Chapter 305: Brute Forcing a Level

Chapter 305: Brute Forcing a Level

Dallion lay on the floor, eyes closed, hoping his headache would subside. That seemed to be the common element as far as non-combat skills were involved. It also proved that learning to forge was far more difficult than he had imagined. There never was any illusion it would be easythe days spent trying to figure out how to forge sky silver had taught Dallion that much. Thankfully, after an intense session with Fire Sky, he had finally got the hang of the basics.

Three itemsthat was what he was capable of forging at this stage: short swords, daggers, and simple bucklers. However, none of those achievements had increased the skills level. As Fire Sky had explained, the point was because he had earned his second hammer. From there on, he would have to forge actual items in the real world to improve. However, that was all part of the plan.

Want to keep going? Fire Sky asked.

No, Im good, Dallion replied. Talking made his eyes and temples hurt. I have what I need.

Lets hope so. You still owe me two favors.

And I plan to keep my promise.

Im sure. In that case, lets get back to the real world. Theres a lot I need to do, and I can no longer use the excuse that Im trying to recruit you.

Give me just a bit. Dallion sat up, eyes still closed.

The headaches and the eye pain will continue for a few days, maybe longer. Thats what happens when you try to rush things through. If you had spent an hour per day, you wouldnt have had to go through this.

No doubt that was true. The only thing stopping Dallion from progressing on the forging front was his girlfriend. Conflicting schedules and large concerns on both sides had reduced the number of training sessions they had to one. Now, he couldnt afford to wait any longer.

Can I ask you something? Dallion said. What happened between you and Adzorg?

The woman didnt answer right away, choosing to wait a few seconds until Dallions curiosity forced him to crack an eye open.

What have you heard? she asked in turn.

Nothing. Thats why Im curious.

Maybe thats something you should ask him. All I can say is that I wasnt the only one whos been recruiting from other guilds.

There was a clear implication that only caused Dallion to have more questions. Whatever had occurred hadnt been amicable on either side. Although, it seemed that Adzord was holding the grudge longer.

Ready, Dallion said, eyes closed once more.

The pleasant silence surrounding him suddenly disappeared, replaced by the voices of hundreds. The unpleasant wave of daily smells also hit him in the nose, stronger than he remembered them being.

Feeling alright? Fire Sky asked.

Dallion opened his eyes. The dull pain in his eyes was still there, along with an unpleasant stinging. The last time Dallion had experienced that was after playing non-stop for thirty hours straight. A lot of energy drinks had been involved as well.

Yeah. Slowly Dallion stood up. His balance was slightly offa lingering effect of the recent expedition that Nil would give him an earful, no doubt. Thanks. I owe you.Fiind updated novels at novelhall.com

Dont worry. Ill be sure to collect.

A few minutes later, the Flameforge captain had left, disappearing into the crowd.

Its okay, Nil, Dallion said. Nothing alarming happened.

I can hope so, even if its difficult to believe. Apparently, Gen was left with the impression that youd entered a realm. The newly acquired skills seem to confirm that. And yet, your echo doesnt seem to remember such an event taking place.

I got some training, Nil. Thats all. Well talk more when I get home.

Nil made no effort to inquire more on the matter. He was usually upset when Dallion used blocking items. However, on this occasion he seemed far more annoyed than usual. It was a good thing that nothing of interest happened on the way back to the inn.

The place was completely packed, making Dalllion have to wait to get to his room. At this point, pretty much everyone who wanted to come to the Nerosal had already done so, causing all inns and taverns to be filled to the brim. The room situation was so bad that Hannah has asked the Luors to temporarily share a room with Jiroh. Dallion suspected that the only reason he hadnt suffered the same fate was due to the Aspan incident, and the innkeepers desire to keep a lid on it.

Or so you claim. Dallion summoned his haprsisword.

No offer for a draw? Falkner asked, surprised.

I know you wont accept it. Clearly thats not the solution to the puzzle.

Interesting. Falkner summoned his usual two swords as well. You think youve found the solution?

Nope, havent got the slightest clue. Thing is I plan on using brute strength on this one. After all, its not important how I defeat you. The only important thing is that I do so.

COMBAT INITIATED

Lux, give me a boost, Dallion thought as he dashed forward.

The firebird had matured quite a bit during the sword world expedition. Almost in perfect sync with its owner, the creature spread its wings while merging with Dallions back, then propelled him forward.

The speed was impressive, but even so, Falkner managed to evade the attack by combat splitting into four instances. In three of the cases, Dallion had successfully landed a strike in the echos chest. In the remaining instance, though, the outcome was different, and that is the outcome Falkner chose.

The twin swords blocked the harpsisword, after which the echo split into three instances, commencing his counterattack. Normally, Dallion would counter by creating three instances of his own. However, this time he decided to do something new and punched Falkner in the chest almost on the very instant the echo split.

Astonishment leaked through the emotionless cocoon surrounding Falkner. That wasnt the main thing, though. The attack had done far more than catch the echo unprepared, it had achieved what Vend had taught Dallion during the expedition. Before Dallions very eyes, the instances created by the echo crumbled, leaving him with one single option. Alas that option was easily predicted and met with the corresponding level of force.

Critical strike!

Dealt damage is increased by 200%

A red rectangle appeared as Dallion struck Falkner in the chin with the hilt of the harpsisword, and just to make it more painful, Dallion played a chord while doing so, aimed at giving his enemy blurry vision.

Falker was far from defeated, however. Despite suffering some setbacks, he quickly regained composure. Leaping above Dallion, Falkner summoned a bladegun and fired two bolts at Dallion.

MEDIUM WOUND!

Your health has been decreased by 50%

Still not perfect, Falkner said as he attempted to split into three instances again.

Once again, before the echo could succeed, Dallion kicked him on the side of the head with his foot. This was the first time he had performed a martial attack by combining acrobatics and attack.

Critical strike!

Dealt damage is increased by 200%

I dont need to be perfect, just better than you, Dallion replied.

Where did you learn that? Falkner asked.

Just a little something Id been thinking about. Didnt get to test it until today.

I meant breaking by combat splitting.

Oh, that. Dallion laughed. Vend taught me. A pity he isnt here now to see my progress and potentially give a few pointers.

That doesnt change a thing. You still havent figured out the nature of the trial. Until you do, even brute force wont be able to give you what you need.

Maybe, maybe not. Either way, it will be fun finding out what I have to do in order to defeat you.