Chapter 66: The 200% Sacrifice (Second Request)
Steve
The Dimensional Backpack hummed with power. 200% charge—first time since requesting the Map That Updates.
One hundred days of dimensional energy absorption. Ready to be spent.
The Party gathered as I reached into empty air, summoning the request interface. The translucent panel materialized, glowing faintly.
"What are you requesting?" Dustin asked.
"Something we lost." I wrote with my finger: ENERGY DETECTOR
The panel pulsed. Accepted. Battery drained completely—from 200% to 0% in an instant.
A modified Geiger counter materialized in my hands. But wrong. Augmented. The display showed standard radiation readings plus something else—dimensional energy measurements in unfamiliar units.
"Holy shit," Dustin breathed, examining it. "This doesn't just detect radiation. It's reading dimensional weak points!"
Dr. Owens took readings from Will. The device spiked. "It's detecting his residual connection. This is extraordinary."
"This is strategic advantage," I corrected. "We can map exact location of the source gate."
Dustin
Steve took the detector into partial tunnel sections we'd mapped. The device clicked, measuring dimensional energy concentrations.
"Higher readings near junction seven," he reported via radio. "Increasing as we approach downtown convergence."
I tracked positions on the map, marking energy levels. Pattern emerged—all tunnels showing energy flow toward single point.
"They're not just connected physically," I realized. "They're channeling dimensional energy to central location. Like... like electrical grid feeding power station."
"Exactly," Dr. Owens confirmed. "The source gate is dimensional battery. Powers entire network."
Steve emerged from the tunnels, detector reading off the scale. "Found it. Source gate is beneath old Hawkins industrial complex. Half-mile deep, maximum dimensional energy concentration."
He placed the detector on the table. "That's our target."
Nancy
The map showed it clearly now. All tunnels converging on single point downtown. Red marks indicating demo-dog concentrations surrounding it.
"It's defended," Jonathan observed. "Heavily."
"Of course it is." Steve updated the tactical map. "Source gate is critical infrastructure. Mind Flayer won't leave it unprotected."
Hopper studied the layout. "Access routes?"
"Four primary tunnels. All monitored. All defended." Steve's Phase 3 perception had mapped everything during his detector sweep. "We'll face resistance every step."
"How many demo-dogs?" Lucas asked.
"Conservative estimate? Fifty. Maybe more."
The room went quiet.
"That's impossible odds," Robin said.
"For normal people, yeah." Steve's corruption pulsed. "Good thing we're not normal."
Bob
The assault plan took shape over three hours. Four teams, coordinated strike, converging on source gate simultaneously.
I contributed communication protocols, ensured SuperComm network would maintain contact through interference. Technical details while others planned combat.
"Bob stays topside," Steve declared. "Coordinates from bunker."
"I could help—"
"No." Steve's voice held finality. "You're too valuable. You coordinate, we execute. That's how this works."
Joyce squeezed my hand, relieved. I wanted to argue, to prove I could help directly. But Steve's intensity stopped me.
"Fine. I'll coordinate."
Steve
The plan was formed. Teams assigned. Resources allocated. Final assault set for tomorrow at dawn.
I studied the map showing source gate location—surrounded by demo-dogs, defended by hive intelligence, half-mile underground.
Suicide mission by any reasonable standard.
Good thing I've been preparing for suicide missions for four years.
"Steve?" El approached. "Will we win?"
"Yes."
"How do you know?"
"Because losing isn't acceptable. Because I've prepared for every contingency. Because you're all stronger than you know." I looked at her. "We'll win, El. We have to."
She hugged me—small, fierce, trusting. "Okay. I believe you."
Please let me be right, I thought. Please let preparation be enough.
The Mind Flayer whispered: Tomorrow, traveler. Tomorrow we see if your changes mattered. If your sacrifices were sufficient. If you can save them all—or watch them fall despite everything.
I checked my weapons. Phase 3 abilities hummed ready. Corruption spread across my chest, down my arms, claiming more territory.
The Backpack sat at 0%. Empty. Next charge cycle: one hundred days, late February 1985.
If I survive that long.
Seven items acquired total: Compass, Medkit, Hook, Night Vision Goggles, Map That Updates, modified Geiger Counter, and Dart (living weapon/mascot). Plus Fight Master Phase 3, Pain Heal advancing, and corruption deep enough to share consciousness with ancient evil.
Was it enough?
Has to be. Because tomorrow, Bob either survives or dies. Will either stays free or gets reclaimed. The Party either defeats the Mind Flayer or gets consumed by it.
"One more day," I whispered to my corrupted reflection. "One more battle. Then we see if four years of preparation actually mattered."
The reflection stared back—barely recognizable, more shadow than boy, eyes that sometimes went completely black.
But still Steve. Still human. Still fighting.
Tomorrow would prove whether that was enough.
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