Chapter 369: The Dawn Dryad

Chapter 369: The Dawn Dryad

There many things of wonder that Dallion had seen since arriving in the world. A city of minotaurs was definitely the most outlandish and magical that he had seen by far. The creatures were nothing like the minotaurs nomads that were caught during the first expedition. They werefor lack of a better wordcivilized. Everything from clothes to tools, stalls and buildings were specifically crafted to suit the physiology of the species and nothing else.

Minotaur children ran around, curious to get a closer look at Dallion. It was just like each time a travelling merchant arrived in Dherma village. Back then, merchants and the occasional monk from the Order were the only contact with the outside world. Dallion remembered well the feelings of curiosity and excitement he felt in every such instance, before the limiting echo faded the memories away. The same emotions were glowing in everyone around.

They dont get many outsiders here, do they? Dallion whispered as he walked on.

Not humans, the dryad replied.Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

In contrast to Dallion, Vihrogon was treated as something quite average. Even Nox received a lot more attention, which he was more than happy to ignore while pretending to snooze on Dallions shoulder.

Youve the first of your kind that has come here.

That much was clear, as was the fact that Dallion was expected. It didnt go unnoticed that no one tried to block his path, not to mention that there werent any guards. The only weapons and armor gear Dallion could see were better equipped for hunting than anything else.

No guards? Dallion turned to Vihrogon.

Apparently they arent needed, the dryad replied. Theres nothing that could invade this place.

Is that speculation, or have you been reading the dryad scrolls a bit?

Observation. If this is the only functioning settlement and the land around it isnt corrupted by cracklings, there wouldn't be anyone strong enough to attack. At worst, the guardian would send a few echoes to deal with the nuisance and call it a day.

That made sense. Thinking back, Dallion remembered that the hilt of the sword was in pretty good condition compared to the blade. This part of the realm was built to last. That was why it had been so important for Dallion to help out protecting the vulnerable area in the middle. A sword ceases to be a blade when snapped in two, no matter the condition of the hilt. Possibly that was the reason Dallion was treated so well here.

Several stall sellers offered to share a treat with Dallion, but he chose to refuse; he could smell the contents just by passing by and they werent something that would agree with him. The dryad had no such qualms, sampling pretty much everything offered.

You really like that? Dallion asked.

Its food. The first Ive had in a long time.

What about all the stuff in your tower?

Tricks of the mind. Just like you cant fill you belly by eating things in a common item, neither can I. A world item makes me experience the sensation of eating same as I did before being banished.

Given the smells, Dallion wasnt sure that was a good thing.

How many do you think there are? Dallion asked as they moved on.

About a million, Vihrogon said between bites. Maybe more. Enough to two-thirds of a city.

Why two-thirds?

Because the guardian wouldnt allow anyone to go beyond the central ring.

The city was divided in three rings and seven districts, similar to depictions of Atlantis Dallion had seen back on Earth. The outer ring was composed of four districts. Since long lost their purpose, they were now one vast residential and working area. Shops of all kinds were in between, along inns, taverns, and the occasional forge. Again, one thing was distinctly missingthe lack of barracks, guard towers, or anything of the sort. Even with a lack of enemies, there was no reason why the buildings should have been destroyed, and yet they were.

The second ring had two districts. According to Vihrogon, one of them was reserved for scholars, and the other for orchards. Given that in both cases the buildings were made of solid wood, Dallion had no idea what he was going through, especially with minotaurs living there, just like in the outer ring.

The central ring was the place that Dallion had to reach. By the looks of it was something like a royal district and had definitely kept its look. Structures rose twice or even three times taller than any other, shaming the surrounding buildings with their majesty. Wooden statues and reliefs covered the building walls, creating whole scenes. There were armies led by powerful leaders, Moon Clerics praying to a single moon, and many other things that Dallion knew nothing about.

Dallions first thought was to get Lux to fly him around the entire ring so he could get a glimpse of the big picture. However, even that wouldnt have been enough. The decorations continued along the walls of the individual buildings, continuing further in.

Itll take you days to see everything, a new voice said. A dryad had appeared several steps ahead. His clothes were simple, very much like the ones that Dallion used to have when he was back in his village.

Youre an echo, Dallion said.

Maybe. Your dryad is strong as well, so it should be okay.

The road had become a twisting alley barely wide enough for a single person. After turning the corner, though, Dallion suddenly found himself in a wide-open space. It was as if someone had made a clearing among the buildings and placed the stone temple within it.

This was the final temple. Slightly larger than the previous ones, its roof was shaped similar to a cross, or a crude hilt.

The palace was supposed to be there, Vihrogon said. The guardian just demolished and moved the temple here, visible above ground.

Maybe he didnt have any choice.

Everyone has a choice, a soft voice said, echoing throughout the air. Sometimes theres just one good option. In this case, cutting down the palace was a slow and painful process, but one that was necessary. It was the target of the bolts of emotion, and sadly, the citys rulers and defenders failed to do anything about it. By the time I could react, the damage was done. I couldnt even help in the counterattack, because that would be attacking another guardian, so I had to watch.

Nox leapt off Dallion's shoulder. Even he sensed a fight at hand.

Uncertainty made Dallion put his right hand on the hilt of his harpsisword. A belief that he could talk his way out of this kept him from pulling it out.

The doors of the temple opened wide, revealing the actual guardian. He was a lot different from his echo. Dressed in ebony plate armor, the dryad looked more like an army officer than anything else. A wooden rapier was in his hand.

WORLD GUARDIAN - IZGREV

Species: DAWN DRYAD

Class: SHADOW

Stats: 100% HP

Skills:

- Attack

- Guard

- Athletics

- Entangle

- Acrobatics

- Carving

- Root Burst

- Leaf shield

Weak Spots: joints

So youre here to claim the twi-crown? the dryad asked.

Is it obvious? Dallion asked, adding calm in his words.

Theres no other reason for anyone to enter the world. Its not fit for living, but its ideal for looting.

I just want the gems. Im not here to claim to be a ruler or someone to lead.

The gems make the crown, the guardian said. And the crown can only be given to someone considered worthy. So, the dryad drew his rapier. Will you take this opportunity to show if youre worthy?