Flossindune

Chapter 124

Added 2023-11-27 20:14:49 +0000 UTC

Ostwriter’s Townhouse, Atlanta - 6:45 AM

Everything had been smooth. The trip from the Angel Express to Ostwriter’s home had been quick in the twilight of the city, and nothing attacked me. Getting inside the home had been easy, and I was waiting for the ghost when he appeared. My presence had thrown Ostwriter off at first, but once he realized that I was his one and only reader, he calmed down.

As I knew he would, Ostwriter insisted I started right away, and I did as requested. I got to work reading just as fast as I had the first night, determined to make it through so I wouldn’t have to worry about this asinine story ever again.

Regardless, the last ten hours had been hell. Every twenty minutes or so it was one thing or another. I was reading too fast, or there was no way I could understand such a complicated plot point, or I was simply glazing over the text. Every time this was brought up, I placated the ghost by talking about his story.

“Enigma’s really got his work cut out for him here,“ I’d say. “I can’t believe the Shiver Mob got the drop on him. He’s normally so careful.“

Then Ostwriter would hem and haw, and I would get back to pretending to read.

“The twist where Jezebel turned out to be a spy in disguise was a good touch,“ I had said, placating the ghost further.

He would then hem and haw some more, and I would get back to pretending to read.

This continued for the entire ten hours. Normally, I would have been able to shut my brain off and make it through with no issues except the occasional urge to overcome this trial through violence, but my mind was occupied. No matter how many pages I put in front of me, all I could think about was the change to the Chaos Cup.

It had been so easy for Frastina. Invite me and my manager, make an offer, and then the entire event changed. Four more rounds dropped down to one in an instant with very little fanfare. Benedict Merder had to be pissed, though I wasn’t sure in what way that would manifest. He couldn’t very well go after Frastina, so would he lash out at me? And, if so, what would that look like?

I wanted to shake my head to clear my thoughts, but didn’t. That would have just given Ostwriter more ammunition against me. Instead, I thought about the positive aspects of this.

Sara had been right; being a raid boss for the Chaos Cup was exactly the kind of thing I had been dreaming of. It would be challenging, but fun. Different scenarios ran through my head for how things were going to go. I couldn’t help but think of the various types of terrain they could throw us into, or what the others would think finding out that the event had become against me specifically.

Jacob Branson’s teams would be absolutely ready to try and stomp me, I figured. If not for themselves, then for their boss. Lucy would be on board, as would Lucas after I had poisoned him with the stuff coating Talspra’s bolt. The Jugglernauts, too, I imagined. They all would both be ready for revenge, and I was here for it.

Before I knew it, I was holding the last page of the story. I looked from it to Ostwriter, who seemed surprised, and then back to the paper. After a few quick lines, I gently put it face down on the pile. Silence stretched between us as I waited to start my speech.

“What did you think?“ Ostwriter asked quietly, breaking the quiet mood.

“G. H. Ostwriter, you’re done,“ I whispered back.

His eyes widened in surprise. “What do you mean?“

I gestured towards the manuscript. “The book is done,“ I said. “You don’t need to write anymore.“

“I don’t understand,“ he claimed, though he looked away from me. The glow of his body dimmed, and he seemed much more sane than he had before.

“Yes, you do,“ I countered. Once again, I gestured towards the manuscript. “What you’ve written here isn’t one book, but six. You’ve written out the whole story for Enigma Hemingway. There are clear breaks for each book with great cliffhangers. The problem is that you don’t want it to end.“

If I hadn’t read the whole book, then this would have caused Ostwriter to go off on me. There would have been no way to avoid a fight after that. As I watched his face, though, Icould see no aggression. If I played this right, then everything would be fine. So, I stood up.

“Listen, I understand. This is your life’s work, and you’re not sure how meaningful everything will be after it’s done,“ I told him. “But, you’ve completed your story, and you have written an incredible ending that the world will absolutely love. It’s scary, not knowing what comes next, but you will be okay. You shouldn’t linger, but accept that you have finished your work. Don’t worry that the future is an unknown, that’s how it’s supposed to be, right?“

“It’s not good enough,“ Ostwriter said, his body dimming even further. “I have to keep writing. It’s the only way.“

“That’s not it. Could I have read through all this in two nights if it weren’t a real page turner?“ I asked, ignoring every feeling of boredom I had felt during this time. “Could you imagine someone sitting here, reading your story, giving it all their attention, and hearing you knock it? I’m not going to sugarcoat it for you, Ostwriter, this is my favorite book series.“

“You’re just saying that.“

I didn’t confirm it, because that would ruin the whole thing. “You’re done, Ostwriter,“ I said again. “You can rest, knowing that I’ll herald your name throughout the world. Your name will travel through the world, and I’ll make sure everyone knows about Enigma Hemingway and his author, G. H. Ostwriter. Take a seat and rest.“

Moving out of the way, I offered Ostwriter the chair. He looked into my eyes, searching for any signs of deception. Unfortunately for him, even without the mask I was a talented liar with years of practice. Slowly, he released a breathless sigh and sat down in the chair. The ghost ran his fingers through his slick, greasy hair and leaned back, though his seat did not move.

