A Mantle of the Gods.
I’d known we had Mantles, because that was how we got our jobs, stats, skills, and everything else. But what I didn’t know was that we got a second one.
“Tres explained that he gets a little bit of experience every time someone gains experience in a dungeon in his city, right?” Trent waved at Aryne, “This is how they form a connection with that dungeon. This is how they start a city.”
“But you said you were too low level.” I looked at Arlo.
“I AM.” Arlo glared at Trent, “You’re supposed to be at LEAST Tier Six to try something like this. I’m only Tier FIVE.”
“You’re in the upper fifties.” Trent sighed, “Which do you think is less risky? You trying to bond with the dungeon?” He motioned at Rix, “Or channeling enough power through her that her skill can snuff him out?”
Rix swallowed, “He’s Tier Five, probably Six…”
We’d seen what it’d taken for a Tier Two to take down a Tier Five. For a Tier Zero to take down a Tier Six… I doubted she’d survive.
“I like Plan A.” Rix swallowed and started to back away a little.
“I have a question.” I pointed at Arlo, “Why is he here? Wouldn’t you be a better candidate to deal with that?” I looked at Trent. “What exactly is it that he’s going to try?”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“I’m here because I’m like you.” Arlo was looking at the huge ice cube in front of us. “Except I’m a LOT older and higher level.”
“You’re…” I was confused, “Are the Heema Gods?”
“No…” Arlo shook his head. “It’s complicated and I’d rather not get into it. Short story is that Tres is my father and Mala Heema is my mother.”
“So you being here..?” I turned to Trent, “This was all PLANNED?”
“Our participation was a happy coincidence, I assure you. And this was one of the worst case scenario contingencies.” Trent shook his head and looked at Arlo. “We need to try it now or we’re going to lose our window.”
Arlo closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, “I still say this is a bad idea.”
“Bad ideas are all we have…” Trent shook his head, “Who else could get here before this thing goes off? There are none of the Lesser Gods that we could get here in time, even if we DID trust them with a city.”
“I’m assuming you know what I have to do to pair the Mantle?” Arlo looked at Trent, “Because dad hasn’t covered that yet since I’m still too low level.”
Trent gave him a look that told me that Arlo had just asked a question that didn’t deserve an answer.
“Are there any other relevant questions before we get started?” My teacher looked even more tired as he scanned us.
I raised my hand, “I have one. If he’s supposed to pair that Mantle,” I pointed at Arlo, “And Rix is supposed to try to kill it if he can’t.” I tried to swallow the nerves that were shaking my voice, “Why exactly am I here?”
“Because…” Trent started casting something, “You’re plan C.”