Chapter 328: Temporary Alliance

Chapter 328: Temporary Alliance

It took minutes for the armies of cracklings to deal with the remaining echoes. Quantity proved to be more vital than quality. Looking from above, it was like a scorpion taken down by a swarm of ants. As Lux carried Dallion towards the area under the temples influence, more horns sounded. The pitch was noticeably higher, potentially indicating the victorious resolution of the situation. However, the victory was relative. For two echoes to have managed to create so much damage, the guardian probably had the power to destroy entire crackling cities.

Upon passing over the border between the two domains, Dallion asked the firebird to put him on the ground. After a week of travelling through crackling infested waters, he wanted to enjoy some nature. Also, walking gave him time to consider what to do.

Just because the guardian wants to have a chat doesnt mean youre allies, Nil reminded. Theres a high possibility that hes just as eager as you to see something other than cracklings.

Always looking on the bright side of things, arent you? Dallion added as much sarcasm as possible in his thoughts.

Just trying to keep you from getting yourself into even more trouble, dear boy. A task that is monumental and often ends in failure.

After walking a while, Dallion noticed that no new echoes had appeared. That was somewhat alarming. He would have thought that, if nothing else, the guardian would have a force ready to greet the crackling army should it decide to attack.

Soon enough, the temple became visible. For the most part, it was similar to the previous ones, although the roof seemed noticeably wider.

Ill return to my room, Gleam said. You can handle this on your own.

This was unexpected. If anything, the shardfly was more eager to be in open spaces than Lux.

Everything alright? Dallion asked.

I feel uneasy close to dryads, the familiar replied.

Dallion wanted to remind her that the armadil shield was a dryad, when he remembered that Gleam had kept her distance from him as well. She had no problem with the echoes of Dallions realm, she enjoyed being with the other familiars, as well as the nymph. The dryad, though, was a different matter entirely.

Okay. Ill call you if I need any help.

The shardfly doesnt like me for some reason, a young voice said. Once again, a dryad had appeared a few steps away from Dallion, but this time he could tell it wasnt an echo.

WORLD GUARDIAN - DUZHD

Species: RAIN DRYAD

Class: SHADOW

Stats: 100% HP

Skills:

- Attack

- Guard

- Acrobatics

- Entangle

- Rain Daggers

- Rain Whip

Weak Spots: joints

Decay never rests. Im the one at risk the most. Close enough to the sea to increase the rate at which cracklings improve, and too far to be protected by it. I have no illusions that even this might be a lost cause, but If I fall, so does the realm.

Desperation appeared beneath the dryads calm exterior. When Dallion had gone inland, he had done so in the hopes he could have a conversation with the dryad. Now it turned out that he was the one being asked a favor. An hour ago, he wouldnt have dreamed of getting such an offer.

Dallions heart ached. The link to the Green Moon demanded that he accept it. The guardian must have known that in order to make the offer. However, that didnt mean that Dallion couldnt ask for more in return.

If I succeed, I want to know more about this realm, he said. As much as you can share.

Are you sure? A new emotion formed in the guardian. However, it wasnt surprise. Rather, it was regret. Words spoken cant be unheard.

Ill risk it. Dallion was already sure that something involving the Moons had to have happened here. All he had to do was destroy a crackling city and he would learn what. Maybe he would even get a glimpse at the weapon that could destroy deities; and if it was that powerful, it had to work on chainlings as well.

If thats what you want. The guardian shrugged. Anything else?

Dallion considered. He was somewhat tempted to ask for something more just for the sake of it. In the end he decided it was better not to.

Nothing but advice, he said. Do I need to make a vow?

No need. You only get things once you help. The guardian jumped off the throne. Instantly the roots disappeared back beneath the ground.

Ill need some help.

Youre going now?

SPLIT SECOND DECISION

(Mind +2)

Deciding on the moment could be beneficial, but be careful that your iron conviction doesnt turn into a lack of emotion.

The achievement was unexpected, though highly appreciated. Despite what Hannah had said earlier in this real-world morning, more stats meant more stats. A higher mind allowed Dallion to split into more instances, create more echoes, as well as to see more awakened markers faster.

Youre more reckless than you look. The dryad sounded amused. Lets get to it.

Normally, Dallion would rush with a quickly made plan composed at the last moment. This time, though, he spent a while discussing the plan with the dryad on one hand, and Nil on the other. The initial plan was surprisingly straightforward. The guardian was going to create a diversion with his echoes, while Dallion was going to take advantage of the situation and, illusioned into a crackling, enter the city just as the crackling troops left to face the intrusion. Regardless of how advanced the beings became, they remained creatures of instinct. Having a sudden threat would have them react, hopefully without paying attention to anything else.

Once in the city, Dallion was to find the source flame that held all the crackings there together. Since the city was massive, it was likely that the flame was in a large forge somewhere within the main castle. Reaching it, Dallion was to use every power at his disposalmostly his harpsiswordto extinguish the flame, then use Lux to make his escape. As a precaution, the guardian was going to send another wave of echoes, just in case. Afterwards, there was nothing but watch and wait. Considering that all cracklings of the city originated from the flame, from then on, the guardian could slowly and methodically expand its domain, or at the very least cause the city to fall in ruin. That still left several more in the surrounding areas, but, as Duzhd had said, that was going to grant the temple more time. It was even possible that March led several more expeditions to clear the area of cracklings and other corrosives soon after the festival was over.

Once set up, Dallion took one final look at the city. It looked calm, despite the buildings being made of hardened tar. All that remained now was to wait for evening, when the Moons influence would increase.

Still upset, Nil? Dallion asked.

One cannot be upset with children, the echo replied. All I can do is hope you know what youre doing, and that everything works out for the best.

Thats untypically philosophical of you.

At the end of the day, its all I could do. That and help you get through this. Just remember one thing. If things get hopeless, leave the realm as quickly as possible. Theres always a chance you have time for another go later as long as you dont suffer any permanent status effects.

Whats the worst that could happen?

You can end up becoming a chainling