Leveling up the World

Chapter 871: Reaching the Max

The temptation to make use of the skills altar was great and in the end Dallion proved incapable of resisting. There was a small amount of concern that it might end up being a trap, but both Vihrogon and Adzorg were adamant that the Moons wouldnt allow meddling at such a level. Dallion had also asked Harp for her opinion, but the nymph seemed somewhat designated, merely saying that shed back him up if needed.

SHRINE AWAKENING

A green rectangle emerged. The realm was different from what Dallion imagined it to be. Instead of a hundred archways, there were only twelve. All but three were bricked up, allowing Dallion to advance only to the maximum level.

Pretty standard so far, Dallion said, going towards the archway marked HERBOLOGY. Right, Harp?

The nymph didnt reply.

Nothing has been standard so far, dear boy, Adzorg said. Ignoring that the Order of the Sun has kept a remarkable artifact secret for over five centuries, theres been no mention of it in any work before that.

It definitely didnt exist during my time, Vihrogon added.

Summoning his aura sword, Dallion stepped through the arch. A vast field opened before him. The smell of fresh grass filled the air. After a few seconds, Dallion found that the smell wasnt coming from the field.Cheêck out latest novels at wuxiahere.com

SHRINE GUARDIAN

Species: SHRUBBERPILLAR

Class: FLORA

Health: 100%

Traits:

- BODY: 60

- MIND: 60

- REACTION: 50

- PERCEPTION: 50

- EMPATHY: 20

Skills

- ATTACK

- GUARD

- ENTANGLE (Species Unique)

- LEAF RAIN (Species Unique)

- POISON (Species Unique)

Weakness: NONE

While seeing an unprotected white rectangle felt reassuring, this was the first time Dallion had seen a creature of this sort. Not waiting to find out, he immediately attacked with a series of line slashes.

COMBAT INITIATED

TERMINAL STRIKE

Dealt damage is increased by 1000%

You have broken through HERBOLOGYs seventy-third barrier

Your HERBOLOGY SKILL has increased to 73

Thats new, Dallion said.

Casting an invisibility illusion on himself, Dallion increased his speed, heading straight for Dherma. As he moved further away from the capital, the density of cloud forts sharply decreased. Lately, most of them were sent straight to the western front, with only a handful remaining in proximity to the imperial capital. All other provinces were left to the care of their respective archdukes.

The borders are getting wider, Vihrogon said. That leaves a greater field for wilderness beasts to form.

The Order will fill in the gap, Dallion replied. The Order of the Seven Moons, he quickly clarified.

I doubt it. With you taking in all the hunters, things are going to be rough for the smaller settlements.

Dallion said nothing

Something to keep in mind, the dryad guardian added.

Stale heat filled the air as Dallion reached Dherma. The town had grown even more since the last time he had been here. The original area of the settlement was now no more than the central plaza, surrounded by impressive buildings that would be at home in most cities. Only two things remained as they were before: the well-fountain that Dallion had found Nox in, and the village chiefs mansion.

Thanks to his new powers, Dallion was able to see the full area of the domain, like a sphere containing the settlement and its surrounding area. He could also see another presencethe Order of the Seven Moons. Shrines had crept up in the town itself, each linked to a far greater power. Unlike all other areas within the Tamin Empire, they werent part of it, defying its authority with a strength of their own.

There were far fewer clusters of magic threads within the mansion, as if the place had been largely deserted.

Thats unusual, Dallion said to himself, and flew through the domains barrier. Whos inside? He asked the mansions area guardian.

Master Luor, came the reply.

Full master? Interesting to hear. Where?

The guardian hesitatedan indication that Veil had earned the buildings respect.

You know were old friends. Dallion used his music skill to add calm and acceptance in his voice. Im just here to check on him.

Hes in the great hall.

Dallion flew into the courtyard, where he stopped an inch from the ground. There were no guards present, only plants and guardians. Yet, there was something morethe smell of alcohol, made hundreds of times stronger thanks to Dallions perception. Moments later, the door to the hall creaked open.

Long time, a figure walked out. On the outside, it had the appearance of the Veil Luor, only slightly older. However, there was little in common with the person Dallion used to know. His level had increased to the mid-forties, even if the number of skills hadnt. Above all, there was a strong bouquet of cold anger, regret, and hopelessness emanating from him. I knew sooner or later youd come here, baron.

Its count now, Dallion floated closer. How have you been, Veil?

As if you cant tell. The other snorted, then turned around, walking back into the hall.

Dallion followed.

The room was almost as he remembered it, everything in the same place as the first time hed set foot there. The only difference was that it wasnt the same room. The item guardians were different, most of them coming into being less than a year ago.

You made the old version of your house, Dallion noted.

Yeah. Brings back memories of the good old times.

Are times bad now? There was no indication the war had reached here, although news of it certainly had. Ill talk with the Order to

Theyre not the problem, Veil interrupted. And youre not either, if thats whats worrying you. He grabbed a half full mug on the table and took a gulp.

That didnt sound good.

Wheres the rest of the family?

Here and there. Some got married, some went to live in more prominent parts of town. Yeah, I can say that now, he let out a bitter laugh. More prominent parts. He took another gulp of his drink. Want some? Id offer a fresh glass, but

Its fine, Dallion said, floating up to Veil. I think youve had enough, though. He grabbed hold of the mug.

ITEM AWAKENING

Reality shifted, taking him to a vast wooden room that reeked of alcohol. Given the nature of the realm, that was to be expected.

Now, tell me whats really going on, Dallion turned to Veil.

I know, the other replied. He didnt raise his voice, not a single note of emotion was added, yet there wasnt any need. I know Im Star touched.