Chapter 147: Realm Linking

Chapter 147: Realm Linking

Ill escort you back outside, the curate said after counting to three.

Dallion couldnt tell whether it was the epitome of efficiency or of extreme mercantilism. Either way, there was no point arguing, especially since he had already gotten what he had paid for or rather, he had gotten what Falkner had paid for.

How did it go? the boy asked, walking alongside Dallion.

Okay, I think. Ive yet to understand some of the things that happened. Dallion remained deliberately vague. After all, the punishment the being in glowing red armor had warned about was no joke. When will you be having your trial?

When I turn sixteen. Father insists. Falkner sighed. However, there was no way of telling whether he did so because it was too soon or too far away. So, what now?

Now I need to get to work, or Hannah will kill me.

In fact, he was already cutting it short. Even running was likely going to get him to the Gremlins Timepiece a few minutes later than expected. There was always the option to come up with some excuse that made sense, but Dallion preferred to resort to that when he really needed it.

Can I come along? Falkner asked.

Normally the answer would be a resounding no. Dallion tended not to like people who were overly clingy, at least until he got to know them better. However, considering the favor the boy had done just now, he could only smile.

Sure. You can even eat there if you want. The food is good enough for awakened. Trust me.

Okay Falkner didnt sound at all convinced.

Great. Only thing is well have to run to get there. Before that, though

Item Awakening

The library emerged around Dallion.

Nil, he said.

Strangely enough, for the first time, the echo wasnt immediately visible. It took a few moments for him to appear from behind one of the distant isles of tomes. As he approached, Dallion saw that the echo was carrying what looked like a small leather suitcasemedieval style.

Nil, whats that? Dallion pointed.

Its a tome case, the echo replied. Perfect for carrying essential tomes from one place to another.

I know what it is. I meant why are you carrying it.

I thought it would be obvious. A smile flashed on Nils face. And congratulations are in order. I know I dont say this lightly, but I am extremely pleased that you managed to break through the second gate even with your recent adventures, which I hope youll never repeat.

Yeah, thanks At this point Dallion was already confused. For one thing, he wasnt sure whether the echo was criticizing or praising him. For another, he still had no idea what exactly was going on. That was until a few seconds later when his mind made the connection. You want to crash in my awakening room, dont you? Dallion crossed his arms.Visitt novelbin(.)co/m for the latest updates

I admit I would miss being in this place, but I think it would be most convenient for both of us. Since you have constructed no echoes of your own, someone must be there to protect your internal domain. Also, you have a library room, which would be suitable for a connection point.

Happy now, Nil?

For the moment. Just dont consider this your graduation. Its more like the admittance to school.

Good thing I have you to remind me. Dallion shook his head.

Moments later, Dallions surroundings changed to the awakening shrine corridor. He had gotten the two answers he needed, and more important now he had the option to ask questions immediately than having to memorize them for later.

Nil? Dallion whispered.

Im here, theres no need to check on me, the echo grumbled. And just to let you know, I dont appreciate sharing a room with a crackling. Ive no idea where you found it, but having them in your awakening room is never a good idea.

Thats what you think.

Sorry? Falkner asked. Apparently Dallion had said the last slightly too loud.

Nothing, just thinking out loud, Dallion lied. Anyway, lets hurry.

The moment the two got out of the awakening shrine, they rushed to Hannahs inn. Fortunately for Dallion, he arrived there with two minutes to spare. Unfortunately, the running had caused him to build up a sweat, causing the innkeeper to give him an earful of proper hygiene and send him off to wash up and change, while welcoming Falkner as a VIP customer. That was one of the things Dallion still wasnt able to figure outwhy were people so impressed by the boy. Granted, he was the son of a noble, but by all accounts, he wasnt that high up in the hierarchy.

Congratulations from us as well, the dryad shield said once Dallion was in his room. I told you that battle gears are serious business. Once you get to dance with the harpsisword properly, youll be able to slay giants. Metaphorically speaking. I dont think there are any giants left in your time. Not in this empire, anyway.

Aha, Dallion replied, barely paying attention. His entire focus was to get washed up and in a fresh pair of clothes before the lunch crowd started arriving. Thank her for me.

She can hear you, and I think thats something you should do yourself, when you have a bit more time to spare.

Sure, Ill

Not now, the shield interrupted. Leave it when youre done with work and dont have other things on your mind.

The suggestion made Dallion pause for a moment. For once it was actually good and serious advice and not to pick up advances. Without question, the harpsisword had directly helped him in the fight against the bladicorn, and deserved at least a proper thank you. In the process Dallion was also going to link her realm to his awakening room. Not the shield, though. At least not until it became officially his.

How do I look? Dallion asked after he changed into his spare set of clothes.

Ive seen better, the dryad replied. Good enough for work, Id say. Also remember that compliments go a long way. If you want Hannah to have a better opinion of you, make a friendly observation now and again.

Thats really inappropriate.

Im not telling you to flirt unless you want to. Just take the time to mention that you think shes doing a good job. Youll be amazed at the results.

As much as Dallion wanted to believe that, his mind wouldnt let him. A minute later, he was down again, doing his job.

Falkner seemed mildly fascinated. The boy probably had never eaten in a tavern and it showed. The amount of attention he gave to everyone was way beyond that of a common customer. That didnt even include the amount of money he spent on food and tips. No one seemed to mind, least of all Hannah, who always had a keen eye for profit.

Not a word was mentioned about Dallions advancement. Neither Hannah nor Jiroh open the topic, and Dallion didnt volunteer any information either. Even so, his new skills remained always on his mind. Not so much the end of the level cap, but his future forging skills. From what Dallion had read in the past, they allowed him to make items both in the awakened realms and in the real world. The only things he needed to improve were enough materials for practice and a mentor. As Nil had said, Euryale sounded like the obvious choice. The only question was how would that affect Vade. Given both their standards and expectations of him, having one mentor was going to be difficult enough. Having two at the same time, though that might well turn into an outright disaster.