Leveling up the World

Chapter 855: The Zodiac Building

Twelve suns, Dallion said, looking closely at the letter.

He had taken a moment to explore the items realm, but found it to be completely empty. There was no guardian, no creatures, and no hints; just a plain square room that had its destiny fulfilled. The seal was no different, other than it probably had enough material to create two gold coins.

The only time hed heard anything of the sort mentioned was in Hannahs memory. It was nothing more than a passing mention, but had come from the emperor.

Anything you cant tell me, Nil? Dallion asked. He knew referring to Adzorg in his echo name annoyed the old man.

Yes, dear boy, Im aware of what it means, and no, I prefer not to tell you.

That settled things.

Is it linked to the skills? Dallion put the letter away. The coincidence was too great for him not to notice.

I honestly cannot tell you, dear boy, Adzorg insisted. Not that it matters. Youve passed the selection, so youll find out by yourself.

It would have been nice if they had given a few details. How to find them, for instance.

Just as Dallion said that, there was a knock on the door. Normally, Dallion would barely have paid any attention, but the timing made him slightly uneasy. It didnt help that he hadnt heard the sound of anyone approaching outside.

Whos there? He asked the building guardian.

Taem, came the response.

Young master. A second knock followed. My apologies, but might I have a word?

Sure. Dallion cast a quick spell, moving his correspondence into the realm of the desk, then turned around facing the door.

The butler appeared exactly as he had ever been, from the clothes that he wore to the ever-present look of concern. Even so, there was no telling whether that was a copyette or the real person. Thinking about it, there was no telling whether there had been a real person to begin with.

My apologies for the state of your home, Taem said with a slight bow. Your cousin had a rather lively gathering last night.

I imagine.

I shall put everything in order at once.

No, no need. I was just passing by. Dallion moved away from the desk. I need to see the emperor.

Wonderful, sir. I take it that things in your new domain are going well?

Perfect. Dallion lied. Thats what Im here to report.

As you well should, sir. Unfortunately, I fear that it might be difficult to arrange for an audience with the emperor. The duchess informs me that he has been rather busy with meetings today.

Should have known great-grandma would keep an eye on me, Dallion thought.

Im sure hell summon me when he has a moment. It wasnt like the emperor didnt know hed arrived.

Absolutely, sir. Until then, might I recommend a pleasant stroll throughout the city? The butler took a step forward. Carefully, he took out a small golden rectangle from his pocket and handed it to Dallion.

The item had the approximate dimensions of an Earth business card, only made of solid gold. Taking it, Dallion noticed a pattern on the smooth surface. It was so faint that only an awakened with a perception trait of over sixty would have spotted it. The pattern was identical to the Twelve Suns seal he had received moments ago. Additionally, there was a map representation of the imperial capital with a large dot in a specific neighborhood.

The duchess is extremely proud of your achievement, young master. Taem said, himself emanating the emotion. As am I.

Before Dallion could say a word, the servant bowed again and left the room.

Subtle, Dallion thought. If Duchess Elazni was involved, the Order of the Twelve Suns had to be a sort of high noble club or secret society. Getting involved with them was the last thing he wanted, but rejecting them outright was going to cause issues. No doubt the pettiest of the petty had gathered there, and while admission was difficult, ignoring an invitation could very well be viewed as hostile.

Dallions immediate reaction was to summon his aura blade. Magic circles flash around him, covering him with several layers of aether armor and protective barriers. At the same time, the woman did nothing.

Now you understand why we cant be open about it. Unnie looked at one of the portraits. Emperor Tamin the first, she pointed. A few decades after hed established his exceedingly small kingdom. There was nothing special about it at the time. There had been dozens of kingdoms established by otherworlders.

So, the emperor was an otherworlder. Dallion didnt put his guard down.

Many were even larger than his. A fair amount had a lot more people and awakened. The difference was that, unlike them, Emperor Tamin didnt put faith in providence, but skills. If someone could do well, what did it matter where they came from?

An order based on abilities Dallion mused.

Not lineage, not traits, but skills. That was the ideal that made the Tamin Empire survive while the rest didnt.

In his mind, Dallion was going through possible combat outcomes. He had to assume that the woman was at least his equal, otherwise why would she have been chosen? At present, she had the upper hand. There wasnt enough space for ranged and melee combat, leaving magic and domain ruler skills. Given that she was a member of the Order of Twelve Suns, it was safe to assume that her control of the domain would be better.

Going through the odds, Dallion lowered his weapon.

Things seem to have changed a bit since then. The barriers and aether armor faded away.

A price of efficiency. The principle helped the kingdom become the empire, but by then there were too many people involved. Unnie continued. And most of them wanted to make an exception for their families. The emperors son noticed that as well, so he created our Order. We dont bow down to the Moons, we dont follow the Star, we rely on our own strength and that of our skills.

That was such a human thing to do. The first emperor must have seen how the Order of the Seven Moons was structured and copied it all the way down to the name. Seeing as it hadnt caught on, it must have slowly turned into a secret society for the skilled. According to Adzorg, it was next to impossible for an awakened to have all the skills. The most a typical awakened got were four or five. Even with skill gems, it was next to impossible to reach ten, as for going beyond

Is the emperor a member? Dallion moved to examine another of the portraitsa massive man in full armor and a set of headphones.

All emperors are members. Anyone who sits on the throne is required to have all skills possibly obtainable.

The explanation didnt pass unnoticedit was a very lawyerly way of saying that not all members had twelve skills.

I can tell you a lot more, but for that, you need to pass your trial.

I thought I already had. Dallion pretended to be surprised. The letter, the invitation

Said that you had been selected. Your potential has been acknowledged and has led you to the entrance. The trial will see if you have what it takes to pass.

Dallion nodded.

Any advice you can give me, Adzorg?

The former archmage remained silent.

Our temple is divided into several halls. Unnie went up to the door leading further in. Past here, youll reach the common room. To get there, you must show the door that you have mastered your common skills adequately.

An awakened fight? Seems a bit cliche.

The woman laughed.

Of the twelve skill groups, attack, guard, athletics and acrobatics were regarded as the common ones. If Dallion needed to use only those, the trial had to be related to combat.

What if I use some of my other skills? He joined the woman in front of the door.

Well know and youll fail.

Clear and simple, Dallion thought.

Taking a deep breath, he put his hand on the doors surface.

ITEM AWAKENING