Gemini Constellation, The Emperor’s Ascent - 12:54 PM
“This whole section has been really strange,” Kayla complained as we walked up the stairs to the boss room. “I mean, I know the whole thing with Gemini is that it’s the twins, or whatever, but the themes were all over the place.”
“Kayla and I went to space!” Mercury exclaimed. He clearly had a much better experience than the Double Agent. “That was the puzzle floor, by the way. They made it so there was a two person maximum because we were in one of the Gemini space pod things and we had to follow the instructions from Houston to the letter to get back to Earth safely. There were a few curve balls thrown in, too. That was wild.”
“I wonder what Ross is going to do to survive it without another person,” Kayla mused.
“Probably just tank it,” I offered knowing that the puzzle did require two people to complete safely.
“What? The fall from space?” Mercury asked.
“Yeah,” I confirmed with a nod. “He didn’t show you everything he was capable of back when you fought him, you know. He’s got a few ways to mitigate damage.”
“Like damage from falling to earth in a space pod,” Kayla said flatly.
“You’re right. Now that you’ve said it in that tone, I must be wrong,” I teased, rolling my eyes for show.
“If he’s that strong, you know people are probably waiting for you to fight him, right?” Jamie said, giving me the side eye before glancing up to let me know who she really meant. “Letting him fight Mercury was one thing, but the little guy did call Ross out as being the second strongest one here.”
“Stop calling me a little guy. I’m not little, I’m just younger than the rest of you,” the ninja huffed, crossing his arms. “And that was just something I said that I thought could get under his skin. Like, it’s easy to see the dude’s strong given his position, I just don’t think he’d hold a torch to our Warmonger.”
“But you’d also like to see that fight,” the Weapon Master stated.
“Oh, absolutely. Avenge me and put that jagoff firmly in the number two slot,” he said immediately.
“I’ll think about it after we reach the next version of the safe zone and I can upgrade the arena,” I replied with a laugh. It probably wasn’t going to happen. Ross had seen that he couldn’t keep up with us and was taking a short break, moving along at his own pace. I wasn’t about to take that away from him. “But that’s something for Future Ant to deal with and maybe Sara to set up. How’d the rest of the constellation go?”
<<<>>>
[[Patron Message]]
I’ll approach Ophiuchus on the topic and let you know.
<<<>>>
Of course Sara would also want to see it. I didn’t say anything as I swiped away the message.
“The gathering floor had a bunch of duplexes that, apparently, had siblings living in them,” Jeff answered as I sent away the text box. “We didn’t get a lot of raw materials, but we’re good on almost anything else you’d find in a household. Including way too much duct tape.”
“There really was an absurd amount of duct tape,” Kayla confirmed, shaking her head.
Jamie scoffed. “Sounds boring. I’m glad I was learning how to use the Orb of Amary instead of helping out with that.”
“Amarii,” I corrected.
“Close enough,” she replied, causing me to shake my head.
“Yeah, the gathering room did feel like a real invasion of privacy,” Mercury said as he ignored our back and forth. “Found some cool stuff, though. Weapons, armors, things that wouldn’t be in the normal person’s house.”
“I put nearly everything in one of the kiosks to sell,” Kayla said. “So once I start getting points back for that, I’ll split them up amongst ourselves equally.”
“Sounds good,” I responded as we approached the door to the boss room. “Y’all have been doing a great job. I’m happy that you guys aren’t having a lot of trouble handling all this without me.”
“That is what we’re here for,” Jamie scoffed.
“Yup, that’s why I’m praising you,” I chuckled. A text box popped up when I reached for the handle, giving me pause.
<<<>>>
[[Notice]]
The Gemini Constellation Boss Floor has been changed.
<<<>>>
“Gemini?” I asked aloud, looking up at the sky. “What’s going on?”
While it hadn’t said who changed it, I knew that the Zodiac were very particular about their boss floors. Baltastasia could change different things in all the other ones, but the finale of each constellation belonged to the Patrons alone. Therefore, whatever alteration had to come from Gemini themselves.
Jeff joined me in looking upwards, wariness clear on his face. “What’s up, boss?”
“The boss floor has been changed,” I answered, waiting to be told how.
I’m sure it hadn’t changed in a way that was meant to kill us given how friendly we were with Trevor, Gemini’s avatar, but I didn’t want to assume just because they’d been civil so far. After all, I was already training the Slugger Savant and he had shown great improvements in the short amount of time that we had known each other.
