Chapter 29: The plot thickens.
A new home had been prepared for Rocky, a massive mansion worth hundreds of millions of dollars, right beside the Church Of Gemini within the Upside.
Initially, it housed over 20 clergymen who resided there together. However, once Rocky's accommodation needs arose, they voluntarily evacuated the church-owned property, relinquishing it for the Champion.
Private security, comprising a dozen elite climbers who had ascended beyond floor 40, and enchanted runic barriers, were among the extensive security measures at the private residence, as the church and Pope Cole spared no effort to ensure Rocky's safety.
"This is too much... What will I do with such a large mansion? I'm off to university tomorrow. Give it back to the clergymen. Just give me a small apartment somewhere, damn it," Rocky protested. However, after the incident involving Riva, Pope Cole refused to acquiesce to his demands.
Despite Rocky's protests, it was clear that the champion's security was his paramount concern.
The good news for Rocky was that the application submitted on his behalf by the Earth branch of the Church Of Gemini to the university for the nourishment of young talents was accepted almost immediately upon review of his talent and credentials by the admissions office.
In an unprecedented move, they even awarded Rocky a full scholarship for all semesters, a development that took even Pope Cole by surprise.
"Praise Gemini—You have been blessed with a full scholarship," he said with a smile, yet Rocky could only frown at his words.
He had been receiving too much 'special' attention lately, and with the memory of the crowd outside the medical facility still fresh, Rocky longed for an end to any further special treatment.
Unfortunately, from the moment he had stepped forward as the champion, he had relinquished his right to privacy and normalcy.
As the champion of Gemini, he was never going to be treated ordinarily, regardless of whom he met or where he went.
" Unfortunately, The university has refused our request to send you to the campus grounds with additional security, however, they have assured us that you will be protected at all times.
In my understanding, you should be safe there, however, in case you ever find yourself in a perilous situation, just break this charm for support" Pope Cole said as he placed a green pendant over Rocky's neck that seemed to be made out of fragile crystal.
" Thank you, I appreciate your concern," Rocky said, as Sir Cole laughed at his choice of words.
"Praise Gemini-, the champion is such a kind man. May your wisdom guide us all-" he said, smiling towards the heavens as Rocky realized that Sir Cole was just like all of those believers that had gathered outside the medical facility just to catch a glimpse of Rocky.
His eyes carried the same reverence, the same form of blind faith when he looked towards Rocky.
The kind of eyes that made Rocky feel like he was far too unworthy for that sort of reverence, making him feel awkward.
" Please rest today, Champion, for tomorrow you shall enter the tower for the first time" Pope Cole said, as he left Rocky to enjoy his massive mansion alone, however, all it did was make Rocky feel even more insecure as the same question kept rising in his head.
This attention? Was he even worthy of it? Afterall, he wasn't even the first choice of the gods to become their champion, he was only a last moment replacement-
***********
( Meanwhile, somewhere on floor 21 of the Tower Of Ascension )
Joe shuddered in fear as he looked into the eyes of Perseus who looked like a deranged man on the brink of insanity.
" Joe...Joe...Joe....." He said, his voice becoming deeper with each subsequent 'Joe' that he said.
" You told us that Riva had confided in you that she CONFIDENTLY remembered this universe in a different way.
That to her this place was like a dream that she did not belong to.
That she felt a divine connection to Gemini-" Perseus said, as he slowly unsheathed his sword.
"It's true..... she told me all this in confidence during a dungeon raid, we were the best of friends! She would never lie to me" Joe scrambled to explain, as he swore that whatever he had previously claimed was the truth.
" THEN EXPLAIN TO ME, HOW HIS LITTLE BROTHER IS THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN BRANDED AS THE CHAMPION OF GEMINI!
DO YOU THINK WE ARE STUPID? HOW DARE YOU MAKE US CHASE AFTER THE WRONG TARGET" Perseus screamed in anger as he kicked Joe off his feet, knocking him to the ground and slamming his sword right beside his ear, drawing a trickle of blood.
" What? This is the first time I'm hearing of this? Rocky is Gemini's champion? B-but Gemini has never claimed a champion in the history of the tower!
All the other gods have had several champions roam the tower, but never Gemini-" Joe said, as Perseus judged his expression and realized that Joe was truly as unaware as he pretended to be, but that only fuelled his anger.
" Rocky Yadav, is Gemini's Champion and we had the opportunity to nab him.
UGHHH, MOTHERFUCKING SHAKUNI, He fooled you. That snake is plotting something from the top of the tower.
I should've known....
I should've known...
Shakuni's plans never go wrong, we are all but dancing at his palms" Perseus groaned in frustration as he felt stupid for nabbing Riva when their real target should have been Rocky.
" Perhaps, you can release Riva and nab Rocky, now that you know that she's not the possessor of the power your father seeks, perhaps you can let her go?" Joe suggested, as deep down he did feel slightly guilty for betraying his friend, however, Perseus only laughed at his words.
" Let her go? She is the only bargaining chip we have over Rocky. We will never let her go.
We will either break her mind and turn her into our obedient slave, or we will hold her hostage for when the time is ripe for negotiation.
However, we shall never let her go-" Perseus said as he found Joe's ideas to be ridiculous.
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/// A/N - We hit the PS target last week, so bonus soon!
Also, if you could spare a moment of your time and drop a review for this book and how you are enjoying the story so far, it will help me a long way! Cheers! ///
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