Leveling up the World

Chapter 919: Invasion of the capital

Dont move! Dallion said, combining magic with music skills to freeze everyone in their tracks.

Everyone within earshot obeyed the command, freezing in an almost petrified state. The will Dallion exerted on them was stronger than any normal person could endure. Even the few overseers present were unable to react. They were weak compared to the more experienced ones that served the palace and high-nobles, but even so, the achievement was a massive feat.

Eury was a lot less subtle, directly petrifying anyone in a direct line of sight.

Behind them all, Pan seemed to casually stroll along, levitating the crates of rocket bolts behind him.

No one here, he said in a calm tone.

Hiding among overseers? Euryale asked, carrying a heavy crossbow on each shoulder. Theyre not idiots.

Some of them impersonated overseers, Dallion noted.

The snakes on the gorgons head stirred. Good to know.

Thats the way in. Dallion pointed in the direction of an insignificant road. It didnt seem remotely heading in the direction of the palace. Everyone that could see the domain spheres could notice the multitude of layers that intersected there. When we cross it, all hell will break loose.

It wasnt just the metalins and people, either. Every item and domain guardian would also attempt to get in their way. After all, the emperor was an empath as well and had centuries to establish trust and fear within everything in his domain.

Are you sure we dont need Dark? Euryale reminded once more.

No. Hell only get hurt. Or worse. If things start falling from the sky, then maybe hell be of some help.

Youve become quite confident. She smiled. It suits you.

In his mind, Dallion returned the smile. Thered been times when hed longed for such a compliment. Now, it was the warmth coming from the gorgon, more than anything, that made him happy. As the saying went, no matter what happened, at least theyd be together.

Lets go. Summoning all three of his swords, he dashed forward.

The other two followed, keeping a twenty-foot distance. Every now and again, theyd pass by other local inhabitants, freezing them in the process. The fact that they hadnt come across any copyettes was concerning. Either they had found a way to remain invisible to Pansomething the copyette claimed impossible as a former world conqueroror they were already in place for their final task. Everyone considered the emperor all-powerful, yet his latest actions made it obvious that not to be the case.

Finally, the domain entrance became visible, like a purple transparent barrier.

REALM INVASION

Purple rectangles filled the air.

DALLION ELAZNI, EURYALE ELAZNI, and [???] have invaded the realm!

Thats new, Dallion muttered as he rushed along the familiar streets.

Thanks to his high senses, he had already spotted half a dozen sun gold metalins making their way towards him. Their action was far slower than expected, allowing Dallion to ignore them as he continued towards the palace.

Just six of them? Euryale shared her husbands suspicions.

The rest must be at the event. Which means its started. Pan, why cant the rectangles spot you?

We all have our secrets, the copyette replied. Just a trick I learned from home.

Whatever it is, you better teach it to me after this.

A massive rune golem statue suddenly emerged from a side street, blocking the way. Purple symbols formed on it, forming the start of a spell. Before it was anywhere near complete, Dallion thrust his harpsisword forward. A spark infused droplet of water flew off the tip of the weapon, hitting the golem straight in the chest. Cracks emerged on the massive stone surface, as if Nox had been in a frenzy.

COMBAT INITIATED

Dallion didnt stop, following up with a multi-attack.

TERMINAL STRIKE

Whats that?

What do you do when the proof of destruction is everywhere around? You link into everyones personal realm and make them experience only what you want them to.

On closer observation, Dallion managed to notice the thin threads linking to the inhabitants he could see. Similar to the threads of corruption the void used, they linked everything within the domain to the realm itself, establishing full control. Even now, it was more important that the people remained loyal than them facing Dallion.

Seeing that brought a revelation. With the domain completely sealed, Tamin was going to use everythingsubject, construct, and guardianto attack, like antibodies within an organism. However, in doing so, he only made the city an even bigger target. The weakness of every city wasnt the buildings, but the people themselves. If enough were to be lost, the imperial capital could quickly turn into a town, leaving hundreds of structures to rot in the wilderness overnight.

Boosting the flight speed even more, Dallion flew past the palace wall. Spikes emerged from every solid surface, aiming to skewer him, yet none could touch him.

Well need an opening to shoot the rockets before they hit the dome of the domain. If they do, theyll fry everything in here, us included.

A large arena-like structure became visible in the distance. It reminded Dallion of the one he had taken from Nerosal, only much larger.

There! Dallion, thought.

That had to be it. He had no memory of seeing the structure the last time he was here. The emperor must have created it specifically for the occasion. Given the size, it was large enough to hold a quarter of the citys inhabitants inside and would explain why there were so few of them.

Stop! strands of music shot out at Dallion. Passing through his aether bubble, they spun around in an attempt to entangle him.

Dallion could feel them bite into his skin and paralyze his muscles.

Break! He managed to say before his body became fully numb. Music strands of his own emerged, snapping the existing ones to bits. Instantly, he felt the missing parts of his body return to him. A split second later, his aether bubbles shattered, disappearing into nothingness.

Dal! Eury shouted, aiming one of her crossbows forward.

Dont! Dallion ordered, deliberately slowing down. Break the dome and find the copyettes. Ill be with you soon.

Anyone could feel Euryales reluctance to go. The brief burst of emotion couldnt be blocked by a dozen blocker items. Yet, she understood that arguing was pointless. Right or wrong, it was going to cost them time, and right now none of them had much of that.

The aether spheres of Eury and Pan whooshed past Dallion, heading straight to the grand arena. In the distance, waves of bladerers and metalins emerged, determined to prevent them from getting anywhere close to the emperor.

Come out, great-grandma! Dallion said. I know its you.

There was a long moment of silence, after which the old duchess slowly stepped out from behind the edge of the building. She was dressed in the ceremonial attire of Hosue Elazni, made entirely of ruby threads, sun gold, and sky silver. A robe depicting scenes of the second empress life covered the fine dress, the amount of magic threads within it suggesting that its purpose was more than decorative.

Why did you think its me? the duchess asked.

No one in the family managed to take your place, he said. I always knew there had to be a reason for it. He glanced at his right arm. The sting of the music attack could still be felt.

If you were just a little slower, it would all have ended here, the woman continued to walk forward. Every sound from her mouth was a thread of music, but unlike before, it didnt target Dallion, but herself, granting her lightness, strength, and determination. Youve grown a lot.

Theres no need for this. Im here to help the emperor, not fight him.

I know. A sad smile appeared on the old nobles face. Thats why I cant let you succeed.

Dallion blinked.

Youre working for the Order?

Was that one of the archbishops hidden copyettes? Surely Pan would have said so, if it were true.

Ever since the banishment of my daughter, I vowed to have my vengeance on this city for allowing it. The Order promised me that and also to protect all the members of my family that remained even that man.

Dallion could see it. How could he fault her for making the choice she had? In her eyes, the imperial capital with its constant webs of intrigue and politics was responsible for the fate of his grandmotherand by extension, his mother as well. It was natural that she would seek a way to make it pay. Being too powerful to be tempted by the Star or the voids corruption, she hadnt gotten involved with the cults, but sought a greater powerone that shared her goals.

The archbishop will kill you as well, Dallion said in a final attempt to change her mind.

I know. But my family will be safe. All those dear to me left the capitals domain the moment they heard your ruckus. Now theres only me left and everyone who should have known better.