday original, one from his new ¡®Winter Healing¡¯ line. ¡°Don¡¯t even think of benching me, Sam,¡± she snapped at him. ¡°I¡¯m not an invalid yet.¡± Sam sighed. ¡°Fine, but leave the fighting to me, alright?¡± Thunder smirked just before she smacked him playfully on his padded shoulder. ¡°Look at you being all assertive.¡± But then her smile dimmed slightly. ¡°Where¡¯s the sweet, bumbling, slightly endearing lame-brain I met only a month and a half ago?¡± she teased. It was instinct that caused Sam to wrap his hand around hers, something the pair of them had gotten quite used to since their last battle with the Trickster. ¡°I¡¯m still that guy,¡± he assured her. ¡°I¡¯m just a little more experienced now.¡± ¡°Well, don¡¯t go changing too much, lame-brain,¡± she replied warmly. Someone cleared their throat by the passage back to the sleeping quarters. ¡°If you two are done flirting with each other,¡± Farsight teased, ¡°We¡¯ve got a riddle to solve...and I hate riddles. FYI. They make my powers go crazy¡­or just me,¡± she¡¯d whispered that last bit. Getting inside Independence Hall wasn¡¯t much of a challenge when you had a precog along for the infiltration. Farsight directed them past the gate, up the walls, and through a series of hallways without the security cameras or guards catching on. Eventually, after they stealth-sprinted across a patch of green lawn, this new crew of the Argo VII arrived at the small building that housed the bell they came to inspect. All that remained to block their way into Liberty Hall was a reinforced glass wall. ¡°Hold up,¡± Farsight ordered. ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡± The glass began to disappear where her hands touched it. This phenomenon continued to spread out toward the rest of the wall until it had completely vanished¡ªas if the entire glass wall had been nothing more than a mirage this whole time. Jackboot whistled. ¡°You can do that and you don¡¯t believe in magic?¡± ¡°I believe in probabilities, totem-bearer. That¡¯s all this is. Me finding a probability where this wall was never there,¡± Farsight explained. ¡°No twirling fingers in the air or magical incantations. Just scientific probability.¡± ¡°There was a bit of finger twirling though,¡± Sam chimed in, earning himself a scowl from the seer. With a heavy sigh, Farsight stepped forward first as if to assure everyone that her powers were working fine before she led the way toward the four-foot copper bell hanging in its display at the very center of the room. Once he was standing before the Liberty Bell, Sam couldn¡¯t help but feel the goosebumps rise on his skin. Here before him was an iconic symbol of American independence, a centuries-old relic that had been touched by the king of Olympus himself. ¡°To find the Ram¡¯s Blessing, Pass into the unknown and Stow your disbelief with one beloved of the Fates,¡± Jackboot recited. The four heroes stood shoulder to shoulder inspecting the Liberty Bell, although none of them moved to touch it. ¡°And what does that mean?¡± Thunder asked. Jackboot shrugged. ¡°Sorry, love, I haven¡¯t got a clue.¡± ¡°Maybe there¡¯s a hidden clue inside the bell?¡± Sam suggested. They searched every nook and cranny of the relic while taking care not to touch it lest they accidentally trigger its alarm. They found nothing, however. Not even a hint in the inscription hammered into the bell¡¯s surface. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. ¡°Well, that was anticlimactic,¡± Farsight noted. Sam would have loved to call on Chiron¡¯s help right about now, but having Farsight and Jackboot within earshot made it difficult. Besides, he¡¯d been too reliant on his master, and Chiron had told him recently that Sam needed to learn to, in his words, ¡°Try to use your brain sometimes, lame-brain!¡± No, Sam would have to figure this out on his own. ¡°There has to be more to the clue than just that phrase,¡± he insisted. ¡°Let me see your grandfather¡¯s journal again, Jack.¡± He read the journal entry out loud, and something about its last paragraph struck a chord in Sam¡¯s mind. So we left the barest of hints in a place where men of resolve once transcribed their will of independence to be found by those worthy of such a gift, guided as they are by the hand of the Fates and the chime of liberty. We¡¯re in the right place, but why mention the Fates or the chime of Liberty? He wondered. Sam¡¯s eyes drifted over to the bell¡¯s inscription. PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND UNTO ALL THE INHABITANTS THEREOF... ¡°Proclaim liberty...¡± A light bulb lit up inside Sam¡¯s brain. ¡°We have to ring the bell.¡± He explained his deductions to his friends, how Jackboot¡¯s grandfather specifically mentioned the chime of liberty, which Sam assumed was the mechanism required to reveal the nature of their clue. ¡°The Liberty Bell hasn¡¯t rung since 1846,¡± Sam added. ¡°And no one knows why.¡± ¡°Actually,¡± Thunder stretched her arm toward the bell, ¡°it stopped producing sound entirely after the latent energies of Zeus¡¯s thunderbolt ignited the enchanted bronze that made up ten percent of the bell¡¯s metal.¡± ¡°Turning it into a relic of the Olympian god of thunder,¡± Jackboot guessed. ¡°Which no mere mortal could ever get to work again,¡± Thunder finished. ¡°Thunder...¡± Sam called her name worriedly. ¡°What are you¡ª¡± ¡°You want this bell to ring, don¡¯t you?¡± Her fingers were inches away from the bell¡¯s metallic surface. ¡°Only I can make that happen, Sam.¡± ¡°You¡¯re planning to absorb the bell¡¯s celestial energy, aren¡¯t you?¡± Farsight deduced. ¡°She can do that?¡± Jackboot asked. Thunder nodded. ¡°I should be able to manage that much.¡± ¡°It makes sense,¡± Farsight agreed. ¡°You are a direct descendant of Zeus who can wield and manipulate a similar but lesser type of energy as the sky god¡¯s lightning bolt.¡± ¡°But that¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°Dangerous, I know,¡± Thunder cut Sam off. ¡°Don¡¯t be such a worrywart, lame-brain... I¡¯ve got this.¡± Seconds ticked by in nervous silence, but Thunder¡¯s palm remained hovering hesitantly over a patch of the metal surface. ¡°Here goes,¡± she said. However, just as she was about to place her palm on the bell, Farsight reached out with her hand to yank Thunder¡¯s arm away from it. ¡°Not there,¡± Farsight warned. ¡°Here.¡± She guided Thunder¡¯s hand to the lightning-shaped scar that had cracked the bell¡¯s surface. ¡°This is where Zeus¡¯s power entered the bell and I think this is where you can siphon it off,¡± Farsight explained. ¡°Guided as they are by the hand of the Fates,¡± Sam recited. ¡°So that¡¯s what the phrase meant...¡± As Thunder¡¯s hand brushed against the Liberty Bell¡¯s cracked surface, ribbons of electricity rose out of the metal to cling to the tips of her fingers. They weren¡¯t like the bright blue glow of Thunder¡¯s lightning bolts either, but a purer and whiter form of celestial energy which purred like the engine of a Maserati after more and more of the stuff escaped out into the world. ¡°Ugh...¡± Thunder fell to her knees. ¡°So much...power...I can¡¯t...¡± Bands of celestial energy flowed into Thunder, traveling the length of her arms and wrapping her body in an aura of power that was causing her great pain. ¡°No,¡± Sam breathed. He knew exactly how it felt to have incredible power coursing through one¡¯s veins which he likened to pouring hot acid down one¡¯s throat. So it was with zero hesitation that Sam jumped forward and wrapped his arms around Thunder¡¯s shoulders in his attempt to do for her what she was doing to the bell. We have to talk about you jumping the gun like that all the time, kid, Chiron chided. It was a sentiment Thunder mirrored perfectly when she screamed, ¡°Sam, don¡¯t¡ª¡± The pain was immediate. It crashed into Sam like a tidal wave that threatened to drown him in its celestial depths. Surprisingly, he managed to roll with it, allowing the band of energies to spread into him so that he could taste its familiar flavor. It was a flavor he¡¯d only recently begun to sense all around him. ¡°It¡¯s...life force!¡± Sam yelled. Why the king of Olympus would leave a portion of his godly essence within the Liberty Bell was beyond Sam¡¯s comprehension. Although Sam guessed he would find out eventually because the gods were not known to do things on a whim. ¡°Sam... stay away,¡± Thunder hissed through gritted teeth. Slowly but surely, the bright aura that surrounded Thunder was losing its glow. More and more of it transferred onto Sam who was managing to siphon more of the celestial energy with far less difficulty than he thought he¡¯d have. ¡°I can...take...it,¡± Sam insisted. ¡°I was...made...for this.¡± It took a little longer, but Thunder eventually stopped trying to push Sam away. She leaned into him in a kind surrender and matched her breathing to his. Together, they attempted to achieve what seemed impossible, to take in the power of a god and make it their own.
ALERT! The celestial life force has entered your body and is now threatening to rip you apart.
No, kid, Chiron sighed. You can¡¯t take on the raw energies of a god into yourself...not unless Triple-A can refine it in time...
ALERT! The system is attempting to transfigure the celestial energy into a more refined state suitable to the hero¡¯s cultivation.
ALERT! The system cannot transfigure celestial energy. A second attempt will begin in five seconds...
This last notification elicited a wordless scream out of Sam who was now feeling quite feverish. The pain of electricity racing around in his insides wracked his entire body, forcing his mind to wink in and out of consciousness. Let me adjust the settings a bit, Chiron said¡ªand Sam could almost visualize the centaur tapping away on a keyboard when Chiron yelled, Eureka! I¡¯m a godsdamn genius!
ALERT! The system has successfully transfigured the celestial energy into a more refined state suitable to the hero¡¯s cultivation.
ALERT! You have received [10] bonus attribute points.
And as the pain began to slowly subside, a new pop-up appeared, one Sam was pleasantly surprised to see.
You have leveled up!
Even more surprising, Sam could hear the hollow chiming of a bell echoing around them. They did it. Sam and Thunder achieved the impossible, and with this sense of accomplishment came the feeling that being together meant everything was achievable¡ªeven the monumental task of healing Thunder of the Blight. Chapter 68: Predator, Part 1 CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT Predator, Part 1
The tolling of the bell penetrated their minds despite the Liberty Bell not moving an inch from its display. ¡°It¡¯s¡­beautiful,¡± Thunder whispered. Sam couldn¡¯t help but agree. The melody ringing in his head was an uplifting beat that helped to lift his spirits and sent hopeful optimism spilling into his chest. ¡°Could this be the sound of liberty?¡± Jackboot wondered aloud. ¡°That¡¯s stupid¡­ Liberty doesn¡¯t have a sound,¡± Farsight answered. Although she had the same contented expression on her face that the other three had. Soon enough, the melody in their heads stilled to give way to the appearance of an otherworldly glow spreading out of the Liberty Bell¡¯s metal surface. As if it were proud to finally be revealing its secret to them, a secret that had stayed hidden for over seventy years. The words engraved on its copper surface blazed with otherworldly light and rearranged themselves into a new phrase. ATOP THE SPIRE LIES A HINT TO POSEIDON¡¯S GIFT, IN A CITY WHERE WINDS ARE CONSTANTLY ADRIFT. THE PATH IS LAID HIDDEN IN ACHELOUS¡¯ TEST, SO LET AEOLUS GUIDE YOU ON THIS DARING QUEST. ¡°It¡¯s a riddle¡­ Does anyone know what it means?¡± Jackboot asked. They all seemed too busy in silent contemplation to answer him, so Jackboot turned to his grandfather¡¯s journal for a solution. However, apart from sketches of things related to the sea, he could find no answer to this new riddle. But Jackboot wasn¡¯t American so he might not have noticed the obvious hint in the clue that the other three had noticed already. ¡°A city where winds are constantly adrift...I think it means Chicago, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Why do you think that?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°Chicago¡¯s nicknamed the windy city,¡± Sam answered. ¡°You could be right, Sam,¡± Thunder replied. ¡°The god of winds is Chicago¡¯s patron. He and his cardinals have a lot of statues in the city.¡± ¡°Let Aeolus guide you on this daring quest,¡± Sam repeated. ¡°You think this is literal...that a statue of Aeolus will lead us to the Golden Fleece?¡± ¡°Or at least to the next clue,¡± Thunder guessed. ¡°X marks the spot doesn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°And Achelous?¡± Sam asked. ¡°What¡¯s he got to do with it?¡± A frown appeared on Sam¡¯s face as the name left his lips. He didn¡¯t quite understand why, but it was a feeling that was a lot like a cold shiver running along one¡¯s spine when they hear ghost stories in the dead of night. ¡°That might be another clue in Chicago¡¯s favor,¡± Thunder answered. Um,¡± Sam took a moment to repress the shiver that had come with the mention of Achelous before asking, ¡°why?¡± ¡°Achelous is a god of freshwater...and Lake Michigan is just east of the city,¡± Thunder explained. Just hearing that name again sent another cold shiver running along Sam¡¯s spine. He didn¡¯t understand why, which was why Chiron¡ªwho was privy to spikes in Sam¡¯s emotional state¡ªtried to explain what might be causing this strange reaction. I know what you¡¯re thinking, kid, but your life isn¡¯t so similar to your moniker¡¯s namesake that you¡¯re expected to pick a fight with all of his old adversaries. ¡°Um, I wasn¡¯t thinking that at all,¡± Sam whispered. Although now that Chiron had brought it up, Sam remembered that he had a ¡®second labor¡¯ in his to-do list, and he wondered if a fistfight with a god was what that secret labor might be. Gods, I hope not, he thought worriedly. ¡°He¡¯s coming¡­¡± Farsight, who had been uncharacteristically quiet for a while now, suddenly spoke up in that otherworldly voice she adopted whenever she received one of those visions she¡¯d been complaining about. ¡°For hero¡¯s blood the hunter waits, a challenger unexpected, a duel of two fates¡­¡± Three pairs of eyes snapped toward Farsight¡¯s face, and they all saw that her eyes had gone white, drifting left and right as if she was watching something far beyond the reach of their sight. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. ¡°He¡¯s coming,¡± she repeated. Her shoulders slackened. Color returned to her irises. Then, as she woke up from her reverie, an expression of fear appeared on Farsight¡¯s face. ¡°Jack, write that clue down quickly,¡± she instructed, her voice quivering slightly. ¡°We need to go¡­now!¡± There was barely any time for Jackboot to copy the Liberty Bell¡¯s clue into his grandfather¡¯s journal because Farsight¡¯s sudden premonition was quickly followed up by a second warning. It was the ringing of the building¡¯s alarm. ¡°Bloody Duat¡­¡± Jackboot¡¯s pen hurriedly flew across the journal¡¯s page. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t your premonitions give us more than a few seconds warning?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not coming from this building,¡± Sam noticed, to which Thunder answered with, ¡°The alarm¡¯s coming from the front gate¡­¡± As she was still wrapped in his arms, Sam couldn¡¯t help but notice that Thunder was slightly out of breath. ¡°Hey, are you¡ª¡± ¡°Still getting used to the celestial energy we absorbed,¡± Thunder admitted. She had a hard time getting back on her feet even with Sam¡¯s help. ¡°Are you doing okay?¡± she asked. ¡°Our, um, mutual friend helped me absorb the celestial energy more easily,¡± Sam whispered into her ear. She leaned in close¡ªher breath tickling his earlobe¡ªand whispered, ¡°Then you get to deal with whoever¡¯s coming. I¡¯m tapped out,¡± in such a teasing way that Sam¡¯s heartbeat spiked for a few seconds afterward. He was glad it was so dark inside Liberty Hall or Thunder might have seen how red his cheeks had gotten from her proximity. ¡°Um, yeah, I¡¯ve got this¡­ You¡¯ve done more than enough,¡± he replied. ¡°Seriously,¡± Farsight, who¡¯d suddenly appeared between them, let out an exaggerated sigh, ¡°Flirt later. Run now. Come on.¡± She reopened the probability of there being no glass wall between them and the open yard beyond Liberty Hall and then hurriedly led everyone back into the main building with all thought of stealth gone from their minds. It certainly didn¡¯t feel like a time for hiding as the screams were getting louder and louder the closer they got to Independence Hall¡¯s front gate. And, when they burst through that final door¡ªFarsight still in the lead¡ªthey found themselves witnesses to a carnage Sam had seen only once before. A vision of a hospital wing littered with corpses flashed across Sam¡¯s mind as his eyes took in the sight of that front gate and the three dead security guards lying on the ground around the man whose hand was now wrapped around the neck of a fourth guard. Well, calling him a man might have been a stretch as there were very few men as tall or as large as this one. The man¡¯s muscular red-skinned chest was bare and seemed unaffected by the chilly night air. It was, in Sam¡¯s opinion, the only part of him that seemed human. He wore a lion¡¯s head like a hood that served to magnify his savage countenance which was a face disfigured by many scars. The cape draped over his shoulders was made of lion fur similar to the baggy pants he wore. His feet were bare¡ªprobably because no one made shoes in his size¡ªand the nails on his toes were sharp like a beast¡¯s. ¡°Styx,¡± Thunder cursed. ¡°Not you¡­ Not now.¡± Of course, she knew who this man was. They all did. They¡¯d seen this villain in the news enough times. Thunder had even fought him off once during her prime, and she¡¯d only managed it because her cousin had been around to back her up. ¡°This is bad, right?¡± Sam asked. No, kid...it¡¯s worse, Chiron whispered. You¡¯re not ready to face this monster¡­ Superion, America¡¯s number one hero, was one of only four omega-level superpowers of this age, and yet even he had difficulty fighting this particular beta-level strong man whose prodigious physical strength was further enhanced by the ancient relic draped over his shoulders. Honestly, he looks more like Hercules¡¯ spiritual successor than you do, Chiron added. ¡°I never asked for that name,¡± Sam grumbled. Hearing Sam¡¯s voice, the villain turned an icy glare on him. And it was a death stare so menacing that it would have made anyone else shiver in their boots. Thankfully, Chiron¡¯s training helped to fortify Sam¡¯s mental state so that he could now manage his fear enough that it no longer showed on his face. ¡°Release that man, Apex¡±¡ªThunder shoved her way past Sam and Jackboot¡ª¡°or I¡¯ll ram a lightning bolt down your throat!¡± Sam had never heard Thunder threaten anyone before. Not even the Trickster. The villain didn¡¯t seem to mind though. He even grinned back at her. ¡°You couldn¡¯t beat me at your best,¡± Apex answered in a low, rumbling voice. ¡°And you can¡¯t beat me now that you¡¯ve become so weak.¡± Thunder bristled at the mockery in his voice. Her hands balled into fists. ¡°I¡¯ve got more than enough in me¡ª¡± But Sam moved to stand in front of her. He wasn¡¯t about to let her expend even more of her strength than she already had. And, as Thunder had said earlier, this new threat was Sam¡¯s responsibility now. ¡°What do you want?¡± he asked. Nice one, kid¡­ I didn¡¯t hear an ounce of fear in your voice, Chiron said approvingly. Lesson number eight, Sam thought, before adding, in a much lower voice than he usually had, ¡°Why are you even here?¡± Apex sent Sam another icy glare, one that carried a hint of recognition in it. ¡°Are you the one?¡± The giant of a man dropped the unconscious guard on the ground as if to say he was done playing with a broken toy. ¡°The pretender who uses my ancestor¡¯s name.¡± ¡°Your¡­ancestor?¡± Sam¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°You mean¡ª¡± Sam began to recall an old true-crime documentary that had been a smashing success on Olympus+ which told the tale of how the last of Hercules¡¯ living descendants were murdered by one of their own. Every single member of that family tree¡ªfrom the old patriarch to the child who¡¯d just been born that same year¡ªwas killed for the pride of one who believed only he deserved to inherit the legacy of the Lion of Olympus. ¡°Are you¡±¡ªSam¡¯s brow creased¡ª¡°here for me¡­?¡± There was a low, cold rumbling laughter that differed vastly from the Trickster¡¯s crazy cackle, but also felt quite similar in how they both raised the hairs on the back of Sam¡¯s neck. ¡°You¡¯re not powerful enough to interest me, pretender,¡± Apex spat. The villain paused suddenly, his head tilting slightly to the left as if he were listening to someone whispering in his ear. ¡°Yes, yes, you¡¯re right,¡± Apex said to the empty air. ¡°They must know something. They wouldn¡¯t be here otherwise.¡± Sam wondered if Apex didn¡¯t have his version of Chiron whispering in his ear. He didn¡¯t get to ask though because Apex¡¯s golden cat¡¯s slit eyes snapped back on Sam and his friends, and the intensity in his gaze unnerved Sam. The villain searched their faces and saw the truth in their expressions. ¡°I¡¯m here for that which you¡¯ve uncovered¡­the path to the Golden Fleece.¡± Chapter 69: Predator, Part 2 CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE Predator, Part 2
¡°How did you¡ª¡± ¡°We have known about the relic for a long time, but the secret to finding it was uncovered only recently,¡± Apex stated matter-of-factly. ¡°That¡­that¡¯s impossible!¡± Jackboot protested. His gaze drifted to Sam. ¡°There¡¯s no other record of the clue¡¯s existence except for the one we know about.¡± But what if there were? Sam thought. This was the only conclusion he could draw from Apex¡¯s words, and if there wasn¡¯t then¡ªSam glanced sideways at his companions. No, we don¡¯t have spies in this group, he reasoned. There¡¯s no motive... Thunder wasn¡¯t likely to sabotage the very quest meant to save her and Farsight wasn¡¯t likely to be in league with anyone connected to her sisters¡¯ murderer. As for Jackboot, sure they¡¯d just met him, but he didn¡¯t even know about the Golden Fleece until Sam had brought it up. Also, Sam had established a genuine [BOND] with this new hero, and that had to count for something. I can trust these people¡­we¡¯re a team now. As conviction filled Sam¡¯s thoughts, he concluded that there was no leak, which meant Apex had other sources. Other allies. That meant one thing. ¡°You¡¯re working for Chimera, aren¡¯t you?¡± Surprise flitted across Apex¡¯s face. Although it was quickly replaced by sudden understanding. ¡°The Trickster always was too loose with his tongue.¡± No, this secret hadn¡¯t come from the Trickster¡¯s lips, but Sam wasn¡¯t about to admit that the Wardens were looking into the dealings of a secret organization of villains hiding in the shadows. He didn¡¯t want to get Bethany in trouble. Besides, Chiron had figured out their existence as well. ¡°How did your organization of evildoers learn about this location?¡± Farsight asked while she pulled her bow out. ¡°You didn¡¯t get it from any of us. We¡¯re all allergic to acts of villainy.¡± Sam couldn¡¯t help but feel relieved that Farsight believed that everyone was innocent too. It was the master¡¯s twelfth lesson; Trust in yourself and in those fools you choose to surround yourself with until the moment that they prove unworthy of your faith in them. ¡°There are no secrets that cannot be uncovered by the eyes of shadows that stretch across the length and breadth of the world.¡± As Apex took a single step forward, the ground beneath his foot cracked in protest. ¡°And now comes the test for you heroes,¡± He bared fanged teeth at Sam and his friends. ¡°Show me you deserve to be my opponents in this struggle for the fleece¡­ Show me you are fit to survive.¡± There was a ¡®snikt¡¯ that accompanied the claws that popped out of the tips of Apex¡¯s fingers. Then the villain pounced on them like a lion about to gut a herd of gazelle. Perhaps Apex was self-assured in his vaunted strength. He had a right to be. He was a villain on par with America¡¯s top heroes, after all. However, these new heroes he thought were sheep had fangs of their own, and they were eager to meet his charge. ¡°Herculean!¡± Sam bellowed.
[Herculean (¦¤)] is now active. Based on probability and threat assessment calculations, your current strength is temporarily quadrupled [232].
It was quite the indicator that even the system recognized Apex was such a threat that it was willing to give Sam the very rare quadruple boost of power.
WARNING! Your body is still learning to adapt to this power. You will accumulate damage while it is active.
You¡¯re not a match for his strength, kid, Chiron warned. Go for lesson number thirty-seven instead. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ¡°I know,¡± Sam said through gritted teeth. ¡°Use my opponent¡¯s momentum against him¡ª¡± Barely a moment had passed when both combatants reached the other. But just as Apex launched a clawed hand at Sam¡ªone intended to skewer him in the throat¡ªhe just barely managed to duck out of its way. Then he zipped underneath Apex¡¯s body and hooked his arms around the bigger man¡¯s trunk-like legs. ¡°¡ªand catch him off balance!¡± Sam recited his master¡¯s teachings. With an almighty heave, Sam swept Apex¡¯s legs to the right in what was essentially a super-powered double leg takedown. It was a perfect execution that was instantly reversed by someone who had way more experience in brawls than Sam did. Apex broke Sam¡¯s grapple by shifting his legs back at the last second. Then he forced his massive bulk on Sam¡¯s back, pushing them both down into a sprawl that put the villain in an advantageous position. Get out from under him, kid! Chiron ordered. But it was too late. Sam felt himself get lifted by his waist, up past Apex¡¯s head where he was left hanging in the air in what Sam quickly realized was the setup for a suplex powerbomb. He¡¯s about to take you for a ride, lame-brain! Chiron warned. Break out of his grasp already! That was easier said than done. Apex¡¯s arms were as hard as steel and twice as strong. Luckily for Sam, he wasn¡¯t fighting this battle alone. ¡°I¡¯d appreciate it if you let my friend go now¡±¡ªJackboot jumped into view¡ª¡°and we can go our way and you go¡ª¡± Sam was tossed around like a rag doll, his body turned into a shield against Jackboot¡¯s incoming heel kick. ¡°Styx¡ªargh!¡± Sam yelped. Their bodies collided in midair, and then Sam and Jackboot were crashing hard onto the cement ground moments later. ¡°Yow,¡± Sam grunted. It was a sentiment Jackboot mirrored with, ¡°Bloody Duat¡­¡± Despite the pain and grogginess brought about by their crash, Sam still managed to hear Farsight¡¯s comment of, ¡°Idiots,¡± as she passed them by. Get up, lame-brain, Chiron ordered. Don¡¯t let the ladies show you up¡­again! It took some effort, but Sam staggered to his feet eventually. Regeneration had helped a lot to keep him standing though.
ALERT! Please wait while [Regeneration (¦Æ)] works to heal your head trauma.
Can¡¯t, Sam thought. I can¡¯t give Ashley more reasons to make fun of me¡­ As for the teenage seer in the form-fitting black infiltration suit and the red hood capelet, she was doing remarkably well against Apex despite him being more than twice her size. Farsight twirled out of the way of his claw swipes like a ballerina dancing across a stage while firing arrows at him from very close range. Very few of Farsight¡¯s arrows stuck, however, as all but two¡ªthe ones that stabbed into each of his feet¡ªwere repelled by the thick lion¡¯s fur draped over his shoulders. Sam, who couldn¡¯t find an opportunity to join this deadly dance, watched in frustration as arrow after arrow broke against the lion¡¯s fur. ¡°That¡¯s a relic, isn¡¯t it?¡± It¡¯s the indestructible Nemean Lion¡¯s Fur¡­ Herc gave it to me for safe-keeping before he died¡­but I passed it to his descendants after a few millennia, Chiron grumbled. Should have waited for someone more deserving but the damn thing was just collecting dust in my closet. Here was another one of Hercules¡¯ famous relics, which like his bow carried powers that made even the gods envious. The Nemean Lion¡¯s Fur¡ªwhich was named after the horror that became the first of Hercules¡¯ twelve labors¡ªnow protected Apex from all physical attacks¡ªbut perhaps not against the elements. Sam smelled ozone. He tasted the static in the air. ¡°Styx,¡± he sighed. ¡°She shouldn¡¯t¡ª¡± A bright blue bolt of thick elemental energy cut across the sky on its way to the ground, and the scenery around Sam went white. A half-second later and he felt the shockwave from Thunder¡¯s [Thunderstrike (¦Á)] nearly blow him off his feet, but Sam just barely managed to plant himself on the ground because he¡¯d expected this powerful area-of-effect attack. When the dust settled moments later, Sam was once again witnessed to the unbridled power of the woman who constantly made his heart skip a bit. Apex had been obliterated. There was nothing left of him save for the white puddle on the ground where the villain had stood. It shone brightly in stark contrast to the scorched earth it lay on. ¡°Sam¡­¡± Thunder called, her voice weak. He arrived at her side just in time to catch Thunder as her legs gave out on her. ¡°Hey, hey,¡± he searched her face and noticed how pale she¡¯d gotten from that single attack. ¡°You did it. You nuked him to kingdom come.¡± Sam wiped at the sweat coating Thunder¡¯s brow with the handkerchief he¡¯d pulled out of his utility belt. Despite the obvious strain on her, Thunder shook her head. ¡°The real Apex wouldn¡¯t have died from just that¡­¡± ¡°What do you¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s candle wax,¡± Farsight answered. She was kneeling beside the white puddle with her fingers dipping into it. Jackboot stood on guard behind her like he was expecting Apex to spring back to life from that white goo on the ground. ¡°We were fighting a copy,¡± she reported. ¡°How could a fake be so powerful or feel so life-like?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°There¡¯s a villain...called the Candlemaker...¡± Thunder spoke in a voice that was barely a whisper. ¡°He can make copies¡­of others with¡­candle wax... Copies that can¡­wield¡­a fraction of the original¡¯s¡­power...¡± ¡°Explains how hard he hit,¡± Jackboot replied. ¡°But not that fur cape¡ª¡± Whatever Jackboot was about to say was lost in the sound of another alarm suddenly coming to life. An alarm that originated from somewhere other than the main building they were currently in. ¡°You don¡¯t think...¡± he began, but Thunder finished the thought with, ¡°This copy was a distraction... Apex is¡­after the Liberty Bell...¡± Chapter 70: Riddles in the Dark, Part 1 CHAPTER SEVENTY Riddles in the Dark, Part 1
¡°Ninety-five... Ninety-six...¡± Sam huffed. His arms strained against the weight of the Argo VII¡¯s backend. ¡°Ninety-seven... Ninety-eight...¡± he puffed. With his fingers grasping tightly onto the rear bumper, Sam dropped and then re-raised the school bus until its backside was higher than his head. This was the final exercise of the latest version of his daily missions [EXPLOSIVE TRAINING MENU #3]. Unlike number one which focused on his entire body¡¯s growth and number two which concentrated on weapons training, number three was geared solely toward increasing Sam¡¯s physical strength and allowing him to make better use of his, in Chiron¡¯s words, ¡°Cheat of a power.¡± Sam couldn¡¯t disagree with that assessment as ¡®Herculean¡¯ made it possible for him to bridge the wide divide between power levels, a feat that no other low-level heroes have ever managed to do. ¡°Ninety-nine... One¡±¡ªhe pushed his arms up as high as they¡¯d go¡ª¡°hundred!¡± Breathless, Sam let the Argo VII go and its rear end fell on the grass with a loud thud. ¡°Hey!¡± Farsight yelled. ¡°Stop manhandling my baby, you neanderthal!¡± ¡°Sorry!¡± Sam answered. ¡°Got a little¡­excited there.¡±
CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed daily mission [EXPLOSIVE TRAINING MENU #3]
Rewards: Permanent +2 increase to Strength.
Not bad, kid. Your time¡¯s a lot faster than yesterday, Chiron said approvingly. ¡°Starting¡­to get the¡­hang of it,¡± Sam replied while still slightly out of breath. ¡°We¡¯ve noticed,¡± Thunder said as she passed him a towel. ¡°Do you think the training will help you even the odds against Apex?¡± ¡°I hope so.¡± Sam used the towel to wipe the sweat from his brow. ¡°We¡¯re bound to face him again after what happened at Independence Hall...¡± Sam could still recall it in his mind¡¯s eye; the sight of the Liberty Bell mangled into a messy heap by someone strong enough to crush it. He remembered feeling a great deal of sadness at seeing such an important symbol of liberty broken and discarded in such a disrespectful way like that. As if Apex had left it there as a promise for Sam and his friends that they would soon share the Liberty Bell¡¯s fate. It had also been clear that the enemy now knew the same secret they did and that the destruction of the Liberty Bell was meant to keep others from discovering the all-important clue. Luckily, Farsight had the foresight to have Jackboot write it down. Not that any of them could have forgotten the secret words engraved on the bell¡¯s surface. ¡°Sam...?¡± Thunder called him back into the here and now. ¡°Lost in your head again?¡± ¡°Sorry,¡± Sam smiled sheepishly. Then his gaze drifted from Thunder to the signpost a little way ahead from where they¡¯d parked the Argo VII on the shoulder of the freeway. ¡°I just hope we guessed right.¡± WELCOME TO ILLINOIS, THE LAND OF LINCOLN. ¡°All clues led to the windy city,¡± Thunder reasoned, although her brow had creased just like Sam¡¯s did. ¡°Come on. let¡¯s go find the fleece.¡±
Much, much later, Farsight parked the Argo VII in the tight parking space opposite 806 North Michigan Avenue, which was the location of one of the city¡¯s most famous landmarks; the Chicago Water Tower. Sam was gazing up at its lone spire from the window by his seat. ¡°Um, are we sure this is the place?¡± The light of the late afternoon sun bounced off the turquoise tiles at the top of the tower, sending a myriad of shimmering blue rays down onto the ground that gave off this visual effect of seawater crashing against the building¡¯s lowest walls. ¡°Atop the spire lies a hint to Poseidon¡¯s gift,¡± Jackboot recited. ¡°I reckon this might be the place... It¡¯s old enough. Built in 1869 if I¡¯m not mistaken.¡± ¡°According to the Flint Consolidated Satellites Crow-Man lets us use,¡± Farsight tapped on the tablet in her hand, ¡°there are four statues of Aeolus in the city, and all of them have their hands up with fingers pointed in this general direction.¡± The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Checks the let Aeolus guide you on this daring quest box, doesn¡¯t it,¡± Jackboot agreed. With baggy civilian clothes hiding the hero suits they had underneath, the crew of the Argo VII made their way to the small park where the tower stood. Built in the castellated Gothic Revival style that gave it a ¡®fairy tale¡¯ vibe, the tower and building at its base were made from yellow limestone, which was a very popular material used for monuments dedicated to the gods. The bell-shaped roof was a good fifty-five meters up and made with turquoise tiles that were said to be a favorite of the priestesses of Poseidon. ¡°There¡¯s a crowd gathered here,¡± Sam noted, his brow furrowing. ¡°Styx, why is this place so packed?¡± A long line snaked from the building¡¯s entrance and slithered to the other end of the street. ¡°They¡¯ve got an art gallery in there that¡¯s currently showing a Superion greatest hits exhibit,¡± Farsight explained. ¡°We could have used that information earlier, Ash.¡± Sam¡¯s gaze took in the sight of the many Superion enthusiasts idling by the building¡¯s entrance. ¡°How are we going to look for clues with this many people around?¡± ¡°Easy¡±¡ªFarsight pushed past her friends to take the lead¡ª¡°you have me.¡± Getting past the line was easy enough for the seer who led the way with an air of authority that forced would-be complaints to get stuck in civilian throats. Even the guard at the entrance let them through without tickets after Farsight had shown him a very official-looking warden badge. ¡°Where did you get that?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°Fabricated it in the Argo VII¡¯s 3D printer,¡± she replied. ¡°My seer-sense said we would probably need it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a very convincing fake,¡± Thunder said approvingly. ¡°We have the best toys,¡± Farsight grinned at Thunder but then frowned at Sam. ¡°With a working exercise compartment toward the back that you could make use of instead of turning my baby into your make-shift barbell.¡± ¡°I, um, didn¡¯t know that, and I will take note of it for next time,¡± Sam said sheepishly. ¡°Read the damn manual already,¡± she chided. ¡°Sam¡¯s going to work on it, Ash,¡± Thunder assured her. ¡°Now, lead the way, and let¡¯s get this show going.¡± After finding their way into the lower building, the team abandoned the gallery almost immediately because it was too packed with people exploring the exhibit of photos dedicated to America¡¯s top hero, a hero that Sam admired tremendously. In fact, if Thunder hadn¡¯t dragged him away from the entrance, Sam might have wandered into the gallery to explore the exhibit himself. ¡°What¡¯s he like?¡± Sam asked as they shuffled into the elevator Farsight kept open for them. ¡°Who?¡± Thunder asked. ¡°Your cousin,¡± Sam replied. ¡°He¡¯s a total boy scout, a bit of a klutz, and the corniest joker on the planet.¡± Thunder had that wistful look on her face like she was remembering a fond memory. ¡°He¡¯s also everything we think he is...a symbol of hope that we heroes of the younger generation aspire to be.¡± She gave Sam a scrutinizing look that quickly morphed into a playful smile. ¡°You¡¯re a lot like, you know,¡± Thunder said. ¡°Seriously?¡± Sam eyed her skeptically. ¡°How are we alike?¡± ¡°You¡¯re both good people,¡± Thunder answered. ¡°And the world needs more of those, don¡¯t you think?¡± Their conversation was interrupted by the music that began to play as the elevator made its way up to the tower¡¯s top floors; The Rubberband Man by The Spinners. ¡°I¡¯ve read that there¡¯s a pump station at the top¡­could it have some historical significance to match the Liberty Bell? Jackboot asked. ¡°That was the original Water Tower. It¡¯s been renovated since then to be both an art gallery at the bottom and a shrine to the Olympian water gods at the top,¡± Farsight explained. ¡°It must be a rather small shrine then. That top floor doesn¡¯t look very large from the outside,¡± Jackboot reasoned. The music stopped. A bell chimed. Then the elevator doors opened to total darkness, and there was nothing beyond them but an empty stretch of space that went on forever. ¡°Um,¡± Sam was working to repress the shudder that came with this sight as it brought up memories of that time he was lost within the darkness of an elder giant¡¯s shadow, ¡°I don¡¯t think our flashlights will work here.¡± ¡°Might be magic?¡± Jackboot asked, earning himself an eye roll from Farsight, who countered, ¡°This was not in the brochure.¡± ¡°No point standing around wondering,¡± Thunder insisted. Thunder was first to step into the void. She vanished from their sights even though they could still hear her exclamation of, ¡°Oh!¡± Worried for her safety, Sam jumped into the void¡ªfeeling that icy touch graze his skin like he¡¯d fallen into a pool in the middle of winter¡ªand fell onto the other side of it, which was when he found himself staring up at the water. ¡°Oh...oh!¡± he exclaimed. It was like they¡¯d fallen from the top of the Chicago Water Tower and into a circular glass dome surrounded by the greenest of watery depths. While the ceiling was all glass, the floor was polished marble. Fish swam overhead, their gazes momentarily catching Sam¡¯s eyes as they floated past the dome he and Thunder had arrived in. ¡°So, there¡¯s an aquarium at the top of the tower¡­¡± As he followed in after Sam, Jackboot marveled at their new surroundings. ¡°It¡¯s brilliant and definitely magic.¡± ¡°No, that thing¡¯s a teleporter¡±¡ªFarsight pointed a thumb back at the elevator doors¡ª¡°that¡¯s taken us someplace else¡­¡± her eyes widened at the sight of the dome above them. ¡°¡­that¡¯s underneath a large body of water¡­probably Lake Michigan.¡± ¡°Teleportation is magic,¡± Jackboot countered. Farsight rolled her eyes at Jackboot. ¡°With all the possible scientific explanations to teleportation, your go-to is still magic?¡± ¡°Guys,¡± Sam and Thunder both said together, although it was Thunder who put an end to the magic-science debate with, ¡°shut up for a second.¡± She was standing closest to the bronze statue at the center of the glass dome that Sam was surprised to have noticed only now as the shiny figure had quite the presence. It had the head of a man, but with bull horns sticking out of either side of its temple. The left horn was broken around the base. The statue¡¯s body was muscular up to the torso, while its lower half was a scaly coiling tail with fins at its ends. Sam was staring up at the statue¡¯s face¡ªthe obvious anger displayed in the curling of the lip and in the flaring of the nostrils¡ªwhen he noticed the eyes¡ªthese twin irises of the brightest bronze¡ªwere staring pointedly back at him. ¡°Guys¡±¡ªSam grabbed onto Thunder¡¯s arm and dragged her back toward him¡ª¡°I think it¡¯s alive...¡± As if it was just waiting for someone to take notice, the bronze statue uncoiled itself from the ground with a series of clicking and banging noises similar to that of an old machine springing to life. It rose to its full height, towered over their group, and then greeted Sam and his friends in a hollow-sounding voice that escaped the statue¡¯s unmoving lips, ¡°To those who have discovered this sacred place, a trial of wit and nerve you must now face.¡± Chapter 71: Riddles in the Dark, Part 2 CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE Riddles in the Dark, Part 2
¡°Great, now we have a rhyming automaton to contend with,¡± Jackboot noted. ¡°It¡¯s the last part of the clue,¡± Farsight deduced. ¡°The path is laid hidden in Achelous¡¯ test...¡± ¡°Achelous,¡± Sam repeated. Sam¡¯s mind recalled a sermon from a priestess of Zeus back during one of his Saturday temple visits. There had been one about Hercules and how the hero battled Achelous for the hand of fair Deianira. ¡°Hercules cut off one of Achelous¡¯s horns, transforming it into the first cornucopia. And Achelous has never forgiven him for this affront or the fact that Hercules stole his bride from him.¡± The priestess told her tale in that low-pitched narrator¡¯s voice that made everything seem so mysterious and spooky. ¡°Beware, children¡­the gods have long memories and they never forget a slight.¡± Sam¡¯s gaze drifted back to the horned man¡¯s head. ¡°He¡¯s missing a horn... I think this is a statue of Achelous.¡± ¡°So, we just need to pass your test?¡± Thunder asked. ¡°A trial of wit and nerve,¡± the Achelous automaton replied. ¡°Two tests then,¡± Jackboot guessed. ¡°Which one do we do first?¡± ¡°Um, maybe we can do the ¡®wit¡¯ part first?¡± Sam wondered. A trial of nerve sounded more like a physical confrontation, and Sam would just love to avoid that if possible. Olympus knows he¡¯s had enough head trauma in this past month to last a normal person¡¯s lifetime. In answer to his request, the automaton of the freshwater god raised three bronze fingers. Then, in a rhyming tone that seemed unnatural for its robotic voice, the automaton said, ¡°I contain cities, but no dwellings. I possess mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I?¡± Hearing these weird phrases made Sam¡¯s face light up with sudden delight. Although the same couldn¡¯t be said of his friends. ¡°Bloody Duat, it¡¯s another riddle,¡± Jackboot sighed. ¡°I¡¯m honestly not very good at riddles.¡± ¡°Logic and reason not your kind of thing?¡± Farsight teased. Jackboot frowned. ¡°You have a go at it then, Ms. Science-knows-best.¡± ¡°I...¡± It was Farsight¡¯s turn to frown. ¡°I¡¯m not that good with riddles either...¡± ¡°Couldn¡¯t you just check for probabilities and find us the answer from across a multiverse of possibilities?¡± Thunder suggested. ¡°I might have been able to do that, but,¡± Farsight¡¯s face crunched up in bewilderment, ¡°I can¡¯t seem to activate my power...not since we walked into this dome.¡± ¡°So, if something nasty were to come our way, say a certain musclebound serial killer¡±¡ªJackboot folded his arms over his chest¡ª¡°then you wouldn¡¯t be able to warn us?¡± ¡°Yup¡­my seer-sense is on the fritz,¡± she confirmed. ¡°Which means we have a time limit,¡± Thunder¡¯s brow creased. ¡°Sam, what do you¡ª¡± That¡¯s when she noticed how Sam was looking up at the automaton with a face alight with curiosity and joy. Thunder didn¡¯t know this about him, but Sam loved riddles. Because his father had loved riddles, too. In fact, before the incident that ruined his childhood, Sam would end nearly every night wrapping his little brain around a riddle his father gave him. ¡°The sphinx isn¡¯t the only horror out there who issues riddles to heroes¡­and there are places in the world one can¡¯t enter without solving a puzzle first,¡± his father had stated enthusiastically. ¡°The next generation¡¯s heroes like you should start with riddles and puzzles early so you¡¯ll never get stumped when they appear in your adventures.¡± Sam¡¯s mother hadn¡¯t bought his father¡¯s excuse for teaching Sam about riddles though. She had claimed this hobby of theirs existed only because of his father¡¯s love for a certain fantasy novel featuring little halflings who played riddles in the dark. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Your dad¡¯s a hobbit at heart,¡± Sam¡¯s mother would often tease. Ironically enough¡ªwhile the memory of his parents¡¯ playful banter made him feel wistful for those halcyon days¡ªthe time had come for Sam to show off his riddle-solving skills. ¡°Contain cities but no dwellings, mountains but no trees, and water but no fish,¡± Sam repeated. Just in case you¡¯re wondering, I¡¯m not helping you with this, Chiron interrupted Sam¡¯s ruminations. This is the path you chose, so it¡¯s on you to figure it out yourself. ¡°I know,¡± Sam whispered. Not that I don¡¯t know the answer... Chiron chuckled nervously. I just don¡¯t want to mollycoddle you. ¡°Okay,¡± Sam replied. I would have just gone with the path of nerve and gotten it over with¡ª ¡°Shush,¡± Sam hissed, but then he frowned immediately afterward. ¡°Aw, Styx...you helped after all.¡± Hearing his master¡¯s comments inside his head lit a light bulb in Sam¡¯s brain. A single word was all it took for him to connect the dots of the riddle¡¯s strange phrases. ¡°A thing that contains cities but no dwellings, a mountain but no trees, and water without fish... I¡¯d wager this thing also has ¡®paths¡¯ or ¡®routes¡¯ in it?¡± Sam guessed. ¡°Like the world, you mean?¡± Thunder asked. ¡°No, not the world,¡± Sam grinned. ¡°Just a map.¡± And with that answer, the automaton¡¯s angry expression seemed suddenly less cold. He curled one of his three fingers so that only two remained. ¡°You¡¯re kidding me...¡± Farsight¡¯s eyes snapped from Sam to the automaton and then back to Sam. ¡°You got the right answer?¡± ¡°A map would have all these details in it, wouldn¡¯t it,¡± Jackboot realized, prompting him to exchange high-fives with Sam. ¡°Well done, mate.¡± The Achelous automaton began his next riddle. ¡°My first two letters speak of man, yet my first three letters also speak of woman. And since my first four letters represent courage, then I must be the bravest of women.¡± This is a harder riddle than the first, Sam thought, because it gets me thinking about gender and how men and women are different, but the answer is connected to women¡­so why mention man at all? After waiting for a short while¡ªwith her foot tapping noisily on the marble floor¡ªFarsight spoke up, ¡°Well, Mr. Riddler-solver, have you figured it out yet? Or are you admitting that you just lucked out last time?¡± ¡°You¡¯re a very salty kid, aren¡¯t you?¡± Jackboot commented. The pair of them began to argue again, forcing Sam to turn their way so he could shush them. However, as his gaze fell on Farsight, another light bulb lit up in his brain. ¡°You figured it out, didn¡¯t you?¡± Thunder guessed. She was smiling at him, the kind of warm smile that made him all giddy inside. Which was when Sam realized that the answer to this riddle had been standing beside him this whole time. ¡°Heroine...that¡¯s my answer,¡± Sam said. It almost seemed like the Achelous automaton was trying hard not to smile when it lowered another finger. ¡°How in Thoth¡¯s name did you figure that one out?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°It was simple wordplay...the first two letters are he, which stands for man, while the first three letters are her, which stands for woman,¡± Sam explained. ¡°Four letters stand for courage¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªwhich could mean hero¡­and that means the bravest of women would be a heroine,¡± Farsight finished for him, prompting another frown to appear on her exasperated face. ¡°For Athena¡¯s sake, how can something so simple be so annoyingly elusive?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what riddles are,¡± Sam chuckled. ¡°They mess with you if you let them.¡± ¡°But how are you so good at it?¡± As she asked him this, Thunder¡¯s face was alight with curiosity at this new side of Sam she hadn¡¯t seen before. Funnily enough, she¡¯d never shown him this look either. This sudden interest in Sam that wasn¡¯t related to heroics or the mission made his cheeks blush the color of apples. ¡°Um, my family¡­we like riddles,¡± Sam admitted in a whisper only Thunder could hear. ¡°You¡¯ve never spoken about them before,¡± she whispered back. ¡°I...¡± Sam lowered his gaze to the floor. ¡°It¡¯s¡­it¡¯s hard to talk about...¡± Sam knew Thunder was aware of his past, and so there was no need to say anything more. But the sadness in his voice prompted Thunder to bump her shoulder against his. ¡°You have a new family right here.¡± She nodded playfully toward the two bickering heroes behind them. ¡°They might take some getting used to though.¡± He didn¡¯t get teary-eyed or overly emotional in front of her, but Thunder¡¯s heartfelt words meant more to Sam than she could ever imagine. Because, even with Marie watching over him, he¡¯d felt alone most of his life. It was nice to feel like people were beginning to gather around him. You¡¯ve found some good partners there, kid, Chiron added. Let¡¯s hope none of you go the way of the first Argonauts...or the second, third, and sixth... Hades¡¯ balls, they were a tragic bunch. ¡°That¡¯s not helping me feel better,¡± Sam sighed. Finally, the Achelous automaton unveiled its last riddle. ¡°I have walked on four legs at the coming of dawn... I walk with two legs when the sun is high in the sky... And I shall walk with three legs when the sun falls... What am I?¡± Although it was a variation of a riddle he¡¯d heard before, Sam still recognized it instantly. After all, there was no riddle more famous than the one the Sphinx had given Oedipus. ¡°Man,¡± Sam stated confidently. ¡°A baby walks on four legs, an adult on two, and an old man might need a cane to walk.¡± The Achelous automaton showed off shiny bronze teeth as it gave Sam the creepiest smile he¡¯d ever seen. Then, without warning, it slammed its bronze palm down on the marble floor right where Sam had been standing only a second ago. Luckily, Thunder had used her lightning-quick reflexes to pull him out of harm¡¯s way. ¡°You have passed the first half of the trial.¡± the Achelous automaton announced. ¡°Now it is time for the second. Succeed, and you will prove worthy of the secret I keep.¡± A loud cracking sound caused everyone to look up. ¡°Oh, gods,¡± Thunder gasped. Cracks had appeared in the dome above them. Three cracks evenly spaced out streaked like spider limbs across the glass dome. Then they broke into thousands of tiny shards, and water began to pour into the space below. Then, in a voice deep and hollow, the Achelous automaton said, ¡°Let the trial of nerve begin.¡± Chapter 72: A Trial of Water CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO A Trial of Water
Sam stared bug-eyed at the water pouring down the cracks. They were like three waterfalls filling up the space around him with a flood of fresh water. At least Sam hoped it was fresh water and not the city¡¯s sewage. He preferred not to experience swimming in sewage again like that time underneath the Met. He could also hear his heart pounding loudly in his chest, and Sam wondered if this was what it felt like to be deathly afraid of something. Because, even with everything he¡¯d been through this past month, drowning had to be at the top of Sam¡¯s list of most terrifying deaths. Few people knew this about Sam, but he was afraid of large bodies of water. It was an irrational sort of fear, one born from his memories of watching way too many killer shark movies with his parents when he was younger. In the past, a sixteen-year-old Sam had once gone diving in the West Philippine Sea, and despite a moment¡¯s delight of watching the tiny, colorful fish swimming around him, Sam became so frightened by the vast emptiness of the horizon that he¡¯d swam right up without equalizing and caused his ears to bleed from the pressure. Oh, gods¡­help! his mind screamed. In that moment of irrational fear taking hold of him, Sam¡¯s hero did come to his rescue. Thunder¡¯s hand clamped on his arm, and with a reassuring smile that instantly restored calm to Sam¡¯s mind, she pulled him toward the dome¡¯s entrance. ¡°Come with me if you want to live,¡± she said. They ran to the portal by the north end of the dome while their feet sloshed through the knee-deep water. However, once they got close enough to see the elevator¡¯s entrance they realized it was no longer there. The door-shaped void had vanished. Farsight and Jackboot were standing shoulder to shoulder by that glass wall with expressions of anxiety flitting across their faces. ¡°Portal¡¯s gone. We¡¯re trapped,¡± Jackboot confirmed. The water was past their knees now. ¡°Now what?¡± Thunder asked. There was a brief moment of panicked silence before Farsight suggested the unthinkable. ¡°We could always go up¡­¡± ¡°Up?¡± Sam¡¯s eyes snapped up to the cracks above which were now just big gaping holes pouring even more water into the dome. ¡°Are you serious?¡± ¡°There¡¯s light filtering down to us, which probably means the surface isn¡¯t so high up,¡± Farsight reasoned. ¡°We can make it...unless anyone here can¡¯t swim?¡± Sam¡¯s gaze was suddenly glued to the floor because he was afraid Farsight would notice the fear reflected in his eyes. He knew how to swim, of course, but swimming in a pool and swimming for your life underneath a lake were two entirely different things. ¡°Master,¡± Sam called in an undertone, ¡°Can the system help me breathe underwater?¡± Unless you suddenly grow gills or unlock a power related to it, then you¡¯re going to have to just swim as fast as you can, kid. Chiron might have sensed the growing unease within Sam because he did add something that helped to lift the hero¡¯s spirits. You¡¯ve got the raw power to blast through the water like a rocket¡­ Just don¡¯t forget to equalize on your way up¡­ And remember lesson number eight; courage isn¡¯t the absence of fear¡ª ¡°It¡¯s the will to step forward despite the quaking in your boots,¡± Sam finished. He¡¯d repeated the whole lesson out loud as soon as Chiron mentioned it, so Jackboot, who¡¯d heard him, said, ¡°That was deep, Sam... Did you write that down first or was it all from the top of your head?¡± ¡°It¡¯s something my master used to tell me,¡± Sam replied. ¡°You have a master?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°He does. We all do.¡± Thunder jumped to Sam¡¯s rescue. ¡°Is that not a thing in the U.K.?¡± Jackboot shook his head. ¡°We¡¯re usually done with mentors and training after we get our license since the whole process of becoming a hero is ridiculously challenging enough already.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure the intricacies of the British superhero experience are riveting¡±¡ªthe exasperation was dripping from Farsight¡¯s voice¡ª¡°but you¡¯re all aware that the water¡¯s up to our stomachs now, right? We need to get out of here!¡± Sam was inclined to agree with her as the icy-cold water was much closer to their chests now for his liking. ¡°Jack, can you take Ash up there with you?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Sure, I can manage that.¡± Jackboot wrapped Farsight in an awkward embrace. ¡°What about you and Thunder?¡± Sam had already hooked his arms around Thunder¡¯s waist, prompting her to remind him that she probably could escape this deathtrap on her own. ¡°I know, I know¡­ You¡¯re saving me this time,¡± he whispered into her ear. That comment made her smile, prompting Sam to flash her a smile of his own. ¡°Hold on tight,¡± he suggested. As an afterthought, Sam glanced over his shoulder to where the automaton stood and was surprised to discover that it had vanished too. ¡°Where in Hades did it¡ª¡± ¡°One mystery at a time, Sam,¡± Thunder hissed into his ear. The water was past their chests now. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. ¡°Right, right...¡± Sam took in a deep breath, and then he whispered, ¡°Herculean.¡± It was little more than a whisper, and yet the water around Sam began to recede momentarily as an aura of power burst out of his body.
[Herculean (¦¤)] is now active. Based on probability and threat assessment calculations, your current Strength is temporarily doubled. [120].
¡°That¡¯s all I get?¡± Sam sighed. ¡°Sam!¡± Thunder snapped. Feeling sufficiently chided, Sam bent his knees, and with Herculean¡¯s energy coursing through him, he lifted them both into the air like a rocket in flight. And, as the sudden gush of wind buffeted their faces, Thunder¡¯s arms tightened around Sam¡¯s neck¡ªand the giddiness he felt from her proximity helped to curb the anxiety in his mind. Get it together, idiot, his brain scolded. Now¡¯s not the time for these kinds of thoughts. Only seconds had passed from the ground to the dome¡¯s glass surface. But in his rush to launch them upward, Sam had forgotten to aim for one of the three holes in the dome, meaning they were about to crash into what might have been the only part of the glass dome that remained intact. Styx! Sam¡¯s mind screamed. Just how unlucky am I? ¡°I¡¯ve got it!¡± Thunder said. ¡°Wait, don¡¯t¡ª¡± Sam didn¡¯t think Thunder¡¯s powers mixed well with water. He needn¡¯t have worried though because Thunder didn¡¯t summon the lightning. She just used her fist to punch an exit for them. He had a second to look astonished by her physical prowess while Thunder gave him the ¡®I used to have Triple-A too¡¯ look before they plunged into the water from below like they¡¯d dived into it upside down. Then all silly thoughts were drained from Sam¡¯s mind as his entire being was focused on a single notion; survive! They sped up like a bullet streaking through the water that did its utmost to drag them back down. Still, Sam managed to propel them up, up, and away until he saw the light above like Farsight said he would. That¡¯s when their momentum slowed, however, and Sam found himself suddenly flailing in the depths. Come on, kid! Chiron encouraged him. Just a little more! With one arm tightening around Thunder¡¯s waist, Sam swam on in desperation. Of course, Thunder was helping too, and it might have been her efforts that kept them going in the direction because Sam was a terrible swimmer. Sam had begun to feel hopeful that they might just make it after all when something shiny flashed at the corner of his left eye, forcing his gaze to drift toward it. It was far too dark under the depths to see anything clearly, but Sam thought he¡¯d seen scales reflect what little light there was to see by. Even more worrying, those scales he imagined he¡¯d seen were too large to belong to fish. The thought of sharks and sea monsters flooded into Sam¡¯s brain, causing his movements to get more erratic¡ªprompting Thunder to whack him hard in the shoulder. It didn¡¯t help much because Sam¡¯s mind had already recalled another priestess story from his childhood. The one about Pan¡¯s guardians¡ªcreatures of myth and legend¡ª who were charged with protecting the last vestiges of the ¡®Wilds¡¯ that remained in this modern world. Beneath him, Sam heard the sound of a muffled boom. A moment later, Jackboot and Farsight were zooming past him and Thunder in a hurry. And, just before they lost sight of her, they both saw Farsight pointing downward, forcing them both to look down. There it was, a giant-sized yellow eye shining within the darkness of the depths. It blinked and vanished from their sights¡ªand if Sam could utter words then and there, he would have screamed in fright. In a fit of panic, Sam achieved something he¡¯d never done before. He formed a fist with his free hand, and after channeling all his strength into it, he snapped his fingers outward. The pressure exploding out of his palm was like a rocket¡¯s propulsion engines suddenly bursting to life, and then Sam and Thunder were zooming upward so fast that his ears hurt. Then, with a mighty splash, their heads cleared the water, and they found themselves staring up at a starry night sky that was so clear of obstruction they instinctively knew that they were nowhere close to the city. ¡°Where¡ª¡± Sam and Thunder were floating in the middle of a large body of water stretching for miles around them. In the far distance was a bank of dirt, trees, and wild grass. ¡°I think...¡± Thunder was still catching her breath. ¡°...I think...we¡¯re really in Lake Michigan...¡± ¡°Sam!¡± Jackboot called. He and Farsight were waving at them from the small island in the very center of the lake. ¡°Swim toward us!¡± he yelled. ¡°Hurry!¡± Sam heard the splash of water bursting outward from behind them, and then a great wave crashed down on him and Thunder, forcing them back into the water where they held onto each other while they rolled underneath the waves. They managed to come up for breath a second time though, with both of them gasping for air. ¡°Swim, you fools! Swim!¡± Farsight screamed. That¡¯s when Sam and Thunder saw what had disrupted the lake¡¯s surface. A fin appeared alarmingly close to where they floated. It was pale blue and over ten feet high. ¡°Oh, gods,¡± Thunder gasped. ¡°Hold on to me!¡± Sam ordered. Sam would later claim that it was instinct that drove him on when he¡¯d snapped his feet against the water, and suddenly, they were soaring up high into the air¡ªlike they were birds in flight¡ªand then crash-landing onto the sand moments later with the grace of a cannonball. ¡°Yow,¡± Sam grunted, while Thunder joined in with, ¡°Ugh¡­¡± As they lay sprawled over each other in a mess of limbs and wet clothes, Jackboot¡¯s head appeared over them. ¡°Are you two alright?¡± ¡°Of course, they¡¯re not alright,¡± Farsight said as her head popped over them too. ¡°They nearly became fish food.¡± ¡°Yow,¡± Sam repeated. Later, after they¡¯d been helped to their feet, Sam, who¡¯d been standing closest to the water, managed to catch one final look at that giant fin before it dipped back into the depths. ¡°Okay¡±¡ªSam¡¯s brow creased¡ª¡°Lake Michigan has its version of the Lockness Monster¡­that might be a good article to send Mr. Kim.¡± ¡°Is this actually Lake Michigan?¡± Thunder asked. ¡°Yes¡­and no,¡± Farsight answered. They both gave her inquiring looks, to which Farsight replied by spreading her arms wide as if to emphasize where they were. ¡°Somehow, we¡¯ve stepped into the realm of the gods.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­but could you repeat that.¡± Jackboot raised a hand. ¡°Because I could swear you said something ridiculous!¡± Farsight rolled her eyes at him before explaining, ¡°There are places in our world where the walls between mortal and immortal are so thin that they overlap with each other so that they become both and neither.¡± Sam gave Jackboot a sideways glance. ¡°Did you get that?¡± ¡°I reckon¡­no,¡± Jackboot replied. ¡°Ash,¡± even Thunder looked confused, ¡°could you¡ª¡± Farsight began to draw a circle on the sand with her finger. ¡°This is the mortal realm,¡± she explained. She drew another circle next to the first but had their edges overlap with each other. ¡°This second one is the immortal realm,¡± she said. Then Farsight stabbed her finger into the space that overlapped between both circles. ¡°This spot here is what¡¯s known as a celestial zone, a unique space that brings a god¡¯s influence into the mortal plane.¡± ¡°Wait, you mean¡ª¡± ¡°Yes, Sam, we are currently hanging out in the territory of a god,¡± Farsight finished. ¡°Assuming we believe you¡­¡± Jackboot crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°Which god are we talking about, exactly?¡± ¡°Mine,¡± said a voice that sounded old and sad yet young and full of mirth all at the same time. They all turned around to discover that the Achelous automaton was right behind them, but it was different somehow. This automaton¡¯s eyes flared with golden light, the one true sign that a god had possessed this vessel. ¡°Welcome to my realm, heroes.¡± A brief smile quickly morphed into a deepening frown, ¡°Now, tell me why you¡¯ve wandered into my vacation home and disturbed my alone time¡­ And it better be good, or I may just feed you to the fishes.¡± --- Sidenote: I''m reworking most of Iron Blood Arcanist as well. What do you guys think of me remaking everything to the ground up, including a new cover, which will mean deleting the previous version and making a new one here on RR. Let me know in the comments. XD Chapter 73: Oh River, You Heartbreaker, Part 1 CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREE Oh River, You Heartbreaker, Part 1
¡°Are you¡­the Achelous?¡± Thunder asked. The automaton trained its glowing eyes on her. It scrutinized Thunder¡¯s face a long moment before a smile appeared on its mechanical face. ¡°Indeed, I am, my dear,¡± he answered. Sam noticed that the mouth had moved when Achelous spoke which was unlike the automaton they¡¯d encountered underneath the lake. More proof that a god now inhabited its insides. Achelous¡¯ head dipped down so that his smiling face drew closer to Thunder¡¯s face. That¡¯s when he asked her if she was single. Thunder raised an eyebrow at it. ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ you¡¯re not very bright.¡± He rose back to full height, although his eyes never left hers, and his smile never vanished. ¡°No matter. You¡¯re pretty enough, and I¡¯m fine with just that.¡± The confusion on Thunder¡¯s face quickly turned hostile. ¡°Are you¡­are you hitting on me?¡± ¡°Hitting on you?¡± Achelous looked aghast. ¡°Why would I hit such a pretty¡ªOh!¡± He let out a strange chuckle that sounded a lot like the wheezing of an old engine. ¡°Hitting on you¡ªthat¡¯s what you mortals call courtship nowadays, isn¡¯t it?¡± Achelous looked extremely satisfied that he figured that out for himself. Then, with an even wider smile, he said, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m hitting on you. In fact¡­¡± The bronze automaton uncoiled itself from the ground with a series of clicking and banging noises and then slid closer to where Thunder stood by the edge of the sandy bank. ¡°How would you like to become the bride of a god?¡± he asked, his tone confident. Thunder seemed too flabbergasted to answer this inappropriate proposal, so it was Sam¡¯s duty to step between her and this god of weird priorities. ¡°She¡¯s not here to be your wife, sir,¡± Sam insisted. It was no small thing to stare down a god, even one as obscure as Achelous. But Sam managed it just fine because he was annoyed with how Achelous was inappropriately hitting on Thunder. After all, this dirty old god was thousands of years old, which made him the very definition of creepy to Sam¡¯s eyes. For the first time, Achelous finally acknowledged Sam¡¯s presence with an expression similar to one who notices a bug crawling by his foot. ¡°Let me guess, you¡¯re the boyfriend,¡± Achelous said sullenly. If Thunder had looked flabbergasted before, now it was Sam¡¯s turn. His cheeks flared red as he stuttered, ¡°I-I¡¯m not¡­I mean¡­ um, I, uh, no¡­¡± ¡°Wow, that was embarrassing,¡± Farsight chuckled from behind Sam. ¡°Knock it off,¡± Jackboot chided. Then he added, ¡°He¡¯s clearly trying to avoid admitting¡ª¡± Thunder cleared her throat. ¡°No?¡± The automaton didn¡¯t have eyebrows, but Sam imagined it would have raised them if it did. ¡°Then she¡¯s free after all?¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Sam frowned, ¡°that¡¯s not what I¡ª¡± ¡°Wonderful!¡± Achelous twiddled his fingers in delight. ¡°We can have the wedding ceremony right¡ª¡± This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°No, we¡¯re not,¡± Thunder stepped past Sam so she could confront the god herself. ¡°I¡¯m not getting married. Not here. Not now. And certainly not with you, Lord Achelous.¡± Despite that last bit coming off as respectful, even Sam thought the rest of her rejection was harsh. Achelous seemed to think so too. The automaton slid away from her, with its entire form drawing into itself much like a child does after it¡¯s been hurt. ¡°Of course, you wouldn¡¯t want to marry me,¡± Achelous said in a defeated tone. ¡°No one does¡­ I¡¯m not one of those bigshot Olympians who drive the fancy chariots¡­ I¡¯m just a simple god sitting by his river¡­¡± Then, to Sam¡¯s surprise, Achelous raised his head to the sky and began to sing. ¡°Oh, sad river, wider than a mile¡­ I¡¯ll cross you in style and joy someday,¡± he sang. ¡°Oh, dream maker, you heartbreaker¡­ You keep sending these women who pass me by¡­ While I wait round the bend, for true love to find me¡­¡± Sam couldn¡¯t believe it. Especially not after he¡¯d just heard Achelous rip off one of Frank Sinatra¡¯s most famous songs and tweak it to match his circumstance. But Sam did feel sorry for this god of rivers whose story he knew very well. Once, a long time ago, Achelous had loved a woman that couldn¡¯t be his. So, he stole her away from her family, intending to marry her by a river bend. Whether or not Deianira loved him back was unclear. At least the priestess who¡¯d shared this story with Sam and the other children didn¡¯t know. However, their marriage wasn¡¯t meant to be because a hero had stumbled upon them, and believing Deianira to be a damsel-in-distress, Hercules beat up Achelous. He even broke off one of his horns, which to guys with horns must have been a huge insult. Even worse, at least for Achelous, was the fact that Deianira ended up becoming Hercules¡¯ second wife, which Sam realized now must have been a heartbreaking experience. He glanced sideways at Thunder, saw her face soften at Achelous¡¯s song, and wondered how he would feel if she ever fell for someone else. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for being mean, Lord Achelous,¡± Thunder said. Achelous didn¡¯t respond. He just eyed her skeptically. She walked over to the god-possessed automaton and gently patted its tail. ¡°It¡¯s just, this mission we¡¯re on is stressful, and I don¡¯t feel so¡±¡ªThunder sighed¡ª¡°I¡¯m sorry for being mean.¡± ¡°Do you mean that?¡± Achelous asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Thunder said as she smiled at him. ¡°So, do you think¡ª¡± ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll still marry you, my dear!¡± Achelous said excitedly. ¡°I knew you were just, as you mortals say, playing hard to get¡ª¡± Achelous had dipped his head over to Thunder once more so that their faces were inches away from each other. That¡¯s when she reacted with an electrically-charged slap that smacked against the automaton¡¯s left cheek. ¡°Sorry!¡± Thunder apologized as she backed away from the shocked god. ¡°You were just so close and I reacted¡­ and I¡¯m still not marrying you!¡± Sam wasn¡¯t entirely sure what he¡¯d just been witnessed to, but it was certainly surreal. He suddenly recalled Thunder once admitting to being courted by Ares, the God of War, and he wondered if she¡¯d rejected him the same way she¡¯d done with Achelous. As interesting as that might be to hear, I really shouldn¡¯t be having these blasphemous thoughts¡­or enjoying this so much, Sam chided himself. ¡°Can someone else please take over?¡± Thunder asked. ¡°I¡¯m getting nowhere with this guy¡­¡± She hid behind Sam as the automaton¡ªafter staring blankly into space for a long while¡ªfinally stirred back to life with eyes that blazed red with anger. ¡°You dare¡ª¡± ¡°Excuse me, great Achelous!¡± Farsight stepped forward and shoved Sam and Thunder out of her way. ¡°I¡¯m Ashley Day, Seer of Apollo and Sister of Fate.¡± She grabbed the automaton¡¯s hand while it hung there in mid-rage and shook it. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you,¡± Farsight said, flashing pearly-white teeth at the automaton. Achelous¡¯ shift in expression from anger to doubt and then sudden delight was quick and disturbing for Sam who realized that the god was now looking at Farsight with the same lecherous eye he¡¯d given Thunder. ¡°Dude, she¡¯s only sixteen,¡± Sam sighed, but Thunder shushed him before saying, ¡°Let her handle it.¡± To the groans of Sam and Thunder, and the chuckle of Jackboot behind them, Achelous proposed to Farsight much as he¡¯d done with Thunder. ¡°You¡¯re a little on the young side, priestess of Apollo, but I like your go-getter attitude,¡± he said approvingly. ¡°Perhaps you can grow out your hair when we¡¯re wed. It¡¯s a little too short for my¡ª¡± ¡°Apologies, Lord Achelous,¡± Farsight interrupted, ¡°but I¡¯m sure you¡¯re aware that seers are not allowed to wed while we remain in service to Apollo.¡± She gave him an expression of regret that Sam couldn¡¯t believe Achelous was buying into. ¡°The sun god feels that having a seer for a partner would give another god too much of an advantage over¡±¡ªFarsight¡¯s expression turned contemplative¡ª¡°Olympus annual lottery¡­and¡­daily horoscopes¡­and¡­¡± She looked like she was making this up on the fly, but then she grinned and added, ¡°The Casino of Janus!¡± ¡°But I didn¡¯t even know there was an annual lottery, and I certainly don¡¯t gamble,¡± Achelous complained. Farsight wagged her finger at him. ¡°Those are still the rules, unfortunately¡­but¡­¡± Then she offered him her best smile, the kind that would have made an old dirty god such as Achelous¡¯ body tingle. Even an automaton one. ¡°Maybe if you help us on our quest for the Olympians¡±¡ªshe placed heavy emphasis on that last word¡ª¡°then maybe I could beseech Apollo to be your wing-man the next time he¡¯s on the mortal plane?¡± ¡°The Olympians, you say?¡± He eyed each member of Sam¡¯s team with renewed interest. ¡°I''m listening... Tell me more.¡± Chapter 74: Oh River, You Heartbreaker, Part 2 CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR Oh River, You Heartbreaker, Part 2
¡°The Olympians, you say?¡± He eyed each member of Sam¡¯s team with renewed interest¡ªidling longer than necessary on Thunder¡¯s pretty face¡ªbefore finally settling on Sam. ¡°There¡¯s something about you...just looking at you annoys me so very much.¡± ¡°Um, I wouldn¡¯t know why, lord-sir,¡± Sam replied with a half-hearted smile. He guessed it was his passing connection to the hero who¡¯d robbed Achelous of his horn and his love, but Sam didn¡¯t say that out loud. I¡¯ve got enough problems...I don¡¯t need a god¡¯s misplaced anger hounding me too. ¡°Ahem,¡± Farsight cleared her throat, ¡°as I was saying, we¡¯re on a mission for the Olympians and we require your guidance, most peerless of river gods.¡± Take notes, kid, Farsight¡¯s playing to a god¡¯s ego, which is the one surefire way to get them to help... Smart, Chiron said. ¡°Um, have you been listening in this whole time?¡± Sam asked in an undertone. If you¡¯re asking if I noticed the sappy thoughts you¡¯ve been having for Thunder, then yeah, Chiron chuckled. I was quiet because I had to mop up all the barf I puked out from sensing you pine for her. Ha-ha-ha. ¡°You¡¯re such an ass,¡± Sam whispered. ¡°Excuse me?¡± Achelous eyed Sam warily. ¡°What are you whispering about?¡± ¡°Um,¡± Sam lowered his gaze to avoid the judgy look Farsight was giving him, ¡°I¡¯m just excited to get started on this quest for the Olympians, lord-sir.¡± Achelous continued to eye Sam with mistrust, but he eventually relented. ¡°Very well¡­if none of you came to my river to become my bride then I suppose you¡¯re here for that.¡± He pointed a bronze thumb behind him to the structure at the very center of the tiny island they were all on. It was a raised altar surrounded by a floor of perfectly partitioned squares that resembled a chessboard. Etched on the surface of each square was a letter from the Greek alphabet. The altar itself was a simple slab of stone, and on it sat a bronze horn. ¡°Is that THE cornucopia?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Of course, not¡­is your brain addled?¡± Achelous asked in concern. Then he sighed. ¡°The real cornucopia, my precious horn, was stolen from me by my hated foe...that dumb muscle-bound oaf Hercules...¡± Once again, he turned an icy glare in Sam¡¯s direction. ¡°Come to think of it¡±¡ªthe red glow of his eyes was beginning to show again¡ª¡°there¡¯s something about you that reminds me of that bastard somehow¡­¡± ¡°Um,¡± Sam cleared his throat, ¡°that¡¯s just your imagination, lord-sir...I just have one of those annoying faces... that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Are you certain?¡± Achelous seemed unconvinced. ¡°You¡¯re not one of his descendants, are you?¡± The memory of Hercules¡¯ last descendant made Sam frown. ¡°No, I¡¯m not...that¡¯s some other guy.¡± Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Achelous gave Sam one final wary stare before the automaton stepped aside to allow Sam and his friends to move closer to the edge of the board-like formation. ¡°A path laid bare for all to see yet one only sword can tread,¡± Achelous chanted, ¡°for honor of a chalice whose heart remains unstained by dread.¡± ¡°For Horus¡¯ sake¡­¡± Jackboot sighed. ¡°Not another bloody riddle...¡± Sam thought differently though. He imagined this was a nice distraction from the creepy old god looming at their backs. A path laid bare... only sword can tread... This last phrase caused Sam¡¯s brow to furrow because no one in his team wielded swords, and¡­ ¡°How does a chalice have a heart?¡± ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not a chalice?¡± Thunder suggested. ¡°Maybe the chalice is a metaphor for something else?¡± ¡°Like a symbol, you mean?¡± Jackboot confirmed. Thunder nodded. If that¡¯s the case, then couldn¡¯t ¡®sword¡¯ be a symbol or something as well?¡± Jackboot suggested. ¡°The sword and chalice¡­¡± Just like that, a lightbulb lit up inside his mind. It was an idea born from Sam¡¯s gaze drifting over to his friends, Jackboot and Thunder, a man and woman, which Sam realized used to be represented in ancient texts as, ¡°¡­a sword and chalice!¡± Sam searched the edge of the board and quickly discovered what he was looking for only a step ahead of him. With only the barest of hesitations, he stepped forward, and the square he landed on lit up like there was a flashlight right underneath it. ¡°Sam?¡± Thunder called. ¡°What are you¡ª¡± ¡°You were right,¡± he said excitedly. ¡°They¡¯re all symbols.¡± Sam raised his arms wide across the board of squares. ¡°This whole thing is a map¡­and I think stepping on the right path will allow us to get to the center without problems,¡± Sam explained. ¡°And how do you know you¡¯re stepping on the right path?¡± Farsight asked. Sam pointed at the letter on the square beneath him for the answer. It was the Greek eta which also stood for the letter H. ¡°The sword and chalice represent a man and a woman,¡± Sam explained. ¡°And if this is a path only a man can tread in honor of a woman whose heart remains unstained with dread, then that would be a¡ª¡± ¡°Heroine!¡± Farsight gazed smugly back at Jackboot. ¡°I got it first! Hah!¡± ¡°He teed it up for you though,¡± Jackboot replied. Sam let the two of them call each other names while he went searching for the next letter on the board. The ¡®Epsilon¡¯ of the ancient Greek alphabet was the square directly to Sam¡¯s upper left. The next one, the letter ¡®Rho¡¯, was directly vertical from the ¡®Epsilon¡¯ square. All three squares lit up as Sam stepped on them. ¡°Should we follow you?¡± Thunder asked. Sam shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s a path only man can tread...¡± ¡°Hmm¡­interesting¡±¡ªSam heard the condescending tone of god watching him from the sidelines¡ª¡°it seems you¡¯re not the dumb brute I imagined you¡¯d be.¡± Sam ignored this verbal jab and slid over to the ¡®Omicron¡¯ tile to his immediate right. This lit up as well despite Sam¡¯s reservations because he¡¯d wondered if the ¡®Omega¡¯ to the left of ¡®Rho¡¯ might have been the correct answer instead. No, you chose right, kid¡­ Omega isn¡¯t an O. It represents something else, the ending, Chiron explained. Three more tiles separated Sam and the altar. Luckily, these three words, the ¡®Iota¡¯, the ¡®Nu¡¯, and ¡®Epsilon¡¯, were lined up horizontally after ¡®Omicron¡¯. Sam stepped over each of them and finally landed on the steps leading up to the altar. It was only here that he¡¯d noticed that there had been an invisible barrier protecting the altar all along. Although this protective shield quickly dissipated after all the right tiles had lit up in the correct order. Sam was just about to pick up the horn on the altar when Jackboot yelled for him to stop. ¡°It might be booby-trapped,¡± he warned. Sam frowned. ¡°You think?¡± ¡°Honestly, you don¡¯t take something called the ¡®Trial of Wit and Nerve¡¯ and not expect a booby trap at the end, right?¡± Jackboot reasoned. ¡°Please~~e¡­why would there be sabotage at the end? Achelous scoffed. ¡°You think I would need something silly like a trap to hurt mortals who¡¯ve stumbled upon my domain and shown such apparent disrespect to me?¡± The automaton let out a shrill laugh that reminded Sam of a sputtering engine. ¡°No, I would not hurt you in this way, hero,¡± he sighed. ¡°Not when your business is the business of the Olympians.¡± As condescending as that sounded, Achelous¡¯ words made sense, and so Sam gingerly picked up the horn¡ªwhile his mind tried to brush off the thought of a trap exploding underneath him¡ªand that¡¯s when he noticed the words engraved on its bronze surface. A Newsletter Of Thus was written on one side of the horn. Endowed Higher Wits was engraved on its other side. Finally, the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 29, 18, 76, 11, 47, and 7 were scrawled along the horn¡¯s spine. Sam frowned. ¡°What in Hades does this mean?¡± Chapter 75: Against Gods and Monsters, Part 1 CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE Against Gods and Monsters, Part 1
Congratulations! You have solved the challenging riddles left for you by your predecessors, earning you fame from with your pantheon.
Fame with the Olympian Pantheon increased by 500.
Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, looks upon you with renewed interest.
Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, enjoyed your showing of quick wit and daring. She gifts you 200 fame points.
Current fame: 1,500.
Not that Sam wasn¡¯t appreciative of the gods¡¯ continued interest in his achievements, but he was far too focused on this new clue for him to pay much heed to the notifications popping around him. A Newsletter Of Thus Endowed Higher Wits 1, 2, 3, 4, 29, 18, 76, 11, 47, 7 ¡°Is this the next clue?¡± Sam wondered. His friends were gathered around him and the horn in his hands. Each of them had taken their time to inspect the thing, but Sam could see from their similarly confused expressions that his friends were as clueless about this new clue as he was. ¡°Could we perhaps be looking for a famous newsletter?¡± Jackboot suggested. ¡°That makes zero sense,¡± Farsight replied. ¡°A newsletter wouldn¡¯t relate to the other two lines...¡± While the other two focused on these strange phrases, Sam noticed Thunder¡¯s focus had remained with the underside of the cornucopia. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked. ¡°Look at these numbers...doesn¡¯t it seem like they¡¯ve been intentionally written out of order?¡± she asked. ¡°1, 2, 3, 4, 29...¡± A lightbulb lit up in Sam¡¯s brain. ¡°2 plus 1 equals 3, and 1 plus 3 equals 4¡ª¡± ¡°3 plus 4 equals 7, and 4 plus 7 equals 11,¡± Thunder counted along with Sam. ¡°Oh, I get it. It¡¯s a mathematical progression,¡± Farsight chimed in. ¡°7 plus 11 equals 18, add 7 to 18 and you get 29... Wait, I know what this is.¡± She paused for effect, a fact that irked Jackboot. ¡°Will you tell us already,¡± he urged. ¡°It¡¯s the Lucas Numbers, a kind of mathematical integer sequence similar to the Fibonacci Sequence,¡± Farsight explained. ¡°And its purpose?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°Apart from being out of sequence in this clue...I have no idea,¡± Farsight admitted. However, Sam thought Farsight was on the right track. She¡¯d even said the magic words. Farsight and Thunder had noticed what he hadn¡¯t, and that was the fact that the numbers were out of sequence, which meant the other two phrases might have been jumbled too. He racked his mind for the different kinds of puzzles and wordplays his father had taught him and quickly stumbled onto something he hadn¡¯t heard of in a long time. ¡°I know what they mean...¡± he breathed. Sam borrowed Jackboot¡¯s journal and then scribbled the two phrases A Newsletter Of Thus and Endowed Higher Wits onto a blank page. Then he rearranged the order of letters in the first phrase to form several alternate phrases using the same words. ¡°A southwestern felt, no... A fleeter who stunts, probably not... Sweeter loft shunt, this one makes no sense¡±¡ªSam¡¯s brow creased¡ª¡°Holy Zeus, I got it!¡± Written underneath all the discarded phrases were the words, The Sunflower State. ¡°It¡¯s an anagram!¡± Sam chuckled. ¡°Godsdamn, that¡¯s clever.¡± ¡°Then this second phrase is also an anagram,¡± Thunder guessed. ¡°Do you know what it means?¡± ¡°We¡¯re about to,¡± Sam promised. It took a while, but figuring out that the Sunflower State was a nickname for Kansas led them to the answer of the second phrase. Endowed Higher Wits was an anagram for Dwight D. Eisenhower, thirty-fourth President of the United States of America and Supreme Allied Commander of the European Expeditionary Force during World War II. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡°Makes sense...he was probably the most famous historical figure who was born in Kansas,¡± Farsight noted. ¡°Um, probably not the most famous...¡± Thunder said in an undertone, drawing the others'' gazes toward her. ¡°Never mind...¡± She brushed off their interest by diverting the topic to, ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t Eisenhower buried in Kansas?¡± ¡°We can find out with the Flint Consolidated powered supercomputer in our very cozy Argo VII as soon as we get out of this¡±¡ªFarsight¡¯s gaze snapped to the Achelous automaton before coming back to Sam and catching his eye with a wink¡ª¡°weird magic dimension where my powers don¡¯t work... Seriously, just being here is giving me a major headache.¡± ¡°Calling my domain weird is rude, you know,¡± Achelous grumbled. The god-possessed automaton appeared at their side as if he¡¯d been standing between Farsight and Thunder all along. And, after briefly gazing at each of them with a longing that Sam found super creepy, Achelous¡¯ ire trained on Sam once more. ¡°Congratulations on solving the test,¡± he sighed heavily as if congratulating Sam was the most annoying thing in the world for him. ¡°Now, I would appreciate it if you¡¯d all go back to your trash-infested mortal realm and leave me to my solitude.¡± He paused, turned a leering smile on Thunder and Farsight, and asked, ¡°Unless either of you has chosen to remain and become my wife?¡± ¡°Nope,¡± Farsight replied, while Thunder added, ¡°Not a chance in Hades.¡± ¡°No need to invoke his name into this,¡± Achelous sighed. The automaton pointed a thumb behind him in a rather lazy way. ¡°You can take him with you as well,¡± Achelous grumbled. ¡°Him?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Him,¡± Achelous repeated tersely. ¡°Also, it falls on you to inform your companion that it is the height of rudeness to enter a divine zone without an invitation from the God who controls it.¡± ¡°Him...¡± Sam narrowed his eyes in the direction Achelous pointed at. ¡°Who are you¡ª¡± Standing on the sandy shore by the Eastern side of Lake Michigan was a man whose bulky physique and lion¡¯s head hood left no confusion as to who had arrived to spoil their treasure hunt. ¡°Styx¡­not him again,¡± Sam scowled. Thunder looked equally disturbed by Apex¡¯s sudden appearance. ¡°How is he here¡­didn¡¯t the portal in the Chicago Water Tower disappear?¡± ¡°The dome was flooded too,¡± Farsight chimed in. ¡°If he swims to this island¡±¡ªSam glanced up at Achelous¡ª¡°will the lake¡¯s water guardian try and stop him?¡± ¡°It didn¡¯t stop you¡­why would it fare any better against that muscle-bound oaf?¡± Achelous reminded Sam. ¡°Well, for once, I¡¯m rooting for the bigger monster to win,¡± Sam whispered. You think so, kid? Chiron challenged. A hundred drachma says Apex makes it. Sam didn¡¯t take that bet. He didn¡¯t like his odds. They watched as Apex went into the water and began to swim toward their tiny island at the center of Lake Michigan. ¡°Come on, come on,¡± Sam whispered. ¡°Where are you?¡± Sam¡¯s prayers were answered soon enough. A giant, monstrous fin broke through the lake¡¯s surface at a spot right between Apex and the island. ¡°Yes!¡± Sam pumped his fist into the air, earning him a sidelong glance from his friends. ¡°I¡¯m just happy the things with fangs aren¡¯t just focused on us for a change.¡± A second, a third, and then a fourth fin appeared to stretch behind the first like one long serpent¡¯s spine, with the sight of them sending chills up Sam¡¯s back. Geez, I hate serpents... ¡°Heads up. They¡¯re about to collide,¡± Jackboot reported. ¡°Let¡¯s go kaiju fight!¡± Farsight yelled. The water guardian¡¯s dragon-like head¡ªscaly blue skin glistening under the pale moonlight¡ªrushed out of the water with its mouth wide open. Its sword-sized fangs crashed down on Apex¡¯s head as powerful jaws snapped shut on his body, dragging the villain back down into the watery depths. ¡°That was bloody visceral, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Jackboot asked with a furrowed brow. Yes, they were all surprised by how savage the water guardian¡¯s attack had been. Although they all hoped Apex wouldn¡¯t be coming back either as none of them were sure they could take him on in a fight. Seconds ticked by while they watched the water with bated breath while the lake¡¯s surface gave them no indication as to what could be happening down in the depths. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s not good,¡± Achelous whispered ominously. Bubbles formed on the water¡¯s surface. Great big frothing bubbles that made it seem like a portion of the lake was beginning to boil. Then the water turned red as if a great amount of blood had been spilled. Far too much for it to have come from just a single man''s body. ¡°Blimey...I reckon we have a winner, and it¡¯s not who we¡¯d hoped would win,¡± Jackboot reported. The guardian of the lake¡¯s severed head floated up to the surface moments later, and all thought of getting out of this without having to fight was suddenly drained from Sam¡¯s mind. Styx¡­here we go. The Fates were determined to make Sam''s adventures as challenging as they could make it. At least that''s what Sam was beginning to believe. ¡°We can¡¯t let him reach us,¡± he realized. Sam ran into the lake, stopping only after the water was up to his waist. It was around this time that Apex¡¯s head cleared the surface, too. He was also much closer to the island now. Roughly halfway there. ¡°Sam!¡± Thunder called. ¡°What are you doing?¡± It took a moment for Sam to reply because he was busy checking his status and making sure he had enough life force to waste on this special move. ¡°Trying something new,¡± Sam replied, but then he added, ¡°I¡¯ve got this... I¡¯ve got this,¡± to psyche himself up before he screamed, ¡°Herculean!¡± into the sky. [[Herculean (¦¤)] is now active. Based on probability and threat assessment calculations, your current Strength is temporarily tripled. [180]] Sam could feel the energy coursing through him once more, strengthening his muscles with the same explosive force that was simultaneously tearing them down. ¡°I¡¯m definitely¡­never ¡­getting used to this...¡± he said through gritted teeth. You¡¯re planning on doing the thing, aren¡¯t you? Chiron surmised. ¡°We¡¯ve practiced it¡­enough times,¡± Sam replied. He willed all of Herculean¡¯s energy to gather around his hands, to spread across his palms, and flow into the tips of his fingers. Sam grunted. ¡°It stings...¡± His hands felt like they were on fire while power continued to build up around them. There was so much of it gathered there, in fact, that what was once invisible to everyone else had appeared as sparks of teal-colored lightning crackling across the back of Sam¡¯s hands. ¡°Best hurry it along, Sam¡­ You¡¯ve got incoming!¡± Jackboot warned. Apex was swimming across the lake''s surface at a speed that would soon see him collide with Sam. You¡¯ve charged your hands enough, kid...any more and you''re likely to pop a blood vessel, Chiron warned. Sam spread his arms to the sides, but even this took effort as it felt like he was lifting a five-hundred-pound barbell in each hand. ¡°I...can...do...this,¡± Sam grunted. Apex launched himself out of the water with fists stretched forward in the kind of superman tackle that would cream Sam in the chest if it hit him. Now! Chiron ordered. ¡°You can¡¯t pass!¡± Sam drew his hands forward and slapped his palms against each other. The shockwave that spread out from the point of impact was so powerful that it caused a fifteen-foot tidal wave to rise and devour everything in Sam''s field of view.
