Chapter 187: Army of Fear

Chapter 187: Army of Fear

All of Dallions doubt vanished like fog at dawn. The voice was absolutely correctgiving in to his fears wasnt the way hed win this battle. Dallion was not a monster and had no intention of becoming one. As long as he knew where the line was and didnt cross it, history wasnt going to repeat itself.

A sword swished at the height of Dallions neck. Even without markers, avoiding it was elementary and immediately followed by a counterattack.

Lux, blind him, Dallion whispered.

The firebird flashed an incandescent blue. Caught off guard, Aspion tried to jump back, but it was already too late. He harpsisword pierces his chest.

CRITICAL STRIKE!

Damage dealt is increased by 200%

Any other time Dallion would have been pleased with such a result. Fighting against a humanoid echo, though, he felt cheated. Such an attack was supposed to kill it off, or at the very least incapacitate it to the point he would have to deal with one opponent less. Instead, there seemed to be no apparent difference. What was worse, the attack revealed an opening for Kiera to take advantage of. Even with the armadil shield extended, Dallion wasnt able to get away unscathed.

MINOR WOUND

Your health has been decreased by 5%

Immediately Dallion split into three instances, aiming to finish off Aspion. In two versions his attacks were deflected, but in the third he did a clean strike through the enemys waist. Not the most elegant attack, but it was something. Dallion chose that instance. Before his blade could reach its target, though, a surprising force came out of nowhere, pushing him back a dozen steps through dirt and corpses. Moments later, Dallion saw that a new figure had joined the enemy team.

Anything you can do I can do better, the version of his grandfather said, standing in front of Aspion. All this time you knew Id be the strongest of the three. What did you think? That itll get easier when you defeat them? Or did you think that I would let you?

Beside him, Aspion smirked. During Dallions life in Dherma he had seen the two as nothing but enemies, but there had been a time they were close friends, as close as Dallion now was with Gloria and Veil. Of course, his grandfather would do anything in his power to protect his friends, and this challenge illustrated that. Fighting two of them was difficult enough, but now that Dallion was facing all three, things had become impossible Unless that was the point of the trial.

Taking a deep breath, Dallion considered things logically. When it came down to it, this was just a level up triala room in his realm that illustrated a deep fear to be overcome. Similar to the other awakening trials, there was a way he could win.

Similar to a breakthrough, Dallion thought, repeating Nils advice. The entire point of awakening trials was to determine if someone was capable of going beyond their current limits. As long as they had what it took, winning was the easiest thing in the world. If not, the task would be impossible. The important question was what skills did Dallion need to have this time.

Combining his music and forging skills, Dallion examined the gear of his enemies yet again. If there were major flaws, he definitely couldnt see them. His grandfather had done a pretty good job constructing the items. Getting a chance to break them was looking highly unlikely.

Why were there three enemies, though? Back in the puzzle cube, the enemy had been just one. True, there were a lot of other crack-like creatures that kept him from reaching that point, but it wasnt like numbers were of significant importance.

Whats the matter? Aspion asked. Thinking of asking us to surrender?

So far that hadnt crossed Dallions mind. It was clear that they wouldnt accept, although the question gave him an idea.

If thats the way you want it Dallion took a deep breath. In his mind, a spark burst into existence. Like a cell it grew, building on past feelings, emotions and past memories, until finally it formed a voice.

Wow, the spark said. I cant believe you really did it.

Is there any point in going on? Dallion asked. Your advantage is gone. From here on I have the advantage.

So it would seem. Kraisten gave Kierra a nod. Tell me one thing. What do you expect to find here once the fight is over?

Dallion hesitated.

Dont worry, its not a trick or warning. Im just genuinely curious. Lets say that you level up. What are you going to do with a battlefield in your mind?

Clean it up?

And bury the past? Not the best choice.

Thats your past, Dallion said. Or something I think could have been your past.

The truth was that Dallion knew precious little. Events might have gone down just as he imagined, or maybe they had been worse. Either way, it was all speculation based on a few fragments of information he had obtained.

And even if it is. I dont have to see it to remember it.

Thats true. You dont have to see something in order for it to be real. Kraisten moved further back. But I respect your choice. Ill even help you out. He clapped his hands.

The sound echoed throughout the battlefield. Initially nothing happened, then the first signs became visible. It all started with a faint grain of anger in the decaying bodies. Like a seed, the grain grew, turning them from lifeless piles of flesh into living entities hostile evil entities with rusty weapons and armor.

So much for a number advantage and just when Dallion had worked so far to earn it. Still, they were only blockers. The white rectangles above their heads only described them as falling warriors with no additional information. More than likely they were weak, relying on numbers to take him down. Dallions only concern was whether they would merge or not.

Taking a defensive stance and replacing his dagger with the harpsisword, he waited.

They dont look that tough, his echo said in support. Want to try a duet?

No, better stick to the plan. You play, I'll defend.

Sure. You know you dont have to reply. I know your answer when you think of it.

Its more polite this way, Dallion said, but in his mind, he was also laughing at himself for forgetting the fact.

One of the nearby zombie-soldiers leapt forward in an attack. Technically, they werent exactly zombie soldiers. Along with their return to life, all wounds on their bodies had disappeared, restoring them to their previous state. Only the state of their armor and weapons reminded that they had been dead at some point.

Dallion blocked the attack with his shield, then took a step to the side and performed a double slash at his enemys torso. Based on his experience in the sphere items, in the majority of the cases the blocker creature would die from the first strike, although some would manage to parry the blow. In this case, not only did the soldier block both blows but also engaged in a counterattack of her own.

What the heck? Dallion reacted instantly with a parry, then twirled to the other side of his attacker in an attempt to land a fatal blow. That too was evaded, even if barely. Meanwhile, the rest of the soldiers were keeping their distance, forming a large circle with a ten-foot radius around Dallion and his echo.

Surprised? Dallions grandfather asked. Who said that the fallen ones would be weak? They were brought to life by your fears, after all. And, boy, do you have many fears.