Chereads / Systems Gambit / Chapter 36 - The Truth or another Plot?

Chapter 36 - The Truth or another Plot?

Melton and Jemmy were positioned at the end of a dim alley, where the neon lights of the city created a creepy reflection on the wet pavement. They had located Julian in this desolate area of the city, an deteriorating neighborhood that reflected the turmoil in their lives. Julian found himself trapped at last, his towering form pressed firmly against the wall, his deep blue eyes shimmering with an unearthly fervor.

Melton stepped forward, his fists clenched. "This ends now, Julian."

Julian looked at him, a small smirk forming on his lips. "Does it? Or is this just the beginning?"

Jemmy stood by Melton's side, her face hardened with resolve. "No more games, Julian. Tell us the truth about Erebus."

Julian chuckled softly, the sound almost hollow in the stillness of the alley. "The truth? You think you can handle the truth?"

Melton's patience snapped. "Stop stalling. We know Erebus is more than just some shadowy organization. What is it?"

Julian's smirk faltered slightly as he glanced between the two of them, his expression darkening. "Erebus isn't an organization. Erebus… is a man."

Jemmy blinked in confusion. "What do you mean? A man?"

Julian sighed, his gaze drifting upwards as if remembering something from a long time ago. "His name was Ronald Calvin. He wasn't from here—not from Earth, at least. He came from another dimension, one far more advanced than anything you can imagine. He saw Earth for what it was—primitive, underdeveloped. A perfect playground for his experiments."

Melton's eyes narrowed. "Experiments?"

Julian nodded, his tone growing colder. "He came here because in his own world, he was nothing. A mediocre scientist among geniuses. But here… here he could be a god. He adopted the name Erebus, using his knowledge and technology to manipulate the world from the shadows. Every disaster, every power shift, every mercenary like you… all part of his grand experiment."

Jemmy's voice trembled with disbelief. "You're saying this whole time, everything… it was all orchestrated by one man?"

Julian's gaze hardened. "Yes. Erebus has been watching you, Melton, ever since you first entered the DWZ. He's been pulling strings, orchestrating your every move. Every mission you took, every battle you fought, it was all part of his design. He wants to see how far a man like you can go before you break."

Melton clenched his fists, fury boiling inside him. "So that's it? I've been nothing but a pawn in his game?"

Julian shrugged. "More or less. But you weren't the only one. Jemmy, myself, all the mercenaries… we've all been pieces on his board. But unlike you, I knew the truth. I worked with him because I thought I could gain something from it. Power, influence. But in the end, we were all just tools."

Jemmy stepped forward, her eyes blazing. "And you were willing to betray everyone for that? Including me?"

Julian's face softened for a moment, genuine regret flickering in his eyes. "Jemmy… I never wanted to hurt you. But you were part of the plan from the beginning. Erebus knew you had a connection to Melton. He used that against me, against you. I was supposed to keep you close to him, to monitor him. But somewhere along the line… I lost control."

Jemmy's voice cracked with anger. "You manipulated me, Julian. You used me just like Erebus did."

Julian lowered his head, shame creeping into his voice. "I'm sorry. I thought I could protect you by keeping you close. But in the end, I failed. And now Erebus is going to come after both of you with everything he has."

Melton's eyes flashed with determination. "Let him come. I've taken down everything he's thrown at me so far, and I'll take him down too."

Julian laughed bitterly. "You don't understand, Melton. Erebus isn't just some mastermind hiding in the shadows. He's not even human anymore. He's transcended. Ronald Calvin may have been a man once, but now he's something else entirely. His power, his control over this world… it's beyond anything you've faced before."

Jemmy shook her head, disbelief and fear warring within her. "But how do we stop something like that? If he's as powerful as you say…"

Julian looked up at her, his expression grim. "There's only one way. You have to destroy his connection to this world. He's tied to a network of systems—technology far beyond anything on Earth. You take that out, and you sever his link to this dimension."

Melton crossed his arms, eyes narrowing. "And where is this network?"

Julian hesitated for a moment before answering. "It's hidden beneath the city. A fortress buried deep underground, where Erebus controls everything. But getting there won't be easy. The place is heavily guarded by technology and mercenaries loyal to him."

Melton's mind raced. "And what's your part in all this, Julian? Why tell us now?"

Julian exhaled slowly, his gaze softening. "Because I'm tired, Melton. I'm tired of being Erebus' puppet. I thought I could gain something by working with him, but all I've done is lose everything that mattered. Jemmy… the power I thought I had… it's all meaningless now. I just want to see Erebus fall."

Jemmy stared at Julian, her expression a mix of anger and pity. "You had a choice, Julian. You could have stopped all this before it got this far."

Julian shook his head, his voice bitter. "No, Jemmy. None of us ever had a choice. Not really. Erebus controls everything, and the only way to stop him is to destroy him."

Melton turned away, deep in thought. His mind whirled with the new information—Erebus was not just a shadowy figure but a powerful entity from another dimension, manipulating events for years. And now, he had the chance to stop him once and for all.

But the cost had been high. Too high.

Melton glanced back at Julian, his voice cold. "You're coming with us. You're going to help us take down Erebus. And after that… we'll see if there's anything left of you worth saving."

Julian agreed with a feeling of acceptance on his face. "I will assist. But don't assume that I will come out of this without any damage. None of us will."

Jemmy reached out and placed a gentle hand on Melton's arm, her voice becoming more gentle. "We are united in this now. There are no more secrets, there are no more lies."

Melton glanced at her, his face briefly becoming gentler as he stylishly removed his hand from hers. "We will bring this to a conclusion. In one manner or another."

Leaving the dim alley, the trio saw storm clouds rumbling overhead, with lightning flashing in the distance. The upcoming war with Erebus loomed close, and everyone felt the burden of the impending battle.

But Melton was ready.

The time for playing Erebus' game was over.