NOTE: Those of you reading Iron Blood Arcanist may have noticed that it''s no longer on RR. That''s because I''m in the middle of its rewrites too. There are more chapters on the kids'' indoctrination, and that latter half of the story will change somewhat to make the mystery even better. I''m also giving it a new cover so it''s basically a relaunch this April. I hope you can all give it the same love as its first version. Thanks. Chapter 76: Against Gods and Monsters, Part 2 CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX Against Gods and Monsters, Part 2
Hades¡¯ balls, kid! Chiron exclaimed. That¡¯s one nasty skill you¡¯ve cooked up... We should call it something...how about the Clapper? ¡°You¡¯re making...jokes¡­now?¡± Sam sighed. Gale-force winds buffeted Sam¡¯s face as he braced his feet against the wet ground. The shockwave he¡¯d created was so strong that even he might get blown away from it. What else am I going to do while watching you struggle against your power from my comfy couch? Chiron chuckled. You can¡¯t get this kind of heart-pumping action on cable. ¡°Glad you¡¯re so...entertained,¡± Sam grumbled. Sam¡¯s tsunami traveled the length and breadth of the lake, crashing mightily onto the far shore where Apex had originally appeared in. Eventually, the waters receded and the winds calmed. But of the aforementioned villain, no sign could be seen. As for Sam, he¡¯d managed to barely hold on, but was now wheezing slightly. Sweat dripped down his brow in buckets too. ¡°Blimey, that was incredible!¡± Jackboot cheered. ¡°You were this strong all along?!¡± ¡°He does tend to surprise us sometimes, doesn¡¯t he,¡± Farsight chimed in. ¡°Like an actual hero, you mean,¡± Thunder added in a teasing tone. Compliments had been quite rare in Sam¡¯s life, and so he took each new word of praise he received with a widening grin on his lips. Wipe that smile off your face, kid, Chiron chided. You¡¯ve got incoming... The lion¡¯s head hood rose from the water a mere eight feet from where Sam waded. Apex¡¯s massive body¡ªwater droplets dripping from his hardened muscles¡ªappeared moments later. As for the villain¡¯s face, well, his angry expression suggested he wasn¡¯t pleased with having half a lake dunked over his head. I guess we should have known that dropping a tsunami on a descendant of Hercules wouldn¡¯t be enough to waste him, Chiron said disappointedly. It¡¯s not like he¡¯s as weak as you, kid. ¡°Not the time,¡± Sam complained. It was lucky for Sam that [Herculean (¦¤)] was still active. Otherwise, he might not have had enough speed to dodge the fist Apex launched at him. Unfortunately, Sam¡¯s inherent clumsiness caused him to trip over the wet sand beneath him and tumble down into the water below. Way to show your heroic side, lame-brain, Chiron sighed. Sam didn¡¯t have time for a retort as Apex¡¯s hand speared into the water to catch him by his shirt. The villain then lifted Sam over the water and up into the air where they would be at eye level with each other. ¡°I am impressed, pretender.¡± Apex¡¯s grin flashed the two sharp fangs protruding out of his upper lip. ¡°You have more strength in you than your frail body reveals.¡± ¡°Let me go...and I¡¯ll show you just how strong...I can be,¡± Sam managed to say despite Apex¡¯s fingers pressing heavily against his chest. ¡°Bravado, such a childish response¡ª¡± Apex paused suddenly. His head cocked slightly to the side as if he were listening to a voice in the wind that only he could hear. ¡°No, no, yes, I agree¡­this hero could be useful if he is changed,¡± Apex said to the wind. ¡°Who are you¡­talking to, you psycho?¡± Sam couldn¡¯t help but ask. Apex frowned. ¡°I¡¯m not talking to¡ª¡± The villain¡¯s words were cut short by the arrow that he caught in his free hand an inch away from his head. ¡°Foolish¡ª¡± This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it The arrowhead ignited and then lit up so brightly that both Apex and Sam were momentarily blinded from it. Sam felt Apex let him go, but he didn¡¯t drop down into the water. Someone had caught him. He didn¡¯t know who it was until he heard, ¡°I¡¯ve got you, mate!¡± Sam and Jackboot didn¡¯t get very far though before they were both pulled back by their collars and thrown into the lake. ¡°Sam!¡± Thunder screamed. He could hear the frustration in her voice, and he understood. Lightning and lake water didn¡¯t exactly mix, and so Thunder was powerless to watch from the sidelines while Sam felt Apex¡¯s fist smack him in the jaw, driving him further down into the water so that his back thumped against the sand underneath. Fight back, kid, Chiron urged. He was trying. Hades, Sam was kicking and punching out for all he was worth, but he couldn¡¯t bring out his full strength. Not in the water. Somehow, forcefully being driven underwater despite how shallow the depth brought Sam¡¯s phobia of drowning rising to the surface of his mind and prevented him from being his usual self. His rising panic automatically deactivated [Herculean (¦¤)] too, so that Sam was too weak to struggle against Apex¡¯s strength. Oh, gods, I¡¯m going to die down here, he thought worriedly. The iron taste of blood in the water did nothing to help with his nerves too. Through the murky haze, Sam could see Jackboot struggling to shove Apex off him. Unfortunately, Jackboot¡¯s kicks, although powerful enough to clock a horror¡¯s lights out, couldn¡¯t even dent the fur coat wrapped around their foe. However, to his surprise, Sam saw an arrow lodge itself in the folds of Apex¡¯s shoulder cape before its indestructible fur repelled the wooden shaft. Did that arrow actually get through? Sam wondered. But¡­how? As for the seer who¡¯d launch the arrow from her bow, well, the varying number of curses she flung at Apex that Sam managed to hear were so colorful that he could tell she was more than a little frustrated. Farsight was basically handicapped without her foresight. No, Sam would need someone stronger to jump in and help them if he or Jackboot were going to survive this¡ªand he wasn¡¯t thinking of Thunder. Despite the water depriving his brain of oxygen, Sam managed to glean just that bit of insight he needed so that when Apex loosened his grip for just a second to deal with the annoyances that were Jackboot and Farsight, Sam¡¯s head cleared the surface. Then, after taking in that much-needed gulp of air, he yelled, ¡°Hey, this guy¡¯s the descendant of Hercu¡ª¡± That was all the time Sam had before his head was shoved back down into the water. But he imagined it was enough to stoke the interests of a vengeful god¡ªand Sam would be proven right seconds later. ¡°It would be wise not to incur a god¡¯s wrath for they have long memories,¡± a priestess of Zeus had once said to her congregation. ¡°And they hold grudges so long that even your children and their children¡¯s children might not be safe from retribution.¡± The god-possessed bronze automaton appeared above Sam as if by magic. With a glare so fierce that Sam was grateful it wasn¡¯t aimed at him, Achelous let out a mighty bellow, and his roar caused the very realm to shake. His bronze fist came soon after, and the force of his haymaker sent Apex crashing toward the tiny island and into its altar. Meanwhile, Sam felt himself get raised up by the scruff of his neck so that his body was hanging in the air and he was staring into the glowing pinpoints of reddish hate growing at the center of the river god¡¯s golden eyes. ¡°Are you certain he¡¯s one of Hercules¡¯ brood?¡± Achelous asked angrily. Sam nodded wordlessly because speech had momentarily eluded him. That¡¯s how difficult it was to be staring into the face of an angry god, even one whose vessel held but a small portion of the god¡¯s full strength. ¡°I thought he looked familiar with those ridiculously big muscles and that ridiculously stupid-looking headgear... I wasn¡¯t entirely sure though, but I believe you...I can tell you¡¯re not lying to me right now,¡± Achelous said. Dude, shouldn¡¯t you be a hundred percent sure before you hit someone? Sam thought. I¡¯m not complaining or anything but...thank Apollo he didn¡¯t whack me in the head when he heard me yell out my power... An inhuman and savage roar exploded out from the very center of the island, causing Achelous to drop Sam back into the lake so he would have use of both his hands. When Sam got back up on his feet, he discovered all his friends around him. Achelous¡¯s automaton was standing in front of them, almost like he was shielding them from the wave of murderous aura emanating from the island they¡¯d vacated. ¡°Yes, this one is definitely that buffoon¡¯s descendant,¡± Achelous snarled. ¡°I can sense the bloodlust even in this toy I¡¯ve taken over.¡± The god snapped his fingers. However, the sound that emanated from them wasn¡¯t the usual ¡®snapping¡¯ that came with the act, but the ding of an elevator. Achelous glanced over his shoulder to gaze at Thunder and Farsight, ¡°As sorry I am to see such beauties leave me without so much as a kiss, I¡¯m afraid you mortals would not survive what¡¯s about to transpire here¡­ You should go now.¡± An elevator door slid open in the air behind them with familiar darkness lying beyond it. ¡°Magic,¡± Jackboot whispered. ¡°It¡¯s just a weird portal, Jack,¡± Farsight countered. She was the first to jump through the door. ¡°I¡¯m actually pretty amazed at how fearless Farsight can be,¡± Jackboot admitted. ¡°I¡¯d be a little warier about jumping into the void.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine!¡± Farsight called from beyond the door, although her voice was slightly garbled. ¡°I¡¯m back inside the water tower¡¯s elevator!¡± With a shrug and a wry smile at Sam, Jackboot followed her through it. Thunder remained to help Sam up as he was feeling uncommonly weak from his struggle in the water. ¡°I think we¡¯ve found your weakening, Sam,¡± she teased. Sam didn¡¯t have the strength to retort or to think about the possibility that his ¡®weakening¡¯ was something related to water. His focus was elsewhere. The last thing he saw before Thunder pulled him through the portal was the god and monster smashing fists against fists. With the way its bronze parts were being blown off its body, Sam could almost believe that Achelous was losing¡ªand that was a scary thought. Chapter 77: Chasing Liberty, Part 1 CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN Chasing Liberty, Part 1
¡°We can¡¯t seem to shake Apex off, can we?¡± Jackboot asked. The four of them were packed tight inside the elevator, with all of them sharing the same look of concern while Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede played in the background. ¡°We¡¯ll have to deal with him eventually,¡± Thunder answered. She looked tired. More tired than Sam had seen her since their trip began. ¡°Let¡¯s hope Achelous wins the god versus monster deathmatch,¡± Sam replied. They all stared at him. ¡°What?¡± he asked. The song cutting out abruptly alerted them to the end of the elevator ride. ¡°Maybe if Achelous went full nuclear on Apex, but¡±¡ªFarsight repeatedly tapped on the ¡®open¡¯ button¡ª¡°his divine essence was barely possessing that automaton. He won¡¯t hold a beta like Apex for long.¡± ¡°He can¡¯t just juice up some more?¡± Sam asked as he followed Farsight out the elevator and through the gallery¡¯s outer hallway. ¡°Might be different if he¡¯d possessed one of his devotees, but¡±¡ªFarsight placed a hand on the front doors¡¯ handle¡ª¡°a machine can¡¯t contain a god¡¯s essence like humans can.¡± ¡°I¡¯m still rooting for Achelous,¡± Sam insisted as they burst out of the Chicago Water Tower¡¯s front doors. ¡°Sam, don¡¯t be na?ve,¡± Thunder replied. ¡°I¡¯m not¡­I¡¯m trying to be hopeful,¡± Sam reasoned. His hope survived up to the moment he heard the explosive sound of breaking glass above him. Sam didn¡¯t even bother looking up because he¡¯d noticed that there was a young boy just a few feet away who hadn¡¯t run away like everyone around him just did. There was a woman¡¯s cry of, ¡°Jason!¡± and then Sam was at the boy¡¯s side. He raised his arm so that the near-invisible aura of Bulwark could protect them both from the falling glass and tiles that rained down on them. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he promised the frightened boy. ¡°I¡¯ve got you.¡± Glancing up, Sam noticed that a section of the tower¡¯s exterior wall had broken off and a chunk of metal scaffolding was on its way down to where he and the boy were crouching. He wasn¡¯t certain a hastily-raised Bulwark could protect them from such a heavy object falling on top of them, but Sam wasn¡¯t overly worried because he had reliable backup these days. ¡°Cavalry¡¯s here!¡± Farsight yelled. While her arrows pierced through the largest pieces of falling glass and tiles, Jackboot¡¯s well-timed dropkick smacked the metal scaffolding out of the way. It crashed into a patch of grass at the nearby park which was thankfully empty of people. Meanwhile, Thunder had shrugged off her civilian clothes, and in full view of the panicking crowd, she urged people to evacuate in an orderly manner. ¡°There¡¯s no need to panic. We¡¯re here to help,¡± she promised. ¡°Please leave while we deal with the situation.¡± Sam marveled at how a top-class hero had such an amazing effect on civilians. With her mere presence and a promise of assistance, the civilian onlookers quickly turned from a frightened crowd ready to trample over each other to an orderly line of people helping each other get out of harm¡¯s way. ¡°I wonder if I¡¯ll ever be like her,¡± Sam whispered. ¡°Jason!¡± A curly-haired woman in her mid-twenties arrived to pick her son up from the floor. She whispered a thank you to Sam before she took her son away to join the line of people evacuating the gallery. ¡°Sam¡±¡ªThunder wrapped her hand around his¡ª¡°we have to go!¡± ¡°But the people¡ª¡± ¡°He¡¯s after us. He won¡¯t bother with the civilians,¡± Thunder reminded Sam. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. At her words, Sam gazed up once more. There, hiding within the shadow of its interior, Sam saw the large bulk of a man standing by the gaping hole in the wall of the tower¡¯s upper floor. ¡°He beat a god,¡± Sam realized. He couldn¡¯t help but be in awe of the villain¡¯s accomplishment. Even weakened, Achelous¡¯ presence had seemed frighteningly powerful to Sam. To win in a fight against that kind of power, well, it suggested that Apex was more than the beta-level rating he¡¯d been given. ¡°Come on, Sam!¡± Thunder urged. Once they reached the Argo VII¡¯s door, his sixth sense nudged Sam to look over his shoulder. Something big and not entirely human had just jumped off the Chicago Water Tower¡¯s top floor. ¡°Oh, Sty¡ª¡± Apex dropped to all fours on the pavement with a resounding crash that cracked the cement beneath him. Not only did he seem unhurt by the fall, but Apex didn¡¯t even look like the villain who¡¯d nearly drowned Sam in Lake Michigan. He¡¯d changed somehow into a hybrid of man and beast. A fine down of golden fur covered the rippling muscles of his chest and arms which were even thicker now than they¡¯d been when he was human. But it was the sight of his monstrous face¡ªwhich resembled more of the lion¡¯s head he¡¯d been wearing than the villain¡¯s scarred face¡ªthat sent a shiver rising up Sam¡¯s back. ¡°He¡¯s a freaking polymorph!¡± Thunder reached for Sam¡¯s shoulders and then pulled him into the Argo VII, which was when she yelled, ¡°Go!¡± to Farsight who¡¯d already strapped herself into the cockpit. ¡°Hold onto something!¡± Farsight ordered. ¡°We¡¯re getting out of dodge and chasing liberty!¡± After quickly maneuvering out of parallel parking, the Argo VII tore through North Michigan Avenue like the devil was chasing after it¡ªand he was. Luckily, traffic was light with barely any cars piling the road as most of the civilians who¡¯d fleed from the gallery had idled on the sidewalk opposite of the Chicago Water Tower. This made it easier for Farsight to navigate the wide road without so much as a scratch on their state-of-the-art school bus. ¡°He¡¯s gaining on us! Jackboot reported. A second later and he repeated his words in a more bewildered tone, ¡°Bloody Duat, how is he gaining on us?¡± Sam and Thunder moved to stand behind Jackboot who was manning the Argus VII¡¯s security rig behind Farsight¡¯s cockpit so they could also see the view from the bus¡¯s rear-view camera. Apex was running¡ªsometimes on two legs, other times on four legs¡ªa mere twenty feet away from the rear of the bus. ¡°Does this fancy bus have any weapons?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°This baby¡¯s a Mr. Marsday creation. Of course, it¡¯s got weapons,¡± Farsight replied. She tapped on one of the buttons on her dashboard labeled Toxa. Seconds later, three canisters fell out of the Argo VII¡¯s rear bumper. These canisters rolled across the asphalt, with each one exploding into a shower of brilliant azure flames once Apex came within their range. ¡°Holy Zeus!¡± Sam¡¯s go-to line had been co-opted by Thunder for this occasion. ¡°Please tell me we didn¡¯t just commit a felony¡­¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°The use of Greek fire is banned inside cities,¡± Sam explained. ¡°Greek fire¡­that¡¯s the ever-burning stuff, right?¡± As he wasn¡¯t part of the Greek pantheon¡¯s roster of heroes, Jackboot¡¯s confusion in its mythology was understandable. However, he quickly rallied and asked, ¡°Can¡¯t we just explain to the police that we were being chased by an evil lion-man and had no choice but to chuck dangerous stuff at him?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think that would fly, Jack,¡± Sam answered. ¡°It¡¯s that bad?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°Comparatively, it would be like unleashing one of your Egyptian shape-changing staves into an urban area,¡± Thunder explained. ¡°Oh,¡± Jackboot breathed. ¡°So, it is that bad¡­¡± ¡°Relax, people¡­no one¡¯s going to know we caused this.¡± Farsight grinned when she patted the dashboard. ¡°This baby¡¯s got stealth mode.¡± Later, it would be reported that these azure flames burned throughout the night while local authorities waited for heroes powerful enough to extinguish the hot fires raging along Michigan Avenue. An investigation into uncovering the culprits brazen enough to ignite Greek fire inside the city would also begin, although Chicago¡¯s law enforcement would never be able to pin it on the Argo VII because its state-of-the-art stealth system kept the school bus invisible to most cameras. As for Apex, the Greek fire that would cause problems for the city in the morning barely slowed the villain down tonight. It¡¯s that damn Nemean Lion¡¯s fur¡­it absorbs damage like a heavy-duty sponge, Chiron grumbled into Sam¡¯s ears. Sam would report this to his friends, although he would also add, ¡°I think all that did was piss him off.¡± The Argo VII turned left on E. Chestnut, which the bus¡¯s GPS registered was a mostly empty street, making it the perfect spot for Farsight to unleash bronze-tip javelins at the villain chasing after them. The first of these javelins pierced the asphalt a meter away from its intended target. And, while the second javelin struck Apex on the shoulder, it merely bounced off him. The third and fourth javelins fared no better. They were unable to penetrate the Nemean Lion¡¯s fur. ¡°Wow,¡± Thunder said dryly. ¡°That was a waste of enchanted bronze¡­¡± ¡°A lot of money too,¡± Sam added. Enchanted bronze javelins weren¡¯t cheap, as he recalled. Quality ones were worth at least a hundred drachmas on the OTC. ¡°Um, something¡¯s happening to our rear,¡± Sam reported. He could see it on the screen; how the panels on the back of the bus had all flipped over to reveal the reflective surface of the bronze mirrors hiding underneath. ¡°Whoa¡±¡ªthis time, Thunder seemed genuinely impressed¡ª¡°is that what I think it is?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re thinking it¡¯s an Archimedes Mirror powered by the solar panels installed on the Argo VII¡¯s roof then you¡¯d be right,¡± Farsight chuckled. ¡°Seriously, though, hold on to something.¡± The bus¡¯s interior began to vibrate while the temperature in the back compartments rose quickly. Then the cry of a foghorn pierced the night just before ribbons of golden light flared out of the Archimedes Mirror. Like homing missiles, each ribbon of light collided with the lion-man¡¯s body at a single point¡ªhis massive fur-lined chest. Apex¡¯s monstrous form was blown away by the concentrated power of the sun¡¯s rays while the Argo VII shot forward from the recoil of firing the Archimedes Mirror, propelling the bus across a stretch of road at a speed that not even the lion-man would be able to catch up to. Chapter 78: Chasing Liberty, Part 2 CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT Chasing Liberty, Part 2
¡°Slow down, will you,¡± Jackboot¡¯s fingers gripped the edge of his seat, ¡°or we¡¯re going to crash!¡± ¡°Not while I¡¯m on the wheel,¡± Farsight shot back at him. ¡°So, stop trying to backseat drive and just enjoy the ride!¡± This so-called enjoyable ride led them straight through the glass wall of the brand-new building beside Asbury Plaza, through construction materials and unfinished fixtures, and out to the street on the other side of it all while Sam and Jackboot screamed their lungs out. Yes, it was just the boys. The women of this new team were made of sturdier stuff, a fact that Farsight would use as fuel for future teasing. Once their drive stopped feeling like a high-speed rollercoaster ride, Jackboot finally got to complain. ¡°We¡¯re you trying to get us killed or are you just this bad at driving?!¡± ¡°Please, that was an excellent example of chase scene driving.¡± Farsight was smirking through the rearview mirror. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m sure Malcolm Flint won¡¯t mind that we damaged his new building.¡± Sam, who was checking to see if Apex was still chasing after them on the rearview screen, raised an eyebrow at Farsight¡¯s statement. ¡°How do you know the building belongs to Flint?¡± he asked. ¡°The Flint Consolidated logo was plastered on the front windows we crashed into,¡± Farsight explained. ¡°And why would Malcolm Flint be okay with us destroying his property?¡± Jackboot asked. Sam was wondering the same thing. He knew his friend Crow-Man was connected to Flint Consolidated. But he wasn¡¯t sure Crow-Man¡¯s benefactor, a tech billionaire known to be cutthroat in the boardroom, was the kind of guy who¡¯d be okay with them wrecking his stuff. ¡°Because he funded the development of the Argo VII,¡± Farsight revealed. Sam looked just as surprised as Jackboot was by this revelation. Sure, they had proprietary Flint Consolidated tech wired throughout the Argo VII, but Sam just assumed this was just due to Crow-Man¡¯s doing. He didn¡¯t know how to feel about being funded by some rich guy whose agenda Sam knew nothing about. Almost like she¡¯d sensed his discomfort, Thunder¡¯s hand squeezed Sam¡¯s forearm. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve worked with Mr. Flint before. He¡¯s one of the good guys,¡± she promised. ¡°O-okay,¡± Sam relented. ¡°If you and Crow-Man trust him then¡­ I¡¯m cool with it.¡± Thunder flashed him a smile, the kind that made him all tingly inside. ¡°On the bright side, at least we¡¯ve lost our tail,¡± she added. Three pairs of eyes snapped to the rearview camera on the dashboard. Seconds drummed by but there continued to be no sign of Apex chasing after them. He was just gone. ¡°I reckon that Archimedes Mirror¡¯s pulled off a hat trick for us,¡± Jackboot said, sounding relieved. Sam wasn¡¯t so convinced though. They¡¯d escaped Apex before only to have him chase them down twice now. ¡°We need to get out of the city,¡± he asserted. ¡°If a fight¡¯s coming, I¡¯d rather it¡¯s somewhere with less collateral damage.¡± ¡°As opposed to the collateral damage we¡¯ve already caused, you mean,¡± Jackboot reminded him. ¡°Quit complaining, Jack,¡± Farsight chided. ¡°You¡¯re part of a grand adventure now. You should enjoy it more.¡± Jackboot had taken off his mask just in time to roll his eyes at the back of her head. ¡°And where¡¯s this grand adventure sending us off to now?¡± Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. ¡°The sunflower state,¡± Thunder answered. ¡°We¡¯re going to Kansas City¡­my hometown.¡± Sam watched Thunder gaze pensively out the window. It didn¡¯t look like she was happy with the idea of a homecoming. Although he didn¡¯t ask her why. There were some things you wait for people to say out loud. ¡°Hey, you think your cousin will be there?¡± Sam asked. Partly out of curiosity but also because he wanted to get Thunder¡¯s mind off whatever it was that made her feel blue. Thunder shook her head. ¡°Probably not. He¡¯s based in D.C. these days.¡± ¡°Aw man, I was kind of hoping to meet him,¡± Sam admitted. ¡°I noticed that back at the gallery¡­you¡¯re a real Superion fanboy, aren¡¯t you?¡± she teased. ¡°Who isn¡¯t,¡± Jackboot chimed in as he took the seat opposite Sam and Thunder. ¡°Your cousin¡¯s the reason I moved to the states.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Thunder raised an eyebrow at him. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because he¡¯s the hero we all aspire to be, isn¡¯t he,¡± Jackboot answered. ¡°A shining exemplar of good who shows up wherever he¡¯s needed to do the job only he seems able to manage.¡± ¡°He¡¯s hope incarnate,¡± Sam translated. ¡°Exactly,¡± Jackboot agreed. ¡°Alright, alright, I get it,¡± she sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll introduce you boys to my cousin if we ever run into him.¡± Sam and Jackboot exchanged fist-bumps. ¡°We probably won¡¯t see him at home,¡± Thunder reminded them, ¡°but I¡¯d love for you guys to meet my nana¡­ She grills really tasty barbeque.¡± ¡°An authentic American barbeque¡­¡± Jackboot gave Thunder a thumbs up. ¡°I can get with that plan. Don¡¯t you agree, Sam?¡± Sam had gone back to eyeing the rearview camera¡ªwhich continued to show that nothing was chasing after them¡ªso it took him a second to reply. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m down for meeting nana.¡± ¡°Of course, you¡¯d be,¡± Farsight chimed in from her cockpit. ¡°But before Thunder¡¯s reunion, I suggest we get to a charging station first. This baby¡¯s running on fumes¡­¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Thunder answered. ¡°The Argo VII¡¯s batteries first¡­then barbeque.¡±
Much later, after the Argo VII had left the greater Chicago area in its rearview mirror, Thunder and Sam were busy tapping keywords into the computer. They hoped that the Flint Consolidated next-generation variable computing software could help them figure out the connections between Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Sunflower State apart from it being just the former war hero¡¯s hometown. It didn¡¯t take long for the computer to dole out several suggestions which all seemed like likely options until Thunder scrolled to the bottom of the list and decided that the final one was probably it. ¡°I¡¯m sure of it,¡± she insisted. ¡°The Eisenhower Presidential Museum,¡± Jackboot recited. ¡°What¡¯s so special about¡­¡± Sam, who¡¯d been reading the information displayed, raised an eyebrow at the computer¡¯s main screen. ¡°Wait¡­he¡¯s buried there?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that a little¡ª¡± Sam had turned to look at Thunder and noticed the anxiety in her expression. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked. ¡°I hoped we¡¯d get a different answer,¡± Thunder admitted. ¡°But I should have known better. Our luck sucks, doesn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Hold on¡­you think going to a museum is bad luck?¡± Jackboot asked. A memory flashed across Sam¡¯s mind; one where he¡¯d been nearly killed fighting off a giant¡¯s shadow while inside one of New York City¡¯s most famous museums. ¡°Um, yeah, Jack¡± he sighed. ¡°A visit to a museum can get real crazy real fast¡­¡± While the boys discussed Sam¡¯s harrowing encounter at the Met, Thunder moved over to the window to the rear of the compartment. She wrapped her arms around her shoulders like she¡¯d caught a chill, and it would be a while before she¡¯d speak up again. Right around the same time that Jackboot was expressing his disbelief at Sam¡¯s first encounter with the Trickster. ¡°Guys¡­there¡¯s something I need to tell you,¡± she began. ¡°What is it?¡± Sam asked. ¡°The Eisenhower Museum¡­something bad happened there a few years ago¡­bad enough that the Wardens had to shut the museum down permanently,¡± she revealed. ¡°Why would they¡ª¡± But Sam already knew the answer. There was only one reason the Wardens would close a public space to the civilian population: if the place in question had become infested with horrors¡ªa haunted zone. ¡°I was there when it happened,¡± Thunder answered almost like she could read his mind. ¡°We were on a class field trip back in high school. And one of my classmates, this kid named Rick¡­¡± As he listened to her speak, Sam realized that Thunder was doing something most heroes avoided. She was sharing part of her origin story with them. ¡°¡­Rick had been bullied a lot¡­but everyone gets bullied in high school, right?¡± Thunder framed her question almost like she was making an excuse for something she¡¯d done or hadn¡¯t done. ¡°But¡­I think he¡¯d had enough¡­ He brought a gun to the field trip, and¡­¡± Thunder couldn¡¯t finish her story, and it was obvious from how anguished she looked that its memory caused her pain. She didn¡¯t have to finish it though. Because Sam had heard about this particular tragedy before. It was five years ago, and like all stories related to gun violence, this was big news. As he recalled it, a high school student had shot a bunch of his classmates and teachers on a class field trip right before awakening into a powerful horror of pure rage. It might have been years ago, but Sam knew better than most how a traumatizing experience still affected the survivors of such tragedies years later. Even someone as powerful as Thunder who must have been just a scared fifteen-year-old girl back then. One who was powerless to stop the violence from happening right in front of her. With the way Thunder¡¯s lower lip quivered, and how her eyes seemed suddenly glued to the floor, Sam guessed that Thunder¡¯s trauma still ate at her. Just like his trauma of being useless in the past still whispered doubts to his mind now and then. He moved over to where she stood by the window. Then he wrapped a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. ¡°It¡¯s okay. You don¡¯t have to¡ª¡± Something bright blazed to life from beyond the window, drawing Sam¡¯s eyes to it just in time to watch the giant beast with two silver antlers ram into them with the force of a wrecking ball. Chapter 79: Every Adventure Needs A Side Quest CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE Every Adventure Needs A Side Quest
Theoretically, the Argo VII¡¯s armored plating should be able to withstand cannon fire from a battleship. Yet one mysterious beast smashing into its side was enough to shove the school bus off the road and into the grassy field to the right of the freeway. It was lucky there had been no other cars around or the collateral damage from their crash would have been quite high. As for the Argo VII¡¯s crew¡ªthe team, as Farsight liked to call them now¡ªthey survived the collision. Although the sharp objects that had been dislodged from the equipment lockers did turn the living room into quite the danger zone. ¡°Why didn¡¯t¡ª¡± Jackboot had just avoided getting stabbed by one of Farsight¡¯s combat knives. ¡°¡ªsecure your¡ª¡± He ducked away from one of her arrows nearly stabbing him in the face. ¡°¡ªgear when you¡±¡ªwith hare-quick reflexes, Jackboot caught another one of Farsight¡¯s arrows¡ª¡°got in the¡ª¡± However, the small metal canister attached to Farsight¡¯s trick arrow exploded, showering Jackboot in fire suppression foam that carried with it the scent of fresh pine. ¡°Argh!¡± Jackboot screamed. To which, Farsight, who sat snugly in her state-of-the-art cockpit despite the bus rolling around in the dirt, replied, ¡°I was in a hurry to get us out of there!¡± As for Sam and Thunder, they¡¯d grabbed onto each other right as the Argo VII was struck by its mysterious attacker and protected each other from the impact while they rolled in the air, bumping against seats and tables, and ceiling and floor until they fell with a crash a compartment away from the living room. It was a while later when Sam heard Thunder calling his name, but his mind was had been too muddled for him to respond. ¡°Wh-what did you say?¡± Sam asked. ¡°You¡¯re bleeding,¡± Thunder said, her voice finally carrying through the buzzing of Sam¡¯s ears. ¡°I¡¯m¡±¡ªSam smelled an iron scent in the air¡ª¡°bleeding?¡± It took another second, but Sam eventually noticed the droplets of his blood dripping down Thunder¡¯s cheek, which was also when Sam realized that he and Thunder were pressed so close together that his nose was brushing hers. ¡°Holy¡ª¡± Sam sat up out of embarrassment and then raised his hand to his face so he could feel the gash across his brow. ¡°I¡¯m¡­bleeding,¡± he said in astonishment. For a guy who could now endure a lot of pain, Sam still couldn¡¯t stomach the sight of his blood coating his fingers. Mostly because his injuries were stark reminders of how helpless he¡¯d been before Triple-A. This remembrance of past failings filled his chest with anxiety so that Sam was suddenly hyperventilating. But then a notification from Triple-A informing Sam not to move while Regeneration worked to heal him appeared in the air, and Sam¡¯s feelings of inadequacy receded quickly, which also helped to stabilize his breathing. ¡°I¡¯m not useless anymore,¡± Sam reminded himself. ¡°I can do this¡­¡± A flash of memory hit him; a pair of glowing silver antlers racing toward their window. Sam¡¯s brow creased. ¡°What in Hades was that thing¡­?¡± ¡°You saw it too?¡± Thunder asked. So she could sit next to him, Thunder started clearing away the many sharp objects that had fallen around her and Sam. They¡¯d somehow managed to avoid most of these, although at least one of Farsight¡¯s collection of knives must have hit Sam¡¯s brow during the collision which would explain the deep gash on his forehead. ¡°I think I saw antlers,¡± Sam said, uncertainly. ¡°But¡­they were¡ª¡± ¡°Glowing like moonlight?¡± Thunder finished for him. ¡°Yes, I saw them too.¡± As soon as Triple-A was finished healing Sam¡¯s wounds, he turned his gift on the bumps and bruises Thunder had earned during the crash. Although that was all he could do. Sam couldn¡¯t take away the fatigue and weakness that he saw clear enough when he helped Thunder to her feet. Thunder noticed his anxious gaze and brushed off his concern with, ¡°We just survived a car crash and I¡¯m still standing¡­ I¡¯ll survive the Blight too.¡± She wiped at the dried blood on Sam¡¯s brow with the sleeve of her coat. ¡°You¡¯re going to heal me,¡± she said in a tone full of such confidence that Sam suddenly found he couldn¡¯t look her in the eye. That confident look she¡¯d given him was Thunder trying to make him feel better, and it made him feel sick to his stomach that Thunder thought she had to. Sam was supposed to be the one reassuring Thunder and making her feel better. Not the other way around. ¡°If you¡¯re finished healing Thunder, I could use a little help too,¡± Jackboot called. The spandex-clad hero appeared by the equipment room door with a swelling bruise above his right eye that he hoped Sam could heal. ¡°Having a healer in the team¡¯s very convenient, isn¡¯t it,¡± Jackboot said as he let Sam¡¯s gift work on his bruise. ¡°For everyone but the healer,¡± Sam replied. ¡°Hold still, Jack¡­almost done.¡± ¡°By the way,¡± Jackboot gave Thunder a side-eye glance, ¡°do either of you know what attacked us?¡± ¡°I know.¡± Farsight strode into the equipment room looking only slightly disheveled. She had that ¡®seer sees all¡¯ expression on her face when she turned her gaze on Sam. ¡°Apollo¡¯s got an errand for you.¡± As if on cue, a notification popped up in front of Sam¡ªand this one was of the golden variety.
SECRET MISSION: RECAPTURE THE CERYNEIAN HIND!
CONDITION: Hey, Sammy-o! Listen, I accidentally set free one of Artemis¡¯s pets and I need you to get it back for me. Alive not dead. Or my twin will pepper us both full of moonlight arrows that even I¡¯ll have trouble healing from. To reiterate, capture, don¡¯t kill¡­ Also, I guess I should tell you that this is the same Ceryneian Hind Hercules had to catch, but it was infected recently by this seriously annoying relic I¡¯m not allowed to talk about and now the sick beast is on a rampage¡­ By the way, it¡¯s a beta-level sacred beast so good luck¡­you¡¯ll need it!
Sam let out an exasperated sigh after he read the message because only one god would sound so irresponsible, and it was his godsdamn patron.
REWARDS ONE: Earn great favor with Apollo, the shining star, brightest among the¡­
Sam brushed away that bloated reward description. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
REWARDS TWO: 1,500 Golden Drachma, 1x supplementary gift to Healing Hand, a new and exclusive OTC collectible: 1:100 scale Master-Grade Argo VII kit complete with attachable javelin launcher and Archimedes Mirror (comes with a certificate of authenticity)
Sam glanced over to the shelf above his bunk bed where his 18in Apollo and Sun Chariot statue was sitting snugly between his 12in Crow-Man and 12in Superion action figures and then imagined an Argo VII on that shelf with them. Yeah, okay, I would like an Argo VII figure, he thought. As for the supplementary gift to Healing Hand, Sam realized he still hadn¡¯t cashed in the last one he¡¯d received and that there was still a gift point waiting to be used in [POWERS]. I really should check on that later... As appealing as these rewards were though, Sam wasn¡¯t sure he could go on this side-mission right away because his team was in a race against Apex and the evil organization backing him to see which side would claim the Golden Fleece first. Although the last time Sam completed a quest for Apollo, it did lead him to the existence of the Golden Fleece. ¡°It had been worth the trouble,¡± he sighed. Sam was torn between fulfilling his promise to Thunder as quickly as possible and keeping his patron happy and generous. Apollo must have sensed this hesitation in him because the god was quick to sweeten the deal, which probably meant he was desperate for Sam¡¯s help.
REWARDS THREE: Succeed in this mission and you will automatically complete the secret mission [THE SECOND LABOR], which means a boost to that power whose name you like shouting at the sky.
¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m shouting it by choice,¡± Sam complained. It was Thunder, however, who once again helped push Sam in the right direction. She placed a hand on his shoulder and reminded him of his Argonaut¡¯s oath. ¡°In life, seek adventure. Never tarry on the shore and let it pass you by.¡± They spent a brief moment staring into each other¡¯s faces before Sam nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve got to go,¡± he said. ¡°I know, lame-brain,¡± she replied. ¡°Wait¡­what?¡± Jackboot cut in. ¡°Go where?¡± ¡°Sam¡¯s got a solo quest he needs to finish. He¡¯ll catch up with us later,¡± Thunder explained. ¡°But¡±¡ªJackboot glanced between Sam and Thunder in confusion¡ª¡°Farsight hasn¡¯t even explained the situation to us¡­¡± ¡°Apollo must have spoken to Sam directly,¡± Thunder replied. That was technically true, although it also sounded like Thunder¡¯s lie of omission was an attempt to cover for Triple-A¡¯s existence. Something even Farsight wasn¡¯t supposed to be aware of. ¡°I¡¯d be happy if he would just talk to Sam directly from now on,¡± Farsight added as she sank into the stool beside the weapons bench. ¡°Apollo can get whiny in my head, and I¡¯m still not used to these premonitions Maeve left me.¡± ¡°Um,¡± Sam gave her an apologetic look, ¡°I need you to give me a vision¡­one that tells me how to find this sacred beast.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t just give you a premonition, Sam,¡± Farsight frowned. ¡°They don¡¯t just¡ª¡± The irises of Farsight¡¯s eyes turned white and her face scrunched up in sudden concentration. Jackboot moved to stand next to her so he could wave his hand in front of her face. When she didn¡¯t respond, he glanced over his shoulder and said, ¡°So, all I had to do to shut her up was ask her for a premonition?¡± ¡°Jack,¡± Thunder chided. ¡°I was joking,¡± Jackboot replied. A moment later, Farsight rhymed, ¡°¡­To chase the sacred beast that¡¯s lost its mind, a trail through rock and sky you have to climb¡­ But to free the hind¡¯s soul from shadowy chains, you must drain the box¡¯s poison from its veins,¡± in that otherworldly tone she adopted whenever she channeled the Fates. Sam frowned. ¡°What trail?¡± It turned out the Ceryneian Hind wasn¡¯t shy about leaving a trail as its extra-large hoofprints were imprinted on the freeway¡¯s asphalt and veered left into the direction of¡ª ¡°The Ozarks,¡± Thunder deduced. ¡°A trail through rock and sky,¡± Farsight repeated. ¡°Yep, that would be it.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a huge swath of mountain range to cover to hunt one beast though,¡± Jackboot added. They had all gone outside to help Sam figure out Farsight¡¯s rhyme and to survey the damage done to the Argo VII which Farsight happily reported was minimal. ¡°We can get these scrapes fixed in the next city which we can go to as soon as Sam pushes the bus back onto the freeway,¡± she insisted. As soon as he was certain that the trail did lead off into the Ozark Mountains¡ªa range large enough to bleed into the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas¡ªSam obliged Farsight¡¯s request and began pushing the Argo VII back onto the road. ¡°Hey, master¡±¡ªSam¡¯s palms pressed against the rear end of the bus¡ª¡°does Triple-A have a tracking system?¡± You¡¯ve never turned on the map feature without my help, have you, kid? Chiron asked. If you did, then you¡¯d know the system can do that and much, much more... ¡°I¡¯d know about it¡­if you ever¡­bothered to write a tutorial,¡± Sam huffed. Hades¡¯ balls...you and your generation needing to be spoon-fed everything, Chiron grumbled. Sam frowned. ¡°You don¡¯t¡­spoon-feed me¡­ You keep telling me¡­mortal danger¡¯s the best way¡­to learn on the job.¡± A long moment of dead air passed before Chiron replied. Ah, yes, that does sound more like my style, doesn¡¯t it? Sam finally got the Argo VII back onto the road, which was surprisingly easier to do compared to his experience with the runaway bus only the day before. Are you going? Chiron asked. ¡°I have to¡­¡± Sam¡¯s gaze honed in on the hoof-shaped craters peppering the freeway and the flatlands beyond. ¡°I can¡¯t let a sacred beast that¡¯s lost its mind run wild out here¡­¡±
¡°Apollo chose the strangest time to send you on a mission,¡± Jackboot said. ¡°I know,¡± Sam sighed. They were fitting some rations into Sam¡¯s backpack just in case he needed to be out there longer than a day. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want backup?¡± Thunder asked for the third time. She had just finished polishing Sam¡¯s hammer over by the weapons bench, because he, as she put it, ¡°Doesn¡¯t know the meaning of proper weapon care.¡± ¡°Yeah, you guys go ahead to Kansas and scout out the museum.¡± Sam accepted Onus from Thunder and returned it to the holster on his belt. ¡°I¡¯ll meet you there in a few hours...I hope.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll need these too.¡± Farsight passed Sam a quiver of arrows whose tips ranged from reinforced hypodermic needles and triangle-shaped canisters to plain, extremely-sharp arrowheads that shone with the soft glow of enchanted bronze. ¡°You¡¯ve got your standard tranquilizers in there, some paralytics and stun options too.¡± She also gave him one of the hunting bows that came with the Argo VII¡¯s equipment locker.
ITEM: Armistice Arsenal Recurve Bow I
QUALITY: Common
TYPE: Mid-Range Hunting Bow
DESCRIPTION: Designed by Armistice Arsenal Inc., this recurve bow is the ideal and affordable tool for hunting big game. Its user-friendly design and decent-quality iron alloy frame make it light and easy to carry on long excursions. And, with an adjustable draw weight of 40-55 lbs., it¡¯ll surely penetrate the hides of most low to mid-level horrors one might find in the wilds.
BOONS: Critical Chance +2%, Critical Damage + 1, Headshot Damage +5%
¡°Thanks.¡± Sam strapped the bow to the clip of the quiver he¡¯d slung over his back, adjusting them slightly so they would fit with his suit. ¡°This will be useful.¡± ¡°How are you planning to chase after the Ceryneian Hind?¡± Jackboot asked. Almost as if she¡¯d been waiting for someone to ask, Farsight let out a loud chuckle that was followed up by her thumb pointing back to the front of the bus. ¡°Follow me, boys and girl... I¡¯m going to show you something cool,¡± she said. That ¡®something cool¡¯ turned out to be the nondescript adjustable seat on the passenger¡¯s side of the front row. ¡°Um, you sure you didn¡¯t hit your head during the crash?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Just sit down already,¡± Farsight insisted. He shrugged and then did what she asked, which was when Farsight pulled down the lever that had been hanging above Sam¡¯s seat. Then the clank and clink of machinery started up from underneath him. ¡°What the¡ª¡± ¡°Stay frosty, Sam,¡± she winked. Sam didn¡¯t even have time for goodbyes. He was too focused on the transformation happening around him. Two handlebars attached to a speedometer and a motorcycle¡¯s gas tank popped out from the compartment in front of Sam just as his seat began to lower him to the ground. ¡°Holy¡ª¡± With the sound of whirring wheels, the entire bottom side of the bus opened up to set free the motorbike that had been conveniently hidden there this whole time. ¡°¡ªZeus!¡± Sam barely had enough time to wrap his hands around its handles before the motorbike was tearing through the asphalt and carrying him off into the horizon. Chapter 80: Second Labor, Part 1 CHAPTER EIGHTY Second Labor, Part 1
¡°I¡¯ve never driven a bike before!¡± Sam screamed in protest. But, as the breeze buffeted his face, and with the cool winter air clearing away his doubts, his panic gave way to the excitement in his heart. ¡°This is so freaking cool~~l!¡± Focus, lame-brain, Chiron chided. Riding a bike''s not easy even when you''re not a noob... Wait, don''t go too fast, idiot! Sam eased up on the gas. ¡°Sorry, I didn''t notice!¡± Chiron let out a deep sigh. Lesson number five, dumbass! The thrill of the ride and the anticipation of the solo adventure before him had begun to lift Sam¡¯s spirits considerably. Into the back of his mind went his worries over Thunder¡¯s condition and his fears that Apex would find the fleece before they did. These highly troublesome thoughts didn¡¯t matter¡ªat least for now. What mattered now was the mission, which, ironically enough, Sam had originally been reluctant to go on. Ahead of him was an expanse of rocky plains and tree clusters that stretched out toward a series of low peaks rising over the horizon. Superimposed over the upper right side of this panoramic view was a floating virtual map that gave Sam a bird¡¯s-eye-view of the surrounding terrain. The trail goes straight for a couple more miles, kid¡­straight into the St. Francois Mountain Range, Chiron reported. The softly glowing hoof prints that appeared on his map were indeed taking Sam on a detour into the Northeastern region of the Ozarks which was the chunk of the mountain range that lay in Missouri. Sam knew this detour would delay his reunion with the Argo VII even more, but he would just have to trust his friends to handle whatever came their way while he was away. ¡°I just hope they don¡¯t run into Apex before I get back,¡± he whispered. Sam¡¯s musings were interrupted by Chiron¡¯s warning of a crater ahead of him, but with a quick twist of his wrist to the right and the motorbike was gliding safely around this crater that had formed in the wake of the hind¡¯s rampage. ¡°Focus on the sweet ride¡­and on not on the kaiju deer I¡¯ll be fighting soon,¡± he told himself. Sam glanced underneath him and marveled at how smooth the ride had been so far despite the uneven terrain he was on. Perhaps the heavy-duty tires¡ªwhich seemed more fit for an eighteen-wheeler than his motorbike¡ªwere the reason. But he suspected that the cool-looking bike¡ªmade completely of a rare carbon alloy similar to the Argo VII¡¯s own body¡ªwas far more awesome than his noob biker mind could fathom. ¡°Wish I could have taken Thunder along for this countryside ride,¡± he said wistfully. Enjoy the ride while you can, Chiron suggested. You won¡¯t be able to take the bike up there with you. Chiron¡¯s words were proven right quickly enough after Sam arrived near the edge of a dense forest of oaks that inclined up toward higher ground. As this part of the Ozarks was mostly wilderness, Sam didn¡¯t think he would find a road to ride on. And so he chose to park his bike by the mouth of a little-known trail up the mountain range that had been discovered by Triple-A¡¯s map feature. Luckily, this trail ran parallel to the tracks of the great beast. The first thing Sam did after he got off the motorbike was to inspect his [STATUS] to distribute the points he¡¯d earned back in Philly. He added four points to Constitution, five to Dexterity, and the last point to Intelligence because the inexperienced hunter in him believed he¡¯d need a bit more brainpower to follow a divine beast¡¯s trail in the wilds.
STRENGTH:?? 60
DEXTERITY: 50
CONSTITUTION: 80
INTELLIGENCE: 33
WISDOM: 30
WILLPOWER: 30
¡°I wonder what will happen once my Con reaches a hundred,¡± he mused. Why don¡¯t you get it up there and find out, Chiron challenged. Finally, Sam moved over to [POWERS] and discovered a nice little surprise waiting for him underneath the [SUPPORT] tree. A new line appeared below [Healing Hand (¦¤)] that connected to a grayed-out ability Sam had never seen before; [Rejuvenation (¦Æ)]. ¡°This the gift I got for beating the Trickster?¡± he asked.
POWER: Rejuvenation
LEVEL: Zeta (¦Æ)
DESCRIPTION: Apollo, God of the Sun and the Healing Arts, bequeaths to this hero the gift to rejuvenate their life force by absorbing the life force of other living things.
EFFECT ONE: In exchange for a moderate amount of life force energy taken from outside one¡¯s pool, the hero may replenish a portion of his life force equivalent to 20% of total HP.
¡°Whoa¡­I can steal life force now?¡± Sam raised an eyebrow at the notification. ¡°That¡¯s kind of edge-lordy¡­¡± The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
EFFECT TWO: At the zeta level, Rejuvenation can cure the following minor debilitating effects; Delta-level Poison, Temporary Blindness, Silence, Charmed, Mind-Control, and Temporary Paralysis.
WARNING! Draining the life force of other humans is impossible without the supplementary ability [Vampiric Bite].
¡°Oh, so I can only take the life energy from my surroundings, huh.¡± Sam¡¯s eyes glanced left and then right. ¡°Good thing there are a lot of trees out here...¡±
ALERT! You have [1] point to allocate. Activate [Rejuvenation (¦Æ)]?
YES/NO
Sam tapped on [YES] and then felt something click inside his brain much like a light switch flicking on. As if the power had been there all along inside of him and was just waiting to be remembered. I told you, didn¡¯t I? Chiron sounded pretty pleased. A new power is earned from the potential that already exists inside you. ¡°Yeah,¡± Sam glanced at the palm of his left hand. ¡°I kind of understand that now...¡± *** At first, following the Ceryneian Hind¡¯s trail had been easy enough as its massive size forced the sacred beast to destroy more than a few oak trees that had been in its way while it traveled up the mountainside. However, as the trees began to give way to more rocky paths, the trail grew colder and colder because the hind¡¯s steps had suddenly become too light to leave any imprints on the earth. ¡°How in Hades is something so big this light-footed after it wrecked the freeway an hour ago,¡± Sam complained. It¡¯s been trained to serve Artemis, and the Mistress of the Hunt won¡¯t ride a steed that can¡¯t go stealth while she hunted, Chiron explained. Sam was convinced this hind¡¯s stealth mode was at least beta level as such a large creature made no noise that he could differentiate from the other sounds of the mountain. Not that he had any special sense gifts to make detecting oddities easier. Unless you counted the strange game-like system embedded inside Sam¡¯s mind. Move toward that granite outcropping and we¡¯ll send out another ping, Chiron instructed. Sam pushed past a thick cluster of shrubs to reach the large outcropping of granite that sat in the middle of two diverging hiking trails. ¡°Which way?¡± he asked. Give it a second, Chiron replied. He heard a strange ringing blaze to life in his mind, and then a near-invisible vibration began spreading out in all directions from him. Seconds later, he heard several pings around him. Then the notifications arrived in the order of their proximity to Sam.
Quartz Ore Found!
Magnetite Ore Found!
Beast Tracks Found!
Blue dots appeared on Sam¡¯s map, showing him where these discovered curiosities were located around him. The quartz ore was directly ahead of Sam, which he guessed meant it made up a chunk of the granite outcropping that separated the two paths. The magnetite ore was about eight meters northwest of the left path. While barely noticeable tracks that were left behind by some large animal appeared on the right path. ¡°Gotcha,¡± Sam grinned. As he took the right path up the mountain, Sam passed by a broken tree branch he might not have noticed if he was all by himself. A few feet away, he found the barest hint of a hoof print that would have been invisible to most inexperienced hunters. This is why I¡¯m a city hero... Sam sighed. ¡°What would I do without you, Triple-A?¡± Die horribly and alone on the mountainside? Chiron guessed. ¡°Hilarious...¡± Sam grumbled. Eventually, the mountain path¡¯s steep incline dipped back onto flat ground, which was a kind of plateau between the mountain range¡¯s peaks. ¡°Godsdamn¡­¡± Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed as he took in the sight before him. ¡°What happened here...?¡± The ground had been upended in places, and the nearby trees had been torn apart at their trunks. Looks like there was a battle here...pretty recently too, Chiron commented. ¡°Master, you don¡¯t think¡­¡± Sam gulped. His first thought was, Would Artemis hold him accountable if he discovered that the Ceryneian Hind was killed by something else? This was quickly followed by; What kind of monster could even slay a sacred beast out here? It was the smell, however, that worried Sam the most. That overwhelming scent of rot and decay that he guessed hadn¡¯t come from any of the animals that might live in these woods. A roar, loud and primal, upended the silence of the forest. Go, kid, Chiron urged. As he pulled out his bow, Sam whispered a prayer to the gods above, hoping that whatever lay beyond the tree line wasn¡¯t going to make his mission harder than it should be. ¡°But if it is going to be another tough fight¡­then whichever one of you gods helps me out will be my new favorite,¡± Sam promised. Idiot¡­that kind of entreaty only works if you¡¯ve got high fame points, Chiron chided. Sam ran through the plateau, past more upturned earth and broken trees, and into a wide rocky clearing where he finally found his quarry¡ªand it looked far different from the picture of Bambi that he had in his head. The beast was standing upright. Its form changed into something that seemed almost human, but larger. Much, much larger. Like a grizzly bear but with a light gray pelt and silver moonglow antlers atop its bloated head. Antlers that were at this very moment gauging out a chunk of rotten flesh from the chest of the horror struggling underneath the hind¡¯s thick feet. ¡°Oh, my gods!¡± Sam gasped. The sight of a long-limbed horror covered in dark fur impaled in the moonglow antlers of the once sacred beast whose disturbingly wide mouth was frothing from unrepressed rage was a scene that would star in Sam¡¯s nightmares later that night. I guess we¡¯re late to the party, Chiron commented. Dark ichor dripped into the rocky ground beneath the thrashing horror, coating the earth in a foul blackness that reeked of decay. Its bone-white, skull-like face let out a weak cry that chilled Sam to the bone. Not out of fear, but out of deep regret that whoever this thing had been, they would die without being cleansed by a chosen of the gods. ¡°No¡­not on my watch!¡± Sam growled. He notched an arrow to his bow and aimed it at the dying horror¡¯s face. Kid¡­if you steal the kill that hind¡¯s going to come after you twice as hard, Chiron warned. ¡°I know¡­but I¡¯ve got this,¡± Sam insisted. Do you know what kind of horror it is you¡¯re trying to save? ¡°Yeah¡±¡ªSam let his arrow fly¡ª¡°it¡¯s a wendigo¡­¡± Chapter 81: Second Labor, Part 2 CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE Second Labor, Part 2
As the arrow found its target, embedding itself deep into the wendigo¡¯s right eye just before the moment the hind would have ended its cursed life, Sam recalled a lesson he¡¯d heard from a priestess of Pan that one summer Marie had dumped his twelve-year-old butt at summer camp. ¡°Of all the horrors that stalk the wilds, the wendigo is perhaps the most pitiful,¡± the priestess had told the kids gathered around the campfire. One of Sam¡¯s friends had asked, ¡°Why¡¯s it pitiful?¡± ¡°Its origins make it so,¡± the priestess had answered. ¡°A wendigo is birthed after a gifted, out of desperation to stave off starvation, eats the flesh of another human being within the domain of the great Pan, god of the wilds.¡± ¡°Eugh,¡± one kid had said. ¡°Disgusting,¡± another had replied. At their words, the priestess¡¯ expression turned forlorn. ¡°Most gifted become horrors because they¡¯ve given up on life, but a wendigo is born because of a desperate desire to live... that¡¯s what makes them pitiful. In exchange for life, they lose that which made them human.¡± Now that he was staring at one¡ªthe crooked light of life leaving its bloody, emaciated face¡ªSam could almost see the human it had once been struggling to survive in a place where no help would come. It is pitiful, he thought. Stop daydreaming, lame-brain, Chiron chided. That other monster¡¯s noticed you now! The hind, its moonglow antlers dripping with dark ichor, turned its face in Sam¡¯s direction. Beady eyes the color of blackened coals glared at Sam from across the clearing, and he could swear that he¡¯d seen them burn momentarily with rage. ¡°Hold on,¡± Sam¡¯s gaze zoned in on the blood coating the fur around the hind¡¯s neck, ¡°it¡¯s wounded pretty badly¡­¡± I don¡¯t think it cares, Chiron replied. That thing¡¯s frothing at the mouth¡­ He was right again. In a frenzied rage, the bear-like creature charged toward Sam with the tips of its moonglow antlers aimed forward. ¡°Holy¡ª¡± Sam threw his body to the side and just barely avoided getting skewered in the chest. He rolled to a stop just inside the tree line to the right of the clearing which is when he got up and hid behind the trunk of a thick oak tree. ¡°Styx...¡± The hairs on the back of his arms were standing on end because he¡¯d felt the wave of energy emanating from the Ceryneian Hind¡¯s antlers. ¡°That thing might be at the peak of beta level¡­¡± Your enemies have always been stronger than you, kid...and you¡¯ve always beaten them, haven¡¯t you? Sam couldn¡¯t help but smile at Chiron¡¯s rare compliment. And each victory has made you stronger¡­ Believe in yourself. You¡¯ve earned the right. Sam glanced down at the hand holding onto his bow, noticing how it wasn¡¯t shaking in the least. ¡°Stop praising me already¡­it¡¯s making me nervous¡ªlike things might go wrong if you¡¯re not making fun of me.¡± I can make fun of you and compliment you in the same breath, lame-brain¡­Watch¡ª But Chiron¡¯s words were drowned out by the sound of falling trees to Sam¡¯s five o¡¯clock. He took a quick peek around the trunk of his tree and watched as the hind thrashed its surroundings like it was having a¡­ ¡°Tantrum?¡± Sam looked on in confusion. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it?¡± If I had to guess, I¡¯d say the poison in its system didn¡¯t just change its form¡­it forced the Ceryneian Hind into a frenzy¡­happens sometimes when something pure and good is corrupted by condensed darkness. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°How do you condense darkness?¡± Only one thing I know can do that¡­but we don¡¯t have to get into it now. Sam couldn¡¯t see Chiron, but the slight shudder in his voice made him think his master might actually be spooked by something other than losing his subscription to Olympus+. Listen, kid, that thing¡¯s blinded by rage¡­it can¡¯t focus, which means you¡¯ve got an opportunity here. ¡°Lesson number thirty-four,¡± Sam recited. ¡°Take advantage of the situation and put myself in an optimal position for a stealth attack.¡± Think you can do it? ¡°Yeah, but,¡± Sam glanced down at his bow once more, ¡°maybe I can stack the odds in my favor¡­¡± Sam pulled out four arrows from his quiver and laid them on the ground by his feet. Two of them had tips made of reinforced hypodermic needles. These were the tranquilizers. The other two arrows had capped tips. Removing their caps revealed arrowheads coated in a sticky gelatinous liquid. ¡°Egyptian Asp venom,¡± Sam deduced. That¡¯s a strong paralytic¡­might work to calm the hind down¡­ but you¡¯ll need the tranquilizers too if you¡¯re going to keep it docile long enough to lay your hands on it. Assuming they¡¯re strong enough. ¡°Ash said these can take a beta-level hound down,¡± Sam answered. ¡°Two should be enough to do the trick...I hope.¡± And if they¡¯re not enough? Sam patted his hammer¡¯s holster. ¡°Then I go old school and bash it into unconsciousness.¡± What an unrefined strategy, Chiron laughed. Go for it¡­but remember not to die. With his preparation completed, Sam notched a paralytic arrow to his bow and aimed it at the beast¡¯s hindquarters. Luckily for Sam, the hind seemed to have forgotten all about him as it was way too focused on destroying the trees in front of it like they¡¯d offended it somehow. Lesson number thirty-three, kid. ¡°Aim,¡± Sam answered. As if sensing danger on instinct, the hind stopped its rampage. It reared its head, glancing left and then right. It didn¡¯t find Sam. The trees had provided him cover. ¡°Wait for it...¡± Sam pulled the bowstring taut. ¡°Almost there...¡± The hind dropped to all fours so that its muzzle was close to the ground. It sniffed at the dirt, possibly to locate whatever danger it had sensed. It also made its backend a larger target which ensured Sam couldn¡¯t miss. ¡°Now,¡± he whispered. Almost as if it had heard him, the hind turned its head in his direction, but Sam had already let his arrow loose. Quick as a gunslinger, he notched another arrow to his bow¡ªone with a tranquilizer¡¯s tip. He drew, aimed, and then fired in the seconds it took the first arrow to hit its mark. The hind didn¡¯t even notice the first arrow hit its ass. As for the tranquilizer, it flew slower across the expanse of space between them but managed to hit its target just as the hind turned around and rose to its full height. ¡°Right in the chest,¡± Sam said, sounding very pleased. Lucky shot, Chiron teased. One of Sam¡¯s eyebrows went up. ¡°Um, it¡¯s not working?¡± Even with the paralytic and the tranquilizer in its system, the hind¡¯s charge toward him didn¡¯t slow one bit. Keep firing, Chiron ordered. Sam wasted no time notching the second paralytic arrow to his bow. He aimed, pulled, and fired. ¡°Styx!¡± His third arrow had struck the hind in its thick belly, but the beast reached him before he could finish aiming the fourth arrow at it. The Ceryneian Hind let out an angry roar and then drove its moonglow antlers down on Sam¡¯s head. Kid! It seemed Lady Luck was on Sam¡¯s side at that moment because the hind¡¯s antlers got caught in a low-hanging tree branch, which was just enough of a pause for Sam to dart out of the way. He threw himself into a clump of bushes and then crawled away from the danger zone while trying to still his rapidly-beating heart. Hades¡¯ balls, I was on the edge of my seat. Almost thought you¡¯d run out of luck there. While the hind found offense with the tree that had stopped its attack¡ªgorging chunks of bark off of its trunk in anger¡ªSam took this reprieve to crawl to a new firing spot behind a group of shrubs that had a good vantage of the horror¡¯s back. Once there, he got into firing position and then drew the second tranquilizer from his quiver. ¡°Let¡¯s try this again¡­¡± It was around now that Sam noticed the slight change in the hind¡¯s demeanor. It had lost its mosh pit attitude and was shaking its head around like someone who had a little too much to drink. ¡°About time.¡± When Sam aimed his bow at the target, he locked eyes with the hind for just a second. As recognition filled those beady eyes, Sam fired his tranquilizer. The tranquilizer embedded itself right into the hind¡¯s wounded neck. Soon enough, the beast swayed in place. Swayed some more. And then, with a pitiful whine that was underserving of its monstrous countenance, the hind finally dropped to its knees. ¡°Got you,¡± Sam grinned. Don¡¯t be hasty, kid! Chiron warned. ¡°Sorry, master, but when I see something in need...¡± He walked over to the now docile beast that continued to sway around like it was attempting to stay upright despite the pileup of debilitating effects Sam had given it. It might be down, but it ain¡¯t out yet¡­ No sooner had Chiron¡¯s warning popped into Sam¡¯s mind when the hind lifted its head at Sam¡¯s approach. Rage, the kind Sam had seen once from the cannibal boar that had nearly killed him back in the hospital, flashed across the beast¡¯s face. ¡°Oh¡±¡ªSam hurriedly drew an arrow from his quiver¡ª¡°Styx!¡± The hind flew toward him in a sluggish rage, making it possible for Sam to jump back and avoid the swipe of its antlers. As he jumped away, Sam aimed, ¡°Go down already!¡± and then fired his arrow. The projectile¡¯s bulbous tip smacked into the beast¡¯s chest, and the golden flames that exploded out of it grew into a blossoming flower that engulfed Sam¡¯s entire vision. Then he heard the boom, and he too was blown away. Chapter 82: The Light of Memory, Part 1 CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO The Light of Memory, Part 1
The explosion that rocked the clearing was the very definition of danger-close, and the force of its shockwave sent Sam hurtling into a nearby tree. However, although a great deal of pain racked his spine, Sam was still quick to rise to his feet and get back into firing position.
ALERT! Your HP has dropped considerably. [Regeneration (¦Æ)] is currently working to heal you of friendly fire damage.
¡°What the hell was that?!¡± Sam yelled, surprise flitting across his face. Farsight had never said she¡¯d packed an explosive arrow into Sam¡¯s quiver. What if he¡¯d died from that? What if the hind had? ¡°Oh, gods, is it¡ª¡± A cloud of smoke and dust obscured his vision, making it difficult to determine his enemy¡¯s position. But the beast didn¡¯t seem content to hide within the smoke for long as it rushed out of the cloud only moments after Sam notched another arrow to his bow. ¡°You¡¯re alive!¡± he yelled, and then, ¡°Oh, crap, you¡¯re alive!¡± The hind¡ªits chest sporting some painful-looking burns¡ªlunged for Sam with outstretched claws the size of kitchen knives. Interestingly enough, Farsight had packed a second explosive arrow into Sam¡¯s quiver, and it was this arrow that Sam knowingly notched to his bow now. ¡°If you didn¡¯t die from that last hit¡±¡ªhe let the arrow loose into the ground between him and the hind¡ª¡°I think you¡¯ll survive this too!¡± A second earthshaking explosion rocked the clearing, and Sam, whose ears were still wringing from the last one, had to duck to avoid the shockwave that came of it. ¡°What in Hades did Farsight put into these things?!¡± he complained. Golden flower plumes in the explosion hint at ancient Chinese red powder, Chiron deduced. Nasty stuff¡­more volatile than the black stuff used in gun powder these days. ¡°Where does¡ª¡± Sam ducked to the ground to avoid a broken tree limb flying at him. ¡°¡ªa high school student get¡ª¡± He ran back toward the tree line for some cover because that last explosive arrow¡ªalthough it had been aimed away from the hind¡ªhad packed one hell of a wallop. ¡°¡ªher hands on Chinese red powder?!¡± Sam complained. She¡¯s a Fated Sister. Finding stuff¡¯s their shtick, Chiron answered. After the explosion stilled, an eerie silence permeated the clearing. No indignant roar or wild thrashing about¡ªjust the quiet, and the wheezing of Sam¡¯s chest. Sam didn¡¯t like this. It was too quiet. And, as his eyes drifted toward the burning trees on his left, he couldn¡¯t shake the foreboding feeling that suddenly gripped him. If that last attack didn¡¯t knock the hind out, then can anything I do make a difference? he wondered. I¡¯m still just a delta...do I have what it takes to solo a legendary sacred beast? The doubt slithering into his mind intensified after he heard the monstrous roar from somewhere within the cloud of smoke hovering around that patch of burning trees that had been caught in his AOE attack. Then the smoke cloud cleared and revealed a damaged but still-standing hind rising out of the burning wood. What now? Chiron asked. ¡°Stick to the plan¡­¡± Sam reached for the quiver strapped to his back. ¡°I¡¯ll keep firing¡ª¡± His fingers grasped air. The quiver was empty. ¡°Oh, no¡­¡± Sam groaned. ¡°The arrows must have fallen off in the scuffle¡­¡± The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Not caring that he had lost his ammunition, the hind rushed at him on all fours with a speed that seemed to shrug off its earlier sluggishness. It reached him just as Sam got to his feet and sliced at him with antlers that would have decapitated Sam if his reaction was just a second slower. Watch out, kid¡­ All the pain you¡¯ve caused it might have dulled the effects of your arrows quicker, Chiron warned. ¡°I guess we¡¯re¡±¡ªSam rolled to the left to avoid the stomp of the hind¡¯s hoof¡ª¡°done with the foreplay.¡± Quick as a cat, Sam got to his feet and jumped out of the way from another swing of the hind¡¯s antlers. ¡°And getting right¡±¡ªhe weaved out of a follow-up lunge meant to skewer his shoulders¡ª¡°down to the climax!¡± He reached for Onus¡ªhis fingers grasping tightly onto its handle¡ªand then sent it streaking forward in a single sideward motion.
ALERT! Wielding [Onus, the Load Bearer] provides you with the following temporary bonuses based on your current burden¡¯s value: Strength +4, Dexterity +2
Onus¡¯ cylindrical-shaped head smacked hard against the side of the hind¡¯s skull, forcing the beast to stagger sideways. However, as if it had found its second wind, the hind snapped instantly back into position. ¡°What the¡ª¡± With its face mere feet away from Sam, he watched as the hind¡¯s mouth widened into a terrifying grin that stretched to the edges of its snout. ¡°Gods!¡± In a panic, Sam hurled Onus into the same spot he¡¯d smashed previously¡ªand the result was the same. The hind snapped back to its position in front of him with its spine-chilling grin still set in place. Sam gulped. In his head, he could hear Chiron warning him that the poison inside the hind was turning it fully dark and that Sam had little time before this process became irreversible. Sam heard all of that, but he didn¡¯t react. Somehow, he¡¯d been caught in the gaze of the beast standing over him almost like he was in a trance. His mind had drifted off, remembering a memory he¡¯d shut deep into its deepest recesses. It was the night his family died. Sam had run into his parents¡¯ room after he¡¯d heard his mother¡¯s screams through the walls. When he found her, the expression she¡¯d shown him¡ªthat manic look in the eyes, and that smile that crept to the edges of her face¡ªwere an exact reflection of the thing staring at him now. In his daze, Sam barely saw the hind swing its arm at his face, and it might have been survival instinct that caused him to pull back at the last second so that the beast¡¯s claws merely raked the side of his cheek. ¡°Ugh¡ª¡± However, this last attack was simply a feint made to disguise the blow that came streaking straight into his chest. All he could manage was drift to the left so that the hind¡¯s claws failed to pierce his heart. It went deep into Sam¡¯s right side though and caused him tremendous pain. ¡°Gah~~h!¡± Sam coughed out blood. His vision blurred.
ALERT! You have sustained heavy damage. The system recommends you refrain from taking action while [Regeneration (¦Æ)] works to heal you.
Triple-A enjoys stating the obvious... This silly thought probably kept Sam from blacking out then and there. ¡°No...can...do...¡± Sam coughed some more, and blood spilled from the corners of his mouth. That¡¯s when the hind¡¯s head dipped down to within inches of his face, its beady black eyes alight with triumph. Although Sam could barely see it through the haze of black dots hovering over his vision. A memory flashed in Sam¡¯s mind; the sight of Thunder standing over him and taking the bite that had been meant to end his life that first night when their fates became intertwined. ¡°No...¡± Sam gasped. ¡°I¡¯m not...that weakling...anymore...¡± He raised his hands forward and latched onto the two halves of the hind¡¯s antlers right at the moment it chose to aim them at him. ¡°It¡¯s not...over yet!¡± Sam growled. Wielding what little strength remained to him, Sam began to pull the antlers apart to break them off the hind¡¯s head. Although the pain that came with this desperate move was excruciating, Sam didn¡¯t falter in his task. He continued to resist the hind, pulling at its most powerful weapons while the beast pushed against him¡ªuntil at last, he heard the cracking of bone. You¡¯re giving me goosebumps here, kid! Chiron yelled. Go on! Tear that thing apart! Just before he could tear its antlers from its head, however, Sam let go of the rage that had gripped him too, opting instead to drive the hind¡¯s head down into the ground with him in a kind of clinch maneuver. He remembered. He was tasked to save a life, and Sam would try to do just that even if it might kill him.
ALERT! Your HP is now below [15%] of its total value. Damage over time will continue while the hole in your side remains open. Loss of [1 HP] per second until [Regeneration (¦Æ)] manages to heal this wound.
¡°It¡¯ll take...too long,¡± Sam realized. The hind buckled in Sam¡¯s grip while the rest of its body reared up to lift him off his feet. However, either through sheer force of will or some divine intervention, Sam¡¯s strength, which should have been depleted by now, endured throughout this ordeal, allowing him to keep the hind¡¯s head down on the ground with him. He heard Chiron screaming in his brain, but he couldn¡¯t understand his master¡¯s words. Because it took all Sam had to keep his strength intact long enough to attempt one final Hail Mary. With his arms preoccupied with keeping the hind¡¯s head locked down, Sam pressed his forehead to the patch of grass between them. ¡°I''m going to save you,¡± he promised. Then, in a voice that was barely a whisper, he said, ¡°Rejuvenation...¡± Chapter 83: The Light of Memory, Part 2 CHAPTER EIGHTY-THREE The Light of Memory, Part 2
ALERT! [Rejuvenation (¦Æ)] is now active. Your Stamina will continue to drop by [2 SP] per second while this power is in use.
ALERT! There is not enough life force within five feet of you for [Rejuvenation (¦Æ)] to convert into HP.
Sam wasn¡¯t sure what made him think of it. Perhaps it was Chiron¡¯s insistent whispers. Or perhaps it was his desire to live that gave him this flash of inspiration. Either way, gambling that his dominant hand would be enough to keep the hind¡¯s head locked in place for a few necessary seconds, Sam¡¯s right hand let go of the left antler it had been holding onto so it could reach down into one of his belt pouches and pull out the glowing stone he kept there.
ALERT! The system recognizes the item [Gamma-Level Horror Core]. Use [Rejuvenation (¦Æ)] on this item and convert its life force into HP?
¡°Yes.¡± Sam¡¯s fingers tightened on the banshee core Jackboot gave him. ¡°Thanks for...the meal.¡± It was a new sensation for Sam, absorbing the life force of another. However, unlike that time when he¡¯d taken in celestial power from the Liberty Bell, the energy surging up his arm didn¡¯t hurt. It felt cool and refreshing¡ªlike spring water shot directly into his veins. He could feel the hole in his chest begin to stitch itself back together too, although Sam¡¯s attention¡ªand intention¡ªwas focused on something other than saving his own life. And, while he struggled to attempt this impressive feat of pumping healing energy into the hind that continued to pull against his other hand¡¯s weakening hold, a flash of memory that didn¡¯t belong to Sam appeared in his mind; a woman crying in her hospital bed as the doctors informed her that her husband didn¡¯t survive the car accident they were in. Another memory flashed over this one; the same woman being told that her child had died on the operating table an hour after the loss of her husband. Sam recalled Chiron¡¯s words on how life energy carried the essence of a person in them and understood what was happening instinctively. He wasn¡¯t just absorbing her life force, he was experiencing the banshee¡¯s pain too. He watched these heart-wrenching moments flash across his mind in the milliseconds it took for his other hand to begin casting Healing Hand on the poisoned creature beside him. He could feel how this woman felt and his chest tightened with grief for her ordeal. Tears fell down his cheeks. ¡°I didn¡¯t understand before...but I get why she turned. This much grief¡­no one should ever feel this way.¡± With the black dots disappearing from his vision, Sam turned his gaze on the monstrous hind which had stopped struggling in his grip. It lay there breathing heavily by his side and seemed to be responding to his attempt to rid it of the unknown poison in its veins. As he poured the life force the banshee¡¯s core gave him into the hind, almost like her life¡¯s story was simply passing through him to get to the fallen beast, Sam wondered what sort of pain the hind must have been in for it to become the monster it was now. ¡°Can you feel her pain too?¡± he asked. Its beady black eyes were staring into his face, and he thought they¡¯d lost some of the anger that had been so clear in them earlier. To his surprise, a tear fell down the hind¡¯s right eye. ¡°It¡¯s alright¡­I¡¯m going to save you,¡± Sam promised. I never thought I¡¯d say this, but you¡¯re turning into quite the hero, Chiron said. ¡°I Never thought¡­you¡¯d say that either.¡± Only when I mean it¡­Go on. Take the darkness of the box out of this poor animal. ¡°Box¡­?¡± Later. Focus, lame-brain. As the banshee¡¯s crystal depleted, it crumbled into dust in Sam¡¯s hand. And, with a, ¡°thank you,¡± on his lips, Sam placed his now free hand on the hind¡¯s face. The beast didn¡¯t pull away. The hind seemed to be content with Sam¡¯s presence lying next to it. ¡°Let me show my story too,¡± he said as he shut his eyes. Sam realized that it would take more than simply pouring healing energy into the hind to bring it back from the darkness it had fallen into. He would need to fill that condensed darkness with light. His light. So, similar to how the banshee¡¯s core had gifted him with understanding, Sam began to share his story with the hind as well. Both the good and the bad. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. He let it feel the heartbreak of losing his family¡ªhis parents, his sister¡ªbefore letting it experience the thrill of meeting the woman who filled his world with color; Thunder speaking the oath of the Argonauts and then pressing her blood-soaked fingers against his lips. He even showed the hind Thunder¡¯s gorgeous smile, which made Sam giddy inside even as a memory. Sam let the hind share in his joy at growing stronger when he¡¯d fought his first alpha-level terror while also revealing to it how terrified he¡¯d been in that moment before he smashed his hammer against the bolt embedded into the horror¡¯s chest. He introduced the hind to his friends; Farsight¡ªthe snarky teenage seer who seemed more of an adult than Sam was, Crow-Man¡ªthe veteran hero Sam aspired to become, and Jackboot¡ªthe quirky Brit who reminded Sam of himself. As for Chiron, Sam had never seen him in person so he shared his master¡¯s lessons with the hind instead. Never lose hope! Sam recited in his mind. Hope is what remains in Pandora¡¯s Box after all the evils of the world are set free. It is the one thing that keeps total darkness at bay, the light at the end of the dark tunnel. Sam shared all of this and more with the hind, overpowering the darkness and rage that infected it with light and love¡­and hope.
You leveled up!
You leveled up!
You leveled up!
When Sam finally opened his eyes, the hind was gone. He was alone on the ground. Although his ragged breathing was evidence enough that he¡¯d survived his recklessness yet again. Sheesh, you actually did it, Chiron sounded impressed. You survived another deathmatch by the skin of your teeth. ¡°Ugh, don¡¯t make me laugh,¡± Sam¡¯s chuckle reformed into a grimace. ¡°Hurts...everywhere...¡± Much as I¡¯d like to let you rest, the mission¡¯s not over¡­ Get up, or your next opponent¡¯s going to stomp you to death. Chiron was wrong about that last part because the Ceryneian Hind¡ªits body reverted to that of a giant deer whose silver pelt shone with the same soft glow of moonlight that wrapped around its antlers¡ªdidn¡¯t attack Sam after it approached him. Instead, its muzzle dropped to caress Sam¡¯s cheek in an endearing manner that left the hero surprised. ¡°Um, hi...¡± Sam raised a shaky, bloody hand up to pat the hind on its neck. ¡°I suppose¡­this counts as capturing you?¡± Sam winced. Because I¡¯m beat and wouldn¡¯t mind a truce...¡± he added. The dark depths within the hind¡¯s beady eyes brightened into a familiar teal hue, and then Sam felt his pain lessen. His many wounds began to stitch themselves back together faster than Regeneration could have managed in his fatigued state. ¡°Y-you¡¯re...¡± Sam¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Healing me...¡± He wasn¡¯t sure how long the healing took, but soon enough he was back on his feet and feeling like he could take on another poisoned sacred beast. ¡°You couldn¡¯t have done this earlier?¡± Sam asked the Ceryneian Hind. Its response was a neighing that sounded a lot like a sigh to Sam¡¯s ears. Look at you, you¡¯ve made a friend, Chiron chuckled. Sam tenderly caressed the fur on the hind¡¯s side which was as high as his arms would go now that it was back to its giant dear size. ¡°So, how am I supposed to give you back to Artemis?¡± That¡¯s easy¡­you just have to pray, Chiron answered. ¡°Seriously?¡± Best way to get their attention, isn¡¯t it? Sam shrugged. Then he knelt on the dirt and began to pray. Interestingly enough, the Ceryneian Hind folded its legs and joined him in prayer. Together, they called to Artemis so that the goddess might know her steed had been healed from the poison that corrupted it. It took an extra ¡®Hail Artemis¡¯ or two longer, but the goddess eventually sent a reply. ¡°You¡¯re going?¡± Sam asked. His new friend¡¯s form began to shimmer with even brighter moonlight. Then it vanished in a shower of sparks that floated up to the heavens. Right afterward, Sam saw a single star in the sky shining brighter than all the rest, and he knew the goddess was pleased. Of course, the notification of her giving him five hundred fame points for a job well done was also a pretty good indicator that Artemis appreciated his assistance.
CONGRATULATIONS! You¡¯ve completed the hidden mission [RECAPTURE THE CERYNEIAN HIND!].
Rewards to follow...
Sam thought this was a strange reply from Apollo because a reward was already in hand. An ivory horn lay on the ground where the hind vanished. Sam reached out for it, and another notification popped up for him.
CONGRATULATIONS! You¡¯ve completed the hidden mission [THE SECOND LABOR].
REWARDS ONE: [Herculean (¦¤)] has been improved with [Stout Body], a supplementary trait that lessens the damage the hero receives while Herculean is active.
REWARDS TWO: Special Item [The Blessed Horn of the Sacred Beast] received.
REWARDS THREE: The hidden quest [THE THIRD LABOR] will now be available to you.
Chapter 84: Mass Healer, Part 1 CHAPTER EIGHTY-FOUR Mass Healer, Part 1
The moon had reached its zenith by the time Sam rolled into Kansas City in search of his friends, but the scene before him now lit up the sky in orange hues reminiscent of that first chaotic night when his life as an Argonaut began. ¡°What in Hades...¡± Sam had just driven into a wide parking lot that was littered with craters and broken debris. Fires were scattered everywhere, illuminating a sight reminiscent of battlefields from those World War II documentaries he liked to binge on. Looks like you¡¯re late to the party again, Chiron said. He drove past several silver Wardens busses which had been overturned with their innards leaking out across the cracked cement. ¡°That¡¯s an understatement,¡± Sam said as he parked his bike next to one of the large recovery tents that had been raised to accommodate the wounded heroes gathered inside it. ¡°What happened here?¡± Of the Argo VII, Sam could find no sign; although the dilapidated iron gates swinging off their hinges at the other end of the parking lot and the obvious tire marks between them offered him an uneasy guess at where his friends might have gone. ¡°You!¡± someone called from inside the tent. ¡°You¡¯re that vigilante everyone¡¯s been talking about recently, aren¡¯t you?¡± The heroine who caught Sam¡¯s attention was a familiar blue-haired Asian woman in a blue jumpsuit. He recognized her instantly as Miracle Girl. ¡°Heard you were a healer¡±¡ªMiracle Girl went back to taking care of a curly-haired teen hero in a skin-tight green suit¡ª¡°come help me with this!¡± Sam watched two more heroes¡ªboth of them decked in the red and blue colors of Kansas¡¯ premier super-team¡ªarrive at the tent while carrying a third hero between them before he snapped out of his daze and stepped into the tent, too. ¡°How can I help?¡± he asked. Miracle Girl had her arms pressed on a huge hole in the teen hero¡¯s left shoulder. Her gloved hands were covered in blood. ¡°Find someone to heal,¡± she answered distractedly. Sam took in the sight of injured heroes lying on makeshift cots and the overworked healers sitting by their side before he knelt beside the hero that was just brought in by the two Kansas locals. ¡°It¡¯s alright...¡± Sam¡¯s brow creased as he recognized the wolf mask that didn¡¯t cover the bottom half of her face. ¡°I¡¯ve got you, Wolf-Woman.¡± He willed his life force into his fingertips¡ªreveling in the warm sensation that spread across his hands¡ªand began to magically stitch together the bloody tear that cut across her chest. While he cast Healing Hand on her, Sam began asking Wolf-Woman questions like why there were New York heroes in Kansas City, and she replied with, ¡°We were commissioned to raid¡­the Endless Maze...¡± The Endless Maze¡ªthat was the other name for the Eisenhower Museum. For underneath its campus was a labyrinthine maze that not even a powerful relic such as Ariadne¡¯s String could fully map out. Sam knew there had been two raids commissioned for this haunted zone before, but both had ended in failure. Too few heroes had returned alive in each one, and the stories of how many more were lost inside its alpha-rated dungeon filled with revolving hallways, hidden rooms, and trap doors were perhaps one of the most retold ghost stories in modern hero mythology. ¡°A third raid...¡± Sam whispered to himself. ¡°Why now...?¡± Could this be a coincidence? Sam wondered as his gaze drifted up toward the night sky. Or is someone nudging us along...? With the healing finished, Sam helped Wolf-Woman sit up. He blushed slightly at how her torn costume revealed a little too much skin on her chest. Although he was proud of his work and how the pink scar between her breasts wouldn¡¯t leave a permanent mark. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said in a husky voice. ¡°N-no problem...¡± Sam was actively trying hard not to stare. ¡°So, um, what happened to your raid?¡± ¡°Chimera happened,¡± Wolf-Woman growled. The word ¡®Chimera¡¯ made Sam¡¯s brow furrow once more, forcing his gaze back on Wolf-Woman with all thought of impropriety driven from his mind. ¡°Can you elaborate,¡± he insisted. Wolf-Woman explained that a well-trained troop of soldiers clad in white combat suits had ambushed their thirty-man hero party at the entrance of the Endless Maze. ¡°How do you know they¡¯re with Chimera?¡± Sam pressed. ¡°The big guns and white fascist suits weren¡¯t enough of a clue for you?¡± she growled. But then she sighed and offered Sam an apologetic smile. ¡°Apologies, I just¡­they came out of nowhere.¡± She took out a piece of cloth from one of the pockets in her utility belt and offered it to Sam. It was a shoulder patch that showed a crest of a monster with the heads of a lion, goat, and snake attached to a beast¡¯s body which was shaped to present the letter C. ¡°Not many people know that symbol, but I¡¯ve been working with the Wardens to uncover the existence of a secret organization that¡¯s been causing trouble recently¡­¡± Wolf-Woman¡¯s eyes searched Sam¡¯s face, and she must have noticed how unfazed he was by this news because she finished with, ¡°You know about them as well, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve had run-ins with them recently,¡± Sam admitted. From behind her mask, Sam could see Wolf-Woman¡¯s eyes narrow at him. ¡°Where?¡± she pressed. ¡°Um,¡± Sam suddenly found it difficult to lie in front of that piercing wolf-eyed glare, ¡°I¡­I¡­¡± Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
ALERT! Wolf-Woman is attempting to use [Intimidation (¦£)] on you. Willpower [30] is insufficient. The system will use [Regeneration (¦Æ)] to aid against it¡­
¡°Please¡±¡ªSam pressed his fingers against his temple¡ª¡°don¡¯t do that!¡± The pressure in his mind subsided, and Sam let out a deep breath. ¡°Impressive,¡± came Wolf-Woman¡¯s husky voice, ¡°you¡¯re a lot stronger than when we first met, Herculean.¡± Sam had once heard that Wolf-Woman¡¯s keen senses were rated very highly by the Wardens despite her only receiving a gamma-level rating for her primary gift of lycanthropy. It was said that she could even sense the strength of others just from taking in their scent, which meant Sam would have to be careful around her. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Sam tried to hide his anxiety by pretending to still be in pain from their mental spar. ¡°You could just ask nicely¡­ I¡¯m not trying to hide anything.¡± ¡°Sorry¡­force of habit,¡± she admitted. ¡°I know you¡¯re one of the good ones. Even if you are a vigilante.¡± In exchange for Sam revealing how he¡¯d run into Chimera¡¯s agents in Philadelphia and Chicago, Wolf-Woman told Sam the story of a black school bus that tore right through the battlefield and broke past the gate that kept the Eisenhower campus under lock and key. ¡°The bus drew Chimera¡¯s soldiers to it and away from us,¡± she explained. ¡°They did that on purpose,¡± Sam said in exasperation. ¡°Yes, I think so, too,¡± Wolf-Woman replied. ¡°In their own way, your team was trying to save lives.¡± ¡°M-my team?¡± Sam raised an eyebrow. ¡°I d-don¡¯t¡ª¡± She tapped a finger against the tip of her nose. ¡°Just so you know, I can smell when someone¡¯s lying.¡± ¡°And everyone¡¯s heard the news report about Thunder and some unknown heroes rescuing civilians from an explosion at the Chicago Water Tower¡­ There was something about the vigilante, Herculean, possibly causing it too.¡± Miracle Girl had dropped in to check on her partner. Satisfied that Sam hadn¡¯t botched the job, she turned a begrudging nod of respect toward him. ¡°You guys really drive around in a magic school bus?¡± ¡°Um,¡± Sam hesitated to answer, prompting Miracle Girl to brush off his worry with, ¡°Wolf and I don¡¯t care about you being a vigilante, guy. As long as you¡¯re competent.¡± Her gaze drifted toward the other injured heroes in their cots. ¡°Don¡¯t suppose you¡¯ve got any more healing in you?¡± she added. ¡°I¡¯m tapped out¡­¡± Sam followed her gaze and then smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡± ¡°You do?¡± Wolf-Woman and Miracle Girl both asked at the same time. But Sam wasn¡¯t listening to them anymore because his focus drifted to his inner self and to the fount of life force that had grown considerably inside of him since he¡¯d first met them outside the burning apartment. You¡¯re going to use it, aren¡¯t you? Chiron guessed. ¡°No time like the present,¡± Sam replied under his breath. He placed his hands together as if in prayer¡ªforming a circle with his arms which would function as a kind of makeshift arcane array to help channel his newfound power¡ªand then Sam whispered, ¡°Mass Healing.¡± His entire body lit up like a teal-colored Christmas tree. Glowing tendrils of energy spread out of him to drift over to the tent¡¯s injured inhabitants, spearing into them, filling them with life energy that supercharged their bodies¡¯ own ability to regenerate. As garish wounds began to close and broken bones began to mend, a great deal of confusion flitted across each of the heroes¡¯ faces. While the healers who understood what was happening gazed at Sam with renewed interest. ¡°Holy shit,¡± Miracle Girl raised an eyebrow at Sam, ¡°how does a zeta cast such powerful heals¡­?¡± No, this was definitely not the work of a zeta-level healer. Even a delta might not have managed such a feat. But Sam was neither now. Apollo had finally come through for him and given Sam a reward that bumped his gift past that power ceiling and straight into gamma-level territory. *** It happened while Sam was on his five-hour drive from Missouri to Kansas. Somewhere along the freeway, he¡¯d been stopped by what he¡¯d thought at first was a hitchhiker with impeccable golden hair. But then the golden-eyed man opened his mouth, and Sam realized that his patron had come down from his lofty palace in the sky to have a chat with, in Apollo¡¯s words, ¡°His new favorite hero!¡± ¡°You¡¯re not just lost, are you?¡± Sam pointed a thumb behind him. ¡°Spring Break¡¯s that way...¡± ¡°Your joke sucks¡­Spring Break was months ago,¡± Apollo replied genially. ¡°I just dropped by to tell you that you did an excellent-o job saving my hide from Artemis¡¯ arrows.¡± Sam¡¯s eyebrow rose slightly. ¡°Is that all?¡± Despite Apollo¡¯s amiable presence, Sam couldn¡¯t bring himself to fully trust such an inconsistent patron. ¡°Well, I might have come over to make sure you weren¡¯t going to jump ship on me,¡± Apollo admitted. ¡°Artemis was impressed with how you handled that situation with the hind, and now she¡¯s been going on and on about contracting you exclusively into her service.¡± Apollo elbowed Sam lightly in the ribs. ¡°Can you believe her cahones,¡± he chuckled half-heartedly. ¡°Trying to brag about stealing my guy from under me...my guy! The nerve of her!¡± He sent a furtive glance Sam¡¯s way and noticed the frown on the hero¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re not thinking of signing with Artemis, are you?¡± as he asked this, Apollo¡¯s toothy grin faltered slightly. Truthfully, Sam wasn¡¯t even aware signing with another god was possible. There were free agents like Thunder who¡¯d risen through the ranks under their own power and found patrons afterward, but Sam had been too weak to be noticed by other gods, and so he¡¯d always labored under Apollo¡¯s brand. ¡°No,¡± Sam said, and he was slightly taken aback that he meant it. ¡°I¡¯m not planning on switching patrons unless you give me a reason to stop believing in you...¡± Apollo, relieved by the truth in Sam¡¯s words, decided to bestow on, ¡°My guy!¡± a special reward for his latest successful mission. Although Sam had the impression he was being bribed too.
CONGRATULATIONS! You¡¯ve completed the special mission [RECAPTURE THE CERYNEIAN HIND].
REWARDS ONE: You have earned Apollo¡¯s favor! Now, allow my amazingly incredible extra-special FPS one thousand solar rays to flow into your veins and unleash more of your potential!
Just like the reward claimed, power did flow into Sam. But it was different from the painful feeling of absorbing Zeus¡¯ lightning bolt. The celestial energy that spread across his body now was warm and welcoming, invoking the feeling of sunbathing on a beach while dawn¡¯s first rays caressed his skin. [You leveled up!] popped up six times, bumping Sam¡¯s level from twenty-four to thirty. Even more surprising, Apollo¡¯s celestial energy altered Sam¡¯s primary gift, Healing Hand, strengthening it so much that it finally evolved into [Healing Hand (¦£)]. ¡°I-is this for real?¡± Sam flexed the fingers of his right hand. ¡°I... I¡¯ve broken into gamma-level?¡± ¡°You were already on your way. I just gave you a little push.¡± Apollo patted Sam genially on the shoulder. ¡°But if it helps, think of it as your official signing bonus... Seriously, I¡¯d love for you to think that.¡±
REWARDS TWO: 1,500 Golden Drachma, 1x supplementary gift to Healing Hand, exclusive OTC collectible: 1:100 Master-Grade Argo VII kit complete with attachable javelin launcher and Archimedes Mirror (comes with a certificate of authenticity)
What happened next might have even caught Apollo unaware as his face mirrored Sam¡¯s surprised look when they both read the pop-up that came after the last one.
CONGRATULATIONS! You¡¯ve accumulated enough experience with [Healing Hand (¦£)] to unlock a supplementary gift from the [SUPPORT] tree. [Mass Healing (¦Æ)] received.
¡°Holy Apollo,¡± Sam gasped. ¡®This is awesome!¡± Chapter 85: Mass Healer, Part 2 CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVE Mass Healer, Part 2
Sam felt sharp-nailed fingers tighten on his hand, drawing him out of his reminiscence and back into the present. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Wolf-Woman asked. ¡°You were gazing off into the distance¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m¡ª¡± Miracle Girl smacked Sam hard in the shoulder. ¡°Holy shit, guy¡­ I thought you were just one of those strength-type jocks with a crappy secondary healing gift?!¡± She was most likely referring to the rumor that Herculean, who insider sources claimed had mistakenly registered as a healer, was recently seen displaying a destructive force rivaling most strength type bruisers of mid to high tier levels. Tall tales about Herculean had already begun spreading on the hero forums too. Stories about how Herculean was hiding his real power because he was moonlighting as a villain or the story about him being Apex¡¯s long-lost younger brother¡ªthat one annoyed Sam¡ªwere just some of the outlandish tales being told about the new vigilante. Funnily enough, Sam thought these tall tales were a lot more believable than the truth that he was the latest in a long line of heroes that were trained to be fabled Argonauts by the legendary Mr. Saturnday himself. ¡°Um,¡± Sam straightened up, ¡°my main gift¡¯s a healing power.¡± Satyr-shit,¡± Miracle Girl snapped. ¡°If you were as physically powerful as the rumors claim and have primo-healing abilities like what you¡¯ve just shown us then you would be on the U.S. top hundred charts...and you aren¡¯t there, guy.¡± There were some nods from the healers who¡¯d drifted over to listen in on their conversation. Most of the recovery tent¡¯s inhabitants just looked confused though. Miracle Girl crossed her arms over her chest. ¡°Are you on GHG or something?¡± GHG was the acronym for Gifted Growth Hormone, a designer drug meant to temporarily increase a gifted¡¯s abilities. The side effects of using it were horrendous though, and that¡¯s why it had been classified as a class-A harmful substance by the Wardens who also had it on their drug ban list. Sam frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t take anything illegal.¡± This was technically not true. Although Wolf Woman didn¡¯t seem inclined to tell anyone Sam had just lied. She even saved him from dodging more questions with a growl that Miracle Girl must have taken as her friend¡¯s way of telling her to drop it. ¡°He helped us. That should be enough...for now,¡± Wolf-Woman insisted. She turned her wolf-eyed gaze on Sam, and he saw the glint of understanding in them. ¡°Isn¡¯t there somewhere you have to be?¡± she asked while nodding toward the dilapidated gates at the far side of the parking lot. ¡°Y-yeah...¡± Sam rose to his feet. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°This one and I¡±¡ªWolf-Woman pointed a sharp-nailed finger at Miracle Girl¡ª¡°will follow once we¡¯re sure everyone else is okay.¡± Miracle Girl was still frowning at Sam, but she didn¡¯t refute her partner¡¯s words, leaving Sam to imagine that they might make reliable future teammates¡­maybe. ¡°I¡¯ll be counting on you then,¡± he said. As he began to leave the tent, a group of previously injured heroes had gotten up to thank Sam for healing them, although they gave no assurances that they would be fighting at his side later on. Unlike Wolf-Woman and Miracle Girl, most of these heroes looked defeated already. This thought of running away from the fight¡ªone Sam knew all too well¡ªalso nagged at him as he made his way across the parking lot and through the unhinged gates of the Eisenhower campus. He didn¡¯t listen though. Although, as he saw the scene beyond the gates, Sam wondered if he made the right choice after all. ¡°It¡¯s like ¡®Land of the Dead¡¯ in here...¡± What was once fresh-cut grass carpeting an entire campus was now a barren, fog-ridden field with patches of dead trees spread around the grounds. The two largest buildings¡ªthe museum and library, which faced each other at the other end of the campus¡ªhad become like tombs stained in black ash and rot. As for the president¡¯s boyhood home and the statue that should have stood in the middle of this wide field¡ªonly their foundations remained. It¡¯s like a patch of the Underworld¡¯s come crawling up to the surface, Chiron mused. This, Sam thought, was an accurate description as actual will-o¡¯-wisps were rising from the earth to float up into the air and illuminate the grounds in an eerie ghostly light. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. The sounds of explosions and gunfire reached Sam¡¯s ears, causing his gaze to snap toward the entrance of the museum where he found the Argo VII parked in front of it while under heavy fire from the machine guns of the white-clad soldiers encircling the school bus. It wasn¡¯t just their armor and weapons that were dyed in shades of white though. Some of the enemies had lost their masks to reveal the alabaster skin and snow-white hair hidden underneath. ¡°Wow¡­that¡¯s taking uniforms to whole new heights,¡± Sam commented. Wise cracking¡¯s my job, lame-brain, Chiron replied. Yours is getting your butt kicked by these stormtrooper wannabes. ¡°I don¡¯t get my¡ª¡± Looks like Thunder is in a pinch. Those words were enough to spur Sam onward. And, with the help of ¡°Herculean!¡± he bounded across the dead earth with such speed that he arrived at Thunder¡¯s position right as one of the albino soldiers reached for her back with the bowie knife in his hand. ¡°Hey, gang¡±¡ªSam drove his fist into the gut of the soldier threatening the woman of his dreams¡ª¡°I see you¡¯ve made new friends!¡± Even before that first soldier was sent crashing into the stairs leading up to the museum, Sam had already moved to tackle the other white-clad assassin at Thunder¡¯s back, giving her enough breathing room to zap the other two soldiers gunning for her with an arc of elemental energy that snapped across their bodies like a whip version of a lightsaber. ¡°Whoa, that¡¯s¡±¡ªSam push-kicked his opponent into the path of Jackboot¡¯s dropkick¡ª¡°a cool new move¡­ What do you call it?¡± ¡°Lash,¡± Thunder replied absentmindedly as she was busy wrapping her Lash around the soldiers¡¯ necks. Once she¡¯d finished wrapping them up, she glanced over at Sam and asked, ¡°How was the sidequest?¡± ¡°Complicated,¡± Sam replied. He¡¯d hoped to catch his friends in St. Louis, but it had taken him too long to farm materials from the wendigo¡¯s corpse, a task that Chiron was adamant Sam see to despite his reluctance to desecrate the dead. ¡°This doesn¡¯t feel right¡­I got the kill shot but I didn¡¯t beat it,¡± Sam had reminded Chiron. Do you know how rare it is to bag a wendigo? Chiron had asked. ¡°Rarer than a centaur appearing in a city,¡± Sam had guessed. Even rarer! Chiron had yelled. A Wendigo¡¯s ice-cold heart is the primary ingredient to ¡®warming balms¡¯ strong enough to withstand even the heat of fire giants... This stuff¡¯s worth a small fortune. We can¡¯t pass this chance up, kid. Sam had been clumsy with his carving knife though, and so it had taken him past sunset before he managed to climb back down the mountain and reunite with his motorbike. Then there was the thing with Apollo, a meeting that had ended with Sam waking up next to his bike on the shoulder of the highway. Of course, it was a dream... Gods aren¡¯t allowed to physically appear in the mortal world because their very presence wreaks havoc with the environment, Chiron had explained. So, yes, there were several complications to share with his friends, but Sam would have to wait until after the fight to tell his story. With his focus back on the battle, Sam began to notice how these Chimera agents didn¡¯t even flinch from the arrows Farsight shot into the spaces between their armor joints. They barely slowed down even after Sam caved their masks in with his fists. ¡°It¡¯s like we¡¯re fighting zombies!¡± he complained. ¡°These soldiers have been genetically modified,¡± answered a deep-throated voice Sam hadn¡¯t heard since that night in the Bronx. ¡°The trick is to keep them off-balance long enough for Thunder to zap them into unconsciousness.¡± The man who stepped into Sam¡¯s field of view was a tall, buzz-cut, Samoan man with muscles so thick they were threatening to burst out of his all-black costume. On his chest was a symmetrically pleasing symbol of a burning hearth. ¡°Y-you¡¯re Dr. Hearthstone!¡± Sam yelled excitedly. ¡°And you¡¯re Sam Shepard,¡± Dr. Hearthstone grinned. ¡°That healer who came to my rescue and then beat the Terror even Thunder couldn¡¯t beat.¡± Dr. Hearthstone placed his hands on his waist in that traditional superhero pose he was famous for. He kept the ¡®Hearthstone Pose¡¯ up even when Chimera¡¯s agents began to surround him. ¡°So, you¡¯re the ¡®Herculean¡¯ I¡¯ve been reading about¡±¡ªhe sized Sam up with his eyes¡ª¡°that name means you¡¯re strong, doesn¡¯t it?¡± It was an invitation, Sam realized¡ªprompting him to nod enthusiastically. Together, they each sent their fists smashing into the ground, causing it to crack underneath the weight of their collective power. The earth rumbled beneath them and forced the remaining Chimera agents to lose their footing, which was all the distraction Thunder needed to incapacitate them with her Lash so that they dropped like flies at the heroes¡¯ feet. But it was only after they¡¯d tied the bad guys up with rope when Sam got a proper reunion with his friends. ¡°You look like you¡¯ve been through the wringer,¡± Jackboot noted. Sam glanced down at his gear which was caked in the dark ichor that came with farming a horror¡¯s corpse. He probably smelled pretty badly too. ¡°Herculean always looks shabby,¡± Farsight chimed in. ¡°It¡¯s his trademark.¡± ¡°You¡¯re still not funny, guys.¡± Despite their jibes, Sam happily gave them both high-fives. ¡°So, what¡¯s the situation?¡± ¡°These goons were left out here to keep us from following after the enemies who¡¯d already entered the library.¡± Thunder bumped fists with Sam before eyeing him up and down. ¡°You got stronger again, huh?¡± Sam grinned. ¡°Maybe a little.¡± As for Thunder, she looked healthier than when he¡¯d last seen her. Perhaps the trip home had done her some good, or maybe she was just happy to see him. ¡°Check this out.¡± Sam unclipped the horn from his belt and tossed it to Thunder. ¡°It¡¯s my mission reward.¡± ¡°This is¡­¡± Thunder brushed her fingers against the horn¡¯s surface and felt the magic emanating from it. ¡°...a summoning tool?¡± Sam nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve only ever heard about them... Chiron tells me it¡¯s a pretty rare reward.¡± ¡°Chiron?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°Y-yeah¡­¡± Apprehension flashed across Sam¡¯s face. ¡°That was the, um, name of the author in this book I read about, um, spirit summoning...¡± Neither Jackboot nor Farsight seemed completely convinced by Sam¡¯s lie, but Thunder was quick to jump to his rescue and steer the conversation into less secretive matters. ¡°Let¡¯s hope your new relic proves useful inside the maze...¡± She gave Sam back the horn before turning her gaze on the beta-level hero who now waited for them at the top step of the Eisenhower Museum¡¯s entrance. ¡°Are you coming with us, Dr. Hearthstone?¡± Dr. Hearthstone placed his hands on his waist once again. A grin, wide and welcoming, appeared on his face. And somehow, the sight of this reliable hero willing to join them in their mission encouraged Sam more than any words of inspiration might have. ¡°All right¡±¡ªSam stepped forward¡ª¡°let¡¯s go ruin the villains¡¯ evil plans.¡± Chapter 86: The Endless Maze, Part 1 CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX The Endless Maze, Part 1
As he stood there staring into the Eisenhower Museum¡¯s entrance, Sam was reminded of one of the first rules of heroics. Never idle by the threshold of a haunted zone. It¡¯s always better to jump in quickly. His original mentor had once clued him on why this rule was a must-follow. ¡°In that brief moment when you¡¯re still outside feeling the fresh air on your back while knowing only a cold darkness lies before you¡­that¡¯s when fear builds in your chest, your courage drains away, and then godsdammit¡ªyou¡¯ve lost your will to fight before the raid even begins, Healing Lad.¡± For Sam, it had been a while, but he could still recall the spine-tingling sensation of that moment right before he plunged into Goodwill Asylum solo. Despite knowing how well that mission turned out, it was still impossible for him to fully shake off the feeling of dread that came with staring into the unknown. ¡°Here we go again,¡± he whispered. He might have hung around the Eisenhower Museum¡¯s entrance longer than necessary if Thunder hadn¡¯t been standing at his side. ¡°Are you scared, lame-brain?¡± she teased. ¡°Nope,¡± he lied, although he¡¯d already learned that being scared didn¡¯t stop him from being brave, too. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± The pair of them slipped through the entrance and then found themselves falling into something unexpected. ¡°Um, wasn¡¯t this supposed to be a museum?¡± Sam asked dumbfounded. They landed at the top of a set of wooden steps that led down into dark space while several other wooden staircases¡ªsome leading up, others leading down¡ªfloated in the air around them. There were floating doors here, too¡ªsome of which were open and leading into carpeted hallways with interiors covered in shadows. Between all these floating fixtures were clouds of gray whose foggy tendrils obscured their surroundings so that they could barely see anything past ten feet away. ¡°Welcome to the Endless Maze, Sam,¡± Thunder said. ¡°Hope we survive the experience...¡± ¡°It¡¯s cold in here,¡± Sam noticed. It was cold enough that their breaths came out in wispy vapors. ¡°And barely any light to see past twenty feet,¡± Thunder added. The ghostly glow from the hundreds of will-o¡¯-wisps floating in the air was all they had to light their way as the flashlights they brought with them could barely penetrate the fog¡¯s depths. ¡°Honestly, I expected something weirder,¡± Farsight commented. She and Dr. Hearthstone appeared at the bottom of a wooden staircase northeast of Sam¡¯s and Thunder¡¯s location. While Jackboot was left standing alone on top of a trapdoor that was floating just below them. ¡°Blimey, this is bizarre,¡± Jackboot exclaimed. ¡°It¡¯s like I¡¯m inside someone¡¯s muddled brain...¡± ¡°It¡¯s a zone twisted and perverted by a powerful horror¡¯s warped mind,¡± Dr. Hearthstone explained. ¡°What now?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Ideally, we would have a relic like Ariadne¡¯s String guiding us, but our enemies stole that from my raid team earlier,¡± Dr. Hearthstone answered. ¡°Maybe we can locate their starting point and follow their trail from there?¡± ¡°That sounds¡±¡ªThunder¡¯s gaze drifted over the strange patchwork of floating scenery around her¡ª¡°impossible.¡± I¡¯ll make them pay... ¡°Uh, did you guys hear that?¡± Sam asked. I¡¯ll kill them all... It was just a whisper in the wind, but the malice in it caused goosebumps to rise on Sam¡¯s skin. ¡°That would be the lingering thoughts of the horror that warped this place into a haunted zone,¡± Dr. Hearthstone explained. ¡°Rick...¡± Thunder sighed. ¡°The kid who was bullied in my school...no one even knew he was gifted until he turned...¡± A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°That must have been very traumatic,¡± Dr. Hearthstone said. Thunder nodded. ¡°It¡¯s why I chose to be a hero... I never wanted to be in that kind of situation again and not be able to save lives.¡± Sam patted Thunder encouragingly on the back before turning his focus on the problem at hand. ¡°Does anyone know how we¡¯re going to move around in here?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t need Ariadne¡¯s String.¡± Farsight pointed a thumb at herself. ¡°You people sit tight and let the seer handle this.¡± ¡°Do your powers work in here?¡± Sam asked. ¡°They, um, failed you last time...¡± ¡°The Fates hold no sway in another god¡¯s realm.¡± Farsight waved a hand in the air. ¡°But their influence extends into haunted zones...even ones formed from all this crazy.¡± She pointed to a patch of empty air to the left of Jackboot, and the fog cleared around it to reveal another trapdoor floating just within his reach. ¡°You go first, Jack,¡± Farsight instructed. ¡°And what happens if you¡¯re wrong?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°Then you¡¯ll be lost in the maze and never be heard from again,¡± she teased. Jackboot frowned. ¡°You¡¯d make an interesting villain...¡± Despite his words, Jackboot didn¡¯t hesitate to leap over to the new trapdoor because he¡¯d been around Farsight long enough to know her powers were the real deal. He pulled open the trapdoor and dove right in¡ªand when they heard him yell, ¡°Bloody Duat!¡± Jackboot sounded like he was far away. ¡°Everyone else should go through now... Hurry, I can¡¯t hold this probability in our reality for long,¡± Farsight explained. She let Dr. Hearthstone carry her in his arms princess-style, and together they jumped down into the trapdoor Jackboot had gone through. Sam and Thunder quickly followed with Sam diving into the trapdoor just as it began to disappear from reality. ¡°Styx,¡± he cursed as he tumbled down onto the solid ground with a roll. ¡°I¡¯m always cutting it close.¡± ¡°Sam!¡± Thunder yelled. ¡°Dodge!¡± Instinct drove Sam to roll to the right, allowing him to avoid the freakishly long, ghostly hand that would have latched onto his chest. Sam scrambled back. ¡°Bulwark! Bulwark!¡± He raised his arm just in time for Bulwark¡¯s near-invisible aura to wrap around it, helping him to deflect the phantom¡¯s fingers from reaching his throat. ¡°This guy¡¯s¡±¡ªSam whipped out Onus from his belt and launched it forward¡ª¡°way too aggressive!¡± Onus smacked against the side of the phantom¡¯s skull with such force that the horrific apparition was blown away, giving Sam enough breathing room to rise to his feet and take stock of his surroundings. They were on a square wooden platform with its left and right edges covered in walls plastered with World War II photographs. The front and back sides, however, led to the same foggy void as earlier. Meanwhile, Sam¡¯s companions were busy dealing with phantoms of their own, leaving him alone with the new arrival that had just stepped out of the void in front of him to reach their platform. It had a face that was a cross between man and wolf while its muscular body was covered in red-brown fur. ¡°Hound...¡± Sam breathed. ¡°I hate hounds...¡± It¡¯s gamma-level, Chiron reported. ¡°Interesting...I¡¯m gamma-level now, too,¡± Sam growled. The hound let out an angry howl, and although the sound of it reminded Sam of the trauma that forced him to quit the hero¡¯s life before, he didn¡¯t hesitate to charge in with Onus raised high in his right hand. ¡°The ¡®me¡¯ of today¡±¡ªSam stepped into range and flung his hammer down at his opponent¡ª¡°has more heart than the ¡®me¡¯ of yesterday!¡± The hound raised its muscular arms in front of it to block Sam¡¯s attack, but they were smacked away by Onus¡¯ cylindrical head. This gave Sam a clear path to its chest. ¡°The ¡®me¡¯ of today¡±¡ªwith his left hand, Sam pulled the ax Mr. Moonday had given him to replace the Thorn Ax he''d lost out of its holster and then drove its head deep into the horror¡¯s chest¡ª¡°is stronger than the ¡®me¡¯ of yesterday!¡± Sam slammed Onus into the back of the ax¡¯s head and drove it even deeper into the horror¡¯s chest, causing the hound to yelp in pain. He felt no pity for the horror though. Only a fit of burning anger that grew with each second they were face to face. Leaving the hound no time to recuperate, Sam pulled his ax out of the horror¡¯s chest. Then he proceeded to destroy the hound with blow after blow from the weapons in each of his hands until at last Thunder yelled for him to stop. ¡°It¡¯s already dead, Sam,¡± she said. It was only then that he noticed the mess of broken bones and bloodied fur on the ground before him. The smell of rotten flesh and wet dog wafted up to his nose too. ¡°I...¡± Sam breathed. Are you done dealing with your issues, kid? Chiron asked. ¡°I¡­what in Hades did I¡ª¡± ¡°You¡¯re being affected by the psychic energies permeating the haunted zone¡¯s atmosphere,¡± Dr. Hearthstone explained. ¡°Which in this case would be a whole lot of anger,¡± Farsight chimed in. ¡°Something you seem to have for that hound, Sam... Care to explain?¡± ¡°I...¡± Sam returned his weapons to their holsters. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Our emotions will be heightened in here. So don¡¯t let them get the better of you,¡± Dr. Hearthstone warned. Farsight insisted they leave the spoils they earned from the fight behind as it was far more important that they chase after Chimera¡¯s agents. No one disagreed with her. And so, with Farsight opening the path forward once more, the team jumped through another door to arrive on a large circular platform where a battle had recently taken place. The scent of blood in the air was quite overpowering. The corpses that littered the ground were a mix of white-clad soldiers and hounds even bigger than the one Sam just faced. Thunder knelt over a soldier¡¯s corpse to inspect it. ¡°These wounds... I don¡¯t think these were made by any of the horrors here...¡± ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Look at this...¡± Thunder pointed a finger at the hole in the soldier¡¯s chest. ¡°This is a stab wound. It¡¯s too deep to have been made by a hound¡¯s claws. It looks more like something a sword would make...¡± ¡°Like a large broadsword, you mean?¡± Jackboot mused out loud. ¡°Yeah, something like that,¡± Thunder agreed. ¡°How¡¯d you guess, Jack?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m staring at one right now,¡± Jackboot answered. Hearing the warning in his tone, the others¡¯ gazes left the corpse and snapped toward the other end of the platform where a ghostly figure had just emerged from the fog. ¡°Is that...¡± Sam¡¯s eyes widened slightly. Yes, it¡¯s a revenant,¡± Farsight finished for him. ¡°And it looks angry...¡± Chapter 87: The Endless Maze, Part 2 CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVEN The Endless Maze, Part 2
The five of them were lined up on one side of the circular platform. On the other end of it, looming right in front of the door Sam guessed would warp them to their next stop, was a creature straight from the pages of a DnD manual. If phantoms were mostly skeletons in appearance, then a revenant was like the dark-side version of the person they¡¯d once been¡ªmore skin and meat than bones and rags. Some of them, at least those who¡¯d been heroes before their deaths, still carried the weapons and armors they once possessed in life. ¡°Holy Zeus,¡± Sam breathed. ¡°Not Zeus...¡± Thunder replied. ¡°This thing belongs to Hades...¡± The revenant staring Sam and his friends down was about half a head taller than Dr. Hearthstone, although its body was as emaciated as a starving ghoul¡¯s. Veins of ghostly fire spread across patches of deathly pale skin, mirroring the ethereal light blazing out of the monster¡¯s empty eye sockets. ¡°Bloody Duat¡­that thing¡¯s got a nasty aura,¡± Jackboot said. ¡°Don¡¯t let it phantom-lock you or you¡¯ll be easy pickings to its sword,¡± Dr. Hearthstone reminded everyone. One might imagine that five heroes wouldn¡¯t be so wary against a single undead foe, but a revenant was an existence that could rival even beta-level horrors, and that was only if they were brand new. Older revenants¡ªlike the ancient Egyptian mummies sealed away in their pyramids¡ªbrought about calamities of plagues and famine and death whenever they walked the earth. ¡°Blessed Athena, I think I know her,¡± Thunder whispered. What remained of the revenant¡¯s chest armor showed off a disfigured logo of an upright sword wreathed in white flames. ¡°I think she¡¯s the Swordswoman,¡± Thunder guessed. Sam had heard of the alpha-level hero, who, back in the nineties, defeated the ancient horror Fafnir after the dragon had been resurrected by the ¡®Ponzi Scheme¡¯ of a greedy American billionaire. He¡¯d also read somewhere that the Swordswoman was among the missing heroes of the Endless Maze¡¯s first raid. ¡°Then that sword it¡¯s carrying...¡± Sam pointed to the blackened blade in the revenant¡¯s hand. ¡°...is that Gram?¡± The same legendary sword that the hero Sigurd used to kill Fafnir the first time it appeared in the mortal realm had been passed down through generations of the world¡¯s greatest sword masters with the Swordswoman known to have been its last wielder. This powerful relic had been lost to the endless maze like she was. ¡°If that is Gram then distance won¡¯t matter much, mate,¡± Jackboot said. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a single swing from its enchanted blade can cut through space and hit its targets from long range...¡± ¡°We¡¯re about to find out if that¡¯s true,¡± Farsight warned. The revenant had just raised its blackened broadsword high. In response, Sam jumped forward with his shield arm raised to the front. ¡°Bulwark, expand!¡± he ordered. The revenant slashed at air, and although they were at least eight yards away from it, Sam still felt the blow that struck the near-invisible shield he¡¯d spread to cover his team. ¡°Argh!¡± he screamed. Bulwark shattered like so many shards of glass, and then his shield arm was blown back by the enemy¡¯s otherworldly slash. However, with his other hand, Sam managed to throw Onus forward. Then, with a finger pointed straight at the enemy, he yelled, ¡°Go!¡± Thunder, Jackboot, and Dr. Hearthstone charged forward in pursuit of the flying hammer while Farsight moved to cover them with her bow. Onus flew straight and true, forcing the revenant to block the hammer with her blade, preventing the creature from launching an attack at the heroes rushing toward it. In that short window of opportunity, Jackboot bridged the distance between them and then drop-kicked the revenant¡¯s sword from its grasp. Thunder charged in next with her Lash whipping forward to snap across the revenant¡¯s body, causing the creature to elicit an inaudible shriek that they could all hear in their minds. ¡°Fahrenheit Two-Hundred!¡± Dr. Hearthstone yelled as he stepped within range of the revenant and launched a body blow right in its gut. Orange flames burst out of the point of impact, launching the revenant off its feet and up in the air where it was struck in the back by Jackboot¡¯s spinning heel kick. It flew forward just as two of Farsight¡¯s arrows struck its body and showered it in concussive blasts that sent the revenant hurtling to the ground with a resounding crash. However, it didn¡¯t seem like their combined attacks had finished the revenant off. It simply vanished from the spot where it cracked the wooden floor just like a ghost might have. ¡°Where did it¡ª¡± Sam saw the broadsword hurtling toward him like a missile. He ducked out of the way to avoid it, which was when Thunder yelled his name in warning. He looked up and discovered that the revenant had somehow warped to his side. Reunited with its sword, the ghostly warrior sent its blackened blade crashing down on Sam¡¯s head. ¡°Gods¡ª¡± Sam met the revenant¡¯s sword with Thorn Axe¡¯s blade. Clang! Although he managed to deflect that would-be death blow, his arm was blown back from the impact. Unfortunately for Sam, the revenant was quick to follow up with a slash aimed at his neck. Clang! This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Sam blocked it again with the help of Thorn Axe, but he¡¯d done this while unbalanced, and so the enemy sword¡¯s sharp-edged blade struck his ax in the handle just underneath its head. His weapon was cut in two, which left Sam defenseless to a third sword slash. Krak-ka-boom! The thunder rang in his ears immediately after the jagged lightning bolt struck the revenant in the shoulder, causing a static shockwave that blew the monster and Sam apart. ¡°Th-thank y-you-u!¡± Sam gritted his teeth against the painful shock rising up his arms.
WARNING! [Spartan Endurance Suit] cannot counteract the effects of the previous attack. You are temporarily paralyzed.
Talk about danger-close, Chiron chuckled. Sam didn¡¯t think his predicament was anything to laugh about because the revenant hadn¡¯t been paralyzed like he was. The ghostly figure was rushing through the air to take another swing at Sam, and he couldn¡¯t even lift his arms to protect himself. Godsdammit...I need to upgrade my armor... he thought. Maybe it¡¯s time to get a sponsor like Nike or Moonday. I should ask Mr. Moonday if he wouldn¡¯t mind...assuming I survive this. The revenant was right on top of Sam with its blacked sword raised high. However, just before the revenant could swing its sword down, both Jackboot and Dr. Hearthstone appeared to either side of Sam. ¡°Lucky Rabbit¡¯s Foot!¡± Jackboot yelled. ¡°Fahrenheit Two Hundred!¡± Dr. Hearthstone bellowed. Jackboot struck high while Dr. Hearthstone hit low, and the impact of their attacks catapulted the revenant to the edge of the platform where its back smacked against empty air as if there had been an invisible wall behind it.
ALERT! You are no longer paralyzed.
¡°It¡¯s not over yet,¡± Sam realized. He rushed forward and impulsively picked up the sword that had clattered to the ground. Then, while ignoring the paradoxical cold that burned the fingers wrapped around the cursed blade, Sam lunged forward and drove Gram deep into the revenant¡¯s chest. A terrifying screech of pain pierced into his mind. It was followed by a heart-wrenching sob that plucked at his heartstrings and caused a tear to fall down Sam¡¯s cheek. Thank you, a woman whispered. What was once a thing wrapped in darkness was suddenly shining brilliantly. For a single moment, the person she had once been was fully revealed in ethereal light. It was the beautiful, smiling face of a raven-haired woman whose armor wrapped snuggly against the contours of her shapely form. A second flash of brilliant light and the Swordswoman¡¯s ghostly figure was gone. After she vanished, Sam pulled out two drachmas from his coin purse and tossed them into the air. ¡°For the Ferryman... May he carry you swiftly to a brighter shore.¡± As he didn¡¯t hear the coins fall to the ground, Sam assumed that Charon, guide of the Underworld, accepted his payment and would make sure the Swordswoman finally found peace in the afterlife. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure she was a Norse hero,¡± Thunder said as she arrived to stand next to Sam. ¡°So it might have been a valkyrie who accepted your offering.¡± Sam shrugged. ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be Elysium...Valhalla¡¯s good too, I guess.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t let Crow-Man hear you say that,¡± Thunder chuckled. She coughed, and then coughed some more, forcing Sam¡¯s gaze to snap her way. Strands of blond hair stuck to the sweat coating her brow. Her face was paler, too. Sam sighed. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have summoned a lightning bolt for me... You can¡¯t use that kind of power anymore.¡± ¡°I know...¡± She leaned against his shoulder. ¡°But I couldn¡¯t help myself...¡± Feeling slightly tired himself, Sam leaned against her as well. ¡°Geez, we¡¯re not even at the boss fight yet and we¡¯re both exhausted... Are all haunted zones this tiring?¡± ¡°We¡¯re actually having a lighter time of it. There are usually more battles.¡± Thunder¡¯s gaze drifted over to one of the soldiers¡¯ corpses. ¡°I guess we have these villains to thank for that...¡± ¡°They¡¯re agents of Chimera¡­the same shadow group that¡¯s funding Apex,¡± Sam revealed. ¡°Seriously?¡± Thunder raised an eyebrow at him. ¡°And you¡¯re just telling me this now?¡± ¡°We didn¡¯t exactly have the time to catch up,¡± he reasoned. ¡°You know, instead of flirting with each other, maybe you should look at the thing in your hand, Sam,¡± Farsight interrupted. ¡°What do you¡±¡ªSam glanced down, his eyes widening¡ª¡°Holy¡ª¡± ¡°Odin,¡± Farsight finished for him. ¡°You¡¯ll want to thank Odin, I think. He made that sword.¡± The sword in Sam¡¯s right hand was no longer blackened but gleaming brightly. A golden dragon was emblazoned on the steel while its hilt was also decked in gold. It was smaller now than when the revenant held it. About three feet in length for the blade with another foot for the hilt and pommel. That is one sweet piece of history you¡¯ve got there, kid, Chiron whistled.
