When Joe sat back next to Brian, he was met with the same look of concern from the big guy as before. Joe brushed it off with a forced smile. “Did you miss me?”
Brian shook his head, twirling his vape of clarity in his hand. “Been rather busy identifying options of what we can do with the core.”
“Sell it. Seems like a no-brainer to me,” TJ butted in, slamming his fist on the table. “Splitting up the extra time won’t get us out of the Orange Zone, but it can keep us further from the Red.”
“I think you’re being shortsighted,” Dawn said, leaning in close. “It’s worth much more than a hundred years. We gotta be careful who we sell it to because once they break it down, they’ll have the advantage of whatever the core powder can do.”
Brian nodded, his eyes narrowing as he spun the vape. “If you didn’t have a supremely talented alchemist with added artificer skills like me, it would make sense to cut your losses and sell it. But with fortunes smiling on you, it makes better sense for me to break it down. We have three options as I see it...” His words trailed off as he shifted his gaze across the room.
Following his line of sight, Joe saw Gaia stand, her intense gaze never leaving him. She pulled her wild, indigo-tinged hair into a messy bun, revealing a bracelet on her wrist that pulsed with a strange matching light to her ring. Striding towards them, she looked like some superhero in slow motion, and Joe could almost hear a power ballad blasting in his mind with every step she took. Her aura screamed power, making her look total badass in that drab orange hoodie and cargo pants. She was a walking storm, and everyone else was caught in her path.
Placing both hands on her hips, she loomed over their table. She raised a hand and pointed it squarely at Joe. “I challenge you to a battlebox match.”
A notification appeared in Joe’s vision.
[Battlebox Challenge! Ascender 98 of the Blanche Brigade challenges Ascender 84 of the Titan Slayers. Automatic one year ante will now be placed in the prize pool. Response required within ten minutes.
Accept: Yes/No?
Note: If the challenge is ignored or declined, a penalty of two years will automatically be withdrawn and granted to ascender 98 who initiated the challenge.]
A ten minute timer ticked down, and Joe’s ascender number dropped by one year.
When he didn’t immediately respond, Gaia’s dark brows snapped together. “What is the matter with you, boy? Cat got your tongue? Answer me!” Her tone was as caustic as her sharp green-eyed stare.
Joe crossed his arms, meeting her gaze. “I’m trying to figure you out and why you haven’t accepted Andras’ offer. He’s got much more time to bet than we do.”
Her lip curled up in disgust. “I’m not an attention whore like him. If I valued time currency, I wouldn’t still be in the Orange Zone.” The intensity in her words spoke of a grander plan, confusing Joe even more as to why someone would choose to remain in the Orange Zone.
“Well, what do we have that interests you so much?” Rose asked, her voice calm but curious.
Gaia sighed, her expression genuinely puzzled. “Look at you, struggling with mediocrity. How do all you humans wake up every day knowing you’re so insignificant?” Her tone was filled with genuine curiosity.
TJ snorted. “Hey lady, have you taken a look in the mirror? You’re looking pretty human yourself.”
She waved him off like a bothersome fly. “I think of it as a temporary malaise. That means illness for a mouth-breather like you.”
TJ’s neck reddened, contrasting the orange of his hoodie. “If it wasn’t for the no fighting rule in the safe zones, I’d rip your head off and shit down your neck. If Joe doesn’t accept your challenge, I will.”
Gaia sneered at him like he was a small child. “I am interested in one singular thing, and that is reputation—something many ascenders have lost sight of. I was a goddess, and my immortality was stolen from me by another god. The prize of immortality is mine, a mere stepping stone to return me to my former glory. Joe, you killed the first titan, making you the one to beat in the battlebox.”
Dawn, wrestling with her seething hatred, let her fiery stare get the better of her and stood facing Gaia. “Joe doesn’t need to waste his time on you. I think you should accept Andras’ challenge because I’d give Joe the two-year penalty from my own stash rather than see him fight you.”
