Twisted Wonderland Book 6: The Watchman of the Underworld

Chapter 67: An Even Deeper Trek Tower 2 Part 17

The three boys continue to fight against the Phantoms.

"We keep beating them back, but they just keep swarming us..." Jamil says, and fires his magic, "Rgh!"

The phantom laughs, "Eee hee hee! Right there....."

"What...?" Jasper questions, shocked.

Jamil is just as shocked, "Are they targeting where I got injured?!"

"Human...weak...there! There!" The Phantom says, and strikes the attack.

Jamil feels the pain, "Urgh! You little cretin... " And fires his magic, "Stay back!"

Jasper then fires his magic as well, "That answers your questions, Jamil."

"Tch," Leona scoffs, and fires his magic.

The Phantom screams in pain, "GYEEE!"

With that, the Phantoms have dissolved into ink.

"Ugh, that is still gross," Jasper responds in disgust.

Soon, Leona says, ""Would you look at that? I said I wasn't gonna cover you, but you were so pathetic I couldn't help myself. Yeah, that's me. A real softie. Don't feel like you gotta hold back the tears of gratitude.

"If this is anyone's fault, it's—" Jamil angrily says, but calms himself and says, "Actually, never mind. Excuses are unbecoming. Thank you for that. I'll formulate a plan to ensure I'm more useful next time."

Leona sighs, "That ain't gonna help," Then says to Jamil, "I warned you about bein' arrogant. You still don't seem to get it, so lemme lay it out for you. You're not being thoughtful or careful. You're just bein' pushy."

"You think I'm pushy?!" Jamil questions.

Then Leona says, "Do you really think you need to do all this when you're with ME? That you're good enough to cover me? You must think pretty highly of yourself considerin' you're just a vice housewarden."

"Well, all right, maybe I don't have as much leadership experience as you. But still..." Jamil says.

But Leona says in remark, "But STILL? Hah! Funny. Okay, I'm gonna take a stab at what you're thinkin' right now. 'I've just never gotten a chance to shine. No one's ever given me a real evaluation, or else it'd be clear I'm better than everyone else.' And so you always look down on those around you. It's pathetic."

Jamil then says back to him, "As if you have any room to talk. You look down on people more than anyone else on campus.

"Sure I do. But see, I AM better than you," Leona says.

"What an excuse..." Jamil says.

But then Leona says, "Now, obviously you couldn't hold a candle to me or Vil. But you're also a far cry from the two housewardens in your sophomore class."

Riddle flinches in response.

Then Leona says, "Riddle can bust out a spell so fast it's not even funny. And he's got the firepower to lead a group and fight at the head of it. It's a double-edged sword, considering his stamina and personality. But he's had confidence as a leader for a long time, and that's what counts. Azul's got maneuvers for days, just like an octopus should. He's a quick thinker and knows how to put himself in an advantageous position. He probably struggled a lot adapting to life on land, but he sees that as a strength."

Then turns to Jasper, "In fact, even this little beast dwarf boy has strength."

"Me?" Jasper questions.

"Yes you. Both you and your brother," Leona says, "From what I heard, both your parents died while at a young age, and had to defend yourselves in any way you can. You've both become more independent, but you both also rely on each other more than just yourselves. And yet, you two decide to separate and continue to be independent. Even upon arriving at this here, you both have perseverance, stubbornness in your case, but you also have been able to bring something into the battle."

Then turns to Jamil, "So what do you bring to the table? 'I haven't gotten serious yet. If only I had the right opportunity, I'd show them all...' Pfft. Only losers make excuses like that."

Jamil is taken aback by the statement, "I beg your pardon? Try saying that again!"

"Whoop, here's the next containment facility," Leona says, and looks downstairs. "We'll have to cut the chit chat short. Get ready for more Phantoms."

And walks down stairs. Jasper follows from behind.

"What?!" Jamil exclaims and calls out, "Hey—! You can't just rip into someone like that then end the conversation before they can respond!" But stop to think about it, "I... I..."