Leveling up the World

Chapter 766: Two Teams, One War

What levels are we talking about? Dallion found himself asking.

Even with all the resources of the Academy, he hadnt heard of anything higher than an eight, let alone seen one. As a general rule of thumb, mages were discouraged from entering vortexes that were more than a tenth of their level. Mages that were experienced enough and had the appropriate equipment could venture up to twice that. It wasnt by chance that Harp had been against him venturing into the level four vortex in Nerosal.

Double digits, Alien said. And by that, I dont mean a ten.

Double digits, Dallion thought.

Any vortex over a five required a group of mages working in unison. Even Katka wouldnt be able to handle a level seven vortex on her own. For something of a higher level, an army would be needed and as it would happen, an army was amassing right there; two of them, in fact.

I dont think its a good idea to share what youve learned about Adzorg, the armadil shield said.

Even if hes the cause of all this?

Especially because of that. Think about it. When someone discovers that theres a device to create high-level vortexes, what do you think theyll use it for? Whichever side wins, theyll keep on tempting fate just so that they could gain magic. Regret resonated in the guardians words. Trust me on this. Ive seen it happen before.

The dryads had a similar one when they were banished? Dallion felt curious.

No, it was something completely different. The principle remains the same. When provided with the means to gain an astronomical benefit, people tend not to think anything can go wrong.

The Azures know about it as well, the archmage continued. Thats one of the reasons theyre gathering in the area.

Just like a pit stop before moving on to the capital, Dallion said.T/his chapter is updated by nov(ê(l)biin.co/m

Nice comparison. the water construct let out a laugh.

Its true, though. If they boost up their forces, our numbers wont matter. Thats not the biggest issue, though.

All eyes turned towards him. Until now, no one took him particularly seriously. That statement had attracted more than a bit of attention. Dallion didnt know whether to be glad or concerned. Given how powerful the members of the circle were, and how long theyd been in this world, he thought they would have seen the obvious by now.

What if the Academys forces reach it first? He added after several seconds of silence.

Hows that bad? Katka leaned forward.

A group of overenthusiastic egomaniacs absorbing thirty levels of magic in a day? How could that go wrong?

The words had just the effect that could be expected. Dallion could hear concern, even outright fear, emanate from everyone present. They were right to be terrified. So far, the only thing that had kept low level mages from running amok were high-level magesa natural pyramid of power that kept everyone in their place. Anyone who tried to rise up too fast and recklessly was given a stern reminder of whos boss and, in the worst cases, rogued. With several high-level vortexes, that would change. All a group needed to do was absorb a level seven vortex to be able to attempt one even greater. Just like in the silly mobile games Dallion used to play way back on Earth, each success would boost their power, allowing them to grow further and further until all the towers were gone, or the mages themselves were consumed.

Is there a way to destroy vortexes? The water construct turned to Alien.

The archmage frowned.

Not those that have been gleamed, but maybe theres a way to stop the rest. For that, we must find the irritant thats causing them. Since theyre all appearing in the same general area, it must be a localized event. Katka, you and Dal will lead a team there and start searching.

Were still talking about a massive area, the woman crossed her arms. Its a long shot, even with his device. Well need the whole legion.

The legion is needed in case the Azures launch an attack. Or the Alliance. Just because theyve kept quiet so far doesnt mean that they arent plotting something.

Sure, but you cant expect us to

What if we ask the Order for help? Dallion suggested.

Silence filled the room, telling him hed said something he shouldnt have.

We can ask the Order, right?

Its complicated, Alien muttered beneath his breath.

Or do you need to check with the emperor on this?

The archmages face turned red. Based on the amount of anger emanating from him, Dallion would have expected to see pulsing veins all over his forehead.

Shes your responsibility. He glared at Dallion. You feed her, you clean her messes. And that concludes all favors the circle owes you.

Sure. Anything else you need me for? Dallion leaned back. I want to show her the ropes before I set off.

The silence was all that Dallion needed to hear. Given their permission, he didnt want to remain in the meeting room any longer that he had to. After all, the major decisions had already been made. From here on it was all a matter of Alien checking with the emperoror liaisoning as the corporates would say back on Earthand dealing with the administrative part of the operation. It was extremely boring and Dallion didnt have the authority to deal with it, as he was often reminded.

The office exit led to the familiar medieval corridor that composed the building. The contrast created a moment of surreal wonder, though it quickly faded away.

Dallion expected Diroh to be in his room. She wasnt even though all his possessions were neatly piled up in one corner.

Any of you have an idea where Di is? He asked them.

She was on the first floor when they brought us here, his mandolin said.

First floor Dallion quickly turned around. That was good. At least they hadnt sent her to the Learning Hall. He was just about to go back to the corridor when he suddenly noticed that the doorway had vanished. In its place, there was nothing but a solid wall and without magic symbols on it.

Damn it! Dallion thought. Not again.

He knew perfectly well what would follow. Gritting his teeth, he braced for the waves of pain. Surprisingly, they never came.

So stressed out, a voice behind him said. Sounds of music followed.

Glancing over his shoulder, Dallion saw a dryad dressed entirely in green playing his ring chord. It wasnt a dryad, though. His entire body was made of purple light, indicating his divine nature.

I dont know whats worse. That you expect every visit to be accompanied by pain or that youve gotten used to it.

Is there getting used to a curse? Dallion asked.

No, but everyone believes so.

Dallion swallowed.

Did I do something I shouldnt have? he asked, trying to keep himself from trembling.

Quite the opposite, if youd believe it. The archbishop of the Order mentioned you in his last talk with us.

He talks to you on a regular basis?

What do you think prayers are? Didnt you use to visit shrines and citadels to have a few words with me? Well, you were more eager to have a talk with Jiroh, but the principle holds. The Moon played a catchy melody on the musical instrument, then put it aside. The thing is, that he requested a reprieve until you help with his problem.

His problem? Dallion wondered. I thought it was everyones

We cant do that.

There went the faint glimmer of hope Dallion had. It would have been too nice if he were to enjoy a few pain-free months.

What we can do is grant your wish and give you a hint of what you need to do to get free of your curse.

Dallion remained too still, fearing that if he allowed himself to believe, hed only come crashing down worse than before.

Adzorg isnt the answer, but the answer lies with Adzorg.

Thats a bit vague. I knew you wouldnt give me much!

Its a start and enough to get you going. Who knows? If you do a good job, maybe therell be more hints to follow. The dryad vanished. Or maybe you wont even need them.