Chapter 408: New Tactics

Chapter 408: New Tactics

Hey, Dal! a cheerful voice greeted Dallion as he entered Eurys workshop.

Unfortunately, the voice didnt belong to the gorgon, but to her workshop.

How was the walk? Bought any interesting materials?

Dallion sighed internally. He knew from experience that there wouldnt be any chance of peace and quiet. Most of the other guardians in the workshop knew not to make too much noise, but the workbench never seemed to get the hint.

Nothing interesting, he replied. Has Eury been back?

Nope, the workbench said.

So much for that notion. The discussion with the overseer had to be pretty important. Putting the food he got from Aspan on a shelf, Dallion considered his options. Given what was expected from him, it was practically a must for him to pass his next gate before setting out, as well as finish the construction of his next gear. The latter was moving slowly since despite his improvement in forging, sky silver was quite finicky in real life.

Hesitant? Nil asked.

No, Dallion lied. The notion that Jiroh might leave the world forever still hadnt fully sunk in, but it was starting to. Lets just get on with it.

PERSONAL AWAKENING

Once the awakening room appeared around him, Dallion didnt waste any time returning to the challenge he had previously failed. Since this time, he didnt impose any handicap on himself, defeating the eel was elementary. The tactic he had learned when fighting Eury gave him such a massive advantage that Dallion felt bad for the trial echo. The creatures health was considerable, but even so, it took less than a minute for him to win. If anything, choosing which stat to increase proved a greater challenge. With mind being so far ahead, it was clear that wasn't an area which he'd advance in in the near future, and while it was tempting to keep advancing his empathy stat, that wasnt something terribly useful in the wilderness, at least for the moment. After considerable hesitation, Dallion finally increased his body to twenty-one. Body strength was starting to become a must.

Splendidly done, dear boy, Nil said. Only goes to show what youre capable of when you stop pulling yourself back. Keep it up and youll be there in no time.

The praise was meant as encouragement, but in the back of Dallions mind, a voice whispered that he should go on. While it wasnt generally recommended, this wouldnt be the first time he tried to do two level ups in a go. Besides, this had turned out so easy that he hadnt even broken a sweat.

The more he thought about it, the more Dallion was convinced that was the right thing to do. He had food, and enough time to rest afterwards, so the way he saw it there could be no downside.

Youre right, Dallion said. Im capable... Without further explanation, he went back into the corridor and straight to the new door that had appeared on the wall. Before Nil could even say anything, Dallion opened it and stepped inside.

Youre in the halls of destiny.

Defeat your hidden fears and shape your future.

Err, Im not sure thats the best decision, Nil said, even if he were too late to change anything. Remember what happened last time?

That was different. Dallion walked down the corridor. I acted out of desperation back then. Now I just want to push myself a bit more.Fôll0w current novÊls on n/o/(v)/3l/b((in).(co/m)

Isnt that an act of disceptation in itself? You just faced a problem you cannot resolve and hope that by leveling will get your mind onto other things. I can tell you from experience that never works.

I guess Ill just have to find out on my own.

The further Dallion went, the more cracks became visible on the walls. If past trials were any indication, he was no doubt going to face a crackling again, or possibly a cutling. The stone walls, brightly lit by light crystals, continued to get more and more scarred, until the arch or an opening emerged further again.

Harp, Vihrogon, are you still with me? he asked, summoning the harpsisword and amadil shield.

Did you have any doubts? Judging by the shields voice, Dallion could almost be certain that he was smiling in fashion, a grownup reserved for little kids when they were making their first steps.

Harp?

The strings of the haprsisword vibrated to confirm.

It had been a while since Dallion had fought like this, often resorting to his newer weapons and items. Having the old set felt good and quite reassuring. And that was not all; thinking out of the box, he had already thought of a new crazy combo to try out. There remain serious doubts whether it would work, but given the rules of the realm, it was worth being brave enough to have a go at it.

Taking a deep breath, Dallion focused on the crackling, then played a chord. Establishing a music link with the creature wasnt easya large part of Nox was void, while the flickers of emotions within moved about too fast for the link to gain gold. That was an interesting effect, Dallion didnt know cracklings had or maybe it was just Nox? Still, as long as there was a target, there were options. Splitting into eighteen instances, Dallion targeted various points on the pumas body. One of them made contact, hitting Noxs determination. The moment that happened, Dallion played another chord, only this one was imbued with a bit of extra energy.

Spark! Dallion thought.

While energy ran along the thread of music like electricity, striking the crackling.

CRITICAL WOUND!

Dealt Damage is increased by 200%

The crackling turned into a puff of smoke from which a dozen cublings leaped out. Like any crackling, Nox had the ability to break into a swarm. Twelve cublings meant that he had the strength of a level twelve crackling.

Shield! Dallion shouted as he split into instances, leaping back.

The armadil shield extended, covering almost his entire left side. Keeping up the momentum, Dallion played another set of chords, trying to connect with one of the many crackling cubs. Most of the attempts were unsuccessful and, in the case of the few that were, Nox merged with another cub of himself, breaking the music link.

Youve become sneaky, Dallion said, as he changed tactics, performing a horizontal arc slash with the harpsisword.

The attack was successful, poofing away two more Noxs into smoke. The rest, however, quickly merged in one and clawed at Dallion. The shield managed to block the blow, but the claws pierced through in part, causing a spider web of cracks to form on its surface.

Everywhere you go, you manage to get me shredded, Vihrogon said. I should be fine for several more strokes, but dont take too long.

Splitting into eight instances, Dallion twisted around and slashed at Nox again. Before the haprsisword could reach the crackling, a layer of blue flames appeared around the creature, pulling it briskly out of reach.

Lux? Dallion leaped back.

This was a surprising and very unwelcome turn of events. It was difficult enough to face one of his familiars, but two at the same time

Suddenly Dallion froze. The logical question popped up in his mind. If there already were two, who was to say he wasnt facing three?

Gleam? Dallion asked, concentrating on his sight as he looked around. Are you here as well?

Youre not hopeless on your own after all, the shardflys voice echoes, as if coming from several places at once. As much as Dallion tried, it was impossible to determine where she was hiding. You managed to win in our last fight, but itll be a bit tougher now. At my current level, I can create more than illusions of light.