Chapter 169: The Root of Evil

Chapter 169: The Root of Evil

EMPATHIC CONNECTION

Valuing guardians above your own development is a calling, but it comes at a constant cost.

A blue rectangle replaced the attribute selection. Dallion glanced at it for a few moments, then waved it away. It had been a while since hed received an achievement, and this one was more cryptic than most.

COMPANION AZURE FIREBIRD CHICK

You have gained a Level 1 companion!

Newly hatched, the firebird has established a deep connection with you and will follow you both in the real and in any awakened world. The firebird will guard your awakening room, or attack any enemy you command in an awakening realm.

Unlike other members of its species, the azure firebird has the ability to heal wounds with its flames. The degree to which it heals depends on the firebirds level.

A second rectangle appeared, along with a small version of the ex-guardian. The only difference was that the bird no longer was a guardian; now it was another familiar.

Azure? Dallion stared at it. Having it back brought him some joy, though still not enough to take him to his previous emotional state. In future he would have to be careful how he used his emotions. Pouring emotions into something else was clearly advantageous, though it was harsh to a persons own state.

The firebird let out a high-pitched chirp, then flapped its wings in front of Dallion. At this point Dallion had no choice but to crouch down and pet the creature on the head. The creatures reaction was childish in a very adult way. After enjoying the pets for a few seconds, it attempted to push away Dallions hand with its wings. Comically, the flame would pass through his hand, achieving little more than the equivalent of a very localized breeze. Being made entirely of flame had its limitations.

While the firebird was playing, Dallions other familiar slowly made his way from the tunnel outside to the center of the chamber. Head stretched to its maximum, the crackling sniffed at the creature several times, before taking a step back.

Of course, now you show up. Dallion sighed. He could have used Nox during the actual fight. Although, thinking about it, there probably wasnt much the crackling would be able to do.

Nox, this is Lux, Dallion said. The cracking didnt seem one bit impressed. Lux, this is your senior. Dallion pushed the firebird gently towards the crackling. Doing so with a full palm proved possiblelike slowly nudging a bubble of hot air.

On a personal level, Dallion was happy that the guardian hadnt disappeared. His gamer mind, though, was already running on overdrive. With this new creature he now had attack and heal abilities at his disposal. Both would prove quite useful in the battle to come, even if both creatures were at level one. The main thing was not to allow them to get harmed.

Nil, can you take care of them for me?

Raising a cat and a being made entirely out of fire in a vast library? The echo asked. What could possibly go wrong?

Healing flames, Nil, Dallion said. Its made of healing flames.

Oh, if thats the case I guess everything is alright, isnt it? You realize how this looks, right? You have a crackling and a blue firebird, most likely the result of chainling involvement. Some might claim that you are closer to the Crippled Star than is healthy for an awakened.

I dont see how having familiars could be considered a bad thing. The notion made Dallion think of his grandfather. When he had set out to make a chainling, what exactly had he done? Had he set one loose from a sphere item? Or had he sacrificed someone to achieve the effect? The notion made Dallions stomach churn.

They arent but Ill tell you what I keep telling my students: your mind has a limited capacity, so dont fill it up with nonsense, or with familiars as your case might be.

Point taken. Any luck with contacting Adzorg?

Dear boy, this is a rather complicated process that has no guarantees of success. I would have you know that two-way echo communication is an endeavor that has been attempted by scholars for hundreds of years. Even the

Any luck? Dallion interrupted.

Im not certain. I sent a message, but my original hasnt noticed. Possibly one of the other captains will. Its just a matter of time.

I really hope so, Dallion thought.

Okay, you two, into the library, he said to the familiars.

Nox was first to disappear with an elegant leap. The firebird was next, poofing out like a candle flame at a birthday party. With that, Dallion went on to the final level.

THE TWISTED STAR

Species: Wouldnt you like to know?

Class: Wouldnt you like to know?

Statistics: Wouldnt you like to know?

Skills: Wouldnt you like to know?

Weak spots: Wouldnt you like to know?

Dallion felt as if ice cubes had sprouted in his stomach. All this time he had thought that Arthurows was a sneak and slacker, but never once had he considered that he could be a Star. The mere notion made Dallion feel dread, as if he were in the presence of a demon, and as far as this world was concerned that could be the case.

There wasnt much mentioned about the Star. Dallion knew enough from the fragments hed heard or read in the ring library to be afraid. Allegedly, the Star had managed to be the downfall of entire kingdoms, even species.

Fear gripped hold of Dallions conscience. It was only to the harpriswords vibrating strings that it somewhat released him.

Dont be so afraid, its not like Im all-powerful, Arthurows laughed. At least not yet.

Youre the Crippled? Dallion swallowed. What about Art?

Art was an unfortunate kid that asked for too much while he should have known better. Sadly, he passed away nine years ago. I took his place. Come to think about it, youve done the exact same thing. The star took a step forward, at which point Dallion instantly retreated, blade pointing the Arthurows direction. After all, didnt you take over the body of a person in this world when you came from Earth? I doubt theyre too happy about that. But hey, its not like they can complain. He laughed.

You created the chainlings in the rescue mission.

Correct. And I did it just for you.

Dallion took another step back.

Do you know what they call people from another world here? the Star asked. No? Soul confused, irregular, wildcards I personally like to call them a pain in the ass. Your very existence is a problem. Most of your kind join the nobility or the hunters, which makes it much more difficult for me in the long run. Your case, though, is special. You Arthurows pointed at Dallion really managed to piss me off. Ive plans for this city. Plans that youve already started to mess up.

I dont even know you. Dallion felt part of his confidence returning, all thanks to the music of the harpsisword.

You dont have to know someone to mess things up. Its enough that you started going on explorations. When I made you mess up the selection trial, that was supposed to be the end of it. You were supposed to accept defeat and start going on sanitation missions. But no, you had to have your little arrangement with Vend, then join in as a packrat.

You made me mess up my selection?

Arthurows laughed.

Where do you think your sudden burst of confidence came from? Because you were doing oh so well in the previous levels. Level six, barely managed to pull through with a group and you thought youd make it to here on your own? Or did you think youre the only one who could influence people? Either way, it ends here.

Thinking back, a lot of Dallions problems were linked to Arthurows in some way. The mission failure, the deal with the general, the chainlings during the rescue job, the lieutenants attitude during the interview a while back Dallion had even told Arthurows when he was about to go to the awakening shrine. It was entirely possible that the Star had had a hand in him getting mugged, although wouldnt it have been easier to outright kill him? For an entity of his strength, there were ample opportunities.

You cant kill me, can you? Dallion voiced the question in his mind.

The star narrowed his eyes.

The Moons are preventing you, arent they?

I cant kill you directly, Arthurows pointed out. But thats beyond the point. I dont want to kill you. I just want to seal away your powers.

COMBAT INITIATED