CHAPTER 28: WON'T SETTLE FOR LOW FEES

TOWER 3

As expected, the elevator didn't take Ace's group all the way down, but only to the next level down. As soon as the doors opened, the trio stepped out cautiously, ready for anything the Shrouds could throw at them.

"Great, more stairs. At least we'll get our exercise," Ace griped.

"It seems even colder here, somehow…" Riddle shivered. "There could be some Phantoms freed from their imprisonment."

"Idia did say it would be more difficult," Azul agreed. "Let's look alive."

The three proceeded carefully down the stairs, their footsteps echoing softly against the ancient ground. There were no other sounds, which only made the area feel more menacing. Despite making some progress, it felt as if they were still at the beginning.

"So," Riddle said. "You and Jill Bones are dating?"

Ace's face turned red. "Yeah, so? Dating isn't against the Queen's rules."

"I just hope you're treating Jill respectfully," Riddle said. "She may not act it, but she is a lady."

"C'mon, cut me some slack! We're both plenty respectful," Ace argued.

"Speaking of slacking, I also hope that Jill doesn't detract you from your studies," Riddle went on. Ace just groaned in annoyance, wishing he had joined a different group.

"Oh, go easy on him, Riddle," Azul teased. "Ace, if you and Jill ever want a nice dinner together, you're always welcome to reserve a table at the Mostro Lounge."

"…I'll think about it," Ace grumbled.

Suddenly, there was a scuttling noise from the shadows below. The three immediately stopped and prepared for battle. Ace had his regular magic pen, but Riddle and Azul had their magestones attached to their dorm weapons. The two housewardens seemed more intimidating with their ornate staffs, topped with a heart and a spiral shell respectively.

"Please, let this be Grim," Ace muttered.

From the darkness, three Phantoms emerged. They resembled angular jars of ink, using that same substance to pull themselves along like separate limbs. Of course, this black goop wasn't really ink, but blot.

"MaGiC…" one of them crooned in a broken voice. "gIvE…"

"WaNt PoWeR…" the second one whined.

"MoRe… MoRe TaLeNt…" the third gurgled.

"Ugh, these things are gross," Ace said. "At least these are smaller than your Phantoms were… no offense."

"I don't like these reminders at all. Let's dispose of them," Azul decided.

At once, the three Phantoms launched themselves at the group, splashing blot in their wake. Ace and Azul blasted water spells at the creatures, which hit the targets, but didn't stop their advance. Then Riddle stepped in front of Azul, using a similar water spell to grab the Phantoms and throw them down the stairs. The Phantoms grunted with pain as they hit the stone steps, their jar-like heads cracked and bleeding blot. With several hisses and curses, the monsters crawled back into the shadows, soon fading away entirely.

"Drat, I thought cracking that glass would destroy them," Riddle said. "I should've thrown them down into the abyss instead."

"You didn't have to step in front of me like that! I could've taken care of this myself!" Azul huffed.

"I know that," Riddle said. "But as you're a merman, I don't know how to help you if you got injured. Since your human form is created from a specific government-approved potion, I might not even be able to legally treat you!"

Azul and Ace stared at the Heartslabyul housewarden as if he'd spoken in Greek.

"That's it?" Azul asked. "You were just afraid of a potential lawsuit if you treated an injury?" And then he laughed. "Oh, and here I thought you were underestimating me!"

"I guess that's a doctor's kid for you," Ace chuckled. "Always thinking about those medical bills."

"Don't laugh at me," Riddle insisted. "This is serious business!"

"Oh, I understand," Azul said, finally regaining his composure. "Tell you what, I promise I won't get injured. How about that?"

"That…" Riddle wanted to argue, but Azul moved past him further down the stairs.

"Just let it go," Ace assured his housewarden. "You know Azul would squeeze money out of you if he could—and he wouldn't settle for low fees. If he says he can handle something himself, then take his word for it."

Riddle looked between Ace and Azul, then gave a hard nod. "I didn't mean to upset him," he admitted. "I suppose we have enough to worry about right now."

"Let's proceed before those Phantoms return with some friends," Azul called from below. "I think there's a room down here."

"Hey! Didn't you tell me not to rush?" Riddle said, running after him.

"Wait for me, sheesh!" Ace complained as he picked up the pace.

This little scuffle with the Phantoms would only prove to be the tip of the iceberg.