AA. 218

“Digital attacks on the Forge’s computer system have multiplied over the past six of your months,” Layla said. “A couple have made it through, forcing us to adopt a technology from another Seed world. We also managed to trace the attacks back to a Wilson Enterprises subsidiary in Estonia.”  Close proximity to the war-torn post-cataclysm lands meant that the region had looser laws. They also overlooked the residing military contractors’ laws as long as national security wasn’t at risk. “The attacks have ceased, but we decrypted chatter regarding breaking through the Forge’s defences and taking control of the World Tree.”

“They wouldn’t get away with it legally,” one of the CIT members said. He was a bald man whose name Nil could never remember. “Is it really worth it for them to piss off the government and Nexus?”

“I don’t think they’re worried about the government,” Diya Ratra stated. “It seems their proxies are already in powerful positions. All that’s left for them to officially come out and take over.”

“I’ve picked up chatter of Arthur Wilson having the Departments of Defence and Finance already in their pocket,” Cara Sue added. “It’s not confirmed and mostly came across but rumors, but if it's true, we’re in big trouble.”

“Adrian approached us after our match yesterday,” Selia said, glancing at Nil. “He wants to us to work with him. I’m pretty sure a coup is brewing.”

Nil nodded. “We would’ve come to the Nexut to talk eve before the summoning. Wilson pretty much admitted to him and his brother installing backdoors in all crucial infrastructure. Given that Arthurtech is in defense, law enforcement, military, finance, medicine, and pretty much all crucial fields. I don’t think there will be much of a coup. They can just as easily hold everything ransom until governments get in line.”

“That’s assuming Adrian doesn’t reveal a secret army and just turns the United Kingdom and Western Europe into a military state controlled by Summoned.” Even though Andrew’s tone was light-hearted, it was clear to Nil that the soulsmith wasn’t joking. He glanced at Shawn as he continued. “I’m still tapped into the Pits’ systems. Arthur’s people have been meeting with all manners of Summoned, registered and unregistered, law-abiding and criminal. Far too many people, mostly Irons and Bronzes, are buying into his spiel. If he declares a call-to-arms and for the current status quo to be overthrown, they’ll comply.”

“I don’t even know if we can blame this lot.” Shawn’s tone was very matter of fact. “People are disillusioned. Segregating them from common people with ludus laws has created too strong a disconnect. The insane taxes on Schema Credits and imprisoning people for harmless and non-violent or criminal power usage is only adding to the resentment. The pot is long due to boil over.”

“The only thing Addrian needs to cement his power is the world tree,” Nil said. “He indirectly said as much. The bastard would also like us to form a joint Labyrinth team. But that’s not happening.”

“Shawn.” Layla and her superiors focused their attention on the barrier mage. “Are you sure you don’t want to work with Nil and Selia? The three of you could go far. Maybe even get near the center.”

“No,” Shawn replied. “I’ve been working with an effective new team. Our quest results speak for themselves. Trust is an issue and our Forge power couple are far too unpredictable and unwilling to take commands.”

“I can’t speak for Selia, but I can’t work with Shawn either,” Nil said. “His priorities and loyalties are questionable. His continued contact with former Wilson Luduses Summoned and Adrian sympathizers make me uncomfortable.”

“Would it help you to know that he’s been spying for us?” Layla asked.

“No.”

“In that case, you need to work with Iris,” Layla continued. “Put aside personal complications and accept her invitation. Both of you are on the cusp of gold; if one of you crosses the threshold before the Labyrinth, it will significantly improve your chances of knocking out the Scourge teams. This isn’t a request but an order from your superiors. Coming out of the event strong and with tools to defend the world tree is vital.”

“I suppose we have no other choice.” Nil sighed, glancing at his girlfriend.

“I’ve never had an issue with it,” Selia said. “She’s pretty likeable when she’s not trying to seduce you or lure you into marriage.” Shawn silently bristled next to her but went ignored. “If you can guarantee that Iris’s family won’t bother or pressure us, we’re all good.”

“Iris’s family and her world are trying to remain in our good books,” Diya replied. She appeared bored with the conversation. A silver bubble with energy signatures similar to Shawn’s barrier magic radiated from it. Nil recognized it as spatial magic but also sensed something more, and it was far more potent than anything he had ever sensed, including during his brief encounters with the immortals. “We’ll have a word. If their progress toward Control World status is on the line, I’m sure they’ll behave.”

“I wouldn’t worry if I were you,” Alexander added. “The opportunity to send one of the clain into the Labyrinth is a pretty big deal. They wouldn’t want to jeopardize things.”

“Can’t the Nexus provide us additional resources?” Susan asked, returning to the original topic of discussion. “Protecting Yggdrasil’s daughter is in the multiverse’s interests, isn’t it? We can’t trust Adrian and his goons not to give into Scourge temptation. Give—”

“Unfortunately, we’re not above Nexus bureaucracy and Source-enforced contracts and laws,” Alexander said, crossing his arms. “The world tree is on your world. We can help in its recovery if its lost or the Scourge and Void reveal themselves. Until then, it's your world’s responsibility. Protecting it is your responsibility. We would like to keep it in Nexus control, but we can’t wrestle control from a world. It's not how we do things, and the coalition will lose all credibility and integrity.”

“This is a hundred percent on you,” Diya said, clicking her fingers. The sphere disappeared, and space seemed to ripple in the aftermath. Nil’s senses detected several powerful energies in a brief flicker following the disappearance. “We can guide, advise, and warn. But nothing more unless—”

“The Void and Scourge make a move.” Cara Sue completed the thought for her. “So, what do you want us to do?”

