Leveling up the World

Chapter 745: Effects of the Curse

Sunsets were always pleasant in Dallions realm. Lately, this was the only place he had to himself. Here he could rest, train, and spend time with his echoes, guardians, and companions. Sadly, this was also a place in which he could see reminders of those hed lost.

First Gleam, now Nil, Dallion said, looking at the bridge remains that once had connected the main part of his realm to the Vermillions islands. Sometimes I wonder who will be next.

It better not be me, Vihrogon said, joining him at the edge of the cliff. The being was the dryad guardian of the armadil shield. Once a sword marshal and high ranked member of the dryad army, he now was nothing but a companion armor banished, never to set foot in the real world again. Youll find them, eventually. Both of them.

I wont find Nil.

True, but in a way, the original cant be too different from the echo.

Dallion shook his head.

Hey, Im still a companion gear, remember? I know Ive been slacking for a while, but hey, I have a lot of free time now that youre mostly using magic.

Im not in the mood

I see that. Losing your mentor and father figure is always a blow, no matter how you try to cushion it. Using music on yourself was a nice touch, but thats temporary.

Dont go there.

I know, I know. Its no secret that talking to you right now is pointless.

That was an understatement. The loss of Nil had caused Dallion to relapse into his distrust of the world. It didnt help that he was serving people he strongly disliked. On the surface, there was little change. On the contrary, many would say that Dallion had grown, taking on important roles, succeeding in missions that battle mages failed. In truth, there was a lot lurking in his mind, which was apparent to everyone within his realm.

Two words, Vihrogon said. Awakening trial.

Sure. I couldnt complete it before. What makes you think Ill manage now?

Who knows? Despite everything, youve a bit smarter now. Besides, passing it is not a requirement. Just having it might be enough to shove you in the right direction.

Reality shifted, bringing Dallion back to his room. Some would consider it rude to exit a realm during a conversation, but then again, it was his realm, so he could do pretty much anything he wanted in it.

Dallion made a step towards the table, when a sudden chill passed through his body.

Damn it! He thought as all warmth was drained from his hands and fingers. Not again

All color faded away, plunging his surroundings into grayness. Whatever strength he had was gone. Even the Moonstone hidden in his realm could no longer provide him with magic. All time stopped, locking Dallion in a single frame of lifecold, alone, and powerless. However, it was now that the pad part began.

It always continued with someone from his past. There was no logic to determine who or when the curse took place. The only thing certain was that the intensity kept increasing. At first it had been the nightmares, then the cold that accompanied them. Now Dallion was torn out of time, left to experience living hallucinations.

Missed me? a female voice said.

Dallion feared that his nightmare would be related to Eury again. Instead, when the figure gained solid form, he saw that it was a fury.

Jiroh, he thought.

That was exactly something the Moons would come up with. The real Jiroh no longer existed in the world. After years of searching, she had finally managed to find a way to her own. Dallion had been with her when it happened, getting himself pulled in by accident. Since then, hed seen her a few times more, always in dreams. As tempting as it was to think that the Moons had granted him a chat with his friend, he knew that this was merely the face of his torture.

Youve lost weight, the fury said. Each sound she made split the air, slashing Dallions skin like a razor blade. Guess you havent been eating well with all those attack missions youve been on.

Dallion arched a brow.

Dont worry, I didnt give him the best. Didnt give him the worst, either. Dont want to have them dropping like flies.

Now that they were under her command, Katka was untypically concerned with the wellbeing of the mages. The real reason was the unofficial ongoing competition between battle mages. Since Katka only gained her title thanks to the archmage, she had a lot to prove. Thanks to Dallion, she was doing a pretty good job so far.

He told me a lot of interesting things, most of them lies. Just like youre doing now.

Was I lying? Dallion Ticked the armadil shield between his back and the backpack.

Ive no idea why youre going to Nerosal, but it isnt to hunt down Adzog, and it isnt to reminisce about old times, either.

Dallion remained silent.

I dont know what youre really after and I dont care as long as you dont mess up the bottom line. So, will you?

No plans for that.

Good.

Theres a favor to ask, though.

Katka crossed her arms.

Its nothing major. I cant tell you yet. Not until I get back.

So, thats how it is? Better not press your luck. If I dont like it you wont have it.

Fair enough.

All set up, Dallion opened the door.

Talking about favors, Cheska was made top apprentice.

Dallion felt a slight shiver. Hed had a talk with the girl, making her promise she wouldnt stand out. Apparently, the promise was as worthless as marsh air. It was always a long shot that a prodigy like her stopped showing off. Approaching attention, though, was a sure way to get her recruited to the battle mages, and that was more than Dallion could bear. It was bad enough that so many of them were practically teens.

No surprises there, he tried to appear calm. Did you snatch her for the cause?

Tried to, but someone beat me to it. Shell be helping with actual magic research. Boring, but itll keep her off the front. Thought you might want to know.

Dallion nodded. Was Katka trying to be nice to him?

Just one last piece of advice. Id suggest you stop by Lanitol first, preferably a few more cities on your way to Nerasol. The province belongs to the Archduke Lanitol now. Thats what the emperor has degreed.

Thats what the people must see, Dallion added. Do you want me to spend a few days partying with him as well?

Thats your business. Dont make cracks, dont make waves. Although, if you do, well have your back.

The Academy always takes care of its own, Dallion thought. If he wanted, he could destroy a whole neighborhood and still not get punished. It had happened before and more frequently than people thought. Such power terrified him; being able to wield itten times as much.

No cloud waited for Dallion as he left the building. The vast majority had set out on patrol or conducting new missions. Only a red cloud was there, like a smattering of blood in the sky. Thankfully, that was no longer his problem. Right now, all he had to do was arrive in Nerasol safely and see a few old friends.