Leveling up the World

Chapter 779: Node Point

In vortexes, principles had a far greater importance than the final form. Dallion had experienced a bit of that in the realm of the phoenix feather as well as when invading Aethers realm itself. Compared to the experience now, back then he had been completely blind, considering the retain as firm reality. Now even with just an inkling of magic vision, he could see that form played no role whatsoever. Principles determined everything; they were the things that determined the shape beneath the ever-changing forms that composed a realm.

The mountain wasnt at all a mountain; it was a cone-shaped barrier that divided the rest of the realm from what was inside. Adzorg had described it as a realm within the realm. Each time Dallion of Diroh tried to pry more information from him, he said theyd find out once they breached it. Of course, that was easier said than done. In addition to having minor nuisances pop out and attack the moment they got near, the surface of the cone seemed impenetrable. Dallion had attempted using a few black hole pearls, but to no effect. The barrier had caused them to bounce off to the ground, where they started drilling their way down. Seeing the result, the old mage had shaken his head and made a sarcastic comment that it wouldnt matter anyway once the realm was absorbed.

Nil at his best, the Armadil shield noted in Dallions realm. He does have good advice, though.

We should try further up, dear boy, the mage said. There arent any openings here, either.

Youve been saying that for the last hour. Dallion glanced at him. Why dont we just go to the top?

Normally Id agree, but this isnt a standard vortex. The top will be just as protected as the bottom. Think of it as a bridge with a fort on either side. No matter which side you choose, youll have to fight your way through walls and armies.Geett the latest novels at wuxiahere.com

The example was quite bad, but it made its point. Of course, it posed the question why would the cone be protected on both ends. In Dallions trial, it was the top of the vortex tower that was the weak spot. In the one beneath Nerosal, it had been the bottom.

Whats so special about this one?

I thought you would have figured it out by now. Adzorg crossed his arms. Slacking off again, are you?

A short distance away, Diroh chuckled.

Well, I suppose you havent had too much experience. Its a double vortex, the old man said. A vortex within a vortex. Quite rare and very sought after.

Theres no such thing. Dallions tone hardened. A vortex absorbs everything inside, or tries to. A vortex within a vortex is just a single vortex.

Ah, youve been reading the notes in the archmages library. The man smirked. Absolute crap. Why do you think I didnt bother getting any of those during well, the events accompanying your training? Just because someone got the title doesnt mean they know whats what.

Clearly. Dallion had no moon for such conversations. How long do we have before the vortex sends its next wave?

Theres still a bit of time.

In the distance, the spot that was the thread jungle had halved in size. The old mans explanation was that the vortex was assimilating it bit by bit. Once it was mostly gone, Dallion could expect another absorption attempt.

Itll be more cautious since were close to the separating barrier. Of course, that doesnt mean we can waste time.

Why dont we split up? Dallion asked abruptly. I know what to look for, and so do you.

The tone was unmistakable. Adzorg opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again. A blob the size of a grapefruit appeared within hima blob of regret.

I see, he said after a while. Very well. Ill keep examining this side. You two go around the mountain.

Sounds like a plan.

Dallion looked at Diroh. The fury hesitated for a moment, then joined him. The two flew a short distance away, after which Lux was summoned to give them a boost. After all, despite being a cone, the mountain remained rather large.

Will he be alright on his own? Diroh asked.

Yes. Hes not an old man. Not to mention he was the reason the vortex appeared in the first place; no doubt a result of him meddling with the contraption of his. Hell find a way to call us if hes in trouble. Or if he finds something.

Youve really become cynical.

Wheres Skye? Dallion changed the subject.

Back at Learning Hall pretending to be me, the fury said with pride. It was Cheskas idea. Skye could pull off the shape and Cheska made sure no mage could see the difference.

Air

Think you can use that?

Maybe. Dallion looked closer. The intricacies were too complex for him to make out completely, but it was better than anything else hed seen. Given that time was running out, it didnt look like there was a better option.

Lux, tell the old man about this, he said in his realm. Then bring him here.

He moved back. The number of instances quickly fell to ten as he stopped examining for other flaws in the cone.

Just go for it, the armadil shield said.

It was a tempting suggestion, although Dallion doubted it would work. The vortex had too much raw power to submit to his.

It took slightly over a minute for Adzorg to pop up. The calm fashion in which he did so suggested that the mage was used to quick acceleration and turbulence, not to mention Lux.

Thanks, Lux, Dallion said instead of addressing the old man. Go back to the realm.

Aww, the firebird chirped in a sad tone. It didnt seem to want to miss the fun. Even so, Dallion didnt want any of his familiars out just yet, especially those who could be easily consumed. If he had a way to place Ruby in his realm, he would have done so.

Where is it? Adzorg asked, apparently not in the mood for pleasantries, either.

Dallion pointed.

Lets see what we have here. Casting an intricate spell with both hands, the mage projected himself into the air, like a magic hologram. It was through it that he flew the five hundred feet to the spot in question.

Spikes shot out from the ever-changing mountain. Some pierced the projection, though to no availit simply continued on as if they were air.

Did you find it? he the mage turned to Dallion.

Di did.

Ah. That explains it. Its just a node. Not what I would have preferred, but beggars cant be choosers.

Why?

A note is like a stitch up. Think of it as a scab. Actually, no. Think of it as the skin over a blister. Once you pop it a lot of nasty stuff will pour out.

Thanks for the image.

What I mean, dear boy, is that once this is undone, its going to get very messy, no pun intended. Youll have to fly in and fight at the same time.

Wasnt that the plan all along?

Well, I was hoping for a more gradual approach. Once I do this, theres no turning back.

Was there ever? Dallion held both his words.

No. Adzorg replied, then cast the spell.

VORTEX BREACHED

A crater the size of a village formed as the surface of the mountain burst open. Hundreds of aether insects resembling giant wasps poured out along with dozens of chainlings.