The guild experience left an emotional sting even well after Dallion had left the building. Initially, it was the notion of being so close to the skill gem, though gradually it shifted to general concern whether hell be able to acquire new skills at all. Nil tried his best to explain that skill acquisition was a rare event, and that Dallion had managed to acquire more than the average initiate awakened. That didnt help particularly much.
In an attempt to get his mind off things, Dallion spent the rest of the day walking about Nerosal like a tourist.
The Arena building had already been covered in flags and decorations, making it numbingly mind-blowing. While visitors from other cities were impressed by the opulence, the locals could see it for what it was: a tacky display of individually exquisite elents that didnt go well together. No doubt the tournant had already started with contestants holding battles for the free spots. Thinking back, Dallion wondered whether he should go inside to check if he would see any familiar faces. Officially, lady marigold was still responsible for the event, although given the current climate, maybe a few changes had occurred there as well. In the end, Dallion decided to leave it for another day. The Arena also reminded him of his second fight against the Star.
By evening, Dallion had seen most of the tourist spots there were. He had chatted with a few dozen complete strangers, and three tis as many items and area guardians, and all but forgotten about the disappointnt in the aura sword. Incidentally, he had also co across Mord from the Flaforge guild. The eting was a stark reminder of the advantages otherworlders had when it ca to leveling up. There was a ti when Mord could have easily defeated Dallion. That had changed with them being virtually equal during the last Festival tournant. Back then, either could have won the battle. Dallion just had the good fortune of having a few better weapons and familiars. Now, the difference was shocking. While the Flaforger had improved quite a bit, it was clear at first glance that he hadnt passed the fourth gate. The conversation was short and from what it seed sweet, but it made Dallion think about sothing he had never had to consider in the past: the limit of his abilities.
Ever since he had passed the gate, the trials had been exceedingly difficult. Also, since he reached level sixty, he hadnt been able to level up. In itself, that wasnt a big issue. It hadnt been that long since he had last improved. In the past there had been months during which he had barely leveled up once. However, unlike the previous tis, the issue wasnt his reluctance to enter his awakened realm, but rather the inadequacy of his skill.
Maybe you should go back ho, dear boy, Nil advised. Or go forge so exotic weapon. That will be certain to increase your skill.
So other day, Dallion said. There was the option to go ho. Spending ti with Eury usually managed to make him feel better. After so thought, though, Dallion decided to spend a few more hours without thinking of responsibilities.
Passing by one of the approved stalls Dallion bought a bottle of cider. The prices were surprisingly affordable considering what a big deal safe food was. Taking a gulp while combat splitting in order to make his way through the crowd faster, Dallion went to the perforrs plaza. The place brought back so interesting mories, although even it had changed a bit along with the city. Gone was the rough atmosphere of wannabes, not replaced by a slightly more sophisticated class of perforrs. Every musician and acrobat Dallion could see was a double-digit awakened, doing their absolute best to display their skill. The cutthroat elent, however, was gone. It was almost as if there was a coordinated effort to illustrate the beauty of the city, above anything else.
Seems the countess has been busy, Dallion thought.
Just putting up an appearance for the festival, Nil grumbled. She knows better than to ss with things that work. Even the safe food is smoke and mirrors.
In what sense?
Its just there to reassure the visitors that everything is pristine. The outer wall was a wise move. That makes sense, as do the guards along it. Nerosal hasnt had any issue with its food, but steps were taken to ensure that things remain that way. However, that isnt enough to convince any visitor. The first question theyll ask upon coming here is which food is safe? Claiming that there havent been any poisoned would only increase their suspicions, making them wonder when the citys luck will run out. However, if there are large signs everywhere declaring that the food on sale is safe. Well, then theres nothing to worry about.
Never knew you were so good in custor relations, Nil.
Dear boy, I was the one who transford all training items in such a way that incompetent hotheads rushed to them to train, the old echo said with pride.
Im not sure that worked on .
Oh? Remind , whats that thing thats been on your finger for over a year now?
Dallion looked at the library ring. Upon realizing he was both annoyed and impressed. After all, no one ever said that a training item had to be a battle arena.
Enjoying the festival, Dal? a female voice said next to Dallion.
Dallion turned around, only to see the overseer a step away. She didnt have any escort or even a weapon. As far as anyone in the crowd was concerned, she was rely another visitor co to admire one of the notable areas of the city. The black veiled clothes that covered her body were overshadowed by dozens of far more elaborate costus in the vicinity alone.
Yes. Dallions voice trembled for a single mont. In a few monts, his initial surprise vanished. Although she was the overseer, she also was a close friend of his grandfather or had been back when the old man had set off for Nerosal.