“I have to thank you, Anthony,“ he said with a quivering voice. “You’re absolutely right, I just couldn’t see it. It’s my whole reason for being here. But, what do I do now?“

“There’s only one place left to go, and you already know how to get there.“

“I do, I do,“ he repeated before closing his eyes. Ostwriter’s body was now almost completely translucent when he raised his hand. He pointed to the manuscript, and it started to glow with the same bright, ghostly aura that he had. “For you, Anthony Franklin, as thanks.“

“I accept,“ I said. “May you rest in peace.“

Ostwriter faded away as his manuscript rose into the air, one page at a time.

[[Victory!]]

You have defeated the Hidden Boss [G. H. Ostwriter]; +800 points.

Snapping away the screen, I lifted my arms out to either side and waited for my prize. The papers flew towards me and began clinging to my body. All around my torso at first, but moving to each of my limbs. They layered on top of each other like paper mache, but weren’t uncomfortable in the slightest.

Even as they began covering my head, I stayed still. They didn’t cling to my face like they did my body, but instead formed a helmet with a thick visor. Paper clung to me up to my wrist and ankles, covering me in what was essentially lightweight plate armor. The item description appeared in front of me.

[[Equipped]]

Ostwriter’s Plot Armor

(Unique Item; +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity, +1 Constitution, +1 Wisdom, +1 Willpower, The Plot Thickens skill acquired, Storied Hero passive acquired)

[[Skill]]

The Plot Thickens

The pen is mightier than the sword, and words several times more devastating. Not only can they be used to slay your enemies, but they can be used as an unflappable defense.

Use the phrase “By the power of Enigma Hemingway,“ to cause the manuscript to become a set of armor specifically sized for those who have read it. Use the phrase “Good night, Jezebel,“ to cause the armor to return to a manuscript. This ability can be used even if the item is in your inventory, and will return to perfect condition every time you activate it no matter how damaged either form was.

[[Passive]]

Storied Hero

Just like Enigma Hemingway, you are a true hero. Perhaps not one with as many deeds, but well on the path to becoming a legend. The ages await the day where your tales are memorialized in songs and stories.

Once per day, when you would die, survive with one hit point instead and become invulnerable to physical damage for three seconds.

“Finally done,“ I said with a breath of relief, skimming over the strange prose of the skill descriptions.

While a +5 total wasn’t anything to scoff at, it was basically useless to me at this point. The armor was nice and sturdy despite what it looked like, and The Plot Thickens meant that it was something I could activate quickly. Storied Hero, though, was the true gem here.

“Good night, Jez-“

[[Patron Message]]

You should use a Synthesis Page on Storied Hero and Eldritch Regeneration.

Sincerely,

Sara

“-I should?“ I finished, arching an eyebrow at the message in front of me. I had tried combining skills and passives with Storied Hero in the past, but it was rare that I got something that was the same or better than the original recipe. No message popped up, however, so I shrugged. There was no reason not to trust her. “Yeah, sure, I’ll do that for you.“

I pulled out the Synthesis Page and activated it, selecting the two passives.

[[Notice]]

You are about to merge the Eldritch Regeneration passive (skill book) with the Storied Hero passive (item) to create the passive Heavenly Hero.

Would you like to learn the passive Heavenly Hero?

Yes

No

My confusion only grew. I had never heard of the Heavenly Hero passive before. Overthinking it wasn’t going to get me anywhere, so I hit Yes.

[[Notice]]

You have learned the passive Heavenly Hero.

[[Passive]]

Heavenly Hero

Heroes are known for surviving no matter how difficult the task, and those heralded by the Heavens are even tougher than most. Your body knows the form it needs to take, and is resistant to wounds and effects that try to change it.

Your recovery speed increases to 50% of your Constitution stat per minute, and missing body parts will regrow slowly. Once per day, if you would die, survive with one hit point instead. You become invulnerable to everything except damage from demonic sources for five seconds, and you regain 4% of your hit points per second during this time. Angelic skills cost 10% less to activate or sustain.

“Oh, sweet bountiful Eden,“ I muttered as I read it over twice. Not only did it keep the original effects, but it improved on them. I could have done without Ostwriter’s prose, but at least that could be skipped. “Sara, I love you.“

[[Patron Message]]

I know, and I want you to imagine how smug I must look right now.

This is only possible because of your unique race, by the way. Your physiology transformed Eldritch into Divine, which would also help with Break Free due to the decrease in cost for Angelic skills. As soon as I figured out what you were doing here, I knew I had to tell you. Plus, now you don’t have to wear that paper armor unless you really need to. I can see every word written on it, and it's no more palatable just because it's protecting my boyfriend.

And, if you have any decency, you won’t make any jokes about how an Eldritch skill could change into a Divine one. I know you are a man well above such things, but I still wanted to warn you.

