Leveling up the World

Chapter 749:

Tower vortexes. Dallion had read a bit on the topic. Like everything else related to magic, it made just enough sense for a person to get a general idea, though not enough to convince anyone it could exist. Increasing his magic trait to twenty definitely helped. Since then, Dallion was able to see the descriptions that came with magic constructs, spells, even the magic threads themselves. A vast number of the instructions required higher levels, but even twenty was enough to see some basic principles: when portals would open and close, what trigger events were in place, even the purity of specific magic strands.

The roof of the tower seemed completely solid. A novice wouldnt be able to spot an opening of any sort. Most apprentices wouldnt either, unless they boosted their perception through a spell or item. Thankfully, Dallion had a pretty high perception trait to begin with.

One thread among the millions that composed the top of the tower was different. Markedly darker, it indicated the area in which the tower was at its weakest. With enough skill and persistence, a mage could find the corresponding spell and form an opening. In the case of Dallion, he simply used a spark attack with his harpsisword.

Still a vandal, Nil said in a disapproving tone as he floated above.

Would you have preferred I use the thread splitter? Dallion grumbled. He was constantly keeping a few spare instances in case the echo did anything threatening. For the most part, though, he was merely annoyed.

Thats not the point, dear boy. There are better ways than forcing your way into a vortex.

Dallion didnt respond, although personally he disagreed. Spark wasnt something mages were generally capable of. One could go even as far and say that was the natural counter a mid-level awakened had against mages. As far as he was concerned, it was just another tool. Maybe not as elegant as Nil would have liked it to be, but a single spark slice saved hours of testing and spellcasting.

A crack emerged on the towers surface. The harpsisword still inside, Dallion extended his own magic through the weapon, using the tip of the blade to draw a portal spell. It was a lot trickier than usual, but had the practice.

With the portal complete, Dallion created a second one with his left hand above the tower. A thin thread emerged, connecting both. According to the Academy scholars, the thread stitched both portals together, making them no different as a single doorway as far as reality was concerned. In practice, Dallion didnt even care. Pulling out the harpsisword, he stepped through the portal, ending up on the towers top floor.

The surroundings were exactly what he expected from a vortex, but there was no way they wouldnt be.

The real things not that different, Nil said, appearing a step away. The whole point of the vortex cage training is to prepare mages for real life.

Will you keep floating around all the time? Dallion asked. This was starting to feel too much like the time in the prison realm.Finnd new chapters at wuxiahere.com

Look whos talking. The echo smirked.

There didnt seem to be any creatures, which meant that this was going to be more like a riddle vortex. Still, Dallion didnt let his guard down. A dozen of his instances constantly moved about in every direction, helping him map the area, while three kept an eye on Nil.

It was huge. If it wasnt for the floor, ceiling, as well as the occasional wall, one could think this was the outside, or at the very least, an area realm.

On first glance, there didnt seem to be any flaws within the threads of the structure. Everything was perfection itself. Just to make certain, Dallion touched the floor with an echo of his.

MINOR WOUND

Your health has been reduced by 5%

A red rectangle emerged. A zap of purple lightning followed moments later.

Nasty, Dallion thought.

Not only was the effect unexpected, but it affected him through his instances. That meant that using echoes would be more appropriate in the current situation.

Bending down, all the while careful not to touch a magic thread, Dallion tried to see if there were any legible instructions. There didnt seem to be, but he suspected that was primarily due to his low magic level.

To end the suspense, the spells are in the threads, Nil said. Good instincts, but you dont have the level yet.

At least as far as the trial is concerned.

Think what you will, but the real thing is a lot more difficult than this. Youve had first-hand experiences, you should know.

Indeed, Dallion had some experience with a lower-level vortex. At the time, he had managed to brute force it without issue. That was the reason the approach wouldnt work here.

You arent going to call Lux? Nil arched a brow.

Five percent is fine, Dallion stood back up. No need to put him at risk.

Dont what? Dallion asked.

I know what youre thinking and

In a split-second Dallion let go of the thread splitter, summoned his harpsisword, infused it with spark, then performed a point attack straight down. Hundreds of magic threads snapped, causing a crack on the previously flawless surface. Another point attack later and the cracks became a hole leading to the floor below.

Dont do that? Dallion asked, glancing at Nil with an instance.

Just because you have some skill is no reason for you to get arrogant, dear boy, Nil grumbled.

It worked, didnt it? Dallion asked. Besides, you told me that all mages are arrogant.

All world conquerors were awakened. Does that mean that all awakened are world conquerors?

An interesting take for another day. Dallion burst into instances again and had them pour onto the fourth floor. The moment he did, they were attacked by an equally large swarm of fox-like creatures.

VORTEX MINION

Species: VIXENAIR

Class: MAGIC

Health: 50%

Traits:

- BODY 20

- MIND 20

- REACTION 50

- PERCEPTION 20

- MAGIC 20

Skills:

- ATTACK

- ATHLETICS

- SPELLCRAFT

- SUBLIMATION (Species Unique)

Weakness: UNKNOWN

You must be kidding me! Gritting his teeth, Dallion performed multiple line attacks with his instances, but to limited effect. The vixenairs were way too fast to let themselves be affected by the line of destruction. Working as a group, the minions combined magic with attacks, pushing all of Dallions instances out of the floor. Even worse, they didnt stop there, leaping up to where Dallion was.

Instantly Dallion cast a barrier spell, patching the hold, but even he knew that was a temporary measure.

Thats why you shouldnt rely on brute force, Nil said. Sometimes a barrier isnt there to keep you out, but something else in.

Thanks for the advice, o wise one. Dallion snapped back. He was expecting some underhanded trick, but definitely not this. And since he had only bypassed the protective spells leading him to the center of the room, he couldnt run out of the small encirclement, either.