Chapter 316: Vermillion's Test

Chapter 316: Vermillion's Test

SPHERE ITEM AWAKENING

The instant Dallion entered the realm, his firebird familiar grabbed his shoulders, lifting him in the air. The reaction was quite sudden. Dallion didnt even remember setting foot on the ground, being propelled in the sky instead.

Thanks, Lux.

It seemed that the little firebird was growing up as well. After the expedition, Lux had become far more proactive, doing things to help rather than earn praise. Even Nox let out a meow of vague recognition.

Down below, in an endless sea, the chain of seven islands remained calm. Looking at them, no one would suspect that they belonged to a giant vicious creature. Unlike the last Vermillion, these were different: they seemed a lot more saturated and full of life. That, however, only made Dallion feel somewhat nervous. If the previous guardian had been worn out with time, this one was brand new.

This brings back memories, Gleam said. The butterfly had appeared on her own, fluttering a short distance from Dallion. This ones a lot smaller than what I remember. Prettier, though. Thats what they do when they capture usmake us pretty.

Youve seen such guardians before? Dallion asked, surprised.

They werent always guardians. They used to live in the coastal areas. Some of them even tolerated people living on them. Shows how well that turned out.

Despite her beautiful appearance, the shardfly remained quite cynical. Being rescued from the mirror had taken off the edge, but there was still a long way to go. With luck, the other echoes and familiars would make her feel at home in Dallions realm.

Can you defeat him?

Probably. Not as familiar, though. Youve given me a second chance at life, but that also means I have to start from scratch. I can cover you with illusion dust, but thats it.

It was the same with all familiars Dallion had captured, with the exception of Nox. They were much more impressive in the wild. On the positive side, that meant they had the chance to become so again, as long as Dalloin figured out how to reliably level them up.

What do I do now? Dallion asked the armadil shield.

Wait for a bit. The Vermillion will react soon enough.

And so, Dallion waited and waited and waited. Minutes passed, but the islands stubbornly remained the same. On several points Dallion was tempted to shoot a bolt down at one of them, just in the hopes of getting the creature to react. Even Gleam suggested poking the Vermillion to get it to react. However, no such steps were undertaken. Knowing that he was about to ask a favor, Dallion didnt want to start at the wrong foot. Finally, the island snake reacted.

Giant ripples filled the sea. One of the islands rose, revealing the head of the creature, and rose up into the sky. This was the moment of truth. Every instinct told Dallion to move away. However, if he were to follow the shields advice, he had to move closer.

Darude, Dallion whispered. Get me down, Lux.

The firebird did as ordered, slowly letting Dallion descend until reaching the level of the Vermillions head.

Hello, young one, the creature said.

Hi. There was no good way to respond to such a monstrosity. The last one had attacked without provocation. This one, though, seemed very different. There was curiosity in him, as large as a mouse. I want to talk to you.

Ive never seen your kind before.

Someone must have been locked up for a long time, the armadil shield said. Thats a good thing. Vermillions dont attack things they find curious.

Thats related to what I want to talk to you about, Dallion went on. I want to become your owner.

My owner? the Vermillion snorted a torrent of air at Dallion. Youre amusing, young one. Youre so small, weak, insignificant. And yet you want to become the master of me?

Not the master, just the owner. Dont forget, I created you.

Contact occurred exactly as Dallion expected. Even with the armadil shield extended in front of him, the force was enough to make Dallion feel as if hed hit a truck head on. The firebird pulled him back in an effort to reduce the impact.

Periodically splitting in three instances every second, Dallion found the perfect moment to order the shield to contract, then hit the island cliff with all his might. The strike was strong enough to shatter a rock in two, but no rectangle emerged. There was no other way it could behurting an island required more than a standard attack.

Harp, I need you to help me make a line strike, Dallion said.

Youre not ready, the nymph replied in a combination of melodic sounds.

Ill have to get ready at some point.

Its not now.

That was harsh, but Dallion couldnt deny that his skills were still lacking. He had learned a lot compared to his time in the village, but not enough to perform the really powerful attacks. At least not yet.

You can do it, Dallion thought.

Youre still not ready.

Please, Harp. I need to get ready at some point. What better place to practice this than here?

Both familiar and owner knew that was pushing it. The reason why Dallion hadnt asked this in advance was because he knew that she wouldnt agree to it. However, when threatened, she had no choice.

The weapon moved on its own, performing a horizontal strike. As it did, a line seemed to appear in the air, moving further away. Watching it was fascinating. It cut through rock and soil, slicing the entire island in two, then continuing on.

MINOR STRIKE

A red rectangle emerged.

Minor? Dallion couldnt believe his eyes. Such an attack was capable of finishing off most beings hed seen, himself included. However, against a Vermillion it only did this much? There was no way this was Harps full force.

Losing its momentum, the island fell down, sinking beneath the sea. As it did, the next segment took over, changing into a head before Dallions very eyes.

Move me further back! Dallion ordered.

Youve done well, young one, the Vermillion said. But all your strength is borrowed. I want you to face me.

It didnt take a genius to know that such a battle would end in failure. Without Lux, Dallion wouldnt be able to remain in the air. Vermillion probably knew that as well, so why did he make the request? If neither strength nor music were able to bring him victory, then what could? Dallion thought about it, then summoned a large metal ingot.

Time to use the big guns, Dallion smiled. Lux, let me go and propel this chunk of metal towards the island.

Chirp? The firebird asked.

Catching me later would be helpful.

Though even that wasnt essential. The important thing was to determine whether the method worked. The only time Dallion had used anything similar was during his first encounter with a chainling. Back then, a cleric of the Seven Moons had helped propel a dartbow bolt using magic. Now, Dallion had Lux for that. If the expedition had taught him anything, it was that he was starting to become complacent with the rules of this world. While he did, he wouldnt be able to make real progress.

Now, Lux, Dallion urged.

Suddenly, his body felt heavier. In contrast, the chunk of metal he was holding darted out of his hands and at the new island. Moments later, the ingot impacted the island with the strength of a meteor. A large explosion blew out half the vegetation on the island, forming a smoldering crater.

Now were talking, Dallion thought.