Chapter 270: March's Mission

Chapter 270: March's Mission

Whats your world like? Eury asked as they lay in the bed at the first rays of dawn.

This was the first time Dallion had been asked. It wasnt a question he expected ever hearing, making him think back to so many things he took for granted. Back then, he had spent a large part of his life imagining fantasy worlds that didnt exist, playing games online to create the illusion of being there. Now he was herea world in which people could do the impossible.

Its different, he said at last. Theres no magic. Not like this anyway. Dallion moved closer to Eury. Technology is a lot more advanced, and we He stopped. How could one describe the internet? Was it like a fake awakened realm in which nothing happened? Its difficult to explain.

I understand. My world is also more advanced, but in a way its not.

That wasnt much of a description, but Dallion had an idea what she meant.

There was a lot more space. All the big cities were in mountains, and she stopped, her words trailing off as if shed remembered something.

And? Dallion turned his head sideways.

Ill tell you some other time. The gorgon smiled, then got out of bed.

Hey, you cant just stop there, Dallion said in mock anger.

Too bad. Eury went to the bathroom to get washed. Ill tell you one thing I miss. Proper waterworks. Washing in lakes, wells, and buckets is interesting in a rustic sort of way, but something I could do without.

Tell me about it, Dallion thought. He remained for several minutes more in the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, after which he got up and went to get dressed. Once done, he removed his blocking ring and checked if there was any news from the guild or the tournament committee. Apparently, Vend wanted to see him at the guild, although the echo refused to say what it was about. The committee was almost as useless, saying they were still in the process of crafting the schedule. For some reason, there had been a few mishapsoverenthusiastic partyingthat had caused several participants to be temporarily unavailable. As a result, Dallion was assured hed get a more definite answer in a few days just as he had been assured a few days before. There was one positive, thoughnow that the bureaucrats had witnessed his skill, they were much more polite to him.

What are your plans for today? Dallion asked. One of the good things about having a gorgon for a girlfriend was that he didnt have to raise his voice for her to hear.

I need to catch up with work. Why?

Just curious. Ill be heading to the guild. There might be something regarding my new job. Okay if I pass by later tonight?

Better not. Lots of work. Do your stuff and Ill pick you up from the inn when Im done.

Harsh, the armadil shield said now that Dallion was reachable again. What mess did you get yourself into this time?

Hush, Dallion whispered.

Whats that? Euryale asked from the bathroom.

The shields trying to be funny again, Dallion replied.

Hes a dryad, what do you expect?

Right. Well, Ill be going now. Ill have a bite at the guild, he said, more out of habit than anything else. For her many positives, Eury despised cooking to the point that she had transformed the cooking area into a furnace.

Sure, Eury replied.

Theres no denying, shes definitely unique, the armadil shield continued. Not everyone can handle gorgons, but youre doing pretty well.

Youre in form today, Dallion said as he left the workshop. Any reason?

Does getting fully healed count?

That was a low blow, considering that the wounds the shields guardian had earned were for saving Dallion.

Im just messing with you. Its just that festivals bring good memories. As long as there was a festival, it meant there would be no fighting until it was over. Competitions maybe, but no actual fighting.

Were waiting for two more, Vend whispered as he pulled Dallion to a spot in the corner.

Dallion nodded. Looking at the people present, he could recognize a few, though he wasnt particularly close to any of them. Most of them were elites or veterans, or both, with a smattering of new faces such as Dallion. To Dallions surprise, there was no sign of Spike or any of the other elites he had worked with in the past.

Exploration specialists, Nil explained. They dont take other jobs unless they have to.

It was obvious by the state of their gear, that these were the equivalent of the company A-team. If there was an equivalent to special guild forces, these people were it. Virtually everyone had weapons and items of sky silver, not to mention that some of the weapons were completely unfamiliar to Dallion. However, that wasnt the most interesting thing in the room. Now that the Moons had granted Dallion special sight, he could see one thing that he hadnt beforethe sword in the room was glistening with otherworldly light.

The sword is from another world? he asked in his thoughts.

Possibly, Nil said. Academics argue that the only way to create another world is to bring it from somewhere else. Personally, I think that the sword merely contains some hidden areas with a potential goodie or two. Of course, its just as likely that all treasures have been ransacked ages ago.

Everyones finally arrived, March said.

On cue, Vend went to the door again and opened it. As expected, two guild members entered.

As you probably know, starting tomorrow, well continue with the next expedition. Normally, Id have delayed this till after the festival. However, Ive recently come across some information that requires that we move faster. Ive already discussed this with the guild master and hes agreed with my logic.

Dallion looked around. Other than him, no one appeared surprised, keeping their eyes on the captain.

Due to the sensitive nature of this information, the details will only be discussed once were inside the sword. The only thing I can say at this point is that theres a slight chance that the world is not fully abandoned.

Stillness filled the room. Everyone was fully aware of the significance of that statement. Given Dallions recent experience, his first thought was whether they wouldnt come across another copyette, or maybe more, locked up within the world as punishment.

The expedition will be every morning at nine, March continued. Well gather here, do our job, then head to the festival as if nothing has happened. Since this is a full world item, well have to hunt and cook while were inside.

What does she mean? Dallion asked.

That life in there is like life out here. Your wounds will bleed, you can satisfy your hunger if you hunt and eat whatever the world offers. The only difference is that it remains a realm, so the markers will still be visible.

Each day well go on one expedition. On the way, well try to mend as much as we can. The goal of repairing the sword up to the hilt remains. Questions.

How long will the expeditions be? a large woman with a crossbow asked.

Months, March replied. Weeks if were lucky.

Will there be simultaneous awakenings? someone else asked.

No. itll be just us. We go in, finish our business and get out.

Will we level up the sword? Dallion asked. Everyone turned his direction.

That felt awkward, even if Dallion wasnt sure why he had created such a reaction. Were rookies forbidden from asking questions? Or was the question so stupid that the answer was obvious.

We might, the captain said. Our main priority is to explore and mend, but if we get the opportunity, who knows.

Dallion nodded. He didnt feel particularly better, but at least she had responded to his question.

Bottom line, there will be a lot of tough weeks ahead, so get some rest, have some fun, do what you have to do, so that tomorrow youre ready to give it your all. Remember, once inside, nothing in the real world counts! The tournament, the guild challenges, the festival itself is irrelevant. Is that clear?

Everyone nodded.

May the Moons bless us in our journey.