ITEM:?? Gram
CLASS: Legendary
TYPE: Longsword
DESCRIPTION: The famous sword of the Volsung Saga which was given to Sigmund by Odin during his sister¡¯s wedding feast, and wielded by his son Sigurd when he slew Fafnir. Its legacy has been upheld by the swordmasters of ages past who¡¯ve used the legendary blade to carve their names into myth and legend.
BOON(S): +1 to all attributes when in the user¡¯s hand, +2 to Attack, 10% Increased Physical Damage against Dragon-type Horrors.
ALERT! Gram¡¯s full potential has been locked until the hero reaches a high enough level to unlock it.
¡°Hephaestus¡¯ flaming beard...¡± Sam whispered in awe. None of his friends begrudged Sam his prize. They all seemed to think he deserved it. Although it might also have been because none of them wanted the baggage that came with wielding a legendary sword, which Dr. Hearthstone pointed out meant Sam might be hounded by would-be swordmasters seeking to wrest the weapon from his hands. ¡°I think you¡¯ll manage just fine though,¡± Dr. Hearthstone said as he offered Sam back his hammer. ¡°Here¡¯s your other relic.¡± Sam was surprised by how Dr. Hearthstone managed to lift Onus with little difficulty. ¡°Huh...¡± Sam holstered the hammer back into his belt. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it heavy at all?¡± ¡°I make it a point not to let my burdens weigh me down. A sound body and mind focused on clear-cut goals, these are the keys to a happy life, Sam Shepard,¡± Dr. Hearthstone replied. ¡°That¡¯s a healthy outlook on heroics,¡± Sam said, sounding impressed. ¡°As titillating as your conversation might be,¡± Farsight interrupted, ¡°We really should get going...the Fates are getting antsy. And visions of failing to reach the clue before our enemies do are beginning to appear in my scope of probability.¡± ¡°Clue?¡± Dr. Hearthstone raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°So, you do know what these soldiers after then? Sam and Farsight exchanged looks before Sam replied, ¡°It¡¯s a pretty long story, but,¡± he spared Thunder a glance, noting how tired she looked, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you on the way...¡± With a determined expression, he strapped Gram into his belt using his broken Thorn Axe¡¯s holster. ¡°Come on...we¡¯ve got villains to catch and a damsel to save.¡± Chapter 88: Chimera, Part 1 CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHT Chimera, Part 1
Despite Sam¡¯s eagerness to chase after Chimera¡¯s agents, the Endless Maze had him stumped. A horror waiting behind nearly every door, ghostly phantoms mingling with the will-o¡¯-wisps floating in the air, and revenants of lost heroes charging out of the fog were just some of the varied attractions within its warped space. ¡°This maze is so godsdamn confusing,¡± he¡¯d often complain. If it wasn¡¯t for Farsight¡¯s power of probability¡ªand even these insights were hit and miss¡ªSam wasn¡¯t sure they would have ever caught their enemy¡¯s trail. ¡°We¡¯ve taken a wrong turn, haven¡¯t we?¡± Jackboot asked after they¡¯d met their latest dead-end passage. Farsight¡¯s response was to kick hard at the ground. ¡°It¡¯s all these damn probabilities...like finding the needle in a haystack of infinity!¡± To her frustration, she even failed to find that all-important trace of the fabled Ariadne¡¯s String. That lucky happenstance belonged to Sam. It was right after they¡¯d dropped into a long hallway heavy with the stench of a horror¡¯s negative energy when he finally saw it with the help of his Argonaut¡¯s Mask. Chiron had suggested Sam activate a new feature in the mask that he had unlocked after Sam reached level thirty, a fact that the hero had completely forgotten. What¡¯s the point of leveling up if you¡¯re not going to take advantage of it, lame-brain, Chiron criticized. ¡°I was a little busy trying not to die in here...¡± Sam grumbled. That¡¯s no excuse... You¡¯re always in danger, Chiron reminded him. ¡°I know,¡± Sam sighed. ¡°Sam¡¯s talking to himself again,¡± Farsight teased. They were running single-file through the seemingly endless hallway while trying to think happy thoughts to keep themselves from being influenced by the psychic waves of anger and resentment permeating all around them. ¡°It¡¯s like ants are trying to crawl into my brain,¡± Thunder complained. ¡°Big nasty red ants,¡± Jackboot agreed, ¡°with big nasty pincers...¡± The team was beginning to think they were running around in a loop as they had seen the same fixtures in the walls more than twice already. ¡°Guys...hold up,¡± Sam called. ¡°I was just remembering that I have this thing I can do...¡± He tapped a finger on the right side of his mask, and his vision shifted from full color into shades of gray. Hawk Vision will let you see the unseen so you might know the unknowable, Chiron explained. Visible within the gray matter all around him was a single sliver of golden string that snaked across the bottom right side of the long hallway. ¡°Whoa,¡± Sam breathed. ¡°I can see it...¡± ¡°What can you see?¡± Thunder asked from her spot behind him. ¡°Ariadne¡¯s String...I think,¡± he answered. ¡°That can¡¯t be... Only the users of the artifact should be able to see the string,¡± Dr. Hearthstone said. ¡°But I can see it,¡± Sam replied. ¡°Let me take the lead for a bit, Ash.¡± Sam moved to the front of their line and led the team through the endless hallway while his eyes followed after the golden string which snaked to the right and into the wall just ahead of him. ¡°Here,¡± Sam said as he stopped in front of the right-side wall which was a bookshelf that stretched from one end of the corridor to the other. Ariadne¡¯s string was stuck to one of the books on the top shelf. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Farsight asked. ¡°I think it¡¯s a secret door,¡± Sam guessed, grinning suddenly at the thought of discovering a secret passage. ¡°Please be a secret door...please be a secret door¡­yey.¡± He pulled out the book, which wouldn¡¯t come out all the way, and heard a clicking noise from within the bookshelf. Seconds later, this part of the wall slid sideways to reveal another door hidden behind it. ¡°Holy Horus,¡± Jackboot exclaimed. ¡°Wait...how come you saw this and I didn¡¯t?¡± Farsight whined. Sam happily tapped on his bronze mask. ¡°Hawk Vision.¡± He pulled open the door and led the way through it and into another hallway that was a mirror image of the previous one. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll say it...we¡¯re in the same bloody passage, aren¡¯t we?¡± Jackboot sighed. ¡°No, we aren¡¯t.¡± Sam could still see the golden string floating in the air to his right. ¡°It¡¯s just the maze trying to confuse us... Come on. I¡¯ll lead the way.¡± One big change in this new hallway was how they couldn¡¯t hear the angry whispers in their minds anymore. The sound of his supple leather boots stepping lightly on the wooden floor was all Sam could hear, and this eerie silence unnerved him even more than the crazy whispering. ¡°We should be nearing the end now,¡± Sam promised after a while. Ariadne¡¯s String led them to another bookcase with another hidden path behind it that led the team into a spacious hall of marble floors and pillars which Thunder recognized instantly as the Eisenhower Museum¡¯s original lobby. ¡°This is where it happened,¡± she said. They could all see the dead bodies scattered across the marble floor like perverse stone sculptures preserving the moment of their deaths. ¡°Are these your...¡± Sam couldn¡¯t bring himself to finish his question, but Thunder answered anyway with, ¡°Yeah...they¡¯re my classmates.¡± ¡°Bloody Duat,¡± Jackboot breathed. ¡°This is...¡± ¡°Dark as Fu¡ª¡± ¡°Language,¡± Dr. Hearthstone chided Farsight. She rolled her eyes at him. ¡°Great¡­now we have two boy scouts in this team.¡± Thunder knelt by the body of a curly-haired, gray-skinned girl whose face had been frozen in an anguished expression. Her hands were clutched to her gut. ¡°This is Jessica...she was my friend,¡± Thunder said. Thunder didn¡¯t touch the body. Although she sat by it and didn¡¯t budge until Sam walked over to her and squeezed her shoulder with his hand. ¡°I know we¡¯re just here for the clue, but since we¡¯re already near the heart of the place, we might as well cleanse it, too,¡± he said softly. ¡°Yes,¡± Thunder answered as he helped her up. ¡°It¡¯s about time we gave these people peace...¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know if your clue to the Golden Fleece is here,¡± Dr. Hearthstone nodded toward the double wooden doors at the other end of the lobby, ¡°but I¡¯m pretty sure we¡¯ll find answers through there.¡± They could all sense the great bundle of energy leaking out of those doors. There was way too much of it¡ªmore than the alpha rating this dungeon had. It didn¡¯t matter, though. They were here to do a job, and they were going to get that job done no matter what. At least that¡¯s what Sam believed. The Endless Maze had one final surprise for the crew of the Argo VII though. This arrived in the form of more hounds, one for each of the heroes, and each one was bigger and meaner than any hound they¡¯d faced previously. Better watch out, kid... these things are bordering beta-level, Chiron warned. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Sam pulled Gram out for the first time since acquiring it. ¡°We¡¯re highly motivated right now.¡± Despite the strength of their foes, Sam and his friends worked as one unit, moving to fill the roles that Dr. Hearthstone suggested for them earlier to make a group fight easier for them. Dr. Hearthstone would aggro the horrors with a taunt of his, ¡°Smoldering Glare!¡± drawing them to him so he could tank them all. Meanwhile, Sam and Jackboot were the close-range damage dealers who focused on one horror at a time while Thunder and Farsight supported them from the rear. With this setup, the team managed to eliminate these powerful horrors one by one with little difficulty and even lesser wounds than before. ¡°You know, I¡¯ve always wondered why there are so many horrors inside a haunted zone when only one of the blighted bastards is responsible for making it,¡± Jackboot commented. ¡°Lesser horrors of similar emotional states are often drawn toward the stench of powerful horrors...that¡¯s how packs are formed,¡± Dr. Hearthstone explained. ¡°And it¡¯s why leaving a haunted zone alone for too long could be dangerous to a community,¡± Thunder added. ¡°The drop in nearby real estate value is significant too,¡± Farsight chimed in. Deciding there was no time to take a short rest to refresh themselves, the team hurriedly moved over to the double doors at the other end of the lobby. ¡°Are we ready?¡± Thunder asked. Sam nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s do this...¡± The pair of them pushed the doors open, and then they all stepped through together with determined faces that were quick to morph into ones of confusion at the sight that greeted them. They were in a room that mirrored the previous one; marble floors and pillars surrounded by staircases and doors floating in an empty void wrapped in gray fog. And they weren¡¯t alone. Here was a hound more massive and lordlier than anything they¡¯d previously encountered. Bristling red fur covered muscles that would have made Sam¡¯s old enemy, the cannibal boar, look tiny by comparison. It had jaws filled with sword-sized fangs that could have swallowed Sam whole. Then there were the eyes. The only part of the monster that still resembled the human it had once been. They blazed red with uncontained rage and malice. ¡°I reckon we¡¯re late to the party,¡± Jackboot commented. Despite its terrifying appearance, the hound was pressed against the ground. Held there by the black chains that wrapped across its massive wolf-like form. ¡°Makes our job easier,¡± Farsight replied. Standing guard over the hound were five of Chimera¡¯s agents. They were all that remained of the white-clad group as many more of their allies lay dead on the marble floor. Sam¡¯s eyes took this carnage in before honing in on the two people standing to the right of the hound¡¯s shackled snout. The smaller of the two was a tan-skinned girl dressed in a Greek-style white robe and gossamer sandals. She wore a bronze breastplate over her robe which seemed her only protection against attack. Her head was wrapped in a silk shawl that covered most of her face. Only her eyes were visible, which, to Sam¡¯s surprise, were teal-colored like his. Wrapped around this girl¡¯s hand was a small pithos; a stylishly carved clay urn capped with bronze. It was this urn¡ªnot the giant hound on the ground¡ªthat radiated the massive amount of energy Sam and his friends could now feel. ¡°That couldn¡¯t be¡ª¡± ¡°Pandora¡¯s Box,¡± Thunder finished for Sam, ¡°which makes her Pandora the 8th...¡± Eight in the line of women who were sacrificed to the gods¡¯ cursed relic which had supposedly trapped all the worst evils of the ancient world inside itself. This was the fate of Pandora, guardian of the cursed box, which was probably the reason they nearly always became villains. ¡°You¡¯re very well-informed,¡± spoke the woman standing next to Pandora the 8th. She was a tall, gaunt woman with long, thin, dark hair framing a pale, almost doll-like face; almond-shaped purple-colored eyes, a pointy-ended button nose, and darkly painted lips. She wore all-white clothes; a blouse and skirt that hugged her shapely figure with a thick sash wrapped around her waist that pressed various tools to her body. The woman¡¯s eyes, which were alight with a purplish glow, snapped from Sam to Thunder and then back to Sam. ¡°You,¡± she whispered. Seeing Sam caused her to frown almost as if she recognized him. She stared at him for a long moment before her frown disappeared, replaced by a sly smile that made Sam¡¯s body tingle uncomfortably. ¡°No, you¡¯re not him...but you wear my Jason¡¯s mask,¡± she said in a bubbly tone that belied her ghoulish form. ¡°H-how did you know this was his mask?¡± Sam stammered. He didn¡¯t think anyone but Thunder and Chiron would know about the Mask of the Argonauts in this era. ¡°How could I not. I made it for him,¡± she replied. The aura of dread emanating from this ghoulish woman was comparable to the urn in Pandora the 8th¡¯s hands¡ªand that realization worried Sam. ¡°W-who are you?¡± he asked. The woman¡¯s smile widened, and malice flashed across her face. ¡°I. Am. Medea.¡± Chapter 89: Chimera, Part 2 CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE Chimera, Part 2
Medea, Princess of Colchis, niece of Circe, kin slayer, and first wife of Jason, who, after he abandoned her for another, murdered her own children in retribution. It was one of the ancient world¡¯s most well-known tales of betrayal and tragedy, meaning hers was such a big fat lie that Sam could only gape at the ghoulish woman¡¯s claim. ¡°M-Medea?¡± he blurted. ¡°That can¡¯t be true...it would make you more than two thousand years old!¡± ¡°Two-Thousand-seven-hundred-and...¡± Medea¡¯s face turned contemplative for a moment. ¡°You know, I¡¯ve mostly forgotten that last number.¡± She flashed a smile at Sam, one that wouldn¡¯t have been uncommon at a red-carpet premiere. Assuming the premiering film was a horror movie, of course. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯m thirty...I do look thirty, don¡¯t I,¡± she chuckled. ¡°More like forty-five,¡± Farsight chimed in. She and Thunder bumped fists, causing Medea¡¯s smile to turn upside down. Medea sighed. ¡°Children these days have so little respect for their elders... It almost makes me glad I murdered mine.¡± ¡°Seriously, you really expect us to believe you¡¯re THE Medea?¡± Thunder challenged. ¡°It matters little whether you believe... I care not.¡± Medea placed a hand on Pandora the 8th¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You may begin, my dear.¡± Sam couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°Begin what?¡± but then he saw Pandora the 8th¡¯s fingers on her pithos¡¯ bronze cap, and his hand immediately moved toward his hammer¡¯s pommel. ¡°Don¡¯t¡ª¡± But it was too late. Pandora the 8th opened her ¡®box¡¯¡ªand the greatest evils of the world didn¡¯t come out as Sam feared. No, something stranger occurred. A powerful gravitational force began to pull things into the dark hole that was the pithos¡¯ mouth, sucking in its surroundings¡ªeven the light of the will-o¡¯-wisps in the air. This included the hound whose essence began to unravel as it got sucked into the vacuum unleashed by Pandora¡¯s Box. Sam felt his feet get dragged forward like he too was being drawn by the gravitational force emanating from that dark power. In a panic, he drew Gram from its makeshift holster and then stabbed the marble floor with it, embedding the blade deep into the ground to anchor himself to the spot. ¡°Good thinking,¡± Jackboot said, as he, Thunder, Farsight, and even Dr. Hearthstone grabbed onto Sam to prevent themselves from being pulled into Pandora¡¯s Box as well. ¡°It¡¯s not enough,¡± Thunder warned. ¡°The pull¡¯s too strong!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Farsight replied. ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡± With Dr. Hearthstone holding onto her, Farsight shot a forked arrow toward the pillar on their left, and then another to the pillar to their right. The thick frost-spider silk cables attached to each arrow pulled taut as Farsight wrapped them around the sword¡¯s pommel, strengthening her team¡¯s resistance to the pull of Pandora¡¯s Box. ¡°Hold on!¡± she ordered. They held onto each other and weathered the gravity storm while watching in shock as the hound¡¯s body grew smaller and smaller until it was fully sucked into Medea¡¯s pithos. Nothing remained of it. Not even a core that should have been a guaranteed drop from such a powerful horror. No, that wasn¡¯t exactly true because treasure did clatter to the ground after the hound vanished into Pandora¡¯s Box. Only then did the tan-skinned girl shut its bronze lid, and all went deathly silent except for the sound made by the glowing coin rolling around on the marble floor. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. There was nothing overly special about its design. It was typically round-shaped, larger than a dollar, and made of silver. Yet it glowed with an ethereal light that shone like a twinkling star. ¡°Godsdamn, that¡¯s a Norn Coin,¡± Farsight realized. ¡°You are well-informed,¡± Medea said as she knelt to pick up the coin. ¡°What¡¯s a Norn Coin doing here?¡± Farsight asked. ¡°It was part of the museum exhibit... One of their biggest attractions,¡± Thunder answered. ¡°Your Legends of Liberty stole them from the Fuhrer¡¯s treasure vault after the war¡­ In their fear of these powerful relics, the so-called heroes scattered the Norn Coins across the globe, one for each continent to watch over,¡± Medea explained. The gaunt woman juggled the coin between long fingers. ¡°Do you know why they were so afraid of such tiny things?¡± she asked. ¡°Whoever controls the coins can change fate, or so I¡¯ve heard,¡± Farsight answered. ¡°That¡¯s if they¡¯re all together. Although even alone, a Norn Coin enhances the power of a gifted so that they could even rise in rank while it remains in their possession,¡± Medea explained. ¡°S-seriously?¡± Sam asked. It was the first time he¡¯d heard of any relic having an ability similar to Triple-A¡¯s system. ¡°So this relic was the reason this place is so insane... The coin was empowering Rick,¡± Thunder guessed. ¡°Yes, even deranged, the horror was drawn to the Norn Coin. And like an animal without thought, it ate the relic, imbibing its magic into itself, strengthening it so greatly its madness warped the space around us so very thoroughly,¡± Medea answered. ¡°Is that why you want it?¡± Thunder asked. ¡°I am an immortal sorceress who trained under Hecate herself, my dear. I do not need this bauble to give me strength.¡± Medea placed the coin between her thumb and forefinger and then raised her hand so that Sam and his friends could see what was on its metal surface. ¡°No, this relic contains another secret...one I believe you¡¯ll find interesting.¡± There were words carved into the coin¡¯s metallic surface. He couldn¡¯t quite make out what they were as Medea was quick to flip the coin over, but Sam noticed how they were written in English, which meant the sorceress was now in possession of the next clue to the Golden Fleece. ¡°Is that what you were looking for?¡± Dr. Hearthstone asked in an undertone. ¡°Yes,¡± Sam answered. ¡°And we¡¯re screwed if we don¡¯t get that coin from her...¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hold off on the punching, boys,¡± Farsight encouraged. ¡°This is a perfect opportunity to find out more about this Chimera.¡± ¡°You think she¡¯ll just spill the beans like that?¡± Thunder asked, also in an undertone. ¡°Just look at her,¡± Farsight whispered. ¡°That smug smile...I bet she¡¯s just dying to tell us about their evil plans.¡± Getting her team to agree to hold off on fighting was easy enough, but getting Medea to talk was even easier. All Farsight had to do was step forward and ask, and the sorceress was more than willing to share Chimera¡¯s goals with the team. ¡°To bring order out of chaos and free mankind from the tyranny of the gods, this is the reason for Chimera¡¯s existence,¡± she stated proudly. ¡°Seriously?¡± Sam asked, his eyebrow twitching upward. ¡°That sounds so...¡± ¡°Reasonable?¡± Thunder supplied. ¡°Not evil,¡± was what Sam was thinking, but he didn¡¯t say that out loud. He could understand why there were people who didn¡¯t appreciate the gods, fickle as they were. ¡°A part of you agrees with us,¡± Medea guessed, her gaze fixed on Sam. ¡°I see it on your face...you too have felt the burden of a god¡¯s indifference...their bias¡­their malice.¡± ¡°I...¡± Sam wasn¡¯t sure what to say, but he couldn¡¯t downright refute what the sorceress had just said. A memory flashed unbidden across his mind, a young girl looking worriedly back at a young Sam while a goddess¡¯s priestesses gazed at her with desire apparent in their faces. Even now, Sam could still hear his mother¡¯s screams as they took his sister away. Never to be heard from again¡ªjust another sacrifice to the whim of the gods. ¡°The gods are a cruel, selfish lot, Sammy,¡± his mother had said. ¡°All they do is take from us...¡± It was the last thing she¡¯d said to him before she succumbed to the horror of her emotions. The memory of his mother¡¯s transformation and that night which saw the end of Sam¡¯s childhood was what kept him from speaking against Medea¡¯s logic. ¡°And how does the Golden Fleece fit in with your righteous plans?¡± Farsight asked. Medea¡¯s chilling gaze moved over to her next. ¡°The Golden Fleece will awaken the cleansing fire that will roll over Mother Earth and usher in the twilight of the gods.¡± ¡°But the fleece can only heal... It has no power to destroy,¡± Thunder argued. ¡°Exactly,¡± Medea smiled. What does that mean? Sam wondered. Did Medea want to heal something? ¡°And how many people will die for this cause?¡± Thunder pressed. ¡°There will always be a great number of sacrifices made in the name of the greater good,¡± Medusa answered. Dr. Hearthstone stepped forward with his arms up, muscles bulging, fists tense and ready for a fight. ¡°It¡¯s not the goal, but the way you go about achieving it that determines whether you¡¯re good or evil,¡± he said. ¡°Clearly, you¡¯ve never heard that the ends justify the means,¡± Medea replied. ¡°The ends never justify the means,¡± Dr. Hearthstone fired back. ¡°There¡¯s always a better way.¡± ¡°Perhaps...¡± Medea raised her free hand high. ¡°But I believe my way is easier.¡± She snapped her fingers with a flourish, and as if in response, there came two mighty roars from high above. Sam looked up and immediately wished he hadn¡¯t. ¡°I knew I¡¯d forgotten something,¡± he sighed. ¡°The lore always said Medea had dragon steeds...¡± Chapter 90: Fire and Ice, Part 1 CHAPTER NINETY Fire and Ice, Part 1
Someone yelled, ¡°Incoming!¡± pushing the team to scatter just as two orange clouds of fire exploded on the marble floor where they¡¯d been standing only seconds earlier. Then two winged serpents¡ªeach one the size and length of a city bus¡ªlanded on the spot Sam and his friends vacated. Their shiny golden scales reflected the light of the flames they¡¯d breathed onto the ground. ¡°So that¡¯s what Greek dragons look like,¡± Jackboot commented. He was closest to the two horrors, even locking eyes with one of them which was a terrible mistake. ¡°Oh, no¡­¡± Sam noticed how Jackboot had suddenly gone rigid. His gaze fixed on the dragon whose mouth was widening by the second. ¡°Jack!¡± He rammed into his friend, tackling Jackboot to the ground just in time to avoid the pillar of fire that would have burned the British-born hero to a crisp. ¡°Don¡¯t let it mesmerize you again, Jack,¡± Sam warned. ¡°Dragons can bloody mesmerize...with all the things they can do, doesn¡¯t that count as cheating?¡± Jackboot complained. Sam shrugged. ¡°They¡¯re dragons...they¡¯re supposed to be terrifying.¡± He helped Jackboot to his feet just in time for Thunder to yell, ¡°Sam, dodge!¡± Sam dived back to the ground with Jackboot in tow so that they both dodged the barbed tail that whipped across the space where their heads were only a second ago. ¡°Is it crazy of me to wish we could just go back to fighting Apex?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°Nope,¡± Sam replied. ¡°I¡¯m wishing the same thing right now...¡± They both rolled to the right to avoid the tail slapping against the ground to their left. ¡°Apex suddenly feels manageable, doesn¡¯t he?¡± Jackboot sighed. ¡°Compared to dragons, an immortal sorceress, and bloody Pandora, I mean...¡± ¡°You¡¯re not making me feel better, Jack,¡± Sam complained. They were quick to jump away as one of the two bus-sized lizards dropped in on them from above. Its tail lashed out at them, but a well-timed arrow struck at the chink between its scales, forcing the dragon to pull back from its attack. ¡°Go, go, go!¡± Sam yelled. He and Jackboot dashed across the marble floor to rejoin their friends behind one of the pillars at the far corner of the hall. ¡°Dragons,¡± Sam blurted. ¡°Alpha-level solar dragons,¡± Thunder corrected. Sam frowned. ¡°Seriously?¡± He glanced over his shoulder, his gaze fully taking in the two horrors slithering toward them from the center of the hall. The dragons looked identical; golden scales running over serpentine bodies that were as thick as the trunks of ancient redwoods. Two large bat-like wings sprouted out of their thorny spines. Their faces were reptilian; long snouts with rows of extra-large, shark-like teeth and a pair of golden eyes which were known to mesmerize prey trapped in their gazes. ¡°They¡¯re alphas...¡± Sam couldn¡¯t repress the shudder that came with sensing the massive amount of energy leaking off these two horrors. ¡°You think these are the same dragons the old sun god Helios gave Medea...?¡± ¡°If that is them¡±¡ªFarsight notched another arrow to her bow¡ª¡°then that creepy old hag is the real deal, too.¡± Sam noticed that the arrow¡¯s tip was a cylindrical canister that oozed white vapors around its rim like dry ice from a fog machine. ¡°Fire suppressing arrow,¡± Farsight explained. The fire suppressing arrow launched out of Farsight¡¯s bow and collided with dragon fire just as the horror on the right unleashed its breath, causing the dragon to nearly choke on the white foam that exploded out of the canister that was the arrow¡¯s tip. ¡°Nice shot,¡± Sam grinned. He watched as the dragon thrashed about with its wings whipping back and forth in obvious irritation. ¡°I only have two more of these, so we better make a plan¡ªrun or fight?¡± Farsight asked. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°I¡¯m all for making a quick exit,¡± Jackboot answered. ¡°Sorry, mates, but I don¡¯t think we¡¯re a match for all these villains.¡± His words cut to the heart of Sam¡¯s worries. For how could five heroes¡ªtired and drained from previous encounters¡ªfight against such odds as two alpha-level horrors and a sorceress as ancient and powerful as Medea? ¡°But we can¡¯t leave without that coin,¡± Thunder reminded them. ¡°We could always find some other way to heal you,¡± Jackboot suggested. ¡°It¡¯s not just about healing me, Jack...we can¡¯t let Chimera have the fleece,¡± Thunder insisted. ¡°She wasn¡¯t entirely forthcoming with their evil plan, but Medea made it clear that the Golden Fleece was a key component of that plan... It¡¯s our job to make sure they don¡¯t get it.¡± She was right, of course, but Sam thought that this wasn¡¯t something they could achieve without reinforcements. As things stood right now, they were basically on a suicide mission. ¡°Wait...¡± Sam¡¯s thoughts brought about a sudden epiphany. ¡°I think we can do both.¡± He pointed a finger at Dr. Hearthstone. ¡°You¡¯ve got an entire raid team outside this place,¡± Sam reminded everyone. ¡°You think they¡¯ll be ready to back us up as soon as we get out of here?¡± ¡°Not everyone¡¯ going to come out swinging, but¡­¡± Dr. Hearthstone grinned widely back at Sam. ¡°¡­some of my people are as crazy as you four, and I know they would love some payback.¡± Sam could think of at least two heroes who might fit Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s description. That thought sent embers of hope springing to life in his chest. ¡°Can you contact them and let them know what¡¯s coming?¡± Sam asked. ¡°No, but they¡¯ll be ready.¡± Dr. Hearthstone nodded his chin toward the two dragons slithering closer and closer to the team¡¯s position. ¡°All we need to do is give them a target.¡± As it approached, the dragon on the left unleashed another wave of dragon fire on them, forcing the team to scatter. ¡°We¡¯ll go with Sam¡¯s plan!¡± Thunder yelled. She and Farsight moved toward the double doors that led back into the library¡¯s lobby while Sam, Jackboot, and Dr. Hearthstone were forced further into the hall and closer to the far end where Medea and her minions were waiting. ¡°So¡­how exactly are we getting past that one?¡± Jackboot asked. One of the two solar dragons moved to block their way while the other one chased after the girls as they raced for the double doors. The dragon before them wasn¡¯t their only problem, though. Sam was also worried they might get stabbed in the back. So he glanced over his shoulder to see what their enemies were up to and found his brow arching up at the sight. The sorceress was sitting on one of the assault troopers who¡¯d bent over for her like she was some dominatrix from a horror-themed brothel. She looked completely relaxed and uncaring of the three heroes who weren¡¯t close enough to strike at her. ¡°She¡¯s just chilling like a¡ª¡± It was Pandora the 8th, however, who caught Sam¡¯s eye. It was the way she was looking at him¡ªa hint of recognition in the widening of her teal eyes that stumped Sam. ¡°Who...are you?¡± he wondered aloud. What really worried him was how he felt when they locked eyes. Like he knew her too or they¡¯d crossed paths before. Although Sam wasn¡¯t sure how. He¡¯d never run into big-time villains back when he was just a zeta. ¡°How do I¡ª¡± ¡°Sam!¡± Jackboot yelled. ¡°Run!¡± Pandora the 8th¡¯s distraction cost Sam. The dragon¡¯s tail whipped toward him, catching Sam in the side and driving him off his feet. It was a hard whack in the ribs that threw Sam sideways, and he might have fallen off the edge of the hall and into the void beyond if Jackboot hadn¡¯t jumped back to catch him. ¡°You saved my life. I saved yours,¡± Jackboot said. ¡°Th-thanks,¡± Sam grimaced. The pain in his side made it hard to breathe. ¡°Give me a second...to regenerate...¡± Jackboot pointed a finger forward. ¡°I think Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s got us covered, mate.¡± With veins of fire coating both his arms, the veteran hero charged toward the dragon blocking their path. ¡°Smoldering Glare!¡± he roared. The dragon¡¯s gaze snapped from Sam to Dr. Hearthstone like it couldn¡¯t help itself from perceiving the Samoan man as the bigger threat. It lunged for Dr. Hearthstone with jaws wide open. ¡°Fahrenheit Max!¡± Dr. Hearthstone yelled as he too leaped forward to meet his foe¡¯s attack. The dragon¡¯s jaws latched onto his shoulder but found no purchase on his flesh as the fiery aura coating his right arm expanded outward, protecting the doctor momentarily from having his arm ripped off him. ¡°Here¡­have a taste of my other arm too!¡± Dr. Hearthstone said. His free arm whipped forward so that his burning fist smashed against the underside of the dragon¡¯s neck. It was a powerful blow accompanied by a ¡°Boom!¡± that resounded across the hall. The explosion that followed lit up the surroundings in a brilliant flash that blinded all who witnessed its advent. ¡°Now!¡± Dr. Hearthstone commanded. Sam and Jackboot hadn¡¯t been warned, but they had both instinctively shut their eyes to the blazing light, and so they were spared from being stunned by it like their enemies were. This gave the duo an opportunity that they weren¡¯t about to waste. It only took seconds for both Sam and Jackboot to reach the dragon, and like their first team-up against the banshee, Jackboot went high while Sam went low. ¡°Herculean!¡± Sam roared just as he sent a left uppercut into the dragon¡¯s underbelly.
[Herculean (¦¤)] is now active. Based on probability and threat assessment calculations, your current strength is temporarily quadrupled.
Sam grimaced as Herculean¡¯s energy caused pain to wrack his left arm. Still, he endured this discomfort and let unbridled power explode out of his fist. Power strong enough to lift the dragon off its feet. ¡°Lucky Rabbit¡¯s Foot!¡± Jackboot yelled. The spry hero vaulted over the dragon and then smashed his left heel hard on its spine in an ax-kick motion that drove the dragon crashing back onto the ground. However, despite their successful combination of attacks, they were all painfully aware that they were dealing with an alpha-level horror many times above their power levels. This is why none of them waited to see if their attacks caused it any lasting damage. Instead, they ran past it, all three of them rushing to follow after Farsight and Thunder who were fending off the other dragon by the exit doors. For a moment, Sam imagined that escape was possible. His hopes, however, were quickly dashed by the ray of cold light that blasted past his shoulder to explode onto the double doors just before Farsight could open them. Ice expanded from the point of impact, growing into a flower-shaped glacier whose thick petals stole escape away from their clutches. Chapter 91: Fire and Ice, Part 2 CHAPTER NINETY-ONE Fire and Ice, Part 2
As he stared incredulously at the frozen doors before him, one of his mother¡¯s favorite poems flashed across Sam¡¯s mind. Some say the world will end in fire. Some say in ice. Of what I¡¯ve tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire, his mother often recited Robert Frost¡¯s famous poem to her son as if she were warning Sam of some future danger with the elements. But if the world had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate to say that ice too is great and would suffice¡­ Why am I remembering mom now? he wondered. Sam thought it was inappropriate to be thinking of his past while they were all in mortal danger, but memories of his family have been running unbidden in Sam¡¯s mind for a while now. Ever since that moment he and Pandora the 8th locked eyes. Who was she? He asked himself even though no clear answer came to him. At least not one he wanted to hear. ¡°No, that¡¯s just wishful thinking¡­she¡¯s dead¡­¡± There was no time to sort out the strange thoughts in his mind because a second frost ray was lancing toward him. Launched from the other end of the hall by the hand of the ancient sorceress idling there. Sam raised his shield arm. ¡°Come on, Bulwark!¡± There was a loud sound like that of a longhorn blowing across free plains, and then the icy blast struck the near-invisible shield as it spread out to cover Sam¡¯s arm. Although his shield saved his life, the arcane projectile shattered Bulwark into hundreds of tiny shards. Sam was blown back, forced on his butt a good deal away from where he stood. And, when he sat up seconds later, Sam discovered he was in even more danger now because the second dragon¡¯s head loomed over him. ¡°Oh, Styx,¡± he blurted. The dragon hissed, its spit dripping down the front of Sam¡¯s suit. ¡°Eugh, man, that¡¯s going to leave a stain,¡± he complained. The dragon¡¯s head snapped down on Sam, but then a whip made of bright blue electrical energy smacked against its snout, saving Sam from becoming its dinner. He scrambled away from the horror just as Thunder reached his side. ¡°You noticed how I¡¯m always saving your butt now,¡± she teased. Thunder sounded upbeat, but Sam could tell that she was probably faking it. Sweat was dripping down her brow. Her cheeks were flushed and her breathing was heavy. ¡°Thunder,¡± Sam began, but she cut him off with, ¡°I¡¯m fine...worry about yourself. You look beat, lame-brain.¡± He felt beat too, although Sam didn¡¯t say it out loud. Not when Thunder looked even worse than he felt. ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± he said, but then he winced immediately afterward. The frost that clung to his arm sent biting cold pain into his bones, the kind that not even Regeneration could dull. ¡°What¡¯s going on...?¡± A quick inspection of his stats told him that he was affected with [Frostbite], a highly potent debilitating condition that caused him continuous damage for the duration of its effect. It also prevented Regeneration from working properly. ¡°Hey, master, does this thing have a cure?¡± Sam asked. Sam waited, waited, and then he waited some more but no response came. Only a dead silence that he wasn¡¯t used to anymore. ¡°Master?¡± Sam called again. Seconds ticked by while he waited for Chiron¡¯s nagging voice to overload his brain with possibly helpful information, but no reply came. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong...¡± ¡°What else could be wrong?¡± Thunder asked wryly. The sarcasm in her voice was understandable. They were already in deep trouble, but this moment¡¯s reprieve was thanks to his friends distracting the two horrors that would have normally taken a full raid group to defeat. But, as Sam explained that Chiron¡¯s connection seemed to have been severed, Thunder¡¯s face seemed to pale even worse. ¡°Ashley said the same thing,¡± she revealed. ¡°The Fates have gone silent on her too.¡± ¡°Is Medea that powerful?¡± Sam¡¯s gaze drifted over to the sorceress who lounged in her man-chair at the other end of the hall. ¡°She doesn¡¯t even look like she¡¯s trying...¡± ¡°I¡¯m guessing she¡¯s wrapped this space with some kind of psychic jamming spell to keep us from getting help from the outside,¡± Thunder answered. Medea was flipping the Norn Coin into the air over and over again as if to taunt Sam and his friends, daring them to steal it from her grasp. ¡°I wish I could throw a lightning bolt at her smug face,¡± Thunder grumbled. Her comment made Sam smile, although that quickly turned upside down. ¡°I don¡¯t think a bunch of gassed-out heroes will beat her... If we can just make it outside...¡± There was one glaring problem with this escape plan¡ªthe flower-shaped glacier was radiating off such a cold aura that Sam and Thunder couldn¡¯t even stand within ten feet of it. ¡°I could have shattered that ice by myself if I was at full strength, but¡­¡± Thunder let out a deep sigh before her hand found Sam¡¯s shoulder, ¡°¡­You¡¯re going to have to Herculean the crap out of it.¡± ¡°Herculean the crap out of it...¡± Sam repeated. ¡°Gods, please, don¡¯t let Ash hear you say that...she¡¯ll make it a thing.¡± ¡°She already has,¡± Thunder replied, a smile on her lips. ¡°Where did you think I heard it first?¡± Sam groaned. ¡°Can you do it?¡± Thunder pressed. ¡°I...¡± Sam glanced over his shoulder. The flower-shaped glacier looming behind them topped off about fifteen feet in both height and length. It was at least six feet thick and looked extremely hard to break. ¡°I can try,¡± Sam replied. ¡°There is no try, Sam,¡± Thunder replied. She raised her arms forward and then summoned an electric current to spread between her two palms. ¡°Only do,¡± she finished. Sam glanced sideways at her, his brow rising slightly. ¡°Did you just quote Yoda to me?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t own the copyright on pop-culture references,¡± she replied. ¡°I¡¯ll help the others keep those horrors at bay while you Herculean the¡ª¡± ¡°Stop that,¡± Sam begged. Although he worried for her health, Sam couldn¡¯t help but think that Thunder¡¯s shoulders were a lot broader than usual. Like she could carry the weight of the world and do it better than Atlas did. She¡¯s so damn cool, he thought. He didn¡¯t have to worry about her much, though. Thunder wouldn¡¯t fight alone. Dr. Hearthstone, Jackboot, and Farsight all moved to her side. Then, after looking cool standing there shoulder to shoulder, they worked to keep the enemy distracted long enough for Sam to try pulling off another Hail Mary. ¡°She¡¯s expecting way too much of me.¡± Sam raised his right fist. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have to live up to her expectations... Herculean.¡± It was only a whisper, but it seemed Medea had momentarily leaned forward as an aura of power exploded out of the other end of the hall. [Stout Body], the passive upgrade that lessened the damage Sam received from wielding Herculean¡¯s might, did nothing to dampen the pain spreading out from his core and down to the tips of his fingers and toes. ¡°Come...on...¡± Sam grunted. He forced every bit of Herculean¡¯s power into his right arm, causing his fist to be wrapped in a fiery teal aura that radiated sparks that snapped against the ground around him. ¡°Just a little more...¡± Sam hissed through gritted teeth. He could feel the heat of dragon fire against his back and even smell the scent of burning flesh, but these worries only spurred him on. Desperately, Sam pushed all his strength into his fist knowing all too well that any less wouldn¡¯t break Medea¡¯s hold on the doors. ¡°Grit your teeth...¡± Sam began reciting Chiron¡¯s words to himself. ¡°...and unleash all the resolve hiding in your heart.¡±
[Mortal Fist (¦Æ)] activated.
With his fist coated in emerald light, Sam ran toward the flower-shaped glacier blocking their escape. A cold aura blasted against him, but he endured its chilly bite like a wooly mammoth rampaging across a frozen plain. ¡°Go beyond...even the extraordinary¡±¡ªHe took those last few steps at a leap¡ª¡°and become¡ª¡± For those watching from afar, the moment Sam pulled his fist back was like the unveiling of an emerald sun blazing to life. Then, like a comet shooting across the night sky, Sam¡¯s fist flew forward, and the promise of miracles flew with it. ¡°Super~~r!¡± Sam roared. His fist collided with the flower-shaped glacier right at its center¡ªand the icy flower born of ancient sorcery gave way to Herculean¡¯s strength. A myriad of cracks formed on its surface, racing toward the edges of each of its petals, causing them to shatter into thousands of tiny shards that sent cold winds spiraling everywhere. Sam could feel the biting cold on his face, but the pain of it didn¡¯t stop him from grinning as widely as possible. Because, against herculean odds, he¡¯d risen to the occasion yet again. ¡°Awesome,¡± Sam whispered. He could see the doors just out of arm¡¯s reach, but he was too gassed out to grasp for their handles. And as his strength gave way to great fatigue, Sam fell back to the ground hoping someone would carry him through those damn doors already. Chapter 92: Sacrificial Play, Part 1 CHAPTER NINETY-TWO Sacrificial Play, Part 1
Despite the shower of ice shards flooding the air, Sam knew they weren¡¯t out of the woods yet, a fact made clear to him after he fell into the arms of a wounded Thunder. ¡°I knew you could do it, lame-brain,¡± she beamed at him. ¡°Th-thanks,¡± he stammered. Even as blood dripped down her cheek from the new gash on her forehead, Sam couldn¡¯t imagine anything more stunning than Thunder¡¯s smile. They spent a second or two gazing into each other¡¯s eyes before Farsight¡¯s head popped up from behind their shoulders, a wink and grin playing on her face. ¡°Seriously, can you two wait to flirt after we escape this damnable haunted zone,¡± she teased. Sam¡¯s and Thunder¡¯s cheeks flared long enough for Jackboot and Dr. Hearthstone to appear on either side of them. Neither hero commented on the obvious redness of their faces though. There were more immediate concerns on their minds. ¡°I vote we get out of here, now!¡± Jackboot said. ¡°For once, you¡¯re actually making sense, Jack,¡± Farsight replied. ¡°I always make sense,¡± Jackboot countered. The pair of them opened the doors leading back into the library¡¯s lobby, prompting Farsight to add, ¡°Finally, I can see a bit of probability leaking in... we might make it out of this alive.¡± ¡°You couldn¡¯t frame it in a more hopeful manner?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°What¡¯s the point of lying,¡± Farsight shrugged. ¡°Leaving already¡ªbut the fun¡¯s just begun!¡± Medea taunted from her end of the long hall. Sam could hear the panic in her voice¡ªa first since he¡¯d met the sorceress¡ªand the sound of it made him feel warm inside. Like a good swig of fine mead at the end of an exhausting workday. You snooze you lose, grandma. Medea had certainly misjudged the capability of the heroes, and this miscalculation left her unable to do anything more than scream profanities as Sam and his friends returned to the lobby beyond the open doors. ¡°After them, you fools!¡± she snapped. The agents of Chimera charged forward like linebackers racing across a football field, although Sam wasn¡¯t concerned with them catching up. He was more worried that Medea¡¯s two solar dragons might be able to fit through the doors despite how large they were. But, as Sam glanced over his shoulder, he found his jaw-dropping from the sight behind him. The two serpentine horrors were nowhere near catching up to his team as they were preoccupied with the chunks of white foam spreading from inside their open snouts. Sam couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Nice shot, Ash.¡± ¡°They kept opening their mouths at me like they were just begging to have my fire-suppressing arrows shoved down their throats,¡± Farsight replied over her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t slow down, people! I can barely see the probabilities of us escaping the clutches of ancient supervillains and their pet horrors!¡± The crew of the Argo VII raced across the lobby, moving quickly through the frozen forms of Thunder¡¯s former classmates, while Sam and Thunder¡ªwith the sweat dripping down their brows and their hands clasped tightly together¡ªpulled each other along toward the exit at a slower pace than the others. ¡°Are you¡ª¡± ¡°No worse than you,¡± Thunder cut him off. ¡°Keep going, Sam.¡± They made it about half the length of the lobby before one of Medea¡¯s dragons crashed through the doors behind them with the wall breaking apart into dozens of different-sized chunks in its wake. ¡°Move it or lose it, heroes!¡± Farsight warned. Jackboot was first to reach the end. He kicked the doors open and then led the way back into the stranger half of the Endless Maze. ¡°Where to?¡± he asked over his shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s a straight path!¡± Farsight answered. ¡°Go, go, go!¡± It was true. What was once a seemingly endless corridor was beginning to shift back into the mundane hallway that held none of the insanity of the passage they¡¯d earlier crossed. A mere ten yards separated them from this first corridor and into the expansive space beyond. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. They jumped back into one of the platforms floating in the void, but it was tilting slightly to the right almost as if what kept it in the air was slowly losing its strength to gravity¡¯s influence. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Sam asked worriedly. The surrounding darkness was receding into the abyss it had been born from too. In its place, swats of stone walls were beginning to peak out like small reminders of coming change. ¡°This haunted zone¡¯s warped space is beginning to break down,¡± Thunder realized. ¡°But we didn¡¯t clear it,¡± Sam argued. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter...the horror responsible for this mess got trapped inside Pandora¡¯s Box, remember?¡± Thunder replied. ¡°And with it gone, the power that held sway over this zone is losing its effect,¡± Dr. Hearthstone added. ¡°Meaning what?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°Meaning we don¡¯t want to be here when it all goes away or we might get taken into Hades along with it, too,¡± Farsight answered. And on that ominous note, the team jumped over to the next platform right below them. They were just in time, too, because one of Medea¡¯s dragons burst into this room only seconds later. Sadly for the horror, the platform it landed on was already disappearing, causing the dragon to fall into what was left of the void below. ¡°You think it¡¯s dead?¡± Sam asked. A pillar of dragon fire lanced up at them from below, momentarily lighting up the surrounding gloom in a brilliant golden glow. ¡°No, now jump!¡± Thunder ordered. With his hand in hers, Thunder dragged Sam down onto another platform which was a door big enough for just the two of them. Their friends stood on floating bookcases and broken staircases to either side of them while the flapping of giant wings harried them from below. ¡°Where to next, Ash?¡± Sam asked. Farsight pointed forward. ¡°It¡¯s a straight shot to the exit.¡± ¡°We are running out of things to jump on though,¡± Jackboot reported. Ahead of them, more and more of the floating debris were beginning to disappear from view, making crossing through the wide expanse of space between them and the exit a difficult challenge. ¡°Hold on... I¡¯ll find us the path,¡± Farsight promised. They waited for her to sift through the possibilities in her mind while the dragon below them began flying up to their position. It soared past them like a hurricane, and the wind of its passage nearly caused Sam to lose his balance. Thunder wrapped her other arm around his shoulder to keep him from falling, forcing the pair into an awkward hug. ¡°Don¡¯t let go,¡± he said, his cheeks flushed. ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± she promised, and her cheeks were flushed too. ¡°Hey, lovebirds, open the door beneath you and go through it already,¡± Farsight snapped seconds later. ¡°That¡¯s our way out of here.¡± They weren¡¯t lovebirds, a fact that Sam was painfully aware of but was too chicken to do anything about beyond the furtive glances and awkward hugging. But, as he pulled open the door for Thunder to jump into, Sam wondered what she¡¯d say if he did ask her out on a date. ¡°Stop daydreaming, idiot!¡± Farsight yelled. ¡°We¡¯ve got even more company!¡± Another terrifying roar reached his ears, causing goosebumps to rise on his skin. Sam glanced up and found his rising fear justified because the second dragon appeared above them. Although it was still a distance away, it also had Medea and Pandora the 8th riding on its back. Without another word, Sam dived into the door to fall feet first onto a familiar circular platform. A glance at his surroundings confirmed that this was where they had fought the revenant that had once been the Swordswoman. ¡°Sam, a little help,¡± Thunder called. She was kneeling on the ground. Her hand was pressed to her side. Her breathing ragged. Sam wrapped her arm over his shoulder and helped Thunder up to her feet. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Just...a little tired,¡± she admitted. ¡°Think we¡¯re nearly there?¡± ¡°Yeah, just a little more to go,¡± Sam lied. Based on where they stood, he estimated that they were barely halfway to the exit, but he decided that there was no point making Thunder feel as anxious as he did. Farsight, Jackboot, and Dr. Hearthstone dropped onto their platform one by one while a cloud of dragon fire followed close behind them. ¡°Scatter!¡± Farsight warned. They sprinted toward the edges of the landing, allowing them to avoid the flames that exploded onto the center of the platform. Still, the heat of it forced them back so that Sam¡¯s feet were right next to the edge. ¡°You don¡¯t think...¡± His face wrinkled from the hot air blowing his way. ¡°...can that thing get through the tiny door?¡± An angry roar reached his ears, making his eardrums rattle. Sam sighed gratefully. ¡°Guess not.¡± He knew this was but a brief reprieve for the angry dragon was already flying across the void toward them. The sound of its flapping wings seemed to Sam like blades cutting through the air. And, although its partner remained to hover behind them all, the violet glow expanding from the source on its back was making Sam feel all sorts of bad vibes. ¡°Medea¡¯s casting another spell,¡± he warned. ¡°Ash, we gotta go...now!¡± ¡°We can¡¯t...¡± Farsight pointed her thumb behind her. ¡°It¡¯s not complete yet...¡± A narrow bridge was forming by the southern edge of their platform. Built from the scattered debris of floating doors, bookcases, and stair planks. They formed a crooked, broken line that reached the staircase Sam had fallen into when he first arrived at the maze. ¡°Someone¡¯s...¡± Thunder¡¯s breaths were getting more strained. ¡°...looking out for us...¡± ¡°Bloody Duat, I think you¡¯re right,¡± Jackboot agreed. ¡°This feels a little rushed though... you¡¯d think a god would make more effort.¡± ¡°Make it a little wider,¡± Sam added. ¡°Maybe add some railings,¡± Farsight chimed in. ¡°Guys, stop complaining... Just be thankful for this blessing,¡± Thunder chided them, although her brow was just as knotted as Sam¡¯s. The bridge, if one could call it that, barely had enough space for them to cross it single-file. There were no railings on either side of it, meaning a single misplaced step would send one tumbling down into what remained of the void below. ¡°I¡¯ll send an offering to every god of crafts in existence if it means whoever¡¯s lending us a hand will hurry it up,¡± Farsight begged. Portions of the bridge had yet to form so rushing through it now meant they would have to jump across these missing pieces to continue onward. ¡°It¡¯ll be slow going. One small step and...¡± Sam couldn¡¯t bring himself to finish that sentence. ¡°Would you rather stay here and fight off an alpha-level dragon?¡± Dr. Hearthstone asked. ¡°Nope,¡± Sam relented. ¡°I really don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Thought so,¡± Dr. Hearthstone chuckled. With an encouraging slap across Sam¡¯s back, the veteran hero stepped onto the bridge and led the way forward. One by one Sam¡¯s other friends followed suit until he alone remained behind. Chapter 93: Sacrificial Play, Part 2 CHAPTER NINETY-THREE Sacrificial Play, Part 2
Sam wasn¡¯t entirely sure what held him back. It wasn¡¯t as if this ¡®bridge¡¯ was the worst thing he¡¯d faced within the Endless Maze. But he couldn¡¯t ignore the foreboding feeling in the pit of his stomach because he had survived this long relying on that gut instinct. I¡¯m being silly... Farsight¡¯s the one who can predict the future, not me, he reasoned. He wished Chiron was present to guide him; to alleviate his worries or tell him off for being too cautious. ¡°Come on, lame-brain,¡± Thunder said as she held her hand out to him. Her encouraging tone did nothing to lessen his worries, but there was no way he¡¯d let her attempt such a dangerous crossing without him. So, with a deepening brow, Sam took Thunder¡¯s hand in his so she could pull him onto the bridge. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Thunder¡¯s fingers tightened around Sam¡¯s. ¡°We¡¯ll make it together.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Sam answered. ¡°Together...¡± Sam¡¯s unease would continue to hound him while he and Thunder chased after the others who were moving swiftly across the bridge, creating a sizeable gap between their two groups. But when he heard the flapping of wings close behind them, his gaze snapped back to the platform where the dragon had just landed. ¡°Oh, come on, can¡¯t we catch a break!¡± Sam complained. A mere fifteen yards separated them, and that wasn¡¯t much considering the length of this serpentine horror. Then the sound of pealing thunder reached his ears, forcing Sam¡¯s gaze upward. ¡°Styx...it¡¯s one thing after another,¡± he muttered. A storm cloud was gathering above their half of the bridge. Sam squeezed Thunder¡¯s hand to get her attention. ¡°Tell me this is you.¡± Thunder looked up, frowned, and then shook her head. ¡°My lightning¡¯s... not that color...¡± Purple lightning forked across the clouds, leaving Sam no doubt as to who had conjured this magical storm. ¡°Oh no...¡± he gasped. A bolt of purple lightning exploded onto the bridge, shattering a good-sized chunk of it a mere ten feet from where Sam and Thunder stood. The boom of thunder followed, causing Sam¡¯s ears to wring so badly that he could barely hear Thunder screaming for him to run. They tore through the bridge, both of them stumbling in their haste. Still, they managed to keep each other up despite their fatigue. More purple lightning flashed across the sky, exploding onto the bridge behind them. These lightning strikes drew closer to hitting their mark with each attack. As if the storm cloud above was honing in on them bit by bit. ¡°I knew I should have listened to my gut!¡± Sam huffed. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was the fourth or sixth bolt that finally hit them; he could only remember the blast blowing him and Thunder off the bridge. They were pulled away from each other as they fell so that a widening chasm grew between them. ¡°Thunder!¡± Sam aimed his right arm in her direction. ¡°Grab hold!¡± The grappling hook launched from his bracer and soared in an arc across the void toward her. Remembering how his aim was crap, a moment of doubt filled Sam¡¯s mind. Although this was easily dispelled by Thunder catching the line just as it passed her. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. With Thunder¡¯s life in his hands, Sam launched the grappling hook in his left arm¡¯s bracer up to the floating bridge, and it just managed to pierce through a portion of wooden debris that had yet to be blown away by Medea¡¯s spell. ¡°Time to channel...my inner Spider-Man,¡± Sam puffed. As the line pulled tautly, Sam swung in an arc while pulling Thunder along with him. Once his momentum reached its crescendo, he pulled hard on the line and used the resistance to boost himself back onto the bridge. At the same time, he swung his right arm upward so that Thunder would be carried up and over him, sending her back onto the bridge even before he landed on it. ¡°Thank the gods... for level thirty strength,¡± Sam wheezed. Sweat coated his forehead. The effort had taken a toll on him. ¡°I was wondering... when you¡¯d think... to use your bracers,¡± Thunder huffed. Sam took a second to catch his breath before replying with, ¡°Yeah, I sometimes forget I have them.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Thunder replied. Purple light flashed above them. It was a clear warning that another one of Medea¡¯s lightning bolts was coming their way. At a speed that belied her fatigue, Thunder pushed Sam aside. Then she raised her right hand high and caught the purple bolt in her open palm. Sam watched as she twirled her body around like a ballerina and redirected the energy from her right hand to her left hand so she could hurl the purple bolt back into the sky and right at the storm cloud from whence it came. Krak-ka-boom! Medea¡¯s magic collided with each other, and this disrupted the spell enough to break its form. Sam, whose eyes had grown wider with each second of this amazing feat, whispered, ¡°You¡¯re amazing...¡± ¡°I... know,¡± Thunder replied weakly. He helped her up without asking her how she felt. Her face, pale and drawn more than ever before, was answer enough. Sam slung her arm over his shoulder and then half-carried, half-dragged Thunder across the second half of the bridge. This bridge, which in Sam¡¯s mind was now ¡®The Bridge of Doom¡¯, was at least a hundred yards long from one end to the other. Jackboot and Farsight had already reached that ten-yard line by the end zone, but Dr. Hearthstone lingered further back so he could help Sam and Thunder when they reached him. As for Sam and Thunder, they made it maybe fifty yards forward before they heard the flapping of wings behind them once again. The first of Medea¡¯s dragons had left its perch and was now nearly on top of them¡ªand Sam knew that there was no chance they could both escape its clutches. ¡°I like you,¡± Sam whispered. Thunder¡¯s eyes drifted toward him. ¡°I know...¡± He pressed his hand against her back. ¡°Sam... what are you¡ª¡± With the last of his strength, Sam launched Thunder into the air¡ªand the gods really must have been watching this battle because she fell right into the arms of Dr. Hearthstone who¡¯d moved to catch her after he noticed what Sam had done. Sam heard her yell his name in a desperate voice that was quickly drowned out by the bridge shuddering beneath him. Medea¡¯s dragon landed about five yards behind him with its neck arching back like a cobra about to strike. It let loose a terrible roar that carried a wave of magical force behind it. He felt this oppressive energy pass through him¡ªreminding Sam that he was way out of his league¡ªand dug his heels on the bridge floor. ¡°No...¡± Sam let out a deep breath. ¡°I won¡¯t let you pass.¡± Not only did his voice not waver, but Sam even let out a brief chuckle. And no, he hadn¡¯t just lost his mind. Sam had just remembered something from his past, a scene from one of his father¡¯s favorite movies. He glanced behind him¡ªsaw Thunder struggling in Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s arms, saw his other two friends waiting for them by the bottom step of the wooden staircase¡ªand Sam smiled. ¡°Fly, you fools... Fly.¡± Then Sam turned back to face the enemy that had been decent enough to wait for him to say goodbye. He drew Gram from its sheath and then pointed the blade¡¯s tip at the solar dragon. In response, the dragon spread its wings wide. Fire leaked out of the chinks in its scales, wreathing its upper half entirely in hot flames. ¡°That¡¯s right, keep its eyes fixed on me,¡± Sam whispered. Wielding Gram with both hands, he raised the sword in challenge. And, as if sensing the true nature of its foe, the blade shone with a brilliant blue aura. Seeing the light of a hated blade, the dragon fired off a mighty roar, causing the bridge underneath Sam to rumble once more. It opened its jaws wide, revealing teeth the same length and sharpness as the blade in Sam¡¯s hands. However, the hero didn¡¯t cower back from the horror¡¯s taunt. His resolve kept him steady. Sam now understood why he¡¯d been so hesitant to cross the bridge. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew this moment was inevitable. There was no way they would all reach the exit. Someone would be left behind to fulfill the duty at the very heart of what it meant to be a hero. And Sam, with his penchant for being the martyr, knew deep down that this was his role. ¡°You shall not pass,¡± Sam muttered, repeating words he¡¯d heard in a movie once upon a time. Then, with more feeling, he screamed, ¡°You shall not pass!¡± A pair of teal-colored eyes shining with hope and goodness stared down two blazing red reptilian irises so full of malice¡ªand then the dragon¡¯s head snapped toward Sam at the same time as he launched himself into the air. ¡°Bulwark!¡± Sam yelled just as the horror¡¯s jaws fell upon him. His barrier rose only to shatter quickly, but it had given Sam enough time to press his attack. Bulwark broke and the dragon¡¯s sharp teeth pierced into his body, but Sam had also dealt his enemy a blow. He plunged Gram deep into the dragon¡¯s right eye. The dragon roared. Sam howled. With both hero and horror writhing in pain, they plunged into the void below. Chapter 94: Death and Rebirth, Part 1 CHAPTER NINETY-FOUR Death and Rebirth, Part 1
Despite the pain tearing through his insides, Sam¡¯s mind remained lucid enough that he knew he was falling. More importantly, Sam could tell he was dying. The bits of dragon¡¯s blood that splattered onto him from the wound he¡¯d given his foe burned through his gear to damage the skin underneath. He was bleeding a lot, too. The dragon¡¯s fangs had bitten deep into his sides, skewering him right in the midsection and making a mess of his guts. With such grievous wounds, even Regeneration couldn¡¯t heal him fast enough. The notifications popping up around him that he was too tired to read warned Sam of what he already knew¡ªhe was standing at death¡¯s door. But if that was all, then he might have just let go then and there. Because to give one¡¯s self for one¡¯s friends was a noble end sought by many heroes. However, Sam couldn¡¯t rest because his battle was far from over. Through the black spots that flew across his vision, he could see Medea¡¯s dragon falling along with him. Its face was a bloody mess because Gram¡¯s hilt remained embedded in the eye Sam shoved it in. The ancient horror, however, was far from dead. Despite its own deep wound, the dragon was flapping its wings to slow its descent. Perhaps even to chase after his friends once it had recovered its balance. Sam couldn¡¯t allow that. So, even with his life force rapidly draining away, he managed to raise his arms forward¡ªan effort that sent pain lancing up his brain. With gritted teeth matted in his own blood, Sam launched his grappling hooks straight at his foe. Funnily enough, his aim seemed to have improved in his critical state because both hooks latched onto the dragon¡¯s scales right underneath its bloody eye. ¡°It¡¯s... n-not...¡± He felt himself get pulled forward, and it was all he could do to stay awake. ¡°...over... y-yet...¡± As luck would have it, the dragon didn¡¯t see Sam¡¯s approach. Perhaps it was because it had been blinded in one eye or maybe it was too preoccupied with flapping its wings, he wasn¡¯t sure. But it failed to react to Sam¡¯s fists smashing it in the side of its face Superman-style. Even without Herculean¡¯s edge, Sam¡¯s strength mixed with a little desperation, was enough to smack the dragon off course, ending its attempt to stay aloft. They were both falling again¡ªboth of them so close that Sam could feel the wave of intense heat rising from the horror¡¯s body. It thrashed in the air, detaching its face from Sam¡¯s hooks. Not that Sam could do anything about it as he was already drifting in and out of consciousness. Another notification popped up, one familiar enough that Sam¡¯s mind was forced to focus on it. [Remember lesson number two, kid!] ¡°M-master... y-you¡¯re b-back?¡± Sam¡¯s voice was barely a whisper. [No matter the pain, no matter the struggle, a true hero never stops to answer the call when it is given!] Something shiny appeared on Sam¡¯s peripheral, drawing what little remained of his consciousness toward it. Gram, its glowing blade caked in dragon blood, was falling just to the right of Sam¡¯s position. The dragon¡¯s thrashing had set it loose and given Sam one final opportunity to fight. Sam let out a deep sigh. Then he tucked his arms to his sides and dove for his sword. Heat pressed against his back, so he barrel-rolled to the left to avoid the column of dragon fire rushing toward him. It went past him, its edges nearly grazing his side. ¡°Hephaestus¡¯ flaming balls!¡± Sam cursed. ¡°Come on!¡± He was so close now that he need only stretch his arm toward Gram¡¯s hilt. ¡°Come on!¡± Sam urged. The sword was barely two inches away from him, but in that moment of success, Sam felt something wrap around his right foot, and then he was yanked backward. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Gods!¡± Sam screamed as loud as he could. ¡°Please!¡± It might have been a trick of the light, or perhaps someone really was watching over him. If so, it definitely wasn¡¯t Apollo because this figure floating in the air¡ªbarely noticeable if not for the soft shimmer of dust that made up its form¡ªwas that of a woman. Only a moment passed between them, but in that brief second of time, the ethereal woman tapped her forefinger against the tip of Gram¡¯s blade, pushing the sword right into Sam¡¯s outstretched hand just as he was yanked back by the dragon¡¯s tail. A strong yet silky voice rang clear inside his mind. You saved my steed. I have returned the favor. With a snapping of her fingers, Sam felt the fog in his mind clear just long enough for him to use the momentum of the dragon¡¯s pull to his advantage. He twisted his whole body around like a top so that Gram flew forward in an arc. And, with both hands on its hilt, Sam used what remained of his strength to drive the blade across the underside of the dragon¡¯s belly, cutting through scales and muscle to tear through its insides. Dark ichor spilled out of this new wound, spraying the bridge of Sam¡¯s nose in boiling blood¡ªand the pain of it caused him to scream an otherworldly scream. He wasn¡¯t sure what happened next as he was drifting in and out of consciousness while his body moved as if on autopilot. What little of it Sam could recall later on was like a nightmare of blood and fire and brightly glowing steel. Sam remembered Gram flashing in his hands as he hacked at the dragon¡¯s snout when it lunged toward him with open jaws. He blacked out then, only to blink awake to the sound of the horror screaming in pain for Sam had apparently plunged his blade deep into the underside of its jaw, too. As the blackness threatened to claim him once more, he felt the dragon¡¯s tail whipping him across the back, throwing him into the void enveloping them. The void¡ªswats of darkness that remained despite the Endless Maze losing its hold on the mortal plane. It clung to Sam like shadowy hands, drawing him into it. Its touch was deathly cold, like falling into a lake that had been frozen by winter¡¯s chilly breath. As for Medea¡¯s dragon, it shared Sam¡¯s fate. When last he saw the horror, its fire had been snuffed out by the same darkness that closed over Sam¡¯s vision. *** Sam wasn¡¯t entirely sure how long he was unconscious, but he eventually woke up in total darkness. Above him was a starless, endless night that stretched out across the horizon. Underneath him was an inky blackness that felt wet and cold to his skin. He drifted in this darkness like a man floating on the surface of an inky black sea. Sam tried to speak only to choke on words that seemed irrelevant in this void. Where am I? he wondered. Is this... the Underworld? He didn¡¯t expect a reply, and no reply was forthcoming. He continued to drift lost and alone until the quiet and solitude became unbearable. Is this death? Sam asked. Was all that crap about the afterlife all a bunch of satyr-shit? The booming sound of laughter filled the space around him. Laughter of the most malicious kind. One Sam had heard before. You¡¯ve failed, little hero, the voice hidden within the darkness whispered. You will not escape here. Oh, it¡¯s you... the lord of the dark nerds, Sam sighed. He could almost see the shadow frowning in the darkness, and he didn¡¯t much care. If he was dead, then Sam wasn¡¯t about to get punked by the mastermind who¡¯d been pulling the Trickster¡¯s strings. I am not the lord of nerds, the voice snapped. I am the Lord of the Black Herd! Black Herd... what does that even mean? Sam asked. Do you have an army of black sheep lying around somewhere waiting to avenge all the mutton that¡¯s been eaten throughout the years? Sam wasn¡¯t entirely sure where this bravado was coming from. Perhaps death had taken his fear away along with his life¡ªassuming he was dead, of course. Sam wasn¡¯t entirely convinced this was the case though because he was pretty sure he could feel his heart beating in his chest despite its weak pulse. Do you think to beat with mockery? The voice challenged. Not really, Sam replied. I kind of just wish it would drive you away... you¡¯re ruining my beauty sleep, father of fountains... Yes, Sam remembered this shadow¡¯s titles. He¡¯d researched it enough with Farsight that Sam knew this ancient being was something he shouldn¡¯t be taunting like this. He just couldn¡¯t help himself. This death-like state was making him quite bold. Mountains! It roared. Father of Mountains! Not fountains! Honestly, its reactions were beginning to make it less frightening in Sam¡¯s mind, but perhaps that¡¯s because he couldn¡¯t actually see the thing. If he did, well, it was a known fact that glimpsing an immortal¡¯s true form was suicide for most mortals. Yeah, yeah, can I go back to sleeping in peace now? Sam asked, his tone mocking. I mean, I¡¯d rather not spend eternity here with you crowding my space... you know? There came a long silence that made Sam feel just a little uneasy. He didn¡¯t actually expect the shadow to listen to his request. It didn¡¯t. When the shadow spoke again, the words spilling forth from the darkness caused a chill to slide up Sam¡¯s spine so that he was instantly ashamed for making light of the situation. Yes, an eternity for you within this abyss... But not for me, it whispered in a confident tone. I shall rise again. And I promise, little hero, that your companions will join you in this place... The laughter resounding all around him made Sam want to shut his ears with his hands, but he didn¡¯t have the strength to lift them. So he felt consciousness slip away once more. Chapter 95: Death and Rebirth, Part 2 CHAPTER NINETY-FIVE Death and Rebirth, Part 2
Even in this death-like state, Sam could dream, and his dreams in this abyss, ironically enough, were filled only with good things. He dreamed of past adventures and recent successes. He dreamed of a sleek black school bus and the people inside it; the feather-clad hero who¡¯d gifted it to them, the spunky teenage seer who teased him at every opportunity, the foreigner who willingly jumped into the rabbit hole along with him, and even the strong man who¡¯d arrived to aid them in Sam¡¯s final mission. They were all there, chilling by the comfy seats of the living space, waiting for him. But mostly, he dreamed of her. The strands of golden hair that clung to her cheeks after a tough workout session, the electricity dancing within the blue of her irises whenever she laughed, the kind smile she showed only to him¡ªthese were the dreams he clung to even as his consciousness unraveled within this abyss he was trapped in. The shadowy voice would often return to taunt him, and although Sam would fight back with banter of his own, the shadow¡¯s promise that his friends would soon join him never failed to bring the hero pain. But the shadow had also miscalculated. Because Sam, hearing of the fate promised to his friends, would do whatever it took to ensure such a nightmare would never come to pass. Every time it reminded Sam of them, his resolve would just get stronger. He would dream of them, and these dreams would give him strength. They were the very things that drew him back into himself, reminding him of who he was. Until finally, Sam managed what he could not do before. He moved his finger¡ªjust his finger. It was a start. It took time to move his whole hand though, and it would feel like a month had passed by the time he reached for his belt. Sam felt for it in the darkness, the item he imagined was his one shot out of this abyss. My hammer¡¯s still here... thank the gods, he thought as his fingers grasped Onus¡¯ hilt, although it wasn¡¯t what he was specifically looking for. Gram wasn¡¯t in its sheath, however, but that was to be expected as the dragon-slaying sword had been whisked away by the same void that had taken Sam. He only hoped it wouldn¡¯t be lost forever as it was a pretty useful tool. Come on... where are you? Sam wondered. Eventually, his hand grasped the cool surface of the item he needed. The ivory horn weighed next to nothing in Sam¡¯s hands, although it still took a herculean effort to unclip it from his belt and raise it up to his chest. Bringing it to his lips, however, took at least another hour of void time. What¡¯s this? Does the little hero seek to struggle against his prison? The shadow¡¯s mocking voice was back. Foolish mortal... You wield no weapon that could pierce the darkness... Only an immortal could¡ª There was a pause. What is that you have in your hand? it asked, sounding almost curious. Something I¡¯ve been dying to try out, Sam replied. Is that... The shadowy voice sounded suddenly wary. ...That¡¯s a summoning tool. Sam recalled the details of the item in his hand. Specifically, how to activate it.
ITEM: The Blessed Horn of the Sacred Beast
CLASS: Legendary
TYPE: Summoning Tool
DESCRIPTION: The horn that summons the Ceryneian Hind to a hero¡¯s side is a gift given only to those who¡¯ve earned great favor with the Goddess of the Hunt. Artemis¡¯ boon can be used once per long rest to summon a sacred beast to fight alongside the hero for a number of seconds equivalent to a hero¡¯s level: [60 Seconds per 10 levels]
BOON(S): The Ceryneian Hind wields the power to instantaneously travel between planes, bringing along anyone it allows to ride on its back to a destination within the scope of Olympian influence.
ALERT! To summon this sacred beast, one must focus on a specific target that will draw the hind to join in on the hunt.
A specific target... Sam remembered. Once more he thought of her, the woman of his dreams. Um... Sam frowned. What¡¯s her name again...? Sam didn¡¯t know why he couldn¡¯t remember her name when her face enveloped his thoughts. Was it this place, he wondered. Was this abyss finally getting to him, eating away at his mind and the things that mattered to him? Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. No, I won¡¯t be beaten like this... not when I¡¯ve literally got hope in my hands, Sam growled. I know her name! It had been on the tip of his tongue and just barely out of reach for what felt like forever, but once Sam remembered who she was, he began to remember other things too. My friends... Their faces drifted toward him once more; the crow, the hare, the seer, the hearth, even the fool who¡¯d nearly killed Sam months ago. Wait... Cease your prattling about! the shadowy voice commanded, and there was a hint of desperation in its tone now. Sam wasn¡¯t listening. He had his target. He remembered her name. Thunder! Remembering Thunder allowed Sam¡¯s consciousness to fully awaken so that all of who he had been came together like puzzle pieces fitting together with the help of an invisible hand. This remembrance gave him power, and with that power came the strength to break from the shackles that bound him.
ALERT! Rejuvenation was successful. Your life force has stabilized.
Health Points (HP): [1]
Welcome back, Herculean!
Seeing these familiar blue notification windows was the final piece to force breath into his lungs. With that breath, Sam blew on his ivory horn while the memory of Thunder rang clear in his mind. The seconds ticked by with nothing happening, and this made the shadowy voice quite smug. It taunted Sam, encouraging him to give up his hopeless struggle. But Sam hadn¡¯t lost hope. He believed in the divine, and that belief paid off pretty quickly. He heard the neighing from far away¡ªand it was music to Sam¡¯s ears. Then, with a brilliant flash of golden light piercing through the darkness above, Sam found himself staring up at the sun. Well, the sun god, really. Apollo rode atop the Ceryneian Hind with a face that showed off a mixture of relief and annoyance at seeing Sam again. ¡°It took you long enough to pick up the phone, Sammy,¡± the sun god whined. ¡°Seriously, I was beginning to think you were dead!¡± ¡°Seriously,¡± Sam found that Apollo¡¯s light also brought back his voice. ¡°What took you so long? Did you stop for drive-through or something?¡± One of Apollo¡¯s golden eyebrows arched up. ¡°Jokes...now? Really?¡± He didn¡¯t expect Apollo. It was accepted truth that the gods were far too busy to intervene directly with heroes, preferring instead to trust in their champion¡¯s ability to get the job done without needing to have their hands held. Or at least that was the excuse the priestesses often gave for a god¡¯s laziness. It was a pretty hot topic in the forums; the gods, helpful or negligent? Yet Sam¡¯s patron had arrived at the head of the rescue party. Sam couldn¡¯t help but grin. A bronze hand coated in the warm glow of sunlight reached out for him. No~~o! the shadow screamed from far below. It unleashed a wave of terrifying energy that was so cold Sam¡¯s whole body began to shiver. Holy Zeus, he thought. This guy¡¯s freaking overpowered! In response to this dark energy, golden light flared from above, warming Sam up instantly. Yes! Sam cheered. He took this chance to raise his arm and reach out for Apollo¡¯s glowing hand. Apollo lifted Sam from the abyss, his light burning the strands of darkness that attempted to cling to Sam¡¯s body. After he dropped Sam onto the Ceryneian Hind¡¯s back, the sun god turned a fiery gaze down at the darkness below. ¡°Wow, you got outsmarted by a mortal...again,¡± Apollo chuckled. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m super embarrassed for you, oh, eldest of giants.¡± Apollo! the voice spat. You will be the first to fall when I escape this prison! I will awaken Ephialtes and send him to the heavens to break your chariot apart! ¡°Good luck with that,¡± Apollo laughed some more. ¡°Hadn¡¯t you heard, humans think my golden orb is at the center of the solar system... that¡¯s pretty far away!¡± Our rise will blot out the sun! And my brethren shall feast on your lifeless¡ª ¡°Whoa, now! No need to be offensive,¡± Apollo chided. ¡°Seriously, guy, you¡¯ve been losing for millennia... You might need a better plan...or an agent! Yeah, I think you need new representation!¡± Sam wasn¡¯t the only one whose brow furrowed at hearing Apollo¡¯s weird banter. He was pretty sure the shadow below them had also raised an eyebrow or two or dozen. Apollo was clapping his hands like he¡¯d just gotten a brilliant idea. ¡°I really think you need to rebrand... I doubt you¡¯ll ever win when your name basically translates to ¡®Mighty Ass¡¯... LOLs.¡± Another roar resounded across the abyss, but the tendrils of darkness that reached up toward them were burned away at a wave of Apollo¡¯s hand. ¡°Better luck next time, oh, mightiest of asses,¡± Apollo taunted. Sam sighed at how childish his patron could be. And here he was beginning to think Apollo might be pretty reliable. Then Apollo told Sam to close his eyes for he was, in his words, ¡°About to go nuclear on this lame-ass giant!¡± Even with his eyes shut, Sam was blinded by the brilliant golden glow that shone through his eyelids. Once more he was reminded of another well-known fact; never ever look at a god when they show their true selves. That path leads to madness and death. ¡°Go now, Sammy,¡± Apollo urged. With eyes still closed, Sam felt the hind shift underneath him. A second later and he felt his mount move forward at a speed that would make Jackboot jealous. His arms tightened on the hind¡¯s neck for the length of their journey, which ended pretty quickly. About as long as it took for Sam¡¯s hands to lock together. When Sam opened his eyes again, he discovered that his mount had taken them into a sea of tall pines stretching out in every direction. ¡°Um, where are we?¡± he asked. ¡°About time you got here, kid,¡± said a voice Sam was intimately familiar with. After all, it had been one he heard in his brain all the time. Sam turned his head to the side and found himself face to face with an olive-skinned, red-haired man wearing a Portland Trail Blazers jersey. Nope, only his top half was that of a man¡¯s. From the waist down, he was a russet-haired stallion. ¡°Ch-Chiron?¡± Sam asked uncertainly. ¡°Hey, kid,¡± Chiron waved. ¡°What took you so long? Did you stop to grab a bite to eat or something?¡± Leaving aside the fact that Chiron had just said a joke similar to the one Sam had just given Apollo, the sight of his master IRL coupled with the weirdness of all he¡¯d just experienced, and maybe even the fatigue of traveling from an abyssal plane back into the mortal plane finally forced Sam¡¯s limbs to go numb as his mind began to shut down. As darkness took him, the last thing Sam saw was Chiron rushing to catch him. Chapter 96: Master and Apprentice, Part 1 CHAPTER NINETY-SIX Master and Apprentice, Part 1
Sam blinked his eyes open to a high wooden ceiling, the sound of softly running water, and the strong smell of pines after the rain. ¡°Thank the gods... it wasn¡¯t a dream,¡± he breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°I really did escape that place.¡± He shrugged off the shiver that came with the remembrance of that abyss he¡¯d been trapped in with a little help from the sunlight filtering in through the curtains of the window to the right of the bed. ¡°But this means¡ª¡± Sam sat up and suddenly wished he hadn¡¯t as the world seemed to tilt to the right. ¡°Ugh, vertigo¡­¡± He covered his eyes with the palm of his hand. ¡°I should probably take it a little slow...¡± ¡°You think?¡± replied a snarky, gruff sounding voice Sam often heard inside his mind, which he was surprised to discover he now heard through the ears. His gaze snapped toward that voice and found its owner idling by the door. He was a red-haired, shaggy-bearded man in a basketball training jersey from the waist up and a russet-haired stallion from the waist down. ¡°Chiron¡­¡± Sam breathed, ¡°Y-you¡¯re real?¡± ¡°Of course, I¡¯m real, lame-brain.¡± Chiron whinnied, which sounded a lot like a scoff to Sam¡¯s ears. ¡°What, did you lose some intelligence points while you were stuck in the Shadow Veil?¡± One of Sam¡¯s eyebrows rose. ¡°The... Shadow Veil?¡± ¡°It¡¯s what we call the negative space between the regions of the Underworld¡­the labyrinthine crack in the fabric of space-time,¡± Chiron explained offhandedly. ¡°And... I was sent there?¡± Sam slumped against the bed rest. ¡°Geez, I thought I¡¯d fallen into Tartarus or someplace just as bad...¡± ¡°Believe me, kid; getting thrown into the primordial crack even the gods of creation can¡¯t stitch together is nearly as horrible as being imprisoned in the worst place in all existence.¡± Chiron leaned his left shoulder against the door frame. ¡°I¡¯m honestly surprised you didn¡¯t lose your mind while you were there.¡± ¡°I...¡± Sam¡¯s cheeks flushed crimson as the thought of a certain blonde bombshell drifted across his mindscape. ¡°I had things to remind me.¡± ¡°Uhuh,¡± Chiron chuckled knowingly. The centaur wrapped his hands together as if in prayer and then puckered his lips while making kissing noises in the air. ¡°I like you,¡± Chiron said in a teasing voice. ¡°Lol!¡± Chiron laughed that familiar braying laugh Sam thought had been such a weird sound the first time he¡¯d heard it. Not anymore though. He¡¯d heard it way too much now to think of it as strange ever again. ¡°How did...¡± Sam¡¯s cheeks turned red as apples. ¡°...I thought you weren¡¯t around then...?¡± ¡°Our connection came back around the time you were fumbling around on that bridge.¡± Chiron wiped a tear from his eye. He¡¯d laughed that hard. ¡°And I was just in time for you to fumble your confession, too... Holy Zeus, kid, I guess I should have taught you lesson number thirty-five sooner.¡± Despite his chagrin, Sam couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Thirty-five?¡± ¡°I call it the Attack of Opportunity!¡± Chiron answered enthusiastically. ¡°Whether you¡¯re in an ambush or part of a debate, there¡¯s a perfect moment to strike for every occasion. You¡¯ll sense it in the air or see it in the actions of those around you¡ªand when you feel it, don¡¯t be afraid to leap!¡± ¡°Um, I thought I was going to die... I think that¡¯s pretty much THE moment,¡± Sam countered. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. ¡°More like ¡®way past the moment¡¯, lame-brain,¡± Chiron chuckled. ¡°Besides, you didn¡¯t die... so your point¡¯s moot.¡± ¡°I... I didn¡¯t die,¡± Sam repeated. The realization that he survived his recent disastrous adventure washed over Sam all at once, causing his chest to tighten fiercely. He lowered his face because he didn¡¯t want Chiron to notice the tears welling up in his eyes. Although the centaur liked to tease his apprentice, Chiron said nothing while he watched Sam¡¯s shoulders shake, and the master waited patiently for the hero to reclaim his cool. After his panic attack had run its course, Sam raised his head to ask a question that had suddenly popped up in his brain. ¡°That thing that was in the Shadow Veil with me¡ª¡± ¡°I heard about your new pen pal, but no, that bastard wasn¡¯t actually in there with you,¡± Chiron corrected. ¡°The voice in the Shadow Veil was no more than a sliver of consciousness belonging to something that¡¯s trapped in the deepest pit of Tartarus.¡± ¡°That was...¡± Remembering the cold wave of dark energy that slammed into him just before his escape, Sam repressed a shudder. ¡°...just a sliver?¡± ¡°The cracks of the Shadow Veil reach into even the most desolate places of creation... think of it as the perfect smuggler¡¯s network for bad juju to make its way from one plane into another,¡± Chiron explained with a furrowed brow. ¡°A being with enough strength could send their wills through it and share their intent with lesser, like-minded idiots.¡± A shadow passed over Chiron¡¯s face as he said that last bit. ¡°Consider yourself lucky, kid... if the Gigantes was actually in there with you then it would have eaten your annoying little butt before Apollo could find you,¡± Chiron added. That was a sobering thought, one that made Sam grateful his patron turned out to be a little more reliable than he believed the god would be. ¡°H-how...how long was I gone?¡± Sam asked. ¡°A week,¡± Chiron replied. ¡°Just a week... Seriously?¡± Sam asked surprised. ¡°It¡­it felt like months...¡± ¡°The passage of time¡¯s weird in places like the Shadow Veil so your sense of it would naturally be messed up,¡± Chiron explained. ¡°I have to find¡ª¡± ¡°No, you¡¯re not going anywhere right now,¡± Chiron interrupted. ¡°But the mission¡ª¡± ¡°Will still be here by the time you finish changing.¡± The centaur pointed to the chest by the foot of Sam¡¯s bed. ¡°You¡¯ll find some spare gear in there. Get changed and then meet me outside.¡± Chiron retreated through the open door and left before Sam could ask him more questions. ¡°You could have at least told me how my friends were doing,¡± Sam sighed. He felt the fatigue wash over him the moment he got up from the stiff bed Chiron had put him in. It was as if there were thick weight bags strapped to his arms and legs, and his muscles were suddenly straining against the gravity of the mortal plane. ¡°You¡¯d think Regeneration would have healed me up by now,¡± Sam wondered aloud. But his power hadn¡¯t healed him completely, and that was worrisome for Sam, who, after tapping on the patch of air in front of him, found he couldn¡¯t summon Triple-A¡¯s interface either. He frowned. ¡°That¡¯s...weird.¡± Sam stumbled toward the chest, opened it, and discovered to his immense delight that some of his equipment had survived his recent ordeal. His suit was gone, which he expected, but seeing his old-school utility belt and Onus still strapped to it looking relatively unscathed sent a thrill rising to Sam¡¯s chest. ¡°Thank the gods.¡± He pulled these items out of the chest. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know what I¡¯d do if I lost you guys...¡± He glanced over to the door and made sure Chiron was nowhere in sight before he hugged these items tightly to his chest. ¡°Yup, it¡¯s official... I¡¯m a hoarder,¡± Sam chuckled. He searched the chest a second time and found the Mask of the Argonaut and the Grappling Bracers were both in there, too. Underneath these items was armor Sam hadn¡¯t seen before. It was of a kind with such an old-school design that he imagined it would have fit in perfectly with the other Greek displays that the Trickster had destroyed when he burned the Met¡¯s ancient Greek wing more than a month ago. ¡°Seriously, I¡¯m supposed to wear this?¡± he raised the leather muscle cuirass to his eye level. ¡°This thing has more abs than I do...¡± A thin plating of bronze covered each half of the armor¡¯s breast area while another two bronze bands covered the shoulder blades on its back. Two straps and buckles at the sides and two more on the shoulders attached both sides of the armor to a person¡¯s upper body. Sam¡¯s boots were gone too. He could vaguely recall them burning away during his fight with Medea¡¯s dragon. In their place, however, were Greek-style sandals and knee-high, leather-lined, bronze greaves similar to Thunder¡¯s boots. ¡°I have a bad feeling about this...¡± he sighed. This bad feeling only continued to grow as Sam strapped on this ancient armor over the white linen cloth pajamas Chiron had dressed him in while he¡¯d been unconscious. He didn¡¯t bother with the tasset belt that came with the cuirass, opting instead to wrap his reliable utility belt around his waist. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m about to visit a Spartan-themed renaissance fair,¡± Sam said while he eyed his reflection in the mirror hanging by the wall. ¡°Um, can I get an overview of this armor¡¯s stats, Triple-A?¡± Seconds ticked by while he waited, but a full minute passed and Triple-A remained silent. This was indeed very worrisome because Sam had become reliant on the system¡¯s descriptions. He frowned. ¡°I have a really bad feeling about this...¡± Sam hoped Gram would be in the chest too, but it was empty now. He couldn¡¯t help grimacing at the thought of losing such a powerful relic as the dragon-slayer sword. ¡°And I was on the cusp of becoming an apprentice blade-master too,¡± he grumbled. Sam moved over to the door and took one final look at the wooden paneled room he¡¯d been recuperating in. ¡°I¡¯m really back,¡± he said, in an almost disbelieving tone. Then he walked out the door to search for his master with one final thought on his lips. ¡°It feels like a training montage is about to begin.¡± Chapter 97: Master and Apprentice, Part 2 CHAPTER NINETY-SEVEN Master and Apprentice, Part 2
Minutes later and Sam moved sluggishly through a raised wooden walkway that offered an impressive view of a sea of trees to either side of him. On the right stood a mountain whose snow-capped peak rose to touch the clouds. ¡°Where am I?¡± he wondered. The sounds of forest animals reached his ears while the scent of fresh pine wafted up to where he idled. ¡°I¡¯m in the wilds again,¡± he realized. Then he frowned. ¡°Nothing good ever happens to me in the wilds.¡± Although this was indeed true, Sam¡¯s mind flashed back to the many times he¡¯d almost died inside an urban area as well, causing him to smile sheepishly at his previous comment. ¡°I guess it doesn¡¯t matter where I am¡­ I¡¯m always in danger,¡± he sighed. ¡°Yeah, Sam, save the girl save the world... Go back to being a hero so immortal sorceresses and psychotic demigods can try to kill you all the time. Best job ever.¡± The walkway ended in a spiral ramp that led down to the forest floor and into Chiron¡¯s backyard. It was unlike any backyard Sam had ever seen before though. What was basically an obstacle course that might have been a set piece for American Ninja Warrior covered the expansive space that had been cleared of the tall pines. However, unlike that television show that Sam liked to binge on his couch, the training grounds in front of him didn¡¯t seem shy about maiming or bludgeoning anyone brave enough to attempt it. Hanging knives, axes, swords, mid-sized iron balls, large-sized steel balls covered in spikes, and even a fiery lava bed were just a few of the obstacles that he could see from where he stood. ¡°This is...¡± Sam¡¯s eyes widened some more. ¡°...insanity mode.¡± In a pretty telling way, Chiron lounged beside the entrance of this obstacle course. His right hoof tapped impatiently on the floor. ¡°I built the first version of this thing when Hercules needed to train for his twelve labors,¡± Chiron explained. ¡°This was back in the days before you heroes and your unions whined about overwork, overtime, and grievous physical injury settlements.¡± Sam could see a slightly wistful expression on the centaur¡¯s face, a face that was neither old nor young but seemed to hold a great deal of experience in its weathered look. ¡°Achilles held the record for finishing the course for about two thousand years before the little French girl, Joan, took the top spot.¡± Chiron glanced over at Sam with a teasing grin and added, ¡°Then Thunder took up this challenge about two years ago and she blows Joan¡¯s record out of the water... Thunder was the real deal...but then she had to get hurt so bad she needed to make you an Argonaut.¡± Chiron crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze taking the length and breadth of Sam. ¡°I¡¯ll be honest, kid, I didn¡¯t think much of you when we first met,¡± Chiron admitted, ¡°And I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m saying this, but you¡¯ve proven me wrong. You¡¯re making me a believer, and that means you¡¯re ready for the Tribulator.¡± ¡°Um, and when you say Tribulator, you actually mean¡ª¡± Chiron pointed a thumb at the course behind him. ¡°That¡¯s the Tribulator.¡± Sam was afraid of that. ¡°I, uh, appreciate the sentiment,¡± Sam walked cautiously to his master¡¯s side, ¡°but I don¡¯t think I have time for, um, the Tribulator... I need to catch up to the Argo¡ª¡± ¡°You¡¯re not ready to continue the mission,¡± Chiron cut in. ¡°I¡¯m sidelining you until I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t die the next time you face off against Medea or Apex or the Trickster or any of the dozen other bastards Chimera can conjure up.¡± Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°But Chimera¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°No closer to finding the fleece anymore than your team is,¡± Chiron interrupted again. Sam¡¯s master tapped a finger on the air like he was pressing an invisible switch, an act Sam was now intimately familiar with. A moment later and a blue notification window appeared in front of Sam. On it was an image of a round object floating in the air. ¡°No freaking way,¡± Sam breathed. ¡°You¡¯re allowed to tell me I¡¯m awesome, kid,¡± Chiron chuckled. ¡°You took a snapshot of the Norn Coin,¡± Sam said, sounding very impressed. ¡°I hate stories that could have been easily resolved without all the running around if the protagonist just remembered to turn on the record feature of whatever reliable tool he was working with,¡± Chiron chuckled. ¡°Luckily, I managed it before Medea could break our connection, but you could have done it too if you just bothered to read up on Triple-A¡¯s training manual.¡± Sam was pretty sure Chiron had just chided him for not knowing how to properly make use of Triple-A¡¯s system, and he guessed this might be the reason his master had disabled it temporarily. ¡°Triple-A doesn¡¯t have a training manual,¡± Sam reminded Chiron. Chiron¡¯s grin widened. ¡°It does now.¡± He snapped his fingers, and a new notification window popped up on Sam¡¯s right. A quick inspection of it revealed this window to be a new option in Sam¡¯s menu; [TUTORIAL]. ¡°You can¡¯t punish me for not reading something you probably just created today,¡± Sam reasoned. ¡°I¡¯m the master here, apprentice¡­ I can do whatever I want as long as it helps in your growth,¡± Chiron chuckled. ¡°Now, do you want to keep whining or do you want me to share this clue with you?¡± Sam sighed. ¡°Show me the clue¡­¡± Chiron pinched the air with his fingers so that the picture on the screen would zoom in and Sam could read what was written on it. Through Golden bands that stretch across Poseidon¡¯s domain Sleeps the grand treasure only the worthy can attain We left it there in the blessed folds of War¡¯s embrace Protected by the guardian of Colchis one must face Yet to open its bright Gates one requires the keys Found in the Tribulation hidden among the trees ¡°Tribulation hidden among the trees,¡± Sam recited. ¡°Oh, no...¡± His gaze drifted toward the obstacle course. ¡°You¡¯re kidding me,¡± Sam breathed. ¡°I told you, kid, no one¡¯s any closer to finding that fleece... Not unless they come to see me first,¡± Chiron chuckled. ¡°You... you...¡± Sam was flabbergasted. ¡°¡­you knew where the Golden Fleece was this whole time?!¡± ¡°Yes, and no... I didn¡¯t know the exact location of the Golden Fleece¡ªRaven Knight likes to hedge his bets¡ªbut I was given the means to unlock the passage to it as well as the choice of passing it on to someone worthy of the secret, meaning whoever found the clue that led to me,¡± Chiron admitted. ¡°Then you could have given it to us already or at least told us about it and not sit in the woods while we risked our lives out there,¡± Sam complained. ¡°You know how much she needs it...¡± Chiron¡¯s face darkened. He seemed genuinely hurt by Sam¡¯s accusation, and he shuffled uncomfortably in place. ¡°I want to help Thunder just as much as you do, kid, but I couldn¡¯t tell you... I¡¯m bound by the oaths I gave your predecessors...¡± Seeing his master¡¯s pained expression, Sam suddenly felt like the biggest jerk in the world. ¡°I...yeah, I get it,¡± Sam sighed. ¡°The journey is as equally important as the destination...¡± He¡¯d once heard a priestess of Zeus say those exact words during a sermon about why the gods give mortals such difficult challenges, which Sam assumed was the very definition of this mission he was on. Not that he believed this excuse, but it was his way of making amends with Chiron. ¡°So... you¡¯re not sidelining me?¡± Sam guessed. ¡°You won¡¯t be fighting any Chimera assault troopers for a while,¡± Chiron replied. ¡°So let¡¯s make a deal.¡± The centaur pointed a thumb over his shoulder. ¡°The key everyone¡¯s looking for right now can be found in a chest at the end of the Tribulator... You go get it and I¡¯ll send you to where the Argo VII is so you can finish this mission and save our girl,¡± Chiron explained. ¡°Didn¡¯t Thunder do this already...why didn¡¯t she get the key then?¡± Sam asked. ¡°She wasn¡¯t looking for it then,¡± Chiron answered. ¡°And there¡¯s a trick to getting this specific reward.¡± Chiron patted the fence that blocked entry into the Tribulator¡¯s course. ¡°A key blessed by War requires one who can truly prove himself a master at warfare,¡± Chiron recited, ¡°Meaning you¡¯ll have to exit the Tribulator with zero injuries... Not even Achilles could do that, and he was invulnerable in all but one spot...that blasted heel of his.¡± ¡°Styx,¡± Sam cursed. ¡°It is insanity mode.¡± ¡°Yeah, pretty much,¡± Chiron whinnied. ¡°And what¡¯s stopping me from just going around this thing to get to the end of it?¡± Sam challenged. ¡°It¡¯s enchanted, duh,¡± Chiron replied. ¡°You only get the treasure if you complete the trial.¡± Chiron slammed his palm against the fence, causing it to swing outward in such a creaky manner that Sam imagined the door to a haunted house was slowly opening up for him. ¡°Unlike their successors, the crew of the Argo VI had some pretty smart people in their group,¡± Chiron whinnied, ¡°They left their key with me knowing I would keep it safe for as long as I could.¡± It was Chiron¡¯s choice of words that made Sam¡¯s brow crease. ¡°But that means...¡± Sam gulped. ¡°Holy Zeus, Chiron¡ª¡± ¡°Yeah, you¡¯ve guessed it, kid.¡± Chiron moved his hand toward the now open path, inviting Sam to cross through it. ¡°You don¡¯t have much time before the bad guys find us.¡± Chapter 98: Overcoming Tribulation, Part 1 CHAPTER NINETY-EIGHT Overcoming Tribulation, Part 1
¡°I¡¯ve given you back limited use of the system.¡± Chiron twiddled his fingers at the air. ¡°Use it to update your stats and distribute the points you earned in the last mission.¡± ¡°Oh, yeah,¡± Sam raised his hand to the floating screen that popped up in front of him, ¡°I¡¯d forgotten about that.¡± ¡°I keep telling you to make better use of the system, kid,¡± Chiron frowned. ¡°What¡¯s the point of such an awesome tool if you¡¯re barely using it.¡± ¡°I know, I know,¡± Sam sighed.
STATUS
NAME: Samuel Shepard
HERO NAME: Herculean
He noticed that the ¡®unofficial¡¯ tag had been discarded. ¡°Styx, this is all Ashley¡¯s fault,¡± he grumbled.
LEVEL 30
RANK Gamma (¦£)]
Sam still couldn¡¯t believe it. The guy who was once the weakest healer in New York City was now Gamma level, and not just as a [Healer], too. His secondary role was now [Scrapper]. ¡°I tanked an alpha-level dragon and lived,¡± he realized. ¡°Pick your jaw off the floor, lame-brain,¡± Chiron chided. ¡°Gamma level¡¯s nothing... you keep this up and you may even get to where Thunder and the rest of the elites are standing.¡± That was a heady thought, the idea that Sam could become one of the all-time greats¡ªmaybe even break into the top ten. He had a sudden vision of himself in a stylish red cape surrounded by crowds of fans and reporters. For just a moment, he could almost hear them chanting his name. He shook his head. ¡°Get a grip, man...no point in getting a big head now.¡± ¡°I agree,¡± Chiron chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ve got a long way to go.¡±
TITLE: [Hero] + [Phantom Slayer: BOON: 25% increased damage against phantom-type enemies] + [Fire Proof: BOON: 10% increased resistance to fire damage] + [Vigilante: 10% increased civilian reputation, 20% decreased reputation with the Wardens, -100% trust from local law enforcement] + [Horror Slayer: BOON: 15% increased damage against horror-type beings.] + [Dragon Hunter: Awarded to Gram¡¯s wielder. BOON 10% increased physical damage against dragon-type horrors.]
One of Sam¡¯s eyebrows rose. ¡°It doesn¡¯t say hero-in-training anymore...¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s too soon to call you that, but Triple-A¡¯s a bit of a softy,¡± Chiron chimed in. Sam also noticed that there was a new title on the list. ¡°Dragon hunter...¡± His brow furrowed. ¡°But I lost the sword...¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t sweat it too much,¡± Chiron replied. ¡°Enchanted relics have a way of finding their way back to their chosen wielder eventually... Why Gram chose you is the real mystery.¡± ¡°How does it return to me?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Is there a relic locator in the system or something? Do relics have GPS?¡± Chiron shook his head. ¡°As I said, don¡¯t sweat it. The sword will reappear at the moment it¡¯s needed and not before then.¡± ¡°Um, that didn¡¯t happen with the Bow of Heracles,¡± Sam reminded Chiron. ¡°The bow didn¡¯t belong to you... You were just borrowing its power that one time,¡± Chiron answered.
HEALTH POINTS (HP): 400/800
STAMINA POINTS (SP): 100/400
FATIGUE: 60%
STRENGTH: 60
DEXTERITY: 50
CONSTITUTION: 80
INTELLIGENCE: 33
WISDOM: 30
WILLPOWER: 30
None of his attribute values had changed since he was level twenty-one, but that was to be expected as Sam had been too busy over that one mission to properly distribute the points he earned with each level gained. He wasn¡¯t at all surprised to discover that a whopping thirty points were waiting to be allocated. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Sucks that I didn¡¯t get anything from completing my daily missions,¡± Sam sighed. ¡°Oh, wait... wasn¡¯t there a penalty for that?¡± ¡°Why do you think most of the system¡¯s locked to you?¡± Chiron chuckled. Sam glanced away from the screen to give his master a curious look. ¡°So... the penalty for missing a daily mission is not being able to use Triple-A?¡± Chiron shrugged. ¡°There are worse penalties, but considering you missed your daily missions because you were stuck in Limbo, I decided not to slap you with the Belt of Negative Effects...¡± ¡°Belt of Negative Effects...?¡± Sam repeated, and yes, it did sound as ominous coming from his lips as it did when Chiron had said it. ¡°Um, thanks for that, I guess.¡± ¡°That was a one-time stay of execution, kid.¡± Chiron crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°You miss another daily mission and you get the full penalty.¡± ¡°I, uh, I¡¯ll remember that,¡± Sam promised. Of the thirty points Sam could allocate, twenty went to [Constitution], increasing his total HP to a thousand. That wasn¡¯t all either. Hitting [100] was the threshold Sam needed to reach a new rank in [Regeneration].
[CONGRATULATIONS! You have unlocked the potential hidden inside you. [Regeneration (¦Æ)] has leveled up!]
POWER: Regeneration
LEVEL: Delta (¦¤)
DESCRIPTION: The hero¡¯s increased HP has enabled this passive ability to grow past its current limit, increasing its capability to stabilize the hero¡¯s life force while he draws breath.
EFFECT ONE: The speed of regeneration has increased by one level. External wounds that don¡¯t affect internal organs heal at twice the normal rate. Internal injuries heal faster, ensuring that the hero survives even a blow that might be fatal to regular mortals.
EFFECT TWO: Over-fatigue will no longer cause the hero to lose consciousness, although he will receive a penalty to [Constitution] and [Intelligence] while in a state of high fatigue.
EFFECT THREE: The hero now has resistance to [Charm], [Dominate], and [Paralysis].
¡°Whoa...¡± Sam breathed. ¡°Wish I had this during the dragon fight.¡± ¡°You would have if you¡¯d checked the system before the boss battle,¡± Chiron reminded him. The fight with the dragon was quite the lesson for Sam, helping him to understand just which parts of him were lacking and needed to be supplemented. He distributed the remaining ten points to [Wisdom [35]], [Intelligence [35]], and [Willpower [33]] because he imagined he¡¯d be able to fight better if his mind performed better. Surprisingly, raising his [Intelligence] score also provided Sam with an ability point. ¡°Master!¡± Sam called excitedly, ¡°why didn¡¯t you tell me Intelligence was this important?¡± ¡°What kind of idiot doesn¡¯t know that?¡± Chiron rolled his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t expect it to keep providing ability points with each milestone, though. The system tweaks itself to fit your needs.¡± ¡°Yeah, I get it,¡± Sam said, as his fingers danced excitedly across the [MENU] to activate [POWERS]. ¡°Now, what should I get that will help me survive your obstacle course of death...?¡± Sam hoped that he could find a new [SUPPORT] or [COMBAT] ability to help him succeed in his next challenge, but all the options underneath that tree were grayed out. ¡°Why not try a tree from one of the bonds you¡¯ve forged?¡± Chiron suggested. ¡°Oh, yeah, that could be interesting, too,¡± Sam agreed.
ELEMENTALIST: [Thunder Charge], [Elemental Weapon]
BATTLEMASTER: [Unarmored Defense], [Ki Strike]
TOTEM KNIGHT: [Totem Spirit], [Beast Sense], [Speak with Animals]
Sam took a long time deliberating on which ability to take as they all seemed pretty useful in the long term. He was particularly drawn to the [Totem Spirit] as the idea of wielding the abilities of a lion or bear was appealing to Sam after having seen Jackboot in action. Ki strike, the power to harness his own Ki and then use it to attack his enemy sounded like a cool option too. Especially since this power would have normally taken him years of study in martial arts to acquire. ¡°Unarmored defense might not be too useful for a guy who can regenerate from almost any injury,¡± Chiron chimed in. ¡°But Beast Sense would pair nicely with your lack of sense. Lol.¡± In the end, Sam¡¯s choice was decided on memory, one of Thunder speeding through Maeve¡¯s house to smite the cannibal boar with her body wrapped in elemental energy. That was why he chose [Thunder Charge] as his newest ability. ¡°Interesting choice, kid,¡± Chiron noted. I want to be as cool as her, Sam thought, although he said something else out loud. ¡°I want to mix it up... add some elemental damage to my moves.¡± ¡°Not a bad idea,¡± Chiron agreed. ¡°It might even pair well with one or more of your abilities... give you a combo move that¡¯ll even break dragon scales.¡± ¡°And what ability would that be?¡± Sam asked excitedly. ¡°I¡¯m not doing your homework for you, lame-brain,¡± Chiron huffed. ¡°Figure that satyr-shit out yourself.¡± ¡°Not even a hint?¡± Sam pressed. ¡°I¡¯ve given you enough hints.¡± Chiron tapped a hoof against the ground. ¡°Well, are you done prepping? We don¡¯t have all day, you know. Chimera will be here before you know it.¡± Sam sighed. ¡°Yeah, yeah, I know, I know...¡± He moved over to stand by the entrance to Chiron¡¯s Tribulator while sweat began to coat his back. ¡°I can do this,¡± he whispered. ¡°Of course, you can.¡± Chiron slapped Sam in the back, pushing him forward. ¡°You¡¯re training with Mr. Saturnday. You can do anything.¡± ¡°Um, thanks...¡± Sam replied awkwardly. Compliments were far and few in between for him. And, with that surprising vote of confidence filling him up with positive vibes, Sam ran forward to conquer the Tribulator Chapter 99: Overcoming Tribulation, Part 2 CHAPTER NINETY-NINE Overcoming Tribulation, Part 2
With that surprising vote of confidence filling him up with positive vibes, Sam ran forward to conquer the Tribulator, which was also when he heard a strange voice in the air spouting words that caused his steps to falter suddenly. ¡°This thousandth-anniversary episode of the Tribulator comes to you live from Hero¡¯s Trail, Oregon,¡± the sexy female voice announced over the speakers hidden in the foliage. ¡°Seriously?¡± Sam raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯ve got surround sound out here?¡± ¡°Focus, kid,¡± Chiron chided. ¡°Or you¡¯re about to get your butt whooped in more ways than you could imagine.¡± ¡°Sponsored by Hephaestus Armory, the forge fit for the gods!¡± the announcer continued. ¡°Olympus+, streaming mortal trials to cloud screens across the cosmos! And Venus, the dating app for immortals that¡¯ll keep you swiping right.¡± ¡°Um,¡± Sam¡¯s brow furrowed. Concentrating was a tall order now that he knew the gods were watching him. ¡°Are you letting them film this?¡± ¡°Yup, so don¡¯t crash and burn. That¡¯d tarnish my brand,¡± Chiron admitted in an unabashed tone. As an afterthought, the centaur added, ¡°Just so you know, Artemis bet Ares you¡¯ll get the job done...and you don¡¯t want to disappoint a goddess who might be willing to co-sponsor you in the future.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Sam could feel a bead of sweat drip down his cheek. ¡°I needed the extra pressure...¡± ¡°You¡¯re also not operating at a hundred percent so don¡¯t get careless, but don¡¯t be too careful that you¡¯ll sacrifice your time either,¡± Chiron instructed. ¡°The event will begin in five, four, three,¡± the sexy female voice counted down, ¡°two, one...¡± A horn blasted from everywhere around him, jarring Sam¡¯s senses enough that he started his run three seconds after the countdown ended. ¡°Don¡¯t stumble from the get-go, lame-brain!¡± Chiron whined. Sam didn¡¯t bother to reply as he was too busy dodging the arrows flying toward him. ¡°This¡ª¡± He ducked away from an arrow that had just flown past his head. ¡°¡ªis seriously¡ª¡± Sam dove to the ground as arrows peppered the space his chest was in only a moment ago. ¡°¡ªnot¡±¡ªhe scrambled back to his feet¡ª¡°okay!¡± It was a twenty-yard dash across an open field whose sky was filled with arrows arching down toward him, and all he could do was bob and weave out of their way as there was nothing to hit. ¡°Alright, enough of this!¡± Sam smashed his forearms against each other in an x-pattern. ¡°Bulwark, shield form!¡± A near-invisible aura exploded out of his arms to spread outward in a circular disc that covered Sam from neck to thigh.
