Chapter 416: The Unexpected Choice

Chapter 416: The Unexpected Choice

PERSONAL AWAKENING

Level thirty-nine, Dallion said to himself.

There was something special about that number. Somehow it made him more nervous than the final one. Based on past experience, the final level before the gate was the most difficult. However, thanks to his new skills and items, he felt quite overpowered for the task. As most things with leveling up, once he had dealt with the serious blocker stopping his progress, things had moved on quite smoothly.

So, what are we fighting today? Onda asked. Looking at him, he was far too enthusiastic for a simple tool. If anything, Dallion would have thought of him as being a combat weapon.

The same thing we fight every trial, Onda, Dallion could stop himself from saying. Flaws.

The nymph looked at him in a confused manner, as if Dallion had walked out into the street without his trousers.

Just run with it, July walked in with the shardfly on his shoulder. He thinks weird things sometimes.

Dallion laughed, but deep inside, he was extremely tense. As much as he tried, he was unsure what fear he might face. Arguably, the last ones dealt with his doubts of making it as a hunter, as well as the fear of facing others who could combat split. However, none of those were really serious. There were several people he feared facing in the real world, so maybe hed have to fight one of them? Either way, hed soon find out.

Summoning his gear and weapons, Dallion went into the corridor and straight for the new trial door. The familiar blue rectangle appeared once he stepped inside, only to me quickly waved out of existence.

Youre up, Gleam, Dallion said, taking hold of the whip blade.

You think well be facing a swarm? The shardfly asked.

No, not a swarm. I think itll be ranged, though.

The corridor was well built, forming a perfect square. Light crystals were on the ceilingone of the recent changes that had become commonplace. It made the whole thing look less fantasy and more modern, in a manner of speaking. If Dallion had the option, he would have replaced all old corridors with this method of lighting. Sadly, that wasnt possible for the momenteach room and corridor was a snapshot of his understanding of the world. Before he had seen light crystals, Dallion couldnt have imagined such a light source. Hopefully, when he passed the gate, hed gain the ability to customize his realm or, realistically, let Gen do that for him.

After probably half a mile, the corridor made a sharp right. About a dozen steps further, a large metal door blocked all progress. Covered with finely engraved patterns, it resembled the combat arena of the realmone of the many areas that Dallion never visited. Moving closer, he placed his hand on the metal surface and pushed. The whole thing spun around a central metal pillar instead of moving to the side.

High tech, Onda said, making Dallion question whether he was sarcastic or not.

Maybe Dal could get a few of those for the rest of his realm, Vihrogon joined in. He had gone into the habit of jokingly picking on the nymph ever since Onda thought he was a woman.

Ignoring both, Dallion stepped through, entering a large oval room. Initially, he thought the place was empty. However, soon enough he found that there were five more metal doors, almost blending with the internal wall decorations.

Six doors, Dallion counted. At this stage, he strongly suspected that this trial wasnt going to be related to combat.

Hi, Dal, a voice said behind him.

Splitting into a dozen instances, Dallion turned around in a few. Jiroh was there, dressed in a flowy outfit made entirely of clouds. It wasnt the case of clouds forming one robe, but rather each piece of clothing was made from a different piece of floating fluff.

Surprised to see me? the fury asked.

Its quite simple, really. Any awakened can do it the moment they become a seer. Theres one condition, however.

There always is, Dallion thought.

You have to ask for it. And Im not talking about just saying that you wish to go home. You must be very specific and ask the Moons for their blessing to step back into your old world.

As the fury spoke, one of the doors across the domed chamber spun open. Dallion was able to get a glimpse of a world of clouds. The opening was enough to make his mind imagine what the world of the furies had to be like: mountains and endless skies full of cloud cities floating about. In a way, it reminded him of the battle against the giant colossus hed had when a semi-awakened. Fighting that monster had been monumental, done very much above the clouds. Could that have been a look at Jirohs own world?

Or, if you wish, you can be asked to be taken to the rest.

The remaining doors opened, revealing different scenes behind them: a sunny tropical beach, a dryad filled forest, a dark cave let up by light crystals, and a road intersection of a street in the world Dallion knew all too well.

Earth? he asked, unsure if he was seeing right.

All the worlds that you could go to. Jiroh smiled. All you have to do is ask and go through. Since Ive already done the first part for you, you only have to decide on the second.

The sudden burst of euphoria quickly faded away.

This is the test, Dallion said, disappointed more in himself than anything else. Somehow, he had allowed the echo representing Jiroh to put the itch in him, making him want to return to his own world, even if that wasnt possible. Dallions grandfather didnt know of a way to return home, and he had seen and achieved a lot more than Dallion at his current level.

Of course, this is part of the trial, but its the part that allows you a way out. Jiroh placed her hand on Dallions shoulder. The Moons want entertainment, not half-hearted actors. This is why they have provided you with this option. If your heart isnt in what youre doing, all you have to do is go to the place that you think youll be suited best.

It sounded suspiciously good to be true. And yet, as flimsy as the explanation was, Dallion found himself wanting it to be true.

I take it, a trial visit isnt possible? he asked. Sort of a demo preview or something similar?

This is all the preview you get. You can look for as long as you want, but once you step through, its over.

Six worlds Dallion went to the door that led to Earth and stopped there. Buildings of glass and concrete rose in the background. From this section, there was little more to be seen other than the street intersection, a few buildings, and part of a gas station. Objectively, the place was utterly unattractive and could lead anywhere. And yet, Dallion felt a strange attraction to it.

What about my powers? he asked.

They are the Moons gift, so they remain behind. Think of them as props. If you dont want to use them to be entertaining, theyll simply give them to someone else.

So, potentially, thats how Dallion had found himself here. Maybe someone had stepped through, leaving all skills and abilities behind, and Dallion had dropped in to fill in the void.

What about my memories?

Oh, youll keep those. After all, theres always the chance that you ask to return and that would cause quite a stir. Not because its you, but because you returned. Who knows, you might even get to become the Moons favorite again?

It definitely sounded tempting. However, Dallion had to be sure. In the off chance that this was actually real, there would be no redos.