Chapter 421: Gate of the Initiate

Chapter 421: Gate of the Initiate

Focused splitting Dallion had seen it several times before, always done by Eury. At the time, he thought it was specific to the gorgon due to her incredible perception level. Apparently, he was mistaken. In reality, it was a learned ability that Vend knew and was now using with lethal precision. It took the combined efforts of Harp and Vihrogon to keep him from seriously harming Dallion. Had this been a real confrontation, either of them would likely have no issue dealing with the lieutenant. Unfortunately, as guardians, they were bound by Dallion and couldnt use their full abilities, even in the awakened realm. What they were displaying at present was part of what they could achieve with the skills they were allowed to use.

Focus, Dallion thought.

Given a few weeks, he might well have learned how to use the combat splitting similar to Vend. That wasnt an option, though. Right now, the only thing he could do was to think of an alternative solution.

At Vends speed, the defense markers were useless, as were any attempts to complete a sequence. Each time Dallion had made a few steps towards finishing a guard sequence, Vend would interrupt by throwing a hundred instances of a dagger.

Dont, Harp told Dallion, fully aware of what he was thinking.

Ever since hed known her, the nymph had given him good advice. This time, though, he wasnt sure he could follow it. The recklessness that had been with him ever since his awakening pushed him forward, only this time it was a more focused recklessness.

If I dont even know how he fights, how can I be able to counter him? Dallion asked.

Both guardians understood. A moment later, they, and all of their instances, vanished. The armadil shield was back, strapped to Dallions left arm, and a triangular hammer was in his right.

One on one? Vend asked, standing ten feet from Dallion. Want a repeat of what happened when you fought March?

Youre not March. Dallion gripped the hammer tighter. Youre not even Vend.

Given my skills, I might as well be. The mans left arm moved up along his side, creating a fan of instances. The simplicity of the action was impressive enough to make anyone who knew a thing about combat splitting swallow in fear. Decades of practice had gone into polishing a gem of natural talent.

With each thump of his heart, Dallion felt fear spread through his being like a spiderweb of cracks. The more he considered the situation, the more he saw himself failing. It appeared that any move he made was going to be a mistake. The future fight played out in his mind dozens of times then, suddenly, a realization came to mind that made the fear disappear completely.

If combat splitting was everything, youd have been a captain ages ago, Dallion said. Or even a noble.

To his surprise, Vend nodded.

We all have our flaws. Thats why we take great pains to hide them.

Deep down youre just like me, Dallion thought and charged forward.

Instances of arms appeared all around him, as Vend met his attack. There was no doubt that Dallion couldnt do anything to prevent from getting hit, so he didnt bother. While the instances were done at split-second speed, the actions were much slower.

MINOR WOUND

Your health has been decreased by 5%

Three red rectangles appeared in front of Dallion, stacking one after the other. Seeing them almost made him laugh. All this time he was so terrified of getting hit that he didnt even consider that the damage was laughably low. It would take Vend another ten strikes to get him to defeat Dallion. In the end, it was all math, and according to the math, Dallion had plenty of time for one good strike.

Holding the hammer tightly, he raised it in the air. However, instead of attacking along a vertical arcas was normal to do in hammer swingingDallion thrust it forward, as if it were a sword.

Vend took a step back. Engaging in focused splitting, he wasnt able to leap out of the way, counting that the strike wouldnt be enough to deal enough damage to him for Dallion to win outright.

Darude, Dallion said, focusing all his remaining strength in a final line strike. It was all or nothing. If he succeeded, the trial would be over. If not it would be over with a somewhat different outcome.

A dull pain passed through his entire body, draining him of energy. Then, a single point emerged from the front-most part of the hammerhead, extending forward.

POINT DESTRUCTION

(+2 Body)

Doing a point attack is a feat on its own. However, it comes at a price. Doing it unprepared has a tendency to hurt the arm that did it, so keep that in mind.

Why wasnt there a way to the gorgon world?

You assume I should know or tell you?

You are the Moon of gorgons. Dallion answered the first half of the question.

There was a moment of silence. The Moon put a finger on her chin and tapped a few times.

There are ways to go to that world, she said at last. Not many of them, but some. Its possible for her to find them, but not you.

So, theres no way for me to join"

Ive answered your question, she interrupted. Now you must answer mine. Do you want to step through the gate, or have you had enough leveling up?

Now it was Dallions turn to remain silent.

As I said, you have more than enough abilities to make it far in this world, abilities youre completely unaware of. Domain sealing, link breaking, focus splitting It would take you a lifetime to learn them all.

Eury went through the gate, Dallion said.

She did. The Moons snakes stirred. Does that mean youll follow?

Yes. The single word echoed throughout the room, bouncing off the walls as if it were a rubber ball. Long after Dallion had closed his mouth, he continued to hear its echo.

Cracks were everywhere, though different from the ones Nox could make. Entire rectangles were peeling off, transforming the space into an open field beneath the sky. As Dallion looked, any trace of stone disappeared, replaced by an endless meadow with a single iron gate in the middle of it.

Seven Moons shone in the dark sky, their rays focusing on the area around the gate.

No walls? Dallion thought.

Walls wont be an issue from now on, the White Moon said. Once you take the final step, there will be nothing to keep you back. There wont be anything to keep the threats from reaching you, either.

I understand.

For the first time since she had appeared, the Moon smiled. It was a slight smile that quickly faded away, but it was there nonetheless.

Id tell you that you could use a spark to fight the creatures of the wilderness, but you were given that already. A note of disapproval returned to her voice. That comes as part of our blessing. You can channel part of our power in combat, as well as to bless items.

Dallions hair stood on end, though not out of fear.

Yes, that means youll finally be able to create emblems to shield you in the wilderness, as long as you have the knowledge to do so.

The timing was quite convenient. Furthermore, it explained why Euryale had asked Dallion to wait until he passed the gate before going to the Orders temple regarding his newly created emblem.

Also, that allows you to modify the structure of your domainsomething you can definitely do with. The glow of the Moons intensified. From today, you are no longer a seer. Youre an initiate.

Thank you. Dallion didnt know what to think. Not even two years after his awakening, and he had reached levels he didnt think possible. What was more, he had virtually become the same rank as Dame Vesuviasomeone who he believedat the timeto have superhuman abilities.

Pass through the gate and dont discuss anything youve learned except to other initiates. The Moon turned around and started walking away.

Will I see any of you again? Dallion asked.

The white gorgon stopped. Several clusters of her snakes turned back, giving Dallion a semi-stare.

If you level up as many times as you already have, youll reach the next gate. Achieve that and someone else will come have a talk with you.