ALERT! A combo effect is possible. Activating [Thunder Charge (¦Æ)] will enhance [Bulwark (¦Æ)], providing it with lightning elemental damage and protection bonuses for a short duration.
Sam braced against the arrows peppering his shield, and although Bulwark held, he was beginning to feel the strain of the relentless assault. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°Do it!¡± he commanded. Sam felt a slight tingle spread across the surface of his skin, causing the hairs on the back of his arms to stand on end. The energy rising out of him was unfamiliar, like tasting a glass of wine after years of only drinking draft beer. Sam wasn¡¯t sure if he liked this sensation as he was far too used to Herculean¡¯s explosive energy. However, this new power proved useful pretty quickly. ¡°Holy...¡± Bulwark wrapped across Sam¡¯s body like armor, enveloping him in a glowing blue aura that was supercharged by the elemental sparks racing across its surface. ¡°Is this how she always feels...?¡± Sam was so engrossed by the feeling of lightning wrapping around him that he didn¡¯t notice the arrow until it was a foot away from his face. He reacted too late, or so he thought. Sam reached out and plucked the arrow from the air at an even faster reflex speed than usual. He held it in his hand, staring at it for another half-second before a wide, giddy smile appeared on his face. ¡°Ho-ho-holy Styx,¡± Sam breathed. ¡°This just became fun.¡± More arrows flew toward him, but Sam dodged them all easily now. It was the complete opposite of his earlier showing where every dodge had been a hard struggle for his weakened body. He zipped across the rest of that open field as if he were one of the supersonic speedsters who called Texas their home track. But then the ground began to rumble over at the far end of the field, forcing Sam to slow his pace. That¡¯s when a giant automaton broke out of the earth, one even larger than the dragon Sam had faced only a week ago. ¡°And Talos-lite finally makes an appearance right as the hero gets cocky,¡± said the announcer. It was a voice Sam recognized instantly. ¡°That damn centaur¡¯s enjoying this,¡± Sam managed to say while he jumped out of the giant bronze fist that smashed the ground where he was just standing. ¡°Oo~~oh that was a close one,¡± Chiron commented. To his surprise, Sam could hear the roaring of a crowd. Although only trees could be seen around this obstacle course. Sam sighed. ¡°Please take this seriously...¡± He hopped up on the automaton¡¯s forearm and then traveled up the length of it in a flash so that he could lift off its shoulders. Then, with a cry of ¡°Herculean!¡± Sam sent his fist smashing against the automaton¡¯s helmeted face. Sam¡¯s punch was accompanied by the ¡®Krak-ka-boom!¡¯ of thunder because his fist was still wrapped in a coating of elemental energy. Surprisingly, that single punch was all it took to topple the automaton, opening the way for Sam to delve further into the Tribulator. ¡°No, he didn¡¯t destroy Talos-lite, folks,¡± Chiron assured his invisible audience. ¡°The kid just knocked it out of the way. Honestly, it was a ballsy move.¡± Sam didn¡¯t bother reacting to his master¡¯s astonished tone. He was too busy dealing with the obstacle course¡¯s next stage; the lava bed. It was a field spanning thirty yards long with rough-hewn stone slabs floating along roiling lava so hot Sam was sweating profusely under his chest plate even before he hopped onto the first slab. ¡°I hate platform games,¡± he sighed. Sam barely had a moment to breathe before the slab he was on began to sink, encouraging him to jump over to the next one as quickly as possible. Luckily for him, Bulwark¡¯s supercharged aura was still active, ensuring that he was quick enough to jump from one platform to another without losing his foot to the hot lava underneath.
ALERT! Stamina has dropped to less than 20%. It is recommended that the hero deactivate [Thunder Charge (¦Æ)] + [Bulwark (¦Æ)] and take a short rest before continuing.
¡°Yeah¡±¡ªSam had just leaped off a quickly sinking slab of stone¡ª¡°I can¡¯t do that right now!¡± A plume of orange flames shot out from the lava bed, catching Sam in mid-air and bathing him in its fiery embrace. ¡°Hephaestus¡¯ flaming beard!¡± Chiron exclaimed. ¡°Talk about bad timing... Kid, you still alive?¡± Sam appeared on the other side of the flames looking no worse for wear apart from the smoke clinging to the tips of his clothes and hair. ¡°That¡¯s not¡ª¡± He landed on another platform and then immediately jumped over to the next one. ¡°¡ªenough to¡ª¡± Sam dug his heels against the ground and then lifted off like a rocket that pushed him across the remaining ten yards of the lava bed in a single bound. ¡°¡ªbring me down!¡± He landed on the solid ground at the end of the second obstacle to thunderous applause, which really weirded him out. ¡°Yeah, yeah, I give him points for that one,¡± Chiron agreed reluctantly. ¡°Good thing he didn¡¯t get damaged too, or he¡¯d have given up his prize.¡± ¡°Styx,¡± Sam gasped. ¡°I forgot about that.¡± ¡°Idiot!¡± Chiron yelled to the laughter of the invisible crowd. Sam glanced around him with a sheepish expression. He¡¯d been so focused on the course that he¡¯d forgotten the reason he was doing it. The aura surrounding him was blinking rapidly too. As if to warn Sam that his power was fading. ¡°At least it got me through two rounds of this death trap,¡± he shrugged. Sam deactivated Bulwark. However, just as he dropped his aura, something huge exploded from right behind him. A large, metallic hand appeared on Sam¡¯s peripheral, but he wasn¡¯t fast enough to dodge it anymore. He didn¡¯t realize it until just now, but combining two of his abilities came with a penalty of increased fatigue that caused him to stumble at the worst time. There was a loud ¡®splat!¡¯ and then came the ¡°Oo~~oh,¡± of the invisible crowd. It was immediately followed by Chiron¡¯s ¡°Well, that¡¯s all she wrote, folks.¡± Chapter 100: The Unbroken, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE-HUNDRED The Unbroken, Part 1
Sam felt pain flare up in his right cheek. ¡°Yow,¡± he groaned. He felt a second serving of pain strike him on his left cheek. This one was harder than the first. ¡°S-stop that¡­¡± Sam¡¯s eyes blinked open just in time to see the ageless centaur¡¯s face looming over him. ¡°Ch-Chiron¡­?¡± Chiron had his hand in the air and was readying for a third slap. ¡°Whoa-whoa,¡± Sam raised his arms to defend his face, ¡°I¡¯m awake! I¡¯m awake!¡± ¡°Had a nice nap, sleeping beauty?¡± Chiron teased. As he sat up, another groan escaped Sam¡¯s lips. ¡°Feels like I got hit by a truck¡­¡± ¡°Hmph,¡± Chiron whinnied. ¡°My Talos-lite¡¯s got more power than that.¡± He helped Sam to his feet as the hero still seemed a little shaky on his legs. ¡°You¡¯re lucky you heal fast or you¡¯d be out for a week...at least,¡± Chiron added. Sam¡¯s brow creased. ¡°How long was I out?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t panic, kid¡­ You¡¯ve only been down a few minutes,¡± Chiron replied in a calming tone. ¡°You up for round two?¡± ¡°Round¡­ two?¡± Sam glanced around and realized quickly that he was back at the Tribulator¡¯s starting gate. ¡°Hold on¡­ you¡¯re saying I can try again?¡± ¡°I never expected you to finish it on the first try, lame-brain¡­ Even Hercules had to redo it half a dozen times,¡± Chiron explained with a shake of his head. ¡°Hades, Superion took three tries and he was bloody and bruised by the time he made it to the finish line.¡± Chiron¡¯s face suddenly turned contemplative. A grin crept up his face almost like he was remembering a fond memory. ¡°His cousin, though,¡± the ancient centaur mused. ¡°What about Thunder?¡± Sam asked curiously. Chiron¡¯s smile widened as he raised a single finger in the air. ¡°Seriously?¡± Sam asked, his eyebrow arching. ¡°That woman has loads of talent,¡± Chiron admitted. Then he frowned as his gaze dropped back to Sam. ¡°Too bad you¡¯re all I¡¯ve got now.¡± Chiron¡¯s jab might have stung if he hadn¡¯t winked at Sam immediately afterward. No, it was pretty obvious now to Sam that the centaur had high hopes for the gamma-level hero who¡¯d survived a fight against an ancient alpha-level solar dragon. He could see this hint of pride in the centaur¡¯s eyes, and it caused Sam to crack a smile of his own. Then they both heard the sound from far off. It was akin to a gunshot echoing across the dense foliage, causing the birds in the trees to take flight above the tree line. ¡°You¡¯re on the clock, kid.¡± Chiron glanced at the half-transparent floating screen that popped up in front of his face. ¡°Something nasty¡¯s entered my forest, and it doesn¡¯t look friendly.¡± ¡°How much time do I have?¡± Sam asked. Chiron¡¯s face turned contemplative once more. ¡°We¡¯re deep in the forest¡­so two hours, maybe more if the bastard gets caught in any of my traps¡­and it will.¡± The centaur chuckled in that horse-like braying sound of his. ¡°Two hours,¡± Sam repeated. His gaze drifted back toward the Tribulator¡¯s entry gate, and his mind replayed the earlier disaster he experienced while inside its obstacle course. ¡°That might not be enough time,¡± Sam sighed.
HEALTH POINTS (HP): 540/1,000
STAMINA POINTS (SP): 260/500
FATIGUE: 37%
A quick inspection of his stats told Sam his nap had benefited him, healing him by a little while taking away more of his fatigue. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Wait¡­ maybe I can make this work,¡± he realized. Sam sat cross-legged on the ground. ¡°Relax,¡± he reminded himself. ¡°Relax¡­¡± ¡°What are you¡ª¡± Chiron realized Sam was attempting to perform the meditation exercises he¡¯d taught him around the same time he¡¯d given Sam his 3rd daily explosive training menu. ¡°Not a bad idea,¡± the centaur admitted. ¡°Shush,¡± Sam whispered. ¡°I¡¯m trying to concentrate.¡± It wasn¡¯t that difficult to place his body in a state of relaxation. After all, Sam was familiar enough with that feeling of oblivion that clearing his mind of distractions seemed almost easy. The one nagging thought that kept him from total tranquility was the image of Thunder and how she might be in great danger while he idled in Chiron¡¯s cabin in the woods. ¡°Hurry,¡± Sam whispered. A minute passed by.
HEALTH POINTS (HP): 563/1,000
STAMINA POINTS (SP): 283/500
FATIGUE: 35%
¡°Your health and stamina increased by point-seventy-five,¡± Chiron supplied. ¡°Looks like your regen rate¡¯s gotten faster now, kid.¡± The centaur was monitoring Sam¡¯s status too it seemed. There were several floating screens surrounding him now. ¡°Keep at it for another twenty minutes and you should get back to full health.¡± He was right. Twenty minutes later, Sam opened his eyes to a full bar of health and stamina. His fatigue had only gone down by fifteen percent though. He guessed his time in the void would take longer to wash off him. ¡°I¡¯m ready,¡± Sam said. ¡°Good,¡± Chiron nodded. ¡°Get to it then.¡± *** Sam breezed through the Tribulator¡¯s arrow field using the same combination of abilities as his first attempt. Although this time he was aware of how quickly his [SP] dropped. He¡¯d lost fifty points in the short time it took him to reach the first course¡¯s finish line. ¡°Combo moves take a toll on me,¡± Sam realized while he dodged to the right to avoid the wide crack that appeared on the ground in front of him. ¡°I was wondering if you¡¯d show up!¡± Talos-lite tore through the ground and loomed over Sam. ¡°Yeah, yeah¡±¡ªSam reached for his hammer¡¯s handle¡ª¡°I¡¯ve got a present for you, you Decepticon knock off.¡± Sam leaped high into the air, his form lit brightly by the flashes of electrical energy streaking across the aura enveloping him. Talos-lite reached out for him, and its right palm blotted out the sky. ¡°Bulwark!¡± Sam roared. It was an inspired idea, one born from his earlier discovery of combining abilities. Bulwark¡¯s aura wrapped around Onus¡¯ metallic head, hardening it even more. Talos-lite¡¯s fingers began to clamp down on Sam¡¯s rising form. But Sam was quick to swing Onus forward with both his hands before these metal fingers closed over him. Boom! The impact of metal slamming against metal was so loud that even the surrounding trees shook from the force of it. Then came the sound of something breaking and an invisible audience roaring in applause as Sam¡¯s attack shattered the giant automaton¡¯s hand. Sam flew past the breaking parts of bronze cogs and screws to land on Talos-lite¡¯s shoulder. He took a second to balance himself before jumping up¡ªavoiding the automaton¡¯s other hand and its attempt to swipe him off its shoulder¡ªand soared high enough that he went over the Spartan helmet covering Talos-lite¡¯s bronze head. In those few seconds, while Sam was floating above the automaton, Chiron managed to yell, ¡°Hephaestus¡¯ flaming balls¡­that little bastard¡¯s planning to wreck my robot!¡± ¡°Hercu~~u¡±¡ªSam dropped like an arrow in flight, his hammer held firmly in both hands, his body still coated in bulwark¡¯s glowing aura¡ª¡°lean~~n!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you do it, lame¡ª¡± But the sound of Sam¡¯s hammer landing squarely in the middle of the automaton¡¯s noggin drowned out the centaur¡¯s complaint. Sam flattened Talos-lite¡¯s head with that one blow, and the shockwave that exploded out of the point of impact caused the earth below to quake. ¡°Herculean~~n!¡± the invisible crowd chanted, and their cheers were deafening. As Sam landed back onto solid ground amidst chunks of bronze parts falling around him, and with the bulk of Talos-lite crashing onto the ground behind him, the invisible crowd¡¯s applause only got louder. ¡°Yeah, yeah, he¡¯s strong,¡± Chiron grumbled. ¡°Stupid hammer¡¯s a cheat item, I tell you.¡± ¡°This insta-kill was brought to you by Hephaestus Armory, the forge fit for the gods,¡± the sultry-voiced announcer chimed in. Sam opted to power down Bulwark¡¯s and Thunder Charge¡¯s combination for the lava bed, choosing instead to rely on Herculean¡¯s triple strength boost to carry him through the platform-styled course. ¡°One¡­¡± Sam lifted off into the air, bypassing several platforms to land on a stone slab at least twenty yards away from his starting point. ¡°Two¡­¡± The force of his second jump caused the slab beneath him to crumble back into the lava, although he¡¯d fly another twenty yards before landing onto another stone slab. ¡°This is a lot easier the second time through.¡± Sam took a few more leaps into the air¡ªhigh enough to avoid the plumes of fireballs occasionally rising from the lava bed¡¯s surface¡ªand reached the other end of the 2nd course in record time. He¡¯d done it so quickly that even Chiron sounded impressed. ¡°Kid¡¯s a natural jumper. I taught him that you know¡­trained him to jump across rooftops too,¡± the centaur boasted. ¡°This record-breaking speed-run of the lava course is brought to you by Olympus+, streaming mortal trials to cloud streams across the cosmos,¡± the sultry-voiced announcer added. Sam stood there at the edge of the lava, his body tense. The seconds ticked by, but Talos-lite didn¡¯t jump out at him as it had before. ¡°I don¡¯t have the funds to build more than one giant automaton, lame-brain,¡± Chiron announced. ¡°Get going already.¡± However, Sam hadn¡¯t moved. He was looking ahead, and his face turned paler and paler with each second. ¡°Holy Zeus¡­how am I getting through that¡­?¡± Sam stood before the entrance of what he thought at first might have been a car wash¡¯s conveyor corridor. Only, instead of scrubbers, there were blades¡ªaxes and scythes so sharp he imagined they could decapitate heads with a single swipe. If these implements of death didn¡¯t seem challenging enough, iron caltrops were peppering the floor. ¡°That¡¯s right, kid¡­ your strength¡¯s no good here.¡± Chiron sounded a little too gleeful to Sam¡¯s ears. ¡°I give you the Blade Dance of Death, the perfect training course to cure you of your clumsy fool syndrome.¡± Sam frowned. Chiron was right. This 3rd course was going to be a challenge. Chapter 101: The Unbroken, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE-HUNDRED-ONE The Unbroken, Part 2
¡°I can do this,¡± Sam insisted while resolve flashed across his face. ¡°I can do this.¡± He ran headlong into the Blade Dance of Death and nearly got his head decapitated by the ax blade swinging out at him from the right. ¡°Holy Zeus!¡± Sam ducked down at the last second. ¡°That was freaking¡ª¡± A scythe rose from the ground and nicked him on the chin. The invisible crowd cooed. ¡°Styx!¡± Sam cursed. Blood dripped down his chin, although Regeneration was quick to patch him up. He wasn¡¯t sure it counted though because Chiron specifically said he wasn¡¯t allowed to be injured when he crossed that finish line. Sam stepped back almost instinctively and was lucky enough to avoid the scythe swinging down at him from the ceiling. ¡°You¡¯re going to get cut up if you don¡¯t move, lame-brain,¡± Chiron warned. ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± Sam sighed. He jumped forward to avoid a cluster of caltrops and then had to perform a roll in mid-air to dodge another ax head swinging at him from the left sidewall. If that wasn¡¯t harrowing enough, Sam landed on what he thought was a safe patch of dirt only to be met by the spear tip rising from the ground that then bit into his right heel. ¡°Yow,¡± Sam hissed. ¡°Thank the gods you¡¯re not Achilles,¡± Chiron chuckled, ¡°Or that would have killed you.¡± The invisible crowd laughed. Sam sighed. ¡°Can I even finish this now that I¡¯ve been injured?¡± He had no choice but to continue onward. Through one curtain of swinging scythes after another, past spears popping out of the walls to either side of him, and finally, through a portion of the course where double-edged swords whirled above him like ceiling fans of death. ¡°No freaking way I can do this without getting nicked!¡± Sam screamed. The laughter of the invisible crowd only got louder, making Sam think he¡¯d somehow stepped out of reality and fallen into a sadistic version of a seventies sitcom. ¡°At least they¡¯re entertained,¡± Sam sighed. Although he did try his best, Sam¡¯s prediction was spot on. He left that fifty-yard tunnel with cuts all over his body. Blood soaked the white linen pajamas he wore underneath his armor. ¡°Godsdammit, I won¡¯t get the prize like this¡­¡± Sam hoped Chiron would allow him another reset, although he wasn¡¯t sure if he could ever get through that Blade Dance of Death unscathed. ¡°No, that¡¯s impossible¡­this is insanity mode.¡± Strangely enough, the floating timer above him continued to count down, leaving Sam to wonder why Chiron hadn¡¯t stopped this second run of the Tribulator despite him already failing the prerequisite conditions for completing it. ¡°Do I have to get knocked out for that to happen?¡± he wondered out loud. ¡°Herculean¡¯s stalling by the entrance of the fourth course,¡± Chiron reported. ¡°I don¡¯t blame him. The Tower of Pain¡¯s earned its name many times over.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Sam frowned. ¡°There¡¯s no point continuing¡ª¡± A thought occurred to him. ¡°Hold on¡­¡± Sam sat crossed-legged on the ground and repeated the meditation ritual that helped speed up regeneration¡¯s ability to heal the cuts and bruises on his body. ¡°Um,¡± Sam opened his left eye a crack to make sure Chiron wasn¡¯t about to stop him from healing himself, ¡°I guess it¡¯s not cheating to heal myself inside the Tribulator?¡± Why would I stop you from using your power, lame-brain? Chiron whispered into his mind. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡°Oh, right, right¡­¡± Sam grinned sheepishly. Relief washed over him. ¡°If I can heal¡­then I might be able to do this after all.¡± He didn¡¯t spend too much time meditating, just enough for his cuts to scab over. And yes, it was pretty difficult to concentrate while an invisible audience booed him relentlessly for, in Chiron¡¯s words, ¡°Sitting around and boring the Hades out of us.¡± When he got back up, Sam turned his gaze on the fourth and final obstacle course¡ªand he wasn¡¯t sure how he was going to survive it. Ahead of him, a thick, circular, marble tower rose to about sixty feet. It was capped like a lighthouse with an opening at the very top. The tower¡¯s walls were covered in handholds Sam could use to climb up, but he was pretty sure there was more to it than that. ¡°It¡¯s booby-trapped,¡± he guessed. His gaze drifted toward the tower¡¯s base. A thick wooden plank bridged the gap between him and the tower while a pool of water encircled the base. The pool¡¯s surface was coated in a thick layer of ice. ¡°Freezing water¡­two things I¡¯m not fond of,¡± Sam sighed. Sam¡¯s gaze snapped toward the top of the tower where he could see something shiny peeking out at him from the opening near the roof. ¡°I could just jump up there¡ª¡± That¡¯s when he noticed a strange, hazy glint of something floating directly above him. It was a kind of translucent film that reminded him of Bulwark¡¯s near-invisible aura. ¡°There¡¯s a barrier around this tower,¡± he guessed. ¡°You didn¡¯t think I¡¯d let you leap the tower in a single bound?¡± Chiron chuckled, and the audience laughed with him. Sam frowned. ¡°I could just smash through it, you know.¡± ¡°This noob hero thinks he can break through Athena¡¯s Shroud of Aegis, folks,¡± Chiron reported. The invisible crowd laughed. ¡°Yep, he thinks he can do something even Hercules couldn¡¯t,¡± Chiron chuckled. The jeering continued. Sam¡¯s frown deepened, not because of the invisible audience¡¯s taunts, but because he recalled the name ¡®Aegis¡¯ and its legend as the Goddess of Wisdom¡¯s unbreakable shield. If this barrier was somehow connected to it, then Sam wasn¡¯t strong enough to challenge it. At least not as a gamma. The sound of an explosion appeared not too far away. ¡°What was¡ª¡± A plume of smoke was rising above the tree line to his right. It wasn¡¯t close enough to be too alarming, but this was definite proof that the enemy was drawing closer and closer to his location. Without another word, Sam dashed across the plank and began climbing the tower while also whispering a prayer to his patron. ¡°Now¡¯s the time to bet your drachma on me, Apollo,¡± Sam said. The Tower of Pain did deserve its name in Sam¡¯s opinion because each leg up meant a chance to get clobbered by one of the iron balls that swung at him from the sides. These basketball-sized bruisers peppered Sam¡¯s body while he scaled up the tower¡¯s wall, nearly causing him to lose his footing more than a few times.
WARNING! Your health is now below fifty percent. Please refrain from getting hit while [Regeneration (¦¤)] works to heal you of the bruises you¡¯ve accumulated.
Sam had reached the tower¡¯s midpoint when he heard another explosion to his right. This one was much closer than before. ¡°Godsdammit, I need to¡ª¡± Sam didn¡¯t see the massive chunk of iron swing around to him before it was too late. He raised his arms to block it, but the impact was strong enough to smack him off the tower. ¡°Oof, that¡¯s got to hurt,¡± Chiron grimaced. The invisible audience mirrored his sentiments with pronounced gasps and cheers of their own. Sam fell back to the ground, smashing through the thin sheet of ice coating the pool¡¯s surface and then plunging into the freezing water below. Styx! his brain screamed. Panic filled his chest as the ice-cold water entered his mouth, pushing him to flail around within the pool¡¯s depths. Calm down, kid, Chiron whispered into his mind. But Sam couldn¡¯t calm down. He was too busy recalling Thunder¡¯s words; the possibility that being inside a body of water might truly be his ¡®weakening¡¯. You need to get out of there before the hypothermia sets in¡­ Chiron insisted. Come on, kid¡­ you can do this! Sam would never admit it out loud, but Chiron¡¯s words of encouragement kept him from drowning. They cleared his mind of doubt and filled him with a resolve not to surrender. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure how long it took him to swim back up to safety as the freezing water sapped at his strength¡ªwhich is exactly what a ¡®weakening¡¯ was supposed to do to one¡¯s gift¡ªbut his head eventually cleared the pool¡¯s surface. ¡°Luckily, the kid¡¯s a better swimmer than Leander,¡± Chiron joked, and the crowd laughed. Sam was so relieved to take that first deep breath of fresh air that he even welcomed the jeering of the invisible crowd. Slowly, much too slow for everyone¡¯s liking, Sam pulled himself out of the water. Then he lay there spread-eagle on the wooden plank and gulped down more air while his body healed from his latest brush with death. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re about to throw in the towel, kid? Chiron teased. ¡°No,¡± Sam huffed. ¡°I see victory in sight.¡± It took two more attempts but after fifteen minutes of a punishing climb up the tower¡¯s wall while narrowly avoiding the iron balls meant to throw him off and Sam¡¯s fingers finally grasped onto the ledge of the tower¡¯s top floor. He pulled himself over it and then roared in triumph while the invisible crowd celebrated with him. ¡°It¡¯s too early to celebrate, lame-brain,¡± Chiron chided. ¡°The course isn¡¯t done yet.¡± At the very center of this circular space was a slab of marble. Lying on top of it¡ªits bronze frame glinting in the light of the late afternoon sun¡ªwas a treasure chest. ¡°Um,¡± Sam glanced left and then right, ¡°this is the finish line, right?¡± He noticed that the floating timer hadn¡¯t stopped yet. ¡°The game ends when the challenger places their hand on the chest,¡± Chiron explained, and then added, What are you going to do now kid? ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Sam sat cross-legged on the marble floor. ¡°You did say I had to be uninjured to get the prize I want.¡± He could hear Chiron¡¯s odd-sounding chuckle in the back of his mind. Turns out you¡¯ll be setting a new record just like Thunder did. ¡°I guess so,¡± Sam smiled, although he winced immediately afterward. It took him ten more minutes to heal up, but eventually, Sam¡¯s fingers brushed against the treasure chest¡¯s bronze frame. The gong sounded. The invisible crowd cheered. And Chiron, sounding quite proud, yelled, ¡°I give you¡­ Herculean! The Unbroken Champion!¡± Chapter 102: Reunions, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE-HUNDRED TWO Reunions, Part 1
¡°What is that?¡± Sam asked. He¡¯d opened the bronze chest only to discover it was empty except for the dirty white crystal shard at the bottom of it. He picked up this shard which fit snugly into his palm and recalled the final half of the clue that had been etched on the surface of the Norn Coin in Medea¡¯s possession. Yet to open its bright Gates one requires the keys Found in the Tribulation hidden among the trees ¡°This is the key?¡± he wondered skeptically. ¡°It¡¯s a sunstone,¡± Chiron answered. The centaur had appeared behind him as if by magic because he didn¡¯t think the centaur¡¯s bottom half could scale up the tower as he had. ¡°How¡¯d you get up here?¡± Sam asked, his eyebrow arching. ¡°I¡¯m nimble,¡± the centaur chuckled. The invisible crowd laughed along with him. ¡°The show¡¯s still not over?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Never mind them,¡± Chiron said as he pointed to the shard in Sam¡¯s hand. ¡°Do you know what a sunstone is used for?¡± Sam glanced down to inspect the shard in his hand. The crystal was about a foot and a half in size and was transparent enough that Sam could just barely see his palm on the other side of it. He wracked his brain for any information he might have gleaned about sunstones from past lessons or sermons but eventually admitted to Chiron that he didn¡¯t have a clue. Chiron whinnied. ¡°You¡¯re too focused on the Olympian myths, kid.¡± ¡°Um, well, I am on their team¡­so I kind of have to study them more,¡± he reminded his master. ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean you shouldn¡¯t take the time to learn about other cultures and pantheons, lame-brain,¡± Chiron countered. He plucked the sunstone from Sam¡¯s hand and raised it to the sky. But, apart from catching the light on its surface, the sunstone hadn¡¯t done anything spectacular. It was a fact Sam happily pointed out to Chiron after a few seconds of waiting. ¡°Oh, ye of little faith,¡± Chiron said, shaking his head afterward. He tossed the sunstone back into Sam¡¯s hand. ¡°Do you know what the Norse Vikings were most famous for?¡± Chiron asked. ¡°Raping and pillaging,¡± Sam replied quickly. ¡°Wanton death and destruction, too.¡± Chiron raised a thick eyebrow at Sam. ¡°Well, how¡¯d they get to pillaging and destruction, wise guy?¡± Sam frowned. He thought about it for a half minute. ¡°They, um, sailed the seas to get there?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. The Vikings were famous seamen¡­ almost like they had just a bit of Atlantean blood in their veins.¡± ¡°Atlantis isn¡¯t real.¡± ¡°Atlantis is very real, lame-brain¡­ It¡¯s just lost. Not fiction.¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± While he gave his master a skeptical look, Chiron¡¯s expression was one of utter surprise at Sam¡¯s ignorance. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s real. Didn¡¯t you learn anything at the temple?¡± At that, Sam couldn¡¯t help but shrug. ¡°Temple sermons are all about making excuses for why the gods can¡¯t be bothered with us mortals.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t argue with that,¡± Chiron neighed. The sudden rumbling of the heavens forced the pair of them to send nervous glances up at an afternoon sky that was currently devoid of clouds. ¡°Well, ah¡±¡ªChiron cleared his throat¡ª¡°as I was saying, the Vikings were capable seafarers who used their longboats to get from Norway and Sweden to other lands across Europe¡ª¡± ¡°To pillage, rape, and destroy stuff,¡± Sam chimed in. ¡°Yeah, sure, to do all of that stuff and more¡­¡± Chiron emphasized that last bit. ¡°But did you ever wonder how they sailed the open seas in an age where conventional navigational tools hadn¡¯t been invented yet?¡± Sam wanted to say, ¡°They were probably guided by their gods,¡± but he didn¡¯t think Chiron would accept that answer. Luckily, he remembered what his master had done with the sunstone earlier, and so his actual answer sounded less ridiculous to his ears. ¡°They used the sun to navigate like the ancient Egyptians did?¡± ¡°Well, yes and no¡­ Their geographical location compared to the Egyptians would have made it harder to navigate by star charts,¡± Chiron explained. ¡°They¡¯d have more storm clouds in the north Atlantic,¡± Sam realized. ¡°Exactly.¡± The centaur crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°So how do you think they¡¯d navigate on a cloudy day?¡± Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Um,¡± Sam glanced down at the sunstone in his hand, ¡°they used this?¡± Chiron tapped his finger against the sunstone¡¯s surface. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°But how?¡± Sam asked. ¡°You¡¯ll figure it out when the time comes,¡± Chiron answered. ¡°And if you don¡¯t, well, you¡¯ve got smart people on your journey with you so it shouldn¡¯t be too hard to discover the answer.¡± Sam wanted to complain that now was not the time to be vague, but he was stopped by the nearby explosion that disrupted the relative silence of the surrounding forest. It was quickly followed by a plume of black smoke rising above the tree line on the right of the Tribulator. ¡°Chiron¡ª¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mind it for now¡­¡± Chiron grabbed Sam by the shoulders to keep Sam¡¯s focus fixed on him. ¡°We¡¯ve got more to discuss and not a lot of time for it.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°You need to know why Chimera¡¯s also after the Golden Fleece¡­¡± Chiron had a utility belt like Sam¡¯s strapped around his waist. He plucked a scroll out of one of its pouches and then handed it to Sam. Sam unfurled the scroll, and his eyes widened at its content. ¡°Styx¡­¡± It was an ancient Greek-style sketch of a muscular man wielding a bow while surrounded by a group of¡­ ¡°¡­Gigantes,¡± Sam breathed. He¡¯d seen this exact image scrawled on the wall of the hidden room in Maeve¡¯s bedroom. ¡°This is Gigantomachia,¡± Sam guessed. With this remembrance came another; a great prophecy that seemed even now to be slowly moving toward becoming a very possible and terrifying future. A shadow¡¯s curse rises from the earth, immortal in the land of its birth. The great horrors it shall awaken, to snuff the source of all creation. Even Death shall lose its hold on life, and a hero¡¯s choice might end in strife But if a healing hand gathers the blessed, to roam the world and finish the quest Champions might rise to answer the call or to fear and pain mankind shall fall Sam glanced warily into Chiron¡¯s expectant face. ¡°But¡­why is this important now?¡± he frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡± ¡°It looks like you and Chimera have similar plans for the fleece,¡± Chiron answered. ¡°But I just want to heal Thunder!¡± Sam raised his voice so he could be heard over another explosion that resounded across the forest below¡ªand this one was too close for comfort. ¡°The Golden Fleece is more than just a relic of vitality. It is a symbol of authority and kingship,¡± Chiron reminded Sam. ¡°What does that have to¡ª¡± ¡°Think, kid,¡± Chiron interrupted. ¡°Why would Chimera need a powerful symbol of authority in their hands?¡± ¡°Authority¡­¡± Sam repeated. It wasn¡¯t a very big leap. After all, there were only a few reasons why anyone would need a symbol of power and authority. ¡°To impose their will on someone¡­or something that won¡¯t like following their orders,¡± Sam realized. Chiron gave Sam three slow claps. ¡°A relic as ancient and powerful as the Golden Fleece has enough juice that whoever wore it could theoretically command even the most ancient of horrors,¡± Chiron replied in a grave tone. ¡°Even¡­¡± Sam found it hard to say the last word. ¡°¡­giants?¡± Chiron¡¯s silence was answer enough. ¡°Holy Zeus,¡± Sam breathed. He leaned against the bronze chest behind him while he imagined someone like Medea or Apex with the Golden Fleece draped over their shoulders and an army of the worst monsters in existence looming ominously behind them. It was a frightening visual, one that sent a chill snaking up Sam¡¯s back. ¡°The Golden Fleece will awaken the cleansing fire that will roll over Mother Earth and usher in the twilight of the gods,¡± Sam repeated Medea¡¯s words. His fingers tightened on the sunstone in his hand while he repressed another shudder. ¡°Medea said they wanted to free men from the tyranny of the, um, gods¡­¡± Sam sent a wary eye up at the sky,¡± ¡­not that I agree with her or anything.¡± Chiron snorted irritably. ¡°And keep the power for herself and her partners probably.¡± Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed, ¡°Do you think Chimera wants to control the ancient giants to kill the gods? Is that even possible?¡± ¡°Lesson Number Fifty, kid,¡± Chiron began, ¡°when you¡¯ve cut out the impossible, whatever¡¯s leftover no matter how unlikely, can only be the truth.¡± Sam frowned as he repeated Chiron¡¯s words in his mind. ¡°Dude, you ripped that off Sherlock Holmes, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m the ancient one here, lame-brain,¡± Chiron whinnied. ¡°Anything I say is thousands of years before anyone else says it.¡± Sam rolled his eyes at his master because he knew Chiron liked to take credit for almost anything good that had happened in the last four thousand years. ¡°You¡¯re so¡ª¡± Another explosion rocked the forest, and this one was within a hundred yards of Chiron¡¯s backyard. ¡°Seriously, how many traps did you set up?¡± Sam asked, sounding impressed. ¡°A lot more than what we¡¯re hearing out loud,¡± Chiron said in an ominous tone. ¡°Even more the closer you get to my house.¡± Sam¡¯s gaze followed the flock of birds streaking out of the forest. ¡°You don¡¯t like guests, do you?¡± ¡°What do you think?¡± Chiron replied. Two more explosions occurred, each arriving within seconds of each other. Worryingly, a third explosion followed, but this one was in the opposite direction of the first two explosions. ¡°Styx¡­¡± Sam¡¯s fingers reached out for his hammer¡¯s handle. ¡°We¡¯ve got more than one incoming.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not what you think, kid.¡± A grinning Chiron patted Sam gingerly on the shoulder. ¡°The fates just have wicked timing.¡± Sam didn¡¯t understand what he meant, but the centaur gave him no further explanation. He seemed too preoccupied with wanting to finish the rest of his explanation before any of the new visitors arrived. ¡°One last thing,¡± Chiron began, although he seemed hesitant in continuing, ¡°I know you met the new Pandora¡­¡± Sam wasn¡¯t sure why, but the foreboding feeling that was slowly growing in him at the thought of their unwelcome guests suddenly tightened its grip on his chest after Chiron mentioned Pandora the 8th. ¡°Do you know the story of Pandora?¡± Chiron asked, his brow creasing. ¡°Once every few centuries, a girl is chosen by the priestesses of the gods to take the name and become the guardian of the box the immortals put all their dirty laundry in,¡± Sam answered. He recalled the myth from one of the Saturday temple sermons he¡¯d heard, which remembered vividly because it had been his first temple visit since his parents passed away. ¡°The priestess of Zeus who¡¯d given the sermon claimed that the title of Pandora was a great honor, but¡­¡± Sam knew that the burden of Pandora¡¯s Box proved too difficult for most of the Pandoras who came after the original. They couldn¡¯t hack it. It¡¯s why most of them turned to a life of villainy while the few that hadn¡¯t just lost their minds and met tragic ends. ¡°¡­I¡¯m not sure she knew what she was talking about.¡± The vision of a girl in a veil whose eyes cast a familiar teal color appeared in Sam¡¯s mind. ¡°Chiron¡­why are you bringing this up now?¡± Sam asked. Chiron didn¡¯t respond though. He wouldn¡¯t look Sam in the face either. ¡°Chiron,¡± Sam¡¯s voice was insistent now, strained even, ¡°why did you bring Pandora the 8th up?¡± Chiron let out a long sigh. ¡°Because you can¡¯t afford distractions right now.¡± ¡°Why would a villain distract me?¡± Sam pressed. However, no answer would come. Because, at that moment, something big stepped past the tree line on the right of the Tribulator. It was a lion, one so massive it might have rivaled one of Medea¡¯s solar dragons in size. ¡°Wh-what is that?¡± Sam gasped. ¡°That would be the Nemean Lion,¡± Chiron sighed. ¡°Things are about to get tougher for you, kid.¡± The great beast bounded toward the tower. Its golden eyes fixed entirely on Sam. ¡°Hold on¡­I¡¯ve seen that murderous look before,¡± Sam realized, his eyes widening with each second. ¡°Oh, Styx¡­is that Apex?!¡± He wouldn¡¯t get an answer to this question either. Because, while the Nemean Lion raced toward the tower, a second large interloper crashed through the tree line on the left of the Tribulator. A familiar black school bus rocketed onto Chiron¡¯s backyard, and the sight of it lifted Sam¡¯s spirits considerably. ¡°Yes!¡± He pumped his fists in the air. ¡°Yes~~s!¡± Chapter 103: Reunions, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THREE Reunions, Part 2
The Argo VII charged toward the Nemean Lion, who, by some lucky coincidence or act of the gods, failed to notice the bus¡¯s approach. The great beast seemed far too focused on its intended prey¡ªthe hero watching with wide-eyed disbelief at the situation transpiring below him. ¡°I bet Ashley¡¯s behind the wheel again,¡± Sam guessed. Chiron chuckled. ¡°You¡¯d think a seer would be a little less reckless.¡± Sam had to agree with his master¡¯s comment. He wasn¡¯t exactly sure who would win in a high-speed collision between beast and machine as they were both pretty much the same size. ¡°Aw crap, they¡¯ve lost the element of surprise,¡± Chiron noted. The centaur¡¯s commentary was spot on. The Nemean Lion finally noticed the school bus bowling toward it. It mattered little though. The Argo VII was far too close now for this great beast to get out of its way. ¡°What the¡­¡± Sam couldn¡¯t believe his eyes, ¡°¡­is that a battering ram?¡± The Argo VII¡¯s front bumper had transformed itself into two metallic ram¡¯s horns that nearly covered the entire front of the school bus. ¡°It¡¯s a little too literal, don¡¯t you think?¡± Chiron commented. Seeing the large threat speeding for it, the Nemean Lion was quick to switch targets. It veered to the left at around the same time as the Argo VII was about to smash into it. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s definitely Ashley behind the wheel,¡± Sam confirmed. ¡°Thunder and Jack wouldn¡¯t have been so¡­gung-ho.¡± The Nemean Lion pounced on the school bus with sword-sized claws outstretched. At the same time, a burst of flames exploded out of the Argo VII¡¯s muffler, pushing it to accelerate through the bit of distance between them. Then came the sound of a hammer striking hard against an anvil as machine and beast collided. Metal shrieked and wheels groaned while the Nemean Lion let out a bone-chilling roar. ¡°Hephaestus¡¯ flaming balls!¡± Sam gasped, to which Chiron added, ¡°I wish we had popcorn!¡± Although the Nemean Lion managed to rake its claws against the Argo VII¡¯s bulletproof window, the battering ram also smashed against the great beast¡¯s underside, which Sam knew from its mythology was the only part of the Nemean Lion¡¯s body that wasn¡¯t completely protected by its invincible fur coat. The result was a critical hit that sent the great beast crashing into the grass a good twenty yards away. Expressions of surprise, disbelief, and then wonder flashed across Sam¡¯s face before finally settling into admiration for Farsight¡¯s daring. ¡°That was¡­awesome!¡± ¡°You¡¯re ride¡¯s here.¡± Chiron¡¯s palm pressed against Sam¡¯s back. ¡°So get going already!¡± He shoved Sam forward and sent him over the tower¡¯s edge. ¡°Chiron, you ass!¡± Sam screamed as he fell. He raised his arm and fired his grappling hook at the tower¡¯s wall. Luckily, its hook latched onto one of the grips Sam had used for the climb, allowing him to swing down to the ground without having to break his bones. ¡°Lesson number five, kid!¡± A grinning Chiron waved goodbye. ¡°Don¡¯t lose your focus no matter what!¡± ¡°Why?¡± Sam yelled. Although he was more focused on landing somewhere that wasn¡¯t the icy pool surrounding the tower¡¯s base. ¡°What¡¯s so important about Pandora?¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Chiron did have a reply, but his voice was so weak now that Sam couldn¡¯t quite hear it. And, as he swung around the tower like a Greek hero version of Tarzan, whatever Chiron was trying to tell him about Pandora the 8th was lost to the winds. Don¡¯t think about it now. Focus on surviving this stunt first, his brain insisted. The Argo VII pulled to a stop beside the tower just as Sam¡¯s momentum swung him over to it. They must have heard Sam¡¯s feet landing on the roof because the bus¡¯s doors swung open to meet him after he dropped to the grass. Thunder was standing just inside of it, and seeing her there in the flesh made Sam¡¯s chest throb¡ªand not in a bad way. She jumped out and wrapped her arms around his neck while he wrapped his arms around her waist. No words passed between them. They simply held each other for the few seconds they were allowed to. Just a few seconds of sweet bliss where Sam breathed in the scent of rainfall and lavender in her hair. ¡°Alright, put a pin on it, love birds!¡± Farsight yelled at them from inside the bus. ¡°We have to go¡­now!¡± The warning in her voice drove Sam to look over his shoulder, which was just in time to watch the Nemean Lion get back on its feet. Its cats¡¯ slit eyes stared daggers at Sam from across the stretch of distance lying between them. Thunder grabbed Sam¡¯s arm and pulled him back into the Argo VII before she yelled, ¡°Go, Ash, go!¡± Farsight, sitting snugly inside the Argo VII¡¯s state-of-the-art cockpit, put the pedal to the metal, causing the tires underneath them to screech in protest as the Argo VII¡¯s engine drummed to life. ¡°Hold on to something,¡± she ordered. Sam reached out for Thunder once more so that they kept each other on their feet while Farsight drove across the open field like a maniac to avoid the great beast bounding toward the Argo VII. ¡°I thought we lost you, lame-brain,¡± Thunder whispered into Sam¡¯s ear. ¡°I thought I lost me too,¡± he whispered back. Thunder¡¯s lips formed a warm, welcome smile. ¡°I¡¯m just glad you¡¯re back.¡± Their heartfelt moment¡ªeyes completely glued to each other¡ªwas interrupted by two people clearing their throats. ¡°We missed you too, mate,¡± came Jackboot¡¯s voice. He glanced over Thunder¡¯s shoulder and saw Jackboot and Dr. Hearthstone standing by the entrance to the Argo VII¡¯s living compartment. The sheepish grins plastered on their faces suggested to Sam that they heard everything. ¡°Um, hey,¡± Sam moved over to give Jackboot, and then Dr. Hearthstone a high-five, ¡°you decided to join the crew?¡± ¡°I felt partly responsible for your¡­¡± Dr. Hearthstone stopped himself from saying a word Sam guessed might have been ¡®death¡¯. ¡°And I guess I couldn¡¯t pass up the opportunity to go on this grand adventure with everyone.¡± ¡°Stick with us long enough and you may live to regret it, Doc,¡± Thunder joked. ¡°Doubly agree on that,¡± Jackboot added, a wry smile forming on his face. Sam was about to agree as well, but Farsight cut him off with, ¡°Why can¡¯t this guy take a godsdamn hint?¡± The teenage seer was giving the rear-view monitor above her cockpit the stink eye. Sam guessed it was because the Nemean Lion was still chasing after them. ¡°You know¡­¡± Sam hesitated, ¡°I had this crazy idea about that thing being Apex¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s him,¡± the other four heroes replied in unison. ¡°The annoying git¡¯s been hounding us since we left Kansas City,¡± Jackboot reported. ¡°We watched him morph into the Nemean Lion on the road to Oregon,¡± Thunder added. ¡°We thought we¡¯d shaken it off, but it looks like the villain just beat us here to you,¡± Dr. Hearthstone chimed in. Sam raised an eyebrow at the rearview camera¡¯s screen. ¡°And we¡¯re not surprised Apex can turn into a freaking giant lion?!¡± ¡°It has to be a function of his relic,¡± Thunder guessed. Jackboot zipped by Sam so he could sit in the navigator¡¯s chair behind Farsight¡¯s cockpit. He pressed a button on its console and brought up the map on the screen. ¡°We could lose him in the trees,¡± Jackboot reported. Then he added, ¡°if you¡¯re up for a little risk?¡± ¡°How risky?¡± Farsight asked, sounding quite annoyed. ¡°Things are moving so fast I can¡¯t lock in on any goddamn probabilities that¡¯ll ensure our escape!¡± Jackboot¡¯s gaze stayed glued to the map for a few more seconds before he replied. ¡°Very risky¡­we¡¯re headed past the safe zone Thunder¡¯s contact told us to take and moving straight into the minefield we were warned not to pass through.¡± Hearing Jackboot talk about Thunder¡¯s contact reminded Sam that they¡¯d left Chiron stuck at the top of the tower. ¡°We have to turn back,¡± he insisted. ¡°We can¡¯t leave Chiron alone with Apex.¡± ¡°I would have already turned us around if I thought we could,¡± Farsight replied darkly. ¡°But Chiron¡ª¡± ¡°Apex won¡¯t hurt Chiron. He¡¯ll be too busy chasing after us.¡± Thunder¡¯s fingers tightened around his, and the warmth of her hand calmed him down somewhat. ¡°Ash¡­ what kind of odds are we dealing with here?¡± After sparing a few seconds of screening probabilities in her brain, Farsight replied, ¡°It¡¯s pretty much a coin toss.¡± ¡°I¡¯m okay with those odds,¡± Dr. Hearthstone said. Jackboot let out a heavy sigh. ¡°It wasn¡¯t like things were ever going to be easy for us¡­¡± Sam nodded in agreement as well. The alternative¡ªtaking on the villain who frightened him even more than Medea¡¯s dragons ever could¡ªwasn¡¯t an option he wanted to consider. ¡°Then strap in your seatbelts, boys and girl,¡± Farsight ordered. ¡°The ride¡¯s about to get bumpy¡­¡± With that ominous proclamation, she drove her foot down on the pedal and sent the Argo VII speeding into the forest full of landmines. Chapter 104: The Way Forward, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FOUR The Way Forward, Part 1
¡°Ash!¡± Sam yelled in alarm. ¡°We¡¯re going to crash!¡± The Argo VII was speeding through a cluster of trees, zig-zagging left and right to avoid the landmines that appeared in the sonar display on Jackboot¡¯s dashboard. ¡°Take a chill pill, Sam,¡± Farsight replied. ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡± Instead of slowing down though, Farsight sped up. She pushed the Argo VII to zoom across a patch of ground Jackboot had earlier labeled, ¡°A kill box,¡± while Sam watched in disbelief as she skirted the edges of each landmine¡¯s area of effect without making them explode. ¡°Precognition and probability powers are such cheat gifts,¡± Jackboot commented. The Argo VII barely cleared this cluster of landmines when they heard an explosion just a few yards behind them. The Nemean Lion was right on the school bus¡¯ tail and was seemingly unbothered by the mines exploding underneath its paws. ¡°You ask me, indestructible fur¡¯s the real cheat power here,¡± Farsight complained. ¡°Can someone man the guns and blow this creep out of my rear-view mirror already?¡± ¡°I¡¯m on it,¡± Thunder said as she climbed into the security rig next to Jackboot¡¯s seat. ¡°Setting phasers to stun.¡± Sam moved to stand behind her seat while looking a little excited. ¡°Do we really have phasers?¡± he asked. ¡°No, nerd.¡± Thunder teased just before she tapped on the conspicuous red button on the Toxa dashboard. ¡°We received a delivery of upgraded javelins from Flint Consolidated after you¡­¡± He was pretty sure she stopped herself from saying ¡°fell off the bridge,¡± and that made him wonder how she might have felt when she thought he was a goner. Did Thunder miss him as he¡¯d missed her? Get a grip, lame-brain, he chided himself. Now¡¯s not the time for this¡­ Thoughts of Thunder¡¯s possible feelings for him disappeared the instant Sam took a second look at the rear camera¡¯s screen. ¡°Hephaestus¡¯ flaming beard¡­that¡¯s not a javelin. It¡¯s a freaking missile.¡± The javelin in question had a sleek bronze body that shone with the tell-tale sign of enchantment. A series of Norse runes¡ªa few of which Sam recognized to be dedicated to Tyr, the Norse god of war¡ªglowed along the length of the weapon¡¯s shaft. Its spear tip was a thick, carbon fiber blade with serrated edges that burned with a soft orange glow similar to that of molten rock. ¡°We named it the violator,¡± Thunder revealed. ¡°It does look like it¡¯ll violate whatever it hits,¡± Sam agreed. ¡°Hold on!¡± Farsight called as she pulled the wheel to the right to avoid the trunk of a thick pine in their immediate path. Unfortunately, this put the Argo VII within range of a landmine that exploded just as one of the front wheels rolled over it. Thankfully, the school bus¡¯ armor plating held firm, allowing the Argo VII to push past the explosion with minimal damage to its undercarriage. ¡°I think I¡¯ve underestimated Flint Consolidated,¡± Jackboot said. ¡°And here I thought American companies liked to cut corners.¡± ¡°Not Flint¡ªthey¡¯ve got a reputation for going above and beyond.¡± Dr. Hearthstone replied. He moved to stand next to Sam. ¡°This entire bus reeks of Mr. Marsday¡¯s design.¡± Sam raised an eyebrow. ¡°Seriously?¡± He couldn¡¯t help feeling surprised at hearing the name of another one of Chiron¡¯s contemporaries. Mr. Marsday, the global arms merchant responsible for the bulk of high-tech weaponry and gadgets spreading across the world was the opposite of his rival, Mr. Moonday, the blacksmith artisan who created gear tailor-suited to each of his hero clients¡ªincluding Sam. ¡°Yes, yes, we¡¯re riding a nice billion-dollar war machine.¡± Farsight sounded almost exasperated by all the banter. ¡°Now, Sarah, can you please fire the freaking violator already?¡± ¡°Roger¡­ But I guess I should say something appropriate first¡­ Something like¡±¡ªThunder tightened her finger on the trigger of her dashboard¡¯s joystick¡ª¡°Fire in the hole!¡± This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. A second later and they all felt the shockwave that rocked the rear of the school bus. The violator had hit its mark, but its explosion also triggered the nearby landmines to explode as well. ¡°Hold onto something¡­we¡¯re going into warp speed!¡± Farsight yelled. Using the force of the explosions behind them as a kind of springboard, Farsight triggered the Argo VII¡¯s nitro. This sent the school bus zooming through the small bit of space between two thick rows of pines like a fighter jet on a runway, which also helped to shield the Argo VII from the bulk of the continuous blasts behind it. Then came the mighty, almost indignant sounding roar of the villain who¡¯d been caught in the whirlwind of flames and flying shrapnel behind the Argo VII. ¡°I expect Apex has been thoroughly violated,¡± Jackboot chuckled. ¡°Ye-yeah,¡± Sam agreed, his brow creasing over the destruction of the forest behind them. ¡°I think we¡¯re safe now.¡± Although Sam was sure the Nemean Lion would probably survive the over-the-top fireworks display, he was also certain that the great beast wouldn¡¯t be able to catch up to them now. Farsight driving like a stuntwoman from a Fast and the Furious movie would ensure that. ¡°Now that we have room to breathe, does anyone have a clue where we¡¯re headed?¡± Jackboot asked once they were far enough from the explosions to feel safe. ¡°South,¡± Sam answered. All gazes turned to him. ¡°How far south?¡± Farsight asked. With a knowing smile, one born from him having already figured out the first half of their next clue, Sam said, ¡°To the golden gate that stretches across Poseidon¡¯s domain.¡± *** Much later, Sam was strapping on the armor Chiron had given him over the spare suit he kept in his locker when Thunder popped into the Argo VII¡¯s equipment compartment. ¡°That¡¯s a new look,¡± she said. She was leaning by the doorway while eyeing him up and down. ¡°I didn¡¯t think the cotton pajamas Chiron lent me will keep me alive for what¡¯s coming,¡± Sam joked. The form-fitting dark blue suit Sam had put on didn¡¯t have the stats of his old Spartan Survival Suit, but this spare gear was sweat-absorbent, resistant to slashing damage, and more importantly, chafing-proof. ¡°Let me help.¡± Thunder moved over to assist Sam with putting on the straps of his armor. ¡°This is an authentic Apollonian cuirass, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Y-yeah,¡± Sam replied awkwardly. ¡°The, um, description says it was commissioned for a soldier who¡¯d fought in the Trojan War¡­¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± Thunder asked. ¡°Seriously,¡± Sam replied. He quickly pulled up the armor details from Triple-A¡¯s menu and then recited the lines out loud for Thunder¡¯s benefit. ¡°A cuirass forged at the height of the Trojan War for a nameless soldier who stood at the vanguard of the Apollonian Guard against the hordes of Greek warriors who¡¯d come to rape and pillage Troy. Although the soldier¡¯s name was lost to history, his brave deeds live on in this relic where the spirit of his heroism resides to this day.¡± ¡°Chiron¡¯s hand-me-downs are usually like that¡­ pieces of history left to collect dust in one of his hideouts until he pawns them off to the next sucker who takes up the cause.¡± Thunder moved from the left shoulder strap to the right one. ¡°I assume the stats are pretty good?¡± Sam nodded. ¡°It¡¯s an upgrade from the old suit¡ªgamma rating defensive stats and decent bonuses.¡± Having finished with the armor¡¯s shoulder straps, Thunder began working on the ones around Sam¡¯s sides. ¡°I kind of miss those little details you get from a system inspection.¡± ¡°You want it back?¡± Sam asked jokingly, although he might have been a little serious about it, too. ¡°Nope¡­ Even with all its benefits, I honestly don¡¯t miss the target on my back.¡± Thunder patted Sam on the arm. ¡°All done.¡± ¡°I kind of get what you mean¡­¡± Sam turned to look at her. ¡°It¡¯s like the bad guys are instinctively gunning for me more now that I¡¯m¡ª¡± The bright blue hue of Thunder¡¯s eyes gazing at him so intently caused Sam¡¯s brain to momentarily go on the fritz. Gods, she¡¯s beautiful¡­ ¡°By the way¡­¡± Thunder glanced away. ¡°¡­have you read the Herald today?¡± ¡°Um¡­¡± Sam could tell from the way she avoided his gaze that the Herald probably wrote about him again, and he wasn¡¯t going to like it. ¡°What did they say about me this time?¡± She hesitantly passed him her phone which already had the Herald app¡¯s front page on its screen. THE TRUTH OF THE ENDLESS MAZE UNRAVELED! Kansas, 20xx ¡ª a report from the mayor¡¯s office released today sheds more light on the strange circumstances of the raid that ended the threat of the Endless Maze two weeks ago. It has been confirmed that the official raid group, which was originally led by Kansas¡¯ top super-team, the Supremes, was attacked outside of the haunted zone¡¯s entrance by a previously unknown paramilitary outfit. ¡°These stormtroopers arrived and messed the party up before it even started,¡± claims Parabellum, leader of the Supremes. ¡°Half our team was down by the time we knew what hit us¡­¡± About these so-called stormtroopers, the Dickinson County Wardens Field Office had very little to say. ¡°We¡¯ve never encountered such a well-armed, well-trained group of mercenaries here in Kansas before,¡± admits Warden Captain Krios, Chief of Operations for Kansas City. ¡°But we¡¯re looking into it, and we¡¯re already coordinating with the New York, London, and Tokyo field offices about gathering intel on these perpetrators¡­ We¡¯ll find out who they are soon, and I promise, they will be dealt with to the full extent of the law,¡± Warden Captain Krios assures the public. It¡¯s small comfort to those injured during the attack, many of whom would have died if not for the mysterious healer who¡¯d arrived late to the scene and is credited for saving the lives of many of the wounded heroes. ¡°He healed the patients in the recovery tent enough that their conditions stabilized,¡± explains Paramagic, one of the healers who were there that night. ¡°I can heal two or three people at a time depending on how badly hurt they are, but I¡¯ve never done a ¡®mass heal¡¯ like that before¡­ No one has,¡± admits Miracle Girl, a beta-level healer who broke into America¡¯s top hundred heroes during this year¡¯s Herofest. This mysterious healer¡¯s identity is still unknown, although sources within the Wardens believe that he may be connected to the vigilante, Herculean, which some reports claim was seen in the vicinity of the Endless Maze. Other reports claim Herculean was leading the mercenaries in the¡ª¡± *** ¡°Seriously? What in Hades?!¡± Sam frowned. ¡°They¡¯re blaming me for the attack now?¡± --- The last chapter of Vol. 2 is available now on Patreon if you guys are interested. XD Chapter 105: The Way Forward, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FIVE The Way Forward, Part 2
¡°Why do they keep doing this to me¡­?¡± Sam wondered aloud. Sam shoved the phone back into Thunder¡¯s hand without reading the rest of the article. He felt certain that whatever else was on it would only piss him off more. ¡°I can¡¯t believe Mr. Kim would let them write that crap about me¡­¡± Sam sighed. Then he shook his head. ¡°No, it¡¯s probably Marie¡¯s doing¡­ but why is she trying to make things harder for me like this?¡± ¡°Maybe this is her way of toughening you up,¡± Thunder suggested. ¡°Bad press and fake news are supposed to toughen me up?¡± Sam asked, his eyebrow arching. ¡°It worked for me,¡± she replied. ¡°Um, yeah, I remember¡­¡± Sam recalled the first days of Thunder¡¯s debut which were mostly awesome reviews all around, but she also got compared a lot to her cousin, and that made her mistakes seem even bigger than they were which led to some bad press. ¡°But they can¡¯t stop praising you now, can they?¡± ¡°You should have read more of the article.¡± Thunder flashed Sam a teasing grin. ¡°They credit me and my team for, in the Herald¡¯s words, accomplishing the impossible and finding the exit of the Endless Maze.¡± ¡°Your team?¡± Sam wanted to frown but Thunder¡¯s smile made him too giddy inside. ¡°I¡¯m guessing Herculean wasn¡¯t part of this team?¡± ¡°Nope,¡± Thunder admitted. Her smile was still up. Sam sighed. ¡°I hate the news¡­¡± ¡°Says the former journalist who risked his life to save mine¡­¡± Thunder stepped forward. Her face turned serious. ¡°I thought I¡¯d never see you again.¡± Her face was so close. Close enough that their noses were almost touching. ¡°I¡­I can¡¯t die without keeping my promise to you,¡± he replied. ¡°You¡¯re so lame, lame-brain.¡± Thunder¡¯s hand bridged the distance between them to rest on Sam¡¯s chest. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I missed you.¡± ¡°Y-you missed me?¡± Sam repeated. Thunder nodded. Sam gulped. He didn¡¯t expect her to admit it so easily, and now he wasn¡¯t sure what to do. ¡°I¡­I missed you too,¡± he blurted out. Sam immediately regretted saying it out loud, but then Thunder smiled the kind of smile that usually lit up a room¡ªand relief flooded his chest. With that relief came a tide of feelings that goaded Sam into telling Thunder everything he¡¯d been through since their parting on the bridge. ¡°When I was lost in that¡­ place¡­¡± Sam had to try hard to repress the shudder that came with the remembrance of that abyss as he didn¡¯t want Thunder to notice how the memory of it frightened him even now. ¡°I almost couldn¡¯t remember who I was¡­ but I couldn¡¯t forget you, and remembering you was what kept me alive.¡± Truthfully, this would have been the perfect lesson number thirty-five moment, and Sam knew it too. He wasn¡¯t clueless. But, somehow it still didn¡¯t feel like the right moment to him. Not yet, he thought. Not until I¡¯ve healed her¡­that¡¯s the only way forward for us. A second later and Thunder stepped away. Their moment passed. And, as Sam followed her wordlessly out the door, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he hadn¡¯t just blown his only chance to confess his feelings to her. It was all he could think about while they joined their friends who were waiting for them outside the school bus. Sam was so lost in thought wondering if he and Thunder would ever be alone like that again that he didn¡¯t even notice a new crisis had already befallen them. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Sam?¡± Thunder called. ¡°Y-yeah?¡± he replied. ¡°I was asking you if you were sure about this,¡± Thunder repeated. The team was gathered next to the Argo VII which Farsight had parked just off the road leading into one of San Francisco¡¯s most famous landmarks. They all wore matching blue cloaks enchanted with [Disguise] charms to help keep civilians from noticing the suits underneath. Discovery wouldn¡¯t be much of an issue though because the heavy mist settling over the surrounding area had also driven away the throng of tourists who usually came to visit this place. ¡°A great golden band that stretches across Poseidon¡¯s domain,¡± Jackboot repeated. ¡°It makes sense now, doesn¡¯t it?¡± They were all looking up at the red towers of the Golden Gate Bridge which was noticeable in the sky despite the mist hovering around them even though everything else¡ªincluding the sun¡ª was hidden from view. ¡°I hate how easily you solved this riddle, Sam,¡± Farsight grumbled. Over their ten-hour ride from Oregon to San Francisco, Sam had shared the clue Chiron entrusted to him with his team. Through Golden bands that stretch across Poseidon¡¯s domain Sleeps the grand treasure only the worthy can attain We left it there in the blessed folds of War¡¯s embrace Protected by the guardian of Colchis one must face Yet to open its bright Gates one requires the keys Found in the Tribulation hidden among the trees ¡°I can¡¯t say I agree¡­ The word choice might make this a likely candidate, but people have been crossing this bridge since it was built, and no one¡¯s ever reported anything strange about it,¡± Dr. Hearthstone said. ¡°This is the place,¡± Sam insisted. ¡°Or haven¡¯t you guys noticed how unnatural this mist is yet?¡± No one could argue that. The heavy mist had snuck up on them pretty quickly just as they neared the bridge almost like it was barring the Argo VII from moving forward. ¡°You¡¯re saying the mist appeared specifically because we came here?¡± Farsight asked. Sam nodded. ¡°Why though?¡± Thunder pressed. A thoughtful expression passed over Sam¡¯s face. ¡°You know how in some games the path forward doesn¡¯t open up until you¡¯ve fulfilled certain conditions?¡± ¡°Like the secret cow level in Diablo Two?¡± Jackboot guessed. ¡°Exactly like that.¡± Sam nodded enthusiastically. ¡°The secret cow level,¡± Thunder repeated, sighing afterward. ¡°Can someone explain for the non-nerds of the group?¡± To everyone¡¯s surprise, it was Dr. Hearthstone who explained, ¡°There¡¯s a secret level in the game that you can only get to if you combine Wirt¡¯s leg with a Tome of Town Portal in the Horadic Cube while in the Rogue Encampment.¡± Everyone stared dumbfoundedly back at the physically imposing veteran hero, and he just shrugged back at them. ¡°I like classic games,¡± he reasoned. Thunder let out an exasperated sigh. ¡°I¡¯m surrounded by nerds.¡± ¡°It¡¯s more significant than just a simple gamer reference,¡± Jackboot chimed in. ¡°Diablo II¡¯s secret cow level is a seminal example of an Easter egg.¡± ¡°And it illustrates my point really well, too,¡± Sam added quickly. ¡°Just like with the secret cow level, I think this mist only appears when someone fulfills a condition that activates it.¡± ¡°What sort of condition?¡± Farsight asked. Sam pulled out the murky white crystal from one of his belt¡¯s pouches and showed it to his friends. ¡°Chiron said that the Vikings used a sunstone to navigate the seas whenever it was cloudy.¡± Sam¡¯s gaze drifted left and then right. ¡°And this is exactly the kind of scenario where this thing would be useful.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯re saying the mist appeared because we brought the sunstone to the bridge¡¯s entrance?¡± Thunder asked. ¡°That must be the first condition,¡± Sam agreed. He glanced over at Dr. Hearthstone and added, ¡°It¡¯s also probably why no one else has found the path in the last seventy years.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Dr. Hearthstone beamed at Sam. ¡°Once we brought the sunstone within range of the enchantment, we opened the path to finding the gate that leads to¡ª¡± ¡°The blessed fold of War¡¯s embrace,¡± Jackboot finished for him. ¡°Which, based on how the W was capitalized, probably means Ares, your god of war.¡± ¡°Ares¡­¡± Thunder said, sighing afterward. Surprisingly enough, the other three heroes of the Greek pantheon sighed along with her. It seemed they were all in agreement that they wanted nothing to do with their God of War. ¡°It would have been nice if we were in London where the gods of Egypt have a stronger influence, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± Jackboot commented. ¡°I think any one of the Egyptian war gods would be preferable to your Ares.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t argue that, Jack,¡± Farsight shrugged. ¡°Ares isn¡¯t exactly what you¡¯d call respectable.¡± At her words, Sam warily glanced up at the clouded sky, but no angry peel of thunder reached his ears to suggest that one of their invisible spectators had been offended by the seer¡¯s candor. Perhaps Farsight and her gifts were far too important to the scheme of the Fates for any god to blast her into oblivion on a whim. ¡°Let¡¯s get on with it then, shall we?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°It¡¯s your show, Sam.¡± Thunder patted him gingerly on the shoulder. ¡°So, how do we open the gate?¡± To answer her question, Sam raised the sunstone high¡ªand that¡¯s when the way forward finally appeared. Chapter 106: Mist and Bone, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED SIX Mist and Bone, Part 1
¡°Nothing¡¯s happening,¡± Farsight chirped. Sam sighed. ¡°Give it a moment¡­¡± It took more than a moment and some shuffling around in the air, but, eventually, a bright white glow flared to life inside the sunstone much like a mirror that had caught the sun¡¯s rays on its surface. This light dimmed quickly though, and Sam needed to adjust the stone¡¯s location in the air to reclaim that inner glow. Jackboot whistled. ¡°Would you look at that¡­¡± ¡°But, how?¡± Thunder asked. She looked just as mystified as Jackboot did. Dr. Hearthstone, who¡¯d been standing behind Sam so he could get a closer look at the sunstone in Sam¡¯s hand, explained, ¡°I theorize that the stone¡¯s depolarizing the barely perceptible light passing through the crystal, filtering it so we can see patterns on its surface.¡± ¡°And what does that mean exactly?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°It means the sunstone can help us pinpoint the location of the sun even if it¡¯s hidden by the mist,¡± Dr. Hearthstone answered. ¡°Magic,¡± Jackboot replied, earning him a slap on the back of his head from Farsight, who countered with, ¡°Didn¡¯t you just hear the doc¡¯s explanation? It¡¯s science, you weirdo.¡± ¡°In any case,¡± Sam interrupted what was sure to be another argument over magic versus science, ¡°whose up for navigating a one-mile bridge with zero visibility and just this barely lit stone to light our way?¡± Unsurprisingly to Sam, everyone raised their hands. Because that¡¯s what heroes do. Take on the challenges no one in their right minds would sign up for. ¡°Yup,¡± Sam grinned. ¡°We¡¯re all crazy.¡± *** While Thunder, Dr. Hearthstone, and Farsight got back inside the Argo VII, Sam was forced to hang out on its roof as he didn¡¯t think the sunstone¡¯s power would work inside the school bus. Jackboot volunteered to protect Sam while he was focused on navigating their way through the mist, and Sam was grateful for the company. Because the mist, with its chilly touch and the eerie silence of its interior, brought with it a sense of foreboding that made the hair on the back of Sam¡¯s arms stand on end. ¡°You think there¡¯s going to be trouble?¡± Sam asked as he sat at the edge of the Argo VII¡¯s front side. ¡°I¡¯m not sure about you Olympians, but those of us raised in the Egyptian tradition were taught to always be vigilant when treading inside mist-infested zones.¡± Jackboot sat next to Sam and made sure his feet were dangling over the windshield of Farsight¡¯s cockpit. ¡°The old legends are full of tales of the horrors hiding in the mist stealing away the unsuspecting traveler crazy enough to journey across it.¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s the same with us.¡± Sam raised his hand high so that the sunstone could light the Argo VII¡¯s way forward. ¡°Beware, there be dragons here.¡± ¡°Gods, let¡¯s hope not,¡± Jackboot chuckled nervously. ¡°I¡¯ve had my fill of dragons to last me a lifetime.¡± On that ominous note, Sam signaled Farsight forward with the radio in his other hand, and the Argo VII began inching forward onto the Golden Gate Bridge at a much slower pace than Farsight was used to. ¡°Sam,¡± Jackboot called, ¡°Is it always this lonely on the Golden Gate Bridge?¡± As Jackboot observed, the Argo VII entered the bridge alone. The few cars they¡¯d seen nearby had been unable to pass into the mist-filled zone like the school bus could. ¡°It feels like Lake Michigan,¡± Sam said. ¡°Yeah¡­this bridge reeks of a celestial zone,¡± Jackboot agreed. ¡°Best be on our guard.¡± Jackboot¡¯s warning wasn¡¯t unwarranted. Once or twice, Sam could have sworn he¡¯d seen shadows in the mist moving in parallel to the Argo VII. Another time, when he looked over his shoulder, Sam thought he saw a glint of gold in the mist-filled sky. He heard the flapping of wings, too. ¡°Did you hear that?¡± Sam asked. ¡°No, but,¡± Jackboot glanced worriedly in Sam¡¯s direction, ¡°I see things in the mist, Sam¡­ I think we¡¯re being followed.¡± ¡°I think so too,¡± Sam whispered, his brow creasing. Five whole minutes passed by in relative peace though, and Sam was beginning to think that things might just go smoothly for once. But then the sunstone¡¯s light suddenly winked out. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Sam frowned. ¡°What in Hades¡­?¡± He tried rotating the stone in his hand to reclaim the light they¡¯d lost. When that failed, Sam waved the stone in the air like he was at a rock concert¡ªand still, the light refused to come back. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Sam admitted. ¡°Well, figure it out quickly¡­ The mist is creeping up to us without it,¡± Jackboot urged. He was right. As soon as the sun¡¯s light vanished, the mist around the Argo VII began to thicken so that Sam could barely see Jackboot beside him. On a whim, he aimed the sunstone toward the back¡ªand that¡¯s when it reclaimed the light inside its crystal. ¡°Sam¡±¡ªJackboot was pointing a finger toward the rear of the bus¡ª¡°why is your stone pointing us backward?¡± ¡°Hold on,¡± Sam said. He aimed the sunstone toward the front, and its light immediately winked out. Then he aimed the sunstone at their backs, and it began to emit a softly twinkling glow. ¡°This can¡¯t be right,¡± Sam frowned. The sun had been in front of them while the Argo VII continued on its linear path, but now it seemed like the yellow orb in the sky had teleported behind them. ¡°It¡¯s got to be the mist,¡± Jackboot guessed. ¡°It¡¯s probably trying to confuse us, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Sam agreed. ¡°Hold on, I need to let the gang know.¡± Sam radioed Farsight to turn the bus around, which she did begrudgingly after he explained the situation to her. ¡°Try not to lose the sun a second time, Sam,¡± she teased over the radio. Weirdly enough, that¡¯s exactly what happened a few minutes later. They¡¯d taken a U-turn around the three-lane right half of the Golden Gate Bridge and were driving back the way they¡¯d come when the sunstone¡¯s light suddenly winked out again. ¡°How in Hades do you lose a sun?¡± Farsight growled over the radio. ¡°It¡¯s got a fixed position in the sky, doesn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± Sam snapped. ¡°It¡¯s not like this thing has an instruction manual!¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you Apollo¡¯s chosen one?¡± Farsight snapped back. ¡°Go figure it out!¡± ¡°I know,¡± he sighed. It was kind of embarrassing for a hero of the sun god to keep losing his patron¡¯s glaringly obvious symbol in the sky, and Sam¡¯s reddening cheeks were proof enough that Farsight¡¯s remarks stung. Sam whirled the sunstone back toward the way they¡¯d come just in case the sun had teleported behind them once more. Funnily enough, it hadn¡¯t. Because the damn thing was now to the right of them. ¡°Isn¡¯t the bridge¡¯s railing on that side?¡± Jackboot confirmed. Sam¡¯s eyes narrowed as he stared off into the mist. ¡°Yep¡­¡± ¡°Well, that doesn¡¯t make bloody sense,¡± Jackboot complained. ¡°Are we supposed to drive into the ocean?¡± ¡°I¡­I don¡¯t think so.¡± Sam spared a glance at the stone in his hand. ¡°Have you noticed how the Golden Gate Bridge seems bigger on the inside somehow?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that due to the lack of traffic?¡± Jackboot suggested. ¡°There¡¯s that too,¡± Sam conceded. ¡°But doesn¡¯t it feel like space around us stretches out past the three lanes on this side of the bridge?¡± Jackboot wiped at the goggles on his mask before he stretched his neck out for a closer inspection. ¡°Honestly, it sort of feels like we¡¯re not on a bridge. It¡¯s more like were driving on¡ª¡± ¡°A desert?¡± Sam prompted. ¡°One made of asphalt,¡± Jackboot agreed. ¡°And yet¡­¡± ¡°¡­Yeah,¡± Sam stared up to where Jackboot was looking. ¡°I see it too.¡± Although barely visible within the mist, a red tower rose to the sky just to the right of the school bus. Sam picked up the radio. ¡°Ash, turn right.¡± ¡°You want us to plunge into the Pacific Ocean?¡± she confirmed. ¡°I don¡¯t think we will,¡± Sam replied. With a pronounced sigh over the radio, Farsight steered the Argo VII to the right¡ªand neither Sam nor Jackboot were surprised to find that the school bus didn¡¯t tip over the side of the Golden Gate Bridge. ¡°Keep it slow and steady, Ash,¡± Sam instructed. ¡°We¡¯ll be making a lot of turns from now on.¡± His guess was spot on. After turning right, the sunstone led them left, a direction that should have crashed the Argo VII into the barricade separating the two sides of the Golden Gate Bridge. But it didn¡¯t. ¡°We are most definitely no longer in the mortal realm,¡± Jackboot sighed. With Farsight screaming profanities into the radio, they turned right next. Then left again thirty seconds later. Only to have to turn right once more after a few minutes. ¡°That girl¡¯s got the mouth of a seasoned sailor,¡± Jackboot chuckled. ¡°You¡¯d think a seer would be more dignified,¡± Sam chuckled back. ¡°Hey, idiots,¡± Farsight called from the radio, ¡°You¡¯re on speaker. I can hear you.¡± If anything, her irritation only made the two heroes on the roof laugh harder. After several more turns¡ªand brief glimpses of shadows hiding in the mist¡ªJackboot tapped Sam in the shoulder. ¡°Your Olympians must have a better sense of humor than the Egyptians,¡± he said. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed?¡± Jackboot raised both hands like he was holding a game controller between them. ¡°Up, up, down, right, left, right, left¡ªit¡¯s almost like that old Konami code from the nineties, isn¡¯t it?¡± Sam laughed. ¡°Holy Zeus, you¡¯re right.¡± ¡°And that means we should take B and A next,¡± Jackboot guessed. ¡°And¡­that¡¯s where you¡¯ve stopped making sense.¡± Sam sighed. ¡°Is it?¡± Jackboot pointed upward. Sam squinted. ¡°No freaking way¡­¡± The bridge¡¯s red tower rose high above them. Scrawled on the peak of each of its peaks were the letters X and Y in neon red colors so that they were visible even in the heavy mist. One of Sam¡¯s eyebrows twitched upwards. ¡°What is it with gods and videogames¡­?¡± A memory of a dream he had with Apollo flashed across Sam¡¯s mind. One about the sun god boasting about the many hours he¡¯d wasted playing one of Hephaestus¡¯s video games. Apparently, Apollo wasn¡¯t the only gamer in the Olympian pantheon. Sam glanced over his shoulder and saw the other red tower of the suspension bridge further to the back of their school bus. This one had B and A scrawled at the top in neon red colors. ¡°Ash¡±¡ªSam moved the radio to his lips¡ª¡°turn around and then go straight.¡± ¡°This better be it, Sam¡­¡± Ash grumbled. ¡°Or I¡¯m sending Thunder up there to take over navigation duties.¡± ¡°This is it,¡± Sam confirmed. ¡°You sound certain,¡± Jackboot noticed. ¡°Well¡±¡ªSam quickly got to his feet¡ª¡°that¡¯s because we¡¯ve got company¡ªduck!¡± Sam jumped out of the way as an object pierced his spot on the Argo VII¡¯s roof. It was a spear made entirely of bone formed from a man¡¯s spine.
ALERT! You are under attack!
¡°Now you tell me,¡± Sam complained while curling his hands into fists. ¡°Hold on... what the hell is that?!¡± Chapter 107: Mist and Bone, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED SEVEN Mist and Bone, Part 2
He dropped the walkie-talkie so his right hand could grasp Onus¡¯ handle. Meanwhile, Jackboot scampered back to stand beside Sam. His finger pointed toward the mist a mere ten yards from where the Argo VII pulled to a stop. ¡°Someone was following us after all,¡± he confirmed. Three soldiers stepped out of the mist. They were decked in white Greek-style armor similar to the Apollonian armor Sam wore. They were armed to the teeth; swords, spears, and shields, all sporting the same jagged bone design of the spear embedded on the Argo VII¡¯s roof. Jackboot raised an eyebrow at the new arrivals. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had mummies in Olympian mythology.¡± Their narrow faces were bone-white that looked to be a cross between human and lizard; white scales around high cheekbones, bulging eyes, and noses that were little more than a pair of slits. ¡°These aren¡¯t mummies,¡± Sam said. ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± Jackboot replied. ¡°Three mummies together would have spelled doom for us.¡± ¡°Jack, they¡¯re not mummies¡­¡± Sam repeated, his eyes narrowing at the approaching warriors while they marched toward the Argo VII. ¡°These guys are worse¡­ They¡¯re Spartoi.¡± ¡°Sam, Jack¡±¡ªFarsight¡¯s voice was frantic over the walkie-talkie by Sam¡¯s and Jackboot¡¯s feet¡ª¡°behind you!¡± Her warning came too late though. Sam felt the bite of a blade pierce into his left shoulder, forcing him to drop the sunstone in his hand. ¡°Styx!¡± he cursed. The sunstone fell with a thud on the Argo VII¡¯s roof¡ªand the school bus was suddenly engulfed by mist. It was as if the stone¡¯s enchantment held back the mist from encroaching on the Argo VII. But now that its light had winked out, the mist was quick to reclaim the school bus into its wispy embrace, which meant even more trouble for Sam and Jackboot who found themselves blind in a fight against armed attackers. ¡°Sam!¡± came Thunder¡¯s voice from the walkie-talkie. Sam, however, was quick to cut her off with, ¡°Stay on the bus!¡± He backed away from the spartoi that just stabbed him with its bone spear while letting Triple-A heal his shoulder wound. ¡°Jack, are you good?¡± Sam called. Although he couldn¡¯t see him, Sam could hear the flurry of movement he associated with the sounds of Jackboot¡¯s powerful kicks whenever they swept through the air. ¡°I¡¯m alright!¡± Jackboot called back. ¡°Proportionate hearing of a hare, remember?¡± Sam remembered, which is why he wasn¡¯t panicking too much. Jackboot¡¯s hare-like senses canceled out the mist¡¯s obstruction. He would see the enemy coming and respond appropriately. As for Sam, well, he didn¡¯t have heightened senses, but he did have Triple-A. A virtual map appeared floating in the upper left corner of Sam¡¯s field of vision to help him take stock of his surroundings. ¡°Thanks,¡± Sam whispered to the intuitive system. ¡°I can manage with this.¡± There were five red dots on the map. Three were moving swiftly toward the Argo VII, but there were two other dots already on the roof with Sam and Jackboot. One of these red dots was blinking next to the green dot Sam assumed represented Jackboot, while the other red dot was directly opposite Sam. He tapped a finger on the right side of his mask, and his vision adjusted from normal color into shades of gray, but with three exceptions. Although faint, Sam could now see a softly glowing green Jackboot over by the left edge of the Argo VII¡¯s roof. The hero had just kicked the chin of a glowing red spartoi. Meanwhile, directly in front of Sam was another glowing red spartoi¡ªand Sam realized too late that he was still within range of this monster¡¯s spear. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. He felt the blade pierce into his right thigh before he could counter the spartoi¡¯s attack. ¡°Ugh,¡± he grunted. Pain flared across Sam¡¯s right leg, but that didn¡¯t stop him from stepping forward with that same wounded leg and then driving his hammer into the spartoi¡¯s chest. It was a blow that sent the spartoi careening off the Argo VII¡¯s roof to fall back on the asphalt below. ¡°Sam,¡±¡ªThunder¡¯s voice came from the walkie-talkie that had miraculously stayed on the roof despite all the shuffling around between the fighters¡ª¡°you can¡¯t beat a spartoi¡­ they¡¯re immortal!¡± Sam knew that fact as well though. There were very few members of the Greek pantheon¡¯s roster of heroes who hadn¡¯t heard of the supernatural warriors of Ares who carried the blood of dragons and men in their veins. ¡°They¡¯ll fight you until you¡¯re dead or until you can take down the one who summoned them,¡± Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s voice chimed in. ¡°I don¡¯t see a summoner nearby¡±¡ªSam was mid-swing against a spartoi that was climbing up to the roof from the front side of the Argo VII¡ª¡°that I can beat up!¡± Sam¡¯s hammer smashed against the top of the spartoi¡¯s helmet, driving the supernatural warrior back onto the asphalt below. ¡°Seriously¡­¡± He took a brief second to inspect his virtual map to make sure that there were only five hostiles within range. ¡°¡­we¡¯ve only got five spartoi here and no summoners within range.¡± ¡°If there¡¯s no summoner then maybe these spartoi are here to guard the entrance to Ares¡¯ sacred grove,¡± Dr. Hearthstone deduced. ¡°Which means we¡¯ll need to make a run for it and beat them to the exit,¡± Thunder guessed. ¡°Sam, we need the sunstone to light the way!¡± Sam had been thinking along similar lines as he¡¯d already dropped to the floor to look for the sunstone which he assumed had fallen relatively close by. ¡°Jack, keep them off me for a minute,¡± Sam pleaded. ¡°A minute¡¯s¡±¡ªJackboot push-kicked his opponent off the bus and then immediately moved to block the path of a fourth spartoi who¡¯d managed to climb up to the Argo VII¡¯s roof from the rear¡ª¡°about all I can give you!¡± With a much-needed stroke of luck, Sam needed only ten seconds before his palm brushed against the sunstone¡¯s rough-hewn surface. ¡°Got it!¡± he reported. Sam raised the sunstone high just as the fifth spartoi approached his flank. A serrated-edged bone sword gleamed in each of its hands. ¡°Jack!¡± Sam yelled. As the supernatural warrior swung his blades at Sam¡¯s outstretched arm, Jackboot appeared from above. With one leg raised high, he yelled, ¡°Guillotine!¡± and slammed it down on the spartoi¡¯s shoulder, driving the monster to its knees. ¡°You found the sun yet?¡± Jackboot asked as he hopped back to Sam¡¯s side. ¡°Working on it,¡± Sam said. ¡°It would be a lot easier if I didn¡¯t have to worry about that thing¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mate¡ª¡± Jackboot hopped forward¡ª¡°I¡¯ve got this!¡± The spartoi was quick to get back on its feet, but Jackboot was quicker in unleashing a flurry of kicks that targeted each of the monster¡¯s joints. One, two, three, and then a fourth ax kick at the spartoi¡¯s right knee, forced the monster to tumble over the side of the Argo VII. While this kickass martial arts display was going on, Sam managed to locate the sun in the mist-covered sky once again. With sunlight flaring out of the sunstone, the coils of must that curled around the Argo VII were driven back like shadows repelled by the light. The path ahead cleared as well, revealing the red tower of the exit just twenty yards away. ¡°It¡¯s a straight shot to the exit, Ash!¡± Sam reported. ¡°Grab onto something, boys! We¡¯re going for a ride!¡± Farsight replied over the walkie-talkie. The Argo VII drummed to life beneath Sam¡¯s feet, and he barely had time to grab hold of one of the solar panels attached to the roof before the school bus burst across the asphalt at Farsight¡¯s usual reckless speeds. Two of the spartoi were thrown off in that initial rush while a third spartoi was done in by another one of Jackboot¡¯s spinning heel kicks. The British-born hero was also in danger of falling off the Argo VII, but Sam was quick to fire a grappling hook in his direction. Jackboot just managed to catch the line in his hand before he lost his footing. As for the last two spartoi, they were climbing up the front side of the Argo VII where Farsight could see them. Sam heard her mischievous chuckle over the radio before she transformed the front bumper into a battering ram that pushed the invaders off. Then she ran them over while boasting over the walkie-talkie, ¡°Easy-peasy.¡± True to their nature, the spartoi didn¡¯t die from getting run over. Nor did they give up the fight. These supernatural warriors chased after the Argo VII all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge¡¯s red tower, and it was only after the school bus passed the tower that the spartoi ended their pursuit. Sam glanced over his shoulder and saw all five spartoi standing shoulder to shoulder directly underneath the tower. They stared daggers at the Argo VII for a few more seconds before they disappeared back into the mist. ¡°Um, guys, I think we¡¯re safe now,¡± Sam reported. No one responded though, and this lack of reaction from Jackboot and the others forced Sam to look forward. That¡¯s when he realized that he was wrong. The Argo VII may have left the danger of the mist-filled bridge, but they were far from safe. Because the foreboding atmosphere of the Golden Gate Bridge seemed like nothing compared to the hellish landscape they had arrived in. Chapter 108: There Be Dragons Here, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED EIGHT There Be Dragons Here, Part 1
The mist cleared before them like cloudy gates giving way to a landscape that seemed far removed from anything one would discover in the mortal world. Sam found himself staring at a grove of strange, red-leaved trees whose tips reached up to a sky tinged in twilight¡¯s orange glow. Even the grass seemed dyed in red. As if this small corner of the cosmos had missed the memo that autumn had already given way to winter. Peppered all over this sacred grove were wooden stakes that pierced the ground at various spots. Plumes of flame exploded out of the earth at random, enforcing Sam¡¯s view that they¡¯d somehow found themselves in one of the Underworld¡¯s hellish landscapes. ¡°The blessed folds of War¡¯s embrace,¡± Jackboot recited. ¡°Seems like we¡¯re in the right place.¡± The smiling skulls perched atop their stakes stood like ancient warning signs for those foolish enough to trespass in War¡¯s domain. ¡°Yep, we¡¯re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy,¡± Sam agreed. At the far end of the grove stood a tree that lorded over all the others. Its red leaves were basking in a soft golden glow that Sam quickly realized was emanating from the objects hanging on the tree¡¯s many branches. ¡°Is that¡­¡± Yes, Sam was sure of it. He¡¯d found the cure to Thunder¡¯s illness. He¡¯d found the Golden Fleece. Only, there appeared to be more than one fleece hanging on that tree. ¡°Where is it?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°They¡¯re right there,¡± Sam pointed. ¡°I can see them,¡± Jackboot replied. ¡°But I¡¯m more concerned about the guardian of Colchis that¡¯s supposed to be protecting the fleece¡­fleeces.¡± Oh, yeah, there was that complication too, Sam thought, frowning as he did. ¡°Any chance we lucked out and it¡¯s died after seventy-plus years?¡± ¡°When have we ever been that lucky?¡± Jackboot countered. Sam sighed. ¡°Yeah, I guess you¡¯re right.¡± Despite their high vantage point, neither hero could see this so-called guardian. No upturned grass or broken earth. Not even the tell-tale sign of a horror''s lair. There was not a single clue of its presence within the grove. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s on a coffee break,¡± Sam mused. ¡°It might have quit,¡± Jackboot mused too. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine Aries is a good employer.¡± ¡°No bonuses or days off,¡± Sam added. ¡°Or health insurance,¡± Jackboot replied. ¡°You two are idiots,¡± came Farsight¡¯s voice from the radio in Sam¡¯s hand. The door of the Argo VII screeched open and the rest of the team stepped out of it to experience the same otherworldly atmosphere that Sam and Jackboot had already taken in. ¡°Nice place for a picnic,¡± Dr. Hearthstone said. ¡°If you¡¯re into the hellfire and brimstone view, sure,¡± Farsight replied in a wry tone. Sam jumped off the Argo VII¡¯s roof and joined Thunder who had walked a little further ahead of the others. She didn¡¯t seem to notice that he was standing next to her as Thunder¡¯s eyes were glued to the tall tree and the many golden relics hanging on its branches. He tapped her on the shoulder. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Sam wasn¡¯t certain, but he thought he¡¯d seen a tear rolling down her cheek before Thunder looked away from him. ¡°Is¡­¡± He could hear the slight quiver in her voice. ¡°Is this it?¡± His right hand fell off her shoulder so he could bump the back of his palm against her left hand. ¡°Yeah, this is it,¡± Sam promised. ¡°We¡¯re in the endgame now.¡± Thunder turned to face him, and although tears were pooling underneath her eyes, the smile she offered Sam was full of warmth and promise and all kinds of happy thoughts. Blessed Aphrodite, please, please, let me keep my promise to her, Sam thought. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Dr. Hearthstone appeared to the left of Sam and aimed his patented smoldering glare at the many golden relics. ¡°Which one do you think it is?¡± he asked. ¡°Can¡¯t it be all of them?¡± Sam wondered. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be a mythical relic if there was more than one of it,¡± Dr. Hearthstone argued. ¡°We¡¯ll have to get a closer look to see what¡¯s what,¡± Sam replied. Jackboot popped up to the left of Dr. Hearthstone. ¡°Right, a stroll through this hell grove¡­ Here¡¯s hoping we won¡¯t encounter anything nasty on the way.¡± ¡°Yeah, you people should know this by now, but the fates don¡¯t plan to make things easy for us¡ªlike ever,¡± Farsight chimed in as she appeared to the right of Thunder. ¡°I should know¡­ I¡¯m their only remaining seer in America.¡± ¡°You think it¡¯s an ambush?¡± Thunder guessed. ¡°Probably,¡± Farsight answered. ¡°Guardians by definition are wily suckers.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you use probability to give us an advantage?¡± Sam asked. ¡°You know my powers don¡¯t work right inside a celestial zone,¡± Farsight reminded him. ¡°Which means we¡¯re going in blind,¡± Dr. Hearthstone deduced. ¡°It¡¯s pretty much what we normally do,¡± Jackboot chimed in. ¡°At least this time we¡¯ve got an idea about what we might be facing,¡± Farsight said as she dropped the duffel bag she¡¯d been carrying on the ground. ¡°I¡¯ve gathered some goodies that might even the odds.¡± Thunder picked up the duffel bag and took a peek at its contents. ¡°What¡¯s in these vials?¡± she asked. ¡°The blue vials are high-grade tranquilizers,¡± Farsight answered. Then she grinned that mischievous grin of hers. ¡°The green jars are¡­Greek fire.¡± ¡°O~~okay,¡± Thunder quickly passed the bag over to Dr. Hearthstone, ¡°I see you¡¯re not discounting the nuclear option¡­¡± ¡°What, you want to try asking it nicely to just give us the real fleece?¡± Farsight raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°You do know what kind of horror this guardian is, don¡¯t you?¡± Yes, Thunder did. They all did. Anyone who¡¯d read the story of Jason and the Argonauts would know about this particular moment in their journey and what sort of guardian protected their coveted prize. ¡°Still¡­Greek fire?¡± Sam¡¯s gaze took in the sacred grove before him. ¡°Ares won¡¯t like us thrashing his garden like that¡­ Let¡¯s pray we won¡¯t need to.¡± ¡°You know, I could just zip over there and nab the fleece before we do anything drastic,¡± Jackboot offered. ¡°You¡¯re not fast enough,¡± Farsight answered flatly. ¡°I¡¯ll have you know, I¡¯ve got the proportionate speed of a¡ª¡± ¡°And you¡¯d still be dead before you made it to the fleece,¡± Farsight cut in. ¡°I¡¯ve seen it happen, Jack.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say you couldn¡¯t use your seer¡¯s gift in here?¡± Jackboot reminded her. Farsight glanced his way, an impish grin on her face. ¡°And here I thought you were all brawn.¡± ¡°You little¡ª¡± Dr. Hearthstone raised a hand, cutting off Jackboot¡¯s comeback. ¡°Even if you speed run over to that tree, you wouldn¡¯t know which of the fleeces is the real one.¡± ¡°Right, because fighting off a guardian wasn¡¯t complicating enough¡­¡± Jackboot sighed. ¡°Can''t we just use the bus?¡± Thunder asked. Farsight shook her head. ¡°The divine energy saturating this grove¡¯s messing with our billion-dollar war machine¡¯s systems. Engine, navigation, weapons¡ªnone of them are working right.¡± ¡°You mean we might crash or blow ourselves up if we pushed it?¡± Thunder pressed. ¡°Until we figure out what¡¯s causing the disruption, yeah,¡± Farsight answered. ¡°Then what¡¯s the plan, Ash?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Codenames on the field, Herculean,¡± Dr. Hearthstone reminded him. ¡°Yeah, yeah, sorry.¡± Sam scratched his hair at hearing his not-so-beloved code name uttered by a hero other than Farsight. ¡°Um, we do have a plan, right?¡± ¡°Well, if this is the same guardian as the legends¡±¡ªFarsight stepped forward and then turned her head slowly to gaze at each one of them¡ª¡°then we can¡¯t beat it. Not even with the talent pool we¡¯ve got here.¡± She moved over to pat the duffel bag Dr. Hearthstone now carried. ¡°I think the best approach is the same thing Medea did for Jason,¡± she said. Sam recalled another old sermon from Saturday temple, the one where a priestess of Zeus shared a tale of how Medea tricked the guardian with a sleeping potion which saved her lover Jason from dying inside the horror''s stomach. ¡°Alright,¡± Sam¡¯s expression hardened, ¡°let¡¯s go claim our prize.¡± As he strode past the first of the skull stakes, the temperature rose dramatically so that it felt like leaving an air-conditioned room and stepping out into a swelteringly hot beachfront. ¡°A god¡¯s domain never makes sense, does it?¡± Sam glanced over his shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s not¡ª¡± Sam had been planning to reassure them, but he could see from the determined expressions on their faces that he didn¡¯t need to. The sight of his team following after him made Sam''s chest feel warm, and it had nothing to do with the rising temperature of the grove¡¯s interior. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m part of this awesome team, he thought. The crew of the Argo VII made it about halfway to the rear of the grove when they felt the ground rumble beneath them. ¡°Get ready¡­¡± Sam¡¯s fingers tightened on his hammer¡¯s handle. ¡°Here it comes¡­¡± However, nothing came. Nothing happened. The tremors just stopped. ¡°That was¡­anticlimactic,¡± Jackboot noted. ¡°It¡¯s goading us,¡± Thunder guessed. ¡°Stay frosty, people.¡± They moved on¡ªtheir gazes wary and alert¡ªand although the tremors became more frequent the closer they got to the fleeces, whatever caused these rumblings refused to make an appearance, resulting in heightened tensions for our heroes. It¡¯s like we¡¯re all just waiting for the other shoe to drop¡­ Sam thought. Twenty feet to their goal. I wonder how Chiron¡¯s doing¡­ Sam wiped at the sweat dripping down his cheek. Did Apex double back to him when he couldn¡¯t catch us? Fifteen feet. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m thinking this, but I wish Chiron was back in my head, Sam clenched and unclenched his left hand. I never realized how comforting his lectures were in these kinds of tense situations until now¡­ Ten feet. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll say it,¡± Jackboot said, breaking their silent vigil. ¡°Perhaps Lady Luck is on our side tonight.¡± His hopeful musing was met with several sighs. ¡°Why do you always do that?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Do what?¡± Jackboot replied. ¡°Tempt fate,¡± Farsight chimed in just before following up with a yell of, ¡°Scatter!¡± A healthy respect for Farsight¡¯s intuition drove the team to do just that. They jumped away in every direction and were saved from the horror that burst out of the ground they¡¯d all been standing on. Sam felt debris from the ground smack against his back, encouraging him to pull Onus from its sheath just before he whirled around to face the giant monster looming over him. ¡°Oh, gods¡­¡± Sam¡¯s fingers tightened on Onus¡¯s handle. ¡°Did it have to be another dragon?!¡± Chapter 109: There Be Dragons Here, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED NINE There Be Dragons Here, Part 2
This new enemy wasn¡¯t just any dragon though. The Drakon Kholkikos, as the ancient Greeks called it, was an ancient earth dragon with a thirty-foot serpentine body that sported bright green scales, poisonous claws, and rows of wickedly sharp teeth. Now, it didn¡¯t have wings like Medea¡¯s solar dragons did, and it looked more like an oversized anaconda than the conventional drake, but there was no mistaking its terrifying, draconic eyes, that legends claimed could paralyze men with just a stare.
WARNING! You are being targeted by an ocular attack. Countermeasures deployed.
Dark-tinted shades fell over the peepers of Sam¡¯s mask.
The Mask of the Argonaut¡¯s [Shades] ability is now active. The chance to deflect an ocular attack increased by 50%.
Yes, a few of the Mask of the Argonaut¡¯s abilities had been unlocked to match Sam¡¯s growth. He¡¯d just been so busy that he failed to pay them any mind until now. Sam waited a second. Then two. Then three.
Paralysis was successfully blocked.
He let out a relieved sigh before yelling, ¡°Don¡¯t look it in the eyes!¡± The Drakon Kholkikos let out an angry hiss¡ªas if Sam managing to stop its attack had offended it¡ªbefore its head lunged forward. There was a half-moment where Sam thought about using Bulwark to block the incoming blow, but his survival instincts told him this was not a horror whose attack he could stop. This is why Sam managed to roll away in the nick of time just as the dragon¡¯s fangs tore into the ground he vacated. He wasn¡¯t out of the woods yet though. For no sooner had Sam rolled to his feet when the dragon¡¯s thick, tree-trunk-sized tail whipped toward him. ¡°Styx,¡± Sam breathed as he braced himself for the blow. He caught the scent of fire in the air and then Dr. Hearthstone was suddenly at his side with arms alight in an aura of warm, orange flames. ¡°Excelsior!¡± Dr. Hearthstone yelled. The pair of them just had enough strength between them to deflect the dragon¡¯s tail. Then the air suddenly smelled of ozone, and they heard the crackle of lightning as it flashed in the sky. Krak-ka-boom! Sam glanced over his shoulder. He watched, half-in-awe and half-terrified, as Thunder leaped into the air with her hand raised to catch the jagged bolt of lighting as it streaked down toward the earth. She¡¯s so freaking awesome, Sam thought. With the lightning bolt cracking in her hand mid-leap, Thunder dived for the dragon''s head and stabbed its pointy end into the Drakon Kholkikos¡¯s snout just as the horror¡¯s head rose up in search of its prey. Krak-ka-boom! A powerful shockwave exploded outward, battering Sam and Dr. Hearthstone in strong winds and elemental energy similar to the feeling of being underneath a raging storm. Sam was quick to shrug off the jolt of pain though because he was desperate to run into the blast¡¯s epicenter to catch Thunder as she was thrown off the dragon¡¯s head. ¡°I''ve got you!¡± he yelled. And, as she fell into his arms, Sam said, ¡°Do you have to be so reckless?¡± before adding, ¡°Healing Hand,¡± in a whisper. ¡°We¡¯re in the endgame,¡± she huffed. Sweat coated her brow. ¡°Now¡¯s not the time¡­ to be conservative.¡± If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. He felt his life force drip into hers, reinforcing Thunder with his healing energy enough that they both easily dodged the red-hot flames of dragon fire surging toward them. The Drakon Kholkikos¡¯s flames chased after them like a flamethrower, and it might have caught Sam in the back too if Jackboot hadn¡¯t jackknifed the side of the dragon¡¯s head at just the right moment to divert the direction of the blast. ¡°Is it just me, or is that thing unfazed by you going nuclear on its butt?¡± Sam asked. ¡°It¡¯s not you.¡± Thunder¡¯s brow creased. ¡°That thing¡¯s scales were barely singed by my lightning bolt¡­ It must have a really strong defense.¡± ¡°I did say¡±¡ªFarsight popped up next to them¡ª¡°we couldn¡¯t beat it conventionally with just us, right?¡± She had an arrow notched to her bow. An arrow that Sam noticed had a familiar hypodermic needle for its tip. ¡°Much as I hate to credit that psycho witch, Medea had it right¡±¡ªFarsight let loose her arrow¡ª¡°we have to put that thing to sleep.¡± Even without her probability powers helping her aim, the teenage seer still managed to launch her arrow straight into the dragon¡¯s mouth, which was one Hades of a feat considering how its head thrashed around in the air like a drunk about to hurl their dinner on the floor. Sadly, the Drakon Kholkikos was no wild beast. There was an intellect shimmering behind its eyes. An intellect that was quick to shut its mouth so that Farsight¡¯s arrow harmlessly bounced off its sharp teeth. ¡°Metrokoites!¡± Farsight cursed. ¡°Language,¡± Dr. Hearthstone scolded. He too had moved to join the others who were now a safe distance from the range of dragon fire. All except Jackboot, who, in a display of daring Sam recalled seeing that first time they met, continued to harass the Drakon Kholkikos to keep its attention fixed solely on him. While Jackboot bounced around in the air to avoid the dragon¡¯s teeth, Farsight passed around the vials of high-grade tranquilizers to the others. ¡°These won¡¯t penetrate through its scales, will they?¡± Dr. Hearthstone asked. ¡°No, they won¡¯t,¡± Farsight admitted. ¡°We¡¯ll have to chuck them directly into its mouth.¡± ¡°Getting in danger-close,¡± Thunder juggled the thick vial in her hand, ¡°I¡¯m in.¡± Sam sighed. ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°The threat of sudden death with the prize just within our reach, Hades, I am enjoying this.¡± Despite her hair clinging to her sweat-coated cheeks, Thunder was smiling. ¡°I''m tired of holding back while the rest of you keep getting hurt for me.¡± She patted Sam affectionately on the arm just as she stepped past him. ¡°I can be a little more reckless tonight.¡± Thunder glanced over her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ve got you and the fleece to heal me after the fight.¡± ¡°Fair point,¡± Dr. Hearthstone agreed, as he too joined Thunder in her charge forward. Farsight, however, stayed behind, and her face was quite grave when she said, ¡°We don¡¯t have a lot of time, Herculean¡­¡± ¡°Why?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Did you see something?¡± ¡°It was right before we arrived here¡­¡± Farsight notched another tranquilizer arrow to her bow. ¡°¡­I had a vision of a great golden dragon soaring above the mist¡­¡± At her words, Sam recalled seeing a glint of gold in the sky while they traveled across the Golden Gate Bridge. It had only been for a moment, but he was sure he¡¯d seen it. Sam¡¯s brow creased. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say anything before?¡± ¡°Because I didn¡¯t want to add to everyone else¡¯s worries,¡± Farsight admitted. She aimed her bow at the dragon being harried on three sides by her friends. ¡°Contrary to what you might think, I do care about this team,¡± She pulled back her string, ¡°but I will deny it to death if you ever tell anyone I said that.¡± ¡°Guess you¡¯re not just a snarky little teenager.¡± Sam spared her a grin right before patting her on the back. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got an idea.¡± He ran forward just as she fired her arrow. Sam didn¡¯t see if it hit its mark or not though as his brain was busy recalling one of those old Saturday temple sermons. There was another version of the Drakon Kholkikos battle that was very different from Medea¡¯s sleeping potion solution¡ªan option far more dangerous than anything Sam had ever attempted before. ¡°This is Thunder''s fault¡­ She makes me believe I can do the crazy heroic stuff too,¡± Sam sighed. He reached Dr. Hearthstone, and then took the duffel bag from him. ¡°How far can you throw me?¡± Sam asked. Dr. Hearthstone spared him a glance, eyeing him up and down as he did. ¡°Far enough¡­ You want the fastball special?¡± ¡°You can never go wrong with the classics.¡± Sam secured the duffel bag around his shoulder. ¡°Just make sure you aim first, okay?¡± An aura of flames burst out of Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s muscular arms. ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± he asked. ¡°Yeah,¡± Sam said, although he didn¡¯t sound very confident. ¡°It¡¯ll be fun.¡± Dr. Hearthstone grabbed onto the back of Sam¡¯s Apollonian armor, and Sam could feel the intense heat emanating from the veteran hero¡¯s aura. ¡°Excelsior!¡± Dr. Hearthstone yelled as he lifted Sam into the air like he weighed nothing more than a sack of potatoes. Then, with a ¡°Good luck¡± on his lips, Dr. Hearthstone sent Sam up, up, and away. Sam screamed, ¡°Herculean!¡± into the sky while he hurtled through the air at breakneck speed. They must have heard him coming because both Thunder and Jackboot chose that moment to push forward as well. It was as if instinct had driven the other two to act¡ªbecause Sam certainly hadn¡¯t told them about his crazy plan¡ªbut they each sent powerful blows into the Drakon Kholkikos¡¯s underside, forcing the dragon to bellow in pain just as Sam¡¯s momentum sent him smashing into its mouth. Although neither Jackboot, Thunder, nor even Dr. Hearthstone probably realized that Sam¡¯s plan was far more reckless than simply shoving a bag full of tranquilizers into the dragon¡¯s throat. Oh, blessed, brilliant, magnanimous Athena, please let this insane idea work¡­ Sam whispered his prayer to the goddess of wisdom while he used his hands to pull the two halves of the dragon¡¯s snout even further apart, widening them enough for a man to jump into its mouth without fear of getting torn apart by those sharp teeth. Then, with a final glance at Thunder¡¯s confused face, and a whisper of, ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± Sam dove into the Drakon Kholkikos¡¯s mouth and forced the horror to swallow him whole. Chapter 110: Inside the Belly of the Beast, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TEN Inside the Belly of the Beast, Part 1
¡°Eugh,¡± Sam whispered as he slid down the dragon''s throat. ¡°It smells in here¡­¡± There was barely any air too, and what little of it he could gasp into his lungs was like breathing in the ash cloud of an active volcano. It was also poisonous, a fact the system was repeatedly warning Sam about.
