Mantle of the Gods

Gesai was only putting two of the level threes in each run.

Justia and I were in the first team, which meant Jenne and Ren had to sit out. Ren had bought a healing spell and was attempting to be a flex Healer on top of buffing. So far, she’d been doing a pretty good job at keeping everyone healthy.

“Atlas…” Gesai snapped her fingers in my face. "By the Gods boy, pay attention!”

“I’m listening…” I pulled out my pistol. "I’ve got Earth Shot and Electric Shot in my magazines. I bind it first, Mitchel taunts it, Fray handles the tentacles, Jovena and Aelin shoot at the head and I help if they need it. Justia keeps us healthy if anything goes wrong.” I looked around. "Did I miss anything?”

Once she’d told me the team compositions, I had figured out what she wanted us to do pretty easily.

Gesai sighed and nodded. “This might be a level one floor boss, but remember to respect it. You can die in there if you’re not careful.”

I nodded. "I’ll make sure everyone stays focused.

Gesai looked at each of us, then tossed me an eyeball. “I can watch you with this. I may not have as much control as Trent Vowler, but I can get in there if things go south.”

I looked at the magical item in my hand. It gave me a sense of comfort knowing that she would be watching over us even if I did think this was going to be a quick fight.

“Is everyone ready?” I helped up my pistol and checked the strap on the scabbard on my back. Everyone else had their weapons out.

“Once we get in there, don’t move until we’re all in there and don’t get freaked out because it’s dark.” I looked at Gesai. "Why is it dark, anyway?”

“There’s a three minute timer from when the first person walks in until it summons the floor boss, unless someone decides to use a skill.” Gesai eyed me. "Trent never told you this?”

“I guess he figured it was standard stuff?” I shrugged. "Anyway, once you get inside, call out your name so I know you’re in.” I motioned at Justia. “Once Justia gets in, she’ll cast Light to start the fight and we’ll have just a little bit to get into position.” I looked at the two new people. "Any questions?”

They both shook their heads.

“Good.” I looked at Gesai. “Anything else?”

“I’ll come in once you finish and get Jovena and Aelin.” She pointed at the eyeball in my hand. "And that so I can keep tabs on the second run. Then the four of you can move to the second floor. Once the second team is through, we’ll move to the second floor boss.”

“Aelin.” I tossed the eyeball at her. “Probably better if you hang on to this then.”

The blonde caught it and held it up to her face. “I see EVERYTHING!”

Justia pulled her hand down. “That’s not a toy.”

Aelin pouted, then turned to Gesai. "What do I do with this once I’m in?”

“Once the fight starts, I’ll take control and move it around so I can watch everything.” The older redhead pointed at the door. "You better get started.”

“Let’s go!” I motioned for the rest of the team to follow me and walked through the door.

I hated that it was dark inside, but that was the way things were.

“Here!” Mitchel’s voice was the first one.

“Aelin’s here!”

“I’m here.” Fray’s voice sounded much further away than the other two.

“Here.” I jumped when Jovena’s voice came from right behind me.

“Is everyone ready?” Justia called out.

The other four all agreed that they were.

I braced to be ready for wherever this thing spawned. “Light it up!”