Chapter 380: Flesh of Stone

Chapter 380: Flesh of Stone

Grayness, numbness, cold those were the sensations Dallion went through as his body transformed to stone. Being a gorgons boyfriend, he had occasionally wondered what it would be like to be petrified. It was very different from what he thought. The process was fast, but also considerably slow, almost like watching water freeze in a puddle. All sensations vanished away, as did the concept of color. The world around was transformed into shades of gray. Most unexpected of all, there was no fear or panic, just the realization of what was going on.

Well, that happened, Dallion thought.

Reality around him didnt stop. The overseers tendrils continued forward, only to bounce off the statue like arrows off a shield.

Clever, Nil said. Definitely an unorthodox way of fighting, but clever.Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

Lux propelled the statue backwards out of the overseers reach. Since Dallion was an object, the firebird didnt have to worry about maintaining a bearable speed.

She did it to save me, Dallion thought.Given the circumstances, it was the best solution, not to mention that both of them knew that Lux would remove the status relatively soon. A bigger question was whether Dallions spark ability required him to be fully himself. It was already established that his music skills were rendered useless, even if he still was able to communicate with others linked to his realm.

Gleam, at what distance can you reach her? Dallion asked.

Not close enough, if thats your idea. Besides, I have a feeling she can see me at least in part.

What if you work together with Lux? We cant win in a direct battle against her, so we have to be clever and rely on others, both friends and enemies.

The shardfly snorted. She didnt find the concept at all pleasant, but knowing Dallion well enough by now, she had to agree.

Maybe, Gleam said. It all depends on whether you can pull off that thing with your spark skill.

Dallion concentrated. However, no matter how hard he tried, he simply couldnt combat split. Apparently, one needed to move in order to have options. Still, he had seen many workarounds in this world, so he attempted something else. Instead of performing actions, he focused on the one thing his new state allowed him to do: communicate with his familiars.

Concentrating on combat splitting again, Dallion gave two distinct orders to the firebird. Initially, nothing happened. In a few moments, however, he experienced the first sensation since Eury had petrified him: a faint itch in his eyes. The more he pushed on, the itchier his eyes became, until finally, two instances were created: in one the firebird moved him left, and in the otherright. Everything considered, that was good enough, at least it was going to give him a slight edge.

Nox, get back here! Dallion ordered. He knew that he didnt have much time. Paradoxically, the healing abilities of Lux were now the greatest threat to his plan. Ill need you for something.

The chainling cub meowed in annoyed fashion, then disappeared, only to reappear, leaping out from the dagger. Nox heard the sound of claws scratching as his familiar climbed up onto him.

Those will leave some marks, Dallion sighed. Unlike the dagger and whip blade, he hadnt become indestructible. Everyone, we dont have much time for this, so well have to test it out fast. Lux, I want you to get me near any occupied chainling. Once there, Ill try to use my spark on Gleam. Gleam, Im relying on you for this. The moment you feel the glow, let me know. And Nox you know what to do.

The cat meowed, content. In a way, it was like back in the old days, when Dallion was new to the city and the crackling was a mere level one. So much had changed since then, and yet so much had remained the same.

Now! Dallion ordered.

In a flash, the statue disappeared, only to reappear behind one of the chainlings who was attempting to fight Aspan. Once there, Dallion combat split into five instances. His eyes were itching him like crazy, but no tears could come out.

Spark, he thought.

Nothing happened.

Spark! Dallion tried again, splitting in four new instances. This time, Gleam reacted.

Got it! She said in one of the instances.

Immediately, Dallion chose that instance to be reality. A split second later the invisible whip blade split the air, impaling the chainling in the process. A terrifying scream filled the air, merging with the many other sounds of the battlefield.

Sorry, Dallion thought. He knew that somewhere beneath the black ooze there was a cultist, probably trapped there for years. Although the creature they had become was an enemy and threat, he felt a grain of sadness for not being able to save him.

For once, the overseer had no time to react, leaving the blade to pierce her through the neck.

TERMINAL STRIKE!

Dealt Damage is increased by 1000%

There was no shriek or scream. In an instant, all tendrils, as well as Dallions other instances, disappeared. It was as if time itself had stopped. Dallion could feel himself stuck within the moment, watching as everything and everyone else remained perfectly still. Then, a new rectangle appeared.

PETRIFICATION EFFECT REDUCED by 25%

Good work. The overseer turned around and took a step forward.

What? Dallion felt a small degree of fear spread within him. I failed?

No, dear child, you didnt fail, the overseer said. The fight is over, but I have powers in this realm. After all, just as Im not purely a chainling, Im not just an area guardian either. Even after all this time, part of me remains human.

Patches of her dress fell off as she walked, like wet tissue paper, revealing what was underneath. At first Dallion thought that the new clothes were the standard adventurers outfit, but as more of it came into view, he saw that it was some kind of military uniform.

I suppose I shouldnt be surprised. I hoped it would never come to this, that you would remain a carefree adventurer, exploring items and serving tables at the Gremlins Timepiece. For a while, I even hoped that youd find love.

Half of the veil fell off, revealing the face of a young woman one that he had seen twice before, all in the awakening realms.

Youre really too much like your grandfather. The overseer smiled. And despite my efforts, I failed to keep you from walking in his footsteps. I guess he and my brother failed as well.

Youre Aspions sister, Dallion thought. I thought you were killed

In a way, I am. As I said, Im no longer fully human. During the war, someone had to willingly sacrifice part of themselves to become what you see nowa monster that would win the war. Your grandfather wanted to use himself, but I didnt let him. Even after everything that happened, I still loved him. So, I made the sacrifice, instead.

Dallion felt his stomach churn. Even semi-petrified, the thought of what she had gone through was painful. Dallion himself had only had a glimpse of what it was like to be enveloped in void good, courtesy of the Star. To have her do it willingly and go through the entire process

What exactly did happen? Dallion asked.

Always curious? The overseer laughed. You know the rules. I cannot tell you that, not yet.

More laws of the Moons?

They are what protects us. They are what protect you. There are still things youre not ready for yet, but the way youre going, you will be. Just like your grandfather was.

NEROSAL level increased

NEROSAL has been improved to SECOND COUNTY CAPITAL

Were out of time, the overseer said. Her body had already started turning into dust particles that faded in the air. Thank you for letting me see you, and for bringing Veil and Gloria. I hope you do well.

No! Auntie, wait! Dallion shouted in his mind, but it was already too late. The overseer had already disappeared.

You have broken through your twenty-seventh barrier.

Choose the focus you value the most.