Leveling up the World

Chapter 767: The New Novice

The Learning Hall hadnt changed a bit in contrast to everything around it. The buildings that hadnt been destroyed by the emerald shardfly swarm were demolished by mages and rebuilt anew. Of course, it was golems that had done the buildingnow a permanent presence throughout the whole of the Academy.

As he flew by, Dallion scanned the cluster for the dwarf item shop. He knew that the shopkeeper had been caught trying to escape. At present, he had joined the other culprits in the growing Academy prison fort. His daughter, on the other hand, had been cleared of all wrongdoing and given possession of the item shop.

Things have definitely changed a lot, Dallion thought, looking at the new building placement. From the sky, one could see that the randomly placed streets formed giant symbolsa protection spell making sure that no foreign realities could enter this part of the world again.

Thats it? Diroh asked, flying beside Dallion.

You expected more? Dallion asked. For someone who couldnt see the purple threads and symbols, the place must have seemed rather boring.

Ive seen worse. The fury shrugged. Disappointment emanated from her like a waterfall.

Its a lot more impressive on the inside, Dallion smiled. Youll see.Gét latest novel chapters on nov(e)lbj/n(.)c/om

When he had initially told her that hed be leaving her behind, he expected Diroh to get angry, protest, or at the very least make a sarcastic remark. Instead, she had merely nodded and told him she understood. The sincerity that came with that had alarmed him.

So this is where Ill be stuck? Di asked.

This is where youll sleep for the time being. Ive arranged to get a pass seal, so youll be able to come and go as you choose. Dont flaunt Skye too much. Mages are jealous and pets are fair game. From his shoulder, Ruby flicked his wings.

A small group of apprentices gathered at the Learning Hall entrance as Dallion landed. Being the ones left behind, they had rarely seen the battle apprentice in the flesh. Uncertain how to react, theyd whisper amongst themselves, keeping a distance from him. Diroh, naturally, got a lot more comments. Furies were no longer a rarity with all the cloud forts flying about, but someone as unusual as her was.

If she ever learns music, shed be a force of nature, the armadil shield said.

Air magic and music do complement each other, Dallion agreed.

Your stay at the Academy has made you hopeless again, Vihrogon sighed. If you only focus on work opportunities will pass you by.

I dont have time for this, shield.

Road corridors extended through the building. Just as Dallion remembered it, the place was a city upon itself. Now, though, it was a lot less crowded than he remembered. Part of the mage instructors and apprentices had fled the tower during the previous chaos, a far larger part had been transferred to the mage legion. Only a tenth remained to deal with novices.

Remember this place, Dallion said as they entered the blue administration building. If theres anything you need, you can ask for it here.

Does that mean Ill get it?

Nice catch. It all depends.

The small group of children moved aside, letting the fury proceed with her registration. Since it was a special case, Dallion had sent a letter informing them of the circumstances. It was both refreshing and not that despite a major war going on, the local bureaucracy remained vastly unchanged.

Battle apprentice, the mage in charge rushed down the stairs to greet him. Such an honor to get a visit from you.

It took a tremendous amount of effort for Dallion not to narrow his eyes. Back when he was an apprentice, the man couldnt have been more condescending. Now that he was part of the Shimmering Circle and apprentice to Katka, not to mention close to the new archmage, the attitude had drastically changed.

Everything is in order, just as you requested, the mage continued with an oily smile. All that remains is the apprentice seal, and your novice is good to go.

Guide, Cheska clarified. Think of me as an older sister.

That would be a bit difficult to imagine.

Not as difficult as you think. Back when Dal was here, he had an age enchantment added to his seal to keep him our age while in the building.

Really? The fury sounded a bit too enthusiastic for Dallions taste. Thats something Ill definitely like hearing about.

In any event, if you have trouble with rules, magic, or such, check with her. The administration building is only for serious matters.

The message was loud and clear: out of everyone at the Academy, Cheska was the one Dallion distrusted the least.

The room that Diroh was given turned out to be the one Dallion had used. No such instructions had been given, although he appreciated the effort. This way, he could share the best route to the dining hall and other important parts of the Learning Hall.

Take this. Dallion gave Diroh a silver ring once they were alone. Wear it at all times.

Disfocus? the fury asked, taking it from him.

Ive got an echo inside. Can you make echoes of your own?

Sure.

Put one here, Dallion pointed at his library ring. That way, hed know everything that was going on at the Learning Hall in his absence.

Both my sister and Eury disliked echoes, Diroh said. They told me you did as well.

I dont dislike them. I just dont use them a lot. Think of this as an emergency. Well be able to talk at any point.

I guess Ill have to make do with a copy of the real thing. Diroh pressed against Dallions ring with her index finger, then moved it off.

An echo of her had appeared within the library of Dallions domain. He didnt intend on sharing that the ring was linked to his personal realm. The echo had already found out and as for the fury herself, she never would.

Youre really harsh when you want to be, the armadil shield said. Are you doing this for her benefit or yours?

Get to know the basics. Ive told Cheska to help get you some artifacts when you need them. Dallion looked at the bathroom. There was a large chunk of water there, ready for use. Dont get into any magic duels. No matter the circumstances.

Youve explained it all before. Diroh sighed. Just go on your secret and important mission, okay? Ill be fine here. With so many ways of you keeping track of me, how could I not be?

Dallion was sure shed find a way, if she hadnt already. He could bet she had at least one blocker item with her right now.

One final thing. While youre here, dont use splitting in public. Since youre my novice, everyone will think youll be able to split into lots of instances. Also

Dal, she interrupted, causing him to pause.

Yes?

Ill be fine. You take care.