Chapter 3: A Simple Request

Chapter 3: A Simple Request

The contrast between the village chiefs home and the rest of the houses was like between yellow and black. Rising three and a half floors above everything else, it was larger than Dallions entire garden, made entirely of polished white granite. A blue tile path led through the double iron door to an inner courtyard where a few people were waiting.

In the past, according to Dallions grandfather, it was traditional for an elder or family member to accompany the awakened. The village chief had changed the practice twenty years ago, reducing the risk of potential challenges to his power. It also ensured that the awakened couldnt rely on any advice during the trial.

What dyou want? A blubber of a man asked. From what Dallion could remember he was a distant relation of the Luor family. What he lacked in skill he made up for in arrogance and laziness, acting the role of guard.

The person beside him was no better. Tall and skinny as a twig, he had attempted awakening five times so far, each of them unsuccessful. Seeing Dallion, he crossed his arms.

The chief isnt to be disturbed, the skinny man snorted.

I was told to come here to acknowledge my awakening. You know exactly why Im here. You just want to humiliate me. Guess Ill come back later then. He turned around and slowly started his way out of the courtyard.

Three steps later, the guards reacted, as Dallion knew they would. The wheels in their skulls creaked to a full rotation, painting a picture of the punishment theyd get if they allowed their future victim to walk away.

Wait! The skinny one shouted. The chiefs waiting for you.

You sure Dallion asked with a smirk. I thought you said he was busy?

Yeah, he is

Quick thinking isnt your forte, is it?

Thats what happened when someone became reliant on the power of others tended to become lax.Reêad latest novels at novelhall.com

On cue, a girl took a ring off her finger and placed it on the edge of the table.

Improve one ring? Id have thought someone so beautiful would deserve more?

The girls cheeks turned pink, nearly matching the color of her blouse.

More, you say. The chief rubbed his hands. Are you sure? When I asked your mother, she told me shed improve three things of my choice, and yet she didnt manage to change even a simple ring. Such a shame. She had so much potential, being Kraistens daughter and all.

So thats the trap.

Despite his grandfathers warning, Dallion had walked right into it. As any novice, he had assumed that size was linked to the difficulty of the task. After seeing the feat of his grandfather, he had assumed the village chief would ask him to improve a statue, the halls dining table, or even the mansion itself. A small ring had seemed so insignificant that he didnt consider it to be the actual task.

Well? Aspion pressed on, his face twisted in cruel delight, as if gloating to his inevitable victory. Shall I bring something else?

Dallion went to the side of the table and picked up the ring. It was a simple band of metal, not even gold or silver, without marks or defects. If he were sneaky, he could mend something else, like the table, or the chair the girl was sitting on. Back in his previous life, Dallion had enough lawyers in the family to know how to exploit loopholes. So far, he hadnt agreed to the task neither orally nor in writing. Considering the village chiefs nature, there was no reason he should. However, some things were stronger than logic. Dallion had been in this world less than a few hours, but even so refused to let this go.

Sorry, grandpa. I have to go through with this.

Awaken. Dallion clutched the ring in his hand.

Item Awakening

A green rectangle appeared in front of him. A split second later, everything else disappeared.