Chapter 67: An Even Deeper Trek Tower 2 Part 20
The three boys continue on ahead to the next facility.
"The Phantoms have been gettin' tougher for sure," Leona says.
"I agree. They're tougher than the last bunch we dealt with," Jasper says.
Jamil remains silent and thinks about it.
Leona notices Jamil's behavior and questions, "What's wrong? You're awfully quiet. Are you actually mad?"
"No, not at all, really…" Jamil answers.
But Leona is not buying it, "Aw, c'mon, don't hide it. It was a gut punch, right? I totally hit the nail on the head."
Jamil frowns and crosses his arms in response.
"Must be rough. I can guess what's goin' through your mind right now," Leona adds.
"What…" Jamil questions, and angrily questions, "What do you know about me? You don't know what I've been through! All I've had to endure! No one does! You're not like me at all!"
"So you're just gonna make excuses and mope about no one understanding you?" Leona questions.
He then says, "I know a little about what you're dealing with. I'm guessing you think nobody gives you credit because of Kalim, right?
"…I'm vice housewarden. Kalim, such as he is, was made housewarden. That's proof enough," Jamil points out.
"Yeah, at least for right now," Leona says, "He's not very bright or that adept with magic. There's no contest between you two on those fronts. But he's got something you don't-charisma."
"Charisma?" Jamil questions. But then replies, "Hah. That's just a nice way of saying he's a soft touch. He'll be used and taken advantage of at every turn. I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. You know what the greatest source of charisma is? Money."
"Money?! Jamil says, dumbfounded, "I mean... Sure, the Asim family possesses great wealth and power. I'll grant you that."
But Leona says, "Money's more tangible than magic. It commands a lot of power and has no uncertain or ambiguous factors. You should know all about that. Better than me, even."
"Well, suppose…" Jamil says.
"And Kalim is learning how to wield that immense power," Leona adds.
"You think so, huh…" Jamil responds.
He then remembers something from back then. Back at the Ramshackle Dorm, before Styx Charon Soldiers attack the dorm.
Flashback:
Kalim continues, "Briar, Seria, Jasper, Tanzanite, Trinket, and the ghosts living here were such gracious hosts during our training camp. I honestly had a blast! So I want to give Ramshackle a little facelift as a token of my gratitude. The money's ours, right? Which means we can use it how we want.
"Roi Doré, your noble heart makes you worthier than ever of your golden appellation," Rook happily says.
Flashback Ends:
Leona then says to Jamil, "So yeah, guys who act without considering what comes next are fools. But guys who only focus on that are even bigger fools. It's hard to predict how impulsive guys like Kalim will grow...for better or for worse. But there's nothin' more embarrassing than someone who makes excuses after waiting so long their prey gets away.
"I…" Jamil speaks up.
But suddenly, "GYAAARGH!" and the group gets attacked.
They dodge out of the way to see a Phantom
"Okay, counseling session's gonna have to wait. We got a fight on our hands!" Leona says.
And with that, the three begin to attack the Phantom with their magic.