“Andras is a wimp. I would not degrade myself by accepting a challenge from the likes of him. My challenge stands, Joe. Your reputation is at stake, which is far more valuable than two years, so I wouldn’t listen to that useless Paladin of yours.”
Dawn’s hands glowed, clenched into fists.
“Don’t.” Joe stood. “She’s not worth it.”
A smirk played on Gaia’s lips.
“If I accept your challenge, how about we level the playing field? You know a hell of a lot more about me than I know about you. I take it you also know I’m rogue class?”
“Yes, and if you used your brain, it’d be rather obvious what class a goddess would choose.”
“Ex-goddess. You’re mortal now,” Dawn said, folding her arms with a snarky grin.
“Don’t talk to me, you toe-sucking, ass-licking heel.”
“Listen, we’ve got a lot to do here, so why don’t you explain it to us like we’re two-year-olds,” Brian said, rising to tower over her, smoke billowing from his vape.
“That shortsighted lich developed a rather mundane system, but that’s liches for you. I didn’t choose arcanist because they’re a bunch of bookish fools that lack the innate grandeur and elegance of true magic.”
Brian stood there, unfazed by her pompous monologue.
“As for Druids—tree-hugging, nature-obsessed simpletons,” she said, giving a scathing glance to Lucky, “playing with plants and animals instead of commanding the forces of the cosmos.”
Staring at TJ, she droned on, “Outsiders, misfits, and pariahs wandering aimlessly without purpose—they are beneath my notice. As for mages, those arrogant little mortals think they control the arcane with their flimsy spells and rituals. They have no idea what true power is, making them weak and predictable. I did consider being a priestess, but honestly, supporting others and inspiring them is a waste of my divine knowledge. I leave that drivel to Ryan—he’s much better at that type of thing. I’ve got better things to do than play nursemaid to a bunch of incompetents. So I think it’s rather obvious that I chose sorceress because true power comes from within. It’s the closest I can get to my former glory. Is that enough information for you?” She wore a satisfied smile that softened her harsh angular features.
“You know the saying ‘fools rush in’? Joe can defer the challenge without incurring a time penalty,” Brian said, exhaling more smoke that made Gaia flutter her lashes as she wafted it away.
Joe bit back a laugh. Brian was a genius for suggesting he defer the challenge. He wouldn’t lose face, and his all-important reputation would stay intact. It would also give him time to grow stronger—strong enough to beat an all-knowing goddess.
***
The Battlebox challenge notification from Gaia lingered in Joe’s vision like an unwelcome party guest who didn’t know when to go home. He was thankful for the party chat that allowed private conversation.
None of his team were against the idea of him deferring the challenge for the maximum time, which was six hours. Ignoring the yes or no option, he opened a submenu and chose to defer for the maximum duration.
Gaia snorted, the sound like a disdainful hiss. “Finally, I thought I was going to die of boredom while you agonized over the decision. You humans are insufferable. It would’ve been wiser to accept your fate and choose yes rather than delay the inevitable.”
“Newsflash, the world doesn’t revolve around you,” Joe muttered under his breath, deciding it wasn’t wise to piss her off further. Even though he’d only met her pal Ryan for a few moments, Joe liked him. Despite all her grandstanding, Joe wasn’t ready to write Gaia off as an enemy. She was immune to Andras’ charm, after all.
“Sorry to disappoint you, but we’ve got other shit to do,” TJ said, straightening to his full height. While not as tall as Brian, TJ still looked like he could chew through steel cables.
Gaia turned her nose up, spinning away with a flourish, her indigo strands of hair slipping free from the messy bun as she marched away.
“Bye, Gaia,” Rose said with a gentle wave, but the ex-goddess didn’t turn around.
“She really needs to lighten up,” TJ said, shaking his head. “Don’t know why she thinks being human sucks.”
