Leveling up the World

Chapter 785: Adzorg's Story

The darkness felt different. Rather, it wasnt darkness, but a sense of absence. There were no magic threads, no void, no anything and within this entire endlessness of nothing stood Dallion.

Im dreaming? He wondered.

It wouldnt be the first time, especially after something so traumatic. He could still feel the vast amount of magic threads he had absorbed circulating through his body, adjusting it as they tried to settle down evenly within him.

Im not dreaming, he thought.

Absorbing the vortex hadnt knocked him out; it had supercharged him to the point that everything, even his perception, was several times higher than it was supposed to be. All this was a moment in timefractions of a second, required for his body to readjust. During that moment, though, he was almost a moon. His perception and reaction speed were so high that they were faster than the speed of light, making it seem as if he were in complete darkness. In reality, he was at the exact spot at which he had defeated the second vortex twin.

Nil? he tried to enter his realm.

Even that proved impossible. The amount of time had to be so minuscule that even venturing within a realmwhich normally took no time at allwas considered too much. If the old mage were able to speak, hed probably have provided an explanation; something vague and philosophical that made just enough sense. Maybe it had to do with speed, after all? Venturing into the realm wasnt exactly instantaneous, it still required a conscious mental effortthe thought that started the process. Right now, was he too fast even for that?

Dallions hands slowly gained form. He could see them, all four of them, holding the weapons he had used to defeat the twin. Remaining completely still, they build up, slowly spreading to the rest of his body.

Light, he thought. His hands were the closest things he could see, so the light reflected off them would reach his eyes faster. The logic was fascinating with its illogicality. With Dallion returning to normal, light was finally starting to move again.

Im just like a galaxy. He laughed mentally.

More of his surroundings he saw, the more the speed of light accelerated. The armadil shield was visible, remaining still in the air about a hundred feet away.

Adzorg was the next to appear within view, a few thousand of feet away. He had cast a protective spell around Ruby. The simplicity of the spell was a bit unlike him, but given the urgency, understandable.

What now, old man? Dallion thought. Weve got rid of the vortex gleam, so the city should return to normal. What about the damage, though?

Soon enoughor within a moment in the real worldDallion was going to find out. Then, a more serious talk would continue. There were several questions that had to be answered about Adzorg, the device, even Diroh, who had transformed into a copyette. Adzorg had made a Moon vow, so there was no

MEMORY FRAGMENT

The Fallen South, 85 years ago

Hurry up! Mage Eliac hissed.

He was a round man, with as much common sense as restraint from partying. Adzorg didnt like him, but he had to admit that the man had skills. He was one of five people in the entire Academy that saw the benefits of sending expeditions to the fallen south, and the sole one who had the courage to go there himself. Of course, as an otherworlder he had it easy. There were no limits when it came to his development. The man had managed to raise all his awakened level way beyond the required twenty, despite decreasing his magic trait by ludicrous, in Adzorgs view, amounts.

Yes, mage, the apprentices muttered,

There were four of them in total, all of them having the misfortune of being selected by the mage as his disciples. In theory, that was supposed to be a good thing. Working alongside a senior mage guaranteed status, connections, not to mention a quick promotion to full mage, three times faster than with anyone else. Often, though, Adzorg found himself wondering if it was really worth it.

Once we reach the next tower, youll get some rest, the ruddy mage said. Unless you kill off some specimen again.

Hell! Again with the specimens?! Adzorg gritted his teeth.

Not only did he find himself in the worst place in the world, but he also had to be careful not to harm any of the local flora and fauna, as if the creatures needed protection. The place was crawling with Star spawn, not to mention that even the ordinary creatures could devour an apprentice on a good day.NewW novels updates at wuxiahere.com

Flying through the jungle, wrapped in protective aether bubbles, the group continued towards one of the three known towers in the area. Moving above the tree crowns would have been much easier, but the mage didnt want to attract the attention of the local gulls. Also, there were rumors that a dragon had made its lair in the south recently.

Sir, Rivette said. Theres a vortex.

She was said to be one of the Academy prodigies, although Adzorg found her skills vastly exaggerated. True, she was faster at casting than anyone he knew, but her spells lacked any imagination whatsoever. Everything she made shed learned from books, as she never missed an opportunity to remind people.

I know. The man didnt even look back. Ignore it.

Suddenly, as they were ascending, a multitude of black tentacles poured out of all the windows of the floor, thrusting in the direction of the mage.

Look out! Adzorg shouted. His hands quickly cast an attack spell as fast as he could.

Barely had he gotten halfway there when two of his fellow apprentices completed their spells, launching means and aether projectiles at the void matter.

Huge chunks of black were torn off. Losing structural integrity, then fell down to the ground in the form of large blobs of liquid.

The mage, on the other hand, didnt move a muscle. It was almost as if he was welcoming that action. The moment a tentacle came in contact with him, it became clear why. A bright mess of purple flashed around him, setting the tentacles on fire.

This is where we go in, he said, as the void retreated into the building. Remember, be on guard and stay behind me.

Why not just scorch them out of there? Adzorg asked.

Without a reply, the large mage floated in. The apprentices looked at each other. No one was willing to be the first to follow their mentor, just as no one wanted to be the last. A few blood freezing screams later, Adzorg decided to take the initiative.

Casting a spell to increase the opening of the window, they stepped into a narrow corridor. The smell of burned bones and fur hit his nostrils like a brick. Eyes tearing up, the apprentice quickly cast a smell negating spell.

What do you see? one of the other apprentices whispered a safe distance behind him.

Nothing, Adzorg whispered back.

That wasnt exactly true. While there was no trace of the mage or any Star spawn creatures, thankfully, there were quite a few things to be seen. Most notable were the large circular holes in the wall. Judging by the faint remnants of magic, it was safe to assume that they were made by Eliac.

Hes further inside, Adzorg said over his shoulder.

To his surprise, none of the other three joined him in the building, still floating on the outside. At that moment, he got a sudden realization. This was finally his moment to shine. Even if he didnt tell anyone about the others cowardice, the motion would remain buried deep in their minds.

With a confident smirk, he floated on.

Room after room, he moved on, always on guard. If there was any furniture or decorations, the void tentacles or the mage must have utterly destroyed them. Each room was as bare as a beggars cellar, only darker than the last.

All the bestiaries claimed that it was a bad idea to cast light spells when in the presence of dangerous creatures, but Adzorgs curiosity got the better of him. Holding his breath, he cast a quick spell, creating a ball of white flame.

Soon enough, he finally glimpsed the back of his mentor.

Mage, he whispered, slowing down slowly as he approached.

There was no response.

Mage Eliac, he repeated, slightly louder.

Theres no need to whisper, kid, the mage said. Its only the two of us.

What are you looking at? Adzorg thought. Curiosity urged him to approach, but caution kept him ten feet away. Finally, curiosity won.

Fingers at the ready, Adzorg moved through the final hole in the wall, joining the mages side. Thats when he saw it: an artifact so different from everything he had seen before that he knew it couldnt come from this world.

Beautiful, isnt it? Eliac asked. Never thought Id see one of those again.

What is it? The object resembled a medium-sized cube of some sort of metal with a class circle on one side.

Something thats not supposed to exist here.