Soon enough, Briar uses the ID card on the door, and it works, allowing the door to open. Everyone soon rushes out and finds themselves on the other floor of Tartarus' hallway.
"Whew..." Vil sighs in relief, "At least we got through that unscathed."
"All the Phantoms that had awakened were rather small," Rook says.
"I agree. They're close to my size. Well, some of them are around your size," Sereia says.
"That's true. It's a good thing we're able to beat them and find the card to get out of there," Briar says.
"Yeah. Even I could've taken them with one hand tied behind my back... Maybe," Epl says.
But Vil says, "Don't get cocky now. We were told the Phantoms could grow more formidable the further down we go. We need to stay sharp. I will say we gained one insight from this. The brothers may have control of the island... But even they're not capable of unfreezing all the Phantoms at once."
Everyone is surprised to hear it.
"That's very true... If they could, then they would've already won," Rook says.
"Exactly," Vil says. Then turns to Briar, "Briar, think back to earlier, when the researchers brought the Phantoms out for testing. Judging by what the announcement said... I don't think they use any specific equipment to unfreeze the Phantoms in the containment facilities."
"Hmm..." Briar says and tries to remember.
Flashback:
Suddenly, the alarm goes off, shocking everyone in the room.
Then the PA System announces, "Testing of Subjects ROS-859A and SUS-3320B will commence at 1300. Currently thawing Phantom subjects' cages. The facility will go into full lockdown for the duration of the test to ensure the safety of all personnel. All personnel, please return to your stations immediately."
Flashback Ends:
"You're right. The subjects were being thawed and it took a while for it to happen that they had to close everything off," Briar says.
Vil nods and says, "Think of Tartarus like a giant freezer. You wouldn't put a microwave inside a freezer, would you?"
Understanding the situation, Epel says, "Oh, I get it. So basically, they've just unplugged the freezer and are waiting for stuff to thaw out?
"Yes. Which means they couldn't act right now even if they wanted to," Vil says, "I'm starting to suspect all these games and chats are just a smokescreen. They're trying to distract us from the fact that they're stalling for time."
"So in essence, they're not actually making a game out of this," Rook says.
"That's my take," Vil ... I must say, though. Ortho's been putting on quite the villainous performance. It seems to me he could drop all this nonsense about resetting the world and start an acting career. There aren't many child actors who can play convincing villains.
"What would you think of inviting him to join the Film Research Club when we get back to school, Vil?" Rook asks.
"I think you might be onto something there," Vil says, "Now then, let's hurry on."
With that, everyone continues forward down the path to get down to the gateway.
Meanwhile, at the gateway of the Underworld, down below in Tartarus.
Ortho's voice says, "They pretty much breezed through my second trial. I know I designed it for first-time players, but maybe I made the difficulty too easy."
"No worries. The Titans will wake up soon," Idia's voice says.
Then Ortho says, "But they're in sector 12, which is the most heavily frozen. Wouldn't that be a little fast?"
"These are the original Phantoms we're talking about. They're in a league of their own. I'm making good progress on unsealing the Underworld gate, too. It's easy to get into the Underworld, but once you're in, there's no getting out. It's a one-way door that's sealed tighter than a tomb...and I'm gonna pry it open from the inside." India says.
"Once someone enters the gate to the Underworld, they never set foot on the surface world again... That's the way of things," Ortho says. "Everyone's gonna be so surprised when I make my return. I can't wait to see that... Heh heh... Heh heh heh..."
Back at the Emergency stairs, Briar and the others continue to walk down the levels of Tartarus to the gate.
Sereia looks down and is looking uneasy, "It's still a very long way down."
"You're right. It's going to take a while to get down there," Briar says.
"You're right, but still, I have to wonder, why would Grim want to come down here," Epel says.
"I don't know, but we have to find him," Briar says.
"I agree. I wonder if the others saw him," Sereia says.
"Maybe, but he could still be here somewhere," Briar says,
Suddenly, Rook spots something, "...Hm? Something's coming up the stairs."
Everyone stops to see a small shadow walking towards them.
"It looks kind of small," Sereia says.
"Do you think it could be... Grim?" Briar asks, a sign of hope in her voice.
"It's possible," Epel says.
And then calls out, "HEY, GR-mph!"
But Rook quickly covers Epel's mouth, "Epel, no! That isn't Grim. It's about 10 centimeters shorter than he is!"
"Well, it's coming this way now! Ready yourselves!" Vil says.
"If it's not Grim, then what is it?" Sereia asks, worried.
Soon, Sereia' question is answered when a small Phantom approaches them with a shield and lets out a roar.
Briar gasps, "It's a Phantom."
"And it's coming this way," Sereia says.
The Phantom comes charging at them, but Briar and the others bring out their magepens and begin to cast their magic at it.
YOU ARE READING
Twisted Wonderland Book 6: The Watchman of the Underworld
FanfictionAfter Grim attacked Briar after the SDC, she and her friends search for him, but captured by Ortho. A few days later, the school has been invaded by strong people is armor, and has captured, Riddle, Leona, Azul, Jamil, Vil, and Briar, and has Grim i...
