Leveling up the World

Chapter 988: Former Emperor

“Little Alien,” Kraisten shook his head. “Never liked how he clung to Jeremy. Then again, Jeremy had that effect on people. Half of his order were convinced that he was their friend. I was convinced.”

It had taken a couple of hours for Dallion to share everything he’d been through, starting from the day he left for Nerosal. This time there were no restrictions, no Moon vows, and no reason to keep secrets. In many ways, it was like talking about a game the two of them had played at some point. Now that they no longer were “characters,” they could see beyond the scope of the awakened world. One would almost call it liberating if it wasn’t for the remnants that had taken control of this world.

“How many of them do you think there are?” Dallion asked.

“Watchers? Probably thousands in the states alone. Definitely a lot less than a million world-wide. Numbers tend to get messed up when you can’t see everyone in one place. A thousand people might seem like the fucking army.”

The recent campus incident was a perfect example of that. In Dallion’s mind, he had been assaulted by the world and only managed to escape thanks to the underground movement that was the network. When looking at the numbers from a distance, though. He would be surprised if there were two hundred people involved in that raid. As for the network, he’d only seen a total of eight, most of which had only run interference.

“You know why they’re chasing you, right?” the man asked.

“Because I’m the Architect?”

“Because you’re running. Why aren’t they going after me? They know perfectly well where I am.”

Dallion could sense the answer, but said nothing.

“Because I made it clear that I can take out a hundred of them if they try, and am prepared to do it,” Kraisten added. “That’s not your thing, though. You messed up by telling them about Felygn. That tipped their hand and now they can’t back out, not anytime soon, at least. If they do, they’ll seem weak and they can’t afford that.”

“Why? Those that matter already see them as weak. Who are they trying to impress?”

“Themselves.”

Just like an alliance of ants. The individual weakness of their members created the urge for them to appear strong. That meant they’d keep hounding Dallion for a while, or until they caught him.

“I want to help you, Dal, but there isn’t much I could do. Even with two kids here, I never wanted to leave the other world, so I was never interested in the magic portal crap.”

That wasn’t what Dallion wanted to hear. He had doubts that Kraisten would be able to provide any substantial help, but still clung to the hope. Now, that too was gone.

“I’d tell you to find Simon, but that old geezer’s unfindable. Trust me, I’ve tried. Even went on vacation to Europe with my family and still nothing. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has forgotten about everything there and not because of anything the Moons did, but just because he wanted to.”

“Yeah. He did believe that the other world was just a game.”

“That only leaves you with Jeremy, though I’m not certain he’ll know, either.”

“Jeremy?” Dallion jumped up from the porch. “He’s here?”

“Of course he’s here.” Kraisten laughed. “We’ve been exchanging holiday cards every year. Just because he was an asshole there doesn’t mean he’s one here.”

Dallion clenched his fists. As far as he was concerned, that’s exactly what it meant.

“And even if he is, what does it matter? It’s unlikely we’ll ever see each other.”

“Never knew you were so forgiving.”

“Yep. He’s been doing pretty well for himself. The address is inside, though it won’t be easy to get to. As any celebrity, he has full security and a mansion that’s as safe as a bunker. Pictures are inside. The wife’s been asking for a similar kitchen. Hot sure how we can fit that in this place. The entire house can probably fit in his kitchen.”

“Jeremy the model,” Dallion said out loud, hoping it would sink in. It still didn’t. “Do you have a way to get me to L.A.?”

“My advice would be to take a private jet. It’s faster and less hassle.”

“Any advice on how to get that?”

“You’re a big boy,” the man snorted. “Figure it out on your own. You’re the Architect, aren’t you?”

That’s only a title, Dallion thought, but nodded.

“One more thing. Remember when I said that events in the other world don’t matter? Don’t entirely count on that when you get to Jeremy. He was pretty bitter the first few years.”

Figures. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for the dinner, Kriasten.” He smiled. “It was... nice.”

“Least I could do for family.” Despite claims of the opposite, a faint claim of longing emanated from the man. “Now, get lost before you wake up the family. I’ll be answering questions about you for weeks.”

With a chuckle and a wave, Dallion left, walking into the night.

It would be a lie if he didn’t find his unique circumstances disturbing. Unlike his former grandfather, though, he viewed it from a completely different angle. Whether or not he had maintained his drive to return or everyone else had lost theirs, was semantics. The really troublesome aspect of it was that the reasons for mass unified behavior were usually linked to the Moons. Of the seven, one Moon still remained on Earth—Astreza. Dallion could see him in the sky even now, though he looked a lot less glamorous without his deep blue glow.

What do you think? Dallion asked the pavement tile he was standing on.

Huh? The tile guardian replied, clueless what was going on.

Yep, what I thought. Dallion nodded and went on. His entire life on Earth felt like a trial with no guaranteed option of success. And to make matters worse, he got to see heroes and villains of the awakened world’s past. All of them to the last one were nothing like he expected them to be. Powerhouses that could affect cities and destroy continents were leading normal ordinary lives as if nothing had changed. Even those who had retained a desire for control—and forgotten everything else, ironically—had chosen to remain stuck here, rather than try and establish a link to the other world.

“Taxi!” Dallion shouted, using his music skills to lure any cab in the neighborhood.

Soon enough two pulled over, rushing to take him as a customer.

“I’ll take him.” Dallion pointed at the better-looking car. “Thanks, though. Appreciate it.”

The competitor waved back, pleased that he’d done Dallion a favor, then drove off, while the one selected opened the front door for him.

“Thanks, man,” he said, genuinely grateful. “Where to?”

“That’s a good question,” Dallion said, more to himself than the driver. “Know where I can get a private jet to L.A.?”

“Wow. You’re not taking things light. I got you, though. I know just the place.”

“Great. Just before that stop by an auto shop. I need to get some car batteries.”