Brian tapped his vape on the table, sending a small cloud of smoke swirling upwards. “She’s got a divine ego the size of the cosmos. Imagine the identity crisis she’d have as a ratfolk.”
“Screw her. Ratfolk are the best,” Dawn said with conviction. “They don’t shit where they’re not supposed to, don’t steal, and they sure as shit don’t compare.”
Joe kept silent, not wanting to highlight the obvious bias in Dawn's sweeping statement.
“For once, I agree with you,” TJ added, his harsh features softening with sympathy as he glanced at Lucky, who was nervously fiddling with his tail.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
Joe opened the party chat, not wanting to be overheard. Mentally writing the message, he was more than happy to see his name displayed rather than his ascender number. A simple update to his interface to include a label for nicknames gave them back some of their identity in the party chat.
Joe: Gaia isn’t the worst. She dislikes Andras as much as we do, and her pal Ryan was open and friendly. We need all the allies we can get, not burn bridges unless we have to.
Brian: I agree.
Rose: If she is telling the truth and not delusional, having an ally with vast cosmic knowledge is wise. I got a very good feeling about Ryan; he’s a kind soul. It’s not an act.
Dawn and TJ remained silent.
Since they didn’t protest, Joe decided to move on. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their trust settle on his shoulders. “So I’ve got less than six hours before I face her in the Battlebox. I’ll make time to practice with the MadOrbz and visit Caspar the Curator if I’m lacking. Before that, Brian, what are our options with the core? You mentioned a single powder that would benefit those of us with earth affinity or a more complex potion we all can benefit from.”
Brian took a long drag from his vape, the vapor curling around his head like a halo. “I have the skill to make complex potions. Once we find a crafting area, I have a few options with the ingredients I already have, like Tears of the Titan and those mushrooms. I can make a Neural Boost or Divine Sight potion.”
The way Brian explained it, the second one sounded like some magic peyote. Joe was curious about that one as he’d never tried mind-altering drugs back home.
TJ’s fingers drummed with impatience on the table. “We need to bank more time and sell it rather than waste all the time it will take to make those potions. We haven’t even seen nor heard of a crafting room. You saw those hollows out there on the first floor. What are they going to be like on this floor? I’m all for killing them, but that’s easier said than done.”
“Having more time is no guarantee that you won’t end up GORED,” Brian said, shaking his head with a grim expression. “In fact, I believe Green Zoners, who are the most time-rich, will be more attractive to time-sucking vampires. You saw what the Greensnare roots could do on floor one. I believe there will be other monsters in the tower with even greater reach and deadly powers.”
“I agree with Brian. A potion that benefits us all seems like the right path to growing stronger as a team. We can’t afford any weak links in our chain.” Dawn planted a hand on her hip.
“That’s easy for you to say.” TJ snapped a sharp gaze at Dawn, his frustration weighing heavy in the air. “You’re a changeling. You’ve got many more years left in your life expectancy than us humans. If we die, it’s on you.” He looked away, his tone losing some of its bite.
Joe placed the Greensnare thorns on the table in front of Brian. “These have armor capabilities. Says they work well with water affinity items. What do you think? Can you see more details with your skill?”
Brian’s eyes glowed silver as he examined the thorns, then blinked back to their usual dark brown. “Rose, how would you like to elevate your staff?”
She beamed, clapping her hands in delight. “I’d love that!”
Joe’s spirits lifted at her enthusiasm. “Great. How about you two go find a crafting alchemy area?” He stood up, stretching. “How do the rest of you feel about paying the Hall of Fame another visit?”
They nodded, standing shoulder to shoulder.
“Excellent.” Joe couldn’t contain his grin. “Let’s go, because I have questions that need answering.”
***
The tunnels on the second floor safe zone initially seemed much the same as the first: walls pulsing with a dark red hue and webbed with tubules along the ceiling. But the further they ventured, the more Joe noticed the subtle differences. Scurrying sounds echoed through distant tunnels, shadows flickered in the gloom, and a prickling sensation on his neck told him they were being watched.