WARNING! You have entered a toxic environment. It is recommended that you escape now before your HP drops to 0.
WARNING! You have been poisoned.
ALERT! [Regeneration (¦¤)] is working to counteract the poison. Please refrain from moving while healing is in progress.
Fat chance of that happening, Sam thought. I''ve got no control here¡­ The one thing Sam could do was cling to the duffel bag like his life depended on it while he rode down the pipe of the dragon''s insides.
ALERT! Regeneration has successfully repelled the poison status effect. However, it is recommended that you escape before you are poisoned again.
Sam had barely read that message when a new notification appeared to inform him that he was once again poisoned. No time then, Sam guessed. It''s now or never¡­ He wasn''t sure which part of the dragon''s insides he was in. The journey down hadn''t been that long. Sam just hoped he was in a spot where the tranquilizers would be effective. Craziest plan¡ªSam reached into the bag and pulled out one of the vials inside it¡ªand what he saw in his hand made him frown¡ªever¡­ Styx, not this one. I¡¯m not that suicidal. He returned the vial of Greek fire into the bag and then pulled out another vial. This one was also green. Seriously? Sam pulled out the third vial. Still green. That¡¯s when he realized the glaring flaw in his plan. Hephaestus'' flaming balls¡­this can''t be happening. He pulled out the fourth and final vial with wary anticipation, and it was like the fates were playing a cruel joke on him as this last vial was also green. Oh, gods¡­ Ashley must have given doc and Thunder all the blue vials... Sam puked into his brain. I didn''t think this through.
WARNING! You have been poisoned.
While he coughed from the internal battle within his own body, a new notification popped up, one Sam should have expected really.
WARNING! The temperature around you is steadily increasing.
Oh, Styx¡­ Sam hoped he''d fallen past whatever organ made dragon fire which he''d read in a science article should have been just inside the horror''s mouth. But then he remembered that dragons, despite being horrors born of the greatest greed, weren''t all wired the same way. An earth dragon was also pretty different body-wise to the more common European drakes so it was possible that whatever mechanism created its flames were further down the belly of the beast. Can I survive a blast of dragon fire at point-blank range? A new notification popped up.
ALERT! Bulwark isn''t strong enough to protect you.
ALERT! You do not have enough life force to withstand the flames of the Dragon Kholkikos''s breath.
Well, thanks for the pessimism¡­ With all the rumbling, increasing heat, and getting squished by the dragon''s fleshy inner walls distracting him, it was a wonder how Sam heard the sloshing of the liquid inside the vial. But he did, drawing his gaze toward the Greek fire in his hand. Which was when a crazy, dangerous idea lit up inside his brain. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Hey, Triple-A¡­ what are the chances I survive the Greek fire?
Chances of survival from continuous damage of Greek fire are below ten percent.
But that''s higher than dragon fire which you said I couldn''t survive, right? There was a second of pause before the system responded with...
That is correct.
Sam couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow at the half-transparent popup. You know¡­this is the first time you''ve answered my questions.
As an added fail-safe measure, the system is allowed to interact with the argonaut whenever the creator''s signal is offline.
I didn''t know that.
This information is readily available in the instruction manual.
Sam began to cough again as the rising heat was beginning to take away what little air there was around him. He would be choking soon enough. Alright¡­ten percent. I can handle that¡­right? No reply came, although Sam didn''t expect one. He knew the answer well enough. This gamble was a coin toss. Either he would burn a hole in this horror''s insides or he was going to burn up inside of it first. As for the dragon''s resistance to fire, Sam knew it wouldn''t matter. Greek fire had a unique property to it, one that made it a class-one dangerous substance in the Wardens'' books. Greek fire burned all it came across, and although a dragon''s scales might have resisted this devastating trait better, the Drakon Kholkikos''s fleshy insides certainly couldn''t. The gamble was whether or not Sam''s life force would burn out first. Way to go, Sam¡­ Put yourself in another life-and-death situation, why don''t you. The increased heat was beginning to sting his eyes, and Sam was sure the rest of him was barely managing only thanks to his gear. That wouldn''t last though. Now or never¡­ Sam hurled the green vial. It broke easily against the dragon¡¯s fleshy interior wall, its contents splashing across the dragon''s innards like toxic sludge. Emerald flames burst to life and began to spread out from the point of impact, resulting in a nasty rumble up and down the length of the dragon''s insides. It¡¯s working! Sam pulled out another vial from the duffel bag, and despite the space around him constricting, he managed to hurl the Greek fire upward, sending a shower of emerald sparks exploding into the fleshy wall above him. Um, maybe I should have kept it to just one side¡­ The one good thing about Greek fire is how it didn¡¯t create smoke while it burned. Not that Sam was safe from death by choking as the heat within this fleshy tunnel had risen to dangerous levels already. Interestingly enough, the heat wasn¡¯t coming from the Greek fire which didn¡¯t produce heat on its own, but from the dragon¡¯s belly underneath Sam¡¯s feet.
ALERT! Title [Fire Proof] is now active: You received a 10% increased resistance to fire damage.
Triple-A didn¡¯t think this was enough to save Sam¡¯s life though, which is why it also recommended Sam activate Bulwark to keep the Greek fire from burning him before he could escape his fleshy prison. Sam did just that despite knowing Bulwark¡¯s activation time wouldn¡¯t last very long. Spreading its aura across his body would drain his life force quickly¡ªa life force that was already dwindling from the constant healing of poison in his system. Come on, me¡­hang in there. The walls around Sam shuddered and shook. As if the monster was thrashing around on the outside. It was the roughest roller coaster ride Sam had ever been on, and he was puking his lunch out soon enough while wishing the world would stop spinning. I hope the others are having¡­ a better time than me¡­ From down below, the Greek fire expanded up to his feet. While from above, the emerald flames began to descend ever closer to Sam¡¯s hair. Oh, gods, I didn''t think this through. Pain licked at his skin, filling Sam with panic. If only I had Gram with me¡­ I could have sliced through this damn dragon while it burned from the inside out. Funnily enough, that¡¯s when he recalled Chiron''s words. ¡°It''ll come when you need it, kid. Not before then,¡± his master had promised. Well, I need it now¡­ So come on. Where are you?! To Sam¡¯s utter amazement, he suddenly felt something hard pressed against the palm of his right hand. He glanced down but saw nothing there apart from the Greek fire now burning against Bulwark''s aura. I can feel it though. Like it''s there waiting for me to call it or something¡­
ALERT! HP has dropped below twenty percent. It is recommended that the hero attempt to escape back through the mouth you entered.
No way that''s happening¡­but maybe¡­ maybe I can make a new hole. Sam tightened his grip on the invisible object in his hand. It was a small comfort from the pain now raising across his arm. Maybe it is all about faith. He shut his eyes to block out the sight of emerald flames dancing around him. Then, in his mind''s eye, Sam visualized the silhouette of a sword just barely within his reach. It''ll return when I need it but not before. A single word escaped his dried lips, ¡°Gram,¡± and when he opened his eyes, Sam watched the legendary relic materialize in his hand in a shower of magical sparks.
CONGRATULATIONS! You have successfully achieved your first Summoning.
No kidding... Sam coughed, and then coughed some more until blood leaked out of his mouth. The air was gone, and Bulwark¡¯s aura was beginning to wink out like a bad TV reception. However, Sam¡¯s fears had lessened. His mind was clearer. Gram was back, and with it, the promise of freedom was now literally in Sam¡¯s hand. Chapter 111: Inside the Belly of the Beast, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN Inside the Belly of the Beast, Part 2
A quick inspection of his HP told Sam he had just enough left for one explosive blow. It would be another gamble. One Sam had no choice but to roll the dice on. The problem was that Sam wasn¡¯t sure even Gram¡¯s stats were enough to pierce through to the outside of this monster¡¯s body. Not while in his hands at least. He believed something else was necessary to give his attack that extra oomph. I could have used that Elemental Weapon ability right now, he sighed. I just hope the alternative works. Sam recalled how he¡¯d used Bulwark¡¯s aura to harden around Onus¡¯s cylindrical head to amplify his attack against Chiron¡¯s giant automaton. There was also [Dragon Hunter], the title which gave Gram¡¯s wielder a 10% physical damage boost against dragon-type horrors. Stacking these abilities together with Gram¡¯s high attack stat might just be enough. Although empowering Gram would mean losing Bulwark¡¯s protection too. That meant Sam would only have seconds to pull off his attack before he was burned to the point of no return. It¡¯s do-or-die now. Sam spare a few seconds to calm his breathing as it wouldn¡¯t do him any good to be panicked now. Lesson number five, concentrate¡­ Once his breathing had calmed, Sam willed what life force he could spare into Bulwark¡¯s aura right before he pulled back the coating wrapped around himself and directed all of that energy to spread across Gram¡¯s blade. ¡°Ugh!¡± Sam grimaced as his feet caught fire. ¡°Gods, it hurts!¡± Sam endured the pain while he waited for Bulwark to completely wrap around Gram. Lesson¡­ number two¡­ Persevere. No matter the pain¡­ No matter the struggle¡­ a true hero¡­ never stops to answer¡­ the call when¡­ it is given. It wasn¡¯t just his body now, but even his mind was aflame. Yet despite this pain coursing through him, Sam still managed to tighten his grip on Gram¡¯s hilt. Then, with herculean effort¡ªone that even those silent watchers from above couldn¡¯t help but applaud him for¡ªSam swung Gram in a ninety-degree upward arc¡ªand what happened next was pretty amazing.
CONGRATULATIONS! Your innovativeness combined with your accumulated experience has unlocked a new power from the [COMBAT] tree. [Sword Aura (¦Æ)].
Much like his Mortal Fist, Sam¡¯s new Sword Aura unleased the energies of his life force in a single devastating blow. The near-invisible aura coating the sword expanded outward in tandem with his slash, creating an energy blade that carved through the Dragon Kholkikos¡¯s fleshy insides like it was nothing more than a block of swiss cheese. It¡¯s not enough! Sam growled while the dragon¡¯s ichor splashed across his face, although it didn¡¯t burn him as the solar dragon¡¯s blood had done. I need more power! The slash had gouged out dragon flesh enough that Sam could see past bone and exterior scales, but he could never have fit through this hole he¡¯d made. To make matters worse, the Dragon Kholkikos¡¯ continued to thrash around, making it difficult for Sam to maintain his stance.
ALERT! HP has dropped below ten percent. All abilities will disengage to allow [Regeneration (¦¤)] to heal you.
No! I can¡¯t stop now! Sam drove his free hand into the bloody gash he created to establish a connection with the dragon¡¯s life force. ¡°Rejuvenation,¡± he whispered.
ALERT! [Rejuvenation (¦Æ)] is now active. Your stamina points will continue to drop by [2 SP] per second while this power is in use.
As that familiar sensation of absorbing the life force of another surged across Sam¡¯s body, a flash of memories flooded into his brain he assumed belonged to the ancient human this horror had been before it became the legendary dragon that guarded Ares¡¯ grove. However, unlike the emotions he¡¯d felt with the banshee¡¯s core, the dragon¡¯s feelings seemed alien to Sam, and all he could glean from them was this great sense of disappointment which he instinctively understood was the discontent of someone who had so much but still desired more. Perhaps it was because the dragon was so ancient that Sam couldn¡¯t comprehend its memories well. He felt no pity for the Dragon Kholkikos though. This horror didn¡¯t deserve it as the banshee had. Because this thing was evil. I can¡¯t hate it though¡­ The Dragon Kholkikos didn¡¯t deserve his mercy either. Yet, Sam would still give it that. He believed that even the greediest of men didn¡¯t deserve the millennia of suffering their souls had endured from this horrific existence it¡¯s trapped in.
ALERT! HP has risen above ten percent. You are no longer in danger of deactivating your active abilities.
Good luck, hero.
Thanks, Triple-A. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. It was with compassion, not hatred, that Sam swung Gram a second time, driving the Sword Aura across the gash he¡¯d made previously. Gram ripped through a great chunk of dragon flesh, and the hole it made caused outside air to breeze into the horror¡¯s body. Oh, Styx¡­ Backdraft! The reintroduction of oxygen into an enclosed space, caused the Greek fire to rush out of the dragon¡¯s body through this same hole in an explosion of emerald flames that would also consume Sam. He screamed, but he wasn¡¯t the only one to do so. With its insides rumbling around him, Sam heard the dragon unleash a horrific, pain-filled roar. Not a death rattle exactly, but perhaps the final sigh of contentment from a tired soul that was finally free at last from the corruption that held it captive.
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
CONGRATULATIONS! You have slain the Dragon Kholkikos, earning you great fame among the pantheons.
Fame with Olympian Pantheon increased by 500.
[Because you used Gram to slay [Dragon Kholkikos], fame with Norse Pantheon increased by 300.]
Olympian Fame: 2,500
Norse Fame: 300
Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, looks upon you with favor.
Apollo, your patron, God of the Sun, looks upon you with favor.
Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, looks upon you with favor.
Ares, God of War, looks upon you with disfavor.
Sam barely read the notifications popping up around him as he was too busy trying to escape the Dragon Kholkikos¡¯s insides. And, as he began pulling himself out of the deep wound he¡¯d created in the now dead dragon¡¯s belly, he wondered how his friends felt while watching him reenact the scene of a baby alien exploding out of someone¡¯s body. Eugh. That¡¯s not imagery I want in my head right now. Sam felt a pair of hands grab each one of his, and moments later, Jackboot and Dr. Hearthstone pulled him out of the dragon¡¯s corpse. ¡°That was the most insane and astonishing and brilliant tactic I¡¯ve ever seen in my life.¡± Jackboot wiped the ichor coating his hands on his thighs. ¡°You are certifiable, mate.¡± Dr. Hearthstone gave Sam a look of astonishment that seemed strangely similar to his patented smoldering glare. ¡°I have to agree. You were very reckless.¡± But then he added, ¡°I¡¯m glad it worked.¡± They both gave Sam wide grins and patted him on the back, washing away his guilt of making them worry about him. ¡°You look like you took a bath in a tub filled with molten lava,¡± Farsight pointed out. Sam glanced down at his body, noticing quickly that much of his dark blue suit was gone, exposing heavily burned flesh that was already beginning to heal thanks to Regeneration. The Apollonian armor and greaves survived the Greek fire though. Although, from their new battered and charred look, his armor¡¯s durability must have weakened considerably. Maybe I can get Mr. Moonday to repair them¡­ I don¡¯t want to throw them away¡­ I¡¯ve gotten attached to Chiron¡¯s hand-me-downs, he thought. To Sam¡¯s relief, the bit of his suit that hadn¡¯t burned away still covered his privates so that it looked like he was wearing dark-blue, form-fitting boxers underneath his armor. However, Farsight would also point out that Sam look like a huge pervert, which to his dismay, made Thunder double over with giggles. ¡°How¡¯s it possible that only this piece of your suit survived though?¡± Jackboot wondered after he too had finished laughing at Sam¡¯s expense. ¡°It must be Onus¡¯ doing,¡± Dr. Hearthstone mused. ¡°The powerful relic¡¯s location on your belt possibly saved your crown jewels from getting burned.¡± Oh. My. Gods. The imagery Dr. Hearthstone brought up sent a shiver racing across Sam¡¯s entire body. ¡°Please don¡¯t ever say that again¡­ Seriously.¡± ¡°At least you¡¯re alive, lame-brain,¡± Thunder chimed in. As Sam¡¯s gaze focused on her, he noticed the dark circles around Thunder¡¯s eyes and the sweat coating her face so that strands of hair were stuck to her cheeks. Thunder¡¯s armor was singed in places too. Proof that the battle outside had been just as rough as the battle inside. ¡°Are you¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯ll live another few minutes¡­¡± Thunder nodded toward the corpse behind Sam. ¡°Shall we check on our spoils first?¡± Sam glanced over his shoulder and saw the thirty-foot-long corpse curled up on the ground behind him. ¡°We beat it,¡± he realized. ¡°Just like that?¡± ¡°Well, it helped that we were doing a pretty decent job out here.¡± Farsight walked over to his side to elbow him in the ribs. ¡°But I guess that¡¯s also because you were burning it from the inside with Greek fire, crazy bastard.¡± She gave him a look that Sam imagined was about half-respect and half-disbelief. ¡°You weren¡¯t planning on burning it, were you?¡± she asked in a knowing tone. ¡°No, not really¡­¡± Sam glanced up then, and he could almost swear that the stars that glittered across the night sky were twinkling just a little brighter tonight. ¡°We play with the odds the gods give us and do the best we can.¡± Chapter 112: All That Glitters is not Gold CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWELVE All that Glitters is not Gold
¡°So, what did killing a legendary dragon win us?¡± Jackboot asked. Sam, who was inspecting the half-transparent screen only he could see, recited the spoils out loud for his crew as it was much faster than having to rummage through the dragon¡¯s corpse. ¡°Four thousand Golden Drachma,¡± he whistled, ¡°and a¡­¡± Sam¡¯s eyes widened as he read the second spoil out loud. ¡°Five Dragon Kholkikos Teeth¡­¡± ¡°Does that mean what I think it means?¡± Thunder asked excitedly. Dr. Hearthstone picked up one of the teeth that had dislodged itself from the dragon¡¯s maw. Unlike the teeth that were still attached to the corpse, this one had a soft red glow wrapped around it. ¡°According to the legends, when planted on ground scarred by war, the Dragon Kholkikos¡¯s tooth will give birth to one of the Spartoi,¡± Dr. Hearthstone answered. ¡°Spartoi¡­¡± Jackboot repeated, frowning afterward. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you called those bone monsters we fought on the bridge?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Dr. Hearthstone answered. ¡°Which means we would have unkillable, dragon-blood warriors fighting on our side next time we face insurmountable odds,¡± Thunder added. ¡°Gaining loyal Spartoi allies is just one version of the story though.¡± Farsight picked up another one of the glowing red teeth. ¡°The other version is that the Spartoi are so unruly they¡¯ll attack their summoner too if they think that summoner¡¯s not fit to lead.¡± Sam, who had been reading the system¡¯s description of the [Dragon Kholkikos Tooth], wasn¡¯t at all surprised to discover that his teammates were more or less correct. Veteran heroes are such know-it-alls, he chuckled. ¡°How would you know¡±¡ªJackboot also picked up a tooth¡ª¡°if you¡¯re incapable of being their leader?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t¡­¡± Thunder scooped up the remaining three teeth. ¡°It¡¯s a risk we¡¯ll have to take if we summon one.¡± ¡°But we¡¯ll have five chances to figure out which of us can do it,¡± Farsight chimed in. ¡°And we¡¯re all heroes.¡± Thunder tossed Sam two of the teeth. ¡°We¡¯re all capable of being leaders.¡± ¡°Believe in yourself, huh¡­¡± Sam glanced down at the teeth in his palm. ¡°Wait, why¡¯d you give me two of them?¡± ¡°Because you dealt the killing blow. It¡¯s only fair you get a bonus,¡± Thunder answered. Sam could tell from the smiles on their faces that everyone agreed with her. So he accepted their gesture with a grin and a ¡°thank you¡± on his lips. ¡°We¡¯ll split the gold four ways too,¡± Thunder added. ¡°But¡­¡± She knelt next to the dragon¡¯s corpse, and Sam could see from the way her legs shook that even that bit of movement had become a struggle for her. Thunder reached into the hole Sam had made in the dragon¡¯s scales and then pulled a brightly glowing red stone the size of a bowling ball out of its innards. ¡°Blimey, that¡¯s a horror¡¯s core,¡± Jackboot whistled. ¡°And it¡¯s bloody gigantic.¡± ¡°That¡¯s about the right size for an ancient dragon core, Jack.¡± Farsight took the horror¡¯s core from Thunder¡¯s hands so she could put the glowing red crystal into another duffel bag. ¡°This will sell for a lot of drachma in the OTC. Assuming we don¡¯t want to keep it.¡± ¡°Um,¡± Sam raised a hand, ¡°I don¡¯t think we should sell it. I¡­¡± He didn¡¯t need to finish his sentence. Thunder, Dr. Hearthstone, Jackboot, and yes, even Farsight, all had looks of understanding plastered on their faces. Although Farsight would complain seconds later that Sam was, ¡°Too much of a goody-two-shoes.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Thunder said. ¡°There are other things we can sell in the OTC.¡± ¡°Such as?¡± Jackboot prompted. ¡°The spoils the gods provided were pretty good this time,¡± Thunder patted the dragon scales, ¡°but this corpse is also a treasure throve¡­ Do you think we have time to farm it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t see why not.¡± Dr. Hearthstone pulled a shiny cylindrical object out of his utility belt. ¡°You don¡¯t need me and Jackboot for the next part. We can take care of the corpse.¡± He shook the object in his hand and activated the mechanism that transformed its metal cylinder into a four-foot harpoon-like tool Sam knew was used for skinning horrors. ¡°Not that I mind doing grunt work now and then,¡± Jackboot scratched the back of his mask, ¡°but I don¡¯t have farming tools on me at the moment.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got you covered.¡± With none of them noticing she¡¯d even left, Farsight returned from her little hop over to the Argus VII and dropped another duffel bag by Jackboot¡¯s feet. ¡°Our chariot¡¯s fully stocked with everything we might need for this grand adventure.¡± If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Then she made a shooing motion at Sam and Thunder. ¡°I¡¯ll supervise these guys. You two get on with it already,¡± she instructed. ¡°You¡¯re not coming to help us?¡± Sam asked, his brow creasing slightly at the thought of the next hurdle of this treasure hunt. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be much help with my gifts on the fritz.¡± Farsight shrugged. ¡°Besides, you¡¯re the expert on riddles.¡± Farsight glanced warily up at the red-tinged sky. ¡°You should hurry,¡± she added. ¡°We don¡¯t have much time left¡­¡± ¡°What does that mean?¡± Thunder asked as she let Sam help her up to her feet. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you later,¡± he said while he took her hand in his. ¡°Come on.¡± Sam wasn¡¯t sure when it happened but he¡¯d stopped feeling embarrassed over holding Thunder¡¯s hand. It just felt natural now. The winks he got from his friends still made his cheeks turn a bright shade of red though. ¡°Go do your jobs already,¡± he sighed. Soon enough, the pair of them were standing underneath the tall tree at the far end of Ares¡¯ sacred grove with both of them looking up at the numerous glowing objects hanging from its many branches. ¡°I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re finally here,¡± Thunder said, slightly breathless. ¡°Yeah¡­finally.¡± Sam¡¯s gaze moved from one golden fleece to the next. ¡°They don¡¯t all look alike, do they?¡± ¡°No,¡± Thunder agreed. ¡°There are slight differences, I think.¡± She pointed to the fleece hanging from the lowest-hanging branch. ¡°That one¡¯s glow is weaker than the others,¡± she said. Then she pointed to the fleece hanging on the branch above the first one. ¡°That one¡¯s fluffier than most of the other fleeces,¡± she explained. ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re slight, but each one is different from the next,¡± Sam agreed. ¡°So how do we tell which one is the real Golden Fleece?¡± Thunder asked. Sam was eyeing the fleece at the highest branch. It was twinkling more than the others because of the jewels embedded along the lining of its edges. ¡°What about that one?¡± he asked. Thunder followed Sam¡¯s line of sight, but then she frowned. ¡°That¡¯s way too gaudy to be the fleece, right?¡± ¡°Hold on. I think I¡¯ve got something that might help.¡± Sam tapped a finger on the right side of his mask, and his vision shifted from full color into shades of gray. ¡°Let me see the unseen.¡± Seconds ticked by while he scrutinized the two dozen fleeces hanging on the tall tree¡¯s branches, but not even Hawk Vision could tell them apart as the glowing golden aura that usually signified an important clue for Sam¡¯s missions was coating all the fleeces on the tree. Feeling even more confused now, Sam tapped on the button again and deactivated Hawk Vision. ¡°Sorry¡­ I can¡¯t tell the difference even with the Mask of the Argonaut¡¯s help,¡± he admitted. ¡°What about¡­¡± Thunder frowned when she couldn¡¯t say its name out loud. ¡°¡­your friend.¡±
Per the creator¡¯s instructions, the system cannot assist the hero in this challenge. He must prove himself worthy of completing this mission without the system¡¯s support.
Sam reported this to Thunder, although he had to tweak his words a bit to not activate Triple-A¡¯s censorship clause. ¡°Should we just try them all?¡± Sam wondered aloud. Thunder shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think the Legends of Liberty would have set it up like this if it were that easy.¡± ¡°You think they¡¯re boobytrapped?¡± Sam guessed. ¡°Probably,¡± Thunder answered. ¡°Most likely, if we pick the wrong one¡ª¡± ¡°We won¡¯t get to pick again,¡± Sam finished for her, his brow creasing. ¡°It¡¯s like sailing without knowing the direction of¡ª¡± A thought occurred to Sam. He was lost and needed to find his way¡ªand didn¡¯t he have just the tool to help him navigate in the darkness? Could the ¡®key¡¯ in the riddle mean more than simply opening the way into the grove? ¡°I really hope¡±¡ªSam pulled the sunstone out of a pouch on his utility belt¡ª¡°this works.¡± He raised the sunstone high, pointing it at each fleece hanging on the tall tree. However, it wasn¡¯t until he aimed the sunstone toward the middle branches that a blinding light flashed within the sunstone¡¯s crystal. It was so bright that Sam and Thunder were forced to shut their eyes from the flash. Sam dropped his hand, and the blinding light winked out, allowing him and Thunder to open their eyes once more. ¡°Did you see where¡ª¡± ¡°There.¡± Sam pointed a finger up at one of the middle branches. ¡°I think that¡¯s it.¡± The object hanging from this particular branch wasn¡¯t what Sam and Thunder expected a legendary relic would look like. Compared to its neighbors, this fleece looked simple, worn, and very battered. The gold of its coat was dull and tarnished. Its ram skull hood had cracks along its bony surface too. ¡°Have you ever seen that really old movie, The Last Crusade?¡± Thunder asked. Sam glanced sideways at her. ¡°You¡¯ve seen Indiana Jones?¡± Thunder nodded. ¡°Remember that scene where Indy and his dad find the Holy Grail?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Sam¡¯s eyes widened in realization, ¡°it wasn¡¯t one of the shiny ones encrusted with jewels¡­¡± ¡°The grail was just a simple clay cup,¡± Thunder finished for Sam. She finished with, ¡°All that glitters is not gold¡­¡± Thunder turned her head his way and gave Sam that smile that just warmed him up inside and left him hopeful for a bright future. ¡°You chill,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll go get it.¡± Sam found it surprising that he only needed to jump up and reach out for the fleece for it to come into his possession. No traps or seals kept him away, which was surprising considering who had put the fleece there in the first place. Interestingly enough, as soon as Sam pulled the fleece off its branch, its many copies vanished from sight. ¡°I guess we got the right one,¡± Sam said. Apart from its ram¡¯s skull hood, the Golden Fleece really didn¡¯t look like anything special. Just a simple-looking fluffy cloak one might wear to shield themselves from the cold tickle of winter¡¯s breath. Well, that¡¯s if you ignored the fact that it had lost its dull sheen and was now shimmering like stars were hiding underneath the golden material. However, this brilliant glow was not what kept Sam¡¯s eyes glued to the ancient relic. He was holding it in both hands, and even without Triple-A¡¯s help, Sam could sense the power coursing within the Golden Fleece. ¡°This is¡­celestial life force,¡± he realized. It felt a lot like the lightning bolt he and Thunder had absorbed from the Liberty Bell, but way more vigorous and far more refined. ¡°Which god do you think empowers this thing?¡± Thunder¡¯s hands brushed against the fleece. Sam shut his eyes to try and get a better sense of the origins of the Golden Fleece¡¯s power. It didn¡¯t take long for him to hear the crashing of waves against rocks and taste sea salt on his tongue. ¡°Poseidon,¡± Sam answered as he opened his eyes. ¡°I can feel the life force of the sea in this relic¡­¡± ¡°It makes sense¡­ The sea nurtures all kinds of life above and underneath it,¡± Thunder replied. ¡°And Poseidon also fathered the golden ram Chrysomallos whose wool was used to make the relic.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t even want to know how a god gets a ram for a kid,¡± Sam sighed. ¡°It¡¯s an interesting story,¡± Thunder began, ¡°Poseidon morphed into a¡ª¡± ¡°Nope,¡± Sam quickly cut her off. ¡°I don¡¯t need to hear that story.¡± He noticed that Thunder was smiling wryly back at him. Her eyes looked different too. He wasn¡¯t sure, but Sam thought they¡¯d lost some of the sadness that had been their default since Thunder was first hospitalized. Now, Thunder¡¯s eyes seemed filled with hope. ¡°Are you ready?¡± Sam asked. ¡°I¡¯m always ready.¡± Tears were beginning to pool underneath Thunder¡¯s eyes. ¡°Are you ready to keep your promise?¡± ¡°This time¡­¡± Sam returned her wry smile with his smug grin. ¡°¡­I¡¯ll heal you of the Blight.¡± Chapter 113: The Golden Fleece CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN The Golden Fleece
Ridding Thunder of the blight was easier said than done. Mostly because Sam didn¡¯t know what to do after he¡¯d retrieved the Golden Fleece. Am I supposed to wear it? he wondered. Sam wished Chiron was here to help him, but his master had been silent since they left him behind in the forests of Oregon. Sam had the next best thing though. The repository of knowledge Chiron had given him. Triple-A, a little help here, please¡­
Lay [Thunder] on the ground and then place the Golden Fleece over her body to maximize the effectiveness of the healing process.
Sam and Thunder did as the system instructed. She lay on her back and then he lay the fleece over her, covering her from neck to just below her legs. ¡°Feels like Deja Vu,¡± Thunder said. ¡°What does?¡± Sam asked. ¡°This,¡± she answered. ¡°Just like the first time we met.¡± Sam recalled their first meeting where Thunder lay dying on the ground and he was powerless to help her. He remembered the desperation in her voice when she spoke the Argonaut¡¯s oath and passed Triple-A¡¯s system to him. He remembered that he wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about making a blood pact with one of America¡¯s top heroes. Now, however, as Thunder¡¯s eyes gazed up at Sam with pride, he was glad that she¡¯d chosen him. He was thankful for all the things that had happened between them since their fateful encounter that night in the Bronx. And today, Sam would prove that Thunder made the right choice in believing in him even when he held no belief in himself. ¡°Relax, I¡¯ve got this,¡± Sam promised. Although he looked very anxious and needed to repeat his favorite mantra. ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Thunder said right before she shut her eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve got this.¡± Blessed Aphrodite, she¡¯s so beautiful¡­
It is recommended that the hero remain focused on the task at hand.
I know, I know¡­ sheesh, it¡¯s like I¡¯ve got Ash in my head now. Sam sighed. By the way, what¡¯s our percentage of success here?
Fifty-fifty...
Great¡­ another gamble.
Life is a gamble.
Where in Hades did you hear that?
The creator often expresses this particular quote whenever he goes all-in on a high-stakes poker game. Incidentally, his success rate in poker is below fifty percent. This makes [Herculean] a more able gambler than the creator as you are often putting your life on the line in schemes with low success rates and yet still manage to accomplish your goals without suffering death.
I¡­thanks, I guess? Sam raised an eyebrow at the floating notification. Wait¡­ you don¡¯t help?
The creator does not like to cheat¡­unless he bets one of his mint condition Basketball cards out of desperation, and then all thought of honor is lost in the shuffle.
Sounds like Chiron alright, Sam sighed. Okay, enough about the centaur¡­ What do I do now?
Lay your hands on the Golden Fleece.
Sam placed both his hands over the fleece. Now what?
Activate [Healing Hand (¦£)] and weave your life force into the Golden Fleece. Let your life force combine with the celestial energies abundant within the relic to ignite a powerful wave of healing energy that you can use to cure Thunder of the Blight.
Okay¡­ Here goes nothing. Sam squeezed his eyes shut and began to cast his primary gift. ¡°Healing Hand.¡± He pushed his life force into the tips of his fingers and weaved this energy into the Golden Fleece¡ªand that¡¯s when he felt the fleece¡¯s energies pull against him. The pain was immediate and violent. As if a black hole had sprung to life before Sam and was sucking the lifeblood from his veins. ¡°Ugh,¡± Sam gasped. He struggled against the Golden Fleece¡¯s gravitational force only to feel himself being smashed into the ground by a tidal wave of celestial energy threatening to drown him in its depths.
ALERT! Celestial life force energy has entered your body and is now attempting to devour you.
¡°No,¡± Sam gritted his teeth. ¡°I won¡¯t¡ª¡± Tendrils of celestial energy latched onto Sam¡¯s inner self, pulling him into a glowing golden ocean that stretched out from one end of the horizon to the other. Oh, gods! Sam could feel himself drowning within the Golden Fleece¡¯s power. Wasn¡¯t this supposed to go the other way around?
ALERT! The system is attempting to transfigure the celestial energy into a more refined state suitable to the task the hero requires.
Hurry, Triple-A! I don¡¯t know how much longer I can last¡­ It was subtle at first, but the tug against his back gradually got stronger. Slowly, Sam was pulled up to the surface of that golden ocean, allowing his head to clear the water so that he could gulp down that much-needed breath of fresh air.
ALERT! The system has managed to restrain the celestial life force from threatening the hero¡¯s life but is unable to refine the energy of the Golden Fleece into a more suitable wavelength. Perhaps this is a task only the healer can achieve.
Thanks for the assist¡­ I¡¯ll take care of the rest.
Will you be able to do it this time?
¡°Yeah,¡± Sam promised. ¡°I can do this.¡± With the thought of rescuing Thunder driving him onward, Sam sent his inner self plunging back into that golden ocean of swirling celestial life force so that he might smash the Golden Fleece into submission. Thus began a tug-of-war between himself and the Golden Fleece that seemed to last days inside his mindscape, although only seconds would pass in reality. Come on, you piece of satyr-shit! Give up and lend me your power already! If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Inch by inch, Sam pulled and pulled, struggling against a mountain that seemed unwilling to bend to his will. But then, just as his mind began to grow weary, he felt the rebellious energies of the fleece begin to give way to his resolve. Until at last, the Golden Fleece acknowledged Sam¡¯s inner strength to be worthy of its gift, and power like Sam had never felt before surged into him. It was nothing like the fiery strength of Herculean exploding across his body. This new energy surging into Sam was comforting like the warmth of a hearth on a chilly night.
CONGRATULATIONS! You¡¯ve assimilated the celestial life force within the Golden Fleece with your own, temporarily boosting the potential of [Healing Hand (¦£)] into [Healing Hand (¦¸)].
H-holy Zeus¡­ Sam¡¯s eyes flew open and within the depths of his teal irises were two points of softly glowing golden light. I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m an Omega now?!
Emphasis on temporary.
I know, I know, but¡­seriously? An aura wrapped around his body, bathing his surroundings in golden light.
You can now use this power to heal Thunder of her [Blight] condition.
¡°About damn time.¡± Sam¡¯s grin was as wide as it¡¯s ever been. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± *** Back in his mindscape, Sam could finally see the hated Blight. Its coils of smoky black tendrils snaking across Thunder¡¯s body, wrapping tightly around her limbs, waist, and neck. These tendrils anchored her to an inky ground and kept her away from the storm cloud high above them which Sam guessed was his mind¡¯s representation of her gift. When Sam raised his arms, golden light, bright and warm like the afternoon sun, blazed out of his palms. They lit up the darkness surrounding Thunder, spearing the black tendrils that clung to her body and weakening their hold on her. Meanwhile, in reality, Sam could feel Thunder¡¯s body convulsing underneath his palms. His left eye blinked open just in time to watch as black veins spread across the skin of Thunder¡¯s neck. These black veins crept up the side of her face, and the longer they grew, the more Thunder¡¯s body shuddered. ¡°Hold on,¡± Sam begged. He shut his eye and yelled inside his mind, I need more power! The Golden Fleece¡ªwhich within Sam¡¯s mindscape hung over his shoulders like a cape with its ram¡¯s skull hood up over his head¡ªheard Sam¡¯s plea and offered more of its energies to him so that the golden light flaring from his palms shone even more brilliantly. More! Teal-colored sparks exploded out of Sam while he drew on more of his life force to supplement the Golden Fleece¡¯s power. Give her back! Sam screamed. He shoved his arms forward as if he were pushing against a heavy door, and slowly, the darkness began to give way to his strength. Bathed in such bright light, many of the black tendrils around Thunder¡¯s body slackened and then dissipated like ash in the wind. Sam pushed forward, forward, ever forward, until he found himself standing before Thunder. She was standing now while bathed in the golden light emanating from Sam¡¯s palms. ¡°About time, lame-brain,¡± she said in a playful tone. A flash of memory struck Sam; one where he¡¯d promised a bunch of young, inexperienced heroes that he would heal them. It was guilt born of this unfulfilled oath that had forced Sam into early retirement. But now, with his promise to Thunder moments away from being fulfilled, Sam could feel a part of that guilt disappear. As if the ghosts who haunted him approved of his growth. ¡°A hero¡¯s never late.¡± Sam reached out for her, and with a strength reinforced by the Golden Fleece, he ripped off that last wispy black tendril clinging to her neck. ¡°We arrive precisely when we mean to.¡± *** As Thunder opened her eyes, she found Sam¡¯s face inching closer toward her. ¡°Sam?¡± she called uncertainly. He probably didn¡¯t mean to do it. It was more of an instinct that drove Sam to lean down¡ªand with Thunder¡¯s eyes widening in surprise¡ªhe pressed his lips against hers. To the surprise of their unseen spectators, Thunder gave into him, opening her mouth so she could kiss him back. Now, this wasn¡¯t Sam¡¯s first kiss¡ªthat was a hilarious tale of middle school foolhardiness that deserved its own telling¡ªbut this kiss was unlike any that had come before it. It wasn¡¯t just butterflies in his stomach or rainbows and sunshine in his heart. This was poetry seared into his brain. This was possibility exploding into infinity. This was the big bang of big bangs. And, with the way she kissed him back, Sam guessed that Thunder was feeling the very same things he did. He wasn¡¯t sure how long they¡¯d locked lips. Only that he felt disappointed that their kiss didn¡¯t last forever. Soon enough, Sam felt Thunder¡¯s hands on his shoulders. She pushed him off her, and he didn¡¯t resist. I guess now¡¯s still not the right time, he thought. Thank gods Chiron wasn¡¯t here to see me fumble¡­ It was a thought that ruined this thrilling moment, and Sam found himself suddenly embarrassed by what he¡¯d done. He sat up quickly with cheeks that were even redder than an apple¡¯s skin. ¡°S-sorry,¡± he stammered. ¡°I¡­I was caught up in the m-moment.¡± Thunder also sat up in a hurry, and her face was just as red as his when she admitted, ¡°I¡­I was too.¡± They stole glances at each other, neither of them catching the other¡¯s eye for a while. But when their eyes finally met, it was like a dam had cracked open and they laughed and laughed and laughed until embarrassment washed away from them and they were smiling widely at each other. ¡°O-okay, I take it back¡­¡± Sam¡¯s hand reached out for Thunder¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡­I¡¯m not sorry I kissed you.¡± Thunder intertwined her fingers around Sam¡¯s. ¡°It¡¯s about time you show initiative, lame-brain.¡± Sam imagined that they might have kissed a second time if only he wasn¡¯t suddenly waylaid by several notifications popping up between them. The one that caught his eye first was the golden pop-up that usually meant a god was DM-ing him.
[Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Friendship, rejoices in seeing the hero finally succeed in romancing his lady fair. The goddess now looks upon you with favor and urges you not to waste the opportunity you¡¯ve been given.]
Fame with the Greek Pantheon increased by 300.
Current fame: [Olympian: 2,800] [Norse: 300]
¡°Um, apparently, Aphrodite liked our kiss,¡± Sam revealed. ¡°And¡­she thinks we should do it more.¡± ¡°Uhuh.¡± Thunder raised an eyebrow at Sam. ¡°You realize it¡¯s blasphemy to put words in a god¡¯s mouth?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m being serious here.¡± Sam pointed to the smaller golden notification that only he could see which he read out loud, ¡°Don¡¯t be like your foolish ancestor and waste this opportunity, scion of Apollo.¡± ¡°You¡¯re an idiot, Sam,¡± Thunder said, laughing afterward. Another notification popped up, one Sam was glad to finally see as it meant his mission was a success.
CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed the special mission [A CURE FOR THE BLIGHT]. Your fellow Argonaut [Thunder] is now back to full power, allowing her to return to the duty that cannot be forsworn.
REWARD ONE: 1x Thunder Heroic Age action figure (12in) OTC exclusive item.
The figure of a longer-haired Thunder in her first costume which sported a miniskirt instead of the pants she now wore appeared in his mind¡¯s eye. Holy Zeus, it¡¯s almost as beautiful as the real thing, he thought. I can¡¯t wait for the OTC to deliver it to me. ¡°What¡¯s with that dopey grin?¡± Thunder asked. ¡°Nothing!¡± Sam waved away the floating window. ¡°And, um, I just cleared your special mission¡­¡±
REWARD TWO: [CAPRICORN] Bond has leveled up! Tier 2 [ELEMENTALIST] Tree is now available. You now have an increased affinity for the lightning element.
¡°Hey, our bond¡¯s gotten stronger, too,¡± Sam grinned. Thunder was giving him a look that clearly said, ¡°Duh.¡±
BONUS REWARD ONE: You have received 10 attribute points.
BONUS REWARD TWO: The companion mission [THE LOST THUNDERBOLT] is now available!
¡°By Apollo, I think we¡¯ve got a new mission too,¡± Sam revealed. Thunder raised an eyebrow at him. ¡°We?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Sam had tapped the quest details, but most of it was redacted save for a single line, ¡°Although it remains lost to the eyes of the King of Olympus, the bolt that slew the titans still exists¡­waiting for one blessed by the storm to claim it for themselves.¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± Excitement flitted across Thunder¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯ve got a mission to search for the first lightning bolt?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve got a mission,¡± Sam corrected. ¡°It¡¯s a companion quest so I probably can¡¯t complete it without you.¡± ¡°Or¡±¡ªThunder glanced at the spark dancing across her palm¡ª¡°it might be our next big adventure.¡± ¡°Um¡±¡ªSam pointed at the fleece in Thunder¡¯s lap¡ª¡°you know we¡¯re not done with this adventure, right?¡± Yes, healing Thunder had been a success, but their mission had evolved to include keeping the Golden Fleece out of the clutches of Chimera¡¯s goons. ¡°We can¡¯t let Medea or Apex steal this,¡± Sam said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sam.¡± Blue sparks came to life inside the depths of Thunder¡¯s eyes, hinting at power Sam had never seen before. ¡°We¡¯ve got this.¡± Strangely enough, this was the moment the Fates decided to put her words to the test. A roar, one they¡¯d heard many times before, assaulted their ears. Moments later, a great, golden dragon descended from the sky. Chapter 114: The Girl That Time Forgot, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN The Girl That Time Forgot, Part 1
The golden-scaled dragon touched down at the edge of the grove just ten yards to the left of where the Argo VII was parked, effectively cutting off the team¡¯s escape route. Although, with the way they were now standing shoulder to shoulder with weapons and powers at the ready, it didn¡¯t seem like the crew of the Argo VII had the thought of escape on their minds. ¡°I thought you couldn¡¯t find the grove without the bloody key?¡± Jackboot asked. His suit was caked in dragon ichor. It smelled of entrails, too. Funnily enough, everyone but Thunder appeared in a similar state, making them look like a gathering of extras in a zombie TV show rather than the heroes they were. ¡°Medea,¡± Sam and Thunder said together, to which Farsight added, ¡°Duh.¡± ¡°That¡¯s possible. The sorceress has been known to bypass even the most powerful magical locks.¡± Dr. Hearthstone just finished putting his material farming tool back into his utility belt. ¡°We can ask them how they managed it¡­after we¡¯ve beaten their faces black and blue.¡± ¡°I like that idea,¡± Farsight said. ¡°Hold on, what happened to the other dragon?¡± Thunder asked Sam. ¡°Did you kill it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think so, but I hurt it pretty badly,¡± Sam admitted. ¡°And I think it got sucked into the same abyss that took me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s one less thing to worry about then,¡± Jackboot chimed in. ¡°Might make this an easier fight,¡± Dr. Hearthstone agreed. Sam frowned. ¡°Um, you guys see who¡¯s riding that thing, right?¡± Two villains rode on the chariot saddled to the solar dragon¡¯s back, and the sight of Medea and her companion sent Sam¡¯s danger-sense tingling like never before. There was the tall, gaunt, dark-haired woman with the doll-like face in her all-white blouse and skirt that barely hid her shapely figure. A thick sash was wrapped around her waist that pressed various instruments of witchcraft to her body. ¡°Hello again,¡± Medea called in a genial tone that belied the hostility in her eyes. She waved excitedly at Sam and his friends before her gaze took in the length and breadth of the grove. ¡°How strange¡­ I never thought I¡¯d visit this place ever again,¡± Medea said, sounding almost wistful. ¡°I¡¯d left so many fond memories here.¡± As her violet eyes zoned in on the thirty-foot corpse lying on the ground behind the line of heroes, the creepiest smile Sam had ever seen appeared on Medea¡¯s face. ¡°I see you¡¯ve slain the Dragon Kholkikos.¡± She clapped her hands before continuing with, ¡°I would have just put it to sleep¡­ That¡¯s what we did, you know. I and my beloved husband, the first¡±¡ªMedea¡¯s voice grew harsh as she said the next part¡ª¡°and absolute worse of the Argonauts.¡± ¡°Some might say the same thing about you¡­except you were never an Argonaut, were you, Medea?¡± Thunder piped up. ¡°I may not have been part of that all-male band of weak-minded, self-indulgent fools, but it was my magic that ensured their quest¡¯s success¡­ And what did Jason do?¡± Actual tears were beginning to pool underneath Medea¡¯s eyes. ¡°He shacks up with the first royal floozy thrown at him, banishing me and our children from our home!¡± Medea wiped away her tears with the sleeve of her blouse. ¡°I am the victim here¡­ can¡¯t you see that?¡± she sniffled. ¡°I am the woman scorned, abandoned by the man I loved¡­thrown away after a lack of use and old age made me undesirable to his eyes¡­¡± The sadness in Medea¡¯s voice made Sam take pity on her because he could hear the sincerity in her words. Thunder, however, wasn¡¯t so easily swayed by the appeal of the sorceress. ¡°Whatever pity you earned from Jason¡¯s repulsive behavior dried up with all the people you¡¯ve murdered across the centuries,¡± Thunder argued. ¡°Not to mention the mountain of crimes she¡¯s racked up,¡± Farsight chimed in. Medea¡¯s weepy expression vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, unapologetic face that brought with it the truth that she wasn¡¯t depressed over her sordid past. She was acting this whole time. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. ¡°Everyone¡¯s a critic.¡± Medea rolled her eyes exaggeratedly at Thunder. ¡°You don¡¯t deserve our pity, sorceress,¡± Thunder reiterated. Her eyes narrowed. Medea sighed exaggeratedly. ¡°My, my¡­ such hostility.¡± Her dragon lowered itself to the ground so that she and her companion could hop off it in a dignified fashion. ¡°Can¡¯t we all just get along?¡± she asked, her eyes drifting from Sam to Thunder and then back to Sam. ¡°Besides, haven¡¯t you already completed your task? I can tell from her spunk that your friend has been cured of her illness.¡± Medea raised a beckoning hand toward Sam. ¡°There¡¯s no need to fight. Can¡¯t you just let us have the Golden Fleece?¡± she asked in a voice that was like honey to Sam¡¯s ears. ¡°No need to fight,¡± Sam repeated lazily. ¡°Give you¡­the fleece¡­¡± He wasn¡¯t sure why, but he thought Medea made a lot of sense. He¡¯d already healed Thunder. They didn¡¯t need the Golden Fleece anymore, did they?
WARNING! [Medea] is attempting to cast [Charm] on you.
WARNING! Your intelligence score may not be high enough to resist [Charm].
ALERT! [Regeneration (¦¤)] strengthens your resistance to [Charm].
Oh, Styx¡­ So that¡¯s why my brain feels so¡­ clouded.
ALERT! You have successfully shrugged off the effects of [Charm] with the help of [Regeneration (¦¤)].
The mist that had hovered over Sam¡¯s mind cleared so that he was suddenly embarrassed by his earlier words. Thanks, Triple-A.
It is recommended that the hero increase your intelligence score to defend yourself from mental attacks in the future.
I¡¯ll consider it, he promised. Sam felt a painful jolt on his shoulder. ¡°Whoa!¡± He grimaced at Thunder. ¡°What in Hades was that for?¡± ¡°You were letting her charm you, lame-brain,¡± Thunder snapped. ¡°I already shrugged it off,¡± Sam protested. ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t know that,¡± Thunder said although she didn¡¯t look apologetic at all. Sam sighed. ¡°If only you¡¯d let yourself be swayed by my spell, we wouldn¡¯t have to get so¡­messy.¡± Medea placed a hand on the shoulder of her companion while sending an icy glare in Sam¡¯s direction. ¡°You may begin, my dear.¡± The teenage girl who wore a bronze breastplate over her white robe¡ªa style pretty similar to Sam¡¯s new look before his clothes burned away¡ªseemed the less threatening compared to the immortal sorceress. Yet, the crew of the Argo VII collectively took a step back when this girl stepped forward. Such was the menace of Pandora the 8th that they couldn¡¯t help but be wary of her and the small pithos she carried. ¡°Blessed Athena,¡± Thunder eyed the pithos warily. ¡°How can something so small radiate so much¡­ dark energy?¡± ¡°What did you expect?¡± Farsight notched an arrow to her bow, one with a glass tip that carried a spark of light inside of it. ¡°It¡¯s Pandora¡¯s Box. That¡¯s as dark as dark gets.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not really a box, though, is it?¡± Jackboot argued. ¡°It¡¯s more like a mud jar¡­ Calling it a box is just confusing.¡± ¡°You can blame Hesiod the Historian for that,¡± Farsight said. ¡°Pandora¡¯s Pithos or Pandora¡¯s Jar doesn¡¯t quite have the same ring as Pandora¡¯s Box,¡± Dr. Hearthstone chimed in. ¡°Focus, guys¡­ She¡¯s getting ready to do something,¡± Thunder warned. Interestingly enough, Sam hadn¡¯t joined in on their usual banter. He hadn¡¯t been paying attention to his friends at all. Not since he was distracted by Pandora¡¯s eyes, which, to Sam¡¯s growing unease, seemed so familiar to him. He recalled Chiron¡¯s words at the top of the Tower of Pain. ¡°You can¡¯t afford to be distracted, kid.¡± But why did he say that to me? Sam wondered. What¡¯s the connection between me and her? His worried musings, however, were drowned out by Farsight¡¯s warning. ¡°Don¡¯t let her open it!¡± Pandora the 8th¡¯s left hand was moving toward the bronze cap of the pithos she carried in her right hand. Sam and his friends quickly moved to stop her, but not even Farsight¡¯s flash arrow would reach the villain in time. That¡¯s when Sam felt the hairs on his arms rise¡ªand he let out a sigh of relief. This was his usual reaction whenever Thunder cast a lightning bolt, the kind he hadn¡¯t seen her use in a long while. Thunder hurled her jagged bolt at Pandora the 8th much like Zeus might have done to Pandora the 1st. It hurtled across the air at blinding speed to crash down on the teenage villain¡¯s head just before she could uncap her pithos. Krak-ka-boom! The lightning bolt struck the magical barrier Medea erected to protect Pandora. Although this hastily made spell couldn¡¯t completely repel Thunder¡¯s attack. It did manage to greatly weaken the bolt¡¯s power, though. However, there was enough of its strength remaining to shock Pandora, temporarily stunning the villain so that she couldn¡¯t unleash hellfire and brimstone on the heroes¡¯ heads. Thunder¡¯s lightning bolt had also achieved one other thing. It managed to eat away at the clasp of Pandora the 8th¡¯s silk shawl so that it fell off the girl and finally revealed the face hidden underneath. Sam¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­¡± Now that he could see her face, Sam recognized her instantly. How could he not when Pandora the 8th was the spitting image of their mother. Chapter 115: The Girl That Time Forgot, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN The Girl That Time Forgot, Part 2
The sight of her face, older than he remembered but still so familiar that it felt like they¡¯d only seen each other yesterday sent Sam¡¯s mind into a shock so great his whole body shook. He fell to his knees in disbelief. How was this possible? How was she here now when she was supposed to be dead?
WARNING! Your mental state has deteriorated. [Regeneration (¦¤)] cannot heal you.
Sam¡¯s mind was spiraling. He was in such a deep shock that he barely registered Thunder¡¯s hand on his shoulder. ¡°Sam,¡± her voice dripped with worry, ¡°what¡¯s wrong?¡±
WARNING! You will lose consciousness if you cannot rally.
A great big lump was stuck in Sam¡¯s throat. He puked right after a single word escaped his lips. ¡°Serena¡­¡± A memory flashed across Sam¡¯s mind, one he¡¯d been suppressing for so long that its resurfacing caused his brain to tremble worse than ever; Sam¡¯s father with his arms wrapped around Sam¡¯s mother while they cried their hearts out in front of the statue of the goddess who¡¯d stolen the joy from their family. ¡°Give her back!¡± Sam¡¯s mother had screamed. ¡°Give me back my baby!¡± Hearing his mother¡¯s voice in his mind for the first time in ages, that¡¯s what finally broke him.
ALERT! Your intelligence [35] is not high enough to ward off your mental distress.
Sam had barely read that last notification before darkness took him and he tumbled to the ground unmoving. *** ¡°Sam!¡± His father called. ¡°Come on! We don¡¯t want to be late for Serena¡¯s blessing!¡± Thirteen-year-old Sam Shepard sighed. ¡°It¡¯s not like you need me there.¡± The thought of another Blessing Day was like a reminder of his failure to receive a stronger gift from his patron, the god who had been extra-shady during their first meeting. Stupid Apollo, Sam thought. How am I supposed to find these Fated Sisters? I¡¯m only thirteen! An elbow jabbed him in the side, driving away the blasphemous musings from Sam¡¯s mind. ¡°Are you saying you don¡¯t want to see the goddess bless me?¡± his sister asked. Sam glanced down at Serena, who, at age eight, was now like the bite-sized version of their mother. They even shared the same feisty temperament. Serena was frowning. As if to imply that her blessing day wouldn¡¯t be a blessing without her big brother, and that feeling of being needed washed away Sam¡¯s resentment. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. He ruffled her hair. ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯m coming.¡± Serena reached out for his hand, and as he had done since the very first time his mother introduced him to her, Sam took his sister¡¯s hand in his and led her across the street to where their parents, Steven and Adele, waited. ¡°Are you okay, Sammy?¡± his mother asked like the intuitive mamma she was. Truthfully, the last five years hadn¡¯t been that great for Sam. Apollo had given him such a crappy gift that he was bullied in school for not being more like his amazing parents, both of whom were on that year¡¯s US top twenty hero rankings. It wasn¡¯t just the students either. Even his teachers¡ªall of them gifted like it usually was in a middle school for heroes-in-training¡ªmade Sam feel like he wasn¡¯t up to snuff. Adele Shepard, the latest recipient of the highly coveted Shieldmaiden award, learned that Sam was being bullied earlier that year. She stormed Excelsior Middle School and beat up Sam¡¯s homeroom teacher with one of her famous one-punch knockouts. ¡°I don¡¯t care if you want to sue!¡± Adele had snapped at the principal. ¡°Anyone who hurts my kid will get the business end of my fist. That¡¯s my brand of justice!¡± That was her famous tagline, by the way, one that made villains all over North America quiver in fright. One could imagine how quickly the principal had bowed his head to appease her. As for Sam¡¯s dad, he¡¯d reacted more calmly than his wife had. After smoothing it out with the school like the Peacemaker he was, Steven had flown his son up the top of the Empire State Building to dole out some much-needed wisdom to the newly minted teenager. ¡°Your mom¡¯s a little extreme, isn¡¯t she?¡± he¡¯d joked. Sam had been too mortified to laugh. ¡°I¡¯m not going back to that school, am I?¡± ¡°Not if you don¡¯t want to,¡± Steven had promised. ¡°But?¡± His father had spent a few more seconds surveying the night sky before he pointed out a constellation to his son. ¡°You know who that is?¡± Sam had taken in the sight of the man-shaped constellation that seemed to be twinkling brighter than all the others that night. ¡°It¡¯s Hercules.¡± ¡°He¡¯s your favorite, isn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because he never backed down from anything.¡± ¡°He was really brave, wasn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Sam had sighed. ¡°You don¡¯t think I should quit that school.¡± ¡°That¡¯s up to you.¡± Steven had ruffled his son¡¯s hair which was a similar dark brown as his and just as unruly. ¡°It¡¯s okay to run away when things are too hard, Sammy. That keeps heroes like us alive to try again.¡± ¡°But?¡± ¡°You run once and you might never stop running¡­ Sometimes we need to be brave and endure.¡± Steven had pointed up at Hercules¡¯ constellation. ¡°Like he was brave. Like he endured.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not like Hercules or you, dad,¡± Sam had protested. ¡°I can¡¯t leap tall buildings in a single bound. And I¡¯m not bulletproof either.¡± Sam had glanced down at the city below in frustration. He didn¡¯t like being reminded that he was nowhere near as cool as his father was. ¡°My gift¡¯s satyr-crap,¡± he¡¯d grumbled. ¡°Language,¡± Steven had scolded. They¡¯d stood there for a long while in silence before Steven wrapped his arm around Sam¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Do you know who my idol is?¡± ¡°Iron Blood,¡± Sam had answered instantly. ¡°And you know why, right?¡± Sam knew what his father was getting at, of course. Iron Blood was the only Zeta in history to ever break into the US top ten rankings. He¡¯d beaten out other Numbers¡ªthe nickname given to the top ten heroes¡ªlike White Lighter, Sealord, and Queen Raven to the seventh spot with only his wits and skills to supplement what many viewed as a lackluster power to turn his body into iron. ¡°Even with his iron body, Iron Blood wasn¡¯t particularly strong or sturdy,¡± Steven had explained, ¡°but he made up for his weakness with training.¡± ¡°Training?¡± Sam had repeated. ¡°He made up for his lack of strength by training his body in a multitude of martial arts. And he beat his enemies, from the lowest-ranked villains to the greater horrors of our age, by studying their weaknesses.¡± ¡°But didn¡¯t the gorgon kill him?¡± Steven¡¯s face had turned grave when he nodded. ¡°Then training and studying aren¡¯t enough to fight against power levels,¡± Sam had insisted. ¡°That¡¯s not true¡­ I wouldn¡¯t have managed to slay the gorgon if he hadn¡¯t been there to help me.¡± Steven had gazed at his son with pride in his eyes. ¡°Iron Blood was the greatest mentor a hero could have, and he was my best friend, too.¡± He¡¯d tapped his son¡¯s chest with his forefinger. ¡°He was a zeta like you, but that didn¡¯t stop him from doing all the amazing things that he did.¡± Steven had leaned down so that he and Sam were at eye level. ¡°You see, Sammy, it¡¯s not how powerful the gift, but what you do with it that defines you.¡± A spark of hope had grown in Sam¡¯s chest at his father¡¯s words¡ªand the memory of that time helped him to answer his mother¡¯s question with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Sam said as he swung Serena¡¯s hand back and forth. ¡°Today¡¯s not about me.¡± Adele reached out for her son¡¯s other hand, and despite being thirteen, Sam was happy to take it. He didn¡¯t know it then, but that would be the last time he¡¯d hold her hand. An hour from now, Sam¡¯s family would break apart, and the world as he knew it would never be the same again. Chapter 116: The Origins of Tragedy, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN The Origins of Tragedy, Part 1
It started with a whisper. A disembodied murmuring that all within the outer temple could hear the moment Sam and Serena walked through its bronze doors. This whisper became two, and then three, until a chorus of ghostly voices were murmuring all around them. The girl¡­ the girl¡­ the goddess claims her, they murmured, their voices becoming more insistent with each second. These whispers didn¡¯t sound friendly, and hearing them caused Sam¡¯s shoulders to shake with fear. He tried to repress his shuddering though because Serena was so frightened by the disembodied voices that she buried her head in her brother¡¯s chest and Sam didn¡¯t want his sister to think he was scared too. ¡°W-what¡¯s going on?¡± she asked. Sam could feel Serena shivering next to him, and this caused him to get over his fear. He wrapped her in a protective hug he hoped would make her feel better. ¡°It¡¯ll be okay,¡± Sam promised. ¡°Mom and dad are here.¡± Adele moved to stand in front of her children. And, like a lioness protecting her cubs, the aura she radiated promised violence to any who threatened her family. It was a stance many of her most ardent fans would argue was her default mode. ¡°What¡¯s going on, your excellency?¡± Steven asked. Sam¡¯s father moved to block the path of the priestess who approached the doors where the Shepard family were huddled. No, this was no mere representative of the goddess. Her golden robes and peacock-feathered crown were proof of her status as this temple¡¯s high priestess. This meant she was the goddess¡¯ chief representative in America because the Manhattan temples were where Olympian authority was strongest. ¡°It has been a while, Peacemaker,¡± the high priestess said in a genial tone that belied the stern look she gave him. Long, wavy red hair peppered with flecks of gray framed a stately face with a hooked nose above bright red lips. Apart from her green eyes¡ªwhich seemed to glow with the depth of knowledge and experience¡ªthere was barely any hint of age on her face. ¡°Yes, it has, Mother Malta,¡± Steven replied in an equally genial tone, which helped to draw her attention away from his wife and back to him. The white-robed acolytes to the left and right of Mother Malta gave Steven a dark look. They didn¡¯t like how easily he¡¯d called the high priestess by her old hero moniker like they were old friends, which they were. When she was an active hero, Mother Malta had been a former partner of Iron Blood, Steven¡¯s friend, and mentor. And, with the warm smile she gave Steven, it didn¡¯t seem like she minded him being informal with her. She offered her hand for Steven to kiss, which he did in a gesture of respect that somewhat appeased Mother Malta¡¯s followers. Not by much though. Because Adele, who was standing behind him, looked like she was ready for a rumble, and that didn¡¯t endear the Shepards to the acolytes. ¡°It warms my heart to see you,¡± Mother Malta expressed. ¡°For me as well, excellency,¡± Steven replied. ¡°And how is your mother?¡± Mother Malta inquired. ¡°Busy,¡± Steven admitted. ¡°But she sends her love.¡± ¡°Love?¡± Mother Malta raised an eyebrow at him. ¡°With all the years of bickering and debating on the front lines¡ªme with my scepter and Marie with her pen¡ªI imagine love would be the last word she¡¯d use in the same sentence as my name. She¡¯s slandered it enough in the papers.¡± Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Mother Malta chuckled as if remembering a fond memory. ¡°She doesn¡¯t just debate with anyone. You have to at least be a friend for that to happen,¡± Steven answered. ¡°I suppose,¡± Mother Malta replied. The girl¡­ the girl¡­ the disembodied voices whispered. The goddess claims her. No, the whispers hadn¡¯t stopped. They¡¯d only gotten louder to the point where Mother Malta swatted at the empty air in irritation. ¡°Be silent,¡± she snapped. As the voices vanished at her insistence, the air seemed to still. Even the nearby spectators moved back to what they had been doing before the arrival of the Shepards almost like someone had clicked the reset button within the outer temple. ¡°I apologize for the rudeness, Peacemaker.¡± Mother Malta stepped past Steven. ¡°This temple has too many eager ghosts in its old bones.¡± Steven made no move to stop her. Even Adele stepped aside so that Mother Malta could see the children. Although Sam noticed how reluctant his mother seemed when she moved out of the way. ¡°Ghosts?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Yes, blessed of Apollo¡­ The spirits of those mothers who served our goddess in life and continue to serve her even in death,¡± Mother Malta explained. She patted Sam on the head as a doting grandmother might have. Sam wasn¡¯t sure if this was the case though as Marie had never been that warm to him or his sister. Mother Malta¡¯s friendly manner didn¡¯t diminish Sam¡¯s unease one bit though. What kind of goddess forces people to keep working for her after they¡¯ve dropped dead? he wondered. Sam wasn¡¯t sure how Mother Malta did it, but a simple tap on his shoulder and he was suddenly four feet away from Serena. He wasn¡¯t hurt or anything, but it did feel like he¡¯d been moved without actually moving. ¡°How did you¡ª¡± His inquiry on possibly being teleported for the first time in his life would get no answer as Mother Malta¡¯s attention was already focused on his sister. ¡°And what about you, little one?¡± Mother Malta asked as she cupped Serena¡¯s cheek. ¡°Are you here to offer your service to the goddess as well?¡± Serena nodded uncertainly. ¡°Mom said you asked for me?¡± ¡°I did,¡± Mother Malta replied in that sweet, grandmotherly tone of hers. ¡°Why?¡± Serena asked, seemingly less frightened now that the whispers had stopped. ¡°Because you are special,¡± Mother Malta replied. ¡°I already know that,¡± Serena giggled. ¡°You do?¡± Mother Malta raised an eyebrow. Serena nodded. ¡°The goddess said so.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Mother Malta patted Serena on the head. ¡°She told me the very same thing.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Serena asked. ¡°The goddess came to me in a dream and told me just how special you are,¡± Mother Malta explained. ¡°She came into my dream too¡±¡ªSerena pointed at Mother Malta¡¯s crown¡ª¡°and her dress was more colorful than your hat.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Mother Malta seemed pleased. ¡°And what did the goddess tell you?¡± Serena¡¯s face turned contemplative as she thought about her dream. ¡°She said I had a big destiny and that I had big shoes to fill, but that I could do it if I wanted to.¡± ¡°If you wanted to?¡± Mother Malta repeated. ¡°Is that what she said?¡± Serena seemed hesitant at first. A second later and she shook her head. ¡°Um, she said it was something only I could do,¡± Serena answered. Sam could see from the way they gazed warily at each other that his parents didn¡¯t like where the conversation was going. ¡°Your Excellency,¡± Adele¡¯s face was filled with worry when she stepped toward her daughter, ¡°you asked us to bring Serena here, but I thought it was just her time to be blessed. I don¡¯t understand¡ª¡± Mother Malta warded Adele off with a gesture of her hand. ¡°The gods work in mysterious ways.¡± She glanced at Sam¡¯s mother, and there was no warmth in her face like there had been with the other three Shepards. ¡°It is not for us to question, but to obey,¡± she stated. It looked to Sam like his mother might have protested more at first, but then Adele stepped back¡ªa feat Sam had never witnessed before¡ªand let Mother Malta finish her examination of Serena while her husband wrapped a reassuring arm over Adele¡¯s shoulder. When she was done looking the girl over, Mother Malta offered Serena her hand. Serena glanced uneasily at her mom because even the little girl had felt the tension among the adults. Adele smiled at her daughter, one Sam noticed hadn¡¯t reached the corners of her mouth. ¡°Go with her, Rena. We¡¯ll be waiting right here for you,¡± Adele promised. ¡°Yeah, honey. We¡¯ll be here when you¡¯re done,¡± Steven added. ¡°You need not worry.¡± Mother Malta spared a glance at Sam. ¡°the goddess provides all her chosen with worthy gifts.¡± That comment stung Sam so much that he lowered his head to avoid her pitying gaze. When he looked up again, Mother Malta was already taking his sister away. Serena kept looking back over her shoulder as she was led across the spacious hall toward the other end of the outer temple where the ¡®Gates of Argus¡¯ stood guard over the inner sanctum. It was a towering bronze gate shaped in the form of a giant whose body was covered in eyes just like in the legends. Sam waved to her, and Serena waved back just as the gates opened for her and the high priestess. He didn¡¯t know it then, but that would be the last time he¡¯d see her. Chapter 117: The Origins of Tragedy, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEEN The Origins of Tragedy, Part 2
Much, much later, after the sun had already set, Mother Malta stepped out of the Gates of Argus to meet the Shepard family. But Serena wasn¡¯t with her. ¡°Your Excellency,¡± Steven bowed his head. Adele did the same, although she was quick to raise her head again and ask, ¡°Did something happen? Where¡¯s Serena?¡± Even Sam looked up expectantly at the high priestess, and he was quick to pick up on how old she suddenly looked. A pale, grave face looked down at Sam, and he knew instantly that something had gone terribly wrong. Oh, no¡­ Please, gods, don¡¯t let this be bad news, he prayed. ¡°I am truly sorry,¡± Mother Malta said in a gloomy voice that had lost some of its authority. ¡°Your daughter¡ª¡± ¡°No,¡± Adele whispered. Steven held his wife as she began to shake in place. Tears started to roll down both their cheeks. ¡°W-what happened?¡± he asked. ¡°The gift¡­ it was too strong, and neither her body nor her mind could endure it,¡± Mother Malta explained. It was rare, but there had been times in recorded history where a god¡¯s gift proved too strong for the gifted¡ªand death was the only result of such an ill paring. ¡°No, no, no¡­¡± Adele said, shaking her head as she did. ¡°Your daughter is dead,¡± Mother Malta said as she lowered her head. ¡°No!¡± Adele howled. If Steven wasn¡¯t holding onto her, Sam thought that his mother might have attacked the high priestess then and there. ¡°Where is Serena?!¡± Adele screamed. The anger flowed out of her in an aura of power that made Sam weak in the knees. This energy continued to spread out in waves so that he was thrown back by its force. His father just barely managed to keep his footing though. ¡°Where is my daughter?!¡± Adele repeated. Although her clothes billowed behind her, Mother Malta stood undisturbed in her penitent pose as if she wasn¡¯t at all bothered by the terrible wrath that might be flung her way. Her acolytes felt differently. None of them were strong enough to approach Adele while her power seemed to be on the verge of going nuclear, but they yelled for Sam¡¯s mother to ¡°Cease this shameful display of disrespect!¡± while the rougher-looking acolytes had brought out weapons they¡¯d kept concealed under their robes. ¡°Adele!¡± Steven yelled as he too was being pushed back by her power. ¡°You¡¯re hurting Sam!¡± That quelled the storm of rage she¡¯d unleashed. Suddenly, Adele was on her knees, her hands wrapped tightly around her thirteen-year-old son. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry.¡± ¡°I-I¡¯m alright, mom,¡± Sam promised. His assurances did nothing to stop her from repeating those words over and over again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Steven spent a long time gazing at his wife and son¡ªwith his face turning slowly from sorrow to concern¡ªbefore he addressed the high priestess who¡¯d remained unmoving throughout this tragic display. ¡°You said everything would be alright¡­ that the goddess would provide her chosen with worthy gifts¡­ I assumed that meant these gifts were something each blessed could handle¡ªwas I wrong?¡± Even angry, Sam thought his father sounded restrained. Like he was still playing at being one of the world¡¯s best mediators. A man who could see past his grief to think rationally. ¡°No, you¡¯re not wrong,¡± Mother Malta answered. ¡°This doesn¡¯t usually happen¡­ the goddess¡­ she¡­¡± This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Mother Malta let out a sigh, and it seemed to Sam like she couldn¡¯t say a single bad word about her patron. That just reinforced Sam¡¯s belief that this goddess was a really crappy one. She took Serena from us¡­ She¡¯s the worst god in the cosmos, he thought. Sam tasted something salty on his lips. That¡¯s when he realized that he had been crying too. This realization sent him plunging into a sea of deep sorrow which he was instantly drowning in. To keep himself afloat, he wrapped his arms around his mother¡¯s neck and wept openly. Things seemed almost a blur after that. His father scolded the high priestess for failing to protect his daughter. Steven got so angry that he¡¯d forgotten his moniker for just a moment and punched the acolyte who¡¯d tried to get between him and Mother Malta. His mother¡¯s hand reached out for the strangely-shaped gates they¡¯d dragged Serena into. Adele screamed obscenities at Mother Malta and her acolytes, claiming that they knowingly hurt Serena because she¡¯d been ¡®his¡¯ descendant, and everyone knew that the goddess hated ¡®his¡¯ bloodline more than anything. Sam didn¡¯t have a clue who this ¡®his¡¯ was, but everyone around him seemed to understand. Mother Malta vehemently denied Adele¡¯s claim though. ¡°Don¡¯t lie, you old hag!¡± Adele spat. ¡°You and your followers have dogged me all my life because I carry his blood in my veins!¡± The unveiled contempt his mother had for the temple was surprising to Sam because non-believers were usually shunned by the hero community. Adele wasn¡¯t exactly a non-believer though. She just hated this particular temple and its patron to the point that she¡¯d been reluctant to bring Serena at all. It had been Steven who¡¯d insisted they answer the summons. ¡°Your zealots took my parents from me,¡± Adele continued hysterically, ¡°and now¡­ now¡­ now¡­ you¡¯ve taken my daughter too!¡± ¡°I am sorry this happened, but the goddess¡ª¡± ¡°Hera is a spiteful creature who cares for nothing¡ªno one¡ªbut herself!¡± Adele snapped. ¡°You serve a feckless god, you godsdamn fool!¡± ¡°Blasphemy!¡± One of the acolytes yelled although he was quickly silenced by the look of anger on Mother Malta¡¯s face. ¡°All mothers are protected here¡­ Adele Shepard has every right to grieve in whatever way she wants,¡± Mother Malta snapped. ¡°Serena¡­¡± Steven could barely utter her name. ¡°Can we see her, please?¡± Mother Malta gazed at him with pity before shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ The body is currently filled with celestial energy that would be harmful to the outside world. It must first undergo a cleansing process before it is returned.¡± At her words, Sam¡¯s mother broke down. She fell to her knees. His father quickly dropped to her side and wrapped his arms around her. All Sam could do was watch as they wept for their lost child. Later. Much, much later. After his mother and father had shed way too many tears, they took Sam out of the temple and back to their home where this nightmare of a day would continue. Because that same night, unable to endure the death of her child, Sam¡¯s mother would give in to her grief and become corrupted by dark things. ¡°Is this you?¡± Adult Sam asked as he watched the scene that put an end to his childhood from a high vantage point. ¡°Did you send me here?¡± ¡°I thought your mind needed some perspective,¡± Apollo answered. The sun god with the wavy blonde hair was grinning at Sam while they floated in the air above a scene Sam wished he¡¯d never witnessed. ¡°I don¡¯t need to see this again,¡± Sam said as he turned away from this darkest of past visions. ¡°Send me back.¡± ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re ready, Sammy?¡± Apollo asked in a surprisingly concerned tone. ¡°This is some heady stuff that even makes gods like me all teary-eyed. I¡¯m surprised your therapy only lasted a year after this incident.¡± Sam glared at Apollo. ¡°What, you think my family¡¯s tragedy is some kind of drama for you gods to enjoy? Is that all we are to you¡ªentertainment?!¡± He could see it clearly in Apollo¡¯s face. That guilty look people get when the truth is thrown in their faces. ¡°Sammy¡±¡ªApollo raised his hands in surrender¡ª¡°I¡¯m not the enemy here.¡± He pointed a finger down at the scene below, brightening it up like his hand was a spotlight. ¡°That¡¯s your enemy right there,¡± Apollo said. Sam glanced down and frowned. He¡¯d seen this scene before, of course. But from a perspective of a child sneaking into his parents¡¯ room to check on his grieving mother. Not from on high like he was now, which is when Sam realized that what he thought was simply a mental breakdown resulting in the creation of an alpha-level horror wasn¡¯t as simple as he¡¯d first imagined. Adele was weeping in her bed, but she wasn¡¯t alone. The bedroom floor was gone, replaced by a pool of inky blackness that reminded Sam of the Abyss he¡¯d once fallen into. From this same darkness came a hollow voice that wasn¡¯t exactly familiar to him, but was similar enough to one Sam had heard inside the void that it was easy to believe that the two beings might have been related. This voice¡ªa scratchy and malevolent female-sounding one¡ªcalled out from the depths of that inky blackness to whisper dark things into Adele¡¯s ears. Give in to your sorrow¡­ and I will give you vengeance, it whispered. Sam watched as his mother tried to resist. Adele was strong. Even in her grief, she tried to fight off the tendrils of shadow that clung to her body. You of all people know that the gods are feckless beings. They do not deserve your faith in them, said the hollow voice. Serve me instead and I promise your daughter¡¯s death will be avenged. ¡°No,¡± Adele said, although her quivering voice was barely a whisper. Sam could see it in her face. His mother¡¯s resolve was weakening. She would give in soon. He shut his eyes. He couldn¡¯t watch this moment even though he was forced to listen to it a second time. Just give in to your sorrow¡­ and I will give you the power to bring even the gods low. ¡°Y-yes,¡± Adele whispered, causing Sam¡¯s brow to furrow when he too whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t mom¡­ don¡¯t.¡± However, she was already broken. With a final, desperate, mournful cry of passion, Adele Shepard would be no more. A familiar black cocoon of psychic energy wrapped around Adele¡¯s body, and that¡¯s when little Sam walked into the room. Seeing his mother¡¯s transformation into a horror of great despair that would later cause him so much pain, little Sam screamed. The adult Sam floating above screamed along with him. Chapter 118: Pandora Unboxed, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN Pandora Unboxed, Part 1
¡°I don¡¯t need to see the rest¡­¡± Tears were streaming down Sam¡¯s face. ¡°Please, don¡¯t let me watch him die again¡­¡± Apollo waved his hand and the scene of Sam¡¯s dark past vanished, replaced by the white-hot room where the god and hero had their first conversation months ago. ¡°Tissue?¡± Apollo asked. He snapped his fingers and a roll of tissue appeared in his hand. ¡°No thanks,¡± Sam said as he wiped at his tears with the back of his palm. It would be a while before he could ask Apollo why he¡¯d brought him into that dream. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not entirely sure,¡± Apollo admitted. ¡°This was Chiron¡¯s idea. He thought you should remember who your sister was first before meeting her again.¡± ¡°What for?¡± Sam asked. ¡°We have a saying on Olympus¡­ Chiron works in mysterious ways,¡± Apollo chuckled. ¡°But if I had to guess, then it¡¯s so you don¡¯t think too harshly of Serena joining the dark side¡­ It wasn¡¯t exactly her choice, was it?¡± Sam¡¯s brow furrowed as he glanced down at his feet. ¡°Pandora the 8th really is Serena then?¡± Apollo¡¯s silence was answer enough for Sam. ¡°What do you know of the story of Pandora?¡± Apollo asked after a while. The legend of Pandora was easy to recall because it was a parable told at every middle school as a warning to kids who liked to question adults too much or were too curious for their own good. Sam remembered it easily even now because he¡¯d been one of those kids himself. The story of Pandora the 1st was about a young woman who¡¯d been sent down from Olympus by the gods to give humanity the gift of blessings. These blessings were kept inside her pithos which must only be opened when mankind was ready to receive gifts of the gods. However, Pandora had been a little too curious for her own good. She unsealed the pithos, hoping to get a first peek at these blessings¡ªand that¡¯s when they escaped. Because of Pandora¡¯s folly, the blessings of the gods flew out into the world. However, with no one to receive them, they grew cold and spiteful, leading to their corruption from an old malevolence that had been trapped deep within the Earth since the time before the age of gods. Thus, were the first horrors born; the elder giants who embodied the very opposite of what the gods represented. ¡°And from that one mistake did humanity¡¯s fate change forever,¡± Apollo finished in a reverent tone that felt disingenuous to Sam¡¯s ears. ¡°I could have done without the narrator¡¯s voice,¡± Sam said with a shake of his head. Then he frowned. ¡°Wait, you forgot the most important part¡­¡± ¡°Did I?¡± Apollo asked, feigning ignorance. ¡°Not all the blessings left the jar¡­ one remained,¡± Sam remembered. Apollo had a lopsided smile plastered on his face now. ¡°And what blessing was that again?¡± Sam sighed. ¡°Hope¡­ Only hope remained. Only hope was incorruptible.¡± ¡°Hope¡¯s a powerful thing, Sammy,¡± Apollo said as he wrapped an arm over Sam¡¯s shoulder. ¡°With hope, man can do anything. Even reach up to the sky and grasp the stars with their fingers.¡± With his other hand, Apollo snapped his fingers. Then, with a puff of smoke, a white dove appeared on the floor of the white-hot room. ¡°But hope is a fragile thing and it¡¯s easily lost,¡± Apollo added. ¡°It needs tending. It needs¡ª¡± ¡°A nanny,¡± Sam guessed. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. He shrugged Apollo off and then stepped away from the sun god. It wasn¡¯t just because Sam didn¡¯t like hearing a lecture that had been repeated since his days in middle school, but also because Sam was afraid he¡¯d get sunburn from the intense heat Apollo¡¯s body released naturally. ¡°The first Pandora was punished for her lack of foresight,¡± Apollo stated while seemingly unoffended by Sam¡¯s brush-off. ¡°Which, ironically enough, is what her husband, the equally foolish Epimetheus¡¯s name stands for.¡± Sam waited patiently for Apollo to finish chuckling at his own joke before urging him on because he knew better than to rush a god. ¡°As for the pithos, the gods brought it back to Olympus,¡± Apollo explained. Then he frowned. ¡°But the damn thing just refuses to stay put.¡± Apollo pointed a finger at the dove that was now flying around the white-hot room. ¡°Like an eager beaver, the spirit of Hope wants to spread its wings and share its blessing with the mortal world,¡± Apollo shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t ask me where Hope gets its can-do attitude. Most of us immortals are more chill.¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not like we mortals need you gods to show initiative and be helpful,¡± Sam chimed in. ¡°Exactly,¡± Apollo grinned. Then he frowned again. ¡°I feel like you¡¯re making fun of me, Sammy.¡± ¡°Nope,¡± Sam lied. ¡°Anyways,¡± Apollo was quick to bring those pearly-white teeth back into full view, ¡°every few centuries, Hope gets all uppity inside the jar and escapes back into the mortal world, which is why¡ª¡± ¡°You need a Pandora to watch over it,¡± Sam guessed. ¡°Um¡±¡ªApollo raised an eyebrow at Sam¡ª¡°can you not interrupt me like that. It¡¯s rude, you know?¡± ¡°Sorry. Won¡¯t happen again.¡± Sam raised his arms in surrender, although he rolled his eyes at Apollo too. ¡°But why do they all have to be called Pandora?¡± ¡°Tradition,¡± Apollo answered. ¡°Tradition?¡± Sam repeated with his eyebrow arching up. ¡°The first two caretakers after Pandora the 1st were also named Pandora in honor of their family¡¯s matriarch. Why they¡¯d want to honor the person who¡¯d unleashed the Gigantes onto the world is beyond me though,¡± Apollo shrugged. ¡°Crazily enough, whenever a new Pandora¡¯s born, the Spirit of Hope descends from Olympus and attaches itself to her¡­ Favoritism, am I right?¡± ¡°But hope¡¯s in a jar,¡± Sam reminded Apollo. ¡°Being stuck in a pithos doesn¡¯t mean it can¡¯t work its magic, Sammy.¡± Apollo wagged a finger in Sam¡¯s face. ¡°Even inside its container, the Spirit of Hope¡¯s presence on the mortal plane fills you, humans, with, well, hope.¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Seriously,¡± Apollo answered. ¡°Take these last hundred years for example.¡± Apollo drew a golden line in the air, tapping on several dots along the line while he was at it. Sam recognized this as a representation of the timeline. ¡°You know what began in July of 1914?¡± Apollo asked. As he tapped on the first dot in his golden timeline, images of a battlefield began to float across the surface of the white-hot room like a projector on its four walls. ¡°World War I happened,¡± Sam answered. ¡°The war to end all wars, they called it¡ªand they were right¡­for a time. It was worse than even the Peloponnesian Wars or the sacking of Troy.¡± As he said this, Apollo looked genuinely downcast. ¡°More than twenty million deaths as a direct result of this Great War¡ªyou humans made Ares extremely happy. Although we other gods admittedly played a key role in this conflict too.¡± ¡°You weren¡¯t¡ª¡± ¡°On the bad side?¡± Apollo interrupted, shaking his head afterward. ¡°Unlike the one that came after it, I don¡¯t think there were any real bad actors in this first world war, Sammy. Just a lot of dead people on both sides.¡± Apollo tapped on the next dot, and Sam was greeted by a scene of hospital beds filled to bursting with patients who looked so sick that they seemed beyond saving. ¡°What happened next, Sam?¡± Apollo asked. As a healer himself, Sam visibly balked at these images. ¡°The Spanish Flu Pandemic happened¡­¡± ¡°five-hundred-million people infected¡±¡ªApollo raised five fingers¡ª¡°and nearly fifty million deaths¡­ It was kind of a hopeless situation, don¡¯t you think?¡± Sam nodded. ¡°That¡¯s because it was,¡± Apollo said, his tone grave. ¡°The world lacked hope because the Spirit of Hope wasn¡¯t on the mortal plane at the time.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Sam frowned, ¡°Are you saying that whenever hope is on Olympus¡ª¡± ¡°The world suffers for it?¡± Apollo shrugged. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m saying.¡± ¡°Holy Zeus,¡± Sam breathed. ¡°Ugh,¡± Apollo cringed, ¡°Please try not to mention the big boss¡¯ name while I¡¯m around¡­ I don¡¯t want him finding out about this pirate broadcast¡­¡± ¡°Pirate broadcast?¡± Sam repeated. ¡°So, you¡¯re not supposed to be talking to me?¡± Apollo sighed. ¡°I think I¡¯ve mentioned this before, Sammy, but the gods aren¡¯t supposed to be this direct when dealing with heroes. Why do you think we pay our priests¡¯ outrageous amounts of drachma to represent us?¡± ¡°To block us from nagging at you guys all the time,¡± Sam suggested. ¡°Well, yeah, that too, I guess,¡± Apollo admitted with a sheepish grin. ¡°But also, because direct interference is frowned upon¡­ So, let¡¯s try and not get me caught, yeah?¡± As Apollo tapped on the third dot, images of thousands of soldiers gathered in front of a podium decked in the colors of Nazi forces enveloped the white-hot room¡¯s walls. ¡°I¡¯m sure you remember this little scene from the documentaries,¡± Apollo winked at Sam. ¡°The moment Hitler seized absolute power and sent humanity down a path that¡ªand I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m saying this¡ªwas even worse than the great war of the previous decade.¡± ¡°But there was one big difference between the first world war and the second one,¡± Sam realized. Apollo grinned. ¡°Yeah, there was.¡± He tapped on the dot that was nearly touching the dot before it, and a scene of men and women in colorful costumes came to life on the walls of the white-hot room. ¡°Whereas World War One barely had any gifted fighting in the trenches¡­¡± Apollo let his last sentence hang in the air before his big reveal. ¡°¡­this second war also marked the beginning of the seventh age of heroes.¡± Chapter 119: Pandora Unboxed, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED NINETEEN Pandora Unboxed, Part 2
¡°The seventh age,¡± Sam whispered, his brow creasing. ¡°For the seventh time since the first, the Spirit of Hope descended onto the mortal world and gave humanity hope in the form of your predecessors; the men and women who would form the foundation of the current society you heroes enjoy today,¡± Apollo said in an upbeat tone. ¡°And that¡¯s why there was a Pandora during World War II,¡± Sam realized. Apollo nodded. Sam walked over to the floating image of a man in an all-green uniform that had all sorts of medals pinned on his chest. He wore a golden crown that was shaped like the rays of the sun, and he had a golden cape flowing behind him, too. ¡°It¡¯s him,¡± Sam breathed. ¡°Yup, that¡¯s Captain Solar, chairman of the Legends of Liberty, and my number one kid back in those days,¡± Apollo revealed. Captain Solar was blonde, blue-eyed, and had a chiseled face that just made him the perfect poster boy for what Sam had once imagined was the ideal hero. So, basically, the opposite of how Sam looked right now. ¡°But I¡¯ve read Union Jack¡¯s diary,¡± Sam remembered. ¡°Pandora the 7th was a villain just like the 4th and 5th titleholders were¡­ and now¡­¡± ¡°Well, there¡¯s a reason for that too.¡± With a snap of his fingers, the white-hot room went back into its all-white default mode so that only the soaring dove remained. ¡°As I said, the Spirit of Hope¡¯s a bit of an overachiever.¡± Apollo raised his arm so that the dove would perch on it. But the bird just continued to fly circles around his head like it didn¡¯t fancy sitting on the sun god¡¯s arm. ¡°See, it¡¯s just like this damn bird¡­won¡¯t stand still for even a moment,¡± Apollo sighed. A second snap of his fingers sent the dove back into non-existence on a cloud of white smoke. ¡°And too much of a good thing isn¡¯t always good for you mortals,¡± Apollo added. ¡°Can you imagine the kind of chaos unchecked hope could bring to the world?¡± ¡°Besides being an essential motivating force that drives human nature, you mean?¡± Sam asked. ¡°That¡¯s just one side of hope, Sammy¡­the good stuff.¡± A shadow passed over Apollo¡¯s face as if the sun was momentarily blocked by a thick cloud. ¡°Even hope has a dark side.¡± Sam frowned because a quote from a college textbook he¡¯d read for psych class sprung to mind. ¡°Hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the suffering of man¡­¡± ¡°That guy Nietzsche had it right,¡± Apollo nodded approvingly. ¡°Being too hopeful can make you biased, set you up for disappointment, and even keep mortals from reaching your full potential.¡± ¡°So, how does Pandora becoming a villain help leash unbridled hope?¡± Sam asked. ¡°You know how you mortals use sunscreen to protect yourselves from my awesome rays?¡± Apollo asked. ¡°Well, it¡¯s a similar principle. Block out all that light with a bit of darkness, Athena¡¯s proven HPF solution.¡± ¡°HPF?¡± Sam repeated. ¡°Hope Protection Factor,¡± Apollo answered. ¡°Hold on.¡± Sam crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°Are you telling me that the gods want the Pandoras to join the dark side?¡± ¡°They¡¯re not born evil, Sammy. They just choose to function in an environment where they can readily absorb darkness into their pithos,¡± Apollo explained. ¡°Just ask Pandora the 6th how much easier her life would have been if she¡¯d just been a little less pious.¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± Sam raised an eyebrow at Apollo. Apollo gazed wistfully into space. ¡°I watched that girl burn at the stake for her convictions¡­and even though I was just as proud of her as the other gods were, I wished I could have helped ease her suffering, but¡ª¡± This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. ¡°The gods aren¡¯t allowed to intervene directly,¡± Sam finished for him. Pandora the 6th¡ªlike most heroes, Sam knew her story well because the Maid of Orleans had been one of the greatest heroes of the last millennium. And, as Sam only recently learned, Joan was also one of his seniors in the Argonaut club, a hero who¡¯d held the fastest completion time on the Tribulator before Thunder came along. ¡°This is an interesting history lesson, but what does all this have to do with Serena?¡± Sam uncrossed his arms. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure our family isn¡¯t descended from the first Pandora.¡± ¡°Neither were the Pandoras after the 3rd, but they don¡¯t have to be,¡± Apollo answered. ¡°Thank the gods for that because Pandora¡¯s bloodline died out thousands of years ago¡­ they were all a little too curious for their own good just like their matriarch was.¡± Apollo visibly cringed. ¡°Most of them died horrible deaths,¡± he added. ¡°Apollo¡­¡± Sam tapped the floor with his foot. ¡°Why my sister? Why did she have to be the next Pandora?¡± That dark look passed over Apollo¡¯s face a second time when he answered, ¡°Because it was our queen¡¯s turn to pick.¡± ¡°You mean He¡ª¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say her name,¡± Apollo placed a finger over his lips. ¡°She¡¯s even more of a busybody than her husband is.¡± Apollo glanced warily up at the ceiling. He waited, waited, and then waited some more, but nothing happened. Then he let out a sigh of relief before continuing. ¡°As I was saying, this generation¡¯s Pandora was left for her to choose, and she chose your sister,¡± Apollo said. ¡°Why?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not sure,¡± Apollo sighed. ¡°Some of the other gods might say she did it out of an old grudge, but I¡¯m not so sure even she¡¯s that vindictive. What I do know is that Serena checks all the boxes for a Pandora candidate. She¡¯s smart, beautiful, and as you know, brave as Adele Shepard had been.¡± Sam felt a tightening in his chest at the mention of his mother¡¯s name. ¡°Serena¡¯s potential for a gifted was also very high. Probably because she¡¯d been born from two blessed bloodlines,¡± Apollo admitted. He eyed Sam with some sympathy, which Sam assumed had been because his potential had been rather low considering how he belonged to a bloodline of one of Apollo¡¯s children, making him a direct descendant of the Olympian god of the sun. ¡°Wait¡­¡± Sam raised an eyebrow. ¡°Did you just say two bloodlines?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t know much about your mom¡¯s family, did you?¡± Apollo guessed. ¡°That¡¯s because they were all dead by the time I was born,¡± Sam said, and then added, ¡°We were her only family.¡± ¡°True¡­but didn¡¯t she ever tell you how her first family died?¡± the sun god asked. Sam shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t think she ever wanted to revisit her past. I didn¡¯t want to either¡­ I guess we¡¯re more alike than I thought.¡± ¡°More than you know, Sammy,¡± Apollo chuckled. Sam frowned. ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°You remember your mom¡¯s gift?¡± Apollo asked. ¡°She was¡­ strong¡­ really strong,¡± Sam remembered. ¡°I remember watching her on the news this one time when she¡¯d easily lifted a bus out of the Hudson and saved the passengers inside it from drowning in the river.¡± Apollo snapped his fingers, and Sam¡¯s status popped up between them. To Sam¡¯s surprise, he watched the god manipulate the menu¡ªwhich he didn¡¯t know anyone but Chiron could do¡ªand pull up the [POWERS] list. Then Apollo tapped on the only item that was separate from the main combat tree; [Herculean]. ¡°The strength to make even the gods shudder in fear,¡± Apollo whistled. ¡°You didn¡¯t think this was a power you received out of chance, did you?¡± ¡°But Chiron¡ª¡± ¡°Told you that you were lucky, and you were,¡± Apollo nodded solemnly. ¡°Not all his descendants are blessed with Hercules¡¯ strength¡­ Not even that psychopath Apex is as strong as you could become which might even be comparable to your mom¡¯s punching power.¡± Sam gazed at the sun god like he¡¯d been speaking in riddles. ¡°Um, what?¡± ¡°Your mom, Adele Shepard, formerly Adele Hylian, was one of the last descendants born from the branch of Hercules¡¯ oldest son Hyllus,¡± Apollo spelled out for Sam. ¡°Which means you¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªI¡¯m a descendant of Hercules,¡± Sam whispered in disbelief. ¡°One of his last two descendants thanks to your evil cousin wanting the title all for himself,¡± Apollo added. The first time they¡¯d met, Sam had felt this inherent animosity against Apex that he couldn¡¯t explain. It also seemed the villain had felt the same way about Sam. He¡¯d been hunting him across the heartlands pretty insistently, after all. ¡°Does Apex know?¡± Sam asked. ¡°If he doesn¡¯t yet, he will soon,¡± Apollo said, and the god was grinning now. ¡°With the way things are going, you¡¯ll be running into each other again soon, don¡¯t you think?¡± Apollo mimed air quotes at the air with his hands. I can see it now¡­ The battle of the last Heracleidae!¡± He spoke in a tone similar to that voice Sam had heard back when he¡¯d challenged the Tribulator. ¡°Olympus+ is going to make a killing on new subs.¡± Sam frowned. ¡°Apollo¡­¡± ¡°Y-yeah,¡± Apollo smiled sheepishly back at Sam, ¡°Sorry¡­ Got a little over-excited there.¡± Sam let out a deep sigh as he didn¡¯t like being reminded about how capricious his gods were. How they seemed so much like the mortals they¡¯d created, many of whom, like Apollo, were constantly starving for content no matter how depraved the content might be. ¡°Hold on¡­¡± A thought arose on the surface of Sam¡¯s mind, one he hadn¡¯t thought about in a long while. ¡°I used the Bow of Heracles¡ª¡± ¡°Which no one¡¯s wielded since the First Crusade,¡± Apollo chimed in. ¡°¡ªand it didn¡¯t kill me,¡± Sam finished. ¡°A relic powerful enough to slay one of the Gigantes would turn a regular gifted¡¯s brain to slush, but you survived, and that¡¯s just more proof of your heritage, Sammy,¡± Apollo grinned. Then he added, ¡°Speaking of your heritage, I think it¡¯s time you were reunited with your sister.¡± He snapped his fingers, and two golden notification windows popped up in front of Sam.
NEW MISSION: HANDS OFF THE GOLDEN FLEECE!
Chapter 120: Standoff CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY Standoff
¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Sam said as he pulled himself up from the ground where he¡¯d been lying only a second ago. ¡°I, uh, just had a weird dream.¡± He reassured Thunder with a toothy smile Apollo promised would get him out of any predicament. Thunder¡¯s rising eyebrow told Sam Apollo was mistaken though, leading Sam to the conclusion that the sun god didn¡¯t have a clue about mortal women. Guy probably doesn¡¯t stick around long enough for them to get mad at him. ¡°You were unconscious for almost a minute,¡± Thunder said in a tone that sounded both worried and annoyed to Sam¡¯s ears. ¡°Unconscious, Sam¡­ And we didn¡¯t know why.¡± ¡°Only a minute?¡± Sam confirmed. Huh, I guess Apollo wasn¡¯t lying about time in the white-hot room being different from the mortal world. The others were huddled around Sam, and they all had worried expressions on their faces as Thunder had. Everyone except for Farsight that is. ¡°I told you he was fine,¡± she said before leaning in to whisper in Sam¡¯s ear, ¡°What did Apollo want?¡± Sam wasn¡¯t surprised that Farsight knew about the sun god¡¯s visit because Apollo was also her patron. She might have noticed his divine aura surrounding Sam while he dreamt. Probably. ¡°He wanted to give my mind time to absorb the, um, truth bomb that¡¯s been dropped on my head,¡± Sam admitted. Farsight¡¯s gaze drifted past Sam¡¯s shoulder, and he guessed that she understood. That was the thing about having a seer for a friend. There were rarely any secrets you could keep from them. ¡°Are you alright now, mate?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°Yeah, sorry about that¡­¡± Sam placed a hand on Thunder¡¯s shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. ¡°I¡¯ll explain everything later, but now I¡¯ve got to say hello to my family.¡± ¡°Your¡­family?¡± Thunder frowned. ¡°What¡ª¡± ¡°Just be ready,¡± Sam said. After a reassuring nod to his other friends, Sam turned around and faced the villains who seemed to have been content waiting for him to regain consciousness. It was a courtesy he hoped to return by offering them a chance to surrender before the eventual throwdown began. ¡°I see you¡¯ve finished chatting with your little helper.¡± An impish smile played on Medea¡¯s lips. ¡°You must be rather special for a god to descend into the mortal plane and protect your sanity from such mind-boggling revelations.¡± ¡°God?¡± Jackboot repeated from behind Sam. ¡°There was a god here?¡± ¡°Shush,¡± Farsight chided. Sam wasn¡¯t surprised to learn that Medea knew Apollo had visited him either. She was no seer but power radiated off this ancient sorceress like she could burn everything around her if she wanted to. Apollo had said as much. ¡°She¡¯s gone crazy over millennia-long grudges, and you can¡¯t trust a thing that comes out of her mouth, but beware, Sammy. Medea trained under Hecate herself. She¡¯s the real deal,¡± Apollo had warned. Despite this warning, Sam chose to ignore Medea¡¯s taunts as his gaze had already drifted past the sorceress to settle on the teenage girl standing on Medea¡¯s right. Pandora the 8th¡¯s face, so much like their mother¡¯s, caused Sam¡¯s heart to tighten just by looking at her. What do I say? He wondered. Hi ¡ª nice to see you again ¡ª it¡¯s been a while ¡ª they don¡¯t feel appropriate¡­ He¡¯d dreamed of this moment so many times that he couldn¡¯t believe it was actually happening. This was more than just a simple reunion though. It was a chance for him to save his sister like Sam couldn¡¯t do when he was younger. Should I just rush over and hug her? he considered. No, Medea would start casting her spells if I came close¡­ and I don¡¯t even know if Serena remembers me¡­ ¡°It is you, isn¡¯t it, Serena?¡± the words spilling out of Sam weren¡¯t planned, but they carried with them all the emotions currently churning inside of him. Love, hope, fear, sadness, and even guilt¡ªthey were all bundled up in the tremor of his voice. ¡°If I¡¯d known you were alive, I¡ª¡± Sam had taken a step forward, but he quickly stopped himself after he noticed that there wasn¡¯t even a hint of recognition in Pandora the 8th¡¯s face. Not even after Sam had called Serena by her true name. ¡°Serena, it¡¯s me¡­ It¡¯s Sam, your big brother,¡± he insisted. Behind him, Sam could hear his friends surprised reactions to his confession, but none of them interfered while he continued to reach out to his sister. He was thankful for their trust. After all, admitting that he was related to a high-profile villain that had come to steal the Golden Fleece from their team would have been a hard pill to swallow for anyone. ¡°Don¡¯t you remember me?¡± Sam asked. Pandora the 8th gave no reply. Her face remained impassive. Sam sighed, although he expected this. Apollo warned him that Serena might not know who he was. ¡°The Queen¡¯s priestesses were pretty thorough in programming the latest model,¡± Apollo had admitted to Sam. ¡°She won¡¯t remember anything about her life before her time in the temple.¡± If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Medea confirmed this too after she wrapped an arm over Pandora the 8th¡¯s shoulder and revealed, ¡°Pandora does not recognize you, Herculean, because she has no memories of you.¡± She let out a peal of laughter that grated on Sam¡¯s ears. That it reminded him so much of the Trickster¡¯s mad cackle worried Sam some more. He¡¯d had his fill of crazy, and he wasn¡¯t looking forward to dancing with another villain of the chaotic-evil alignment. ¡°Your sister has undergone¡­¡± A strange look flashed across Medea¡¯s face. As if the sorceress was remembering an unpleasant memory. ¡°¡­unspeakable tortures meant to purify her body and mind so that she might become a fitting handmaiden to the Spirit of Hope.¡± ¡°How would you know what¡¯s been done to her?¡± Sam asked. ¡°Because, to my great regret, I¡¯ve helped prepare a Pandora to her purpose before,¡± Medea admitted, and for the first time since they met, she didn¡¯t sound evil. She sounded honest. Remorseful even. Medea spared a glance in Pandora the 8th¡¯s direction, and Sam could almost swear that he¡¯d seen actual pity in her gaze. ¡°Over a thousand years have passed since I performed the rituals myself, but it is clear that not much has changed since my time.¡± Medea leaned toward Pandora the 8th and lifted the teenager¡¯s chin up with her finger. ¡°This one¡¯s a far more perfect doll than anything I¡¯ve made¡­ One can only imagine the sort of cruelties they¡¯d visited upon her to make her so¡­compliant.¡± ¡°No,¡± Sam growled. Feeling angry, not just at Medea¡¯s words but with himself for allowing his sister to endure all those tortures while he thought her dead, Sam¡¯s hand drifted to Onus. His fingers tightened on its handle to the point where he could feel pain in his hand. ¡°Some things you can¡¯t forget,¡± he insisted, although in his mind he wondered if this was true. Styx, how do I get through to her? ¡°True enough,¡± Medea admitted, smiling wryly. ¡°Why, if I could forget Jason¡¯s betrayal, I might find myself enjoying a stroll at a caf¨¦ in Paris while fighting off the numerous suitors come to steal my mended heart away.¡± She laughed a scornful, venomous laugh and then swatted at the air as if she was banishing an unwanted vision. ¡°But my hate makes me strong, scion of Apollo,¡± she hissed. ¡°And that is true for Pandora as well, I believe.¡± Medea¡¯s fingers tightened on Pandora the 8th¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Like me, your sister was betrayed and abandoned by those she thought loved her. She was broken. And like me, she has been reborn¡­¡± A purple glow flashed within the depths of Medea¡¯s eyes, ¡°¡­Reborn to burn this world in a cleansing fire so that it might be remade as well!¡± Medea let go of Pandora the 8th. And, like an attack dog that had been unleashed, the teenage girl raised her jar high, and a roiling cloud of darkness began to drift out of the tiny bit of gap between the jar¡¯s mouth and its cap. ¡°Don¡¯t do it!¡± Sam begged. But his plea fell on deaf ears for Pandora the 8th had begun to summon something from the depths of Pandora¡¯s Box. It was malevolent energy that felt strangely familiar. Not just to Sam, but to Thunder as well. ¡°Oh, no,¡± she said. ¡°It can¡¯t be him¡­¡± Sam wondered what Thunder meant, but then he saw the darkness take shape, and even without it fully materializing, he recognized it too. ¡°Correct me if I¡¯m wrong¡±¡ªJackboot¡¯s voice cut through the low-rumbling growl emitted by the forming shadow¡ª¡°but that creature looks remarkably like the horror responsible for turning the Eisenhower Museum into a haunted zone.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because it is him,¡± Thunder said in a strained voice. She moved over to stand on Sam¡¯s right, her hand drifting toward his so that their fingers intertwined. ¡°It¡¯s Rick¡­¡± She¡¯d probably done it so his touch could comfort her, but the effect went both ways. Relief and comfort flooded through Sam as he took in Thunder¡¯s presence beside him. ¡°Really? You¡¯re calling the giant red hound¡­ Rick?¡± Jackboot asked. Appearing before them now was a Hound more massive and lordlier than anything they¡¯d encountered. It was even bigger than the solar dragon lounging behind Medea. Bristling red fur wrapped over muscles that would have made Sam¡¯s old enemy, the Cannibal Boar, look tiny by comparison. Its mouth was filled with sword-sized fangs that could have swallowed Sam and his friends whole. Then there were the eyes¡ªthe only part of the horror that still carried a hint of the human it had once been¡ªthey blazed red with uncontained rage and malice. ¡°Yes, that was the name of the angry kid who¡¯d brought a gun to my high school field trip and...¡± Thunder couldn¡¯t finish her sentence as the anger in her voice had won out. Instead, she let her gift do the talking. With a cock of her arm, a bolt of jagged lightning came to life in her right hand. ¡°Great, as if two villains and their dragon weren¡¯t enough of a fight,¡± Farsight sighed. She¡¯d just finished notching three arrows to her bow. Each one had a different tip. ¡°What is it with you and villains wanting to kill you so badly they unleash the most horrific monsters on us,¡± Farsight asked Sam as she positioned herself to the right of Thunder. ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Jackboot moved over to Sam¡¯s left, ¡°you mean to say this has happened before?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear about the fifty-foot giant shadow that wrecked a hospital in Queens?¡± Farsight asked. ¡°That was you people?¡± Jackboot asked. Now, Sam couldn¡¯t see his face on account of Jackboot¡¯s mask, but he could almost see that raised eyebrow on his friend¡¯s face. ¡°How have you never mentioned this before?¡± ¡°Would you have joined us if you knew how bad our luck with enemies was?¡± Sam asked. Sam leaned into the banter to keep his spirits up¡ªa tactic that¡¯s been working for him ever since he met Chiron who usually filled his head with nonsense that helped to keep Sam¡¯s mind off the monstrous things wanting to kill him. ¡°We¡¯ll never know the answer to that now, will we,¡± Jackboot replied. He elbowed Dr. Hearthstone who¡¯d shown up on his left side with arms already lit with the hero¡¯s inner fire. An armor made of rough-hewn stone dug out of the sacred ground now wrapped around his chest and shoulders too. It was an interesting application of the doc¡¯s secondary gift which was a gamma-level control over the earth around him. ¡°Did you know what you were getting into when you joined this motley crew?¡± Jackboot asked. Dr. hearthstone shrugged. ¡°I was there when Herculean and Thunder destroyed the ¡®Terror of the Bronx.¡¯ It gave me an idea of what to expect from them.¡± ¡°Was I the only one who didn¡¯t know we would be constantly waylaid by vicious monsters of all varieties ninety percent of the trip?¡± Jackboot asked. ¡°Yes,¡± the other heroes replied almost in sync. ¡°Well, I want my money back,¡± Jackboot sighed. ¡°You bloody Americans and your archnemesis problems.¡± ¡°Suck it up, Jack,¡± Sam slapped his friend gingerly on the back, ¡°You¡¯re on the crew of the Argo VII¡­ The danger comes with the job description.¡± ¡®Danger¡¯ was indeed the right word to choose at that moment for both sides looked to finally be ready to do battle. Only, as he was technically the protagonist of this adventure, it was Sam¡¯s job to launch the opening salvo¡ªand launch it he did. Sam let go of Thunder¡¯s hand, and with his other hand holding firmly to Onus the Load Bearer, he launched himself forward with the intent to blow Rick the Hound away to get to his sister. Sadly, his plan was torn apart by the dragon whose tail savagely tackled him from his right side almost as if it had read Sam¡¯s intent before the attack began. ¡°Sam!¡± Thunder yelled, but she couldn¡¯t go and help him as Rick the Hound chose that moment to leap at her with jaws wide open. ¡°Godsdammit!¡± Sam heard the ¡°Krak-ka-boom!¡± of thunder, but everything else was a blur as he rolled around on the ground while Medea¡¯s solar dragon flapped its wings high above him. Its mouth was wide open and dragon fire spilled forth from it. Chapter 121: Rocket Man CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE Rocket Man
For a monster that was supposedly among the rarest of horror types, there were far too many dragons in this adventure for Sam¡¯s liking. That¡¯s what he was thinking while he rolled around in the blood-coated grass to avoid the pillar of dragon fire hurtling after him. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t there be¡ª¡± Sam launched his right bracer¡¯s grappling hook up to a nearby oak. ¡°¡ªa quota on boss encounters¡ª¡± As his hook latched onto one of the oak¡¯s highest branches, the mechanism inside his bracer began to reel Sam forward, launching him up into the air and away from the blazing heat that scalded his half-exposed butt cheeks. ¡°¡ªwith each danger zone!¡± He landed gingerly on the thick branch and allowed himself a second to gulp down some much-needed air before sending his other grappling hook toward the oak tree on his right. He was just in the nick of time too because dragon fire obliterated the top of that first oak within seconds of his escape. Sam didn¡¯t stick around to watch this second oak burn to ashes either. He leaped down to the ground and began running back toward his friends only to discover that Jackboot and Dr. Hearthstone were running straight for him. ¡°Go back!¡± Sam yelled. But Jackboot shook his head. ¡°Thunder¡¯s taking care of the hound!¡± he yelled back. ¡°Thunder¡­?¡± Sam repeated. The peal of thunder reached his ears, forcing him to slow his pace. Sam¡¯s gaze drifted past his friends¡¯ shoulders, and there, a good forty yards away was a sight that made his heart skip a beat. While Jackboot and Dr. Hearthstone went to support Sam against Medea¡¯s solar dragon, Thunder stood alone against Rick the Hound. She was staring down the giant-sized horror while carrying a glowing red shield in her left hand and a pure white spear in her right hand. The Golden Fleece was draped over Thunder¡¯s shoulder with its cape billowing behind her. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe she kissed me back¡­¡± Sam whispered. ¡°Duck!¡± Jackboot warned. Instinct drove Sam to dive for the ground just as the solar dragon¡¯s flame-tipped tail whipped across the space above him. It missed him entirely but smashed through the nearby oak, causing its top half to fall on Sam¡¯s head. ¡°Seriously!¡± he complained. Sam managed to roll away and just barely escaped the oak¡¯s thick trunk from crushing him. Several of its red-leaved branches did fall on top of him though, which, surprisingly, helped to shield him from the dragon¡¯s sight. It flew past him without pause, allowing Sam to catch sight of the rider atop its back. ¡°Serena¡­¡± His brow furrowed. ¡°How did she¡ª¡± A white-gloved hand reached into the space between branches. ¡°Come on!¡± Jackboot called. As Jackboot helped pull him out of the fallen oak¡¯s remains, Sam¡¯s gaze searched the sky. ¡°Does she even have a license to ride that thing?¡± he wondered aloud. The dragon had flown about thirty yards to the east, but it was already turning back toward them. Pandora the 8th sat on its back, evoking images of a silver-haired dragon queen from one of Sam¡¯s favorite TV shows. ¡°Thanks for the save¡±¡ªSam dusted red leaves off his armor¡ª¡°but you guys should help Thunder.¡± ¡°Seems to me like Thunder¡¯s got things well in hand, mate,¡± Jackboot replied. As if on cue, they heard the bellowing cry of a war horn, and Sam turned his head just in time to watch as a bolt of pure white energy shot out of the tip of Thunder¡¯s spear. The blast lanced Rick the Hound in its left eye, causing the giant-sized, wolf-like horror to howl in pain. ¡°Holy¡­¡± Sam¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Where did she get the spear?¡± ¡°I was wondering the very same thing,¡± Jackboot chimed in. Another horn call accompanied a second energy blast that speared Rick the Hound in its right paw just as the horror leaped for Thunder, forcing it to crash back to the ground. Quick to take advantage of its awkward tumble, Thunder hasted to the underside of Rick the Hound¡¯s snout and unleashed another ray of white energy into its chest. ¡°You¡¯d think she might have whipped that thing out sooner,¡± Jackboot complained. Sam didn¡¯t think Thunder could have summoned such a powerful weapon though. Not while she was still cursed with the Blight. Now, however, he guessed they were finally witnessing the true power of a hero who¡¯d climbed to the top seventh rank of the US hero charts. ¡°Seriously¡­ what is that spear?¡± Sam asked.