A bit tar than usual, the woman went on, moving next to Dallion. But given everything going on, ta is nice. What do you think?
Its crowded. Dallion picked a safe response.
Not for . Then again, youve been a hunter for a while now. Any plans on changing your emblem for sothing more substantial?
Soon enough. I heard you leveled up.
The countess saw to it personally. She managed to convince the Archduke that it was necessary to build a protective wall around the city domain. He listened to her argunts, agreed to the demands, then leveled up the provincial capital as well.
Nice to see that they have an understanding.
They dont. He doesnt have the will to outright refuse, especially at a ti like this, but cant be seen to appear weak, either.
The change in topic wasnt even subtle. Furthermore, it was accompanied by a barely visible dark veil that extended from the overseer, surrounding the both of them. Judging by the crowds reactions, as far as everyone else was concerned, Dallion and the overseer had just ceased to exist.
Why are you telling this? Dallion asked.
One of the advantages of being the overseer is that I constantly hear things, even such things that are kept hidden. I know where youll be going, and I can assu it wont be on a vacation.
On the surface Dallion remained calm, but deep inside he was quite disturbed. If the overseer knew what he was doing, that ant Countess Priscord knew as well. And given the rivalry between her and the Archduke, being in between wasnt a good place to be at.
It was a good decision to beco a hunter, the overseer continued. Every side needs rcenaries. Just try not to stand out too much.
Im just an apprentice hunter.
Even if people dont know all your skills, you arent unnoticeable. Youre lucky everyone has bigger problems to focus on, or they would have been on you like a swarm of locusts.
Are you saying I should get into politics?
No. You dont know how to play the ga and dont have the ti to learn. Keep your mouth shut, eyes open, and be ready to react at any mont.
Was that what my grandfather did? Dallion found the warning outright patronizing. No sooner had he spoken the words, he felt regret. This wasnt sothing to tell an overseer, especially one that he knew had taken the ti to give him what she considered good advice.
Dallion half expected for there to be imdiate consequences. In his mind, he imagined him being pulled into the ground, surrounded by a shroud of darkness, or anything else a semi-chaining guardian could do. Thankfully, no such thing happened.
No, he didnt. And look at him now.
The phrase felt like a dagger in the gut. It wasnt intended as a warning, although it might well have been. As much as Dallion wanted to say that hed keep his guard up, he knew that wouldnt matter. Since they were going to deal with the Archdukes household, it was inevitable that the awakened there were going to be a higher level, or at the very least, have better equipnt.
I wont stand out. Dallion said.
Thatll be a first, the overseer replied. Keep close to Eury. Even nobles dont ss with a full hunter unless they have to.
Dallion nodded. Any other advice?
Nothing Im allowed to say.
Typical, Dallion thought.
Can I ask sothing, then?
The overseer waited.
Is there a way to defeat the Star?
Youre thinking of challenging him?
No, but I want to be prepared. Hes tried to kill before.
The only way to defeat the Star is not to engage. If you do, youll lose.
And if he attacks?
He won't. The Star cant take the first step. As strong as he is, the Moons keep him in check.
That wasnt what the Moons had told Dallion. Although, maybe it was another of the loopholes that they had ntioned before. The Moon had told Dallion that they would no longer protect him from the Star, should Dallion venture in the Stars domain. However, that wasnt the sa as allowing the Star to attack. Or was it?
And if it cos to a fight?
There was no reply.
I managed to defeat him once.
Your fight in the training dagger? That wasnt a victory. You just survived and only because the dagger brought down the Stars level to match your own.
Thats it! Is there a way to do the sa in the real world?
Try to keep to whatever you mission is, Dal, the overseer said. A mont later, she was gone. The crowd of people re-erged around Dallion, along with the thousands of sounds in the plaza.
Nil, Dallion thought as he looked around, splitting into a dozen of instances. Any idea where she went?
Where who went? the echo asked.
We didnt see her, Gen replied. Unlike Nil, he was able to read Dallions thoughts, although he, too, seed to have missed the conversation. You were just gone for a minute. I thought you had put on a blocker.
I didnt Dallion reached for the chain around his neck. The blocker ring was still there. Several seconds passed with him, considering what to do. Then, finally, he turned around, making his way through the crowd in the opposite direction from before.
What happened, dear boy?
I had a short talk with the overseer, Dallion said. There was no point in going into details. If the Overseer wanted to do so, she wouldnt have bothered blocking the link to Dallions realm.
Two warnings had been given: one about the Archduke, and one about the Star. More importantly, the overseer had also told him a potential way to face the Star.
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