Chapter 143: Conditional Help

Chapter 143: Conditional Help

After the last of the evening clients had gone, Dallion was back in his room. It was the same as every night. His head was cleaned and put away, Dallions clothes were carefully foldedwith the exception of the armor shirt that was at Eury for mendingthe floor was meticulously cleaned, and the sheets of the bed straightened The only major difference was that now Dallion was back to having forty-three silver coins and no level increase to show for it.

Life was so much like a roller coaster. Yesterday he felt unstoppable, wondering what secondary skill to choose once he passed his double-digit trial. After that everything had gone wrong. Well, not everything; Jiroh had helped him get his gear back and granted his protection. The wound hed received was little more than a scar, thanks in part to the level of his awakened body. Everything else, though the trial, the mugging, had given him pause to think.

Moping wont get you any partners, you know, the shield said. No one likes the dark and depressive types. Except if youre a mage or an artist. But youre not either, so that doesnt count.

Heh. Dallion remained on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Today had been another well-deserved kick in the ass. While still shaking on the inside, he was also grateful for the reminder. Funny enough, todays revelations didnt seem to hit him as hard as when he had failed the selection exam. Was that an indication that he was getting used to this world? Or just that he was maturing? Probably both.

Do you think I have potential? Dallion asked.

Wow. Didnt expect that question to come from you.

Im serious.

Okay, but usually when someone starts that way, they have something very different in mind. Not that I would have minded, just you dont seem the type.

Shield

Right, right. The shield paused for a moment. It would have been easier if you were in here, but yeah, you do have potential. Far more potential than the average person.

Hmm.

Why do I feel thats bothering you for some reason?

Its not. Im just wondering why Jiroh and Eury are keeping an eye out for me. And not only today, theyve helped me many times before. If I were to pay them back, it would take me the rest of my lifetime.

And thats a bad thing? I used to dream of that. In fact, I lived through that. Those were the daysI could do whatever I wanted and not worry about money. At worst, Id have to resort to alternative payment methods.

Is that another of the things you cant tell me until I become a double digit?

No, I really have no idea why she has her eye on you. Youve got potential, no doubt, but youre not that extraordinary. Ive seen geniuses in my day Ive even seen a few in that dreaded collection room. Youre not them. Youre just quite good. You keep making lots of mistakes, forgetting things that you should know by now. All in all, your progress is typical of a late bloomer: ups and downs like a wave. Didnt you ask the echo?

Dallion smirked. For some reason, the shield kept referring to nil as the echo. Apparently, he didnt like echoes much. From the perspective of a guardian, they probably were like guests one couldnt get rid of. On that note, maybe it wouldnt be a bad idea to have a chat with the guardian of the library ring at some point.

Not yet. I wanted to hear your thoughts first. Youre older, Dallion added, fully aware that Nil was listening in.

You might be hunter material, the shield said, the words soaked with doubt. Its a long shot, but then again, Im not a hunter, so Ive got no idea.

There were hunters in your day?

Its a given that there always are hunters. Just like cracks appear in items and buildings, they also appear in areas. Given enough neglect, they even manage to break out. Thats where the hunters come in.

Real life debuggers, Dallion thought. Considering the creatures that roamed the wilderness, no doubt a life-threatening task.

Dont think about it too much. Youll live a much happier life if you accept the world for what it is, and not delve into complex matters too much.

Thats some terrible advice.

Definitely terrible, but its also true. Ive seen scholars argue about the nature of awakened powers for decades. Wars almost started because of that. And in the end everything remains just as unclear. Take you for example. There was a theory that humanityall species in factwere only those that managed to crawl out of an area into the wilderness, and its been trying to take us back ever since.

That one was actually good. Congratulations, youre actually getting better. It doesnt change the facts, though.

Ill just see if I can take advantage of an offer that was made. Thats all.

You dont sound too convincing.

Its not like Ill lose anything. If it doesnt work, it doesnt work. And if

Dal? a familiar voice interrupted. Standing a dozen feet away was no other than Falkner himself. You were looking for me?

If there were any doubts that the meeting was coincidental, they were now gone. Still, it was impressive how Falkner had managed to get here so fast. Running was out of the question, and Dallion didnt know any other method except if Falkner had magic skills.

You got here fast. Dallion decided to be subtle about his request.

I was on my way here, anyway. There werent any good jobs, so I was going to ask my mentor for something different.

Dallion could clearly tell that the boy was lying. Since he was the one who was going to ask a favor, he didnt point it out.

What did you need me for? Falkner asked again.

Well Music, Dallion thought. Abusing awakened skills wasnt something he appreciated, but right now he didnt have much of a choice. If Dallion wanted to increase the chances of him getting what he was about to ask, every little bit helped. Can you loan me some gold? Dallion said, matching his voice to the emotions that vibrated within Falkner. Just a small sum.

Curiosity filled the boy. Dallion could almost see questions forming in his mind.

Whats it for?

My awakening trial. I was thinking of going to a shrine this afternoon to reach level ten, and afterwards, who knows?

You want to become a double digit? The curiosity was replaced by awe.

I have to catch up to you, dont I? Dallion added a little flattery, while changing the pitch of his voice slightly so that Falkner would feel happy to help.

Im just at ten. Im not ready to go through the second gate, yet. Anyway, will fifty gold be enough?

The temptation for Dallion to accept was huge, yet he managed to keep himself from doing so. That was a lot of money and would no doubt come with a lot of strings attached.

Tens fine.

Ten? I can give you that much now.

Dallions heart skipped a beat. There were about twenty-five minutes till the start of his shift. If he ran, he could reach the nearest awakening shrine and get back to the inn in that time.

Id appreciate that, Dallion replied, then stopped using his skill. Even in the awakening world, it was exhausting.

Without hesitation, Falkner took out his pouch and counted ten gold coins. From what Dallion was able to glimpse, there were many more from where those came from.

Here. The boy handed him the coins. Ive got a condition, though.

Sure. Here it comes.

I want to be with you when you complete the trial.