Chapter 435: Bittersweet Success

Chapter 435: Bittersweet Success

Despite the city becoming the second capital, the overseers house remained the same. It was as if she deliberately kept it in such a miserable state to reduce the number of people who would visit her. Whether that was the case, Dallion couldnt tell.

Theyre waiting for you, the captain on the first floor said, looking up from his scroll.

Based on what his items told Dallion, their owners level was slightly higher, though the difference in abilities wasnt that much greater.

Thanks. Made his way up the stairs. In the past, he would have asked whether there was anything to worry about. Given his close relations to both the overseer and the gorgon, he had nothing to worry about, especially since he was bringing good news.

Reaching the door, he knocked twice, then after a sufficient pause, opened it and stepped inside. The room was as dark as he remembered it. Thankfully, this time his perception level allowed him to make out everything better.

Dallion, the overseer said, sitting at her usual table. I was beginning to think you wouldnt come this week.

Across her, several snakes on the gorgons head turned in Dallions direction. Even without her ludicrous perception level, Eury was able to see quite well in darkness.

Sorry, it was a bit more difficult than I expected. Dallion made his way to the table. As he did, Eury shifted slightly to the side, creating enough space for him to sit next to her, which he did. Were you expecting me?

Several of the gorgons snakes twitched at the question.

Euryale has been giving her report every day for a week now, the overseer said.

That was a bit of a self-own, Vihrogon said. Not that I dont admire the effort, but sometimes you really need to be a bit humbler.

The moment I get strong enough to improve you, Ill beat you up, Dallion grumbled.

The cults presence has almost vanished from the city, but there are still things happening that they shouldnt. The mirror pool and a few other players have been a bit too quiet, and yet dealings have continued just as before, despite the countess presence.

Dallion didnt have anything to add. He knew perfectly well what the general was going. It wouldnt be a surprise if others were involved. Despite his notoriety, the general wasnt the only player in Nerosal, although sometimes he seemed to be.

How did your hunt go? the overseer suddenly changed the topic.

Not as easy as expected, Dallion said. It wasnt an avian that was causing the problem. It was a dragons shadow.

Sounds of surprise and alarm filled the room, tingling in Dallions ears thanks to his music skills. Both were alarmed at his statement, though Euryale was outright frightened. Considering her opinion of his combat skills, it was normal that she would be worried, but there seemed to be more there. The fear wasnt only related to him, it was as if she were worried about something far greater.

Which dragon? the overseer asked.

Armalion. He was killed by some mage who just moved on.

The Academy likes to meddle with things almost as much as the Order, the overseer said in a pensive tone. Though what interest can they hold in the Priscord?

The county borders the unexplored on two sides, Eury spoke for the first time. East and south.

Thats true. Have you gotten any tasks in those directions?

The gorgon shook her head. There was a long moment of silence. Even with the little Dallion knew about world politics, he was aware what a minefield the topic was. The Academy was considered one of the three great powers in the empire, if not the world itself. As often as they were referred to, though, little was actually known. They were powerful, they served the empire, though how and why remained unclear.

Understanding what she meant, Dallion put the old emblem in one of his belt pouches.

So, how about a feast? he asked. All that time in the wilderness had built up his appetite. I know the perfect place to"

Going to Hannahs isnt a good idea, Eury cut him short.

Oh, Dallion thought. This didnt sound good.

Another fight?

No, the gorgon side. This time it has nothing to do with me. Jirohs returned and shes found what she was looking for.

After everything experienced in the last few weeks, Dallion didnt think there could be anything capable of surprising him to such an extent. He was wrong. He had almost forgotten about the fury. The mere notion was absurd, given that she was the reason he had rushed to gain his apprentice status. The entire point was to have the skill and the emblem so he could be prepared for the trip to the cloud citadel.

Shes leaving the inn for good, Eury added. And she also disbanded the hunter party. After this trip, the hunters of Nerosal wont be a thing.

The revelation came as a shock. The Nerosal group was the only one this far south in the empire. Most would go north to the more prosperous provinces, where pray was abundant, making the local group something of an oddity. That didnt mean they were any less valued. With the exception of Dallion, each and every one of them was an initiate and a full hunter. Not only that, but both Eury and Jiroh were otherworlders.

Hey, whats with that expression? Eury smiled, but Dallion could feel her sadness. Things were drifting apart either way. Jiroh had lost the will to lead, and Largo was itching to have his turn. It was bound to happen.

And it would still have hurt when it did, Dallion thought.

Did she really find what she was looking for? he asked.

She seems to think so. Whatever happens, shes made up her mind. Shes leaving the city, no matter what.

Leaving the city, maybe leaving the world. Dallions cheer and enthusiasm of moments ago had evaporated completely. Hed always known this would happen, or at the very least suspected, but now that it had, it felt so unreal. As much as he tried to trick his mind into thinking that she was just going on a long journey home, part of him couldnt accept it. Jiroh wasnt going on a journey, she wasnt even dying, she was vanishing from reality itself. As far as Dallion knew, he might not even remember her the moment she stepped out of this world. Maybe no one would. The scary part was he couldnt decide whether that was going to be better or not.

Hannahs taking it hard. Jiroh and I were the first souls she saved Eury went on.

And unlike you, she stayed behind, helping the innkeeper, despite everything she was going through.

We can feast, just not there.

Okay. Just give me a moment to wash.

Time seemed to come to a crawl. Everyone in Dallions domain felt it too, for they remained silent. No matter what he tried, Dallion couldnt get rid of the gloom that stuck to him like mist. It wasnt heart wrenching, nor agonizingly painful, just always there, as if Dallion was always in an empty room, imagining past times.

How was Eury able to handle all that so easily? The sadness coming from her had vanished the moment they had entered the workshop. It was almost as if she had put all the emotions behind her, only briefly letting them slip when Dallion had asked.

Take it one day at a time, dear boy. In time, itll pass and things will be as before.

Cold, Nil.

Practical. Jiroh wasnt the first to seek a way back to her home, she wont be the last. Everyone else needs to find a purpose for the time spent here and stick to it.