Chapter 404: Dallion's Brand of Combat

Chapter 404: Dallion's Brand of Combat

Think outside of the box, Dallion told himself.

It had been a while since hed done that. When it came to the wilderness or awakened abilities, the gorgon outperformed him in nearly every regard. However, an area in which she didnt competeone in which she couldnt competewas his knowledge of Earth.

Time to stretch those wings, Lux, Dallion said, then took the kaleidervisto from his belt and threw it into the air. Knowing its owners intentions, a blue flame emerged from the object, keeping it hovering high up in the air.

Euryale tensed up a bit. She had seen all too well what the firebird was capable of in the real world. In theory, its speed was greater than Eurys, though Dallion had never put the matter to the test. Now was as good a chance as any.

Does a hit from something I own count as a hit? Dallion asked. Keep behind her at all times, Gleam, he thought.Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

Shes a gorgon, the shardfly replied. Shell still see me.

I know. But itll make it more difficult for her to react.

Ill allow it, the gorgon said. Three hits from you or your items. However, they must be direct hits. No gentle grazing or such.

Dallion nodded. She had no intention of making it easy for him. However, he didnt expect any less. Taking a single step back, he split into a dozen instances. However, instead of attacking, the instances rushed to each side, aiming to create a circle around the gorgon. The exercise was more exhausting than it initially seemed.

While Dallion had gotten quite good at splitting into large numbers of instances, the amount of time he could hold them remained quite short. Normally, an instance would easily last several secondsfive, if he pushed far enough. After that, they would snap out of existence.

It took three seconds for the Dallions instances to form a semi-circle arc around the gorgon. Some kept on running, in their attempt to form the full circle, but vanished well before that could be achieved. In the process, Dallion felt a dull pulsing in his templesan indication that he had tried to go beyond his limit. It had been a while before he had felt this sensation. Normally that would be a good thing, but as Vend liked to say: the lack of pain was a clear sign that one was getting soft.

Half a circle, Dallion thought as he tossed his Nox dagger from one hand to the other. That was the area with which he had to work with. Hopefully, it was going to be more than enough.

Lux, Gleam, Thisll be a bit tricky, so better get ready. Dallion took a deep breath, then split again. Gleam, keep on the other side of Eury in relation to me, he ordered in each instance.

A semicircle of Dallion instances formed facing the gorgon, as well as a semicircle of whip blades behind her. The only things that remained in the same position were Euryale and the kaleidervisto above her.

Then the fight began. Years of playing games back on Earth had taught Dallion the ability to control single units as well as entire armies in order to achieve such a task. There was no reason this shouldnt work here, and thanks to Vends training, he had the means to achieve it.

Twelve instances gave twelve sets of instructions to his familiars. Whip blades slashed forward, while the kaleidervisto propelled down at its target like a bullet. Meanwhile, all instances of Dallion remained safely away. Through this, he combined a perfect attack and defense. Eury would have to evade two simultaneous attacks per instance, while also keeping an eye on Dallion in case he joined in as well. At the same time, should she try to attack any of his instances, Dallion would simply choose the one that was furthest away and repeat the process once more.

How do you like that? Dallion asked rhetorically. He knew that his girlfriend had the skills to stop any attack, but could she stop all of them at the same time?

Combining athletics, acrobatics, and guard skills, the gorgon twisted in such fashion as to avoid all the twenty-four attacks. It was an impressive feat, sadly it didnt give her any advantage whatsoever. Since the gorgon was technically evading only two attacks, she couldnt complete a full defense sequence and take advantage of the bonus it provided. Dallion had already given strict instructions that Gleam retreat after performing a single attack. The shardfly didnt particularly enjoy it, but complied.

Half a minute of constant splitting ensued. A casual observer would probably note that during this entire process, the gorgons reactions werent getting slower in the least. However, that had never been Dallions plan. He knew that Eury could outlast him in terms of stamina. The goal was for him and his familiars to get better, and slowly he was. Attacks that used to be inches off now missed by a hair. There were even a few cases in which the whip blade had grazed the gorgon, as she avoided the brunt of the attack.

Lux, now! Dallion thought.

The firebird obeyed. In twenty-four instances, the kaleidervisto burst through the air, like a missile. In twenty-three of them, it missed its mark, often causing the gorgon to leap to the side, but in one it didnt. In that single case, the snakes on Eurys head took an instant longer to open their eyes after the flash, and she wasnt able to move fast enough to prevent Lux from hitting her right arm and cracking her radius.

The sound was loud enough for Dallion to hear with his current level of perception. Beyond any doubt that was a hit. However, not one he wanted to see through.

It was almost natural that it would come to this. In fact, it was almost as if he was going through an awakening trial in real life. Here, as there, he was given a simple choice: earn his chance to become a hunter apprentice, or spare Euryale from having her arm broken. Logically, the best solution was obvious: he had everything to gain by letting the attack go through. A broken arm wasnt that much of a big deal, especially now that Lux had leveled up. At most it was going to take the firebird an hour to heal the damage, and it wasnt like Eury hadnt had anything broken in the past. Still, was that the right thing to do? His heart didnt feel tight, which meant the Green Moon didnt have any concerns on the matter.

Choose an instance to become reality, Dallion thought. That was all he had to do to succeed. And ultimately, he did.

The sound of a bone cracking followed. All other instances disappeared, as neither Dallion nor Eury went on for another round.

Thats more like it. Eury smiled. You were something else just now. Why dont you normally fight like this?

I dont know, Dallion replied. The truth was that he had become too complacent with the new elements of this world, that he continued to forget everything he knew before. Lux. He reached out. The kaleidervisto flew into his hand.

No need, the gorgon said. Ill be fine. Were not in the realms here.

Your arm is broken

Cracked. I know.

Suddenly an interesting thought came to Dallions mind. Exploring it further only made it more logical. The idea was ludicrous, far more reckless than he was. And still

The third time, Dallion began. Did you let yourself be hit on purpose?

What makes you ask that?

Ive never seen you get wounded. Not to such a degree.

Theres only one type of victory in the wilderness. Eury put a hand on Dallions shoulder. You won. Lets leave it at that.

If I didnt choose that instance. Would you have failed me?

There was a long moment of silence.

Well never know. The smile remained on her face, but Dallion thought he saw a hint of internal conflict. Lets go back to town. After this, I think the both of us have earned some rest, and some alone time, if we can find it.