Chapter 461: Return Options

Chapter 461: Return Options

Nil? Dallion asked in his mind, but there was no answer.

Even so, he was certain that he heard the voice of his echo, as if from somewhere far away. Somehow, for a single moment in time, Dallion had managed to establish a connection with his realm. He tried entering there or any item in his possession, but to no avail.

Anything the matter? the thunder fury asked.

It just takes a bit getting used to, Dallion replied. Does it always send jolts?

For the first time in a long while, a smile appeared on Olms face. It wasnt a pleasant smile, rather he seemed internally happy that Dallion had felt the zap.

I wouldnt know, he replied. Ready to start?

A simple gear, Dallion repeated. Lets get this done.

It took the larger part of a day to get the gear done. It was an extremely crude gear with less teeth than a cartoon character. Even so, it required a lot of effort and cooperation. Back in the awakened world, he would have been ashamed of such a result, but under the present conditions, he saw it as a masterpiece to the point that he didnt want to part with it. Unfortunately, Olm took it as soon as it had cooled enough to the point it was no longer glowing. The fury had gotten well versed in the principle of temperature transfer, making him able to carry something while simultaneously letting it cool down evenly and ever so slightly. There was no doubt that control of air currents was an overpowered ability. No wonder that in the history of the awakened world, many feared that the furies could take over the world.

Tomorrow, youll make a smaller one, Olm said. With twice as many teeth.

Itll help if you tell me what youre trying to make. I might know a better way to achieve it.

Its not my decision. Strangely enough, that rang true. The point is just to see you work. That, however, was a lie.

Do I have to teach the principle of gears to anyone?

Were already familiar. That was the truth as well. Ill have you returned to your home.

The cloud matter peeled off Dallions armor, then moved to the floor not too far away. With a slight sigh of regret, Dallion removed the ring mail shirt and placed it on the floor as well. It was true what was said about beauty and value: it was always in the eye of the beholder. However, could Dallion be sure that was what really was going on, or the world had started to influence him?

And yet, he was certain he had heard Nil. Was it because of the electric shock? There was no logical reason for that to be the cause, but weirder things had happened. Maybe when he went back, he could

What happened? Katka asked as she walked by.

Huh? For a moment, Dallion had completely forgotten about her.

You usually come to get me before we go.

Yeah. I had something on my mind.

The mage didnt press on. Both of them calmly stepped onto the cloud and had the same two furies as usual take them to Jirohs place. It was only once they had arrived and Dallion had gone back to his room that he spoke.

Did you find anything useful? he asked.

In fact, I did. Most of the heroes that went on a voyage before returning were losers.

That didnt seem at all helpful. Dallion gave her a critical glance.

No, hear me out. Katka said defensively. They were all furies with potential, who had some problems. Just like those who came from Earth.

I think we have more than enough problems as it is. Not to mention the world trying to kill us. How can you be sure everyone from Earth has problems?

I know what its like. How were things today?

Interesting. They stopped making me go through books. At this point, we all got tired of pretending, so we went directly to business.

They offered you a job?

Sort of. They want to gauge how much I know.

I wouldnt be surprised. They asked me to make a gear today.

A gear? Jiroh sounded surprised. They shouldnt be aware of that technology.

Clearly, they are. That means that you might not be the only one who has done back.

Either way, I stalled. I told them that their questions were too complicated for me. Ive no idea if they bought it, but at least they stopped. I wont be surprised if they have me do tests tomorrow.

Tests. That sounded so innocent. In truth, it was another step to rendering Dallion obsolete. Jiroh was fully aware of that, so she was doing to make herself appear stupid for as long as possible. However, that came at the price of her own future. The higher opinion of her the library alliance got, the better she and her family would be taken care of. And that was only the tip of the iceberg. With luck and good guidance, Jiroh could shape the entire fury civilization. Dallion wasnt ready to let her sacrifice for him.

Katka thinks that she could get us back if she has access to a divine relic. I dont know what to think of it, but shes pretty convinced she can pull it off. Any chance you can get access to it?

Ill ask. I dont think itll be a problem. Olys been open with me about lots of stuff.

Shes not a thunder fury.

Thats true, she isnt. Jiroh looked at the horizon and smiled. Who would have thought that thunder furies would even become important again? Before my awakening adventure they were little more than fashion models.

Without warning, a cloud appeared, making its way towards Dallion at great speed. The situation would have been frightening, if this had been an isolated occurrence. The family pet had taken a liking to Dallion and would decide at random intervals that it needed attention. Its behavior was a complete mix of feline and canine characteristics that Dallion still couldnt make up his mind, whether it was a cloud cat or a cloud dog.

Eagerly, it pounced at Dallions chest, knowing that in such fashion, he would pass through it.

Skye, Jiroh sighed. Really?

The cloud made a sound that was vaguely similar to a purr as it spiraled around Dallion. As any shapeshifting entity it found it difficult to stick to one form, constantly switching from one to another as it moved.

We all know you can play, but we need to have a few words with Dal, okay?

For several seconds the creature pretended not to have heard her, but one sharp remark from the fury and it was clear the game was up. With a whimper, it moved away, floating back into the house.

Its developed quite a liking to you, Jiroh remarked. Anyway, Ill get you your relic. I just really hope thats what it takes.

So, do I. Also, can you do me two favors?

Two? Thats oddly specific. Usually when you get specific you get yourself in trouble. Tell me the fury floated in front of Dallion, staring him straight in the eyes will you get involved in any trouble this time?

I want you to make me a stone weapon, Dallion continued. Ill tell you what it must look like.

That should be easy. What else?

I want you to zap me