Testing a theory, Joe spun around to find the tunnel behind them empty. But a flicker of movement on the wall caught his eye—tiny, blinking eyes embedded in the fleshy walls, watching them.
Dawn halted and turned back to join him. “You feel it too?”
“The walls have eyes. I swear I saw them as I turned around.” The walls continued their rhythmic pulse, but the eyes had disappeared.
Shrugging off his unease, Joe turned back to the others, who stood patiently waiting except for Brian, who was in deep conversation with Poppy.
They’d barely gone twenty paces when a valve door opened on the right. Brian gestured to Rose. “This is us,” he said, looking at Joe. “According to Poppy, this is where the magic happens. See you guys later. Have fun in the Hall of Fame. My advice: gather intel on the next titan we face.”
“Will do. Thanks. Let you know what we find through the party chat.” Joe grinned as a new idea sparked. “Hold on!”
Dawn looked at him with curiosity while TJ stared at him, as if deciding whether Joe was a mad genius or not.
“Hey, Poppy,” Joe called out. The little avatar popped into his vision, her eyes starry. “Yip-yip, Joe! Poppy so happy to help Brian make new things.”
“I’m happy for you, Poppy. Since we’re all working together, can we make you an honorary member of our faction so you can join our party chat?”
“Oh no, Joe.” Her ears drooped and tail dragged behind her. “Poppy’d love to, but it’s not allowed.”
Joe tapped his chin, searching for a loophole. Activating Quick Wit, he spun through several options using past life experiences in games. His eyes lit up as a solution came to him. “You are assisting Brian in the crafting room, yes?”
“Yip, yip.”
Joe had a hunch he hoped was right. “Do you have a status for each ascender depending on your interactions with them, such as friendly or hostile?”
“Yip, Joe. For you, status is special. I created it: Best Buds.”
Brian’s brows raised in surprise, then turned to a look of impressed curiosity. “How about me?”
“Status is Pals.”
TJ stepped forward with keen interest. “How about the rest of us?”
“Pals too.”
Brian smoothed his goatee. “Tell me, Poppy, why is Joe’s status different from ours?”
“Joe asked me what I like.” Her tail swished before slowing to a sudden stop. “No one ever asks me that. Some ascenders are nasty to me, others treat me like a servant. For them, I have statuses ranging from known to hostile.”
“It seems only right to me that you should have the ability to offer perks,” Joe said, glancing back at Brian who wore a grin.
Poppy went silent. Joe wondered if she was asking the Lich, which could bring unwanted attention to them. He didn’t want to break the rules but bend them a little. Would the Lich see it that way?
She clapped her little paws and jumped up and down. “Master trusts me. He busy, busy. Look, look at your party chat. See new notification.”
Joe smiled as he read it.
[Ascender 66 has gained a crafting companion.]
[Poppy has accepted the invite to join Titan Slayer party chat as crafting companion.]
Poppy: Hi-hi, everyone.
They all took turns welcoming her to the group. While Joe could talk to Poppy on his own at any time, with Brian giving her access to the party chat it would be a great way to quickly share ideas. For now, Joe wasn’t worried about keeping things from the Lich.
Brian: I’m thinking of making either Neural Boost or Divine Sight potions. I have 50 tageticolor mushrooms and a bottle of Titan Tears, of which I can spare a few drops for a Divine Enlightenment potion.
Poppy: I help. Please, please, please.
Brian: Of course, Poppy, I'd love your help.
Poppy: I calculate. Yum, crunching numbers good. You need 10 of tageticolor mushrooms, 5 grams of core powder, and 80 milliliters distilled water to make 150 milliliters of Divine Sight potion. Make Neural Boost with leftovers.
Joe was impressed. In the blink of an eye, she had done those calculations. It warmed his heart knowing she felt valued, given how eager she was to prove herself.