Also, since you have time, you might as well increase your Gloves of the Warmongering Mystic and Heelies of Hermes. Maybe once you’re back in your room, though. This place is very cramped.

Sincerely,

Sara

“You have my solemn word, I will not make a joke about that,“ I said. “Though, that smug look would have been perfect in the picture you promised me. I should have headed straight to Artist Alley to get a camera.“

I couldn’t help the grin on my face as I read through Heavenly Hero again, and then for a fourth time.

“Good night, Jezebel,“ I said, and the paper disappeared without a trace. The manuscript would be in my inventory, I knew, ready and waiting for when I needed it.

Walking to the door, I closed it and activated Broken Boundary. Opening it back up, I stepped into the hotel room and flung myself onto the bed. I basked in the glow of victory before snapping open my menu and scrolling to my items. I selected the Heelies first and wasted no time in accepting their growth.

[[Equipped]]

Heelies of Hermes +4

(Growth Item, kill 11 bosses to upgrade; +16 Dexterity, +14 Constitution, Divine Messenger skill acquired, Air Step+ skill acquired, Broken Boundary+ skill acquired, Thief Of The Gates skill acquired)

I watched as my shoes grew another pair of golden feathers thanks to the new skill, and I lifted my foot higher into the air to look at it.

Thief Of The Gates was a decent skill hailing from Hermes’ thief and trickster background. I had hoped for something Underworld related, perhaps something that prevented souls from coming back to use on Pustibule or specific undead, but there were so many skills and passives that getting what I wanted wasn’t really on the table. I pulled it up in my menu.

[[Skill]]

Thief Of The Gates

Gain one feather on both shoes. You may pluck a feather from the golden wing and use the quill as a lockpick, provided the lock it is used on can be picked. The efficacy of this skill is determined by the bearer’s Dexterity stat as well as the number of times the Heelies of Hermes has been upgraded. Feathers will disappear after used, but will regrow after five minutes unless destroyed. Broken feathers will take 24 hours to regenerate.

Moving away from that menu, I went to my Gloves of the Warmongering Mystic and did the same there. This item’s upgrade wasn’t nearly as exciting as getting a new skill on my Heelies, but would still provide me with a powerful set of increases.

[[Item]]

Gloves of the Warmongering Mystic +1

(Set Item 1/6; Growth Item, kill 5 bosses to upgrade; +80 Mental Points, +12 Wisdom, +12 Willpower, Weight Increase ability augment, Distance Increase ability augment)

[[Ability Augment]]

Weight Increase

When using Push, Pull, Lift, or Drop, increase the weight of objects you can affect by 15%.

[[Ability Augment]]

Distance Increase

When using Push, Pull, Lift, or Drop, increase the distance at which you can affect objects by 15%.

“Buffs across the board,“ I said aloud.

For a moment, I went silent. If there was ever a time to raise my stats, it was now. Not only was I about to go into a dangerous event, but I really wanted to be able to move as freely as I could. The memory of reaching 108 Strength in the previous match stuck with me, even though that had been too high to make things challenging. Even if I had been attacked and took the blow, any counter attack would have been crippling.

Even so, I wouldn’t have anywhere near 108 in any of my stats. All of my numbers were going up, and the urge to max them out was high. It only took me a few more seconds of thought before I decided.

“Screw it, let’s get these numbers as high as I can for now.“

Snapping open my inventory, I navigated to my status screen and began the process.

[[Notice]]

Would you like to spend 1,600 points in order to increase the following stats?

Dexterity 20 -> 30

Constitution 20 -> 30

Wisdom 20 -> 30

Willpower 20 -> 30

Yes

No

I hit Yes, and my body slimmed down slightly as my Dexterity caught up with my Strength. Putting my hand on the Writhing Belt Whip for the stat increases, I navigated my status screen now that most of my numbers had risen.

[[Status]]

Avatar Anthony Franklin

Class: Warmind

Race: Half-Angel (Dormant)

Patron: (Hidden)

Points: 5,564

Stats:

Hit Points: 994/994

Mental Points: 730/730 (100/100)

Strength: 42; Dexterity: 67; Constitution: 74; Wisdom: 50; Willpower: 65

“I can never be seen in public ever again,“ I said as dramatically as I could. “I’m so close to an even 1,000 hit points, but there’s just no way I’m going to gain just six. I’ve forever closed myself off from that milestone, forever.“

[[Patron Message]]

Alright, Mr. Black Socks. You can stop acting like the half a ham you have in your inventory.

I’m glad you’re all set up, though. I know you’re looking forward to this match, and so am I. Just be careful, okay? You only have a few hours to go.

Sincerely,

Sara

“I’ll be careful, for sure,“ I said as I kicked off my Heelies and slid further into bed. I fluffed a pillow before turning onto my side. “See? Even going to take a nap. I’m taking it seriously. I suspect I’m going to get a visit from Jamie, but on the off chance I don’t, could you please send me a wake up call about 11:30 or so?“