Chapter 261: Scarred

Name:Leveling up the World Author:
Chapter 261: Scarred

CRITICAL STRIKE

Dealt Damage is increased by 200%

The blades forming the protectors wing shattered like glass, causing the creature to lose altitude. This was by no means a victory. Although wounded, the bladeler hadnt lost its ability to fly. Blades from the other wing shifted, quickly reforming what was missing.

Lux, to the left! Dallion shouted, fully aware of what was about to follow.

Moments after, another line split the air. It was only thanks to Dallions splitting that he managed to plunge low enough to avoid the giant slice. None of his other instances were as fortunate, sending a shiver down his spine.

That was too close, Gen said.

Nox, get him on your own! Dallion thought, while looking for a place to hide. He didnt want to use the shield to deflect any more attacks unless criticalthere had been no rectangles regarding the shields condition, but Dallion wasnt prepared to risk it, not so soon after the fight against Vermilion.

On the ground, a short distance away, the crackling emerged from the dagger. Grabbing the weapon with its mouth, it then ran in the general direction of Dallion.

Knives and swords kept flying through the air, flowing towards Dallion like pouring out of a firehose. At this rate, Dallion was forced to split into five instances, only to cope. However, with every second, his headache grew more and more.

For every narrow escape, Dallion had to evade twice more. The protector was actively adapting to his tactics. Even at a distance, the lag between the orders given to the firebird and Luxs reaction was starting to become noticeable. What was more, the bladeler was successfully keeping his distance from Nox. Somehow he was able to sense the location of the crackling, even if he didnt bother attacking.

Youll have to come up with a new plan, dear boy, Nil advised. You dont have the stamina to go against such an opponent. Not yet, in any case.

Easy for you to say, Dallion grumbled mentally.

With flight and music being useless against such an enemy, there wasnt much he could do with the current approach. On the other hand, there was one thing he hadnt done so far. It was going to be quite risky, but it wasnt like Dallion had many alternatives.

Shield! Dallion shouted, holding it in front of him.

The shield extended, though not as wide as before. Apparently, it had received quite a bit of damage.

Just a bit longer, buddy. Dallion summoned the harpsisword.

Lux, pick up Harp and drive her in its chest! And, Harp, do that sound thing you do to deal continuous damage when in there.

There was a brief chord of disapproval. While enjoying a battle, the harpsisword didnt appreciate the attitude. No doubt in her view the proper way to strike an enemy was by being held by a person, not directed by a firebird. Sooner or later Dallion was going to have to learn to handle a sword adequately, which at present the harpsisword didnt think he was.

Without the firebird, gravity snatched Dallion back down. Normally, the landing would have caused him to crack a bone, or at the very least, to get hurt. With his current body level, he barely felt a thing. Meanwhile, the harpsisword thrust through the air, hitting the protector in the chest.

A sense of victory went through Dallion, followed almost immediately by a sense of fear. This was way too easy and if there was one thing he had learned from facing high level opponents, it was that they always had an ace in their sleeves.

For several moments, it was as if nothing had happened. The bladeler remained floating in the sky, the harpsisword sticking from him. However, there was no indication that he was hit, as if the weapon had done no damage. Then, suddenly, the protectors wings exploded in a rain of blades.

CRITICAL STRIKE

Dealt Damage is increased by 200%

WINGS SEVERED

Enemy will no longer be able to make use of its wings.

Just accept the deal, Dallion thought, as if that would be enough to convince his opponent.

As expected, the protector didnt, launching another of his attacks.

Do it, Nox, Dallion sighed.

On cue, the crackling leapt at the bladeler, claws first. A loud screeching sound filled the air like Styrofoam on glass.

CRITICAL STRIKE

Dealt Damage is increased by 200%

Blade parts fell on the stone path, as Noxs claws dug into their target. There was no scream or flinch. The protector tried to look over his shoulder to see his attacker, but before he could, the light within him disappeared. Left without anything to hold them, the remaining armor parts fell on the floor, reverting to their original shape.

NOX IS LEVEL 3

Fancy that, Nil said as the blue rectangle appeared. Little Nox if finally growing up.

Dallion didnt respond. For several seconds, he remained in the air, waiting. Once half a minute had passed, and it was clear that the protector was no more, Dallion had Lux land him on the spot.

You really mustnt be so harsh on yourself, dear boy. Not everyone will accept your offers. After all, you made it. Its not your fault that protectors cant respond adequately.

That didnt make Dallion feel much better. Having Nox leap onto his shoulder, though, did have a soothing effect. Visibly, there didnt seem to be any change in the cracklings appearance. But Dallion could sense the cub had grown stronger. And still he had ho idea why that had happened.

Rest a bit, if you want, Nil said. At the very least, have Lux heal you as much as possible.

Dallion looked at his leg. There was no indication of a wound. Even so, he let the firebird perform its healing magic. Close to a minute later, he was at full health again, but even so, the victory felt hollow.

You gained a skill, Nil reminded. Not to mention you defeated a protector. Honestly, thats a good thing. You shouldnt be so gloomy about it. Anyone else would have organized a feast. Not that you do those things.

Yeah. I just didnt expect this, Dallion lied. For some unclear reason, he felt as if he could have prevented the protectors destruction. For the moment, though, he had to put all that behind him.

Taking a deep breath, Dallion recited the names of the Moons and then returned to the real world. Estezol was there. From the mans perspective, he had just given him the ring as a gift. Now that Dallion had gotten what he wanted from it, he didnt need it anymore. However, he didnt have it in him to refuse.

Thanks, Estezol, he said, mustering a smile. Ill remember this.

Dont worry about it. Just, if you happen to have any more awakened friends, bring them here first, okay?

I promise, Dallion laughed. Ill be going now. Take care.

It probably was obvious to Estezol that Dallion had spent a while in an awakened realm. Regardless, the short man just waved briefly before rushing back into the guild. Dallion waited until he was gone, then looked around to get his bearings. Once he did, he too set off for Hannahs inn.

How are you holding up, shield? he whispered while walking.

Honestly, Ive been better. You really know how to challenge your gear. First Vermilion and now this? Youre lucky the bladeler wasnt particularly well trained. Also, you should listen to Nil on this one. Protectors never back off, even when they lose the thing they are sent to protect.

So, theres no other way of stopping them?

There might be, but not one you could pull off. Seriously, bladelers are little more than a stack of blades given sentience. Feeling bad for them is the same as feeling bad for an ingot you use to make something of. At the end of the day, they are just a lock, and unless you have the key, you must break them.

In that case, Ill learn how to make keys, Dallion whispered. He had no idea why hed said that. From a logical point of view, he agreed with everything the shield had said, but still something was making him feel sadsomething he could have sworn wasnt there a few days ago.