Chapter 597: Havoc

Chapter 597: Havoc

Damn blocker items. Dallion leaped out of his room onto the roof.

The constant background of voices was gone, making Dallion feel completely alone. Unlike Eury he never liked using blocker items. The experience had only gotten worse the more his empathy trait had increased. It was the same as being in a crowd, yet not seeing or hearing anyone around.

Moments after Dallion left, the windows swung back, closing behind him. He had already discussed the matter with the window guardian, convincing it to maintain the illusion he was still there. What was more, thanks to Gleam, a realistic version of him was still on the bed, supposedly sleeping. The hope was that by the time anyone found out that was just the food tray on which Gleam had cast an illusion, Dallion would be long out of the city.

Two shardflies fluttered close to Dallion as he leapt his way to the city walls. Any other day hed be concerned that the overseer or the countess would feel him leaving Nerosals domain. As things stood, though, neither of them would stop him.

Since the second wall had been established, the original fortifications were left largely unguarded. Leaping over them was no issue for anyone with a body trait over thirty. Beyond them extended the friends that were currently used for all of the citys needs. Orchards, crops, and livestock land was sectioned there, along with small clusters of houses belonging to those who tended them.

During the night and evening, the only awakened were a few patrols and the soldiers in the watchtowers placed in strategic spots in the area. Running through the fields as fast as he could, Dallion made his way towards the citys outer gates. Twenty feet from it he stopped, brushing away the illusion dust that Gleam had used to make him invisible.

Several small bursts of instances followed as several of the guards became aware of his presence. Having to face instances amused Dallion, especially since he had to deal with so few.

Its just me, he said. There was no point in raising his handsany calming effect could quickly be ruined by the two shardflies flapping around him.

The soldiers held onto their weapons. One of thema sergeant by the looks of itslowly approached, weapon still in its scabbard.

Gate will be closing in an hour, he said. Uncertainty streamed from him.

It was clear to all that no one at the gate had the skill or the authority to stop him, even if the whole thing seemed off.

That gives me an hour to leave. Dallion took a step forward. Doesnt it?

The threat was obvious. It wasnt something Dallion enjoyed doing, but he was out of time. It was common for guards to complain about the arrogance of hunters. Now he was just giving the guard what they expected. The rookies looked at each other, while the veterans stepped back, knowing what the procedure was in similar situations.

Open the gate, the sergeant grumbled. He was smart enough not to understand what was going on. Do you want it quiet?

No need. A few days start is enough. Just make sure you saw me leaving alone.

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Dallion just nodded, then made his way towards the gate. The moment that was opened he dashed out, running as fast as he could. The incident, while faster than trying to climb the outer wall, was noticeable. One thing he hadnt counted on was all the guards' combat splitting upon seeing him. The countess had definitely sensed it, potentially along with most of the higher nobles.

Dallion ran south in the rough direction of his village. When Nerasol was far behind, he stopped to catch his breath. There didnt seem to be anyone in the immediate vicinity. Finding that good enough, Dallion slid off his blocker ring.

Sloppy to say the least, Nil grumbled. If you wanted to sneak out, you should have done so all the way, not stop at the city gates to have a chat with the guards.

They would have sent a patrol after me, Dallion replied. Spreading out his senses he focused for any talk or guardian presence. Other than a few bushes there didnt seem to be anything for miles.

You could have lost them, dear boy, the old echo said with a sigh.

Are you awakened? he moved closer to the guard.

The man was quite muscular, if not tall. Upon hearing this, he puffed his chest, trying to appear impressive and utterly failing at it.

You think so, but no, he laughed. You dont want to see the awakened ones here, though. Youre far better off dealing with ordinary people.

I was certain that youd be an awakened guarding the entrance and all. What happened? Did the poison plague kill them off?

Nah, the man waved a hand. All of them left for Dherma. Even since that place leveled up to become a town nothing goods come from it. Everyone rushes there hoping for gold. I see them come back a few months later, all in tears.

The bouquet of lies and envy emanating from the man suggested that to be his personal experience. Most probably he had gone there hoping to awaken, only to find that he wasnt among the chosen. Given that he was in his late thirties chances of him ever awakening were slim to none, although everything was possible. Dallion himself had awakened on his fifth try, and at quite a late age. Then again, his consciousness had come from another world.

All of them left? Dallion asked.

Yeah, the man lied. Its just us commoners now.

What about your village chief? Certainly he

The old man has one foot in the grave. He cant fix his bed right and constantly calls for people like me to go and fix it.

Hmm. Maybe I have some time that would help with that problem, Dallion flashed a sly smile. Names Dal.

Ekino, the guard replied. I wouldnt go there if I was you. The chief doesnt like visitors when hes sleeping which is always. And even if you have something he likes, he wont pay for it. Hes stingy that way.

Leave that to me, Dallion tapped the man on the shoulder. Im a merchant, after all.

People rushed to see the mysterious stranger entering the village. It was rare that people came to visit, far less merchants. A fewthose with clean clothes made of cottoneven brought a few copper coins hoping to afford something in his wares. Relying on his speed, Dallion picked up a few pebbles from the ground faster that they could notice and improved them by a few levels. This caused Nil to grumble about basic principles that had to be followed. Since these were to be used as cheap trinkets, though, he didnt argue too much.

Here you go, Dallion offered everyone a piece of smooth polished marble. Can you tell me where the chiefs house is?

All hands pointed further down the road to one of the two-story buildings. It didnt seem in any better condition than anything else. Apparently, Ekino hadnt exaggerated.

Thanks. Ill bring you some more gifts after

Dal? a loud voice boomed a short distance away.

It was so surprising that it made Dallion split into half a dozen instances to look around.

Wow, it really is you. The bearlike figure of a man said, from the entrance of a smaller building. His beard was gone, but the face and orange hair were exactly the same Dallion remembered.

Hey, Havoc. Dallion said, letting all but one of his instances fade away. Been a while.