That is [Skyfang], a mythical quality relic that the first Mr. Moonday forged from an elemental shard that broke off from the lightning bolt Zeus plunged into the chest of the last titan back in the final days of Titanomachia.
¡°Hephaestus¡¯ flaming beard,¡± Sam breathed. ¡°I thought mythical relics were just that¡­ myths.¡±
Didn¡¯t you use the Bow of Heracles not too long ago?
¡°Um, yeah, but¡­¡± Sam raised an eyebrow at the floating blue notification. ¡°¡­wait, the Bow of Heracles was a mythical relic?¡± It didn¡¯t reply right away, almost as if the system that supported Sam had just let out a deep sigh of regret at its user¡¯s ignorance. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.
You felt the raw celestial power flow through you when you dispersed the shadow of an elder giant with it and believed it to be just a normal relic?
¡°Um, yeah. I knew it was badass but I didn¡¯t know it was a class on its own¡­ I didn¡¯t have anything to compare it with before,¡± Sam answered.
Before now, you mean.
¡°Yeah¡­¡± Sam¡¯s eyes were glued to the spear in Thunder¡¯s hand. ¡°Wow.¡± With each blast of the spear¡¯s pure white beam, more and more of the dark energy that enveloped Rick the Hound¡¯s body was shaved off. With it went the extra pounds the beast had earned inside Pandora¡¯s Box. ¡°It¡¯s like she¡¯s not trying to kill it,¡± Sam began, to which Jackboot finished with, ¡°but cleansing it of the rot that¡¯s latched onto the soul underneath the monster¡­¡± ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Sam agreed. ¡°I¡¯ve got to get me one of those.¡±
There is a mythical quality relic looming close behind you.
¡°Wait... what?¡± Sam glanced over his shoulder. ¡°Oh, right¡­ that damn jar.¡± The dragon and its rider were nearly on top of them, giving Sam and Jackboot barely any time to formulate a plan. ¡°Are you done discussing things with your invisible friend that we all pretend not to notice¡±¡ªthe hare¡¯s ears on Jackboot¡¯s mask straightened up, which Sam noticed only happened when danger was close at hand¡ª¡°and did they have any suggestions on escaping our current problem?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Sam¡¯s gaze zoned in on the girl who carried that dangerous jar underneath her arm. ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­¡± From her place in the sky, Pandora the 8th surveyed the battlefield with an expression of indifference that made Sam¡¯s chest ache. ¡°I need to get through to her,¡± he realized. The dragon swooped down toward the ground with jaws wide open, forcing Sam and Jackboot to scatter and avoid the dragon fire hurtling toward them. As he ran for cover behind another oak, Sam gave one final glance in Thunder¡¯s direction, and confirming that she was dominating her fight against Rick the Hound, he decided his sister needed him more. Although in his mind, Sam wondered what words he could say that might make her remember him. Sam sighed. But how do I get through to her?
You could try [Healing Hand (¦£)].
¡°Will that work?¡±
At the gamma level, Healing Hand has beneficial effects on a target¡¯s mental state. It can heal mental fatigue, injury born of psychic attack, short-term memory loss, and even small bouts of heightened anxiety.
¡°Seriously?! And you¡¯re only bringing this up now?¡±
It¡¯s your fault for not reading through the updated status of your upgraded gift. Also, you¡¯ve never needed it before now.
¡°Can I¡ª¡±
No. You can¡¯t heal your panic attacks. [Healing Hand (¦£)] doesn¡¯t work on you. However, your mental state may improve if you raise [Regeneration (¦¤)] up a rank.
¡°You and I are going to have a long conversation about how to be more helpful once this crisis is over¡­¡±
I look forward to reviewing the instruction manual with you.
Ugh, Sam sighed. Triple-A¡¯s suggestion represented a new dilemma for him though. To use his power, he would need to lay his hand on Pandora the 8th. Specifically, the part of her he wanted to heal¡ªher head. This was going to be a challenge because the dragon she was riding was now rising back up to the sky where Sam¡¯s grappling hook couldn¡¯t reach it. He was wondering how he might shorten the distance between them when Dr. Hearthstone came barreling through the space between oaks to get to where Sam was hiding. ¡°Doc!¡± Sam yelled excitedly. ¡°I need a lift!¡± ¡°Fastball special?¡± Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s gaze drifted up toward the dragon circling the sky above them. ¡°Yes, I can get you up there.¡± Veins of fire began to coat his right arm as he offered his hand to Sam. ¡°Go long,¡± Sam insisted. He dashed toward Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s hand, took it, and then felt himself get lifted into the air at the same time as the doc yelled, ¡°Up, up, and away!¡± and launched Sam past the tree line as if he were a rocket ship. Sam rose higher and higher into the air, and while the wind buffeted his face, he felt a little excited at the idea that he was flying toward that red-tinged sky to rescue his little sister. It was a silly thought, Sam knew. One that was quickly obliterated by the sight of the solar dragon¡¯s flame-tipped tail whipping down to intercept his flight path. There was no way to stop or change course. Bulwark wouldn¡¯t be able to save him either. No, this endeavor was doomed for failure. At least that¡¯s what Sam thought the closer he got to colliding with the dragon¡¯s tail. But then he heard Jackboot yell, ¡°Lucky Rabbit¡¯s Foot!¡± and watched as his friend came out of nowhere to smack the dragon¡¯s tail in the side just before it hit Sam, forcing the tail off course and allowing Sam to fly past it. ¡°Go!¡± Jackboot yelled as he fell back toward the ground. ¡°Herculean!¡± Sam roared. Channeling all of Herculean¡¯s energy into his arms, Sam formed a fist with both hands. Then he snapped his fingers outward. The pressure exploding out of his palms was like a rocket¡¯s propulsion engines suddenly bursting to life. And, although it hurt so much that Sam guessed he¡¯d broken a few fingers with this action, the boost it provided him sent Sam hurtling higher up and past the dragon¡¯s head so quickly that it didn¡¯t even get the chance to snap its jaws at him. Once in the air, Sam flipped his body around and aimed his arms at the dragon¡¯s unprotected back. ¡°Lesson number thirty-three!¡± he yelled. Sam fired both grappling hooks¡ªand both hooks latched onto the dragon¡¯s scales right underneath the ridges of its neck. Then Sam was pulled forward, and he¡¯d barely rehearsed the lines in his head when he suddenly found himself falling a mere five feet away from the girl whose face now resembled their dead mother so closely that just looking at her sent wistful nostalgia sweeping across Sam¡¯s mind. The anxiety he¡¯d been tamping down all this time pushed against his mind with renewed vigor. ¡°Sorry, sis,¡± Sam whispered as he landed beside Pandora the 8th¡¯s seat on the dragon¡¯s spine. ¡°We don¡¯t have time to do this gently¡­¡± Pandora the 8th¡¯s hand reached for the cap of her jar, but Sam was quicker. He swung his fist down at Pandora¡¯s Box with pinpoint precision to avoid his sister¡¯s arm and smacked its cap away before she could unseal the darkness within the cursed relic. Then, quick as a cobra, Sam lunged forward with his left hand outstretched. He tackled Pandora the 8th off the dragon while just barely managing to graze the side of her head. He didn¡¯t realize it would happen so quickly, but a graze was all he needed for the connection to be established. Sam didn¡¯t expect what happened next though. How could he, when he¡¯d never used it this way before? But, while they plunged toward the earth in an awkward embrace, the moment Sam poured his life force into his fingers¡ªhis power reaching into his sister¡¯s brain¡ªSam¡¯s consciousness was suddenly pulled into Pandora the 8th¡¯s mind¡­ to meet whatever horrors lay within it. Chapter 122: Finding Hope, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO Finding Hope, Part 1
Sam was alone as he fell from the sky and into a gray world. The city and people below, the horizon, and even the sun were bathed in its different shades. He was falling, falling, falling¡ªzooming past gray clouds while screaming at the top of his lungs for fear of crashing onto solid earth at breakneck speed. Luckily for him, it was a relatively short fall. He landed feet-first onto a wide cobblestone path surrounded on both sides by tall pines. ¡°What in Hades is going on?¡± The crowd of gray-toned people milling around the road paid him no attention. As if they couldn¡¯t see the huffing, wide-eyed hero with the sweat-coated face who¡¯d magically fallen into their midst as if he¡¯d been shot out of the sky. ¡°Where¡­¡± Sam took a deep breath and forced his anxiety down before his gaze took in the sights around him. ¡°¡­Wait, I know this place.¡± Behind him, past a stone bridge that crossed over the Hudson River, Sam could see the towering spires of the Manhattan skyline draped in the gray shades of this dream-like world. While ahead of him stood several temples nestled around the top of the island¡¯s low hill. Twelve in all, and each one of varying size and trappings. ¡°This is Olympian Isle¡­ But why¡ª¡± His gaze drifted up. ¡°Oh.¡± At the end of the path rose a temple whose familiar front side¡ªa typical Greek style with a large portico supported by several thick columns¡ªhad been alabaster-white back in the real world but was now coated in the darkest of grays. The feather banners that hung from the roof had also lost the festive green and purple shades that Sam remembered from past visits. ¡°Styx¡­ don¡¯t tell me¡­¡± If landing closest to this temple hadn¡¯t been enough of a clue, then the mournful, child-like screams emanating from inside its walls were certainly enough to get Sam to dash toward it. ¡°Excuse me!¡± Sam yelled. ¡°Coming through!¡± No one paid him any heed though. The gray-toned people simply avoided Sam as he barreled up the steps leading to the temple¡¯s front doors. ¡°I¡¯m coming, Serena!¡± Sam swung Onus at the closed double doors, smashing them into hundreds of gray splinters that barely hindered his rush into the temple¡¯s interior. Only, as soon as he stepped inside, the outer temple he¡¯d been familiar with long ago disappeared. It was as if the walls, floors, and high ceiling had been formed of varying shades of gray fog and the memory that held this place together had been brushed away by the dreamer¡¯s mind. ¡°What the¡­¡± The surrounding fog reshaped itself, and Sam suddenly found himself standing in the middle of a brightly-lit hallway with a high arched ceiling. There were doors on either side of him. One of them, the one that was two doors down to the right of where he idled, was open. From this opening came the muffled cries of a little girl. Sam ran to this open door with each step filled with trepidation for what he might discover beyond it. With his heart pounding like a drum solo at a rock concert, Sam took a peek into the tiny room beyond and found himself staring at a young Serena who looked just like the girl she¡¯d been on that day they faked her death. She was lying on a small bed at the far end of the room while sobbing into her pillow. ¡°Mommy¡­ Daddy¡­ Sam,¡± she whispered. ¡°Why did you leave me?¡± Hearing her speak the words that drove his guilt was like a knife stabbing into Sam¡¯s chest. ¡°Is this¡­ is this Serena¡¯s memory?¡± There came no reply though. Not from the system that was supposed to support Sam in times like this one. ¡°Triple-A?¡± Still no response. ¡°Styx¡­ just when I need it.¡± Sam felt a prickle on his back. He was about to turn around to see what had caused it, but cold air suddenly seeped into him as a ghostly figure passed through his body to enter his sister¡¯s room. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Holy moly,¡± Sam gasped. It hadn¡¯t hurt much, but it did feel weird. Almost like an extra-mild case of phantom touch but non-lethal like actual phantom touch could be. ¡°Stop your crying, girl,¡± the ghostly apparition chided. ¡°There¡¯s no need to feel sad. You have been chosen to a higher calling.¡± It was a woman dressed in the trappings of a priestess of Hera, but she was no one Sam recognized. Also, while Mother Malta had a motherly aura to her presence, this new priestess had the bearing of a disciplinarian. Or a zealot. She was probably both, Sam guessed, considering the propaganda spilling from her lips. Serena looked up from her pillow, and even though tears were streaming down her face, she still managed to send an icy glare at the priestess. ¡°I want to go home,¡± Serena grumbled. The priestess just glared back at her. ¡°Please¡­ I want to go home,¡± Serena begged. ¡°But you are home,¡± the priestess answered. ¡°This isn¡¯t home!¡± Serena screamed. Noticing that her emotions were all over the place, Sam wasn¡¯t too surprised when the room began to shake. The lights flickered too, signaling the beginning of what experts called a poltergeist event. Sam knew all about poltergeist events because he¡¯d wanted to cause one when he was younger. Why? Well, a child born of blessed parents could sometimes manifest latent psychokinetic abilities in their early years during a moment of heightened emotions. Such children often proved to be highly talented and were gifted by the gods with amazing powers to match their high potential. ¡°Of course, she¡¯d be the one to have a poltergeist event.¡± A smirk rose on Sam¡¯s lips while he watched Serena terrify the priestess with her waking powers. ¡°She was always the special one¡­¡± ¡°Child! Stop this!¡± the priestess yelled. The shaking only got more violent as Serena¡¯s untapped potential continued to expand out of her. Meanwhile, the priestess¡¯ smug look had quickly withered away. Replaced by a stare of growing fear for the little girl who could shake the world with a single scream. ¡°Um, this will be bad if she keeps losing control,¡± Sam realized. He moved to enter the room, but the priestess stepped toward Serena first and shook the girl by the shoulders. ¡°Stop this now or you¡¯ll get another turn at the wheel tonight!¡± the priestess yelled over the sound of cracking stone. The shaking stopped abruptly. The air stilled. The only sound left to hear was Serena¡¯s soft whimpering. Her face was pale with fright. ¡°Whatever this wheel is, it¡¯s a pretty effective threat,¡± Sam deduced. As soon as his feet crossed the threshold of her bedroom, the scene disappeared into puffs of gray fog. Smoky tendrils swirled around him once more to reshape themselves into a new memory. The stone room he arrived in was brightly lit. Spotlights were trained on the chair in the center of the room. Sitting on this chair with her arms and legs tied to it by thick leather straps was Serena. Only, this new Serena looked at least a year or two older than the Serena from the previous memory. ¡°What is this?¡± Sam asked. There were two blue medical patches on each side of Serena¡¯s brow. The thick wires attached to these patches coiled around her body and disappeared somewhere behind the chair which was where Sam could hear the soft hum of a machine. ¡°What are they doing to her?¡± Four priestesses surrounded his sister, each one standing in one of the four cardinal directions. They each carried a golden bell which they rang together just before moving clockwise around Serena¡¯s chair. Once they switched places in north, south, east, and west, they would utter a word. Each different, with each one seemingly random to Sam¡¯s ears. ¡°Apatheia,¡± one priestess said. ¡°Ataraxia,¡± another priestess whispered. ¡°Episteme,¡± the third priestess uttered. ¡°Eudaimonia,¡± was the fourth word. Sam¡¯s ancient Greek was rusty, although he managed a rough translation of these four phrases which were repeated over and over again like a mantra. ¡°To be unclouded, to be tranquil, to understand, to be happy¡­¡± Although these words didn¡¯t seem wicked to Sam¡¯s ears, his sister cried in pain from every utterance of them. It was almost like she was being constantly zapped with a jolt of electricity every time the priestesses chanted. ¡°This is the wheel,¡± Sam realized, frowning as he did. ¡°Hephaestus¡¯ flaming beard¡­ they¡¯re conditioning her.¡± He couldn¡¯t bear to watch this vision for long. Soon enough, he was flinging Onus at their heads while screaming curses at them. ¡°Get away from her you flea-bitten harpies!¡± As soon as Onus swung down on the head of the priestess closest to him, she vanished in a puff of gray fog along with the surroundings. Although the vision of this wicked memory disappeared from his sight, he could still hear his sister screaming in the distance. ¡°Why am I seeing all this?¡± Sam asked in frustration. There would be no answer though. Just as there would be many more harsh memories to fall into. Sam would witness his sister¡¯s growth from child to pre-teen to teenager through the many tortures and trials she had to undergo¡ªfrom being forced to watch a dozen screens tuned to the horrors of war and suffering to walking over a bed of coals or dunked into an icy lake naked¡ªand he wept and wrung his fists at the heavens. Sam now understood why Serena would turn to villainy instead of heroism despite her pedigree. How could she be a hero when there was no one around to save her when she needed saving? Finally, Sam witnessed the moment Serena was first given the relic that would earn her the moniker of Pandora the 8th. A teenage Serena looking just a little younger than the one in Ares¡¯ Sacred Grove was standing in front of the empty throne of a grand hall filled with the trappings of the Queen of the Olympian pantheon. Mother Malta was there too, idling on the bottom steps of the gilded golden throne. ¡°Uncap the pithos, and meet your destiny,¡± Mother Malta said as her acolytes brought the ancient relic before Serena. There wasn¡¯t even a hint of hesitation from Serena. As if the fight had already been burned out of her. She picked up the relic and uncapped the jar that was Pandora¡¯s Box for the very first time. Then dark, cloying miasma spilled out of it, enveloping Serena in its black folds while she screamed at the top of her lungs. ¡°Stop!¡± Sam yelled, falling to his knees in anguish. ¡°Please, I¡¯ve seen enough¡­¡± ¡°Have you?¡± someone asked. Sam looked up. In front of him stood the Serena of his childhood. However, while the world around them was blurred in coiling gray mist, this vision of Serena was bathed in white. Even her skin was the alabaster white of a museum statue. Serena placed her hands on her hips, and with a wide smile filled with the warmth of a new day¡¯s sun, she said, ¡°You took your sweet time getting here¡­ I¡¯ve been waiting forever!¡± Chapter 123: Finding Hope, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE Finding Hope, Part 2
Sam wasn¡¯t sure how long he stared at this strange apparition. Confusion, surprise, and doubt had flitted across his face before he managed to ask, ¡°Are you¡­ Serena?¡± The perky, white-skinned vision of the child looked so much like his sister, but there was something in her eyes that made Sam doubt. He didn¡¯t think Serena would have such irises, ones so bright and filled with depth and knowledge. ¡°No, I¡¯m not her, Sam,¡± the child replied just before she reached a hand to him. ¡°But I can take you to her if you want?¡± ¡°Okay¡±¡ªSam reached for the girl¡¯s hand¡ª¡°I want to see her.¡± He wasn¡¯t sure how long they walked side by side along the foggy path while the swirls of coiling mist enveloped them. Eventually, the fog would part like wispy gates to reveal a white-hot room just beyond them. ¡°This looks like¡ª¡± ¡°The place you go to when you meet with Apollo?¡± the little girl asked. Sam nodded. ¡°It¡¯s similar but not the same,¡± the little girl replied. ¡°We¡¯re in Serena¡¯s dreamscape. Not yours.¡± After the fog dissipated around them, Sam could finally see the teenage girl sitting cross-legged in the middle of the white-hot room. It was Serena. Not the child who held onto his hand, but the Serena he¡¯d met in the real world. Although the shawl that was wrapped around her head was gone. ¡°She¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°Pandora the 8th,¡± the little girl confirmed. ¡°But she¡¯s also Serena Shepard, daughter of Adele and Steven, younger sister to Samuel¡­ And my bestie in the whole wide world.¡± Sam glanced sideways at the little girl. ¡°Your¡­ bestie?¡± The little girl nodded toward Sam¡¯s sister. Serena wasn¡¯t holding Pandora¡¯s Box, although something white and glowing was cradled in her arms. She was staring down at it with a carefree and innocent smile that was the complete opposite of the stoic-faced teenager Sam had met in the real world. ¡°What is that?¡± Sam asked. ¡°That¡¯s the cute and cuddly part of me,¡± the little girl giggled. The thing wrapped in Serena¡¯s arms unfurled its pure-white wings, revealing the glowing dove hidden underneath. ¡°Oh,¡± Sam breathed. ¡°That¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°Yep, that¡¯s the Spirit of Hope,¡± the little girl said proudly. She turned her head to offer Sam a warm, welcoming grin. ¡°I¡¯m Hope,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s nice to finally meet you, Sam.¡± ¡°Y-you know me?¡± Sam asked. He wasn¡¯t sure why, but he hadn¡¯t pulled away from the little girl who still held his hand. Perhaps it was because he felt no sense of fear or danger from her. Only good things. Hope nodded. ¡°Serena talks about you all the time. Her big brother¡­ Her hero.¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Sam choked up. ¡°¡­I¡¯m her hero?¡± ¡°She always believed you would find her,¡± Hope revealed. ¡°That¡¯s what kept her from truly falling into darkness all these years.¡± Lucky for Sam, Hope turned her head away from him or she would have seen the tears streaming down his face. ¡°But she doesn¡¯t seem alright outside this place,¡± Sam insisted. ¡°The Serena you met out there is the part of her that her handlers managed to mold. The rest of her, the parts that make her Serena is in here with me. This is the one place where I could preserve her innocence,¡± Hope answered. Visions of the past began to play on the walls of the white-hot room; a happy family picnic, playing video games together on the couch in their old living room, and even that time that she laughingly pushed her brother into a diver¡¯s training pool. ¡°Serena¡¯s lucky she has you. My other friends didn¡¯t have a Sam to bring them hope,¡± Hope said in a tone that carried with it a smidge of sadness. ¡°What¡­ what happened to the other Pandoras?¡± Hope¡¯s grip on Sam¡¯s hand tightened slightly. ¡°There can be no growth¡ªno life worth living¡ªwithout hope¡­¡± Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Hope didn¡¯t need to say anything else. Sam got the gist of it. But there was no way in Hades he was going to let his sister go down that same road of hopelessness that her predecessors were on. ¡°You said she believed I would save her,¡± Sam repeated. ¡°So¡­ how do I do that?¡± His moment of true heroism was about to unfold. At least that¡¯s what he thought. Right up to the moment when Hope dashed his hopes with a clueless shrug. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she answered. ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Sam repeated lamely. ¡°I¡¯m not the hero here, Sam¡­ You are,¡± Hope countered. Hope let go of Sam¡¯s hand so she could place both her hands on her hips. This helped to amplify the scrutinizing look she gave him. ¡°So, what¡¯s your plan?¡± Hope asked. ¡°How are you going to save Serena without breaking the universe?¡± Sam¡¯s gaze drifted from Hope to Serena to the white dove chirping on her lap and then back to Hope. How indeed, he wondered. *** ¡°What if¡ª¡± ¡°That won¡¯t work,¡± Hope said. ¡°You didn¡¯t even¡ª¡± ¡°You were going to suggest taking Serena¡¯s place yourself,¡± Hope cut in. ¡°Won¡¯t work. You can¡¯t be my container.¡± Sam wondered if all women were genetically inclined to cut men off. ¡°Why not?¡± he asked, frustrated. They¡¯d been at this for at least an hour. With him giving out suggestions and Hope pointing out the many flaws in his plans. All the while, his sister continued to play with the dove in her lap as if she couldn¡¯t see Hope and Sam arguing just a few feet away. ¡°There are no male Pandoras,¡± Hope answered. ¡°That¡¯s sexist,¡± Sam fired back. Hope shrugged. ¡°Females are just generally better at handling hope than males.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a good enough reason not to try, is it?¡± Sam countered. Hope sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t mean women know how to manage expectations better. I mean men literally go up in flames if they attempt to house me inside of them.¡± Sam frowned. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because the gods made it so,¡± she replied. ¡°The Spirit of Hope is empowering. It is the source of miracles. In the wrong hands, it could become a tool for unimaginable destruction.¡± ¡°And the gods didn¡¯t think a man could handle that kind of temptation?¡± Sam guessed. ¡°Could you blame them?¡± Hope shrugged. ¡°My other siblings didn¡¯t exactly have a hard time corrupting man back in the ancient days.¡± Sam couldn¡¯t argue with that logic as he was aware that a lot of bad decisions over the thousands of years of humanity¡¯s history had been mostly made by the males of the species. ¡°A tool for unimaginable destruction,¡± he repeated. His arms wrapped around his chest while he contemplated Hope¡¯s words. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the case now though?¡± he reminded Hope. ¡°Pandora¡¯s a villain.¡± It was Hope¡¯s turn to contemplate. She mirrored Sam¡¯s stance and did just that. ¡°Well, technically, I am housed inside of her but Pandora doesn¡¯t control me. Only the relic that keeps my essence from spilling out into the world,¡± Hope later explained. ¡°She can¡¯t use you?¡± Sam asked, his eyebrow rising slightly. Hope shook her head. ¡°Pandora¡¯s role isn¡¯t to set me free but to keep me contained¡­ Even if she has to break bad so she can accumulate enough darkness to keep my essence in check.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Sam pressed. ¡°Balance,¡± Hope answered. Sam frowned. ¡°Balance? What does that have to do with¡ªOh!¡± A look of excitement flashed across Sam¡¯s face. ¡°That¡¯s why there aren¡¯t any male Pandoras,¡± he guessed. ¡°And Serena said you weren¡¯t very smart.¡± Hope beamed at him. ¡°You got there eventually, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Wait, she said that?¡± Sam asked, frowning some more. ¡°Focus,¡± Hope chided. ¡°Now, tell me what you¡¯ve figured out.¡± Still frowning, Sam explained that he assumed balance was literal. Women couldn¡¯t wield Hope¡¯s power. They could only contain it. Men couldn¡¯t contain Hope, but perhaps they could wield some of its power. Hope clapped enthusiastically. ¡°And it¡¯s only been an hour too.¡± ¡°But why?¡± Sam asked, his brow furrowing even more. ¡°Why would the gods allow men to wield power that even they want to keep bottled up?¡± ¡°Because some of the gods are smart enough to know that humanity still needs hope. So, they made sure it would be possible to wield my power whenever the times required it,¡± Hope explained. ¡°You¡¯re saying¡­ someone¡¯s wielded the Spirit of Hope¡¯s power before?¡± as he realized this, Sam¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Who?¡± Hope smiled knowingly. ¡°Don¡¯t you already know?¡± And he did. Who else could wield the Spirit of Hope but those heroes who instilled hope into the world when humanity needed it most. ¡°Hercules,¡± Sam answered. Hope nodded. ¡°He was the first.¡± ¡°And Captain Solar was the last,¡± Sam guessed. Hope nodded. Her face turned contemplative before adding, ¡°Superion and I haven¡¯t met, but the way he inspires people is technically thanks to my influence.¡± She nodded in Serena¡¯s direction. ¡°Even if most of me is contained, a small portion of my essence does manage to leak into the mortal plane, allowing inspiration, optimism, and even love to bloom in your world,¡± she explained. ¡°But actually wielding the source of hope would be different, right?¡± Sam guessed. Hope gave Sam a wry smile. ¡°Like comparing a mountain to a boulder.¡± With this knowledge, Sam finally began to understand why Hope and Serena had been waiting for him in this place. He was her counterpoint¡ªthe balance she needed to contain the Spirit of Hope more efficiently. ¡°If I could take some of Hope¡¯s essence from her,¡± Sam began, to which Hope finished with, ¡°It would certainly lessen the burden Serena has to carry.¡± ¡°¡­How much of you can I wield?¡± Sam asked. Hope let out a long sigh. ¡°Not enough to free Serena from this place,¡± she admitted. ¡°But enough that she might eventually be able to see the sun with her own eyes again.¡± ¡°That would take too long¡­¡± Sam¡¯s hands balled into fists. ¡°What if¡­¡± He glanced at Serena, seeing how happy she looked and wondering if he would ever see that innocent smile of hers in the real world. ¡°What if we did this in doses?¡± Sam asked. ¡°You mean, you want to wield my power more than once?¡± Hope confirmed. Sam nodded. ¡°If I can only take thirty percent¡ª¡± ¡°Ten percent,¡± Hope corrected. ¡°That¡¯s a full tank for you as you are now.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Sam sighed. ¡°What if I take ten percent now¡­ and maybe another ten percent at a later date once I¡¯ve used up the essence I already have?¡± Hope gave Sam a skeptical look. ¡°Gee, I don¡¯t know, Sam¡­ It¡¯s never been done before. Heroes usually only get one sip of my essence. I don¡¯t know what it would do to your body and soul if you kept coming back for more.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Sam insisted. ¡°If this helps Serena¡­ then I¡¯ll take the challenge no matter how hard or painful it is.¡± Seconds ticked by while the two of them locked gazes, each surveying the other for signs of faltering. Neither did, although it was Hope who eventually relented. ¡°Okay¡­ we can try it your way¡­¡± Her gaze drifted to Serena. ¡°I want to help my bestie too¡­ When her head swiveled back to Sam, a worried expression showed on her face. ¡°Are you sure?¡± she asked again. Sam nodded. ¡°My sister believed in me¡­ It¡¯s time I believed in me too.¡± With doubt washing away from her, Hope offered her hand to Sam once more. ¡°Come on, Hero.¡± She grinned. ¡°Time to get hope-full!¡± Chapter 124: Hopeful Thinking, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR Hopeful Thinking, Part 1
When Sam opened his eyes the first thing he noticed was that the gray shades had washed away from his surroundings and color had come back to the world. However, that also meant that Sam was falling from the sky again, and he wasn¡¯t alone. Pandora the 8th lay limp in his arms which he guessed was a side effect of him entering her mind without consent. She was unconscious, which meant his sister was no help to him in their shared predicament. Not that Pandora the 8th would have been helpful if she was awake. She was still a villain after all. ¡°Holy Zeus!¡± Sam screamed. They were falling, falling¡ªtumbling down toward the red-tinged grove below while Medea¡¯s solar dragon chased after them from above. Sam pressed his sister¡¯s body to his just as he barrel-rolled away from the dragon¡¯s outstretched claws. It missed them by a few feet, but the wind of the ancient horror¡¯s passage caused Sam and his unconscious sister to plummet faster toward the earth.
ALERT! At your current velocity, the damage to your body when you hit the ground will place you in a critical state. It is recommended that the hero avoid crashing.
¡°I-I know!¡± Sam yelled. ¡°I need a tree!¡± Unfortunately, the top of the tree line was still a little ways below him, and Sam wasn¡¯t sure launching his grappling hook from this higher angle would even help to slow their descent. What he needed was a miracle, which, funnily enough, was something Sam now had in the palm of his hands. He shut his eyes and began to recall Hope¡¯s explanation about using her essence. *** ¡°When you express a strong yearning for something that isn¡¯t easily attainable or when you seek to achieve the impossible¡ªto wish for a change in fate¡ªthat¡¯s when my power springs forth,¡± she explained. ¡°Um, is it like Farsight¡¯s power to adjust probabilities?¡± Sam wondered. Hope shook her head. ¡°Your teammate¡¯s gift doesn¡¯t alter fate. Nor is her power to witness and reshape possibilities permanent.¡± Hope raised her arms and mimed carrying a bottle between her hands. ¡°To bottle time, put a stopper in death, or even brew victory over an enemy that can¡¯t be beaten¡±¡ªshe mimed sipping on a cup with her hand¡ª¡°a swig of Hope¡¯s Essence alters the very foundations of reality in accordance to one¡¯s hopes¡­¡± ¡°S-seriously?¡± Sam¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Isn¡¯t that freaking overpowered?!¡± ¡°Well, sure, if you could take in more of my essence, but just 10% might not even be enough to get you one miracle,¡± Hope admitted. She gave Sam a contemplative look before adding, ¡°You probably have a 10% chance to change an outcome of a specific moment within your immediate reach. Maybe less.¡± ¡°Ten percent,¡± Sam repeated, grinning afterward. ¡°That¡¯s more chances than most of the risks I¡¯ve taken lately¡­¡± *** Mere seconds had passed in Sam¡¯s mind, but the ground was beginning to look dangerously close by the time he opened his eyes again. ¡°Where did she¡±¡ªwith one arm tightening on Pandora the 8th¡¯s back, Sam¡¯s other hand reached into one of the pouches of his utility belt¡ª¡°found it!¡± The tear-shaped crystal vial he pulled out of his belt¡¯s pouch carried inside of it a milky-white substance that glowed with its own luminescent light. Sam spent another second staring at it, marveling at how an item he¡¯d earned in a dream actually followed him into reality. ¡°Gods, please let this work,¡± He whispered. Then Sam placed the vial¡¯s tip to his lips and upended its contents into his mouth. ¡°Gah!¡± Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Although it tasted like an ice-cold chocolate shake at first, the moment the substance passed into his throat, the thrill of Sam¡¯s favorite childhood drink quickly morphed into something akin to hot lava.
ALERT! You have imbibed [Hope¡¯s Essence (Lesser)] into yourself, but your body is not attuned to this celestial substance.
¡°Deal¡­with¡­it,¡± Sam gasped through gritted teeth.
The system is working to ensure your body does not reject [Hope¡¯s Essence (Lesser)]. Please endure the pain for now.
¡°Can¡¯t¡­wait,¡± Sam grunted. His lungs felt like they were on fire, but Sam endured it as Triple-A asked. Strangely enough, although pain racked his chest area, his mind was clear¡ªincreasingly active even. It was filling up with hopeful thoughts that helped to empower the wish on Sam¡¯s lips. He understood Hope¡¯s words well enough that Sam knew he couldn¡¯t expect wings to suddenly sprout from his back. His hope¡ªhis miracle¡ªneeded to be of lesser value. It had to be a fate that could be changed for a mere ten percent of Hope¡¯s Essence. Then, in the near distance, Sam heard the rumble of machinery drumming to life¡ªand he couldn¡¯t help but smile. Seconds later¡ªwith Pandora the 8th wrapped protectively in his arms¡ªSam¡¯s back smacked against the elastic surface of the life net that had popped out of the Argo VII just as it pulled to a stop directly beneath them. ¡°You¡¯ve got¡­ excellent timing, Ash,¡± Sam chuckled but then regretted it instantly. ¡°Yow¡­¡±
ALERT! Your health has dropped back to fifty percent. Your right shoulder is dislocated. There is also some bruising on your lower back.
¡°But¡­ I¡¯m alive¡­¡± Sam¡¯s gaze drifted to the top of his sister¡¯s head. ¡°We¡¯re both¡­ okay¡­?¡±
¡­Yes, you are both alive. Good job, hero.
¡°T-thanks,¡± Sam managed a smile.
Please refrain from moving while Regeneration (¦¤)] works to heal you.
¡°Sure,¡± Sam grunted. ¡°Not going¡­ anywhere.¡± While pain and relief flooded his system, Sam began to drift in and out of consciousness with his thoughts sending him back to that moment he had held Hope¡¯s hand and the promise he¡¯d made to her. ¡°I need you to give humanity an ideal to strive for, Sam¡­ Be someone who can bring them hope,¡± Hope had declared. ¡°I will¡­ I¡¯ll become the symbol of hope the world needs,¡± Sam had promised. Although now that he was remembering that moment, Sam couldn¡¯t help but feel just a little embarrassed at how cheesy he¡¯d sounded. ¡°Ugh¡­ I can¡¯t believe I¡­ said that out loud,¡± he grimaced. ¡°Ugh,¡± his sister gasped. No, Pandora the 8th wasn¡¯t agreeing with Sam. She was just beginning to wake up from the mind-meld she¡¯d shared with him. ¡°Serena¡±¡ªit took effort for Sam to sit up¡ª¡°are you¡ª¡± He didn¡¯t see it coming¡ªthe tip of her jar smashing into his ribs. It didn¡¯t hurt exactly¡ªhe was already feeling battered and bruised enough already¡ªbut the surprise attack caused Sam to pull back, allowing Pandora the 8th to scramble out of his arms. ¡°Why would you¡­ do that?¡± Sam grimaced. Then he saw his sister¡¯s face. ¡°Oh¡­¡± The mask of indifference Pandora the 8th had worn since their first reunion had finally broken. In its place, however, was the confused look of a wide-eyed teenage girl whose face was streaked with tears. ¡°Serena,¡± Sam said. ¡°Do you¡ª¡± ¡°Get away from me!¡± Pandora the 8th screamed. Sam was so surprised by the emotion spilling from her voice¡ªa voice he hadn¡¯t heard in years¡ªthat he did shuffle backward. ¡°Serena, it¡¯s me!¡± he insisted. Her expression was filled with doubt. Although there might have been a hint of recognition in the way Pandora the 8th¡¯s eyes narrowed too. ¡°Serena¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s not my name!¡± Pandora the 8th screamed. Sam¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°W-what do you mean? It¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°Not my name!¡± Pandora the 8th repeated, shaking her head as she did. Pandora the 8th had been like an emotionless doll, but this new version of his sister that woke up seemed overwhelmed by her emotions. Emotions that had been locked inside her for far too long exploded out of her now in heightened fits, and Sam didn¡¯t know how to help her through it. ¡°Serena¡­¡± Sam began crawling toward her, and that¡¯s when his vision blurred. ¡°Holy¡ª¡± His head ached suddenly. As if there was a drum banging a heavy metal tune inside his brain. ¡°Oh, gods,¡± Sam fell face-first onto the mat. He felt as if the world around him was shaking. ¡°She didn¡¯t¡­ say it would¡­ feel like this¡­¡± Chapter 125: Hopeful Thinking, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE Hopeful Thinking, Part 2
WARNING! The system has yet to regulate Hope¡¯s Essence within you. Your body has begun to reject [Hope¡¯s Essence (Lesser)].
¡°When you sip my essence, make sure you use all of it, Sam¡­ Don¡¯t even think of saving it. Otherwise, it might burn you up inside,¡± Hope had warned him earlier. Sam didn¡¯t think he¡¯d used up all of the essence he¡¯d drunk with his hopeful wish for the Argo VII¡¯s systems to work inside Ares¡¯ Sacred Grove, but he thought there would be more time before rejection occurred.
Your life force will continue to drop unless the system manages to strengthen your body against rejection¡­
¡°Hurry,¡± Sam gasped. To Sam, the pain racking his insides wasn¡¯t the worst thing in the world. No. It was watching his sister slowly back away from him while he lay helplessly on the safety net unable to do anything but watch. That was the unbearable bit. ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ go,¡± Sam pleaded. But Pandora the 8th seemed intent on running away. ¡°Please,¡± Sam begged. ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ lose you again.¡± Pandora the 8th paused and gave him a look of concern. However, as doubt flashed across her face once more, she turned around and jumped off the Argo VII¡¯s roof. ¡°No,¡± Sam whispered. His vision swam and he drifted off into a state of half-consciousness where snippets of recent moments filled his mind. ¡°There¡¯s always a risk to wielding great power, Sam,¡± Hope had warned. ¡°But, on the off-chance that your body doesn¡¯t reject my essence completely, allowing it to dwell inside of you for a short while before using it all up may even benefit your growth¡­ And it¡¯ll be a rush like you¡¯ve never felt before.¡± Sam wasn¡¯t sure how long it took for him to acclimate to the Spirit of Hope¡¯s essence inside of him. Only that more notifications had popped up while his surroundings started to look less like the landscape of a Picasso painting.
You have leveled up!
ALERT! You have received [20] bonus attribute points.
ALERT! A portion of [Hope¡¯s Essence (Lesser)] remains within you. Possibly enough to grant you a low probability of achieving one to two more miracles.
ALERT! It is recommended that the hero use up the remainder of [Hope¡¯s Essence (Lesser)] within the next hour or this celestial boon will once again threaten your life.
Those kickass bonuses and dire warnings notwithstanding, Sam¡¯s focus remained on getting his sister back. However, as his fingers pressed against the mat, his healed body revving up for the herculean task ahead, a warning cry appeared from below. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Farsight¡¯s head was sticking out of the window when she yelled, ¡°Get up, sleeping beauty! Thunder needs our help!¡± It was a warning that chilled Sam to his bones. Thunder had looked so cool and capable the last time he saw her that he couldn¡¯t believe she would need his assistance. But, as he rose to his knees, his eyes taking in the battlefield to his immediate right, Sam saw the danger closing in on her from behind. At Sam¡¯s two o¡¯clock, the giant wolf-like beast was thrashing its head around in the air to dislodge Thunder from its snout. ¡°Holy Zeus,¡± Sam breathed. In the brief time he spent in his sister¡¯s mind, Thunder had managed to jump over the beast and plunged her spear so deep into Rick the Hound¡¯s snout that Sam could see its tip jutting out of the underside of the horror¡¯s jaw. Thunder held onto her spear¡¯s handle while Rick the Hound buckled underneath her. Sam wasn¡¯t sure how long she could hold onto her footing though as the horror seemed intent to throw her off like it was caught in a kind of berserker¡¯s rage. ¡°She needs me,¡± he realized. ¡°Duh!¡± came Farsight¡¯s reply from the driver¡¯s window. A prickling in the back of Sam¡¯s neck forced his gaze back to his sister. Pandora the 8th had managed to get pretty far away from where the Argo VII was parked, but she was staring at him too. And he could almost swear that there was a momentary flash of recognition on her face when they locked eyes. ¡°She remembers me,¡± he whispered. ¡°Sam, we gotta go,¡± Farsight repeated. ¡°Thunder needs us!¡± Sam recalled all those years he mourned his father, his mother, and his sister. But now he had a chance to right the wrongs that had been done to his family all those years ago. Sam had a chance to save Serena. ¡°She needs me,¡± he repeated. Sam moved across the roof in the direction of Pandora the 8th, but then he heard Thunder cry out. Rick the Hound had finally managed to throw her off. More importantly, she¡¯d tumbled to the ground and lost her footing, allowing the horror¡¯s jaws to reach her. It might have ripped Thunder¡¯s body in half had she not held her shield aloft to lodge it between those powerful jaws. Out of instinct, Sam hurled Onus across the grove. The hammer smacked against the side of Rick the Hound¡¯s face which gave Thunder the distraction she needed to get out from under it. She did more than just escape its clutches though. Thunder shoved her hand into the horror¡¯s mouth which Sam guessed was so her fingers could grasp the spear still lodged inside it. Then, with the words, ¡°Behold the wrath of heaven¡­ a blade of light that obliterates great evil¡ªSkyfang!¡± she unleashed a violent maelstrom within the horror¡¯s body. It was a spectacular show of force that was a blow fatal enough to cause Rick the Hound to topple over in what seemed like a state of near-death. Thunder could handle the rest. Sam could now focus on rescuing Pandora the 8th. Or so he believed. However, as Sam turned his gaze back on his sister, he was dismayed to discover that she¡¯d vanished from her spot, and no matter where he looked, Sam couldn¡¯t find her again. Somehow, Pandora the 8th had disappeared from the battlefield. Sadness and regret weighed heavily on Sam¡¯s shoulders. It was a regret that, to his surprise, was reflected in Thunder¡¯s voice when he heard her say, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Rick.¡± With a raised spear, Thunder stood in front of the dying horror. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t there for you when you needed help¡­ I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t be your hero.¡± Her admission came in a tone so full of remorse that Sam thought they were far too alike when it came to beating themselves up over past trauma. ¡°But I can help you now. It¡¯s time I freed you from your pain¡­¡± Sam watched Thunder plunge her spear into the horror one final time. Then, seconds later, the massive beast¡¯s body began to disappear like red sand being blown away by the wind. That was the moment Medea chose to make her reentrance. The sorceress appeared out of thin air only a few feet away from Thunder. She had her back to Medea so she didn¡¯t notice that danger had closed in on her. Sam saw it though. From his vantage point atop the Argo VII, he could see the purple glow of Medea¡¯s magic enveloping the sorceress¡¯ hands. ¡°Not on my watch,¡± Sam growled. He reached out for his hammer¡¯s holster only to be reminded that he¡¯d already hurled Onus at the horror. ¡°Styx,¡± Sam cursed. ¡°Sam!¡± Farsight yelled, ¡°Wait¡ªdon¡¯t!¡± Her warning came too late. Sam had pulled out Gram from its sheath and threw that instead¡ªand the sword struck air. For the vision of Medea was just that¡ªa vision. In his hurry, Sam had forgotten something Chiron had drilled into him after the many times he¡¯d been hoodwinked by the Trickster¡¯s illusions. Always confirm your target¡¯s there, kid, Chiron had instructed. You¡¯ve got the stats and heightened senses to check for the telltale signs of illusions¡ªthe shimmer of magic at the edges of a vision or that annoying prickling in your brain¡­ listen to that. It¡¯s your sixth sense telling you something¡¯s up. Sam had indeed felt the alarm bells in his mind but he¡¯d been in such a rush to rescue Thunder that he hadn¡¯t paid attention to the warning of his senses. It would be a terrible mistake. As the vision of Medea vanished from sight, Gram¡¯s arc sent it straight at someone else instead. There was a sound of a blade piercing into flesh, and then Thunder screamed. Even worse, Thunder¡¯s scream was quickly drowned out by another sound. It was a roar so loud that the ground beneath Sam shook. Medea¡¯s Solar Dragon flew into his field of vision, and it looked even more menacing than Sam remembered. Especially in the eyes. For they held in them the promise of savage death. Chapter 126: The Fast and the Ferocious, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX The Fast and the Ferocious, Part 1
¡°Get out of my way!¡± Sam roared. He jumped off the Argo VII and charged the solar dragon floating between them with only his fists to challenge the horror¡¯s sharp fangs. It was quick to snap its jaws down at Sam too, but he ducked out of its way and slid underneath its body¡ªpassing through the eight feet of space between the earth and the horror¡¯s underside¡ªto get to the other side of it. The solar dragon reacted quickly, maneuvering its serpentine form in a hundred-and-eighty degree-turn that allowed monstrous jaws to snap at Sam¡¯s unprotected flank. Luckily for Sam, backup arrived just in time. It came in the form of a thick, bronze lance coated in the green ooze he recognized as Greek fire smacking into the side of the solar dragon¡¯s neck. ¡°Where in Hades¡ª¡± Sam¡¯s words were cut short by the green-flamed explosion that rocked the solar dragon¡¯s side. The horror roared in protest, although it didn¡¯t look like the attack hurt it much. It was, however, distracted enough that Sam managed to get further away from its tail. ¡°Thank you!¡± Sam yelled. He glanced over his shoulder and saw that the safety net had been pulled back into its compartment on the Argo VII¡¯s roof and was replaced by a ballista that Jackboot was operating. ¡°I¡¯ve got your back!¡± Jackboot yelled back. ¡°Go!¡± Medea¡¯s solar dragon turned to chase after Sam, but a second bronze spear ignited the ground where he had been just a moment earlier. It created a fiery green wall of flames that stopped the horror in its tracks. As for Sam, the heat caused by the blast from the Argo VII¡¯s projectile singed his back while the force of its explosion propelled him forward so quickly that he was like a cannonball that fell, stumbled, and then rolled to a stop a full five yards past where Thunder lay kneeling. It was such a comical way for him to make his appearance that Medea¡ªwho was standing behind Thunder¡ªstopped pulling at the Golden Fleece clinging to Thunder¡¯s back because she had been preoccupied with staring dumbfoundedly at Sam¡¯s entrance. Microseconds ticked by while the hero and villainess eyed each other. Then, like an old western duel, both of them moved at the same time¡ªSam rushing to Thunder¡¯s side while Medea yanked the fleece off her shoulders. ¡°No!¡± Thunder screamed. The sky rumbled. A blade of light fell from the heavens and smote the ground behind her. But even a lightning bolt hurled at the speed of light wasn¡¯t quick enough to prevent the sorceress from stealing the relic. Medea vanished in a shower of purple sparks with the Golden Fleece clutched in her hands. ¡°Godsdammit!¡± Thunder cursed. She was right to be frustrated at losing such a powerful relic. Sam¡¯s priority lay elsewhere though. He was more concerned for the wound he¡¯d inflicted on her shoulder thanks to his careless throw. ¡°Hold still,¡± Sam said as he dropped to one knee and reached out for the bloody gash on Thunder¡¯s shoulder. ¡°This¡¯ll only take a second.¡± A flash of teal light and then Healing Hand quickly worked its magic, stitching Thunder¡¯s wound together until only a light pink scar remained on her shoulder. ¡°You forgot to aim, didn¡¯t you?¡± she asked. There was no judgment in her voice. She was simply stating a fact. Still, Sam¡¯s cheeks were red from embarrassment. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Sorry,¡± he said softly. They helped each other up. Neither one of them looking the other in the eye. Thunder sighed. ¡°Yeah, well, I screwed up too¡­¡± She angrily kicked at the dirt. ¡°Godsdammit!¡± Thunder wrapped her hands over the sides of her head in embarrassment. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I lost the fleece!¡± ¡°We¡¯ll get it back,¡± Sam said, his tone reassuring. Her gaze found his. And, as they stared into each other eyes¡ªwith Sam feeling like he might get lost in those sky-blue orbs of her irises¡ªa silent promise passed between them. It was a promise that they would do all they could to steal back the Golden Fleece from Medea¡¯s clutches. This might have evolved into a pretty sweet rom-com moment actually. If only the solar dragon¡¯s roar hadn¡¯t interrupted them. Chillingly, the mighty horror soared over the green flames that separated it from them almost as if to point out that not even Greek fire could keep it at bay for long. The dragon didn¡¯t stop to mess with Sam and Thunder though. It flew past them and landed a good twenty yards away so that Medea¡ªwho¡¯d appeared out of thin air in a shower of purple sparks, the Golden Fleece now draped over her shoulders¡ªcould climb atop its back where another rider was already waiting for her. ¡°Serena,¡± Sam whispered, his voice strained. He watched with a furrowing brow as the dragon began to flap its wings and climb up to the sky where Sam couldn¡¯t follow. ¡°Hades¡¯ balls,¡± he cursed. Thunder patted his shoulder with her hand. ¡°We¡¯ll get her back too.¡± ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Sam sighed. ¡°But we¡¯ll have to get out of this godsdamned grove alive first.¡± ¡°Then you¡¯re going to need this.¡± Thunder reached down and picked up the sword that lay on the ground next to them. ¡°I know you¡¯re a decent healer now, but try not to stab me with this again,¡± she teased as she passed Gram back to Sam. ¡°Y-yeah¡­¡± Sam put Gram back in its sheath. ¡°Sorry about that¡­¡± Then he glanced left and then right, his eyes combing over the nearby ground around them. ¡°Get ready,¡± he said. Sam rushed over to where his hammer lay. He picked Onus up just in time too. Because the Argo VII pulled to a stop next to them. ¡°You two ready to leave this terrible, terrible place?¡± Jackboot asked from his spot on the roof. ¡°Ah, hold on. I¡¯ve got it in my sights!¡± The barrage of flares firing from the Argo VII¡¯s ballista aimed at the retreating solar dragon caused enough of a distraction for Sam and Thunder to jump onto the roof before the horror and its riders could get too far away. ¡°Where did this come from?¡± Thunder asked in an appreciative tone. ¡°There¡¯s a panel in the cockpit that brings this contraption up. Collapses back into the ceiling when we don¡¯t need it,¡± Jackboot explained. The rabbit-eared masked hero patted the ballista¡¯s iron frame. ¡°Weapons systems are still down so we had to go old school. Lucky for you two, I¡¯ve got good aim,¡± he added. ¡°Not better than me!¡± They could hear Farsight¡¯s voice coming from the walkie-talkie in Jackboot¡¯s hand. ¡°People who see the future don¡¯t count¡­ Honestly,¡± Jackboot replied. Sam could see that they were already near the edge of Ares¡¯ Grove and close to where they¡¯d entered it. In a panic, he grabbed the walkie-talkie from Jackboot¡¯s hand. ¡°Ash, we need to follow that dragon¡­¡± There was a moment of static, and then, ¡°Sorry, but did you say you want us to chase after the angry giant monster?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Both Sam and Thunder screamed into the walkie. ¡°Why in Hades would we do that?¡± Farsight asked. Then she quickly added, ¡°Oh¡­ Styx! I can¡¯t believe you lost the fleece?!¡± Leave it to a seer to understand how dire the situation was even without much context provided. ¡°Hold on to something!¡± Farsight ordered. Sam, Thunder, and Jackboot all clung to the ballista while Farsight made a hard turn. They just barely managed not to slip off the roof too. There was no time to relax, however, as the dragon¡¯s flight above the tree line made it difficult to chase after from the uneven terrain they were on. Meanwhile, Thunder fell into Sam¡¯s arms. She was clearly exhausted from her recent battle with Rick the Hound, but it was nothing like the kind of exhaustion she succumbed to when she¡¯d been afflicted by the Blight. ¡°I¡¯ll be okay¡­ just need a breather,¡± she said. ¡°I know,¡± Sam replied. Gone were the days when he would worry about Thunder using her powers too much to ruin her failing health. Sam had kept his promise to her. He had healed Thunder and made her whole again. Now Sam had another promise to keep. And, as his eyes took in the otherworldly sky, his gaze fixed on the golden-scaled dragon flying away from them, Sam saw the two figures atop its back, and he knew what he had to do. ¡°I¡¯m coming for you,¡± he whispered. A warmth, the kind he hadn¡¯t felt since his family was whole, sprung forth from inside of him. It was a warmth filled with the hope that he would do for Pandora the 8th what he¡¯d done for Thunder. He would save her too. Medea¡¯s solar dragon plunged into the fragile membrane at the edge of the grove, sending it back into the mortal world. Sam wasn¡¯t the least bit worried that they wouldn¡¯t catch up to it though. He was filled with hope after all. ¡°Ash¡±¡ªSam was grinning like a kid on a field trip because he¡¯d always wanted to say his next words¡ª¡°follow that¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªdragon!¡± Farsight cut in. ¡°Heard you the first time!¡± Chapter 127: The Fast and the Ferocious, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-SEVEN The Fast and the Ferocious, Part 2
Sam, Thunder, and Jackboot got back into the bus at Farsight¡¯s request because she didn¡¯t need them falling off while she drove the bus off the edge of Ares¡¯ Sacred Grove and back to their world. Dr. Hearthstone was already strapped to his seat in the living area. He was nursing a hot drink in his hands. ¡°I brewed coffee for everyone,¡± he said, and then offered Thunder a cup. ¡°Thanks, doc,¡± she said. As she took her seat next to him, Thunder sipped on her cup, which was when her eyes widened slightly. ¡°That bad?¡± Sam whispered into her ear. ¡°Kind of spicy but really tasty,¡± she replied. ¡°Special blend,¡± Dr. Hearthstone grinned. ¡°Grounded Chilean beans mixed with high-grade cardamom powder and half-moon ginger from the gardens of Priapos.¡± ¡°Priapos,¡± Sam repeated, recalling the name of the Olympian god of gardens just before his eyes widened too. ¡°Didn¡¯t the vegetables grown on the Priapus Farm in Kansas have special properties?¡± ¡°Taste it,¡± Thunder said as she passed him her cup. A single gulp was all it took for a notification to appear in the air. [ALERT! [Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s Special Coffee Blend] has invigorated your body, lessening your fatigue from [65%] to [30%].] ¡°Wow,¡± Sam smiled, ¡°I could get used to this.¡± ¡°Glad you¡¯re all enjoying this lull in hostilities¡±¡ªFarsight¡¯s eyes were rolling at them from the rearview mirror¡ª¡°but you all better get strapped in¡­ It¡¯s about to get bumpy.¡± ¡°Is it just me or does that dimensional wall look alarmingly solid?¡± Jackboot asked from his seat behind Farsight¡¯s cockpit. ¡°The dragon got through it easily enough,¡± Dr. Hearthstone replied. Medea¡¯s solar dragon had plunged through the dark red membrane with just the barest hint of a struggle. As if the wall between dimensions had tried but failed to keep the horror from punching a hole through it. ¡°It¡¯s a dragon¡­ they¡¯re extremely fast,¡± Jackboot replied. Farsight glanced over her shoulder to spare him a toothy grin before her rejoinder of, ¡°We can go really fast too, Jack.¡± She flicked the switch on the dashboard labeled [BOOST] while Jackboot cursed, ¡°Bloody Duat¡­¡± His hands quickly found the edge of his seat. While beside him, Sam¡¯s and Thunder¡¯s arms linked together. The pair gave each other worried looks a millisecond before they all felt the Argo VII¡¯s undercarriage rumbling. Then they were all forced to sink into their seats as the school bus flew across the edge of the grove and smashed into the glassy membrane that separated the divine from the mortal plane. ¡°It¡¯s not¡ªworking!¡± Sam yelled. The membrane held onto the Argo VII¡¯s front like sticky glue, trapping the bus in its reddish, glassy folds. ¡°Yes¡±¡ªFarsight pushed another button; a bright green one labeled [FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY]¡ª¡°it will!¡± Emerald flames burst out of the Argo VII¡¯s front bumper, enveloping their windshield in bright green hues of fire that exuded such intense heat that they could all feel it within the interior of their bus. ¡°This is insane¡ª¡± With the sound of glass shattering into thousands of tiny shards, the membrane-like wall finally gave way to the Argo VII¡¯s determined charge, sending the bus and its inhabitants plunging into a near pitch-black void lit only by the distant stars wheeling around it. After its inhabitants experienced a brief feeling of weightlessness, the Argo VII was suddenly crashing back onto solid ground with only thick fog ahead of it. Through all of that strangeness, Sam and Thunder had found comfort in each other¡¯s arms. Although they were quick to disentangle from each other once they realized that the danger had passed and both their cheeks flared red immediately afterward. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you two?¡± Jackboot asked as he glanced between them. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. ¡°Nothing,¡± Thunder said quickly. She noticed something strange about her friend and couldn¡¯t help but stare. ¡°Jack¡­ you took your mask off?¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t make sense to barf into it,¡± he explained. Then adding, ¡°Excuse me,¡± he hurled the contents of his stomach into the duffel bag lying on the floor. ¡°Um, dude¡±¡ªSam raised an eyebrow at Jackboot¡¯s back¡ª¡°that bag¡¯s not empty¡­what¡¯s left of Ash¡¯s vials are in there.¡± ¡°Welp, not using them anymore,¡± Farsight replied in a disgusted tone. ¡°We¡¯re home by the way.¡± As the fog cleared before them, the crew of the Argo VII let out a collective sigh of relief at the sight of the tall red arches of the Golden Gate Bridge. However, a new dilemma lay before them. A pileup of cars on their side of the bridge led back to San Francisco City beginning about ten yards from where the bus idled to stretch the entire length of the bridge. ¡°Now what do we do?¡± Sam asked worriedly. Many of the drivers and passengers had hurriedly fled their vehicles, possibly out of fear of the golden-scaled dragon soaring low over the bridge. ¡°Can¡¯t really blame them¡­ In this day and age, a dragon¡¯s a rare and frightening sight to see,¡± Thunder said as her gaze fixed on the horror in the sky. ¡°Definite omens of doom and gloom,¡± Jackboot agreed. ¡°Ash¡­¡± Sam began, but Farsight was quick to cut him off with, ¡°Follow that dragon, right?¡± Sam could see the seer chuckle at him from the rear-view mirror, which was when he realized that she¡¯d been intentionally stealing that line he wanted to say himself. ¡°Guess no one¡¯s going to complain if we take the scenic route,¡± Farsight added. The only way for the Argo VII to chase after Medea¡¯s solar dragon and avoid hitting the back of the minivan directly in front of them was to slide over to the opposite lane of the bridge which was less packed with cars. Farsight¡¯s new dilemma, however, was avoiding the onrush of automobiles fleeing toward the Marin County end of the bridge behind them. ¡°Is it just me or are these vehicles trying to hit us?¡± Jackboot asked. This came in response to the Camaro that just narrowly missed smashing into the Argo VII¡¯s right front bumper. ¡°It¡¯s natural for them to want to run away in the opposite direction of where the fire-breathing dragon is flying toward,¡± Farsight replied. Thankfully, her probability powers made dodging and weaving out of oncoming traffic a manageable task. Things seemed to be going smoothly for the crew for once. That is until Jackboot once again tempted the Fates with, ¡°At least we don¡¯t have the Spartoi or that bloody Nemean Lion to worry about anymore.¡± ¡°Jack!¡± They all yelled. ¡°Oh, bloody Duat,¡± he sighed. ¡°I just did it again, didn¡¯t I?¡± In almost comical fashion, as soon as Jackboot finished his lines, the bridge beneath them began to rumble. Sam¡¯s gaze snapped to the rear-view camera¡¯s screen on the dashboard. ¡°Maybe that was just an earthquake¡­¡± Of course, it wasn¡¯t just an earthquake. The screen proved that quickly enough when it captured the very moment the air behind them shattered into thousands of tiny shards big enough to create the interdimensional hole that could accommodate the size of the beast-like man that lumbered onto the Golden Gate Bridge. ¡°I didn¡¯t know he could teleport,¡± Sam grumbled. ¡°Styx¡­ he can teleport?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no teleportation gift registered to Apex on the Wardens database. That¡¯s probably another villain¡¯s ability,¡± Dr. Hearthstone answered. ¡°Great, now there¡¯s a villain with a teleportation gift in Chimera¡¯s roster of bad apples,¡± Jackboot sighed. ¡°What an absolute waste of such a rare power.¡± Apex let out a mighty inhuman roar, causing the vehicles racing toward the Argo VII to suddenly stop in their tracks. Unfortunately, the cars that had already passed their school bus were now under threat from the villain who seemed hellbent on causing as much collateral damage as possible while he chased after the Argo VII. That Camaro that nearly hit their bus was the first casualty. The car¡¯s hood caved under Apex¡¯s fists just before the descendant of Hercules swiped it out of the way, sending it hurtling into the traffic jam on the opposite side of the bridge. A school bus was also sent crashing halfway through the barrier that separated the bridge from the San Francisco Bay below. It dangled there precariously, and the kids inside it¡ªthe ones running to the rear of the bus¡ªwere screaming for help. Thunder was already moving toward the door when she noticed that Sam hadn¡¯t followed after her. ¡°We have to save them!¡± She insisted. Sam knew Thunder was right, of course. However, as he gazed back at the dragon flying ahead of them, his eyes fixed on the teenage girl whose dark brown hair billowed in the wind, he couldn¡¯t help but hesitate. His sister was moving further and further away from his reach, and the thought that he might never see her again kept his feet glued to the floor. Then warmth, the kind that came from the touch of someone precious to him, brushed against Sam¡¯s hand. ¡°Sam,¡± Thunder called, her voice sympathetic, with her hand gently squeezing his. ¡°I know, I know¡­ lesson number ten.¡± Sam gave the retreating dragon one last longing look, and then he sighed. ¡°Ash¡­ turn us around.¡± ¡°Already on it,¡± Farsight replied. ¡°Best get ready, boys and girl¡­ this is going to be our toughest battle yet.¡± ¡°Did your gift tell you that?¡± Dr. Hearthstone asked curiously. ¡°Don¡¯t need my powers to know that bastard won¡¯t go down easily, doc,¡± she replied. It didn¡¯t take long for the Argo VII to arrive at the area of the bridge where Apex waited. The villain knew that it didn¡¯t need to chase after the heroes. He only needed to cause enough mayhem to send them running back to him. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need help distracting him?¡± Dr. Hearthstone asked while he hefted the first-aid bag over his shoulder. Sam was too busy putting on the partially damaged Apollonian armor over his last spare suit to do anything more than nod. He was lucky Crow-Man had thought to supply them with the extra equipment. Otherwise, Sam would have had to face his ¡®Third Labor¡¯ with his right butt cheek visible for the world to see¡ªand he was already far too embarrassed that Thunder and Farsight had seen it earlier. ¡°Alright. Thunder, Jackboot, and I will handle evacuating the civilians while Farsight provides you backup from inside the Argo VII,¡± Dr. Hearthstone reiterated the plan. ¡°Targeting systems are back online, but don¡¯t expect anything big¡­ we¡¯ve depleted most of our ammo,¡± Farsight added. ¡°The flares will have to do,¡± Dr. Hearthstone said as he pulled open the door. Then the veteran hero glanced over his shoulder to ask Sam, ¡°Keep him away from the civilians for as long as you can.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Sam said in as confident a tone as he could manage. ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡± Thunder, who was about to follow Dr. Hearthstone out of the door, gave Sam a heartfelt smile when she passed him by. ¡°You always do. Now go be a hero.¡± Chapter 128: The Last Heracleidae, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-EIGHT The Last Heracleidae, Part 1
The others hurriedly shuffled out of the Argo VII, but Sam spent a few more seconds updating his status. With forty-two points to distribute, he decided that the priority was to gain power enough to achieve two things; strength to keep Apex¡¯s attention fixed solely on him, as well as a defense that would keep the psychotic villain from murdering Sam before the others arrived to help him. Unsurprisingly, he put all his points into [STRENGTH: 62] because Sam figured that along with the power boost he would also get new boons once he hit [104]¡ªand he was right. A new notification appeared just as Sam got off the school bus to inform him that [Bulwark (¦Æ)], [Stout Body (¦Æ)], and [Athleticism (¦Æ)], had all risen to delta-level. [Stout Body (¦¤)] not only lessened Sam¡¯s damage whenever he used Herculean¡¯s power, it now offered a minor defense boost against physical attacks while Herculean remained active. Meanwhile, [Athleticism (¦¤)] raised both Strength and Dexterity by [+2] while adding a minor boost to lessening fatigue accumulation over time. As for [Bulwark (¦¤)], well, Sam would experience its improved version soon enough as Apex seemed eager to get things started. ¡°We meet again¡±¡ªgolden cat-slit eyes glared in Sam¡¯s direction ¡ª¡°pretender.¡± Apex was quite the sight with his lion¡¯s hood over his head and his lion¡¯s fur cloak draped around his thick shoulders. He had a savage face disfigured by so many scars which made him seem no less menacing in his human form than the great lion that had chased the Argo VII across the woods of Oregon. Sam tightened his grip on Gram¡¯s hilt. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for the name¡­¡± He glanced sideways at his companions who were fulfilling their tasks and rescuing the civilians caught in the crossfire of Apex¡¯s intensity. The sight of their heroics filled Sam full of positive vibes. ¡°But,¡± Sam shut his eyes for just a moment, as if resolving himself for what he said next, ¡°I think I deserve to follow his legacy better than you.¡± It might have been the very first time Sam truly accepted his hero moniker. It felt good to admit it to himself too. Like he was finally ready to take on the mantle of a successor to the legendary hero who had accomplished such storied deeds the gods had plastered his likeness across the starry sky as a constellation that would inspire countless generations of heroes to courageous actions. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve grown a spine since last we met,¡± Apex said, grinning. ¡°I will enjoy breaking you¡­ and your allies can watch me do it.¡± With a speed that belied his massive bulk, Apex spear-tackled Sam. He¡¯d done it so quickly that Sam couldn¡¯t raise his defenses in time, and they rolled around on the asphalt, both of them vying for dominancy through sheer strength. ¡°Hercu¡ª¡± ¡°None of that¡±¡ªApex slammed his fist down Sam¡¯s jaw and kept him from activating his power¡ª¡°pretender!¡± He rolled on top of Sam¡ª"You¡¯ll fight me¡±¡ªand sent his elbow crashing down the hero¡¯s chest¡ª¡°with your own strength!¡± Sam avoided the critical blow by combining his weight with the momentum of their crash to flip Apex around so that they continued to roll in the asphalt. In that time, they each traded blow after blow with the other, bludgeoning each other¡¯s bodies with their fists. ¡°Quit hitting me!¡± Sam snapped. He caught Apex¡¯s right fist just before it smashed against his nose. Then, remembering what Chiron had taught him about wrestling, Sam twisted his upper body to the right so he could lift his leg up and over Apex¡¯s neck to lock the villain in an armbar. You won¡¯t have the stability to launch a haymaker at an opponent when you¡¯re both on the ground, Chiron had once instructed. No need to overpower them. Instead, go for a hold aimed to take away that strength they¡¯re so proud of. While holding onto Apex¡¯s arm, Sam stretched his body taut, which was when he heard the satisfying crunch of snapping bone and tendon. Apex let loose a pain-filled roar while Sam, thinking he¡¯d dealt the villain some serious damage, couldn¡¯t help but grin to himself. Suddenly, while still clinging to Apex¡¯s broken arm, Sam felt himself getting lifted into the air. Then he was smashed back onto the asphalt with such force that it cracked against his back. Sam let out a pain-filled grunt, but there was no time to recuperate as Apex¡¯s foot came crashing down on his head, and he just barely avoided it by rolling away. Sam tried to get up, but Apex chased after him¡ªshifting from that first foot stomp to a front kick that caught Sam in his gut. The force of it tore the breath from his lungs and sent Sam crashing into the side of the school bus behind him. The same one whose inhabitants Thunder and Dr. Hearthstone went to rescue. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Gods,¡± he gasped. ¡°That¡ª¡± His vision got so blurry he didn¡¯t see that Apex had just leaped to his side with another front kick careening toward him. It was instinct that made Sam raise his arm and deflect the blow that might have crushed his head. Finally, a stroke of luck. With his balance disrupted, Apex couldn¡¯t defend as Sam sent an uppercut smashing up the villain¡¯s chin. Apex wobbled backward. He was rattled by Sam¡¯s punch. Sam wasn¡¯t faring any better either though. He too was backing away on shaky legs and using this reprieve to catch his breath. ¡°So, you¡¯re not just a pretender after all¡­¡± Apex had found his footing once again, but he didn¡¯t charge at Sam as he had earlier. The villain opted instead to give Sam a curious look, one with a hint of recognition apparent in that scarred face. ¡°You carry his blood in your veins too, don¡¯t you?¡± Sam didn¡¯t respond to the provocation. He just wiped away the blood dripping from his nose with the back of his hand while his eyes scanned his surroundings. Their earlier scuffle now caused the school bus that was dangling from the railing to teeter off the edge and fall into the San Francisco Bay below. Thankfully, Sam could hear Thunder¡¯s voice from behind him yelling for the students to follow her to safety, which meant she and Dr. Hearthstone had managed to evacuate them in time. ¡°Your companions cannot help you,¡± Apex said as he noticed Sam glanced over his shoulder. ¡°Ours is a private affair, cousin.¡± Sam raised an eyebrow at the word ¡®cousin¡¯ but said nothing to confirm Apex¡¯s suspicions. He didn¡¯t need this monster to be more motivated to kill him than he already was. ¡°There¡¯s no use denying it, child of the Shepards,¡± Apex added. ¡°You¡­¡± Sam frowned. ¡°¡­know who I am?¡± ¡°Not at first,¡± Apex grinned mischievously, ¡°but Medea has her uses. She informed me that more than one of Adele¡¯s brood survived her downfall.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you dare say my mom¡¯s name,¡± Sam snapped. Sam¡¯s confirmation only made Apex¡¯s villainous grin widen. ¡°I cannot touch Pandora¡­ She serves a purpose.¡± The annoyance was clear on Apex¡¯s scarred face. He glanced briefly to his left like he was listening to someone whispering into his ear, and then his annoyed expression reformed into one of elation. ¡°Yes, yes, you¡¯re right¡­ This one I am free to hunt.¡± ¡°You¡¯re insane,¡± Sam hissed. Apex licked at his lips with a tongue that was so long it couldn¡¯t have possibly belonged to a human being. ¡°Spoken like one who does not know the truth of our bloodline.¡± ¡°What¡±¡ªSam raised his eyebrow¡ª¡°do you mean?¡± Apex¡¯s next bout of laughter seemed both mocking and menacing to Sam¡¯s ears. ¡°How foolish Adele was to leave you unprepared for this fated encounter.¡± He raised a hand to his eye level, and Sam could see the muscles of his thick arm bulging even more. ¡°I speak of heritage, cousin¡­ I speak of the legacy of Hercules.¡± Apex balled that same hand into a fist. ¡°A strength dulled by generations of diluted blood spread across an unworthy race of fools who couldn¡¯t comprehend the true power our legendary ancestor left for us to discover.¡± He smashed his chest with the underside of his fist, letting out a loud thump that reverberated across the expanse of space between them. ¡°The gods have played a cruel trick on our clan. They could not allow another to be born among the ¡®Heracleidae¡¯ who could wield Herucles¡¯ power in full. That¡¯s how much they feared his strength. Instead, they spread the gift inherent in our blood to all his descendants, ensuring that as we shared this gift no single one of the Heracleidae could rise to the height of Hercules¡¯ strength.¡± ¡°Gods¡­ is that why you killed them?¡± Sam raised a shaking finger at Apex. ¡°You want the power all to yourself?¡± Apex said nothing. Although for a brief moment, Sam thought he saw guilt in the villain¡¯s eyes. Then he cocked his head to the side as if once again listening to voices Sam couldn¡¯t hear, and a venomous look grew on his face which told Sam all he needed to know. The thought of such a selfish reason to murder one¡¯s family was so appalling to him that Sam nearly puked. ¡°You¡¯re a monster,¡± Sam spat. ¡°Yes, I am,¡± Apex agreed, sounding almost remorseful for it. His brow furrowed. His eyes saddened. He looked almost guilty. This strange expression quickly washed away from the villain¡¯s face, however, the moment after he glanced away from Sam. Once again, it seemed like he was listening to someone only he could hear. Then, in a more Apex-like tone, he added, ¡°I am a monster. Just like our ancestor was a monster strong enough to bring even the Gigantes low.¡± Apex stretched his broken right arm forward. With a great exhale of breath, he flexed his muscles¡ªand Sam watched as the awkward angle of his arm righted itself. He can heal himself too¡­ Styx, we are related¡­ ¡°There can be only one heir¡­¡± His voice sounded like Apex was agreeing with someone else¡¯s proclamation rather than his own. ¡°¡­and that title belongs to Apex!¡± With this final taunt, Apex eagerly pounced. However, in the milliseconds before hero and villain would collide, Sam yelled, ¡°Herculean!¡± into the sky. As the power originating from his storied ancestor sprang forth from inside him, everything around Sam began to shake. The ground rumbled while bits of rock and dirt floated up from the asphalt. An effect caused by the aura of power now enveloping Sam and spreading out around him in bright sparks that snapped against the ground.
[Herculean (¦¤)] is now active. Based on probability and threat assessment calculations, your current strength is temporarily quadrupled [424].
WARNING! Even with [Stout Body (¦¤)], the increased boost in strength is too much for your body¡¯s current state. You will accumulate damage while it is active.
Lightning forked across a teal-tinged sky while the excited whispers of unseen spectators carried in the wind. Proof that even the heavens seemed to shake with anticipation for that electrifying beginning to a battle between the last descendants of Hercules. This battle, which the heavens deemed to be of great significance, would also shake the entirety of man¡¯s world. No one knew it then, but here and now at the Golden Gate Bridge, the legend of the Symbol of Hope was about to be born. Chapter 129: The Last Heracleidae, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-NINE The Last Heracleidae, Part 2
Their first clash was one of strength where both hero and villain launched themselves forward with fists that struck each other in their cheeks. And, although Apex¡¯s blow felt like it almost ripped his head off his shoulders, Sam¡¯s quick use of Bulwark helped him endure the punch that would have felled even the thickest of tree trunks. As for Apex, well, the grin on his face suggested the villain enjoyed that exchange more than it hurt him. ¡°Was that it?¡± Apex asked in a mocking tone. A bristling Sam planted his feet in the asphalt, and with a taunt of, ¡°Here¡¯s some more knuckle sandwich!¡± flung a right-fisted haymaker at the same cheek he¡¯d struck earlier. This second blow¡ªwhich Triple-A once again informed Sam was boosted to four times his regular strength¡ªwas so heavy that the bridge rumbled in protest. ¡°How was that?¡± Sam taunted. Apex, whose head had swiveled to the right as he met Sam¡¯s punch, spat blood on the ground before replying with, ¡°Better.¡± Then he too launched a right-fisted haymaker at Sam, a move that Triple-A warned Sam he needed to dodge. Crazily enough, Sam refused. If Apex was man enough to take his strongest punch then Sam¡¯s pride wouldn¡¯t allow him to back away from the same challenge. Apex¡¯s fist smashed against the near-invisible layer of energy covering Sam¡¯s face and caused cracks to appear on its surface while Sam¡¯s head jerked back from the heavy blow. He sprung back to position quickly enough though. Like Apex, he spat a wad of blood on the ground between them before flinging the villain¡¯s words back at him. ¡°Was that it?¡± ¡°You have a shield,¡± Apex pointed out. ¡°And you have unbreakable lion fur armor,¡± Sam fired back. ¡°At least my defense comes from my power.¡± ¡°The tools we use are extensions of ourselves,¡± Apex replied. ¡°Only a fool would choose not to use the gifts the gods give us.¡± ¡°I doubt you were given that,¡± Sam countered. ¡°You¡¯re not worthy to wear Hercules¡¯ armor.¡± ¡°Only the victor decides who is worthy,¡± Apex spat back at Sam. ¡°I proved the victor after I smashed my father into a pulp and claimed the Nemean Lion¡¯s fur for myself.¡± ¡°Your¡­ father?¡± Sam¡¯s brow creased as a dark look passed over him. Sam was an orphan who loved his parents. He would never understand Apex, a villain who¡¯d culled his family to attain power. ¡°You really are a monster¡­¡± ¡°As are you, it seems,¡± Apex grinned. ¡°I¡¯m not¡ª¡± Sam sent his left fist up to smack against Apex¡¯s chin, causing the villain¡¯s head to whip back. ¡°¡ªa monster!¡± Sam followed up with a quick right jab at Apex¡¯s nose. ¡°I save lives¡ª¡± Then he planted a left-fisted straight right between Apex¡¯s eyes. ¡°¡ªI don¡¯t take them!¡± Sam finished his combo with another right-fisted haymaker that had the full force of his weight behind it. ¡°We save¡­ lives,¡± he panted. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ what heroes do¡­¡± Each of those blows had sent powerful shockwaves spiraling out into the air. Yet despite his bloody nose, Apex was grinning from ear to ear. As for Sam, he was out of breath and his fists hurt. Because for him, it had felt like repeatedly punching a titanium wall to the point where his fists were now caked in his blood. ¡°Hades¡¯ balls¡­ that Nemean Lion¡¯s fur is a cheat relic,¡± Sam complained. A coating of light golden fur had grown on Apex¡¯s face which had protected the villain from most of the damage caused by Sam¡¯s punches. ¡°Heh¡­¡± Apex wiped at the blood dripping down his nose. ¡°Not bad¡­ Now¡­¡± A powerful fist smashed against Sam¡¯s gut, catching him off guard and lifting the hero off his feet. ¡°Let me show you¡­¡± Apex¡¯s right hand plucked at the empty air at his side, and as if materializing out of nothing, a great wooden club appeared in his hand. It was a weapon Sam instantly recognized as another relic belonging to their shared ancestor. ¡°¡­what true strength feels like!¡± Sam didn¡¯t bother to read the many warning notices Triple-A sent him. It was clear even to Sam that meeting this next blow head-on would be the death of him. So, he rolled away just as Apex swung the ¡®Club of Heracles¡¯ down on his head, and Sam just barely escaped the blow that struck the ground he¡¯d been standing on with such force that it was like a bomb had exploded within the Golden Gate Bridge. ¡°Holy Zeus,¡± Sam gulped. ¡°Talk about a weapon of mass destruction¡­¡± Between him and Apex was a crater akin to that made by a landmine¡¯s explosion that was so deep one could glimpse the bay¡¯s waters beyond the deep cracks at the crater¡¯s epicenter. ¡°I don¡¯t have anything that can block that¡­ do I?¡± he asked.
No...
Sam sighed. ¡°Maybe I should invest in one of the OTC¡¯s expensive shields¡­¡± The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
You could just claim the Nemean Lion¡¯s Fur for yourself. Assuming you survive, that is.
¡°Assuming I survive,¡± Sam repeated, his eyes widening suddenly. Apex leaped over the crater he¡¯d made and was now hurtling toward Sam with his club raised high and a murderous glint in his eyes. ¡°Styx,¡± Sam cursed. He had only seconds to draw Herculean¡¯s energy into the muscles of his arms, strengthening them with the explosive force he needed to perform this trick he¡¯d used on Apex once before. Sam pushed all his power to gather around his hands, to spread across his palms, and flow into the tips of his fingers. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± he gasped. It had been a while since he felt pain like this. As if his hands were on fire while power continued to build up around them. There was so much of it gathering there, in fact, that what was once invisible to everyone else had appeared as sparks of teal-colored lightning crackling across the back of Sam¡¯s hands.
Hurry.
Apex had arrived in the air right above Sam, and he had already begun to swing his club down on Sam¡¯s head. However, before the villain could strike him down, Sam spread his arms wide, and even this took effort because it was like lifting two hundred pounds of cement bags in each hand.
Now or never!
As Apex¡¯s club arrived inches from his head, Sam drew his hands forward and slapped his palms against each other. Chiron had jokingly called this move the ¡®Clapper¡¯, but Sam thought ¡®Shockwave¡¯ might have been more appropriate as the shockwave that spread out from the point where his palms met was so powerful that it caused the air to explode and devour everything in Sam''s field of view. The Golden Gate Bridge¡¯s two main cables rattled from the force of Sam¡¯s clap. Nearby cars were flung aside too while spectators were forced to take cover from the strong pressure of air that appeared around them. Thankfully, Sam controlled the direction of his ¡®Shockwave¡¯ well enough that he avoided negatively affecting the rescue operations happening around him while still managing to blow Apex away. Not far enough for Sam to feel safe, but falling into the crater he¡¯d created had been quite the stroke of luck because it took Apex longer to get back on his feet. Long enough for Sam to catch the villain with his proverbial pants down. ¡°You really should watch where you swing that thing,¡± Sam teased. Sam was already mid-swing before Apex could lift his club. It was a fist that carried with it the weight of Sam¡¯s resolve, which made it heavy enough to blow the Club of Heracles out of Apex¡¯s grasp. Ridding his enemy of a weapon that was clearly too dangerous to go up against had been the first step in Sam¡¯s plan. His second step, knocking Apex out by pumping even more of his strength into his next punch¡ªthat didn¡¯t quite go as well as he hoped. Apex slapped Sam¡¯s fist away with a hand that was no longer human, but one covered in fur and two-inch-long sharp claws at the tips of its fingers. ¡°What the¡ª¡± A growl, both menacing and inhuman, reached Sam¡¯s ears, forcing the hero¡¯s gaze up to Apex¡¯s face. ¡°Oh, right,¡± Sam sighed. Apex¡¯s scarred face had changed too. Transformed into that of a lion¡¯s proud visage, complete with a golden lion¡¯s mane flowing behind an enlarged face, and a wide, fang-filled mouth that unleashed a guttural growl that carried with it the promise of blood and carnage. Sam gulped. ¡°You¡¯ve got a second form¡­¡± Apex¡¯s clawed hand swung at Sam¡¯s face so quickly that the hero was unable to dodge the attack. He opted instead to block it with crossed arms. Only, Bulwark couldn¡¯t withstand the villain¡¯s savage might, and as it shattered into hundreds of ethereal shards that winked out into nothingness, Sam felt sharp claws rake across his arms. He screamed. A second, third, and then fourth slash¡ªall of them too quick for him to dodge¡ªcut Sam up as easily as if he¡¯d been made of butter, causing blood to leak out of him while taking with it the life force he needed to stay strong.
[ALERT! Your HP has dropped below forty percent. [Herculean (¦¤)] has been forcefully deactivated to allow your HP to recover faster.
You are losing too much blood. [Regeneration (¦¤)] is working to keep you from losing consciousness.
¡°Stop hitting me!¡± Sam complained. As another claw swipe came swinging at his gut, Sam reacted with a push kick that barely carried any of his old strength. It was just enough to let Sam tumble backward and roll away from Apex¡¯s reach. ¡°Hades¡¯ balls, that hurt,¡± he gasped. Sam didn¡¯t have time for a breather though as he could hear Apex stomping toward him already. He wobbled back on his feet while his breath remained strained and heavy. ¡°Hold¡­ on,¡± Sam frowned. ¡°Weren¡¯t you¡­ bigger before?¡± Apex looked different from the monster that had chased him and his friends out of the woods of Oregon. This other version of the villain was more subdued¡ªmore human than beast. ¡°It won¡¯t hurt any less when I kill you in this form,¡± he said in a low guttural tone that did nothing to ease Sam¡¯s nerves. ¡°Yeah, well¡­ like I said,¡± Sam put up his fists. ¡°I can¡­ do this¡­ all day.¡± Apex pounced into the air once more, and he was halfway to Sam with claws outstretched when he was struck in the side by two metallic ram¡¯s horns that were attached to the front bumper of the Argo VII. And, although he was surprised by its sudden appearance, Sam pumped his fists into the air and yelled, ¡°Yes~~s!¡± The Argo VII rammed into the lion-man at just the right force and angle to send Apex hurtling a good twenty yards away and right into the railing that separated both sides of the Golden Gate Bridge. ¡°Yes!¡± Relief flashed across his face. ¡°That was¡­ awesome!¡± The Argo VII¡ªits front side caved-in and smoking from the recent impact¡ªpulled to a stop in front of Sam. Its doors swung open to reveal Farsight on the other side of it. ¡°Not to ruin the mood, but that rescue cost us our engine¡­ it¡¯ll take me a while to repair it,¡± she explained. ¡°And we don¡¯t even have a minute for that¡­¡± ¡°Wait... what?¡± Sam¡¯s brow creased. ¡°Oh, right¡­ it¡¯s got a third form.¡± The lion-man who had dislodged himself from the mangled railing behind him was no longer a man but shifting into the giant, bus-sized monstrosity that had once chased after the Argo VII. The one good thing about this latest problem though was that Apex seemed glued to the spot while his transformation remained incomplete. ¡°How long do we have before¡­¡± The thought of facing Apex in his hopefully final form was making Sam feel queasy. ¡°Not long,¡± Farsight admitted. ¡°I did tell you this would be our toughest battle yet¡­¡± Sam sighed. ¡°Styx¡­ it¡¯s one problem after another.¡± ¡°Yep, but we¡¯re in the endgame now¡­ I¡¯ll get this baby up and running again. You keep hitting that monster until it breaks¡­¡± As she began to shut the Argo VII¡¯s door on him, she added, ¡°Believe that you can beat it, Sam. I do.¡± Chapter 130: The Third Labor, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THIRTY The Third Labor, Part 1
Farsight¡¯s words instilled Sam with enough confidence that the blood-curdling roar he heard as he approached the monster kept his anxiety at bay.
ALERT! Your HP has risen back to [50%]. It is still not advisable to approach the Nemean Lion without raising your health more.
¡°Thanks for the advice, Triple-A,¡± Sam smiled at the floating notification, ¡°but I can¡¯t do that¡­¡± He glanced to his left and noticed that a crowd of spectators had appeared on the other side of the bridge¡¯s railing. ¡°Lesson number two¡­ a true hero never stops to answer the call when it¡¯s given.¡± Sam was walking tall toward the savage personification of death, and those who watched him began to feel a stirring in their chests. He didn¡¯t know it, but his courage¡ªhis resolve¡ªwas inspiring them. It wasn¡¯t just humans either. Even the gods seemed glued to Sam¡¯s unfaltering steps.
Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, looks upon you with favor.
Your patron, Apollo, God of the Sun, has his hands raised high in excitement.
Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, is curious about your plan of attack.
Ares, God of War, scoffs at your impudent stride.
Dionysus, God of Revelry, toasts your daring with a glass of hundred-year-aged wine.
Sam¡¯s eyebrow rose at the sight of the gods¡¯ messages. Although he didn¡¯t have time to be annoyed with their voyeurism. He had much bigger worries at the moment.
WARNING! The Nemean Lion (¦Á) has fully formed.
¡°Yep¡±¡ªhe watched the great beast shake its mighty mane¡ª¡°I noticed¡­¡± The Nemean Lion didn¡¯t even wait for Sam to get close enough to be within range. The great beast¡ªits cat eyes glaring menacingly at Sam¡ªpounced on the hero with savage ferocity. But unlike earlier, Sam was ready for the monster¡¯s blitz attack. ¡°Lesson Number One¡±¡ªdespite the pain coursing through his body, Sam flung his fist without reserve¡ª¡°believe!¡±
[Mortal Fist (¦Æ)] activated.
With the sound of a roaring thunderclap, Sam¡¯s fist¡ªbathed in an aura of his life force¡ª smashed against the massive, sharp-clawed paw of the Nemean Lion¡ªand the very air seemed to warp as these two powers collided. *** To the surprise of the civilian spectators whose feet seemed glued to the spot because they couldn¡¯t help but watch the fight unfold, it was the giant lion¡ªa beast so massive it rivaled the strange-looking black school bus idling close by¡ªthat was blown away by its clash with the unknown hero. Who was this weirdly-dressed newbie, they all wondered, that he could knock such a massive and powerful-looking monster away with a single punch? ¡°Uh, is it just me, or did that hero yell his name out loud a while ago?¡± asked a brown-haired woman in a baseball cap. The slanted-eyed man standing next to her replied, ¡°Seriously? Announcing your name to a villain is such a nineties thing to do.¡± ¡°Dude¡¯s dressed like he¡¯s from way before that though¡­ That armor¡¯s older than my Lola,¡± the tan-skinned bystander behind the woman commented. ¡°What¡¯d he say his name was?¡± ¡°Uh, I think it was¡­ Herculean?¡± The woman in the baseball cap answered. ¡°Herculean?¡± repeated an African American man in a Warriors jersey standing on the other side of the woman. ¡°Yeah¡­ He¡¯s Herculean.¡± The woman in the cap¡¯s hands tightened into fists as she watched Sam fight along with the other civilian spectators who¡¯d opted not to run away because they stopped feeling like they needed to. ¡°I hope he lives up to the name.¡± *** Just like a cat, the Nemean Lion landed on its feet without much trouble, but it was unprepared to counter Sam as he appeared right next to it. A single leap had sent the hero flying across the Golden Gate Bridge and right into attack range. Then, with Onus in one hand, Sam unleashed a mighty swing that clocked the Nemean Lion in its jaw. The great beast staggered backward from the blow. It shook its head¡ªits mighty mane bristling in anger¡ªand then something weird happened. To Sam¡¯s surprise, his hammer did more than just blow the monster¡¯s head back. It was barely a moment, but he¡¯d seen the Nemean Lion¡¯s body shift¡ªlike a computer glitch in a program or a distortion in a painting¡ªrevealing the villain underneath all that thick fur and muscle.
Your attacks seem to be having an effect.
¡°Really?¡± Sam raised a skeptical eyebrow at the notification window. ¡°How exactly?¡± This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Perhaps the strength of your attacks is adversely affecting Apex¡¯s transformation and causing cracks to appear in the relic¡¯s enchantment.
¡°But the Violator and those landmines did nothing against him?¡±
Neither carried the power of [Herculean (¦¤)] in them. Perhaps the similarity in your energy signature is the cause of this glitch.
¡°Huh, that¡¯s interest¡ª¡± The monster¡¯s head snapped forward, its jaws wide open. It might have ripped Sam¡¯s head off his shoulders too if Sam hadn¡¯t raised his left arm and summoned Bulwark to defend against it. An ethereal, round shield made of brilliant teal aura wrapped around his left arm and lodged itself between the Nemean Lion¡¯s jaws before the great beast could chomp down on Sam. ¡°You mean this ungodly bastard¡±¡ªSam pushed back against the power of the Nemean Lion¡¯s jaws¡ª"isn¡¯t invincible?¡± him?¡±
The relic certainly is, but its wielder would have limitations. Especially if Apex wasn¡¯t meant to be its true inheritor.
¡°What kind of¡±¡ªSam¡¯s head leaned away to avoid the drip of saliva falling off his shield¡ª¡°limitations are we talking about?¡±
Perhaps the amount of damage Apex can endure from your shared energy signature before he¡¯s forced to revert to human form.
¡°So, basically, what you¡¯re saying is,¡± Sam grunted as his feet began to slide back, ¡°this thing¡¯s just like the Cannibal Boar and,¡± he shoved his shoulder against his shield and braced, ¡°I should just keep hitting it until the enchantment breaks?¡±
It¡¯s a crude tactic, but whatever works, right?
¡°You¡¯re sounding more and more like Chiron now¡­¡±
Was that a compliment?
¡°Nope!¡± While Bulwark kept the monster¡¯s mouth in a low enough position, Sam smashed Onus against the Nemean Lion¡¯s snout, forcing the great beast to dislodge itself from Sam¡¯s shield so it could yelp indignantly at the hero while it pulled away from him. This brief reprieve came just in time too, because cracks had already begun to appear on the shield¡¯s surface. ¡°Gods, your breath stinks,¡± he called to the retreating monster whose eyes had watered thanks to its nose being hit. ¡°You don¡¯t floss, do you?¡± The Nemean Lion unleashed an almost offended-sounding roar before it launched itself at Sam once more.
Dodge!
However, it was as if time had slowed. Either that or the Nemean Lion had suddenly become much faster. Sam had no time to dodge its sharp claws. All he could do was raise his shield to deflect the attack. And, although he did manage at least that, the power behind the monster¡¯s claws was so great that Sam was flung sideways and sent crashing into the Golden Gate Bridge¡¯s railing which saved him from falling off the bridge.
WARNING! That attack dropped both your health and stamina to below forty percent. The system recommends you stay still while [Regeneration (¦¤)] works to heal you.
¡°Not an option,¡± Sam grimaced.
Then it is recommended that you drop [Herculean (¦¤)] for now.
¡°I can¡¯t do that either¡­¡± It worried Sam that a single blow had done such heavy damage to him. It was something not even the Dragon Kholkikos could do even after Sam was stuck inside its belly.
It¡¯s coming again!
¡°Geez, this cat¡¯s way too clingy!¡± Out of a desire to catch his enemy off balance as it had just done to him, Sam flung his shield forward with all his might. It hurtled through the air and smacked against the Nemean Lion¡¯s front leg¡ªa spot Sam hadn¡¯t even been aiming at¡ªand caused the great beast to stumble. Amazingly, the glowing round shield didn¡¯t disappear despite being away from the aura that clung to Sam¡¯s body. Instead, it bounced into the air and back toward him so that Sam caught it in his hand almost out of instinct. ¡°Triple-A¡­¡± He stared dumbfoundedly at the ethereal shield that had automatically attached itself back to his left forearm. ¡°What just¡ª¡±
[Bulwark (¦¤)] can now temporarily exist separate from the life force flowing out of your body.
¡°Holy Zeus¡­ that¡¯s awesome!¡±
It will certainly expand your defensive capability. Although the expense to your HP will also increase when used in this way.
¡°I can handle that much,¡± Sam insisted. Then inspiration flashed across his face. ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be a shield, does it?¡±
You are limited only by your imagination and the amount of life force available to you.
¡°Well, years of being a loner has made me an expert at imagining stuff¡­¡±
Self-deprecation¡­ the creator would be proud.
¡°Shut up¡­¡± Sam couldn''t stay mad at his virtual companion though. Triple-A had just given him a clue on how to best Apex after all. ¡°Just sit back and watch¡­ It''s time to be amazing.¡± Chapter 131: The Third Labor, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE The Third Labor, Part 2
With his ethereal shield and magical hammer at the ready, and with a rallying cry of, ¡°I can do this!¡± lifting his spirits, Sam launched a flurry of blows against the Nemean Lion to force Apex back into his human form. ¡°You know what time it is?¡± He swung Onus with all his might, again and again, staggering the Nemean Lion with each blow. ¡°It¡¯s magic hammer time!¡± When the Nemean Lion attempted to counter with its claws, Sam blocked each would-be-critical hit with Bulwark¡¯s ethereal shield. ¡°It¡¯s also magic shield time!¡± Sam flung his shield at the Nemean Lion¡¯s paw before it could complete its swing down on him, causing the great beast to once again lose its balance. Meanwhile, the shield bounced back into Sam¡¯s hand like a boomerang. ¡°And more magic shield!¡± A second, and then the third, well-timed shield throw finally cut through the enchantment of the Nemean Lion¡¯s Fur and once again revealed the villain underneath it. However, the monster¡¯s form was quick to reshape. It was as if the spirit of the great beast refused to let go of the mortal it possessed. It blindingly lashed out at Sam in anger, but the hero was waiting for just this moment. Sam quickly dropped his shield so he could reshape Bulwark into a glowing teal-tinged wall that not only repelled the Nemean Lion¡¯s attack but also blocked Sam momentarily from its sight. ¡°Claw can¡¯t beat my wall, psycho,¡± Sam taunted from behind his conjured creation. ¡°It¡¯s like you¡¯ve never played boulder, parchment, dagger before.¡± The Nemean Lion let out another indignant roar and then renewed its assault on the glowing wall with frenzied fervor. But when the great beast finally shattered [Bulwark (¦¤)]¡¯s defenses, Sam wasn¡¯t cowering behind it. He¡¯d pulled a bait-and-switch and was already up in the air before the Nemean Lion noticed that he¡¯d gone. With the help of Bulwark¡¯s new mechanics, Sam conjured a floating teal-tinged wall in the air above him. He then used this wall as a springboard to launch himself like an arrow down on the Nemean Lion¡¯s head. *** Meanwhile, more people had gathered to watch Sam¡¯s fight to the point that Jackboot had all but given up on telling people to run away. He chose instead to protect them from any dangerous projectiles that appeared as a result of the battle beyond the railing that separated both halves of the Golden Gate Bridge. ¡°Come on, mate,¡± Jackboot whispered. ¡°You¡¯ve got this.¡± ¡°Hey, Mr. Jackboot, is this new hero your buddy?¡± asked the African American man sporting the Warrior¡¯s jersey. ¡°Yes he is, citizen,¡± Jackboot answered proudly. ¡°Let him know he needs better lines¡­ My fifteen-year-old niece could write better material than the satyr-shit he¡¯s spilling,¡± the man in the Warriors jersey said. The slanted-eyed man standing next to the woman in the baseball cap laughed. ¡°Dude needs a better tailor too.¡± ¡°Yes, actually¡­ he¡¯s a work friend.¡± Jackboot felt bad for Sam¡¯s West Coast debut because first impressions did last, but even he agreed that Sam needed an image change. Mr. Moonday needs to do better on Sam¡¯s next suit for his sake. Heroics in this day and age is more than just doing what¡¯s right. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you helping him?¡± asked the woman in the baseball cap. ¡°Well, I would, but,¡± Jackboot glanced over his shoulder to the growing number of spectators, ¡°I can¡¯t exactly leave you people unprotected¡­ Unless you lot would finally agree to evacuate?¡± ¡°Are you kidding?¡± the man in the Warrior¡¯s jersey raised an eyebrow at Jackboot. ¡°This fight¡¯s just getting good. No way in¡ª¡± That¡¯s when Sam¡¯s back smacked against the railing that was just in front of the gathered crowd. ¡°Holy¡ª¡± The Nemean Lion had just let out a mighty roar, and the sight of the great beast lumbering toward their side of the bridge forced most of the spectators to scamper away in fright. *** Sam had been so focused on delivering that final blow that he didn¡¯t even notice the Nemean Lion¡¯s tail whipping toward him. More importantly, he didn¡¯t think the tail could hit him so hard. But that tuft of hair at the end of the tail felt as heavy as an iron mace. It smashed against Sam¡¯s gut and sent him over the railing and crashing into the side of a car that acted as a barrier between their fight and the civilians gathered on the city-bound side of the bridge. ¡°Run¡­¡± Even as pain flared up and down his spine, Sam¡¯s first thought was the safety of the civilians behind him. ¡°Have to¡­ keep fighting.¡± Triple-A warned him not to move as his HP had dropped to dangerous levels, but Sam couldn¡¯t stay still. Not when there were people who needed help. He staggered forward while his mind reeled from the pain. He might have fallen face-first on the ground though if it wasn¡¯t for the two pairs of hands that appeared to hold him up by his shoulders. A woman in a baseball cap braced her body against Sam¡¯s left side while a dark-skinned man in a basketball jersey held Sam¡¯s right side up. ¡°You okay, dude?¡± asked a third man, a slanted-eyed civilian who carried Onus in his hands. ¡°I¡­¡± Sam stared dumbfoundedly back at him. He had never seen non-gifted act this way before. As if his bloody countenance or the horror stalking toward them wasn¡¯t enough to make these civilians run away. Courage isn¡¯t the absence of fear, kid¡­ Chiron¡¯s Lesson Number Eight sprang to the forefront of Sam¡¯s mind. ¡­it¡¯s the will to keep standing despite the quaking in your boots. ¡°Thank you,¡± Sam whispered. ¡°You¡¯re risking your butt for us. The least we can do is help you get back up,¡± said the man in the Warrior¡¯s jersey. ¡°I¡­¡± Sam wasn¡¯t sure how to react to this act of kindness that he¡¯d never experienced before. So very few people were willing to risk themselves for others, after all. Even among heroes. It seemed Jackboot could be counted among those few. While the civilians helped Sam regain his composure, Jackboot leaped over them. With a thumbs-up at Sam, and a call of, ¡°I¡¯ll hold it off until you¡¯re ready to get back into the fight!¡± the hero with the proportional abilities of a hare slammed his boot against the Nemean Lion¡¯s shoulder to steal its aggro away from Sam. ¡°Thank you,¡± Sam repeated. ¡°But I¡¯m okay now.¡± No, it wasn¡¯t just bravado on Sam¡¯s part. Regeneration had healed him enough that he was ready for round three. Besides, he¡¯d been so inspired by these civilians that he was raring to go and show them just what kind of hero he was. Sam didn¡¯t know it, but they were equally inspired by him so they continued to stand beside him while he readied himself for his next move. ¡°You¡¯ll need this.¡± The Asian man handed Sam back his hammer. ¡°You know, with how hard you hit with it, I thought this thing would be a lot heavier.¡± Sam chuckled. ¡°Depends on who¡¯s carrying it, I think.¡± Actually, in Sam¡¯s hand, the hammer seemed to grow even heavier. It was proof that his current burden had only increased. ¡°Herculean, I¡¯ve heard that name before.¡± The African American in the basketball jersey nodded his head at Sam. ¡°The Herald says you¡¯re a vigilante. Is that true?¡± Sam shrugged. ¡°Do you believe everything you read?¡± The man shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m the type who¡¯s gotta see it to believe it¡­ and you¡¯re definitely a hero.¡± ¡°Might want to learn some martial arts to avoid getting hit though,¡± the Asian man chimed in. They each offered Sam their fists which Sam bumped while grinning sheepishly. Deep down, he was elated to see that people were seeing his actions for what they were. Although he didn¡¯t doubt that the Herald¡ªhis grandmother¡¯s own newspaper¡ªwould find some way to spin this against Sam¡¯s favor once the fight was over. Assuming Sam survived the battle on the bridge, of course. ¡°Please don¡¯t lose,¡± begged the woman in the baseball cap. ¡°We need you.¡± Her words sounded almost like a prayer to Sam¡¯s ears. The plea of the ungifted to a hero who had no reputation to deserve the hope she just placed on his shoulders. Be someone who can give them hope. Hope¡¯s words flitted across Sam¡¯s mind when he grinned over his shoulder and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got this.¡± Chapter 132: The Hand of Mercy, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO The Hand of Mercy, Part 1
ALERT! Herculean (¦¤)] is active once more. Based on the level of difficulty of this current challenge, your Strength is temporarily quadrupled [424].