On the other hand, if we died here then the Sol Ligatus bonus would stay in Gemini’s court for the rest of the event. I didn’t have to wait long for the information.
<<<>>>
[[Patron Message]]
I just got the details from Gemini and it’s all good. You’re safe to go in but, against my and everyone else’s better judgment, you might want to do so alone.
Trevor was hoping that there was some way to give back what he thinks he owes you for training him, and asked his Patron what they could do. Considering you’re kind of the man who has everything, there’s not much, so they decided on something different.
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
The Zodiacs have a lot of control over their boss rooms. You already know this, but they can control which factions can get loot from the boss drops. So far, they’ve been withholding the treasure from the others so that their own gets ahead. It’s very petty, yes, but that’s just how they are. Gemini just opened up the room so that you can get extra rewards.
On top of that, I have permission to inform you that the bosses of this fight are psychic. That’s something you already know, but now you have a reason for it. I’m sure you can figure out where to go from here now that you have the Warmind’s Flight.
<<<>>>
I perked up as I read through the message before turning a sheepish smile on the others. “I, uh, I think I’ve got to go this one alone, guys.”
“Why?” Kayla asked flatly. From the way she crossed her arms, she clearly wasn’t happy with my statement.
“Because I just received word that Gemini opened the loot drop for us on the boss—” I started.
Jamie raised her hand to interrupt me. “Wait, does that mean Aries and Tauros were just losers who didn’t want to give anything up?”
“Basically? Yes,” I answered, not caring that we just called a couple of powerful Patrons losers. “Gemini’s cool, though.”
“You’re not back to 100% yet,” Kayla complained. There was an accusation in there, and I heard what she really wanted to say.
“It’s not a making things harder kind of thing,” I defended, causing her to give me a look like she was about to challenge me. I continued before she could. “The boss is dropping loot and they’re psychic, which means there’s a chance I can get another item for the Warmongering Mystic set. That’s something I’ve got to take a chance on whenever it pops up. Now’s the perfect time, but if y’all come with me then there’s less of a chance of it dropping because the system will accommodate for your presence.”
“You know,” Jeff said slowly, stroking his chin. “You keep talking about these class item sets, but I don’t think Kayla and I have come across any yet.”
“That’s… true,” I replied with a grimace. “We haven’t really visited any places that are good for spies or knights with our hectic schedule.”
“I’ve found a couple ninja pieces so far,” Mercury offered. “Mostly at dojos and stuff. Really out of the way, though. I wouldn’t have known about them if it weren’t for… you know.” He waved his hand in our general area.
The ninja looked at Jamie, and she rolled her eyes. “I’m at three. You just can’t tell the difference because it’s all assimilated with my armor.”
“Oh, yeah. Same with me,” Mercury said. “My gear’s kind of unchanging, except when I need to be stealthy. The extra set pieces just disappear. I would have said something but I didn’t know you guys weren’t getting any.”
“It’s more than we haven’t really brought it up until now. From the sounds of it, we just need to start visiting places known for spies and knights, right?” Kayla asked, frowning.
“That’s, where? England?” Jeff laughed. “James Bond and King Arthur are the first things that immediately pop into mind.”
“Yes, actually,” I confirmed, causing him to grin. “You two won’t have to wait long, I promise. I’ll whip up the plans once I’m done in here.”
“And that means soloing the boss,” Jamie said. “I don’t like it because it means I’m not getting stronger, but I’ll leave it up to your babysitter.”
Everyone looked at Kayla, who frowned at the attention. She reached up, adjusting her glasses, and pinched the bridge of her nose. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile. “You’re going to be fine, so I’m not sure why I bother worrying. Go on, psychic boy. Do the thing. I hope you get what you’re looking for.”
“Thanks,” I said with a smile. “Soon as you guys are back in the safe zone, I’ll jump in. I know better than to draw things out, so I’ll go hard the moment I engage. Straight up savage.”
“Angel form, then?” Mercury asked as Jamie and Jeff started walking back down the stairs.
“Less savage than that. I just don’t have the Mental Points to sustain it for long, so I’m only going to use it as a last resort,” I answered. “But, you know, I’m really good in a fight.”
“True,” he said, holding up his fist. I bumped it before he started heading down, leaving me with Kayla.