“CIT needs to focus its investigations on any remaining Cursed Energy power seed and soul weapon developments,” Layla said. One of her pink clones passed folders to Susan, Cara Sue, and other investigators. “Symbiotech might be gone, but it's likely there are still a handful of operations ongoing. If we can find something that shows development of Scourge-like technology, we’ll have grounds to interfere.” Another clone handed Andrew a stack of heavy books. “Pause all development for individuals not heading into the Labyrinth or on an important Nexus quest. Look into developing defences of for the Forge.

“Shawn, we need you to use your spatial spells to reinforce the ludus barriers until Andrew is done,” Layla continued, shifting her attention to the barrier mage. Diya Ratra pulled a scroll out of thin air. It levitated across the table to Shawn. “Any questions?”

“What do you want us to do?” Nil asked. “Just prepare for the Labyrinth?”

“Everyone but you and Selia are done in here,” Alexander said. He pointed at the door, and it opened on its. 

“I have a Labyrinth invitation too,” Shawn said, hanging back while everyone else departed. 

“We’ll be in touch with you at a later time,” Diya said, her tone dismissive. “Alexander and a few members of the sector’s druid council have much to discuss with you. This is exclusively for Nil and Selia’s team. Since you’re entering as a separate and opposing team, I don’t think either of you should be wary of the other’s strategy.”

Shawn didn’t look pleased. When he opened his mouth to protest again, Diya pointed a finger at him, and he disappeared. A strong pulse of spatial magic followed. Nil guessed she had teleported him away.

“What’s to be discussed is exclusively for your ears, Sunil Ratra,” Alexander said after the room’s doors slammed shut. “Unlike others of my order, I am a fan of the Weave’s modus operandi. Given your relationship with and loyalty to Nil, we think you’re also vital to this discussion. If push comes to shove, you’ll need to watch his back.

“You’re indirectly entangled with the daughter of Yggdrasil through your soul companion,” he continued. “When it comes to protecting a world tree, we will bend our laws and accords if we must. So, there needs to be a frank discussion on this topic. If push comes to shove, would you be willing to abandon your world?”

“Abandon our world?” Selia sat forward in her chair, eyebrow raised.

“If your attempts at protecting the Forge and keeping the world tree out of malicious parties fail, would you be willing to take the tree, leave your planet, and resettle elsewhere? Perhaps even in a Control World. We’d give you the opportunity to take all of your family and entourage, of course.”

Silence hung over the room when Diya finished speaking. All eyes focused on Nil, and Selia gripped his hand under the table. It took him a minute to come up with an answer. “Yes. I’m not optimistic of our chances of holding off armies of Summoned. My priority is my people. It feels horrible to admit it, but my sentiments for the world and its people are weakening with each quest and trip to other worlds. As long as I get to keep my friends and family safe and help them find prosperity and happiness, I’m willing to turn my back on our Earth.” 

“Besides, keeping power out of the hands of Wilson Enterprises and powers like them will slow their progress towards establishing a monarchy, hegemony or whatever they have in mind,” Selia added. “I’d like to find out what happened to my family, but it doesn’t feel like they survived the cataclysm. If Nil decides to leave, taking the world tree with him, I’ll, of course, accompany him and watch his back.”

“How would we do it, though?” Nil asked, ignoring the tightness in his chest. He disliked the idea of leaving innocent civilians under the rule of Wilsons’ brainwashed Summoned. However, he understood it was for the greater good. It was likely they’d go to war with other global powers using the world tree’s magic. Far too many people would die in the chaos. “Also. Will the Nexus draw support from all Wilson affiliates?”

Lydia nodded. “Acting against the Nexus comes with a loss of benefits. No more quests for them and accessing the Nexus Market will also become challenging. We’ll thoroughly vet all other Summoned and also employ new employees to bring down anyone walking the Scourge’s path.”

“The arena construct doesn’t discriminate or care,” Diya told them. “It will continue to give them access to the attached stores and all else that comes with participating in events. We’d rather avoid the path altogether, but it's inevitable.”

Nil sighed. “You think it's inevitable. The Forge’s defences will inevitably fail, and we will have to make a choice regarding the world tree?”

Alexander nodded. “The final decision will be yours. When the time comes, will you side with the Nexus and the greater good or work with Wilson’s people, giving them access to the world tree and its magic? It might be good for your world, but given Wilson Enterprise’s track record, the opposite is more likely.”

Nil didn’t disagree. The millennia-old druid was right. He would eventually need to work with Adrian, Arthur, or whoever was in power when the Forge collapsed, or abandon the people of Earth, prioritizing his people. It was easy to say but hard to do. For the time being, he held on to hope. There was no telling when the Wilsons would make their move. But if Andrew developed sufficient defences and CIT found evidence of Scourge-like technology, things could still go their way.

[Author's Note: Apocalypse Arena launched on Amazon last week and started off great, getting to rank 1150 at day 1's end. Then the famed spring sale started and ratings froze, screwing up our entire launch week. All hope is not lost and we're running ads trying to recover.

If you like the series, please consider downloading(free with KU and audible if you have credits), purchasing, rating, or review as that will help with the algorithm. Book 1's Amazon performance is directly tied to the series' longetivity and we'd appreciate your support.

https://www.amazon.com/Apocalypse-Arena-Mortal-Gauntlet-Adventure-ebook/dp/B0DHLL5J93]