¡°Tag me in, Jackboot!¡± Sam yelled. ¡°You¡¯re welcome¡±¡ªJackboot had just flipped over the Nemean Lion¡¯s head to avoid its jaws chomping down on his torso¡ª¡°to it!¡± He gave the great beast a final, belligerent heel kick on the spot between its eyes before he jumped out of the way for Sam. ¡°All yours, Herculean!¡± Jackboot yelled back. With a hard, asphalt-cracking stomp on the ground, Sam was propelled forward like a speeding bullet. In the milliseconds before he bridged the distance between himself and the Nemean Lion, he recalled one of the wisest things Chiron had ever told him. When challenging an opponent far more powerful than you, a single chance or two may be all you¡¯ll get¡­ but these kinds of odds are what will make your actions truly shine. It made Sam almost cringe to think that he¡¯d probably already used up more than a few chances against this particular opponent, but he still hadn¡¯t defeated Apex. He realized that this next clash might be his last chance to do so. Grit your teeth and unleash all the resolve hiding in your heart¡­ Sam grasped Onus with both hands.
ALERT! Wielding [Onus, the Load Bearer] provides you with the following temporary bonuses based on your current burden¡¯s value: Strength +12 and Will +4.
¡­go beyond even the extraordinary¡­ The Nemean Lion had been so annoyed with Jackboot that it was already mid-leap with its paws stretching out toward Jackboot¡¯s retreating figure. It failed to notice Sam rushing toward it. At least not until it was too late. ¡­and become¡­ Sam swung his hammer forward just as the Nemean Lion¡¯s head snapped in his direction. ¡°Super~~r!¡± There was a sound akin to a thunderclap as the hammer collided with the monster¡¯s face and caused a crack in the magic that brought the beast to life. This forced Apex¡¯s pained face to appear briefly within the folds of the failing enchantment. In that brief moment, Sam thought he saw more than just pain in Apex¡¯s visage. There seemed to be a bit of fear mixed in his expression. Almost as if Apex, the dastardly villain who¡¯d committed such unpardonable atrocities, had looked to Sam for¡­ For what? Sam second-guessed himself while he was flung back by the shockwave of his own attack. Apex couldn¡¯t have been asking me for¡­ help, could he? Sam landed on his feet only a short distance away, allowing him to quickly go back on the offensive. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. No freaking way¡­ He leaped back into the fray with his hammer cocked and ready to swing. ¡­Apex would never ask for help¡­ but¡­ This time, the Nemean Lion was prepared for Sam¡¯s approach. It took a swipe in his direction, but he conjured a floating teal-tinged wall underneath his feet that helped him vault over the monster¡¯s claws. And, despite his conflicted thoughts, Sam still sent Onus smashing down on the Nemean Lion¡¯s head. Once again, a vision of Apex appeared underneath the Nemean Lion¡¯s shaky form¡ªand that¡¯s when Sam¡¯s doubts evaporated. The fear plastered on the villain¡¯s face was undeniable. Although Sam still couldn¡¯t understand why. After everything he¡¯s done and everyone he¡¯s hurt¡ªwhile the monster was preoccupied with keeping its form from breaking, Sam slid underneath it and rolled to the other side of the Nemean Lion¡ªhe doesn¡¯t get to ask for help now! However, as Sam smashed his hammer against the Nemean Lion¡¯s left flank¡ªwith the monster¡¯s form flickering so much that Sam could see Apex was in pain inside of it¡ªhe realized that he was wrong not to help. ¡°Lesson number fifteen¡­ We don¡¯t get to choose who we save. If someone needs help, whether they¡¯re good or bad, it¡¯s a hero¡¯s job to provide them aid,¡± Sam whispered. ¡°Even if they¡¯re murderous bastards who¡¯ve been hunting me for days.¡± The only thing Sam could think of that might help the villain was to pull Apex out of the enchantment he¡¯d placed on himself. Luckily for Sam, he didn¡¯t need to do this alone. ¡°What¡¯s with that worried look on your face?¡± Thunder asked as she appeared on Sam¡¯s left side. Dr. Hearthstone popped up on Sam¡¯s right side and added, ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve arrived just in time for the final round.¡± Sam glanced left and then right¡ªnoticing the determined expressions on their sweat-covered faces¡ªand his spirits were immediately lifted. ¡°What took you so long?¡± he asked. ¡°Did you stop for drive-thru or something?¡± Thunder raised an eyebrow at him. ¡°Did you just steal my line?¡± Sam grinned at her. A mighty roar snapped his focus back on the Nemean Lion. With its enchantment back in place, the great beast launched itself at Sam and his friends but it was soundly driven back by the well-timed barrage of flares that struck it in its side. ¡°This feels nostalgic, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Dr. Hearthstone flexed his arms, causing the bulging veins on his muscles to light up like rivers of magma across his flesh. ¡°The three of us fighting another alpha-level threat.¡± There was a sound of steel clanging on steel, and they all looked up to discover that Jackboot was crouching over the railing directly above them. ¡°Four, you mean,¡± Jackboot cut in. ¡°Well, are we going to stand here posing all day¡­ or do you lot want to get this villain done and over with.¡± ¡°I am getting tired of running away from him,¡± Thunder admitted. Dr. Hearthstone cracked his knuckles. ¡°This is as good a place as any for a proper showdown.¡± ¡°Guys¡­¡± Sam sighed. ¡°I think there¡¯s more to this than just beating Apex up. I think we need to save him too.¡± Sam could feel their gazes on him, but it¡¯s not like he could explain what he¡¯d seen or how he felt when he glimpsed his enemy¡¯s expression. None of it would have made sense. All Sam could do was repeat the words of lesson number fifteen to his friends. Luckily, Thunder, who was a former Argonaut trainee herself, understood. No, it wasn¡¯t just her. They all did. Even the teenage seer speaking over the walkie-talkie in Jackboot¡¯s hand. ¡°So, what¡¯s the new plan, Herculean?¡± Farsight¡¯s voice was clear enough despite the static of the transmission. ¡°Styx, hold on.¡± The Argo VII unleashed another barrage of flares that kept the Nemean Lion sufficiently distracted for Sam to explain his idea to his friends. ¡°Have you guys noticed how his form flickers when he¡¯s hit?¡± Sam asked. Thunder and Dr. Hearthstone had been too busy evacuating civilians to notice, but both Jackboot and Farsight told Sam they¡¯d witnessed this strange phenomenon for themselves. ¡°You don¡¯t think he can get out of it on his own?¡± Farsight asked through the radio. ¡°No¡­¡± Sam¡¯s mind drifted back to a recent memory where another villain¡ªthe Trickster¡ªhad been trapped by a prison of his own making which Sam had also pulled him out of. ¡°We¡¯ll have to yank him out of that enchantment.¡± ¡°Then we¡¯ll need to disrupt the form long enough for one of us to do it,¡± Thunder deduced. Sam sighed. ¡°It¡¯s gotta be me.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Dr. Hearthstone asked. ¡°We¡¯re all perfectly capable of¡ª¡± Another explosion rocked the Golden Gate Bridge, forcing the Nemean Lion back from launching a preemptive attack on the gathered heroes. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m out of ammo,¡± Farsight warned. ¡°You guys better be ready.¡± ¡°He and I are connected¡­ I can get through to him,¡± Sam explained, although he didn¡¯t tell them exactly what this connection was about. ¡°Alright.¡± Thunder cocked her right arm, and a jagged bolt of crackling energy came to life in her hand. ¡°We¡¯ll open the way for you.¡± Jackboot let out a loud sigh. ¡°Things are never simple with you lot.¡± ¡°Here it comes!¡± Dr. Hearthstone warned. Sam stepped forward. ¡°Let''s do this!¡± Chapter 133: The Hand of Mercy, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE The Hand of Mercy, Part 2
Jackboot leaped forward to meet the Nemean Lion in a midair collision that even Sam thought was freaking cool. A well-placed kick parried one of the monster¡¯s sharp-clawed paws while a second timely heel strike on the Nemean Lion¡¯s other paw let Jackboot vault over the great beast¡¯s head. Then, after using the momentum of his leap to twirl him around in the air, Jackboot sent his leg smashing down on the Nemean Lion¡¯s spine, forcing the great beast to crash back onto the bridge right where Thunder was waiting for it. Sam could tell she was already winded¡ªshe¡¯d used up a lot of her power against Rick the Hound¡ªbut Thunder¡¯s back was never broader in Sam¡¯s eyes than the moment she plunged her lightning bolt between the Nemean Lion¡¯s jaws. ¡°Shock!¡± she roared. Bright blue elemental energy exploded inside the Nemean Lion¡¯s mouth, causing a cascade of disruption across its entire form powerful enough to reveal the villain howling underneath it. I guess it wasn¡¯t just Herculean¡¯s energy that could disrupt Apex¡¯s enchantment¡­ As long as it¡¯s a powerful enough force of energy, that¡¯ll probably do the trick, Sam realized. ¡°Doc,¡± Thunder called, ¡°get in here!¡± Dr. Hearthstone appeared on one side of the Nemean Lion¡¯s flickering form, and with arms that glowed like molten steel, he grabbed a chunk of the lion¡¯s fur in each of his hands and began to pull them apart. ¡°Jackboot, I need an assist!¡± Dr. Hearthstone called. Jackboot landed on the Nemean Lion¡¯s other side. He grabbed what bit of fur he could hold onto and began to pull on it too. Meanwhile, Thunder continued to channel [Shock (¦Á)] inside the monster¡¯s mouth¡ªand the three of them just barely managed to keep the Nemean Lion from fully reforming itself. ¡°Sam!¡± Thunder yelled. ¡°Now!¡± While he waited for his moment, Sam had gathered as much of his life force into the aura wrapped around his form. So much of it, in fact, that there were forks of energy streaking out of his body. He was ready. With another hard, asphalt-cracking stomp on the ground, and a whisper of, ¡°When a hero seeks to achieve the impossible,¡± Sam launched himself forward. It was only a second or two, but even those two seconds were harrowing to watch, because, despite their efforts, Sam¡¯s friends were failing to keep the Nemean Lion¡¯s form from reshaping. It was already beginning to close up¡ªwith Apex silently screaming inside of it for all to see¡ªwhen Sam whirled past Thunder and dove into the monster¡¯s enchantment to tackle Apex¡¯s body out of the relic¡¯s grasp. ¡°That¡¯s when hope springs forth!¡± Sam yelled through gritted teeth. Tackling Apex at the velocity of a speeding bullet was just barely enough to pull the villain off the tendrils of magic that kept him tethered to the Nemean Lion¡¯s form. Just barely. Although it might not have worked at all if [Hope¡¯s Essence (Lesser)] hadn¡¯t shifted the possibility in Sam¡¯s favor.
ALERT! A small portion of [Hope¡¯s Essence (Lesser)] remains within you. Possibly enough to grant you a very low probability of achieving one more miracle.
You have less than fifteen minutes left to use it all up.
Because of the reckless speed at which Sam tackled Apex, he had no control of their landing, and they were rolling on the ground on the other end of the Golden Gate Bridge¡ªboth of them smashing through abandoned cars like pinballs in a pinball machine¡ªbefore they came to a stop by the bridge¡¯s railing. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Ugh,¡± Sam gasped. ¡°That¡­wasn¡¯t¡­fun¡­at all.¡± He groggily pulled himself to his feet just as Apex¡¯s hands found his throat. ¡°What have you done, you fool!¡± the villain snapped. ¡°Didn¡¯t I just¡­ save you?¡± Sam asked, half-choking. ¡°Wait¡­ weren¡¯t you¡­ asking for help?¡± A mixture of doubt and guilt passed over Apex¡¯s angry face just before he let Sam go, which Sam hadn¡¯t expected at all. He expected a vehement denial on Apex¡¯s part. Perhaps more punching and kicking too. ¡°You don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve done,¡± Apex said. Sam was surprised by how defeated the villain sounded. ¡°The lion¡¯s fur was the only thing keeping the Savage One¡¯s power contained,¡± Apex admitted. ¡°The Savage One?¡± Sam raised an eyebrow.
[It is a well-known moniker of [AGRIUS], the Giant of Slaughter and Lord of Werebeasts. The progenitor of horrors born from the guilt of murder.]
Sam didn¡¯t have time to react to the information Triple-A just dropped on his head because that¡¯s when the shadow underneath Apex began to expand almost as if it belonged to something much bigger than this oversized man who now stood before Sam with shoulders sagging. ¡°Oh, no¡­¡± Sam¡¯s brow creased. ¡°You didn¡¯t¡­¡± Apex¡¯s silence was deafening. The monstrous shadow slowly rising from the ground¡ªcausing cracks to appear on the bridge floor¡ªwas proof enough for Sam that this was indeed another case of a villain who¡¯d made a deal with¡ª ¡°Giants¡ªagain?!¡± Sam snapped. ¡°Are you freaking kidding me?!¡± Apex¡¯s strange actions and mood swings¡ªthe sight of him listening to some unseen voice¡ªnow made sense to Sam. There really was someone on the other line. Rather, something old and terrible had reached out to his cousin from within the Shadow Veil and guided Apex¡¯s hand. ¡°Why would you do this?!¡± Sam asked, exasperated. A flicker of defiance flashed on Apex¡¯s face. ¡°I sought a strength to rival our ancestor¡­ a strength the fickle gods denied the Heracleidae!¡± Sam realized then that Apex couldn¡¯t have defeated all of Hercules¡¯ descendants on his own. Not if they were all like Sam¡¯s mother. Apex needed a backer, someone to provide him with enough power to at least take down his father and claim the Nemean Lion¡¯s fur for himself. Moreover, Apex wouldn¡¯t have known how to steal Hercules¡¯ power from the others without someone providing him with this information. ¡°It made you kill your family,¡± Sam deduced. ¡°The Savage One made me slaughter many things¡­¡± Apex¡¯s hands balled into fists. ¡°But I was no mere puppet.¡± His murderous glare was back, and they were like icy daggers piercing into Sam¡¯s chest. ¡°I chose my fate and carved a bloody path across the Earth to achieve my desire to become a worthy heir,¡± he spat. ¡°I do not require your pity.¡± Sam wanted to condemn Apex for what he¡¯d done. To deny the villain and his wish to be worthy. But he couldn¡¯t do that. For to do so would be to deny Adele¡¯s final moments when she too had given in to an elder giant¡¯s corruption, a fact Sam only discovered recently with the help of Apollo. ¡°One more thing, Sam¡­ Don¡¯t get too hooked up on hope¡­ Hope is the greatest temptation of all¡­¡± Hope had said earlier, and now Sam understood. His mother had lost hope while Apex¡¯s hope¡ªhis desire¡ªhad been all-consuming. Because of that, both of their fates turned dark. The rumbling intensified. The cracks on the asphalt grew, spreading out in every direction like spider webs crisscrossing along the surface of the Golden Gate Bridge. As for the shadow, it had grown large enough now that its shape became noticeable. It was a bear. One so large that it might soon grow to stand shoulder to shoulder with the arches of the Golden Gate Bridge. ¡°The lion¡¯s fur kept its power contained within me¡±¡ªApex was glancing over his shoulder, a wan smile on his face¡ª¡°but you¡¯ve set its shadow free of its seal, cousin¡­ and it is hungry.¡± ¡°Styx,¡± Sam cursed. He knew it would be only a matter of time before the waking shadow would destroy the bridge, taking Sam and everyone still on it down into the San Francisco Bay below. Sam had no choice. With a final glance over his shoulder¡ªhis eyes locking onto Thunder as she ran toward him¡ªSam whispered an, ¡°I¡¯ve got this,¡± and then he faced forward and tackled Apex right into the railing and over it. Chapter 134: Blessing of the Sea, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FOUR Blessing of the Sea, Part 1
Even as they fell toward the waters of the San Francisco Bay, Sam and Apex continued to beat each other up, their fists grinding into each other¡¯s bodies without reserve even though they had both already used up most of their strength. ¡°Fool, you¡¯ll kill us both!¡± Apex howled. The villain tried to extricate himself from Sam¡¯s arm wrapped tightly around his waist, but the hero held onto Apex like the lives of so many people depended on it. Because it did. ¡°Better us than all the people on the bridge!¡± Sam howled back. His gamble had paid off. Throwing himself and Apex over the bridge meant the monstrous shadow that was anchored to Apex¡¯s soul was forced to join them in their freefall down into the bay. As a bonus, the dark energies that made up this bear-like shadow seemed to also slow their descent. It wasn¡¯t at a level like that of a parachute, but at least they were no longer plunging to their deaths at maximum velocity.
WARNING! You are free-falling from a height of 750 feet (228.6 m). [Regeneration (¦¤)] will not be able to heal you if you crash on the water¡¯s surface without proper preparation.
¡°I know¡ªI know!¡± Sam screamed in between punching Apex and getting punched back. ¡°What do I¡ªneed to¡ªdo?!¡±
Reverse your position so that your feet are facing the water.
To flip over so that he wouldn¡¯t fall head-first into the bay was easier said than done because Apex wasn¡¯t exactly a willing dance partner. They were already halfway through their fall by the time Sam managed it. This presented a new problem though. His fear of drowning gripped his mind, causing anxiety to dull his movements.
Don¡¯t give in. Remember lesson number eight!
Courage isn¡¯t the absence of fear. It¡¯s the willingness to move forward despite the shaking of your boots¡­ Remembering his lesson helped to steady Sam¡¯s breathing so that he was able to calm down somewhat. Thanks, Triple-A.
Also, is there a reason why you decided to fall off the bridge when there were other practical ways to stop the giant¡¯s shadow from fully forming.
Like killing Apex, you mean?
An extreme but perhaps necessary tactic to ensure the lives of the civilians and your fellow heroes.
No¡­ I won¡¯t be a murderer like him. And I won¡¯t kill if I can help it. That¡¯s not the kind of hero I want to be¡­
Good answer¡­ Na?ve, but appropriate for an aspiring Argonaut. Moreover, fusing your power with your companions to stop the shadow from fully forming was another available option.
You-you were testing me again, weren¡¯t you! Wait, hold on! Apex had just headbutted Sam, causing black dots to appear over his vision. This only made the stubborn hero tighten his grasp on the villain¡¯s waist. Then Sam reached out for his hammer¡¯s holster¡ªbut Onus wasn¡¯t in it. He had left it on the bridge. ¡°Godsdammit!¡± he screamed.
WARNING! [Agrius¡¯ Shadow (¦Á)] has fully formed. It may attempt to attack you to set Apex free.
Having survived a freefall battle with Medea¡¯s solar dragon once before, Sam was quick to react to the truck-sized bear claw that appeared from above to swipe at him. He pulled Gram out of its sheath and repelled the shadow¡¯s attack with [Sword Aura (¦Æ)]. ¡°You are¡ªresourceful, cousin!¡± Apex roared. ¡°I¡¯m impressed!¡± His fist smashed against Sam¡¯s face, although Sam managed to pull Bulwark up in time to deflect the blow. ¡°Glad you¡¯re so¡ªentertained!¡± Sam fired back.
ALERT! Your HP is at [20%]. It is recommended that you deactivate [Sword Aura (¦Æ)] to retain [Bulwark (¦¤)]¡¯s protection when you hit the water.
¡°Can¡¯t¡±¡ªSam swung Gram¡¯s blade over his head and used Sword Aura to once again repel the giant shadow¡¯s claws¡ª¡°have to keep it up!¡± Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. This mid-air battle continued the entire way down, with Sam having to defend against both Apex and the giant shadow attached to him by burning through his life force to keep his abilities activated. It wasn¡¯t until Triple-A¡¯s warning that Sam¡¯s HP had gone below [10%] that his abilities were forcibly deactivated by the system. By a stroke of luck¡ªor misfortune¡ªSam and Apex were just about to hit the water too.
For a maximum chance of survivability, it is recommended that you tuck your chin, press your arms to your body, and point your toes into the water!
It was the second time Sam had to drop Gram. Although he wasn¡¯t overly worried about losing it anymore as the legendary sword had come back to him once before. He was now fairly confident that it¡¯d find its way into his hands again later on. And, with his other arm now free, Sam pulled Apex into a tight hug despite the villain¡¯s continued efforts to crush Sam¡¯s skull with his head squished between Apex¡¯s palms. ¡°Stop¡ªfighting me, godsdammit,¡± Sam screamed, ¡°or we¡¯re both¡ªgoing to¡ªdie!¡± Too late. They crashed into the water. With his defenses gone and his HP depleted, it was the worst-case scenario for Sam. Pain exploded into every nook and cranny of his body. He was in such agony that he couldn¡¯t even hold onto Apex while they fell deeper and deeper into the watery depths. What¡¯s more, his fear of drowning ate at what was left of his dwindling consciousness so that Sam was screaming¡ªwith water filling his lungs¡ªwhen he felt the slightest touch of warmth graze his heart. Hope¡¯s voice rang clear in Sam¡¯s mind. ¡°When you express a strong yearning for something that isn¡¯t easily attainable or when you seek to achieve the impossible¡ªto wish for a change in fate¡ªthat¡¯s when my power springs forth.¡± Sam wasn¡¯t sure if he¡¯d made a wish himself, but his desire to live must have been very strong indeed because that warmth in his chest expanded outward and enveloped him, turning Sam¡¯s body into a source of feeble light that pushed back against the darkness of the depths. That¡¯s how his rescuers were able to find him. Despite the muck and grime floating around in the deep clouding his vision, Sam could see their sleek silver bodies swimming effortlessly through the murky seawater. Dolphins¡­ three of them¡­ These three dolphins reached his side just before Sam would have drowned, and they weren¡¯t alone. A woman¡ªpale, pinkish skin with reddish hair, framing a beautiful oval face that possessed eyes the color of seafoam¡ªswam alongside the three friendly dolphins, one of which had floated behind him and braced against his back. Who are¡ª The seawater filling his lungs finally triumphed over Hope¡¯s dwindling essence. But the woman from the sea was quicker than death. She swam right up to Sam¡ªtheir faces inches from each other¡ªand then she kissed him. No, this was no passionate kiss like the way Thunder had kissed Sam. Nor was it like that first, sloppy, awkward tongue action Veronica Cooper had given him during his junior prom. This was more like a first-responder providing CPR to the drowning hero. In one breath, she sucked the seawater out of him. In the next, she gave him back his breath. And only when air returned to his lungs did her lips separate from his. Holy¡ªSam¡¯s face was red from embarrassment¡ªwait¡­ I¡¯m breathing in the water?!
ALERT! You have received a provisional gift, [Blessing of the Sea (¦Æ)]. You are now able to breathe underwater for a short duration, can communicate with marine life, and your swimming speed is doubled while this blessing is active.
I¡¯ve enchanted your body with a buff, explained a soft, milky-smooth voice in Sam¡¯s mind. It should help you while you are a guest in my lord¡¯s domain. Lord¡­ Sam repeated, his eyes widening slightly. You¡¯re one of Poseidon¡¯s nereids! She nodded politely. I am Galatea. Galatea¡ªit was a familiar name, one that harkened back to a time when Sam¡¯s family was whole. His mother, Adele, had often used her adventuring days before having children as the source of Sam¡¯s and Serena¡¯s bedtime stories. One of these stories had been about a sea nymph who¡¯d aided Adele in her mission to defeat a Sea Monster near San Francisco Bay. That sea nymph¡¯s name had been Galatea. ¡°The cyclops had its nasty hands wrapped around me, and I couldn¡¯t get away,¡± Adele had explained just as she poked Sam in the gut with wiggling fingers. Sam had giggled like the six-year-old that he was, and Adele had waited for him to finish his fit of giggles before she continued her story. ¡°I thought I was going to be crushed to death¡±¡ªthis earned Adele a gasp from Sam, which made her hug her adorable baby boy¡ª¡°but a warrior of the sea flew out of the water and sliced the cyclops¡¯ fingers with her water sword!¡± ¡°Wow!¡± Sam was bright-eyed when he¡¯d asked, ¡°who was she?¡± ¡°She was the sea nymph, Galatea.¡± Adele had ruffled the fringe on top of her son¡¯s head. ¡°My very dear friend.¡± I¡­ The memory of his mother¡¯s stories and the thought that he¡¯d been rescued by the same nereid that had fought alongside Adele made Sam¡¯s chest ache for the past. Thank you for rescuing me¡­ Galatea let out a soft chuckle, one that Sam could hear even though they were in the water. The sound of it wasn¡¯t harsh, but warm. As if she too were remembering his mother along with him. It was not I, but they¡ªshe patted the head of the nearest dolphin¡ªwho alerted me to your presence. The dolphins made a sound that seemed like music to Sam¡¯s ears. And, although they didn¡¯t speak to him in words, he understood them. He understood that they were both simultaneously glad for Sam¡¯s visit and worried that he¡¯d brought something dangerous with him into their sea. You bring great evil with you, scion of Apollo, Galatea gazed warily over Sam¡¯s shoulder to a mass of darkness that hovered over the horizon. Why did you come here? It was the same question Triple-A had asked him earlier, although he wasn¡¯t able to explain it then. I¡¯ve got no power left to fight the giant¡¯s shadow¡­ so I figured I¡¯d ask the god of the seas for help. You assumed you would survive the fall and that my lord Poseidon would help you if you brought his enemy into the sea? I hoped¡­ It was certainly a gamble, one Sam hoped to fuel with the last of Hope¡¯s Essence remaining to him, but that power was depleted now. He could no longer feel its presence inside him. Sam could only hope Poseidon was a more generous god than the stories claimed. My lord does not like meddling in the affairs of the surface¡­ and he does not like it when the surface dumps its problems into his domain, Galatea admitted. I understand, but¡ªSam glanced up, but he couldn¡¯t see the surface from where they were¡ªif I¡¯d let that giant rampage up there then the bridge would have collapsed into the sea, making this place unlivable for you guys, right? You assume it¡¯s livable now, Galatea replied wryly. One glance around him told Sam that the ecosystem of the San Francisco Bay had it rough. The muck and grime and other pollutants were visible even in this darkness. I wish I had the power to heal this place¡ªand anyone hearing his thoughts now could hear the sincerity in Sam¡¯s voice¡ªbut I don¡¯t have that kind of power¡­ all I can do is offer you my aid when Poseidon wants it. You¡¯re proposing a trade? One of Galatea¡¯s eyebrows hitched upward. A favor for a favor. Sam knew this was a dangerous thing to offer because the gods tended to exploit heroes who owed them favors, but he couldn¡¯t think of any other way to get Poseidon to help him. A favor¡­ Sam nodded. Yeah, a favor for a favor... Chapter 135: Blessing of the Sea, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE Blessing of the Sea, Part 2
I sense no hesitation in you despite the possible challenges you might face for my lord¡¯s favor¡­ Galatea¡¯s smile warmed Sam up like a cup of hot chocolate on a stormy night. You¡¯re just like her. Adele. Y-You remember her¡ªSam¡¯s eyes widened with surprise¡ªthen you¡¯re really the sea nymph that helped my mom? We helped each other. I helped her defeat the cyclops, Polyphemus, and she helped me get rid of an unwanted suitor. Galatea took Sam¡¯s hand and began to pull him along with her. Come with me, son of Adele, and we shall see if my lord has agreed to your trade. It would have taken them much longer to swim to their destination thanks to Sam¡¯s lack of coordination in the water, but Galatea was wise enough to have one of her companion dolphins ferry Sam forward so that they reached Apex just as the show began. The roiling mass of inky darkness had lost its bear-like shape in the water, but it looked no less menacing. It might have spread out to consume the sea if not for the myriad of bubbles forming around its edges that seemed to be keeping the shadow from expanding. Hurting it even. The seawater¡¯s damaging it¡­ Sam realized. He¡¯d often heard that salt was a weakness of evil spirits and the like, but this was the first time he could see it applied in reality. It wasn¡¯t just the sea, though. More dolphins were standing guard around it. They bit at the shadowy tendrils that seemed desperate to escape, tearing into the shadows like hungry sharks might have done to a bleeding swimmer. You gambled correctly, Galatea whispered. The seawater has already begun to purify the giant¡¯s corruption. After Galatea spoke, Sam heard the monstrous roar pierce into his mind. It was an angry, indignant howl of a beast that was in pain. It must have been in tremendous pain, too, because its mass, which at first had been large enough to envelop everything in front of Sam, had begun to collapse like a black hole at its center was sucking in the rest of it back into itself. My lord accepts your proposal, Scion of Apollo. Galatea explained. We will exorcise the Savage One¡¯s soul and send it back into the abyss whence it came. In exchange, you will retrieve the lost Trident of Atlantis for us. A notification appeared before Sam.
SPECIAL MISSION: RETRIEVE THE TRIDENT OF ATLANTIS
CONDITION: The Trident of Atlantis, an artifact forged by the cyclopes of the Underwater Forge that Poseidon gifted to the first King of Atlantis was stolen nearly a hundred years ago by thieves who sought to harness the power of the sea for their own ends. It must be retrieved by the hero before the time of the Summer Solstice when the entrance to Atlantis will once again be open and then returned to the hands of Ariel III, the current ruler of Atlantis.
REWARDS: Increased reputation with the court of Poseidon, 1,000 Olympian fame points, 3,000 Drachma, 1x support blessing from Poseidon, a new title, and 1x 1:00 scale action figure of any hero/heroine blessed by the God of the Seas.
WARNING! Failure to complete the mission will result in Poseidon¡¯s eternal ire, ensuring that you will never again be safe when traveling via any large body of water.
The lost¡­ Trident of Atlantis?! Sam¡¯s face scrunched up in confusion. Atlantis is really real?! Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Galatea let out a soft chuckle. Yes. You must come to visit once you find¡ª Tendrils of darkness that had been sharpened into pointy stakes snaked out of the collapsing shadow. It was a last-ditch effort of defiance from the malicious mind reaching out from its prison beyond the Shadow Veil. They struck the wall of seafoam Galatea conjured into being with a wave of her hand and were instantly repelled. These tendrils then fell prey to Galatea¡¯s three dolphin companions, leaving her and Sam to float alone. Where do I even start looking for something that¡¯s been lost for nearly a hundred years? Sam asked worriedly. Didn¡¯t you just find an artifact that has been lost for that same amount of time? Galatea reminded him. My lord is confident in your abilities to find the trident as well. Sam sighed. He already had the Golden Fleece to reclaim, and now this. Fine¡­ as long as you guys keep your end of the bargain, I¡¯ll look for your trident. Consider it done, Galatea answered. Wait¡­ Sam¡¯s brow creased. What about Apex? Galatea pointed a finger at the weakening shadow. The mortal that fell with you was consumed by the giant¡¯s shadow. Is he¡­ is he still alive? I do not know¡­ Sam tapped the side of his mask to activate Hawk Vision, but even this ability was unable to penetrate the mass of inky darkness. The giant¡¯s shadow was far too opaque for him to see Apex inside of it. Sam didn¡¯t need to see him though. He only needed to recall the Trickster and the sight of his pained face to know that Apex must be suffering the same fate. I¡­ Sam let out a deep sigh because he was about to do something incredibly rash, certainly stupid, and possibly dangerous for someone who ensured Sam would never get to know his mother¡¯s family. I have to save him¡­ Galatea at him for a long moment before her lips formed into a smile. You are just like Adele. You willingly jump into danger. Even for those who may not deserve your help. To be compared to his mother lifted his spirits. He smiled back at Galatea. Although that smile quickly turned upside down. Um, I don¡¯t suppose you can help me get through that shadow too? Galatea¡¯s hand motioned for one of the dolphins to come forward, causing Sam¡¯s eyes to widen in surprise. My friend found this close by. I think it belongs to you. The dolphin who swam up to Sam had Gram between its teeth, ensuring Sam¡¯s frown turned back into a smile. Thanks. As he held Gram tightly in both hands, he recalled the legend of how his sword had once pierced the heart of the ancient dragon Fafnir. He reasoned that it shouldn¡¯t be too difficult to pierce into a giant¡¯s shadow. Would have been better if I had Thunder¡¯s lightning element boosting me like the last time¡­ I do not know this Thunder¡ªGalatea placed long fingers on Gram¡¯s blade¡ªbut if it¡¯s an elemental¡¯s blessing you require¡­ At her touch, softly glowing bubbles began to spread along the surface of Gram¡¯s blade. Then let the power of the sea sharpen your blade.
ALERT! Gram is temporarily imbued with [Sea Nymph¡¯s Seafoam (¦Â)]. Your attacks will harness the crushing force of sea pressure, adding the [Staggered] effect. The current beta rating will increase physical damage by [100%] while adding [20%] increased damage to fire elementals and horrors while this boon is active. There is a very low chance of activating elemental ability [Water Slicer (¦Æ)] during a slashing attack. This ability is compatible with [Sword Aura (¦Æ)].
You¡¯re not a very good swimmer, so allow me to help one more time¡­ Galatea¡¯s hand brushed against Sam¡¯s back. Adele nicknamed this¡­ the cannonball. Sam raised an eyebrow. What¡¯s the cannon¡ª Galatea shoved him¡ªand she wasn¡¯t gentle. Then Sam was propelled forward by a powerful wave and he zoomed across the water like a cannonball in flight. H-holy Z¡ªPoseidon! Even with gram shaking in his hands, Sam managed to raise his arms high¡ªSword Aura! As he swung his blade down, the aura expanding out of Gram combined with the water element already coating its blade so that a giant wave of water¡ªsharp as a blade and containing the pressure of the sea depths¡ªcarved the giant¡¯s shadow in two. Then the villain was finally revealed within the shadow¡¯s nucleus¡ªhis face a mask of pain and torment. Tendrils of darkness clung to his arms and legs, pulling his body taut like a mannequin that was being punished by its puppeteer. Apex! Sam swung his sword a second time. Then a third. He swung Gram again and again until the villain was cut free from his bonds, and that¡¯s when the dolphins charged in. They tore into what little remained of the giant shadow¡¯s two halves like sharks ripping through a piece of bloody meat. Soon enough, the shadow was gone, but it wasn¡¯t the end of Sam¡¯s ordeal. Freed from his prison, Apex launched himself at Sam with a fist cocked and ready¡ªbut his punch fell before reaching Sam¡¯s face. Despite his stubborn determination to finish their fight, Apex¡¯s strength finally gave out. His unconscious body slumped against Sam who caught him out of reflex. He¡¯s not dead at least¡­ Sam realized. Well, he might drown if I don¡¯t get him out of the water¡­ I suppose you¡¯ll want a lift back to the surface¡ªGalatea appeared next to Sam¡ªor do you think you can handle the trash on your own? Yeah, Sam smiled back at Galatea, I wouldn¡¯t mind a ride¡­ thanks. Chapter 136: Rising, Part 1 CHAPTER ONE THIRTY-SIX Rising, Part 1
Being the closest entry point between the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall¡¯s Beach had an amazing panoramic view of one of North America¡¯s most recognized landmarks. But it was hard to get to, which meant it rarely had visitors. At least that¡¯s what Galatea promised Sam before she sent him and an unconscious Apex up to the surface in a giant water bubble. However, after this bubble popped when they reached the surface, Sam¡¯s head cleared the water to the sound of excited cheers. ¡°H-huh?¡± There was a crowd gathered on the short hill past the beachfront and they were all cheering on a bewildered Sam while he pulled an unconscious Apex toward the shore. He recognized some of them; the woman in the baseball cap, the dark-skinned man in the basketball jersey, and even the slanted-eyed civilian who¡¯d carried Onus for him. These were the civilians on the bridge who¡¯d witnessed Sam¡¯s battle with Apex. ¡°Herculean!¡± they called. ¡°Herculean! Herculean!¡± they chanted. They were thankful for what he¡¯d done. He could see it clearly on their faces. It was honestly very touching to Sam who rarely received any recognition in life. ¡°Herculean!¡± another group called. ¡°ABS News¡­ We¡¯d like an interview!¡± ¡°Oh, no¡­¡± Unfortunately, his supporters weren¡¯t the only people on that cliff. Several news crews were also around, and they all had their cameras trained on Sam. ¡°How did they find¡ª¡± ¡°Herculean!¡± Thunder was waiting for him by the shore. Jackboot and Farsight were there with her while Dr. Hearthstone stood at the entrance to the beach like a stalwart sentinel blocking the path of anyone who wanted to climb down the cliff to disrupt the reunion between Sam and his friends. ¡°Guys!¡± Sam called. He noticed how exhausted they all looked; the dirt clinging to their suits that sported all sorts of cracks and tears, and the many cuts and bruises on their flesh¡ªthey¡¯ve clearly had it rough. Yet there were big fat smiles plastered on each of their faces. Even Dr. hearthstone, who¡¯d held his arms to the side and barred the way of the reporters attempting to push past him was grinning at Sam. Farsight in particular looked extra smug, and Sam guessed she was the culprit that had clued everyone to the location of where Sam would pop up. Sam didn¡¯t mind though. Because he realized that his friends were expecting him. They believed he would survive the fall and whatever came after. Less than a year ago, Sam had felt tremendous pain from failing to fulfill his duty. He lost his colleagues. He lost his family. He lost a part of himself. But now, as he dragged Apex out of the water, his heart filled to bursting with emotions, Sam knew that he was no longer alone. He had friends now. He had a team he could rely on. Jackboot took Apex¡¯s other shoulder and helped Sam carry him onto the beach. ¡°You are bloody insane,¡± Jackboot stated. ¡°Brilliant, but insane.¡± They traded fist bumps and then high-fived each other. ¡°Yeah, well¡±¡ªSam dropped Apex¡¯s unconscious form onto the gray sand¡ª¡°maybe we can take a break before we jump into another lion¡¯s den¡­¡± ¡°You wish,¡± Farsight chimed in. She knelt on the sands and jammed a syringe into Apex¡¯s shoulder. ¡°This should keep him quiet a little while longer,¡± she said satisfied. ¡°You know you¡¯re holding power-dampening cuffs in your other hand, right?¡± Jackboot pointed out. ¡°Better safe than sorry.¡± She slapped the cuffs onto Apex¡¯s thick wrists next. ¡°There. No more super strength.¡± As soon as the power-dampening effects of the cuffs came into effect, Sam was immediately bombarded by notifications that seemed to have piled up while he was under the sea. [You have leveled up!] appeared five times, bringing Sam¡¯s total level up to forty.
CONGRATULATIONS! You¡¯ve completed the special mission [THE THIRD LABOR].
REWARDS ONE: [Herculean (¦¤)] has evolved to [Herculean (¦£)].
¡°Holy¡­¡±
REWARDS TWO: 2,000 Golden Drachma, exclusive OTC collectibles: limited edition villain series - The Nemean Lion and Apex (comes with a certificate of authenticity), 3x unrefined enchanted bronze, 1x blessed ability enhancement scroll, 1x weapon enhancement scroll, 3x epic-grade crafting ingredient: enchanted ironbark splinters, and 1x equipment rune [Fury Rune].
REWARDS THREE: The hidden mission [THE FOURTH LABOR] is now open to you.
¡°¡­Zeus.¡±
Poseidon, God of the Sea, applauds your victory. He also reminds you that there is a time limit to the special mission assigned to you and that you should complete it as soon as possible if you wish to remain in his good graces.
Your patron, Apollo, God of the Sun, is boasting about you to his fellow Olympians.
Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, has thoroughly enjoyed your hunt. She is inquiring about your current contract with Apollo.
Ares, God of War, declares that you¡¯re just lucky. He is not interested in inviting you to his sacred cadre.
Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, believes luck is also a talent. She smiles at your success and wonders if your contract with Apollo has an expiration date.
Dionysus, God of Revelry, has enjoyed too much wine thanks to your battle. He will be asking about your exclusivity with Apollo once he is sober again.
Apollo wants to remind you that you are his champion with all the benefits that title entails.
CONGRATULATIONS! You have earned the title: Champion of the Sun.
Title: Champion of the Sun, a title given to a hero who has proven his worth to the sun god, Apollo. [BOONS: All stats increased by 5% at dawn, gradually rising to 10% at noon, and gradually lowering to 5% at twilight. Your status as Apollo¡¯s champion is now official, and you will be treated favorably by all of his followers, earning you a temporary increased health regeneration bonus when you visit his temples and a discount at all affiliated shops, including a special reading with the Oracle of Delphi.
¡°Seriously?¡± Sam raised an eyebrow at this latest notification. ¡°You¡¯re only giving me this now?¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
You have earned the gratitude of the God of Strength. A reward related to your family¡¯s legacy will be delivered to you soon.
Fame with the Olympian Pantheon increased by 1,000.
Because of your growth as a swordsman and your excellent use of [Gram], the one-eyed god of another pantheon has begun to notice you.
Fame with the Norse Pantheon increased by 500.
Total fame: [Olympian: 3,500] [Norse: 800]
¡°Sam?¡± He was so busy reading all those notifications that he didn¡¯t notice Thunder was standing opposite him now. ¡°Um, hi,¡± he said while he brushed away the pop-ups floating between them. ¡°Hi,¡± she replied in an equally awkward tone. They stood there facing each other while the surf crashed against their ankles. Their eyes locked only on each other. Sam¡¯s gaze drifted to Thunder¡¯s lips, making him remember the kiss they¡¯d shared. But then he remembered that he¡¯d also locked lips with Galatea afterward, and that made Sam look away. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Thunder asked. ¡°Um, nothing.¡± Sam¡¯s embarrassment caused his cheeks to flare red. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°Wait¡­ was that¡±¡ªa teasing smile crept up the corners of Thunder¡¯s lips¡ª¡°your first kiss?¡± ¡°Wh-What?¡± Sam stepped back. ¡°N-No, of course not.¡± Thunder¡¯s smile widened. Her eyes glittered too. ¡°Seriously, I-I¡¯ve kissed lots of women,¡± he protested, although his voice got weaker and weaker toward the end of that sentence as he noticed Thunder¡¯s smile was slowly vanishing.
There is such a thing as too much information.
Styx! ¡°I-I mean¡±¡ªSam glanced sideways at Jackboot, who quickly turned away from him, and then at Farsight, who also looked away, before turning back to Thunder with his brow furrowed¡ª ¡°not a lot, but,¡± his cheeks flared red even more, ¡°it just wasn¡¯t my first kiss, alright?¡± Thunder let out a fit of giggles. She was giggling so hard that it took a while for her to speak again. ¡°You¡¯re so easy to tease, lame-brain,¡± she said, and then added, ¡°Good job catching Apex. Here. This belongs to you now.¡± He had been so flustered by Thunder that he didn¡¯t notice the fur cape and lion¡¯s head hood wrapped in her hands. ¡°Is this¡­¡± Sam accepted the gift and noticed its glossy fur coat shimmering like the sheen of polished gold. Surprisingly, it was soft to the touch like it wouldn¡¯t be able to stop a single bullet from penetrating it. ¡°Wow¡­¡±
CONGRATULATIONS! You have received the Fur of the Nemean Lion. It can be used as-is or reused as a mythical-grade crafting ingredient for more suitable items.
ALERT! The corruption of a giant permeates the Fur of the Nemean Lion. It is recommended that you cleanse it at a temple before attempting to put it on.
¡°Huh,¡± Sam whistled. ¡°Maybe Mr. Moonday can make us something better out of this?¡± ¡°Us?¡± Jackboot repeated. Sam glanced sideways at him, then at Farsight, Dr. Hearthstone, and ended with Thunder. ¡°Yeah. I couldn¡¯t have beaten Apex or his giant puppeteer without you guys.¡± ¡°You are such a boy scout,¡± Thunder teased. ¡°Takes one to know one,¡± Sam insisted. She offered Sam her fist, and although it wasn¡¯t the reunion he hoped for¡ªbecause he had hoped for another kiss, maybe even a hug¡ªhe gladly bumped his fist against hers. ¡°Glad you¡¯re both not awkwardly flirting anymore, but,¡± Farsight stepped between them, ¡°You two realize the mission¡¯s not over, right?¡± She really has the best timing¡­ Sam frowned as he was reminded that [Hands off the Golden Fleece] was still an active mission, and the Golden Fleece wasn¡¯t the only thing they needed to get back. Serena¡ªthe real Serena and not the villainous doll that was her alternate persona¡ªwas waiting for him. Sam promised he would save her. ¡°You¡¯re going to need this.¡± Dr. Hearthstone put Onus back in Sam¡¯s hand. He got to high-five from Sam now that Jackboot had graciously traded places with him and kept the media vultures at bay for a little while longer. ¡°I still don¡¯t get how easy it is for you to lift this,¡± Sam said. ¡°Train your mind and unburden yourself, Herculean,¡± Dr. Hearthstone tapped the side of his temple, ¡°that¡¯s the key.¡± Sam wasn¡¯t sure if he could do that. He had way too many burdens after all. He did notice that Onus felt considerably lighter now that he¡¯d dealt with the problem lying unconscious on the nearby sand. The sound of sirens reached their ears, causing Sam to frown. He knew that the closest parking spot to Marshall¡¯s Beach was at Baker¡¯s Beach to the south so it would take a while for the first responders to hike the Bluff Trail that led down to their spot. At least he hoped that was the case. Sam sighed deeply. I don¡¯t need Warden Malarky accusing me of vigilantism in front of the reporters¡­ Gods help me... here they come. Chapter 137: Rising, Part 2 CHAPTER ONE THIRTY-SEVEN Rising, Part 2
He could see even more news crews among the crowd of cheering civilians. BBN, NNC, CBN, the California Times, the Post, and even the Herald¡ªthe big news teams were all present. Sam was almost certain that he would be blamed for everything later on. ¡°Ash¡±¡ªSam tore his gaze away from the flashing lights of the news crews and sent it toward the darkening sky¡ª¡°do you know where Medea¡¯s dragon went?¡± ¡°It flew past the San Francisco skyline about half an hour ago. There are reports that it¡¯s flying eastward,¡± Farsight answered. ¡°It¡¯s headed out of the state?¡± Sam asked. Farsight nodded. ¡°Not even stopping for a bite to eat.¡± ¡°But where is it headed?¡± Sam pressed. ¡°Where do you think?¡± Farsight countered. Seeing that knowing look on Farsight¡¯s face, Sam was reminded of the first lines of her great prophecy. A shadow¡¯s curse rises from the earth Immortal in the land of its birth A memory flashed in Sam¡¯s mind of a dream he¡¯d had a few months back. It was the one where he¡¯d first met Apollo. Right before the sun god introduced himself to Sam, he¡¯d had a vision of a giant¡¯s shadow rising above the Manhattan skyline. ¡°New York,¡± Sam whispered. Then, in a more confident tone, he added, ¡°They¡¯re taking the Golden Fleece to New York.¡± ¡°Why New York?¡± Thunder asked. Sam couldn¡¯t exactly explain that his hunch had come from a dream. Not that this was too weird. Dreams had often been the source of revelations for heroes after all. Strange, unexplained events weren¡¯t exclusive to Sam. ¡°An educated guess born of experience,¡± Dr. Hearthstone chimed in, ¡°or something more?¡± ¡°It¡¯s where the giant¡¯s shadow first rose, right?¡± Sam shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s a feeling¡­ It¡¯s all I¡¯ve got right now.¡± There were a few seconds of tense silence while they all contemplated the possibilities of what might happen if Medea does manage to reach New York City with the Golden Fleece in her possession. It was probably the worst-case scenario right now. ¡°We should chase after them and steal the fleece back from that evil witch,¡± Farsight insisted. ¡°We¡¯ll do that,¡± Thunder agreed, although she also nodded toward the unconscious form of the villain lying on the sand, ¡°but we also have to make sure Apex gets locked up.¡± ¡°Are you thinking¡­ Crucible?¡± Farsight guessed. ¡°The Crucible¡­¡± Sam repeated. There were very few people in the country, no, the world, who hadn¡¯t heard of the supermax prison designed specifically to contain villains. Although no one knew where it was located. ¡°We¡¯ve got enough people to split the tasks between us,¡± Dr. Hearthstone agreed. ¡°So, who¡¯s doing what?¡± It was quickly decided that Farsight¡¯s abilities made her the right choice to lead the team that would chase after Medea¡¯s solar dragon. Dr. Hearthstone agreed to back her up. Jackboot¡ªwho at this point was slowly getting overwhelmed by the reporters¡ªwas drafted to their team too. Sam and Thunder would make sure that Apex reached the Crucible. Sam was glad to do it. He did want to meet with Serena as soon as possible, but he couldn¡¯t pass the responsibility of his ill-fated cousin to anyone else. The only problem now was that Sam would have to deal with the Wardens who he could see in the distance were now beginning to make their way down to the beach along with other first responders. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. ¡°Styx, Malarkey¡¯s with them¡­¡± Sam sighed. What are you getting all worked up over? Asked a familiar snarky voice that only Sam could hear. You just took down one of the worst baddies in the biz. You can handle a bunch of uptight Wardens now, can¡¯t you? Ch-Chiron? Hey, kid. Glad you survived. Relief flooded Sam¡¯s chest at hearing his master¡¯s voice. Where were you? What happened? Not much. Apex thrashed my place so I had to relocate. It took a while to move all my stuff. Sam could hear Chiron sipping on a straw. I gotta admit¡­ I should have moved to my Malibu hideout sooner. Lol. Sam was so happy to hear Chiron¡¯s voice in his head again that he wasn¡¯t even annoyed that his master was enjoying himself while Sam faced a few life-and-death struggles without him. It¡¯s not a perfect score because you lost the fleece and all, but you healed Thunder just like you wanted. And you beat the bad guy too. Well, one of them. Chiron actually sounded as happy to be back in Sam¡¯s head as Sam was. Although neither of them would probably admit it to each other. You did real good, kid. Th-thanks¡­ ¡°Um, Sam?¡± Thunder called. ¡°Y-yeah?¡± Sam replied. Thunder smiled like she knew what had caught his attention. He could tell that she was also happy that Chiron was okay. ¡°I said there was something else we needed to do first.¡± Thunder grabbed Sam¡¯s shoulder and turned him around. ¡°Oh, no¡­¡± Sam breathed. Jackboot had fallen on his butt, and the tide of reporters was rushing toward them now. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, lame-brain. I¡¯ll let my good image rub off on you a little. Might keep the Herald from writing anything negative about you.¡± Thunder elbowed Sam playfully on the shoulder. ¡°This won¡¯t be as hard as saving the world.¡± With that ominous proclamation, Thunder shoved Sam¡¯s back toward the reporters. Herculean was about to make his big debut.
EPILOGUE Warden Bethany Carlyle led him past the circular landing and its tough-looking, heavily-armed squad of guards and into another set of titanium double doors that took them into a narrow corridor that seemed to be hewn out of the obsidian rock of the volcano the facility was hidden in. What lighting there was to guide their way came from the soft glow of the molten veins running along the craggy floor and walls. ¡°The fourth sub-level¡¯s where we keep the criminally insane and accursed,¡± she explained. ¡°Accursed,¡± Crow-Man repeated. He was frowning underneath his cowl. Although Bethany was used to it. She¡¯d seen it enough when they worked together while she was an active hero. ¡°The unfortunate gifted who¡¯ve been corrupted by primordial forces but managed not to become horrors,¡± Bethany answered. ¡°Just evil,¡± Crow-Man finished for her. ¡°It¡¯s not like they could have helped it¡­¡± As someone who¡¯d run away from the calling of heroism, Bethany couldn¡¯t help but sympathize with the accursed who were unable to escape their tortured fate. ¡°Well, most of them, at least. Your guy¡¯s different though.¡± Crow-Man grunted in agreement. A man in a lab coat accompanied by one of the prison¡¯s guards nodded to Bethany as she and Crow-Man passed them. ¡°The doctors do their best to help rehabilitate the prisoners, but¡­¡± she let out a sigh. ¡°You can¡¯t,¡± Crow-Man finished for her. She nodded. ¡°Most of these people were driven mad by destiny¡¯s hand¡­ All we can do is keep them from hurting themselves and others.¡± Crow-Man paused by a glowing door to his immediate right. It had a geometric design that was intricately woven into the obsidian wall. There was a plaque on the door that had a barely legible name on it; Mira Mosley. ¡°Pandora the 7th,¡± Bethany answered. His cape of crow feathers billowed behind him as they moved on to the glowing door at the far end of the hall; a door whose occupant seemed to be in the middle of an argument with himself. ¡°He¡¯ll be here,¡± said a man with a British accent. Although his voice seemed courser than Crow-Man remembered. ¡°He always comes when we call.¡± ¡°No, he won¡¯t,¡± the man responded to himself. ¡°He won¡¯t want to play with us now that we¡¯re stuck¡ª¡± The voices stopped at the sound of the approaching footsteps. Silence ensued. It was a silence that made the gloomy atmosphere around them seem even more pitiful. ¡°Who is that?¡± the voice asked in a playful sing-song voice. ¡°Which foolish hero would dare to set foot in this hellhole to see little old me?¡± Crow-Man¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°I only know one idiot who¡¯d go that far to visit,¡± the man behind the door cackled. ¡°Well, maybe it¡¯s two people now¡­ but the little healer must be busy. No time for me. No time to ask about the long shadows snaking up to crush his neck from beyond the veil.¡± Bethany slammed the back of her fist against the door, making the villain inside of it cackle with glee. ¡°Don¡¯t let him get a rise out of you,¡± she insisted. Bethany placed a hesitant palm on the door, causing the obsidian door to slide open and reveal the small square room beyond. Sitting at the other end of that barely lit space, with his body wrapped in a straight jacket, was a villain who¡¯d once nearly unleashed an elder giant on New York City. Yes, it was the Trickster. ¡°Hello, Crow, Crow, Crow, Crow,¡± the Trickster said delightedly. ¡°I¡¯ve been dying to see you again!¡± ***FIND OUT WHAT CROW-MAN AND BETHANY ARE UP TO BY READING THE CROW-MAN SIDE CHAPTERS ONLY ON PATREON! *** OF COURSE, YOU DON''T NEED TO READ THESE SIDE CHAPTERS TO ENJOY VOLUME 3. SAM''S STORY WILL CONTINUE IN... LEVEL UP HERO VOLUME 3: UNDERWORLD Volume III REWRITE and CONTINUATION Plus New Novel Update! VOLUME III REWRITE ANNOUNCEMENT UNDERWORLD REDONE!
Greetings, true believers! As promised in my new novel, The Loom of Ill Fates, which is now on Rising Stars here on Royal Road, I will be returning to my original novel after a one-and-a-half-year hiatus!!! Honestly, I love the story of Sam and Sarah ¡ª Herculean and Thunder ¡ª and I can''t wait to continue volume 3, but differently. Yep, it''s time for a professional rewrite of volume 3 so we can finally finish the novel that started me on my path as a writer!!! We''ll have a few chapters out a week. I''ll update you on the schedule as time goes on. Advanced chapters will arrive on Patreon too, and I''ll update you when they do. Right now, I''ll be publishing the four prequel chapters featuring Crow-Man here. Prequel Chapter One of Volume 3: Visitation arrives in a few hours! You''ll see it''s already been scheduled for release later today on the book''s main page, so look forward to it!!! Now, on to my second piece of news today...
NEW NOVEL ANNOUNCEMENT!!! The Loom of Ill Fates Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Synopsis: ''An ill-fated prince marked for death and a trickster imprisoned by the gods...together, they might gain the strength to change destiny.'' In a land where sorcery is the dominant force, a prince cursed with a body lacking talent for even basic spells is scorned by nobles and commoners alike. Fortunately for Bram of House Attilan, as a child of the Sovereign who rules the Atlan Imperium, even an ¡®Ill-Fated Prince¡¯ is given a chance to prove his worth¡­and Bram knows exactly what he needs. Inside him exists a ¡®self-improvement system¡¯ called the Loom. Though he can¡¯t use it himself yet because his body lacks magic, Bram, the newly appointed governor of Lotharin, one of the twelve kingdoms of the imperium, devises a plot to gift the Loom to others and develop the talents his kingdom needs from scratch. Such an undertaking will require the aid of a master trickster¡ªone powerful enough to help Bram kidnap humans from a world called Earth to enlist their expertise in performing the greatest trick ever sold; hoodwinking other Earthers into believing they¡¯re playing a videogame while they work to solve the many troubles plaguing the kingdom¡ªhelping to make Lotharin great again while proving Bram a worthy prince. --- Release Schedule: Mondays to Fridays, around 1 PM UTC+8. What to Expect: - It''s Game of Thrones meets Ready Player One and the Office! - Light LitRPG elements. - Progression fantasy. No instant overpowered MCs with murderhobo tendencies. - Clever schemes, fast-paced action, and in-depth character development. - Elaborate world-building elements with a sprawling world thoroughly mapped out. - A tale that seamlessly jumps between high fantasy adventures, game development hijinks, and kingdom-building shenanigans. "I''ve always wanted to write a big sprawling fantasy tale in the vein of GoT with popular LitRPG elements mixed into it. I''ve also enjoyed ''game-lit'' stories like Ready Player One and Overgeared, relishing their unique style of storytelling that harkens to the gamer in me. The Loom of Ill Fates was the answer to bringing my passion for these two disparate but similar genres together. It''s got everything you love from Level Up Hero and more. So, I hope you guys can give it a read," ¡ª G.D. Cruz I''ll add the link to it in the post-chapter notes! Volume III, Prequel Chapter 01: Visitation VOLUME III, PREQUEL CHAPTER ONE Visitation
No one knows how he does it¡ªappearing out of thin air at the mere mention of his name. Some say he comes out of the ground like he¡¯s been spit out of the shadows. Others believe he is the shadow. That blackness in the corner of the room that¡¯s always there, listening to the veiled conversations between crooks and well-doers alike, waiting for his moment to make a memorable appearance. For Warden Bethany¡ªa former heroine who¡¯d been in and out of the front lines for well over five years now¡ªCrow-Man¡¯s sudden appearance wasn¡¯t a new phenomenon. She¡¯d gotten used to him popping in unannounced. Especially now that she was one of the Wardens working the same case Crow-Man seemed to be investigating too, which meant they¡¯d often encounter each other in the field while following the same clues. Bethany cleared her throat. ¡°Are you ever going to just use the front door?¡± Crow-Man glanced over his shoulder to inspect the thirty-foot high titanium double doors with their state-of-the-art security system¡ªkinetic barriers, DNA scanners, gift suppression glyphs, magical shielding, and voice verification software¡ªand replied, ¡°No.¡± He spent a long moment taking in the carvings on the doors¡¯ titanium surface; a graphic depiction of ancient history¡¯s worst moment¡ªGigantomachia. ¡°Security¡¯s getting tighter,¡± Crow-Man commented in his signature gruff tone. ¡°Says the hero who snuck into the Crucible without alerting its defenses,¡± Bethany replied wryly. Then she added, ¡°You¡¯re going to tell me how you did that, right?¡± She¡¯d never admit it, but the former ¡®War Maiden¡¯ still got those chills that came with being the subject of Crow-Man¡¯s piercing gaze. ¡°No,¡± he said flatly. She raised her hand to signal the guards waiting by the murder holes along the top of the Crucible¡¯s circular wall to lower their guns. They did so begrudgingly as they were trained not to like uninvited guests. Even if they were heroes in the top fifty of America¡¯s hero charts. ¡°It¡¯s not like we weren¡¯t expecting you,¡± Bethany sighed. ¡°But I don¡¯t know how you knew about his request before we even picked up the phone¡­¡± As Crow-Man stepped toward the six-foot square slab at the center of the circular landing they were on, he said, ¡°The Court of Crows has eyes everywhere¡­¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what I was afraid of,¡± she sighed again. Bethany wiped at the sweat trickling down her brow¡ªa consequence of waiting outside the Crucible where the temperature was nearly always at sauna levels¡ªand then she followed after him. Once at the slab, she pressed her hand to its surface. ¡°Bethany Carlyle, Warden 2nd Class,¡± said the automated female voice. Glowing sigils appeared around Bethany¡¯s hand. They spread out like spider limbs along the slab¡¯s obsidian surface, reshaping themselves into lines that formed the geometric pattern of an intricately designed door. ¡°Briareus,¡± Bethany said. ¡°Password accepted,¡± replied the automated voice. The glowing door slid to the side and revealed the sleek metal elevator behind it. Bethany gestured Crow-Man forward. ¡°After you.¡± Crow-Man stepped into the metal box without hesitation. However, he couldn¡¯t help but glance around him and noticed that the panels along the walls and floors were made of a combination of silver and iron, two metals that were known to repel horrors and other dark things that haunted their world. Interestingly enough, glyphs originating from more than one pantheon were scrawled on the metal walls. The scent of lavender also hung in the air. ¡°You expect monsters to take the elevator down to the prison?¡± Crow-Man asked, sounding almost sarcastic. ¡°This elevator¡¯s the only way down,¡± Bethany replied defensively. ¡°Not even alpha-level horrors could survive the volcano¡¯s lava pressed against the Crucible¡¯s walls, but if they do¡­ Well, the Crucible¡¯s defenses are more than a match for legendary monsters.¡± The Crucible¡ªan apt name for a gifted prison forged inside the molten core of an active volcano on an island that¡¯s not on any map hidden by both technological and magical means. At Bethany¡¯s instructions, the elevator zoomed past the administrative sub-level without so much as a pause. ¡°It¡¯s better for you this way¡­ the chief administrator¡¯s a bit stand-offish with uninvited guests,¡± she explained. The ding of the elevator announced that they¡¯d just passed the second sub-level, which Bethany explained was where they kept the ¡°low-priority prisoners.¡± ¡°Low priority,¡± Crow-Man repeated. ¡°Low-level villains with short sentences whose powers make them difficult to lock up anywhere else,¡± Bethany explained. Then she added, ¡°Mr. Crimson¡¯s on that floor.¡± Bethany¡¯s face was turned away from him so she didn¡¯t see the frown underneath Crow-Man¡¯s cowl after she mentioned one of his most notorious rogues. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. A few years back, there was a series of murders in lower Manhattan that confounded local law enforcement specifically because they didn¡¯t seem to be connected despite their shared brutality. Different types of victims, and different styles of murder, all in locations that had no relation to each other¡ªmaking it all seem random to even the most observant eye. At least until Crow-Man appeared on the scene to help. He was credited for discovering the clues that eventually led to the doorstep of the serial killer, a billionaire philanthropist who went by the moniker of Mr. Crimson. It turned out that this socialite was a villain whose low-level gift of blood parasites was used to devastating effect. Like a vampire who bit into their victims¡¯ neck, the parasites in Mr. Crimson¡¯s saliva turned people into marionettes that murdered themselves, leaving almost no evidence that he¡¯d forced their deaths on them. ¡°Crimson¡¯s low priority?¡± Crow-Man growled. ¡°They¡¯ve got him drugged up enough that his parasites stay dormant,¡± Bethany explained. ¡°He¡¯ll have a hard time telling people what to do without powers.¡± Crow-Man hated being reminded of Mr. Crimson, not just because their encounter nearly ended in Crow-Man¡¯s death, but also because it wasn¡¯t actually Crow-Man who¡¯d found the parasites in the victims¡¯ blood that led to Mr. Crimson¡¯s eventual arrest. This discovery belonged to his former sidekick, but she couldn¡¯t take credit for solving the case back then as only heroes were credited for completing a job. ¡°Do Wardens always escort visitors to meet with prisoners?¡± Crow-Man asked. ¡°Yes, but¡±¡ªBethany frowned¡ª¡°this type of assignment¡¯s usually handled by lower-ranked wardens¡­¡± ¡°Not former top hundred heroes, you mean,¡± Crow-Man noted. Bethany nodded hesitantly before admitting, ¡°As you know, the prisoner in question¡¯s a special case¡­¡± ¡°Special¡­¡± Crow-Man repeated. ¡°That¡¯s one way to describe him.¡± Another ding announced their arrival on the third floor, which, according to Bethany, was where they housed, ¡°Mid-tier villains like the Jackal.¡± Crow-Man¡¯s scowl deepened at the mention of another one of his high-profile rogues. The Jackal, a former gamma-level hero with the proportionate powers of a jackal, was one of Crow-Man¡¯s old colleagues who¡¯d gone insane thanks to the dark machinations of his patron, the Egyptian god Set. He¡¯d made a mess of Brooklyn until Crow-Man, with the help of his former sidekick and Weather Witch, put an end to the Jackal¡¯s insanity-fueled crime spree. As she glanced behind her shoulder, Bethany finally noticed his scowl, and she gave him a gracious smile. ¡°A lot of villains owe their time here to you, don¡¯t they?¡± Bethany crossed her arms over her chest while contemplation flitted across her pretty face. ¡°I think you¡¯ve put more people in here than Superion and Silver Heart combined,¡± she added. Crow-Man just grunted. He didn¡¯t like comparing himself to his peers. Especially those two heroes who were currently occupying the top one and two spots of the US hero rankings. Then Bethany and Crow-Man felt a sudden tremor along the walls, forcing the pair of them to grab the elevator¡¯s handrails. ¡°Volcano acting up?¡± Crow-Man asked. ¡°The lava flows around the Crucible artificially, but the volcano tends to disrupt that flow from time to time which leads to these miniature quakes.¡± She offered him a mischievous smile. ¡°Helps keep the prisoners from getting too comfortable.¡± A third ding of the elevator announced their arrival on the Crucible¡¯s fourth sub-level. Finally, the doors swung open for them. ¡°This is our stop,¡± Bethany said. She couldn¡¯t see it behind his cowl, but one of Crow-Man¡¯s eyebrows had just risen. ¡°I heard the Crucible has five sub-levels.¡± Bethany stepped out of the elevator before responding, ¡°You don¡¯t want to go down to the fifth sub-level¡­¡± Her face became visibly pale. ¡°That¡¯s where they keep the worst monsters in the mortal realm.¡± She led him past the circular landing and its tough-looking, heavily armed squad of guards and into another set of titanium double doors that took them into a narrow corridor hewn out of sharp obsidian on all sides. What lighting there was to guide their way came from the soft glow of the molten veins running along the craggy floor and walls. ¡°The fourth sub-level is where we keep the criminally insane and accursed,¡± Bethany explained. ¡°Accursed,¡± Crow-Man repeated. ¡°The unfortunate gifted who¡¯ve been corrupted by celestial influence but managed not to become horrors themselves,¡± Bethany answered. ¡°Just evil,¡± Crow-Man finished for her. Crow-Man deduced that this was probably the reason the Jackal wasn¡¯t on this sub-level too. He may have gone insane, but Crow-Man¡¯s old friend wasn¡¯t inherently evil. ¡°It¡¯s not like they could have helped it¡­¡± As someone who¡¯d run away from the calling of heroism, Bethany couldn¡¯t help but sympathize with the accursed who were unable to escape their tortured fate. ¡°Well, most of them, at least. Your guy¡¯s different though.¡± Crow-Man grunted in agreement. A man in a lab coat accompanied by one of the prison¡¯s guards nodded to Bethany as she and Crow-Man passed them. ¡°The doctors do their best to help rehabilitate the prisoners, but¡­¡± she let out another heavy sigh. ¡°You can¡¯t,¡± Crow-Man finished for her. She nodded. ¡°Most of these people were driven mad by destiny¡¯s hand¡­ All we can do is keep them from hurting themselves and others.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t save everyone,¡± Crow-Man reminded her. ¡°That shouldn¡¯t stop us from trying though,¡± Bethany insisted. She gave him a look that reminded Crow-Man of another young and optimistic hero who was also dead-set on saving even the worst scum of the Earth. At least that¡¯s what Crow-Man thought when he imagined Herculean¡¯s stubborn, na?ve face superimposed on Bethany¡¯s equally stubborn expression. Crow-Man paused by a glowing door on his immediate right. It had a geometric design that was intricately woven into the obsidian wall. There was a plaque on the door that had a barely legible name on it; Mira Mosley. ¡°Pandora the 7th,¡± Bethany answered. They moved on to the glowing door at the far end of the hall; a door whose occupant seemed to be in the middle of an argument with himself. ¡°He¡¯ll be here,¡± said a man with a British accent. Although his voice seemed courser than Crow-Man remembered. ¡°He always comes when we call.¡± ¡°No, he won¡¯t,¡± the man responded to himself. ¡°He won¡¯t want to play with us now that we¡¯re stuck¡ª¡± The voices stopped at the sound of the approaching footsteps. Silence ensued. It was a silence that made the gloomy atmosphere around them seem even more pitiful. ¡°Who is that?¡± the voice asked in a playful sing-song voice. ¡°Which foolish hero would dare to set foot in this hellhole to see little old me?¡± Crow-Man frowned. ¡°I only know one idiot who¡¯d go that far to visit,¡± the man behind the door cackled. ¡°Well, maybe it¡¯s two people now¡­ but the little healer must be busy. No time for me. No time to ask about the long shadows snaking up to crush his neck.¡± Bethany slammed the back of her fist against the door, causing the villain inside of it to cackle with glee. ¡°Don¡¯t let him get a rise out of you,¡± she insisted. Bethany placed a hesitant palm on the door, forcing the obsidian door to slide open and reveal the small square room beyond. Sitting at the other end of that barely lit space, with his body wrapped in a straight jacket, was the Trickster. ¡°Hello, Crow, Crow, Crow, Crow-Man~~n, my buddy, my friend, my confidant,¡± the Trickster said delightedly. ¡°I¡¯ve been dying to see you again!¡±
Enjoying the new volume 3? Good. Look forward to all the new chapters, rewrites, and edits as we continue Sam and the gang''s journey across the Underworld! Also, don''t forget to read my new novel, The Loom of Ill Fates, here on Royal Road! The link will be on the post-author notes! It''s Game of Thrones meets Ready Player One and the Office! Volume III, Prequel Chapter 02: Conversation with a Mad Man VOLUME III, PREQUEL CHAPTER TWO Conversation with a Mad Man
¡°Trickster,¡± Crow-Man growled. As he slid into the Trickster¡¯s room, the shadows washed over him like he¡¯d become a part of them. Seeing him almost disappear like that caused a chill to trickle down Bethany¡¯s spine before she followed after him and shut the door behind them. The lights lined along the corners of the ceiling lit up to illuminate the room for the Trickster¡¯s new guests. ¡°Oo~oh, that¡¯s far too bright for me after a month in the dark,¡± The Trickster blinked. ¡°There¡¯s no need for the light. I won¡¯t bite. Or fight.¡± Crow-Man glanced over his shoulder and scowled at Bethany. He didn¡¯t like the light either. Bethany responded with a shrug before pressing a finger to her left ear. ¡°Can we dim the lights on cell forty-two?¡± The lights lined along the ceiling began to weaken so that they emitted a soft glow that allowed the shadows to spread around the room once more. ¡°Thanks,¡± Bethany called. Beneath his cowl, Crow-Man smiled. He didn¡¯t like to admit it, but Crow-Man thought that the shadows clinging to his suit made him look more intimidating in the eyes of those around him. And intimidation, as he¡¯d learned back in his days¡¯ training as an acolyte of the old Court of Crows, was a necessary impression for a task like interrogating one of the slyest villains he¡¯d ever met. Crow-Man¡¯s gaze focused back on the Trickster, and with his gift of sight, he analyzed every minute detail he could devour; from the villain¡¯s body language, the half-hearted grin on his pale, malnourished face, and the dark circles underneath the Trickster¡¯s crimson eyes. Bethany had done the same, although without the benefit of True Vision. She thought that the Trickster looked sick. Like a drug addict during a heavy fit of withdrawal. ¡°You¡¯ve grown your hair,¡± Crow-Man noticed. It was true. Short, wavy, pumpkin-colored hair had grown out of a head that had once been as bald as the ass of a newborn baby. ¡°Like it?¡± The Trickster¡¯s smile widened slightly. ¡°I¡¯m trying out that grunge look you Americans made popular in the nineties. Might even grow a mullet while I¡¯m here in this fancy room they¡¯ve got me in. At least until I decide to leave it.¡± Crow-Man growled. ¡°You¡¯re not getting out of here ever.¡± ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need for threats. We both know this prison won¡¯t be able to keep me locked up for long. I¡¯m far too wily for these walls to contain.¡± The Trickster leaned forward. A smile played on his chapped lips. ¡°Besides, I called you here so we could chat like the old friends we are. Buddies. Confidants. Brothers from another¡ª¡± Crow-Man growled again. As if he was warning the Trickster not to say that last word. ¡°You make it so easy for me, don¡¯t you,¡± the Trickster cackled. He ignored Crow-Man¡¯s glare and leaned his back against the wall so he could get more comfortable. ¡°Oh, by the way¡­ have you heard from our little healer?¡± the Trickster asked. ¡°I hear he¡¯s had a spot of trouble recently¡­ Cats and dogs and dragons. He-he-he-he¡­ sounds rather fun.¡± He turned his face toward Bethany and winked at her, causing the Crucible¡¯s lead warden to frown. ¡°How do you¡ª¡± Crow-Man placed a shoulder on Bethany¡¯s hand to calm her, making the warden bite her lower lip in agitation. She¡¯d asked him not to let the Trickster get a rise out of him, but here she was getting easily provoked by the mad villain and his even madder cackle. Bethany couldn¡¯t help herself though. They weren¡¯t exactly friends, but her brief encounters with Sam caused her to rely on him. Not only did Sam save her life during that incident in the Bronx, but he¡¯d also helped Bethany move on from her regrets of quitting the hero biz after he accepted ownership of Onus from her. Bethany saw it as Sam taking on both War Maiden¡¯s burden and her legacy, which made him a bit of a special existence for the former hero turned warden. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious how I know so much about what¡¯s happening outside these walls?¡± the Trickster asked. Crow-Man¡¯s fingers tightened on Bethany¡¯s shoulder. It was his way of asking her not to respond. The Trickster may know how to push their buttons, but Crow-Man also had his number, and a showboat with a seemingly disinterested audience would eventually crash and burn on his own. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. After a while of silent staring, the Trickster frowned. ¡°You two are boring me now¡­¡± Well, it¡¯s not like Crow-Man needed to play the Trickster¡¯s game. He¡¯d already deduced the few ways the Trickster could have gotten information on Sam¡¯s adventures despite the Crucible¡¯s policy of blocking out outside information for its high-profile inmates. There was the Trickster¡¯s connection to his giant master, the evil shadow that had first revealed itself at the hospital during their showdown that led to the Trickster¡¯s arrest. Crow-Man didn¡¯t think this likely though as the villain¡¯s sickly countenance suggested he was cut off from the evil power that had guided his murder spree against Olympus¡¯s oracles and their relics. The second possibility, and the more likely one, was a human ally. Not his lawyer. From what Crow-Man knew, villains on the fourth sub-level didn¡¯t get lawyers. So, it must have been one of the guards or doctors who serviced this sub-level. ¡°Who¡¯s been in here recently?¡± Crow-Man asked Bethany. She quickly caught on to his hunch and pressed her finger to her ear. ¡°I need a list of all personnel assigned to cell forty-two.¡± The response to Bethany¡¯s inquiry was quick, causing her brow to furrow suddenly. ¡°Corporal Jensen¡­ isn¡¯t he on sick leave today?¡± Bethany confirmed. The response on the other end of the line made Bethany¡¯s brow crease even more. ¡°What is it?¡± Crow-Man asked. ¡°One of the guards assigned to watch over this floor called in sick earlier. He¡¯s never called in sick before though¡­¡± Doubt flashed on Bethany¡¯s face. ¡°It might be just a coincidence, but¡ª¡± ¡°It might be more than coincidence,¡± the Trickster cackled. In a single fluid motion, Crow-Man leaped over to the Trickster, picked him up by the scruff of his neck, and then slammed the cackling villain against the back wall. ¡°Crow-Man!¡± Bethany yelled in alarm. The Trickster kept cackling in Crow-Man¡¯s face though. Not seeming the least bit intimidated by his old foe. ¡°So, quick¡­ to violence. It¡¯s a wonder¡­ that people think¡­ you¡¯re a hero,¡± the Trickster whispered despite the pain in his throat. Bethany¡¯s hand latched onto Crow-Man¡¯s shoulder, and he could feel the slim film of energy coating her palm. ¡°No one¡¯s allowed to touch the prisoners,¡± Bethany insisted. Crow-Man ignored her warning though. He just slammed the Trickster against the wall again. ¡°No games, Trickster,¡± Crow-Man growled. ¡°Why did you call me here?¡± ¡°I¡­ told you¡­ I wanted to¡­ chat,¡± the Trickster managed to say despite how tight Crow-Man¡¯s hold on his neck was. ¡°What do we have to chat about?¡± Crow-Man pressed. Although he also loosened his grip on the Trickster¡¯s collar. Not because he cared about the villain¡¯s safety, but because Bethany¡¯s hand on his shoulder was beginning to hurt. ¡°Something wild and unimaginable,¡± the Trickster replied after a second or two of coughing. ¡°I¡¯ve got a prophecy for you, Crow.¡± Crow-Man frowned. ¡°You¡¯re no seer.¡± ¡°One need not be a seer to receive divine revelation, as you very well know,¡± the Trickster hissed. Chuckling afterward. ¡°Well, do you want to hear how the world ends, or are you the type to hate spoilers?¡± Crow-Man¡¯s grunt was his only response. The Trickster took it as a ¡®yes¡¯ though. Unlike Farsight, the Trickster¡¯s crimson irises didn¡¯t fade into whites. Nor did he exude the aura of a prophet experiencing a vision. The one thing he had going for him was the tone of his voice which dripped with the mysticism of one who had the secrets of the cosmos on his lips. ¡°The curse of pride will surely rise, to slay the gods and darken skies,¡± the Trickster rhymed ominously. ¡°Calamity comes to the land of the dead, while the world above meets misery and dread.¡± With all that he¡¯s seen and done, Crow-Man rarely felt fear take hold of him. However, today was not one of those days he could just brush away the chill that crept up his spine while he listened to the Trickster¡¯s prophecy. Try as he might, he couldn¡¯t argue against the authenticity of what he heard, and, from the fearful expression he glimpsed on Bethany¡¯s face, Crow-Man knew she¡¯d come to the same conclusion as him. The Tricker was a liar and a cheat, but this time he spoke the truth. Unfortunately, before either of them could force the Trickster to elaborate, an earthquake rocked the room they were in. One far stronger than the quake they experienced in the elevator. The Trickster¡¯s cell rumbled, causing both the hero and his warden companion to stumble. ¡°Oo~~oh, what could that be?¡± the Trickster cackled. Crow-Man glanced sideways at Bethany who was already busy listening to the report in her ear. She turned to him with eyes widening in alarm. ¡°There¡¯s an intruder at the entrance. It¡¯s bad.¡± ¡°I thought that wasn¡¯t possible,¡± Crow-Man reminded her. ¡°Your defenses¡ª¡± ¡°I know!¡± she snapped. ¡°I guess you¡¯re not the only one who can sneak their way into this place¡­¡± Off the top of his head, Crow-Man deduced that there were very few gifted with the power to overwhelm the Crucible¡¯s security. Perhaps someone with a gift related to¡­ ¡°It¡¯s either Vesuvian or Helfire,¡± Crow-Man guessed. ¡°Helfire¡¯s locked away on the 3rd sub-level and Vesuvian¡¯s last known whereabouts was in Russia,¡± Bethany shot him down. ¡°Besides, they are both men. Our intruder¡¯s an unidentified female gifted¡­¡± ¡°A woman?¡± Crow-Man repeated. ¡°What are her¡ª¡± Then the lights turned off, and all that remained for them to see was the soft glow of the molten veins running along the cell¡¯s craggy walls. ¡°The inmates¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Bethany cut Crow-Man off. ¡°The Crucible¡¯s security system has a lot of redundancies to ensure¡ª¡± They both heard the click that heralded the door of cell forty-two sliding open. ¡°Styx,¡± Bethany cursed. ¡°Oh, my¡­¡± the Trickster¡¯s eyes widened in delight. ¡°It looks like you¡¯re in trouble!¡± It wasn¡¯t just cell forty-two that had opened automatically either. All the doors along both sides of the corridor slid open, which Bethany explained was a situation that was only supposed to happen if the prison experienced catastrophic damage to its base structure, ensuring that the prisoners wouldn¡¯t die horrific deaths from the magma surrounding the Crucible. ¡°Styx,¡± Bethany cursed again. ¡°This was supposed to be theoretical. A fail-safe. Not a godsdamn certainty.¡± ¡°She has quite the potty mouth,¡± The Trickster noted. ¡°You¡¯re hanging with a rough crowd these days, Crow.¡± ¡°Shut up.¡± Crow-Man shoved the Trickster against the wall once more. ¡°Warden Carlyle¡ª¡± The first of the prisoners stepped out of their cells, and, perhaps through luck or some twist of fate, all their eyes turned toward cell forty-two and the two heroes trapped within it. ¡°You know, I was afraid I¡¯d be stuck in this hellhole long enough that I wouldn¡¯t get to see it myself.¡± The Trickster¡¯s grin widened, reaching to the corners of his cheeks. ¡°But my fears were misplaced¡­ I get to watch you die, after all, Crow. Now, isn¡¯t that a fun twist of fate?¡± Volume III, Prequel Chapter 03: Prison Riot VOLUME III, PREQUEL CHAPTER THREE Prison Riot
¡°As much as I enjoy our love-hate relationship, Crow, I believe it¡¯s time for us to move on to better things¡­ Wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡± The Trickster cackled. ¡°Our ¡®little healer that can¡¯ will make an interesting new foil to my antics, while you¡ª¡± There was a loud crack that arrived at the same time as the telekinetic whip that slapped against the obsidian floor just a few feet away from cell forty-two¡¯s open door. ¡°Well, it seems like you¡¯re about to make some new acquaintances¡±¡ªdespite the straitjacket restraining his body, the Trickster managed to use the wall to slide back up to his feet¡ª¡°and I don¡¯t mind sharing.¡± A glowing red whip slipped into cell forty-two like a cobra rushing in for the kill, but it was summarily parried away by one of Crow-Man¡¯s feather-shaped throwing knives. He swung the knife in a reverse grip at just the right angle and drove the telekinetic whip into the ground where it dispersed into shards of psychic energy before disappearing into the ether. ¡°Only, I feel like I might not want you back once they¡¯re done playing with you and the beautiful Ms. Carlyle,¡± The Trickster sighed exaggeratedly. ¡°I¡¯m not very good at fixing broken things¡­ I¡¯m more broke than most as you might have noticed.¡± A second telekinetic tendril whipped forward. This too was quickly repelled though not by Crow-Man. Warden Bethan Carlyle might not be an active hero anymore, but the former War Maiden¡¯s skills hadn¡¯t dulled one bit. A gifted psychic herself, Bethany wrapped her right hand in beta-level telekinetic energy and slammed her glowing blue fist hard against the villain¡¯s telekinetic whip. These similar energies clashed violently, sending bursts of shockwaves spreading out around them that caused the walls to crack. Bethany¡¯s power won out in the end though, and both the TK whip and its wielder were blown back because of their clash. ¡°Go back into your cell, Lash, and I might not have to pound you into unconsciousness and shove you back in myself,¡± Bethany warned. ¡°W-War-M-Maiden,¡± whispered the gaunt-looking woman crouched next to the wraith-like albino who called himself Lash. ¡°Y-you s-should -sh-shut y-your¡ª¡± Stutter might have completed her ¡®Suggestion¡¯ and done great damage to Bethany, but Crow-Man¡¯s throwing knife was quicker. It lodged itself in her shoulder and deposited the payload of narcotics coating the blade into her bloodstream, ensuring that Stutter¡¯s gift of suggestion would be unable to work while the villain was drugged. ¡°Where did¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m prepared for every situation,¡± Crow-Man cut Bethany off. ¡°Sheesh, he really is,¡± the Trickster chimed in. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you the number of times he managed to foil my plans with one of his gimmicks¡­¡± No one was listening to him though as both Crow-Man and Bethany had already moved out of cell forty-two to engage the half dozen villains idling outside their cells. It wasn¡¯t easy, but they did manage to bring down Lash before Soul Eater¡ªa bull-necked, broad-shouldered, dark-skinned man who could have rivaled Apex in size¡ªswung a scythe forged of dark energy down on the hero and warden. ¡°Thanatos wants me to reap your soul, Crow-Man!¡± Soul Eater spat. Surprisingly, Crow-Man dual-wielding his feather-shaped daggers was enough to block the powerful-looking energy scythe in Soul Eater¡¯s hands. He formed an x-shaped shield over his head and kept the scythe¡¯s sharp edge a few inches from stabbing his neck. ¡°How are you¡­ doing that?¡± Soul Eater asked in disbelief. ¡°My knives are made of adamantine alloy¡­ I don¡¯t know if you know this but adamantine¡¯s one of the few metals on Earth that can repel and disrupt energy,¡± Crow-Man explained. ¡°He¡¯s quite informative whenever he wants to explain how he¡¯s going to foil your murder spree¡­ it¡¯s truly vexing and boastful to boot,¡± the Trickster chimed in. ¡°Shut it, Trickster,¡± Crow-Man growled right before he cast a sidelong glance at Bethany and asked, ¡°Why aren¡¯t their power dampeners working?¡± ¡°Power dampeners are in the lining of the cells,¡± Bethany explained while she maintained the telekinetic wall that kept the other prisoners from crowding her. ¡°There¡¯s a backup in case of a power outage but¡ª¡± ¡°They¡¯re not working!¡± the Trickster¡¯s sing-song voice came from inside his cell. Crow-Man twisted to the right so that his daggers could guide Soul Eater¡¯s energy scythe straight into the ground. Then, while Soul Eater¡¯s weight shifted forward along with the momentum of his downward swing, Crow-Man slid behind the villain and stabbed both of his knives into Soul Eater¡¯s lower back. Neither attack was fatal, but both blades were coated with the same narcotics that had drugged Stutter. These narcotics quickly forced Soul Eater to wobble in place and then fall to his knees. ¡°Aren¡¯t there more redundancies?¡± Crow-Man asked as he pulled his knives out of the villain who was about to topple over. ¡°The Crucible has redundancy after redundancy but¡±¡ªBethany crushed a snake-haired villain into the floor with her telekinetic wall¡ª¡°none of them are working right¡­ and this shouldn¡¯t be happening!¡± This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°That¡¯s the thing about volcanic lairs¡­ there¡¯s always something that needs fixing,¡± The Trickster cackled. ¡°Why even bother hiding your prison in a volcano? Everyone knows it¡¯s never going to be feasible long-term. Lol.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t suppose¡±¡ªBethany kicked Strega¡ªa witch who was said to be one of the worst serial killers in America¡ªright in the back of her head, knocking her out for the precious second Bethany needed to shove the dangerous villain back in her cell¡ª¡°you can knock the Trickster out too?¡± It was lucky that Strega had a straitjacket on her too because the poison in her nails was particularly potent. She must have been quite violent to receive the same treatment as the Trickster. ¡°Come now. You don¡¯t really want me to shut up, do you?¡± The Trickster¡¯s sad tone fooled no one. ¡°I¡¯ve been told my commentary¡¯s quite the entertain¡ªAck!¡± As if acquiescing to Bethany¡¯s request, Crow-Man had ducked back into cell forty-two and then knocked the Trickster¡¯s lights out with a well-placed fist right in his pointy chin. Seconds later Crow-Man came back out with the Trickster slung over his shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Crow-Man said as he rushed past Bethany. In his haste, he didn¡¯t bother with the last remaining prisoner who¡¯d come out of his cell with the others as this villain was quick to fall to his knees in fright at the sight of Crow-Man¡¯s grimace. Bethany followed Crow-Man while using her telekinesis to shove the defeated villains back into their cells. She manually activated the sliding obsidian doors to lock them back in and then chased after Crow-Man before he reached the end of the narrow corridor. While on his way to the doors that led to the Crucible¡¯s lone elevator, Crow-Man passed the open door of Pandora the 7th¡¯s cell. He couldn¡¯t help but glance sideways at the elderly woman who sat in the middle of the room in apparent meditation. Pandora the 7th¡¯s eyes opened so that their gazes met briefly. Which was when she whispered, ¡°Pride cometh before the fall.¡± He passed her room and then her eyes closed again. The next time they would open, a new hero would be standing before her. One who was beloved of the Hope she¡¯d kept contained in her for more than fifty years. But that¡¯s a story for another time. Meanwhile, Bethany caught up with Crow-Man just before he pulled open the double doors leading to the elevator¡¯s hall. ¡°Why are you bringing the Trickster with¡ª¡± Crow-Man had just pushed open the doors to reveal a scene reminiscent of that hospital floor where he and Sam first met Farsight. A pool of blood leaking out of the corpses of the fourth sub-level¡¯s security team coated the obsidian floor. Standing in the middle of all this carnage was a shapely, pale-skinned woman in a loose red robe with a hemline that dragged against the floor. ¡°That¡¯s why,¡± Crow-Man explained. ¡°Blessed Athena,¡± Bethany gasped. The new arrival had long white hair framing a pale, narrow face with high cheekbones and a pointy chin. Her brows were long and white while the irises of her eyes were red as the blood that pooled beneath her heels. She had a long aquiline nose with a narrow bridge, and her full red lips were smeared with blood. ¡°Hello,¡± she said in a genial tone that belied the hostility in her gaze. In her right hand, she held a jagged-edged red saber that dripped with blood. ¡°Lady Bathory,¡± Crow-Man growled. ¡°Bathory¡­¡± Bethany¡¯s eyes widened at hearing the woman¡¯s name. ¡°Oh, gods¡­ she¡¯s¡­ Bloodfyre¡­?¡± Bloodfyre¡ªit was the moniker of the alpha-level villain who was known to be one of Superion¡¯s worst rogues. She was a gifted of Hades, one who could ignite the blood in others and make them burn from the inside out while also being able to temporarily manipulate blood into any shape Bloodfyre desired. ¡°Why¡¯re you here?¡± Crow-Man asked. Bloodfyre didn¡¯t answer him outright. Although it was clear from her gaze that she was staring at the unconscious villain hoisted over Crow-Man¡¯s shoulder. In response, Crow-Man pulled out a throwing knife from his belt. ¡°You can¡¯t have him.¡± It wasn¡¯t noticeable thanks to his cowl but sweat had begun to drip down his forehead. Crow-Man knew that this villain wasn¡¯t an opponent he and Bethany could take on even if they teamed up. Their only chance was to escape Bloodfyre¡¯s clutches while she underestimated them, which he assumed she would since neither he nor Bethany was at Superion¡¯s level. ¡°Always so surly, Crow-Man¡­¡± Bloodfyre raised her saber to her face and then licked at the blood coating its edge. ¡°It¡¯s why I never enjoy our brief meetings.¡± As her tongue lapped the blood, dark veins appeared around her eyes which had begun to exude a bright, reddish glow. ¡°You¡¯re not welcome here¡±¡ªBethany charged both her hands with telekinetic energy¡ª¡°vampire.¡± Bloodfyre flashed a playful smirk in Bethany¡¯s direction. One that showed off the two pointy fangs protruding out of her upper lip. ¡°Unfortunately for you, Warden, I do not need your permission to walk in this place¡­¡± She took a step toward them, the heel of her shoe causing ripples to form in the blood on the floor. ¡°¡­that¡¯s the kind of false superstition that will get you killed when facing something like me.¡± In a flash, Bloodfyre covered the distance between them¡ªand her ¡®Blood Saber¡¯ would have bit into Bethany¡¯s neck if it wasn¡¯t for Crow-Man¡¯s quick reaction. He parried her attack with the knife in his right hand while simultaneously flinging the knife in his left hand at her. She dodged it easily enough, but this made her unprepared for the telekinetic blast Bethany fired into her gut at near-point-blank range. The villain was blown away by the force of Bethany¡¯s telekinetic blast. Her back slammed against the obsidian wall while Bethany and Crow-Man¡ªwith the unconscious Trickster still slung over his shoulder¡ªmade a run for the elevator slab at the center of the circular hall. Bloodfyre was quick to recover though. She snapped her fingers and ignited the blood pooling on the floor. ¡°Burn for me,¡± she said with glee. A carpet of flames came to life beneath Crow-Man¡¯s and Bethany¡¯s feet. Thankfully, they were close to the elevator now. He threw the Trickster into its opening while Bethany used her telekinesis to quickly carry herself and Crow-Man into the elevator. ¡°Nicely done,¡± Crow-Man whispered. Bethany¡ªher pretty face coated in sweat¡ªgrinned at the rare compliment. Then she pressed her hand to the door and used her telekinesis to manually jumpstart the elevator¡¯s engines. ¡°This is why I was assigned to the Crucible,¡± she stated¡ªand not because she was being punished for giving a certain vigilante her powerful hammer¡ªbefore adding, ¡°I need a second¡­ Hold her off.¡± Crow-Man didn¡¯t respond. He was too busy forming the Mudra-style hand gesture for a bird with his gloved fingers. Simultaneously, Bloodfyre launched herself across the room at a speed that would rival a certain hare-themed hero. She nearly reached the elevator when she felt the stab of a blade on her lower back, causing her to topple over and fall into the very flames she¡¯d created. Bloodfyre hadn¡¯t noticed that Crow-Man¡¯s ¡®Shadow Crow¡¯ had wrapped around the knife she had dodged earlier. It flew up from the floor and attacked her while she¡¯d been preoccupied with catching her prey, forcing her to a painful halt. The fire she fell into did nothing to her body, although it licked at the edges of her robe. Ruining the fabric enough that Bloodfyre turned livid. ¡°Hades damn your gift of sight, Crow!¡± she spat in anger. Her ire fell on deaf ears though because the elevator doors had just closed. The last thing she saw was Crow-Man¡¯s gaze and the glowing runic pattern superimposed over each of his violet eyes that marked his gift of True Sight. Then, with the sound of the rising elevator reaching her ears, Bloodfyre¡¯s lips formed into a tight smile. ¡°Very well¡­¡± she said. ¡°Let the hunt begin.¡± Volume III, Prequel Chapter 04: Crow-Man鈥檚 Fight CHAPTER FOUR Crow-Man¡¯s Fight
Despite her efforts, Bethany¡¯s telekinesis only had enough strength to drag the elevator up to the 3rd sub-level. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry¡­¡± Bethany tried to catch her breath while she pulled her hand away from the mechanism that manually activated the elevator¡¯s engine. ¡°But I¡­ need a break¡­ before¡ª¡± The elevator door slid open and revealed another circular hall. However, unlike the massacre on the 4th sub-level, this room was full of activity. The Crucible¡¯s security team was firing heatsink rounds from their elemental cannons at the villains who were attempting to escape to the elevator that had just opened up. The security team had assistance though. Help in the form of a familiar blue-haired Asian woman in a blue jumpsuit. Crow-Man recognized her instantly as, ¡°Miracle Girl!¡± Miracle Girl¡ªthe beta-level healer who¡¯d been part of the recently failed raid of the Endless Maze back in Kansas¡ªturned her head in the direction of his voice. ¡°Crow?!¡± she called back. ¡°What are you¡ª¡± The villain in front of the young heroine flung four of his eight fists at her, forcing Miracle Girl to bob and weave out of each attack¡¯s path. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m talking here!¡± Miracle Girl pulled back her glowing fist and then hurled it into the gut of the eight-armed villain who accosted her. ¡°Here¡¯s some medicine, pal!¡± A fist coated in a ball of energy that shone like a sea of stars on a clear night sky wasn¡¯t as mighty as Sam¡¯s Mortal Fist, but it was strong enough to knock the eight-armed villain out in a single hit. ¡°Hold the line, Jin Oppa,¡± she told the slender man in the light gray coat standing back-to-back with her. ¡°I¡¯m gonna go get us some backup.¡± ¡°It¡¯s Ice Brand, MG,¡± the man sighed. ¡°At least use my moniker when we¡¯re surrounded by villains who would kill to know our real names¡­¡± Ice Brand¡¯s plea fell on deaf ears though because Miracle Girl was already wading through the few remaining members of the Crucible¡¯s security team to get to the elevator they were all protecting. Inside it, she found a kneeling Crow-Man sticking a hypodermic needle into a pumpkin-haired villain in a straight jacket. ¡°Fancy meeting you here, old man,¡± Miracle Girl said. Although their purposes for visiting the Crucible were different, it was a stroke of luck that they were both in the prison during this disastrous prison riot. ¡°Help Warden Carlyle get her stamina back,¡± Crow-Man growled. Miracle Girl looked like she wanted to complain but thought better of it. Everyone in the biz knew Crow-man¡¯s orders weren¡¯t something one could just brush off. Even Superion couldn¡¯t do that. ¡°Fine, but you better help send these psycho inmates back into their cells afterward,¡± she grumbled. Miracle Girl stepped into the elevator and moved to stand next to a haggard-looking Bethany who had her back pressed against the elevator wall while sweat dripped down her brow. ¡°You look half dead,¡± she noted. ¡°I feel¡­ like I ran¡­ two marathons,¡± Bethany huffed. ¡°Must have been bad¡­ whatever it was you were running from.¡± Miracle Girl unslung the canteen strapped to her belt and offered it to Bethany. ¡°Here. My Energizer-X¡¯s filled with my ¡®Miracle Power,¡¯ and it¡¯ll fix you right up with just a few sips.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Bethany took the canteen gratefully, although she did inspect its contents before taking a sip. Interestingly enough, the water inside was like a pool reflecting a night sky filled with stars. ¡°Cute naming sense.¡± As she tipped the canteen to her lips, Bethany wondered if all healers had such peculiar naming senses. This made her think of Sam, who she¡¯d learned from a report she read before Crow-man¡¯s arrival had successfully captured a high-profile villain that even the likes of Superion couldn¡¯t catch. And, while she drank her fill of Miracle Girl¡¯s ¡®Energizer-X¡¯, she wondered what he was doing now. Was it possible that Sam might already be on his way here to the Crucible? Because where else would they take a villain as feared as Apex? ¡°Thanks.¡± Bethany passed the canteen back to Miracle Girl who noticed that it was considerably lighter now. ¡°That did help.¡± She certainly looked better. Her breathing was back to normal too. ¡°Told you,¡± Miracle Girl replied. ¡°Now, how about you¡ª¡± ¡°Crow-Man~~n!¡± roared a voice vibrating with rage. A lean-looking man with olive skin, chin-length curly hair, and eyes as black as onyx gazed angrily at the open elevator from his spot between the broken halves of the wall of ice that Ice Brand probably conjured up to coral the villains back into their cells. ¡°Jackal,¡± Crow-Man whispered. One of Crow-Man¡¯s high-profile rogues¡ªa former celebrated hero who¡¯d been driven insane by the god he served¡ªwas climbing over chunks of shattered ice shards with a gaze fixed solely on the former ally who¡¯d brought him down. ¡°You and I have a score that needs settling!¡± the Jackal howled. ¡°Bethany¡±¡ªCrow-Man glanced over his shoulder¡ª¡°get the Trickster out of here¡­ now!¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Knowing full well what they were up against, Bethany was quick to take the unconscious Trickster out of Crow-Man¡¯s hands. ¡°Are you really planning on fighting the Jackal alone?¡± Bethany asked concerned. The stories of their battle across the rooftops of Manhattan had been one for the history books, and despite winning in the end, Crow-Man had gone on sick leave for a full year to recover from injuries that his one-time friend had given him. ¡°Jackal¡¯s a distraction¡­ The Trickster¡¯s our priority.¡± Crow-Man pulled out a pair of his throwing knives from his belt while glancing in Miracle Girl¡¯s direction. ¡°You go with her and make sure Bloodfyre doesn¡¯t get what she came here for.¡± ¡°No way. I can¡¯t just¡ª¡± Miracle Girl¡¯s complaints were drowned out by the sound of gunfire. The Jackal attacked a nearby security guard and stole his elemental cannon while knocking him unconscious with a well-placed elbow in the face. It was this same cannon that was now firing a hail of heat-sink bullets in Crow-Man¡¯s direction. He dodged the incoming bullets with the help of ¡®True Sight¡¯ although there were far too many of them to avoid completely. A graze to the shoulder or leg by bullets that burned through his armor was a necessary sacrifice for Crow-Man to hurry across the hall¡ªpulling security guards out of the line of fire while he was at it¡ªto get to where the Jackal waited for him. To bridge the last bit of distance between them, Crow-Man leaped toward his enemy with knives raised high. ¡°Jackal!¡± he roared. ¡°Crow-Man!¡± the Jackal roared back. He must have been out of bullets because the Jackal flipped his cannon over so that he could swing its thicker butt-end at Crow-Man¡¯s head, although Crow-Man saw this coming like he saw most attacks when his gift was active. Crow-Man ducked underneath the Jackal swing and then stabbed the villain in his right thigh with one of his knives. The Jackal was quick to react though. He flexed the muscles of his thigh so that the fabric of his pants tore open, showing off the thick muscular shape of a thigh that had been hardened so much Crow-Man¡¯s knife couldn¡¯t penetrate past the skin. With this thicker thigh, he sent his knee up at Crow-Man¡¯s head, and Crow-Man just barely managed to pull away. A follow-up push kick forced Crow-Man back some more, creating the distance the Jackal needed to throw himself at Crow-Man while the hero couldn¡¯t dodge. He bit into Crow-Man¡¯s forearm with the fangs of a mad dog that pierced through the armor and into skin and bone underneath. Crow-Man didn¡¯t scream, but he was forced to let go of his knife, which the Jackal caught in his free hand. ¡°My turn to stab you¡±¡ªhe drove the knife into Crow-Man gut with enough strength to penetrate through the suit¡¯s feather-shaped scale mail and into the flesh hidden behind it¡ªin the back, friend!¡± Despite the pain flaring out of his side, Crow-Man didn¡¯t fall back. He replied to his enemy¡¯s vicious assault by stabbing his other dagger into the villain¡¯s neck, forcing the Jackal to back away with a painful howl. ¡°I was trying to help you!¡± Crow-Man growled. Blood seeped out of his wounded arm as he launched a fist at the villain¡¯s face. One, two, three, four¡ªthese were a combination of punches that would have knocked a lesser man out, but not the Jackal. His expression hardened with each new hit. As if to say he could barely feel Crow-Man¡¯s fists over the rage that boiled inside of him. ¡°I told you to kill me!¡± the Jackal roared. He launched an elbow at Crow-Man¡¯s chin, whipping the hero¡¯s head back, and then fired a combination of punches aimed specifically at Crow-Man¡¯s injured gut. ¡°I wanted to die rather than live with the shame of what that bastard, Set, made me do!¡± the Jackal howled. His fifth punch¡ªa left fist that was aimed at Crow-Man¡¯s throat¡ªwas blocked by Crow-Man¡¯s right palm. Crow-Man tightened his grip on the Jackal¡¯s fist before pulling his arm forward at the same time as he twisted his body in a clockwise direction. The momentum allowed him to slide the Jackal over his left shoulder and throw him down onto the obsidian floor. ¡°You can¡¯t right your wrongs if you¡¯re dead!¡± Crow-Man snapped. ¡°There¡¯s no redemption for you if you just give up¡­ and the bastard who twisted your brain will just get away with it!¡± Crow-Man had a lot more words to say to his old ally¡ªto explain why he¡¯d spared the Jackal¡¯s life instead of killing him as he¡¯d asked¡ªbut the rumbling of the ground stopped him. A moment later, a column of blood exploded out of the floor in the center of the round hall. Thick, bloody tendrils coated in flames so hot everyone around it was forced to pull away. ¡°Godsdammit,¡± Crow-Man cursed. He picked the Jackal¡¯s arm up and dragged him out of the way of the falling drops of burning blood. ¡°What are you¡ª¡± ¡°There¡¯s no redemption for you if you die now,¡± Crow-Man grunted. He used his feather cape to cover himself and the Jackal from the rain of blood spilling out of the column of bloody tendrils that continued to extend upward like a giant red beanstalk. It broke through one ceiling after another¡ªcreating huge, gaping holes in the 3rd, 2nd, and administrative sub-levels¡ªand then ripped past the obsidian rock and metal scaffolding that led up to the landing platform rising out of the center of the volcano¡¯s crater. Even covered in his cape, Crow-Man could see Bloodfyre make her appearance on the 3rd sub-level. Her body¡ªa voluptuous form peeking out of the loose folds of her half-burned robe¡ªwas wrapped around several tendrils of blood that connected her with the rising red pillar. These were the same tendrils she manipulated to snake toward the Trickster¡¯s unconscious form inside the elevator. They wrapped around him before Bethany or Miracle Girl could stop them and carried the Trickster out of their reach. ¡°No!¡± Crow-Man yelled. He was about to chase after their floating forms, but the Jackal¡¯s hand tightened on his left ankle. ¡°We¡¯re not¡ª¡± A coating of ice appeared on the Jackal¡¯s cheeks. It spread across his face and traveled down the length of his body, encasing him in a thin sheet of frost that kept him temporarily immobile. ¡°My ¡®Cryo-Freeze¡¯ won¡¯t hold them for long,¡± said the man who arrived to help Crow-Man back to his feet. He had short, wavy white hair framing a small, oval face with long eyebrows, slanted eyes, a straight, small nose, and thin lips. Underneath his gray coat was white armor reminiscent of freshly falling snow. ¡°Ice Brand,¡± Crow-Man nodded in greeting. ¡°Glad to help, but¡±¡ªIce Brand¡¯s gaze followed the last bit of blood tendrils snaking up through the hole Bloodfyre¡¯s pillar had created in the ceiling¡ª¡°I don¡¯t think this fight¡¯s over.¡± ¡°Crow-Man!¡± Bethany yelled from the other side of the chasm that separated their two sides of the floor. ¡°She took the Trickster!¡± As if losing the Trickster wasn¡¯t enough of a problem, Crow-Man also noticed that many of the villains who¡¯d been caught by Ice Brand¡¯s powers were already beginning to stir. It wouldn¡¯t be long before they would attempt to escape through the hole Bloodfyre created. Unfortunately for the heroes, their support was slim. Many of the Crucible¡¯s security team had been caught in the blood splatter of Bloodfyre¡¯s pillar and were now unconscious from a combination of blood loss and burn injuries. The few who were still standing looked just as battered and bruised as their fallen comrades, and Crow-Man realized they would soon be swallowed up by a tide of villains. He gave the large hole in the ceiling one final, glare before shifting his gaze to the two heroes and one warden who were still standing. ¡°We save lives first,¡± Crow-Man insisted. Then he knelt to pick up the unconscious guard closest to him. ¡°Time to go to work.¡±
A mile away, from their shared window on a transport plane flying across a cloudy morning sky, two passengers caught sight of a glowing red column rising out of the crater of an island volcano. ¡°Isn¡¯t that¡ª¡± ¡°Where we¡¯re taking Apex,¡± Thunder confirmed. ¡°Styx¡­¡± Sam¡¯s gaze followed the red column as it disappeared into the clouds. ¡°What kind of trouble are we getting into now¡­?¡± --- TO BE CONTINUED IN LEVEL UP HERO, VOLUME 3: UNDERWORLD Releasing every Friday and Sunday, same as the Tapas release. Next chapter''s out on Sunday. This one was supposed to come out Friday, but I wanted to time it with my new novel''s release too. Read The Greatest Trick Ever Sold ¡ª OUT NOW! ¡ª Just click the link in the pre-author''s note or this one: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/98929/the-greatest-trick-ever-sold Volume 3, Chapter 1: Vigilante No More CHAPTER ONE Vigilante No More
¡°We¡¯ll be in the Crucible¡¯s airspace in fifteen minutes,¡± reported the slim, youthful-looking, brown-haired man in the crisp gray suit and fedora that marked him as one of the Wardens, a U.N. affiliated organization mandated with monitoring ¡®gifted¡¯ activities on a global scale. Sam, who¡¯d been inspecting the portable, power-dampening cell the Wardens had locked Apex in, absentmindedly nodded his head at the warden. ¡°Are we sure this ¡®coffin¡¯ will hold him?¡± Sam asked for the tenth time. ¡®Coffin¡¯ was an apt name for Apex¡¯s current accommodations. The Wardens had placed the villain inside an upright ten-foot rectangular box made entirely of a rare adamantine alloy, the only metal on Earth that could disrupt and absorb various types of energy, including the kinetic energy born of physical attacks. ¡°The power dampeners are working just fine,¡± Thunder answered. The blonde beauty was strapped to a seat along the aircraft¡¯s right-side wall. She¡¯d chosen it because of its proximity to Apex¡¯s coffin. Within the spacious interior of the Wyvern C-7 Aircraft Carrier were a small team of US Marines¡ªall of them armed with state-of-the-art elemental hand cannons¡ªalong with three ¡®gifted¡¯ wardens whose abilities Sam had learned were focused on debilitating their targets, ensuring the captured villains couldn¡¯t escape them. Like Sam, all of these people had their eyes glued to the coffin that had been locked into position in the middle of the transport¡¯s tubular interior. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about him breaking out either. The air inside the coffin will keep Apex sedated for the duration of the trip,¡± explained the warden who¡¯d made the earlier announcement. ¡°Warden Salvatore is implying that you should stop fidgeting and take a seat, Herculean.¡± Thunder patted the seat next to hers. ¡°Let¡¯s just enjoy the ride for now.¡± ¡°Right¡­¡± Sam walked back to Thunder and plopped his butt on his seat next to her. ¡°Sorry, I just¡ª¡± ¡°I know, but it¡¯s okay. Apex can¡¯t hurt anyone anymore.¡± Thunder offered Sam a warm smile, one that made him all giddy deep inside while he remembered the last few hours when he had shared his secret with her.