She immediately put her finger in my face. “Come back in one piece. And yes, I’m saying that despite knowing you can regenerate limbs.”
“I’ll do my best,” I offered.
The Double Agent stared into my eyes before releasing the kind of heavy sigh one could only learn dealing with toddlers that threw confused tantrums when you don’t let them throw themselves down the stairs. She gave me a quick hug before following after Mercury. The moment they were all off of the stairs and out of sight, I opened the door.
I found myself in what appeared to be a hotel lobby. It was a huge room with two grand staircases leading to the second floor and elevators in between. The black stone columns supporting the cathedral ceiling matched the chairs, couches, and tables arranged around the room and contrasted well with the white walls.
The tile floor was so clean that my shoes squeaked with every step. I hated that sound, so I started levitating and used Flight to enter the room to kick this off.
<<<>>>
[[Emperor’s Ascent: Gemini Boss Room]]
Sol Ligatus Players: 1
Many twins report having a powerful bond with those the siblings they shared a womb with that went beyond the normal. This is a phenomenon that has been used in several stories, and now you will need to deal with the power of two.
Objective: Defeat the boss of the Gemini Constellation.
Reward: 2,000 points, Gemini Emblem, Team MVP (First Clear Only).
[[Patron Quest: Go Hard!]]
You said you were going to be savage from the moment you engaged, and I’m going to hold you to that. I didn’t have a lot of time, but word’s spread that you’re going to be soloing another boss and that it’s a constellation boss of all things.
Gemini is excited to see if you’re going to get what you want, but the other Patrons are beginning to trickle in. I want you to end it as quickly as you can. Teach them that if they’re not ready to drop everything to come and watch you, then they don’t get to witness what you can do.
Objective: Destroy the twins.
Reward: 10,000 points.
<<<>>>
Nodding, I snapped away the two messages and retrieved a tall sandwich from my inventory. I hummed in appreciation as I took the first bite, tasting the ham, provolone, onion, lettuce, and mayo on sourdough. Another glorious delight from Mama Callie.
While I ate, I flew deeper into the hotel lobby while avoiding the low-hanging crystal chandeliers. I wasn’t planning on taking my time, but I did want the enemies to come to me. This room was the best arena for them, and I didn’t want to have to chase them down in the individual rooms if it came to that.
Based on the psychic auras pervading the space, one blue and the other red, they were on their way. Theirs pushed down on my own, attempting to dominate me. I could feel their surprise when they found that my awareness aura was an unyielding wall that gave them no quarter. In response, the red and blue combined into one and struck me like a tsunami.
This time I buckled, but I didn’t break. They would have to try a lot harder than that.
Slowly but surely, they were converging on my position. There was an excitement in them that I recognized even though I couldn’t see their bodies yet. We recognized each other for what we were, and readied to do battle against more of our kind.
So I timed how long I thought they were going to take and adjusted the speed at which I ate. I was relishing the flavor.
“Relish!” I exclaimed, holding up the tiniest corner of sandwich I could have made. “That would have gone great on this. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Two figures emerged from the top of the staircases. One wore a flowing dark blue ball gown with a matching hat and silver jewelry. The other wore a dapper red suit and looked at a golden pocket watch in his hand before setting it in his breast pocket. Neither of them had faces, but they focused on me with tilted heads.
“Ah. No mouths,” I said sadly, pointing at them. “I suppose you wouldn’t agree, then.”
With a grin, I popped the last piece of sandwich into my mouth. It was so small I didn't even need to chew to swallow it.
<<<>>>
[[Notice]]
You are now under the effect of the Golden Glazed Ham Sandwich. Strength and Constitution has increased by 50% of your base stats for 30 minutes.
<<<>>>
The 10 pound Golden Glazed Ham I had gotten from the Tuskgutter Ghost had come with two servings. I had scarfed down the first half of it, which was the only way to gain the buff, atop the Writhing Zeppelin when Gloria Brown had my back. That had been a wild decision, though it had paid off in the end.
Now, I wasn’t required to eat five pounds of ham in order to get the buff thanks to Callie. She had frowned at the strangely shredded meat before shrugging and slicing it for me, making enough sandwiches that I could pass them out to my friends. The buff remained the same in strength, though it did go down from 1 hour to 30 minutes. I still had three more of these in my inventory.
“Alright. Psychic versus psychics, let’s get this party started!” I yelled, raising a fist in the air as black flames began manifesting in my awareness aura.