Chapter 363: Whispers of a Star

Chapter 363: Whispers of a Star

There were days in which nothing could go wrongluck smiled on a person, all the good choices were made, all the gambles turned out worthwhile, not even fate itself could do anything to sour the mood. For Dallion, this wasnt; one of those days. Looking back, there were signs that it was going to be a tough day since morning. For starters, he had lost his cool during the fight, resulting in the match being stopped. At the time Dallion hadnt thought anything of it, but for everyone watchingthe nobles especiallyhis reckless side had shown through. Following that was the visit from the tattooed man, the whole issue of helping him escapewhich had all but forced Dallion into another deal with the general, should he want to keep Gleam. Later, when Dallion had tried to claim the skill gems, it turned out that he no longer had access to the sword room. The only positive thing was that the Icepicker guild had believed him. They werent in the least pleased, but they had definitely believed him. However, that didnt make Dallion feel any better.

I made a mess of it, didnt I? Dallion asked.

Theres no denying that, Nil replied.

I supposed youll suggest that I leave the city as well?

Theres no point in me saying anything, dear boy. I dont have the strength to drag you out of the city. Besides, now that you know the threat, leaving might be as dangerous as staying if you dont have enough conviction.

In what sense?

The realm is a representation of an object. Its a representation of us all. Your achievements and victories help you shape that realm, but so do your flaws and regrets. By leveling up, you deal with those flaws, growing along with your realm. However, it works in the opposite way as well.

You never said that before.

I thought it was obvious, the echo said. For some reason, he was lying. Dallion could feel the vibration throughout his realm. More than likely Nil suspected he would be caught and yet, he was doing it all the same. Remember when I told you that achievements come with their baggage? Its the same with regrets. Even seen people ruining their lives because of some memory or regret?

Dallion had. His mother in Dherma had gone through a lot after the village chief had sealed her awakened powers. Even with all the support and the help of Dallions awakened grandfather, she had crumbled inside. The only reason she hadnt withered completely away was pure will and Dallions father. If either hadnt been there, neither would have Dallion.

It comes down to this: try and save the city or live with knowing you could have, Nil went on. Pick your poison, as they say.

What about you? Would you leave the city?

Ah. Well, Id do the same as my original would, and that is to stay.

Hannah was back at the inn by the time Dallion returned. To his relief, he saw that Glorias condition had improved. She, along with her brother, was busy working the lunch shift, as usual along with Jiroh. Despite that, the place remained half empty.

Dallion waved to Gloria in an attempt to get her attention. Seeing him, the blonde smiled faintly, though it was obvious that the smile was forced. A bundle of complex contradictory emotions formed within her. There was gratitude, shame, fear, pain, sadness, and half a dozen more emotions of various intensity. Just as Dallion was about to approach her and ask, Falkner appeared from the staircase.

Hel, Dal, the boy said.

Falkner?

This was a surprise. Given the festival, Dallion expected Falkner to be among the other nobles at the arena or the Lord Mayors palace. He was definitely dressed for it, wearing clothes created of gem threads that probably cost more than the entire inn itself.

What are you doing here? Dallion asked out of habit.

Glo needed some help, so she asked me over.

Clearly, the two were becoming more than friends. As far as Dallion knew, they werent a couple or even dating, but the fact that he was the one who was called spoke volumes.

Falkner, Dallion whispered.

A slight shove in the right direction was needed. Hell discreetly leave the city tonight and take them along.

And the rest of the nobles will follow soon after.

Most dont suspect, and those that do prefer to stay. Call it boredom, political maneuvering, or petty stubbornness. Some are even looking forward to it. Seeing a wild chainling is rare and the rewards from killing it are significant. That said, what about you?

I have a plan, but it just became more complicated. Theres something I need to do in the guildhall, and Im not the guilds favorite person right now.

You never knew when to stop. Thats always been the problem with otherworldersyou always go too far.

Any chance you can help?

Ill try to get in touch with captain Adzorg, but thats about it. Id suggest having a chat with the overseer, but I suspect she already knows.

Do you think its possible? Dallion asked. Do you think the Star can be stopped?

Who knows? Hannah shrugged. The Star is bound by the rules of the land. If he wasnt, he wouldnt have bothered gathering cultists and artifacts. Even if he has the Vermillion keys, he needs people to use them.

That was true. With the entire city guard, and now all the countess troops, working to find and stop the cultists from summoning the chainling, it was quite possible that the Stars plan could fail. Add to them the mirror pool and the large guilds, and there was every chance that the thing was over before it started. Yet, for some reason, Dallion didnt feel at all reassured.

One thing he had learned about the Star was that since he couldnt achieve his plans directly, he manipulated others to do it for him. Everything was put in place, waiting for the precise moment to spring into action.

Just like an awakening trial, Dallion said.

How hadnt he seen it up till now? The Star claimed to be from Earth, which meant his thinking would also be similar. The whole city represented one giant puzzle in which the Star had scattered his pieces in such fashion, so as to achieve his goal. Dallion knew what the goal was, he also knew the nature of some of the pieces. Now, all he needed to know was where these pieces were placed and there were ways to achieve that. It wouldnt be something Dallion would enjoy doing, but it was the only course of action.

What is? Hannah asked.

The Stars plan. Hes still missing a few pieces to solve his puzzle. If I learn what the puzzle is before that, I can stop him.

Hundreds of others are probably saying the same.

Yes, but how many of them are from another world?

One at least, Hannah said, referring to Euryale, no doubt. That might be an advantage, but dont rely on it too much. If the Star was easy to catch, the Order would have done so already.

True, but I wont be focusing on the Star. Instead, Ill focus on those hes tasked to get the chainlings for him. There might be no way to find the location of the Star, but everything else has to go through normal channels. And when it comes to illegal activities, there are only so many places one could turn to.

Have someone in mind already, do you? The left corner of Hannahs mouth curved up in a smile.

Yes. Unfortunately, I do.