Joe: Looks like we’ll have two potions from the Titan core powder.
Brian: Yes. We don’t need another mana or healing potion. The ones I already have can be supplemented by Titan Tears. When my skills suggested a potion of Divine enlightenment, I immediately thought of Dawn. And now, with Poppy’s calculations, it’s possible to make both potions. Divine Sight is the one I’d like to make first, but if time and resources allows, I’ll make the Neural Boost potion too.
Dawn: I won’t say no to that. I only have a faint sense of the god I serve, and I’ve got a long way to go to impress him.
Once the decision was agreed upon, they made arrangements to meet up in the common room after completing their own tasks.
As TJ and Dawn walked with him towards the Hall of Fame, Joe kept the conversation going with Poppy. “Poppy, what can you tell me about this tower and why it needs so much mana to keep it alive? I swear I saw eyes in the walls watching me.”
“Poppy knows little of what’s outside the tower. I ask and ask, but Master says no. I better focus on ascenders, make sure they behave. There are books on it now you’re on floor two. You can read them.”
“Can you access the contents of those books?”
“No.”
“What about in the crafting room? Are there books there that might include how the room is powered by mana?” Joe tugged on the strings of hoodie, trying to minimize his annoyance with the lich.
Poppy’s voice lit with enthusiasm. “Yip-yip. Lots of books on crafting, alchemy, oh, and a maintenance manual.”
“Can you retrieve the information on how the room is powered, any background information?
“Can-do. Checking out…”
Silence followed.
“Is everything okay, Poppy?”
A notification appeared in the party chat.
[Poppy has added a file: Quantum Threads.
Access? Yes/No]
Joe didn’t hesitate and selected yes. He nearly stumbled into TJ as a sheet of information appeared in front of him. TJ caught him before he fell.
“Sorry about that, got distracted.” Straightening, he walked on while shifting the sheet to the side where he could glance at it but still see where he was going.
He slowed his pace to read the first paragraph aloud, loud enough for TJ and Dawn to hear.
“Background on mana-powered crafting room, including a troubleshooting guide. Quantum threads weave through the fabric of the universe. These lines converge at significant points; one of the most powerful in this region is beneath this tower, several levels below this alchemy and crafting room. The convergence of these quantum threads at the tower amplifies the mana present here, making it a nexus of immense magical energy. This energy is partially drawn from the entangled particles of multiple realities, creating a unique blend of mana from which this crafting room can draw power. This convergence provides enough energy to keep the living tower alive.”
Dawn frowned. “So, basically, the tower is sitting on a magical power spot, and it’s sucking in energy from all over different realities to keep running?”
“Yeah, that’s pretty much it,” Joe replied. “We’re dealing with some serious power here.”
Dawn smiled. “Hey, Poppy, what can you tell us about being GORED? And I need more details on those hollows since we’re bound to come across more. I want to understand the link between being GORED and the increase in the crystalline pool of immortality. Can you help me?”
Poppy’s little avatar seemed to pale with fright. “Poppy not like them anymore. They make ascenders murder-death-kill. Not nice. Not fair.”
“I understand why you’d feel that way,” Joe said, keeping his voice soft. “I know it’s not nice talking about them after what they did, but anything you can tell us will help the next time we face them.”
“You run, Joe. Never a coward to run from hollows.”
The little avatar provided information about the ejected ascenders being similar to a bank overdraft facility where there was limited time available. Once you’re ejected, or GORED as TJ yelled out after his epiphany, everyone's the same—a dying soul in an uncontrollable body with the same limited amount of time before turning hollow.
This led to questions about loopholes and the mention of the time hacker, but Poppy was forbidden to say anything about either. A warning notification had flashed, indicating misuse of the avatar and that stopped Joe’s further probing.
Joe’s mind raced, trying to process all the new information. “Thanks, Poppy. We’ll be careful. How much further ‘til we reach the Hall of Titans?”
“Now, now. Turn left.”