Leveling up the World

Chapter 764: Present from the Past

The screams and chaos continued. Even with the archdukes soldiers rushing to the main banquet hall, now that the alarm was raised, they were having difficulty fighting their way through the room. Despite the echoed attackers not being that numerous, they were placed at key spots, ensuring that the hall remained isolated for a while. Originally, that was supposed to be until the assassination. Now that it had failed, they were simply fighting for their lives.

A merchant with a sectioned sword leapt past the fury guards, aiming to reach the archduke. A column of stone emerged from the ground, pinning him to the ceiling.

Sorry you had to see this, the noble said, the air of boredom returning to him. I was hoping for a much more elegant display.

For someone who had survived a coup attempt, he seemed remarkably calm. Given what had happened forty years ago, maybe he was used to this. It wouldnt be out of the question to think that there were echo recreations of past bloodshed, just so that future nobles knew what to expect and how to react when they did.

Have there been other attempts? Dallion asked, finding himself at a lack of topics.

No one was foolish enough. I guess war tends to make people stupid. Priscord, Dreud, and now Nerot. All so nave, incapable of seeing that they cant do anything beyond the confines the emperor has placed. The column sunk back into the floor, leaving a mangled corpse. I aimed to sell the aura sword at the auction, the archduke changed topics. As a world item, it remains the envy of the empire. Priscord tried to take the one Id lent to your former guild. A cynical smile formed on his face. Useless, of course. I had the item returned to me way before she made her move. Even when she tried to be sneaky, I could tell months in advance.

And yet she managed to win, Dallion added mentally.

I think Ill let you have it.

A world item? Dallions shock was no less than if a dragon had swooped down from the ceiling.

I have several, the noble waved his hand. One less would hardly matter.

Also, he didnt want to feel indebted. That was the thing about high-powered nobles, a lesson Dallion had learned the hard way. Even if it wasnt stated openly, the notion would gnaw on them politically as well as internally, probably causing more realm flaws than it was worth.

Another wall of ice divided the hall in two, isolating the crossbowman. Diroh was doing remarkably well, considering her lack of actual combat experience. March must have trained her quite hard.

Youve grown a lot since I last saw you. Many say that if you hadnt discovered magic, youd have become a noble by now.

That was a popular topic of discussion. Even Dallion himself often considered what might have happened if hed held out for three move levels before accepting the Purple Moons offer. Putting aside the fact that hed likely have died, hed probably be serving the Lanitol family as some minor noble. In time, and with a bit of luck, he might have even risen to the point of obtaining a city of his own. At no time could one advance as fast as during a war just like his grandfather had. Provided that Dallion didnt do anything that would get him banished, he might have been instrumental in the countess fall and potentially be made lord mayor of Nerosal.

It was fortunate that you didnt. The archduke narrowed his eyes. The last time otherworlders visited the palace, a lot of bad things happened.

Otherworlders? Dallions grandfather had sworn that hed only seen one other like him. Had the old man lied? Knowing him, Dallion suspected that to be the case. Still, if the archduke was referring to Kraisten, who had been with him?

But enough about the past. A stone chair appeared next to Dallion. Sit. Lets discuss more pleasant things while the noise dies down.

May I make one request before we do? Dallion asked. If there was a moment to try and push his luck, it was now.

Intrigue flowed from the noble as he nodded, indicating for Dallion to continue.

Id like the mages robe, if youd allow it?

You want his clothes?

Just the robe. It has some magical properties, Dallion was quick to add.

Ive often heard that mages are like vultures, gaining strength from each others corpses. He glanced at the body that had been Nerot. Why not? Pick him dry. Take anything you wish, but leave the corpse. That belongs to me.

The fury, who had engaged in polite conversation with a group of lesser nobles, excused herself and followed Dallion out of the hall.

Seemed like you were having fun, Dallion said, knowing full well it was a lie.

As they walked, Ruby flew off the furys shoulder, landing back on Dallions.

Not as much as the time you took me from Halburn, she replied. And you said Ill be safer with you.

You were safe. At least to the point that Dallion could ensure. Next time, walk above the ground.

Ill make a note.

There could be spells everywhere.

In all honesty, Dallion had fallen for it as well. If it hadnt been for the item that warned him, he might as well have been dead. There was no guarantee Dallion was fast and vigilant, but the heads up was vastly appreciated.

The only annoying part was that he still didnt have any idea which item had warned him. Even after the attack had been thwarted, the items had remained just as silent as before. Few had responded to nudges, even less had said anything remotely useful.

Do we keep the clothes? the fury asked.

Dallions instinct was to say no. Even after checking the threads for echoes and magic, he remained cautious when it came to gifts. Then again, it was obvious that they had no traps within them, else they would have already triggered during the assassination attempt.

If you want to. Im leaving mine. I cant use it where Im going.

I think Ill do the opposite, the fury countered.

Dont just drop items youve known for years. It was a bit hypocritical since he had done the same many times, especially when it came to clothes. In all honesty, he couldnt even remember where his first set of improved clothes from Dherma was. Take them with you to the Academy and then decide what to do.

Sure. Whats a little more weight?

No one escorted them as they made their way to the guest mansion. The moment Dallion was in the open, he cast a flight spell, darting in the direction of the structure. Diroh followed closely behind. Arriving, Dallion checked all the previous items for implanted echoes, then quickly changed clothes and geared up.

You got an aura sword? the armadil shield asked, impressed.

Its not yours, Dallion replied.

It doesnt matter. Aura swords are mage weapons.

You told me that you werent a mage.

Im not, but they have to be in order to be a world item. A lot of magic is required to make a habitable realm. Tap into that type of magic and

He doesnt need to learn that, Harp interrupted. Let him learn at his own pace.

There was a moment of silence.

Youre his guardian, the armadil shield replied with a nonchalant shrug. Just keep in mind that his pace has been rather slow lately. Six months for seven magic levels is pretty bad. Either he picks up the pace or hell stay where he is. You know better than me that there are no rewards for trying.