Chapter 138

Chapter 138

I knew there was a chance this wouldnt go how Talia wanted. Of that original group, Jinny was the friendliest towards her, with Nick as a strong second. Sae, by comparison, was a distant third.

It was entirely possible that this could backfire completely. People dont always act rational after a tragedy. Looking for someone or something to blame is par for the course, and what better scapegoat than the spirit guide that led us to ruin?

Realistically, there was nothing that Talia could have done.

Elevators creeping me out. Sae eyed the iron bars warily. Its got serious cage vibes.

All three floors Sae had cleared were wholly different from my original experience. The elevator was the one aspect that remained relatively unchanged. Figuring it wouldnt do any harm, I briefly recounted my original experience with the dungeon, leaving out the more problematic aspects and altering the story some.

So, the bear almost killed you, but you took it out on your own. And now youve got the shadow thing left.

Pretty much.

Before I could say anything further, Sae rounded on me. There was a cloud of anger in her expression. Why, exactly, are you doing this?

I studied her. To finish the quest.

Does it require you to finish it solo?

Well, no.

And you said getting me to level ten was a priority, right?

Yes.

Then heres an idea, smartass. Sae stuck a finger in my chest. Give me a day to rest, and we come back and finish this thing together.

There was something beneath the acerbic demeanor. Worry, concern maybe? Still, that wasnt going to happen. Im on a timetable.

What fucking timetable? Sae held her arms wide. Feel free to explain it to me because I dont get it. This dungeon doesnt mess around. By your own admission, it would have happily killed you if you so much as picked the wrong elevator.

I appreciate the offer, really I said honestly. And if things were even slightly different, Id take you up on it. But theres something valuable to me in the solo-instance. Something I might not be able to obtain if we went that route.

Sae stepped away and crossed her arms, giving me a cold stare. More secrets. Whatever youre after must be worth it. But I dont understand why youre so quick to put your life on the line when youve already got it made.

I dont have it made. Everything I have is balanced on the edge of a knife

Bullshit. You have an entire region of the city, uncontested, with multiple strong guilds backing your authority. A power that could easily tip the scale of any conflict, as weve so thoroughly seen, and a family that needs you. Yet, youre still acting like you have nothing to lose.

Uncontested for the moment. And you seem to be under the impression that passivity is an option. I said coldly. Let me ask you a question. Do you really think the suits are going to just stop at some point? Just sit back and say to themselves, You know what? Thats enough power. We can dial back on the atrocities, kidnapping, blackmail and extortion for a bit. Is that how you think this is going to go?

No. But its not all on you.

Like hell its not. I bit back. Im not going to sit back in my ivory fucking tower and pretend like things have changed. This is the same dog fight it always has been. The second they took Nick, threatened my family, and killed Jinny, there were two choices. Lay back and let them do what they please, or wipe them out.

Sae backed off. And I thought I was angry.

Its not about revenge or posturing. I turned away. These are people who understand how to take advantage of the flaws in the system. Any system. Elites who soar to untold heights by treading on the heads of those below them. They have no code. And they were killing people by day three. Day-fucking-three, Sae. When everyone else was trying to figure out what the fuck a feat was and deciding whether they needed to go to a psych ward.

I get that theyre bad news.

Sae put out a hand and shot me a stern look. Matt, stop it.

Youre just going to take whatever she says at face value? I asked, feigning exasperation.

I get that youre angry. So am I. Sae hesitated as she worked through the issues in her head. But text chat was offline. And once the trial had started, that membrane went up, covering the entrance. Even if she shouted, we couldnt have heard her. Not to mention, there were twelve of them. Talia wasnt much stronger than us, and you saw how quickly Sae trailed off, hands curling into fists.

Whatever. I walked away, placing my back to a nearby wall.

Talia approached Sae, nosing a clenched fist with her muzzle until Sae relaxed and gently stroked Talias head.

At first I had my doubts. But you were all so noble and steadfast. You covered for each other, and did not leave your wounded. When you invited me to join you, I was flattered. Real grief filtered into Talias voice. Just as I was horrified when that possibility was torn away. With the last vestiges of my consciousness, I watched you disappear back into the trial and thought you gone forever.

Sae was quiet.

When I regained consciousness, I became aware that you had returned. Not unscathed, but unbroken. A huntress through and through. Pardon the indulgence, but I had to speak to you. Just once. To see you in the flesh and apologize, for my short-comings. Talia held her head high. I will take my leave now.

The story about dying and regaining consciousness, becoming aware of Sae, was all manufactured. But it felt like the emotion andmore surprisingly, regretthat Talia was conveying was genuine. Id thought she was just angry. She was a summon, after all, there was only so much she could do. However, this exchange was making me realize that Talia didnt see herself that way. She considered herself elevated and strong. And took the responsibility that came with that estimation seriously.

Even now, shed started to walk away. Sae watched her go, wearing a complex expression I couldnt begin to parse. Finally, she called after the wolf. So, thats it?

Talia stopped. What do you mean?

Jinny is dead. Sae said coldly. We all fucked up. Matt didnt see it coming. Nick immediately lost it as soon as her body hit the ground. And I ran away like a coward. You dont get to martyr yourself and take all the blame.

You do not have to

Im not making excuses for you. For any of us. But we all played a part. And if you saw yourself as part of our pack, then why are you running away now?

Talia studied Sae. Her eyes flicked to me. Im unsure how to respond. This is not how I expected it to go.

It made sense now. Why Talia had been so insistent on talking to Sae.

You wanted her to blame you. To help her move forward by offsetting her guilt on someone she might never see again.

When Talia didnt answer, I offered the only advice I could think of.

We dont know whats going to happen with the lithid. So, obviously best to not make any promises. Just be as honest as you can.

Talia processed that, waiting a long moment before she spoke again. Though my death was not permanent, it was not without cost. There are challenges before me. It is uncertain if I will be able to return to you as I was.

Sae strode over and crouched down on in front of her. Talias tail wagged as she waited attentively. Sae reached out, placing a hand on the wolfs chest, and shoved her gently. Then hurry and do what you need to do. So you can come back. Sae stuck a thumb at me. Knowing this guy, things will go to shit soon enough. He might not be willing to admit it, but we need all the help we can get. And when youre back, well get you that armor we promised you.

With that, Sae turned to go, leaving Talia behind. I nodded to Talia and followed.

Even if I cant return, know this. I will be watching over you. Talia called after us.

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After Kinsley used her power to door Sae back to the penthouse, I made my final preparations for the fifth floor of the adaptive dungeon.

It was a long time coming.