Chapter 559: Old New Home

Chapter 559: Old New Home

Going back to Nerosal was also an experience. After the rogue mage was dealt with, the poison plague was no longer viewed as the threat it had been before. However, the walls and patrols remained. There the empire wasnt at war, but Dallion had heard it be said that skirmishes were a daily occurrence up north. The south, thankfully, had been spared for the moment and even standard caravan activity had picked up.

Hello, old birch, Dallion said as he leaned on the stump of a rather large tree several miles from Nerosal. Too twisted for lumber, too bare for wood, the tree had remained there undisturbed for centuries, at least if one was to believe it. Anything interesting happen today?

What am I? I daffodil? The tree grumbled. Awakened keep coming and going, same as always.

That was one of the things about plants, as Dallion had soon found out. Unlike animals, they were extremely self-centered. In part, that was due to the reason that most plants didnt have a way of seeing anything other than light. The rest was entirely due to their nature. However, Dallion had also learned that they reacted to more than just sunlight. Awakened seemed to emanate some sort of energy as well, as did mages. The latter were the ones Dallion was particularly worried about. Using his position as apprentice hunter, he had done a few inquiries, only to learn that more and more Academy outposts were spreading throughout the world beyond the borders of the empire. No one was sure what the reason or their activities in the area were, but the mages were always extremely protective, even more than usual.

Thats what you get for being close to a city, Dallion laughed, patting the rough bark of the tree. Want some water? I have enough to spare.

Keep your water! Ive survived eight doubts and three floods! I dont need your water!Visitt novelbin(.)co/m for the latest updates

That was an open lie. For one thing, Dallion knew for a fact that there hadnt been any floods in the area in the last three centuries. It was possible that the tree was talking about flash storms that had a habit of happening, but even that was rare with all the furies in the city.

Whatever you say. Dallion took out a wineskin from his backpack and poured it into the roots of the tree. Of all the plants, he knew this was the only one who had a distinct preference of wine. See you again in a few weeks.

The tree replied nothing, returning to its daily run basking routine. Sometimes Dallion wished he could do the same.

Nearing the gate of the outer wall, Dallion flashed his new hunters emblem. The guards made a few comments, congratulating Dallion upon earning the title, then let him pass without questions. With a smile and a nod, Dallion then proceeded to the inner gate.

The entire space between the two gates was filled with farmland. Here and there, small clusters of houses had started to appear. The countess had declared that the land remain focused on food production in case there was another instance of poison plants. Dallion, though, knew that the real reason was her stocking up reserves for the upcoming war. According to the general and a few minor nobles in the city Dallion had contact with, conflict was inevitable.

Halfway to the city gates, a female figure dressed entirely in black sat on a small stone chair, patiently waiting. As Dallion neared, it stood up.

Overseer, Dallion said with a nod.

Hello, Dal. I see congratulations are in order.

Was there any doubt?

A lot. Not all hunters make it on the first time. Jiroh had to go three times.

And Eury? Dallion couldnt help but asked.

The overseer didnt reply immediately, walking alongside Dallion, instead.

Eury was a loss to the city as well, she said after a while. And she made it on her first, from what she told me.

Right. So, what brings you here? Do you have a job for me already?

Also, since you clearly dont have any work right now, Im expecting you to do some work for the dinner crowd, the innkeeper said.

Having an awakened of Dallions level, let alone a hunter, work as an inn awakened was absurd. However, it was a request he couldnt effuse. Hannah had taken him in when hed first arrived in the city, and even now had agreed to keep a room at his disposal for whenever he was in the city. Having to mend a few glasses and possibly play a tune or two was hardly a bother.

Just have Aspan have something ready for me before the crowd gets here. Dallion went towards the stairs. Ill get some rest and be right down.

Im not your servant, Dal! Hannah yelled, to the amusement of the few people in the tavern section of the inn. And better not be late.

One of these days, dear boy, shell have enough and kick your ass in front of everyone, Nil said.

You think I went too far?

Definitely.

Ill keep that in mind, Dallion said.

The room was largely unchanged since the last time Dallion lived here. The only difference was that there were a lot more things now. In addition to everything he had gathered, Dallion had also taken this and that from Eurys workshop, before selling off the rest. He has offered to have it all sent to the gorgon, but his fianc was adamant in her letters that she had already taken everything she wanted.

In a way, Dallion was a bit sad about that. There were a few item guardians in the place hed spent a while chatting. Then again, there were just as many chatty items in his room even now.

Hello, all, Dallion said, as he removed his gear, placing it in the established section of the room.

A chorus of greetings welcomed him. Lately, even the potted plants had developed the habit. Stretching, Dallion passed by the shelf with the stone orchid and looked at it using his music skills. The plant remained very much a piece of rock, although there were signs it had spouted somewhat. It was still a long way from hatching, of course. Apparently, occasional music and singing could only do so much.

A marathon, not a sprint, Dallion told himself.

After some consideration, he took his harpsisword again and played a short ballad. The orchid was said to develop in the fashion of the stimuli provided, so Dallion had chosen to combine music, empathy, and attack when singing to it. Knowing Eurys nature, that was something shed approve of. The only drawback was that even if he gave it his all, the changes were negligible. The short five-minute melody left him utterly exhausted. Even so, he could sense pulsing from the plant.

Thats enough music for today, he said. Maybe Ill play some more tonight.

With that, he lay on the bed, sword still in hand. His original plan was to rest his eyes for a bit before getting a proper nap. However, sleep caught him by surprise, taking him into a dream of endless sky and clouds. The calm made Dallion feel at ease.

I wish I could fly everyday, he said to himself, moving his hand though the edge of the cloud. It felt soft and fluffy, almost like cotton.

Then why dont you? a voice said behind him.

Feeling no sense of urgency, Dallion glanced over his shoulder. A thundercloud was there, black and flickering among the endless whiteness. More interesting, though, there was a thunder fury standing in front.

Hello, Dal, she said. Her black skin contrasted with her paper white hair. Sorry for visiting you like this, but we have to talk.