Chapter 319: New Deal

Chapter 319: New Deal

Please dont cause a scene, the general said with a note of annoyance. This isnt a realm, and I really dont want to ruin the chances of a rising star of the arena.

The threat had already been issued. The sad thing was that there wasnt much Dallion could do. After fighting a semi-fury it was obvious he was no match against one, let alone two. And even if the city guard managed to arrive on time, the general was still going to slime his way out of the mess, leaving Dallion to dry.

What do you want? Dallion asked.

Always so hostile. Did you consider that maybe Ive come here to help you?

No, Dallion said straight up, causing the general to smile in response.

In that case, did you consider that Id come to help myself?

In that Dallion had no doubt. It felt like the guild trials all over again. The general was no doubt going to offer a weapon or piece of gear with significant capabilities in exchange for the clearing of an item, or two, or ten. The fact that he had come with his guards meant that he wouldnt be thrilled at getting no as an answer.

Arriving at the arena is quite the feat, the general went on after a while. Most new faces dont make it. In fact, the odds of you reaching the arena proper on your first attempt are quite low. Passing the third gate has fudged the numbers somewhat, but still there are more people betting against than in favor.

You want me to throw the match, Dallion whispered.

Throw the match? Why would I do that? Im not born on a farm? he smirked, deliberately aiming the insult at Dallions past. Jokes were on him, though, since Dallion was born in a city just as he was born in a village. I want you to win.

That wasnt something Dallion expected. For one thing, it was next to impossible to guarantee. Dallion wasnt a favorite by any means, but maybe that was precisely what the general was counting on.

When you set foot in the arena, everything will change. The odds against you will be dozens to one, possibly a hundred, depending on who you get to face. And if you somehow manage to emerge victorious, the odds against you would double. This will continue all the way until the top eight are selected. At that point, the actual calculations will begin and your odds will return to single-digits.

Dallion waited for the catch. He could tell this was only part of the prelude. Soon, the real topic of conversation would emerge.

Statistically, there hasnt been a contestant that made it to the top eight in the last decade. Even before that, the cases were rare. While only third gaters take part, the fights become quite spectacular near the end. There even are rumors that the countess sometimes has a mage be at the event so that the fighters can go all out.

Is that true, Nil? Dallion asked.

There have been cases, unfortunately, the echo replied. With seers its considered more entertaining if theres a little blood involved. A healing mage is invited to prevent fatalities. Since theyre a noble, their reaction speed is adequate for them to cast a spell before anything serious happens.

Which is why I have brought this. The general snapped his fingers. One of his fury guards took a large wooden box off his shoulder and opened it.

Inside there was a weapon, but it was a weapon that Dallion had only seen in computer games. The hilt of the sword was placed in the center. From it, a blade composed of sharp triangular pieces spiraled outwards. All the pieces were made of sky silver and linked together through a single wire of moon gold. Dallion had skimmed through several scrolls of weapons in his ring library; at the time, that was one of the few things that he found interesting, although even that interest waned after glancing through a few hundred weapons. Once Dallion improved his forging skills, that would have to change. For the moment, he continued focusing on the potential gift the general was offering. The fact that he had no memory seeing such a weapon meant that it wasnt being commonly forged.

A blade whip, Nil said. Requires a good grasp of attack and athletics. Other than that, I can only say that its extremely expensive, as all artifact weapons are.

Its destiny isnt fulfilled, Dallion thought.

True, but dont get your hopes up. Like the trial daggers, chances are that it wont provide anything too special.

Information. There are a few things I want to know, but cannot ask. I want some answer from you on the matter.

Afraid to ask? The general mused, stroking his chin with a finger. And why do you believe Id have such knowledge? If its something you cannot ask, it must be questionable.

You deal with questionable all the time. And to my knowledge, the things Im going to ask arent illegal.

Youve definitely intrigued me. What is it you want to know?

Not here. I just want you to vow youll tell me all you know when I ask.

And thats all?

Thats all.

There was a long moment of silence. Both Dallion and the general reevaluated their options. Neither side wanted to lose out. Dallion knew that there was a lot the general wasnt telling him, however he also knew that the general had no way of knowing what information he would ask for. Being bound by a Moon vow wasnt something to be done on a whim.

You couldnt help yourself, could you? Nil grumbled.

Theres a chance I find something good in there. Besides, I need the practice.

You havent recovered from your last adventure. Going into a realm so soon after is a bad idea, not to mention harmful. Lux isnt a cure all. There are things he cannot do.

I know.

Very well. Information relating to a single topic, the general said at last. And just as much as I can easily obtain.

Define easily, Dallion was quick to add.

Something that doesnt put me at risk and wont ruin me financially. Is that good enough?

There was a lot of wiggle room, but even so, Dallion believed hed be able to get some basics on the matter. Also, knowing the general, hed be interested as well, if he wasnt already. After all, anyone dealing with secrets was certain to want to know more about the Moons.

Its enough. Dallion nodded.

In that case

The fury guard opened the box again. The weapon shined in the light of the moons. Dallion took a few steps forward and moved his hand towards the hilt. An inch away, he stopped. Was it too late to call it quits? There was no guarantee the weapon would provide him an advantage in the arena. One thing it was going to do was attract attention, and for the moment that was exactly what Dallion needed the most. That and a few more levels.

It wont bite. The general laughed.

Im sure it will. Dallion grabbed the hilt.

SPHERE ITEM AWAKENING