God's Tower System

Jackson spent the rest of the day with Megan, exploring Duskgate together as she received the day off from Headmistress Le Doux. Later that day in the evening, he returned to her office, he needed answers, and she was the only one he could currently trust.

They both sat across her desk from each other; she remained silent as he explained what had transpired inside God's Tower, listening intently to his entire story.

After Jackson finished reliving his experience, Headmistress Le Doux smiled warmly at him and nodded once, "Thank you so much for sharing such a terrifying yet exciting tale; I haven't heard of a modified challenge before, but no one would reveal such information if they had it anyways..."

"Secret Scenarios are rare but pretty well known. God's Tower is filled with billions of them, some people think they come together to create a cohesive purpose for why they appeared, but no one knows for sure..." She continued speaking.

"Thanks, I need some things; think you can get them for me?" Jackson asked, leaning back in his seat with his arms behind his head.

She nodded, "Yes, of course, go right ahead. What do you need?"

"I'm looking for some talented individuals; I need three..." Jackson said, leaning forward as he rested his elbows on his knees.

Tara raised her eyebrow, intrigued as she smiled, leaning forward on her desk. Jackson quickly left an hour later with a sheet of paper, a list of names covering the entire page. He exited the orphanage and briskly walked through the cold night air gripping Duskgate.

His eyes scanned the list, immediately removing names he recognized and did not like. A few caught his eye, first was Amelia Gearheart, though it seemed odd to include such an important name among a list of random street urchins. She was one of the most well-known mechanics in Duskgate, creating strange weapons and armor utilizing metallurgy and gears.

He also recognized several acquaintances among the names on the list, such as Alijah, a street urchin. Duskgate was not kind to beggars, but Alijah was different. She had a silver tongue that could persuade even the most respectful child to slap their own mothers, not that she would ask you to do it.

Lastly on the list was a name he recognized but was eager to meet, a woman named Natane. She was well known amongst Duskgate's underworld, who frequented the black market, handling all materials Climbers didn't want to hand over to the Climber's Association.

There was something different about her; it was hard to describe, but it wasn't the way she handled the merchandise or the way she dealt with her customers; it was something else.

Jackson walked to Amelia's shop, entering and admiring the equipment and weapons. Inside was filled with equipment that he could only guess was used to create some of their inventions.

Amelia and her brother, August, were a team of craftsmen who worked together to make everything from the smallest gears to the biggest machines.

Jackson thought to himself as he continued looking around the shop in amazement quietly so as not to disturb August in the corner beating on a large sheet of metal.

He found Amelia sitting across from an older woman he didn't recognize far in the back of the shop, her hands busy at her side as she spoke while she smiled.

"Hey! Jax!" She said with a warm smile, her eyes shining as her blonde bangs framed her face, tied back tightly into a ponytail.

Jackson nodded, "Hi, what are you two up to? Who's this?"

Amelia turned back to the woman and said, "Natane is a dear friend; we were just chatting." She continued smiling warmly at Natane, then back to him, "How can I help you today?"

Jackson leaned against one of the large shelves and crossed his arms, smiling, "Ah! Perfect! I was actually coming here to see if you knew Natane and could introduce me!"

"Oh? Why are you looking for me?" Natane asked, tilting her head slightly and raising her eyebrow as Amelia chuckled.

"Oh! Um..." Jackson said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Don't be shy! I've always liked meeting new people, especially young men who work hard and play hard." Natane joked, gesturing for him to speak.

"Well, I'm a Climber, and I wasn't sure if you wanted to discuss business here or somewhere private." Jackson said with a slight smile, hoping his message would be received. Amelia giggled at Natane as her brother stopped his work and approached, standing next to her, his large arm resting on the edge of Amelia's chair, his feet planted firmly on the ground.

"Anything you have to say to me, you can tell both Amelia and August too!" Natane joined Amelia in her giggling. August leaned down, covering his mouth as he whispered to Amelia.

Jackson felt as though he could feel Natane's stare penetrating his skin. He rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling, "I have some items you might want to look at..."

The older woman turned to Amelia, asking in a sweet voice, "May I?"

She nodded with a smile and motioned for him to sit at a small table in the corner while the two women stood and approached the shop counter, whispering to each other and laughing.

"We'll be right out," Amelia said, exiting through a set of glass double doors into the back room.

Jackson sighed and relaxed in the chair, taking his time in the process; He looked around the shop as August scribbled on a sheet of paper behind the counter, scratching his short, spiky golden hair with a furrowed brow.

Outside the window, Jackson recognized a young woman sprinting down the streets, and shortly after, three young men chased after her, "August! I'll be right back!" He shouted, dashing out of the store loudly.

"Wait! They're still talking!" August yelled, running out of the store into the street, waving at him.

Jackson ran down the narrow road, racing after the group running at breakneck speeds after Alijah. His boots stomped against the concrete, diving down a side alley as he closed the distance between himself and the foursome, jumping over piles of debris littering the path; he was gaining ground as they continued chasing after Alijah.

As he neared, she suddenly veered into another alleyway, smacking into a chainlink fence and turning around as the three boys stopped at the corner. Jackson jumped over the trash cans and wooden crates, leaping to the wall and kicking off it through the air.

A moment before reaching the edge, he leaped into the air and spun mid-air, landing perfectly, turning his body upside down in mid-air so that he landed in front of her, holding his arm out and staring at the three men intensely.