Chapter 340: Solo Expedition

Chapter 340: Solo Expedition

Events in the real world weighed heavily on Dallion. Somehow, several things had managed to pile up, increasing his psychological pain exponentially. The core issue was, of course, Euryale. At first, Dallion had no idea why things had ended up this way. A few days agowhich corresponded to months true timeeverything had been perfectly fine. He and Eury were in this very realm, exploring the world as part of Marchs expedition. Since then, things had changed tremendously and not in a good way.

At first, Dallion felt a sense of betrayal, then he started wondering whether he hadnt done something wrong. Strictly speaking, he had done several things he shouldnt have had to, but none of them related to Eury. Or maybe that was the reason? Maybe he should have gotten her involved?

Youre thinking in circles, Gen said. When she returns your boots, ask her, or dont. Either way, stop asking her in your mind.

Easy for you to say

I know. Thats why Im sharing my wisdom with you.

The remark made Dallion smile.

Reaching Lastport took close to an hour. Dallion wasnt in the mood for the accelerated flight of last time, so asked Lux to get him there at a reasonable speed. The firebird did just that.

Upon arriving at the abandoned city, however, something unexpected was waiting for them. The vine whale that belonged to the third guardian floated a mile above the edge of the sea. When it spotted Dallion, the creature moved down from its location, approaching as much as it could to the ground without causing any damage to the nearby buildings.

At least you know that the guardians wont fight you, Nil said.

For now.

Precisely. Thats all the more reason not to get on the guardians bad side just yet. Remember, youre not here to level up the item, just to explore.

Dallion would have laughed if things werent so serious. He wished he was strong enough to try and take them all on and level up the item. Right now, that seemed absurd. Although maybe a friendly spar wouldnt be such a bad idea.

Gleam, Dallion said. Unlike the other familiars, the shardfly preferred to have their conversations be verbalized. Can you work your magic?

Cant you do it yourself? the shardfly appeared above his left shoulder. Dallion could tell that she was surprised at his limitations rather than being resentful. Its easy. Ill teach you.

Im not a mage. I still need your help.

Sure. There was a hint of disappointment in her voice. I just hope you have a boat ready. Im not spending my time covering you with glitter every two minutes because you want to fly through swarms of cracklings.

The truth was that Dallion had completely forgotten, and Gleam knew that perfectly well. In his euphoria after the victory against the crackling core smoke, he hadnt bothered with trifling details such as taking the boat back to its original spot near Lastport.Gét latest novel chapters on nov(e)lbj/n(.)c/om

For that reason, now Dallion had to find another means of transport. Looking at the piers, there were a few vessels, although for the most part, they were larger ships. Potentially, one of them could have a safety boat for Dallion to use.

As Dallion set off to check, the vine whale followed him, floating directly above.

What do you want? Dallion asked loud enough so that the creature could hear.

I was told to help you, the whale replied. Its voice was deep and melodic, as one might expect when looking at it. Though you can just fly there if you wish. There arent any flocks until the other side.

Yeah, right. Dallion smirked. The last time he was here, both the sea and the air were full of crackling creations. There was no reason it should be different this time.

I can fly you to the shore near the next temple, if you want, the whale offered. But if you have things under control, Ill just watch and escort you.

Ill keep that in mind.

How should I know? The dryad echo shrugged. It depends on the guardian. Youll have to find out. I doubt itll be anything major, though. Probably just a chat or some trivial task. Boredom changes a person. A few millennia ago, Id have never asked for help from your kind.

I feel honored. Dallion drenched his words in sarcasm. Do I get any hints?

No hints. These are the rules of the realm. It wasnt meant to be a tourist attraction. Those who were sent here knew where they were supposed to go, and those who werent supposed to be here.

That wasnt good.

I guess I cant ask questions about the past either?

Oh, you can ask anything you want. I dont have to answer.

The usual setup. Still, it was something that Dallion could work with. After being forced into so many deals with the general, he had started getting a sense of information trading. In this case, there was nothing he could offer; instead, he was collecting. That gave him a certain advantage.

Were any treasures kept here? Dallion asked.

This is a world realm, of course there would be treasures kept here, the echo laughed. Treasures crafted locally, treasures from the outside. Take your pick. Of course, most of them are lost now. Cracklings and all.

Anything that might interest the Star.

The question was expected to cause a reaction. The dryad stopped for a moment, then continued walking, as if nothing had happened. Dallion was able to see, however, concern and fear form within him.

Is that why youre coming here? You think the Star hid something?

Weve been through this, Dallion wanted to yell. Or something was hidden from him, he said as calmly as possible. Specifically, something able to hurt a deity.

Hurt a deity? The only things that could hurt a deity are other deities. Even the Star cant win in a direct fight.

Which is why he tricks others to fight in his stead. Look, I really dont have time for the whole routine. Dallion added a sense of urgency in his voice, along with a pinch of compassion. It would be next to impossible to affect a guardian with his level of music skills, but an echo maybe hed get lucky. After all, there was nothing else he could do. The Star went through a lot of trouble to enter this realm. I want to know why.

Youll have to ask him. Theres a lot of stuff he might be after. They say there were members of the royal family banished here. Maybe they brought something that others couldnt achieve. Rulers have powers others can only dream about. If theres anything valuable, itll be near their lodgings.

Which are where, exactly?

The palace at the hilt of the world. Maybe youll find what youre looking for there?

Dallion could only hope. He had no illusion that the trip to the palace would be long and dangerous, not to mention that there was no telling what sort of monsters hed meet on his way there. Aside from cracklings and guardians, this world had its own flora and fauna, not to mention local species such as the minotaurs. Getting through all this would be a challenge, even with Luxs help.

Are there any cities between here and the palace? Dallion asked.

A few. Are you thinking of stopping through them?

As long as they arent crackling.

They arent, the dryad echo said cautiously. But they also arent what youd expect. Sure you want to go?

Yes, Dallion said firmly.