While the Wardens and local law enforcement secured Apex inside the coffin, Sam took Thunder, Farsight, Jackboot, and Dr. Hearthstone aside and told them the truth of Apex¡¯s tragic story. ¡°Technically, he¡¯s my cousin, and we¡¯re the last of the Heraclidae, which is a name the ancient scholars gave to the direct descendants of Hercules,¡± Sam whispered embarrassedly. After all, it wasn¡¯t every day that one got to admit they were related to the biggest superstar of all time while also sharing blood ties with one of this era¡¯s worst villains. None of his friends seemed surprised by Sam¡¯s big reveal though. Not just because he had been weird throughout their battle with Apex on the Golden Gate Bridge, but, because, in Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s words, ¡°I think I speak for the team when I say you don¡¯t have to be embarrassed. You¡¯re living up to ¡®his¡¯ legacy just fine.¡± Sam blushed at Dr. Hearthstone¡¯s praise. Seeing his friends nod in agreement to the doc¡¯s words even brought a lump to his throat that made it difficult to answer the inquiries of the wardens who arrived to question him and his friends afterward. Not surprisingly, the wardens wanted to arrest Sam along with Apex, but the other heroes were quick to come to his defense. Thunder¡¯s influence as a former US top ten hero was particularly helpful in swaying Warden Salvatore and his cohorts away from the idea of slapping the power-dampening cuffs on Sam. It also helped that his first-ever press conference, which occurred as soon as the wardens finished interviewing him, also came with a promise that his time as a vigilante was over. Herculean was stepping into the limelight. ¡°You¡¯re going legitimate?¡± confirmed a female reporter from NNC. With a glance in Thunder¡¯s direction, Sam nodded. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll be taking the ¡®gifted assessment¡¯ as soon as we¡¯ve made sure Apex is locked away.¡± Sam gazed out into the sea of expectant faces and their cameras while doing his best to tamp down the anxiety threatening to overwhelm him. He wasn¡¯t used to all the attention and flashing lights. Luckily, Thunder came to his rescue. She took her spot beside him and said, ¡°Herculean played a major role in bringing Apex down.¡± They glanced at each other, each smiling warmly at the other¡ªall while flashing lights lit up in front of them. ¡°He didn¡¯t just keep Apex from destroying the Golden Gate Bridge either,¡± Thunder continued, ¡°but he did it while prioritizing the safety of the civilians trapped on the bridge.¡± This time, Jackboot joined in on the interview, and with a grin, he said, ¡°Crazy bloke threw himself and Apex into the San Francisco Bay to make sure his rampage wouldn¡¯t hurt anyone.¡± Unfortunately, Jackboot¡¯s words caused a backlash of negative comments, with one reporter stating, ¡°Wasn¡¯t that a reckless action that could have caused your death and the death of the villain you were trying to capture?¡± while another reporter linked today¡¯s events with the past three weeks of adventure Sam and his friends had gone through. ¡°Apart from the damage done to the Golden Gate Bridge, aren¡¯t you also the chief perpetrator responsible for the massive property damage done to two other national landmarks in two different states?¡± It didn¡¯t surprise Sam when he noticed that this reporter¡¯s badge had ¡®The Herald¡¯ logo splashed across it since his grandmother¡¯s newspaper had gone completely negative on him since he¡¯d left New York with Thunder and Farsight. Sam assumed this was Marie trying to toughen him up¡ªher weird way of showing him support in his choice to become a hero. Though, in truth, that might just be wishful thinking on Sam¡¯s part. He couldn¡¯t ask her. He¡¯d tried a bunch of times while on the road, but she¡¯d been ignoring his texts these past few ways. ¡°N-No, you¡¯ve got it all wrong!¡± Jackboot protested. ¡°It was Apex who¡¯d ruined the Chicago Water Tower¡­ Herculean saved a boy¡¯s life during the villain¡¯s rampage, and it was bloody heroic how he got there in the nick of time.¡± ¡°We would¡¯ve all died inside the Endless Maze too if Herculean hadn¡¯t stepped up to save us from Medea and her dragons,¡± Dr. Hearthstone weighed in. The sight of the big man standing next to Sam shut everyone up, though it might also have been because the doc had mentioned Medea, a villain worthy of her legendary notoriety. ¡°You may see him as a vigilante now¡­ but I know him to be a hero who¡¯s trying his best to make a difference,¡± Dr. Hearthstone declared. Interestingly enough, none of the reporters mentioned the destruction of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, which probably meant no one knew that the team was directly connected to that incident as well. Also, Dr. Hearthstone failed to mention the involvement of Chimera, the secret organization that was seemingly hellbent on resurrecting the great horrors of the ancient world¡ªthe Gigantes. It had been decided by the team earlier on that this information was too dangerous to expose to the public. Particularly since Sam¡¯s sister Serena was an unwitting member of the evil organization. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe Doc and the rabbit, then believe me.¡± Farsight stepped into the line of cameras to deliver the final blow to the press. ¡°As the last Fated Sister, I¡¯m privy to the plans of the gods¡­ and¡ª¡± She glanced mischievously in Sam¡¯s direction before turning her gaze back to the cameras. ¡°¡ªI¡¯ve forseen Herculean do great things in the future¡­ Probably. Maybe.¡± ¡°What sort of great things have you foreseen?¡± asked a middle-aged female reporter from the BBN. ¡°Great things don¡¯t necessarily mean he¡¯ll do good. It can also mean Herculean might be responsible for terrible calamities, right?¡± confirmed a gray-haired male reporter from the California Times. His question pivoted the direction of Farsight¡¯s comments into a wholly negative direction that was emphasized by a reporter from the New York Post when he asked, ¡°Will Herculean become a calamity-inducing villain? Or is he fated to go insane like other fallen heroes such as the Jackal?¡± Sam sighed. It seemed whatever his friends said to defend him would only add fuel to the fire of ¡®menace¡¯ that had somehow become his brand. ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay,¡± Thunder whispered. She nodded her head to the back of the crowd¡ªa familiar face had his hand raised. ¡°Oh,¡± Sam couldn¡¯t help grinning at seeing his old colleague. One who was possibly Sam¡¯s only supporter in the Herald besides Mr. Kim, the Herald¡¯s editor-in-chief. ¡°It¡¯s Lara.¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Of the many news reports they¡¯d seen in the past few weeks, Lara¡¯s column had been the only one that wasn¡¯t anti-Herculean. ¡°Lara Zamora with the Herald,¡± stated the pretty, curly-haired reporter with piercing green eyes. ¡°There¡¯s been a lot of discussion about your ¡®gift¡¯ in the news and the internet ranging from super strength to indestructible skin, but an interview I had with several heroes on the scene of the Endless Maze incident claimed you also healed their injuries?¡± ¡°Um, yes¡±¡ªSam gave Lara a grateful look for the leading question that allowed him a chance to clear the air regarding his gift¡ª¡°I did heal them.¡± He trained his gaze on the closest camera, the one manned by the NNC crew. ¡°I know people think I¡¯m just an irresponsible vigilante who only causes trouble, but¡­¡± Sam took a deep breath and then gave the press what he hoped was his best red-carpet smile. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t just break stuff. My job¡¯s fixing people¡­ I¡¯m a healer.¡±
Back on the plane, Sam belatedly realized that his press conference hadn¡¯t gone as favorably as he hoped. He¡¯d received more skepticism than applause. It was a skepticism that followed him even here on the Wardens¡¯ transport plane hours after his interview at the beach. Several of the marines gave Sam dubious looks after he took his seat next to Thunder. Some of them were even showing him downright hostility in their expressions. Though Sam guessed that might have more to do with him sitting next to the gorgeous, blue-eyed, blonde hero who had just linked her arm around his. Yep, they don¡¯t hate me, they¡¯re just jealous¡­ which I guess is the same thing¡­ Sam avoided their accusatory glares. Can¡¯t blame them¡­ Thunder¡¯s way too pretty and cool to be sitting next to me¡­ right? ¡°You did well at your first press conference,¡± Warden Salvatore said as he strolled over to Sam and Thunder. ¡°I appreciated your candor and how you stood your ground while the vultures tore into you.¡± Short, wavy chestnut hair framed a youthful oval face with a pointy chin, thick eyebrows above caramel-colored eyes, a pointy nose, and pale pink lips, which were at that moment smiling pearly white teeth down on him¡ªand Sam couldn¡¯t help but smile back at Warden Salvatore. ¡°Thanks,¡± he said. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if I made a good impression or not¡­¡± ¡°Oh, you definitely made an impression,¡± Warden Salvatore replied. ¡°Not all of it good,¡± Thunder weighed in. ¡°Ain¡¯t that the truth,¡± Warden Salvatore chuckled, adding, ¡°But at least Captain Malarkey¡¯s been forced to rescind his order to have you arrested on sight¡­ By all accounts, that¡¯s as good a result as you¡¯re going to get in this business.¡± Warden Captain Malarkey had been after Sam since the Brooklyn incident where Red Weaver was attacked in her home by the Trickster. Sam and Thunder had been there when it happened, leading Warden Malarkey to draw a conclusion about Sam that tied him to a series of recent incidents, all of them involving the villain who¡¯d been Crow-Man¡¯s archnemesis. He¡¯d wanted to arrest Sam ever since for what he¡¯d deemed were ¡®vigilante activities¡¯ but lacked the evidence to do so. Remembering Warden Malarkey¡¯s accusing glare, Sam sighed in relief. ¡°Thank the gods for small favors,¡± he whispered. ¡°As long as you stick to your promise about going legitimate,¡± Warden Salvatore reminded him. It took Sam another moment to keep his anxiety in check, but he eventually nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll apply for a gifted assessment as soon as Apex is secure in your secret prison.¡± Warden Salvatore¡¯s face turned to the monitor directly above Sam¡¯s and Thunder¡¯s seats. On its screen was a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. In the distance was an island that was growing closer and closer with each second. ¡°We¡¯ll be at the Crucible soon,¡± Warden Salvatore promised. ¡°You two can relax for now.¡± ¡°What¡¯s it like ¡ª the Crucible?¡± Sam asked. Warden Salvatore¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°It¡¯s a state-of-the-art prison built inside the crater of an active volcano¡­and it¡¯s the one place in the world I wouldn¡¯t want to visit as often as I do.¡± ¡°So, it¡¯s the worst place on Earth¡­¡± Sam¡¯s gaze drifted to Apex¡¯s coffin. ¡°I guess that¡¯s where he deserves to go¡­¡± He couldn¡¯t help but feel guilty that he was throwing his last living relative apart from his sister and grandmother into a prison that was basically a high-level dungeon. It made him wonder if this truly was the right choice. Was this what it meant to save someone, and if it was, then why did it leave such a bitter taste in his mouth? ¡°With all the people he¡¯s killed, Apex deserves to be incarcerated at the Crucible,¡± Warden Salvatore asserted, brow furrowing. ¡°Honestly though, I wouldn¡¯t wish that prison on my worst enemy.¡± After Warden Salvatore left to reclaim his seat up front, Thunder, who¡¯d noticed Sam¡¯s pouty face, elbowed him playfully in the shoulder. ¡°Penny for your thoughts?¡± she asked. ¡°I¡­¡± Sam sighed. ¡°I¡¯m just not sure locking the guy up and throwing away the key is the right thing to do¡­¡± ¡°I know it doesn¡¯t seem like he¡¯ll get a fair shot at rehabilitation¡±¡ªThunder squeezed Sam¡¯s hand¡ª¡°but even if we¡¯ve cut away the strings of his puppeteer and confiscated his indestructible fur, Apex is too dangerous to leave anywhere else.¡± ¡°I know, I know¡­ It¡¯s just¡­¡± Sam turned away from Thunder so his gaze would fall on Apex¡¯s coffin. ¡°¡­I wanted to save him¡­¡± ¡°You did save him.¡± She patted his shoulder. ¡°You saved him from being an elder giant¡¯s murder puppet.¡± ¡°I guess he can use his time in prison to do a bit of introspection¡­ Maybe he can even change like I did,¡± Sam said. He sounded hopeful, but deep down, he wasn¡¯t sure it was possible. Not for the man who¡¯d murdered most of his family to acquire power. ¡°Speaking of change, are you going to go through with the assessment?¡± Thunder asked skeptically. ¡°What about¡­you-know-what?¡± Thunder was discreetly referring to Triple-A, the secret hero training system she¡¯d passed onto Sam that enabled his growth from a zeta-level healer into the gamma-level hero he currently was. ¡°You¡¯re only going to get stronger,¡± she reminded him. ¡°And it¡¯ll be hard to explain how a zeta jumped to gamma level in under four months, won¡¯t it?¡± For an answer, Sam tapped on the side of his temple. ¡°Our mutual friend told me it¡¯ll be fine.¡± Of course, it¡¯ll be fine. I helped build the framework they used for the assessment. It¡¯ll be easy as pie to tweak it and keep Triple-A under the radar, Chiron whispered into Sam¡¯s head, which Sam then repeated out loud for Thunder¡¯s benefit. ¡°That centaur has his fingers dipped into every pot, doesn¡¯t he?¡± Thunder mused. Sam noticed that she seemed genuinely happy for him. Her pleased expression gave her away. In truth, Thunder¡¯s approval meant the world to Sam, but the fact that she had accepted his past self¡ªrelied on him even then¡ªearned her an even more important place in Sam¡¯s heart that had nothing to do with the fact they¡¯d kissed recently. Thinking about that blissful moment caused Sam to blush. It was a reddening of cheeks that both Thunder and Chiron noticed quickly. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked, while Chiron neighed in Sam¡¯s ear. Loverboy¡¯s got his head in the gutter again. ¡°Um, nothing,¡± Sam said, his face reddening even more so that his cheeks were now a colorful shade of apple. Should I just ask her if the kiss was a one-time thing? It probably was, kid. Sam hadn¡¯t meant for Chiron to hear but it was sometimes challenging to distinguish between his mind and the telepathic link he shared with the centaur. Sam couldn¡¯t retort though because he didn¡¯t think Chiron was wrong. He assumed Thunder kissing him back then was just her way of showing gratitude for healing her of the Blight and not that she was into him too. Seriously, kid, no one¡¯s that lucky, Chiron insisted, but on the off-chance that Thunder¡¯s as into you as you are with her, then it wouldn¡¯t hurt to ask and set the record straight. Remember, lesson number eight¡­ Never lose hope, Sam restated. Well, lessons one, two, seven, and thirty-five work in this case too, Chiron added as an afterthought. It was surprisingly encouraging advice. One Sam didn¡¯t often hear from the not-so-gentle centaur. Thanks, master¡­ Don¡¯t thank me now and curse me if you crash and burn later. I won¡¯t. Sam felt the time was right, but the resolve to ask her was quickly stiffened by bubbling anxiety once he¡¯d thought about actually doing it. ¡°Um, Thunder,¡± he called, his voice soft and cracking. She glanced his way. ¡°Yeah, Herculean?¡± Thunder was careful not to say his real name out loud while they were surrounded by law enforcement as Herculean¡¯s identity remained a secret to everyone except for his teammates, Crow-Man, Marie, and Mr. Kim. ¡°About last night¡­¡± Sam began. He only belatedly noticed it thanks to the screen showing the pale light of dawn peeking through the heavy clouds but a full day had passed since they first arrived at the Golden Gate Bridge in search of the enchanted grove that hid the Golden Fleece away from the world. ¡°What about it?¡± Thunder prompted. ¡°Well, after I healed you, um, do you remember the thing we did next?¡± The sudden blush on Thunder¡¯s pale cheeks was proof that she did indeed remember yesterday¡¯s kiss. She didn¡¯t shy away from him though. She even teased him about it. ¡°Are you talking about your first time kissing a woman?¡± ¡°You aren¡¯t my first kiss!¡± While feeling like he needed to defend his manhood, Sam had inadvertently said those words a little too loudly. Loud enough for the men and women in uniform around him to hear his confession. A second of doubt flashed on their faces before consideration of the rom-com vibe around Sam and Thunder led to understanding, which was then followed by the dismay that Thunder might no longer be the pure goddess her legions of fans believed her to be. The marines¡¯ despair was quickly replaced with jealousy though, earning Sam several murderous glares from all directions. Funnily enough, Sam had been too flustered to notice the hate he was getting. Meanwhile, Thunder¡¯s fit of giggles kept her from pointing the growing atmosphere of animosity out to him. ¡°Dude, I was being serious,¡± Sam sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Thunder wiped at a tear pooling beneath her eyes. She¡¯d giggled that hard. ¡°I couldn¡¯t help teasing you a little.¡± She gave Sam a mischievous look, the kind that made his heart flutter. ¡°You were saying?¡± Thunder prompted. Gods, she¡¯s way too gorgeous¡­ This thought popped into Sam¡¯s brain while he gathered his courage for his big confession. ¡°T-Thunder,¡± he cleared his throat, ¡°Thunder, I¡ª¡± Sam¡¯s confession was interrupted by the sound of an explosion that preceded the shockwave that rocked the aircraft. ¡°Holy Zeus!¡± Sam and Thunder grabbed each other as the turbulence rocked the cabin while the rest of Apex¡¯s security team looked on in alarm. Meanwhile, the blonde warden sitting beside Warden Salvatore was quick to encase Apex¡¯s coffin in a glass-like bubble that Sam assumed was a manifestation of her gift. ¡°Everyone, calm down.¡± Warden Salvatore ordered just before he put on the headset he picked up from the empty seat on his left. ¡°What just happened, Captain?¡± Whatever the pilot was reporting on the other line must not have been good because Warden Salvatore¡¯s brow furrowed more and more the longer he listened. Before he could explain the situation to the crew though, the blonde warden sitting next to him pointed a finger at one of the monitors lining the aircraft¡¯s walls. ¡°What in Hades is that?!¡± she yelled. Turning to the monitor above them, Sam and Thunder witnessed a scene straight out of a comic book; a glowing red column rising out of the crater of the volcano at the center of the island that was their destination. The red column soared up to the sky and disappeared within the folds of the thick gray clouds that were gathered only above the island. ¡°Styx¡­¡± Sam¡¯s gaze followed the tail end of the red column as it disappeared into the clouds. ¡°What kind of trouble are we getting into now¡­?¡± ¡°How much further?¡± Thunder asked worriedly. It took Warden Salvatore a moment more to confirm before he replied. ¡°We¡¯re five minutes out.¡± ¡°That¡¯s close enough¡­¡± Thunder got up from her seat and then walked over to the tail-end of the transport. ¡°I¡¯m getting off here.¡± Warden Salvatore followed her, while Sam, who¡¯d been watching the monitor for more developments, quickly jumped out of his seat after he heard Warden Salvatore explain that they would have to divert the aircraft away from the island. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but getting Apex to a safe location is my priority,¡± Warden Salvatore said. ¡°You go do that.¡± Thunder patted him on the shoulder before glancing toward Sam who¡¯d come up behind them. ¡°I¡¯ve got all the support I need.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Sam¡¯s brow furrowed, ¡°support for what?¡± Thunder grabbed Sam¡¯s arm and pulled him toward her. At the same time, Warden Salvatore hit the switch that opened the transport¡¯s rear loading bay door. ¡°You guys want a parachute?¡± he asked. Thunder shook her head. ¡°We¡¯ll manage.¡± ¡°Thunder¡­ neither of us can fly,¡± Sam reminded her. ¡°Who said anything about flying.¡± Thunder¡¯s arms wrapped tightly around Sam¡¯s waist. ¡°Hold on tight, Herculean. We¡¯re going for a ride.¡± ¡°What ride¡ª¡± Sam¡¯s words were lost in his throat because Thunder had just thrown them both out of the back of the transport and into a cloudy sky twenty-five thousand feet above the Pacific Ocean. Volume 3, Chapter 2: Prison Break CHAPTER TWO Prison Break
Sam was falling, falling, falling¡ªplunging through a cloudy morning sky while the wind buffeted his face and Thunder¡¯s arms tightened around his waist. Why am I always falling off great heights these days¡­? With Thunder¡¯s cheeks brushing against his, he was forced to drive back the scream that threatened to escape his lips. He hoped she didn¡¯t notice how his arms shook while they wrapped around her shoulders either. Three times in just this month¡­ I still can¡¯t shake off this godsdamn fear. Sam wished he had the power to keep them both in the air. But even with Herculean¡¯s help, he didn¡¯t have the strength to defy gravity. At least not yet. Gods I wish I could fly¡­ that would be epic. Despite Sam¡¯s fear of possibly plunging to his death hovering in the forefront of his mind, a larger chunk of his brain wasn¡¯t overly worried because he believed in Thunder. Sam had faith that she didn¡¯t just throw them off a plane without a plan. He might have done that, but she was smarter and cooler than he was¡ªand his faith would be rewarded. ¡°Hold on tight!¡± Thunder yelled over the wind. ¡°We¡¯re going for a ride!¡± She began a chant that seemed like a lullaby to Sam¡¯s ears¡ªa song meant to serenade the sky. In a matter of seconds, the heavens answered her dulcet tones with a lightning bolt. One so large it looked to Sam like a dragon had descended from the clouds to light up the sky in a brilliant flash. While forced to shut his eyes from the blinding light, Sam felt a tug in his gut similar to that feeling of a roller coaster ride just before the steep plunge down the tracks. ¡°What¡¯s going¡ª¡± It was like he was being pulled forward in every direction so that his sense of being¡ªthat feeling of having a body¡ªdisappeared completely. Somehow, Sam had become the wind being carried off into a lightning storm raging across the clouds. He wanted to scream but didn¡¯t get the chance. Before he could, he felt his feet touch solid ground and gravity returned to him. ¡°I know riding the lightning can be jarring, but try not to puke,¡± Thunder suggested as she let him go. Hers was a failed hope though. For no sooner had Thunder¡¯s hands left his waist when Sam was forced to his knees by the most intense vertigo he¡¯d ever experienced. Thunder sighed. ¡°There goes breakfast¡­¡± Sam puked out some of the burger and fries Warden Salvatore had kindly offered him and Thunder back on the aircraft. Bits of meat and potatoes fell onto the polished obsidian floor that was so hot the discarded food sizzled as if they had been thrown into the fryer. ¡°Ugh,¡± Sam groaned. ¡°Remind me never to let you drive¡­¡± ¡°Not to rush you, Herculean¡±¡ªThunder¡¯s tone seemed urgent¡ª¡°but you need to get your game face on. We¡¯ve got company!¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± Sam¡¯s gaze drifted forward. ¡°Oh, Styx¡­¡± About two to three feet from where Sam knelt was a hole in the floor, one wide enough to reveal the crowd gathered on the level below. They were mostly veiled in shadow so it was hard to make out any of their features¡­except for their eyes. These were easily noticeable as they were all glaring daggers up at Sam. ¡°Gods, can we go back to falling from the sky?¡± he asked. Sam felt the sudden rise in temperature in front of him, and he instinctively raised his left arm to summon the round ethereal shield that had become Bulwark¡¯s default mode. He¡¯d summoned it in the nick of time too because a roiling purple flame shot out of the hole a second after Bulwark appeared to explode onto its ethereal surface. ¡°Holy¡ª¡± The force of the explosion rocked Sam, pushing him back a great deal. Watch out, kid! It¡¯s¡ªChiron began, to which Sam finished with, ¡°Helfire!¡± He¡¯d already recalled the name of the villain he¡¯d read about in a recent paper, the one Weather Witch and the LAPD caught before he could blow up Downtown Hollywood for a second time. A second burst of purple flames rose to meet Sam. ¡°Styx!¡± He recalled that the purple flames of ¡®Hel¡¯ had been responsible for burning half of Downtown Hollywood only two years ago. That kind of power was too great to stop with just Bulwark¡¯s strength. ¡°Thunderstrike!¡± Thunder yelled. In the same instance, Sam roared, ¡°Herculean!¡± into the sky.
ALERT! Title [Champion of the Sun] is now active.
ALERT! Due to the effect of [Champion of the Sun], all your stats have increased by 5%. They will continue to increase in increments as [Dawn] gives way to [Noon] for a maximum increase of 10% and then begin to decline as [Dusk] approaches.
ALERT! Title [Champion of the Sun] has a 10% chance of activating at [Dawn]. It is recommended that the hero not rely too much on this random power-up.
A bolt of jagged lightning descended from the cloudy sky and cut the column of purple flames in two. A half-second later, Sam¡¯s punch¡ªfueled by Herculean¡¯s triple boost in strength¡ªdispersed the two halves of the purple flames with just the wind pressure. The heroes¡¯ combined display of power did nothing to deter the prisoners who¡¯d climbed up to the platform they were on though, which meant Sam and Thunder were suddenly surrounded. ¡°I don¡¯t know who this costumed clown is,¡± said the lanky man in a white jumpsuit who¡¯d grabbed at Sam¡¯s outstretched fist with arms that stretched and wrapped around Sam¡¯s arm like twin snakes. ¡°You should read the papers more, Constrictor,¡± suggested the bronze-skinned, muscular woman who¡¯d grabbed onto Sam¡¯s neck from behind. She wore the same white jumpsuit as the Constrictor. ¡°This is a new guy. Calls himself Herculean. I hear he¡¯s super strong!¡± As if to show off that she wouldn¡¯t lose in a contest of strength, the bronze-skinned villain whom Sam knew was called ¡®Barbelle¡¯ tightened her hold on his neck, forcing his breath from his lungs. ¡°Does it matter?¡± Constrictor¡¯s arms squeezed on Sam¡¯s shoulder, causing the hero to wince in pain. ¡°He¡¯s just going to be one dead hero in a minute.¡± ¡°I like the way you think, Constrictor!¡± yelled the third villain to cross Sam¡¯s path. This one had a cat-like face and a lean body that possessed the beast-like qualities of a cheetah. ¡°Hold him still while I rip his heart out with my bare hands!¡± ¡°Get away from him, Cheetor!¡± Thunder growled. She¡¯d extracted herself from the villains who¡¯d attempted to pin her down with a cloak of elemental energy wrapped around her body. This ¡®Lightning Raiment,¡¯ which Sam had once borrowed to pierce a giant¡¯s shadow, kept incoming villains at bay long enough for Thunder to whip her ¡®Lash¡¯ at Cheetor¡¯s exposed back. The resulting elemental explosion that shocked the polymorph spread outward, zapping both Constrictor and Barbelle while avoiding Sam entirely.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡®Shock¡¯ spread across the villains¡¯ bodies, slackening their grips on Sam and allowing him to extricate himself from their holds by twisting himself around and roughly slamming them both into the obsidian floor. ¡°I didn¡¯t know¡­you could¡­chain your lightning¡­like that,¡± he huffed. Thunder, who¡¯d move to stand back-to-back with him, replied, ¡°I¡¯ve got a title that allows me to chain my abilities sometimes¡­ Are you okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯m healing¡­¡± More inmates were beginning to climb up from the hole, which meant Sam and Thunder would soon be surrounded again. All of these new arrivals wore matching white outfits and had power-dampening collars around their necks. For obvious reasons, Sam didn¡¯t think their dampeners were functioning properly. ¡°Oh, boy ¡ª it¡¯s about to get busy.¡± A glance at his surroundings told Sam that escaping their current predicament was next to impossible. The polished obsidian platform they were on was surrounded by a thick, thirty-foot circular wall whose only exit was the titanium double doors inconveniently located directly behind him and Thunder. Sam had also noticed the fiery orange glow coming from beyond the walls. Coupled with the intense heat in the air that reminded him of a hot spring and the craggy slopes about two hundred yards past the prison¡¯s walls, and he realized that the ¡®Crucible¡¯ really was an apt name for this prison hidden inside the crater of an active volcano. ¡°It¡¯s official¡­ we are the unluckiest people in the cosmos¡­¡± Sam pulled out his hammer from its holster clipped to the side of his poor man¡¯s utility belt. ¡°Only we would arrive at a volcanic prison during the middle of a prison break while all the guards have either run away or¡­¡± He didn¡¯t like to think about it but the platform was littered with uniformed bodies that he hoped belonged to unconscious guards and not...the other kind. ¡°They¡¯re going to have to get through us to get to the exit,¡± Thunder said. Sam glanced briefly back at the doors behind them and belatedly noticed its state-of-the-art security system; kinetic barriers, DNA scanners, gift suppression glyphs, magical shielding, and what looked like voice verification software. ¡°Can¡¯t they just climb the walls?¡± he asked worriedly. ¡°The lava might get some of them, but I bet more than a few of these guys can fly¡­¡± It wasn¡¯t like he wanted to fight a hundred powered inmates, but letting even one of these hardened criminals escape the Crucible would be the worst-case scenario. Sam¡¯s conscience couldn¡¯t allow that to happen. Thunder shook her head. ¡°The power might be out but the magical enchantment around the prison still seems to be working¡­ It¡¯ll take a lot of power to break an Aegis Barrier.¡± Sam hadn¡¯t noticed it before Thunder pointed them out, but now he could see the tell-tale signs of a magical barrier¡ªthese ghostly lines of golden sparks spreading around the platform like a dome¡ªthat were already beginning to stitch itself back together from a hole that Sam assumed had been created by the red pillar they¡¯d seen while on the aircraft. ¡°That¡¯s how we slipped into the prison?¡± Sam guessed. ¡°Yes,¡± Thunder admitted. ¡°I used the hole that red pillar made to break us into the Crucible.¡± ¡°If the only way out of an ¡®Aegis Barrier¡¯ is through the entrance¡±¡ªSam¡¯s brow creased¡ª¡°then what in Hades was powerful enough to break out of one¡­?¡± ¡°That¡¯s tomorrow¡¯s problem.¡± Thunder cocked her arm and summoned a jagged bolt of lightning to appear in her right hand. ¡°We¡¯ve got enough on our plate to worry about anything else.¡± The second wave of villains charged at the duo while they did their best not to get overwhelmed by the alarming number of energy blasts, sharp objects, and mental attacks thrown at them. It was a war of attrition; one Sam and Thunder would eventually lose despite the number of unconscious inmates they dropped repeatedly. Infamous names like Gorgon¡¯s Son, Madam Pain, and Bad Apple fell to the combined might of a level forty Herculean and a revitalized Thunder, who, now that she was completely healed from the Blight, was showing off just how much of a badass she truly was. To Sam, it looked like Thunder was even enjoying herself. The excited expression that flashed on her sweat-streaked face kind of gave that away. Despite them getting surrounded again and again like characters in a tower defense game, Thunder was fearless in her defiance and imaginative in the use of her gifts. She hurled lightning bolts at foes out of the reach of her Lash while deftly keeping the melee fighters at bay with a combination of Lightning Raiment and timely dodges. She waded around villains like a ballerina on a stage, keeping their aggro glued to her so effectively that many of those who faced her had forgotten about the titanium double doors that Sam was forced to defend alone. If she¡¯d accepted Odin¡¯s offer to relocate to California and join the Asgardian pantheon, Thunder would have made an excellent Valkyrie¡­ She certainly looks the part, Chiron chuckled. Instead, she chose to stick to Olympus and believe in your promise¡­ And yeah, sure, you healed her, but godsdamn, kid, this sorry display you¡¯re showing right now tells me I¡¯m going to have to up your training regimen¡­ Sheesh. Sam had heard from Thunder that she¡¯d gotten a lot of sponsorship offers after she¡¯d been inflicted with the Blight. Even ones from other pantheons. Promises of healing her came with a lot of strings attached to them though. It¡¯s why she eventually decided to decline the offers, choosing instead to believe in the failed healer who promised he¡¯d become strong enough to cure her of the same ancient disease that had consumed the life of the world¡¯s first hero. Sam didn¡¯t know until Chiron¡¯s slip of the tongue that she¡¯d seriously considered a move to California though. It upset him slightly, something he guessed was Chiron¡¯s intention. ¡°It¡¯s seriously¡ª¡± He ducked away from the swipe of a ¡®Spiritual Weapon¡¯ shaped to look like a giant baseball bat. The villain who¡¯d swung it at him was a pretty famous one too. He was called Slugger, a former SMLB star who¡¯d gotten violent after he¡¯d struck out one too many times. It was later revealed in an expose about athletes-turned-villains¡ªa surprisingly common trend for many athletes with failed professional careers¡ªthat Slugger was overusing Gifted Growth Hormone¡ªa designer drug that temporarily boosted one¡¯s gift¡ªand it had permanently unhinged his mind, turning him into the murderous villain he was now. ¡°¡ªnot the time¡ª¡± Sam parried Slugger¡¯s ghostly baseball bat with Onus¡¯ cylindrical head. ¡°¡ªto distract me!¡± He then drove his hammer down on Slugger¡¯s chest, knocking the villain into the ground so hard that the obsidian floor cracked against his back. Lesson number fifty-two, kid; Distraction comes in any form and every direction. The task isn¡¯t to ignore them but to ensure they affect you as little as possible. Or, if you¡¯re capable enough, somehow use these little annoyances to fuel your growth, Chiron instructed. Sam¡¯s only response was to pummel another villain who¡¯d tried to run past him to get to the doors. ¡°Do you think now is the right time for a new lesson?¡± Sam reasoned. Are you kidding me? Chiron scoffed. Now is the perfect time for training. When else will you get the chance to be surrounded by dozens of villains who are all trying to kill you? Sam sighed. ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this¡­ aren¡¯t you?¡± Honestly, watching you triumph over insurmountable odds over and over again has become my guilty pleasure, Chiron admitted in his usual teasing fashion. You¡¯re Asclepius¡¯ Anatomy, Game of Gods, and The Walking Undead all rolled into one mortal package. ¡°Glad¡ª¡± Sam dodged the Constrictor¡¯s right limb as it whipped toward him. Yes, the villains they¡¯d put down earlier were already beginning to get back up for round two. ¡°¡ªyou¡¯re so¡ª¡± He ducked underneath the Constrictor¡¯s left limb with a forward roll that sent him rising back to his feet at exactly the point where he could clock the annoying villain in the jaw with his hammer. ¡°¡ªentertained!¡± Sam grumbled. Don¡¯t get mad, lame-brain. I¡¯m complimenting you here, Chiron teased some more. Oi, you missed one! While Sam was dealing with the Constrictor, Barbelle had slipped past him and was now face to face with the exit¡¯s titanium double doors. Didn¡¯t I just tell you not to get distracted? ¡°Says the guy¡±¡ªSam ran back toward the exit¡ª¡°who keeps trying to distract me!¡± Barbelle swung her fist against the doors, but the enchantment placed on them repelled and then dispersed the kinetic energy created by the impact of her attack. This gave Sam enough time to reach her, which was when he realized he¡¯d made a terrible mistake. The bronze of Barbelle¡¯s cheeks was marred with black spots. They helped to amplify the look of absolute horror on her face. ¡°Help¡­ me¡­¡± she begged. Sam noticed that these strange bruises had also cropped up around her neck as well as the exposed flesh of her arms. ¡°Help¡­ me¡­¡± she repeated. Barbelle¡¯s fists jerked backward like a doll whose strings had just been pulled. The rest of her body twitched like she wasn¡¯t in full control of them too. She slammed her fists against the doors again like she didn¡¯t care that her attacks were instantly repelled. She resisted Sam¡¯s attempts to stop her too. As if the act of attacking mattered more than actually breaking down those sturdy titanium doors. ¡°Oh, gods,¡± Sam gasped. ¡°I know what¡¯s happening¡­¡± A few years ago, there had been a slew of serial killings in lower Manhattan that had confounded the NYPD, FBI, and Wardens because none of the murders seemed to share any relation apart from their shared brutality. Particularly because there wasn¡¯t much left of the victims to explain how they¡¯d died. The well-known billionaire philanthropist responsible for the murders might have gotten away with his wickedness too if Crow-Man and his sidekick hadn¡¯t caught him in the act. That villain gave himself the name Mr. Crimson because of his gift. The parasites in his saliva traveled through his victims¡¯ bloodstreams and turned them into his temporary puppets whom he would later force into violent deaths by exploding the parasites stored inside of them using the very energy they¡¯d leeched off these victims. These infected victims were marked by the same dark bruises Sam now saw on Barbelle¡¯s skin. ¡°She¡¯s not in control¡­he is.¡± Now that he knew what to look for, Sam caught the bite mark on Barbelle¡¯s neck. Blood was leaking out of it, leading him to believe he¡¯d guessed right. Chiron would confirm his suspicions a second later when he screamed for Sam to back away. It¡¯s too late, kid. Barbelle¡¯s reached her limit! Chiron warned. Get out of there! Too late. Cracks had already begun to form around the bruises on Barbelle¡¯s bronze skin. A strange reddish glow leaked out of these cracks which Sam assumed were the telltale signs of an imminent kinetic explosion. ¡°Not like this!¡± Barbelle shook her head over and over. ¡°Not like this¡­¡± Sam wasn¡¯t sure if a human bomb would be enough to destroy the titanium doors, but he couldn¡¯t just run away and hope for the best. ¡°Gods, please let this work,¡± he pleaded. With a warning for Thunder to get away from the blast radius, and with a second cry of, ¡°Herculean!¡± Sam raised his foot high and then stomped at the ground with quintuple strength. The already weakened platform broke beneath his feet, plunging Sam, Thunder, and the other villains down to the next sub-level just in time for Barbelle¡¯s body to explode. Volume 3, Chapter 3: Corw-Man Returns Note: I''m aware that I missed 2 weeks worth of releases, so I''ll be releasing another chapter today, with two more arriving on Friday. Sorry for missing my release date... CHAPTER THREE The Return of Crow-Man
Sam was lying on his back while the rest of his body ached all over. His head was also hurting to the point that it took several precious seconds for conscious thought to return to him. ¡°Yow¡­¡± he groaned. Despite the ringing in his ears, he could hear the screams of pain and indignation from those villains who¡¯d been swept in the same kinetic explosion that had knocked him down. ¡°Where¡­ am I?¡± Sam turned his head left and then right to discover that he¡¯d fallen into a wide, circular space that seemed like the inside of a government building after a catastrophe; cracked stone walls and a ruined parquet floor littered with broken furniture and debris from the ginormous hole he¡¯d created in the ceiling. Sam struggled to his knees. ¡°Where is¡ª¡± He heard footsteps that drowned out all the other noises around him. Tap, tap, tap¡ªthey were the self-assured steps of someone who didn¡¯t seem bothered by the chaos around them. ¡°Thunder¡­?¡± Through the dust cloud that hovered over him, Sam could see a figure approaching. He couldn¡¯t quite make out who it was because his sight was blurred, and black spots were hovering at the corners of his vision.
ALERT! You have been affected by a [Concussion]. [Regeneration (¦¤)] is already working to heal you. Please refrain from moving too much until the debilitating condition has been removed.
At the same time as Triple-A¡¯s warning, Sam heard a panicked voice inside his head. You¡¯ve got incoming, Kid! Chiron¡¯s warning cry forced Sam¡¯s mind to reboot just in time for him to roll away from the kick aimed at his head.
WARNING! [Concussion] has yet to heal. The regeneration of your health and stamina is slowed while this condition persists. It is recommended that you refrain from overt actions and ability usage until [Regeneration (¦¤)] has healed you enough.
¡°I wish I could¡­¡± Sam sighed. ¡°But Thunder¡ª¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t as banged up as you look,¡± said the man who just stepped into Sam¡¯s field of view. ¡°But I doubt even one of this country¡¯s top heroes will stay standing for much longer now that the sub-level three prisoners have begun to come up to this floor.¡± He was a tall, wiry man with wavy, dark red hair framing a thin, pale face. He wore the same white prison outfit as those around him, but this new villain crossing Sam¡¯s path had an air of confidence that made him stand out from the pack of hardened criminals beginning to surround the hero. ¡°Sub-level three¡­?¡± Sam repeated. ¡°Yes¡­ it¡¯s the prison wing where they keep the truly depraved¡ªthe mass murderers, the serial killers, and even some fools driven mad by the gods,¡± the man answered, frowning as he did. ¡°Frankly, with my reputation, I¡¯m surprised I only merited the second sub-level treatment as if I was some common villain who hadn¡¯t terrorized an entire city when I was free to commit the despicable acts they imprisoned me for.¡± ¡°Styx¡­¡± Sam got up on shaky legs. ¡°You¡¯re Mr. Crimson¡­¡± In his mind, Sam recalled Barbelle¡¯s last moments; a terrified, wide-eyed look with tears streaming down her bronze cheeks as she begged him to save her. ¡°And you¡¯re Herculean.¡± Mr. Crimson eyed Sam up and down with the gaze of one scrutinizing a piece of artwork¡­or livestock. ¡°I¡¯ve read that name repeatedly in the Herald¡­ the vigilante with the incredible strength who causes mayhem wherever he goes.¡± Mr. Crimson¡¯s gaze briefly went up to what remained of the Crucible¡¯s rooftop platform and the double titanium doors that had escaped the suicide bomb he¡¯d manufactured from Barbelle¡¯s sacrifice. ¡°Could you be strong enough to break through those?¡± A mischievous grin appeared on Mr. Crimson¡¯s face. ¡°Either way, you¡¯ll make an excellent puppet to facilitate my escape.¡± Sam¡¯s brows knotted together. ¡°You read the Herald¡­?¡± Seriously, kid, this villain threatened to turn you into his toy and your family¡¯s newspaper is what you¡¯re focusing on? It¡¯s a little shocking to hear that the Crucible subscribes to the Herald, Sam countered. The Post, the Times, and The Guardian are way more truthful than the Herald these days¡­ Worry about your reputation later, lame-brain, Chiron chided. Now¡¯s the time to focus on the guy who can turn you into a walking bomb with a single bite! Chiron didn¡¯t need to tell him because Sam couldn¡¯t keep his eyes off the crazy look in Mr. Crimson¡¯s gaze that reminded him too much of the crazy, bald villain that had nearly killed him and Thunder a few months ago. Still, Sam couldn¡¯t just let it go. The Herald was that much of a thorn in his side these days. ¡°Um, you shouldn¡¯t believe everything you read in that newspaper.¡± With Onus lost among the rubble on the floor, Sam¡¯s hand drifted to the sword hilt strapped to his back. ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure why they¡¯re so biased against me but they are.¡± Sam knew the Herald¡¯s publisher was against him becoming a hero again but he didn¡¯t think it was enough for Marie to work so hard to ruin his image despite her raising him for most of his teen years. It was, in Sam¡¯s perspective, one of life¡¯s greatest mysteries, and one he needed to sort out with her soon if he was truly intent on going legitimate. Assuming Sam survived the Crucible and its inmates, of course. ¡°Oh, I tend not to believe everything I read in the papers. There was plenty of fake news about me too, you know.¡± Mr. Crimson¡¯s smile widened, revealing the two sharp fangs protruding from his upper lip. ¡°I¡¯ll be able to see your strength for myself once I¡¯ve made you my¡­plaything.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Don¡¯t let the vampire wannabee bite you or he¡¯ll compel you to do whatever he wants, Chiron reminded Sam. ¡°I know¡­¡± Sam whispered back.
ALERT! [Concussion] has been healed. You¡¯re free to go crazy again.
With that notification came relief, and Sam¡¯s pounding headache finally subsided along with the few black dots at the edges of his vision. ¡°About time,¡± Sam whispered. ¡°But where¡¯s¡ª¡± Despite the looming threat of Mr. Crimson, Sam¡¯s gaze was drawn to a scene on his left; Thunder, relatively unscathed but for the streaks of hair clinging to her sweaty brow and the smudges of dirt blemishing her white suit, was fighting off a small tide of villains desperate to get past her so they could climb back up to what remained of the platform above. Seeing her tripping them up like a professional dancer in the middle of a crowd of amateurs filled Sam with courage and hope. It was a hope that they might live through this crazy episode they¡¯d found themselves in. ¡°Shall we begin?¡± called Mr. Crimson, drawing Sam¡¯s attention back to his evil grin. ¡°I have a reunion with a certain Crow I¡¯d like to keep, and I can¡¯t wait to see his face when I force his little sidekick to kill herself in front of him.¡± Mr. Crimson got his reunion much earlier than he expected though. As soon as he lunged toward Sam, a feather-shaped throwing knife stabbed him in the shoulder, causing the villain to pull back from his attack. ¡°Who did that?!¡± he complained. Right on cue, a thick pillar of ice shot out of the gaping hole the third sub-level villains had been climbing out of. Riding on top of this pillar were several people; injured security guards in various states of recuperation, as well as a bunch of familiar faces, one of whom caused a wide grin to appear on Sam¡¯s face. ¡°Crow-Man!¡± The veteran hero with the bird-shaped cowl and the black feathers cape was the first to jump off the rising ice pillar. He landed on Cheetor with a knee that smashed against the villain¡¯s feline face. That surprise hit knocked Cheetor to the ground while also ringing the proverbial gong that announced the start of the second sub-level¡¯s royal rumble. As for Sam, he¡¯d barely called out Crow-Man¡¯s name before a half-naked, muscular man with dark skin and a huge afro appeared to replace Mr. Crimson as his next opponent. Mr. Crimson was nowhere in sight, because the villain had conveniently disappeared once Crow-Man showed up. ¡°But¡­ why¡¯s Crow-Man here?¡± Sam asked in confusion. He posed his question to the villain he now faced. The only response he got was a hurtling fist three times the size of the villain¡¯s body. ¡°Oh, Styx¡ªyou¡¯re Disaster Joe!¡± Sam ducked underneath Disaster Joe¡¯s gigantic fist while drawing his sword from its improvised sheath and then sliced at the villain¡¯s exposed midsection with Gram¡¯s enchanted blade. ¡°Oh, right¡±¡ªSam¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of Gram drawing only a thin line of blood into the abnormally thick muscles of Disaster Joe¡¯s abdomen¡ª¡°you¡¯ve got a beta-level ¡®gigantification¡¯ gift, which I must admit is super cool¡­even though you¡¯re now super bad.¡± Sam shuffled back while the six-foot Disaster Joe grew into a ten-foot bruiser with muscles on top of already bulging muscles. Once he¡¯d grown to a size that would dwarf even Apex, Disaster Joe took a fighter¡¯s stance that reminded Sam of this villain¡¯s past profession as a former world heavyweight powers-boxing champion. ¡°Hey, Mr. Joe, I was a huge fan when you were still the champ!¡± Sam ducked out of the way of a right-fisted jab that would have blown his head off its shoulders if he¡¯d been tagged by it. ¡°Before the gambling debts piled up and you were forced¡ª¡± He weaved away from the follow-up straight that nearly caught him in the left shoulder. ¡°¡ªinto a life of crime¡±¡ªSam swung Gram forward while coating the blade in Sword Aura to repel the left uppercut that was far too swift for him to dodge¡ª¡°and I¡¯m hoping that reminding you that you were once the country¡¯s symbol of pride¡ª¡± With Sword Aura growing around its enchanted blade, Sam swung Gram down on Disaster Joe¡¯s chest. ¡°¡ªwill help you remember that you were once one of the good guys!¡± Disaster Joe didn¡¯t bother to reply to Sam¡¯s appeal. Nor did he dodge Sam¡¯s attack. Disaster Joe allowed Gram¡¯s blade to slice into his arms which he raised to defend his upper body. Then, with blood splatter momentarily impairing Sam¡¯s view, the villain who¡¯d been a boxer for his entire professional career used a kick to catch the hero off-guard. ¡°Holy¡ª¡± Pure instinct made Sam raise his left arm forward, allowing Bulwark¡¯s near-transparent shield to repel Disaster Joe¡¯s sneak attack. Unfortunately, Disaster Joe struck Sam with such force that the villain broke the hero¡¯s left forearm and shattered his shield with that one kick. ¡°¡ªStyx!¡± You should have dodged, lame-brain, Chiron chided. A similar reprimand appeared from Triple-A; reminding Sam that his concussion had only just healed and now the bones of his arm needed repairing. ¡°Ugh¡­okay¡­I realize¡­my mistake¡­¡± Sam shuffled away from the villain who hadn¡¯t once responded to his provocations. ¡°Didn¡¯t know you kicked as hard as you punch¡­ I¡¯m sorry you broke bad, Joe¡­¡± Sam tried to create distance between them, but Disaster Joe wouldn¡¯t let him go. A single, gigantic stride forward was all the ten-foot bruiser needed to get back within range. Disaster Joe¡¯s right fist might even have smashed into Sam¡¯s chest too if it weren¡¯t for the crow-shaped shadow that sliced at Joe¡¯s forearm, diverting the direction of his punch away from its intended target. ¡°Nice¡±¡ªSam¡¯s eyes widened in delight¡ª¡°Shadow Crow for the save!¡± A bird with feathers as black as night soared overhead. It circled Disaster Joe, distracting the villain long enough for a shadowy figure to appear behind him and stab at his exposed back with the knives he held in each hand. ¡°Cro~~ow!¡± the villain roared. Disaster Joe whirled around to grab at Crow-Man, but the veteran hero proved as slippery as the night he and Sam first met. He ducked underneath Disaster Joe¡¯s bear hug and sliced at the villain¡¯s ankles with his feather-shaped knives. ¡°So damn cool,¡± Sam whispered. Crow-Man rolled out of Disaster Joe¡¯s reach while his Shadow Crow flew into the villain¡¯s line of sight, obstructing Disaster Joe¡¯s view long enough for Crow-Man to dive back in and slice at the villain¡¯s gut with his knives. This pattern of the Shadow Crow stealing Disaster Joe¡¯s aggro while Crow-Man sliced at him with his knives repeated, the blood leaking from Disaster Joe¡¯s numerous cuts, until, finally, the villain wobbled, wobbled some more, and then toppled over¡­and Disaster Joe didn¡¯t rise again. Sam¡ªwho¡¯d been watching Crow-Man¡¯s fight while fending off some D-list villains who¡¯d rushed at him after Disaster Joe was distracted¡ªcouldn¡¯t help but feel admiration for his old ally, the only delta-level hero to break into the top fifty rankings of this winter¡¯s hero charts. ¡°Do I look that cool when I¡¯m kicking butt?¡± As he asked this question, a villain with four arms got lucky and socked him in the jaw. Chiron laughed. You¡¯re about ten years too early to be comparing yourself to Crow-Man. Sam wanted to refute Chiron¡¯s words but didn¡¯t get a chance. His last opponent was already toppling over thanks to the feather-shaped knife embedded in his back. ¡°Oh¡­hey, man. You look like you¡¯ve been through the wringer.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Crow-Man glanced down at the garish wound peeking out of the hole in his suit. ¡°Miracle Girl patched me up.¡± One last inmate was left standing between Sam and Crow-man, his gaze drifting between the two heroes. In the end, he chose to rush at Sam as if saying he¡¯d rather face him than fight Crow-Man. ¡°Wrong choice, dude!¡± Sam didn¡¯t have to hit the villain so hard, but he had street cred to uphold. His was a punch fueled by life force too. ¡®Mortal Fist¡¯ smashed into the villain¡¯s gut, sending him crashing into a wall many yards away. To Sam¡¯s delight, many awed gazes followed that last attack, ending with wary looks aimed at him. It was exactly the reaction he hoped to create. ¡°You¡¯ve gotten stronger,¡± Crow-Man noted. ¡°Says the guy who took out Disaster Joe without too much trouble.¡± Sam¡¯s gaze drifted over to Disaster Joe¡¯s unconscious form. ¡°How¡¯d you knock him out so fast?¡± Crow-Man raised a feather-shaped throwing knife to Sam¡¯s eye level. ¡°Some of my blades are coated with¡ª¡± Without warning, Crow-Man flung his throwing knife at Sam. ¡°Argh!¡± Sam screamed. No, Crow-Man¡¯s knife didn¡¯t hit Sam. It pierced into the back of the hand of the villain whose arm had wrapped around Sam¡¯s neck before he realized the danger. Sam had screamed because Mr. Crimson just bit his neck. Kid! Chiron yelled. The damage was already done though, and Mr. Crimson released Sam, pushing him toward Crow-Man with the confidence of a puppeteer about to start his show. ¡°Hades¡¯ balls!¡± With his hand covering the bite mark on his neck, Sam turned around¡ªhis eyes widened at the sight of his blood coating Mr. Crimson¡¯s lips. ¡°Styx!¡± ¡°I would like you to do me a favor, Herculean.¡± A grin of pure evil appeared on Mr. Crimson¡¯s face, the kind that reached the corners of his cheeks. ¡°Kill Crow-Man for me.¡± Volume 3, Chapter 4: Heroes of the Crucible CHAPTER FOUR Heroes of the Crucible
Seconds ticked by while Mr. Crimson¡¯s words reverberated inside Sam¡¯s head. But, strangely enough, he didn¡¯t lunge at Crow-Man like the villain wanted him to. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me?¡± Mr. Crimson raised a long, thin eyebrow at Sam. ¡°I told you to kill Crow-Man.¡± ¡°But I don¡¯t want to,¡± Sam replied. Mr. Crimson¡¯s evil grin faltered slightly. ¡°You¡­don¡¯t want to?¡± Indeed, Sam felt no compulsion to follow Mr. Crimson¡¯s orders. His mind was still his own. He just wasn¡¯t sure how that was possible.
There are no parasites detected in your blood for [Regeneration (¦¤)] to flush out.
¡°Seriously?¡± Confusion flitted across Sam¡¯s face. It was an emotion that Mr. Crimson mirrored exactly when he screamed for Sam to, ¡°Kill Crow-Man now, Herculean!¡± ¡°I. Don¡¯t. Want. To!¡± ¡°H-How are you resisting me?¡± Mr. Crimson licked at the blood still smearing his lips. ¡°My parasites are¡ª¡± ¡°Not in me,¡± Sam interrupted. He shrugged afterward. ¡°All this time in prison might have cost you your mojo.¡± ¡°My parasites aren¡¯t in you?¡± Disbelief flashed on Mr. Crimson¡¯s face. ¡°But I bit you!¡± Sam would have loved to take credit for the frustration flashing on Mr. Crimson¡¯s face, but he didn¡¯t know how he escaped the villain¡¯s clutches either. ¡°You should have known better than to let my knife pierce your hand, Crimson.¡± Crow-Man walked over to stand next to Sam. ¡°The blade was laced with the same narcotics that brought the big guy down.¡± He pointed a thumb back at the unconscious Disaster Joe. ¡°No,¡± Mr. Crimson shook his head in denial. ¡°This is impossible.¡± ¡°Looks like it¡¯s possible though,¡± Sam chimed in. He glanced sideways at Crow-Man and asked, ¡°What kind of narcotics are we talking about?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a special blend I mixed by combining a low-grade hallucinogen extracted from a satyr¡¯s saliva with a sedative derived from a bog wright¡¯s ashes,¡± Crow-Man explained. ¡°You¡­you drugged me?!¡± Mr. Crimson suddenly looked like he was about to barf. ¡°W-What have you done to m-me¡­?¡± ¡°That headache you¡¯re feeling is the drug worming its way into your brain, ¡°Crow-Man explained, adding, ¡°Your gift doesn¡¯t work right now.¡± Mr. Crimson¡¯s eyes widened in fear. A second later, Crow-Man¡¯s right fist struck the villain hard on the jaw. ¡°All the crimes you¡¯ve committed¡±¡ªCrow-Man¡¯s left fist collided with Mr. Crimson¡¯s nose next¡ª¡°and all the innocents you¡¯ve murdered¡­¡± With Mr. Crimson distracted by his bloody nose, Crow-Man¡¯s gloved hands easily wrapped around the back of the villain¡¯s neck. ¡°You deserve more than the beating you¡¯re getting now!¡± Crow-Man pulled Mr. Crimson¡¯s head down just as he drove his knee into the villain¡¯s face once, twice, and a third time before Sam had to pull him away. ¡°S-Stop, Crow!¡± Crow-Man turned a savage glare on him next, but Sam didn¡¯t back down. He could see the hatred in his ally¡¯s eyes and knew it was his job to bring Crow-Man back to sanity. ¡°You¡¯re better than him¡­¡± Crow-Man¡¯s gaze drifted from Sam¡¯s worried look to Mr. Crimson¡¯s bloodied face, and then back to Sam whose eyes glittered with hope¡­ Only then did the fire in Crow-Man¡¯s eyes die down. They were replaced by a glint of remorse from a hero who knew he¡¯d gone overboard. Crow-Man let go of Mr. Crimson¡¯s neck, and the villain crumpled to the floor. ¡°Sorry¡­and thanks,¡± he whispered. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Sam said, sighing. ¡°I get it¡­¡± Sam¡¯s thoughts drifted off to yesterday¡¯s battle at the Golden Gate Bridge where he and Apex clobbered each other until they were both near death. He recalled the rage he¡¯d felt for his cousin, a man who¡¯d slaughtered his mother¡¯s family for the sake of being the sole inheritor of Hercules¡¯ legendary strength. Remembering his own desire for vengeance, Sam couldn¡¯t blame Crow-Man for going berserk on Mr. Crimson. Heroes were complicated people too.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Thoughts of Apex reminded Sam why he¡¯d come to the Crucible, leading him to ask Crow-Man why he¡¯d visited the prison too. ¡°The Trickster asked to see me.¡± ¡°Why would he want to see you?¡± Crow-Man was in the middle of stabbing the unconscious Mr. Crimson with a syringe he¡¯d pulled out of one of his belt¡¯s many pouches. ¡°He had intel he wanted to share.¡± ¡°What sort of intel?¡± ¡°¡­A prophecy.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry ¡ª I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± As far as Sam knew, the Trickster possessed no prophetic powers. ¡°It sounded like you meant to say ¡®prophecy,¡¯ which would be a funny joke if it weren¡¯t so¡ª¡± Sam¡¯s nervous banter dissipated as soon as he caught Crow-Man¡¯s scowl. ¡°Seriously¡­?¡± He¡¯d learned through recent experience that a scowl was Crow-Man¡¯s serious face. Funnily enough, it was a face he showed ninety percent of the time Sam had known him. ¡°B-But Farsight¡¯s the only remaining seer in the US. How could the Trickster¡ª¡± ¡°Crow~~w!¡± A sluggish Disaster Joe was rising to his feet. ¡°You think¡ªyour little knives¡ªcan beat¡ªJoe?!¡± As he grew back to a massive size, Disaster Joe took one step, and then a second¡ªbut he would miss that third step thanks to the familiar-looking cylindrical-headed hammer that rammed into his right cheek. ¡°Onus?!¡± Sam blurted. A bewildered Sam looked on as his hammer¡ªwhich was coated in a softly glowing blue aura that he¡¯d never seen before¡ªstruck the left side of Disaster Joe¡¯s face, flew past the villain¡¯s head, and then made a U-turn so it could smash into Disaster Joe¡¯s right cheek too. ¡°Hades¡¯ balls!¡± Joe attempted to swat at Onus as it flew past him, but the hammer dodged his massive hand easily enough. ¡°Stay still, you bastard!¡± Sam watched all this with a slightly hanging jaw. ¡°I didn¡¯t know it could do that¡­¡± In his mind, Chiron chuckled. It depends on who¡¯s using it, I think. The flying hammer that dodged Disaster Joe flew past the villain to land in the outstretched hand of a familiar-looking woman. She had short raven hair styled in the popular pixie cut that framed a pretty face with eyes the color of fresh leaves. She wore a fancy gray suit that marked her as one of the Wardens, although Sam knew her by her former hero moniker¡­ ¡°War Maiden!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t give you this hammer¡±¡ªWarden Bethany Carlyle let Onus go and yet the glowing hammer remained floating in the air beside her¡ª¡°so you could leave it lying in the rubble.¡± Bethany swung her right arm at Disaster Joe, and Onus¡ªglowing with the same bluish light as the aura coating the warden¡¯s hand¡ªflew toward the villain like an arrow in flight. It struck Disaster Joe in the gut, causing him to bend over in excruciating pain. Chiron whistled. That woman¡¯s got talent. It¡¯s a shame she traded in her armor for a suit. Bethany raised her glowing hand high, and as she swung it down, Onus, which had flown upward in mimicry of her movements, smacked onto the back of Disaster Joe¡¯s bowed head, sending him crashing into the parquet floor with a resounding crack. ¡°And all I¡¯ve seen you do with that hammer is swing it around at close quarters,¡± Crow-Man commented. ¡°Um, I throw it too,¡± Sam protested. ¡°It just doesn¡¯t come back to my hand like that.¡± With Disaster Joe soundly beaten, the hammer easily flew back into Bethany¡¯s waiting hand like it wasn¡¯t the great burden it had been for her before she¡¯d given it to Sam. Sam clapped enthusiastically. ¡°Beta-level telekinetic powers are awesome.¡± Bethany flashed Sam a tired smile before she used telekinesis to deposit Onus straight into Sam¡¯s free hand. ¡°Try not to lose it again.¡± ¡°Um, honestly, I don¡¯t know if I can keep that promise¡­¡± Sam¡¯s gaze drifted left and right, taking in the sights of the ongoing chaos surrounding them and the growing number of villains climbing out of the hole near the center of this circular room. ¡°It¡¯s going to be a long day¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m not so sure about that.¡± Crow-Man drew Sam¡¯s gaze to the people who¡¯d climbed up to the first sub-level with him. ¡°We don¡¯t all go to the same gym, but the heroes who¡¯ve stumbled into this mess¡­¡± While Crow-Man spoke, the villain, Helfire, snuck up behind Thunder to unleash a burst of purple flames at her back. His purple flames never reached her though because they were blocked by the wall of ice summoned by the hero protecting Thunder¡¯s back. He was tall and slender, and he wore a light gray trench coat over his white suit. His hair was fluffy and white like whipped cream coating an oval pretty-boy face with slanted eyes, a small pointy nose, and thin blue lips that leaked cold vapors into the air. ¡°¡­This insanely challenging mess that none of us could have handled alone,¡± Crow-Man continued, ¡°aren¡¯t the kind of heroes who back away from the hard fight.¡± From the corner of his eye, Sam noticed a familiar blue-haired young woman drag the unconscious body of a Crucible security guard away from the purple flames that were beginning to burn across the floor. ¡°We¡¯re heroes of a similar type¡ªpeople who dig their heels in the harder things get.¡± Crow-Man threw his knives at the villain who tried to flank Bethany, allowing her time to concentrate on the prisoners rushing toward them. ¡°Heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty to hold the line while giving no thought to our own safety.¡± More villains rushed at the heroes but Bethany flung her glowing hands forward and unleashed a powerful telekinetic wave that blew most of them back. The one guy who endured her ¡®TK Blast¡¯¡ªthis villain whose body was formed from molten rock¡ªwas felled with a blow to the head by Sam¡¯s hammer. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying what exactly?¡± Sam asked as he glanced over his shoulder. ¡°That we¡¯re the perfect collection of random heroes for this disaster? Like we were somehow brought together by¡ª¡± ¡°Fate?¡± It was rare, but Crow-Man seemed to be smiling behind his cowl. ¡°Exactly. What else would you call it?¡± Krak-ka-boom! The peal of lightning frightened most people, but it was a sound that now served to lift Sam¡¯s spirits because it announced Thunder appearing at his side while looking like the real-life painting of a goddess of war. Strands of golden hair clung to her blushing cheeks while sparks lit up the blue irises of her almond-shaped eyes¡ªeyes that gazed at Sam in a way that made his heart flutter. ¡°You¡¯re wounded,¡± she noticed. ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­¡± Sam¡¯s hand flew to the bite on his neck, but it was already healing. ¡°You look like you¡¯ve had it worse.¡± Her sleeveless, form-fitting, white suit was smudged with dirt. Blood was smeared over the gold of her bangles and sandals. She looked worn out, although the smile on her lips told a different story. She¡¯s enjoying this, Sam realized. ¡°There¡¯s blood on your¡ª¡± ¡°Not mine,¡± Thunder answered before high-fiving Crow-Man. ¡°What brought you to this mess?¡± ¡°The Trickster,¡± Crow-Man grunted, while Sam said, ¡°Fate, he says¡­¡± Both answers caused one of Thunder¡¯s eyebrows to rise. ¡°Okay¡­I need you guys to explain¡­and from the beginning.¡± Volume 3, Chapter 5: Healers on a Battlefield Equals Victory Note: Yeah, I know I missed Friday''s posting, but I''m publishing 2 chapters today so I hope you can forgive me. ;D Next chapter''s out in 2 mins! CHAPTER FIVE Healers on a Battlefield Equals Victory
Sam wasn¡¯t a huge fan of the Fates. These ambiguous trio of goddesses had thrown him into one ginormous mess after another since he¡¯d become an Argonaut. Sam particularly didn¡¯t like them for saddling him with the back-breaking responsibility of a great prophecy. The one that foretold the rise of the Gigantes and the ending of the world, which the Fates, through their handmaiden Farsight, claimed only Sam could prevent. ¡°If the Healing Hand gathers the blessed to face the World and finish the Quest¡­ Champions might rise to answer the call or to fear and pain mankind shall fall¡­¡± ¡°Being chosen by the Fates isn¡¯t all it¡¯s cracked up to be,¡± he¡¯d reasoned more than once. Sam was particularly annoyed that the Fates had shoved him into yet another team-up with so few heroes when a full ten-man raid team was the minimum requirement to subdue such a large-scale prison break. Unfortunately, apart from Crow-Man and Bethany, there were only two other reinforcements among a sea of villains desperate to escape the Crucible. ¡°Don¡¯t you die on me now!¡± yelled the young, blue-haired Asian woman in the blue jumpsuit who was kneeling over one of the Crucible¡¯s security guards while her hands were deep inside the man¡¯s guts. ¡°I need some ice over here, Jin Oppa!¡± ¡°It¡¯s Ice Brand, Miracle Girl!¡± yelled the slender, white-haired, slanted-eyed man whom Thunder had left in charge of tying up the villains at the other end of the administrative floor. As he waved his right hand forward, the hero in the gray coat snapped his fingers. The water vapors in the air froze all at once, creating a wall of ice that stopped the nearby villains from fleeing up to what remained of the platform above. ¡°At least use my moniker when we¡¯re surrounded by villains who would kill to know our real names!¡± Ice Brand¡¯s plea fell on deaf ears though because Miracle Girl was busy fending off the villain Cheetor who had tried to ambush her from behind while she was focused on healing the wounded security guard. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m healing here!¡± Miracle Girl pulled back a fist coated in a ball of pale blue energy that was glittering like it reflected a night sky filled with stars and then hurled it into Cheetor¡¯s gut. ¡°Have some Miracle Punch, douchebag!¡± The blow wasn¡¯t as strong a hit as Sam¡¯s Herculean-fueled punches. Still, the fist that glowed with starlight did manage to blow the polymorph villain into the crowd of incoming inmates behind him, earning Miracle Girl a brief reprieve which was enough time for her to notice Sam¡¯s presence between Crow-Man and Thunder. ¡°Holy shit, guy, what are you doing here?¡± Miracle Girl eyed Sam with surprise before she switched to flashing him a welcome grin. ¡°Get over here and do that group healing thing you did in Kansas!¡± ¡°Oh, yeah,¡± Sam¡¯s gaze drifted to the group of injured security guards Miracle Girl had rounded up during the fight, ¡°I should probably help with that¡­¡± ¡°Go, Sam,¡± Thunder insisted. She cocked her right arm and summoned a lightning bolt to her hand. Beside her, Crow-Man pulled out another pair of throwing knives from his belt. He was already mid-throw when he added, ¡°We can handle things here.¡± Sam didn¡¯t feel as confident while he skirted the giant hole in the floor and avoided energy blasts and purple flames to get to where Miracle Girl waited by the round room¡¯s eastern wall. He wasn¡¯t sure Mass Healing would work on the crowd of injured people she¡¯d gathered around her. Many of them looked like they were already at death¡¯s door. ¡°Holy Zeus,¡± He breathed in the stench of blood, ¡°this is going to be tough¡­¡± ¡°And I¡¯m not even getting paid to work this hard,¡± Miracle Girl grumbled. Despite her words, Miracle Girl was working extra hard to keep the most injured of the group alive. A gray-haired, mustachioed man with the silver bars of a captain pinned to the shoulders of his coat had his guts leaking out of the wide gash in his belly. The only reason they didn¡¯t spill out of him completely was thanks to the star-spangled energy field Miracle Girl wrapped around his stomach. ¡°I can put a stopper in death just as well as you, but I can only focus on one person per round,¡± she admitted as she glanced up at Sam with imploring eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t expect you to heal them all but save those you can and we can turn this fight around lickety-split.¡± ¡°Can I do it?¡± Sam asked under his breath.
It is possible to heal up to eight people with each use of [Mass Healing (¦Æ)].] Triple-A reported. [However, successive uses are not recommended while your health is below fifty percent.
It was as if Triple-A had already deduced Sam¡¯s intent to heal all thirty of the Crucible¡¯s security team huddled around him and Miracle Girl. The system¡¯s got a point, kid¡­ Too much healing might make you too weak to fight afterward, Chiron chimed in. But you¡¯re going to do it anyway, aren¡¯t you?Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. ¡°This is the only way we can win,¡± Sam whispered. I see you¡¯re finally using your head, Chiron guffawed. Make sure you¡¯ve got one of these heroes protecting you while you cast Mass Healing though¡­ You¡¯re a sitting duck while that power¡¯s active. Of course, she hadn¡¯t heard Chiron¡¯s suggestion out loud, but Bethany arrived at that exact moment to provide Sam with his much-needed protection. ¡°I¡¯ll watch your backs.¡± She raised her hands forward and conjured a telekinetic dome to fall around them. One big enough to cover the healers and their injured charges. ¡°You two just make sure to heal my guys back to fighting shape.¡± ¡°We¡¯re not dead yet, Ma¡¯am,¡± whispered the guard-captain. ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± whispered another injured guard. ¡°W-we¡¯re W-War Maiden¡­ trained.¡± ¡°We¡¯re¡­ we¡¯re War Maiden¡¯s elite,¡± a third guard agreed. A spattering of nods and praises from these dying men and women caused Bethany¡¯s cheeks to blush. ¡°Don¡¯t call me that, idiots,¡± she said halfheartedly. Sam patted Bethany reassuringly on the shoulder before he placed his hands together as if in prayer, forming a circle with his arms that would function as a makeshift arcane array that would help channel his powerful gift. ¡°Mass Healing.¡± His entire body lit up like an aurora of green hues and then glowing tendrils of energy spread out of him to drift over to the first eight injured guards closest to him. These tendrils speared into them, filling them with life energy that supercharged their bodies¡¯ regeneration. Garish wounds began to close and broken bones began to mend. Soon enough, these eight soldiers were rising to their feet with fingers tightening on their weapons. ¡°I¡¯m ashamed I believed in the nonsense the Herald was selling everyone,¡± said the first guard to rise. He was older than Sam with specks of gray peppering his hair. ¡°Thanks for this, Hero.¡± After expressing his gratitude, the security team¡¯s sergeant led his team out of Bethany¡¯s bubble to join the other heroes in subduing the Crucible¡¯s inmates. The arrival of reinforcements caused confusion among the villains who ganged up on the three heroes preventing their escape. Unfortunately, their collective confusion was quickly replaced with the realization that Sam¡ªlit up like a beacon in the darkness¡ªwas responsible for this turn of events, making him everyone¡¯s target. ¡°Keep going, Herculean,¡± Bethany ordered. ¡°I¡¯ll hold them off for as long as I can.¡± ¡°You ain¡¯t doing it alone, ma¡¯am,¡± said the guard captain who was finally back to his feet, and he wasn¡¯t alone. An exhausted Sam had just finished healing another batch of eight. Luckily, these guys weren¡¯t as injured as the previous group which helped to cut the time and life force it took to heal them. While they took up a defense line in front of Bethany¡¯s telekinetic barrier, Miracle Girl arrived at Sam¡¯s side to check on his condition. ¡°You look half dead.¡± ¡°No way¡­ I can do this¡­ all day.¡± ¡°Uhuh, sure.¡± Miracle Girl unslung the canteen strapped to her belt and offered it to Sam. ¡°Try some Energizer X.¡± ¡°What¡¯s in it¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a drink I filled with Miracle Power. It¡¯ll fix you up with just a few sips better than any energy drinks you can get at a convenience store.¡± ¡°Miracle¡­ power?¡± Sam eyed the contents of the canteen she offered him. The water inside it shone like a sea of sparkling stars. ¡°Is that really¡­what you¡¯re calling it?¡± ¡°What else would you call the gift of love and miracles?¡± Miracle Girl puffed her chest. Because she was a healer, most people associated Miracle Girl with Apollo or his son, Asclepios, as they were both gods of healing. She wasn¡¯t one a blessed of their line though. From what Sam had read on the forums, Miracle Girl wasn¡¯t even a hero of the Olympian pantheon. ¡°And, um, which god gave you this miracle power again?¡± Sam asked curiously. ¡°Who else but Freya is that awesome,¡± Miracle Girl said proudly. Freya, the Norse Goddess of Love, Fertility, Battle, and Death didn¡¯t sound like much of a healer to Sam. ¡° I thought Freyr was¡­ the healer between the siblings¡­¡± ¡°Common misconception.¡± Miracle Girl shoved her canteen into Sam¡¯s hands. ¡°Freyr may be the god of springtime, but my gift¡¯s one of those rare blessings that harness bits of power from all of Freya¡¯s spheres of influence.¡± ¡°Kind of like¡­ life force.¡± Sam tipped the canteen to his lips and drank his fill of Miracle Girl¡¯s Energizer-X, which, surprisingly, did exactly what its name suggested. His fatigue quickly went down from [87%] to [25%], giving him enough stamina for another round of Mass Healing. ¡°Save some of that Energizer-X for me,¡± Bethany called. ¡°I¡¯ll need it soon.¡± Powerful as she was, the beta-level telekinetic former heroine couldn¡¯t indefinitely hold back the tide of villains gunning for Sam and Miracle Girl. Fortunately, the security team Bethany had helped train proved to be even better at subduing the escaped inmates than Sam thought. And, as he watched the villains fall like flies in front of the security team¡¯s line of defense, Sam wondered how these prisoners had even managed to injure them so badly in the first place. ¡°It wasn¡¯t the inmates who¡¯d taken my guys out¡­ This was Bloodfyre¡¯s doing,¡± Bethany revealed. Bloodfyre¡­ It was the moniker of the alpha-level villain who was known to be one of Superion¡¯s worst rogues. She was a gifted of Hades, one who could ignite the blood in others and make them burn from the inside while also possessing a secondary gift, which was the power to temporarily manipulate the blood of others into whatever shape she desired. ¡°Holy Styx¡­¡± Sam¡¯s gaze searched the hall. ¡°Is she still¡ª¡± ¡°Gone,¡± Bethany sighed. ¡°She broke in and escaped with the Trickster.¡± ¡°W-What?!¡± Sam¡¯s surprise would be short-lived because villains had begun surrounding Bethany¡¯s telekinetic barrier. Prisoners who were powerful enough to withstand the barrage of powered bullets fired from the security team¡¯s elemental cannons. Thunder, Ice Brand, Crow-Man, and the eight security guards who¡¯d gone to help them were also surrounded at the other end of the hall. Their two groups were cut off from helping each other by a wall of purple flames conjured by the despicable Helfire. ¡°How many godsdamn prisoners can this stupid prison hold?!¡± Miracle Girl complained. However, as things were about to turn from bad to worse, the wall of purple flames suddenly winked out. It had been vanquished by a strong gust of wind that blew into the room like a hurricane. ¡°Holy shit¡­¡± Like everyone on that battlefield, Miracle Girl¡¯s gaze drifted to the sky. ¡°The big gun¡¯s here¡­ We win.¡± Like a silhouette set against the sunlight, the man floating above the Crucible¡¯s walls cut an impressive figure with his broad back blocking the cloudless sky. ¡°Whoa, it¡¯s him,¡± Sam whispered. Piercing blue eyes gazed down at the crowd below, and those prisoners who caught his gaze turned away from him in fright, though the man himself seemed to be smiling down at them like an understanding teacher about to scold some naughty first-graders who¡¯d gotten a little too wild during playtime. ¡°Kind of makes you want to ask for his photograph, huh?¡± Miracle Girl said. ¡°Um, you think we can?¡± Sam wondered. Miracle Girl gave Sam a raised eyebrow. ¡°Wow, you¡¯re even more of a nerd than I heard.¡± ¡°As if you didn¡¯t want to ask for his autograph either,¡± Sam countered. It took a second longer, but Miracle Girl smirked. ¡°I¡¯ve already got it.¡± As he descended to the Crucible¡¯s administrative floor, many of the prisoners who¡¯d been so feverish in their pursuit of freedom fell to their knees while many more wrung their hands in frustration. That was just the effect America¡¯s number-one hero had on most people. Just like that, the battle of the Crucible ended in the heroes¡¯ victory. Volume 3, Chapter 6: Goodness gracious, Great Ball of Air Note: Here''s the 2nd chapter of the day. Also, instead of Sunday''s posting, I''ll move the release date to January 31 so I can greet you all for New Year''s eve! CHAPTER SIX Goodness gracious, Great Ball of Air
To say that Superion¡¯s arrival at the scene was enough to stop the prison break might have been a little too much as there were villains among the inmates who were certainly at a power level to contend with America¡¯s number one hero. Still, the aura of power emanating from this blonde, blue-eyed, broad-shouldered man in the white armor underneath his stylish red toga was so palpable that those villains who could have fought against him visibly hesitated as Superion¡¯s feet touched the ground. ¡°Hey, Everyone!¡± He smiled at the crowd as if they weren¡¯t hardened criminals trying to escape the worst prison on Earth. ¡°I¡¯m sorry it took me a while to get here¡­ There was a flood in Cairo, and that earthquake in New Mexico¡­¡± He sighed heavily. ¡°Well, you all know how busy it gets this close to the Winter Solstice.¡± He had such a mild-mannered atmosphere about him that more than a few convicts were nodding sympathetically at Superion¡¯s worries. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s Thunder!¡± Superion caught sight of his cousin in the middle of an encirclement of villains and waved to her like she wasn¡¯t in danger. ¡°Hey, Cuz! Been a while!¡± Thunder rolled her eyes at Superion in the same way she often did when Sam did something foolish. ¡°You¡¯re late,¡± she said exasperatedly. ¡°A hero¡¯s never late.¡± Superion flashed pearly-white teeth at her. ¡°We arrive precisely when we¡¯re needed.¡± ¡°Superion~~n!¡± Purple flames exploded to life on the ground beneath Superion¡¯s feet. They rose over him like a blossoming flower and engulfed his whole body. This would have been a fatal blow to anyone else, but not the omega-level hero who wielded dominion over the sky. For Superion, it was a simple matter of snapping his fingers. The air around him vanished, taking with it the roaring purple flames that couldn¡¯t even singe his toga. ¡°My ¡®Armor of the Praetor¡¯ is a legendary-rated Mr. Moonday original,¡± Superion boasted to the flabbergasted Helfire. ¡°Expensive as Hades but worth the price, don¡¯t you think?¡± A cool breeze surged toward Helfire, forcing the villain to cover his eyes with his arm. When he uncovered them again, Superion was already standing before him. ¡°I thought you learned your lesson from Weather Witch, Helfire.¡± Superion sighed. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if they originate from the underworld ¡ª it¡¯s the air that gives fire life.¡± A swirling ball of elemental energy came to life above Superion¡¯s right palm. ¡°Superion, you bast¡ª¡± Superion shoved the energy ball into Helfire¡¯s chest, and the concentrated power of a hurricane exploded out of it, causing cuts born from countless wind blades to form all over the villain¡¯s body before twisting him around like he¡¯d been caught on a windmill¡¯s blade. Helfire was blown away, sent hurtling over the other prisoners¡¯ heads, and crashing into the thick exterior walls of the Crucible¡¯s top platform. ¡°My cousin might be a little shy about summoning a full-blown storm inside this prison¡±¡ªSuperion raised his right hand high¡ª¡°but I have no problem leveling this place with all of you in it.¡± Amazingly, nearly all the air in the wide room was being sucked into Superion¡¯s hand, giving life to the swirling ball of elemental energy growing over his palm while making it hard for everyone else to breathe. ¡°Holy Zeus,¡± Sam breathed, ¡°that thing¡¯s at least ten times the size as the last one!¡± The sky that had cleared when Superion arrived grew suddenly dark once more. Storm clouds hovered over the Crucible¡¯s volcano, creating a chill in the air that made nearly everyone present shiver reflexively. ¡°I¡¯m a fair guy so I¡¯ll let you all choose¡­¡± With his free hand, Superion raised two fingers. ¡°One, you all surrender now, and we¡¯ll call it a day¡­¡± He dropped one finger. ¡°Or two, you all try to put up a fight and I let my ¡®Super Spirit Bomb¡¯ break you into submission.¡± It wasn¡¯t just the villains. Even the heroes and the security team paled at hearing Superion¡¯s threat because anyone who saw him on TV knew how wild America¡¯s number one hero could get in a fight. He and his cousin were the same in that regard. They all eyed the massive orb of elemental energy with wary eyes. Well, everyone except for Sam who looked like he was a kid inside a toy store during Yuletide season. ¡°Hey, nice Draconian Ball reference!¡± he blurted out. Just like that, the tension permeating the air died down, and all gazes fell on Sam, the Superion fanboy. Thunder rolled her eyes at him like she had just done with Superion. ¡°Not the time, Herculean,¡± she sighed. ¡°Herculean?¡± Superion raised a thick eyebrow at Sam. He scrutinized Sam for about a second longer before a welcoming smile flashed on his face. ¡°Oh, hey, Thunder¡¯s told me a lot about you in her emails.¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. ¡°Really?¡± Sam glanced from Superion to Thunder¡ªwho was sighing even more heavily¡ªand then back to Superion. ¡°What¡¯d she¡ª¡± ¡°Seriously not the time,¡± Thunder said, sounding exasperated. ¡°Um, yeah, sorry, I, uh, didn¡¯t mean to interrupt¡­¡± Sam glanced sideways at the villain closest to him¡ªthe polymorph Cheetor. ¡°Dude, you guys should choose option one. Seriously. I don¡¯t want to see you all broken up like Helfire¡­¡± Not that the convicts needed reminding. Watching Helfire go ¡®splat¡¯ on the prison walls like a fly that had been swatted away was a hard visual to forget. Still, there were a few ruffians¡ªparticularly the villains who¡¯d climbed up from the 3rd sub-level like Spider-Servant, Master Machismo, Red Dead Redeemer, and Dullahan¡ªwho refused to surrender to Superion¡¯s ultimatum. So, a new fight ensued, one quickly nipped in the bud, not by Superion himself, but by the other heroes who didn¡¯t want to risk Superion¡¯s power laying waste to what remained of the Crucible¡¯s administrative floor. Crow-Man, Thunder, Ice Brand, Miracle Girl, Bethany, and Sam all moved to subdue those few villains who chose the tougher route. Meanwhile, Superion yawned and kept his massive ball of storms ready in case the other prisoners decided to change their minds. None of them had planned it. They instinctively felt the need to act before it was too late. It might have taken longer than if Superion had done it himself, but, eventually, after enough villains had been zapped by lightning bolts, encased in ice, beaten up by magical fists, whammied by telekinetic blasts, or put to sleep by throwing knives coated in special narcotics¡ªthe battle of the Crucible was won. Sapped of their will to fight, the remaining inmates were corralled into temporary holding cells on the second sub-level, their power-dampening collars reignited. As for the heroes who¡¯d help quash the prison break, they were invited by the Crucible¡¯s interim chief into what was left of the chief¡¯s office on the administrative floor to discuss the events that had transpired and what to do about the fallout. While there, Sam finally got a chance to meet his favorite hero. ¡°So, you¡¯re both a warrior and a healer?¡± Superion asked, his brow arching. Sam nodded awkwardly. He couldn¡¯t help but feel embarrassed in front of his idol who seemed surprisingly friendly despite being renowned as one of the greatest heroes on Earth. Superion patted Sam on the shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s amazing!¡± A sheepish grin flashed on Sam¡¯s face. ¡°You seriously think so?¡± ¡°Yeah. I wish I had a healing gift¡­ Then I¡¯d be able to save more people.¡± ¡°Oh, yeah, sure, that¡¯s kind of my jam¡­¡± Sam could hear the frustration in Superion¡¯s tone, which was a weird parallel of how he¡¯d felt when he was still just a zeta. ¡°I know the feeling¡­ it never gets easy, does it?¡± ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t, but we keep trying despite the odds¡­because that¡¯s what heroes do, right?¡± Sam hadn¡¯t noticed it before since he¡¯d only ever seen Superion on TV, but now that they were standing side by side in a corner of the chief¡¯s room, he finally noticed that his idol¡ªthis larger-than-life being of immense power¡ªwasn¡¯t as physically large as Sam thought he¡¯d be. Sure, Superion was broad-shouldered, but he wasn¡¯t a muscle man like Dr. Hearthstone or a brute-looking like Apex. Superion was more like Sam. They shared a lean build and average height which hid the great power they had within them. ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Sam grinned back. ¡°Um, by the way, you were awesome today¡­ And that move, the Super Spirit¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s not actually called that,¡± Superion admitted, adding, ¡°I just thought people would get the reference and back down faster.¡± ¡°I got the reference!¡± Sam said excitedly. ¡°And no one else did¡­proof that you¡¯re both huge nerds.¡± Thunder, standing next to her cousin, chuckled at Sam¡¯s reddening cheeks. ¡°You two are so alike it¡¯s creeping me out.¡± Some would¡¯ve loved being told he was like his idol, but not if it came from Thunder¡¯s lips. Those same lips that he¡¯d once kissed and couldn¡¯t forget kissing. After all, which beautiful blonde superhero would want to kiss a guy who reminded her of her cousin? ¡°Um, we¡¯re not that alike¡­¡± he whispered. Meanwhile, Superion glanced sideways at Thunder, Sam, and then back at Thunder. ¡°I see you¡¯re still a bully,¡± he noted. ¡°What?¡± Thunder raised an eyebrow at him. ¡°I¡¯m not a bully. I like telling it how it is.¡± ¡°And hit people who don¡¯t agree with you,¡± Superion countered. ¡°Oh, yeah, she does a lot,¡± Sam weighed in. ¡°And there¡¯s this look she gives¡ª¡± ¡°When she gets mad?¡± Superion finished for Sam. ¡°Yeah, I see that eye roll pretty often too.¡± ¡°Right?¡± Sam agreed. They both got smacked in the shoulder with electrically charged fists, causing them to flinch away from the violent Thunder. Superion sighed exaggeratedly. ¡°Still can¡¯t take a joke.¡± ¡°Even though she¡¯s number one at teasing people,¡± Sam sighed as well. ¡°Do you two want to get hit again?¡± Thunder snapped. Someone in the room cleared their throat, forcing the trio¡¯s attention on the hero glowering at them throughout their banter. ¡°Are you three done fooling around?¡± Crow-Man growled. ¡°Sorry, Crow-Man,¡± Superion apologized. ¡°I was just excited to hang out with Thunder again. Cousin energy.¡± Crow-Man was standing next to the hardwood table that dominated the other end of the office. The person sitting on the other side of the desk was Warden Bethany Carlyle. She wasn¡¯t the actual chief, but no one could find Chief Johnson, so Bethany was asked by the security team to step up until the Wardens sent in reinforcements. ¡°If you¡¯re ready to listen¡±¡ªBethany smiled wanly at the gathering¡ª¡°then I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ve got some bad news to share¡­ The truth is¡ª¡± Bethany stopped mid-sentence because she noticed the tiny floating orb around Ice Brand¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Is that a recorder bot?¡± Ice Brand glanced to his left. ¡°Oh, yes. Sorry, it¡¯s mine.¡± He plucked the orb from the air and pocketed it. ¡°I¡¯m contractually obligated with Valhalla Max to record all my adventures for their premium program, ¡®Modern Einherjar,¡¯ Ice Brand explained, ¡°and I forgot that my bot¡¯s set to stream automatically.¡± He pulled out his smartphone and began to type something on it. ¡°One sec¡­ I¡¯ll just let my fans know that the stream¡¯s on a break, so they won¡¯t riot. They were all so excited to see Superion and Crow-Man and Thunder and¡ª¡± He glanced over his shoulder to look at Sam. ¡°You¡¯re great too,¡± he added. ¡°The world¡¯s most-watched vigilante on my stream¡­ it¡¯s like Yuletide season came early.¡± Thunder leaned closer to Sam¡¯s ear. ¡°And that¡¯s one more reason why I didn¡¯t sign with the Asgardian pantheon¡­ They care too much about the views,¡± she whispered. ¡°Ignore Jin Oppa. He¡¯s harmless.¡± Miracle Girl stretched out in her chair. ¡°Now, can someone care to explain why we all nearly died today?¡± Bethany spared another second making sure Ice Brand wouldn¡¯t suddenly start recording again before beginning her tale. She told the others that she and Crow-Man had been down at the 4th sub-level to meet with the Trickster. ¡°There¡¯s a fourth sub-level?¡± Sam asked warily. ¡°And a fifth, from what I remember,¡± Superion added. ¡°Could you imagine if any of those monsters got out?¡± ¡°Crow-Man and I took care of the fourth sub-level¡¯s inmates, and nothing can come out of the fifth sub-level once they¡¯re thrown into it,¡± Bethany explained, easing the apprehension in the room. ¡°Why did you meet with the Trickster?¡± Thunder asked. Crow-Man¡¯s response was a single word. ¡°Chimera.¡± Everyone visibly stiffened at the mention of the clandestine organization of evildoers, which, strangely enough, they¡¯ve each encountered on separate occasions even though Chimera was supposedly a secret organization these days. ¡°That¡¯s how he got me here.¡± Crow-Man¡¯s scowl deepened. ¡°But the intel we received¡­¡± Even with his cowl hiding most of his face, one could see the dark look he gave the others. Crow-Man let a moment of trepidation pass before finally saying, ¡°You should hear it for yourselves.¡± Volume 3, Chapter 7: A New Mystery Unfolds CHAPTER SEVEN A New Mystery Unfolds
Bethany and Crow-Man exchanged glances before she picked up the remote on her desk and pointed it at the flat screen that dominated the room¡¯s right-side wall. The screen came to life and showed the gathering of heroes a recording of a small prison cell barely lit by the light lining the corners of its ceiling. Three people were squished together in the cell; Crow-Man and Bethany to one side, while on the other, with his back pressed against the wall, was a gaunt-looking man with wild eyes who wore a straitjacket over his prison uniform. ¡°He grew his hair,¡± Sam noticed. It was a weird thing to notice, but the last time Sam saw the Trickster the villain had a very bald look that gave him a more sinister appearance than this beggar he was cosplaying as. The Trickster on the screen looked sick too. His clothes hung off him like they were a size or two too big. Wavy pumpkin-colored hair had grown out of a head that had once been as bald as a bowling ball to frame a gaunt face whose eyes seemed wrapped in dark circles. ¡°You¡¯ve grown hair,¡± came Crow-Man¡¯s voice from the TV¡¯s speakers. Sam couldn¡¯t help grinning since Crow-Man also made a big deal of the Trickster¡¯s new hairstyle. ¡°Like it?¡± TV Trickster¡¯s voice was raspier than Sam remembered. ¡°Might grow a mullet while I¡¯m in this fancy room they¡¯ve got me in¡­ At least until I decide to leave.¡± ¡°You¡¯re never getting out of here, Trickster.¡± The Crow-Man on TV verbally threatened the Trickster while the villain cackled in response. Based on what Sam saw back at the Met, this was their usual foreplay, the kind that usually ended in fisticuffs. ¡°This Trickster guy¡¯s insane, right?¡± Ice Brand asked. ¡°Must be,¡± Miracle Girl agreed. ¡°Taunting Crow-Man ¡ª you¡¯d have to be crazy to do that.¡± Crow-Man cleared his throat, though it sounded to everyone like a growl, causing the banter to die down instantly. ¡°Have you heard from our little healer?¡± TV Trickster¡¯s question caused Sam¡¯s fingers to tighten on his chair¡¯s armrest. ¡°I hear he¡¯s had a spot of trouble recently¡­murderous cats and vengeful dogs and ancient dragons. He-he-he¡­ sounds positively fun!¡± Sam raised an eyebrow at the screen while Thunder leaned toward him. ¡°He knows about our quest for the golden fleece¡­¡± she whispered. This should have been impossible to know because very few people knew what the crew of the Argo VII had been up to this past month. Not even Superion, who looked at his cousin with renewed interest, knew how she¡¯d been cured of the Blight. The only way for the Trickster to learn what transpired during the mission was if someone from outside had whispered this to him. In a louder voice, Thunder said, ¡°He knows about our mission¡­¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Bethany paused the recording. ¡°We don¡¯t know how, but the Trickster was kept updated on your¡­activities.¡± Sam had a strange feeling that Bethany had wanted to say ¡®troublemaking¡¯ but refrained from doing so. He let it go because there was a far bigger worry on his mind. With creasing brow, he asked, ¡°How does he know and why would he care¡­?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t know,¡± Bethany admitted. ¡°As for the why¡ª¡± ¡°You beat him,¡± Crow-Man finished for her. ¡°Now he¡¯s got his sights set on returning the favor.¡± ¡°Which would be impossible since he¡¯s still locked up, right?¡± Sam confirmed. The silence caused his brow to furrow some more. ¡°R-Right¡­?¡± ¡°Keep watching,¡± Crow-Man suggested. There was more banter on the screen; mostly the Trickster mocking his visitors to the point that Crow-Man picked him up by the scruff of his collar and then slammed the villain against the room¡¯s back wall. ¡°Crow!¡± TV Bethany yelled in warning while the Trickster cackled in Crow-Man¡¯s face. ¡°So quick to violence. It¡¯s a wonder that people think you¡¯re a hero.¡± ¡°No games, Trickster,¡± TV Crow-Man growled. ¡°Why did you call me here?¡± ¡°I told you¡­I wanted to¡­chat,¡± TV Trickster managed to say despite Crow-Man¡¯s tight hold on his throat. ¡°What do we have to chat about?¡± TV Crow-Man pressed. Despite the deep frown on his face, the Crow-Man on the screen visibly slackened his grip on the villain. TV Trickster coughed, and then coughed more before saying, ¡°¡­I¡¯ve got a prophecy for you, Crow.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not a seer,¡± TV Crow-Man growled. ¡°One doesn¡¯t need to be a seer to receive divine revelation every once in a while.¡± TV Trickster cackled. His laughter was cut short, and everyone watching the screen saw the sudden change in the villain¡¯s demeanor. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to hear it?¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. TV Crow-Man¡¯s grunt was his only response¡ªto which Ice Brand commented, ¡°The sound recording in that cell is amazing. I can hear everything very clearly¡­¡± ¡°Weird thing to focus on, Jin Oppa,¡± Miracle Girl said before she shushed him. TV Trickster lacked Farsight¡¯s flare for mysticism, but the ghostly voice they heard on screen left little doubt in their minds. This was a real prophecy. ¡°The curse of pride will surely rise, to slay the gods and darken skies,¡± TV Trickster rhymed ominously. ¡°Calamity comes to the land of the dead, while the world above meets misery and dread.¡± Bethany paused the recording, and an ominous silence filled the air of the chief¡¯s office. It was a silence that Miracle Girl eventually shattered when she asked, ¡°Anyone here know what that psycho¡¯s talking about?¡± Sam recalled an old saying he¡¯d once heard at Saturday temple. Of all the twisted emotions that gave birth to fearsome horrors, pride must surely be the mightiest of all. He didn¡¯t need to say it out loud though. He could tell from their expressions that everyone was thinking the same thing. But what kind of pride could slay the gods? Sam wondered, to which Chiron answered inside his head, What do you think, kid? Sam sighed. ¡°It¡¯s another elder giant¡­ isn¡¯t it?¡± All eyes turned on him. ¡°That makes sense,¡± Thunder agreed. ¡°We¡¯ve faced two of them so far, although these were only shadow versions of the real thing¡­ But if this prophecy is about an actual elder giant rising from¡ª¡± ¡°The land of the dead?¡± Ice Brand supplied. Thunder¡¯s expression darkened when she turned to face Sam. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s connected to the package Medea stole from us?¡± Sam had felt the power of the Golden Fleece firsthand as it had temporarily turned him into an omega-level healer so he could cure Thunder of the Blight that cursed her. If there was a relic capable of bringing one of the Gigantes back from the land of the dead then the fleece was certainly a top contender. ¡°We need to get in touch with Farsight and the others. See if they¡¯ve tracked the, um, package yet,¡± Sam answered. He was hesitant to say anything more with so many ears listening in. ¡°Looks like these two have a secret they don¡¯t want us to hear,¡± Miracle Girl commented after another moment of dead air, prompting Ice Brand to elbow her in the arm. ¡°You need to learn to be more tactful, MG.¡± ¡°Just saying,¡± she replied. Miracle Girl winked at Sam, making him sigh. ¡°Can¡¯t we just ask the Trickster about his prophecy some more?¡± Superion asked, adding, ¡°I haven¡¯t tangled with him myself, but from what Crow-Man¡¯s told me about him, this villain doesn¡¯t strike me as someone who¡¯d lie when the truth is so¡­¡± ¡°Bat shit crazy?¡± Miracle Girl supplied. ¡°That¡¯s the word I¡¯d use for this.¡± Bethany glanced in Sam¡¯s direction. ¡°In any case, we¡¯ll need an expert to verify this prophecy¡¯s authenticity.¡± ¡°Farsight should know,¡± Sam agreed. ¡°But I still don¡¯t get why the Fates would bless the Trickster with a prophecy?¡± ¡°Who says it¡¯s his?¡± Thunder argued. ¡°He could just be repeating words he¡¯d heard from someone else.¡± ¡°Which leads us to our other problem.¡± Bethany unpaused the recording. ¡°Here¡¯s proof that the Trickster wasn¡¯t working alone¡­¡± The room in the video shook, and that¡¯s when the recording cut out. ¡°I remember that quake,¡± Ice Brand said. ¡°Jin Oppa and I were assisting with a prison transfer on the third sub-level when shit went down,¡± Miracle Girl explained. ¡°Keep watching.¡± Bethany pressed a button on her remote and activated a second video recording. ¡°This is where it gets interesting.¡± The new recording showed off a round hall similar to the one Sam and Thunder had fallen into after Barbelle¡¯s explosion. However, while the administrator¡¯s floor had polished stone walls and a parquet floor, this other hall was made entirely of craggy obsidian rock with veins of lava appearing along the walls. ¡°This is the elevator hall for the fourth sub-level,¡± she explained. Looking at the intimidating d¨¦cor, Sam guessed the fourth sub-level was a bad spot to be in, and he said as much. ¡°It¡¯s where we lock up the criminally insane along with people cursed by the gods,¡± Bethany explained. Miracle Girl whistled. ¡°Wow, a whole floor for freaks just like the Trickster. Sounds fun.¡± ¡°MG, you¡¯re not supposed to say the ¡®F¡¯ word anymore,¡± Ice Brand scolded. On the screen, Bethany and Crow-Man¡ªwith an unconscious Trickster hoisted over his shoulder¡ªfaced off against a villain Sam recognized from a news alert he¡¯d seen a year ago. The same news alert where Superion had nearly been killed by the alpha-level villain, ¡°Bloodfyre!¡± All their gazes snapped toward Superion whose narrowed eyes fixed on the pale-skinned, white-haired woman in the loose red robe with ends that dragged against the floor. The video cut out again while Bloodfyre slashed at Crow-Man with the red saber she carried. ¡°You didn¡¯t stop her,¡± Superion assumed. ¡°I¡¯m not you,¡± Crow-Man replied flatly. ¡°Sorry.¡± Superion¡¯s hand rose to his chest while an expression of imagined pain flitted across his face. ¡°I couldn¡¯t stop her completely either.¡± ¡°So, Bloodfyre took the Trickster from you?¡± Thunder guessed. ¡°We got away from her at first, but there were too many villains on the third sub-level, and she caught up to us in the end,¡± Bethany answered. ¡°She took the Trickster and escaped before we could catch them,¡± Crow-Man added. ¡°The red pillar we saw from the transport¡­that was Bloodfyre¡¯s doing,¡± Thunder realized. ¡°A red pillar?¡± Superion¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re talking about her ¡®Bloody Tree¡¯ aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Bloody Tree?¡± Sam repeated. ¡°That¡¯s what she calls this thing Bloodfyre creates when she reshapes a huge amount of blood into these giant red veins that look like they¡¯re branches of a tree rising into the sky,¡± Superion explained. ¡°Makes sense,¡± Ice Brand weighed in. ¡°Lots of blood got spilled in the Crucible during the start of the breakout.¡± ¡°But why would she take the Trickster?¡± Sam¡¯s fingers tightened on the armrest of his seat once more. ¡°What does she want from him?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t know,¡± Crow-Man answered. ¡°But you and I are going to find out.¡± Right on cue, a new mission notification popped up in front of Sam.
RECAPTURE THE CRUCIBLE¡¯S ESCAPED CONVICTS.
Below this one was a second pop-up that puzzled Sam until he realized what it implied.
CONVICTS CAPTURED: 0/37
Sam had several missions on his docket: rescuing Serena, reclaiming the Golden Fleece, finding the Trident of Atlantis, and his secret fourth labor. However, this new addition seemed more urgent considering the number flashing on the notification. ¡°Um, just wondering here, but the Trickster isn¡¯t the only prisoner who got away, was he?¡± Sam asked. Warden Bethan confirmed his fears with another press of a button. Several photographs appeared on the screen. They were all mugshots of villains who wore the same white jumpsuit as the Crucible¡¯s inmates. ¡°You¡¯re right. The Trickster wasn¡¯t the only one¡­¡± Bethany¡¯s gaze moved from one hero¡¯s face to another. She caught Sam¡¯s eye last. ¡°We don¡¯t know how the rest of them got out, but in total, thirty-seven maximum-security prisoners escaped the Crucible¡­¡± An ominous silence filled the air after hearing this piece of bad news, one that Miracle Girl ended with one perfect curse. ¡°Fuck¡­¡±