Chapter 134: Bloodlust

Chapter 134: Bloodlust

Dallion could feel the bloodlust directed towards him, yet failed to see any creature. It was as if an invisible presence was following him, keeping just out of sight, while determined to attack at the first given opportunity. By the looks of it, Nox was able to feel the presence as well. With a mixture of reluctance, loyalty, and determination, it continued forward on the verge of running. Based on Bel and Falkners reactions, Dallion got the distinct impression that none of them could see the crackling, although they too felt the invisible threat.

We should go back, Bel suggested. Get some more people to help.

That could make things worse. Dallion stopped his music skills. Even after getting used to them, his limit remained about five minutes until the headaches became overwhelming. Until he broke through his level cap, this was a limitation he had to deal with. Vend and the rest of the group leaders arent here, and the weaker ones will just risk getting hurt.

If we keep going, well get hurt and no one will ever know. Bel didnt say it, but she feared they might be the next ones to go missing.

Itll be fine, Dallion lied, using his music skills. It was painful, but it also helped cover up lies, as long as he redirected peoples attention elsewhere. Were already in combat. The thing wont leave us alone, so the only option we have, is to face it. And hopefully win.

As they went further, the outer wall of the level became visible. Transparent as everything else, it looked like a greyish murkiness that continued into infinity, as if the entire realm was surrounded by white mist.

Is that the wall? Dallion asked, as he went closer. Back on Earth he would have freaked out upon witnessing such a sitean entire reality floating in a nothingness of mist. Here, it seemed only slightly strange. Is there anything beyond?

The wall marks the outer limit of the item, Falkner said in a manner that suggested he was quoting something. During an awakened state, there is no contact between the inside of the realm and the real world. A layer of infinity ensures that nothing but an awakened can go from one to the other.

While the explanation sounded scientifically deep, there was one glancing loophole that became instantly obvious: the restrictions didnt apply to an awakened, but nowhere was it specified that the awakened had to be human.Visitt novelbin(.)co/m for the latest updates

Suddenly Dallion froze in his tracks.

Whats up? Bel asked.

We should get out of here, Dallion whispered. I know whats causing the disappearances.

That would be good news. The girl smiled. Right?

No Music, Dallion thought.

The unknown presence remained invisible. However, the bloodlust continued to be ever present around them. The chainling had used similar tactics.

Its just my imagination, Dallion thought. Chainlings in the awakened realm were far less aggressive than those outside. After all, he had fought a chainling with Janna and Kallan. The shelfey was laughably easy to defeat once they had found its lair. Maybe this would be nothing but a similar case?

As much as Dallion wanted that to be the case, though, he knew it couldnt be. Nox hadnt been nearly as terrified when in the presence of the shelfey.

Theres nothing here, Falkner said once they reached the wall. Lets get back.

Just a moment. Dallion reached for his harpsisword, only to realize it wasnt there. How could he have forgotten? After a moment of thought, he went for the second bestthe dartbow. His entire focus was on Nox. The crackling cautiously made its way to a specific spot on the wall, then mewed twice.

You want me to check there? Dallion approached. It didnt take long for him to see itthe source of his fear. Almost invisible from the background mist, there was a crack in the wall. It was by no means large, probably the width of a thread. However, after being with a crackling for so long, Dallion had grown to know exactly how large a crack could be.

If the layer of infinity is breached, can something come in from the outside? he asked Falkner.

In theory. The question made Falkner tense up as well. Itll be impossible to do at the guild, though. Special items are kept locked and theres almost always someone going in or out.

Almost always? Dallion didnt like the sound of that.

CRITICAL HIT

Dealt Damage increased by 200%

I hit it, Dallion thought.

The red rectangle wasnt only an indication that he had found the chainlings weakness, it meant that this chainling could be hit, and that changed everything. Now it no longer was a fight against an invincible enemy, but a numbers game. And when it came to a numbers game, Dallion had a slight advantage.

Aim for the spot just above its chest! He shouted. Nox, back!

Hearing the order, the crackling did one final slash at its enemy before rushing back towards Dallion. In its enraged state, the chainling followed. Knives and bolts flew to greet it. Most were deflected through the tendrils that came from the black silhouettes form, but one managed to hit, even if only caused a minor wound.

Music, Dallion thought. The recent wounds had caused the chainling to leak a whole lot of emotions. The wave of bloodlust was still there, powerful as ever, but beneath it, there were inklings of something else Fear? Desperation? However, they werent directed towards Dallion or anyone else from his group. Instead, they were directed at the chainling itself.

Was this self-loathing? No There was something different, something that Dallion couldnt quite see.

Dal, look out! Bel shouted.

Green markers appeared, though too slow to save Dallions shoulder from being hit.

MINOR WOUND

Your health has decreased by 5%

Caught off guard, Dallion pulled back. The pain in his right shoulder intensified for a second before disappearing altogether. Even he had to admit that this was a huge advantage as opposed to the real world. Still, it didnt give him the time to remain idle.

Grabbing the tendril, Dallion shot two more bolts at the chainling in rapid succession. Both hit, dealing minor damage, but causing enough pain for the chainling to pull back its tendrils into its body.

Falkner, we can use your help on this! Dallion shouted. Falkner! He glanced over his shoulder.

The boy was petrified. For some reason he was reacting as if he had seen a creature of this sort before. No he was reacting as he had fought one.

Snap out of it! Dallion yelled. Its just a cub! It wont hurt you if we attack it at all at once.

Not waiting for an answer, Dallion aimed at the chainling. The creature disappeared. A burst of questions appeared in Dallions mind, but above anything else, his training kicked in. The lessons he had been forced to memorize by Nil, the set sequences of actions that he had trained time and time again until he could perform them at the drop of a hat, now came into use.

When faced with a disappearing enemy, nine out of ten times the best course of action was to perform an immediate guard-withdraw. Without hesitation Dallion jumped back, extending the armadil shield before him. A split second later, he felt a heavy force push against the shields surface, shoving him several steps back.

Would you look at that? Dallion thought. The library echo had turned out to be right. There was a point in learning the basics, just as there was to come up with strategies on the fly. The guard sequence had protected him from attack, which suggested that now Dallion had a fraction of time to take advantage of. He did so by immediately engaging in a counterattack.

Red and green markers appeared, but he wasnt looking at them, performing the correct steps and spins to get into a position for a strike without having to see his enemy. Then Dallion moved his shield. The chainling was there, fangs bared, instants away from commencing an attack of its own. Ultimately, it was Dallion who proved to be faster.

CRITICAL HIT

Dealt Damage increased by 200%