Chapter 269: Return to the Drum

Chapter 269: Return to the Drum

You came just for this? The fury asked, sitting across Dallion. I had higher hopes, since you passed through the gate.

Does it matter? As long as I can pay, I can have anything. Thats what you told me during the last visit.

A fool and his money are quickly parted. The fury tilted her head to the side, then made a sign to one of the waiters. The man nodded and quickly rushed to the staircase. Maybe I can convince you to go through another gauntlet? Your victory last time caused quite the commotion. People have been pouring here for days to match your success. It goes without saying that all of them failed.

Dallion didnt say a word. He knew all too well that the game was rigged. Most likely, a few changes had been made after his victory to ensure that similar mistakes dont happen again. Anyone trying to pass the gauntlet now did nothing but lose a lot of time, while making Belaal a lot of money.

Itll only take a few minutes, and this time I guarantee youll keep part of your winnings, the fury continued.

I dont think Belaal will approve.

Belaals not here right now. I have full discretion until he returns.

A week ago, Dallion would have agreed without hesitation. It wasnt about the moneythat would be lost. It was about testing himself, matching his skills to any tricks the mirror pool had to offer. Unfortunately, it was only relevant for items. If Dallion was to become strong enough to reach his next level, he had to face real enemies and stronger ones at that.

Maybe some other time. Dallion looked away.

Suit yourself. The fury shrugged.

The waiter returned with a medium-sized wooden box which he placed at Dallions table. The fury took it, then slowly removed the lid. A stylish hand mirror was inside.

Sphere items have become quite pricey lately, she said. Are you sure you have enough to buy it?

Dallion took a pouch from his belt and shook it.

Seems that you do. Why do you want the mirror?

Is that part of the price?

No, just curious. The fury returned the mirror in the box and pushed it towards Dallion.

The mirror was in perfect conditionthere were no flaws, cracks, or even scratches anywhere on its surface. There didnt seem to be anything special about it, just an ordinary mirror made of a unique metal alloy. To anyone this would be nothing more than a low-grade sphere item brought in from the wilderness, but Dallion knew it to be so much more.

Leaving his pouch on the table, Dallion picked up the mirror and examined it.

You havent leveled it up? he asked.

No point wasting talent and resources on something so mundane. It would have stayed with the junk for a few months, then we would have made it part of the gauntlet in some way.

Dallion felt chills run all over his body at the mention of that. He tried to hide it as best he could, but he could tell that the fury had noticed.

You disapprove? she asked, in a moment of genuine curiosity.

I doubt it matters here. Dallion put the item away. Is the amount enough?

Sentimental value, the fury said as she opened the pouch. Thats what people call something cheap that they wish was expensive. This was one of the items you had to mend during the gauntlet, so you probably feel some connection. Not that it bothers me. I could sell all the items you completed, if you wish.

And how much will that cost me?

More than you have right now, but Im patient. As long as long as we have an understanding.

There also were a small number of items for her to investigate, given by the city guard. When Dallion had initially learned about that, he had panicked slightly, immediately offering to join her during the exploration. The gorgon had laughed. That was normalher skills and level remained superior to his at this point.

After barring the door, Eury went to her room to change. The fact that she couldnt swim in the nearby lake and was forced to rely on bucket water made her slightly grumpy, but that was understandable.

I wont be searching tomorrow, Dallion said while Euryale was undressing. There are too many people. Besides, with March back, the expedition is about to start.

Its about time.

Yeah, I know. She and Vend have been all secretive about something. It might have to do with the Star.

Vends always been secretive. With his past its normal.

His past?

He used to be a thief and pickpocket. He didnt tell you?

No. That was sort of a shock, although Dallion could see it. Vends gift with combat splitting helped him get out of all sorts of troubleideal for picking locks, keeping a lookout, or snatching a purse. It definitely explained why the elite didnt talk about his past.

Theres also a chance I get called for the tournament fight, Dallion continued with the idle conversation.

It had been a while since he had been called to participate. The last time was two days ago, when he had easily defeated his opponent without resorting to familiars or music skills. Being level twenty made a lot of the fights pointless. It also helped him to be favored and not subject to a level cap as far as skills went. Spending a lot of time improving items, Dallion had brought his athletic skills to level thirty-nine, one less than acrobatics and guard; attack was at forty-four and music was two short of fifty. Alas, forging remained at one, mostly because keeping up the illusion that he was searching for the copyette didnt leave any time for Eury to continue with his training.

Itll be against real candidates this time.

Youll do fine. Some of them are still double digits.

Yeah

That was true, but Dallions rival from the Flameforge guild was a bit more skilled. If Dallion was to make any headway, hed have to rack some levels, something he still failed to achieve.

Youre staying here tonight, right? Eury asked. It sounded more like a statement than a question.

Definitely. Dallion grinned.

What are you waiting for, then? The hint was clear.

Just thinking about things Dallion replied. Then slowly started removing his gear. I think Ill try to level up again.

Have you ever considered that the reason youre failing at it is that youre too wound up? Eury half emerged from the bedroom. As one might expect, she didnt have any clothes on. Fighting against the world only works if you relax a bit now and then.

Is that advice for the trial? Dallion laughed.

The gorgons snakes stirred.

If I had something close by, Id throw it at you right now. Just forget about the world for one moment. Can you do that?

Dallion considered it. If he tried to level up now, it would hardly matter, since in terms of the real world, only a moment would pass. Then again, he could just as easily try the following morning.

Youre right. He said, only partially convinced. Ill be right there.

The fantasy world had indeed become much scarier than when he had appeared here from Earth. He was no longer in a small village in the middle of nowhere. Now he was in a large city that was targeted by what could only be described as a deity of evil. Living day to day wouldnt cut it anymore. He had to learn what was really going on fast and get stronger in the process. However, that still didnt mean he couldnt have some fun now and again.