Chapter 246: Three Killed, Three Remaining

Chapter 246: Three Killed, Three Remaining

Hannah crossed her arms.

Alright, what did you do this time?

From her perspective, less than a moment had passed. In that single instant, however, successfully managed to brave another series of flaws, earning him a new level. Three more remained at the next gate. Regardless, Dallion didnt feel he had the strength to keep pushing on just yet. A few days or rest sounded good right about now.

Oh. The innkeeper narrowed her eyes. I see Well, if you had to, you had to. Hannahs voice was calm, but Dallions music skills told him that she disapproved. Next time, he was going to take the ten extra minutes and improve in his room. What did you pick?

Huh? Dallion blinked.

Your awakening focus, the innkeeper said. You have to pick one with each level.

Oh, right. Perception.

At the moment, Dallion went back to his original plan of increasing his perception as high as possible. With him learning forging in the near futureprobably months, considering how thorough Eury was with her traininghed be relying on it quite a lot. Having a low reaction was starting to irk him, though. Sooner rather than later, Dallion would have to put a few points there as well. It was funny how originally he had started with a huge bonus in that area, allowing him to make fast decisions. Back when Dallion was level one, having six on a stat seemed unimaginably strong. Now, his reaction was at ten and it seemed pitiful.

Aspan will be pleased for one. Hannah glanced over her shoulder at the kitchen door. Hes always complaining that were wasting his talents. At least with you theres hope that your palette will be good enough at some point.

His food is always great, Ill give him that.

Dallion focused back on his meal. Hannah gave him a few pieces of advice, most of which he had already heard before, then, too, went elsewhere to deal with administrative things. That left Dallion completely alone in the empty room.

Come to think about it, that was somewhat unusual, since customers could enter at any time. Having a supernatural entity such as the overseer that monitored the entire city helped a lot to prevent potential crimes.

Finishing his meal, Dallion went to the kitchen. Nine times out of ten, Aspan would be either snoozing there, or shouting and cursingusually when engaging in a conversation with Hannah. This time, when he saw Dallion, the man quickly reached behind a stack of fruit and took out a finely arranged bowl of fruit. At first glance, it seemed like a common fruit salad that a person could make in a few minutes. The aroma coming from it told an entirely different story. The fruit wasnt just cut up and assembled, they had been boiled in a unique combination of spices.

Dallion felt his mouth water. Hunger tempted him to take the bowl instantly; instinct made him look over his shoulder just to make sure that Hannah hadnt returned.

You wont get in trouble for this, right? Dallion asked.

The cook crossed his arms, giving him the well-known you gotta be kidding glance. Deciding to risk it, Dallion went ahead and took a bite from the top piece. Normally, the fruit could be described in taste and texture as an apricot. There was no telling what Aspan had done to it, because what his taste buds felt was definitely something different. Sweet and sour mashed together with a touch of peppermint and the faint aftertaste of chocolate.

Ever since hed come into this world, the lack of sugar productschocolates in particular. And yet, Aspan had somehow managed to recreate that on his own. Now Dallion understood what Hannah meant when she said that Aspans skills were undervalued. Given his skills, he probably felt like a world-renowned chef having to work in a fast-food joint.

No sooner had Dallion started eating than the bowl was empty. He could have sworn that hed only taken a few bites, and yet reality disagreed with him. Eager for a bit more, Dallion tried to music his way into a second serving, but the only thing he got was a hearty laugh and a pat on the back.

What can you do? Gen asked. Such is life. At least you got to taste the real thing.

Yeah Dallion thought, then left the kitchen, pondering how come there were no awakened culinary skills. Could it be that was one of the remaining hidden skills? From a practical perspective, that would be quite a loss, but after tasting what he just had, Dallion would consider it worthwhile.

Ill be going to Performers Plaza, Dallion said as he went into his room. Will you be okay?

A few notes from the harpsisword indicated that she would.

Be sure to have fun, the armadil shield said. And dont do anything reckless.

Youre lucky Im not in the habit of slapping men, she said, shames moving furiously about her head.

What did I

Didnt I tell you not to get involved with the mirror pool? she grabbed him by both arms just beneath the shoulders. Do you think this is a joke? Those people are dangerous. Even the nobles are cautious when they deal with them. And you just walk in the dragons gen and start making demands?

I

Playing the gauntlet? Messing with Belaal? People have disappeared for less. And worst of all, I had to learn that from the damned city guard!

This was the first time Dallion had heard Eury come close to swearing. Normally she was calm and composed, and almost always flirty.

On the bright side, you have proof she cares about you a lot, Gen said.

Just because you did them a small favor doesnt mean they feel like they owe you something. The only reason Belaal met you was to satisfy his personal curiosity. Now, youve gone on his list. Itll take a lot of work to get you off it.

This time Dallion didnt say a word. That proved to be the right choice.

And all for what? To go hunting for a copyettea member of the race that nearly conquered the entire world? Please, tell me, if you manage to find it, what exactly are you going to do?

Point at it so everyone else can see? Dallion said, adding some humor to his words.

The joke wasnt even funnyor a real jokebut thanks to his music skills, that didnt matter. Eurys frown softened a bit. In his mind, Dallion could see her trying to balance her anger and fear with the humor he had created. The long silence suggested a stalemate.

Idiot. Euryale let go of him and went back to her workbench. If theres a way to get in trouble, youll find it. I might as well be going out with a hurricane.

Dallion had no idea whether that was a compliment or not, and he had no intention of asking.

You heard about my meeting with the overseer? Subtly, he changed the topic.

Who do you think told me about the mess you got yourself into? The overseer knew that you wouldnt let things stay. The witch counted on it. Otherwise she would have just taken your kaleidervisto.

Sneaky, Dallion thought.

Does that mean youll help me? He took a step forward. A bit at least?

You beautiful idiot she shook her head. The overseer knew I would. Otherwise she wouldnt have told me all this.

Wow.

However, Im not sure, Ill be enough.

What do you mean?

Two members of the mirror circle were killed recently. One was a low-level grunt. The other was the fury that mugged you.