Chapter 124: The General

Chapter 124: The General

Another gorgon? Dallion wondered as they were escorted to the generals private quarters. The fury had returned with the exact same facial expression she had left with and cordially invited Arthurows and Dallion to follow.

The inside corridor was even more luxurious than the lobby. However, even that paled in comparison to the Generals quarters. The room was so vast that it could easily be close to a thousand square meters. Intricate carpets and furniture gave way to a massive sand garden that occupied the far half of the room. The only catch was that the sand was composed of grains of gold, and the stone boulders were of a metal Dallion had never seen before. But all that wasnt the most impressive part. The walls of the room were entirely covered with weapons, each more impressive than the next. In addition, there were several display cases that held even more.

Back already, Art? a young voice asked.

A rather athletic man in his early twenties with raven black hair sat in a large couch-chair, reading a scroll which Dallion could assume to be the daily newspaper. Judging by the silver scroll rods, it was probably the financial edition. Dressed in a shirt made entirely of gold thread, the man rolled up the scroll and put it aside.

Two guards stood on either side. Each had a marble mask hiding their entire face, but Dallion could tell by their ears that they were furies.

Apologies, General, but I thought I might use the opportunity to present you Marchs favorite, Arthurows said with a deep bow.

Thats the general? Dallion thought. He was nothing like Dallion had imagined. Not only wasnt he a gorgon, but he was definitely too young to be a general, or to have been in any battle, for that matter.

So thats him? The general sounded amused. I would have thought hed be a bit more impressive.

Unsure of proper etiquette, Dallion quickly bowed as well.

Oh, no need for that. I use the title more as a joke. It drives the geezers in the club insane. The general smirked. Most of them long for the days of my grandfather when men were real men, women were real women, and all would spend months fighting the enemies of the heir every day. He waved his hand as he spoke. But enough about that. I hear that youve quite the late bloomer. Completed your first exploration trial from the get go, carrying an entire group.

I failed, sir, Dallion said beneath his breath.

Nonsense. You passed the trial requirements. Just because they imposed a stupid rule doesnt make you a failure.

Thanks, I guess? Dallion thought. There was something in the generals voice that was quite enchanting. Just hearing him talk put Dallions mind at ease to a degree.

He also passed his first exploration job, Arthurows added. A three-level sphere item. Went through the whole thing too.

Did he? The general whistled. Thats good to know. So, what brings you here? I doubt youve come just to make my acquaintance.

I

He needs a shield, Arthurows interrupted. I found him going through the second-hand circuit, so I thought of you.

Did you now? The general laughed with the tone and manner of a noble in an animated movie. Trick question. Of course, I do. He spread his arms. My grandfather started collecting high grade specimens at the end of the war. Some of them you cant even find nowadays. I picked up from where he left off after the death of my father. Poor papa never found the thrill which is why he gave them all to me, even before he passed away. A shame, really. He could have bought quite a few more, but let them slip through his fingers. I had to spend quite a lot of effort to track them down.

Dallion could only nod.

Art here has helped me find some rather unique ones. This piece, for example. The general pointed at something on the opposite wall. Without a word one of his guards flashed out of sight, then reappeared again holding a cane-sword of black metal.

Quite fast, Dallion thought. He was barely able to get a glimpse of the furys movement. Their reflexes had to be way more than ten.

Its only a five-level weapon, but with a twist. None of my servants have managed to get past the second level.

What does it do? Dallion asked before he could stop himself. He was definitely going to have to learn some etiquette, and fast. Thankfully, the general seemed to obsess with the item of his collection to notice.Visitt novelbin(.)co/m for the latest updates

It must be quite valuable, I take it, Dallion said as he took it off.

Dear boy, nothing is too valuable. If thats what you want to buy

Rent, Arthurows corrected.

If thats what you want to rent, who am I to stop you. However, since youll be risking a piece of my collection. Theres a small favor Id like in return.

Here it comes, Dallion thought. He had been right, after all. Now was the time for unreasonable demands masked in a thin veil of logic.

As I said, none of my servants or the mercenaries I hired managed to clear the second level of the sphere cane. Maybe youd be willing to have a go? A greedy glint appeared in the Generals eyes. Fulfil its destiny and the shield is yours to keep.

Dallions heart skipped a beat. This was more than a good deal, it was a great deal, and still it was completely unachievable. There was no way Dallion could clear a five-level item on his own. Furthermore, this wasnt a simple dagger, but an actual weapon. Even the first level guardian would likely be a lot tougher than he had imagined.

I dont think Ill be able to Dallion said. Despite the temptation to charge head on, he knew what was beyond him. For now, at least. Any chance I can rent the shield until I reach the level to clear the cane? He offered a warm smile.

The general paused, then put a finger on his lips, musing over the idea. Thanks to his music skills, Dallion could tell that Balall was intrigued by the idea, although there was still a loud vibration of hesitation coming from him.

Tell you what, Ill let you convince me. He snapped with his fingers. One of the furies disappeared again. Moments later she returned, carrying a golden harpsisword. The model was very different from Dallionsshorter with twice as many strings. Art tells me you fought with a harpsisword during your selection trial. Use it to convince me in the awakened realm and Ill let you rent the shield for three golds per month.

Drat! Art, you and our big mouth! There was no way Dallion could change emotions, even if his hand wasnt messed up from the job, he didnt know how to

Area Awakening

Reality changed. A desert of gold stretched in all directions.

You are in the land of ROOM.

Defeat the guardian to change the lands destiny.

This was unexpected. Dallion looked around. The general was there, as were his furies. However, there was no sign of Arthurows.

Sorry for the mess, the general said casually. Ive been meaning to upgrade this place, but could never find the time.

Youre an awakened?

You seem surprised.

Art said that you werent.

Hmm. Well, thats probably because Im not, the general laughed. They are, though. Now, back to business.

The fury carried the sword to Dallion.

Make me give you the shield. An ominous smile appeared on the generals face. You have two tries.